Low order nonconforming mixed finite element method for nonstationary incompressible Navier-Stokes equations

This paper studies a low order mixed finite element method （FEM） for nonstationary incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. The velocity and pressure are approximated by the nonconforming constrained Q1^4ot element and the piecewise constant, respectively. The superconvergent error estimates of the velocity in the broken H^1-norm and the pressure in the L^2-norm are obtained respectively when the exact solutions are reasonably smooth. A numerical experiment is carried out to confirm the theoretical results.

Numerical Modeling of Human Middle Ear Biomechanics Using Finite Element Method

An accurate finite element （ FE ） model of the human middle ear can provide better understanding of the mechanics of middle ear, and can be used for aiding the design of the implantable middle ear hearing devices. In this paper, a threedimensional （3D） FE model of the human middle ear was constructed, including the tympanic membrane, ossicular bones, and middle ear suspensory ligaments/museles. This model was constructed based on a complete set of computerized tomography section images of a healthy volunteer＇s left ear by reverse engineering technology. The validity of this model was confirmed by comparing the motions of the tympanic membrane and stapes footplate obtained by this model with published experimental measurements on human temporal bones. The result shows that the model is reasonable in predicting the biomechanics of the human middle ear.

Parallel finite element computation of incompressible magnetohydrodynamics based on three iterations

Based on local algorithms,some parallel finite element(FE)iterative methods for stationary incompressible magnetohydrodynamics(MHD)are presented.These approaches are on account of two-grid skill include two major phases:find the FE solution by solving the nonlinear system on a globally coarse mesh to seize the low frequency component of the solution,and then locally solve linearized residual subproblems by one of three iterations(Stokes-type,Newton,and Oseen-type)on subdomains with fine grid in parallel to approximate the high frequency component.Optimal error estimates with regard to two mesh sizes and iterative steps of the proposed algorithms are given.Some numerical examples are implemented to verify the algorithm.

FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS FOR CHIP FORMATION IN HIGH SPEED TURNING OPERATIONS BY ARBITRARY LAGRANGIAN EULERIAN METHOD

A two-dimensional finite element （FE） model for the high speed turning operations when orthogonally machining AISI H13 tool steel at 49HRC using poly crystalline cubic boron nitride （PCBN） is described. An arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian （ALE） method has been adopted which does not need any chip separation criteria as opposed to the traditional Lagrangian approach. Through FE simulations temperature and stresses distributions are presented that could be helpful in predicting tool life and improving process parameters. The results show that high temperatures are generated along the tool rake face as compared to the shear zone temperatures due to high thermal conductivity of PCBN tools.

Finite element analysis of deformation characteristics in cold helical rolling of bearing steel-balls

Due to the complexity of investigating deformation mechanisms in helical rolling(HR) process with traditional analytical method, it is significant to develop a 3D finite element(FE) model of HR process. The key forming conditions of cold HR of bearing steel-balls were detailedly described. Then, by taking steel-ball rolling elements of the B7008 C angular contact ball bearing as an example, a completed 3D elastic-plastic FE model of cold HR forming process was established under SIMUFACT software environment. Furthermore, the deformation characteristics in HR process were discovered, including the forming process, evolution and distribution laws of strain, stress and damage based on Lemaitre relative damage model. The results reveal that the central loosening and cavity defects in HR process may have a combined effect of large negative hydrostatic pressure(positive mean stress)caused by multi-dimensional tensile stresses, high level transverse tensile stress, and circular-alternating shear stress in cross section.

Effect of rock joints on lined rock caverns subjected to high internal gaspressure

The storage of hydrogen gas in lined rock caverns(LRCs)may enable the implementation of the firstlarge-scale fossil-free steelmaking process in Sweden,but filling such storage causes joints in the rockmass to open,concentrating strains in the lining.The structural interaction between the LRC componentsmust be able to reduce the strain concentration in the sealing steel lining;however,this interaction iscomplex and difficult to predict with analytical methods.In this paper,the strain concentration in LRCsfrom the opening of rock joints is studied using finite element(FE)analyses,where the large-and small-scale deformation behaviors of the LRC are coupled.The model also includes concrete crack initiation anddevelopment with increasing gas pressure and rock joint width.The interaction between the jointed rockmass and the reinforced concrete,the sliding layer,and the steel lining is demonstrated.The results showthat the rock mass quality and the spacing of the rock joints have the greatest influence on the straindistributions in the steel lining.The largest effect of rock joints on the maximum strains in the steellining was observed for geological conditions of“good”quality rock masses.

