Earth Pressure of the Trapdoor Problem Using Three-Dimensional Discrete Element Method

Load transformation from the yielding part of the soil to the adjacent part is known as the soil arching effect,which plays an important role in the design of various geotechnical infrastructures.Terzaghi’s trapdoor test was an importantmilestone in the development of theories on soil arching.The research on earth pressure of the trapdoor problem is presented in this paper using the three-dimensional(3D)discrete element method(DEM).Five 3D trapdoor models with different heights are established by 3DDEMsoftware PFC 3D.The variation of earth pressure on the trapdoor with the downward movement of the trapdoor,the distribution of vertical earth pressure along the horizontal direction,the distribution of vertical earth pressure along the vertical direction,the distribution of lateral earth pressure coefficient along the depth direction,the magnitude and direction of contact force chain are studied,respectively.Related research results show that the earth pressure on the trapdoor decreases rapidly after the downward movement of the trapdoor,and then reaches the minimum earth pressure.After that,the earth’s pressure will rise slightly,and whether this phenomenon occurs depends on the depth ratio.For the bottom soil,due to the stress transfer caused by the soil arching effect,the ratio of earth pressure in the loose area decreases,while the ratio of earth pressure in the stable area increases.With the trapdoor moving down,the vertical earth pressure along the depth in the stable zone is basically consistent with the initial state,which shows an approximate linear distribution.After the trapdoor moves down,the distribution of earth pressure along with the depth in the loose area changes,which is far less than the theoretical value of vertical earth pressure of its self-weight.Because of the compression of the soil on both sides,the lateral earth pressure coefficient of most areas on the central axis of the loose zone is close to the passive earth pressure coefficient Kp.The existence of a‘soil arch’can be observed intuitively from the distribution diagram of the contact force chain in the loose zone.

Parametric study on single shot peening by dimensional analysis method incorporated with finite element method

Shot peening is a widely used surface treatment method by generating compressive residual stress near the surface of metallic materials to increase fatigue life and re- sistance to corrosion fatigue, cracking, etc. Compressive re- sidual stress and dent profile are important factors to eval- uate the effectiveness of shot peening process. In this pa- per, the influence of dimensionless parameters on maximum compressive residual stress and maximum depth of the dent were investigated. Firstly, dimensionless relations of pro- cessing parameters that affect the maximum compressive residual stress and the maximum depth of the dent were de- duced by dimensional analysis method. Secondly, the in- fluence of each dimensionless parameter on dimensionless variables was investigated by the finite element method. Fur- thermore, related empirical formulas were given for each di- mensionless parameter based on the simulation results. Fi- nally, comparison was made and good agreement was found between the simulation results and the empirical formula, which shows that a useful approach is provided in this pa- per for analyzing the influence of each individual parameter.

Clinical significance of three dimensional finite element analysis on humerus fracture

Abstract Objective:To treat humerus fracture with three dimensional pattern andfinite element analysis,providing mechanical basis for treating humerus fracture.Methods:Humerus pattern was established based on the CT images,and calculation was done by ANSYS5.6 software.Three dimensional ten-node tetrahe-dron unit was selected and were divided into 2729 nodes,49041 units.Distribution and amount of axial com-pression of humerus were analyzed when clip angle was 30°,45°,90°between facture face and axial line with fixed X,Y,Z directions.Results:The distribution of stress was greatly different between fracture face and non fracture face.Stress in fracture part was fairly concentrated with incomplete symmetric distribution around the center of fracture face;Greater stress distributed in the regions 10 mm from fracture face, which was 2-3 times that of other stress regions.Conclusion:Required load must be estimated under various condi-tions as to select the suitable internal fixation implants during the treatment of humerus fracture,which can provide helpful stress environment for fracture healing.

Dynamic mechanism for horizontal deformation in part of North China area——Three-dimensional finite-element calculation and analysis of results from GPS remeasurement

A deformation monitoring network that covers part of North China area and takes the Beijing region as the center was measured for two times with high precision GPS in 1995 and 1996 respectively. The results from remeasurement indicate that present horizontal movement in the monitored area is characterized by relative motion among several main tectonic blocks. Considering the spatial distribution features obtained from geological survey and results on seismic wave and activity in the area, and stratified features of crustal medium in depth, a three dimensional finite element medium model is designed. And under the conditions of taking and not taking the action manner of the background stress field in the studied area into account, the relative motion between tectonic blocks is calculated and modeled. Based on the results from the analysis and calculations the dynamic mechanism for the present horizontal deformation in the area is discussed.

