Three-dimensional Finite Element Analysis of the Mechanical Properties of Helical Thread Connection

Conventional analytical and numerical methods for the mechanical properties of helical threads are relied on many assumptions and approximations and thus hardly yield satisfied results. A parameterized 3D finite element model of bolted joints with real helical thread geometry is established and meshed with refined hexahedral elements. The Von Mises plasticity criterion, kinematic hardening rule of materials and interfacial contacts are employed to make it possible for the suggested model be able to approach real assembly conditions. Then, the mechanical properties of bolted joints with different thread pitches, thread numbers and modular ratios are investigated, including the contact pressure distribution at joint interfaces, the axial load distribution and stress concentration in screw threads during the loading and unloading process. Simulation results indicate that the load distribution in screw threads produced by the suggested model agrees well the results from CHEN’s photoelastic tests. In addition, an interesting phenomenon is found that tightening the bolt with a large preload first and then adjusting the clamping force by unloading can make the load distribution more uniform and reduce the maximum residual equivalent stress in thread roots by up to 40%. This research provides a simple and practical approach to constructing the 3D finite element model and predicting the mechanical properties of helical thread connection.

Three-dimensional finite element analysis on effects of tunnel construction on nearby pile foundation

A three-dimensional finite element simulation was carried out to investigate the effects of tunnel construction on nearby pile foundation.The displacement controlled model (DCM) was used to simulate the tunneling-induced volume loss effects.The numerical model was verified based on the results of a centrifuge test and a set of parametric studies was implemented based on this model.There is good agreement between the trend of the results of the centrifuge test and the present model.The results of parametric studies show that the tunnelling-induced pile internal force and deformation depend mainly on the pile?tunnel distance,the pile length to tunnel depth ratio and the volume loss.Two different zones are separated by a 45° line projected from the tunnel springline.Within the zone of influence,the pile is subjected to tensile force and large settlement;whereas outside the zone of influence,dragload and small settlement are induced.It is also established that the impact of tunnelling on a pile group is substantially smaller as compared with a single pile in the same location with the rear pile in a group,demonstrating a positive pile group effect.

Three-dimensional finite element analysis with different internal fixation methods through the anterior approach

BACKGROUND With the modernization of society and transportation in the last decades in China,the incidence of high-energy trauma increased sharply in China,including that of acetabular fractures.AIM To establish different finite element models for acetabular posterior column fractures involving the quadrilateral area of the acetabulum.METHODS The three-dimensional models of the normal and fractured pelvis and the five internal fixations were established using the computed tomography data of the pelvis of a living volunteer.After the vertebral body model was inserted in the way of origin matching and all cancellous bones were copied using the duplicated cancellous bone model as the subtractive entity,the Boolean operation was performed on the pelvis model to obtain the model of the complete pelvis cortical and cancellous bones.RESULTS In the standing position,the maximum stress was 46.21 MPa.In the sitting position,the sacrum bore the simulated gravity load at the upper end.When comparing the five fixations,there were no significant differences in the stress mean values among groups(sitting:P=0.9794;standing:P=0.9741).In terms of displacement,the average displacement of the internal iliac plate group was smaller than that of the spring plate group(P=0.002),and no differences were observed between the other pairs of groups(all P>0.05).In the standing position,there were no significant differences in the mean value of displacement among the groups(P=0.2985).It can be seen from the stress nephogram of the internal fixations in different positions that the stress of the internal fixation was mainly concentrated in the fracture segment.CONCLUSION There were no significant differences among the fixations for acetabular posterior column fractures involving the quadrilateral area of the acetabulum.

Pullout of soil nail with circular discs: A three-dimensional finite element analysis

An internal failure mode for a soil-nailed system consists of failure at nail heads,slope facing,nail strength,along groutesoil interface and pullout failure.A better understanding of pullout of soil nail thus becomes important to assess the stability of a soil-nailed system.In the present study,an investigation into the pullout behaviour of soil nail with circular discs along the shaft has been carried out by a threedimensional finite element analysis using Abaqus/Explicit routine.A total of 67 simulations have been performed to accurately predict the pullout behaviour of soil nail.The soil nail under study has circular discs along its shaft varying in numbers from 1 to 4.The pullout of this soil nail in a pullout test box has been simulated with a constant overburden pressure of 20 kPa acting on the nail.The pullout load edisplacement characteristics,stresses around soil nail and failure mechanism during pullout are studied.Variations of dimensionless factors such as normalised pullout load factor and bearing capacity factor have been obtained with different combinations of parameters in terms of relative disc spacing ratio,anchorage length ratio,embedment ratio,diameter ratio and displacement ratio.From the results of analyses,it is found that nail with more circular discs requires higher pullout load.There are critical relative disc spacing ratio and diameter ratio which significantly affect the pullout behaviour of nail.

