Finite Element Method Research Articles

OPTIMIZATION OF THE PEROVSKITE SOLAR CELL STRUCTURE

An experimental perovskite solar cell (PSC) with the structure Au/Spiro-MeOTAD/CH3NH3PbI3/PEDOT:PSS/ITO was fabricated. The measurements of main photovoltaic characteristics were provided. The current-voltage dependences (I-V curves) were measured conducted in the voltage range from -1V to 1V. During the measurements, the corresponding values were calculated of the short-circuit current density(Jsc) and open-circuit voltage(Uoc) were obtained as 1.23 mA/cm² and 0.19 V, respectively. Subsequently, an analytical model corresponding to this structure was formulated. For modeling the parameters of the perovskite solar cell, the Comsol Multiphysics environment was used, this environment is based on the finite element method. The relevant computations were provided to obtain the corresponding values of the short-circuit current density and open-circuit voltage as 3.29 mA/cm² and 0.2 V, respectively, with the maximum theoretically calculated power of this structure being 0.11 W. The experimental outcomes were juxtaposed with the predictions of the analytical computations, and the modeling results were empirically validated. An analytically accomplished model of the same structure was built by adding an electron transport layer (ETL). An organic material BCP (Bathocuproine) was used as an supplementary ETL layer. During the optimization of the PSC, the main datums were mathematically counted. Such values as the short-circuit current density of 10.17 mA/cm², open-circuit voltage of 1.2 V, and the maximum power value of Au/BCP/Spiro-MeOTAD/CH3NH3PbI3/PEDOT:PSS/ITO structure, which is 3.21 W were rated. A comparison of the volt-ampere characteristics of perovskite cells in dark and light modes was conducted for primary and optimized structures. The main parameters, obtained during the modeling of the experimental sample and subsequent model optimization, were compared. Specifically one of the key parameters of solar cell heterostructures the fill factor was evaluated and found to have increased from 16.52% to 25.00%, respectively. The light-sensitive behavior of the perovskite cell were visibly enhanced.

GOLD PLASMONIC ARRAY STRUCTURES FOR SENSING APPLICATIONS

This article is devoted to the theoretical study of the plasmonic properties of periodically arranged arrays of gold nanoparticles. The Comsol Multiphysics software, which is based on the finite element method, was used to build 3D numerical models for the simulation and conduct research. In this work the electric field distribution and optical characteristics of the spherical gold nanoparticles array were studied. Individual localized surface plasmon resonance modes are influenced when metallic nanoparticles are in the close proximity and as a result the electric near- fields can couple, resulting in a new hybrid mode. We mainly focused here on the investigation of two crucial questions, particularly, influences of the gap between the nanoparticles and the refractive index of the surrounding medium on the resulting optical response of the gold nanoparticles arrays. The array of periodically arragement gold nanoparticles is characterized by an enhanced local electric field between the nanoparticles, which is inversely proportional to the gap between the particles. The field strength and optical properties (reflection, transmission, and absorption) can be conveniently manipulated by changing the gap between particles. In additional, their potential applications as sensetive plasmonic sensors element have been considered. The studied structure has a significant potential for practical applications due to its wide range of the operating wavelengths and ease of the high-throughput fabrication. In the course of the study, it was established that the change in the distance between the surface of nanoparticles by 1 nm leads to a significant shift in the spectral transmission and reflection curves on the spectral range. In addition, these studies showed that an increase in the distance between the surfaces of nanoparticles leads to the decrease in the near-field interaction between gold nanoparticles in the array. Therefore, the obtained results can be successfully used in the manufacture of highly sensitive plasmon sensors with the possibility of controlling the sensitivity and the working spectral range.

Nonlinear dynamic modeling and analysis of the fluid-transporting cracked pipe using the hybrid semi-analytical and finite element method

The fatigue cracks may develop in the pipe systems due to long-term cyclic loading, which may cause catastrophic accidents. The finite element method (FEM) is usually adopted to simulate the stress singularity and breathing effect, resulting in expensive computational costs. Therefore, in this paper, an efficient hybrid semi-analytical and finite element (SA-FE) method is proposed to study the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of the fluid-transporting cracked pipe (FTCP) considering the breathing effect. Furthermore, the crack sensitivity parameters are obtained through bending-bending and bending-axial vibration analysis. For the SA-FE method, the semi-analytical method (SAM) and FEM are separately used to construct the dynamic models of the non-cracked and cracked regions, and the connection at the interface is performed by constraint equations. Subsequently, the validity of the modeling method is substantiated through both FEM and experimental tests. Finally, the effects of crack and fluid parameters on the dynamic characteristics of the FTCP are analyzed. The results indicate that changes in crack positions may trigger different-order mode switching, and continuous switching may occur between higher-order modes. In addition, the bending-bending and bending-axial coupling responses can effectively detect crack failures of the FTCP with varying levels of damage. The proposed model can offer valuable insights for fault diagnosis and health monitoring of FTCP.

