Optimizing design of lattice materials based on finite element simulation

The optimized design of simple cross-truss and column lattice structures was carried out by the SolidWorks simulation module.The effective density of the structure was calculated according to the weight reduction requirements proposed by the project.Then,the vari-ation curve between the maximum bearing stress of the unit structure and the structural variables was obtained by simulation.Meanwhile,the mathematical equation between the maximum bearing stress and the structural variables could be obtained through MATLAB fitting.The results indicated that with the decrease in the number of cells,the compressive strength of the prepared column lattice increased(400 to 4 cells,compressive strength 29 MPa to 160 MPa).However,the yield strength increased with the number of cells.The compression strength of the simple cross-truss lattice samples indicated an increase trend with the decrease of the pillar size(an increase of the number of units),reaching 91 MPa(pillar diameter 0.52 mm,number of units 25).While the yield strength increased with the increasing of the number of units.In addition,the additive manufacturing processes of simple cubic lattice and simple cross-pillar lattice were investigated using selective laser melting.The compression performance obtained from the experiment is compared with the simulation results,which are in good agreement.The results of this paper can provide an important reference for optimizing design of lattice materials.

Evaluation of remaining useful life for corroded pipeline with finite element simulation and reliability theory

An integrated approach was proposed to evaluate the remaining useful life(RUL)of corroded petroleum pipelines.Two types of failure modes(i.e.,leakage and burst failure)were considered,and the corresponding limit state functions(LSFs)were established with the structural reliability theory.A power-law function was applied to model the growth of corrosion defects,and the effect of external environmental factors on the growth of the pipeline s defect was considered.Moreover,the result was compared with the commonly used linear growth model.After that,a finite element simulation model was established to calculate the burst pressure of the pipeline with corrosion defects,and its accuracy was verified through hydraulic burst test and by comparison with international criteria.On that basis,the probability that the pipeline may fail was calculated with Monte Carlo simulation(MCS)and by considering the LSFs,and the pipeline s RUL was obtained accordingly.Furthermore,sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine the sensitivity parameters for the corrosion and RUL of the pipeline.The results indicate that the radial corrosion rate,wall thickness and working pressure have a great influence on the failure probability of the pipeline.Thus,corresponding measures should be adopted during the operation process of the pipeline to reduce the corrosion rate and increase the wall thickness,so as to prolong the pipeline s RUL.

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.

Finite element simulation for mechanical response of surface mounted solder joints under different temperature cycling

Nonlinear finite element simulation for mechanical response of surface mounted solder joint under different temperature cycling was carried out. Seven sets of parameters were used in order to evaluate the influence of temperature cycling profile parameters. The results show that temperature cycling history has significant effect on the stress response of the solder joint. Based on the concept of relative damage stress proposed by the authors, it is found that enough high temperature holding time is necessary for designing the temperature cycling profile in accelerated thermal fatigue test.

COUPLED SIMULATION OF 3D ELECTRO-MAGNETO-FLOW FIELD IN HALL-HEROULT CELLS USING FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

Two full 3D steady mathematical models are developed by finite element method （FEM） to calcalate coupled physics fields. the electro-magnetic model is built and solved first and so is the fluid motion model with the acquired electromagnetic force as source body forces in Navier-Stokes equations. Effects caused by the ferromagnetic shell, busbar system around, and open boundary problem as well as inside induced current were considered in terms of the magnetic field. Furthermore, a new modeling method is found to set up solid models and then mesh them entirely with so-called structuralized grids, namely hex-mesh. Examples of 75kA prebaked cell with two kinds of busbar arrangements are presented. Results agree with those disclosed in the literature and confirm that the coupled simulation is valid. It is also concluded that the usage of these models facilitates the consistent analysis of the electric field to magnetic field and then flow motion to the greater extent, local distributions of current density and magnetic flux density are very much dependent on the cell structure, the steel shell is a shield to reduce the magnetic field and flow pattern is two dimensional in the main body of the metal pad.

