Accuracy Of Finite Element Analysis Research Articles

Multi-source monitoring data filtering assisted deformation analysis model updating of ultra-high rockfill dam

The deformation monitoring of ultra-high rockfill dams is now characterized by the applications of various monitoring instruments and the comparably dense measurement point deployment. The deformation analysis of rockfill dam can be greatly improved based on the multi-source monitoring data using the model updating technique. However, the model updating of rockfill dam faces challenges such as imbalanced spatial distribution of data, uneven data quality, and information redundancy, which leads to low performance and limits its application. Thus, this study proposes an innovative scheme for deformation analysis model updating, involving multi-source monitoring data filtering and model parameter identification. This scheme reduces the information redundancy, and ensures the finite element analysis (FEA) model of rockfill dam better reflects the actual deformation. The application in the 295 m Lianghekou rockfill dam demonstrates its notably enhancement of FEA accuracy, further improving the safety assessment.

The Importance of Boundary Conditions and Failure Criterion in Finite Element Analysis Accuracy—A Comparative Assessment of Periodontal Ligament Biomechanical Behavior

The Importance of Boundary Conditions and Failure Criterion in Finite Element Analysis Accuracy—A Comparative Assessment of Periodontal Ligament Biomechanical Behavior

Evaluating the Accuracy of Finite Element Analysis in Predicting Mechanical Properties of Additively Manufactured Parts

This study examines the Markforged simulation software's efficacy in predicting properties of Markforged 3D-printed parts. Material extrusion (MEX) is widely used across industries for its ability to create intricate shapes with diverse internal patterns. To evaluate mechanical properties, especially due to varying infill patterns, the Markforged simulation tool is employed. Tensile test specimens based on ASTM D-638 were 3D printed using a Markforged Mark Two printer and "Onyx" material, varying layer thickness, infill pattern, and density. Deformation is simulated under a 500 N tensile load and compares to physical tests on a tensile machine, considering different pulling speeds. Results show minimal variation between simulations of solid infill patterns and experiments, regardless of speed. However, porous infill patterns exhibited notable differences. Tensile testing also revealed the impact of pulling speed on deflection for "Onyx" specimens under a 500 N load.

Multi-objective design of 3D phononic crystal waveguide by design space trimming

Ultrasonic flowmeters face unique challenges since, in addition to withstanding high fluid pressures, they have to avoid crosstalk, which is the interaction of the signals traveling through the fluid and the solid pipe. To avoid the crosstalk, which leads to poor accuracy or complete loss of the required signal, we develop a mounting mechanism based on phononic crystals (PnCs), which are artificial periodic materials possessing band gaps (BGs) due to Bragg scattering. These PnC structures should also possess high mechanical strength to sustain the fluid pressure. Designing PnCs for such applications is challenging as the BG width and the resistance to mechanical loading are conflicting objectives. To circumvent this, we propose a step-by-step design procedure to optimize both mechanical strength and wave attenuation performance of a single-phase 3D PnC waveguide using parametric sweeping and sensitivity analysis. We use finite element analysis (FEA) to characterize the behavior of the periodic unit cell and the waveguide. Since accurate dynamic FEA at high frequencies is computationally demanding, we develop surrogate models at different levels of the design process. We also consider additive manufacturing aspects in the design procedure, which we validate by 3D-printing the final design and measuring the parameters via computer tomography.

