Preliminary Finite Element Model Research Articles

Magnetic focusing sensor and its characterizations of defect non-destructive testing for ferromagnetic steel plate

The fast development in precision manufacturing and product quality inspection of ferromagnetic material desperately demands that the defect determining the performance, service life and reliability of the mechanical part should be accurately sensed, detected and evaluated. However, conventional defect detection methods and related magnetic induction sensors are usually characterized with low accuracy in small defect detection, which makes the non-destructive testing (NDT) for ferromagnetic material full of challenges. Thus, a new magnetic focusing sensor is proposed and designed for the precision defect detection of ferromagnetic steel plate here. First, the theoretical principle analysis of the magnetic focusing sensor is introduced, and the preliminary finite element modeling (FEM) is conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of the magnetic focusing sensor in tiny defect inspection. Then, both the static and coupling dynamic characterizations of the magnetic focusing sensor are investigated using the FEM method. The optimal structural parameters of the magnetic focusing (MF) sensor in static conditions are summarized. Furthermore, the effects of the dynamic movement of the MF sensor on the multi-physical fields of the magnetization field, electric field, electromagnetic attraction force field and thermal field are all revealed. Finally, experiments regarding the performance evaluation and comparison between the MF sensor and other two magnetic flux leakage (MFL) sensors are conducted, and the prominent capabilities of accurate and precise defect detection for the MF sensor is demonstrated through the defect detection with different sizes. The effectiveness and feasibility of the MF sensor in detecting tiny defects on ferromagnetic object, as well as its great potential for practical application is therefore validated. Additionally, the main conclusions, advantages of the MF sensor are summarized and the future work is discussed.

Classification criteria for austenitic stainless steel H-section under cyclic loading about major-axis

Stainless steel exhibits strain hardening characteristics under cyclic loading, hence presenting significant potential for application in seismic design. However, the current stainless steel structural design code fails to account for this beneficial effect in the cross-section classification. Given the scarcity of research about the behavior of structural stainless steel members under cyclic stress, this paper establishes the preliminary finite element model for the austenitic stainless steel (EN 1.4301) H-section. Firstly, finite element model validation of the existing cyclic tests on stainless steel members from literature was performed, followed by numerical analyses of a total of 370 beam and beam-columns members with different axial compression ratios and plate width-thickness ratios, and subsequently evaluated the cross-section classifications specified in prEN 1993-1-4, AISC 370 and CECS 410 through extensive parametric studies. The results indicate that the current design codes are conservative in the provisions for cross-section classification because they neglect the influence of plate interactions and material strengthening effects during cyclic loading. In this paper, limit and generalized expressions for austenitic stainless steel H-section with different axial compression ratios and cross-section classes under cyclic loading about major-axis are proposed. Additionally, the effect of material strengthening on cross-section classification under cyclic loading is examined.

Dynamical features and FE modelling of a multi-span historical masonry arch bridge

The Italian road infrastructural asset includes a large number of historical masonry arch bridges. Many of these structures are today still in service, despite their ancientness and the frequent lack of maintenance and upgrading interventions. Given the strategic role they often play in the road network, their protection and conservation are an urgent priority to avoid connection issues, as well as losses of human lives. The structural assessment of these structures may be far from trivial since original design documents are generally missing. Thus, they must be subjected to articulate knowledge processes, which include geometrical surveys (both externally and internally), tests on material and, if possible, characterization of the overall dynamic behavior. Based on this premise, in the present paper the case study of a five-span masonry arch bridge in Mignano Monte Lungo (Caserta province, Italy) is addressed. A preliminary historical reconnaissance was performed together with a survey of the external geometry of the bridge. The collected data were enriched by means of a dynamical characterization of the entire structure, which allowed for realizing a preliminary finite element model in Abaqus software.

