Multi-scale Simulation Method with Coupled Finite/Discrete Element Model and Its Application

The existing research on continuous structure is usually analyzed with finite element method (FEM) and granular medium with discrete element method (DEM), but there are few researches on the coupling interaction between continuous structure and discrete medium. To the issue of this coupling interaction, a multi-scale simulation method with coupled finite/discrete element model is put forward, in their respective domains of discrete and finite elements, the nodes follow force law and motion law of their own method, and on the their interaction interface, the touch type between discrete and finite elements is distinguished as two types: full touch and partial touch, the interaction force between them is calculated with linear elastic model. For full touch, the contact force is proportional to the overlap distance between discrete element and finite element patch. For partial touch, first the finite element patch is extended on all sides indefinitely to be a complete plane, the full contact force can be obtained with the touch type between discrete element and plane being viewed as full touch, then the full overlap area between them and the actual overlap area between discrete element and finite element patch are computed, the actual contact force is obtained by scaling the full contact force with a factor which is determined by the ratio of the actual overlap area to the full overlap area. The contact force is equivalent to the finite element nodes and the force and displacement on the nodes can be computed, so the ideal simulation results can be got. This method has been used to simulate the cutter disk of the earth pressure balance shield machine (EPBSM) made in North Heavy Industry (NHI) with its excavation diameter of 6.28 m cutting and digging the sandy clay layer. The simulation results show that as the gradual increase of excavating depth of the cutter head, the maximum stress occurs at the roots of cutters on the cutter head, while for the soil, the largest stress is distributed at the region which directly contacted with the cutters. The proposed research can provide good solutions for correct design and installation of cutters, and it is necessary to design mounting bracket to fix cutters on cutter head.

Densification simulation of compacted Al powders using multi-particle finite element method

The powder compaction simulations were performed to demonstrate deformation behavior of particles and estimate the effect of different punch speeds and particle diameters on the relative density of powder by a multi-particle finite element model(MPFEM). Individual particle discretized with a finite element mesh allows for a full description of the contact mechanics. In order to verify the reliability of compaction simulation by MPFEM, the compaction tests of porous aluminum with average particle size of 20 μm and 3 μm were performed at different ram speeds of 5, 15, 30 and 60 mm/min by MTS servo-hydraulic tester. The results show that the slow ram speed is of great advantage for powder densification in low compaction force due to sufficient particle rearrangement and compaction force increases with decrease in average particle size of aluminum.

Thermo-hydro-mechanical-air coupling finite element method and its application to multi-phase problems

In this paper, a finite element method （FEM）-based multi-phase problem based on a newly proposed thermal elastoplastic constitutive model for saturated/unsaturated geomaterial is discussed. A program of FEM named as SOFT, adopting unified field equations for thermo-hydro-mechanical-air （THMA） behavior of geomaterial and using finite element-finite difference （FE-FD） scheme for so/l-water-air three-phase coupling problem, is used in the numerical simulation. As an application of the newly proposed numerical method, two engineering problems, one for slope failure in unsaturated model ground and another for in situ heating test related to deep geological repository of high-level radioactive waste （HLRW）, are simulated. The model tests on slope failure in unsaturated Shirasu ground, carried out by Kitamura et al. （2007）, is simulated in the framework of soil-water-air three-phase coupling under the condition of constant temperature. While the in situ heating test reported by Munoz （2006） is simulated in the same framework under the conditions of variable temperature hut constant air pressure.

