Finite Element Analysis of 3-D Electromagnetic Field in Bloom Continuous Casting Mold

Three-dimensional finite element model of electromagnetic stirrer was built to predict magnetic field in a bloom continuous casting mold for steel during operation. The effects of current intensity, current frequency, and mold copper plate thickness on the magnetic field distribution in the mold were investigated. The results show that the magnetic induction intensity increases linearly with the increase in current intensity and decreases with the increase in current frequency. Increasing current intensity and frequency is available in increasing the electromagnetic force. The Joule heat decreases gradually from surface to center of bloom, and a maximum Joule heat can be found on corner of bloom. The prediction of magnetic induction intensity is in good agreement with the measured values.

A MULTI-COUPLED FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF RESISTANCE SPOT WELDING PROCESS

A two-dimensional axisymmetric finite element model is developed to analyze the transient thermal and mechanical behaviors of the Resistance Spot Welding （RSW） process using commercial software ANSYS. Firstly a direct-coupled electrical-thermal Finite Element Analysis （FEA） is performed to analyze the transient thermal characteristics of the RSW process. Then based on the thermal results a sequential coupled thermo-elastic-plastic analysis is conducted to determine the mechanical features of the RSW process. The thermal history of the whole process and the temperature distribution of the weldment are obtained through the analysis. The mechanical features, including the distributions of the contact pressure at both the faying surface and the electrode-workpiece interface, the stress and strain distributions in the weldment and their changes during the RSW process, the deformation of the weldment and the electrode displacement are also calculated.

Rock-soil slope stability analysis by two-phase random media and finite elements

To investigate the strong random nature of the geometric interfaces between soil and rock, a rock-soil slope is considered as a two-phase random medium. A nonlinear translation of a Gaussian field is utilized to simulate the two-phase random media, such that the soil(or rock) volume fraction and the inclination of the soil layer can be examined. The finite element method with random media incorporated as the material properties is used to determine the factor of safety of the rock-soil slope. Monte-Carlo simulations are used to estimate the statistical characteristics of the factor of safety. The failure mode of the rock-soil slope is examined by observing the maximum principal plastic strain at incipient slope failure. It is found that the critical surface of a rock-soil slope is fairly irregular, and it significantly differs from that of a pure soil slope. The factor of safety is sensitive to the soil volume faction, but it is predictable. The average factor of safety could be well predicted by the weighted harmonic average between the strength of soil and rock; the prediction model is practical and simple. Parametric studies on the inclination of the soil layer demonstrate that the most instable scenario occurs when the slope angle is consistent with the inclination of the soil layer.

Three-Dimensional Finite Element Numerical Simulation and Physical Experiment for Magnetism-Stress Detecting in Oil Casing

The casing damage has been a big problem in oilfield production. The current detection methods mostly are used after casing damage, which is not very effective. With the rapid development of China's offshore oil industry, the number of offshore oil wells is becoming larger and larger. Because the cost of offshore oil well is very high, the casing damage will cause huge economic losses. What's more, it can also bring serious pollution to marine environment. So the effective methods of detecting casing damage are required badly. The accumulation of stress is the main reason for the casing damage. Magnetic anisotropy technique based on counter magnetostriction effect can detect the stress of casing in real time and help us to find out the hidden dangers in time. It is essential for us to prevent the casing damage from occurring. However, such technique is still in the development stage. Previous studies mostly got the relationship between stress and magnetic signals by physical experiment, and the study of physical mechanism in relative magnetic permeability connecting the stress and magnetic signals is rarely reported. The present paper uses the ANSYS to do the three-dimensional finite element numerical simulation to study how the relative magnetic permeability works for the oil casing model. We find that the quantitative relationship between the stress' s variation and magnetic induction intensity's variation is: Δδ =K* ΔB, K = 8.04×109, which is proved correct by physical experiment.

Design and Structural Analysis of Flexible Wearable Chair Using Finite Element Method

The flexible wearable chair is like a light weight mobile exoskeleton that allows people to sit any-where in any working position. The traditional chair is difficult to move to different working locations due to its large size, heavy weight (~5 - 7 kg) and rigid structure and thus, they are inappropriate for workplaces where enough space is not available. Flexible wearable chair has a gross weight of 3 kg as it utilizes light-weight aluminium alloy members. Unlike the traditional chair, it consists of kinematic pairs which enable taking halts between continuous movements at any working position and thus, it is capable of reducing the risk of the physical musculoskeletal disorder substantially among workers. The objective of this paper is to focus on the mechanical design and finite element analysis (FEA) of the mechanism using ANSYS® software. In the present work, all the parts of the mechanism are designed under static load condition. The results of the analysis indicate that flexible wearable chair satisfies equilibrium and stability criterion and is capable of reducing fatigue during working in an assembly line/factory.