Mechanisms of Block Instability at the Toe of a Slowly Deforming Rock Slope

Steep alpine rock slopes undergoing deformation may give rise to concurrent landslide hazards of different type and magnitude. The underlying mechanisms of instability are often challenging to investigate due to their inherent complexity; furthermore, they can occur on poorly accessible terrain, preventing the collection of data by means of traditional field techniques or even inhibiting awareness of hazards. This paper focuses upon one such case, in which a major transportation corridor running along the floor of the Aosta Valley (Western Italian Alps) is affected by significant—and until recently unknown—rockfall hazards promoted by a previously collapsed rockslide still deforming slowly at elevations almost 600 m above the road. In particular, two large discrete blocks (volume > 103 m3) lie precariously at the toe of the slide and could fall downslope at extremely rapid velocity. The design of countermeasures for the stabilization or removal of these blocks would require the assessment of their mechanical interaction with the bedrock and degree of internal fracturing (i.e., possible pervasive damage within the blocks). We perform this task by first exploring potential kinematic styles and damage patterns at failure according to a series of preliminary finite-element models. We then use detailed displacement measurements from remote sensing and in situ monitoring, in conjunction with repeat topographic surveying from a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) and a drone laser scanner (DLS), to reconstruct the actual kinematics of the blocks. The results substantiate the hypothesis that instability is primarily controlled by transient degradation of friction on a through-going basal rupture surface. Development of a large tensile fracture in one of the two blocks is inferred to be conditioned by increased non-planarity of the slipping joint in comparison with the other block. We highlight that optimized integration of cutting-edge rock slope investigation tools can help address otherwise unresolved key aspects of complex instabilities in steep mountainous areas.

A comparison of modal parameter identification tests in laboratory conditions

AbstractModal parameter evaluation is widely used for structural health monitoring, damage detection, and numerical model calibration. This study benchmarks two methods for modal identification under controlled laboratory conditions using operational modal analysis to compare dynamic parameters from ambient vibrations and shaker tests. A 2‐storey 3D spatial steel frame equipped with 3‐axial accelerometers is used as a case study. The identified dynamic parameters are benchmarked against a preliminary finite element model by computing Auto‐MAC and MAC matrices. It can be concluded that the preliminary FEM approach performs better in the prediction of modes shapes than natural frequencies. It was found that analysing the structural response to both ambient and artificially induced excitations provide a more complete understanding of a structure's dynamic characteristics. An additional mode shape was identified from the artificially induced excitation that was not previously captured from the ambient excitation.

Heuristic structural optimization of two-dimensional filling materials with square-triangular supercells

Cellular filling materials are commonplace in additively manufactured parts to lower the structural weight without detriment to the mechanical properties. This technical note undergoes the heuristic optimization of a two-dimensional metamaterial with repetitive supercells derived from a square frame divided by median and diagonal lines into eight triangles. The inherent quadriaxiality of this layout is ideally suited to resist multiaxial stress fields while enabling size refinement to match the local scale of the component. A step-by-step procedure is developed which optimizes the thickness of the beams along the principal axes of the cell (sidewise and diagonal) according to a fully stressed design concept. Preliminary finite element models, including either bar or beam elements, confirm the theoretical results for a case study. Extension of the optimal approach to three-dimensional geometries is envisioned using a cubic cell that incorporates the present two-dimensional grid on each face of the cube.

Development of crack and damage in shield tunnel lining under seismic loading: Refined 3D finite element modeling and analyses

This paper investigates the development of crack and damage in shield tunnel lining under seismic loading. Based on a recently constructed undersea-shield tunnel, i.e. the Shantou Bay Tunnel, a series of refined 3D Finite Element (FE) models are created and validated. In order to consider the stratum–structure interaction, a preliminary FE model is generated with a simplified lining tube. Thereafter, a refined lining model is created with the loading condition obtained by the aforementioned preliminary model. The refined lining model is employed for exploring the seismic response of the tunnel lining, considering the details of the lining components. Finally, two types of partial segment models are used for examining the cracking process during the seismic loading within the framework of quasi-static analysis. XFEM, as well as the CDP (Concrete Damage Plasticity) constitutive assumption, is adopted in the partial segment models. The simulation results show that: (i) the damage tends to occur at the crown and bottom of the tunnel lining; (ii) the segment assembling type has significant influence on the damage development; (iii) the direction of the bending-moment induced by the earthquake has little influence on the ultimate moment of the segment at failure, and the cracks tend to emerge at the middle of the segment first instead of the joint; (iv) some of the cracks in the standard segments is probable to initiate inside of the concrete instead of the outer rim of the segment; and (v) longitudinal cracks are dominant in the standard segment with the cracking area within the range of 1.4–1.6 m on both sides of the maximum bending-moment point of the segment.

