Analysis of random structure-acoustic interaction problems using coupled boundary element and finite element methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mei, Chuh; Pates, Carl S., III

1994-01-01

A coupled boundary element (BEM)-finite element (FEM) approach is presented to accurately model structure-acoustic interaction systems. The boundary element method is first applied to interior, two and three-dimensional acoustic domains with complex geometry configurations. Boundary element results are very accurate when compared with limited exact solutions. Structure-interaction problems are then analyzed with the coupled FEM-BEM method, where the finite element method models the structure and the boundary element method models the interior acoustic domain. The coupled analysis is compared with exact and experimental results for a simplistic model. Composite panels are analyzed and compared with isotropic results. The coupled method is then extended for random excitation. Random excitation results are compared with uncoupled results for isotropic and composite panels.

PWSCC Assessment by Using Extended Finite Element Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Sung-Jun; Lee, Sang-Hwan; Chang, Yoon-Suk

2015-12-01

The head penetration nozzle of control rod driving mechanism (CRDM) is known to be susceptible to primary water stress corrosion cracking (PWSCC) due to the welding-induced residual stress. Especially, the J-groove dissimilar metal weld regions have received many attentions in the previous studies. However, even though several advanced techniques such as weight function and finite element alternating methods have been introduced to predict the occurrence of PWSCC, there are still difficulties in respect of applicability and efficiency. In this study, the extended finite element method (XFEM), which allows convenient crack element modeling by enriching degree of freedom (DOF) with special displacement function, was employed to evaluate structural integrity of the CRDM head penetration nozzle. The resulting stress intensity factors of surface cracks were verified for the reliability of proposed method through the comparison with those suggested in the American Society of Mechanical Engineering (ASME) code. The detailed results from the FE analyses are fully discussed in the manuscript.

Three-dimensional elastic-plastic finite-element analysis of fatigue crack propagation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goglia, G. L.; Chermahini, R. G.

1985-01-01

Fatigue cracks are a major problem in designing structures subjected to cyclic loading. Cracks frequently occur in structures such as aircraft and spacecraft. The inspection intervals of many aircraft structures are based on crack-propagation lives. Therefore, improved prediction of propagation lives under flight-load conditions (variable-amplitude loading) are needed to provide more realistic design criteria for these structures. The main thrust was to develop a three-dimensional, nonlinear, elastic-plastic, finite element program capable of extending a crack and changing boundary conditions for the model under consideration. The finite-element model is composed of 8-noded (linear-strain) isoparametric elements. In the analysis, the material is assumed to be elastic-perfectly plastic. The cycle stress-strain curve for the material is shown Zienkiewicz's initial-stress method, von Mises's yield criterion, and Drucker's normality condition under small-strain assumptions are used to account for plasticity. The three-dimensional analysis is capable of extending the crack and changing boundary conditions under cyclic loading.

Parametric study of extended end-plate connection using finite element modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mureşan, Ioana Cristina; Bâlc, Roxana

2017-07-01

End-plate connections with preloaded high strength bolts represent a convenient, fast and accurate solution for beam-to-column joints. The behavior of framework joints build up with this type of connection are sensitive dependent on geometrical and material characteristics of the elements connected. This paper presents results of parametric analyses on the behavior of a bolted extended end-plate connection using finite element modeling program Abaqus. This connection was experimentally tested in the Laboratory of Faculty of Civil Engineering from Cluj-Napoca and the results are briefly reviewed in this paper. The numerical model of the studied connection was described in detail in [1] and provides data for this parametric study.

Finite element method for optimal guidance of an advanced launch vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hodges, Dewey H.; Bless, Robert R.; Calise, Anthony J.; Leung, Martin

1992-01-01

A temporal finite element based on a mixed form of Hamilton's weak principle is summarized for optimal control problems. The resulting weak Hamiltonian finite element method is extended to allow for discontinuities in the states and/or discontinuities in the system equations. An extension of the formulation to allow for control inequality constraints is also presented. The formulation does not require element quadrature, and it produces a sparse system of nonlinear algebraic equations. To evaluate its feasibility for real-time guidance applications, this approach is applied to the trajectory optimization of a four-state, two-stage model with inequality constraints for an advanced launch vehicle. Numerical results for this model are presented and compared to results from a multiple-shooting code. The results show the accuracy and computational efficiency of the finite element method.

Singularity embedding method in potential flow calculations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jou, W. H.; Huynh, H.

1982-01-01

The so-called H-type mesh is used in a finite-element (or finite-volume) calculation of the potential flow past an airfoil. Due to coordinate singularity at the leading edge, a special singular trial function is used for the elements neighboring the leading edge. The results using the special singular elements are compared to those using the regular elements. It is found that the unreasonable pressure distribution obtained by the latter is removed by the embedding of the singular element. Suggestions to extend the present method to transonic cases are given.

Un-collided-flux preconditioning for the first order transport equation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rigley, M.; Koebbe, J.; Drumm, C.

2013-07-01

Two codes were tested for the first order neutron transport equation using finite element methods. The un-collided-flux solution is used as a preconditioner for each of these methods. These codes include a least squares finite element method and a discontinuous finite element method. The performance of each code is shown on problems in one and two dimensions. The un-collided-flux preconditioner shows good speedup on each of the given methods. The un-collided-flux preconditioner has been used on the second-order equation, and here we extend those results to the first order equation. (authors)

Verification of a Finite Element Model for Pyrolyzing Ablative Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Risch, Timothy K.

2017-01-01

Ablating thermal protection system (TPS) materials have been used in many reentering spacecraft and in other applications such as rocket nozzle linings, fire protection materials, and as countermeasures for directed energy weapons. The introduction of the finite element model to the analysis of ablation has arguably resulted in improved computational capabilities due the flexibility and extended applicability of the method, especially to complex geometries. Commercial finite element codes often provide enhanced capability compared to custom, specially written programs based on versatility, usability, pre- and post-processing, grid generation, total life-cycle costs, and speed.

Analysis of superconducting electromagnetic finite elements based on a magnetic vector potential variational principle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schuler, James J.; Felippa, Carlos A.

1991-01-01

Electromagnetic finite elements are extended based on a variational principle that uses the electromagnetic four potential as primary variable. The variational principle is extended to include the ability to predict a nonlinear current distribution within a conductor. The extension of this theory is first done on a normal conductor and tested on two different problems. In both problems, the geometry remains the same, but the material properties are different. The geometry is that of a 1-D infinite wire. The first problem is merely a linear control case used to validate the new theory. The second problem is made up of linear conductors with varying conductivities. Both problems perform well and predict current densities that are accurate to within a few ten thousandths of a percent of the exact values. The fourth potential is then removed, leaving only the magnetic vector potential, and the variational principle is further extended to predict magnetic potentials, magnetic fields, the number of charge carriers, and the current densities within a superconductor. The new element produces good results for the mean magnetic field, the vector potential, and the number of superconducting charge carriers despite a relatively high system condition number. The element did not perform well in predicting the current density. Numerical problems inherent to this formulation are explored and possible remedies to produce better current predicting finite elements are presented.

Application of the multi-scale finite element method to wave propagation problems in damaged structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Casadei, F.; Ruzzene, M.

2011-04-01

This work illustrates the possibility to extend the field of application of the Multi-Scale Finite Element Method (MsFEM) to structural mechanics problems that involve localized geometrical discontinuities like cracks or notches. The main idea is to construct finite elements with an arbitrary number of edge nodes that describe the actual geometry of the damage with shape functions that are defined as local solutions of the differential operator of the specific problem according to the MsFEM approach. The small scale information are then brought to the large scale model through the coupling of the global system matrices that are assembled using classical finite element procedures. The efficiency of the method is demonstrated through selected numerical examples that constitute classical problems of great interest to the structural health monitoring community.

A finite element-boundary integral method for cavities in a circular cylinder

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kempel, Leo C.; Volakis, John L.

1992-01-01

Conformal antenna arrays offer many cost and weight advantages over conventional antenna systems. However, due to a lack of rigorous mathematical models for conformal antenna arrays, antenna designers resort to measurement and planar antenna concepts for designing non-planar conformal antennas. Recently, we have found the finite element-boundary integral method to be very successful in modeling large planar arrays of arbitrary composition in a metallic plane. We extend this formulation to conformal arrays on large metallic cylinders. In this report, we develop the mathematical formulation. In particular, we discuss the shape functions, the resulting finite elements and the boundary integral equations, and the solution of the conformal finite element-boundary integral system. Some validation results are presented and we further show how this formulation can be applied with minimal computational and memory resources.

Finite Element Analysis of the Propagation of Acoustic Waves Along Waveguides Immersed in Water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hladky-Hennion, A.-C.; Langlet, P.; de Billy, M.

1997-03-01

The finite element approach has previously been used, with the help of the ATILA code, to model the propagation of acoustic waves in waveguides [A.-C. Hladky-Hennion, Journal of Sound and Vibration, 194,119-136 (1996)]. In this paper an extension of the technique to the analysis of the propagation of acoustic waves in immersed waveguides is presented. In the proposed approach, the problem is reduced to a bidimensional problem, in which only the cross-section of the guide and the surrounding fluid domain are meshed by using finite elements. Then, wedges the top angles of which vary, are studied and the finite element results of the wedge wave speed are compared with experimental results. Finally, the conclusion indicates a way to extend this approach to waveguides of any cross-section.

Substructure System Identification for Finite Element Model Updating

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Craig, Roy R., Jr.; Blades, Eric L.

1997-01-01

This report summarizes research conducted under a NASA grant on the topic 'Substructure System Identification for Finite Element Model Updating.' The research concerns ongoing development of the Substructure System Identification Algorithm (SSID Algorithm), a system identification algorithm that can be used to obtain mathematical models of substructures, like Space Shuttle payloads. In the present study, particular attention was given to the following topics: making the algorithm robust to noisy test data, extending the algorithm to accept experimental FRF data that covers a broad frequency bandwidth, and developing a test analytical model (TAM) for use in relating test data to reduced-order finite element models.

Electromagnetic Extended Finite Elements for High-Fidelity Multimaterial Problems LDRD Final Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Siefert, Christopher; Bochev, Pavel Blagoveston; Kramer, Richard Michael Jack

Surface effects are critical to the accurate simulation of electromagnetics (EM) as current tends to concentrate near material surfaces. Sandia EM applications, which include exploding bridge wires for detonator design, electromagnetic launch of flyer plates for material testing and gun design, lightning blast-through for weapon safety, electromagnetic armor, and magnetic flux compression generators, all require accurate resolution of surface effects. These applications operate in a large deformation regime, where body-fitted meshes are impractical and multimaterial elements are the only feasible option. State-of-the-art methods use various mixture models to approximate the multi-physics of these elements. The empirical nature of these modelsmore » can significantly compromise the accuracy of the simulation in this very important surface region. We propose to substantially improve the predictive capability of electromagnetic simulations by removing the need for empirical mixture models at material surfaces. We do this by developing an eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM) and an associated Conformal Decomposition Finite Element Method (CDFEM) which satisfy the physically required compatibility conditions at material interfaces. We demonstrate the effectiveness of these methods for diffusion and diffusion-like problems on node, edge and face elements in 2D and 3D. We also present preliminary work on h -hierarchical elements and remap algorithms.« less

Hydro-mechanical coupled simulation of hydraulic fracturing using the eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Youn, Dong Joon

This thesis presents the development and validation of an advanced hydro-mechanical coupled finite element program analyzing hydraulic fracture propagation within unconventional hydrocarbon formations under various conditions. The realistic modeling of hydraulic fracturing is necessarily required to improve the understanding and efficiency of the stimulation technique. Such modeling remains highly challenging, however, due to factors including the complexity of fracture propagation mechanisms, the coupled behavior of fracture displacement and fluid pressure, the interactions between pre-existing natural and initiated hydraulic fractures and the formation heterogeneity of the target reservoir. In this research, an eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM) scheme is developed allowing for representation of single or multiple fracture propagations without any need for re-meshing. Also, the coupled flows through the fracture are considered in the program to account for their influence on stresses and deformations along the hydraulic fracture. In this research, a sequential coupling scheme is applied to estimate fracture aperture and fluid pressure with the XFEM. Later, the coupled XFEM program is used to estimate wellbore bottomhole pressure during fracture propagation, and the pressure variations are analyzed to determine the geometry and performance of the hydraulic fracturing as pressure leak-off test. Finally, material heterogeneity is included into the XFEM program to check the effect of random formation property distributions to the hydraulic fracture geometry. Random field theory is used to create the random realization of the material heterogeneity with the consideration of mean, standard deviation, and property correlation length. These analyses lead to probabilistic information on the response of unconventional reservoirs and offer a more scientific approach regarding risk management for the unconventional reservoir stimulation. The new stochastic approach combining XFEM and random field is named as eXtended Random Finite Element Method (XRFEM). All the numerical analysis codes in this thesis are written in Fortran 2003, and these codes are applicable as a series of sub-modules within a suite of finite element codes developed by Smith and Griffiths (2004).

Probabilistic finite elements for transient analysis in nonlinear continua

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, W. K.; Belytschko, T.; Mani, A.

1985-01-01

The probabilistic finite element method (PFEM), which is a combination of finite element methods and second-moment analysis, is formulated for linear and nonlinear continua with inhomogeneous random fields. Analogous to the discretization of the displacement field in finite element methods, the random field is also discretized. The formulation is simplified by transforming the correlated variables to a set of uncorrelated variables through an eigenvalue orthogonalization. Furthermore, it is shown that a reduced set of the uncorrelated variables is sufficient for the second-moment analysis. Based on the linear formulation of the PFEM, the method is then extended to transient analysis in nonlinear continua. The accuracy and efficiency of the method is demonstrated by application to a one-dimensional, elastic/plastic wave propagation problem. The moments calculated compare favorably with those obtained by Monte Carlo simulation. Also, the procedure is amenable to implementation in deterministic FEM based computer programs.

A Floating Node Method for the Modelling of Discontinuities Within a Finite Element

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pinho, Silvestre T.; Chen, B. Y.; DeCarvalho, Nelson V.; Baiz, P. M.; Tay, T. E.

2013-01-01

This paper focuses on the accurate numerical representation of complex networks of evolving discontinuities in solids, with particular emphasis on cracks. The limitation of the standard finite element method (FEM) in approximating discontinuous solutions has motivated the development of re-meshing, smeared crack models, the eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM) and the Phantom Node Method (PNM). We propose a new method which has some similarities to the PNM, but crucially: (i) does not introduce an error on the crack geometry when mapping to natural coordinates; (ii) does not require numerical integration over only part of a domain; (iii) can incorporate weak discontinuities and cohesive cracks more readily; (iv) is ideally suited for the representation of multiple and complex networks of (weak, strong and cohesive) discontinuities; (v) leads to the same solution as a finite element mesh where the discontinuity is represented explicitly; and (vi) is conceptually simpler than the PNM.

Finite elements based on consistently assumed stresses and displacements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pian, T. H. H.

1985-01-01

Finite element stiffness matrices are derived using an extended Hellinger-Reissner principle in which internal displacements are added to serve as Lagrange multipliers to introduce the equilibrium constraint in each element. In a consistent formulation the assumed stresses are initially unconstrained and complete polynomials and the total displacements are also complete such that the corresponding strains are complete in the same order as the stresses. Several examples indicate that resulting properties for elements constructed by this consistent formulation are ideal and are less sensitive to distortions of element geometries. The method has been used to find the optimal stress terms for plane elements, 3-D solids, axisymmetric solids, and plate bending elements.

A comparative study of an ABC and an artificial absorber for truncating finite element meshes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oezdemir, T.; Volakis, John L.

1993-01-01

The type of mesh termination used in the context of finite element formulations plays a major role on the efficiency and accuracy of the field solution. The performance of an absorbing boundary condition (ABC) and an artificial absorber (a new concept) for terminating the finite element mesh was evaluated. This analysis is done in connection with the problem of scattering by a finite slot array in a thick ground plane. The two approximate mesh truncation schemes are compared with the exact finite element-boundary integral (FEM-BI) method in terms of accuracy and efficiency. It is demonstrated that both approximate truncation schemes yield reasonably accurate results even when the mesh is extended only 0.3 wavelengths away from the array aperture. However, the artificial absorber termination method leads to a substantially more efficient solution. Moreover, it is shown that the FEM-BI method remains quite competitive with the FEM-artificial absorber method when the FFT is used for computing the matrix-vector products in the iterative solution algorithm. These conclusions are indeed surprising and of major importance in electromagnetic simulations based on the finite element method.

Coupled porohyperelastic mass transport (PHEXPT) finite element models for soft tissues using ABAQUS.

PubMed

Vande Geest, Jonathan P; Simon, B R; Rigby, Paul H; Newberg, Tyler P

2011-04-01

Finite element models (FEMs) including characteristic large deformations in highly nonlinear materials (hyperelasticity and coupled diffusive/convective transport of neutral mobile species) will allow quantitative study of in vivo tissues. Such FEMs will provide basic understanding of normal and pathological tissue responses and lead to optimization of local drug delivery strategies. We present a coupled porohyperelastic mass transport (PHEXPT) finite element approach developed using a commercially available ABAQUS finite element software. The PHEXPT transient simulations are based on sequential solution of the porohyperelastic (PHE) and mass transport (XPT) problems where an Eulerian PHE FEM is coupled to a Lagrangian XPT FEM using a custom-written FORTRAN program. The PHEXPT theoretical background is derived in the context of porous media transport theory and extended to ABAQUS finite element formulations. The essential assumptions needed in order to use ABAQUS are clearly identified in the derivation. Representative benchmark finite element simulations are provided along with analytical solutions (when appropriate). These simulations demonstrate the differences in transient and steady state responses including finite deformations, total stress, fluid pressure, relative fluid, and mobile species flux. A detailed description of important model considerations (e.g., material property functions and jump discontinuities at material interfaces) is also presented in the context of finite deformations. The ABAQUS-based PHEXPT approach enables the use of the available ABAQUS capabilities (interactive FEM mesh generation, finite element libraries, nonlinear material laws, pre- and postprocessing, etc.). PHEXPT FEMs can be used to simulate the transport of a relatively large neutral species (negligible osmotic fluid flux) in highly deformable hydrated soft tissues and tissue-engineered materials.

Improvement of finite element meshes - Heat transfer in an infinite cylinder

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kittur, Madan G.; Huston, Ronald L.; Oswald, Fred B.

1989-01-01

An extension of a structural finite element mesh improvement technique to heat conduction analysis is presented. The mesh improvement concept was originally presented by Prager in studying tapered, axially loaded bars. It was further shown that an improved mesh can be obtained by minimizing the trace of the stiffnes matrix. These procedures are extended and applied to the analysis of heat conduction in an infinitely long hollow circular cylinder.

Improvement in finite element meshes: Heat transfer in an infinite cylinder

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kittur, Madan G.; Huston, Ronald L.; Oswald, Fred B.

1988-01-01

An extension of a structural finite element mesh improvement technique to heat conduction analysis is presented. The mesh improvement concept was originally presented by Prager in studying tapered, axially loaded bars. It was further shown that an improved mesh can be obtained by minimizing the trace of the stiffness matrix. These procedures are extended and applied to the analysis of heat conduction in an infinitely long hollow circular cylinder.

Finite Element Peen Forming Simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gariépy, Alexandre; Larose, Simon; Perron, Claude; Bocher, Philippe; Lévesque, Martin

Shot peening consists of projecting multiple small particles onto a ductile part in order to induce compressive residual stresses near the surface. Peen forming, a derivative of shot peening, is a process that creates an unbalanced stress state which in turn leads to a deformation to shape thin parts. This versatile and cost-effective process is commonly used to manufacture aluminum wing skins and rocket panels. This paper presents the finite element modelling approach that was developed by the authors to simulate the process. The method relies on shell elements and calculated stress profiles and uses an approximation equation to take into account the incremental nature of the process. Finite element predictions were in good agreement with experimental results for small-scale tests. The method was extended to a hypothetical wing skin model to show its potential applications.

Fracture Capabilities in Grizzly with the extended Finite Element Method (X-FEM)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dolbow, John; Zhang, Ziyu; Spencer, Benjamin

Efforts are underway to develop fracture mechanics capabilities in the Grizzly code to enable it to be used to perform deterministic fracture assessments of degraded reactor pressure vessels (RPVs). A capability was previously developed to calculate three-dimensional interaction- integrals to extract mixed-mode stress-intensity factors. This capability requires the use of a finite element mesh that conforms to the crack geometry. The eXtended Finite Element Method (X-FEM) provides a means to represent a crack geometry without explicitly fitting the finite element mesh to it. This is effected by enhancing the element kinematics to represent jump discontinuities at arbitrary locations inside ofmore » the element, as well as the incorporation of asymptotic near-tip fields to better capture crack singularities. In this work, use of only the discontinuous enrichment functions was examined to see how accurate stress intensity factors could still be calculated. This report documents the following work to enhance Grizzly’s engineering fracture capabilities by introducing arbitrary jump discontinuities for prescribed crack geometries; X-FEM Mesh Cutting in 3D: to enhance the kinematics of elements that are intersected by arbitrary crack geometries, a mesh cutting algorithm was implemented in Grizzly. The algorithm introduces new virtual nodes and creates partial elements, and then creates a new mesh connectivity; Interaction Integral Modifications: the existing code for evaluating the interaction integral in Grizzly was based on the assumption of a mesh that was fitted to the crack geometry. Modifications were made to allow for the possibility of a crack front that passes arbitrarily through the mesh; and Benchmarking for 3D Fracture: the new capabilities were benchmarked against mixed-mode three-dimensional fracture problems with known analytical solutions.« less

A projection hybrid high order finite volume/finite element method for incompressible turbulent flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Busto, S.; Ferrín, J. L.; Toro, E. F.; Vázquez-Cendón, M. E.

2018-01-01

In this paper the projection hybrid FV/FE method presented in [1] is extended to account for species transport equations. Furthermore, turbulent regimes are also considered thanks to the k-ε model. Regarding the transport diffusion stage new schemes of high order of accuracy are developed. The CVC Kolgan-type scheme and ADER methodology are extended to 3D. The latter is modified in order to profit from the dual mesh employed by the projection algorithm and the derivatives involved in the diffusion term are discretized using a Galerkin approach. The accuracy and stability analysis of the new method are carried out for the advection-diffusion-reaction equation. Within the projection stage the pressure correction is computed by a piecewise linear finite element method. Numerical results are presented, aimed at verifying the formal order of accuracy of the scheme and to assess the performance of the method on several realistic test problems.

Algorithms and software for solving finite element equations on serial and parallel architectures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

George, Alan

1989-01-01

Over the past 15 years numerous new techniques have been developed for solving systems of equations and eigenvalue problems arising in finite element computations. A package called SPARSPAK has been developed by the author and his co-workers which exploits these new methods. The broad objective of this research project is to incorporate some of this software in the Computational Structural Mechanics (CSM) testbed, and to extend the techniques for use on multiprocessor architectures.

Cortical bone fracture analysis using XFEM - case study.