Infl uence of structural parameters on dynamic characteristics and wind-induced buffeting responses of a super-long-span cable-stayed bridge

A 3D finite element （FE） model for the Sutong cable-stayed bridge （SCB） is established based on ANSYS. The dynamic characteristics of the bridge are analyzed using a subspace iteration method. Based on recorded wind data, the measured spectra expression is presented using the nonlinear least-squares regression method. Turbulent winds at the bridge site are simulated based on the spectral representation method and the FFT technique. The influence of some key structural parameters and measures on the dynamic characteristics of the bridge are investigated. These parameters include dead load intensity, as well as vertical, lateral and torsional stiffness of the steel box girder. In addition, the influence of elastic stiffness of the connection device employed between the towers and the girder on the vibration mode of the steel box girder is investigated. The analysis shows that all of the vertical, lateral and torsional buffeting displacement responses reduce gradually as the dead load intensity increases. The dynamic characteristics and the structural buffeting displacement response of the SCB are only slightly affected by the vertical and torsional stiffness of the steel box girder, and the lateral and torsional buffeting displacement responses reduce gradually as the lateral stiffness increases. These results provide a reference for dynamic analysis and design of super-long-span cable-stayed bridges.

New approach based on continuum damage mechanics with simple parameter identification to fretting fatigue life prediction

A new continuum damage mechanics model for fretting fatigue life prediction is established. In this model, the damage evolution rate is described by two kinds of quantities. One is associated with the cyclic stress characteristics obtained by the finite element （FE） analysis, and the other is associated with the material fatigue property identified from the fatigue test data of standard specimens. The wear is modeled by the energy wear law to simulate the contact geometry evolution. A two-dimensional （2D） plane strain FE implementation of the damage mechanics model and the energy wear model is presented in the platform of ABAQUS to simulate the evolutions of the fatigue damage and the wear scar. The effect of the specimen thickness is also investigated. The predicted results of the crack initiation site and the fretting fatigue life agree well with available experimental data. Comparisons are made with the critical plane Smith- Watson-Topper （SWT） method.

Defects detection in typical positions of bend pipes using low-frequency ultrasonic guided wave

In order to analyze the possibility of detecting defects in bend pipe using low-frequency ultrasonic guided wave, the propagation of T(0,1) mode and L(0,2) mode through straight-curved-straight pipe sections was studied. FE(finite element) models of bend pipe without defects and those with defects were introduced to analyze energy distribution, mode transition and defect detection of ultrasonic guided wave. FE simulation results were validated by experiments of four different bend pipes with circumferential defects in different positions. It is shown that most energy of T(0,1) mode or L(0,2) mode focuses on extrados of bend but little passes through intrados of bend, and T(0,1) mode or L(0,2) mode is converted to other possible non-axisymmetric modes when propagating through the bend and the defect after bend respectively. Furthermore, L(0,2) mode is more sensitive to circumferential notch than T(0,1) mode. The results of this work are beneficial for practical testing of pipes.

Influence of surface treatments on fatigue life of a two-stroke free piston linear engine component using random loading

This paper describes the finite element (FE) analysis technique to predict fatigue life using the narrow band frequency response approach. The life prediction results are useful for improving the component design methodology at the very early development stage. The approach is found to be suitable for a periodic loading but requires very large time records to accurately describe random loading processes. This paper is aimed at investigating the effects of surface treatments on the fatigue life of the free piston linear engine’s components. Finite element modelling and frequency response analysis were conducted using computer aided design and finite element analysis commercial codes, respectively. In addition, the fatigue life prediction was carried out using finite element based fatigue analysis commercial code. Narrow band approach was specially applied to predict the fatigue life of the free piston linear engine cylinder block. Significant variation was observed between the surface treatments and untreated cylinder block of free piston engine. The obtained results indicated that nitrided treatment yielded the longest life. This approach can determine premature products failure phenomena, and therefore can reduce time to market, improve product reliability and customer confidence.

Research on Surface Peeling in Cu-Fe-P Alloy

Surface peeling of Cu-Fe-P lead frame alloy was analyzed using plane strain model and elastoplastic finite element method. Based on the characterization of microstructure at surface peeling in finish rolled Cu-Fe-P lead frame alloy, the stress and strain distributions of the interface between Cu matrix and Fe particle are studied. Results indicate that the equivalent strain mismatch 6.9% between Cu matrix and Fe particle and the intense stress concentration at the interface have influence on surface peeling generation. The crack is prone to the electrical conductivity decreasing of Cu-Fe-P alloy and surface peeling on finish rolling.

