Finite Element Method Model Research Articles

Ultrasonic Non-Contact Air-Coupled Technique for the Assessment of Composite Sandwich Plates Using Antisymmetric Lamb Waves

This paper describes the design and implementation of an ultrasonic non-contact air-coupled technique (UNCACT) using antisymmetric Lamb waves (ALW) for NDT assessments in novel composite sandwich plates of a car body shell. This technique is complemented with a C-Scan image implementation using guided waves. The finite element method (FEM) was developed using Comsol 6.1 for the interpretation of the several wave modes presented in the experiments, including the ALW mode. This FEM model is indispensable for the correct interpretation of the received signals and contributes to a better implementation of this technology. This is a novel contribution building upon previously reported work. Additionally, the phase velocity method (PVM) was applied for the verification of the ALW mode in the portion of the RF signal necessary for the C-Scan image.

Application of In Silico Trials for the Investigation of Drug Effects on Cardiomyopathy-Diseased Heart Cycle Properties

In this paper, we present the abilities of an in silico platform used to simulate the effects of different drugs on heartbeat cycle performance. The platform is based on a finite element modelling approach with the fluid–solid interaction implemented using a loose coupling procedure. Active mechanical stresses are calculated using the Hunter excitation model while the passive mechanical stresses are calculated using a recently introduced experiment-based material model for the heart tissue. The applicability of the platform is illustrated using a simple parametric model of the left ventricle. The simulations are performed using parameters that are specific to drugs such as digoxin, mavacamten, 2-deoxy adenosine triphosphate, and disopyramide, with the concentration of calcium in the cardiac cells affected by these drugs given as an input function. The results are obtained for two geometries mimicking patients with hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathy, and also for different inlet/outlet boundary conditions simulating different drug effects at the macroscopic level. Using in silico simulations with virtual patients, it is possible to evaluate the influence of different drugs on cardiac output and ejection fraction. This approach can significantly reduce computational costs with an acceptable solution accuracy compared to approaches coupling finite element and biophysical muscle model methods that are used to calculate drug effects at the micro level.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of HIsarna Off-Gas System—Wall Modeling and Heat Loss Prediction

The HIsarna off-gas system wall is a cooling jacket made of cooling pipes arranged in the radial direction and in a circular pattern. Part of the off-gas system cooling pipes are isolated using a low-thermal-conductivity refractory material to protect the cooling pipe from melting and thermal stresses. During long runs and due to thermomechanical stresses, the refractory material is lost, and its thickness is reduced. It is possible to measure the thickness of the refractory layer only during shutdown, which is a disadvantage during long runs. The aim is to investigate the possibility of predicting the thickness of the refractory material by using other parameters that are possible to measure during the operation. A combination of FEM and CFD modeling is used to develop a methodology for detailed wall modeling and refractory material loss prediction. Finite element method (FEM) analysis is used to obtain the thermal properties of the wall using detailed geometries for variable refractory thickness. The obtained properties are then used to build CFD models to study the effect of refractory thickness on wall heat loss, temperature and composition profiles. The proposed procedure is validated against the plant measurement, and according to the findings, it is possible to relate the wall thickness to measured parameters such as heat loss through the walls, temperature and carbon conversion.

A finite element method for modeling diffusion of alpha-emitting particles in tissue.

