Virtual rutting test of asphalt mixture using discrete element method

In order to investigate the permanent deformation behavior of asphalt mixtures from discontinuity, the virtual rutting test of asphalt mixtures is developed by the discrete element method （DEM）. A digital specimen generation procedure considering aggregate gradation and irregular shape is developed based on the probability theory and the Monte Carlo method. The virtual rutting test is then conducted based on the generated digital specimen. In addition, on the basis of the time-temperature superposition （TTS） principle, a calculation method is used to reduce the computation time of the virtual rutting test. The simulation results are compared with the laboratory measurements. The results show that the calculation method based on the TFS principle in the discrete element （DE） viscoelastic model can significantly reduce the computation time. The deformation law of asphalt mixtures in the virtual rutting test is similar to the laboratory measurements, and the deformation and the dynamic stability of the virtual rutting test are slightly greater than the laboratory measurements. The two-dimensional virtual rutting test can predict the permanent deformation performance of asphalt mixtures.

Virtual fracture test of asphalt mixture based on discrete element method

In order to study fracture behaviors of asphalt mixtures, virtual tests of the two-dimensional（2D） microstructure based on the discrete element method（ DEM） are designed. The virtual structure of the 2D digital specimen of asphalt mixture is generated based on a particle generation program, in which the gradation and the irregular shapes of aggregates are considered. With the 2D digital specimens, a DEM-based mixture model is established and center-point beam fracture simulation tests are conducted by the DEM. Meanwhile, a series of calibration tests are carried out in laboratory to evaluate the DEM model and validate the methods of virtual fracture tests. The test results indicate that the fracture intensity of asphalt mixtures predicted by the DEM matches very well with the intensity obtained in laboratory. It is concluded that the microstructural virtual tests can be used as a supplemental tool to evaluate fracture properties of asphalt mixtures.

Microstructure modeling and virtual test of asphalt mixture based on three-dimensional discrete element method

The objective of this work is to model the microstructure of asphalt mixture and build virtual test for asphalt mixture by using Particle Flow Code in three dimensions(PFC^(3D))based on three-dimensional discrete element method.A randomly generating algorithm was proposed to capture the three-dimensional irregular shape of coarse aggregate.And then,modeling algorithm and method for graded aggregates were built.Based on the combination of modeling of coarse aggregates,asphalt mastic and air voids,three-dimensional virtual sample of asphalt mixture was modeled by using PFC^(3D).Virtual tests for penetration test of aggregate and uniaxial creep test of asphalt mixture were built and conducted by using PFC^(3D).By comparison of the testing results between virtual tests and actual laboratory tests,the validity of the microstructure modeling and virtual test built in this study was verified.Additionally,compared with laboratory test,the virtual test is easier to conduct and has less variability.It is proved that microstructure modeling and virtual test based on three-dimensional discrete element method is a promising way to conduct research of asphalt mixture.

A novel virtual node method for polygonal elements

A novel polygonal finite element method （PFEM） based on partition of unity is proposed, termed the virtual node method （VNM）. To test the performance of the present method, numerical examples are given for solid mechanics problems. With a polynomial form, the VNM achieves better results than those of traditional PFEMs, including the Wachspress method and the mean value method in standard patch tests. Compared with the standard triangular FEM, the VNM can achieve better accuracy. With the ability to construct shape functions on polygonal elements, the VNM provides greater flexibility in mesh generation. Therefore, several fracture problems are studied to demonstrate the potential implementation. With the advantage of the VNM, the convenient refinement and remeshing strategy are applied.

A Virtual Boundary Element Method for Three-Dimensional Inverse Heat Conduction Problems in Orthotropic Media

This paper aims to apply a virtual boundary element method(VBEM)to solve the inverse problems of three-dimensional heat conduction in orthotropic media.This method avoids the singular integrations in the conventional boundary element method,and can be treated as a potential approach for solving the inverse problems of the heat conduction owing to the boundary-only discretization and semi-analytical algorithm.When the VBEM is applied to the inverse problems,the numerical instability may occur if a virtual boundary is not properly chosen.The method encounters a highly illconditioned matrix for the larger distance between the physical boundary and the virtual boundary,and otherwise is hard to avoid the singularity of the source point.Thus,it must adopt an appropriate regularization method to deal with the ill-posed systems of inverse problems.In this study,the VBEM and different regularization techniques are combined to model the inverse problem of three-dimensional heat conduction in orthotropic media.The proper regularization techniques not only make the virtual boundary to be allocated freer,but also solve the ill-conditioned equation of the inverse problem.Numerical examples demonstrate that the proposed method is efficient,accurate and numerically stable for solving the inverse problems of three-dimensional heat conduction in orthotropic media.

