Finite Element Software Research Articles

Progressive collapse resistance of prestressed concrete frame structures with infill walls considering instantaneous column failure

AbstractPrestressed concrete frames with infill walls (IW‐PC frames) are commonly used in civil engineering as a structural element. The possibility of structures undergoing progressive collapse is a cause for concern due to its severe consequences. This has become a significant topic in the academic community in recent years. However, research on the resistance of IW‐PC frame structures to progressive collapse is still insufficient. Therefore, this paper investigated the dynamic effects of progressive collapse on the IW‐PC frame, reinforced concrete frame with infill walls (IW‐RC), prestressed concrete frame (PC), and common reinforced concrete frame (RC). The study was conducted using the finite element software OpenSees. The study revealed that the vertical displacement during stabilization of the IW‐PC frame increased by 92.5% and 71.7% compared to the IW‐RC frame and decreased by 93.9% and 92.6% compared to the PC frame for middle column and side column failure, respectively. Additionally, the IW‐PC frame exhibited the highest dynamic load carrying capacity, which was 7.67 and 7.56 times higher than that of the RC frame, respectively. The mechanical properties of the frame were altered by the coupling effect of prestressed tendons and infill walls, making the IW‐PC frame more monolithic.

Impact of Nanocarbon-Coated Calcium Carbonate on Asphalt Rutting: Experimental and Numerical Analyses

Rutting is a significant form of pavement distress that arises from irreversible strains accumulating along wheel paths, directly impacting pavement safety. This research investigates the effectiveness of nanocarbon-coated micronized calcium carbonate powder as a modified filler to mitigate rutting, utilizing numerical methods via finite element software. The study specifically examines the addition of 5% by weight of this modified filler to the asphalt mix. To validate the numerical results, laboratory wheel-tracking tests were conducted on samples incorporating both conventional and modified fillers. The findings reveal that the modified calcium carbonate filler enhances the asphalt’s resistance to rutting, with the 5% inclusion demonstrating a marked improvement in durability and performance. The study also underscores the necessity of characterizing the elastic and visco-plastic properties of materials through rigorous testing methods, such as elastic modulus and dynamic creep tests, to better understand their behavior under load. Numerical analysis based on linear elastic conditions was prioritized over viscous conditions to effectively compare the results of these specialized materials. The strong correlation between the numerical simulations and laboratory results reinforces the effectiveness of finite element methods in predicting pavement behavior and optimizing asphalt mixtures.

Numerical simulation of friction characteristics of bionic flexible contact surface of front axle rocker arm sleeve of car

Based on the finite element software ABAQUS, the friction process of the flexible friction pair of the front axle rocker bushing of a car with a convex structure similar to the mantis head is established.The finite element model of the process is constructed and its friction characteristics are verified. By selecting a suitable hyperelastic constitutive model and changing the size of the convex structure on the surface of the sleeve,The simulation analysis of the mechanical characteristics of the flexible friction pair in radial and torsional directions shows that the bionic convex hull design changes the maximum stress of the bushing when it is subjected to force.The force and strain position are adjusted to reduce the possibility of cracking of the rubber bushing; the contact friction force and friction coefficient of the bionic bushing surface are significantly reduced, and the type 2 modelThe drag reduction and wear resistance of the profiled surface are the best.

Numerical Modeling of Distributed Macro-Synthetic Fiber and Deformed Bar Reinforcement to Resist Shear

Macro-synthetic fibers are increasingly used in concrete as secondary reinforcement to control temperature and shrinkage cracks, improving durability by limiting crack widths. However, their impact on the shear strength of structural elements remains underexplored, particularly when used in combination with traditional steel reinforcement. To address this knowledge gap, this study developed and calibrated a non-linear numerical model to simulate the shear response of macro-synthetic fiber-reinforced concrete (PFRC) elements, using finite element software VecTor2. The model was calibrated with experimental data from PFRC panels subjected to pure shear loading, incorporating a custom concrete tension-softening model to capture the contribution of fibers. Validation against a broad range of PFRC beam experiments from the literature demonstrated the model’s accuracy, achieving an average predicted-to-experimental shear strength ratio of 0.99 (COV = 5.5%). Additionally, the model successfully replicated key response characteristics such as deformation patterns, crack propagation, and residual strength. The proposed modeling approach provides valuable insights into the interaction between fiber volume and transverse reinforcement. It also serves as a powerful tool for future numerical studies, addressing the existing data gap on PFRC behavior and exploring the synergistic effects of macro-synthetic fibers and steel reinforcement on shear strength.