Diffusing alpha-emitters Radiation Therapy ("DaRT") is a promising new modality for the treatment of solid tumors. Interstitial sources containing 224 Ra are inserted into the tumor, producing alpha particles via the decay of 224 Ra and its daughters. The alpha particles are able to produce a "kill region" of several mm due to the diffusion of the alpha-emitting atoms. The Diffusion-Leakage (D-L) model has been proposed to describe the movement of the alpha-emitters used in DaRT in tumor tissue. To date, estimating the dose delivered under the D-L model has been accomplished with numerical solutions based on finite difference methods, namely DART1D and DART2D, as well as with asymptotic expressions for the long time limit. The aim of this work is to develop a flexible method of finite elements for solving the D-L model and to validate prior solutions of the D-L model. We develop a two-dimensional finite element solution to the D-L model implemented using the FEniCS software library. Our approach solves the variational formulation of the D-L equationson an unstructured mesh of triangular Lagrangian elements. We calculate the local dose in the mid- and axial planes of the source and validate our results against the one- and two-dimensional solutions obtained using the previously proposed numerical scheme, DART1D and DART2D. We use our model to estimate the change in dose in the source midplane as a function of the physical parameters used in the D-Lmodel. The local dose at the end of a 30 day treatment period estimated by our numerical method differs from DART1D and DART2D by less than 1% in the source midplane and less than 3% along the source axis over clinically relevant distances, with the largest discrepancies in high gradient areas where the Finite Element Method (FEM) mesh has a higher element density. We find that within current experimentally estimated ranges for D-L model parameters, the dose in the source midplane at a distance of 2mm can vary by over a factor of 3. The 2D finite element model reproduces the calculated dose obtained with DART1D and DART2D under the assumptions D-L model. The variation in predicted dose within current experimental ranges for model parameters suggests the necessity of further studies to better determine their statistical distributions. Finally, the FEM model can be used to calculate dose from DaRT in a variety of realistic 2D geometries beyond the D-Lmodel.

Role of ABS and EPS foams in determining the performance of motorcyclist helmet during impact loading

This study develops a Finite Element Method (FEM) model to evaluate motorcyclist helmet performance, with a focus on stress distribution in the temporal bone region and its impact on brain protection. The model includes an ISI 4151 rated helmet coupled with equivalent head foam mass. Results show that Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) shells reduce cortical bone impact by 97% through lateral load distribution, while Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam absorbs and protects the head. The study also incorporates lateral falls on flat and hemispherical anvils to assess helmet performance in real-life scenarios. These findings contribute to improved helmet design and safety for motorcyclists, enhancing overall rider protection. The analysis highlights the importance of ABS shells in minimising impact on cortical bones and the role of EPS foam in absorbing and mitigating head injury risks. The study’s insights inform the development of advanced helmet materials and designs for enhanced safety in motorcycle riding.

Thermal-dynamic coupling analysis of space truss antennas in actual space thermal environment

Space truss antennas may undergo thermally induced vibration due to temperature changes caused by thermal mutations in the space environment, which will result in antenna performance degradation or even vibration failure. This paper aims to investigate the thermal-structural coupled dynamics of a space truss antenna in the orbital space thermal environment. A spatial thermal analysis model is established based on the spatial heat flux model, Fourier-temperature element, finite element method (FEM) and astrometric model to calculate temperature variation of the antenna structure during its operation in orbit. In this model, the effective solar heat flux received by the antenna structure is calculated on the basis of an astrometric model, with consideration of the Earth's shadow effect and the shading effect of the reflective surfaces. Additionally, a thermo-structural coupled dynamic model of the antenna structure is constructed considering the coupled effects of structural deformation and absorbed effective solar heat flux, which was validated using a finite element shell model. Numerical cases are arranged to comparatively analyze the thermal-structural coupling effects, light shading by reflective surfaces, and thermodynamic response during the space operation cycle, respectively. It is demonstrated that both the earth shadow effect and the shading effect of components have great effect on the temperature distribution and variation of the antenna structure. Moreover, significant vibrations will occur at certain moments especially when the thermal radiation flux to the structural components changes suddenly due to light shading from the earth shadow and reflective surfaces. The thermal-structural coupling dynamic model of the antenna structure presented in this work can provide guidance for thermal compensation and thermal-induced vibration attenuation of truss antenna structures.

