Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian Model Research Articles

Evaluating the Performance of Protective Barriers against Debris Flows Using Coupled Eulerian Lagrangian and Finite Element Analyses

Protective structures are critical in mitigating the dangers posed by debris flows. However, evaluating their performance remains a challenge, especially considering boulder transport in complex 3D terrains. This study introduces a comprehensive methodology to appraise the effectiveness of protective structures under the impact of debris flows for real-world conditions along the Hobart Rivulet in Tasmania, Australia. The validation of the Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) model against experimental data demonstrates its high accuracy in predicting flow dynamics and impact forces, whereby flow velocities are estimated for subsequent Finite Element (FE) analyses. By simulating boulder-barrier interactions, weak points in I-beam post barriers are identified, with a broad investigation of the effects on the barrier performance under various conditions. The establishment of a 3D CEL model to assess the interactions between debris flow, boulders, and I-beam post barriers in a complex rivulet terrain is of particular significance. Through CEL and FE analyses, various aspects of debris flow-structure interactions are presented, including structural failure, impact force, and boulder velocity. The findings provide insights into the suitability of various numerical methods to assess the performance of protective measures in real-world scenarios.

Coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian model prediction of neural tissue strain during microelectrode insertion

Objective.Implanted neural microelectrodes are an important tool for recording from and stimulating the cerebral cortex. The performance of chronically implanted devices, however, is often hindered by the development of a reactive tissue response. Previous computational models have investigated brain strain from micromotions of neural electrodes after they have been inserted, to investigate design parameters that might minimize triggers to the reactive tissue response. However, these models ignore tissue damage created during device insertion, an important contributing factor to the severity of inflammation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of electrode geometry, insertion speed, and surface friction on brain tissue strain during insertion.Approach. Using a coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian approach, we developed a 3D finite element model (FEM) that simulates the dynamic insertion of a neural microelectrode in brain tissue. Geometry was varied to investigate tip bluntness, cross-sectional shape, and shank thickness. Insertion velocities were varied from 1 to 8 m s-1. Friction was varied from frictionless to 0.4. Tissue strain and potential microvasculature hemorrhage radius were evaluated for brain regions along the electrode shank and near its tip.Main results. Sharper tips resulted in higher mean max principal strains near the tip except for the bluntest tip on the square cross-section electrode, which exhibited high compressive strain values due to stress concentrations at the corners. The potential vascular damage radius around the electrode was primarily a function of the shank diameter, with smaller shank diameters resulting in smaller distributions of radial strain around the electrode. However, the square shank interaction with the tip taper length caused unique strain distributions that increased the damage radius in some cases. Faster insertion velocities created more strain near the tip but less strain along the shank. Increased friction between the brain and electrode created more strain near the electrode tip and along the shank, but frictionless interactions resulted in increased tearing of brain tissue near the tip.Significance. These results demonstrate the first dynamic FEM study of neural electrode insertion, identifying design factors that can reduce tissue strain and potentially mitigate initial reactive tissue responses due to traumatic microelectrode array insertion.

Investigation of the effect of ultrasonic vibration on the performance of the friction drilling by FEM simulation

The friction drilling process is very important in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, and oil and gas industries. Therefore, they have always sought to find methods to improve this process. One of these methods is to optimize the application of ultrasonic vibrations in the process, and limited research has been done in this regard. The current research aims to investigate the effect of ultrasonic vibrations simultaneously with the parameters of drilling on the friction drilling process to optimize this process with the help of finite element simulation. Due to the nature of the complex transformations of the process, a Coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian model of the process was first created in the Abaqus software. Then, the process simulation was carried out in the presence and absence of ultrasonic vibrations. Rotational speed, feed rate, and amplitude of vibrations are the influencing parameters, and sheet temperature and axial force, and torque applied to the tool are the parameters investigated in this research. The results show that higher rotation speed and lower feed rate lead to a reduction of axial force and torque. Also, the application of ultrasonic vibration reduces up to 50.48% the axial force and up to 46.67% torque, and this reduction is improved by increasing the range of vibrations. The optimal mode was selected After analyzing 12 different modes based on the lowest amount of axial force and torque on the pin. It was found that the ideal mode occurs at a feed rate of 4.23 m/s and a rotation speed of 3000 rpm, with a 20-µm range. These findings and optimizing drilling parameters bring new horizons in material bonding techniques in various industries.