Assessment of maximum and minimum hanger forces in a triple-cable suspension bridge under live load: Analytical algorithm with manta ray foraging optimization

Triple-cable suspension bridges (TCSBs) are widely used in sea-crossing, island-linking projects with extra-long spans and ultra-wide decks. Their safe operation requires sufficient resistance of all bridge components (towers, cables, girders, and hangers) to static/dead and cyclic/live loads. Therefore, reliable assessment of maximum and minimum axial forces acting on each hanger is topical. This study proposes an analytical algorithm for assessing the internal forces and deformations of a TCSB. Specific steps and formulae for solving the coefficients are described by taking the estimation of girder response under random eccentric line loading as an example. Parameters of the suspension bridge under dead load are treated as known quantities. Actual engineering scenarios, including girder displacements along the bridge, are analyzed and discussed in detail. Basic unknown quantities are determined via governing equations under conditions of elevation differences’ closure and conservation of main cables’ unstressed lengths, yielding direct solutions for deformations of the main cables, girder, towers, and hangers. The proposed analytical model’s feasibility is verified via the finite element method. Optimal solutions to the above equations are derived by the manta ray foraging optimization (MRFO) algorithm to find the most unfavorable load distributions for all vehicle lanes of the bridge and the maximum and minimum axial forces of random hangers. Finally, the proposed method is successfully applied to a TCSB with a 1600 m main span under two operating conditions. The most unfavorable load distributions and the maximum and minimum axial forces of hangers at the mid-span and at the quarter-span point are estimated. The calculation results are compared against those obtained by the influence surface method, showing their good correlation and superiority of the proposed method in computation workload.

Improving phase change heat transfer in an enclosure partially filled by uniform and anisotropic metal foam layers

Anisotropic metal foams exhibit exceptional potential for improving the efficiency of latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) units by enhancing heat transfer and thermal energy storage rates. This study explores the largely uncharted area of thermal behavior of anisotropic metal foams in varied configurations and enclosure designs. The research focuses on an LHTES unit with a specific channel configuration, constructed using copper and containing three layers of copper metal foam, one of which is anisotropic and infused with paraffin wax. The finite element method was utilized to manage the complexities emerging from phase change, and the anisotropic angle varied from 0 to 90° in three different placements of the AMFL: top, middle, or bottom of the enclosure. The ideal design was achieved with an AMFL in the middle with a 0°angle, resulting in a 3.7 % reduction in melting time and approximately a 2.3 % reduction in solidification time. However, AMFL designs at the middle placement with a 75° anisotropic angle were less effective, hampering the melting and solidification processes, thus potentially extending charging and discharging times. The study concludes that the placement and angle of the AMFL layer are vital for the heat transfer capabilities of phase change materials. AMFL at the middle with a 0° angle optimally leverages temperature gradients, enhancing heat transfer compared to other investigated cases. An AMFL in the middle with a 0° angle exhibits approximately 7.1 % and 6.3 % improvements for melting fractions of 0.9 and 0.95, respectively, underscoring its potential for efficient thermal energy storage.

Formation and evolution of apple (Malus pumila Mill.) bruising based on high-speed camera verification and finite element method

To analyse the characteristics and internal mechanical changes of bruising formed on apples under different working conditions, this paper explored the formation mechanism of bruising using finite element method. A composite model of peel and flesh was established by reverse engineering, and the accuracy of the apple model was validated two aspects: drop velocity and bruise volume, with a maximum error of 2.51 %. The collision velocity, contact force, stress, and energy of apple bruising were analysed using commonly used contact materials (wood and rubber) at falling heights of 600, 900, 1200, 1500, 1800, and 2100 mm. The characteristics of apple bruising after formation were analysed and the susceptibility of apple bruising were explored. The findings suggest that as the height increased, so does the maximum stress and bruise susceptibility. At a height of 2100 mm, the apple’s bruise susceptibility was measured at 24955.87 mm3 J−1 (wood) and 24710.18 mm3 J−1 (rubber), respectively. This study offers valuable insights into understanding the mechanism behind bruising in fruits, and has a guiding role in the control of bruising and the optimal design of related machinery.