Finite element modeling and analysis method for predicting and optimizing the warpage of construction before flip chip bonding in System-on-Wafer process flow

As one of the solutions to surpass the limitations of Moore's Law in the post-Moore era, System-on-Wafer (SoW) technology provides the capability to integrate multiple chip components onto a single silicon wafer. A new high-density integrated SoW solution is discussed in this article. However, significant warpage can result from mismatches in the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) of different materials in a 12-in. wafer, presenting considerable challenges for the flip chip (FC) bonding, installation of power delivery and heat dissipation systems. Severe warpage can directly lead to the failure of the entire system. Therefore, pre-assessment and optimization of the warpage are crucial. This paper proposes a multi-scale modeling approach to assess the wafer warpage prior to FC bonding in the SoW fabrication process. To evaluate the accuracy of the modeling approach, a dummy die to thinned wafer and molding (DDTWM) was first designed and fabricated. The sole distinction in fabrication process between DDTWM and SoW is the absence of through silicon via (TSV) and backend of line (BEOL) metal traces. The simulation and experiment for DDTWM achieve a good level of consistency. In addition, following the completion of warpage simulations on the actual SoW structure prior to FC bonding, utilizing the same modeling approach, we proceeded to perform a Response Surface Methodology (RSM) analysis on several crucial parameters that exert influence on warpage. Subsequent to analyzing the results, optimization simulations were executed, underscoring the significant instructive value of RSM analysis in optimizing warpage within the structure prior to FC bonding in the SoW manufacturing process. This work offers an effective solution for predicting and mitigating substrate warpage prior to FC bonding in the SoW fabrication process, contributing to comprehensive warpage control.

Numerical and analytical studies for a novel steel brace retrofit system

To upgrade the existing RC frame structure with insufficient seismic design, a novel and advanced gapped eccentric steel brace (GESB) system was proposed. The finite element modeling methods based on fiber cross-section and macroscopic models were established and calibrated through the test results. The impact of three key design parameters, including axial load ratio (ALR) isolation thickness (IT) and Clamping Joint Spacing (CJS), was investigated. Based on the results of the numerical analysis, it is recommended that the drift demand controlled by IT should be between 0.6% and 1%, while the CJS should be 1/4 to 1/3 in response to the ductility and strength requirements. And the effect of ALR on the retrofitted frame can be ignored. An analytical method was also presented, which proved to be accurate for estimating the mechanical response of the retrofitted frame by comparison with the experimental and numerical response.

Out of-plane failure analysis of masonry walls subjected to hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads induced by flash floods

Damage surveys from past flash flood events show that the combined hydrodynamic impulsive loading and the subsequent hydrostatic loading due to rising water levels caused the failure of masonry walls/buildings. However, limited studies have been conducted to understand the responses of masonry walls to these loading states. To bridge this knowledge gap, an explicit 3D shell element based finite element modelling method that incorporates a homogenised anisotropic masonry material model was developed and applied to analyse the out-of-plane collapse behaviour of masonry walls under flash flooding conditions. The developed modelling method was validated with an available experimental study of masonry wall subjected to hydrostatic loading conditions. It was then extended to comprehend the behaviour of masonry walls under hydrodynamic impulsive water pressures. Results reveal that the effect of hydrodynamic impulsive loading generated by the first hit of the flash flood water is significant in reducing the stiffness of the masonry. This reduction in stiffness can result in an early collapse of the wall, even with a gradual rise of hydrostatic water level. This study has also evaluated the behaviour and damage patterns of masonry walls with two different slenderness ratios (single brick/24.5 and double brick/11.7) under flash flooding and prescribed the maximum percentage of surface area of inundation that the walls can resist. The importance of considering hydrodynamic impulsive loading in designing masonry buildings vulnerable to flash flooding and the capability of the modelling technique developed in this research for evaluating their vulnerability under these flooding scenarios are highlighted.

