Modularized and Parametric Modeling Technology for Finite Element Simulations of Underground Engineering under Complicated Geological Conditions

The surrounding geological conditions and supporting structures of underground engineering are often updated during construction,and these updates require repeated numerical modeling.To improve the numerical modeling efficiency of underground engineering,a modularized and parametric modeling cloud server is developed by using Python codes.The basic framework of the cloud server is as follows:input the modeling parameters into the web platform,implement Rhino software and FLAC3D software to model and run simulations in the cloud server,and return the simulation results to the web platform.The modeling program can automatically generate instructions that can run the modeling process in Rhino based on the input modeling parameters.The main modules of the modeling program include modeling the 3D geological structures,the underground engineering structures,and the supporting structures as well as meshing the geometric models.In particular,various cross-sections of underground caverns are crafted as parametricmodules in themodeling program.Themodularized and parametric modeling program is used for a finite element simulation of the underground powerhouse of the Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Station.This complicatedmodel is rapidly generated for the simulation,and the simulation results are reasonable.Thus,this modularized and parametric modeling program is applicable for three-dimensional finite element simulations and analyses.

Multi-scale Modeling and Finite Element Analyses of Thermal Conductivity of 3D C/SiC Composites Fabricating by Flexible-Oriented Woven Process

Thermal conductivity is one of the most significant criterion of three-dimensional carbon fiber-reinforced SiC matrix composites(3D C/SiC).Represent volume element(RVE)models of microscale,void/matrix and mesoscale proposed in this work are used to simulate the thermal conductivity behaviors of the 3D C/SiC composites.An entirely new process is introduced to weave the preform with three-dimensional orthogonal architecture.The 3D steady-state analysis step is created for assessing the thermal conductivity behaviors of the composites by applying periodic temperature boundary conditions.Three RVE models of cuboid,hexagonal and fiber random distribution are respectively developed to comparatively study the influence of fiber package pattern on the thermal conductivities at the microscale.Besides,the effect of void morphology on the thermal conductivity of the matrix is analyzed by the void/matrix models.The prediction results at the mesoscale correspond closely to the experimental values.The effect of the porosities and fiber volume fractions on the thermal conductivities is also taken into consideration.The multi-scale models mentioned in this paper can be used to predict the thermal conductivity behaviors of other composites with complex structures.

In silico optimization of actuation performance in dielectric elastomercomposites via integrated finite element modeling and deep learning

Dielectric elastomers(DEs)require balanced electric actuation performance and mechanical integrity under applied voltages.Incorporating high dielectric particles as fillers provides extensive design space to optimize concentration,morphology,and distribution for improved actuation performance and material modulus.This study presents an integrated framework combining finite element modeling(FEM)and deep learning to optimize the microstructure of DE composites.FEM first calculates actuation performance and the effective modulus across varied filler combinations,with these data used to train a convolutional neural network(CNN).Integrating the CNN into a multi-objective genetic algorithm generates designs with enhanced actuation performance and material modulus compared to the conventional optimization approach based on FEM approach within the same time.This framework harnesses artificial intelligence to navigate vast design possibilities,enabling optimized microstructures for high-performance DE composites.

Contribution to the Full 3D Finite Element Modelling of a Hybrid Stepping Motor with and without Current in the Coils

The paper presents our contribution to the full 3D finite element modelling of a hybrid stepping motor using COMSOL Multiphysics software. This type of four-phase motor has a permanent magnet interposed between the two identical and coaxial half stators. The calculation of the field with or without current in the windings (respectively with or without permanent magnet) is done using a mixed formulation with strong coupling. In addition, the local high saturation of the ferromagnetic material and the radial and axial components of the magnetic flux are taken into account. The results obtained make it possible to clearly observe, as a function of the intensity of the bus current or the remanent induction, the saturation zones, the lines, the orientations and the magnetic flux densities. 3D finite element modelling provide more accurate numerical data on the magnetic field through multiphysics analysis. This analysis considers the actual operating conditions and leads to the design of an optimized machine structure, with or without current in the windings and/or permanent magnet.

