Mixed finite element and differential quadrature method for free and forced vibration and buckling analysis of rectangular plates

This paper presents a combined application of the finite element method （FEM） and the differential quadrature method （DQM） to vibration and buckling problems of rectangular plates. The proposed scheme combines the geometry flexibility of the FEM and the high accuracy and efficiency of the DQM. The accuracy of the present method is demonstrated by comparing the obtained results with those available in the literature. It is shown that highly accurate results can be obtained by using a small number of finite elements and DQM sample points. The proposed method is suitable for the problems considered due to its simplicity and potential for further development.

Finite Element Modeling and Modal Analysis of Complicated Structure with Bolted Joints

A contact bolt model is proposed as a new modeling technique to investigate the complex structure with bolted joints for modal analysis and compared with the coupled bolt model, and the test results are given. Among these models, the coupled bolt model provides the best accurate responses compared with the experimental results. The contact bolt model shows the best effectiveness and usefulness in view of operational time. The bolt models proposed in this study are adopted for a dynamic characteristic analysis of a large diesel engine consisting of several parts which are connected by many bolts. The dynamic behavior of the entire engine structure was investigated by experiment. The coupled bolt model and the contact bolt model were applied to model the assembly of engine with high preload. The experimental results are in good agreement with the finite element method （FEM） results. Compared with the other models, the contact bolt model presented in this paper is more effective and useful in view of operational time and experience of analysts.

Dynamic Characteristics of Inflated Torus Using Finite Element Analysis

In recent years, inflatable structures have been a subject of interest for space applications such as communication antenna, solar thermal propulsion and entry/landing systems. The inflatable structures characterized by high strength-to-mass ratios, minimal stowage volume, which makes them suitable for cost-effective large space structures. A typical example for the inflatable structure is the inflated torus which often used in order to provide structure support. In this study, our main focus is to understand the dynamic characteristics of an inflated torus in order to formulate an accurate mathematical model suitable for active vibration control applications. A commercial finite element package, ANSYS, is used to model the inflated torus. To verify the model the obtained frequencies and mode shapes are compared with the published results, which are derived using analytical approach, the verification shows a good agreement between the FEM and the analytical results. Based on the verified model, parametric study was investigated; the material thickness increase causes the natural frequencies decrease, while the increase of the inflation pressure simply results in stiffening the ring, which means that the natural frequency increased. The FEM analysis gives an easy and fast way for the vibration analysis of the structures compared with the complicated analytical solutions.

Goal-oriented error estimation applied to direct solution of steady-state analysis with frequency-domain finite element method

Based on the concept of the constitutive relation error along with the residuals of both the origin and the dual problems, a goal-oriented error estimation method with extended degrees of freedom is developed. It leads to the high quality locM error bounds in the problem of the direct-solution steady-state dynamic analysis with a frequency-domain finite element, which involves the enrichments with plural variable basis functions. The solution of the steady-state dynamic procedure calculates the harmonic response directly in terms of the physical degrees of freedom in the model, which uses the mass, damping, and stiffness matrices of the system. A three-dimensional finite element example is carried out to illustrate the computational procedures.

Characteristics of an Axial-flux Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine with Contra-rotating Rotors under Unbalanced Load Condition from 3-D Finite Element Analysis

During recent years,the axial-flus PMSM with contra-rotating rotors has become a hot topic in academic research due to its high efficiency and simple structure.However,its back-EMF may be distorted under the condition of different angular positions.This paper investigates characteristics of the novel motor used for contra-propeller driving.Considering the torque ripple and current oscillation under unbalanced load condition,this paper analyzes the distorted back-EMF of the machine when its two rotors get different angular positions during rotating.The analysis results are validated by transient-magnetic 3-D FEA method,which the 3-D FEA software is used to model this motor and transient simulations are carried out to obtain its magnetic characteristic and main performances.A main focus is put on the back-EMF characteristic with different angular positions between the two rotors.Furthermore,the characteristic of torque production under unbalanced load is investigated.Finally,a prototype motor is fabricated to validate the analyses of this paper.