PubMed

Idkaidek, Ashraf; Jasiuk, Iwona

2017-04-01

We aim to achieve an accurate simulation of human cortical bone fracture using the extended finite element method within a commercial finite element software abaqus. A two-dimensional unit cell model of cortical bone is built based on a microscopy image of the mid-diaphysis of tibia of a 70-year-old human male donor. Each phase of this model, an interstitial bone, a cement line, and an osteon, are considered linear elastic and isotropic with material properties obtained by nanoindentation, taken from literature. The effect of using fracture analysis methods (cohesive segment approach versus linear elastic fracture mechanics approach), finite element type, and boundary conditions (traction, displacement, and mixed) on cortical bone crack initiation and propagation are studied. In this study cohesive segment damage evolution for a traction separation law based on energy and displacement is used. In addition, effects of the increment size and mesh density on analysis results are investigated. We find that both cohesive segment and linear elastic fracture mechanics approaches within the extended finite element method can effectively simulate cortical bone fracture. Mesh density and simulation increment size can influence analysis results when employing either approach, and using finer mesh and/or smaller increment size does not always provide more accurate results. Both approaches provide close but not identical results, and crack propagation speed is found to be slower when using the cohesive segment approach. Also, using reduced integration elements along with the cohesive segment approach decreases crack propagation speed compared with using full integration elements. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A Unique Finite Element Modeling of the Periodic Wave Transformation over Sloping and Barred Beaches by Beji and Nadaoka's Extended Boussinesq Equations

PubMed Central

Jabbari, Mohammad Hadi; Sayehbani, Mesbah; Reisinezhad, Arsham

2013-01-01

This paper presents a numerical model based on one-dimensional Beji and Nadaoka's Extended Boussinesq equations for simulation of periodic wave shoaling and its decomposition over morphological beaches. A unique Galerkin finite element and Adams-Bashforth-Moulton predictor-corrector methods are employed for spatial and temporal discretization, respectively. For direct application of linear finite element method in spatial discretization, an auxiliary variable is hereby introduced, and a particular numerical scheme is offered to rewrite the equations in lower-order form. Stability of the suggested numerical method is also analyzed. Subsequently, in order to display the ability of the presented model, four different test cases are considered. In these test cases, dispersive and nonlinearity effects of the periodic waves over sloping beaches and barred beaches, which are the common coastal profiles, are investigated. Outputs are compared with other existing numerical and experimental data. Finally, it is concluded that the current model can be further developed to model any morphological development of coastal profiles. PMID:23853534

Accuracy of specimen-specific nonlinear finite element analysis for evaluation of distal radius strength in cadaver material.

PubMed

Matsuura, Yusuke; Kuniyoshi, Kazuki; Suzuki, Takane; Ogawa, Yasufumi; Sukegawa, Koji; Rokkaku, Tomoyuki; Takahashi, Kazuhisa

2014-11-01

Distal radius fracture, which often occurs in the setting of osteoporosis, can lead to permanent deformity and disability. Great effort has been directed toward developing noninvasive methods for evaluating the distal radius strength, with the goal of assessing fracture risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate distal radius strength using a finite element model and to gauge the accuracy of finite element model measurement using cadaver material. Ten wrists were obtained from cadavers with a mean age of 89.5 years at death. CT images of each wrist in an extended position were obtained. CT-based finite element models were prepared with Mechanical Finder software. Fracture on the models was simulated by applying a mechanical load to the palm in a direction parallel to the forearm axis, after which the fracture load and the site at which the fracture began were identified. For comparison, the wrists were fractured using a universal testing machine and the fracture load and the site of fracture were identified. The fracture load was 970.9 N in the finite element model group and 990.0 N in the actual measurement group. The site of the initial fracture was extra-articular to the distal radius in both groups. The finite element model was predictive for distal radius fracture when compared to the actual measurement. In this study, a finite element model for evaluation of distal radius strength was validated and can be used to predict fracture risk. We conclude that a finite element model is useful for the evaluation of distal radius strength. Knowing distal radius strength might avoid distal radius fracture because appropriate antiosteoporotic treatment can be initiated.

Multiscale Concrete Modeling of Aging Degradation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hammi, Yousseff; Gullett, Philipp; Horstemeyer, Mark F.

In this work a numerical finite element framework is implemented to enable the integration of coupled multiscale and multiphysics transport processes. A User Element subroutine (UEL) in Abaqus is used to simultaneously solve stress equilibrium, heat conduction, and multiple diffusion equations for 2D and 3D linear and quadratic elements. Transport processes in concrete structures and their degradation mechanisms are presented along with the discretization of the governing equations. The multiphysics modeling framework is theoretically extended to the linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) by introducing the eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM) and based on the XFEM user element implementation of Ginermore » et al. [2009]. A damage model that takes into account the damage contribution from the different degradation mechanisms is theoretically developed. The total contribution of damage is forwarded to a Multi-Stage Fatigue (MSF) model to enable the assessment of the fatigue life and the deterioration of reinforced concrete structures in a nuclear power plant. Finally, two examples are presented to illustrate the developed multiphysics user element implementation and the XFEM implementation of Giner et al. [2009].« less

Use of adjoint methods in the probabilistic finite element approach to fracture mechanics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Wing Kam; Besterfield, Glen; Lawrence, Mark; Belytschko, Ted

1988-01-01

The adjoint method approach to probabilistic finite element methods (PFEM) is presented. When the number of objective functions is small compared to the number of random variables, the adjoint method is far superior to the direct method in evaluating the objective function derivatives with respect to the random variables. The PFEM is extended to probabilistic fracture mechanics (PFM) using an element which has the near crack-tip singular strain field embedded. Since only two objective functions (i.e., mode I and II stress intensity factors) are needed for PFM, the adjoint method is well suited.

Propagating plane harmonic waves through finite length plates of variable thickness using finite element techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, J. H.; Kalinowski, A. J.; Wagner, C. A.

1983-01-01

An analysis is given using finite element techniques which addresses the propagaton of a uniform incident pressure wave through a finite diameter axisymmetric tapered plate immersed in a fluid. The approach utilized in developing a finite element solution to this problem is based upon a technique for axisymmetric fluid structure interaction problems. The problem addressed is that of a 10 inch diameter axisymmetric fixed plate totally immersed in a fluid. The plate increases in thickness from approximately 0.01 inches thick at the center to 0.421 inches thick at a radius of 5 inches. Against each face of the tapered plate a cylindrical fluid volume was represented extending five wavelengths off the plate in the axial direction. The outer boundary of the fluid and plate regions were represented as a rigid encasement cylinder as was nearly the case in the physical problem. The primary objective of the analysis is to determine the form of the transmitted pressure distribution on the downstream side of the plate.

Predict the fatigue life of crack based on extended finite element method and SVR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Weizhen; Jiang, Zhansi; Jiang, Hui

2018-05-01

Using extended finite element method (XFEM) and support vector regression (SVR) to predict the fatigue life of plate crack. Firstly, the XFEM is employed to calculate the stress intensity factors (SIFs) with given crack sizes. Then predicetion model can be built based on the function relationship of the SIFs with the fatigue life or crack length. Finally, according to the prediction model predict the SIFs at different crack sizes or different cycles. Because of the accuracy of the forward Euler method only ensured by the small step size, a new prediction method is presented to resolve the issue. The numerical examples were studied to demonstrate the proposed method allow a larger step size and have a high accuracy.

Mitigating crack propagation in a highly maneuverable flight vehicle using life extending control logic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elshabasy, Mohamed Mostafa Yousef Bassyouny

In this research, life extending control logic is proposed to reduce the cost of treating the aging problem of military aircraft structures and to avoid catastrophic failures and fatal accidents due to undetected cracks in the airframe components. The life extending control logic is based on load tailoring to facilitate a desired stress sequence that prolongs the structural life of the cracked airframe components by exploiting certain nonlinear crack retardation phenomena. The load is tailored to include infrequent injections of a single-cycle overload or a single-cycle overload and underload. These irregular loadings have an anti-intuitive but beneficial effect, which has been experimentally validated, on the extension of the operational structural life of the aircraft. A rigid six-degree-of freedom dynamic model of a highly maneuverable air vehicle coupled with an elastic dynamic wing model is used to generate the stress history at the lower skin of the wing. A three-dimensional equivalent plate finite element model is used to calculate the stress in the cracked skin. The plate is chosen to be of uniform chord-wise and span-wise thickness where the mechanical properties are assigned using an ad-hoc approach to mimic the full scale wing model. An in-extensional 3-node triangular element is used as the gridding finite element while the aerodynamic load is calculated using the vortex-lattice method where each lattice is laid upon two triangular finite elements with common hypotenuse. The aerodynamic loads, along with the base-excitation which is due to the motion of the rigid aircraft model, are the driving forces acting on the wing finite element model. An aerodynamic control surface is modulated based on the proposed life extending control logic within an existing flight control system without requiring major modification. One of the main goals of life extending control logic is to enhance the aircraft's service life, without incurring significant loss of vehicle dynamic performance. The value of the control-surface deflection angle is modulated so that the created overstress is sufficiently below the yield stress of the panel material. The results show that extension in crack length was reduced by 40% to 75% with an absence of damage mitigation logic. Moreover, the desired structural integrity is satisfied without affecting the air vehicle dynamic performance.

A three-dimensional FEM-DEM technique for predicting the evolution of fracture in geomaterials and concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zárate, Francisco; Cornejo, Alejandro; Oñate, Eugenio

2018-07-01

This paper extends to three dimensions (3D), the computational technique developed by the authors in 2D for predicting the onset and evolution of fracture in a finite element mesh in a simple manner based on combining the finite element method and the discrete element method (DEM) approach (Zárate and Oñate in Comput Part Mech 2(3):301-314, 2015). Once a crack is detected at an element edge, discrete elements are generated at the adjacent element vertexes and a simple DEM mechanism is considered in order to follow the evolution of the crack. The combination of the DEM with simple four-noded linear tetrahedron elements correctly captures the onset of fracture and its evolution, as shown in several 3D examples of application.

Life assessment of structural components using inelastic finite element analyses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arya, Vinod K.; Halford, Gary R.

1993-01-01

The need for enhanced and improved performance of structural components subject to severe cyclic thermal/mechanical loadings, such as in the aerospace industry, requires development of appropriate solution technologies involving time-dependent inelastic analyses. Such analyses are mandatory to predict local stress-strain response and to assess more accurately the cyclic life time of structural components. The NASA-Lewis Research Center is cognizant of this need. As a result of concerted efforts at Lewis during the last few years, several such finite element solution technologies (in conjunction with the finite element program MARC) were developed and successfully applied to numerous uniaxial and multiaxial problems. These solution technologies, although developed for use with MARC program, are general in nature and can easily be extended for adaptation with other finite element programs such as ABAQUS, ANSYS, etc. The description and results obtained from two such inelastic finite element solution technologies are presented. The first employs a classical (non-unified) creep-plasticity model. An application of this technology is presented for a hypersonic inlet cowl-lip problem. The second of these technologies uses a unified creep-plasticity model put forth by Freed. The structural component for which this finite element solution technology is illustrated, is a cylindrical rocket engine thrust chamber. The advantages of employing a viscoplastic model for nonlinear time-dependent structural analyses are demonstrated. The life analyses for cowl-lip and cylindrical thrust chambers are presented. These analyses are conducted by using the stress-strain response of these components obtained from the corresponding finite element analyses.

Newmark local time stepping on high-performance computing architectures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rietmann, Max, E-mail: max.rietmann@erdw.ethz.ch; Institute of Geophysics, ETH Zurich; Grote, Marcus, E-mail: marcus.grote@unibas.ch

In multi-scale complex media, finite element meshes often require areas of local refinement, creating small elements that can dramatically reduce the global time-step for wave-propagation problems due to the CFL condition. Local time stepping (LTS) algorithms allow an explicit time-stepping scheme to adapt the time-step to the element size, allowing near-optimal time-steps everywhere in the mesh. We develop an efficient multilevel LTS-Newmark scheme and implement it in a widely used continuous finite element seismic wave-propagation package. In particular, we extend the standard LTS formulation with adaptations to continuous finite element methods that can be implemented very efficiently with very strongmore » element-size contrasts (more than 100x). Capable of running on large CPU and GPU clusters, we present both synthetic validation examples and large scale, realistic application examples to demonstrate the performance and applicability of the method and implementation on thousands of CPU cores and hundreds of GPUs.« less

Simulation-aided constitutive law development - Assessment of low triaxiality void nucleation models via extended finite element method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Jifeng; Kontsevoi, Oleg Y.; Xiong, Wei; Smith, Jacob

2017-05-01

In this work, a multi-scale computational framework has been established in order to investigate, refine and validate constitutive behaviors in the context of the Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman (GTN) void mechanics model. The eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM) has been implemented in order to (1) develop statistical volume elements (SVE) of a matrix material with subscale inclusions and (2) to simulate the multi-void nucleation process due to interface debonding between the matrix and particle phases. Our analyses strongly suggest that under low stress triaxiality the nucleation rate of the voids f˙ can be well described by a normal distribution function with respect to the matrix equivalent stress (σe), as opposed to that proposed (σbar + 1 / 3σkk) in the original form of the single void GTN model. The modified form of the multi-void nucleation model has been validated based on a series of numerical experiments with different loading conditions, material properties, particle shape/size and spatial distributions. The utilization of XFEM allows for an invariant finite element mesh to represent varying microstructures, which implies suitability for drastically reducing complexity in generating the finite element discretizations for large stochastic arrays of microstructure configurations. The modified form of the multi-void nucleation model is further applied to study high strength steels by incorporating first principles calculations. The necessity of using a phenomenological interface separation law has been fully eliminated and replaced by the physics-based cohesive relationship obtained from Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations in order to provide an accurate macroscopic material response.

A finite element-boundary integral method for conformal antenna arrays on a circular cylinder

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kempel, Leo C.; Volakis, John L.; Woo, Alex C.; Yu, C. Long

1992-01-01

Conformal antenna arrays offer many cost and weight advantages over conventional antenna systems. In the past, antenna designers have had to resort to expensive measurements in order to develop a conformal array design. This is due to the lack of rigorous mathematical models for conformal antenna arrays, and as a result the design of conformal arrays is primarily based on planar antenna design concepts. Recently, we have found the finite element-boundary integral method to be very successful in modeling large planar arrays of arbitrary composition in a metallic plane. Herewith we shall extend this formulation for conformal arrays on large metallic cylinders. In this we develop the mathematical formulation. In particular we discuss the finite element equations, the shape elements, and the boundary integral evaluation, and it is shown how this formulation can be applied with minimal computation and memory requirements. The implementation shall be discussed in a later report.

A finite element-boundary integral method for conformal antenna arrays on a circular cylinder

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kempel, Leo C.; Volakis, John L.

1992-01-01

Conformal antenna arrays offer many cost and weight advantages over conventional antenna systems. In the past, antenna designers have had to resort to expensive measurements in order to develop a conformal array design. This was due to the lack of rigorous mathematical models for conformal antenna arrays. As a result, the design of conformal arrays was primarily based on planar antenna design concepts. Recently, we have found the finite element-boundary integral method to be very successful in modeling large planar arrays of arbitrary composition in a metallic plane. We are extending this formulation to conformal arrays on large metallic cylinders. In doing so, we will develop a mathematical formulation. In particular, we discuss the finite element equations, the shape elements, and the boundary integral evaluation. It is shown how this formulation can be applied with minimal computation and memory requirements.

Micromechanical predictions of crack propagation and fracture energy in a single fiber boron/aluminum model composite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, D. F.; Mahishi, J. M.

1982-01-01

The axisymmetric finite element model and associated computer program developed for the analysis of crack propagation in a composite consisting of a single broken fiber in an annular sheath of matrix material was extended to include a constant displacement boundary condition during an increment of crack propagation. The constant displacement condition permits the growth of a stable crack, as opposed to the catastropic failure in an earlier version. The finite element model was refined to respond more accurately to the high stresses and steep stress gradients near the broken fiber end. The accuracy and effectiveness of the conventional constant strain axisymmetric element for crack problems was established by solving the classical problem of a penny-shaped crack in a thick cylindrical rod under axial tension. The stress intensity factors predicted by the present finite element model are compared with existing continuum results.

Extending Engineering Design Graphics Laboratories to Have a CAD/CAM Component: Implementation Issues.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Juricic, Davor; Barr, Ronald E.

1996-01-01

Reports on a project that extended the Engineering Design Graphics curriculum to include instruction and laboratory experience in computer-aided design, analysis, and manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Discusses issues in project implementation, including introduction of finite element analysis to lower-division students, feasibility of classroom prototype…

Nonlinear finite element modeling of vibration control of plane rod-type structural members with integrated piezoelectric patches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chróścielewski, Jacek; Schmidt, Rüdiger; Eremeyev, Victor A.

2018-05-01

This paper addresses modeling and finite element analysis of the transient large-amplitude vibration response of thin rod-type structures (e.g., plane curved beams, arches, ring shells) and its control by integrated piezoelectric layers. A geometrically nonlinear finite beam element for the analysis of piezolaminated structures is developed that is based on the Bernoulli hypothesis and the assumptions of small strains and finite rotations of the normal. The finite element model can be applied to static, stability, and transient analysis of smart structures consisting of a master structure and integrated piezoelectric actuator layers or patches attached to the upper and lower surfaces. Two problems are studied extensively: (i) FE analyses of a clamped semicircular ring shell that has been used as a benchmark problem for linear vibration control in several recent papers are critically reviewed and extended to account for the effects of structural nonlinearity and (ii) a smart circular arch subjected to a hydrostatic pressure load is investigated statically and dynamically in order to study the shift of bifurcation and limit points, eigenfrequencies, and eigenvectors, as well as vibration control for loading conditions which may lead to dynamic loss of stability.

Finite-Strain Fractional-Order Viscoelastic (FOV) Material Models and Numerical Methods for Solving Them

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freed, Alan D.; Diethelm, Kai; Gray, Hugh R. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Fraction-order viscoelastic (FOV) material models have been proposed and studied in 1D since the 1930's, and were extended into three dimensions in the 1970's under the assumption of infinitesimal straining. It was not until 1997 that Drozdov introduced the first finite-strain FOV constitutive equations. In our presentation, we shall continue in this tradition by extending the standard, FOV, fluid and solid, material models introduced in 1971 by Caputo and Mainardi into 3D constitutive formula applicable for finite-strain analyses. To achieve this, we generalize both the convected and co-rotational derivatives of tensor fields to fractional order. This is accomplished by defining them first as body tensor fields and then mapping them into space as objective Cartesian tensor fields. Constitutive equations are constructed using both variants for fractional rate, and their responses are contrasted in simple shear. After five years of research and development, we now possess a basic suite of numerical tools necessary to study finite-strain FOV constitutive equations and their iterative refinement into a mature collection of material models. Numerical methods still need to be developed for efficiently solving fraction al-order integrals, derivatives, and differential equations in a finite element setting where such constitutive formulae would need to be solved at each Gauss point in each element of a finite model, which can number into the millions in today's analysis.

Finite element design procedure for correcting the coining die profiles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alexandrino, Paulo; Leitão, Paulo J.; Alves, Luis M.; Martins, Paulo A. F.

2018-05-01

This paper presents a new finite element based design procedure for correcting the coining die profiles in order to optimize the distribution of pressure and the alignment of the resultant vertical force at the end of the die stroke. The procedure avoids time consuming and costly try-outs, does not interfere with the creative process of the sculptors and extends the service life of the coining dies by significantly decreasing the applied pressure and bending moments. The numerical simulations were carried out in a computer program based on the finite element flow formulation that is currently being developed by the authors in collaboration with the Portuguese Mint. A new experimental procedure based on the stack compression test is also proposed for determining the stress-strain curve of the materials directly from the coin blanks.

Multiple methods integration for structural mechanics analysis and design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Housner, J. M.; Aminpour, M. A.

1991-01-01

A new research area of multiple methods integration is proposed for joining diverse methods of structural mechanics analysis which interact with one another. Three categories of multiple methods are defined: those in which a physical interface are well defined; those in which a physical interface is not well-defined, but selected; and those in which the interface is a mathematical transformation. Two fundamental integration procedures are presented that can be extended to integrate various methods (e.g., finite elements, Rayleigh Ritz, Galerkin, and integral methods) with one another. Since the finite element method will likely be the major method to be integrated, its enhanced robustness under element distortion is also examined and a new robust shell element is demonstrated.

A finite element method for solving the shallow water equations on the sphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Comblen, Richard; Legrand, Sébastien; Deleersnijder, Eric; Legat, Vincent

Within the framework of ocean general circulation modeling, the present paper describes an efficient way to discretize partial differential equations on curved surfaces by means of the finite element method on triangular meshes. Our approach benefits from the inherent flexibility of the finite element method. The key idea consists in a dialog between a local coordinate system defined for each element in which integration takes place, and a nodal coordinate system in which all local contributions related to a vectorial degree of freedom are assembled. Since each element of the mesh and each degree of freedom are treated in the same way, the so-called pole singularity issue is fully circumvented. Applied to the shallow water equations expressed in primitive variables, this new approach has been validated against the standard test set defined by [Williamson, D.L., Drake, J.B., Hack, J.J., Jakob, R., Swarztrauber, P.N., 1992. A standard test set for numerical approximations to the shallow water equations in spherical geometry. Journal of Computational Physics 102, 211-224]. Optimal rates of convergence for the P1NC-P1 finite element pair are obtained, for both global and local quantities of interest. Finally, the approach can be extended to three-dimensional thin-layer flows in a straightforward manner.

A Dual Super-Element Domain Decomposition Approach for Parallel Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jokhio, G. A.; Izzuddin, B. A.

2015-05-01

This article presents a new domain decomposition method for nonlinear finite element analysis introducing the concept of dual partition super-elements. The method extends ideas from the displacement frame method and is ideally suited for parallel nonlinear static/dynamic analysis of structural systems. In the new method, domain decomposition is realized by replacing one or more subdomains in a "parent system," each with a placeholder super-element, where the subdomains are processed separately as "child partitions," each wrapped by a dual super-element along the partition boundary. The analysis of the overall system, including the satisfaction of equilibrium and compatibility at all partition boundaries, is realized through direct communication between all pairs of placeholder and dual super-elements. The proposed method has particular advantages for matrix solution methods based on the frontal scheme, and can be readily implemented for existing finite element analysis programs to achieve parallelization on distributed memory systems with minimal intervention, thus overcoming memory bottlenecks typically faced in the analysis of large-scale problems. Several examples are presented in this article which demonstrate the computational benefits of the proposed parallel domain decomposition approach and its applicability to the nonlinear structural analysis of realistic structural systems.

Investigation on the Crack Behaviour in Kevlar 49 Based Composite Materials using Extended Finite Element Method for Aerospace Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Handa, Danish; Sekhar Dondapati, Raja; Kumar, Abhinav

2017-08-01

Ductile to brittle transition (DTBT) is extensively observed in materials under cryogenic temperatures, thereby observing brittle failure due to the non-resistance of crack propagation. Owing to its outstanding mechanical and thermal properties, Kevlar 49 composites are widely used in aerospace applications under cryogenic temperatures. Therefore, in this paper, involving the assumption of linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM), mechanical characterization of Kevlar 49 composite is done using Extended Finite Element Method (X-FEM) technique in Abaqus/CAE software. Further, the failure of Kevlar 49 composites due to the propagation of crack at room temperature and the cryogenic temperature is investigated. Stress, strain and strain energy density as a function of the width of the Kevlar specimen is predicted, indicates that Kevlar 49 composites are suitable for use under cryogenic temperatures.

