Finite Element Approach Research Articles

A macroscale damage model for the tensile and bending failure of C/C-SiC structural laminates

This work presents a Finite Element approach to model the in-plane mechanical behavior of C/C-SiC fabrics at the lamina level, including the non-linear response of diverse lay-ups and the bending-to-tensile strength ratio at failure. The material model employs a decomposition into two idealized phases, which can be exploited to capture matrix- and fiber-dominated responses at a high level of abstraction. The constitutive law of the matrix phase adopts a Continuum Damage approach driven by two Tsai-Wu surfaces, while a quasi-brittle behavior is attributed to the fibers phase. This decomposition effectively represents the influence of matrix degradation on the response and failure of the laminates. Moreover, simulations reveal that a statistical distribution of the strength is required to represent some of the experimental outcomes. The correlation with experimental data that was achieved points out that the technique is a promising tool for supporting the early design phase of CMC structures.

Modal analysis of carbon fiber reinforced polyamide66 drive shaft using analytical and finite element approach

Modal analysis of carbon fiber reinforced polyamide66 drive shaft using analytical and finite element approach

Investigation and selection of optimistic material for two wheeler brake disc: An experimental and finite element approach

The brake disc is a vital component in the braking system of the automobile which helps in reducing the speed or stopping the vehicle whenever required. Whereas, increasing the effectiveness of the braking system is highly challenging for the researchers to ensure safe driving by minimizing the stopping distance of the vehicle during braking. However, the performance of the braking system mainly relies on the brake disc material utilized in the braking system. In the current trend, the usage of alternate materials with a high strength-to-weight ratio is in practice to reduce the fuel consumption of the automobile. Hence, researchers concentrate on Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites and Metal Matrix Composites to manufacture automotive components. In this research work, the performance of the existing mild steel brake rotor is correlated with brake discs fabricated using different materials such as zirconium-coated steel, AA7075+nSiCp, AA6061+nano Rice Husk Ash particles, Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer composite, and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer composites. The effectiveness of a two-wheeler braking system is reported concerning the stopping distance, disc weight, friction coefficient, and wear resistance properties of the brake disc material. Moreover, a 3D Finite Element Model (3D FEM) is also developed and the braking mechanism is simulated. The experimental and FEA results reveal that SiC reinforced AA7075 composite shows compromising properties as required such as maximum stress of 558 MPa, excellent wear resistance, good friction coefficient of 0.40, good temperature dissipation property, and effective stopping distance of 81 m.

A two level approach for simulating Bose-Einstein condensates by localized orthogonal decomposition

In this work, we consider the numerical computation of ground states and dynamics of single-component Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs). The corresponding models are spatially discretized with a multiscale finite element approach known as Localized Orthogonal Decomposition (LOD). Despite the outstanding approximation properties of such a discretization in the context of BECs, taking full advantage of it without creating severe computational bottlenecks can be tricky. In this paper, we therefore present two fully-discrete numerical approaches that are formulated in such a way that they take special account of the structure of the LOD spaces. One approach is devoted to the computation of ground states and another one for the computation of dynamics. A central focus of this paper is also the discussion of implementation aspects that are very important for the practical realization of the methods. In particular, we discuss the use of suitable data structures that keep the memory costs economical. The paper concludes with various numerical experiments in 1D, 2D and 3D that investigate convergence rates and approximation properties of the methods and which demonstrate their performance and computational efficiency, also in comparison to spectral and standard finite element approaches.

Controlling the fold: proprioceptive feedback in a soft origami robot.