Shape optimization of plate with static and dynamic constraints via virtual laminated element

The virtual laminated element method (VLEM) can resolve structural shap e optimization problems with a new method. According to the characteristics of V LEM , only some characterized layer thickness values need be defined as design v ariables instead of boundary node coordinates or some other parameters determini ng the system boundary. One of the important features of this method is that it is not necessary to regenerate the FE(finite element) grid during the optimizati on process so as to avoid optimization failures resulting from some distortion grid elements. Th e thickness distribution in thin plate optimization problems in other studies be fore is of stepped shape. However, in this paper, a continuous thickness distrib ution can be obtained after optimization using VLEM, and is more reasonable. Fur thermore, an approximate reanalysis method named ″behavior model technique″ ca n be used to reduce the amount of structural reanalysis. Some typical examples are offered to prove the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed method.

Virtual Element Formulation for Finite Strain Elastodynamics Dedicated to Professor Karl Stark Pister for his 95th birthday

The virtual element method(VEM)can be seen as an extension of the classical finite element method(FEM)based on Galerkin projection.It allows meshes with highly irregular shaped elements,including concave shapes.So far the virtual element method has been applied to various engineering problems such as elasto-plasticity,multiphysics,damage and fracture mechanics.This work focuses on the extension of the virtual element method to efficient modeling of nonlinear elasto-dynamics undergoing large deformations.Within this framework,we employ low-order ansatz functions in two and three dimensions for elements that can have arbitrary polygonal shape.The formulations considered in this contribution are based on minimization of potential function for both the static and the dynamic behavior.Generally the construction of a virtual element is based on a projection part and a stabilization part.While the stiffness matrix needs a suitable stabilization,the mass matrix can be calculated using only the projection part.For the implicit time integration scheme,Newmark-Method is used.To show the performance of the method,various two-and three-dimensional numerical examples in are presented.

Thermal Analysis of Turbine Blades with Thermal Barrier Coatings Using Virtual Wall Thickness Method

Avirtual wall thicknessmethod is developed to simulate the temperature field of turbine bladeswith thermal barrier coatings(TBCs),to simplify the modeling process and improve the calculation efficiency.The results show that the virtualwall thickness method can improve themesh quality by 20%,reduce the number ofmeshes by 76.7%and save the calculation time by 35.5%,compared with the traditional real wall thickness method.The average calculation error of the two methods is between 0.21%and 0.93%.Furthermore,the temperature at the blade leading edge is the highest and the average temperature of the blade pressure surface is higher than that of the suction surface under a certain service condition.The blade surface temperature presents a high temperature at both ends and a low temperature in themiddle height when the temperature of incoming gas is uniformand constant.The thermal insulation effect of TBCs is the worst near the air film hole,and the best at the blade leading edge.According to the calculated temperature field of the substrate-coating system,the highest thermal insulation temperature of the TC layer is 172.01 K,and the thermal insulation proportions of TC,TGO and BC are 93.55%,1.54%and 4.91%,respectively.

Virtual Element Discretization of Optimal Control Problem Governed by Brinkman Equations

In this paper, we discuss virtual element method (VEM) approximation of optimal control problem governed by Brinkman equations with control constraints. Based on the polynomial projections and variational discretization of the control variable, we build up the virtual element discrete scheme of the optimal control problem and derive the discrete first order optimality system. A priori error estimates for the state, adjoint state and control variables in L2 and H1 norm are derived. The theoretical findings are illustrated by the numerical experiments.

ERROR ANALYSIS OF THE SECOND-ORDER SERENDIPITY VIRTUAL ELEMENT METHOD FOR SEMILINEAR PSEUDO-PARABOLIC EQUATIONS ON CURVED DOMAINS

The second-order serendipity virtual element method is studied for the semilinear pseudo-parabolic equations on curved domains in this paper.Nonhomogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions are taken into account,the existence and uniqueness are investigated for the weak solution of the nonhomogeneous initial-boundary value problem.The Nitschebased projection method is adopted to impose the boundary conditions in a weak way.The interpolation operator is used to deal with the nonlinear term.The Crank-Nicolson scheme is employed to discretize the temporal variable.There are two main features of the proposed scheme:(i)the internal degrees of freedom are avoided no matter what type of mesh is utilized,and(ii)the Jacobian is simple to calculate when Newton’s iteration method is applied to solve the fully discrete scheme.The error estimates are established for the discrete schemes and the theoretical results are illustrated through some numerical examples.