Modeling of Structural-Acoustic Interaction Using Coupled FE/BE Method and Control of Interior Acoustic Pressure Using Piezoelectric Actuators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mei, Chuh; Shi, Yacheng

1997-01-01

A coupled finite element (FE) and boundary element (BE) approach is presented to model full coupled structural/acoustic/piezoelectric systems. The dual reciprocity boundary element method is used so that the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the coupled system can be obtained, and to extend this approach to time dependent problems. The boundary element method is applied to interior acoustic domains, and the results are very accurate when compared with limited exact solutions. Structural-acoustic problems are then analyzed with the coupled finite element/boundary element method, where the finite element method models the structural domain and the boundary element method models the acoustic domain. Results for a system consisting of an isotropic panel and a cubic cavity are in good agreement with exact solutions and experiment data. The response of a composite panel backed cavity is then obtained. The results show that the mass and stiffness of piezoelectric layers have to be considered. The coupled finite element and boundary element equations are transformed into modal coordinates, which is more convenient for transient excitation. Several transient problems are solved based on this formulation. Two control designs, a linear quadratic regulator (LQR) and a feedforward controller, are applied to reduce the acoustic pressure inside the cavity based on the equations in modal coordinates. The results indicate that both controllers can reduce the interior acoustic pressure and the plate deflection.

Integrated Nondestructive Evaluation and Finite Element Analysis Predicts Crack Location and Shape

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abdul-Azia, Ali; Baaklini, George Y.; Trudell, Jeffrey J.

2002-01-01

This study describes the finite-element analyses and the NDE modality undertaken on two flywheel rotors that were spun to burst speed. Computed tomography and dimensional measurements were used to nondestructively evaluate the rotors before and/or after they were spun to the first crack detection. Computed tomography data findings of two- and three-dimensional crack formation were used to conduct finite-element (FEA) and fracture mechanics analyses. A procedure to extend these analyses to estimate the life of these components is also outlined. NDE-FEA results for one of the rotors are presented in the figures. The stress results, which represent the radial stresses in the rim, clearly indicate that the maximum stress region is within the section defined by the computed tomography scan. Furthermore, the NDE data correlate well with the FEA results. In addition, the measurements reported show that the NDE and FEA data are in parallel.

Novel numerical techniques for magma dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rhebergen, S.; Katz, R. F.; Wathen, A.; Alisic, L.; Rudge, J. F.; Wells, G.

2013-12-01

We discuss the development of finite element techniques and solvers for magma dynamics computations. These are implemented within the FEniCS framework. This approach allows for user-friendly, expressive, high-level code development, but also provides access to powerful, scalable numerical solvers and a large family of finite element discretisations. With the recent addition of dolfin-adjoint, FeniCS supports automated adjoint and tangent-linear models, enabling the rapid development of Generalised Stability Analysis. The ability to easily scale codes to three dimensions with large meshes, and/or to apply intricate adjoint calculations means that efficiency of the numerical algorithms is vital. We therefore describe our development and analysis of preconditioners designed specifically for finite element discretizations of equations governing magma dynamics. The preconditioners are based on Elman-Silvester-Wathen methods for the Stokes equation, and we extend these to flows with compaction. Our simulations are validated by comparison of results with laboratory experiments on partially molten aggregates.

Finite cover method with mortar elements for elastoplasticity problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurumatani, M.; Terada, K.

2005-06-01

Finite cover method (FCM) is extended to elastoplasticity problems. The FCM, which was originally developed under the name of manifold method, has recently been recognized as one of the generalized versions of finite element methods (FEM). Since the mesh for the FCM can be regular and squared regardless of the geometry of structures to be analyzed, structural analysts are released from a burdensome task of generating meshes conforming to physical boundaries. Numerical experiments are carried out to assess the performance of the FCM with such discretization in elastoplasticity problems. Particularly to achieve this accurately, the so-called mortar elements are introduced to impose displacement boundary conditions on the essential boundaries, and displacement compatibility conditions on material interfaces of two-phase materials or on joint surfaces between mutually incompatible meshes. The validity of the mortar approximation is also demonstrated in the elastic-plastic FCM.

Recent Advances in the Analysis of Spiral Bevel Gears

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Handschuh, Robert F.

1997-01-01

A review of recent progress for the analysis of spiral bevel gears will be described. The foundation of this work relies on the description of the gear geometry of face-milled spiral bevel gears via the approach developed by Litvin. This methodology was extended by combining the basic gear design data with the manufactured surfaces using a differential geometry approach, and provides the data necessary for assembling three-dimensional finite element models. The finite element models have been utilized to conduct thermal and structural analysis of the gear system. Examples of the methods developed for thermal and structural/contact analysis are presented.

XFEM-based modeling of successive resections for preoperative image updating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vigneron, Lara M.; Robe, Pierre A.; Warfield, Simon K.; Verly, Jacques G.

2006-03-01

We present a new method for modeling organ deformations due to successive resections. We use a biomechanical model of the organ, compute its volume-displacement solution based on the eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM). The key feature of XFEM is that material discontinuities induced by every new resection can be handled without remeshing or mesh adaptation, as would be required by the conventional Finite Element Method (FEM). We focus on the application of preoperative image updating for image-guided surgery. Proof-of-concept demonstrations are shown for synthetic and real data in the context of neurosurgery.

Fluid-structure interaction with the entropic lattice Boltzmann method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dorschner, B.; Chikatamarla, S. S.; Karlin, I. V.

2018-02-01

We propose a fluid-structure interaction (FSI) scheme using the entropic multi-relaxation time lattice Boltzmann (KBC) model for the fluid domain in combination with a nonlinear finite element solver for the structural part. We show the validity of the proposed scheme for various challenging setups by comparison to literature data. Beyond validation, we extend the KBC model to multiphase flows and couple it with a finite element method (FEM) solver. Robustness and viability of the entropic multi-relaxation time model for complex FSI applications is shown by simulations of droplet impact on elastic superhydrophobic surfaces.

Thermo-mechanically coupled fracture analysis of shape memory alloys using the extended finite element method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hatefi Ardakani, S.; Ahmadian, H.; Mohammadi, S.

2015-04-01

In this paper, the extended finite element method is used for fracture analysis of shape memory alloys for both cases of super elastic and shape memory effects. Heat generation during the forward and reverse phase transformations can lead to temperature variation in the material because of strong thermo-mechanical coupling, which significantly influences the SMA mechanical behavior. First, the stationary crack mode is studied and the effects of loading rate on material behavior in the crack tip are examined. Then, the crack propagation analysis is performed in the presence of an initial crack by adopting a weighted averaging criterion, where the direction of crack propagation is determined by weighted averaging of effective stresses at all the integration points in the vicinity of the crack tip. Finally, several numerical examples are analyzed and the obtained results are compared with the available reference results.

Implementation of a finite-amplitude method in a relativistic meson-exchange model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Xuwei; Lu, Dinghui

2017-08-01

The finite-amplitude method is a feasible numerical approach to large scale random phase approximation calculations. It avoids the storage and calculation of residual interaction elements as well as the diagonalization of the RPA matrix, which will be prohibitive when the configuration space is huge. In this work we finished the implementation of a finite-amplitude method in a relativistic meson exchange mean field model with axial symmetry. The direct variation approach makes our FAM scheme capable of being extended to the multipole excitation case.

Development and Validation of a Statistical Shape Modeling-Based Finite Element Model of the Cervical Spine Under Low-Level Multiple Direction Loading Conditions

PubMed Central

Bredbenner, Todd L.; Eliason, Travis D.; Francis, W. Loren; McFarland, John M.; Merkle, Andrew C.; Nicolella, Daniel P.

2014-01-01

Cervical spinal injuries are a significant concern in all trauma injuries. Recent military conflicts have demonstrated the substantial risk of spinal injury for the modern warfighter. Finite element models used to investigate injury mechanisms often fail to examine the effects of variation in geometry or material properties on mechanical behavior. The goals of this study were to model geometric variation for a set of cervical spines, to extend this model to a parametric finite element model, and, as a first step, to validate the parametric model against experimental data for low-loading conditions. Individual finite element models were created using cervical spine (C3–T1) computed tomography data for five male cadavers. Statistical shape modeling (SSM) was used to generate a parametric finite element model incorporating variability of spine geometry, and soft-tissue material property variation was also included. The probabilistic loading response of the parametric model was determined under flexion-extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending and validated by comparison to experimental data. Based on qualitative and quantitative comparison of the experimental loading response and model simulations, we suggest that the model performs adequately under relatively low-level loading conditions in multiple loading directions. In conclusion, SSM methods coupled with finite element analyses within a probabilistic framework, along with the ability to statistically validate the overall model performance, provide innovative and important steps toward describing the differences in vertebral morphology, spinal curvature, and variation in material properties. We suggest that these methods, with additional investigation and validation under injurious loading conditions, will lead to understanding and mitigating the risks of injury in the spine and other musculoskeletal structures. PMID:25506051

A fictitious domain finite element method for simulations of fluid-structure interactions: The Navier-Stokes equations coupled with a moving solid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Court, Sébastien; Fournié, Michel

2015-05-01

The paper extends a stabilized fictitious domain finite element method initially developed for the Stokes problem to the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations coupled with a moving solid. This method presents the advantage to predict an optimal approximation of the normal stress tensor at the interface. The dynamics of the solid is governed by the Newton's laws and the interface between the fluid and the structure is materialized by a level-set which cuts the elements of the mesh. An algorithm is proposed in order to treat the time evolution of the geometry and numerical results are presented on a classical benchmark of the motion of a disk falling in a channel.

Simulation of laminate composites degradation using mesoscopic non-local damage model and non-local layered shell element

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Germain, Norbert; Besson, Jacques; Feyel, Frédéric

2007-07-01

Simulating damage and failure of laminate composites structures often fails when using the standard finite element procedure. The difficulties arise from an uncontrolled mesh dependence caused by damage localization and an increase in computational costs. One of the solutions to the first problem, widely used to predict the failure of metallic materials, consists of using non-local damage constitutive equations. The second difficulty can then be solved using specific finite element formulations, such as shell element, which decrease the number of degrees of freedom. The main contribution of this paper consists of extending these techniques to layered materials such as polymer matrix composites. An extension of the non-local implicit gradient formulation, accounting for anisotropy and stratification, and an original layered shell element, based on a new partition of the unity, are proposed. Finally the efficiency of the resulting numerical scheme is studied by comparing simulation with experimental results.

A Maximal Element Theorem in FWC-Spaces and Its Applications

PubMed Central

Hu, Qingwen; Miao, Yulin

2014-01-01

A maximal element theorem is proved in finite weakly convex spaces (FWC-spaces, in short) which have no linear, convex, and topological structure. Using the maximal element theorem, we develop new existence theorems of solutions to variational relation problem, generalized equilibrium problem, equilibrium problem with lower and upper bounds, and minimax problem in FWC-spaces. The results represented in this paper unify and extend some known results in the literature. PMID:24782672

Implementation and validation of the extended Hill-type muscle model with robust routing capabilities in LS-DYNA for active human body models.

PubMed

Kleinbach, Christian; Martynenko, Oleksandr; Promies, Janik; Haeufle, Daniel F B; Fehr, Jörg; Schmitt, Syn

2017-09-02

In the state of the art finite element AHBMs for car crash analysis in the LS-DYNA software material named *MAT_MUSCLE (*MAT_156) is used for active muscles modeling. It has three elements in parallel configuration, which has several major drawbacks: restraint approximation of the physical reality, complicated parameterization and absence of the integrated activation dynamics. This study presents implementation of the extended four element Hill-type muscle model with serial damping and eccentric force-velocity relation including [Formula: see text] dependent activation dynamics and internal method for physiological muscle routing. Proposed model was implemented into the general-purpose finite element (FE) simulation software LSDYNA as a user material for truss elements. This material model is verified and validated with three different sets of mammalian experimental data, taken from the literature. It is compared to the *MAT_MUSCLE (*MAT_156) Hill-type muscle model already existing in LS-DYNA, which is currently used in finite element human body models (HBMs). An application example with an arm model extracted from the FE ViVA OpenHBM is given, taking into account physiological muscle paths. The simulation results show better material model accuracy, calculation robustness and improved muscle routing capability compared to *MAT_156. The FORTRAN source code for the user material subroutine dyn21.f and the muscle parameters for all simulations, conducted in the study, are given at https://zenodo.org/record/826209 under an open source license. This enables a quick application of the proposed material model in LS-DYNA, especially in active human body models (AHBMs) for applications in automotive safety.

Structural Equation Modelling of Multiple Facet Data: Extending Models for Multitrait-Multimethod Data

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bechger, Timo M.; Maris, Gunter

2004-01-01

This paper is about the structural equation modelling of quantitative measures that are obtained from a multiple facet design. A facet is simply a set consisting of a finite number of elements. It is assumed that measures are obtained by combining each element of each facet. Methods and traits are two such facets, and a multitrait-multimethod…

Engine dynamic analysis with general nonlinear finite element codes. II - Bearing element implementation, overall numerical characteristics and benchmarking

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Padovan, J.; Adams, M.; Lam, P.; Fertis, D.; Zeid, I.

1982-01-01

Second-year efforts within a three-year study to develop and extend finite element (FE) methodology to efficiently handle the transient/steady state response of rotor-bearing-stator structure associated with gas turbine engines are outlined. The two main areas aim at (1) implanting the squeeze film damper element into a general purpose FE code for testing and evaluation; and (2) determining the numerical characteristics of the FE-generated rotor-bearing-stator simulation scheme. The governing FE field equations are set out and the solution methodology is presented. The choice of ADINA as the general-purpose FE code is explained, and the numerical operational characteristics of the direct integration approach of FE-generated rotor-bearing-stator simulations is determined, including benchmarking, comparison of explicit vs. implicit methodologies of direct integration, and demonstration problems.

Development of models of the magnetorheological fluid damper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kazakov, Yu. B.; Morozov, N. A.; Nesterov, S. A.

2017-06-01

The algorithm for analytical calculation of a power characteristic of magnetorheological (MR) dampers taking into account the rheological properties of MR fluid is considered. The nonlinear magnetorheological characteristics are represented by piecewise linear approximation to MR fluid areas with different viscosities. The extended calculated power characteristics of a MR damper are received and they coincide with actual results. The finite element model of a MR damper is developed; it allows carrying out the analysis of a MR damper taking into account the mutual influence of electromagnetic, hydrodynamic and thermal fields. The results of finite element simulation coincide with analytical solutions that allows using them for design development of a MR damper.

Automatic Processing of Reactive Polymers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roylance, D.

1985-01-01

A series of process modeling computer codes were examined. The codes use finite element techniques to determine the time-dependent process parameters operative during nonisothermal reactive flows such as can occur in reaction injection molding or composites fabrication. The use of these analytical codes to perform experimental control functions is examined; since the models can determine the state of all variables everywhere in the system, they can be used in a manner similar to currently available experimental probes. A small but well instrumented reaction vessel in which fiber-reinforced plaques are cured using computer control and data acquisition was used. The finite element codes were also extended to treat this particular process.

Investigation of the Finite Element Software Packages at KSC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lu, Chu-Ho

1991-01-01

The useful and powerful features of NASTRAN and three real world problems for the testing of the capabilities of different NASTRAN versions are discussed. The test problems involve direct transient analysis, nonlinear analysis, and static analysis. The experiences in using graphics software packages are also discussed. It was found that MSC/XL can be more useful if it can be improved to generate picture files of the analysis results and to extend its capabilities to support finite element codes other than MSC/NASTRAN. It was found that the current version of SDRC/I-DEAS (version VI) may have bugs in the module 'Data Loader'.

Programs for analysis and resizing of complex structures. [computerized minimum weight design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haftka, R. T.; Prasad, B.

1978-01-01

The paper describes the PARS (Programs for Analysis and Resizing of Structures) system. PARS is a user oriented system of programs for the minimum weight design of structures modeled by finite elements and subject to stress, displacement, flutter and thermal constraints. The system is built around SPAR - an efficient and modular general purpose finite element program, and consists of a series of processors that communicate through the use of a data base. An efficient optimizer based on the Sequence of Unconstrained Minimization Technique (SUMT) with an extended interior penalty function and Newton's method is used. Several problems are presented for demonstration of the system capabilities.

Modeling aluminum-lithium alloy welding characteristics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bernstein, Edward L.

1996-01-01

The purpose of this project was to develop a finite element model of the heat-affected zone in the vicinity of a weld line on a plate in order to determine an accurate plastic strain history. The resulting plastic strain increments calculated by the finite element program were then to be used to calculate the measure of damage D. It was hoped to determine the effects of varying welding parameters, such as beam power, efficiency, and weld speed, and the effect of different material properties on the occurrence of microfissuring. The results were to be compared first to the previous analysis of Inconel 718, and then extended to aluminum 2195.

Pellet Cladding Mechanical Interaction Modeling Using the Extended Finite Element Method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Spencer, Benjamin W.; Jiang, Wen; Dolbow, John E.

As a brittle material, the ceramic UO2 used as light water reactor fuel experiences significant fracturing throughout its life, beginning with the first rise to power of fresh fuel. This has multiple effects on the thermal and mechanical response of the fuel/cladding system. One such effect that is particularly important is that when there is mechanical contact between the fuel and cladding, cracks that extending from the outer surface of the fuel into the volume of the fuel cause elevated stresses in the adjacent cladding, which can potentially lead to cladding failure. Modeling the thermal and mechanical response of themore » cladding in the vicinity of these surface-breaking cracks in the fuel can provide important insights into this behavior to help avoid operating conditions that could lead to cladding failure. Such modeling has traditionally been done in the context of finite-element-based fuel performance analysis by modifying the fuel mesh to introduce discrete cracks. While this approach is effective in capturing the important behavior at the fuel/cladding interface, there are multiple drawbacks to explicitly incorporating the cracks in the finite element mesh. Because the cracks are incorporated in the original mesh, the mesh must be modified for cracks of specified location and depth, so it is difficult to account for crack propagation and the formation of new cracks at other locations. The extended finite element method (XFEM) has emerged in recent years as a powerful method to represent arbitrary, evolving, discrete discontinuities within the context of the finite element method. Development work is underway by the authors to implement XFEM in the BISON fuel performance code, and this capability has previously been demonstrated in simulations of fracture propagation in ceramic nuclear fuel. These preliminary demonstrations have included only the fuel, and excluded the cladding for simplicity. This paper presents initial results of efforts to apply XFEM to model stress concentrations induced by fuel fractures at the fuel/cladding interface during pellet cladding mechanical interaction (PCMI). This is accomplished by enhancing the thermal and mechanical contact enforcement algorithms employed by BISON to permit their use in conjunction with XFEM. The results from this methodology are demonstrated to be equivalent to those from using meshed discrete cracks. While the results of the two methods are equivalent for the case of a stationary crack, it is demonstrated that XFEM provides the additional flexibility of allowing arbitrary crack initiation and propagation during the analysis, and minimizes model setup effort for cases with stationary cracks.« less

Understanding mechanisms of raveling to extend open graded friction course (OGFC) service life : Florida Department of Transportation Research.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-04-01

Texas A&M Transportation Institute researchers, working with the Universidad de los Andes in Bogot, Colombia, studied the mechanisms of raveling in OGFCs through experimental analysis and finite element modeling.

Understanding mechanisms of raveling to extend open graded friction course (OGFC) service life.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-03-01

To understand the mechanisms of raveling in open graded friction course (OGFC) mixtures, this project was divided into experimental measurements and finite element (FE) modeling. For the experimental part, mixtures with good and poor field performanc...

[Mechanism of the dentino-enamel junction on the resist-crack propagation of human teeth by the finite element method].

PubMed

Jingjing, Zheng; Tiezhou, Hou; Hong, Tao; Xueyan, Guo; Cui, Wu

2014-10-01

This study aims to identify the crack tip stress intensity factor of the propagation process, crack propagation path, and the changes in the shape of the crack tip by the finite element method. The finite element model of dentino-enamel junction was established with ANSYS software, and the length of the initial crack in the single edge was set to 0.1 mm. The lower end of the sample was fixed. The tensile load of 1 MPa with frequency of 5 Hz was applied to the upper end. The stress intensity factor, deflection angle, and changes in the shape of the crack tip in the crack propagation were calculated by ANSYS. The stress intensity factor suddenly and continuously decreased in dentino-enamel junction as the crack extended. A large skewed angle appeared, and the stress on crack tip was reduced. The dentino-enamel junction on human teeth may resist crack propagation through stress reduction.

Finite Element Modeling of Micromachined MEMS Photon Devices

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Datskos, P.G.; Evans, B.M.; Schonberger, D.

1999-09-20

The technology of microelectronics that has evolved over the past half century is one of great power and sophistication and can now be extended to many applications (MEMS and MOEMS) other than electronics. An interesting application of MEMS quantum devices is the detection of electromagnetic radiation. The operation principle of MEMS quantum devices is based on the photoinduced stress in semiconductors, and the photon detection results from the measurement of the photoinduced bending. These devices can be described as micromechanical photon detectors. In this work, we have developed a technique for simulating electronic stresses using finite element analysis. We havemore » used our technique to model the response of micromechanical photon devices to external stimuli and compared these results with experimental data. Material properties, geometry, and bimaterial design play an important role in the performance of micromechanical photon detectors. We have modeled these effects using finite element analysis and included the effects of bimaterial thickness coating, effective length of the device, width, and thickness.« less

Finite element modeling of micromachined MEMS photon devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evans, Boyd M., III; Schonberger, D. W.; Datskos, Panos G.

1999-09-01

The technology of microelectronics that has evolved over the past half century is one of great power and sophistication and can now be extended to many applications (MEMS and MOEMS) other than electronics. An interesting application of MEMS quantum devices is the detection of electromagnetic radiation. The operation principle of MEMS quantum devices is based on the photoinduced stress in semiconductors, and the photon detection results from the measurement of the photoinduced bending. These devices can be described as micromechanical photon detectors. In this work, we have developed a technique for simulating electronic stresses using finite element analysis. We have used our technique to model the response of micromechanical photon devices to external stimuli and compared these results with experimental data. Material properties, geometry, and bimaterial design play an important role in the performance of micromechanical photon detectors. We have modeled these effects using finite element analysis and included the effects of bimaterial thickness coating, effective length of the device, width, and thickness.

Computational models for the nonlinear analysis of reinforced concrete plates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hinton, E.; Rahman, H. H. A.; Huq, M. M.

1980-01-01

A finite element computational model for the nonlinear analysis of reinforced concrete solid, stiffened and cellular plates is briefly outlined. Typically, Mindlin elements are used to model the plates whereas eccentric Timoshenko elements are adopted to represent the beams. The layering technique, common in the analysis of reinforced concrete flexural systems, is incorporated in the model. The proposed model provides an inexpensive and reasonably accurate approach which can be extended for use with voided plates.

Flux-corrected transport algorithms for continuous Galerkin methods based on high order Bernstein finite elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lohmann, Christoph; Kuzmin, Dmitri; Shadid, John N.; Mabuza, Sibusiso

2017-09-01

This work extends the flux-corrected transport (FCT) methodology to arbitrary order continuous finite element discretizations of scalar conservation laws on simplex meshes. Using Bernstein polynomials as local basis functions, we constrain the total variation of the numerical solution by imposing local discrete maximum principles on the Bézier net. The design of accuracy-preserving FCT schemes for high order Bernstein-Bézier finite elements requires the development of new algorithms and/or generalization of limiting techniques tailored for linear and multilinear Lagrange elements. In this paper, we propose (i) a new discrete upwinding strategy leading to local extremum bounded low order approximations with compact stencils, (ii) high order variational stabilization based on the difference between two gradient approximations, and (iii) new localized limiting techniques for antidiffusive element contributions. The optional use of a smoothness indicator, based on a second derivative test, makes it possible to potentially avoid unnecessary limiting at smooth extrema and achieve optimal convergence rates for problems with smooth solutions. The accuracy of the proposed schemes is assessed in numerical studies for the linear transport equation in 1D and 2D.