Applications of finite element simulation in orthopedic and trauma surgery

Research in different areas of orthopedic and trauma surgery requires a methodology that allows both a more economic approach and the ability to reproduce different situations in an easy way. Simulation models have been introduced recently in bioengineering and could become an essential tool in the study of any physiological unity, regardless of its complexity. The main problem in modeling with finite elements simulation is to achieve an accurate reproduction of the anatomy and a perfect correlation of the different structures, in any region of the human body. Authors have developed a mixed technique, joining the use of a three-dimensional laser scanner Roland Picza captured together with computed tomography(CT) and 3D CT images, to achieve a perfect reproduction of the anatomy. Finite element(FE) simulation lets us know the biomechanical changes that take place after hipprostheses or osteosynthesis implantation and biological responses of bone to biomechanical changes. The simulation models are able to predict changes in bone stress distribution around the implant, so allowing preventing future pathologies. The development of a FE model of lumbar spine is another interesting application of the simulation. The model allows research on the lumbar spine, not only in physiological conditions but also simulating different load conditions, to assess the impact on biomechanics. Different degrees of disc degeneration can also be simulated to determine the impact on adjacent anatomical elements. Finally, FE models may be useful to test different fixation systems, i.e., pedicular screws, interbody devices or rigid fixations compared with the dynamic ones. We have also developed models of lumbar spine and hip joint to predict the occurrence of osteoporotic fractures, based on densitometric determinations and specific biomechanical models, including approaches from damage and fracture mechanics. FE simulations also allow us to predict the behavior of orthopedic splints applied to the correction of deformities, providing the recovering force-displacement and angle-moment curves that characterize the mechanical behavior of the splint in the overall range of movement.

Finite element analysis and simulation for cold precision forging of a helical gear

To investigate the effects of billet geometry on the cold precision forging process of a helical gear, six different billet geometries were designed utilizing the relief-hole principle. And the influences of the billet geometry on the forming load and the deformation uniformity were analyzed by three-dimensional （3D） finite element method （FEM） under the commercial software DEFORM 3D. The billet geometry was optimized to meet lower forming load and better deformation uniformity requirement. Deformation mechanism was studied through the distribution of flow velocity field and effective strain field. The forging experiments of the helical gear were successfully performed using lead material as a model material under the same process conditions used in the FE simulations. The results show that the forming load decreases as the diameter of relief-hole do increases, but the effect of do on the deformation uniformity is very complicated. The forming load is lower and the deformation is more uniform when do is 10 mm.

Finite Element Numerical Simulation of Ground Subsidence in Liangjia Colliery

Being aimed at the ground subsidence due to underground coal mining,a numerical model of rock was established and an appropriate method of numerical simulation was put forward.Using the measured subsidence data on the ground,the equivalent mechanical parameters of the rock stratums can be back-calculated by the properly treatment of coal excavation area,then the ground subsidence of other coal mining area can be predicted by FFM.It provided reference for the treatment of the buildings on the ground of this colliery.

Plastic characterization of metals by combining nanoindentation test and finite element simulation

Materials with the same elastic modulus E and representative stress and strain （σr,εr） present similar indentation-loading curves, whatever the value of strain hardening exponent n. Based on this definition, a good approach was proposed to extract the plastic properties or constitutive equations of metals from nanoindentation test combining finite element simulation. Firstly, without consideration of strain hardening, the representative stress was determined by varying assumed representative stress over a wide range until a good agreement was reached between the computed and experimental loading curves. Similarly, the corresponding representative strain was determined with different hypothetical values of strain hardening exponent in the range of 0-0.6. Through modulating assumed strain hardening exponent values to make the computed unloading curve coincide with that of the experiment, the real strain hardening exponent was acquired. Once the strain hardening exponent was determined, the initial yield stress ay of metals could be obtained by the power law constitution. The validity of the proposed methodology was verified by three real metals： AISI 304 steel, Fe andA1 alloy.

DEFORMATION ANALYSIS OF SHEET METAL SINGLE-POINT INCREMENTAL FORMING BY FINITE ELEMENT METHOD SIMULATION

Single-point incremental forming （SPIF） is an innovational sheet metal forming method without dedicated dies, which belongs to rapid prototyping technology. In generalizing the SPIF of sheet metal, the deformation analysis on forming process becomes an important and useful method for the planning of shell products, the choice of material, the design of the forming process and the planning of the forming tool. Using solid brick elements, the finite element method（FEM） model of truncated pyramid was established. Based on the theory of anisotropy and assumed strain formulation, the SPIF processes with different parameters were simulated. The resulted comparison between the simulations and the experiments shows that the FEM model is feasible and effective. Then, according to the simulated forming process, the deformation pattern of SPIF can be summarized as the combination of plane-stretching deformation and bending deformation. And the study about the process parameters＇ impact on deformation shows that the process parameter of interlayer spacing is a dominant factor on the deformation. Decreasing interlayer spacing, the strain of one step decreases and the formability of blank will be improved. With bigger interlayer spacing, the plastic deformation zone increases and the forming force will be bigger.

