Three-dimensional Finite Element Simulations Research Articles

Numerical simulation of axially loaded circular concrete-filled steel tubular short columns with localized corrosion

Concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns are widely utilized in structures owing to their cost-effectiveness, high strength, ductility, and proven fire resistance. Despite these advantages, concerns persist regarding the performance of CFST columns with locally corroded steel tubes, impeding their widespread adoption in offshore structures. This research employs three-dimensional finite element (FE) simulations for circular CFST stub columns subjected to axial compression, validated against experimental data. Verification includes full load-displacement histories, ultimate axial strengths, and failure modes. The validated FE models are then employed to assess and compare the structural behavior of CFST columns with various shapes of localized corrosion, analyzing overall load-deformation curves, interaction stress-deformation responses, and composite actions. To acquire critical data for understanding stub column behavior, 81 specimens underwent non-linear finite element analysis, with local corrosion represented by artificial notches in steel tubes. Test parameters, such as notch orientations, lengths, depths, widths, and concrete compressive strength, are varied. Results elucidate the impacts of these parameters on different aspects of stub column responses with corroded steel tubes. Furthermore, the accuracy of existing design models in predicting the ultimate axial strengths of CFST columns with corroded steel tubes is assessed. Finally, through parametric analysis of test results, a practical model is proposed and verified for computing the peak resistance of a CFST stub column with a locally corroded steel tube.

Design, thermal-mechanical coupling analysis, and optimization of polymeric matrix composite sandwiches with a lattice core exposed to a high temperature

This study presents the design of a sandwich structure tailored for post-heat transfer applications subjected to out-of-plane compression. A three-dimensional finite element simulation model was developed to analyze the temperature distribution within the sandwich structure and investigate the effects of high-temperature exposure on its mechanical behaviors. The structure was subjected to a temperature of 300 °C for 400 s, and the temperature distribution at the upper connection point between the top face sheet and the struts of the core was determined. Subsequently, upon returning the sandwich to ambient temperature, a comprehensive calculation of its mechanical properties was conducted and then enhanced by applying different optimization techniques. The results demonstrate that filling the core with Saffil alumina fibers in the presence of a 1.5 mm a thermal barrier coating of Superwool 607 helps increase the mechanical properties of the sandwich structure by around 55%.

Study on monitoring broken rails of heavy haul railway based on ultrasonic guided wave.

Real-time monitoring of broken rails in heavy haul railways is crucial for ensuring the safe operation of railway lines. U78CrV steel is a common material used for heavy haul line rails in China. In this study, the semi-analytical finite element (SAFE) method is employed to calculate the dispersion curves and modal shapes of ultrasonic guided waves in U78CrV heavy steel rails. Guided wave modes that are suitable for detecting rail cracks across the entire cross-section are selected based on the total energy of each mode and the vibration energy in the rail head, web, and foot. The excitation method for the chosen mode is determined by analyzing the energy distribution of the mode shape on the rail surface. The ultrasonic guided wave (UGW) signal in the rail is analyzed using ANSYS three-dimensional finite element simulation. The group velocity of the primary mode in the guided wave signal is obtained through continuous wavelet transform to confirm the existence of the selected mode. It is validated that the selected mode can be excited by examining the similarity between the vibration shapes of a specific rail section and all modal vibration shapes obtained through SAFE. Through simulation and field verification, the guided wave mode selected and excited in this study demonstrates good sensitivity to cracks at the rail head, web, and foot, and it can propagate over distances exceeding 1 km in the rail. By detecting the reflected signal of the selected mode or the degree of attenuation of the transmitted wave, long-distance monitoring of broken rails in heavy-haul railway tracks can be achieved.

Simulation-Based Thermal Fatigue Validation Test Development for Exhaust Manifold

Abstract Exhaust manifolds in diesel engines undergo continuous thermal cycle loading of varying thermal cycles with different mean, amplitude, and rate of temperature change created by application duty cycles. This makes analysis and testing of the exhaust manifold to meet the thermal mechanical fatigue life expectation of different applications challenging. In this paper, a simulation-based product development approach, which uses application duty cycles, simulation models of different capabilities, including three-dimensional Finite element simulation model, one-dimensional (1D) physis-based damage model to develop an abusive thermal cycle engine test for validating exhaust manifold, is presented.