Biomechanics Simulations Using Cubic Hermite Meshes with Extraordinary Nodes for Isogeometric Cardiac Modeling

PubMed Central

Gonzales, Matthew J.; Sturgeon, Gregory; Segars, W. Paul; McCulloch, Andrew D.

2016-01-01

Cubic Hermite hexahedral finite element meshes have some well-known advantages over linear tetrahedral finite element meshes in biomechanical and anatomic modeling using isogeometric analysis. These include faster convergence rates as well as the ability to easily model rule-based anatomic features such as cardiac fiber directions. However, it is not possible to create closed complex objects with only regular nodes; these objects require the presence of extraordinary nodes (nodes with 3 or >= 5 adjacent elements in 2D) in the mesh. The presence of extraordinary nodes requires new constraints on the derivatives of adjacent elements to maintain continuity. We have developed a new method that uses an ensemble coordinate frame at the nodes and a local-to-global mapping to maintain continuity. In this paper, we make use of this mapping to create cubic Hermite models of the human ventricles and a four-chamber heart. We also extend the methods to the finite element equations to perform biomechanics simulations using these meshes. The new methods are validated using simple test models and applied to anatomically accurate ventricular meshes with valve annuli to simulate complete cardiac cycle simulations. PMID:27182096

The finite cell method for polygonal meshes: poly-FCM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duczek, Sascha; Gabbert, Ulrich

2016-10-01

In the current article, we extend the two-dimensional version of the finite cell method (FCM), which has so far only been used for structured quadrilateral meshes, to unstructured polygonal discretizations. Therefore, the adaptive quadtree-based numerical integration technique is reformulated and the notion of generalized barycentric coordinates is introduced. We show that the resulting polygonal (poly-)FCM approach retains the optimal rates of convergence if and only if the geometry of the structure is adequately resolved. The main advantage of the proposed method is that it inherits the ability of polygonal finite elements for local mesh refinement and for the construction of transition elements (e.g. conforming quadtree meshes without hanging nodes). These properties along with the performance of the poly-FCM are illustrated by means of several benchmark problems for both static and dynamic cases.

A split finite element algorithm for the compressible Navier-Stokes equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baker, A. J.

1979-01-01

An accurate and efficient numerical solution algorithm is established for solution of the high Reynolds number limit of the Navier-Stokes equations governing the multidimensional flow of a compressible essentially inviscid fluid. Finite element interpolation theory is used within a dissipative formulation established using Galerkin criteria within the Method of Weighted Residuals. An implicit iterative solution algorithm is developed, employing tensor product bases within a fractional steps integration procedure, that significantly enhances solution economy concurrent with sharply reduced computer hardware demands. The algorithm is evaluated for resolution of steep field gradients and coarse grid accuracy using both linear and quadratic tensor product interpolation bases. Numerical solutions for linear and nonlinear, one, two and three dimensional examples confirm and extend the linearized theoretical analyses, and results are compared to competitive finite difference derived algorithms.

Least-squares finite element solution of 3D incompressible Navier-Stokes problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jiang, Bo-Nan; Lin, Tsung-Liang; Povinelli, Louis A.

1992-01-01

Although significant progress has been made in the finite element solution of incompressible viscous flow problems. Development of more efficient methods is still needed before large-scale computation of 3D problems becomes feasible. This paper presents such a development. The most popular finite element method for the solution of incompressible Navier-Stokes equations is the classic Galerkin mixed method based on the velocity-pressure formulation. The mixed method requires the use of different elements to interpolate the velocity and the pressure in order to satisfy the Ladyzhenskaya-Babuska-Brezzi (LBB) condition for the existence of the solution. On the other hand, due to the lack of symmetry and positive definiteness of the linear equations arising from the mixed method, iterative methods for the solution of linear systems have been hard to come by. Therefore, direct Gaussian elimination has been considered the only viable method for solving the systems. But, for three-dimensional problems, the computer resources required by a direct method become prohibitively large. In order to overcome these difficulties, a least-squares finite element method (LSFEM) has been developed. This method is based on the first-order velocity-pressure-vorticity formulation. In this paper the LSFEM is extended for the solution of three-dimensional incompressible Navier-Stokes equations written in the following first-order quasi-linear velocity-pressure-vorticity formulation.

Analysis of Tire Tractive Performance on Deformable Terrain by Finite Element-Discrete Element Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakashima, Hiroshi; Takatsu, Yuzuru

The goal of this study is to develop a practical and fast simulation tool for soil-tire interaction analysis, where finite element method (FEM) and discrete element method (DEM) are coupled together, and which can be realized on a desktop PC. We have extended our formerly proposed dynamic FE-DE method (FE-DEM) to include practical soil-tire system interaction, where not only the vertical sinkage of a tire, but also the travel of a driven tire was considered. Numerical simulation by FE-DEM is stable, and the relationships between variables, such as load-sinkage and sinkage-travel distance, and the gross tractive effort and running resistance characteristics, are obtained. Moreover, the simulation result is accurate enough to predict the maximum drawbar pull for a given tire, once the appropriate parameter values are provided. Therefore, the developed FE-DEM program can be applied with sufficient accuracy to interaction problems in soil-tire systems.

Final Report of the Project "From the finite element method to the virtual element method"

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Manzini, Gianmarco; Gyrya, Vitaliy

The Finite Element Method (FEM) is a powerful numerical tool that is being used in a large number of engineering applications. The FEM is constructed on triangular/tetrahedral and quadrilateral/hexahedral meshes. Extending the FEM to general polygonal/polyhedral meshes in straightforward way turns out to be extremely difficult and leads to very complex and computationally expensive schemes. The reason for this failure is that the construction of the basis functions on elements with a very general shape is a non-trivial and complex task. In this project we developed a new family of numerical methods, dubbed the Virtual Element Method (VEM) for themore » numerical approximation of partial differential equations (PDE) of elliptic type suitable to polygonal and polyhedral unstructured meshes. We successfully formulated, implemented and tested these methods and studied both theoretically and numerically their stability, robustness and accuracy for diffusion problems, convection-reaction-diffusion problems, the Stokes equations and the biharmonic equations.« less

Evaluation of a transfinite element numerical solution method for nonlinear heat transfer problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cerro, J. A.; Scotti, S. J.

1991-01-01

Laplace transform techniques have been widely used to solve linear, transient field problems. A transform-based algorithm enables calculation of the response at selected times of interest without the need for stepping in time as required by conventional time integration schemes. The elimination of time stepping can substantially reduce computer time when transform techniques are implemented in a numerical finite element program. The coupling of transform techniques with spatial discretization techniques such as the finite element method has resulted in what are known as transfinite element methods. Recently attempts have been made to extend the transfinite element method to solve nonlinear, transient field problems. This paper examines the theoretical basis and numerical implementation of one such algorithm, applied to nonlinear heat transfer problems. The problem is linearized and solved by requiring a numerical iteration at selected times of interest. While shown to be acceptable for weakly nonlinear problems, this algorithm is ineffective as a general nonlinear solution method.

Numerical studies of nonlinear ultrasonic guided waves in uniform waveguides with arbitrary cross sections

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zuo, Peng; Fan, Zheng, E-mail: ZFAN@ntu.edu.sg; Zhou, Yu

2016-07-15

Nonlinear guided waves have been investigated widely in simple geometries, such as plates, pipe and shells, where analytical solutions have been developed. This paper extends the application of nonlinear guided waves to waveguides with arbitrary cross sections. The criteria for the existence of nonlinear guided waves were summarized based on the finite deformation theory and nonlinear material properties. Numerical models were developed for the analysis of nonlinear guided waves in complex geometries, including nonlinear Semi-Analytical Finite Element (SAFE) method to identify internal resonant modes in complex waveguides, and Finite Element (FE) models to simulate the nonlinear wave propagation at resonantmore » frequencies. Two examples, an aluminum plate and a steel rectangular bar, were studied using the proposed numerical model, demonstrating the existence of nonlinear guided waves in such structures and the energy transfer from primary to secondary modes.« less

LATDYN - PROGRAM FOR SIMULATION OF LARGE ANGLE TRANSIENT DYNAMICS OF FLEXIBLE AND RIGID STRUCTURES

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Housner, J. M.

1994-01-01

LATDYN is a computer code for modeling the Large Angle Transient DYNamics of flexible articulating structures and mechanisms involving joints about which members rotate through large angles. LATDYN extends and brings together some of the aspects of Finite Element Structural Analysis, Multi-Body Dynamics, and Control System Analysis; three disciplines that have been historically separate. It combines significant portions of their distinct capabilities into one single analysis tool. The finite element formulation for flexible bodies in LATDYN extends the conventional finite element formulation by using a convected coordinate system for constructing the equation of motion. LATDYN's formulation allows for large displacements and rotations of finite elements subject to the restriction that deformations within each are small. Also, the finite element approach implemented in LATDYN provides a convergent path for checking solutions simply by increasing mesh density. For rigid bodies and joints LATDYN borrows extensively from methodology used in multi-body dynamics where rigid bodies may be defined and connected together through joints (hinges, ball, universal, sliders, etc.). Joints may be modeled either by constraints or by adding joint degrees of freedom. To eliminate error brought about by the separation of structural analysis and control analysis, LATDYN provides symbolic capabilities for modeling control systems which are integrated with the structural dynamic analysis itself. Its command language contains syntactical structures which perform symbolic operations which are also interfaced directly with the finite element structural model, bypassing the modal approximation. Thus, when the dynamic equations representing the structural model are integrated, the equations representing the control system are integrated along with them as a coupled system. This procedure also has the side benefit of enabling a dramatic simplification of the user interface for modeling control systems. Three FORTRAN computer programs, the LATDYN Program, the Preprocessor, and the Postprocessor, make up the collective LATDYN System. The Preprocessor translates user commands into a form which can be used while the LATDYN program provides the computational core. The Postprocessor allows the user to interactively plot and manage a database of LATDYN transient analysis results. It also includes special facilities for modeling control systems and for programming changes to the model which take place during analysis sequence. The documentation includes a Demonstration Problem Manual for the evaluation and verification of results and a Postprocessor guide. Because the program should be viewed as a byproduct of research on technology development, LATDYN's scope is limited. It does not have a wide library of finite elements, and 3-D Graphics are not available. Nevertheless, it does have a measure of "user friendliness". The LATDYN program was developed over a period of several years and was implemented on a CDC NOS/VE & Convex Unix computer. It is written in FORTRAN 77 and has a virtual memory requirement of 1.46 MB. The program was validated on a DEC MICROVAX operating under VMS 5.2.

Finite Element Analysis of Adaptive-Stiffening and Shape-Control SMA Hybrid Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gao, Xiu-Jie; Turner, Travis L.; Burton, Deborah; Brinson, L. Catherine

2005-01-01

The usage of shape memory materials has extended rapidly to many fields, including medical devices, actuators, composites, structures and MEMS devices. For these various applications, shape memory alloys (SMAs) are available in various forms: bulk, wire, ribbon, thin film, and porous. In this work, the focus is on SMA hybrid composites with adaptive-stiffening or morphing functions. These composites are created by using SMA ribbons or wires embedded in a polymeric based composite panel/beam. Adaptive stiffening or morphing is activated via selective resistance heating or uniform thermal loads. To simulate the thermomechanical behavior of these composites, a SMA model was implemented using ABAQUS user element interface and finite element simulations of the systems were studied. Several examples are presented which show that the implemented model can be a very useful design and simulation tool for SMA hybrid composites.

One-dimensional analysis of filamentary composite beam columns with thin-walled open sections

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lo, Patrick K.-L.; Johnson, Eric R.

1986-01-01

Vlasov's one-dimensional structural theory for thin-walled open section bars was originally developed and used for metallic elements. The theory was recently extended to laminated bars fabricated from advanced composite materials. The purpose of this research is to provide a study and assessment of the extended theory. The focus is on flexural and torsional-flexural buckling of thin-walled, open section, laminated composite columns. Buckling loads are computed from the theory using a linear bifurcation analysis and a geometrically nonlinear beam column analysis by the finite element method. Results from the analyses are compared to available test data.

Stabilised finite-element methods for solving the level set equation with mass conservation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kabirou Touré, Mamadou; Fahsi, Adil; Soulaïmani, Azzeddine

2016-01-01

Finite-element methods are studied for solving moving interface flow problems using the level set approach and a stabilised variational formulation proposed in Touré and Soulaïmani (2012; Touré and Soulaïmani To appear in 2016), coupled with a level set correction method. The level set correction is intended to enhance the mass conservation satisfaction property. The stabilised variational formulation (Touré and Soulaïmani 2012; Touré and Soulaïmani, To appear in 2016) constrains the level set function to remain close to the signed distance function, while the mass conservation is a correction step which enforces the mass balance. The eXtended finite-element method (XFEM) is used to take into account the discontinuities of the properties within an element. XFEM is applied to solve the Navier-Stokes equations for two-phase flows. The numerical methods are numerically evaluated on several test cases such as time-reversed vortex flow, a rigid-body rotation of Zalesak's disc, sloshing flow in a tank, a dam-break over a bed, and a rising bubble subjected to buoyancy. The numerical results show the importance of satisfying global mass conservation to accurately capture the interface position.

On the performance of piezoelectric harvesters loaded by finite width impulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doria, A.; Medè, C.; Desideri, D.; Maschio, A.; Codecasa, L.; Moro, F.

2018-02-01

The response of cantilevered piezoelectric harvesters loaded by finite width impulses of base acceleration is studied analytically in the frequency domain in order to identify the parameters that influence the generated voltage. Experimental tests are then performed on harvesters loaded by hammer impacts. The latter are used to confirm analytical results and to validate a linear finite element (FE) model of a unimorph harvester. The FE model is, in turn, used to extend analytical results to more general harvesters (tapered, inverse tapered, triangular) and to more general impulses (heel strike in human gait). From analytical and numerical results design criteria for improving harvester performance are obtained.

Extended bounds limiter for high-order finite-volume schemes on unstructured meshes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsoutsanis, Panagiotis

2018-06-01

This paper explores the impact of the definition of the bounds of the limiter proposed by Michalak and Ollivier-Gooch in [56] (2009), for higher-order Monotone-Upstream Central Scheme for Conservation Laws (MUSCL) numerical schemes on unstructured meshes in the finite-volume (FV) framework. A new modification of the limiter is proposed where the bounds are redefined by utilising all the spatial information provided by all the elements in the reconstruction stencil. Numerical results obtained on smooth and discontinuous test problems of the Euler equations on unstructured meshes, highlight that the newly proposed extended bounds limiter exhibits superior performance in terms of accuracy and mesh sensitivity compared to the cell-based or vertex-based bounds implementations.

Spectrally formulated user-defined element in conventional finite element environment for wave motion analysis in 2-D composite structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khalili, Ashkan; Jha, Ratneshwar; Samaratunga, Dulip

2016-11-01

Wave propagation analysis in 2-D composite structures is performed efficiently and accurately through the formulation of a User-Defined Element (UEL) based on the wavelet spectral finite element (WSFE) method. The WSFE method is based on the first-order shear deformation theory which yields accurate results for wave motion at high frequencies. The 2-D WSFE model is highly efficient computationally and provides a direct relationship between system input and output in the frequency domain. The UEL is formulated and implemented in Abaqus (commercial finite element software) for wave propagation analysis in 2-D composite structures with complexities. Frequency domain formulation of WSFE leads to complex valued parameters, which are decoupled into real and imaginary parts and presented to Abaqus as real values. The final solution is obtained by forming a complex value using the real number solutions given by Abaqus. Five numerical examples are presented in this article, namely undamaged plate, impacted plate, plate with ply drop, folded plate and plate with stiffener. Wave motions predicted by the developed UEL correlate very well with Abaqus simulations. The results also show that the UEL largely retains computational efficiency of the WSFE method and extends its ability to model complex features.

Multiscale Failure Analysis of Laminated Composite Panels Subjected to Blast Loading Using FEAMAC/Explicit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pineda, Evan J.; Waas, Anthony M.; Berdnarcyk, Brett A.; Arnold, Steven M.; Collier, Craig S.

2009-01-01

This preliminary report demonstrates the capabilities of the recently developed software implementation that links the Generalized Method of Cells to explicit finite element analysis by extending a previous development which tied the generalized method of cells to implicit finite elements. The multiscale framework, which uses explicit finite elements at the global-scale and the generalized method of cells at the microscale is detailed. This implementation is suitable for both dynamic mechanics problems and static problems exhibiting drastic and sudden changes in material properties, which often encounter convergence issues with commercial implicit solvers. Progressive failure analysis of stiffened and un-stiffened fiber-reinforced laminates subjected to normal blast pressure loads was performed and is used to demonstrate the capabilities of this framework. The focus of this report is to document the development of the software implementation; thus, no comparison between the results of the models and experimental data is drawn. However, the validity of the results are assessed qualitatively through the observation of failure paths, stress contours, and the distribution of system energies.

Finite Element Analysis of Reverberation Chambers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bunting, Charles F.; Nguyen, Duc T.

2000-01-01

The primary motivating factor behind the initiation of this work was to provide a deterministic means of establishing the validity of the statistical methods that are recommended for the determination of fields that interact in -an avionics system. The application of finite element analysis to reverberation chambers is the initial step required to establish a reasonable course of inquiry in this particularly data-intensive study. The use of computational electromagnetics provides a high degree of control of the "experimental" parameters that can be utilized in a simulation of reverberating structures. As the work evolved there were four primary focus areas they are: 1. The eigenvalue problem for the source free problem. 2. The development of a complex efficient eigensolver. 3. The application of a source for the TE and TM fields for statistical characterization. 4. The examination of shielding effectiveness in a reverberating environment. One early purpose of this work was to establish the utility of finite element techniques in the development of an extended low frequency statistical model for reverberation phenomena. By employing finite element techniques, structures of arbitrary complexity can be analyzed due to the use of triangular shape functions in the spatial discretization. The effects of both frequency stirring and mechanical stirring are presented. It is suggested that for the low frequency operation the typical tuner size is inadequate to provide a sufficiently random field and that frequency stirring should be used. The results of the finite element analysis of the reverberation chamber illustrate io-W the potential utility of a 2D representation for enhancing the basic statistical characteristics of the chamber when operating in a low frequency regime. The basic field statistics are verified for frequency stirring over a wide range of frequencies. Mechanical stirring is shown to provide an effective frequency deviation.

Flexible Models for Solar Sail Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weaver Smith, Suzanne; Song, Haiping; Baker, John R.; Black, Jonathan; Muheim, Danniella M.

2005-01-01

Solar sails employ a unique form of propulsion, gaining momentum from incident and reflected photons. However, the momentum transferred by an individual photon is extremely small. Consequently, a solar sail must have an extremely large surface area and also be extremely light. The flexibility of the sail then must be considered when designing or evaluating control laws. In this paper, solar sail flexibility and its influence on control effectiveness is considered using idealized two-dimensional models to represent physical phenomena rather than a specific design. Differential equations of motion are derived for a distributed parameter model of a flexible solar sail idealized as a rotating central hub with two opposing flexible booms. This idealization is appropriate for solar sail designs in which the vibrational modes of the sail and supporting booms move together allowing the sail mass to be distributed along the booms in the idealized model. A reduced analytical model of the flexible response is considered. Linear feedback torque control is applied at the central hub. Two translational disturbances and a torque disturbance also act at the central hub representing the equivalent effect of deflecting sail shape about a reference line. Transient simulations explore different control designs and their effectiveness for controlling orientation, for reducing flexible motion and for disturbance rejection. A second model also is developed as a two-dimensional "pathfinder" model to calculate the effect of solar sail shape on the resultant thrust, in-plane force and torque at the hub. The analysis is then extended to larger models using the finite element method. The finite element modeling approach is verified by comparing results from a two-dimensional finite element model with those from the analytical model. The utility of the finite element modeling approach for this application is then illustrated through examples based on a full finite element model.

Finite Trigonometry: A Resource for Teachers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Malcom, Paul Scott

This investigation extends a 25-point geometric system for defining a 25-point trigonometry whose properties are analogous to those of the trigonometry of the Euclidean plane. These properties include definitions of trigonometric functions arising from ratios of sides of right triangles, the relations of elements of a given triangle through the…

Modeling 3D PCMI using the Extended Finite Element Method with higher order elements

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jiang, W.; Spencer, Benjamin W.

2017-03-31

This report documents the recent development to enable XFEM to work with higher order elements. It also demonstrates the application of higher order (quadratic) elements to both 2D and 3D models of PCMI problems, where discrete fractures in the fuel are represented using XFEM. The modeling results demonstrate the ability of the higher order XFEM to accurately capture the effects of a crack on the response in the vicinity of the intersecting surfaces of cracked fuel and cladding, as well as represent smooth responses in the regions away from the crack.

A Unified Development of Basis Reduction Methods for Rotor Blade Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ruzicka, Gene C.; Hodges, Dewey H.; Rutkowski, Michael (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The axial foreshortening effect plays a key role in rotor blade dynamics, but approximating it accurately in reduced basis models has long posed a difficult problem for analysts. Recently, though, several methods have been shown to be effective in obtaining accurate,reduced basis models for rotor blades. These methods are the axial elongation method,the mixed finite element method, and the nonlinear normal mode method. The main objective of this paper is to demonstrate the close relationships among these methods, which are seemingly disparate at first glance. First, the difficulties inherent in obtaining reduced basis models of rotor blades are illustrated by examining the modal reduction accuracy of several blade analysis formulations. It is shown that classical, displacement-based finite elements are ill-suited for rotor blade analysis because they can't accurately represent the axial strain in modal space, and that this problem may be solved by employing the axial force as a variable in the analysis. It is shown that the mixed finite element method is a convenient means for accomplishing this, and the derivation of a mixed finite element for rotor blade analysis is outlined. A shortcoming of the mixed finite element method is that is that it increases the number of variables in the analysis. It is demonstrated that this problem may be rectified by solving for the axial displacements in terms of the axial forces and the bending displacements. Effectively, this procedure constitutes a generalization of the widely used axial elongation method to blades of arbitrary topology. The procedure is developed first for a single element, and then extended to an arbitrary assemblage of elements of arbitrary type. Finally, it is shown that the generalized axial elongation method is essentially an approximate solution for an invariant manifold that can be used as the basis for a nonlinear normal mode.

Elevated temperature crack growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, K. S.; Vanstone, R. H.

1992-01-01

The purpose of this program was to extend the work performed in the base program (CR 182247) into the regime of time-dependent crack growth under isothermal and thermal mechanical fatigue (TMF) loading, where creep deformation also influences the crack growth behavior. The investigation was performed in a two-year, six-task, combined experimental and analytical program. The path-independent integrals for application to time-dependent crack growth were critically reviewed. The crack growth was simulated using a finite element method. The path-independent integrals were computed from the results of finite-element analyses. The ability of these integrals to correlate experimental crack growth data were evaluated under various loading and temperature conditions. The results indicate that some of these integrals are viable parameters for crack growth prediction at elevated temperatures.

The modelling of the flow-induced vibrations of periodic flat and axial-symmetric structures with a wave-based method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Errico, F.; Ichchou, M.; De Rosa, S.; Bareille, O.; Franco, F.