Field Measurements of Tree Dynamics with Accelerometers

A comprehensive understanding of the dynamic behavior of a tree can play a key role in the tree stability analysis. Indeed, through an engineering approach, the living tree can be modeled as a mechanical system and monitored observing its dynamic properties. In the current work, procedures of dynamic identification used in civil engineering are applied to the case study of a black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.). The tree was instrumented with 13 seismic, high-sensitivity accelerometers. Time histories of the tree response under ambient vibration were recorded. Three representative sections of the trunk (the collar, the diameter at breast height, and the tree fork) were equipped with three accelerometers, in order to obtain lateral and torsional vibrations. Moreover, two pairs of accelerometers were fixed on the two main branches. The results show that it is possible to identify the natural frequencies of a tree under ambient vibrations, thanks also to the support of a preliminary finite element model. Even though the optimal position is under the tree fork, the sensors fixed at the diameter at breast height allow a clear identification of the main peaks in the frequency domain.

Study of Mechanical Behavior in Epiphyseal Fracture Treated by Reduction and Cement Injection: No Immediate Post-Operative Weight-Bearing but Only Passive and Active Mobilization Should be Advised.

The development of new percutaneous treatment techniques using a balloon for the reduction and cement for the stabilization for tibial plateau fractures (TPF) are promising. The biomechanical changes brought by the cement in the periarticular fracture are unknown. The objective of this study was to provide elements of understanding of the bone behavior in an epiphyseal fracture treated with cementoplasty and to define the modifications brought about by the presence of this cement in the bone from both an architectural and biomechanical point of view. In vitro animal experimentation was conducted. Bones samples were prepared with a cavity created with or without cancellous compaction, aided by balloon expansion following the same protocol as in the treatment of TPF. A uniaxial compression test was performed with various speeds and by using Heaviside Digital Image Correlation to measure mechanical fields. Preliminary finite element models were constructed with various boundary conditions to be compared to our experimental results.The analysis of the images permits us to obtain a representative load vs. time response, the displacement fields, and the strain distribution for crack initiation for each sample. Microcracks and discontinuity began very early at the interface bone/cement. Even when the global behavior was linear, microcracks already happened. There was no strain inside the cement. The finite element model that matched our experiments had no link between the two materials.In this work, the use of a novel correlation process highlighted the biomechanical role of the cement inside the bone. This demonstrated that there is no load transfer between bone and cement. After the surgery, the cement behaves like a rigid body inside the cancellous bone (same as a screw or plate). The cement provides good reduction and primary stabilization (mini-invasive approach and good stress distribution), permitting the patient to undergo rehabilitation with active and passive mobilization, but no weight-bearing should be authorized while the cortical bone is not consolidated or stabilized.

Assessment of Computer-Aided Design Tools for Topology Optimization of Additively Manufactured Automotive Components

The use of Topology Optimization techniques has seen a great development since the last decade. The principal contributor to this trend is the widespread use of Additive Manufacturing technologies to effectively build complex and performant structures over different settings. Nevertheless, the use of Topology Optimization in Design for Additive Manufacturing processes is not simple and research aims to fill the gap between theory and practice by evolving at the same time both approaches, workflows, and design software that allow their implementation. Since a strong connection between methodologies and tools exists, this work proposes a method to assess computer-aided design tools or platforms. This can be applied to sustain the key phase for selection and adoption of the computer-aided tools in industrial settings embracing Additive Manufacturing. The workflow for Topology Optimization implementation, the structure of the proposed evaluation approach, and its application, are presented to demonstrate effective usability. The automotive case study is the redesign of internal combustion engine piston to benefit of metal Additive Manufacturing based enhanced product performance. A preliminary finite element model is defined and a Topology Optimization based redesign is concurrently set up through four different commercial computer-based platforms. The method accounting for the assessment of required operations for the design optimization is applied to perform the tools selection phase.