We demonstrate proprioceptive feedback control of a one degree of freedom soft, pneumatically actuated origami robot and an assembly of two robots into a two degree of freedom system. The base unit of the robot is a 41 mm long, 3-D printed Kresling-inspired structure with six sets of sidewall folds and one degree of freedom. Pneumatic actuation, provided by negative fluidic pressure, causes the robot to contract. Capacitive sensors patterned onto the robot provide position estimation and serve as input to a feedback controller. Using a finite element approach, the electrode shapes are optimized for sensitivity at larger (more obtuse) fold angles to improve control across the actuation range. We demonstrate stable position control through discrete-time proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control on a single unit Kresling robot via a series of static set points to 17 mm, dynamic set point stepping, and sinusoidal signal following, with error under 3 mm up to 10 mm contraction. We also demonstrate a two-unit Kresling robot with two degree of freedom extension and rotation control, which has error of 1.7 mm and 6.1°. This work contributes optimized capacitive electrode design and the demonstration of closed-loop feedback position control without visual tracking as an input. This approach to capacitance sensing and modeling constitutes a major step towards proprioceptive state estimation and feedback control in soft origami robotics.

The effect of suboccipital muscle dysfunction on the biomechanics of the upper cervical spine: a study based on finite element analysis

ObjectiveMuscle dysfunction caused by repetitive work or strain in the neck region can interfere muscle responses. Muscle dysfunction can be an important factor in causing cervical spondylosis. However, there has been no research on how the biomechanical properties of the upper cervical spine change when the suboccipital muscle group experiences dysfunction. The objective of this study was to investigate the biomechanical evidence for cervical spondylosis by utilizing the finite element (FE) approach, thus and to provide guidance for clinicians performing acupoint therapy.MethodsBy varying the elastic modulus of the suboccipital muscle, the four FE models of C0-C3 motion segments were reconstructed under the conditions of normal muscle function and muscle dysfunction. For the two normal condition FE models, the elastic modulus for suboccipital muscles on both sides of the C0-C3 motion segments was equal and within the normal range In one muscle dysfunction FE model, the elastic modulus on both sides was equal and greater than 37 kPa, which represented muscle hypertonia; in the other, the elastic modulus of the left and right suboccipital muscles was different, indicating muscle imbalance. The biomechanical behavior of the lateral atlantoaxial joint (LAAJ), atlanto-odontoid joint (ADJ), and intervertebral disc (IVD) was analyzed by simulations, which were carried out under the six loadings of flexion, extension, left and right lateral bending, left and right axial rotation.ResultsUnder flexion, the maximum stress in LAAJ with muscle imbalance was higher than that with normal muscle and hypertonia, while the maximum stress in IVD in the hypertonic model was higher than that in the normal and imbalance models. The maximum stress in ADJ was the largest under extension among all loadings for all models. Muscle imbalance and hypertonia did not cause overstress and stress distribution abnormalities in ADJ.ConclusionMuscle dysfunction increases the stress in LAAJ and in IVD, but it does not affect ADJ.

Influence of thermo-mechanical loads on variable stiffness composite beams: a comprehensive study using semi-analytical and finite element approaches

This study investigates the stability and vibration characteristics of variable stiffness laminated composite (VSLC) beams subjected to thermo-mechanical loadings. A semi-analytical model is developed to determine the buckling and vibration characteristics of variable stiffness composite beams. The model employs a displacement-based Ritz approach to derive the matrix representation of the governing equations. Modified constitutive relations are derived to account for the Poisson effects that arise due to the development of zero-stress conditions in the width direction of beams. The material properties and temperature variations are assumed to be constant across the thickness of the beam. Moreover, finite element calculations are carried out using commercial software ABAQUS in conjunction with a MATLAB-generated input file, which is utilized to capture fiber angle variations within the beam. Numerical results are obtained to elucidate the effect of slenderness ratio, modulus of elasticity ratio, boundary conditions, number of layers, and ply-sequence on the free vibration and instability characteristics of VSLC beams subjected to mechanical loadings and thermal environments. This study underscores the crucial importance of taking these factors into account for precise and dependable design and analysis of such composite beams in engineering applications.