Numerical investigation of the installation process and bearing capacity of circular helicoid piles in undrained clay

The circular helicoid pile (CH pile) is a special-shaped pile with outstanding axial bearing properties developed in the last ten years, its pile-soil interaction problem has nonplanar strain and is non-axisymmetric. The coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) method was applied to simulate the entire process of installation, axial compression and pullout loading of the CH pile in undrained clay to assess the interaction between the pile and soil, and the accuracy of the CEL model was verified by in-situ test results. The surfaces of the CH pile were divided into the bottom surface, outer and inner surfaces, with the inner surfaces including compressive and pullout surfaces. The variation in axial forces and moments on the CH pile and its various types of surfaces in the whole process of installation and bearing was clarified and the relative contribution of reacting forces and moments on various surfaces to the total resistance of the pile was evaluated. The stress distribution characteristics of the soil around the pile and the pile-soil interfaces after the installation of the CH pile and under the ultimate limit state were obtained, and then the force states of inner surfaces in the whole process of installation and bearing were analysed.

A recurrent neural network model for structural response to underwater shock

Simulating the dynamic response of structures to shock involves numerical models that can require significant effort and computational resources to create and solve. This can make accurate naval platform vulnerability analyses involving a large number of simulations impractical and motivates the development of efficient surrogate models for shock and blast effects. This paper presents a novel approach to predicting the response of a floating structure to underwater shock based on machine learning (ML). Velocity time-series for a rigid floating plate subjected to underwater shock and cavitation effects are calculated for a range of charge mass, standoff distance and plate mass per unit area values using a coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian (CEL) numerical model. The computed motions are used to train a recurrent neural network (RNN) to predict the plate response including the effect of reloading due to the cavitation closure pulse. The RNN predicts plate responses from a test set of CEL model instances with a mean value of mean-squared errors between the ML and CEL model velocities, normalized with respect to the velocity ranges, of 1.5 × 10-4.

Preform geometry determination for a connecting rod forging by CEL model in Abaqus™

AbstractForging is a widely used manufacturing process, and its design and modeling are important to reducing production costs, increasing die lifespan, and improving the mechanical properties of the final product. In this study, the forging process of a connecting rod was modeled using 3D coupled Eulerian Lagrangian (CEL) analysis by FEM. The methodology adopted achieved to determine a preform geometry that reduces final flash and forging load, while ensuring complete filling of the stamp. Starting from the final geometry, the final die was designed. After the first result for an approximately 27% of flash, the material distribution was adjusted decreasing it at the regions where the flash was too large. After an iterative method was applied to determine better preform, a proposal was found that reduced forging force by approximately 42% and the percentage of flash volume by 64% in comparison with the first one. A final flash of about 10% is considered a good objective to reach. Lower values may cause many iterations, not a significant difference in forging loads, the risk of an unfilled die, and complex preform geometries.

Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian Debris Flow Model with Flexible Barrier

Natural hazards such as large debris flow events can have catastrophic effects on the environment and critical infrastructure, posing a significant threat to human life. Debris flows often exhibit high velocity, high-pressure discharges due to their bulk volume, and the capacity to transport considerable volumes of large rocks, boulders, and woody debris. Although debris flow run-out simulations are commonly performed using hydraulic modelling software, these environments are seldom capable of assessing the interaction between the debris fluid, transported material, and protective structures. In this research, large deformation numerical models are calibrated using input parameters from hydraulic modelling software. Due to the computational cost of the large deformation models involving fluid-solid-structure simulation with flexible net barriers, an equivalent stiffness method is implemented to provide comparable performance through a membrane structure. The Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian Finite Element method is used to model the impact forces of rocky boulders on the membrane, exhibiting damage characteristics consistent with flexible ring-net protective structures. The Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian model results highlight the performance of the simplified membrane, as shown through a benchmark simulation of debris flow with boulders.