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%.

General displacement arch-cantilever element method for stress analysis of arch dam

Based on the general displacement method and the basic hypothesis of the trial load method, a new advanced trial load method, the general displacement arch-cantilever element method, was proposed to derive the transformation relation of displacements and loads between the surface nodes and middle plane nodes. This method considers the nodes on upstream and downstream surfaces of the arch dam to be exit nodes （master nodes）, and the middle plane nodes to be slave nodes. According to the derived displacement and load transformation matrices, the equilibrium equation treating the displacement of middle plane nodes as a basic unknown variable is transformed into one that treats the displacement of upstream and downstream nodes as a basic unknown variable. Because the surface nodes have only three degrees of freedom （DOF）, this method can be directly coupled with the finite element method （FEM）, which is used for foundation simulation to analyze the stress of the arch dam with consideration of dam-foundation interaction. Moreover, using the FEM, the nodal load of the arch dam can be easily obtained. Case studies of a typical cylindrical arch dam and the Wudongde arch dam demonstrate the robustness and feasibility of the proposed method.

Analysis of the Behavior of a Square Plate in Free Vibration by FEM in Ansys

In the realization of mechanical structures, achieving stability and balance is a problem commonly encountered by engineers in the field of civil engineering, mechanics, aeronautics, biomechanics and many others. The study of plate behavior is a very sensitive subject because it is part of the structural elements. The study of the dynamic behavior of free vibration structures is done by modal analysis in order to calculate natural frequencies and modal deformations. In this paper, we present the modal analysis of a thin rectangular plate simply supported. The analytical solution of the differential equation is obtained by applying the method of separating the variables. We are talking about the exact solution of the problem to the limit values. However, numerical methods such as the finite element method allow us to approximate these functions with greater accuracy. It is one of the most powerful computational methods for predicting dynamic response in a complex structure subject to arbitrary boundary conditions. The results obtained by MEF through Ansys 15.0 are then compared with those obtained by the analytical method.

Self-adaptive one-dimensional nonlinear finite element method based on element energy projection method

The element energy projection （EEP） method for computation of super- convergent resulting in a one-dimensional finite element method （FEM） is successfully used to self-adaptive FEM analysis of various linear problems, based on which this paper presents a substantial extension of the whole set of technology to nonlinear problems. The main idea behind the technology transfer from linear analysis to nonlinear analysis is to use Newton＇s method to linearize nonlinear problems into a series of linear problems so that the EEP formulation and the corresponding adaptive strategy can be directly used without the need for specific super-convergence formulation for nonlinear FEM. As a re- sult, a unified and general self-adaptive algorithm for nonlinear FEM analysis is formed. The proposed algorithm is found to be able to produce satisfactory finite element results with accuracy satisfying the user-preset error tolerances by maximum norm anywhere on the mesh. Taking the nonlinear ordinary differential equation （ODE） of second-order as the model problem, this paper describes the related fundamental idea, the imple- mentation strategy, and the computational algorithm. Representative numerical exam- ples are given to show the efficiency, stability, versatility, and reliability of the proposed approach.

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.

Damage smear method for rock failure process analysis

Damage smear method(DSM)is adopted to study trans-scale progressive rock failure process,based on statistical meso-damage model and finite element solver.The statistical approach is utilized to reflect the mesoscopic rock heterogeneity.The constitutive law of representative volume element(RVE)is established according to continuum damage mechanics in which double-damage criterion is considered.The damage evolution and accumulation of RVEs are used to reveal the macroscopic rock failure characteristics.Each single RVE will be represented by one unique element.The initiation,propagation and coalescence of meso-to macro-cracks are captured by smearing failed elements.The above ideas are formulated into the framework of the DSM and programed into self-developed rock failure process analysis(RFPA)software.Two laboratory-scale examples are conducted and the well-known engineering-scale tests,i.e.Atomic Energy of Canada Limited’s(AECL’s)Underground Research Laboratory(URL)tests,are used for verification.It shows that the simulation results match with other experimental results and field observations.