Hybrid Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Deep Brain Stimulation in the Presence of an Implantable Pulse Generator

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has been shown to improve speech impairment in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients. Most PD patients undergo Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) implantation to improve their motor function prior to the development of speech impairment. Therefore the potential for TMS treatment must take into account the DBS probes’ high conductivity, potentially causing excess stimulation. Prior research regarding this phenomenon is highly conflicting and needs investigation. This study reports electromagnetic interference using a highly accurate finite element analysis approach to determine the electric field distribution in patients with DBS probes undergoing TMS therapy. Additionally, we tested various coil orientations and coil models to fully examine the extent that TMS affects DBS. We considered accurate DBS geometry by creating high-resolution models of Medtronic 3389 DBS, including an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) and multiple loops at the exit point of the cranium, which previous studies lack. By studying the induced current in the DBS leads, we determined that the combination of TMS and DBS varies in safety relative to its coil orientation and coil type. Specifically, the quadruple butterfly coil (QBC) targeted at the lateral motor cortex did not induce unsafe levels of currents in the DBS leads even at 100% of the maximum stimulator output.

Controllable deformation design for 4D-printed active composite structure: Optimization, simulation, and experimental verification

Through integrating active composites and 4D printing techniques, active composites can achieve the pre-designed complex deformations. However, the tremendous design space of multiple materials brings the challenges of finding the optimum material distributions accurately, and the consistencies between simulated optimum results and actual experimental structures. Therefore, the controllable deformation design framework is proposed to guide the inverse design of 4D-printed active composite structure. The material properties of polylactic acid (PLA) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) are tested and integrated into forward deformation analysis to improve the prediction accuracy of finite element analysis (FEA). An optimization integration framework with genetic algorithm is developed to optimize the material distribution and external displacement simultaneously to achieve the target deformation. Several voxelized beams and flower structures are used as engineering cases. The simulated and experimental deformation shapes and recovery shapes for the optimum structures are consistent with the target deformations. The mean squared errors (MSEs) of experimental shape and simulation shape are 0.62 mm and 0.27 mm for flower structures. These results show that the proposed methodology can obtain target deformation in simulation and experimental tests simultaneously, which can be applied into the flexible deformation design of complex active composite structures in the future.

Maximum volume ellipsoid vessels under cyclic pressure and mass constraints: LEFM-based design criteria

The paper deals with an optimization problem related to axisymmetric membrane shells made of homogeneous, linear and isotropic materials and subject to a cyclic internal pressure. The optimization problem considers the possible crack growth in the shell as a structural constraint, which is accounted for by the well-known Paris law, and hence obeys the Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) principles. The design variables are the meridian shape and the thickness distribution along the axis of the shell. After recalling the general background on the mechanics of thin-walled shells, the optimization problem is stated, formulated and solved in closed form by means of Pontryagin’s Principle, showing two LEFM-based design criteria capable to help the designer in selecting the desired elastic performance through which the shell undergoes. It is shown that the derived optimal solutions are ellipsoids with variable thicknesses, whose distributions depend on the mass constraint and the applied pressure. Nevertheless, the optimal shapes guarantee the uniformity of either the meridian or the hoop stress, and such uniformity has been verified within a numerical example by an accurate finite element analysis.

SRL-assisted AFM: Generating planar unstructured quadrilateral meshes with supervised and reinforcement learning-assisted advancing front method

High-quality mesh generation is the foundation of accurate finite element analysis. Due to the vast interior vertices search space and complex initial boundaries, mesh generation for complicated domains requires substantial manual processing and has long been considered the most challenging and time-consuming bottleneck of the entire modeling and analysis process. In this paper, we present a novel computational framework named “SRL-assisted AFM” for meshing planar geometries by combining the advancing front method with neural networks that select reference vertices and update the front boundary using “policy networks”. These deep neural networks are trained using a unique pipeline that combines supervised learning with reinforcement learning to iteratively improve mesh quality. First, we generate different initial boundaries by randomly sampling points in a square domain and connecting them sequentially. These boundaries are used for obtaining input meshes and extracting training datasets in the supervised learning module. We then iteratively improve the reinforcement learning model performance with reward functions designed for special requirements, such as improving the mesh quality and controlling the number and distribution of extraordinary points. Our proposed supervised learning neural networks achieve an accuracy higher than 98% on predicting commercial software. The final reinforcement learning neural networks automatically generate high-quality quadrilateral meshes for complex planar domains with sharp features and boundary layers.