2018-06-01

The stochastic response of periodic flat and axial-symmetric structures, subjected to random and spatially-correlated loads, is here analysed through an approach based on the combination of a wave finite element and a transfer matrix method. Although giving a lower computational cost, the present approach keeps the same accuracy of classic finite element methods. When dealing with homogeneous structures, the accuracy is also extended to higher frequencies, without increasing the time of calculation. Depending on the complexity of the structure and the frequency range, the computational cost can be reduced more than two orders of magnitude. The presented methodology is validated both for simple and complex structural shapes, under deterministic and random loads.

A finite element approach for solution of the 3D Euler equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thornton, E. A.; Ramakrishnan, R.; Dechaumphai, P.

1986-01-01

Prediction of thermal deformations and stresses has prime importance in the design of the next generation of high speed flight vehicles. Aerothermal load computations for complex three-dimensional shapes necessitate development of procedures to solve the full Navier-Stokes equations. This paper details the development of a three-dimensional inviscid flow approach which can be extended for three-dimensional viscous flows. A finite element formulation, based on a Taylor series expansion in time, is employed to solve the compressible Euler equations. Model generation and results display are done using a commercially available program, PATRAN, and vectorizing strategies are incorporated to ensure computational efficiency. Sample problems are presented to demonstrate the validity of the approach for analyzing high speed compressible flows.

Micromechanical models for textile structural composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marrey, Ramesh V.; Sankar, Bhavani V.

1995-01-01

The objective is to develop micromechanical models for predicting the stiffness and strength properties of textile composite materials. Two models are presented to predict the homogeneous elastic constants and coefficients of thermal expansion of a textile composite. The first model is based on rigorous finite element analysis of the textile composite unit-cell. Periodic boundary conditions are enforced between opposite faces of the unit-cell to simulate deformations accurately. The second model implements the selective averaging method (SAM), which is based on a judicious combination of stiffness and compliance averaging. For thin textile composites, both models can predict the plate stiffness coefficients and plate thermal coefficients. The finite element procedure is extended to compute the thermal residual microstresses, and to estimate the initial failure envelope for textile composites.

Finite element stress analysis of idealized composite damage zones

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Obrien, D.; Herakovich, C. T.

1978-01-01

A quasi three dimensional finite element stress analysis of idealized damage zones in composite laminates is presented. The damage zones consist of a long centered groove or cutout extending one or two layers in depth from both top and bottom surfaces of a thin composite laminate. Elastic results are presented for compressive loading of four and eight layer laminates. It is shown that a boundary layer exists near the cutout edge similar to that previously shown to exist along free edges. The cutout is shown to produce significant interlaminar stresses in the interior of the laminate away from free cutout edges. The interlaminar stresses are also shown to contribute to failure which is defined using the Tsai-Wu failure criteria.

Generalized fourier analyses of the advection-diffusion equation - Part II: two-dimensional domains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voth, Thomas E.; Martinez, Mario J.; Christon, Mark A.

2004-07-01

Part I of this work presents a detailed multi-methods comparison of the spatial errors associated with the one-dimensional finite difference, finite element and finite volume semi-discretizations of the scalar advection-diffusion equation. In Part II we extend the analysis to two-dimensional domains and also consider the effects of wave propagation direction and grid aspect ratio on the phase speed, and the discrete and artificial diffusivities. The observed dependence of dispersive and diffusive behaviour on propagation direction makes comparison of methods more difficult relative to the one-dimensional results. For this reason, integrated (over propagation direction and wave number) error and anisotropy metrics are introduced to facilitate comparison among the various methods. With respect to these metrics, the consistent mass Galerkin and consistent mass control-volume finite element methods, and their streamline upwind derivatives, exhibit comparable accuracy, and generally out-perform their lumped mass counterparts and finite-difference based schemes. While this work can only be considered a first step in a comprehensive multi-methods analysis and comparison, it serves to identify some of the relative strengths and weaknesses of multiple numerical methods in a common mathematical framework. Published in 2004 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

An Ellipsoidal Particle-Finite Element Method for Hypervelocity Impact Simulation. Chapter 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shivarama, Ravishankar; Fahrenthold, Eric P.

2004-01-01

A number of coupled particle-element and hybrid particle-element methods have been developed for the simulation of hypervelocity impact problems, to avoid certain disadvantages associated with the use of pure continuum based or pure particle based methods. To date these methods have employed spherical particles. In recent work a hybrid formulation has been extended to the ellipsoidal particle case. A model formulation approach based on Lagrange's equations, with particles entropies serving as generalized coordinates, avoids the angular momentum conservation problems which have been reported with ellipsoidal smooth particle hydrodynamics models.

Load concentration due to missing members in planar faces of a large space truss

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Waltz, J. E.

1979-01-01

A large space structure with members missing was investigated using a finite element analysis. The particular structural configuration was the tetrahedral truss, with attention restricted to one of its planar faces. Initially the finite element model of a complete face was verified by comparing it with known results for some basic loadings. Then an analysis was made of the structure with members near the center removed. Some calculations were made on the influence of the mesh size of a structure containing a hexagonal hole, and an analysis was also made of a structure with a rigid hexagonal insert. In general, load concentration effects in these trusses were significantly lower than classical stress concentration effects in an infinitely wide isotropic plate with a circular rigid inclusion, although larger effects were obtained when a hole extended over several rings of elements.

Modeling Progressive Damage Using Local Displacement Discontinuities Within the FEAMAC Multiscale Modeling Framework

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ranatunga, Vipul; Bednarcyk, Brett A.; Arnold, Steven M.

2010-01-01

A method for performing progressive damage modeling in composite materials and structures based on continuum level interfacial displacement discontinuities is presented. The proposed method enables the exponential evolution of the interfacial compliance, resulting in unloading of the tractions at the interface after delamination or failure occurs. In this paper, the proposed continuum displacement discontinuity model has been used to simulate failure within both isotropic and orthotropic materials efficiently and to explore the possibility of predicting the crack path, therein. Simulation results obtained from Mode-I and Mode-II fracture compare the proposed approach with the cohesive element approach and Virtual Crack Closure Techniques (VCCT) available within the ABAQUS (ABAQUS, Inc.) finite element software. Furthermore, an eccentrically loaded 3-point bend test has been simulated with the displacement discontinuity model, and the resulting crack path prediction has been compared with a prediction based on the extended finite element model (XFEM) approach.

Finite element simulation of adaptive aerospace structures with SMA actuators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frautschi, Jason; Seelecke, Stefan

2003-07-01

The particular demands of aerospace engineering have spawned many of the developments in the field of adaptive structures. Shape memory alloys are particularly attractive as actuators in these types of structures due to their large strains, high specific work output and potential for structural integration. However, the requisite extensive physical testing has slowed development of potential applications and highlighted the need for a simulation tool for feasibility studies. In this paper we present an implementation of an extended version of the M'ller-Achenbach SMA model into a commercial finite element code suitable for such studies. Interaction between the SMA model and the solution algorithm for the global FE equations is thoroughly investigated with respect to the effect of tolerances and time step size on convergence, computational cost and accuracy. Finally, a simulation of a SMA-actuated flexible trailing edge of an aircraft wing modeled with beam elements is presented.

Pressure distribution under flexible polishing tools. II - Cylindrical (conical) optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mehta, Pravin K.

1990-10-01

A previously developed eigenvalue model is extended to determine polishing pressure distribution by rectangular tools with unequal stiffness in two directions on cylindrical optics. Tool misfit is divided into two simplified one-dimensional problems and one simplified two-dimensional problem. Tools with nonuniform cross-sections are treated with a new one-dimensional eigenvalue algorithm, permitting evaluation of tool designs where the edge is more flexible than the interior. This maintains edge pressure variations within acceptable parameters. Finite element modeling is employed to resolve upper bounds, which handle pressure changes in the two-dimensional misfit element. Paraboloids and hyperboloids from the NASA AXAF system are treated with the AXAFPOD software for this method, and are verified with NASTRAN finite element analyses. The maximum deviation from the one-dimensional azimuthal pressure variation is predicted to be 10 percent and 20 percent for paraboloids and hyperboloids, respectively.

Ductile failure X-prize.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cox, James V.; Wellman, Gerald William; Emery, John M.

2011-09-01

Fracture or tearing of ductile metals is a pervasive engineering concern, yet accurate prediction of the critical conditions of fracture remains elusive. Sandia National Laboratories has been developing and implementing several new modeling methodologies to address problems in fracture, including both new physical models and new numerical schemes. The present study provides a double-blind quantitative assessment of several computational capabilities including tearing parameters embedded in a conventional finite element code, localization elements, extended finite elements (XFEM), and peridynamics. For this assessment, each of four teams reported blind predictions for three challenge problems spanning crack initiation and crack propagation. After predictionsmore » had been reported, the predictions were compared to experimentally observed behavior. The metal alloys for these three problems were aluminum alloy 2024-T3 and precipitation hardened stainless steel PH13-8Mo H950. The predictive accuracies of the various methods are demonstrated, and the potential sources of error are discussed.« less

Well-conditioning global-local analysis using stable generalized/extended finite element method for linear elastic fracture mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malekan, Mohammad; Barros, Felicio Bruzzi

2016-11-01

Using the locally-enriched strategy to enrich a small/local part of the problem by generalized/extended finite element method (G/XFEM) leads to non-optimal convergence rate and ill-conditioning system of equations due to presence of blending elements. The local enrichment can be chosen from polynomial, singular, branch or numerical types. The so-called stable version of G/XFEM method provides a well-conditioning approach when only singular functions are used in the blending elements. This paper combines numeric enrichment functions obtained from global-local G/XFEM method with the polynomial enrichment along with a well-conditioning approach, stable G/XFEM, in order to show the robustness and effectiveness of the approach. In global-local G/XFEM, the enrichment functions are constructed numerically from the solution of a local problem. Furthermore, several enrichment strategies are adopted along with the global-local enrichment. The results obtained with these enrichments strategies are discussed in detail, considering convergence rate in strain energy, growth rate of condition number, and computational processing. Numerical experiments show that using geometrical enrichment along with stable G/XFEM for global-local strategy improves the convergence rate and the conditioning of the problem. In addition, results shows that using polynomial enrichment for global problem simultaneously with global-local enrichments lead to ill-conditioned system matrices and bad convergence rate.

Numerical analysis of a main crack interactions with micro-defects/inhomogeneities using two-scale generalized/extended finite element method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malekan, Mohammad; Barros, Felício B.

2017-12-01

Generalized or extended finite element method (G/XFEM) models the crack by enriching functions of partition of unity type with discontinuous functions that represent well the physical behavior of the problem. However, this enrichment functions are not available for all problem types. Thus, one can use numerically-built (global-local) enrichment functions to have a better approximate procedure. This paper investigates the effects of micro-defects/inhomogeneities on a main crack behavior by modeling the micro-defects/inhomogeneities in the local problem using a two-scale G/XFEM. The global-local enrichment functions are influenced by the micro-defects/inhomogeneities from the local problem and thus change the approximate solution of the global problem with the main crack. This approach is presented in detail by solving three different linear elastic fracture mechanics problems for different cases: two plane stress and a Reissner-Mindlin plate problems. The numerical results obtained with the two-scale G/XFEM are compared with the reference solutions from the analytical, numerical solution using standard G/XFEM method and ABAQUS as well, and from the literature.

The forced vibration of one-dimensional multi-coupled periodic structures: An application to finite element analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mead, Denys J.

2009-01-01

A general theory for the forced vibration of multi-coupled one-dimensional periodic structures is presented as a sequel to a much earlier general theory for free vibration. Starting from the dynamic stiffness matrix of a single multi-coupled periodic element, it derives matrix equations for the magnitudes of the characteristic free waves excited in the whole structure by prescribed harmonic forces and/or displacements acting at a single periodic junction. The semi-infinite periodic system excited at its end is first analysed to provide the basis for analysing doubly infinite and finite periodic systems. In each case, total responses are found by considering just one periodic element. An already-known method of reducing the size of the computational problem is reexamined, expanded and extended in detail, involving reduction of the dynamic stiffness matrix of the periodic element through a wave-coordinate transformation. Use of the theory is illustrated in a combined periodic structure+finite element analysis of the forced harmonic in-plane motion of a uniform flat plate. Excellent agreement between the computed low-frequency responses and those predicted by simple engineering theories validates the detailed formulations of the paper. The primary purpose of the paper is not towards a specific application but to present a systematic and coherent forced vibration theory, carefully linked with the existing free-wave theory.

CosmosDG: An hp -adaptive Discontinuous Galerkin Code for Hyper-resolved Relativistic MHD

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Anninos, Peter; Lau, Cheuk; Bryant, Colton

We have extended Cosmos++, a multidimensional unstructured adaptive mesh code for solving the covariant Newtonian and general relativistic radiation magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations, to accommodate both discrete finite volume and arbitrarily high-order finite element structures. The new finite element implementation, called CosmosDG, is based on a discontinuous Galerkin (DG) formulation, using both entropy-based artificial viscosity and slope limiting procedures for the regularization of shocks. High-order multistage forward Euler and strong-stability preserving Runge–Kutta time integration options complement high-order spatial discretization. We have also added flexibility in the code infrastructure allowing for both adaptive mesh and adaptive basis order refinement to be performedmore » separately or simultaneously in a local (cell-by-cell) manner. We discuss in this report the DG formulation and present tests demonstrating the robustness, accuracy, and convergence of our numerical methods applied to special and general relativistic MHD, although we note that an equivalent capability currently also exists in CosmosDG for Newtonian systems.« less

CosmosDG: An hp-adaptive Discontinuous Galerkin Code for Hyper-resolved Relativistic MHD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anninos, Peter; Bryant, Colton; Fragile, P. Chris; Holgado, A. Miguel; Lau, Cheuk; Nemergut, Daniel

2017-08-01

We have extended Cosmos++, a multidimensional unstructured adaptive mesh code for solving the covariant Newtonian and general relativistic radiation magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations, to accommodate both discrete finite volume and arbitrarily high-order finite element structures. The new finite element implementation, called CosmosDG, is based on a discontinuous Galerkin (DG) formulation, using both entropy-based artificial viscosity and slope limiting procedures for the regularization of shocks. High-order multistage forward Euler and strong-stability preserving Runge-Kutta time integration options complement high-order spatial discretization. We have also added flexibility in the code infrastructure allowing for both adaptive mesh and adaptive basis order refinement to be performed separately or simultaneously in a local (cell-by-cell) manner. We discuss in this report the DG formulation and present tests demonstrating the robustness, accuracy, and convergence of our numerical methods applied to special and general relativistic MHD, although we note that an equivalent capability currently also exists in CosmosDG for Newtonian systems.

Buckling analysis of SMA bonded sandwich structure – using FEM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katariya, Pankaj V.; Das, Arijit; Panda, Subrata K.

2018-03-01

Thermal buckling strength of smart sandwich composite structure (bonded with shape memory alloy; SMA) examined numerically via a higher-order finite element model in association with marching technique. The excess geometrical distortion of the structure under the elevated environment modeled through Green’s strain function whereas the material nonlinearity counted with the help of marching method. The system responses are computed numerically by solving the generalized eigenvalue equations via a customized MATLAB code. The comprehensive behaviour of the current finite element solutions (minimum buckling load parameter) is established by solving the adequate number of numerical examples including the given input parameter. The current numerical model is extended further to check the influence of various structural parameter of the sandwich panel on the buckling temperature including the SMA effect and reported in details.

[Stress analysis of femoral stems in cementless total hip arthroplasty by two-dimensional finite element method using boundary friction layer].

PubMed

Oomori, H; Imura, S; Gesso, H

1992-04-01

To develop stem design achieving primary fixation of stems and effective load transfer to the femur, we studied stress analysis of stems in cementless total hip arthroplasty by two-dimensional finite element method using boundary friction layer in stem-bone interface. The results of analyses of stem-bone interface stresses and von Mises stresses at the cortical bones indicated that ideal stem design features would be as follows: 1) Sufficient length, with the distal end extending beyond the isthmus region. 2) Maximum possible width, to contact the cortical bones in the isthmus region. 3) No collars but a lateral shoulder at the proximal portion. 4) A distal tip, to contact the cortical bones at the distal portion.

A finite-volume Eulerian-Lagrangian Localized Adjoint Method for solution of the advection-dispersion equation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Healy, R.W.; Russell, T.F.

1993-01-01

A new mass-conservative method for solution of the one-dimensional advection-dispersion equation is derived and discussed. Test results demonstrate that the finite-volume Eulerian-Lagrangian localized adjoint method (FVELLAM) outperforms standard finite-difference methods, in terms of accuracy and efficiency, for solute transport problems that are dominated by advection. For dispersion-dominated problems, the performance of the method is similar to that of standard methods. Like previous ELLAM formulations, FVELLAM systematically conserves mass globally with all types of boundary conditions. FVELLAM differs from other ELLAM approaches in that integrated finite differences, instead of finite elements, are used to approximate the governing equation. This approach, in conjunction with a forward tracking scheme, greatly facilitates mass conservation. The mass storage integral is numerically evaluated at the current time level, and quadrature points are then tracked forward in time to the next level. Forward tracking permits straightforward treatment of inflow boundaries, thus avoiding the inherent problem in backtracking, as used by most characteristic methods, of characteristic lines intersecting inflow boundaries. FVELLAM extends previous ELLAM results by obtaining mass conservation locally on Lagrangian space-time elements. Details of the integration, tracking, and boundary algorithms are presented. Test results are given for problems in Cartesian and radial coordinates.

The Relation of Finite Element and Finite Difference Methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vinokur, M.

1976-01-01

Finite element and finite difference methods are examined in order to bring out their relationship. It is shown that both methods use two types of discrete representations of continuous functions. They differ in that finite difference methods emphasize the discretization of independent variable, while finite element methods emphasize the discretization of dependent variable (referred to as functional approximations). An important point is that finite element methods use global piecewise functional approximations, while finite difference methods normally use local functional approximations. A general conclusion is that finite element methods are best designed to handle complex boundaries, while finite difference methods are superior for complex equations. It is also shown that finite volume difference methods possess many of the advantages attributed to finite element methods.

Revisiting and Extending Interface Penalties for Multi-Domain Summation-by-Parts Operators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carpenter, Mark H.; Nordstrom, Jan; Gottlieb, David

2007-01-01

General interface coupling conditions are presented for multi-domain collocation methods, which satisfy the summation-by-parts (SBP) spatial discretization convention. The combined interior/interface operators are proven to be L2 stable, pointwise stable, and conservative, while maintaining the underlying accuracy of the interior SBP operator. The new interface conditions resemble (and were motivated by) those used in the discontinuous Galerkin finite element community, and maintain many of the same properties. Extensive validation studies are presented using two classes of high-order SBP operators: 1) central finite difference, and 2) Legendre spectral collocation.

Finite element analysis and genetic algorithm optimization design for the actuator placement on a large adaptive structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheng, Lizeng

The dissertation focuses on one of the major research needs in the area of adaptive/intelligent/smart structures, the development and application of finite element analysis and genetic algorithms for optimal design of large-scale adaptive structures. We first review some basic concepts in finite element method and genetic algorithms, along with the research on smart structures. Then we propose a solution methodology for solving a critical problem in the design of a next generation of large-scale adaptive structures---optimal placements of a large number of actuators to control thermal deformations. After briefly reviewing the three most frequently used general approaches to derive a finite element formulation, the dissertation presents techniques associated with general shell finite element analysis using flat triangular laminated composite elements. The element used here has three nodes and eighteen degrees of freedom and is obtained by combining a triangular membrane element and a triangular plate bending element. The element includes the coupling effect between membrane deformation and bending deformation. The membrane element is derived from the linear strain triangular element using Cook's transformation. The discrete Kirchhoff triangular (DKT) element is used as the plate bending element. For completeness, a complete derivation of the DKT is presented. Geometrically nonlinear finite element formulation is derived for the analysis of adaptive structures under the combined thermal and electrical loads. Next, we solve the optimization problems of placing a large number of piezoelectric actuators to control thermal distortions in a large mirror in the presence of four different thermal loads. We then extend this to a multi-objective optimization problem of determining only one set of piezoelectric actuator locations that can be used to control the deformation in the same mirror under the action of any one of the four thermal loads. A series of genetic algorithms, GA Version 1, 2 and 3, were developed to find the optimal locations of piezoelectric actuators from the order of 1021 ˜ 1056 candidate placements. Introducing a variable population approach, we improve the flexibility of selection operation in genetic algorithms. Incorporating mutation and hill climbing into micro-genetic algorithms, we are able to develop a more efficient genetic algorithm. Through extensive numerical experiments, we find that the design search space for the optimal placements of a large number of actuators is highly multi-modal and that the most distinct nature of genetic algorithms is their robustness. They give results that are random but with only a slight variability. The genetic algorithms can be used to get adequate solution using a limited number of evaluations. To get the highest quality solution, multiple runs including different random seed generators are necessary. The investigation time can be significantly reduced using a very coarse grain parallel computing. Overall, the methodology of using finite element analysis and genetic algorithm optimization provides a robust solution approach for the challenging problem of optimal placements of a large number of actuators in the design of next generation of adaptive structures.

An iterative phase-space explicit discontinuous Galerkin method for stellar radiative transfer in extended atmospheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Almeida, Valmor F.

2017-07-01

A phase-space discontinuous Galerkin (PSDG) method is presented for the solution of stellar radiative transfer problems. It allows for greater adaptivity than competing methods without sacrificing generality. The method is extensively tested on a spherically symmetric, static, inverse-power-law scattering atmosphere. Results for different sizes of atmospheres and intensities of scattering agreed with asymptotic values. The exponentially decaying behavior of the radiative field in the diffusive-transparent transition region, and the forward peaking behavior at the surface of extended atmospheres were accurately captured. The integrodifferential equation of radiation transfer is solved iteratively by alternating between the radiative pressure equation and the original equation with the integral term treated as an energy density source term. In each iteration, the equations are solved via an explicit, flux-conserving, discontinuous Galerkin method. Finite elements are ordered in wave fronts perpendicular to the characteristic curves so that elemental linear algebraic systems are solved quickly by sweeping the phase space element by element. Two implementations of a diffusive boundary condition at the origin are demonstrated wherein the finite discontinuity in the radiation intensity is accurately captured by the proposed method. This allows for a consistent mechanism to preserve photon luminosity. The method was proved to be robust and fast, and a case is made for the adequacy of parallel processing. In addition to classical two-dimensional plots, results of normalized radiation intensity were mapped onto a log-polar surface exhibiting all distinguishing features of the problem studied.

Finite-element lattice Boltzmann simulations of contact line dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matin, Rastin; Krzysztof Misztal, Marek; Hernández-García, Anier; Mathiesen, Joachim

2018-01-01

The lattice Boltzmann method has become one of the standard techniques for simulating a wide range of fluid flows. However, the intrinsic coupling of momentum and space discretization restricts the traditional lattice Boltzmann method to regular lattices. Alternative off-lattice Boltzmann schemes exist for both single- and multiphase flows that decouple the velocity discretization from the underlying spatial grid. The current study extends the applicability of these off-lattice methods by introducing a finite element formulation that enables simulating contact line dynamics for partially wetting fluids. This work exemplifies the implementation of the scheme and furthermore presents benchmark experiments that show the scheme reduces spurious currents at the liquid-vapor interface by at least two orders of magnitude compared to a nodal implementation and allows for predicting the equilibrium states accurately in the range of moderate contact angles.

Relativistic extension of a charge-conservative finite element solver for time-dependent Maxwell-Vlasov equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Na, D.-Y.; Moon, H.; Omelchenko, Y. A.; Teixeira, F. L.

