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.

An ultrasound-guided percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation regimen devised using finite element modeling promotes functional recovery after median nerve transection

Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation of an injured nerve can promote and accelerate peripheral nerve regeneration and improve function.When performing acupuncture and moxibustion,locating the injured nerve using ultrasound before percutaneous nerve stimulation can help prevent further injury to an already injured nerve.However,stimulation parameters have not been standardized.In this study,we constructed a multi-layer human forearm model using finite element modeling.Taking current density and activated function as optimization indicators,the optimal percutaneous nerve stimulation parameters were established.The optimal parameters were parallel placement located 3 cm apart with the injury site at the midpoint between the needles.To validate the efficacy of this regimen,we performed a randomized controlled trial in 23 patients with median nerve transection who underwent neurorrhaphy.Patients who received conventional rehabilitation combined with percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation experienced greater improvement in sensory function,motor function,and grip strength than those who received conventional rehabilitation combined with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.These findings suggest that the percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation regimen established in this study can improve global median nerve function in patients with median nerve transection.

A rigid-flexible coupling finite element model of coupler for analyzing train instability behavior during collision

Rail vehicles generate huge longitudinal impact loads in collisions.If unreasonable matching exists between the compressive strength of the intermediate coupler and the structural strength of the car body,the risk of car body structure damage and train derailment will increase.Herein,a four-stage rigid-flexible coupling finite element model of the coupler is established considering the coupler buckling load.The influence of the coupler buckling load on the train longitudinal-vertical-hori-zontal buckling behavior was studied,and the mechanism of the train horizontal buckling instability in train collisions was revealed.Analysis results show that an intermediate coupler should be designed to ensure that the actual buckling load is less than the compressive load when the car body structure begins to deform plastically.The actual buckling load of the coupler and the asymmetry of the structural strength of the car body in the lateral direction are two important influencing factors for the lateral buckling of a train collision.If the strength of the two sides of the car body structure in the lateral direction is asymmetrical,the deformation on the weaker side will be larger,and the end of the car body will begin to deflect under the action of the coupler force,which in turn causes the train to undergo sawtooth buckling.

Behaviour of non-ballast pre-stressed and precast track structures in high speed railway based on multiscale finite element model

In order to make further study on the mechanical property of CRTSIII type slab non-ballast track structures,which was self-designed in China,based on the method of the multiscale finite element model(FEM),the traditional FEM of slab non-ballast track structures was improved.The multiscale FEM of CRTSII type slab nonballast track structures was established based on the general finite element program ABAQUs.Then the comparative calculation was made between various FEMs,showing that the high solution precision,fast modelling speed and high solution efficiency could be obtained.Therefore,the multiscale FEM was suitable for the parametric study on mechanical behaviour of CRTSII type slab non-ballast track structures,and then the key influence factor and constructions could be optimized.

Influence of Various Earth-Retaining Walls on the Dynamic Response Comparison Based on 3D Modeling

The present work aims to assess earthquake-induced earth-retaining(ER)wall displacement.This study is on the dynamics analysis of various earth-retaining wall designs in hollow precast concrete panels,reinforcement concrete facing panels,and gravity-type earth-retaining walls.The finite element(FE)simulations utilized a 3D plane strain condition to model full-scale ER walls and numerous nonlinear dynamics analyses.The seismic performance of differentmodels,which includes reinforcement concrete panels and gravity-type and hollowprecast concrete ER walls,was simulated and examined using the FE approach.It also displays comparative studies such as stress distribution,deflection of the wall,acceleration across the wall height,lateral wall displacement,lateral wall pressure,and backfill plastic strain.Three components of the created ER walls were found throughout this research procedure.One is a granular reinforcement backfill,while the other is a wall-facing panel and base foundation.The dynamic response effects of varied earth-retaining walls have also been studied.It was discovered that the facing panel of the model significantly impacts the earthquake-induced displacement of ER walls.The proposed analytical model’s validity has been evaluated and compared with the reinforcement concrete facing panels,gravity-type ER wall,scientifically available data,and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials(AASHTO)guidelines results based on FE simulation.The results of the observations indicate that the hollow prefabricated concrete ER wall is the most feasible option due to its lower displacement and high-stress distribution compared to the two types.The methodology and results of this study establish standards for future analogous investigations and professionals,particularly in light of the increasing computational capabilities of desktop computers.