Temperature field analysis and its application in hot continuous rolling of Inconel 718 superalloy

A coupled thermo-mechanical model containing metal flow and temperature field for calculating temperature variation has been developed on fourteen-pass hot continuous rolling of round rod for Inconel 718 alloy using 3D elastic-plastic finite element method （FEM）. The temperature of characteristic analysis points in the intermediate cross-section of the workpiece has been simulated at initial temperature ranging from 960 to 1000 ℃ and initial velocity in range of 0.15-0.55 m·s^-1. Based on finite element analysis and microstructural observation in cylindrical hot compression experiments, the appropriate hot continuous rolling technologies have been designed for rod products with different diameters. For a real rolling practice, the simulated surface temperature was examined and is in good agreement with the measured one.

Inverse analysis of laboratory data and observations for evaluation of backward erosion piping process

An inverse analysis procedure has been developed to interpret collected pore pressure data and observations during backward erosion piping(BEP)initiation and progression in sandy soils.The procedure has been applied to laboratory models designed to mimic the initiation and progression of BEP through a constricted vertical outlet.The inverse analysis uses three-dimensional(3D)finite element method(FEM)to successively produce models of the hydraulic head regime surrounding progressive stages of BEP based on observations at the sample surface and pore pressure measurements obtained from the laboratory models.The inverse analysis results in a series of 3D contour plots that represent the hydraulic-head regime at each stage of the BEP development,allowing for assessing the development of BEP mechanism as well as calculating the critical hydraulic conditions required for various BEP stages to initiate and progress.Interpretation of the results identified four significant stages of the piping process:(1)loosened zone initiation,(2)channel initiation and progression,(3)riser sand fluidization,and(4)loosened zone progression.Interpretation of the hydraulic head contour plots allows assessment of the critical hydraulic gradients needed to initiate and progress various components of the BEP development.

Analysis of sp Pillar Stability Experiment: Continuous thermo-mechanical model development and calibration

The paper describes an analysis of thermo-mechanical （TM） processes appearing during the Aspo Pillar Stability Experiment （APSE）. This analysis is based on finite elements with elasticity, plasticity and dam- age mechanics models of rock behaviour and some least squares calibration techniques. The main aim is to examine the capability of continuous mechanics models to predict brittle damage behaviour of gran- ite rocks. The performed simulations use an in-house finite element software GEM and self-developed experimental continuum damage MATLAB code. The main contributions are twofold. First, it is an inverse analysis, which is used for （1） verification of an initial stress measurement by back analysis of conver- gence measurement during construction of the access tunnel and （2） identification of heat transfer rock mass properties by an inverse method based on the known heat sources and temperature measurements. Second, three different hierarchically built models are used to estimate the pillar damage zones, i.e. elas- tic model with Drucker-Prager strength criterion, elasto-plastic model with the same yield limit and a combination of elasto-plasticity with continuum damage mechanics. The damage mechanics model is also used to simulate uniaxial and triaxial compressive strength tests on the ,Aspo granite.

Stochastic analysis of excavation-induced wall deflection and box culvert settlement considering spatial variability of soil stiffness

In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) finite element modelling (FEM) analysis is carried out to investigate the effects of soil spatial variability on the response of retaining walls and an adjacent box culvert due to a braced excavation. The spatial variability of soil stiffness is modelled using a variogram and calibrated by high-quality experimental data. Multiple random field samples (RFSs) of soil stiffness are generated using geostatistical analysis and mapped onto a finite element mesh for stochastic analysis of excavation-induced structural responses by Monte Carlo simulation. It is found that the spatial variability of soil stiffness can be described by an exponential variogram, and the associated vertical correlation length is varied from 1.3 m to 1.6 m. It also reveals that the spatial variability of soil stiffness has a significant effect on the variations of retaining wall deflections and box culvert settlements. The ignorance of spatial variability in 3D FEM can result in an underestimation of lateral wall deflections and culvert settlements. Thus, the stochastic structural responses obtained from the 3D analysis could serve as an effective aid for probabilistic design and analysis of excavations.

