Finite Element Method Research Articles

A comparative slope stability analyses of heavily jointed open-pit slopes using 3D limit equilibrium and finite element methods: a case study from Bingöl, Türkiye

ABSTRACT This study investigates the slope stability of Bingöl open-pit iron mine slopes using 3D limit equilibrium and finite element methods. The pit benches are 3 m wide and 6 m high, with an overall slope angle of 38°. The geological composition comprises slightly to moderately weathered and heavily jointed phyllite, micaschist, and gneiss. Shear strength parameters were determined through back analyses of already failed sections using the Hoek-Brown failure criterion and Geological Strength Index (GSI). Factor of safety values for static and dynamic conditions were calculated using 3D limit equilibrium and 2D finite element analyses. Results show good agreement between the two methods, with benches in the northern section exhibiting a significant decrease in safety factor under dynamic conditions, indicating near-limit equilibrium slopes.

Modeling and sensitivity analysis of a supersonic inductive Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator

This study presents the supersonic inductive Magnetohydrodynamic (SIMHD) generator and simulates its model through the use of COSMOL Multiphysics. This generator, as an inductive MHD generator, is suggested to address the problems associated with the conventional MHD generator. Since the proposed generator does not require a moving part to convert thermal energy to electrical energy, it is categorized as a direct energy convertor. The SIMHD generator consists of a converging-diverging duct and is divided into two sections at the diverging part by means of a diaphragm. Both of these sections are diverging, which makes it possible to obtain a high Mach number. In this regard, the performance of the SIMHD generator is studied by its mathematical modeling and numerical simulation using the finite element method. In addition, a sensitivity analysis is carried out on the design parameters. The results indicate that the proposed SIMHD duct design will increase the speed from 160 to 1300 m⁄s, and decrease the temperature from 2100 to 1300 K. Moreover, considering a charge generation equation, the produced power for the resistive load 50 Ω equals 25.3 kW. This generator also has the potential to be used in scramjets and ramjets.

Thermal modal analysis of hypersonic composite wing on transient aerodynamic heating

Considering the influence of thermal stress and material property variations, this study employs the Navier–Stokes equations and Fourier heat conduction law to establish a semi-implicit time-domain numerical analysis method for hypersonic aerothermal-structural coupling. Study the temporal variation pattern of different regions of the composite material wing under aerodynamic heating. Using the obtained transient temperature field of the wing, the thermal modal of the wing at different time points is calculated using the finite element method. Additionally, it conducts an analysis and discussion on the factors influencing the thermal modal. Composites can be effectively utilized as thermal protection materials for aircraft. During the aerodynamic heating process, the leading edge temperature reaches thermal equilibrium first, followed by the trailing edge, and the belly plate experiences a slower thermal response. Temperature rise significantly affects higher-order modes, with the change in material properties during the early stages of heating being the dominant factor. This leads to a faster decrease in natural frequency. As heat conduction progresses, the influencing factors of thermal stresses gradually increase, and the natural frequency decreases slowly or even rises.

Pillar electrodes embedded in the skeletal muscle tissue for selective stimulation of biohybrid actuators with increased contractile distance.

Electrodes are crucial for controlling the movements of biohybrid robots, but their external placement outside muscle tissue often leads to inefficient and non-selective stimulation of nearby biohybrid actuators. To address this, we propose embedding pillar electrodes within the skeletal muscle tissue, resulting in enhanced contraction of the target muscle without affecting the neighbor tissue with a 4 mm distance. We use finite element method (FEM) simulations to establish a selectivity model, correlating the VIE (volume integration of electric field intensity within muscle tissue) with actual contractile distances under different amplitudes of electrical pulses. The simulated selective index closely aligns with experimental results, showing the potential of pillar electrodes for effective and selective biohybrid actuator stimulation. In experiments, we validated that the contractile distance and selectivity achieved with these pillar electrodes exceed conventional Au rod electrodes. This innovation has promising implications for building biohybrid robots with densely arranged muscle tissue, ultimately achieving more human-like movements. Additionally, our selectivity model offers valuable predictive tools for assessing electrical stimulation effects with different electrode designs.

