Finite Element Method Modal Analysis Research Articles

Vibrational Analysis of a Splash Cymbal by Experimental Measurements and Parametric CAD-FEM Simulations

The present study encompasses a thorough analysis of the vibrations in a splash musical cymbal. The analysis is performed using a hybrid methodology that combines experimental measurements with parametric computer-aided design and finite element method simulations. Experimental measurements, including electronic speckle pattern interferometry, and impulse response measurements are conducted. The interferometric measurements are used as a reference for the evaluation of finite element method modal analysis results. The modal damping ratio is calculated via the impulse response measurements and is adopted by the corresponding simulations. Two different approximations are employed for the computer-aided design and finite element method models: one using three-point arcs and the other using lines to describe the non-smooth curvature introduced during manufacturing finishing procedures. The numerical models employing the latter approximation exhibit better agreement with experimental results. The numerical results demonstrate that the cymbal geometrical characteristics, such as the non-smooth curvature and thickness, greatly affect the vibrational behavior of the percussion instrument. These results are of valuable importance for the development of vibroacoustic numerical models that will accurately simulate the sound synthesis of cymbals.

Comparison of Empty and Oil-Filled Transformer Tank Mode Shapes Using Experimental and FEM Modal Analysis

In this paper, the mode shapes of an empty and oil-filled transformer experimental model tank are obtained using 3D finite element method (FEM) modal analysis. For verification of the FEM analysis results, experimental modal analysis (EMA) is carried out in both cases using appropriate impact hammers and accelerometers. Simulated and measured results are visualized and compared for mode shapes in a frequency range of interest for both empty and oil-filled tanks. In order to avoid overly stiff FEM models of transformer tanks, the welded joint modeling technique is presented and analyzed in detail. For an oil-filled tank, the most accurate results are calculated in the model where the welded joint is modeled as half the tank wall’s thickness. In that case, the mean absolute error for the given ten-mode shapes is 1.7 Hz. Also, mesh sensitivity analysis is performed. It is concluded that a 10 mm maximum element size is an optimal solid (3D) mesh. However, shell mesh can be used to reduce computing requirements.

A Method for Solving the Additional Stiffness Introduced by Flexible Joints in Stewart Platform Based on FEM Modal Analysis

The usage of flexible joints has greatly facilitated the widespread application of the Stewart construction mechanism in many advanced fields. This research focuses on the problem that the flexible joints in the Stewart mechanism cause additional stiffness effects on the whole system. A method for solving the additional stiffness of flexible joints combining the finite element method (FEM) is proposed, which avoids the complex theoretical derivation process and allows the advantages of high versatility and accuracy. Three aspects make up the main content. Firstly, based on dynamics theory, the theoretical analysis and demonstration of the method are conducted according to the symmetry characteristics of the Stewart platform. Next, the additional stiffness of a designed Stewart platform with flexible joints was solved following the method proposed, and the obtained results were verified through FEM simulation under the given conditions, which give a maximum natural frequency deviation against the theory of 2.26%. Thirdly, dynamics tests associated with the Stewart platform were conducted, and the deviation between the Stewart Platform’s natural frequencies separately obtained from the tests and the theory does not exceed 5%, which demonstrates the effectiveness and accuracy of the method in engineering applications. This study aims to provide technical support for the development of Stewart mechanisms with flexible joints.

A Hybrid Fault Diagnosis Approach Using FEM Optimized Sensor Positioning and Machine Learning

Sensor acquired signal has been a fundamental measure in rotary machinery condition monitoring (CM) to enhance system reliability and stability. Inappropriate sensor mounting can lead to loss of fault-related information and generate false alarms in industrial systems. To ensure reliable system operation, in this paper we investigate a system’s multiple degrees-of-freedom (DOF) using the finite element method (FEM) to find the optimum sensor mounting position. An appropriate sensor position is obtained by the highest degree of deformation in FEM modal analysis. The effectiveness of the proper sensor mounting position was compared with two other sensor mounting points, which were selected arbitrarily. To validate the effectiveness of this method we considered a gear-actuator test bench, where the sensors were mounted in the same place as the FEM simulation. Vibration data were acquired through these sensors for different health states of the system and failure patterns were recognized using an artificial neural network (ANN) model. An ANN model shows that the optimum sensor mounting point found in FEM has the highest accuracy, compared to other mounting points. A hybrid CM framework, combining the physics-based and data-driven approaches, provides robust fault detection and identification analysis of the gear-actuator system.