Three-dimensional Finite Element Modeling of a Maxillary Premolar Tooth Based on the Micro-CT Scanning: A Detailed Description

This study describes the details of how to construct a three-dimensional （3D） finite element model of a maxillary first premolar tooth based on micro-CT data acquisition technique, MIMICS soft- ware and ANSYS software. The tooth was scanned by micro-CT, in which 1295 slices were obtained and then 648 slices were selected for modeling. The 3D surface mesh models of enamel and dentin were created by MIMICS （STL file）. The solid mesh model was constructed by ANSYS. After the material properties and boundary conditions were set, a loading analysis was performed to demonstrate the ap- plicableness of the resulting model. The first and third principal stresses were then evaluated. The re- suits showed that the number of nodes and elements of the finite element model were 56 618 and 311801, respectively. The geometric form of the model was highly consistent with that of the true tooth, and the deviation between them was ~）.28%. The loading analysis revealed the typical stress patterns in the contour map. The maximum compressive stress existed in the contact points and the maximum tensile stress existed in the deep fissure between the two cusps. It is concluded that by using the micro-CT and highly integrated software, construction of the 3D finite element model with high quality will not be difficult for clinical researchers.

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.

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 forward modeling for magnetotelluric sounding by finite element method

A finite element algorithm combined with divergence condition was presented for computing three-dimensional(3D) magnetotelluric forward modeling. The finite element equation of three-dimensional magnetotelluric forward modeling was derived from Maxwell's equations using general variation principle. The divergence condition was added forcedly to the electric field boundary value problem, which made the solution correct. The system of equation of the finite element algorithm was a large sparse, banded, symmetric, ill-conditioned, non-Hermitian complex matrix equation, which can be solved using the Bi-CGSTAB method. In order to prove correctness of the three-dimensional magnetotelluric forward algorithm, the computed results and analytic results of one-dimensional geo-electrical model were compared. In addition, the three-dimensional magnetotelluric forward algorithm is given a further evaluation by computing COMMEMI model. The forward modeling results show that the algorithm is very efficient, and it has a lot of advantages, such as the high precision, the canonical process of solving problem, meeting the internal boundary condition automatically and adapting to all kinds of distribution of multi-substances.

Finite Element Analysis to Two-Dimensional Nonlinear Sloshing Problems

A two-dimensional nonlinear sloshing problem is analyzed by means of the fully nonlinear theory and time domain second order theory of water waves. Liquid sloshing in a rectangular container Subjected to a horizontal excitation is simulated by the finite element method. Comparisons between the two theories are made based on their numerical results. It is found that good agreement is obtained for the case of small amplitude oscillation and obvious differences occur for large amplitude excitation. Even though, the second order solution can still exhibit typical nonlinear features of nonlinear wave and can be used instead of the fully nonlinear theory.

Three-dimensional analysis of elastic stress distribution of indented ceramic surface by finite element method

The three-dimensional stress distributions in the area surrounding indentation pattern for three different materials, Al2O3, Si3N4 and SiC were analyzed by finite element method(FEM). Those theoretical results were also compared with the experimental ones by Rockwell hardness test. The effect of loading stress on the plastic deformation in specimens, surface was investigated on the assumption of shear strain energy theory by Huber-Mises when the materials were indented. The distributions of nomal stress, shear stress, and Mises stress were analysed with variations of loading conditions. It is clear that the analytical results for the stress distributions, the crack length and its density of probability are in good agreement with the experimental results.

Three dimensional finite element analysis of anatomic distal radius Nitinol memory connector treating distal radius fracture

Objective: To study the memory biomechanical character of anatomic distal radius Nitinol memory connector (DRMC) in treating distal radius fracture. Methods: Establishing three dimensional model and finite element analysis, we calculated the stress in and around the fracture faces when distal radius fracture was fixated with DRMC. Results: Axial holding stress produced by holding part of DRMC on distal radius was 14.66 MPa. The maximum stress of holding part was 40-70 MPa, the minimum stress was 3-7 MPa,and the stress of compression part was 20-40 MPa. Conclusion: The distribution of stress produced by DRMC around the fracture line is reasonable, and axial holding stress can help stabilize fracture during earlier period. The existence of longitudal compression and memory effect can transfer fixated disused section into developed section and enhance fracture healing.