Simulation of ageing and wear effect on graphene THz passive components using finite element method

Simulation of ageing and wear effect on graphene THz passive components using finite element method

AI-based predictive approach via FFB propagation in a driven-cavity of Ostwald de-Waele fluid using CFD-ANN and Levenberg–Marquardt

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques into computational science has ushered in a new era of innovation and efficiency in various fields, with particular significance in computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Several methods based on AI and Machine Learning (ML) have been standardized in many fields of computational science, including computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This study aims to couple CFD with artificial neural networks (ANNs) to predict the fluid forces that arise when a flowing fluid interacts with obstacles installed in the flow domain. The momentum equation elucidating the flow has been simulated by adopting the finite element method (FEM) for a range of rheological and kinematic conditions. Hydrodynamic forces, including pressure drop between the back and front of the obstacle, surface drag, and lift variations, are measured on the outer surface of the cylinder via CFD simulations. This data has subsequently been fed into a Feed-Forward Back (FFB) propagation neural network for the prediction of such forces with completely unknown data. For all cases, higher predictivity is achieved for the drag coefficient (CD) and lift coefficient (CL) since the mean square error (MSE) is within ± 2% and the coefficient of determination (R) is approximately 99% for all the cases. The influence of pertinent parameters like the power law index (n) and Reynolds number (Re) on velocity, pressure, and drag and lift coefficients is also presented for limited cases. Moreover, a significant reduction in computing time has been noticed while applying hybrid CFD-ANN approach as compared with CFD simulations only.

The Finite Element Method in Time for Multibody Dynamics

Abstract The generalized-α scheme has become the approach of choice for the time integration of the equations of motion of multibody systems. Despite its simplicity, this scheme presents drawbacks: the time-step size cannot be changed easily, making it difficult to implement time adaptivity, and the solution of periodic problems cannot be found easily. This paper explores an alternative approach based on the finite element method in time. The basic principles underpinning the approach are presented and both time-continuous and time-discontinuous approaches are investigated. Two types of Galerkin schemes will be presented here: the time-continuous and the time-discontinuous schemes. In the former, the displacement field is continuous across interelement boundaries, whereas discontinuities or “jumps” are allowed across interelement boundaries for the latter. Simple problems are treated to identify the best schemes. Families of schemes of various accuracies are presented. The first family, based on time-continuous elements, features schemes that do not present numerical dissipation. Asymptotic annihilation is achieved by the time-discontinuous elements that form the second family. The problem of kinematic constraints is treated within the framework of the finite element method in time. Special emphasis is devoted to the satisfaction of the kinematic constraints and their time derivative within a time element.

Non-Newtonian thermal elastohydrodynamic mixed lubrication in elliptical contact for nutation-driven double circular-arc spiral bevel gear pair

The new type of nutation reducer with double circular-arc bevel gears as the core is characterized by advantages such as high load-bearing capacity, large transmission ratio, and simple structure. The existing research focuses on the machining methods of gears and the analysis of tooth contact. This article first time establishes an elastohydrodynamic mixed lubrication model for nutation double circular-arc bevel gear. The model's accuracy is verified by comparing it with existing test results. On this basis, combined with the finite element method and tooth contact analysis, the meshing characteristics, tooth contact characteristics, and lubrication characteristics of the double circular-arc bevel gear tooth surface are analyzed. The results show that the entrainment velocity at the contact point of the tooth surface during transmission is much higher than the sliding velocity. Consequently, the meshing motion is close to pure rolling. In constant-speed transmission, the oil film thickness at the engaging-in and exit points near the edge of the tooth surface is smaller than that at other meshing points on the tooth surface. This phenomenon can easily lead to mixed lubrication and lubrication failure, as well as tooth surface wear. During deceleration, i.e., when the speed drops to 50 r/min, the oil film thickness approaches zero, indicating that the gear has entered a mixed lubrication state. The proposed model can be used for lubrication analysis and improving transmission accuracy of nutation double circular-arc bevel gears.