Numerical Simulation of Tunnel Face Support Pressure in Layered Soft Ground

In shield construction, the limit support pressure of the tunnel face has an important influence on ground settlement and construction safety. In this study, MIDAS GTS NX software was used to conduct a series of three-dimensional finite element simulations to investigate variations in excavation face support pressure under different layered ground conditions. By changing the shear strength parameters of the top or bottom layers, the influence of composite layers with different formation boundaries on the support pressure of the excavation face was studied. It was observed that when the formation boundary is placed above the axis, the support pressure of the excavation face is more sensitive to a change in the parameters in the lower part of the formation than in the upper part. Conversely, when the formation boundary lies below the axis, this sensitivity becomes reversed. Additionally, we derived a robust and accurate equation to estimate the limiting face support pressure in layered soft ground based on numerical modeling.

Introducing a novel piezoelectric-based tunable design for mode-localized mass micro-sensors

This investigation focuses on developing a new sensitivity-improving approach for high-order mode-localized mass micro-sensors by utilizing the capabilities of piezoelectric materials. To this end, an electrostatically coupled micro-beam as the building block of MEMS mass sensors is considered. The present design includes the incorporation of a patterned arrangement of piezoelectric thin films placed on the lower electrode of the system. The nonlinear reduced equations of motion for the introduced tunable system are derived by employing the Hamilton principle in conjunction with the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory and the Ritz discretization procedure. These equations are subsequently solved using the harmonic balance method. The present findings are validated by those available in the literature for the case of static excitation. In addition, the eigenvalue loci of the proposed system have been compared and verified by those obtained through three-dimensional finite element simulations carried out in COMSOL Multiphysics commercial software. Taking the shift of the amplitude ratio as the measure demonstrating the sensitivity of the proposed design, it is observed that incorporating piezoelectric excitation can significantly enhance the efficiency of these systems more than two times in comparison to conventional mode-localized mass micro-sensors without piezoelectric layers.

Temperature Rising Analysis of Dry-type Reactor Based on Multi-physical Coupled-field Method

To study the temperature-rising characteristics of the windings of the dry-type reactor, a three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) simulation model of electromagnetic-fluid-temperature coupling of the reactor is constructed by using the method of the multi-physical field coupled modeling. Firstly, based on the magnetic-circuit coupled theory, the electromagnetic analytical model of the reactor is created and analyzed, and the heat density per unit volume of the reactor is obtained. Then, based on the heat transfer principle of fluid-temperature coupling, taking the heat density per unit volume of the reactor as the heat source, the 3D model of the reactor with fluid-temperature coupling is analyzed by the finite volume method, and the distribution of the internal temperature of the reactor is obtained. From the simulation results of the reactor, the temperature in the upper region is higher than that in the lower region, and the temperature of both sides is lower than that of the middle region. The change regulations of the temperatures in the different encapsulations are basically the same. The temperature gradually increases from the bottom to the top, and the maximum temperature locates at approximately 90% of the axial height of the reactor. The research results provide reference for structure modification, temperature-rising monitoring and overheating fault diagnosis of the reactor.

Numerical simulations of the sedimentation of soft particles in confined Newtonian liquids

The gravitational sedimentation of solid particles in liquids is important in several applications, many of which involve soft particles (e.g., microplastics, microgels, and biological cells). However, there is still little knowledge on the sedimentation of deformable beads. In this work, we employ fully three-dimensional finite-element numerical simulations to investigate the sedimentation of an initially spherical elastic bead in a Newtonian liquid contained inside a square-cross section vessel. In particular, we carry out a wide parametric analysis to understand the effects of inertia, particle deformability, and geometrical confinement on the particle sedimentation dynamics and settling velocity. In addition, the sedimentation of a particle in a Newtonian liquid close to a vertical wall is studied. When the particle sediments at the center of the vessel, the settling velocity increases at increasing inertia and decreases at increasing confinement and deformability. However, at intermediate inertia, the settling velocity passes through a minimum and then rises as the particle gets softer. Correspondingly, the equilibrium deformed shape of the particle shows the appearance of a concavity at the rear. When the sedimentation occurs close to a vertical wall, the closer the particle to the solid surface, the slower its sedimentation. On the other hand, the hydrodynamic interaction between the particle and the wall makes the particle move away from the wall.