Numerical analysis of high‑speed railway slab tracks using calibrated and validated 3D time‑domain modelling

Concrete slabs are widely used in modern railways to increase the inherent resilient quality of the tracks,provide safe and smooth rides,and reduce the maintenance frequency.In this paper,the elastic performance of a novel slab trackform for high-speed railways is investigated using three-dimensional finite element modelling in Abaqus.It is then compared to the performance of a ballasted track.First,slab and ballasted track models are developed to replicate the full-scale testing of track sections.Once the models are calibrated with the experimental results,the novel slab model is developed and compared against the calibrated slab track results.The slab and ballasted track models are then extended to create linear dynamic models,considering the track geodynamics,and simulating train passages at various speeds,for which the Ledsgard documented case was used to validate the models.Trains travelling at low and high speeds are analysed to investigate the track deflections and the wave propagation in the soil,considering the issues associated with critical speeds.Various train loading methods are discussed,and the most practical approach is retained and described.Moreover,correlations are made between the geotechnical parameters of modern high-speed rail and conventional standards.It is found that considering the same ground condition,the slab track deflections are considerably smaller than those of the ballasted track at high speeds,while they show similar behaviour at low speeds.

Development and Validation of a Scaled Electric Combat Vehicle Tire Model

Pneumatic tire modeling and validation have been the topic of several research papers, however, most of these papers only deal with pneumatic passenger and truck tires. In recent years, wheeled-scaled vehicles have gained lots of attention as a feasible testing platform, nonetheless up to the authors’ knowledge there has been no research regarding the use of scaled tires and their effect on the overall vehicle performance characteristics. This paper presents a novel scaled electric combat vehicle tire model and validation technique. The pro-line lockdown tire size 3.00 × 7.35 is modeled using the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) technique and several materials including layered membrane, beam elements, and Mooney-Rivlin for rubber. The tire-rim assembly is then described, and the rigid body analysis is presented. The tire is then validated using an in-house custom-made static tire testing machine. The tire test rig is made specifically to test the pro-line tire model and is designed and manufactured in the laboratory. The tire is validated using vertical stiffness and footprint tests in the static domain at different operating conditions including several vertical loads. Then the tire is used to perform rolling resistance and steering analysis including the rolling resistance coefficient and the cornering stiffness. The analysis is performed at different operating conditions including longitudinal speeds of 5, 10, and 15 km/h. This tire model will be further used to determine the tractive and braking performance of the tire. Furthermore, the tire test rig will also be modified to perform cornering stiffness tests.

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%.

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.

Model-element Analytic Method for Plastic Forming of Material

MEM(model element method) is proposed to resolve the present difficulties and problems in CAE about plastic forming of material.There are four advantages when MEM is integrated with FEM(finite element method) and UBM(upper boundary element method).First,it can make full use of their own advantages and overcome their own disadvantages;second,it can analyse material plastic fluid expediently;third,it can optimize design;finally,it can improve technological content and application effect of CAE software.Based on introducing the principle of MEM briefly,features and applications of MEM are pointed out.In conclusion,a new analysis method for plastic forming comes forth.

Discrete element modeling of migration and evolution rules of coarse aggregates in the static compaction process

To investigate migration and evolution rules of coarse aggregates in the static compaction process, an algorithm of generating digital coarse aggregates that can reflect real morphology（ such as shape, size and fracture surface） of aggregate particles, is represented by polyhedral particles based on the discrete element method（ DEM）. A digital specimen comprised of aggregates and air voids is developed. In addition,a static compaction model consisting of a digital specimen and three plates is constructed and a series of evaluation indices such as mean contact force σMCF, wall stress in direction of zcoordinate σWSZZ, porosity and coordination numbers are presented to investigate the motion rules of coarse aggregates at different compaction displacements of 7. 5, 15 and 30 mm. The three-dimensional static compaction model is also verified with laboratory measurements. The results indicate that the compaction displacements are positively related to σMCF and σWSZZ, which increase gradually with the increase in iterative steps. When the compaction proceeds, the digital specimen porosity decreases, but the coordination number increases. The variation ranges of these four indices are different at different compaction displacements. This study provides a method to analyze the compaction mechanism of particle materials such as asphalt mixture and graded broken stone.