Optimal design of automotive body B-pillar using simplified finite element model of body-in-prime combined with an optimization procedure

Optimization of an automotive body structure faces the difficulty of having too many design variables and a too large design search space. A simplified model of body-in-prime(BIP) can solve this difficulty by reducing the number of design variables. In this study, to achieve lighter weight and higher stiffness, the simplified model of BIP was developed and combined with an optimization procedure;consequently, optimal designs of automotive body B-pillar were produced. B-pillar was divided into four quarters and each quarter was modelled by one simplified beam. In the optimization procedure, depth, width, and thickness of the simplified beams were considered as the design variables.Weight, bending and torsional stiffness were also considered as objective functions. The optimization procedure is composed of six stages: designing the experiments, calculating grey relational grade, calculating signal-to noise ratio,finding an optimum design using Taguchi grey relational analysis, performing sensitivity analysis using analysis of variance(ANOVA) and performing non-dominated sorting and multi-criteria decision making. The results show that the width of lower B-pillar has the highest effect(about 55%) and the obtained optimum design point could reduce the weight of B-pillar by about 40% without reducing the BIP stiffness by more than 1.47%.

Simulation of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Using the Finite Element Method

Lumbar spine stenosis(LSS)is a narrowing of the spinal canal that results in pressure on the spinal nerves.This orthopedic disorder can cause severe pain and dysfunction.LSS is a common disabling problem amongst elderly people.In this paper,we developed a finite element model(FEM)to study the forces and the von Mises stress acting on the spine when people bend down.An artificial lumbar spine(L3)was generated from CT data by using the FEM,which is a powerful tool to study biomechanics.The proposed model is able to predict the effect of forces which apply to the lumbar spine.In addition,FEM allows us to investigate the tests into the lumbar spine instead of applying the tests to the real spine in humans.The proposed model is highly accurate and provides precise information about the lumbar spine(L3).We investigate the behavior of humans in daily life which effects to the lumbar spine in a normal person and a patient with LSS.The computational results revealed high displacement levels around the spinal canal and lower displacement levels in the spinal body when bending down.The total displacement of the axial load in a normal person was higher when compared with patients with LSS.Higher degree bends resulted in a lower total displacement when compared with lower degree bends,while the von Mises stress decreased as the bending degree increased.

Numerical failure analysis of a continuous reinforced concrete bridge under strong earthquakes using multi-scale models

Previous failure analyses of bridges typically focus on substructure failure or superstructure failure separately. However, in an actual bridge, the seismic induced substructure failure and superstructure failure may influence each other. Moreover, previous studies typically use simplified models to analyze the bridge failure; however, there are inherent defects in the calculation accuracy compared with using a detailed three-dimensional （3D） finite element （FE） model. Conversely, a detailed 3D FE model requires more computational costs, and a proper erosion criterion of the 3D elements is necessary. In this paper, a multi-scale FE model, including a corresponding erosion criterion, is proposed and validated that can significantly reduce computational costs with high precision by modelling a pseudo-dynamic test of an reinforced concrete （RC） pier. Numerical simulations of the seismic failures of a continuous RC bridge based on the multi-scale FE modeling method using LS-DYNA are performed. The nonlinear properties of the bridge, various connection strengths and bidirectional excitations are considered. The numerical results demonstrate that the failure of the connections will induce large pounding responses of the girders. The nonlinear deformation of the piers will aggravate the pounding damages. Furthermore, bidirectional earthquakes will induce eccentric poundingsto the girders and different failure modes to the adjacent piers.

Mathematical model of determination of die bearing length in design of aluminum profile extrusion die

Based on the finite element simulation of profile extrusion process, the effect of local extrusion ratio, die bearing area and the distance between extrusion cylindrical center and local die orfice center on mental flow velocity was investigated. The laws of deformed metal flow on profile extrusion process were obtained. The smaller the local extrusion ratio, the faster the metal flow velocity; the smaller the area of die bearing, the faster the metal flow velocity; the smaller the distance of position of local die orifice(the closer the distance of position of local die orifice from extrusion cylindrical axis), the faster the metal flow velocity. The effect of main parameters of die structure on metal flow velocity was integrated and the mathematical model of determination of die bearing length in design of aluminum profile extrusion die was proposed. The calculated results with proposed model were well compared with the experimental results. The proposed model can be applied to determine die bearing length in design of aluminum profile extrusion die.