A Priori Error Analysis for NCVEM Discretization of Elliptic Optimal Control Problem

In this paper, we propose the nonconforming virtual element method (NCVEM) discretization for the pointwise control constraint optimal control problem governed by elliptic equations. Based on the NCVEM approximation of state equation and the variational discretization of control variables, we construct a virtual element discrete scheme. For the state, adjoint state and control variable, we obtain the corresponding prior estimate in H1 and L2 norms. Finally, some numerical experiments are carried out to support the theoretical results.

Kinematics Analysis of Mechanisms Based on Virtual Assembly

Currently, virtual assembly technology has attracted increasing attention due to considerations of solving assembly problems in virtual environment before actual assembly in manufactory. Previous studies on kinematic analysis of mechanism only aim at analyzing motion law of single mechanism, but can not simulate the multi-mechanisms motion process at the same time, let alone simulating the automatic assembly process of products in a whole assembly workshop. In order to simulate the assembly process of products in an assembly workshop and provide effective data for analyzing mechanical performance after finishing assembly simulation in virtual environment, this study investigates the kinematics analysis of mechanisms based on virtual assembly. Firstly, in view of the same function of the kinematic pairs and the assembly constraints on restricting the motion of components （subassembly or part）, the method of identifying kinematic pairs automatically based on assembly constraints is presented. The information of kinematic pairs can be obtained through calculating the constraint degree of the assembly constraints. Secondly, the incidence matrix eliminating element method is proposed in order to search the information and establish the models of mechanisms automatically after finishing assembly simulation in virtual environment. Both methods have important significance for reducing the workload of pretreatment and promoting the level of automation of kinematics analysis. Finally, the method of kinematics analysis of mechanisms is presented. Based on Descartes coordinates, three types of kinematics equations are formed. The parameters, like displacement, velocity, and acceleration, can be obtained by solving these equations. All these data are important to analyze mechanical performance. All the methods are implemented and validated in the prototype system virtual assembly process planning（VAPP）. The mechanism models are established and simulated in the VAPP system, and the result curves are shown accurately. The proposed kinematics analysis of mechanisms based on virtual assembly provides an effective method for simulating product assembly process automatically and analyzing mechanical performance after finishing assembly simulation.

Virtual design and performance prediction of a silencing air cleaner used in an I.C.engine intake system

This paper reports results of the authors’ studies on the virtual design method used in the development of low noise intake system of I.C. engine. The resulting high pass-by noise at level above the legislative target at full throttle when engine speed was around 5200 r/min necessitated a BEM-aided redesign task, following the typical process of design and development of an intake system. During the initial design, based on the acoustic theory and the requirements (1. The air flux of the redesigned should equal to or exceed the value of the original flux; 2. The filtering area must not be degraded), and considering the constraint of space in the engine compartment, total volume and rough internal dimensions were determined. During the detailed design, the exact internal dimensions of the air cleaner were determined, and an effective method was applied to improve the acoustic performance at low frequency. The predicted sound power of the intake system indicated that the objective of reducing the overall engine noise by minimizing intake system noise was achieved.

Development of a plastic injection molding training system using Petri nets and virtual reality

In this study, Virtual Reality (VR)-based plastic injection molding training system (VPIMTS), which can be modeled as an integrated system with a task planning module, an intelligent instruction module, a simulation module, and virtual envi-ronment (VE) module, was developed. Presented in this paper are an architecture of VPIMTS, a practical knowledge modelling approach for modelling the training scenarios of the system by using Petri nets formalism and key techniques (FEM, injection molding procedure modelling) which have been developed independently. The utilization of the Petri net model realized the environment where the trainee can behave freely, and also made it possible to equip the system with the function of showing the next action of the trainee whenever he wants. The overall system is a powerful approach for highly improving the trainee’s comprehension and injection molding study-efficiency by building digital, intelligent, knowledgeable, and visual aids.

基于虚单元法(VEM)的固体推进剂药柱结构完整性分析

为利用多边形单元在网格划分时的灵活特性,采用虚单元法(VEM)开展固体推进剂药柱结构完整性分析。在虚单元空间的基础上,介绍了虚单元法中刚度矩阵的主要计算流程。针对固体推进剂典型的线粘弹性本构,开展了一系列相关的算例验证工作。仿真结果表明,VEM可以精确地模拟出不同阶跃应变条件下粘弹性薄板的应力松弛响应;在粘弹性薄板双侧蠕变测试中,VEM计算出的薄板双侧应变响应与解析解一致;在点火阶段,利用VEM计算出的圆管药柱环向、径向应力-应变与解析解、ABAQUS计算出的数值解相互吻合。结合VEM在处理多边形单元领域的优势,可以进一步利用VEM进行药柱结构完整性分析领域的深入研究。