Mechanism analysis of the abnormal head-cover vibration of an ultra-high-head pump-turbine operating in pump mode by CFD and FEM

ABSTRACT Hydraulic excitation causes abnormal head-cover vibration in some pump-turbines, particularly as design heads continue to rise. Pump-turbines with heads exceeding 600 m have reported such vibrations in pump mode, and it is urgent to reveal the reasons. A study was conducted on a head-cover of a pump-turbine with a maximum head of 660 m by 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element method (FEM) numerical simulations to investigate the hydraulic excitation source and vibration mechanism. Results show that the intensive vibration is related to the coincidence of frequency and mode between abnormal pressure pulsations with frequency 6–8f n and the low-order wet mode of the head-cover. A new flow pattern termed the rolling vortex was discovered in the vaneless space under high-head pumping conditions. The 6–8f n pressure pulsations result from the interaction between rolling vortices and guide-vanes, similar to the rotor-stator interaction. The flow mechanism of the rolling vortices is that the outflow velocity near the hub at the runner outlet is higher than that near the shroud, due to the positive blade lean angle and the X-shape distorted blades. Suppressing rolling vortices may help eliminate the abnormal head-cover vibration, which will be attempted in further study.

A FEM/DEM adaptive remeshing strategy for brittle elastic failure initiation and propagation

AbstractThis article presents an adaptive remeshing strategy between the finite element method (FEM) and the discrete element method (DEM). To achieve this strategy, an edge‐to‐edge coupling method based on Lagrange multipliers has been set‐up to ensure the continuity of velocities at the interface. To switch from a computation initially purely FEM to a FEM‐DEM one, a field transfer method was required. In particular, a displacement field transfer method has been set‐up. The switching from a FEM subdomain to a DEM one is activated by a transition criterion. Each time a FEM subdomain is substituted by a DEM one, the DEM subdomain microscopic properties are set‐up with respect to the subdomain geometry and desired particle refinement. This is performed thanks to the linking to the so‐called “Cooker,” a tool distributed along with the GranOO Workbench. Two subdomain remeshing cases were dealt with: that of an initially FEM subdomain that is converted to DEM, and that of DEM subdomains which coalesce. A numerical test case shows that the dynamic remeshing method behaves as expected: FEM subdomains are substituted by DEM ones when the transition criterion is met, and DEM subdomains coalesce when required. The final numerical test case shows a good agreement with a crack propagation experiment of the literature, while a speedup of about 20 was observed when compared to pure DEM computation.

Multiphysics simulations of a cylindrical waveguide optical switch using phase change materials on silicon

This work presents the design and multiphysics simulation of a cylindrical waveguide-based optical switch using germanium-antimony-tellurium (GST) as an active phase change material. The innovative cylindrical architecture is theoretically analyzed and evaluated at 1550 nm wavelength for telecommunication applications. The dispersion relation is derived analytically for the first time to model the optical switch, while finite element method (FEM) and finite difference time domain (FDTD) techniques are utilized to simulate the optical modes, light propagation, and phase change dynamics. The fundamental TE01 and HE11 modes are studied in detail, enabling switching between low-loss amorphous and high-loss crystalline GST phases. Increasing the GST thickness is found to increase absorption loss in the crystalline state but also slows down phase transition kinetics, reducing switching speeds. A 10 nm GST layer results in competitive performance metrics of 0.79 dB insertion loss, 13.47 dB extinction ratio, 30 nJ average power consumption, and 3.5 Mb/s bit rate. The combined optical, thermal, and electrical simulation provides comprehensive insights towards developing integrated non-volatile photonic switches and modulators utilizing phase change materials.

Prediction of rolling resistance and wheel force for a passenger car tire: A comparative study on the use of different material models and numerical approaches

In this research, the characteristics of tire-road interaction of a 185/65R14 88H passenger car tire are investigated using the Finite Element Method in Abaqus commercial software. Moreover, the effect of various material models on tire performance is studied by implementing Visco-Hyperelastic, Parallel Rheological Framework, and Mullins effect. The novelty of this research is devoted to the development of the complex material models particularly considering the Mullins effect of the rubber compounds in the tire structure for the load-displacement criteria. For this purpose, a tire finite element model was generated using Abaqus/Standard command line in two different methods including an Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian formulation for steady state rolling and implementing a pure Lagrangian approach for the transient dynamic analysis carried out implicit and explicit process respectively. Rolling resistance force was computed according to ISO 28580 with 210 kPa inflation pressure and 4155 N vertical load. The footprint test results were extracted in both static and transient dynamic analyses. Additionally, the wheel reaction force was predicted using an indirect method by extracting the tire-terrain contact patch reaction force in Abaqus/Explicit to observe the effect of the material convection along with stress softening phenomena of the rubber compounds of tire structure. In the post-processing analysis, the wheel reaction was filtered by implementing SAE60 filter to reduce the numerical noise in the final response.