A PRECISE SINGULAR FINITE ELEMENT FOR CRACK ANALYSIS

The multi-variable finite element algorithm based on the generalized Gulerkin's method is more flexible to establish a finite element model in the continuum mechanics. By using this algorithm and numerical tests a new singular finite element for elasto-plastic fracture analysis has been formulated. The results of numerical tests show that the new element possesses high accuracy and good performance. Some rules for formulating a multi-variable singular finite element are also discussed in this paper.

Fifty years of finite elements——a solid mechanics perspective

The finite element method has been considered as one of the most significant engineering advances of the twentieth century. This computational methodology has made substantial impact on many fields in science and also has profoundly changed engineering design procedures and practice. This paper, mainly froln a solid mechanics perspective, and the Swansea viewpoint in particular, describes very briefly the origin of the methodology, then summaries selected milestones of the technical developments that have taken place over the last fifty years and illustrates their application to some practical engineering problems.

A framework for dynamic modelling of railway track switches considering the switch blades,actuators and control systems

The main contribution of this paper is the development and demonstration of a novel methodology that can be followed to develop a simulation twin of a railway track switch system to test the functionality in a digital environment.This is important because,globally,railway track switches are used to allow trains to change routes;they are a key part of all railway networks.However,because track switches are single points of failure and safety-critical,their inability to operate correctly can cause significant delays and concomitant costs.In order to better understand the dynamic behaviour of switches during operation,this paper has developed a full simulation twin of a complete track switch system.The approach fuses finite element for the rail bending and motion,with physics-based models of the electromechanical actuator system and the control system.Hence,it provides researchers and engineers the opportunity to explore and understand the design space around the dynamic operation of new switches and switch machines before they are built.This is useful for looking at the modification or monitoring of existing switches,and it becomes even more important when new switch concepts are being considered and evaluated.The simulation is capable of running in real time or faster meaning designs can be iterated and checked interactively.The paper describes the modelling approach,demonstrates the methodology by developing the system model for a novel“REPOINT”switch system,and evaluates the system level performance against the dynamic performance requirements for the switch.In the context of that case study,it is found that the proposed new actuation system as designed can meet(and exceed)the system performance requirements,and that the fault tolerance built into the actuation ensures continued operation after a single actuator failure.

Dynamic analysis and optimization of car's body-in-white based on superelement approach

An approach based on the superelement theory is proposed, and it is applied to model the car's body-in-white as well as to dynamic simulation and optimization. This approach can improve the calculation speed and do the dynamic optimization among substructures respectively in the car's body design. To meet the car's design of harshness, a dynamic optimal design model, based on the mean square of vertical displacement response at two points of the car floor, is proposed. Satisfactory results are achieved.

基于熔融沉积技术的多色3D打印机设计

为解决熔融沉积技术3D打印机不能多色打印的问题,本文设计了一款多色3D打印机。该设备配有线材料仓,在料仓输出端与挤出机之间设计一种集线器,用来解决多个料道合并的问题,当打印机切换料号时,只需控制不同盘号上料器即可。相较于多喷头多色3D打印机复杂控制系统,该方法很大程度上简化熔融沉积技术多色3D打印机控制过程。为降低线材热蠕变对喷嘴系统的影响,选用了一种合金材料代替常用的不锈钢喉管材料。从有限元分析结果来看,钛合金可以有效减少热传导。最后,结合打印机打印效果说明本文提出的多色3D打印方法有效可行,为熔融沉积技术多色3D打印的进一步研究提供参考。