Finite element model updating and validating of Runyang Suspension Bridge based on SHMS

Based on the finite element （FE） program ANSYS, a three-dimensional model for the Runyang Suspension Bridge （RSB） is established. The structural natural frequency, vibration mode, stress and displacement response under various load cases are given. A new method of FE model updating is presented based on the physical meaning of sensitivity and the penalty function concept. In this method, the structural model is updated by modifying the parameters of design, and validated by structural natural vibration characteristics, stress response as well as displacement response. The design parameters used for updating are bounded according to measured static response and engineering judgment. The FE model of RSB is updated and validated by the measurements coming from the structural health monitoring system （SHMS）, and the FE baseline model reflecting the current state of RSB is achieved. Both the dynamic and static results show that the method is effective in updating the FE model of long span suspension bridges. The results obtained provide an important research basis for damage alarming and health monitoring of the RSB.

A Finite Element Model of Locked Plating in Femoral Shaft Fractures

Introduction: The Locking Compression Plate (LCP) system is a versatile technology that can be used either through conventional compression plating techniques or as an internal fixator with locking head screws. There have been only a few biomechanical studies examining the role of locked screw configuration on construct stability with most recommendations based upon empirical evidence or data from compression plating. This study will attempt to determine how different locked screw configurations, fracture gaps (distance between bone fragments), and interface gaps (distance between plate and bone) will affect the peak stress(von Mises stress) experienced by the plate-screw construct and, thereby, look at ways to minimize the risk of hardware failure. Materials Methods: A finite element model (FEM) was developed of a transverse mid shaft femoral fracture bridged by an eight-hole titanium LCP. Seven different screw configurations were investigated. Three different fracture gaps and three different interface gaps were studied as well. Results: The 1368 configuration was found to experience the least peak stress of 2.10 GPa while the 2367, 2457, and all filled configurations were found to have the highest peak stress (25.29 GPa, 22.78 GPa, and 23.54 GPa, respectively). Peak stress increased when the interface gap increased. Peak stress also increased as the fracture gap increased, with the largest jump between the 1 mm and 2 mm gaps. Conclusions: Every fracture is unique, and has a vast amount of parameters that must be considered when the surgeon is developing a treatment plan. For transverse femoral shaft fractures, the results of this study suggest that a working length of 2 screw holes on either side of the fracture may also lead to lower peak stress. In addition, our results demonstrate that minimizing the fracture gap and interface gap will lead to decreased stress in the plate-screw construct.

Dynamic finite element model updating using meta-model and genetic algorithm

Current dynamic finite element model updating methods are not efficient or restricted to the problem of local optima. To circumvent these, a novel updating method which integrates the meta-model and the genetic algorithm is proposed. Experimental design technique is used to determine the best sampling points for the estimation of polynomial coefficients given the order and the number of independent variables. Finite element analyses are performed to generate the sampling data. Regression analysis is then used to estimate the response surface model to approximate the functional relationship between response features and design parameters on the entire design space. In the fitness evaluation of the genetic algorithm, the response surface model is used to substitute the finite element model to output features with given design parameters for the computation of fitness for the individual. Finally, the global optima that corresponds to the updated design parameter is acquired after several generations of evolution. In the application example, finite element analysis and modal testing are performed on a real chassis model. The finite element model is updated using the proposed method. After updating, root-mean-square error of modal frequencies is smaller than 2%. Furthermore, prediction ability of the updated model is validated using the testing results of the modified structure. The root-mean-square error of the prediction errors is smaller than 2%.