Practical Investigation on the Strengthening of the Built-Up Steel Main Girder of a Metro Station with Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer on the Inside Part of the Tensioned Flange

This study investigates the effectiveness of a carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) in enhancing the load-carrying capacity of a steel main girder in a metro station. The objective is to evaluate the applicability of CFRPs in sustaining increases in applied loads and assessing their effectiveness on curved surfaces. Finite element analysis (FEA) identified the most stressed areas of the girder under design loads. Based on the FEA results, a targeted strengthening procedure using CFRP sheets was proposed. Various arrangements of CFRP sheets were tested, including different orientations and thicknesses up to 60% of the girder’s flange thickness. To validate the FEA accuracy, two small-scale specimen beams were prepared and tested in the laboratory. One beam was strengthened with CFRP sheets on the tension part of the inner flange side, similar to the suggested strengthening method for the girder. The FEA results show that the CFRP increases stresses by an average of 8% to 10% for the steel main girder, with strengthening effects up to 19% at the center of the CFRP strengthening positions, differing from a regular straight flange shape. Significantly reducing stresses required a total CFRP layer thickness of at least 50% of the flange’s total thickness. Applying a CFRP on the inner face of the girder preserves its usability without the need for openings in finishes or the metal deck surface. The findings highlight CFRP’s potential to enhance load-carrying capacity on curved surfaces and sustain increased applied loads, offering a promising solution for strengthening infrastructure and similar applications.

Biomechanical Analysis of Mandibular Bone-Implant Construct With Three Implant Screw Design: A Finite Element Study

Abstract Temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJR) is a surgical procedure that relies heavily on the biomechanical properties of the implant-bone interface for success. In this study, we investigated the effects of three commonly used implant screw thread designs (buttress, square, and triangle) on the biomechanical performance of the mandibular bone-implant construct, with the aim of improving osseointegration. Using finite element analysis, we simulated the mechanical behavior of the prosthesis and mandible and examined the biomechanics of the temporomandibular joint. We considered five coefficients of friction ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 in our analyses. Our hypothesis was that changing the screw thread shape while keeping the pitch, height, and depth constant could enhance the biomechanical environment at the peri-implant bone. Our results indicate that the square thread design produced the highest stress concentration, while the triangle thread design exhibited the most favorable distribution of stress around the implant. Furthermore, increasing the coefficient of friction led to an increase in stress concentration in the implant and surrounding bone. Our findings offer valuable insights into the biomechanical performance of different screw thread designs in the mandibular bone-implant construct. They highlight the significance of considering screw thread shape and coefficient of friction in TMJR implant design. Future studies should incorporate the viscoelastic properties of bone to improve the accuracy of finite element analysis. This research contributes to the optimization of TMJR implants and ultimately enhances patient outcomes.

Does rotation increase the acoustic field of view? Comparative models based on CT data of a live dolphin versus a dead dolphin

Rotational behaviour has been observed when dolphins track or detect targets, however, its role in echolocation is unknown. We used computed tomography data of one live and one recently deceased bottlenose dolphin, together with measurements of the acoustic properties of head tissues, to perform acoustic property reconstruction. The anatomical configuration and acoustic properties of the main forehead structures between the live and deceased dolphins were compared. Finite element analysis (FEA) was applied to simulate the generation and propagation of echolocation clicks, to compute their waveforms and spectra in both near- and far-fields, and to derive echolocation beam patterns. Modelling results from both the live and deceased dolphins were in good agreement with click recordings from other, live, echolocating individuals. FEA was also used to estimate the acoustic scene experienced by a dolphin rotating 180° about its longitudinal axis to detect fish in the far-field at elevation angles of −20° to 20°. The results suggest that the rotational behaviour provides a wider insonification area and a wider receiving area. Thus, it may provide compensation for the dolphin’s relatively narrow biosonar beam, asymmetries in sound reception, and constraints on the pointing direction that are limited by head movement. The results also have implications for examining the accuracy of FEA in acoustic simulations using recently deceased specimens.