Insights into building a digital twin of closed-cell aluminum foam during impact loading: Microstructural, experimental and finite element investigations

The mechanical behavior of metal foams under impact loading depends on multiple and complex parameters like impact velocity, strain-rate, local plastic deformation, oscillating and micro-inertial effects, etc. The prediction of the behavior of metal foams that are subject to impact loads is still challenging and engineering application of these materials typically requires time-consuming experimental tests. Numerical models based on the finite element method (FEM) can contribute to minimizing the experimentation effort. Realistic FEM models were built that account both for the macro- and micro-scopic characteristics of the porous material, explain the acting mechanisms that take place during impact, and study the yield properties as well as the energy absorption during the impact of closed-cell aluminum foams. The simulation results are compared with the ones derived from respective experimental uniaxial tests. Two different modeling approaches were applied thus creating two models. The first model relies on a cell-based method where the initial geometry of the foam was generated based on the Voronoi tessellation algorithm and the second one relies on the isotropic, strain-hardening, and continuum-based model developed by Deshpande-Fleck. The outcome of the investigation sheds light on the metal foam behavior under impact by explaining macro- and micro-structural phenomena that develop during impact.

Origami-Inspired Design of a Single-Degree-of-Freedom Reconfigurable Wing With Lockable Mechanisms

Abstract The morphing wing can enable the aircraft to maintain good flight performance in different missions or flight stages, which has enjoyed much attention in recent research. However, it is difficult to design the wing with multiple configurations and lightweight. Inspired by the origami art, a reconfigurable mechanism with a single-degree-of-freedom (single-DOF) is introduced to the morphing wing design in this paper. The bending configuration, the deployable configuration, and the configuration transformation of the reconfigurable mechanism are respectively analyzed. The lengths of some links are also optimized according to the motion requirements. Specific kinematic pairs of the reconfigurable mechanism are required to have the locking function. Therefore, a reliable “plug-in” type lockable mechanism is designed and its working performance is verified by comparing the analytical model and the finite element method model. Finally, by assembling the reconfigurable mechanism with the ribs, the reconfigurable wing which can realize the arbitrary transformation of four configurations under a single drive mode can be obtained.

Tensile Stress Reduction and Strain Concentration of Epoxy Resin Caused by Heterogeneity: A Multiscale Approach Combining Molecular Dynamics Simulation and Finite Element Method.

In this study, we investigated the effect of heterogeneity on the mechanical properties of epoxy resin by combining coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CG-MD) and finite element method (FEM) simulations. To evaluate the heterogeneity effect in the uniaxial elongation, heterogeneous and homogeneous FEM models of micrometer-scale cubic epoxy resin were constructed. For the heterogeneous FEM model, parameters of nanometer-scale elements were determined by CG-MD simulations, where nanometer-scale blocks have different cross-linked structures. For the homogeneous FEM model, the averaged parameters were used for all elements. The calculated stress-strain (S-S) curves of the heterogeneous model exhibit similar tensile stress values when compared to the experimental data, whereas the homogeneous model yields notably higher values. Moreover, a clear strain concentration associated with the formation of the shear band-like structure was observed in the heterogeneous model and not in the homogeneous model.

Peridynamics–FEM Coupling for Interfacial Delamination Effected by Vertical Crack Density in Thermal Barrier Coatings

A coupling model of peridynamics and finite element method is proposed to study the interfacial delamination influenced by vertical crack density in thermal barrier coating (TBC) systems. Specifically, the progressive failure progress under static and fatigue loads in TBCs, including vertical cracks propagation, the evolution of vertical cracks to interfacial cracks, and interfacial delamination, is simulated by the proposed model. The difference between static failure mechanism and fatigue failure mechanism of TBCs is numerically elucidated. The simulated fracture morphology is in good agreement with the experiential observation. In both static and fatigue loads, a higher vertical crack density is found to correspond to a shorter delamination length, and there is no interfacial delamination when the vertical crack density is high enough. The results provide important insight of vertical crack density on interfacial delamination, and the durability of TBCs can be enhanced by ensuring an appropriately high vertical crack density.