Finite Element Analysis of Different Transverse Flux Linear Induction Motor Models to Improve the Performance of the Main Magnetic Circuit

This paper delves into the knowledge of transverse flux linear induction motors using three-dimensional finite element simulation tools. Original linear induction motors have a useful magnetic flux perpendicular to the movement. We propose some geometric changes to improve the main magnetic circuit of the machine and to ensure simultaneous operation between longitudinal and transverse magnetic fluxes. To obtain the main parameters of the equivalent electrical circuit in a steady state, we propose two steps. Firstly, replicate the classic indirect tests used in rotating machines. This represents a significant advantage since it allows several models to be experimentally tested to obtain the values of electrical parameters. Secondly, use the data from these tests to solve a particular system of equations using numerical methods. The solution provides the electrical elements necessary to generate the equivalent circuit proposed by the authors. A quantitative analysis of the main electrical parameters is also carried out, confirming the advantages of the changes introduced. With them, a significant improvement in thrust force is obtained, especially in stationary conditions and low speeds. Finally, we study, in detail, a set of specific phenomena of linear machines using two parameters: the secondary equivalent air gap and the secondary equivalent conductivity.

A modular framework for implicit 3D–0D coupling in cardiac mechanics

In numerical simulations of cardiac mechanics, coupling the heart to a model of the circulatory system is essential for capturing physiological cardiac behavior. A popular and efficient technique is to use an electrical circuit analogy, known as a lumped parameter network or zero-dimensional (0D) fluid model, to represent blood flow throughout the cardiovascular system. Due to the strong physical interaction between the heart and the blood circulation, developing accurate and efficient numerical coupling methods remains an active area of research. In this work, we present a modular framework for implicitly coupling three-dimensional (3D) finite element simulations of cardiac mechanics to 0D models of blood circulation. The framework is modular in that the circulation model can be modified independently of the 3D finite element solver, and vice versa. The numerical scheme builds upon a previous work that combines 3D blood flow models with 0D circulation models (3D fluid–0D fluid). Here, we extend it to couple 3D cardiac tissue mechanics models with 0D circulation models (3D structure–0D fluid), showing that both mathematical problems can be solved within a unified coupling scheme. The effectiveness, temporal convergence, and computational cost of the algorithm are assessed through multiple examples relevant to the cardiovascular modeling community. Importantly, in an idealized left ventricle example, we show that the coupled model yields physiological pressure–volume loops and naturally recapitulates the isovolumic contraction and relaxation phases of the cardiac cycle without any additional numerical techniques. Furthermore, we provide a new derivation of the scheme inspired by the Approximate Newton Method of Chan (1985), explaining how the proposed numerical scheme combines the stability of monolithic approaches with the modularity and flexibility of partitioned approaches.

A homogenization-based model of the Gurson type for porous metals comprising randomly oriented spheroidal voids

In this work, we propose a new fully explicit isotropic, rate-independent, elasto-plastic model for porous materials comprising a random with uniform probability, isotropic distribution of randomly oriented spheroidal voids of the same shape. The proposed model is based on earlier homogenization estimates that use a linear comparison composite theory. The resulting expressions exhibit the simplicity of the well known Gurson model and, thus, its numerical implementation in a finite element code is straightforward. To assess the accuracy of the analytical model, we carry out detailed finite-strain, three-dimensional finite element (FE) simulations of representative volume elements (RVEs) with the corresponding microstructures. Proper minimal parameter calibration of the model leads to fairly accurate agreement of the analytical predictions with the corresponding FE average stresses and porosity evolution. We show, both analytically and numerically, that the initial aspect ratio of the voids has a significant effect on the homogenized yield surface of the porous material leading to extremely soft responses for flat oblate voids (e.g. aspect ratio less than 0.5) especially at large triaxialities. Finally, after numerical implementation of the model in a commercial finite element code (ABAQUS), we solve the industrially important problem of hole expansion and comment on the role of porous compressible plasticity versus classical incompressible plasticity.

Numerical investigation of two-dimensional Mode-II delamination in composite laminates

Existing standards for delamination tests on composite materials typically employ one-dimensional (1D) beam specimens. However, such specimens may not represent real delamination scenarios in composite structures, where cracks tend to propagate in two dimensions. To address this limitation and compare the delamination behavior under both 1D and two-dimensional (2D) Mode-II fracture conditions, a numerical investigation was carried out based on previous experiments. A novel cohesive zone model, considering both microcracking and fiber bridging within the fracture process zone, was developed using a semi-experimental approach and incorporated in three-dimensional finite element simulations. According to the numerical results, the investigated laminates exhibited similar maximum strain energy release rates in both 1D and 2D delamination; however, different traction-separation responses were obtained. Practical methods of locating the tip of an embedded crack were proposed based on curvature and strain measurements on the laminate surface, demonstrating potential for application in structures with irregular crack shapes.