2018-01-01

Accurate modeling of relativistic particle motion is essential for physical predictions in many problems involving vacuum electronic devices, particle accelerators, and relativistic plasmas. A local, explicit, and charge-conserving finite-element time-domain (FETD) particle-in-cell (PIC) algorithm for time-dependent (non-relativistic) Maxwell-Vlasov equations on irregular (unstructured) meshes was recently developed by Moon et al. [Comput. Phys. Commun. 194, 43 (2015); IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci. 44, 1353 (2016)]. Here, we extend this FETD-PIC algorithm to the relativistic regime by implementing and comparing three relativistic particle-pushers: (relativistic) Boris, Vay, and Higuera-Cary. We illustrate the application of the proposed relativistic FETD-PIC algorithm for the analysis of particle cyclotron motion at relativistic speeds, harmonic particle oscillation in the Lorentz-boosted frame, and relativistic Bernstein modes in magnetized charge-neutral (pair) plasmas.

Design sensitivity analysis using EAL. Part 1: Conventional design parameters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dopker, B.; Choi, Kyung K.; Lee, J.

1986-01-01

A numerical implementation of design sensitivity analysis of builtup structures is presented, using the versatility and convenience of an existing finite element structural analysis code and its database management system. The finite element code used in the implemenatation presented is the Engineering Analysis Language (EAL), which is based on a hybrid method of analysis. It was shown that design sensitivity computations can be carried out using the database management system of EAL, without writing a separate program and a separate database. Conventional (sizing) design parameters such as cross-sectional area of beams or thickness of plates and plane elastic solid components are considered. Compliance, displacement, and stress functionals are considered as performance criteria. The method presented is being extended to implement shape design sensitivity analysis using a domain method and a design component method.

Hybrid finite element/waveguide mode analysis of passive RF devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McGrath, Daniel T.

1993-07-01

A numerical solution for time-harmonic electromagnetic fields in two-port passive radio frequency (RF) devices has been developed, implemented in a computer code, and validated. Vector finite elements are used to represent the fields in the device interior, and field continuity across waveguide apertures is enforced by matching the interior solution to a sum of waveguide modes. Consequently, the mesh may end at the aperture instead of extending into the waveguide. The report discusses the variational formulation and its reduction to a linear system using Galerkin's method. It describes the computer code, including its interface to commercial CAD software used for geometry generation. It presents validation results for waveguide discontinuities, coaxial transitions, and microstrip circuits. They demonstrate that the method is an effective and versatile tool for predicting the performance of passive RF devices.

ANSYS duplicate finite-element checker routine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ortega, R.

1995-01-01

An ANSYS finite-element code routine to check for duplicated elements within the volume of a three-dimensional (3D) finite-element mesh was developed. The routine developed is used for checking floating elements within a mesh, identically duplicated elements, and intersecting elements with a common face. A space shuttle main engine alternate turbopump development high pressure oxidizer turbopump finite-element model check using the developed subroutine is discussed. Finally, recommendations are provided for duplicate element checking of 3D finite-element models.

Acoustic propagation in curved ducts with extended reacting wall treatment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baumeister, Kenneth J.

1989-01-01

A finite-element Galerkin formulation was employed to study the attenuation of acoustic waves propagating in two-dimensional S-curved ducts with absorbing walls without a mean flow. The reflection and transmission at the entrance and the exit of a curved duct were determined by coupling the finite-element solutions in the curved duct to the eigenfunctions of an infinite, uniform, hard wall duct. In the frequency range where the duct height and acoustic wave length are nearly equal, the effects of duct length, curvature (duct offset) and absorber thickness were examined. For a given offset in the curved duct, the length of the S-duct was found to significantly affect both the absorptive and reflective characteristics of the duct. A means of reducing the number of elements in the absorber region was also presented. In addition, for a curved duct, power attenuation contours were examined to determine conditions for maximum acoustic power absorption. Again, wall curvature was found to significantly effect the optimization process.

Simulation of Low Velocity Impact Induced Inter- and Intra-Laminar Damage of Composite Beams Based on XFEM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Wei; Guan, Zhidong; Li, Zengshan

2017-12-01

In this paper, the Inter-Fiber Fracture (IFF) criterion of Puck failure theory based on the eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM) was implemented in ABAQUS code to predict the intra-laminar crack initiation of unidirectional (UD) composite laminate. The transverse crack path in the matrix can be simulated accurately by the presented method. After the crack initiation, the propagation of the crack is simulated by Cohesive Zoom Model (CZM), in which the displacement discontinuities and stress concentration caused by matrix crack is introduced into the finite element (FE) model. Combined with the usage of the enriched element interface, which can be used to simulate the inter-laminar delamination crack, the Low Velocity Impact (LVI) induced damage of UD composite laminate beam with a typical stacking of composite laminates [05/903]S is studied. A complete crack initiation and propagation process was simulated and the numerical results obtained by the XFEM are consistent with the experimental results.

Finite element based N-Port model for preliminary design of multibody systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanfedino, Francesco; Alazard, Daniel; Pommier-Budinger, Valérie; Falcoz, Alexandre; Boquet, Fabrice

2018-02-01

This article presents and validates a general framework to build a linear dynamic Finite Element-based model of large flexible structures for integrated Control/Structure design. An extension of the Two-Input Two-Output Port (TITOP) approach is here developed. The authors had already proposed such framework for simple beam-like structures: each beam was considered as a TITOP sub-system that could be interconnected to another beam thanks to the ports. The present work studies bodies with multiple attaching points by allowing complex interconnections among several sub-structures in tree-like assembly. The TITOP approach is extended to generate NINOP (N-Input N-Output Port) models. A Matlab toolbox is developed integrating beam and bending plate elements. In particular a NINOP formulation of bending plates is proposed to solve analytic two-dimensional problems. The computation of NINOP models using the outputs of a MSC/Nastran modal analysis is also investigated in order to directly use the results provided by a commercial finite element software. The main advantage of this tool is to provide a model of a multibody system under the form of a block diagram with a minimal number of states. This model is easy to operate for preliminary design and control. An illustrative example highlights the potential of the proposed approach: the synthesis of the dynamical model of a spacecraft with two deployable and flexible solar arrays.

Numerical computation of transonic flows by finite-element and finite-difference methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hafez, M. M.; Wellford, L. C.; Merkle, C. L.; Murman, E. M.

1978-01-01

Studies on applications of the finite element approach to transonic flow calculations are reported. Different discretization techniques of the differential equations and boundary conditions are compared. Finite element analogs of Murman's mixed type finite difference operators for small disturbance formulations were constructed and the time dependent approach (using finite differences in time and finite elements in space) was examined.

Motion and Stability of Saturated Soil Systems under Dynamic Loading.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-04-04

12 7.3 Experimental Verification of Theories ............................. 13 8. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS AND OTHER WORK, AT THE OHIO...theoretical/computational models. The continuing rsearch effort will extend and refine the theoretical models, allow for compressibility of soil as...motion of soil and water and, therefore, a correct theory of liquefaction should not include this assumption. Finite element methodologies have been

LOW ACTIVATION JOINING OF SIC/SIC COMPOSITES FOR FUSION APPLICATIONS: MODELING DUAL-PHASE MICROSTRUCTURES AND DISSIMILAR MATERIAL JOINTS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Henager, Charles H.; Nguyen, Ba Nghiep; Kurtz, Richard J.

2016-03-31

Finite element continuum damage models (FE-CDM) have been developed to simulate and model dual-phase joints and cracked joints for improved analysis of SiC materials in nuclear environments. This report extends the analysis from the last reporting cycle by including results from dual-phase models and from cracked joint models.

Studies of finite element analysis of composite material structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Douglas, D. O.; Holzmacher, D. E.; Lane, Z. C.; Thornton, E. A.

1975-01-01

Research in the area of finite element analysis is summarized. Topics discussed include finite element analysis of a picture frame shear test, BANSAP (a bandwidth reduction program for SAP IV), FEMESH (a finite element mesh generation program based on isoparametric zones), and finite element analysis of a composite bolted joint specimens.

An adaptive extended finite element method for the analysis of agglomeration of colloidal particles in a flowing fluid

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Choi, Young Joon; Jorshari, Razzi Movassaghi; Djilali, Ned

2015-03-10

Direct numerical simulations of the flow-nanoparticle interaction in a colloidal suspension are presented using an extended finite element method (XFEM) in which the dynamics of the nanoparticles is solved in a fully-coupled manner with the flow. The method is capable of accurately describing solid-fluid interfaces without the need of boundary-fitted meshes to investigate the dynamics of particles in complex flows. In order to accurately compute the high interparticle shear stresses and pressures while minimizing computing costs, an adaptive meshing technique is incorporated with the fluid-structure interaction algorithm. The particle-particle interaction at the microscopic level is modeled using the Lennard-Jones (LJ)more » potential and the corresponding potential parameters are determined by a scaling procedure. The study is relevant to the preparation of inks used in the fabrication of catalyst layers for fuel cells. In this paper, we are particularly interested in investigating agglomeration of the nanoparticles under external shear flow in a sliding bi-periodic Lees-Edwards frame. The results indicate that the external shear has a crucial impact on the structure formation of colloidal particles in a suspension.« less

An 8-node tetrahedral finite element suitable for explicit transient dynamic simulations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Key, S.W.; Heinstein, M.W.; Stone, C.M.

1997-12-31

Considerable effort has been expended in perfecting the algorithmic properties of 8-node hexahedral finite elements. Today the element is well understood and performs exceptionally well when used in modeling three-dimensional explicit transient dynamic events. However, the automatic generation of all-hexahedral meshes remains an elusive achievement. The alternative of automatic generation for all-tetrahedral finite element is a notoriously poor performer, and the 10-node quadratic tetrahedral finite element while a better performer numerically is computationally expensive. To use the all-tetrahedral mesh generation extant today, the authors have explored the creation of a quality 8-node tetrahedral finite element (a four-node tetrahedral finite elementmore » enriched with four midface nodal points). The derivation of the element`s gradient operator, studies in obtaining a suitable mass lumping and the element`s performance in applications are presented. In particular, they examine the 80node tetrahedral finite element`s behavior in longitudinal plane wave propagation, in transverse cylindrical wave propagation, and in simulating Taylor bar impacts. The element only samples constant strain states and, therefore, has 12 hourglass modes. In this regard, it bears similarities to the 8-node, mean-quadrature hexahedral finite element. Given automatic all-tetrahedral meshing, the 8-node, constant-strain tetrahedral finite element is a suitable replacement for the 8-node hexahedral finite element and handbuilt meshes.« less

Advanced graphical user interface for multi-physics simulations using AMST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoffmann, Florian; Vogel, Frank

2017-07-01

Numerical modelling of particulate matter has gained much popularity in recent decades. Advanced Multi-physics Simulation Technology (AMST) is a state-of-the-art three dimensional numerical modelling technique combining the eX-tended Discrete Element Method (XDEM) with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) [1]. One major limitation of this code is the lack of a graphical user interface (GUI) meaning that all pre-processing has to be made directly in a HDF5-file. This contribution presents the first graphical pre-processor developed for AMST.

Taking Proof based Verified Computation a Few Steps Closer to Practicality (extended version)

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-27

general s2 + s, in general V’s per-instance CPU costs Issue commit queries (e + 2c) · n/β (e + 2c) · n/β Process commit responses d d Issue PCP...size (# of instances) (§2.3) e: cost of encrypting an element in F d : cost of decrypting an encrypted element f : cost of multiplying in F h: cost of...domain D (such as the integers, Z, or the rationals, Q) to equivalent constraints over a finite field, the programmer or compiler performs 3We suspect

Patient-specific finite element modeling of bones.

PubMed

Poelert, Sander; Valstar, Edward; Weinans, Harrie; Zadpoor, Amir A

2013-04-01

Finite element modeling is an engineering tool for structural analysis that has been used for many years to assess the relationship between load transfer and bone morphology and to optimize the design and fixation of orthopedic implants. Due to recent developments in finite element model generation, for example, improved computed tomography imaging quality, improved segmentation algorithms, and faster computers, the accuracy of finite element modeling has increased vastly and finite element models simulating the anatomy and properties of an individual patient can be constructed. Such so-called patient-specific finite element models are potentially valuable tools for orthopedic surgeons in fracture risk assessment or pre- and intraoperative planning of implant placement. The aim of this article is to provide a critical overview of current themes in patient-specific finite element modeling of bones. In addition, the state-of-the-art in patient-specific modeling of bones is compared with the requirements for a clinically applicable patient-specific finite element method, and judgment is passed on the feasibility of application of patient-specific finite element modeling as a part of clinical orthopedic routine. It is concluded that further development in certain aspects of patient-specific finite element modeling are needed before finite element modeling can be used as a routine clinical tool.

Finite element simulation of core inspection in helicopter rotor blades using guided waves.

PubMed

Chakrapani, Sunil Kishore; Barnard, Daniel; Dayal, Vinay

2015-09-01

This paper extends the work presented earlier on inspection of helicopter rotor blades using guided Lamb modes by focusing on inspecting the spar-core bond. In particular, this research focuses on structures which employ high stiffness, high density core materials. Wave propagation in such structures deviate from the generic Lamb wave propagation in sandwich panels. To understand the various mode conversions, finite element models of a generalized helicopter rotor blade were created and subjected to transient analysis using a commercial finite element code; ANSYS. Numerical simulations showed that a Lamb wave excited in the spar section of the blade gets converted into Rayleigh wave which travels across the spar-core section and mode converts back into Lamb wave. Dispersion of Rayleigh waves in multi-layered half-space was also explored. Damage was modeled in the form of a notch in the core section to simulate a cracked core, and delamination was modeled between the spar and core material to simulate spar-core disbond. Mode conversions under these damaged conditions were examined numerically. The numerical models help in assessing the difficulty of using nondestructive evaluation for complex structures and also highlight the physics behind the mode conversions which occur at various discontinuities. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Elastic and Piezoelectric Properties of Boron Nitride Nanotube Composites. Part II; Finite Element Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, H. Alicia; Hardie, Robert; Yamakov, Vesselin; Park, Cheol

2015-01-01

This paper is the second part of a two-part series where the first part presents a molecular dynamics model of a single Boron Nitride Nanotube (BNNT) and this paper scales up to multiple BNNTs in a polymer matrix. This paper presents finite element (FE) models to investigate the effective elastic and piezoelectric properties of (BNNT) nanocomposites. The nanocomposites studied in this paper are thin films of polymer matrix with aligned co-planar BNNTs. The FE modelling approach provides a computationally efficient way to gain an understanding of the material properties. We examine several FE models to identify the most suitable models and investigate the effective properties with respect to the BNNT volume fraction and the number of nanotube walls. The FE models are constructed to represent aligned and randomly distributed BNNTs in a matrix of resin using 2D and 3D hollow and 3D filled cylinders. The homogenisation approach is employed to determine the overall elastic and piezoelectric constants for a range of volume fractions. These models are compared with an analytical model based on Mori-Tanaka formulation suitable for finite length cylindrical inclusions. The model applies to primarily single-wall BNNTs but is also extended to multi-wall BNNTs, for which preliminary results will be presented. Results from the Part 1 of this series can help to establish a constitutive relationship for input into the finite element model to enable the modeling of multiple BNNTs in a polymer matrix.

Improved finite element methodology for integrated thermal structural analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dechaumphai, P.; Thornton, E. A.

1982-01-01

An integrated thermal-structural finite element approach for efficient coupling of thermal and structural analysis is presented. New thermal finite elements which yield exact nodal and element temperatures for one dimensional linear steady state heat transfer problems are developed. A nodeless variable formulation is used to establish improved thermal finite elements for one dimensional nonlinear transient and two dimensional linear transient heat transfer problems. The thermal finite elements provide detailed temperature distributions without using additional element nodes and permit a common discretization with lower order congruent structural finite elements. The accuracy of the integrated approach is evaluated by comparisons with analytical solutions and conventional finite element thermal structural analyses for a number of academic and more realistic problems. Results indicate that the approach provides a significant improvement in the accuracy and efficiency of thermal stress analysis for structures with complex temperature distributions.

Variational formulation of hybrid problems for fully 3-D transonic flow with shocks in rotor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Gao-Lian

1991-01-01

Based on previous research, the unified variable domain variational theory of hybrid problems for rotor flow is extended to fully 3-D transonic rotor flow with shocks, unifying and generalizing the direct and inverse problems. Three variational principles (VP) families were established. All unknown boundaries and flow discontinuities (such as shocks, free trailing vortex sheets) are successfully handled via functional variations with variable domain, converting almost all boundary and interface conditions, including the Rankine Hugoniot shock relations, into natural ones. This theory provides a series of novel ways for blade design or modification and a rigorous theoretical basis for finite element applications and also constitutes an important part of the optimal design theory of rotor bladings. Numerical solutions to subsonic flow by finite elements with self-adapting nodes given in Refs., show good agreement with experimental results.

FAST Mast Structural Response to Axial Loading: Modeling and Verification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knight, Norman F., Jr.; Elliott, Kenny B.; Templeton, Justin D.; Song, Kyongchan; Rayburn, Jeffery T.

2012-01-01

The International Space Station s solar array wing mast shadowing problem is the focus of this paper. A building-block approach to modeling and analysis is pursued for the primary structural components of the solar array wing mast structure. Starting with an ANSYS (Registered Trademark) finite element model, a verified MSC.Nastran (Trademark) model is established for a single longeron. This finite element model translation requires the conversion of several modeling and analysis features for the two structural analysis tools to produce comparable results for the single-longeron configuration. The model is then reconciled using test data. The resulting MSC.Nastran (Trademark) model is then extended to a single-bay configuration and verified using single-bay test data. Conversion of the MSC. Nastran (Trademark) single-bay model to Abaqus (Trademark) is also performed to simulate the elastic-plastic longeron buckling response of the single bay prior to folding.

ZIP3D: An elastic and elastic-plastic finite-element analysis program for cracked bodies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shivakumar, K. N.; Newman, J. C., Jr.

1990-01-01

ZIP3D is an elastic and an elastic-plastic finite element program to analyze cracks in three dimensional solids. The program may also be used to analyze uncracked bodies or multi-body problems involving contacting surfaces. For crack problems, the program has several unique features including the calculation of mixed-mode strain energy release rates using the three dimensional virtual crack closure technique, the calculation of the J integral using the equivalent domain integral method, the capability to extend the crack front under monotonic or cyclic loading, and the capability to close or open the crack surfaces during cyclic loading. The theories behind the various aspects of the program are explained briefly. Line-by-line data preparation is presented. Input data and results for an elastic analysis of a surface crack in a plate and for an elastic-plastic analysis of a single-edge-crack-tension specimen are also presented.

Modeling deformation and chaining of flexible shells in a nematic solvent with finite elements on an adaptive moving mesh

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DeBenedictis, Andrew; Atherton, Timothy J.; Rodarte, Andrea L.; Hirst, Linda S.

2018-03-01

A micrometer-scale elastic shell immersed in a nematic liquid crystal may be deformed by the host if the cost of deformation is comparable to the cost of elastic deformation of the nematic. Moreover, such inclusions interact and form chains due to quadrupolar distortions induced in the host. A continuum theory model using finite elements is developed for this system, using mesh regularization and dynamic refinement to ensure quality of the numerical representation even for large deformations. From this model, we determine the influence of the shell elasticity, nematic elasticity, and anchoring condition on the shape of the shell and hence extract parameter values from an experimental realization. Extending the model to multibody interactions, we predict the alignment angle of the chain with respect to the host nematic as a function of aspect ratio, which is found to be in excellent agreement with experiments.

Effect of randomness on multi-frequency aeroelastic responses resolved by Unsteady Adaptive Stochastic Finite Elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Witteveen, Jeroen A. S.; Bijl, Hester

2009-10-01

The Unsteady Adaptive Stochastic Finite Elements (UASFE) method resolves the effect of randomness in numerical simulations of single-mode aeroelastic responses with a constant accuracy in time for a constant number of samples. In this paper, the UASFE framework is extended to multi-frequency responses and continuous structures by employing a wavelet decomposition pre-processing step to decompose the sampled multi-frequency signals into single-frequency components. The effect of the randomness on the multi-frequency response is then obtained by summing the results of the UASFE interpolation at constant phase for the different frequency components. Results for multi-frequency responses and continuous structures show a three orders of magnitude reduction of computational costs compared to crude Monte Carlo simulations in a harmonically forced oscillator, a flutter panel problem, and the three-dimensional transonic AGARD 445.6 wing aeroelastic benchmark subject to random fields and random parameters with various probability distributions.

Mechanical and Microstructural Effects of Thermal Aging on Cast Duplex Stainless Steels by Experiment and Finite Element Method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schwarm, Samuel C.; Mburu, Sarah N.; Kolli, Ratna P.

Cast duplex stainless steel piping in light water nuclear reactors expe- rience thermal aging embrittlement during operational service. Interest in extending the operational life to 80 years requires an increased understanding of the microstructural evolution and corresponding changes in mechanical behavior. We analyze the evolution of the microstructure during thermal aging of cast CF-3 and CF-8 stainless steels using electron microscopy and atom probe tomography. The evolution of the mechanical properties is measured concurrently by mechanical methods such as tensile tests, Charpy V-notch tests, and instrumented nanoinden- tation. A microstructure-based finite element method model is developed and uti- lized inmore » conjunction with the characterization results in order to correlate the local stress-strain effects in the microstructure with the bulk measurements. This work is supported by the DOE Nuclear Energy University Programs (NEUP), contract number DE-NE0000724.« less

Effect of periodic fluctuation of soil particle rotation resistance on interface shear behaviour

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebrahimian, Babak; Noorzad, Asadollah

2010-06-01

The interface behaviour between infinite extended narrow granular layer and bounding structure is numerically investigated using finite element method. The micro-polar (Cosserat) continuum approach within the framework of elasto-plasticity is employed to remove the numerical difficulties caused by strain-softening of materials in classical continuum mechanics. Mechanical properties of cohesionless granular soil are described with Lade's model enhanced with polar terms including Cosserat rotations, curvatures and couple stresses via mean grain diameter as the internal length. The main attention of paper is laid on the influence of spatial periodic fluctuation of rotation resistance of soil particles interlocked with the surface of bounding structure on evolution and location of shear band developed inside granular body. The finite element results demonstrate that the location and evolution of shear localization in granular body is strongly affected by prescribed non-uniform micro-polar kinematic boundary conditions along the interface.

Mixed variational formulations of finite element analysis of elastoacoustic/slosh fluid-structure interaction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Felippa, Carlos A.; Ohayon, Roger

1991-01-01

A general three-field variational principle is obtained for the motion of an acoustic fluid enclosed in a rigid or flexible container by the method of canonical decomposition applied to a modified form of the wave equation in the displacement potential. The general principle is specialized to a mixed two-field principle that contains the fluid displacement potential and pressure as independent fields. This principle contains a free parameter alpha. Semidiscrete finite-element equations of motion based on this principle are displayed and applied to the transient response and free-vibrations of the coupled fluid-structure problem. It is shown that a particular setting of alpha yields a rich set of formulations that can be customized to fit physical and computational requirements. The variational principle is then extended to handle slosh motions in a uniform gravity field, and used to derive semidiscrete equations of motion that account for such effects.

Coarse-grained mechanics of viral shells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klug, William S.; Gibbons, Melissa M.