Phase-field modeling of dendritic growth under forced flow based on adaptive finite element method

A mathematical model combined projection algorithm with phase-field method was applied. The adaptive finite element method was adopted to solve the model based on the non-uniform grid, and the behavior of dendritic growth was simulated from undercooled nickel melt under the forced flow. The simulation results show that the asymmetry behavior of the dendritic growth is caused by the forced flow. When the flow velocity is less than the critical value, the asymmetry of dendrite is little influenced by the forced flow. Once the flow velocity reaches or exceeds the critical value, the controlling factor of dendrite growth gradually changes from thermal diffusion to convection. With the increase of the flow velocity, the deflection angle towards upstream direction of the primary dendrite stem becomes larger. The effect of the dendrite growth on the flow field of the melt is apparent. With the increase of the dendrite size, the vortex is present in the downstream regions, and the vortex region is gradually enlarged. Dendrite tips appear to remelt. In addition, the adaptive finite element method can reduce CPU running time by one order of magnitude compared with uniform grid method, and the speed-up ratio is proportional to the size of computational domain.

Computer model of the human head-neck and finite element analysis

The difficulty in establishing the finite element model of head and cervical spine is interpreted in the study. A head-neck 3D model is constructed accurately and quickly by the technology of CT scan,the automatically modeling of Mimics software and the RE technology of Geomagic software. Then the finite element model of the head-neck which is close to the real one is set up by the preprocessor of the FEM soft ware ANSYS. After the transient finite element analysis is performed on the model,the historical response of the displacement of the head is obtained. The result is validated by the result of the existed experiment. The stress,as well as the deformation,of nodes in the head and the cervical spine at any time benefits a lot to the clinic study on the injure to the head and neck caused by the impacts. And all the analysis is done by limited computer available.

Semi-analytical finite element method applied for characterizing micropolar fibrous composites

A semi-analytical finite element method(SAFEM),based on the two-scale asymptotic homogenization method(AHM)and the finite element method(FEM),is implemented to obtain the effective properties of two-phase fiber-reinforced composites(FRCs).The fibers are periodically distributed and unidirectionally aligned in a homogeneous matrix.This framework addresses the static linear elastic micropolar problem through partial differential equations,subject to boundary conditions and perfect interface contact conditions.The mathematical formulation of the local problems and the effective coefficients are presented by the AHM.The local problems obtained from the AHM are solved by the FEM,which is denoted as the SAFEM.The numerical results are provided,and the accuracy of the solutions is analyzed,indicating that the formulas and results obtained with the SAFEM may serve as the reference points for validating the outcomes of experimental and numerical computations.

COHESIVE ZONE FINITE ELEMENT-BASED MODELING OF HYDRAULIC FRACTURES

Hydraulic fracturing is a powerful technology used to stimulate fluid production from reservoirs. The fully 3-D numerical simulation of the hydraulic fracturing process is of great importance to the efficient application of this technology, but is also a great challenge because of the strong nonlinear coupling between the viscous flow of fluid and fracture propagation. By taking advantage of a cohesive zone method to simulate the fracture process, a finite element model based on the existing pore pressure cohesive finite elements has been established to investigate the propagation of a penny-shaped hydraulic fracture in an infinite elastic medium. The effect of cohesive material parameters and fluid viscosity on the hydraulic fracture behaviour has been investigated. Excellent agreement between the finite element results and analytical solutions for the limiting case where the fracture process is dominated by rock fracture toughness demonstrates the ability of the cohesive zone finite element model in simulating the hydraulic fracture growth for this case.

Finite element modeling of pore-fluid flow in the Dachang ore district,Guangxi,China:Implications for hydrothermal mineralization

Convective heat transfer associated with the circulation of porefluid in porous rocks and fractures within the upper crust of the Earth is substantial when the temperature gradient is sufficiently high. In order to understand the process of Snpolymetallic mineralization in the Dachang ore district of Guangxi, a finite element method has been used in this study to simulate both pore-fluid flow and heat transfer in this district. On the basis of related geological, tectonic and geophysical constraints, a computational model was established. It enables a computational simulation and sensitivity analysis to be carried out for investigating ore-forming pore-fluid flow and other key factors that may affect hydrothermal ore genesis in the district. The related simulation results have indicated that： （1） permeable fault zones in the Dacbang ore district can serve as preferential pathways for pore-fluid flow on a regional-scale; and （2） the pore-fluid flow can affect the salinity distribution. This latter factor is part of the reason why Sn-polymetallic mineralization has taken place in this district.