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of critical pre-twist strain angle for torsional axis

A three-dimensional elasto-plastic finite element analysis of pre-twist process for a torsional axis made of 45GrNiMoVA steel, was carried out using a commercial finite element analysis code, MSC MARC 2001. The results show that the critical pre-twist strain angle is 0.027 rad and the maximum elastic shear stress after pre-twist is 1694MPa for the torsional axis.

Biomechanical evaluation of lumbosacral reconstruction after subtotal sacrectomy: A three-dimensional finite element analysis

Objective： The aim of this study was to investigate the biomechanical property of lumbosacral reconstruction after subtotal sacrectomy. Methods： Three three-dimensional finite element models of lumbosacral region were established： （1） An intact model （INT）; （2） A defective model （DEF） on which subtotal sacrectomy was performed cephalad to the $1 foramina; （3） A reconstructed model （REC）. These models were validated by compared with literature. Upright posture was stimulated under a compression load of 925N. A finite element analysis was performed to account for the displacement and stress on the models. The REC model was calculated twice, with the material property of reconstruction instrument set as titanium and stainless steel, respectively. Results： The displacements of anchor point on the L3 vertebrae in INT, DEF and REC model were 6.63 mm, 10.62 mm, 4.29 mm （titanium） and 3.86 mm （stainless steel）, respectively. The stress distribution of the instrument in REC model showed excessively concentration on caudal spinal rod, which may cause rod failure between spine and ilia. The maximum von Mise stress of stainless steel instrument was higher than that of titanium instruments （992 MPa vs 655 MPa）, and the value of stress of anchor point around sacroiliac joint in REC model were 26.4 MPa with titanium instruments and 23.9 MPa with stainless steel instruments. Conclusion： Lumbosacral reconstruction can significantly increase the stiffness of spino-pelvis of the patient who underwent subtotal sacrectomy. However, the rod between L5 and ilia is the weakest region of all the instruments. It is suggested that the bending of rod should be conducted carefully and smoothly to avoid significant stress concentration so as to reduce the risk of rod failure. And stainless steel instrument has higher maximum stress and significantly greater stress shielding effect than titanium instrument, which means stainless steel instruments are of higher risk of rod failure and less favorable for lumboiliac arthrodesis than titanium instruments.

Three-dimensional Finite Element Analysis of a Newly Designed Onplant Miniplate Anchorage System

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the structural stress and deformation of a newly designed onplant miniplate anchorage system compared to a standard anchorage system. A bone block integrated with a novel miniplate and fixation screw system was simulated in a three-dimensional model and subjected to force at different directions. The stress distribution and deformation of the miniplate system and cortical bone were evaluated using the three-dimensional finite element method. The results showed that the stress on the plate system and bone was linearly proportional to the force magnitude and was higher when the force was in a vertical direction（Y-axis）. Stress and deformation values of the two screws（screw 1 and 2） were asymmetric when the force was added along Y-axis and was greater in screw 1. The highest deformation value of the screws was 7.5148 μm, much smaller than the limit value. The load was decreased for each single miniscrew, and the ability of the new anchorage system to bear the load was also enhanced to some degree. It was suggested that the newly designed onplant miniplate anchorage system is effective, easily implanted and minimally invasive.

Biomechanical effects of bone cement volume on the endplates of augmented vertebral body： a three-dimensional finite element analysis

Background Previous studies have suggested that percutaneous vertebroplasty might alter vertebral stress transfer,leading to adjacent vertebral failure.However,no three-dimensional finite element study so far accounted for the stress distributions on different cement volumes.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stress distributions on the endplate under different loading conditions after augmentation with various volumes of bone cement.Methods L2-L3 motion segment data were obtained from CT scans of the lumbar spine from a cadaver of a young man who had no abnormal findings on roentgenograms.Three-dimensional model of L2-L3 was established using Mimics software,and finite element model of L2-L3 functional spinal unit （FSU） was established using Ansys10.0 software.For simulating percutaneous vertebral augmentation,polymethylmethacrylate （PMMA） was deposited into the bipedicle of the L2 vertebra.The percentage of PMMA volume varied between 15％ and 30％.The stress distributions on the endplate of the augmented vertebral body were calculated under three different loading conditions.Results In general,the stress level monotonically increased with bone cement volume.Under each loading condition,the stress change on the L2 superior and inferior endplates in three kinds of finite element models shows monotonic increase.Compared with the stress-increasing region of the endplate,the central part of the L2 endplate was subject to the greatest stress under three kinds of loading conditions,especially on the superior endplate and under flexion.Conclusions The finite element models of FSU are useful to optimize the planning for vertebroplasty.The bone cement volume might have an influence on the endplate of the augmentation,especially the superior endplate.It should be noted that the optimization of bone cement volume is patient specific; the volume of the bone cement should be based on the size,body mineral density,and stiffness of the vertebrae of individual patients.