2008-03-01

We present an approach for creating three-dimensional finite element models of viral capsids from atomic-level structural data (X-ray or cryo-EM). The models capture heterogeneous geometric features and are used in conjunction with three-dimensional nonlinear continuum elasticity to simulate nanoindentation experiments as performed using atomic force microscopy. The method is extremely flexible; able to capture varying levels of detail in the three-dimensional structure. Nanoindentation simulations are presented for several viruses: Hepatitis B, CCMV, HK97, and φ29. In addition to purely continuum elastic models a multiscale technique is developed that combines finite-element kinematics with MD energetics such that large-scale deformations are facilitated by a reduction in degrees of freedom. Simulations of these capsid deformation experiments provide a testing ground for the techniques, as well as insight into the strength-determining mechanisms of capsid deformation. These methods can be extended as a framework for modeling other proteins and macromolecular structures in cell biology.

Integrated NDE and FEM characterization of composite rotors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdul-Aziz, Ali; Baaklini, George Y.; Trudell, Jeffrey J.

2001-08-01

A structural assessment by integrating finite-element methods (FEM) and a nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of two flywheel rotor assemblies is presented. Composite rotor A is pancake like with a solid hub design, and composite rotor B is cylindrical with a hollow hub design. Detailed analyses under combined centrifugal and interference-fit loading are performed. Two- and three-dimensional stress analyses and two-dimensional fracture mechanics analyses are conducted. A comparison of the structural analysis results obtained with those extracted via NDE findings is reported. Contact effects due to press-fit conditions are evaluated. Stress results generated from the finite-element analyses were corroborated with the analytical solution. Cracks due to rotational loading up to 48 000 rpm for rotor A and 34 000 rpm for rotor B were successfully imaged with NDE and predicted with FEM and fracture mechanics analyses. A procedure that extends current structural analysis to a life prediction tool is also defined.

An Integrated NDE and FEM Characterization of Composite Rotors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abdul-Aziz, Ali; Baaklini, George Y.; Trudell, Jeffrey J.

2000-01-01

A structural assessment by integrating finite-element methods (FEM) and a nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of two flywheel rotor assemblies is presented. Composite rotor A is pancake like with a solid hub design, and composite rotor B is cylindrical with a hollow hub design. Detailed analyses under combined centrifugal and interference-fit loading are performed. Two- and three-dimensional stress analyses and two-dimensional fracture mechanics analyses are conducted. A comparison of the structural analysis results obtained with those extracted via NDE findings is reported. Contact effects due to press-fit conditions are evaluated. Stress results generated from the finite-element analyses were corroborated with the analytical solution. Cracks due to rotational loading up to 49 000 rpm for rotor A and 34 000 rpm for rotor B were successfully imaged with NDE and predicted with FEM and fracture mechanics analyses. A procedure that extends current structural analysis to a life prediction tool is also defined.

Structural Analysis of Composite Flywheels: an Integrated NDE and FEM Approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abdul-Aziz, Ali; Baaklini, George; Trudell, Jeffrey

2001-01-01

A structural assessment by integrating finite-element methods (FEM) and a nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of two flywheel rotor assemblies is presented. Composite rotor A is pancake-like with a solid hub design, and composite rotor B is cylindrical with a hollow hub design. Detailed analyses under combined centrifugal and interference-fit loading are performed. Two- and three-dimensional stress analyses and two-dimensional fracture mechanics analyses are conducted. A comparison of the structural analysis results obtained with those extracted via NDE findings is reported. Contact effects due to press-fit conditions are evaluated. Stress results generated from the finite-element analyses were corroborated with the analytical solution. Cracks due to rotational loading up to 48,000 rpm for rotor A and 34,000 rpm for rotor B were successfully imaged with NDE and predicted with FEM and fracture mechanics analyses. A procedure that extends current structural analysis to a life prediction tool is also defined.

Design Optimization of a Thermoelectric Cooling Module Using Finite Element Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abid, Muhammad; Somdalen, Ragnar; Rodrigo, Marina Sancho

2018-05-01

The thermoelectric industry is concerned about the size reduction, cooling performance and, ultimately, the production cost of thermoelectric modules. Optimization of the size and performance of a commercially available thermoelectric cooling module is considered using finite element simulations. Numerical simulations are performed on eight different three-dimensional geometries of a single thermocouple, and the results are further extended for a whole module as well. The maximum temperature rise at the hot and cold sides of a thermocouple is determined by altering its height and cross-sectional area. The influence of the soldering layer is analyzed numerically using temperature dependent and temperature independent thermoelectric properties of the solder material and the semiconductor pellets. Experiments are conducted to test the cooling performance of the thermoelectric module and the results are compared with the results obtained through simulations. Finally, cooling rate and maximum coefficient of performance (COPmax) are computed using convective and non-convective boundary conditions.

Solving Fluid Structure Interaction Problems with an Immersed Boundary Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barad, Michael F.; Brehm, Christoph; Kiris, Cetin C.

2016-01-01

An immersed boundary method for the compressible Navier-Stokes equations can be used for moving boundary problems as well as fully coupled fluid-structure interaction is presented. The underlying Cartesian immersed boundary method of the Launch Ascent and Vehicle Aerodynamics (LAVA) framework, based on the locally stabilized immersed boundary method previously presented by the authors, is extended to account for unsteady boundary motion and coupled to linear and geometrically nonlinear structural finite element solvers. The approach is validated for moving boundary problems with prescribed body motion and fully coupled fluid structure interaction problems. Keywords: Immersed Boundary Method, Higher-Order Finite Difference Method, Fluid Structure Interaction.

An iterative phase-space explicit discontinuous Galerkin method for stellar radiative transfer in extended atmospheres

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

de Almeida, Valmor F.

In this work, a phase-space discontinuous Galerkin (PSDG) method is presented for the solution of stellar radiative transfer problems. It allows for greater adaptivity than competing methods without sacrificing generality. The method is extensively tested on a spherically symmetric, static, inverse-power-law scattering atmosphere. Results for different sizes of atmospheres and intensities of scattering agreed with asymptotic values. The exponentially decaying behavior of the radiative field in the diffusive-transparent transition region, and the forward peaking behavior at the surface of extended atmospheres were accurately captured. The integrodifferential equation of radiation transfer is solved iteratively by alternating between the radiative pressure equationmore » and the original equation with the integral term treated as an energy density source term. In each iteration, the equations are solved via an explicit, flux-conserving, discontinuous Galerkin method. Finite elements are ordered in wave fronts perpendicular to the characteristic curves so that elemental linear algebraic systems are solved quickly by sweeping the phase space element by element. Two implementations of a diffusive boundary condition at the origin are demonstrated wherein the finite discontinuity in the radiation intensity is accurately captured by the proposed method. This allows for a consistent mechanism to preserve photon luminosity. The method was proved to be robust and fast, and a case is made for the adequacy of parallel processing. In addition to classical two-dimensional plots, results of normalized radiation intensity were mapped onto a log-polar surface exhibiting all distinguishing features of the problem studied.« less

An iterative phase-space explicit discontinuous Galerkin method for stellar radiative transfer in extended atmospheres

DOE PAGES

de Almeida, Valmor F.

2017-04-19

In this work, a phase-space discontinuous Galerkin (PSDG) method is presented for the solution of stellar radiative transfer problems. It allows for greater adaptivity than competing methods without sacrificing generality. The method is extensively tested on a spherically symmetric, static, inverse-power-law scattering atmosphere. Results for different sizes of atmospheres and intensities of scattering agreed with asymptotic values. The exponentially decaying behavior of the radiative field in the diffusive-transparent transition region, and the forward peaking behavior at the surface of extended atmospheres were accurately captured. The integrodifferential equation of radiation transfer is solved iteratively by alternating between the radiative pressure equationmore » and the original equation with the integral term treated as an energy density source term. In each iteration, the equations are solved via an explicit, flux-conserving, discontinuous Galerkin method. Finite elements are ordered in wave fronts perpendicular to the characteristic curves so that elemental linear algebraic systems are solved quickly by sweeping the phase space element by element. Two implementations of a diffusive boundary condition at the origin are demonstrated wherein the finite discontinuity in the radiation intensity is accurately captured by the proposed method. This allows for a consistent mechanism to preserve photon luminosity. The method was proved to be robust and fast, and a case is made for the adequacy of parallel processing. In addition to classical two-dimensional plots, results of normalized radiation intensity were mapped onto a log-polar surface exhibiting all distinguishing features of the problem studied.« less

Finite element modeling of the residual stress evolution in forged and direct-aged alloy 718 turbine disks during manufacturing and its experimental validation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drexler, Andreas; Ecker, Werner; Hessert, Roland; Oberwinkler, Bernd; Gänser, Hans-Peter; Keckes, Jozef; Hofmann, Michael; Fischersworring-Bunk, Andreas

2017-10-01

In this work the evolution of the residual stress field in a forged and heat treated turbine disk of Alloy 718 and its subsequent relaxation during machining was simulated and measured. After forging at around 1000 °C the disks were natural air cooled to room temperature and direct aged in a furnace at 720 °C for 8 hours and at 620 °C for 8 hours. The machining of the Alloy 718 turbine disk was performed in two steps: The machining of the Alloy 718 turbine disk was performed in two steps: First, from the forging contour to a contour used for ultra-sonic testing. Second, from the latter to the final contour. The thermal boundary conditions in the finite element model for air cooling and furnace heating were estimated based on analytical equations from literature. A constitutive model developed for the unified description of rate dependent and rate independent mechanical material behavior of Alloy 718 under in-service conditions up to temperatures of 1000 °C was extended and parametrized to meet the manufacturing conditions with temperatures up to 1000 °C. The results of the finite element model were validated with measurements on real-scale turbine disks. The thermal boundary conditions were validated in-field with measured cooling curves. For that purpose holes were drilled at different positions into the turbine disk and thermocouples were mounted in these holes to record the time-temperature curves during natural cooling and heating. The simulated residual stresses were validated by using the hole drilling method and the neutron diffraction technique. The accuracy of the finite element model for the final manufacturing step investigated was ±50 MPa.

A general algorithm using finite element method for aerodynamic configurations at low speeds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Balasubramanian, R.

1975-01-01

A finite element algorithm for numerical simulation of two-dimensional, incompressible, viscous flows was developed. The Navier-Stokes equations are suitably modelled to facilitate direct solution for the essential flow parameters. A leap-frog time differencing and Galerkin minimization of these model equations yields the finite element algorithm. The finite elements are triangular with bicubic shape functions approximating the solution space. The finite element matrices are unsymmetrically banded to facilitate savings in storage. An unsymmetric L-U decomposition is performed on the finite element matrices to obtain the solution for the boundary value problem.

Improving a complex finite-difference ground water flow model through the use of an analytic element screening model

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hunt, R.J.; Anderson, M.P.; Kelson, V.A.

1998-01-01

This paper demonstrates that analytic element models have potential as powerful screening tools that can facilitate or improve calibration of more complicated finite-difference and finite-element models. We demonstrate how a two-dimensional analytic element model was used to identify errors in a complex three-dimensional finite-difference model caused by incorrect specification of boundary conditions. An improved finite-difference model was developed using boundary conditions developed from a far-field analytic element model. Calibration of a revised finite-difference model was achieved using fewer zones of hydraulic conductivity and lake bed conductance than the original finite-difference model. Calibration statistics were also improved in that simulated base-flows were much closer to measured values. The improved calibration is due mainly to improved specification of the boundary conditions made possible by first solving the far-field problem with an analytic element model.This paper demonstrates that analytic element models have potential as powerful screening tools that can facilitate or improve calibration of more complicated finite-difference and finite-element models. We demonstrate how a two-dimensional analytic element model was used to identify errors in a complex three-dimensional finite-difference model caused by incorrect specification of boundary conditions. An improved finite-difference model was developed using boundary conditions developed from a far-field analytic element model. Calibration of a revised finite-difference model was achieved using fewer zones of hydraulic conductivity and lake bed conductance than the original finite-difference model. Calibration statistics were also improved in that simulated base-flows were much closer to measured values. The improved calibration is due mainly to improved specification of the boundary conditions made possible by first solving the far-field problem with an analytic element model.

Hybrid mesh finite volume CFD code for studying heat transfer in a forward-facing step

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jayakumar, J. S.; Kumar, Inder; Eswaran, V.

2010-12-01

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods employ two types of grid: structured and unstructured. Developing the solver and data structures for a finite-volume solver is easier than for unstructured grids. But real-life problems are too complicated to be fitted flexibly by structured grids. Therefore, unstructured grids are widely used for solving real-life problems. However, using only one type of unstructured element consumes a lot of computational time because the number of elements cannot be controlled. Hence, a hybrid grid that contains mixed elements, such as the use of hexahedral elements along with tetrahedral and pyramidal elements, gives the user control over the number of elements in the domain, and thus only the domain that requires a finer grid is meshed finer and not the entire domain. This work aims to develop such a finite-volume hybrid grid solver capable of handling turbulence flows and conjugate heat transfer. It has been extended to solving flow involving separation and subsequent reattachment occurring due to sudden expansion or contraction. A significant effect of mixing high- and low-enthalpy fluid occurs in the reattached regions of these devices. This makes the study of the backward-facing and forward-facing step with heat transfer an important field of research. The problem of the forward-facing step with conjugate heat transfer was taken up and solved for turbulence flow using a two-equation model of k-ω. The variation in the flow profile and heat transfer behavior has been studied with the variation in Re and solid to fluid thermal conductivity ratios. The results for the variation in local Nusselt number, interface temperature and skin friction factor are presented.

Nitsche Extended Finite Element Methods for Earthquake Simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coon, Ethan T.

Modeling earthquakes and geologically short-time-scale events on fault networks is a difficult problem with important implications for human safety and design. These problems demonstrate a. rich physical behavior, in which distributed loading localizes both spatially and temporally into earthquakes on fault systems. This localization is governed by two aspects: friction and fault geometry. Computationally, these problems provide a stern challenge for modelers --- static and dynamic equations must be solved on domains with discontinuities on complex fault systems, and frictional boundary conditions must be applied on these discontinuities. The most difficult aspect of modeling physics on complicated domains is the mesh. Most numerical methods involve meshing the geometry; nodes are placed on the discontinuities, and edges are chosen to coincide with faults. The resulting mesh is highly unstructured, making the derivation of finite difference discretizations difficult. Therefore, most models use the finite element method. Standard finite element methods place requirements on the mesh for the sake of stability, accuracy, and efficiency. The formation of a mesh which both conforms to fault geometry and satisfies these requirements is an open problem, especially for three dimensional, physically realistic fault. geometries. In addition, if the fault system evolves over the course of a dynamic simulation (i.e. in the case of growing cracks or breaking new faults), the geometry must he re-meshed at each time step. This can be expensive computationally. The fault-conforming approach is undesirable when complicated meshes are required, and impossible to implement when the geometry is evolving. Therefore, meshless and hybrid finite element methods that handle discontinuities without placing them on element boundaries are a desirable and natural way to discretize these problems. Several such methods are being actively developed for use in engineering mechanics involving crack propagation and material failure. While some theory and application of these methods exist, implementations for the simulation of networks of many cracks have not yet been considered. For my thesis, I implement and extend one such method, the eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM), for use in static and dynamic models of fault networks. Once this machinery is developed, it is applied to open questions regarding the behavior of networks of faults, including questions of distributed deformation in fault systems and ensembles of magnitude, location, and frequency in repeat ruptures. The theory of XFEM is augmented to allow for solution of problems with alternating regimes of static solves for elastic stress conditions and short, dynamic earthquakes on networks of faults. This is accomplished using Nitsche's approach for implementing boundary conditions. Finally, an optimization problem is developed to determine tractions along the fault, enabling the calculation of frictional constraints and the rupture front. This method is verified via a series of static, quasistatic, and dynamic problems. Armed with this technique, we look at several problems regarding geometry within the earthquake cycle in which geometry is crucial. We first look at quasistatic simulations on a community fault model of Southern California, and model slip distribution across that system. We find the distribution of deformation across faults compares reasonably well with slip rates across the region, as constrained by geologic data. We find geometry can provide constraints for friction, and consider the minimization of shear strain across the zone as a function of friction and plate loading direction, and infer bounds on fault strength in the region. Then we consider the repeated rupture problem, modeling the full earthquake cycle over the course of many events on several fault geometries. In this work, we look at distributions of events, studying the effect of geometry on statistical metrics of event ensembles. Finally, this thesis is a proof of concept for the XFEM on earthquake cycle models on fault systems. We identify strengths and weaknesses of the method, and identify places for future improvement. We discuss the feasibility of the method's use in three dimensions, and find the method to be a strong candidate for future crustal deformation simulations.

Establishing the 3-D finite element solid model of femurs in partial by volume rendering.

PubMed

Zhang, Yinwang; Zhong, Wuxue; Zhu, Haibo; Chen, Yun; Xu, Lingjun; Zhu, Jianmin

2013-01-01

It remains rare to report three-dimensional (3-D) finite element solid model of femurs in partial by volume rendering method, though several methods of femoral 3-D finite element modeling are already available. We aim to analyze the advantages of the modeling method by establishing the 3-D finite element solid model of femurs in partial by volume rendering. A 3-D finite element model of the normal human femurs, made up of three anatomic structures: cortical bone, cancellous bone and pulp cavity, was constructed followed by pretreatment of the CT original image. Moreover, the finite-element analysis was carried on different material properties, three types of materials given for cortical bone, six assigned for cancellous bone, and single for pulp cavity. The established 3-D finite element of femurs contains three anatomical structures: cortical bone, cancellous bone, and pulp cavity. The compressive stress primarily concentrated in the medial surfaces of femur, especially in the calcar femorale. Compared with whole modeling by volume rendering method, the 3-D finite element solid model created in partial is more real and fit for finite element analysis. Copyright © 2013 Surgical Associates Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Modeling Progressive Failure of Bonded Joints Using a Single Joint Finite Element

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stapleton, Scott E.; Waas, Anthony M.; Bednarcyk, Brett A.

2010-01-01

Enhanced finite elements are elements with an embedded analytical solution which can capture detailed local fields, enabling more efficient, mesh-independent finite element analysis. In the present study, an enhanced finite element is applied to generate a general framework capable of modeling an array of joint types. The joint field equations are derived using the principle of minimum potential energy, and the resulting solutions for the displacement fields are used to generate shape functions and a stiffness matrix for a single joint finite element. This single finite element thus captures the detailed stress and strain fields within the bonded joint, but it can function within a broader structural finite element model. The costs associated with a fine mesh of the joint can thus be avoided while still obtaining a detailed solution for the joint. Additionally, the capability to model non-linear adhesive constitutive behavior has been included within the method, and progressive failure of the adhesive can be modeled by using a strain-based failure criteria and re-sizing the joint as the adhesive fails. Results of the model compare favorably with experimental and finite element results.

The Blended Finite Element Method for Multi-fluid Plasma Modeling

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-07-01

Briefing Charts 3. DATES COVERED (From - To) 07 June 2016 - 01 July 2016 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE The Blended Finite Element Method for Multi-fluid Plasma...BLENDED FINITE ELEMENT METHOD FOR MULTI-FLUID PLASMA MODELING Éder M. Sousa1, Uri Shumlak2 1ERC INC., IN-SPACE PROPULSION BRANCH (RQRS) AIR FORCE RESEARCH...MULTI-FLUID PLASMA MODEL 2 BLENDED FINITE ELEMENT METHOD Blended Finite Element Method Nodal Continuous Galerkin Modal Discontinuous Galerkin Model

Spatial Convergence of Three Dimensional Turbulent Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Park, Michael A.; Anderson, W. Kyle

2016-01-01

Finite-volume and finite-element schemes, both implemented within the FUN3D flow solver, are evaluated for several test cases described on the Turbulence-Modeling Resource (TMR) web site. The cases include subsonic flow over a hemisphere cylinder, subsonic flow over a swept bump configuration, and supersonic flow in a square duct. The finite- volume and finite-element schemes are both used to obtain solutions for the first two cases, whereas only the finite-volume scheme is used for the supersonic duct. For the hemisphere cylinder, finite-element solutions obtained on tetrahedral meshes are compared with finite- volume solutions on mixed-element meshes. For the swept bump, finite-volume solutions have been obtained for both hexahedral and tetrahedral meshes and are compared with finite-element solutions obtained on tetrahedral meshes. For the hemisphere cylinder and the swept bump, solutions are obtained on a series of meshes with varying grid density and comparisons are made between drag coefficients, pressure distributions, velocity profiles, and profiles of the turbulence working variable. The square duct shows small variation due to element type or the spatial accuracy of turbulence model convection. It is demonstrated that the finite-element scheme on tetrahedral meshes yields similar accuracy as the finite- volume scheme on mixed-element and hexahedral grids, and demonstrates less sensitivity to the mesh topology (biased tetrahedral grids) than the finite-volume scheme.

Towards full-Braginskii implicit extended MHD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chacon, Luis

2009-05-01

Recently, viable algorithms have been proposed for the scalable, fully-implicit temporal integration of 3D resistive MHD and cold-ion extended MHD models. While significant, these achievements must be tempered by the fact that such models lack predictive capabilities in regimes of interest for magnetic fusion. Short of including kinetic closures, a natural evolution path towards predictability starts by considering additional terms as described in Braginskii's fluid closures in the collisional regime. Here, we focus on the inclusion of two fundamental elements of relevance for fusion plasmas: anisotropic parallel electron transport, and warm-ion physics (i.e., ion finite Larmor radius effects, included via gyroviscosity). Both these elements introduce significant numerical difficulties, due to the strong anisotropy in the former, and the presence of dispersive waves in the latter. In this presentation, we will discuss progress in our fully implicit algorithmic formulation towards the inclusion of both these elements. L. Chac'on, Phys. Plasmas, 15, 056103 (2008) L. Chac'on, J. Physics: Conf. Series, 125, 012041 (2008)

Flux-Based Finite Volume representations for general thermal problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mohan, Ram V.; Tamma, Kumar K.

1993-01-01

Flux-Based Finite Volume (FV) element representations for general thermal problems are given in conjunction with a generalized trapezoidal gamma-T family of algorithms, formulated following the spirit of what we term as the Lax-Wendroff based FV formulations. The new flux-based representations introduced offer an improved physical interpretation of the problem along with computationally convenient and attractive features. The space and time discretization emanate from a conservation form of the governing equation for thermal problems, and in conjunction with the flux-based element representations give rise to a physically improved and locally conservative numerical formulations. The present representations seek to involve improved locally conservative properties, improved physical representations and computational features; these are based on a 2D, bilinear FV element and can be extended for other cases. Time discretization based on a gamma-T family of algorithms in the spirit of a Lax-Wendroff based FV formulations are employed. Numerical examples involving linear/nonlinear steady and transient situations are shown to demonstrate the applicability of the present representations for thermal analysis situations.

Dental application of novel finite element analysis software for three-dimensional finite element modeling of a dentulous mandible from its computed tomography images.

PubMed

Nakamura, Keiko; Tajima, Kiyoshi; Chen, Ker-Kong; Nagamatsu, Yuki; Kakigawa, Hiroshi; Masumi, Shin-ich

2013-12-01

This study focused on the application of novel finite-element analysis software for constructing a finite-element model from the computed tomography data of a human dentulous mandible. The finite-element model is necessary for evaluating the mechanical response of the alveolar part of the mandible, resulting from occlusal force applied to the teeth during biting. Commercially available patient-specific general computed tomography-based finite-element analysis software was solely applied to the finite-element analysis for the extraction of computed tomography data. The mandibular bone with teeth was extracted from the original images. Both the enamel and the dentin were extracted after image processing, and the periodontal ligament was created from the segmented dentin. The constructed finite-element model was reasonably accurate using a total of 234,644 nodes and 1,268,784 tetrahedral and 40,665 shell elements. The elastic moduli of the heterogeneous mandibular bone were determined from the bone density data of the computed tomography images. The results suggested that the software applied in this study is both useful and powerful for creating a more accurate three-dimensional finite-element model of a dentulous mandible from the computed tomography data without the need for any other software.