Finite element model analysis of thermal failure in connector

Thermal analysis and thermal diagnose are important for small power connector especially in electronic devices since their structure is usually compact. In this paper thermal behavior of small power connector was investigated. It was found that the contact resistance increased due to the Joule beating, and that increased contact resistance produced more Joule heating; this mutual action causes the connector to lose efficiency. The thermal distribution in the connector was analyzed using finite element method （FEM）. The failure mechanism is discussed. It provides basis for improving the structure. The conclusion was verified by experimental results.

Finite element modeling assumptions impact on seismic response demands of MRF-buildings

Recent seismic events have raised concerns over the safety and vulnerability of reinforced concrete moment resisting frame ＂RC-MRF＂ buildings. The seismic response of such buildings is greatly dependent on the computational tools used and the inherent assumptions in the modelling process. Thus, it is essential to investigate the sensitivity of the response demands to the corresponding modelling assumption. Many parameters and assumptions are justified to generate effective structural finite element（FE） models of buildings to simulate lateral behaviour and evaluate seismic design demands. As such, the present study focuses on the development of reliable FE models with various levels of refinement. The effects of the FE modelling assumptions on the seismic response demands on the design of buildings are investigated. the predictive ability of a FE model is tied to the accuracy of numerical analysis; a numerical analysis is performed for a series of symmetric buildings in active seismic zones. The results of the seismic response demands are presented in a comparative format to confirm drift and strength limits requirements. A proposed model is formulated based on a simplified modeling approach, where the most refined model is used to calibrate the simplified model.

Experimental Study and Finite Element Polycrystal Model Simulation of the Cold Rolling Textures in a Powder Metallurgy Processed Pure Aluminum Plate

Ingot metallurgy (IM) aluminum has long been the subject and attracted the attention of many metallurgists and textural researchers of materials. Due to the introduction of large amounts of ex situ interfaces, however, the textures in powder metallurgy (PM) processed aluminum has been rarely reported. In this article, a pure aluminum plate was prepared via PM route. The starting billet was first produced with uni-axially cold compaction and flat hot-extrusion and then followed by cold rolling processes. The hot-extruded and cold rolling deformation textures of the pure PM aluminum at 50%, 80% and 90% cold rolling reductions were studied by orientation distribution functions (ODFs) analysis. The finite element polycrystal model (FEPM) was finally utilized to simulate the cold rolling textural evolution at various stages of cold rolling. In FEPM simulation, the initial hot-extruded textures were taken into account as inputs. The results showed that typical β-fiber texture formed in pure PM aluminum with the cold rolling reduction increased till 80%, and there was not much change after excessive cold rolling deformation. Homogeneous slip is not the only deformation mode in PM processed pure aluminum plate at over 80% cold rolling reduction. The experimental results were qualitatively in good agreement with the simulated ones.

Numerical simulation of tire/soil interaction using a verified 3D finite element model

The compaction and stress generation on terrain were always investigated based on empirical approaches or testing methods for tire/soil interaction.However,the analysis should be performed for various tires and at different soil strengths.With the increasing capacity of numerical computers and simulation software,finite element modeling of tire/terrain interaction seems a good approach for predicting the effect of change on the parameters.In this work,an elaborated 3D model fully complianning with the geometry of radial tire 115/60R13 was established,using commercial code Solidwork Simulation.The hyper-elastic and incompressible rubber as tire main material was analyzed by Moony-Rivlin model.The Drucker-Prager yield criterion was used to model the soil compaction.Results show that the model realistically predicts the laboratory tests outputs of the modeled tire on the soft soil.