Analysis of reflective cracking in asphalt overlaid jointed concrete airfield pavements using a 3D generalized finite element approach

ABSTRACT Asphalt Concrete (AC) overlays are a common strategy for maintaining PCC airfield pavements. However, the movement of joints in the underlying pavement may lead to reflective cracks propagating to the overlay. The problem is highly three-dimensional resulting in mixed mode of cracks due to the aircraft gear loading configurations and underlying concrete pavement joint spacing and design. The development of a 3D model of airfield pavements to predict reflective cracking using Finite Element Method (FEM) and Generalized Finite Element Method (GFEM), is presented in this study. GFEM enrichment strategy and global-local approach are used to achieve efficient framework for developing the models from both computational and user time perspective. Viscoelastic fracture analysis was performed using elastic-viscoelastic correspondence principle. Sensitivity of the domain size, order of approximation and boundary conditions are investigated in the numerical simulations. It is shown that the crack initiation and propagation is a combination of Mode-I (tensile) and Mode-II (shearing) crack opening. The presented models contributes to the mechanistic empirical reflective cracking design algorithm for the FAA pavement design program.

Engineering Light‐Driven Rod‐Shaped Micromotors for Exhibiting Controlled and Tunable Multimode Swimming

AbstractThe recent era of research has been focused on attaining precise and adjustable propulsion modes in micromotors, with remarkable implications in microrobotics and active‐matter applications. This study introduces a novel design of rod‐shaped micromotors featuring light‐driven motion and wavelength‐dependent multimodal swimming behavior. The micromotors are fabricated through the Glancing Angle Deposition (GLAD) technique, which offers a flexible approach to engineering surfaces by incorporating photocatalytic materials (TiO2 and Cu2O) at specific locations. Here, three distinct designs of micromotors (titania, hybrid‐1, and hybrid‐2) are presented that are programmed to showcase diverse behaviors of movements (linear, helical, and axial rotation) when exposed to a specific wavelength. The application of light facilitates convenient control over activity and mode switching by altering between UV and visible ranges. Numerical modeling using a finite element approach is performed to validate the experimental results, demonstrating excellent agreement with the experimental findings. The present study is anticipated to be helpful in tailoring such complex micro/nanoscale advanced functional materials with intricating swimming modes desired for various applications in micro/nanorobotics.

Performance improvement of set of worm gears used in soot blower through profile modification

The present design of a set of worm gears used in a soot blower produced by a certain manufacturer has an efficiency of 68.8%. A soot blower is one of the most critical components in industrial applications for removing the large amounts of soot generated by boilers and is required to be operational 24×7. The energy consumption of the soot blower depends on its working efficiency and ultimately the design of its set of worm gears. This paper focuses mainly on the design and analysis of available industrial worm-gear sets used in soot blowers. The theoretical, experimental, and finite-element analysis approaches are validated for the stability of the worm gear set under typical input conditions. This paper also describes an analytical design of experiments (DOE) approach to identify the most significant factor for performance (efficiency) improvement and suggests some design improvements for the worm gear set using the profile modification approach. These ensure the efficiency improvement of the current industrial design of the set of worm gears used in a soot blower. The analytical DOE approach helped identify that the number of worm wheel teeth (Z2) and gear module (m) are the two most significant factors affecting performance. Accordingly, based on the improved design, the final efficiency increased from 68.8% to 74.6% (∼8.5% increment), resulting in lower power consumption during industrial application.

Multi-method examination of contact mechanics in orthotropic layers under gravity

Analyzing the behavior of intelligent unconventional materials under diverse contact scenarios, in comparison to conventional materials, is a critical step in the initial design of engineering systems. This paper presents the development of analytical and numerical approaches for analyzing contact mechanics in a system comprising an orthotropic layer resting on a rigid foundation. Parametric analyses include the consideration of cylindrical and flat punch profiles. Analytical formulation utilizes integral transform methods to convert planar elasticity equations into a Cauchy-type singular integral equation of the second kind. A detailed description of the solution technique for the integral equation is provided, encompassing both the analytical formulation and the required discretization for obtaining the solution. Subsequently, a finite element approach (FEA) is employed to approximate contact bodies using a collection of finite elements, while contact boundaries are approximated by utilizing a set of polygons. Alternatively, the problem is addressed using the Multilayer Perceptron approach, a form of artificial neural network frequently applied in diverse machine learning applications, including scenarios involving contact problems. Finally, the resolution to the problem is achieved by employing the multilayer perceptron (MLP) method. The study yields determinations of contact stresses under the punch, the critical separation load resulting in the detachment of the orthotropic layer from the rigid foundation, and the corresponding separation distance. This analysis considers a range of dimensionless parameters and explored the behavior of diverse orthotropic materials. Comparisons between the results of the analytical method and computations from FEA and MLP reveal the exceptional accuracy attained by all three approaches. As the pioneer study employing three distinct approaches to examine continuous contact mechanics within an orthotropic layer under the influence of gravity, this research constitutes a valuable point of reference for upcoming scholars in the field.