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of weakened roots restored with different cements in combination with titanium alloy posts

Background It is very difficult and relatively unpredictable to preserve and restore severely weakened pulpless roots. To provide much needed benefit basis for clinical practice, this study was carried out to analyze the stress distribution in weakened roots restored with different cements in combination with titanium alloy posts. Finite element analysis （FEA） was employed in the study. Methods A pseudo three-dimensional model of a maxillary central incisor with flared root canal, theoretically restored with titanium alloy posts in combination with different cements, was established. The analysis was performed by use of ANSYS software. The tooth was assumed to be isotropic, homogenous and elastic. A load of 100 N at an angle of 45° to the longitudinal axis was applied at the palatal surface of the crown. The distributions of stresses in weakened roots filled with cements of different elastic modulus were analyzed by the three-dimensional FEA model. Results Several stress trends were observed when the stress cloud atlas obtained in the study was analyzed. With the increase of the elastic modulus of cements from 1.8 GPa to 22.4 GPa, the stress values in dentin decreased from 39.58 MPa to 31.43 MPa and from 24.51 MPa to 20.76 MPa （respectively, for maximum principle stress values and Von Mises stress values）. When Panavia F and zinc phosphate cement were used, the stress peak values in dentin were very small with no significant difference observed, and the Von Mises stress values were 20.87 MPa and 20.76 MPa respectively. On the other hand, maximum principle stress value and Von Mises stress value in cement layer increased with the increase of the elastic modulus of cements. Conclusions The result of this study demonstrated that elastic modulus was indeed one of the important parameters to evaluate property of the cements. Our three-dimensional FEA model study also found that the cement with elastic modulus similar to that of dentin could reinforce weakened root and reduce the stress in dentin. Thus, it may be a better choice for the restoration of weakened roots in clinical practice.

Finite element response sensitivity analysis of three-dimensional soil-foundation-structure interaction (SFSI) systems

The nonlinear finite element（FE） analysis has been widely used in the design and analysis of structural or geotechnical systems.The response sensitivities（or gradients） to the model parameters are of significant importance in these realistic engineering problems.However the sensitivity calculation has lagged behind,leaving a gap between advanced FE response analysis and other research hotspots using the response gradient.The response sensitivity analysis is crucial for any gradient-based algorithms,such as reliability analysis,system identification and structural optimization.Among various sensitivity analysis methods,the direct differential method（DDM） has advantages of computing efficiency and accuracy,providing an ideal tool for the response gradient calculation.This paper extended the DDM framework to realistic complicated soil-foundation-structure interaction（SFSI） models by developing the response gradients for various constraints,element and materials involved.The enhanced framework is applied to three-dimensional SFSI system prototypes for a pilesupported bridge pier and a pile-supported reinforced concrete building frame structure,subjected to earthquake loading conditions.The DDM results are verified by forward finite difference method（FFD）.The relative importance（RI） of the various material parameters on the responses of SFSI system are investigated based on the DDM response sensitivity results.The FFD converges asymptotically toward the DDM results,demonstrating the advantages of DDM（e.g.,accurate,efficient,insensitive to numerical noise）.Furthermore,the RI and effects of the model parameters of structure,foundation and soil materials on the responses of SFSI systems are investigated by taking advantage of the sensitivity analysis results.The extension of DDM to SFSI systems greatly broaden the application areas of the d gradient-based algorithms,e.g.FE model updating and nonlinear system identification of complicated SFSI systems.

Validation and application of three-dimensional discontinuous deformation analysis with tetrahedron finite element meshed block

In the last decade, three dimensional discontin- uous deformation analyses （3D DDA） has attracted more and more attention of researchers and geotechnical engineers worldwide. The original DDA formulation utilizes a linear displacement function to describe the block movement and deformation, which would cause block expansion under rigid body rotation and thus limit its capability to model block de- formation. In this paper, 3D DDA is coupled with tetrahe- dron finite elements to tackle these two problems. Tetrahe- dron is the simplest in the 3D domain and makes it easy to implement automatic discretization, even for complex topol- ogy shape. Furthermore, element faces will remain planar and element edges will remain straight after deformation for tetrahedron finite elements and polyhedral contact detection schemes can be used directly. The matrices of equilibrium equations for this coupled method are given in detail and an effective contact searching algorithm is suggested. Valida- tion is conducted by comparing the results of the proposed coupled method with that of physical model tests using one of the most common failure modes, i.e., wedge failure. Most of the failure modes predicted by the coupled method agree with the physical model results except for 4 cases out of the total 65 cases. Finally, a complex rockslide example demon- strates the robustness and versatility of the coupled method.