Dynamic Studies of Binary Adsorption System in Fixed Beds using Orthogonal Collocation on Finite Element Method

Dynamic Studies of Binary Adsorption System in Fixed Beds using Orthogonal Collocation on Finite Element Method

Basic properties of ferromagnetic vector hysteresis play models and their validation by finite element method

Purpose Magnetic hysteresis holds significant technical and physical importance in the design of electromagnetic components. Despite extensive research in this area, modeling magnetic hysteresis remains a challenging task that is yet to be fully resolved. The purpose of this paper is to study vector hysteresis play models for anisotropic ferromagnetic materials in a physical, thermodynamical approach. Design/methodology/approach In this work, hysteresis play models are implemented to interpret magnetic properties, drawing upon classical rate-independent plasticity principles derived from continuum mechanics theory. By conducting qualitative and quantitative verification and validation, various aspects of ferromagnetic vector hysteresis were thoroughly examined. By directly incorporating the hysteresis play models into the primal formulations using fixed point method, the proposed model is validated with measurements in a finite element (FE) environments. Findings The proposed vector hysteresis play model is verified with fundamental properties of hysteresis effects. Numerical analysis is performed in an FE environment. Measured data from a rotational single sheet tester (RSST) are validated to the simulated results. Originality/value The results of this work demonstrates that the essential properties of the hysteresis effects by electrical steel sheets can be represented by the proposed vector hysteresis play models. By incorporation of hysteresis play models into the weak formulations of the magnetostatic problem in the h-based magnetic scalar potential form, magnetic properties of electrical steel sheets can be locally analyzed and represented.

Uniqueness and numerical inversion in bioluminescence tomography with time-dependent boundary measurement

Abstract In the paper, an inverse source problem in bioluminescence tomography (BLT) is investigated. BLT is a method of light imaging and offers many advantages such as sensitivity, cost-effectiveness, high signal-to-noise ratio and non-destructivity. It thus has promising prospects for many applications such as cancer diagnosis, drug discovery and development as well as gene therapies. In the literature, BLT is extensively studied based on the (stationary) diffusion approximation (DA) equation, where the distribution of peak sources is reconstructed and no solution uniqueness is guaranteed without proper a priori information. In this work, motivated by solution uniqueness, a novel dynamic coupled DA model is proposed. Theoretical analysis including the well-posedness of the forward problem and the solution uniqueness of the inverse problem are given. Based on the new model, iterative inversion algorithms under the framework of regularizing schemes are introduced and applied to reconstruct the smooth and non-smooth sources. We discretize the regularization functional with the finite element method and give the convergence rate of numerical solutions. Several numerical examples are implemented to validate the effectiveness of the new model and the proposed algorithms.

Efficient and accurate parameter extraction for quantum-well DFB lasers: a comprehensive approach integrating multiple mathematical models

This study proposes an efficient and accurate method for parameter extraction of quantum well distributed feedback (DFB) lasers by combining the rate equation model, finite element method, transmission matrix method, and traveling wave model (TWM). By fabricating and measuring the companion Fabry-Perot (FP) lasers, material and structural parameters common with the target DFB laser are extracted efficiently. All the intrinsic parameters of the DFB laser are accurately extracted by integrating multiple mathematical models, and the possibility of multiple solutions is avoided. From the extracted parameters, the output characteristics of the DFB laser are simulated using the TWM. The simulation results agree closely with the experimental results, proving the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed method.

Digital twin of surface acoustic wave transceivers for a computational design of an optimal wave guiding layer thickness

AbstractDetection of biomarkers is exploited in lab-on-a-chip devices by means of Love type Surface Acoustic Waves (SAW). Finger type arrangement of electrodes, used for InterDigital-Transducers (IDT), perform well to create and detect SAW by using electro-mechanical coupling. Efficiency of such a transceiver depends on design parameters such as chosen material orientation, thickness, placement of electrodes. An optimized design reduces production costs, hence, we need a digital twin of the device with multiphysics simulations that compute deformation and electric field. In this study, we develop a framework with the open-source package called FEniCS for modal and transient analyses of IDTs by using the Finite Element Method (FEM). Specifically, we discuss all possible sensor design parameters and propose a computational design guideline that determines the “best” thickness parameter by maximizing mass sensitivity, thus, efficiency for a Love surface acoustic wave sensor.