RESEARCH ON THE SELECTION OF FRICTION MODELS IN THE FINITE ELEMENT SIMULATION OF WARM EXTRUSION

During the process of finite element simulation of precision warm forging, the selection of friction models has a direct effect on the precision accuracy of finite element simulation results. Among all the factors which influence the selection of friction models, the distribution rule of normal stress at the tool-workpiece interface is a key one. To find out the distribution rule of normal stress at the tool-workpiece interface, this paper has made a systematic research on three typical plastic deformation processes: forward extrusion, backward extrusion, and lateral extrusion by a method of finite element simulation. Then on the base of synthesizing and correcting traditional friction models, a new general friction model which is fit for warm extrusion is developed at last.

Finite element simulation of inertia friction welding of superalloy bars

A thermo-mechanical coupling.finite element model was built to investigate the inertia friction welding of GH4169 bars. The remeshing and map solution techniques were adopted. Ttle whole welding process was investigated by adopting an innovative heat generation model and the flywheel rotational speed measured via the experiment. The simulated evolution of axial shortening shows a good agreement with the experiment. In addition, extensive .strain concentration presents in the interface and flash, and the largest ,strain exists near the flash root. Moreover, an intere.sting thermal reflux phenomenon during the cooling stage was found.

Numerical simulation analysis for deformation deviation and experimental verification for an antenna thin-wall parts considering riveting assembly with finite element method

In the process of thin-wall parts assembly for an antenna,the parts assembly deformation deviation is occurring due to the riveting assembly.In view of the riveting assembly deformation problems,it can be analyzed through transient and static simulation.In this work,the theoretical deformation model for riveting assembly is established with round head rivet.The simulation analysis for riveting deformation is carried out with the riveting assembly piece including four rivets,which comparing with the measuring points experiment results of riveting test piece through dealing with the experimental data using the point coordinate transform method and the space line fitting method.Simultaneously,the deformation deviation of the overall thin-wall parts assembly structure is analyzed through finite element simulation;and its results are verified by the measuring experiment for riveting assembly with the deformation deviation of some key points on the thin-wall parts.Through the comparison analysis,it is shown that the simulation results agree well with the experimental results,which proves the correctness and effectiveness of the theoretical analysis,simulation results and the given experiment data processing method.Through the study on the riveting assembly for thin-wall parts,it will provide a theoretical foundation for improving thin-wall parts assembly quality of large antenna in future.

Finite element simulation of influences of grain interaction on rolling textures of fcc metals

A rate dependent crystal plasticity constitutive model considering self and latent hardening in finite element analysis was developed to simulate rolling textures of pure aluminum. By changing the assignment of orientations to finite elements, i.e. assigning the same set of orientations to all elements or different orientations to different elements, the influences of grain interaction on the formation of rolling textures were numerically simulated with this kind of crystal plasticity finite element model. The simulation results reveal that the grains without considering grain interaction rotate faster than those considering grain interaction, and the rotation of grain boundary is slowed down due to the grain interaction. For a good simulation more elements should be assigned to one grain, in which the effects of both the boundary and interior parts of grain contribute to the formation of rolling textures.

Finite element simulation on the deep drawing of titanium thin-walled surface part

The deep drawing of titanium thin-walled surface part was simulated based on a self-developed three-dimensional finite element model. After an investigation on forming rules, a virtual orthogonal experimental design was adopted to determine the significance of processing parameters, such as die radius, blank holder force, and friction coefficient, on the forming process. The distributions of thickness and equivalent plastic strain of the drawn part were evaluated. The results show that die radius has a relative major influence on the deep drawing process, followed by friction coefficient and blank holder force.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL FINITE ELEMENT SIMULATION OF TOTAL KNEE JOINT IN GAIT CYCLE

Based on CT scanning pictures from a volunteer＇s knee joint, a three-dimensional finite element model of the healthy human knee joint is constructed including complete femur, tibia, fibular, patellar and the main cartilage and ligaments. This model was validated using experimental and numerical results obtained from other authors. The pressure distribution of contact surfaces of knee joint are calculated and analyzed under the load action of ‘heel strike＇, ‘single limb stance＇ and ‘toe-off＇. The results of the gait cycle are that the contact areas of medial cartilage are larger than that of lateral cartilage; the contact force and contact areas would grow larger with the load increasing; the pressure of lateral meniscus is steady, relative to the significant variation of peak pressure in medial meniscus; and the peak value of contact pressure on all components are usually found at about 4570 of the gait cycle.