Design and Analysis of Multifidelity Finite Element Simulations

Abstract The numerical accuracy of finite element analysis (FEA) depends on the number of finite elements used in the discretization of the space, which can be varied using the mesh size. The larger the number of elements, the more accurate the results are. However, the computational cost increases with the number of elements. In current practice, the experimenter chooses a mesh size that is expected to produce a reasonably accurate result, and for which the computer simulation can be completed in a reasonable amount of time. Improvements to this approach have been proposed using multifidelity modeling by choosing two or three mesh sizes. However, mesh size is a continuous parameter, and therefore, multifidelity simulations can be performed easily by choosing a different value for the mesh size for each of the simulations. In this article, we develop a method to optimally find the mesh sizes for each simulation and satisfy the same time constraints as a single or a double mesh size experiment. A range of different mesh sizes used in the proposed method allows one to fit multifidelity models more reliably and predict the outcome when meshes approach infinitesimally small, which is impossible to achieve in actual simulations. We illustrate our approach using an analytical function and a cantilever beam finite element analysis experiment.

Multiparameter Estimation of IPMSMs Using Core Loss Current Calculations in dq-Axis Equivalent Circuit Model

Accurate parameter estimation is critical for high-performance modeling and control of interior permanent magnet synchronous machines (IPMSMs). Core loss effects affect the accuracy of the parameter estimation, especially in high loading conditions with saturated cores. Existing research on parameter estimation considering core loss effects generally focuses on the core loss equivalent resistance estimation; however, they require either accurate core loss experimental data or finite element analysis (FEA) model. The core loss equivalent resistance is dependent on the loading conditions, harmonics, frequency, and temperature, which increases the difficulty of accurately estimating the resistance. This article firstly proposes a direct core loss equivalent current estimation method for multiparameter estimation purposes without estimating the core loss equivalent resistance. Based on the estimated core loss equivalent currents, the <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">dq</i> -axis inductances equivalent currents are calculated to perform the multiparameter estimation. The proposed approach can improve the precision of the parameter estimation and the computation efficiency by calculating the core loss equivalent resistance currents without having the core loss data. The effectiveness of the proposed multiparameter estimation method is evaluated by comparing the calculated and measured torques of a laboratory 4.5 kW IPMSM in various operating conditions. The improved accuracy of the proposed method is verified by comparing it with two existing online parameter estimation methods and FEA-based offline parameter estimation results.

Study on a Novel Hybrid Thermal Network of Homopolar Inductor Machine

The thermal analysis is necessary for the design and safe operation of the homopolar inductor machine (HIM) applied in the flywheel energy storage system (FESS). However, due to its unique three-dimensional (3-D) structure, the thermal analysis of HIM relies on the 3-D finite element analysis (FEA) or computational fluid dynamics (CFD), which is time-consuming and computationally inefficient. To facilitate the thermal analysis and design of HIM, a fast and accurate analytical model is essential. In this article, the novel 2-D and 3-D hybrid thermal networks combined with a coupled iterative analysis method are proposed to predict the temperature of HIM. First, the structure, operation principle, and material properties of HIM are illustrated. Second, the heat sources of HIM, including iron loss, rotor eddy current loss, rotor air friction loss, copper loss, and bearing loss, are fully analyzed and investigated. Third, the proposed hybrid thermal model (HTM) and coupled iterative analysis method are demonstrated and applied to predict its temperature. The proposed thermal model and analysis methods are explained in detail. The influences of different speeds and operation conditions on the temperature rise of HIM are analyzed based on the proposed thermal model and FEA. Finally, the temperature of an HIM prototype is tested, which proves the accuracy of FEA and the proposed method. The proposed HTM can quickly and accurately predict the temperature of HIM, which provides a new idea for the temperature prediction of this kind of machine.