Finite-element assembly approach of optical quantum walk networks

We present a finite-element approach for computing the aggregate scattering matrix of a network of linear coherent scatterers. These might be optical scatterers or more general scattering coins studied in quantum walk theory. While techniques exist for two-dimensional lattices of feed-forward scatterers, the present approach is applicable to any network configuration of any collection of scatterers. Unlike traditional finite-element methods in optics, this method does not directly solve Maxwell’s equations; instead it is used to assemble and solve a linear, coupled scattering problem that emerges after Maxwell’s equations are abstracted within the scattering matrix method. With this approach, a global unitary is assembled corresponding to one time step of the quantum walk on the network. After applying the relevant boundary conditions to this global matrix, the problem becomes non-unitary and possesses a steady-state solution that is the output scattering state. We provide an algorithm to obtain this steady-state solution exactly using a matrix inversion, yielding the scattering state without requiring a direct calculation of the eigenspectrum. The approach is then numerically validated on a coupled-cavity interferometer example that possesses a known, closed-form solution. Finally, the method is shown to be a generalization of the Redheffer star product, which describes scatterers on one-dimensional lattices (2-regular graphs) and is often applied to the design of thin-film optics, making the current approach an invaluable tool for the design and validation of high-dimensional phase-reprogrammable optical devices and study of quantum walks on arbitrary graphs.

Two-phase flow-induced vibration of tilted curved bi-directional functionally graded nanopipe in supersonic airflow

Flow-induced vibration is known as a prevalent phenomenon in various industries. As a result of the flow, dynamic fluid forces are generated, which lead to the excitation of the system. Multiphase flow, found commonly in both natural and industrial settings, including industrial plants, is a significant source of noise and vibration. In the two-phase flow, as a particular case of multiphase flow, flow configuration plays a major role in the system’s traits. Despite recent advancements in flow-induced vibration, it is still considered an unresolved topic. This research develops a new multi-physics simulation for the stability study of a two-directional functionally graded tilted curved cylindrical nanopipe conveying a liquid-gas two-phase flow. Nonlocal stress–strain gradient theory (NSGT) with two size-dependent parameters (nonlocal and length scale) is presented to simulate the current nanostructure. Newton’s second law has been employed to govern the resultant forces that act on a control volume at a differential fluid element of fluid. Hiring the finite element (FE) approach alongside the generalized differential quadrature role (GDQR), both the eigenvector and eigenvalue problems are presented for analyzing the characteristics of the nanosystem under various situations. An exhaustive parametric analysis is also provided to make clear the role of varied parameters such as velocity of fluid flow, aerodynamic pressure, air yaw angle, and gas volume fraction coefficient on the system’s fundamental frequency.

A finite element method for stochastic diffusion equations using fluctuating hydrodynamics

We present a finite element approach for diffusion problems with thermal fluctuations based on a fluctuating hydrodynamics model. The governing equations are stochastic partial differential equations with a fluctuating forcing term. We propose a discrete formulation of the fluctuating forcing term that has the correct covariance matrix up to a standard discretization error. Furthermore, we derive a linear mapping to transform the finite element solution into an equivalent discrete solution that is free of the artificial correlations introduced by the spatial discretization. The method is validated by applying it to two diffusion problems: a second-order diffusion equation and a fourth-order diffusion equation. The theoretical (continuum) solution to the first case presents spatially decorrelated fluctuations, while the second case presents fluctuations correlated over a finite length. In both cases, the numerical solution presents a structure factor that approximates well the continuum one.