砌体轴心和局部受压离散元仿真在教学中的应用

砌体是块体和砂浆的黏结组合材料,为了让学生更好地理解砖块体和砂浆对外力的分担作用,运用离散元方法建立了砖块体团簇模型、砂浆团簇模型,进而“砌筑”了普通砖砌体数值试件,对砖砌体分别开展轴心受压和局部受压仿真。仿真复现了砌体受压时的应力-应变关系和破坏模式,应力峰值处伴随大量砖颗粒-砖颗粒胶结接触破坏。砌体应力主要由胶结接触承担,其中砖-砖胶结接触>砖-砂浆胶结接触>砂浆-砂浆胶结接触,砂浆主要起到连接块体的作用;法向接触力承力大于切向接触力。通过仿真教学,有助于学生建立砌体宏观力学表现受控于微观结构和微观力学的认知,加深了学生对砌体受力机理和强度的理解。

基于S-R和分解定理的二维几何非线性问题的虚单元法求解

应变-旋转(Strain-Rotation,S-R)和分解定理为分析几何非线性问题提供了合理可靠的理论基础,但用有限元求解时会遇到大变形发生后的网格畸变问题。近年提出的虚单元法(Virtual element method,VEM)适用于一般的多边形网格,因此,该文尝试使用一阶虚单元求解基于S-R和分解定理的二维几何非线性问题,以克服网格畸变的影响。基于重新定义的多项式位移空间基函数,推演获得一阶虚单元分析线弹性力学问题时允许位移空间向多项式位移空间的投影表达式;按照虚单元法双线性格式的计算规则,分析处理基于更新拖带坐标法和势能率原理的增量变分方程;进而建立离散系统方程及其矩阵表达形式,并编制MATLAB求解程序;采用常规多边形网格和畸变网格,应用该文算法分析均布荷载下的悬臂梁和均匀内压下的厚壁圆筒变形。结果与已有文献和ANSYS软件的对比表明:该文算法在两种网格中均可有效执行且具备足够数值精度。总体该文算法为基于S-R和分解定理的二维几何非线性问题求解提供了一种鲁棒方法。

土壤学互融互补混合式智慧教学模式改革成效

土壤学是理论系统性高和应用实践性强的重要专业基础课。探索基于网络信息技术的土壤学线上线下混合式教学的新型模式,对于全面推进新时代一流专业建设及一流专业人才培养至关重要。综合应用文献查阅法、问卷调查法和经验总结法,以优化教学内容和变革教学策略为途径,构建土壤学“互融互补混合式智慧教学模式”。这一新型教学模式包含“思政元素、专业应用、学科前沿、行业发展”的四元融合知识体系、“课前-课中-课后”三环渐进混合式智慧教学方式、“一、二课堂互补,现实虚拟互补”的二维互补实践创新能力培养体系。模式实施以来有力地提升土壤学“一流课程”“思政示范课”建设质效,以及富有“三农”情怀、能“识土-辨土-用土-改土”的新农科复合型高级人才质量,为其他传统专业课改革提供借鉴。

一种三维Poisson-Nernst-Planck方程的虚单元计算

利用虚单元方法在多面体网格上求解一种三维稳态Poisson-Nernst-Planck(PNP)方程,并给出PNP方程的虚单元离散形式,推导电势方程及离子浓度方程的刚度矩阵与荷载向量的矩阵表达式.数值实验结果表明,在3种不同的多面体网格下实现了PNP方程的虚单元计算,数值解在L^(2)和H^(1)范数下均达到最优阶.

基于有限元技术的疲劳裂纹扩展方法研究进展

疲劳裂纹是引起工程结构断裂失效的重要因素之一.目前疲劳裂纹扩展的有限元仿真商业软件有ANSYS、ABAQUS、FRANC3D、ZENCRACK等,这些软件为疲劳裂纹扩展过程的研究提供了有力支撑.本文对目前疲劳裂纹扩展的有限元仿真方法进行了综述.阐明了疲劳裂纹的定义以及研究疲劳裂纹扩展行为的必要性;介绍了三种用于模拟疲劳裂纹扩展的有限元方法:扩展有限元法(XFEM)、内聚力模型(CZM)和虚拟裂纹闭合技术(VCCT);分别总结了三种方法的基本理论和核心思想,对三种方法的应用与发展进行了分类归纳;最后对三种有限元方法进行分析,指出每种方法各自的优势及目前存在的局限性,并对疲劳裂纹扩展有限元仿真技术的未来改进方向给出了建议.