Finite Element Structural Analysis UsingObject-Oriented Techniques

This paper describes the object-oriented implementational method of finite element structural analysis, gives the basic concepts of the object-oriented method and objectoriented programming, develops a complete class hierarchy structure of object-oriented finite element structural analysis, and gives a part C+ + code description.

Finite Element Analysis of Dynamic Damper for CV Joint

Constant Velocity [CV] Joints are one of the most important components of front wheel drive axles. It is subjected to various stresses such as bending stress, shear stress and bearing stress. Apart from these stresses, it is also subjected to vibrations, due to out of balance tire or wheel and an out of round tire or wheel, or a bent rim. The main objective of this work is to reduce the stiffness of the damper, so that the damper can withstand within the required constraints [i.e. the forced frequency range of 80 Hz to 150 Hz]. The free vibrational and forced vibrational effects are investigated to predict the resonance phenomenon of the damper. Finite Element Analysis in ANSYS-11 software was performed to predict the dynamic behavior of the system under the required vibrational frequencies ranging from 80 Hz to 150 Hz at given loading conditions.

Stress Analysis of Buried Pipeline Installed by Horizontal Directional Drilling Using ANSYS Finite Element Software

In designing a horizontal directional drilling (HDD) pipeline project, designers face the challenge of determining the regions of maximum and minimum stresses on pipelines, ensuring the stability of the bore-hole from collapse and minimizing the stresses induced on the pipeline due to the bore-profile. This study analyses the stress induced on an HDD pipeline system using the ANSYS Version 18, mechanical APDL finite element (FE) software. The pipeline used as the case study was a gas transmission pipeline installed in south-west Nigeria. A macro-file for ANSYS Version 18, mechanical APDL used to model the pipeline was developed. The results showed that the maximum and minimum stresses induced on the HDD pipeline were at the top and bottom of the pipe, respectively;while the stresses on the sides were uniform (≈888 kg/cm2) all through the pipeline, irrespective of element number. The maximum stress occurred at the curvature point with the highest entry angle (10°), resulting in a maximum deflection at this point. The model stress validation performed by comparing results with theoretical solutions, both with respect to radius of curvature and internal pressure, showed percentage difference (errors) less than 10%. The cross sectional area validation showed a percentage difference of 0.059%.

Conventional versus minimally-invasive cervical discectomy for treatment of severe degenerative disease at C5-C6: a biomechanical comparison using a model of the full cervical spine and finite element analysis

The purpose of this study was to determine the dif-ferences in biomechanical responses of tissues in the cervical spine when pain and other problems secon-dary to severe disc degeneration disease are surgi-cally treated by conventional discectomy (CONDIS) compared to minimally-invasive discectomy (MIVDIS). A validated three-dimensional model of an intact, healthy, adult full cervical spine (C1-C7) (INT) was constructed. This model was then modified to create two models, one simulating each of the above-men-tioned two techniques for discectomy of the severely degenerated C5-C6 disc. For each of these three models, we used the finite element analysis method to obtain three biomechanical parameters at various tissues in the model, under seven different physio-logically relevant loadings. For each of the biome-chanical parameters, the results were expressed as relative change in its value when a specified combi-nation of simulated discectomy model and applied loading was used, with respect to the corresponding value in the intact model. We then computed the value of a composite biomechanical performance in-dex (CBPI) for CONDIS and MIVDIS models, with this value incorporating all of the aforementioned relative changes. We found that CBPI was marginally lower for MIVDIS model. This trend is the same as that reported for the relative complications rate and outcome measures following conventional and mini-mally-invasive discectomies in the lumbar spine. From a healthcare perspective, one implication of our finding is that minimally-invasive cervical discectomy should be considered an attractive option provided that detailed patient selection criteria are clearly de-fined and strictly followed.