Numerical and experimental investigations on quasistatic pulse generation of ultrasonic guided waves in fiber reinforced composite pipes

The quasistatic pulse (QSP) generation of ultrasonic guided waves in composite pipes can exhibit many features that are useful for early-stage material characterization and structural health monitoring. The intrinsic relationship between the QSP generation and the weak elastic nonlinearity of solids is complex. It has yet promised for developing the nonlinear ultrasonic guided wave technique that combines its advantages of high sensitivity to microdamage and low ultrasonic attenuation in composite materials. This study presents a systematic investigation of the QSP generation in fiber reinforced composite pipes. Using a three-dimensional finite element simulation with a nonlinear material model, the temporal waveform, mode conversion effect, cumulative effect, generation efficiency, and duration effect of QSP generation are revealed. The nonlinear QSP signals in laminated composite pipes are confirmed as the fastest wave mode that only has axial displacement. The shape of QSP depends on the group velocity difference between the QSP and the primary wave. The magnitude of QSP is related to the excitation level, frequency, and tone-burst duration of the primary wave. Experiments are conducted using carbon fiber reinforced composite pipes and the signals are measured using a laser vibrometer scanning system for verifying the QSP generation. The experimental results are consistent with the numerical findings. A relative nonlinear acoustic parameter based on the QSP generation is proposed and used to evaluate the early-stage thermal fatigue damage in the pipes. The measured nonlinear acoustic parameter demonstrates high sensitivity to the damage, indicating considerable potential for industrial applications.

Numerical Investigation of Reinforced Concrete Beam Contain-ing Iron Ore Tailings as Partial Replacement of Sand

The production of industrial and agricultural residual byproducts can generate significant environmental impact. In response, researchers have begun incorporating supplementary materials made from agro-industrial wastes to create more sustainable concrete. However, testing the performance of these waste-based concrete mixtures can be time-consuming and expensive. To address this issue, this study utilized three-dimensional non-linear Finite Element simulation using the ABAQUS/CAE software to predict the behaviour of a reinforced concrete beam that incorporated 20% IOT as partial sand replacement. The simulation successfully predicted the damage behaviour of the 20% IOT concrete, indicating the potential of this modelling approach to accurately predict the performance of waste-based concrete mixtures in various designs.
 Keywords: ABAQUS; Iron Ore Tailings; Numerical Analysis; Reinforced Concrete Beam.

Numerical and experimental investigations on quasi-static component generation of longitudinal wave propagation in isotropic pipes

In this paper, the quasi-static component (QSC) generation of longitudinal waves propagating in an isotropic pipe is investigated numerically and experimentally. The three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) simulations are first carried out to gain physical insights into the characteristics of QSC generation from longitudinal wave travelling in an isotropic pipe with weak material nonlinearity. By applying the axial displacement excitation in the FE model, L(0, 1) mode and L(0, 2) mode are excited simultaneously. Then, the generated QSC pulses are extracted using the phase reversal approach for analysis. It is found that the QSC pulses generated by L(0, 2) mode and L(0, 1) mode are L(0, 1) mode. Meanwhile, the shapes of QSC pulses at different locations are extracted and compared. In this study, a data pre-processing method is proposed to handle numerically calculated and subsequent experimentally measured displacement signals, and a nonlinear acoustic parameter is defined to evaluate the incipient damages. After that, an experiment is conducted to measure the QSCs induced by the propagation of longitudinal waves in an aluminum pipe. The experimental results indicate that the propagation of longitudinal waves in the aluminum pipe can induce the QSCs. Different levels of corrosion are created on the surface of the aluminum pipe and are assessed by the generated QSCs. The results show that the nonlinear acoustic parameter has a monotonically increasing trend with the growing severity of corrosion. The QSCs generated by longitudinal wave can be used to detect and evaluate the early-stage surface corrosion in the aluminum pipe.

Viscoplastic simple shear at finite strains

The equations governing the simple shear deformation of an incompressible inelastic material undergoing finite strain are derived in this paper. The constitutive assumptions are kept in their most general form to allow the incorporation of widely used viscoplastic or viscoelastic models from the literature. It is shown that, while for a hyperelastic material the simple shear problem is completely determined by a single parameter, the amount of shear, in the viscoplastic case, the elastic deformation is the superposition of a triaxial stretch and a simple shear, whose determination requires the solution of three coupled nonlinear evolution equations. We evaluate such a solution for different material models and compare it with three-dimensional finite element simulations to assess its accuracy. We further assess the performance of these models using experimental data from filled rubber, focusing on their ability to capture the observed behaviour, such as the well-known Payne effect. Additionally, we extend our simple shear solution to address torsion and the extension of thin-walled cylinders. These derivations and analyses offer valuable insights for experimentalists engaged in the mechanical characterization of soft materials.