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of shallow indentation of rough strain-hardening surface

Three-dimensional finite element modeling of the contact between a rigid spherical indenter and a rough surface is presented when considering both the loading and unloading phases. The relationships among the indentation load, displacement, contact area, and mean contact pressure for both loading and unloading are established through a curve fitting using sigmoid logistic and power law functions. The contact load is proportional to the contact area, and the mean contact pressure is related to the characteristic stress, which is dependent on the material properties. The residual displacement is proportional to the maximum indentation displacement. A proportional relationship also exists for plastically dissipated energy and work conducted during loading. The surface roughness results in an effective elastic modulus calculated from an initial unloading stiffness several times larger than the true value of elastic modulus. Nonetheless, the calculated modulus under a shallow spherical indentation can still be applied for a relative comparison.

Three-fin acetabular prosthesis for superior acetabular bone defects： a three-dimensional finite element analysis

Background Given that three-dimensional finite element models have been successfully used to analyze biomechanics in orthopedics-related research, this study aimed to establish a finite element model of the pelvic bone and three-fin acetabular component and evaluate biomechanical changes in this model after implantation of a three-fin acetabular prosthesis in a superior segmental bone defect of the acetabulum.

Micro-annulus generation under downhole conditions: Insights from three-dimensional staged finite element analysis of cement hardening and wellbore operations

A micro-annulus(MA)is defined as a high permeability zone or gap initiating/occurring at the casingcement and cement-formation interfaces during the wellbore life span.An MA can significantly compromise wellbore integrity by establishing enhanced fluid flow pathways.This study uses a staged finite element approach to simulate wellbore integrity during various loading steps of wellbore operations under downhole conditions.Particular emphasis is placed on the processes of cement poro-elastic property evolution,volume variation,and pore pressure variation as part of the cement hardening step.The resulting state of stress during the life cycle of a typical injection well(i.e.hardening,completion,and injection)is analyzed to assess the onset and evolution of micro-annuli at various interfaces of the composite wellbore system under downhole conditions.The results show that cement shear failure is observed at the casing-cement interface during pressure testing(excessive wellbore pressure);and tensile debonding failure initiates at the cement-formation interface due to cement shrinkage during hardening and injection-related cooling(thermal cycling).Sensitivity analyses considering several parameters show that:(1)the degree of poro-elastic bulk shrinkage has significant implications for both shear and tensile failure initiation e the less the cement shrinks,the less likely the failure initiation is;(2)cement integrity increases with increasing depth;(3)cement pore pressure evolution has significant implications for tensile failure e if cement pore pressure decreases more,higher temperature differences can be sustained before an MA occurs;and(4)cement temperature fluctuations during hardening promote initiation of debonding failure.In summary,the results presented indicate that establishing downhole conditions to quantitatively analyze MA generation is necessary.The results are different compared to laboratory studies without considering/simulating downhole conditions.The knowledge from this study can raise the awareness of predicting and evaluating MA under downhole conditions and can be used to supplement and improve future laboratory experiments.

Finite element analysis of three-dimensional laser-induced transient thermal grating in diamond/ZnSe system

This paper uses finite element method to obtain the three-dimensional temperature field of laser-induced transient thermal grating （TTG） for two-layered structure of diamond film on ZnSe substrate. The numerical results indicate that unique two-times heating process is gradually experienced in the area between two adjacent grating stripes. However, there is a little change for the temperature field along the depth direction for the diamond film due to its great thermal conductivity. It further finds that the thickness of the diamond film has a significant influence on the temperature field in diamond/ZnSe system. The results are useful for the application of laser-induced TTG technique in film/substrate system.

THE CHARACTERISTIC FINITE ELEMENT ALTERNATING-DIRECTION METHOD AND ANALYSIS FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL NUMERICAL RESERVOIR SIMULATION

Petroleum science has made remarkable progress in organic geochcmistry and in the research into the theories of petroleum origin, its transport and accumulation. In estimating the oil-gas resources of a basin, the knowledge of its evolutionary history and especially the numerical computation of fluid flow and the history of its changes under heat is vital. The mathematical model can be described as a coupled system of nonlinear partial differentical equations with initial-boundary value problems. This thesis, from actual conditions such as the effect of fluid compressibility and the three-dimensional characteristic of large-scale science-engineering computation, we put forward a kind of characteristic finite element alternating-direction schemes and obtain optimal order estimates in L^2 norm for the error in the approximate assumption.