Relationships between femoral strength evaluated by nonlinear finite element analysis and BMD,material distribution and geometric morphology

Precisely quantifying the strength of the proximal femur and accurately assessing hip fracture risk would enable those at high risk to be identified so that preventive interventions could be taken.Development of better measures of femoral strength using the clinically

Design of Industrial Floors TR34 and Finite Element Analysis (Part 2)

The design of industrial floors will be presented in this paper. In the first part of this article the calculation methods of the TR34 British guideline will be discussed. In the second part the state of the art design methods using advanced finite element methods will be presented. The design itself may seem as slow considering the actual computer efficiency, however comparing the results to theoretical analysis and to designing methods, precision and economical nature of the method can be justified. A large number of foreign industrial floor designs were made by this method;some of them will be shown as reference at the end of the article.

Numerical analysis of surface subsidence in asymmetric parallel highway tunnels

Tunnelling related hazards are very common in the Himalayan terrain and a number of such instances have been reported. Several twin tunnels are being planned for transportation purposes which will require good understanding for prediction of tunnel deformation and surface settlement during the engineering life of the structure. The deformational behaviour, design of sequential excavation and support of any jointed rock mass are challenging during underground construction. We have raised several commonly assumed issues while performing stability analysis of underground opening at shallow depth. For this purpose, Kainchi-mod Nerchowck twin tunnels(Himachal Pradesh, India) are taken for in-depth analysis of the stability of two asymmetric tunnels to address the influence of topography, twin tunnel dimension and geometry. The host rock encountered during excavation is composed mainly of moderately to highly jointed grey sandstone, maroon sandstone and siltstones. In contrast to equidimensional tunnels where the maximum subsidence is observed vertically above the centreline of the tunnel, the result from the present study shows shifting of the maximum subsidence away from the tunnel centreline. The maximum subsidence of 0.99 mm is observed at 4.54 m left to the escape tunnel centreline whereas the maximum subsidence of 3.14 mm is observed at 8.89 m right to the main tunnel centreline. This shifting clearly indicates the influence of undulating topography and inequidimensional noncircular tunnel.

Stress analysis of functionally graded rotating discs: analytical and numerical solutions

This study deals with stress analysis of annular rotating discs made of functionally graded materials（FGMs）.Elasticity modulus and density of the discs are assumed to vary radially according to a power law function,but the material is of constant Poisson＇s ratio.A gradient parameter n is chosen between 0 and 1.0.When n = 0,the disc becomes a homogeneous isotropic material.Tangential and radial stress distributions and displacements on the disc are investigated for various gradient parameters n by means of the diverse elasticity modulus and density by using analytical and numerical solutions.Finally,a homogenous tangential stress distribution and the lowest radial stresses along the radius of a rotating disc are approximately obtained for the gradient parameter n = 1.0 compared with the homogeneous,isotropic case n = 0.This means that a disc made of FGMs has the capability of higher angular rotations compared with the homogeneous isotropic disc.

Finite Element Simulation on the Spin-forming of the 3D Non-axisymmetric Thin-Walled Tubes

The roller movement trace for the 3D non-axisymmetric thin-walled tubes is a complex space curve. Besides the roller rotation caused by contact with the blank, the roller rotates around the workpiece together with the main spindle, and also moves simultaneously along the direction of the revolution radius. The method to correctly establish the finite element （FE） models of the metal spinning is based on the MSC. MARC software was introduced. The calculation formulas considering both the revolution and rotation of the roller were obtained by the mathematical deduction. The saving calculation points m should be a multiple of 4 for one revolution of the roller around the workpiece to obtain the maximum forming force for the spinning of the 3D non-axisymmetric thin-walled tubes. The simulation results conform well to the experimental ones for several spinning methods; the maximum error is less than ±15%.

Numerical Analysis of the Adhesive Forces in Nano-Scale Structure

Nanohairs, which can be found on the epidermis of Tokay gecko＇s toes, contribute to the adhesion by means of van der Waals force, capillary force, etc. This structure has inspired many researchers to fabricate the attachable nano-scale structures. However, the efficiency of artificial nano-scale structures is not reliable sufficiently. Moreover, the mechanical parameters related to the nano-hair attachment are not yet revealed qualitatively. The mechanical parameters which have influence on the ability of adhesive nano-hairs were investigated through numerical simulation in which only van der Waals force was considered. For the numerical analysis, finite element method was utilized and van der Waals force, assumed as 12-6 Lennard-Jones potential, was implemented as the body force term in the finite element formulation.