Influence of the plate thickness and material properties on the violin top plate modes

In this paper we analyze the vibrational behavior of the violin top plate, for varying plate thickness and material properties via finite element method (FEM) numerical simulations. It is well known that the vibrational properties of the top plates of string instruments influence their sound emission characteristics. Due to the impact of global warming on wood formation and due to their configurability, many manufacturers investigate the use of composite materials to produce musical instruments. Therefore, composite, carbon fiber reinforced epoxy (CFRE) prepreg along with traditional wooden material, such as spruce, are adopted in this study. FEM modal analysis along with a frequency response function (FRF) FEM analysis are performed. The vibrational variations of the plate's response are computed under free conditions. The main vibrational modes and the natural frequencies obtained by the simulations show the influence of the different mechanical and geometric properties on the top plate's vibrational response. The resulting eigenmode frequencies and shapes of the plate in relation to the varying thickness and the material properties used, are discussed. The results of this study offer valuable information on the evaluation of the acoustical characteristics of violins and may be further used on their vibrational behavior optimization and control.

Chatter stability prediction in high-speed micromilling of Ti6Al4V via finite element based microend mill dynamics

High-speed micromilling (spindle speeds 100 000 r/min) can create complex three-dimensional microfeatures in difficult-to-machine materials. The micromachined surface must be of high quality, to meet functional requirements. However, chatter-induced dynamic instability deteriorates the surface quality and can be detrimental to tool life. Chatter-free machining can be accomplished by identifying stable process parameters via stability lobe diagram. To generate accurate stability lobe diagram, it is essential to determine the microend mill dynamics. Frequency response function is required to determine the tool-tip dynamics obtained by experimental impact analysis. Note that application of impact load at the microend mill tip (typically 100 – 500 μm) is not feasible as it would invariably end with tool failure. Consequently, alternative methods need to be developed to identify the microend mill dynamics. In the present work, the frequency response function for the microend mill is obtained by finite element method modal analysis. The frequency response function obtained from modal analysis has been verified from the experimentally obtained frequency response function. The experimental frequency response function was obtained by impacting the microend mill near the taper portion with an impact hammer and measuring the vibration of the tool-tip with a laser displacement sensor. The fundamental frequency obtained from finite element method modal analysis shows a difference of 6.6% from the experimental fundamental frequency. Microend mill dynamics obtained from the finite element method is used for chatter prediction in high-speed micromilling operations. The stability lobe diagram predicts the stability boundary accurately at 60 000 r · min–1 and 80 000 r/min; however, a slight deviation is observed at 100 000 r/min.

Quantitative vibration analysis using a single fringe pattern in time-average speckle interferometry.

In this paper, a novel technique for quantitative vibration analysis using time-average electronic speckle pattern interferometry is proposed. An amplitude-varied time-average refreshing reference frame method is used to capture a fringe pattern with a better fringe contrast than the conventional reference frame technique. The recorded fringe patterns with improved contrast provide better mode shape visibility and are easier to process. A derivative-based regularized phase tracker model is used to retrieve vibration amplitudes from a single fringe pattern. The method does not require a phase shifter to obtain the mode shape or amplitude. The method provides unwrapped amplitude and amplitude derivatives maps directly, so a separate phase unwrapping process is not required. Experimental work is carried out using a circular aluminum plate test specimen and the results are compared with a finite element method modal analysis. Both experimental and numerical results show that the proposed method is robust and accurate.

Design of a Tunable PDMS Force Delivery and Sensing Probe for Studying Mechanosensation

This paper presents the design and analysis of an innovative PDMS probe for investigating mechanotransduction and force generation by mechanosensory cells and organs. The low Young’s modulus of PDMS together with a novel ring-spring probe design allow an easily tunable stiffness of 1–100 mN/m or larger. The probe design limits the fluid drag and allows settling times of 200 $\mu \text{s}$ or less depending on the compliance of the probe. Moreover, the custom-tailored tip geometry of this device allows good coupling to a variety of sensory structures. The probe can be used as a force sensor or a force actuator using force-displacement calibration curves computed by the finite-element method (FEM). Finally, a FEM modal analysis for computing resonant frequencies confirmed that probe resonances are in the high kilohertz range, allowing use across the frequency range of most biological sensors.

Modal Analysis of the Surface Grinding Machine Structure through FEM and Experimental Test

Machine tool vibrations have great impact on machining process. In this paper the dynamic behavior and modal parameters of surface grinding machine is presented. For this purpose, the CAD (computer aided design) model of the surface grinding machine structure is provided in catia and then Natural frequencies and mode shapes of the machine tool structure are carried out through FEM (finite element method) modal analysis under ansys. The model is evaluated and corrected with experimental results by modal testing on surface grinding machine. Finally, the natural frequencies and mode shapes obtained by both experimental and FEM modal analysis are compared. The results of two methods are in widely agreement.

Classical guitar top board design by finite element method modal analysis based on acoustic measurements of guitars of different quality

Classical guitar top board design by finite element method modal analysis based on acoustic measurements of guitars of different quality