Numerical investigation of thermal influence on debonding behavior in composite structures through a friction and cohesive coupled model

AbstractThis study conducts an in-depth numerical analysis of debonding behavior in composite structures, with a particular focus on the critical role of thermal effects. Utilizing a frictional contact cohesive zone model, the research characterizes the debonding process while sequentially integrating thermal analysis to assess the impact of thermal loading. A thermomechanical coupled model is developed and implemented using the finite element software ABAQUS. The model's accuracy is validated through the Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) test, ensuring reliable results. The methodology involves a detailed finite element analysis, where thermal loads are applied to composite specimens, followed by mechanical loading to simulate debonding. The frictional contact cohesive zone model accurately captures the interface behavior under varying thermal conditions. Quantitative results indicate that thermal loading significantly affects the debonding process, with a noticeable increase in debonding initiation and propagation rates, highlighting the critical influence of thermal effects on structural integrity.

Mesh characteristic changes of spiral bevel gear pair with assembly errors during tooth crack propagation

Spiral bevel gears (SBGs) are often used because of their strong carrying capacity and lower vibration. However, this heightened load capacity can sometimes result in the development of tooth surface cracks. This study aims to simulate the three-dimensional propagation of cracks in SBGs under various assembly conditions and explore how the presence of cracks affects mesh characteristics. This paper investigates crack propagation in SBGs by applying principles of fracture mechanics. Employing a combination of finite element software ABAQUS and fracture mechanics software FRANC3D, the study conducts a three-dimensional analysis of crack propagation in SBGs. The study analyzes the impact of crack propagation on the lifespan and mesh characteristics of SBGs, including crack propagation morphology, transmission error, time-varying meshing stiffness (TVMS), gear life, and tooth surface force, under various assembly errors.

Theoretical Study of Asymmetric Bending Force on Metal Deformation in Cold Rolling

A three-dimensional elastic–plastic finite element model of a six-roll cold rolling mill has been developed using the finite element software ABAQUS. The actual parameters of the rolling mill have been incorporated into the finite element model, with the working conditions applied as boundary constraints and load conditions. Subsequently, a non-symmetrical bending force is introduced to the finite element model. Through simulation calculations, this study analyzes the patterns of change in the transverse pressure of the rolling mill and roller pressure during non-symmetrical bending, as well as the variations in strip thickness, crown, edge drop, and flatness. Additionally, the regulating function of the bending force is examined. Each adjustment of 5 t in the asymmetric bending force results in an increase of approximately 0.01 mm in the thickness of the positive bending side of the strip while causing a decrease of about 0.01 mm in the thickness of the negative bending side. Therefore, the application of asymmetric bending forces proves to be effective in controlling the shape of lateral wave defects on the edges of steel strips.

Finite element analysis of ductility and flexural capacity of FRP and steel bars hybrid reinforced concrete beams

AbstractTo study the flexural behavior of hybrid reinforced concrete (hybrid‐RC) beams with FRP and steel bars, this paper used ABAQUS finite element (FE) software to model and nonlinear analyze the hybrid‐RC beams and investigate the effects of effective reinforcement ratio, concrete strength, and FRP bars type on the flexural behavior of hybrid‐RC beams. In addition, the FRP bars stress, flexural bearing capacity, and ductility formulas for hybrid‐RC beams were fitted based on the FE results, and existing literature data were used to verify their accuracy. The FE model results indicated that the effective reinforcement ratio, FRP bars type, and concrete strength significantly impacted the flexural bearing capacity and deformation performance of hybrid‐RC beams. Increasing the strength of concrete improved the flexural bearing capacity and ductility of hybrid‐RC beams; increasing the effective reinforcement ratio and the elastic modulus of FRP bars increased the flexural bearing capacity of the hybrid‐RC beams but decreased its ductility. In addition, the fitted FRP bars stress, flexural bearing capacity, and ductility calculation formulas can quickly and conveniently predict the flexural bearing capacity and ductility of hybrid‐RC beams.

An In-Depth Exploration of Numerical Simulations for Stress Fields in Multi-Directional Rolling Processes

To address issues such as large surface roughness, coarse grains, and poor mechanical properties in low-carbon steel parts produced through wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM), this paper proposes a method combining multi-directional incremental forming with the WAAM process. The additive manufacturing and cooling processes were simulated using the finite element software Abaqus to analyze the effects of multi-directional additive manufacturing on the stress field of the fabricated parts. The results indicate that after multi-directional incremental forming, the residual stress in the fabricated parts shifts from tensile stress to compressive stress, thereby reducing the risk of defects such as cracks. Moreover, the equivalent plastic strain of the processed parts increases, and the surface microhardness improves, with the most significant impact of multi-directional incremental forming observed in the contact area of the rolling head.