Virtual ballistic impact testing of Kevlar soft armor:Predictive and validated finite element modeling of the V0-V100 probabilistic penetration response

This works presents the first fully validated and predictive capability to model the V_0-V_(100) probabilistic penetration response of a woven fabric using a yarn-level fabric finite element model. The V_0-V_(100) curve describes the probability of complete fabric penetration as a function of projectile impact velocity. The exemplar case considered in this paper comprises of a single-layer, fully-clamped, plain-weave Kevlar fabric impacted at the center by a 17-gr, 0.22 cal FSP or fragment-simulating projectile. Each warp and fill yarn in the fabric is individually modeled using 3 D finite elements and the virtual fabric microstructure is validated in detail against the experimental fabric microstructure. Material and testing sources of statistical variability including yarn strength and modulus, inter-yarn friction, precise projectile impact location, and projectile rotation are mapped into the finite element model. A series of impact simulations at varying projectile impact velocities is executed using LS-DYNA on the fabric models, with each model comprising unique mappings. The impact velocities together with the outcomes(penetration, nonpenetration) are used to generate the numerical V_0-V_(100) curve which is then validated against the experimental V_0-V_(100) curve. The numerical Vi-Vrdata(impact, residual velocities) is also validated against the experimental Vi-Vrdata. For completeness, this paper also reports the experimental characterization data and its statistical analysis used for model input, viz. the Kevlar yarn tensile strengths, moduli, and inter-yarn friction, and the experimental ballistic test data used for model validation.

Test and Numerical Analysis on Performance of Reinforced Concrete Segment in Subway Tunnel

To investigate the mechanical behavior of segmental lining,a three-dimensional numerical analysis and test using three actual segments were used to analyze the effects of axial force and reinforcement ratio on the failure mechanism and ultimate bearing capacity of segmental lining.Both numerical and test results confirmed that the cracking load,yield and ultimate load were strongly influenced by axial force,and it was also proved that the yield and ultimate load would increase with the increase of reinforcement ratio,but the cracking load was almost not affected.The cracking load,yield and ultimate load are about 28.7%,500% and 460% larger due to the effect of axial force respectively.The comparison between numerical calculation and test results showed that the finite element analysis results were in good agreement with the test results.

Numerical Analysis of Emergency River Restoration Scheme for Qingping Mega Debris Flow

The mega debris flow occurred on August 13 th 2010 in Qingping town,China(hereafter called '8.13' Debris Flow) have done great damage to the local habitants as well as to the re-construction projects in the quake-hit areas,and the channel-fill deposit problem caused by the debris flow was the most destructive.Moreover,it is of high possibility that an even severe deposit problem would reappear and result in worse consequences.In order to maximize risk reduction of this problem,relevant departments of the government established a series of emergency river restoration schemes,for which the numerical analysis is an important procedure to evaluate and determine the optimized one.This study presents a numerical analysis by applying a twodimensional debris flow model combined with a relevant water-sediment model to simulate the deposit during the progress of the debris flow,and to calculate and analyze the river flow field under both the present condition and different restoration conditions.The results show that the debris flow model,which takes the confluence of the Wenjia Gully to the main river into account,could simulate the deposit process quite well.In the reproduced debris flow from the simulation of the '8.13' Debris Flow,the original river flow path has switched to a relatively lower place just along the right bank with a high speed of near 7m.s-1 after being blocked by the deposit,which is highly hazardous.To prevent this hazard,a recommended scheme is derived through inter-comparison of different restoration conditions.It shows that the recommended scheme is able to reduce the water level and as well to regulate the flow path.Based on the given conditions of the mainstream and the tributary confluence for the simulated '8.13' Debris Flow,when encountering a debris flow with deposit volume less than 0.5 million m3,the river channel can endure a 20-year return flood;however,when the deposit volume increases to 2 million m3,the flood capacity of the river will be greatly impacted and the scheme becomes invalid.The recommended scheme supported by the present study has been applied to the emergency river restoration after this mega-debris flow.

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.

SPECTRAL-FINITE ELEMENT METHOD FOR COMPRESSIBLE FLUID FLOW

In this paper, a combined Fourier spectral-finite element method is proposed for solving n-dimensional (n = 2,3), semi-periodic compressible fluid flow problems. The strict error estimation as well as the convergence rate, is presented.