Microstructural and Mechanical Analysis of Seamless Pipes Made of Superaustenitic Stainless Steel Using Cross-Roll Piercing and Elongation

The cross-roll piercing and elongation (CPE) is a forming process performed at high temperatures and high strain rates. The final product quality is strongly dependent on its microstructure. In this study, a finite element method (FEM) model was developed to better understand plastic deformation effects on microstructure during CPE and to analyze alternative thermo-mechanical processing routes. Specific models were used to simulate dynamic and meta-dynamic recrystallization (DRX and MDRX) for the processing of superaustenitic stainless steel (SASS). In addition, the CPE of SASS was investigated experimentally. The microstructure, mechanical properties, and chemical changes of the final product were assessed using optical microscopy, hardness testing, X-ray diffraction, and SEM-EDS. The results revealed higher temperatures and strain rates in the exterior area of the shell after piercing, and MDRX occurred in the whole thickness. However, an average grain size reduction of 13.9% occurred only in the shell middle and inner diameters. During elongation, the highest values of the strain rate and DRX were observed in the inner region, exhibiting a grain size reduction of 38%. Spread in terms of grain size and grain shape anisotropy was found to be less accentuated for tube samples as compared to the pierced shells.

Evaluation of segmental lining response during shield tunnel construction based on field measurements and 3D FEM simulation

Lining safety can be threatened more severely at the construction stage than at the service stage, because the loads at the construction stage are larger. This study presents an in-situ experiment for measuring the loads acting on the lining and the internal forces of the lining to investigate the lining response during both the construction and service stages. A three-dimensional (3D) finite element method (FEM) model that could simulate the main relevant components of the shield tunnel construction process was employed to gain further insight into the mechanisms of the lining response. The influences of the key segment position and assembly sequence on the lining behavior were examined through a comprehensive parametric analysis. The results showed that during the assembly stage, the insertion of a key segment resulted in the most significant increase in the axial force, followed by the assembly of an adjacent segment. The lining responses were significantly influenced by the key segment, particularly during the construction stage, whereas the assembly sequence had a limited effect on the lining responses. During the construction stage, the closer the key segment to the tunnel invert, the greater was the axial force and the smaller was the bending moment of the lining. During the construction stage, the closer the key segment to the tunnel invert, the smaller was the axial force of the tunnel lining and the greater was the bending moment. The circumferential compressive stress reached its maximum value at the joint interfaces. Finally, the jack thrust force was the greatest at the tunnel invert. The key segment should not be placed at this location.

A 3D nonlinear magnetic equivalent circuit model for an axial field flux focusing magnetic gear: Comparison of fixed-point and Newton–Raphson methods

An axial field flux focusing magnetic gear is being modeled in this study utilizing a 3D magnetic equivalent circuit technique that takes into consideration the magnetic saturation of the soft magnetic material. Considering magnetic saturation is a critical feature in modeling magnetic gears, particularly those with flux focusing arrangements where specific regions become highly saturated. However, nonlinear modeling comes with its costs, like increased computation time and resource allocation, so it has always been a hot topic for research and development. The implementation of two nonlinear iterative solvers for the solution of the nonlinear magnetic equivalent circuit was described and a comparison between the two methods was done. The approach presented was chosen to be a good lightweight alternative for 3D finite element method modeling that can be used for early design stages. It provided acceptable nonlinear predictions while requiring less time than a 3D finite element method model and saving memory and resources.

Rapid Identification of Material Defects Based on Pulsed Multifrequency Eddy Current Testing and the k-Nearest Neighbor Method.

The article discusses the utilization of Pulsed Multifrequency Excitation and Spectrogram Eddy Current Testing (PMFES-ECT) in conjunction with the supervised learning method for the purpose of estimating defect parameters in conductive materials. To obtain estimates for these parameters, a three-dimensional finite element method model was developed for the sensor and specimen containing defects. The outcomes obtained from the simulation were employed as training data for the k-Nearest Neighbors (k-NN) algorithm. Subsequently, the k-NN algorithm was employed to determine the defect parameters by leveraging the available measurement outcomes. The evaluation of classification accuracy for different combinations of predictors derived from measured data is also presented in this study.