Research on magnetic nonchain transport of steel cartridge casing ammunition

Magnetic force is used to drive ferromagnetic objects by shortening the magnetic flux path to reduce magnetic reluctance and increase magnetic conductivity. Based on this characteristic, magnetic force drives have been widely applied in various fields, such as military, transportation, and engineering, attracting significant attention. This paper proposes a method for the nonchain transport of steel shell ammunition based on magnetic force. The force generated by the minimal magnetic resistance in the air gap is utilized to drive the steel shell ammunition. A calculation model for the driving component is proposed using the Maxwell stress tensor method, and the accuracy of the model is verified by simulating ammunition motion curves using finite element software. Finally, prototype experiments are conducted to explore the motion conditions under uncertain ammunition masses. The magnetic nonchain ammunition transport mechanism features a simpler structure and lower maintenance costs, making it more suitable for use on unmanned platforms.

Design, Testing, and Experimental Validation of a Rotary Vibration-Assisted Polishing Device (RVAPD) for Enhanced Machining and Surface Quality.

A rotary vibration-assisted polishing device (RVAPD) is designed to enhance polishing force by converting PZT's linear motion into the rotary motion of a central platform via a flexible mechanism, improving material surface quality. The RVAPD is optimized, simulated, and tested to meet high-frequency and large-amplitude non-resonant vibration polishing requirements. Its structure, designed using theoretical models and finite element software, offers a wide range of polishing parameters. Performance parameters are validated through open-loop tests, confirming effectiveness in polishing experiments. The lever mechanism and Hoeckens connection enhance vibration parameters and motion efficiency, reducing surface flaws in SiC and improving uniformity. Adjusting the RVAPD structure and using the proposed method significantly improve SiC surface quality.

Halbach structure parameter optimization by Maxwell tensor method for PML in manned hybrid maglev

This paper presents an optimization of the Halbach structure parameters for the permanent magnetic levitation (PML) component in manned hybrid maglev system using Maxwell tensor method. The focus is on enhancing the levitation force and reducing the lateral stiffness, which are important for improving the system’s load capacity and lateral stability. Based on the analysis of the magnetic flux density formula as presented by Halbach (1985), seven structural parameters were reduced to four independent variables. The Maxwell tensor formulation enabled the derivation of analytical expressions for the levitation force and stiffness, leading to identification of parametier conbinations that maximize magneitc properties. Contour plots were constructed to visually demonstrate the impact of parameter variations on magnetic characteristics, including magnetic flux density, levitation force, and lateral stiffness. Ultimately, a series of optimization cases for structural parameters were proposed in accordance with the design requirements of the manned hybrid Maglev system, and these cases were comprehensively evaluated through contour plot analysis. Furthermore, the finite element software FEMM was utilized to model and validate the optimal cases, thereby confirming the effectiveness of the analytical expressions for magnetic properties and the optimization strategy. This research not only provides theoretical support for the design of PML components but also offers new insights into the optimization of magnetic characteristics for hybrid maglev systems.

Numerical Investigation on the Hysteretic Performance of Self-Centering Precast Steel–Concrete Hybrid Frame

To improve the construction performance and seismic resilience of precast reinforced-concrete frame structures, an innovative self-centering precast steel–concrete hybrid frame has been proposed and subjected to cyclic loading tests. In this paper, a comprehensive numerical analysis was conducted to further investigate the frame’s hysteretic behavior. Initially, a numerical model was developed using the finite element software OpenSees. Numerical analyses of two frame specimens were conducted, demonstrating good agreement between the numerical and experimental hysteretic characteristics, thus validating the model’s accuracy. Subsequently, based on the numerical simulations, a quantitative comparison of hysteretic performance between a novel frame and a traditional reinforced-concrete frame of the same scale was performed. While the proposed frame exhibited slightly lower initial stiffness and energy dissipation capacity than the traditional frame, it outperformed in terms of load-carrying capacity and self-centering ability. Finally, parametric analyses were carried out to assess the influence of various design parameters on the hysteretic performance, including friction force in the web frictions devices, initial post-tensioned force of the prefabricated steel–concrete hybrid beams, the steel arm length, and the column longitudinal reinforcement ratio. The results showed that increases in these four parameters improved the load-carrying capacity and initial stiffness of the proposed frame. Additionally, an increase in the friction force, steel arm length, or column longitudinal reinforcement ratio enhanced the frame’s energy dissipation capacity, while an increase in the initial post-tensioned force or a decrease in the friction force enhanced the frame’s self-centering capacity.

