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 modelling of the geodynamic processes of the Central Andes subduction zone:A Reference Model

This paper presents preliminary results of three-dimensional thermomechanical finite-element models of a parameter study to compute the current temperature and stress distribution in the subduction zone of the central Andes （16°S-26°S） up to a depth of 400 km, the bottom of the asthenosphere. For this purpose a simulation running over c. 50,000 years will be realized based on the geometry of a generic subduction zone and an elasto-viscoplastic Drucker-Prager rheology. The kinematic and thermal boundary conditions as well as the rheological parameters represent the current state of the study area. In future works the model will be refined using a systematic study of physical parameters in order to estimate the influence of the main parameters （e.g. viscosity, fault friction, velocity, shear heating） on the results of the reference model presented here. The reference model is kept as simple as possible to be able to estimate the influence of the parameters in future studies in the best possible way, whilst minimizing comnutational time.

The Effect of Ligament Modeling Technique on Knee Joint Kinematics: A Finite Element Study

Finite element (FE) analysis has become an increasingly popular technique in the study of human joint biomechanics, as it allows for detailed analysis of the joint/tissue behavior under complex, clinically relevant loading conditions. A wide variety of modeling techniques have been utilized to model knee joint ligaments. However, the effect of a selected constitutive model to simulate the ligaments on knee kinematics remains unclear. The purpose of the current study was to determine the effect of two most common techniques utilized to model knee ligaments on joint kinematics under functional loading conditions. We hypothesized that anatomic representations of the knee ligaments with anisotropic hyperelastic properties will result in more realistic kinematics. A previously developed, extensively validated anatomic FE model of the knee developed from a healthy, young female athlete was used. FE models with 3D anatomic and simplified uniaxial representations of main knee ligaments were used to simulate four functional loading conditions. Model predictions of tibiofemoral joint kinematics were compared to experimental measures. Results demonstrated the ability of the anatomic representation of the knee ligaments (3D geometry along with anisotropic hyperelastic material) in more physiologic prediction of the human knee motion with strong correlation (r ≥ 0.9 for all comparisons) and minimum deviation (0.9° ≤ RMSE ≤ 2.29°) from experimental findings. In contrast, non-physiologic uniaxial elastic representation of the ligaments resulted in lower correlations (r ≤ 0.6 for all comparisons) and substantially higher deviation (2.6°≤ RMSE ≤ 4.2°) from experimental results. Findings of the current study support our hypothesis and highlight the critical role of soft tissue modeling technique on the resultant FE predicted joint kinematics.

Simulation-based Estimation of Thermal Behavior of Direct Feed Drive Mechanism with Updated Finite Element Model

Linear motors generate high heat and cause significant deformation in high speed direct feed drive mechanisms.It is relevant to estimate their deformation behavior to improve their application in precision machine tools.This paper describes a method to estimate its thermal deformation based on updated finite element（FE）model methods.Firstly,a FE model is established for a linear motor drive test rig that includes the correlation between temperature rise and its resulting deformation.The relationship between the input and output variables of the FE model is identified with a modified multivariate input/output least square support vector regression machine.Additionally,the temperature rise and displacements at some critical points on the mechanism are obtained experimentally by a system of thermocouples and an interferometer.The FE model is updated through intelligent comparison between the experimentally measured values and the results from the regression machine.The experiments for testing thermal behavior along with the updated FE model simulations is conducted on the test rig in reciprocating cycle drive conditions.The results show that the intelligently updated FE model can be implemented to analyze the temperature variation distribution of the mechanism and to estimate its thermal behavior.The accuracy of the thermal behavior estimation with the optimally updated method can be more than double that of the initial theoretical FE model.This paper provides a simulation method that is effective to estimate the thermal behavior of the direct feed drive mechanism with high accuracy.

Autologous nerve graft repair of different degrees of sciatic nerve defect:stress and displacement at the anastomosis in a three-dimensional finite element simulation model

In the repair of peripheral nerve injury using autologous or synthetic nerve grafting, the mag- nitude of tensile forces at the anastomosis affects its response to physiological stress and the ultimate success of the treatment. One-dimensional stretching is commonly used to measure changes in tensile stress and strain; however, the accuracy of this simple method is limited. There- fore, in the present study, we established three-dimensional finite element models of sciatic nerve defects repaired by autologous nerve grafts. Using PRO E 5.0 finite element simulation software, we calculated the maximum stress and displacement of an anastomosis under a 5 N load in 10-, 20-, 30-, 40-mm long autologous nerve grafts. We found that maximum displacement increased with graft length, consistent with specimen force. These findings indicate that three-dimensional finite element simulation is a feasible method for analyzing stress and displacement at the anas- tomosis after autologous nerve grafting.

Hip Fracture Risk Assessment Based on Different Failure Criteria Using QCT-Based Finite Element Modeling

Precise evaluation of hip fracture risk leads to reduce hip fracture occurrence in individuals and assist to check the effect of a treatment.A subject-specific QCT-based finite element model is introduced to evaluate hip fracture risk using the strain energy,von-Mises stress,and von-Mises strain criteria during the single-leg stance and the sideways fall configurations.Choosing a proper failure criterion in hip fracture risk assessment is very important.The aim of this study is to define hip fracture risk index using the strain energy,von Mises stress,and von Mises strain criteria and compare the calculated fracture risk indices using these criteria at the critical regions of the femur.It is found that based on these criteria,the hip fracture risk at the femoral neck and the intertrochanteric region is higher than other parts of the femur,probably due to the larger amount of cancellous bone in these regions.The study results also show that the strain energy criterion gives more reasonable assessment of hip fracture risk based on the bone failure mechanism and the von-Mises strain criterion is more conservative than two other criteria and leads to higher estimate of hip fracture risk indices.