Finite deformation swelling of a temperature-sensitive hydrogel cylinder under combined extension-torsion

The swelling behavior of a temperature-sensitive poly-N-isopropylacrylamide(PNIPAM) hydrogel circular cylinder is studied subjected to combined extension-torsion and varied temperature. In this regard, a semi-analytical solution is proposed for general combined loading. A finite element(FE) analysis is conducted, subjecting a hydrogel cylinder to the combined extension-torsion and the varied temperature to evaluate the validity and accuracy of the solution. A user-defined UHYPER subroutine is developed and verified under free and constrained swelling conditions. The FE results illustrate excellent agreement with the semi-analytical solution. Due to the complexity of the problem, some compositions and applied loading factors are analyzed. It is revealed that for larger cross-linked density and larger ending temperature, the cylinder yields higher stresses and smaller radial swelling deformation. Besides, the radial and hoop stresses increase by applying larger twist and axial stretch. The hoop stresses intersect at approximately R/Rout = 0.58, where the hoop stress vanishes. Besides, the axial force has direct and inverse relationships with the axial stretch and the twist, respectively. However, the resultant torsional moment behavior is complex, and the position of the maximum point varies significantly by altering the axial stretch and the twist.

3D finite element analysis of a two-surface wear model in fretting tests

This article aims at developing a computationally efficient framework to simulate the erosion of two contact surfaces in three-dimensional(3D),depending on the body resistance.The framework involves finite element(FE)resolution of a fretting problem,wear computation via a non-local criterion including a wear distribution parameter(WDP),as well as updating of the geometry and automatic remeshing.Its originality is based on the capability to capture the damage on each surface and obtain local and global results for a quantitative and qualitative analysis.Numerical simulations are carried out for two 3D contact specimens with different values of WDP.The results highlight the importance of correctly modelling wear:One-surface wear model is sufficient from a global point of view(wear volume),or whenever the wear resistance for a body is much higher than that of another one,whereas a 3D two-surface wear model is essential to capturing local effects(contact pressure,wear footprint,etc.)related to the difference in wear resistance of the bodies.

Moment tensor and stress inversion solutions of acoustic emissions during compression and tensile fracturing in crystalline rocks

We investigate the accuracy and robustness of moment tensor(MT)and stress inversion solutions derived from acoustic emissions(AEs)during the laboratory fracturing of prismatic Barre granite specimens.Pre-cut flaws in the specimens introduce a complex stress field,resulting in a spatial and temporal variation of focal mechanisms.Specifically,we consider two experimental setups:(1)where the rock is loaded in compression to generate primarily shear-type fractures and(2)where the material is loaded in indirect tension to generate predominantly tensile-type fractures.In each test,we first decompose AE moment tensors into double-couple(DC)and non-DC terms and then derive unambiguous normal and slip vectors using k-means clustering and an unstructured damped stress inversion algorithm.We explore temporal and spatial distributions of DC and non-DC events at different loading levels.The majority of the DC and the tensile non-DC events cluster around the pre-cut flaws,where macro-cracks later develop.Results of stress inversion are verified against the stress field from finite element(FE)modeling.A good agreement is found between the experimentally derived and numerically simulated stress orientations.To the best of the authors’knowledge,this work presents the first case where stress inversion methodologies are validated by numerical simulations at laboratory scale and under highly heterogeneous stress distributions.

Stress and deformation of rocket gas turbine disc under different loads using finite element modelling

Gas turbine discs have numerous applications in the aerospace industry,such as in liquid rocket engines.In this study,the stresses and deformations of a turbine disc were studied.The goal was to highlight the stress and deformation distribution to assist in the design of a disc as well as to demonstrate the importance of using finite element(FE)analysis in simulating an actual design case.Then,to present the real model,a twodimensional(2D)axisymmetric model for a non-uniform disc was analysed using FE analysis.The stresses and deformations developed as a result of the disc operating conditions at high rotational speeds and thermal gradients were evaluated using two types of heat transfer modes-conduction and convection,taking into consideration the material behaviour at elevated temperatures.The FE model revealed that the weight of the disc should be reduced optimally by using a non-uniform thickness because this results in a huge increase in the applied stresses.The greatest stresses in the disc result from the thermal load caused by conduction,and they are located at the centre of the disc.In addition,an analytical method was used to evaluate and predict the stresses along the disc,and it gave a good estimate of the stress values compared to the FE model.Based on this estimate,a parametric study was conducted for a range of rotational velocities under high temperature loads for a series of disc radii.Finally,it was found that this method can be used for the preliminary design of different turbines.