Prediction of hot tearing susceptibility of direct chill casting of AA6111 alloys via finite element simulations

To predict hot tearing susceptibility(HTS)during solidification and improve the quality of Al alloy castings,constitutive equations for AA6111 alloys were developed using a direct finite element(FE)method.A hot tearing model was established for direct chill(DC)casting of industrial AA6111 alloys via coupling FE model and hot tearing criterion.By applying this model to real manufacture processes,the effects of casting speed,bottom cooling,secondary cooling,and geometric variations on the HTS were revealed.The results show that the HTS of the billet increases as the speed and billet radius increase,while it reduces as the interfacial heat transfer coefficient at the bottom or secondary water-cooling rate increases.This model shows the capabilities of incorporating maximum pore fraction in simulating hot tearing initiation,which will have a significant impact on optimizing casting conditions and chemistry for minimizing HTS and thus controlling the casting quality.

Finite element simulation of food transport through the esophageal body

The peristaltic transport of swallowed material in the esophagus is a neuro-muscular function involving the nerve control, bolus-structure interaction, and structure-mechanics relationship of the tissue. In this study, a finite element model (FEM) was developed to simulate food transport through the esophagus. The FEM consists of three components, i.e., tissue, food bolus and peristaltic wave, as well as the interactions between them. The transport process was simulated as three stages, i.e., the filling of fluid, contraction of circular muscle and traveling of peristaltic wave. It was found that the maximal passive intraluminal pressure due to bolus expansion was in the range of 0.8-10 kPa and it increased with bolus volume and fluid viscosity. It was found that the highest normal and shear stresses were at the inner surface of muscle layer. In addition, the peak pressure required for the fluid flow was predicted to be 1-15 kPa at the bolus tail. The diseases of systemic sclerosis or osteogenesis imperfecta, with the remodeled microstructures and mechanical properties, might induce the malfunction of esophageal transport. In conclusion, the current simulation was demonstrated to be able to capture the main characteristics in the intraluminal pressure and bolus geometry as measured experimentally. Therefore, the finite element model established in this study could be used to further explore the mechanism of esophageal transport in various clinical applications.

3D Finite Element Simulation of Tunnel Boring Machine Construction Processes in Deep Water Conveyance Tunnel

Applying stiffness migration method,a 3D finite element mechanical model is established to simulate the excavation and advance processes.By using 3D nonlinear finite element method,the tunnel boring machine(TBM) excavation process is dynamically simulated to analyze the stress and strain field status of surrounding rock and segment.The maximum tensile stress of segment ring caused by tunnel construction mainly lies in arch bottom and presents zonal distribution.The stress increases slightly and limitedly in the course of excavation.The maximum and minimum displacements of segment,manifesting as zonal distribution,distribute in arch bottom and vault respectively.The displacements slightly increase with the advance of TBM and gradually tend to stability.

Multiscale Hybrid-Mixed Finite Element Method for Flow Simulation in Fractured Porous Media

The multiscale hybrid-mixed(MHM)method is applied to the numerical approximation of two-dimensional matrix fluid flow in porous media with fractures.The two-dimensional fluid flow in the reservoir and the one-dimensional flow in the discrete fractures are approximated using mixed finite elements.The coupling of the two-dimensional matrix flow with the one-dimensional fracture flow is enforced using the pressure of the one-dimensional flow as a Lagrange multiplier to express the conservation of fluid transfer between the fracture flow and the divergence of the one-dimensional fracture flux.A zero-dimensional pressure(point element)is used to express conservation of mass where fractures intersect.The issuing simulation is then reduced using the MHM method leading to accurate results with a very reduced number of global equations.A general system was developed where fracture geometries and conductivities are specified in an input file and meshes are generated using the public domain mesh generator GMsh.Several test cases illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach by comparing the multiscale results with direct simulations.