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.

Finite Element Analysis in Combination with Perfectly Matched Layer to the Numerical Modeling of Acoustic Devices in Piezoelectric Materials

The characterization of finite length Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) and Bulk acoustic Wave (BAW) resonators is addressed here. The Finite Element Analysis (FEA) induces artificial wave reflections at the edges of the mesh. In fact, these ones do not contribute in practice to the corresponding experimental response. The Perfectly Matched Layer (PML) method, allows to suppress the boundary reflections. In this work, we first demonstrate the basis of PML adapted to FEA formalism. Next, the results of such a method are depicted allowing a discussion on the behavior of finite acoustic resonators.

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.

Finite element model for arch bridge vibration dynamics considering effect of suspender length adjustment on geometry stiffness matrix

In this paper, we established a finite element (FEM) model to analyze the dynamic characteristics of arch bridges. In this model, the effects of adjustment to the length of a suspender on its geometry stiffness matrix are stressed. The FEM equations of mechanics characteristics, natural frequency and main mode are set up based on the first order matrix perturbation theory. Applicantion of the proposed model to analyze a real arch bridge proved the improvement in the simulation precision of dynamical characteristics of the arch bridge by considering the effects of suspender length variation.

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.

Optimization of Material Coefficients in the Holzapfel-Gasser-Ogden Material Model for the Main Four Ligaments of the Knee Joint-A Finite Element Study

Accurate representation of soft tissue material properties plays a crucial role in computational biomechanics. Several material models have been used for knee ligaments in finite element (FE) studies, including the neo-Hookean model (widely used) and the Holzapfel-Gasser-Ogden (HGO) model (seldom used). While the coefficients of neo-Hookean models for the knee ligaments are available in the literature, limited data exists for the HGO model. Furthermore, no peer-reviewed comparison of these two material models for the knee ligaments while including the 3D representation of the ligaments for both material models is present in the literature. We used mechanical properties from the tensile test experiments in the literature for each ligament to obtain the HGO material coefficients while accounting for the ligaments’ viscoelastic behavior. Resultant coefficients were then used in an Abaqus/explicit knee model to simulate bipedal landing from a jump. The simulations were repeated with neo-Hookean values from the literature. Knee kinematics plus ACL and MCL strains were evaluated and compared for these two material models. The outputs from the simulations with HGO properties were predominantly within 1.5 standard deviations from the mean in-vitro data. When the material properties changed to Neo-Hookean, the outputs for kinematics and strain values were higher than the HGO case, and in most instances, they were outside the experimental range for ACL and MCL strains (by up to 11.35 SD) as well as some ITR angles (by up to 2.86 SD). Reported HGO material model with optimized coefficients produces a more realistic representation of the ligaments’ material properties, and will help improve the outcomes of FE models for more accurate predictions of knee behavior.

Rapid Modeling and Finite Element Analysis of Missile Stiffener

Stiffener is the important missile structure to ensure the structural strength of the missile. In order to improve the design efficiency and the quality of the missile stiffener, the methods of missile stiffener rapid modeling and analysis are proposed. First, the problems of traditional manual modeling of the stiffener are analyzed. According to the problems and actual requirement of modeling, volume decomposition method is used to divide the stiffener into the upper section, the lower section and the web in order for feature analysis and parameter extraction. Then based on the parameters the basic unit decomposed above is created for Boolean operation to establish the stiffener. Finally, a rapid stiffener modeling and analysis program were developed based on UG Open API, the modeling and analysis result validates the feasibility of the method.

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.

Finite element approach for free vibration and transient response of bi-directional functionally graded sandwich porous skew-plates with variable thickness subjected to blast load OA

At the first time,the finite element method was used to model and analyze the free vibration and transient response of non-uniform thickness bi-directional functionally graded sandwich porous(BFGSP)skew plates.The whole BFGSP skew-plates is placed on a variable visco-elastic foundation(VEF)in the hygro-thermal environment and subjected to the blast load.The BFGSP skew-plate thickness is permitted to vary non-linearly over both the length and width of the skew-plate,thereby faithfully representing the real behavior of the structure itself.The analysis is based on a four-node planar quadrilateral element with eight degrees of freedom per node,which is approximated using Lagrange Q_(4)shape function and C^(1)level non-conforming Hermite shape function based on refined higher-order shear deformation plate theory.The forced vibration parameters of the non-uniform thickness BFGSP skew-plate are fully determined using Hamilton's principle and the Newmark-βdirect integration technique.Accuracy of the calculation program is validated by comparing its numerical results with those from reputable sources.Furthermore,a thorough assessment is conducted to determine the impact of various parameters on the free and forced vibration responses of the non-uniform thickness BFGSP skew-plate.The findings of the paper may be used in the development of civil and military structures in situations that are prone to exceptional forces,such as explosions and impacts load.

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.