Seismic vulnerability assessment of existing school buildings

This paper presents a methodology to perform the seismic vulnerability assessment of existing buildings. It starts with the acquisition of structural data from available construction drawings and field investigations to create a preliminary finite element model. Then, a wireless sensor network is used to collect the structural response at different locations. The sensors are connected and synchronized to each other to download and process data in real time. Modal identification methods, such as output-only and forced vibration techniques, are used to determine the modal characteristics and consequently calibrate the structural model for the subsequent vulnerability assessment. The proposed methodology is applied to a reinforced concrete school building in Italy. The seismic vulnerability is evaluated using a variety of alternative formulations. In particular, material nonlinearities and contact interaction at the structural joints are considered.

Structural shear retrofitting of reinforced concrete beam: multilayer ferrocement technique

Most of the existing buildings in developing countries lack proper reinforcement and are in danger of collapse under seismic and extreme events. Therefore, a sustainable and feasible retrofitting technique is necessary to ensure the safety of the infrastructure and its occupants. This paper describes a broad experimental programme, in which a total of 20 reinforced concrete beams with shear deficiency were constructed, 4 of them considered as control beam, while the rest of the beams were retrofitted with ferrocement in four different techniques after loading up to initial crack. All the specimens were tested up to the failure, and beam deflection at different points along with the load versus displacement response was recorded for each case. It allowed the determination of elastic stiffness, peak strength and associated displacement capacity of the retrofitted beam, compared with control beams. From the observed results, a plausible technique of retrofitting using ferrocement is suggested. A preliminary finite element model is developed for future study, which compared the experimental and FE results.

Structural model updating of the Gageocho Ocean Research Station using mass reallocation method

To study oceanic and meteorological problems related to climate change, Korea has been operating several ocean research stations (ORSs). In 2011, the Gageocho ORS was attacked by Typhoon Muifa, and its structural members and several observation devices were severely damaged. After this event, the Gageocho ORS was rehabilitated with 5 m height to account for 100-yr extreme wave height, and the vibration measurement system was equipped to monitor the structural vibrational characteristics including natural frequencies and modal damping ratios. In this study, a mass reallocation method is presented for structural model updating of the Gageocho ORS based on the experimentally identified natural frequencies. A preliminary finite element (FE) model was constructed based on design drawings, and several of the candidate baseline FE models were manually built, taking into account the different structural conditions such as corroded thickness. Among these candidate baseline FE models, the most reasonable baseline FE model was selected by comparing the differences between the identified and calculated natural frequencies; the most suitable baseline FE model was updated based on the identified modal properties, and by using the pattern search method, which is one of direct search optimization methods. The mass reallocation method is newly proposed as a means to determine the equivalent mass quantities along the height and in a floor. It was found that the natural frequencies calculated based on the updated FE model was very close to the identified natural frequencies. In conclusion, it is expected that these results, which were obtained by updating a baseline FE model, can be useful for establishing the reference database for jacket-type offshore structures, and assessing the structural integrity of the Gageocho ORS.

Development of a preliminary finite element model to assess the effects of friction on the residual limb of a transfemoral amputee

The use of numerical modelling tools allows optimizing the development of complex anatomical artefacts, such as customized prostheses for lower limb amputees. These numerical tools make it possible to characterize the interfacial interactions taking place between different parts of the prosthesis and the residual limb. This allows for understanding which rectifications and fittings having to be made on the custom design of the artificial body part without the need for manufacturing and donning prostheses. To such end, current research focused on the development of a preliminary Finite Element Model to assess the effects of friction on the residual limb of a transfemoral amputee, as the friction on the contact between the soft tissues, the liner and the prosthesis of the amputee is of major importance for his/her health and comfort.