3D FE analysis for buckling behavior of longitudinal reinforcement embedded in LRS FRP-confined concrete under axial compression

Large rupture strain (LRS) FRPs have great potential to be used for seismic retrofit of RC columns because of its high rupture strain (i.e., > 5%) that provides better confinement effects. However, in FRP-confined RC columns, the longitudinal reinforcements may buckle before the LRS FRP rupture, especially in the case of large stirrup spacing. This study aims to present a 3D finite element (FE) model for simulating the buckling effect of longitudinal reinforcements in LRS FRP-confined RC columns. A modified concrete damaged plasticity model (CDPM) is proposed to consider the deformation and mechanical characteristics of LRS FRP-confined concrete. Removal of failed concrete elements is considered to facilitate the buckling of longitudinal reinforcements in LRS FRP-confined RC columns. The FE analysis accuracy was verified by comparisons with test results. The factors affecting the buckling of longitudinal reinforcements were discussed through an extensive parametric study. Empirical formulas for the stress and strain values at which the longitudinal reinforcement starts to soften were developed. An empirical formula for the ultimate axial strain of LRS FRP-confined RC columns determined by longitudinal reinforcement buckling was also obtained by regression analysis.

Biomechanical Study of Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Review

Degenerative disc disease is a spinal disorder in which the vertebral disc helps protect nerves and increase spine flexibility that begins to deteriorate. The syndromehappens in the lumbar spine, which is crucial in supporting the weight of the human body. The lumbar vertebrae are naturally larger to absorb the stress of carrying heavy objects. Many surgical treatments are available for this disorder, and the most common treatment is Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) surgery. However, a lot ofquestionable clinical effects related to this procedure, such as cage sinking into vertebral endplates, cage failure and cage relocation. This paper reviews the technical aspects of developing PLIF implants based on clinical, in-vitro, animal, prospective, and retrospective studies.The finite element analysis (FEA) approach has shown the most promising technique by offering virtual biomechanical assessments, low risk of implant failure and bone fractures, and satisfying patient-specific requirements. Many types of FEA software are available in the market, such as Ansys, ABACUS, and Mechanical Finder software. The ability of the software to develop heterogeneous bone models will give an extra advantage in improving the FEA accuracy in terms of stress and distributions and fracture risk assessment. The research approach, biomechanical assessment and data interpretation related to the development of the previous and existing studies will give an insightinto the research strategies and their restrictions. The FEA investigation can be utilized to optimize the mechanical characteristics of PLIF with various infill pattern designs and densities. Moreover, the further research analysis is still needed to improve interbody cage development

Choice of the stress integration scheme for accurate large-deformation finite element analysis

The use of computational structural models that include geometrical non-linearity in many application cases may require high reliability in prediction of displacements. Nevertheless, large differences up to 60% on maximum total displacement have been found among results of static large-deformation analyses performed by means of the major commercial software packages in a simple benchmark study with linear material properties. In order to investigate the causes of such disagreement, the present work compares different finite element formulations including well-established stress update schemes. The various formulations are tested, and results are compared in three test cases. Rodriguez stress update algorithms have shown the best performance among methods reported in literature. Finally, the cause of the large differences found in the predictions of commercial codes is identified. It is linked to the energetic inconsistency of some stress update methods in the simulation of extension/compression loading conditions. Such inaccuracy is reproduced analytically by formulating and integrating the corresponding inconsistent constitutive equations. The identified problem is very important for designers, as it affects almost all the static simulations, which are the most common type of large-deformation analyses and usually involve extension/compression loading.