The mechanical response of multi-tower continuous-span suspension bridge deck pavement based on whole bridge analysis

The effect of multiple span suspension structure on the mechanical response of bridge deck pavement was studied, and finite element analysis (FEM) of stress and strain of pavement according to the bridge floor system features of super-long and high flexibility was made. Meanwhile, the FEM results were compared with those of the single span suspension structure. Three-stage analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is developed to analyze the mechanical response including whole bridge analysis, partial beams section analysis and orthotropic plate analysis. The most unfavorable load position was determined by the numerical solutions acquired from each stage to study the main mechanical index of multiple span suspension structure. The FEM results showed that the mechanical response numerical solutions by using the three-stage AHP are greater than those by simplified boundary condition, and the force condition of multiple span suspension structure is worse than that of the single span suspension structure.

基于DEM-FEM耦合的双齿辊破碎机辊齿强度分析

由于双齿辊破碎机入料粒度大、破碎过程短,且破碎机理以拉伸和剪切破坏为主,从而导致在设计时难以确定载荷大小以及载荷分布。对此,本文提出了一种基于离散元(DEM)与有限元(FEM)耦合计算的双齿辊破碎机辊齿强度分析方法,通过施加分布载荷的方法提高了辊齿强度计算的真实性和准确性。分布载荷通过离散元软件EDEM仿真计算得到。本文针对双齿棍破碎机的入料粒度分布,考虑物料强度的尺寸效应,分别对不同粒度的物料进行了单轴压缩试验和巴西圆盘试验,标定物料的抗压和抗拉强度,并最终确定了离散元仿真中的粘结参数。通过分析离散元仿真结果,选取辊齿受力最大时辊齿上的分布载荷,将其加载到在ANSYS环境中对应时刻工作位置的辊齿FEM模型上,进行强度分析。结果表明:最大受力时刻辊齿载荷主要分布在齿背,此时在齿根前部有应力集中。

爆炸荷载作用下钢筋混凝土柱损伤FEM分析

采用有限元分析方法,对钢筋混凝土柱在爆炸荷载作用下的损伤程度进行了数值分析和评估,为建筑物抗爆设计和选择防爆安全距离提供一定的参考。采用有限元软件对钢筋混凝土框架柱在外部爆炸荷载作用下的非线性反应特征和损伤程度进行分析,采用一种塑性损伤模型,数值模拟分析时考虑材料的应变率效应。将混凝土框架柱的损伤划分为四个等级,并给出柱的防爆等级与距离的评估图。

基于FEM组合结构动态灵敏度分析

探讨了用有限元法对组合结构进行动力学灵敏度分析的一种新的思路。将组合结构试验模态测试和有限元结合起来识别结合面动力学参数,组合结构之间用虚拟联结件来联结,从而建立了组合结构完整的动力学分析有限元模型,并进行动态灵敏度分析和优化设计。基于此思路和方法利用I-DEAS软件分别对柴油机机体-缸盖组合模型和某大型龙门式组合机架结构进行了动态灵敏度分析,结果表明此方法对分析一般的组合结构动力学优化设计具有普遍意义。

基于FEM/BEM的燃料电池轿车结构声预测和控制

采用有限元(FEM)和边界元(BEM)联合的方法对燃料电池轿车车内结构声进行预测和控制研究,提出了基于FEM/BEM的车内结构声分析方法和流程,建立了车身有限元模型和声学边界元模型,施加实测的激振力计算声学响应,通过试验数据验证了仿真模型,并进行误差分析.提出板件声学贡献分析的指导原则,介绍板件贡献分析原理和方法,进行所关注频率的车身板件声学贡献分析.最后根据分析结果对车身板件采取约束阻尼处理等控制措施,通过虚拟验证改进结果,车内低频噪声明显降低,其中后座椅和前地板改进最明显,证明所提出方法的可行性,达到优化燃料电池轿车车内噪声的目的.