Modeling a storage tank of carbon capture technology in a power plant in southern Iraq

The IEA's special study on CO2 collection, usage, and storage, released in 2020, estimates global CO2 capacity for storage to be among 8,000 and 55,000 gigatons. One of the most significant issues in introducing carbon into the energy market is improving carbon storage and developing more efficient distribution systems to increase the quantity of carbon that is held as liquid while decreasing storage pressure. The goal of this work is to investigate the efficiency of adsorption-based carbon-storing units from a "systems" perspective. The finite element approach, utilized in COMSOL Multi-physics™, is used to create an appropriate two-dimensional axisymmetric geometrical structure that balances energy, mass, and momentum based on thermodynamic extinction rules. We examine charging and discharging the storage unit with a rated pressure of 9 MPa and an initial temperature of 302 K.The storage tank is chilled using ice water. The research findings demonstrate that both simulated fluctuations in pressure and temperature during storage operations are extremely valuable. At the conclusion of charge time, the temperatures in the tank's center region are greater than those at the entry and along the wall, but at the end of discharge time, they are lower. The velocities are highest near the entry and progressively diminish throughout the tank's axis. As a result, even the lowest possible number (8,000 Gt) substantially surpasses the 100 Gt of CO2 required to be stored by 2055 under the "sustainable development" scenario. The IEA analysis also states that the land potential exceeds the offshore potential. Land-based storage capacity is estimated to be between 6,000 and 42,000 Gt, while offshore capacity is estimated to be between 2,000 and 13,000 Gt, assuming only sites less than 300 kilometers from the coast, at depths less than 300 meters, and outside the Arctic and Antarctic zones. Development of a prediction model to improve knowledge of a novel CO2 adsorbent during the adsorbent-desorption cycle, taking into account all transport events. Validation of the model against published data for H2 storage. Predicting pressure and temperature dispersion at various storage tank sites.

A case study on entropy generation in MHD nanofluid flow in L- shaped triangular corrugated permeable enclosure

Enclosure with irregular boundaries by providing surface corrugations is considered an efficient strategy to elevate the heat transfer mechanism in laser technology, cooling of electronic instrument, photonic systems in material processing, magnetic resonance, and the automobile industry are few to mention. In view of such mesmerizing utilization present work is articulated by considering L-shaped corrugated enclosure saturated with water and copper (Cu) nanoparticles are included. The physical impacts of a horizontally oriented magnetic field and permeable medium are accounted along with measurement of entropy. Mathematical modelling of the problem is attained in dimensionless version through a set of similar variables. Computational experiments are conducted through the application of commercial software (COMSOL) based on the finite element approach. A grid independence and comparison tests are also accounted to ensure credibility of simulations. Impact of parameters is revealed through sketches. Quantities of interest, including local and average Nusselt numbers, Bejan number, and total entropy, are also evaluated for flat and correlated surfaces. Induction of nanoparticles in the base fluids tends to reduce the entropy generation by up to 12.45 %. Growth in NuAvg (3.08 % approx.) is attained by increasing the frequency of imposed triangular waved corrugation.

Biomechanical effects of muscle loading on early healing of femoral stem fractures: a combined musculoskeletal dynamics and finite element approach

Femoral stem fractures (FST) are often accompanied by muscle injuries, however, what muscle injuries affect fracture healing and to what extent is unknown. The purpose of this study was to analyze the extent to which different muscles affect FST healing through a combined musculoskeletal dynamics and finite element approach. Modeling the lower extremity musculoskeletal system for 12 different muscle comprehensives. Muscle and joint reaction forces on the femur were calculated and these data were used as boundary conditions input to the FSTs model to predict the degree of muscle influence on fracture healing. Finally, we will investigate the extent to which muscle influences FST healing during knee flexion. Muscle and joint forces are highly dependent on joint motion and have a significant biomechanical influence on interfragmentary strain (IFS) healing. The psoas major (PM), gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) and gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscles play a major role in standing, with GM > PM > GL, whereas the gluteus medius posterior (GMP), vastus intermedius (VI), vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis superior (VLS), and adductor magnus distalis (AMD) muscles play a major role in knee flexion, with VLS > VM > VI > AMD > GMP. Mechanical stimulus-controlled healing can be facilitated when the knee joint is flexed less than 20°. Different muscles exert varying degrees of influence on the healing of fractures. Therefore, comprehending the impact of particular muscles on fracture site tissue FST healing can aid orthopedic surgeons in formulating improved surgical and rehabilitation strategies.