A reduced-order cutFEM approach to model complex moving sound sources

While traditional finite element based vibro-acoustic analysis of structures is done on stationary structures, in many occasions the structure under investigation is actually moving. To perform accurate finite element analysis on the vibro-acoustic performance of such structures requires the evaluation of a time-varying system, leading to several challenges. Of paramount importance are a strategy to update the mesh to the new configuration and an adequate time integration scheme that does not introduce large numerical artifacts. Additionally, the time-varying nature leads to an increase in computational complexity. In this paper a modeling strategy based on cut finite elements (cutFEM) is introduced that aims to tackle these challenges. The cutFEM approach can be seen as a fictitious domain approach in which the source is moving over a static mesh, cutting through elements where the actual source is located, using a level set description. The key advantage of this approach is that no remeshing and/or mesh morphing is required. It is shown how both implicit and explicit time integration schemes can be used to propagate the solution while the source is moving. Additionally, several model order reduction strategies are compared to speed up the online evaluation of the reduced order model.

CALCULATION OF ANNULAR PLATES ON AN ELASTIC BASE WITH A VARIABLE BEDDING FACTOR

The application of the analytical method ‒ the method of direct integration ‒ to calculations of building structures in the form of circular plates and plates on a continuous variable elastic base is considered. It is noted that there are no proposals for a general analytical method for calculation of annular plates on a variable elastic base in the literature. And the need for such a method is obvious, since it makes it possible to estimate the accuracy of finite element analysis. A detailed description of the algorithm of the direct integration method is not given in the paper, and all the calculation formulas for the circular plate are taken from the authors’ already published article. The results of numerical implementation of this algorithm for specific examples are considered. In order to verify the results of calculations by the author’s method, computer modeling of the considered circular plates in PC LIRA-SAPR and their calculations by the finite element method have been performed. The reaction of the foundation is described by the Winkler model with a variable bedding factor. The calculation of a concrete slab that is rigidly pinched on the inner contour and articulated on the outer contour is performed. And calculation of a steel plate with rigid pinching on the outer contour and articulated on the inner contour. In the first case, the bedding factor is assumed constant, and in the second case, it changes according to the linear law. The calculations showed that the discrepancy between deflections calculated by the finite-element method and the author’s method does not exceed 1%, and the results of radial and circumferential moments calculation differ more considerably, amounting to 10%. The authors explain this difference by the inaccuracy of the numerical analysis associated with a semi-automatic method of constructing a finite-element mesh, which should be made finer. The densification of the mesh in the manual mode of its partitioning significantly reduces the discrepancy between the results of calculating the deflections, radial and circumferential bending moments by the finite-element method and the author’s method.

Full-field geometric imperfection and effect on cross-section capacity of circular steel tubes

Measurements on the geometric imperfection of circular steel tubes used in building structures were limited to specific longitudinal lines of the outer surface in existing studies. This study is aimed at detecting full-field geometric imperfection of circular steel tubes and evaluating its influence on cross-section capacity. First, geometric imperfections of 71 specimens consisting of four common types (i.e., hot-rolled and cold-rolled carbon steel circular tubes, cold-drawn and cold-rolled stainless steel circular tubes) were measured using laser scanning techniques. Observations from 3D scanning models demonstrate that the dominant imperfections for seamless tubes (hot-rolled carbon and cold-drawn stainless steel circular tubes) are cross-section ellipticity and uneven thickness, while welded tubes (cold-rolled carbon and stainless steel circular tubes) are mostly influenced by cross-section ellipticity. Based on the measured geometric profile data, imperfection distribution modes of outer-surface and thickness were proposed separately, and then imported to finite element (FE) simulation. Parametric analysis was conducted to evaluate the influence of geometric imperfections on cross-section compression and bending capacity values. Totally, seven types of outer-surface and three types of thickness imperfection distribution modes were used. Simulation results indicate that considering geometric imperfections generates negligible influence on cross-section capacity for the circular steel tubes studied. Finally, the influence of mesh density on capacity prediction of circular steel tubes was discussed. This study illustrates the actual full-field geometric imperfection distribution of circular steel tubes and discusses its effect on cross-section capacity, which provides useful information for improving the efficiency and accuracy of FE analysis on circular steel tubes.