Design and Modeling on Stranded Wires Helical Springs

A stranded wires helical spring is formed of a multilayer and coaxial strand of several wires twisted together with the same direction of spiral. Compared with the conventional single wire spring, the stranded wires helical spring has the notable predominance in strength, damping and vibration reduction, which is usually used in aircraft engines, automatic weapons, etc. However, due to its complicated structure, the precise computation of its strength and rigidity need be a correct mathematical model, which then will be imported to finite element analysis software for solutions. Equations on solving geometric parameters, such as external diameters of strands and screw pitches of wires, are put forward in the paper. It also proposes a novel methodology on solving geometric parameters and establishing entity models of the stranded wires helical spring, which provides foundation of computing mechanical parameters by FEA. Then mathematical models on the centre line of the strand and the surface curve of each wire, after closing two ends in a spring, are proposed. Finally, geometric parameters are solved in a case study, and a 3D entity model of a spring with 3 layers and 16 wires is established, which has validated the accuracy of the proposed methodology and the 3D entity mathematical model. The method provides a new way to design stranded wire helical spring.

Model Simplification and Parameter Modification for Offshore Platforms Using Experiment Data

In this paper, a computation method has been developed so as to compare the finite element method (FEM) with the test results directly. The structure is divided into the 'master' and 'slave' degrees of freedom. The simplified model can be obtained with modal reduction. Then the design sensitivity analysis of the eigenvalues and eigenvectors has been carried out using the modal frequency and modal shape of the test. A two-story frame structure and a jacket model structure have been calculated. Meanwhile, the modified coefficient, the FEM computational and experimental values have been given. It has been shown that the FEM model modified using the test modal value is efficient.

Studies on Resource Management of Sanjiang Plain Groundwater with the Analytical Finite Method Based on Square Grid

This article established groundwater flows differential equation mathematical model of San iiang Plain on the hydrology theory foundation, and used the analysis finite element method to liner change the differential equation into the large-scale system of linear equations, it took linear equations as a part of constraint conditions of the optimized model, carried on the groundwater flow status equation and the optimized model the coupling, and carries on the solution with the Lingo software. The results indicated that this local shallow layer groundwater resources were rich and have the big development potential. But recent years water resources disposition was unreasonable and ground water mining quantity was oversized, these caused the region water flux to assume the drop tendency.

尖牙反[牙合]矫治人字形和T形曲组合正畸弓丝矫治力建模

固定矫治技术是治疗牙齿反[牙合]最为有效的矫治手段,主要通过正畸弓丝释放的矫治力来达到反[牙合]矫治中的矫治空间预留、反[牙合]牙齿回收的目的。在牙齿反[牙合]畸形中,尖牙反[牙合]是最为常见的牙齿反[牙合]畸形,常使用人字形和T形组合曲关闭上颌牙列间隙。本文旨在正畸治疗前量化人字形和T形组合曲释放矫治力的情况,为正畸医师提供尖牙反[牙合]矫治的理论参考。分析人字形和T形组合曲的形变过程,将其形变过程分为弹性形变和弹塑性形变两类,并对两种形变下的矫治力微分方程进行了构建,将其释放的矫治力分为闭隙矫治力和倾覆矫治力两种,完成了人字形和T形组合曲理论模型的建立,其次对有限元仿真值与理论值的误差率进行计算,得到闭隙矫治力仿真值与理论值的误差率在0.43%~8.33%之间,倾覆矫治力的仿真值与理论值的误差率在2.13%~9.76%之间,搭建实验测量平台得到了闭隙矫治力实验值与理论值误差率为0%~9.30%、倾覆矫治力实验值与理论值的误差率为0%~9.76%,实验测量数据与理论值具有相同的非线性变化趋势,验证了人字形和T形组合曲理论预测模型的正确性,该模型能帮助医师在治疗前对正畸力进行详细的定量分析,从而为个性化治疗方案的制定提供依据,更好地满足患者需求。

Elastic Predictions of 3D Orthogonal Woven Composites Using Micro/meso-scale Repeated Unit Cell Models