Nonlinear transient coupled thermo-electromechanical dynamic responses of the piezoelectric structure with the high-order temperature-dependent material properties

This work aims to study the nonlinear transient coupled thermo-electromechanical dynamic responses of the piezoelectric structure with the high-order temperature-dependent material properties. The multi-field coupling nonlinear model is established based on the non-Fourier thermoelasticity theories by introducing the function of high-order temperature dependency of the arbitrary material property. The virtual work principle and the nonlinear finite element approach are proposed to investigate the two-dimensional case of the orthotropic rectangular piezoelectric plate of the crystal class mm2 subjected to the zonal transient heating loads. The influences of the high-order temperature-dependent material parameters on the structural responses and wave propagations are discussed.

A numerical study on effect of liquefaction on ring footings during 2001 Bhuj earthquake at Kutch (Gujarat), India

Liquefaction, the temporary loss of strength in saturated sand causing it to behave like a liquid, leads to devastating consequences, including the settling, tilting, or collapsing of structures built on loose, saturated soil. The 2001 Bhuj earthquake witnessed extensive liquefaction in regions such as the Great Rann of Kutch, Banni Plains, Kandla, and Gulf of Kutch, resulting in substantial damage to various infrastructures, including bridges, docks, buildings, embankments, and dams. This study employs a finite element approach to analyse the behaviour of shallow foundations on liquefying subsoil in Kutch during the 2001 earthquake. The investigation focuses on ring footings with inner radii of 0.25 m, 0.5 m, and 0.75 m, as well as an outer radius of 1 m, alongside a circular foundation with a 1 m radius. Notably, the ring footing with a radius ratio of 0.5 exhibits the least settlement under static loads, underscoring that liquefaction-induced settlement for ring footings is significantly less than that for circular footings.

Structural analysis of small-scale 3D printed composite tidal turbine blades

The existing research literature lacks comprehensive investigations into assessing the structural performance of marine renewable energy conversion devices, particularly 3D printed turbine blades, which often rely solely on computational modelling without experimental validation methods and/or established mechanical characterization techniques. This leads to significant uncertainty regarding the performance of 3D printed turbine blades manufactured by additive manufacturing technology. This study aims to fill this gap by proposing a procedure for evaluating the structural integrity of commercial small-scale tidal turbine blade (5 KW) manufactured using fused filament fabrication 3D printing with a linear infill pattern. This is achieved by developing a combined experimental, hydrodynamic, and finite element approach with the view to inspect the micro-mechanical properties of representative volume elements of 3D printed microstructures using homogenization technique. The results of mechanical testing and hydrodynamic modelling are used to create a finite element model of the 3D printed blade, allowing for stress and failure analysis. Findings indicate that while integrating 3D printed materials into blade design via 3D printing technology is feasible, the choice of materials is limited to high stiffness composite filaments. Finally, experimental validation of numerical results, particularly full field strain distribution maps obtained by digital image correlation technique for flexural testing and laboratory-scale 3D printed blade, confirms the accuracy of the finite element results. Finite element-based homogenization techniques provide valuable insights into potential failure modes in 3D printed tidal turbine blades. However, the expedited calculation of orthotropic properties through finite element analysis proves to be a faster mechanical characterization method compared to experimental approaches. The proposed methodology in this study facilitates quicker iterative design of 3D printed blades, thereby reducing the need for repeated experiments and ultimately lowering manufacturing costs.