Comparative Study on Blast Damage Features of Reinforced Concrete Slabs with Polyurethane Sacrificial Cladding Based on Different Numerical Simulation Methods.

The defense effects of sacrificial cladding have been extensively studied in the field of blast resistance. As a polymer material with a cellular structure, polyurethane also has the potential to act as sacrificial cladding due to its good mechanical properties. The purpose of this study is to compare and select a numerical simulation method that is suitable for exploring the blast damage mitigation effect of polyurethane sacrificial cladding on reinforced concrete slabs. To this end, three numerical models were developed using the Fully Coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian (CEL) method, the Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) coupling method, and the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics and Finite Element Method (SPH–FEM) coupling method, respectively. These three numerical models were used to investigate the damage features of reinforced concrete slabs with polyurethane sacrificial cladding (PU–RCS) under contact explosions. A field test was also carried out to provide a comparison for numerical simulation results. Moreover, the advantages and disadvantages of the three simulation results and the applicability of the three coupled models were discussed. The results show that compared with the CEL model and the ALE coupling model, the SPH–FEM coupling model can better simulate the damage features of PU–RCS, such as the cracks on the bottom surface of the RC slab and the large deformation failure state of polyurethane sacrificial cladding, while the CEL model and the ALE coupling model can simulate the propagation process of shock waves and have a lower computational cost. In conclusion, the SPH–FEM coupling method is the most applicable method for exploring the blast damage features of PU–RCS in this study.

Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian model for residual stress prediction in orthogonal cutting of Waspaloy

Residual stress is one of the most critical factors of machined surface integrity, which directly determines corrosion resistance and fatigue life of components. Therefore, it is necessary to accurately predict the machining-induced residual stress, especially for critical aerospace parts. In this paper, a finite element model based on the Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian method is employed to predict the residual stress in orthogonal cutting of Waspaloy material under different cutting conditions. The depth profiles of residual stress along the cutting speed direction are determined using the X-ray diffraction and electropolishing techniques. The results show tensile residual stresses at the cutting speeds of 64 m/min and 86 m/min with 100 microns uncut chip thickness. The depth at the machined surface influenced by the residual stress is identified and compared from both simulations and experiments. The simulated cutting forces and residual stress distributions from the finite element model are compared with the experimental results to validate the model. In addition, the microstructure property at the machined surface is examined to determine the depth of plastic deformation layers. White layers are identified at the higher cutting speed, and it is shown that the formation of white layers is directly related to the location of the peak tensile residual stress.

A coupled experimental and numerical analysis of AA6063 friction stir welding

In the present research, a coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian model is developed to predict the forces and defects produced from AA6063 friction stir welding process. Furthermore, the obtained results from the developed model were validated experimentally by performing the welding process at different rotational and welding speed values. The results revealed an appearance of tunnel defect at all welded joints with surface flash. The current model successfully predicted both defects’ evolution. Additionally, it also generated force measurements comparable to those obtained experimentally. In addition, the developed Coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian model successfully predicted the generated force and the defects during friction stir welding process with maximum error of 14% and 18%. However, it failed in predicting the tunnel positions. In terms of the tensile strength, the largest tensile strength value was at 1250rpm and 50 mm/min, whereas the lowest one was at 1000 rpm and 25 mm/min. Moreover, the fracture locations were at the advancing side of all the welded joints.

Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian simulation of a modified direct shear apparatus for the measurement of residual shear strengths

The simulation of large-strain geotechnical laboratory tests with conventional Lagrangian finite element method (FEM) techniques is often problematic due to excessive mesh distortion. The multiple reversal direct shear (MRDS) test can be used to measure the residual shear strength of soils in a laboratory setting. However, modelling and simulation generally require advanced numerical methods to accommodate the large shear strains concentrated in the shear plane. In reality, when the standard direct shear (DS) apparatus is used, the MRDS method is prone to two major sources of measurement error: load cap tilting and specimen loss. These sources of error make it difficult or even impossible to correctly determine the residual shear strength. This paper presents a modified DS apparatus and multi-reversal multi-stage test method, simulated using the coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) method in a finite element environment. The method was successful in evaluating equipment and preventing both load cap tilting and specimen loss, while modelling large-deformation behaviour that is not readily simulated with the conventional FEM or arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) analysis. Thereafter, a modified DS apparatus was created for the purpose of analysing mixtures of organic materials found in an Australian clay. The results obtained from the modified DS CEL model in combination with laboratory tests show a great improvement in the measured residual shear strength profiles compared to those from the standard apparatus. The modified DS setup ensures that accurate material residual shear strengths are calculated, a factor that is vital to ensure appropriate soil behaviour is simulated for numerical analyses of large-scale geotechnical projects.

Finite element modelling of the Taylor impact test in 3D with the Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian method

When modelling a cutting operation, the constitutive model of the machined material is one of the key parameters to obtain accurate and realistic results. Up to now, the Johnson-Cook model is still the most used, even if an increasing number of models, such as the Hyperbolic TANgent (TANH) model, were introduced last years to overcome its limitations and come closer to the actual material behaviour. Experimental tests on dedicated equipment are usually required to identify the parameters of the constitutive models. This paper introduces the Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) formalism to model in 3D the Taylor impact test, one of the common tests to perform that parameters identification. Indeed, one identification way involves modelling the test to determine the constitutive model parameters by comparing the experimental and the numerical samples geometries. The developed CEL model is validated against a Lagrangian reference model for a steel alloy and the Johnson-Cook constitutive model. The main goal of using the CEL method is to get rid of the elements distortion due to the high strains and strain rates during the test. Mesh dependence of the results is highlighted and a recommendation is provided on the mesh to adopt for future work. The CEL model of the 3D Taylor impact test is then extended to the use of the TANH model. The results are finally compared with that of the Johnson-Cook constitutive model.

Lightning mechanical damage prediction in carbon/epoxy laminates using equivalent air blast overpressure

We propose a new, alternative approach to predict lightning mechanical damage in AS4/3506 carbon/epoxy laminates using equivalent air blast overpressure (ABO). Three lightning mechanical damage models are presented: i) the Shock Wave Overpressure (SWO) model, ii) the Conventional Weapons Effects Program (CONWEP) ABO model, and iii) the Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) ABO model. SWOs were determined from classical shock wave theory and the arc channel energy balance equation, and directly applied within pre-described arc channel areas. ABOs in the CONWEP and CEL models were calculated for equivalent TNT explosions and applied over the entire laminate surface. In contrast to the SWO and CONWEP models, the CEL model simulated the coupled fluid-structure interactions of the blast waves with the composite structures. Although the fundamental physics was different, both SWO and ABO induced similar dynamic structural responses and damage behavior within AS4/3506 carbon/epoxy laminates. The fiber and matrix failure, predicted using Hashin's four failure criteria, was not imminent at any of these peak currents. This implies that purely mechanical in-plane damage is unlikely to occur and thus is not a major concern for lightning strikes. This study shows that the ABO models can be used to predict lightning mechanical damage in composite structures as an alternative to a complex SWO model.