GPU-based parallel programming for FEM analysis in the optimization of steel frames

ABSTRACT Optimization of large-scale frame structures consumes a vast amount of time since the analysis of such complex systems contains several iterative processes. Mitigating computational burden and reducing this time to a reasonable level is possible by running GPU (Graphical Processing Unit) processors, which can be found on standard computers. This study presents an algorithm for the acceleration of size optimization of steel frames by using the BBO (Biogeography-Based Optimization) method that is suitable for GPU architecture. The GPU-based parallel algorithm, designed for FEM (Finite Element Method) analysis, is applied to three hypothetical steel-frame case structures with different numbers of members and nodes; and processed on four different computers which are available on the market. The presented case studies revealed that the proposed solution’s efficiency increases as the number of members increases and confirmed the ability of the acceleration algorithm for optimization of large-scale frame structures and provided time efficiency.

Analysis of r - Adaptive coupling adaptive time integration strategy in FEM of seismic liquefaction

In seismic finite element analysis of saturated soils, the challenges primarily reside in liquefaction and the large deformation of soil induced by strong earthquakes. Traditional updated Lagrangian methods may result in severe mesh distortion after updating the spatial configuration of nodes. To address this issue, this study develops an r - adaptive approach based on a solid - fluid coupling finite element method (FEM) platform to mitigate mesh distortion problems. This technique optimizes mesh nodes without altering the overall topology, thereby maintaining mesh integrity. However, enhancing mesh accuracy comes at the expense of increased computational costs. To alleviate high computational expenses, this study couples two types of adaptive time stepping techniques, based on mixed error and displacement history curvature, with mesh adaptation. Through verification on two typical dynamic liquefaction models of saturated soil on embankment and subway station, this technique effectively balances the relationship between computational accuracy and costs.

Unraveling generalized parton distributions through Lorentz symmetry and partial DGLAP knowledge

Relying on the polynomiality property of generalized parton distributions, which roots on Lorentz covariance, we prove that it is enough to know them at vanishing and low skewness within the Dokshitzer-Gribov-Lipatov-Altarelli-Parisi region to obtain a unique extension to their entire support up to a D term. We put this idea in practice using two methods: reconstruction using artificial neural networks and finite-elements methods. We benchmark our results against standard models for generalized parton distributions. In agreement with the formal expectation, we obtain very a accurate reconstruction for a maximal value of the skewness as low as 20% of the longitudinal momentum fraction. This result might be relevant for reconstruction of generalized parton distribution from experimental and lattice QCD data, where computations are, for now, restricted in skewness. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Variational data assimilation with finite-element discretization for second-order parabolic interface equation

Abstract In this paper, we propose and analyze a finite-element method of variational data assimilation for a second-order parabolic interface equation on a two-dimensional bounded domain. The Tikhonov regularization plays a key role in translating the data assimilation problem into an optimization problem. Then the existence, uniqueness and stability are analyzed for the solution of the optimization problem. We utilize the finite-element method for spatial discretization and backward Euler method for the temporal discretization. Then based on the Lagrange multiplier idea, we derive the optimality systems for both the continuous and the discrete data assimilation problems for the second-order parabolic interface equation. The convergence and the optimal error estimate are proved with the recovery of Galerkin orthogonality. Moreover, three iterative methods, which decouple the optimality system and significantly save computational cost, are developed to solve the discrete time evolution optimality system. Finally, numerical results are provided to validate the proposed method.

Investigation into silver-engine oil nanoliquid convinced by Riga surface: Deviations in three binary nanofluids

The Riga plate is the inventive magnetic mechanism created from assembly of arranged constant magnets and alternate electrode through the plane surface. The inventive magnetic mechanism produces the wall-parallel Lorentz force into postponing the boundary layer division and reducing turbulence effect. In this analysis, the flow performance on silver-engine oil-based nanoparticles by Casson–Jeffrey, Casson–Oldroyd-B and Casson–Maxwell binary nanofluids through the Riga plate was analyzed. By analyzing the correlation transformation, the controlling model was changed into a system of ordinary differential equations, it has been resolved by applying finite element methods. The investigation of the acquired outcomes had been verified by the flow by second-grade fluids which affected importantly the governing parameters. The both EMHD parameter and nanoparticles had acted on the thermal improvement of these non-Newtonian employing fluids. The velocity profiles were magnified when the Lorentz force was instigated over the EMHD parameter. Overall, this Casson–Jeffrey and Casson–Maxwell nanofluid model is more effective than the Casson–Oldroyd-B nanofluids model.