Spatial Variation Law of Blasting Vibration in Layered Strata under Blasting Excavation of Subway Tunnel

Blasting vibration generated from blasting excavation of subway tunnel may endanger the adjacent structures buried in strata. To guarantee their safety and stability, it is crucial to understand the spatial variation law of blasting vibration in strata. In this paper, the blasting excavation of the large cross-sectional tunnel of Wuhan Metro Line 8 is studied. Three-dimensional finite element simulation is performed using the dynamic finite element program LS-DYNA, and its validity is verified by the field monitoring data. The spatial variation law of blasting vibration in layered strata is investigated through analyzed the distribution characteristic of blasting vibration in three directions, including the direction along the axis of the large cross-sectional tunnel, the direction perpendicular to the axis of the large cross-sectional tunnel, and the direction along the depth. A prediction model for blasting vibration velocity, which considers the impact of elevation differences, is established through dimensional analysis, enabling the prediction of blasting-induced vibrations at various depths in the layered strata.

Physics-based thermal noise effect reduction in sonic IR crack length estimation

ABSTRACT Using heat diffusion models in sonic infrared (IR) inspection technology that captures arbitrary frictional heat generation function along a crack lends itself to estimation of crack length using thermal images alone. This study introduces novel physics-based approach that relies on the governing heat diffusion model linearity and superposition of point heat sources along crack to reduce thermal noise effect in crack length estimation. It utilises thermal images and their timestamps in sonic IR inspection to deliver spatiotemporal average representation of the aforementioned point heat sources to reduce thermal noise effect in crack length estimation. The proposed methodology is tested against two-dimensional and three-dimensional finite element simulations with an arbitrary frictional heat generation function along crack. Virtual random thermal noise levels ranging between 50 and 200 mK, which are higher than IR cameras Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference values, are added to simulated results to reflect realistic and drastic thermal noise levels. Spatiotemporal averaging using combined sets of different thermal images captured at various times in single sonic IR inspection delivered about 16% total uncertainty in the estimation of a crack length at 95% confidence level based on 60 experiments. Similar uncertainty level is obtained using independently reported sonic IR experimental data.

Modified non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II for the optimal design of soil-concrete periodic plane wave barriers

This paper uses the Bloch-Floquet theory based on the modified non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II) to investigate the optimal design of wave barriers to attenuate plane waves. The primary aim is to find the optimal design of the plane wave barriers with a wide bandgap at a low-frequency range having low construction cost. Consequently, a modification of NSGA-II has been developed and adopted to obtain the optimal arrangement of concrete within different 8 × 8, 10 × 10, and 12 × 12 grid sizes in the wave barrier unit cell by considering three objective functions as (1) maximize bandgap width (BW), (2) minimize average bandgap frequency (ABF), and (3) minimize filling ratio (FR). The Pareto fronts represent a wide range of objective functions in the problem space, making the proposed method effective for designing plane wave barriers. The performance of the optimal barriers is examined with the three-dimensional finite element (FE) simulation of the finite lattice in the frequency domain. The finite lattice results confirm the obtained bandgaps for the optimal unit cells and verify their efficacy in attenuating plane S-waves. Furthermore, the effects of the number of barriers and the barrier length are studied as two effective parameters affecting plane S-wave attenuation.

Three-dimensional microstructural simulation of the thermodynamic behavior of recycled concrete under freeze-thaw action

A thermal-water-mechanical coupling model was utilized to simulate pore water crystallization and melting heat transfer processes in recycled concrete. Based on the random spherical microstructure of recycled concrete, The characteristics of aggregates, new mortar, old mortar, and the interface transition zones (ITZ1, ITZ2, and ITZ3) between natural aggregates and new mortar, old aggregates, and mortar, as well as new and old mortar, were clearly described. The proposed model was validated by comparing it with experimental data available in the literature. Three-dimensional microstructural finite element simulations were performed to assess the influence of the water-to-cement ratio of new mortar, the water-to-cement ratio of old mortar, aggregate gradation, replacement ratio of recycled aggregates, aggregate volume fraction, and temperature difference on the performance of recycled concrete. The research results demonstrated that the aggregate gradation, replacement ratio of recycled aggregates, and aggregate volume fraction significantly affected recycled concrete's freeze-thaw characteristics. In contrast, the influence of the water-to-cement proportions of fresh and old mortar was relatively small. The impact of environmental temperature differences should also be given due attention.