Analytical and numerical studies on flexural resistance of fold-fastened multi-cellular steel panels

Fold-fastened multi-cellular steel panel (FMSP) is a novel type of cold-formed steel (CFS) built-up member, which is manufactured by connecting multiple FMSP cells. When connecting these cells, folded regions can be formed by lapping the FMSPs cells end to end, and indentations are used as fasteners during the manufacturing process. In this study, the flexural resistance of FMSPs was numerically and analytically investigated. Firstly, the refined finite element (FE) models were developed to simulate the flexural behavior of FMSPs. The accuracy of FE modeling method was validated by comparing the numerical results with experimental results obtained from the published literature about these investigations for CFS built-up members in terms of their moment capacities, moment-deflection curves and failure modes. Then, substantial parametric analyses involving a total of 105 different FE models of FMSPs were carried out to study the effects of steel thickness and strength, cellular dimension, width of fold-fastened regions and indented spacing on the flexural behavior of FMSPs. Finally, a sectional analysis based on the effective width method (EWM) was adopted to predict the ultimate flexural resistance of FMSPs. The results revealed that steel thickness and web plate depth have a great effect on the flexural behavior of FMSPs, while there was little influence on the ultimate load in other parameters. Moreover, the decrease in both width-to-thickness ratio and aspect ratio will lead to better ductile behavior for FMSPs. In addition, the EWM adopted in this study can agree well with the FE results, achieving better predicting results compared with other methods; therefore, this method is valid and well fits the practical needs.

A micromechanical cyclic constitutive model for ratchetting deformation of polymeric composites with imperfect interface

AbstractIn this study, a micromechanical cyclic constitutive model for accurately describing the ratchetting deformation of polymeric composites is proposed. The model is based on the mean‐field homogenization method and incorporates the nonlinear viscoelastic‐viscoplastic (VE‐VP) cyclic constitutive model of the polymeric matrix and the imperfect interface. First, the nonlinear VE‐VP model was linearized using the incremental affine method and then was introduced into the homogenization process. The imperfect interface was represented using a linear spring model. A modified Mori‐Tanaka model was developed to incorporate the nonlinear VE‐VP model and imperfect interface into the micromechanical constitutive model. To implement the proposed micromechanical model, a numerical algorithm was developed. The model is capable of capturing the influence of the imperfect interface on the ratchetting deformation of polymeric composites. Furthermore, it is applicable to simulate various loading histories, including monotonic tension, stress relaxation, creep, and uniaxial ratchetting loads. The proposed model was validated by comparing its simulations with those obtained from the full‐field finite element method (FEM) model. The proposed model can predict the ratchetting deformation of polymeric composites and promote the practical application of these material in structures.Highlights A micromechanical cyclic constitutive model is developed to describe the ratchetting deformation of polymeric composites with imperfect interface. Nonlinear viscoelastic‐viscoplastic deformation of polymeric matrix is considered. A modified Mori‐Tanaka method is employed to incorporate the nonlinear constitutive model and imperfect interface into the process of homogenization. Good agreement between simulations of the proposed model and the full‐field FEM model under various loading histories.

Framework for a chemo‐mechanical model of the breathing effect in lithium–silicon batteries

AbstractWe present a chemo‐mechanical finite element method model for the breathing effect of the silicon anode during lithiation and delithiation. The model is based on the framework for gradient extended standard dissipative solids. It couples diffusion of lithium ions, phase transformation with a moving phase boundary, and the related volume changes, which lead to mechanical stresses in the material. The driving force for diffusion is given by the gradient of the electrochemical potential. Phase transformation and phase boundary movement are described by the Allen–Cahn equation in combination with a constrained double obstacle potential. To shift the constraint from the nodes to the Gauss points, the model makes use of the micromorphic approach.