Study on the Susceptibility of Steel Arches with Letting Pressure Nodes Based on Incremental Dynamic Analysis

When soft rock tunnels pass through fractured fault zones, they are particularly susceptible to extrusion and large-scale deformations, especially during seismic events. To address these challenges, this study introduces an innovative yield-support steel arch design featuring a circumferential letting pressure node at its core. This design delivers incremental support resistance within the deformation zone and a susceptibility curve is applied to evaluate the damage probability of the steel arch with a letting pressure node under seismic loading conditions. Measurements of the surrounding rock pressure and structural forces on the steel arch with the letting pressure node were conducted at the Baoshan Jewel Mountain Tunnel in China. The field experiment results revealed a 23% reduction in the surrounding rock pressure and an 11% decrease in the internal forces of the support structure. These findings demonstrate the successful application of the letting pressure node-supported steel arch in mitigating large deformations in soft rock environments. Additionally, using finite element software ANSYS 2022, a seismic time-history analysis was conducted, employing the relative deformation rate of the letting pressure node steel arch as the damage index and the peak ground acceleration (PGA) as the strength parameter to generate the incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) curve. According to the susceptibility curve derived from the incremental dynamic analysis, at the design ground motion level of 8 degrees, the letting pressure node steel arch has a 94% probability of exceeding its normal service life limit and experiencing damage. The findings of this study offer a novel approach to addressing large deformations in soft rock tunnels. The proposed susceptibility curves for steel arches with letting pressure nodes provide a robust foundation for predicting the damage probability of yielding support structures under seismic conditions.

Quantitative analysis of construction risks in shallowly buried biased tunnel portal section

To address the prominent problem of collapse instability in shallow buried soft ground tunnels, a non-invasive stochastic finite element method was introduced. Taking Fujian Puyan Wenbishan tunnel as the background project, ABAQUS finite element software was used to analyze the tunnel excavation mechanics and parameter sensitivity. And developed the software interface program based on Python to output explicit limit state equation for the key mechanical indexes of the tunnel, so as to evaluate the tunnel reliability under different excavation methods, quantitatively. Study results show a significant improvement in efficiency and accuracy when calculating the probability of failure in tunnel excavation by the non-invasive stochastic finite element method. The maximum displacement monitoring points for the Wenbishan tunnel portal section were all vault settlement, with displacements of 33.6 mm, 30.2 mm, and 25.3 mm, respectively, using the annular retained core soil method, single sidewall guide pit and double sidewall guide pit method, with probabilities of failure of 36.11%, 28.03%, and 20.02%. It is found that the reliability of the tunnel is mainly determined by the geotechnical weight, elastic modulus and cohesion of the weak sandy soil layer, which can provide ideas for this type of engineering researches.

Composite Fiber Wrapping Techniques for Enhanced Concrete Mechanics

This study systematically investigates the enhancement effects of different fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) materials on the axial compressive performance of concrete. Through experimental evaluations of single-layer, double-layer, and composite FRP reinforcement techniques, the impact of various FRP materials and their combinations on concrete’s axial compressive strength and deformation characteristics was assessed. The results indicate that single-layer CFRP reinforcement significantly improves concrete axial compressive strength and stiffness, while double-layer CFRP further optimizes stress distribution and load-bearing capacity. Among the composite FRP reinforcements, the combination with CFRP as the outer layer demonstrated superior performance in enhancing the overall structural integrity. Additionally, numerical analyses of the mechanical behavior of the reinforced structures were conducted using ABAQUS 2023HF2 finite element software, which validated the experimental findings and elucidated the mechanisms by which FRP influences the internal stress field of concrete. This research provides theoretical support and empirical data for the optimized design and practical application of FRP reinforcement technologies in engineering.