A Random Forest Model for the Prediction of Spudcan Penetration Resistance in Stiff-Over-Soft Clays

Abstract Punch-through is a major threat to the jack-up unit, especially at well sites with layered stiff-over-soft clays. A model is proposed to predict the spudcan penetration resistance in stiff-over-soft clays, based on the random forest (RF) method. The RF model was trained and tested with numerical simulation results obtained through the Finite Element model, implemented with the Coupled Eulerian Lagrangian (CEL) approach. With the proposed CEL model, the effects of the stiff layer thickness, undrained shear strength ratio, and the undrained shear strength of the soft layer on the bearing characteristics, as well as the soil failure mechanism, were numerically studied. A simplified resistance profile model of penetration in stiff-over-soft clays is proposed, divided into three sections by the peak point and the transition point. The importance of soil parameters to the penetration resistance was analysed. Then, the trained RF model was tested against the test set, showing a good prediction of the numerical cases. Finally, the trained RF was validated against centrifuge tests. The RF model successfully captured the punch-through potential, and was verified using data recorded in the field, showing advantages over the SNAME guideline. It is supposed that the trained RF model should give a good prediction of the spudcan penetration resistance profile, especially if trained with more field data.

Numerical Study of the Effects of Twin-Fluid Atomization on the Suspension Plasma Spraying Process

Suspension plasma spraying (SPS) is an effective technique to enhance the quality of the thermal barrier, wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and superhydrophobic coatings. To create the suspension in the SPS technique, nano and sub-micron solid particles are added to a base liquid (typically water or ethanol). Subsequently, by using either a mechanical injection system with a plain orifice or a twin-fluid atomizer (e.g., air-blast or effervescent), the suspension is injected into the high-velocity high-temperature plasma flow. In the present work, we simulate the interactions between the air-blast suspension spray and the plasma crossflow by using a three-dimensional two-way coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian model. Here, the suspension consists of ethanol (85 wt.%) and nickel (15 wt.%). Furthermore, at the standoff distance of 40 mm, a flat substrate is placed. To model the turbulence and the droplet breakup, Reynolds Stress Model (RSM) and Kelvin-Helmholtz Rayleigh-Taylor breakup model are used, respectively. Tracking of the fine particles is continued after suspension’s fragmentation and evaporation, until their deposition on the substrate. In addition, the effects of several parameters such as suspension mass flow rate, spray angle, and injector location on the in-flight behavior of droplets/particles as well as the particle velocity and temperature upon impact are investigated. It is shown that the injector location and the spray angle have a significant influence on the droplet/particle in-flight behavior. If the injector is far from the plasma or the spray angle is too wide, the particle temperature and velocity upon impact decrease considerably.

A numerical technique to analyze the trend of temperature distribution in the friction stir welding process for titanium Ti 6Al 4V

Friction stir welding (FSW) process became a game changer for welding of aluminium in a considerably short span of time. Researchers are tempted to use this method on another materials due to of its excellent after FSW weld properties. In fact, researchers and industrial engineers of sectors like automobile and aerospace, where weight is a sensitive issue, feel the need of such a remarkable operation which gives us the best results without any defects in the weld of the material whose softening temperature is high. FSW of nonferrous materials like Ti 6Al 4V-which have high strength and high softening temperature-has become the hottest subject for further research due to its progressing use in the aviation industry. FSW experiments on such materials are tedious and expensive. The achievement of the accurate plasticized stage is very much essential so that the tool can travel in traverse direction flawlessly without damage to achieve sound weld. To get insight of such tedious process as well as to save cost, numerical simulation and computational modelling is the best known option to solve the above problems. In this study, Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) formulation is used to create 3D coupled temperature-displacement FSW model, in which the workpiece domain is described by the combine Eulerian and Lagrangian boundaries and the tool domain by the Lagrangian boundaries. The contrast with experimental results shows that the peak temperature and the temperature distribution are well predicted by the CEL model. Further, the repercussions of the difference in tool travel speeds and tool rotational speeds shows significant changes on the temperature distribution. The elimination of mesh distortion within the workpiece doesn't affect the reliability of the results predicted by the present CEL model and has good potential within the finite element modelling of refill friction stir welding.

A Coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian Model for Sliding Inception of Elastic–Plastic Spherical Contact

AbstractCurrently existing finite element (FE) Lagrangian models of elastic–plastic spherical contact are costly in terms of computing time to reach vanishing tangential stiffness at sliding inception. A coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian (CEL) model with explicit dynamic analysis and power-law hardening is proposed to resolve this problem. The CEL model also avoids convergence problem caused by excessive distortion of elements in Lagrangian models. Static friction coefficient at sliding inception is investigated and compared with available experimental results. It is found that the proposed new CEL model is more efficient and accurate compared to previously published results of Lagrangian models.

Validation of SPH-FE Numerical Modeling of the Interaction between a High-Speed Water Jet and a PMMA Target by CEL Model and Experimental Study

Abstract In this paper, we present a numerical simulation of a round impacting jet using coupled Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) and Finite Element (FE) methods. Numerical results are compared with the results of another simulation carried out by the CEL (Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian) method. A water jet with a spherical head was used at an initial speed of 570 m/s to impact a flat plate made of Polymethyl-Methacrylate (PMMA). To model the entire process, the SPH method was used to model the water jet and the FE method for the PMMA structure. The distribution of the pressure on the impact surface and the resulting deformation of the structure were discussed. A Numerical model was developed using ABAQUS/Explicit version 6.14. Results of the coupled SPH-FE simulation were further validated. It is demonstrated that the CEL method presents smoother curves compared to the SPH method. These comparisons serve not only to validate the numerical simulation but also to give guidance in formulating the SPH-FEM numerical model.

Investigations of granular material behaviors using coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian technique: From granular collapse to fluid-structure interaction

Abstract In this study, a coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) technique was used to investigate the dynamic behaviors of granular material, including the collapse of a granular column and the interaction between granular flow and a rigid barrier. The CEL technique, combining Eulerian and Lagrangian algorithms, is capable of overcoming mesh distortions of conventional finite element approaches. By validating well-established experiments, the development of progressive failure in the granular column can be accurately simulated using the equations of state (EOS) and Bingham plastic constitutive models, and the granular flow impact force on the rigid barrier based on the small-scale CEL model shows good agreement with the data measured in flume tests. The impact force simulated by the CEL technique was compared with the predictions of empirical hydrostatic and hydrodynamic models, which are the approaches generally used to estimate the granular flow impact force in engineering practice. In addition, a normalized parameter S Velocity was proposed to obtain a representative velocity and height of the granular flow from the CEL analysis to improve the accuracy of empirical approaches. The proposed parameter could benefit the in-situ monitoring of potential granular flow disasters and demonstrates the applicability of the CEL technique in practical engineering.

Spudcan Penetration Simulation Using the Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian Method with Thermo-Mechanical Coupled Analysis

A novel modeling technique based on the coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) method is provided to solve the geotechnical problems with large deformations. The technique is intended to solve the update problem of soil mechanical properties during spudcan penetration in normally consolidated clay soil. In the CEL model, the normal method of assigning an increasing shear strength profile with depth (NA) is defective due to its Eulerian framework. In this paper, a new technique is proposed to update soil material properties by introducing thermo-mechanical coupled analysis (TMCA) to the CEL models. During establishment of the CEL models, the optimal penetration velocity and minimum mesh size are determined through parametric studies. Reasonability and accuracy are then verified through comparison of the preliminary results with the soil flow configuration and penetration resistance (Fv) of a centrifuge test, and the results of the proposed method are compared with those of the remeshing and interpolation technique with small strain (RITSS) method. To achieve a CEL model with satisfactory accuracy, the NA and TMCA methods implemented in the CEL models and the RITSS method are first adopted in weightless soil. Comparison of the findings with those obtained in previous studies shows that the TMCA method can update material properties and predict Fv. The TMCA method is then applied to soils with self-weight and different shear strength profiles. Results show that the proposed method is capable of accurately modeling the large deformation problem of spudcan penetration in non-homogeneous clay.