Comparison Between Different Finite Element Analyses of Unbonded Flexible Pipe via Different Modeling Patterns

Three kinds of models based on the same flexible pipe with 8 layers have been separately created to investigate the effects of different modeling approaches on numerical simulation results of finite element(FE)models for unbonded flexible pipes.Then the mechanical property of the unbonded flexible pipe under tension,torsion and bending load has been analyzed and compared via ABAQUS software on the basis of three created models.The research shows that different modeling methods of flexible pipes make a great difference in the results.Especially,modeling simplifications of the carcass and pressure armor have a great impact on the accuracy of the results.Model 3,in which the carcass is simulated by spiral isot ropic shell and other layers are Simula ted by solid element,possesses good adaptability,which has been proved by comparing the experiment data and other models.This paper can offer a reference for the FE modeling methods,selection and mechanical property analysis of unbonded flexible pipe.

Distribution and Dissipation of Braking Power of Wet Multidisc Brake

To study the distribution and dissipation of braking power of wet multidisc brake and determine thermal load and thermal flux distribution between mated discs, the concept of distributing brake power four times was put forward. The third and the fourth distribution of brake power were calculated by using finite element(FE) software ANSYS. The third and the fourth distribution of wet multidisc brake are mainly related to material characteristics of discs during emergency braking, while most of the braking power is carried off during continuous braking. Basis is provided for further analysis of disc failure and applicability of different friction materials.

Mechanical behavior of segment rebar of shield tunnel in construction stage

In this paper, a 3D finite element （FE） program ADINA was applied to analyzing a tunnel with 9 segment tings. The loads acting on these segment tings included the squeezing action of tail brush of shield machine under attitude deflection, the jacking forces, the grouting pressure and the soil pressure. The analyses focused on the rebar stress in two statuses： （1） normal construction status without shield machine squeezing; （2） squeezing action induced by shield machine under attitude deflection. The analyses indicated that the rebar stress was evidently affected by the construction loads. In different construction status, the rebar stress ranges from -80 MPa to 50 MPa, and the rebar is in elastic status. Even some cracks appear on segments, the stress of segment rebar is still at a low level. It is helpful to incorporate a certain quantity of steel fiber to improve the anti-crack and shock resistance performance.

Significance-based optimization of processing parameters for thin-walled aluminum alloy tube NC bending with small bending radius

Thin-walled aluminum alloy tube numerical control （NC） bending with small bending radius is a complex process with multi-factor coupling effects and multi-die constraints. A significance-based optimization method of the parameters was proposed based on the finite element （FE） simulation, and the significance analysis of the processing parameters on the forming quality in terms of the maximum wall thinning ratio and the maximum cross section distortion degree was implemented using the fractional factorial design. The optimum value of the significant parameter, the clearance between the tube and the wiper die, was obtained, and the values of the other parameters, including the friction coefficients and the clearances between the tube and the dies, the mandrel extension length and the boost velocity were estimated. The results are applied to aluminum alloy tube NC bending d50 mm×1 mm×75 mm and d70 mm×1.5 mm×105 mm （initial tube outside diameter D0 × initial tube wall thickness t0 × bending radius R）, and qualified tubes are produced.

Numerical analyses of pile performance in laterally spreading frozen ground crust overlying liquefiable soils

Lateral spread of frozen ground crust over liquefied soil has caused extensive bridge foundation damage in the past winter earthquakes.A shake table experiment was conducted to investigate the performance of a model pile in this scenario and revealed unique pile failure mechanisms.The modelling results provided valuable data for validating numerical models.This paper presents analyses and results of this experiment using two numerical modeling approaches： solid-fluid coupled finite element（FE） modeling and the beam-on-nonlinear-Winkler-foundation（BNWF） method.A FE model was constructed based on the experiment configuration and subjected to earthquake loading.Soil and pile response results were presented and compared with experimental results to validate this model.The BNWF method was used to predict the pile response and failure mechanism.A p-y curve was presented for modelling the frozen ground crust with the free-field displacement from the experiment as loading.Pile responses were presented and compared with those of the experiment and FE model.It was concluded that the coupled FE model was effective in predicting formation of three plastic hinges at ground surface,ground crust-liquefiable soil interface and within the medium dense sand layer,while the BNWF method was only able to predict the latter two.