Study on construction technology and bearing mechanism of pressure cast-in-situ pile with spray-expanded frustum

The pressure cast-in-situ pile with spray-expanded frustum (PCPSF) is a new type of pile developed by the last author, which is composed of pile body, ribbed plate and expanded body with double-frustum. This paper presents the equipment used to produce the PCPSF and the spray-expansion extrusion vibration and pressure method used for construction of the PCPSF. The PCPSF model of cement soil transition layer around pile is built with finite element software. The accuracy of the numerical calculations is verified through a comparison with the results of static load tests conducted on PCPSF. Furthermore, the impact of the expanding ratio, expanded body location, and ribbed plate length on the response of the PCPSF is investigated. The results show that: (1) the ultimate bearing capacity (UBC) of PCPSF single pile is proportional to the diameter expanding ratio and the length of the ribbed plate; (2) the improvement of the bearing capacity of single cubic concrete of PCPSF decreases with the increase of expanding ratio; (3) the bearing capacity of expanded body can be activated ahead of time as it advances up in position, and there is a trend toward a steady increase in the combined bearing capacity of the expanded body and pile end; (4) as the expanded body moves up, the vertical stress of the soil below pile tip decreases, the rate of decay of additional stress is accelerated; (5) under the identical circumstances, the PCPSF's bearing capacity is 1.5 times greater than the traditional cast-in-place pile's, and the presence of cement soil transition layer contributes 15 % of the lateral resistance of the PCPSF.

Dynamic substructuring for visco-elastic materials using a POD-based model reduction method: application to laminated panels

Dynamic substructuring is now a well established and powerful tool for engineers used to analyze the dynamic response of mechanical systems. The technique is particularly favored for the simulation of mechanical vibrations allowing different aspects to be studied. It consists in splitting the global structure into several substructures from which reduced models are built. In Finite Element software, these reduced models, also called superelements, are generally built using the concept of Component Mode Synthesis. Difficulties arise when structures made of frequency-dependent materials are considered since classical modal reduction algorithms are inapplicable as they are because of the frequency-dependence of the stiffness matrix. Based on the Balanced Truncation approach, a novel methodology for the construction of a superelement for the dynamic analysis of elastic structures made with viscoelastic materials is presented. The methodology takes advantage of the Golla-Hughes-McTavish rheological model (GHM) before reducing the system via the Balanced Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (BPOD). The coupling of the superelement with a host structure is achieved via the use of Lagrange multipliers. The reduced system takes the form of a constant matrix of very small size compared to the original FE model. The method is applied to laminated panels such as an automobile windscreen.

Numerical study of thermo-viscous effects in acoustic materials using linearized Navier-Stokes equations

Acoustic materials, characterized by small-scale structures, require a detailed understanding of dissipation effects within the viscous and thermal boundary layers where most of the dissipation takes place. Despite the prevalent assumption of lossless or isentropic conditions in many applications, a comprehensive study of regions where thermal and viscous losses occur is crucial, particularly in scenarios where wall-induced losses are significant. Bridging this gap, the study aims to investigate these losses in various structures to guide the development of innovative acoustic materials. To achieve this objective, the Linearized Navier-Stokes Equations (LNSE) solver from the finite element software COMSOL is employed to determine the absorption coefficients and to identify predominant regions of thermal and viscous losses. The model is validated using experimental and published data. The study effectively reveals specific regions where these losses significantly dominate, highlighting their critical influence on acoustic material performance. Although the structures are simplified to 2D models to balance physical details with computational feasibility, the ability to identify dominant loss regions marks a significant contribution to the field and paves the way to refine the design of acoustic materials.

An analytical dynamic stiffness method for efficient broadband vibro-acoustic analysis of complex built-up structures

An analytical modelling technique is presented, combining the dynamic stiffness method (DSM) with the spectral DSM (SDSM) for the broadband vibro-acoustic analysis of complex built-up structures. In particular, the structures are modelled exactly by the DSM based on particular solutions tailored for general acoustic or distributed force excitations; whereas the acoustic cavities are modelled by the SDSM where the boundary conditions are described by modified Fourier series with a rapid convergence rate. The vibro-acoustic coupling along the interfaces between the structures and the cavities is achieved by applying the normal velocity continuity condition, leading to a coupling matrix in an analytical manner. Both structural and acoustic cavity elements are assembled directly to model complex vibro-acoustic systems and no extra element discretization is required for both structural and acoustic domains. Consequently, the proposed method uses very few degrees of freedom (DoFs) but describes the broadband vibro-acoustic behaviour highly accurately. It is demonstrated that the proposed method exhibits a predominant advantage over the finite element package COMSOL in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency. This approach also has the potential to serve as the benchmark for a wide range of vibro-acoustic problems.