Three dimensional finite element analysis of acetabulum loaded by static stress and its biomechanical significance

Objective:To explore the mechanical behavior of acetabulum loaded by static stress and provide the mechanical basis for clinical analysis and judgement on acetabular mechanical distribution and effect of static stress.Methods:By means of computer simulation, acetabular three dimensional model was input into three dimensional finite element analysis software ANSYS7.0. The acetabular mechanical behavior was calculated and the main stress value, stress distribution and acetabular unit displacement in the direction of main stress were analyzed when anterior wall of acetabulum and acetabular crest were loaded by 1 000 N static stress. Results:When acetabular anterior wall loaded by X direction and Z direction composition force, the stress passed along 4 directions: (1)from acetabular anterior wall to pubic symphysis along superior branch of pubis firstly, (2)from acetabular anterior wall to cacroiliac joint along pelvic ring,(3)in the acetabulum,(4)from the suffered point to ischium. When acetabular crest loaded by X direction and Y direction composition force, the stress transmitted to 4 directions: (1)from acetabular crest to ilium firstly, (2)from suffered point to cacroiliac joint along pelvic ring,(3) in the acetabulum ,(4)along the pubic branch,but no stress transmitted to the ischium branch.Conclusion:Analyzing the stress distribution of acetabulum and units displacement when static stress loaded can provide internal fixation point for acetabular fracture treatment and help understand the stress distribution of acetabulum.

Alternating Direction Finite Volume Element Methods for Three-Dimensional Parabolic Equations

This paper presents alternating direction finite volume element methods for three-dimensional parabolic partial differential equations and gives four computational schemes, one is analogous to Douglas finite difference scheme with second-order splitting error, the other two schemes have third-order splitting error, and the last one is an extended LOD scheme. The L2 norm and H1 semi-norm error estimates are obtained for the first scheme and second one, respectively. Finally, two numerical examples are provided to illustrate the efficiency and accuracy of the methods.

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.

Autologous nerve graft repair of different degrees of sciatic nerve defect:stress and displacement at the anastomosis in a three-dimensional finite element simulation model

In the repair of peripheral nerve injury using autologous or synthetic nerve grafting, the mag- nitude of tensile forces at the anastomosis affects its response to physiological stress and the ultimate success of the treatment. One-dimensional stretching is commonly used to measure changes in tensile stress and strain; however, the accuracy of this simple method is limited. There- fore, in the present study, we established three-dimensional finite element models of sciatic nerve defects repaired by autologous nerve grafts. Using PRO E 5.0 finite element simulation software, we calculated the maximum stress and displacement of an anastomosis under a 5 N load in 10-, 20-, 30-, 40-mm long autologous nerve grafts. We found that maximum displacement increased with graft length, consistent with specimen force. These findings indicate that three-dimensional finite element simulation is a feasible method for analyzing stress and displacement at the anas- tomosis after autologous nerve grafting.

Three-Dimensional Thermo-Elastic-Plastic Finite Element Method Modeling for Predicting Weld-Induced Residual Stresses and Distortions in Steel Stiffened-Plate Structures

The objective of the present paper is to develop nonlinear finite element method models for predicting the weld-induced initial deflection and residual stress of plating in steel stiffened-plate structures. For this purpose, three-dimensional thermo-elastic-plastic finite element method computations are performed with varying plate thickness and weld bead length (leg length) in welded plate panels, the latter being associated with weld heat input. The finite element models are verified by a comparison with experimental database which was obtained by the authors in separate studies with full scale measurements. It is concluded that the nonlinear finite element method models developed in the present paper are very accurate in terms of predicting the weld-induced initial imperfections of steel stiffened plate structures. Details of the numerical computations together with test database are documented.

CHEBYSHEV PSEUDOSPECTRAL-HYBRID FINITE ELEMENT METHOD FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL VORTICITY EQUATION

In this paper,Chebyshev pseudospectral-finite element schemes are proposed for solving three dimensional vorticity equation.Some approximation results in nonisotropic Sobolev spaces are given.The generalized stability and the convergence are proved strictly.The numerical results show the advantages of this method.The technique in this paper is also applicable to other three-dimensional nonlinear problems in fluid dynamics.

An Efficient Multiple-Dimensional Finite Element Solution for Water Flow in Variably Saturated Soils

Multiple-dimensional water flow in variably saturated soils plays an important role in ecological systems such as irrigation and water uptake by plant roots; its quantitative description is usually based on the Richards＇ equation. Because of the nonlinearity of the Richards＇ equation and the complexity of natural soils, most practical simulations rely on numerical solutions with the nonlinearity solved by iterations. The commonly used iterations for solving the nonlinearity are Picard and Newton methods with the former converging at first-order rate and the later at second-order rate. A recent theoretical analysis by the authors, however, revealed that for solving the diffusive flow, the classical Picard method is actually a chord-Newton method, converging at a rate faster than first order; its linear convergence rate is due to the treatment of the gravity term. To improve computational efficiency, a similar chord-Newton method as for solving the diffusive term was proposed to solve the gravity term. Testing examples for one-dimensional flow showed significant improvement. The core of this method is to produce a diagonally dominant matrix in the linear system so as to improve the iteration-toiteration stability and hence the convergence. In this paper, we develop a similar method for multiple-dimensional flow and compare its performance with the classical Picard and Newton methods for water flow in soils characterised by a wide range of van Genuchten parameters.

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.