Study of Vector Bending Sensor in Various Configurations

A triple-core photonic crystal fiber (TCPCF) vector bending sensor has been introduced to study geometric parameter changes. The TCPCF shows a linear relationship between effective refractive index and input wavelength near 1.55µm. An asymmetrical geometry has been proposed for sensing both the direction and amplitude of the bend. The geometry of fiber creates an asymmetrical refractive index profile that leads to shifts in light speed in different fiber sections during the bend. The finite element method is used to study all sensor structures. The variation of the distance between cores, air hole diameter, and the angle between the side cores are studied. This sensor's need for precise and complex fabrication techniques is one of their challenges. Another challenge the design of these types of sensors faces is calibration for different environments and fabrication methods after fabrication is finished.

Study of Panel Zone Behavior in Interior Beam–Column Joints with Reduced Beam Section (RBS)

Based on the post-earthquake investigation of the Beiling and Hanshen earthquakes, many welded rigid beam–column joints were found to exhibit brittle failure. The failure modes of the joint region and the overall steel frame structure under the action of the earthquake need to be studied. The seismic performance of different types of weakened beam-end interior joints was investigated. The finite element method was verified by high-strength steel beam–column joint tests conducted by our research team. Finite element modeling of weakened steel beam flanges and weakened steel beam web joints was carried out based on the validated finite element modeling method. The joints were studied and analyzed using seismic parameters such as joint stress clouds, equivalent story shear–inter-story displacement ratio curves, panel zone bending moment–shear ratio curves, ductility, stiffness, and energy dissipation. The results of this study showed that honeycomb open hole-type joints exhibit a better deformation and energy dissipation capacity compared to open circular web hole-type joints. However, their load carrying capacity is reduced, which is mainly due to the larger area of the web openings. Additionally, double reduced beam section (DRBS) joints exhibit superior seismic performance and plastic hinge outward movement characteristics compared to single reduced beam section (RBS) joints. It was also found that the deformation and energy dissipation of DRBS joints and steel beam honeycomb hole-type joints are mainly borne by the beams, with the panel zone’s participation in energy dissipation accounting for a smaller proportion of the energy.

Enhancement of solar blind full band absorption in photodetector with Ga2O3 nanopore and Al nanograting

In this paper, we presented a novel double-layer light-trapping structure consisting of nanopores and nanograting positioned on both the surface and bottom of a gallium oxide-based solar-blind photodetector. Utilizing the finite element method (FEM), we thoroughly investigated the light absorption enhancement capabilities of this innovative design. The simulation results show that the double-layer nanostructure effectively combines the light absorption advantages of nanopores and nanogratings. Compared with thin film devices and devices with only nanopore or nanograting structures, double-layer nanostructured devices have a higher light absorption, achieving high light absorption in the solar blind area.

Using deep learning method to predict dimensionless values of stress intensity factors and T‐stress of edge notch disk bend (ENDB) specimen

AbstractA deep learning (DL) approach is implemented to determine the dimensionless stress intensity factors of mode‐I (YI) and mode‐III (YIII), as well as the normalized T‐stress (T*) of the edge notch disk bend specimen. The deep neural network (DNN) method as the DL approach is used to model the relationship between the geometry parameters of the specimen a/t, S/R, and β as inputs, and YI, YIII, and T* as output variables. To this end, three datasets consisting of 176, 176, and 123 finite element method data points from the previous studies are extracted for YI, YIII, and T*, respectively. The developed DNN models predicted the YI, YIII, and T* with correlations of 0.97003, 0.96918, and 0.97047, respectively. Then partial dependence plot is performed to determine the relationship between YI, YIII, and T* and the geometry parameters, which is useful in predicting and optimizing YI, YIII, and T*.