Numerical Analysis of the Creep and Shrinkage Experienced in the Sydney Opera House and the Rise of Digital Twin as Future Monitoring Technology

This paper presents a preliminary finite element model in Strand7 software to analyse creep and shrinkage effects on the prestressed concrete ribs of the Sydney Opera House as remarkable heritage. A linear static analysis was performed to investigate the instantaneous impacts of dead and wind loads on the complex concrete structure which was completed in 1973. A quasistatic analysis was performed to predict the effects of creep and shrinkage due to dead load on the structure in 2050 to discern its longevity. In 2050, the Sydney Opera House is expected to experience 0.090% element strain due to creep and shrinkage and therefore suffer prestress losses of 32.59 kN per strand. However, given that the current time after prestress loading is approximately 50 years, the majority of creep and shrinkage effects have already taken place with 0.088% strain and 32.12 kN of prestress losses. The analysis concludes that very minor structural impacts are expected over the next 30 years due to creep and shrinkage, suggesting a change in conservation focus from large structural concerns to inspection and maintenance of minor issues of surface cracking and water ingress. The analysis is the first step in the application of more complex finite element modelling of the structure with the integration of complex building information models. The main motivation to undertake the current numerical simulation is to determine a cost-effective solution when it comes to the long-term time-dependent analysis. The paper also will suggest future directions for monitoring unique historical buildings, including ‘digital twin’.

Fatigue Assessment of a Slender Footbridge Based on an Updated Finite Element Model

Finite element model updating is a well-known technique to better characterize the real behaviour of civil engineering structures. The updated numerical model can be used to perform a more accurate structural assessment. Herein, its effectiveness is validated through the fatigue assessment of a lively footbridge considering two different numerical models: (i) a preliminary finite element (FE) model and (ii) an updated version of the preliminary model based on the modal parameters of the footbridge identified experimentally. For this purpose, the Malecon footbridge (Murcia, Spain) has been considered. This footbridge, a cable-stayed structure, is prone to vibrate in vertical direction under continuous walking pedestrian flows so fatigue damage might be expected on its supporting cables. A detailed FE model of the footbridge has been performed and subsequently updated based on the experimental modal parameters of the structure. The behaviour of the pedestrian flows was characterized by field observations. Finally, a comparison is performed between the fatigue damage of some cables of the footbridge considering the two mentioned FE models. The safe life method was used to assess such damage. As result, a maximum relative difference around 52 % was obtained between the two numerical models.

A New Video Extensometer System for Testing Materials Undergoing Severe Plastic Deformation

Characterization of materials undergoing severe plastic deformation requires the careful measurement of instantaneous sample dimensions throughout testing. For compressive testing, it is insufficient to simply estimate sample diameter from an easily measured height and volume. Not all materials exhibit incompressibility, and friction during testing can lead to a barreled sample with diameter that varies with height. Video extensometry has the potential to greatly improve testing by capturing the full profile of a sample, allowing researchers to account for such effects. Common two-dimensional (2D) video extensometry algorithms require thin, planar samples, as they are unable to account for out-of-plane deformation. They are, therefore, inappropriate for standard compressive tests which use cylindrical samples that exhibit large degrees of out-of-plane deformation. In this paper, a new approach to 2D video extensometry is proposed. By using background subtraction, the profile of a cylindrical sample can be isolated and measured. Calibration experiments show that the proposed system has a 3.1% error on calculating true yield stress—similar to ASTM standard methods for compressive testing. The system is tested against Aluminum 2024-T351 in a series of cold upsetting tests. The results of these tests match very closely with similar tests from the literature. A preliminary finite element model constructed using data from these tests successfully reproduced experimental results. Diameter data from the finite element model undershot, but otherwise closely matched experimental data.

Health assessment and ambient vibration testing of the “Ponte delle Torri” of Spoleto during the 2016–2017 Central Italy seismic sequence