Experimental and finite element analysis of tibial stress fractures using a rabbit model

AIM: To determine if rabbit models can be used to quantify the mechanical behaviour involved in tibial stress fracture(TSF) development.METHODS: Fresh rabbit tibiae were loaded under compression using a specifically-designed test apparatus. Weights were incrementally added up to a load of 30 kg and the mechanical behaviour of the tibia was analysed using tests for buckling, bone strain and hysteresis. Structural mechanics equations were subsequently employed to verify that the results were within the range of values predicted by theory. A finite element(FE) model was developed using cross-sectional computer tomography(CT) images scanned from one of the rabbit bones, and a static load of 6 kg(1.5 times the rabbit's body weight) was applied to represent running. The model was validated using the experimental strain gauge data, then geometric and elemental convergence tests were performed in order to find the minimum number of cross-sectional scans and elements respectively required for convergence. The analysis was then performed using both the model and the experimental results to investigate the mechanical behaviour of the rabbit tibia under compressive load and to examine crack initiation.RESULTS: The experimental tests showed that un der a compressive load of up to 12 kg, the rabbit tibia demonstrates linear behaviour with little hysteresis Up to 30 kg, the bone does not fail by elastic buckling however, there are low levels of tensile stress which predominately occur at and adjacent to the anterio border of the tibial midshaft: this suggests that fatigue failure occurs in these regions, since bone under cycli loading initially fails in tension. The FE model predic tions were consistent with both mechanics theory and the strain gauge results. The model was highly sensi tive to small changes in the position of the applied load due to the high slenderness ratio of the rabbit s tibia. The modelling technique used in the curren study could have applications in the development o human FE models of bone, where, unlike rabbit tibia the model would be relatively insensitive to very sma changes in load position. However, the rabbit mode itself is less beneficial as a tool to understand the me chanical behaviour of TSFs in humans due to the sma size of the rabbit bone and the limitations of human scale CT scanning equipment.CONCLUSION: The current modelling technique could be used to develop human FE models. However, the rabbit model itself has significant limitations in under standing human TSF mechanics.

IN-PLANE WAVE MOTION IN FINITE ELEMENT MODEL

The analysis method of lattice dynamics in classical physics is extended to study the properties of in-plane wave motion in the hybrid-mass finite element model in this paper. The dispersion equations of P and SV waves in the discrete model are first obtained by means of separating the characteristic equation of the motion equation, and then used to analyse the properties of P-and SV-homogeneous, inhomogeneous waves and other types of motion in the model. The dispersion characters, cut-off frequencies of P and SV waves, the polarization drift and appendent anisotropic property of wave motion caused by the discretization are finally discussed.

Finite Element Modeling and Modal Analysis of Complicated Structure with Bolted Joints

A contact bolt model is proposed as a new modeling technique to investigate the complex structure with bolted joints for modal analysis and compared with the coupled bolt model, and the test results are given. Among these models, the coupled bolt model provides the best accurate responses compared with the experimental results. The contact bolt model shows the best effectiveness and usefulness in view of operational time. The bolt models proposed in this study are adopted for a dynamic characteristic analysis of a large diesel engine consisting of several parts which are connected by many bolts. The dynamic behavior of the entire engine structure was investigated by experiment. The coupled bolt model and the contact bolt model were applied to model the assembly of engine with high preload. The experimental results are in good agreement with the finite element method （FEM） results. Compared with the other models, the contact bolt model presented in this paper is more effective and useful in view of operational time and experience of analysts.

Three-Dimensional Reconstructed Finite Element Model for C/C Composites by Micro-CT

The precise microscopic feature of carbon-carbon（C/C） composites is essential {or an accurate predic tion of their mechanical behavior. After fabrication, actual microscopic feature differs from simple ideal spatial model. Micro computed lomography（CT） scan can well describe internal microstruetures of composites. Therefore, a reconstructed model is developed based on mireo-CT, by a series of prodcedures including extrac tlng components, generating new binary images and establishing a finite element （FE） model. Compared with the model designed by reconstructed commercial software MIMICS. the presented reconstructed FE model is superior in terms of high mesh quality and eontrollable mesh cluantity. The precision of the model is verified by experiment.