Stress analysis of three-dimensional finite element model of malunion calcaneus during gait

Objective: To analyze the stress distribution of calcaneus with posterior articular facet compressed after fracture and talus during gait. Methods: A wedge under the posterior articular was transected from a normal finite element model of calcaneus and talus to simulate malformation of compression of the posterior facet after fracture of calcaneus. The model was used to simulate for three subphases of the stance during the gait(heel strike, midstance, push off) and calculate the finite element. The results were compared with normal situation. Results: The stress distribution within the bone in situation of malformation was obtained and regions of elevated stresses for three subphases were located. The results were significantly different from that of normal situation. Conclusion: The simulation of calcaneus and talus in malformation has important clinic implication and can provide an insight into the factors contributing to many clinic pathogenic changes after fracture of calcaneus.

Collapse Behavior of Pipe-Framed Greenhouses with and without Reinforcement under Snow Loading:A 3-D Finite Element Analysis

The present paper first investigates the collapse behavior of a conventional pipe-framed greenhouse under snow loading based on a 3-D finite element analysis,in which both geometrical and material non-linearities are considered.Three snow load distribution patterns related to the wind-driven snow particle movement are used in the analysis.It is found that snow load distribution affects the deformation and collapse behavior of the pipe-framed greenhouse significantly.The results obtained in this study are consistent with the actual damage observed.Next,discussion is made of the effects of reinforcements by adding members to the basic frame on the strength of the whole structure,in which seven kinds of reinforcement methods are examined.A buckling analysis is also carried out.The results indicate that the most effective reinforcement method depends on the snow load distribution pattern.

Three-Dimensional Finite Elemental Analysis of Bone Stress near an Implant Placed at the Border between Mandible and Fibular Graft in Mandibular Reconstruction

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to use finite elemental analysis (FEA) to evaluate bone stress near an implant placed at the border between the mandible and fibular graft in mandibular reconstruction. Materials and Methods: A fibular model (FM) and transplantation model (TM) were constructed for FEA. In TM, mandible was on the mesial side and the fibular graft was on the distal side. The implant was positioned at the center of both bone models. In TM, it was placed on the border between the mandible and fibular graft. A 10-mm implant was used in the monocortical model and a 15-mm implant was used in the bicortical model. The loading force was set at 100 N, the angle was set at 90°, and the loading position was set as center, mesial, or distal on the upper surface of the prosthesis. Von Mises equivalent stress values of the bone near the implant collar and apex at the middle line between buccal and lingual side were measured. Results: In all models, stress values were significantly lower with center loading than with distal loading and mesial loading. In center loading, the stress values were significantly lower in the bicortical model than in the monocortical model. There were no significant differences in stress values between FM and TM in all conditions. Conclusions: Bone stress was least with the center loading position, which was further decreased by bicortical fixation. There was no increase in mechanical stress associated with placing an implant at the border between the mandible and the fibular graft.

Finite Element Analysis of Coronal Shear Fractures of the Femoral Neck: Displacement of the Femoral Head and Effect of Osteosynthetic Implants

Coronal shear fractures of the femoral neck (CSFF) are the most challenging to treat among proximal femur fractures, directly affecting the life expectancy of patients with osteoporosis. However, an adequate osteosynthesis method has not been elucidated yet. This study investigated the displacement direction of the femoral head fragment and its effect on the bone using finite element method. A finite element model for CSFF was developed from CT image data of a patient with osteoporosis using Mechanical Finder (ver. 11). Subsequently, finite element analyses were performed on six osteosynthesis models under maximum load applied during walking. The compressive stresses, tensile stresses, and compressive strains of each model were examined. The results suggested that the compressive and tensile stress distributions were concentrated on the anterior side of the femoral neck. Compressive strain distribution in the femoral head and neck was concentrated in four areas: at the tip of the blade or lag screw, the anteroinferior side of the blade or lag screw near the fracture site, and the upper right and lower left near the junction of the blade or lag screw and nail. Thus, the distribution of both these stresses revealed that the femoral head fragment was prone to anterior and inferior displacement. Distribution of compressive strains revealed the direction of the stress exerted by the osteosynthetic implant on the bone. The same results were observed in all osteosynthetic implants;thus, the findings could lay the foundation for developing methods for placing osteosynthetic implants less prone to displacement and the osteosynthetic implants themselves. In particular, the study provides insight into the optimal treatment of CSFF.