This presentation predicts the elastic properties of three-dimensional(3D)orthogonal woven composite(3DOWC)by finite element analysis based on micro/meso repeated unit cell(RUC)models.First,the properties of fiber yarn are obtained by analysis on a micro-scale RUC model assuming fibers in a hexagonal distribution pattern in the polymer matrix.Then a full thickness meso-scale RUC model including weft yarns,warp yarns,Z-yarns and pure resin zones is established and full stiffness matrix of the 3DOWC including the in-plane and flexural constants are predicted.For thick 3DOWC with large number of weft,warp layers,an alternative analysis method is proposed in which an inner meso-RUC and a surface meso-RUC are established,respectively.Then the properties of 3DOWC are deduced based on laminate theory and properties of the inner and surface layers.The predicted results by the above two alternative methods are in good experimental agreement.

寒冷地区装配式日光温室保温性能仿真

日光温室的保温性能直接影响农作物产量,为了使其提高产量,需要对保温性能进行分析。但由于需要考虑诸多因素,导致分析过程繁复。因此,提出寒冷地区装配式日光温室保温性能仿真研究,利用数学模型化繁为简。计算温室前段与后段曲率,并构建温度场数学模型,使用二次曲线逼近的方式解析该模型;建立有限元分析模型,根据有限元求解思路计算热传递问题,分别确立稳态和瞬态下的热传递微分方程,设置边界条件;结合热传递情况,使用流体动力学算法,计算流体质量、动量和能量守恒公式,进而获得温室不同节点温度。实验结果表明,目标温室的保温性能良好,模拟出的温度与实际温度相符,能够为温室参数改进提供参考依据。

垂直关闭曲联合微种植体矫正前牙内收矫治力建模

牙列拥挤是错颌畸形中最常见的类型。在正畸治疗中,为了缓解患者的牙齿拥挤状况,通常会采用拔除第一前磨牙,进行整体前牙内收的治疗方案。在前牙内收的过程中通常采用垂直关闭曲联合微种植体支抗实现关闭牙齿间隙的效果。然而在治疗过程中,医生多采用定性非量化的方式来描述受力和运动,导致治疗效果难以精确预测。针对这一问题,采用叠加定理得到以弓丝截面尺寸、形状和微种植体牵引高度为参数的垂直关闭曲联合微种植体支抗矫治力、矫治力矩预测模型。并通过有限元分析对各工况理论值和仿真值进行对比和误差值计算,得到了矫治力仿真值与理论值的误差值在0.09 N以内,矫治力矩仿真值与理论值的误差值在0.75 N·mm以内,基于下颌蜡质牙模完成对矫治力、矫治力矩的测量,得到了低位牵引时矫治力理论数据与实验数据的误差值处于0.03~0.18 N之间,矫治力矩误差值处于0.51~1.1 N·mm之间,高位牵引时,矫治力误差值处于0.03~0.17 N之间,矫治力矩误差值处于0.23~1.30 N·mm之间,验证了理论模型的准确性和仿真条件的可靠性。该模型能够对矫治过程中的力进行参数化表达,从而为个性化治疗方案的制定提供依据,并提升治疗效果和安全性。

基于火箭简化模型的多状态模型修正研究

火箭发射过程中燃料的不断减少导致火箭结构不断变化,结构的固有频率和模态振型也会随之变化。针对有限元模型的不准确性,以截面惯性矩为修正参数,不同状态下数值仿真结果与试验测试结果的误差最小为目标函数,建立多状态模型修正的优化模型。通过灵敏度分析和一阶泰勒展开对目标函数进行显式化处理,并利用序列线性规划求解得到设计变量的最优解。同时对于多状态结构,以多截面简支梁模型为例,利用锤击法对简支梁进行试验,设计磁吸重物方案模拟多状态模型,以单截面简支梁试验的前4阶频率为目标函数建立优化模型,经过修正将多截面简支梁模型修正为单截面简支梁模型,并且符合截面惯性矩与面积的比例,验证了多状态模型修正方法的准确性。