Adaptive quadtree edge-based smoothed finite element method for limit state analysis of structures

Adaptive quadtree edge-based smoothed finite element method for limit state analysis of structures

Examination of Precast Concrete Movement Subjected to Vibration Employing Mass-Spring Model with Two Convective Masses

This article investigates the movement of concrete subjected to vibration employing mass-spring model. For this purpose, two different prefabricated concrete-formworks, on which experimental work was done before, were analysed analytically. The theoretical modeling of precast formworks employed in experiments has been made by the three-dimensional finite element method employing the SAP2000 program. Modeling of mortar is performed to resolve the interaction between the fresh concrete and formwork using the mass-spring model. Considering the dynamic behavior of the fluid, it is possible to define multiple oscillation (convective) masses with different frequency values in addition to the impulse mass. Thus, one impulse mass and two convective masses were used in the mass-spring model. This study is essentially theoretical, and its accuracy has been strengthened by experimental work. The time-dependent results of concrete movement obtained from the dynamic mass-spring model were compared with the measured ones. The matches indicate that the findings are consistent.

Coupled modal characteristics of a bladed rotor bearing system under aerodynamic and rotor excitations: Modelling and numerical study

Bladed Rotor Bearing System is considered in the coupled vibration analysis among blades and the rotor system. The governing equations of motion are derived based on Lagrange’s equation, which accounts for the coupled vibrational modes. The model is discretised based on the Galerkin finite element method. A comparative analysis on the influence of uniform and pre-twisted blade configurations on the BRBS and on individual blades is carried out. Free vibration analysis for various blade geometry configurations is studied and results show that natural frequencies of the blades are reduced in the presence of pre-twist whereas the same is increased with double-taper. The Campbell diagram revealed the presence of frequency veering among the blades and rotor loci of natural frequencies for a specific blade configuration. The influence of aerodynamic and external excitations on the blades and the rotor, respectively, are considered in the forced response analysis, where the resulting effects of both the excitations on the individual blades and the BRBS for different blade configurations are studied.

Gas emissivities and absorptivities for H2O–CO2–CO mixtures

AbstractIn this work, an approximate solution is given to compute the gas emissivities and absorptivities for H2O–CO2–CO mixtures. The proposed model is valid for temperatures from 300 to 2700 K and pressure path‐length from 0.06 to 40 atm m. In the calculation of the analytical solution (AS), the nonlinear methods of Galerkin and Ritz were implemented based on the residual solution of the differential roots of the Finite Element Method. For each point value using the AS, the spectral absorptivity and emissivity were determined, while for the gas mixture the emissivity and absorptivity were computed using the Hottel Graphical Method (HGM) and the proposed method. In the emissivity calculations, the HGM shows less adjustment, with values of ±20% and ±15% for 79.1% and 56.2% of the available analytical data, while the proposed model correlates adequately with the available data, showing an average deviation of ±15% and ±10% for 91.4% and 76.2% of the available data. In the absorptivity estimations, the HGM shows a weaker fit, with values of ±20% and ±15% for 77.3% and 51.4% of the experimental data, respectively, while the proposed model shows good agreement with the available data, with a mean deviation of ±15% and ±10% for 89.8% and 74.1% of the test made.

Study on mode properties of GaAs based hybrid plasmonic terahertz waveguide

Abstract The Terahertz (THz) field is emerging with the goal of addressing the critical challenges associated with achieving high data rates and rapid communication. In this study, a hybrid plasmonic THz waveguide has been designed and analyzed operating in 2.5-3.5 THz frequency range. The waveguide is constructed using GaAs (Gallium Arsenide) as the high refractive index core, surrounded by AlAs (Aluminium Arsenide), Ag (Silver) and placed on an HDPE (high-density polyethylene) substrate. Graphene is strategically positioned between HDPE layer to enhance light confinement. The mode properties of the designed waveguide that have been simulated using multiphysics simulations of finite element method shows unique characteristics. The observations of the simulated results at 2.5 to 3.5 THz, shows the effective refractive index of 3.79, effective mode area of 1.88 mm2, birefringence of 0.2, dispersion of 0.10 ps/THz/cm, mode field diameter of 15.8 mm, beat length of 123 mm, confinement loss 1.79 x 10-9 mm-1 has been obtained. These features make the proposed waveguide suitable for applications in photonic integrated circuits for THz communications.

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.