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.

A modified discrete element model for sea ice dynamics

Considering the discontinuous characteristics of sea ice on various scales,a modified discrete element model（DEM） for sea ice dynamics is developed based on the granular material rheology.In this modified DEM,a soft sea ice particle element is introduced as a self-adjustive particle size function.Each ice particle can be treated as an assembly of ice floes,with its concentration and thickness changing to variable sizes under the conservation of mass.In this model,the contact forces among ice particles are calculated using a viscous-elastic-plastic model,while the maximum shear forces are described with the Mohr-Coulomb friction law.With this modified DEM,the ice flow dynamics is simulated under the drags of wind and current in a channel of various widths.The thicknesses,concentrations and velocities of ice particles are obtained,and then reasonable dynamic process is analyzed.The sea ice dynamic process is also simulated in a vortex wind field.Taking the influence of thermodynamics into account,this modified DEM will be improved in the future work.

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.

Evaluating the mechanical properties of anisotropic shale containing bedding and natural fractures with discrete element modeling

Natural fracture data from one of the Carboniferous shale masses in the eastern Qaidam Basin were used to establish a stochastic model of a discrete fracture network and to perform discrete element simulation research on the size efect and mechanical parameters of shale.Analytical solutions of fctitious joints in transversely isotropic media were derived,which made it possible for the proposed numerical model to simulate the bedding and natural fractures in shale masses.The results indicate that there are two main factors infuencing the representative elementary volume(REV)size of a shale mass.The frst and most decisive factor is the presence of natural fractures in the block itself.The second is the anisotropy ratio:the greater the anisotropy is,the larger the REV.The bedding angle has little infuence on the REV size,whereas it has a certain infuence on the mechanical parameters of the rock mass.When the bedding angle approaches the average orientation of the natural fractures,the mechanical parameters of the shale blocks decrease greatly.The REV representing the mechanical properties of the Carboniferous shale masses in the eastern Qaidam Basin were comprehensively identifed by considering the infuence of bedding and natural fractures.When the numerical model size is larger than the REV,the fractured rock mass discontinuities can be transformed into equivalent continuities,which provides a method for simulating shale with natural fractures and bedding to analyze the stability of a borehole wall in shale.

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.

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.

Determination of the Normal Contact Stiffness and Integration Time Step for the Finite Element Modeling of Bristle-Surface Interaction

In finite element modeling of impact,it is necessary to define appropriate values of the normal contact stiffness,Kn,and the Integration Time Step(ITS).Because impacts are usually of very short duration,very small ITSs are required.Moreover,the selection of a suitable value of Kn is a critical issue,as the impact behavior depends dramatically on this parameter.In this work,a number of experimental tests and finite element analyses have been performed in order to obtain an appropriate value of Kn for the interaction between a bristle of a gutter brush for road sweeping and a concrete surface.Furthermore,a suitable ITS is determined.The experiments consist of releasing a steel bristle that is placed vertically at a certain distance from a concrete surface and tracking the impact.Similarly,in the finite element analyses,a beam is modeled in free fall and impacting a surface;contact and target elements are attached to the beam and the surface,respectively.The results of the experiments and the modeling are integrated through the principle of conservation of energy,the principle of linear impulse and momentum,and Newton’s second law.The results demonstrate that,for the case studied,Kn and the impact time tend to be independent of the velocity just before impact and that Kn has a very large variation,as concrete is a composite material with a rough surface.Also,the ratio between the largest height of the bristle after impact and the initial height tends to be constant.

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.