The Ponte delle Torri is a large medieval masonry bridge, one of the main architectural heritage of Spoleto, Italy. The location of the bridge is less than 50 km from the main epicenters of the recent Central Italy earthquakes (Mw > 5.0) that occurred between August 2016 and February 2017. In addition, some minor quakes of the sequence (Mw between 3.0 and 4.0) occurred within 10 km from the bridge, causing some damages and fear among the population around Spoleto. In this context, the present paper aims at contributing to understand the effects on the structural health of the bridge by analyzing the ambient vibration data acquired before, during and after the seismic sequence, as changes in the dynamic behavior of the structure might indicate the evolution of the state of damage of the monument. In particular, vibration data were processed by modal analysis techniques for mutual validation of the extracted modal parameters. Environmental and vibration data were simultaneously acquired to take into account the seasonal effects on the dynamic behavior. Through a preliminary finite-element model (FEM) the modal shapes were obtained to choose the positions where to locate the sensors for the vibration spot acquisition session of June 2015. The same positions were acquired in October 2016 and at the end of May 2017. Subsequently, a more detailed FEM was produced based on a 3D reconstruction by structure-from-motion stereo-photogrammetry technique with high-resolution photos from unmanned aerial vehicle of the bridge. The model was validated through comparison with the damage pattern experienced by the bridge and then used for assessing the seismic safety by means of both, nonlinear dynamic and static push-over analyses.

Dynamic finite element simulation of the gunshot injury to the human forehead protected by polyvinyl alcohol sponge.

Although there are some traditional models of the gunshot wounds, there is still a need for more modeling analyses due to the difficulties related to the gunshot wounds to the forehead region of the human skull. In this study, the degree of damage as a consequence of penetrating head injuries due to gunshot wounds was determined using a preliminary finite element (FE) model of the human skull. In addition, the role of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponge, which can be used as an alternative to reinforce the kinetic energy absorption capacity of bulletproof vest and helmet materials, to minimize the amount of skull injury due to penetrating processes was investigated through the FE model. Digital computed tomography along with magnetic resonance imaging data of the human head were employed to launch a three-dimensional (3D) FE model of the skull. Two geometrical shapes of projectiles (steel ball and bullet) were simulated for penetrating with an initial impact velocity of 734 m/s using nonlinear dynamic modeling code, namely LS-DYNA. The role of the damaged/distorted elements were removed during computation when the stress or strain reached their thresholds. The stress distributions in various parts of the forehead and sponge after injury were also computed. The results revealed the same amount of stress for both the steel ball and bullet after hitting the skull. The modeling results also indicated the time that steel ball takes to penetrate into the skull is lower than that of the bullet. In addition, more than 21% of the steel ball's kinetic energy was absorbed by the PVA sponge and, subsequently, injury sternness of the forehead was considerably minimized. The findings advise the application of the PVA sponge as a substitute strengthening material to be able to diminish the energy of impact as well as the load transmitted to the object.

Dynamic Modeling of Stacked, Multi-Plate Flexible Systems

The vibration analysis and control of stacked-plate mechanical systems such as circuit board assemblies is an important technical problem that often requires a complete and accurate description of the open loop system dynamics prior to controller development. Often, a preliminary finite element model (FEM) of the assembly of interest is developed to estimate the dynamics of the system prior to the execution of a validation modal experiment. The results of this modal test must then be used to update the stiffness, mass and damping matrices to yield accurate transfer functions throughout the structure. This paper undertakes the mathematical development of a general, dynamic, multi-plate system. The work proceeds with the description of a three-plate system dynamic model and the physical test setup with test article used for validation and testing purposes. A model update is performed using differentiated velocity (in the frequency domain) data measured at discrete points on the test article with a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) and force measurements collected with an impedance head at a corner of the base plate. Using these data, accelerance frequency response functions (FRFs) were computed and the first eight flexible mode shapes were estimated and compared to the corresponding FEM shapes using both percent frequency difference and modal assurance criterion (MAC). A preliminary model update was performed with the addition/modification of discrete, rotary stiffness elements between plates and finished with a final update utilizing analytical model improvement (AMI) techniques employing a target modal matrix composed of both FEM modal vectors and expanded/smoothed experimental modal vectors. In addition, the experimental data was also used to estimate percent critical damping values for the first eight flexible modes and a Rayleigh damping model was developed for the system. The updated model was validated by comparing the magnitude/phase relationships of the base plate force input and several important response regions to that of the experimental results. The resonant frequencies of the first eight modes of the updated model differed from the physical system by no more than 0.3 % and the MAC values for the first eight modes all surpassed 0.97.