Methods for High-Order Multi-Scale and Stochastic Problems Analysis, Algorithms, and Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-10-17

finite volume schemes, discontinuous Galerkin finite element method, and related methods, for solving computational fluid dynamics (CFD) problems and...approximation for finite element methods. (3) The development of methods of simulation and analysis for the study of large scale stochastic systems of...laws, finite element method, Bernstein-Bezier finite elements , weakly interacting particle systems, accelerated Monte Carlo, stochastic networks 16

An Adaptive Multiscale Finite Element Method for Large Scale Simulations

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-28

Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Abstract Hypersonic vehicles are subjected to extreme acoustic, thermal and mechanical loading with strong spatial and temporal...07/15/2012 Reporting Period End Date 07/14/2015 Abstract Hypersonic vehicles are subjected to extreme acoustic, thermal and mechanical loading with...gradients and for extended periods of time. Long duration, 3-D simulations of non-linear response of these vehicles , is prohibitively expensive using

Developing Battery Computer Aided Engineering Tools for Military Vehicles

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-12-01

Task 1.b Modeling Bullet penetration. The purpose of Task 1.a was to extend the chemical kinetics models of CoO2 cathodes developed under CAEBAT to...lithium- ion batteries. The new finite element model captures swelling/shrinking in cathodes /anodes due to thermal expansion and lithium intercalation...Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) layer decomposition 80 2 Anode — electrolyte 100 3 Cathode — electrolyte 130 4 Electrolyte decomposition 180

Low Activation Joining of SiC/SiC Composites for Fusion Applications: Thermomechanical Modeling of Dual-Phase Microstructures and Dissimilar Material Joints

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nguyen, Ba Nghiep; Henager, Charles H.; Kurtz, Richard J.

2016-09-30

Finite element (FE) continuum damage mechanics (CDM) models have been developed to simulate and model dual-phase joints and cracked joints for improved analysis of SiC materials in nuclear environments. This report extends the analysis from the last reporting cycle by including preliminary thermomechanical analyses of cracked joints and implementation of dual-phase damage models.

Modeling Unidirectional Composite Laminates Using XFEM

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-30

evaluated. For example, Benvenuti et al.22 applied XFEM concepts to modeling FRP-reinforced concrete and Sosa and Karapurath23 used XFEM to model...shows the translucent final configurations with = 0.5, 1, 5, and 10 ksi, respectively. When fracture occurs, denoted in red, it is located...REFERENCES (Cont’d) 22. E. Benvenuti, O. Vitarelli, A. Tralli, “Delamination of FRP-Reinforced Concrete by Means of an eXtended Finite Element

A Ceramic Fracture Model for High Velocity Impact

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-05-01

employ damage concepts appear more relevant than crack growth models for this application . This research adopts existing fracture model concepts and...extends them through applications in an existing finite element continuum mechanics code (hydrocode) to the prediction of the damage and fracture processes...to be accurate in the lower velocity range of this work. Mescall and Tracy 15] investigated the selection of ceramic material for application in armors

Computer simulation of gear tooth manufacturing processes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mavriplis, Dimitri; Huston, Ronald L.

1990-01-01

The use of computer graphics to simulate gear tooth manufacturing procedures is discussed. An analytical basis for the simulation is established for spur gears. The simulation itself, however, is developed not only for spur gears, but for straight bevel gears as well. The applications of the developed procedure extend from the development of finite element models of heretofore intractable geometrical forms, to exploring the fabrication of nonstandard tooth forms.

Finite element implementation of Robinson's unified viscoplastic model and its application to some uniaxial and multiaxial problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arya, V. K.; Kaufman, A.

1989-01-01

A description of the finite element implementation of Robinson's unified viscoplastic model into the General Purpose Finite Element Program (MARC) is presented. To demonstrate its application, the implementation is applied to some uniaxial and multiaxial problems. A comparison of the results for the multiaxial problem of a thick internally pressurized cylinder, obtained using the finite element implementation and an analytical solution, is also presented. The excellent agreement obtained confirms the correct finite element implementation of Robinson's model.

Finite element implementation of Robinson's unified viscoplastic model and its application to some uniaxial and multiaxial problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arya, V. K.; Kaufman, A.

1987-01-01

A description of the finite element implementation of Robinson's unified viscoplastic model into the General Purpose Finite Element Program (MARC) is presented. To demonstrate its application, the implementation is applied to some uniaxial and multiaxial problems. A comparison of the results for the multiaxial problem of a thick internally pressurized cylinder, obtained using the finite element implementation and an analytical solution, is also presented. The excellent agreement obtained confirms the correct finite element implementation of Robinson's model.

Stress-intensity factors for small surface and corner cracks in plates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raju, I. S.; Atluri, S. N.; Newman, J. C., Jr.

1988-01-01

Three-dimensional finite-element and finite-alternating methods were used to obtain the stress-intensity factors for small surface and corner cracked plates subjected to remote tension and bending loads. The crack-depth-to-crack-length ratios (a/c) ranged from 0.2 to 1 and the crack-depth-to-plate-thickness ratios (a/t) ranged from 0.05 to 0.2. The performance of the finite-element alternating method was studied on these crack configurations. A study of the computational effort involved in the finite-element alternating method showed that several crack configurations could be analyzed with a single rectangular mesh idealization, whereas the conventional finite-element method requires a different mesh for each configuration. The stress-intensity factors obtained with the finite-element-alternating method agreed well (within 5 percent) with those calculated from the finite-element method with singularity elements.

An interactive graphics system to facilitate finite element structural analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burk, R. C.; Held, F. H.

1973-01-01

The characteristics of an interactive graphics systems to facilitate the finite element method of structural analysis are described. The finite element model analysis consists of three phases: (1) preprocessing (model generation), (2) problem solution, and (3) postprocessing (interpretation of results). The advantages of interactive graphics to finite element structural analysis are defined.

Integrated transient thermal-structural finite element analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thornton, E. A.; Dechaumphai, P.; Wieting, A. R.; Tamma, K. K.

1981-01-01

An integrated thermal structural finite element approach for efficient coupling of transient thermal and structural analysis is presented. Integrated thermal structural rod and one dimensional axisymmetric elements considering conduction and convection are developed and used in transient thermal structural applications. The improved accuracy of the integrated approach is illustrated by comparisons with exact transient heat conduction elasticity solutions and conventional finite element thermal finite element structural analyses.

High-order cyclo-difference techniques: An alternative to finite differences

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carpenter, Mark H.; Otto, John C.

1993-01-01

The summation-by-parts energy norm is used to establish a new class of high-order finite-difference techniques referred to here as 'cyclo-difference' techniques. These techniques are constructed cyclically from stable subelements, and require no numerical boundary conditions; when coupled with the simultaneous approximation term (SAT) boundary treatment, they are time asymptotically stable for an arbitrary hyperbolic system. These techniques are similar to spectral element techniques and are ideally suited for parallel implementation, but do not require special collocation points or orthogonal basis functions. The principal focus is on methods of sixth-order formal accuracy or less; however, these methods could be extended in principle to any arbitrary order of accuracy.

XFEM with equivalent eigenstrain for matrix-inclusion interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benvenuti, Elena

2014-05-01

Several engineering applications rely on particulate composite materials, and numerical modelling of the matrix-inclusion interface is therefore a crucial part of the design process. The focus of this work is on an original use of the equivalent eigenstrain concept in the development of a simplified eXtended Finite Element Method. Key points are: the replacement of the matrix-inclusion interface by a coating layer with small but finite thickness, and its simulation as an inclusion with an equivalent eigenstrain. For vanishing thickness, the model is consistent with a spring-like interface model. The problem of a spherical inclusion within a cylinder is solved. The results show that the proposed approach is effective and accurate.

An update on the BQCD Hybrid Monte Carlo program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haar, Taylor Ryan; Nakamura, Yoshifumi; Stüben, Hinnerk

2018-03-01

We present an update of BQCD, our Hybrid Monte Carlo program for simulating lattice QCD. BQCD is one of the main production codes of the QCDSF collaboration and is used by CSSM and in some Japanese finite temperature and finite density projects. Since the first publication of the code at Lattice 2010 the program has been extended in various ways. New features of the code include: dynamical QED, action modification in order to compute matrix elements by using Feynman-Hellman theory, more trace measurements (like Tr(D-n) for K, cSW and chemical potential reweighting), a more flexible integration scheme, polynomial filtering, term-splitting for RHMC, and a portable implementation of performance critical parts employing SIMD.

Radiation Heat Transfer Between Diffuse-Gray Surfaces Using Higher Order Finite Elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gould, Dana C.

2000-01-01

This paper presents recent work on developing methods for analyzing radiation heat transfer between diffuse-gray surfaces using p-version finite elements. The work was motivated by a thermal analysis of a High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) wing structure which showed the importance of radiation heat transfer throughout the structure. The analysis also showed that refining the finite element mesh to accurately capture the temperature distribution on the internal structure led to very large meshes with unacceptably long execution times. Traditional methods for calculating surface-to-surface radiation are based on assumptions that are not appropriate for p-version finite elements. Two methods for determining internal radiation heat transfer are developed for one and two-dimensional p-version finite elements. In the first method, higher-order elements are divided into a number of sub-elements. Traditional methods are used to determine radiation heat flux along each sub-element and then mapped back to the parent element. In the second method, the radiation heat transfer equations are numerically integrated over the higher-order element. Comparisons with analytical solutions show that the integration scheme is generally more accurate than the sub-element method. Comparison to results from traditional finite elements shows that significant reduction in the number of elements in the mesh is possible using higher-order (p-version) finite elements.

Power flow as a complement to statistical energy analysis and finite element analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cuschieri, J. M.

1987-01-01

Present methods of analysis of the structural response and the structure-borne transmission of vibrational energy use either finite element (FE) techniques or statistical energy analysis (SEA) methods. The FE methods are a very useful tool at low frequencies where the number of resonances involved in the analysis is rather small. On the other hand SEA methods can predict with acceptable accuracy the response and energy transmission between coupled structures at relatively high frequencies where the structural modal density is high and a statistical approach is the appropriate solution. In the mid-frequency range, a relatively large number of resonances exist which make finite element method too costly. On the other hand SEA methods can only predict an average level form. In this mid-frequency range a possible alternative is to use power flow techniques, where the input and flow of vibrational energy to excited and coupled structural components can be expressed in terms of input and transfer mobilities. This power flow technique can be extended from low to high frequencies and this can be integrated with established FE models at low frequencies and SEA models at high frequencies to form a verification of the method. This method of structural analysis using power flo and mobility methods, and its integration with SEA and FE analysis is applied to the case of two thin beams joined together at right angles.

Crashworthiness analysis on alternative square honeycomb structure under axial loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Meng; Deng, Zongquan; Guo, Hongwei; Liu, Rongqiang; Ding, Beichen

2013-07-01

Hexagonal metal honeycomb is widely used in energy absorption field for its special construction. However, many other metal honeycomb structures also show good energy absorption characteristics. Currently, most of the researches focus on hexagonal honeycomb, while few are performed into different honeycomb structures. Therefore, a new alternative square honeycomb is developed to expand the non-hexagonal metal honeycomb applications in the energy absorption fields with the aim of designing low mass and low volume energy absorbers. The finite element model of alternative square honeycomb is built to analyze its specific energy absorption property. As the diversity of honeycomb structure, the parameterized metal honeycomb finite element analysis program is conducted based on PCL language. That program can automatically create finite element model. Numerical results show that with the same foil thickness and cell length of metal honeycomb, the alternative square has better specific energy absorption than hexagonal honeycomb. Using response surface method, the mathematical formulas of honeycomb crashworthiness properties are obtained and optimization is done to get the maximum specific energy absorption property honeycomb. Optimal results demonstrate that to absorb same energy, alternative square honeycomb can save 10% volume of buffer structure than hexagonal honeycomb can do. This research is significant in providing technical support in the extended application of different honeycomb used as crashworthiness structures, and is absolutely essential in low volume and low mass energy absorber design.

Efficient Computation of Info-Gap Robustness for Finite Element Models

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stull, Christopher J.; Hemez, Francois M.; Williams, Brian J.

2012-07-05

A recent research effort at LANL proposed info-gap decision theory as a framework by which to measure the predictive maturity of numerical models. Info-gap theory explores the trade-offs between accuracy, that is, the extent to which predictions reproduce the physical measurements, and robustness, that is, the extent to which predictions are insensitive to modeling assumptions. Both accuracy and robustness are necessary to demonstrate predictive maturity. However, conducting an info-gap analysis can present a formidable challenge, from the standpoint of the required computational resources. This is because a robustness function requires the resolution of multiple optimization problems. This report offers anmore » alternative, adjoint methodology to assess the info-gap robustness of Ax = b-like numerical models solved for a solution x. Two situations that can arise in structural analysis and design are briefly described and contextualized within the info-gap decision theory framework. The treatments of the info-gap problems, using the adjoint methodology are outlined in detail, and the latter problem is solved for four separate finite element models. As compared to statistical sampling, the proposed methodology offers highly accurate approximations of info-gap robustness functions for the finite element models considered in the report, at a small fraction of the computational cost. It is noted that this report considers only linear systems; a natural follow-on study would extend the methodologies described herein to include nonlinear systems.« less

Determination of lamb wave dispersion data in lossy anisotropic plates using time domain finite element analysis. Part I: theory and experimental verification.

PubMed

Hayward, Gordon; Hyslop, Jamie

2006-02-01

A theoretical and experimental approach for extraction of guided wave dispersion data in plate structures is described. Finite element modeling is used to calculate the surface displacement data (in-plane and out-of-plane) when the plate is subject to either symmetrical or antisymmetrical impulsive force stimulation at one or both of the parallel faces. Fourier transformation of the resultant space-time displacement histories is then employed to obtain phase velocity as a function of frequency. Experimental verification in the case of antisymmetrical stimulation is provided by means of a high-power Q-switched laser source that is used to excite guided waves in the plate. The subsequent out-of-plane displacement data were then obtained by means of a scanning laser vibrometer, and good agreement between theory and experiment is demonstrated. Examples of dispersion data are provided for aluminum, and excellent correlation between the data sets and conventional Rayleigh-Lamb theory for plate structures was obtained. This was then extended to lossy polymeric plates, in addition to both unpolarized and polarized piezoelectric ceramic plates, again with good agreement between the finite element modeling and optical experiments. The last set of results prepares the way for a detailed investigation of the nonhomogeneous piezoelectric composite waveguides described in a companion paper (Part II).

SEACAS Theory Manuals: Part III. Finite Element Analysis in Nonlinear Solid Mechanics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Laursen, T.A.; Attaway, S.W.; Zadoks, R.I.

1999-03-01

This report outlines the application of finite element methodology to large deformation solid mechanics problems, detailing also some of the key technological issues that effective finite element formulations must address. The presentation is organized into three major portions: first, a discussion of finite element discretization from the global point of view, emphasizing the relationship between a virtual work principle and the associated fully discrete system, second, a discussion of finite element technology, emphasizing the important theoretical and practical features associated with an individual finite element; and third, detailed description of specific elements that enjoy widespread use, providing some examples ofmore » the theoretical ideas already described. Descriptions of problem formulation in nonlinear solid mechanics, nonlinear continuum mechanics, and constitutive modeling are given in three companion reports.« less

Finite element analysis of structural engineering problems using a viscoplastic model incorporating two back stresses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arya, Vinod K.; Halford, Gary R.

1993-01-01

The feasibility of a viscoplastic model incorporating two back stresses and a drag strength is investigated for performing nonlinear finite element analyses of structural engineering problems. To demonstrate suitability for nonlinear structural analyses, the model is implemented into a finite element program and analyses for several uniaxial and multiaxial problems are performed. Good agreement is shown between the results obtained using the finite element implementation and those obtained experimentally. The advantages of using advanced viscoplastic models for performing nonlinear finite element analyses of structural components are indicated.

A flexible nonlinear diffusion acceleration method for the S N transport equations discretized with discontinuous finite elements

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schunert, Sebastian; Wang, Yaqi; Gleicher, Frederick

This paper presents a flexible nonlinear diffusion acceleration (NDA) method that discretizes both the S N transport equation and the diffusion equation using the discontinuous finite element method (DFEM). The method is flexible in that the diffusion equation can be discretized on a coarser mesh with the only restriction that it is nested within the transport mesh and the FEM shape function orders of the two equations can be different. The consistency of the transport and diffusion solutions at convergence is defined by using a projection operator mapping the transport into the diffusion FEM space. The diffusion weak form ismore » based on the modified incomplete interior penalty (MIP) diffusion DFEM discretization that is extended by volumetric drift, interior face, and boundary closure terms. In contrast to commonly used coarse mesh finite difference (CMFD) methods, the presented NDA method uses a full FEM discretized diffusion equation for acceleration. Suitable projection and prolongation operators arise naturally from the FEM framework. Via Fourier analysis and numerical experiments for a one-group, fixed source problem the following properties of the NDA method are established for structured quadrilateral meshes: (1) the presented method is unconditionally stable and effective in the presence of mild material heterogeneities if the same mesh and identical shape functions either of the bilinear or biquadratic type are used, (2) the NDA method remains unconditionally stable in the presence of strong heterogeneities, (3) the NDA method with bilinear elements extends the range of effectiveness and stability by a factor of two when compared to CMFD if a coarser diffusion mesh is selected. In addition, the method is tested for solving the C5G7 multigroup, eigenvalue problem using coarse and fine mesh acceleration. Finally, while NDA does not offer an advantage over CMFD for fine mesh acceleration, it reduces the iteration count required for convergence by almost a factor of two in the case of coarse mesh acceleration.« less

A flexible nonlinear diffusion acceleration method for the S N transport equations discretized with discontinuous finite elements

DOE PAGES

Schunert, Sebastian; Wang, Yaqi; Gleicher, Frederick; ...

2017-02-21

This paper presents a flexible nonlinear diffusion acceleration (NDA) method that discretizes both the S N transport equation and the diffusion equation using the discontinuous finite element method (DFEM). The method is flexible in that the diffusion equation can be discretized on a coarser mesh with the only restriction that it is nested within the transport mesh and the FEM shape function orders of the two equations can be different. The consistency of the transport and diffusion solutions at convergence is defined by using a projection operator mapping the transport into the diffusion FEM space. The diffusion weak form ismore » based on the modified incomplete interior penalty (MIP) diffusion DFEM discretization that is extended by volumetric drift, interior face, and boundary closure terms. In contrast to commonly used coarse mesh finite difference (CMFD) methods, the presented NDA method uses a full FEM discretized diffusion equation for acceleration. Suitable projection and prolongation operators arise naturally from the FEM framework. Via Fourier analysis and numerical experiments for a one-group, fixed source problem the following properties of the NDA method are established for structured quadrilateral meshes: (1) the presented method is unconditionally stable and effective in the presence of mild material heterogeneities if the same mesh and identical shape functions either of the bilinear or biquadratic type are used, (2) the NDA method remains unconditionally stable in the presence of strong heterogeneities, (3) the NDA method with bilinear elements extends the range of effectiveness and stability by a factor of two when compared to CMFD if a coarser diffusion mesh is selected. In addition, the method is tested for solving the C5G7 multigroup, eigenvalue problem using coarse and fine mesh acceleration. Finally, while NDA does not offer an advantage over CMFD for fine mesh acceleration, it reduces the iteration count required for convergence by almost a factor of two in the case of coarse mesh acceleration.« less

Traction free finite elements with the assumed stress hybrid model. M.S. Thesis, 1981

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kafie, Kurosh

1991-01-01

An effective approach in the finite element analysis of the stress field at the traction free boundary of a solid continuum was studied. Conventional displacement and assumed stress finite elements were used in the determination of stress concentrations around circular and elliptical holes. Specialized hybrid elements were then developed to improve the satisfaction of prescribed traction boundary conditions. Results of the stress analysis indicated that finite elements which exactly satisfy the free stress boundary conditions are the most accurate and efficient in such problems. A general approach for hybrid finite elements which incorporate traction free boundaries of arbitrary geometry was formulated.

Improving finite element results in modeling heart valve mechanics.

PubMed

Earl, Emily; Mohammadi, Hadi

2018-06-01

Finite element analysis is a well-established computational tool which can be used for the analysis of soft tissue mechanics. Due to the structural complexity of the leaflet tissue of the heart valve, the currently available finite element models do not adequately represent the leaflet tissue. A method of addressing this issue is to implement computationally expensive finite element models, characterized by precise constitutive models including high-order and high-density mesh techniques. In this study, we introduce a novel numerical technique that enhances the results obtained from coarse mesh finite element models to provide accuracy comparable to that of fine mesh finite element models while maintaining a relatively low computational cost. Introduced in this study is a method by which the computational expense required to solve linear and nonlinear constitutive models, commonly used in heart valve mechanics simulations, is reduced while continuing to account for large and infinitesimal deformations. This continuum model is developed based on the least square algorithm procedure coupled with the finite difference method adhering to the assumption that the components of the strain tensor are available at all nodes of the finite element mesh model. The suggested numerical technique is easy to implement, practically efficient, and requires less computational time compared to currently available commercial finite element packages such as ANSYS and/or ABAQUS.

Phase-space finite elements in a least-squares solution of the transport equation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Drumm, C.; Fan, W.; Pautz, S.

2013-07-01

The linear Boltzmann transport equation is solved using a least-squares finite element approximation in the space, angular and energy phase-space variables. The method is applied to both neutral particle transport and also to charged particle transport in the presence of an electric field, where the angular and energy derivative terms are handled with the energy/angular finite elements approximation, in a manner analogous to the way the spatial streaming term is handled. For multi-dimensional problems, a novel approach is used for the angular finite elements: mapping the surface of a unit sphere to a two-dimensional planar region and using a meshingmore » tool to generate a mesh. In this manner, much of the spatial finite-elements machinery can be easily adapted to handle the angular variable. The energy variable and the angular variable for one-dimensional problems make use of edge/beam elements, also building upon the spatial finite elements capabilities. The methods described here can make use of either continuous or discontinuous finite elements in space, angle and/or energy, with the use of continuous finite elements resulting in a smaller problem size and the use of discontinuous finite elements resulting in more accurate solutions for certain types of problems. The work described in this paper makes use of continuous finite elements, so that the resulting linear system is symmetric positive definite and can be solved with a highly efficient parallel preconditioned conjugate gradients algorithm. The phase-space finite elements capability has been built into the Sceptre code and applied to several test problems, including a simple one-dimensional problem with an analytic solution available, a two-dimensional problem with an isolated source term, showing how the method essentially eliminates ray effects encountered with discrete ordinates, and a simple one-dimensional charged-particle transport problem in the presence of an electric field. (authors)« less

Quality-assurance study of the special - purpose finite-element program - SPECTROM: I. Thermal, thermoelastic, and viscoelastic problems. [Comparison with MARC-CDC

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wagner, R.A.

1980-12-01

This comparison study involves a preliminary verification of finite element calculations. The methodology of the comparison study consists of solving four example problems with both the SPECTROM finite element program and the MARC-CDC general purpose finite element program. The results show close agreement for all example problems.

Finite Element Analysis of Particle Ionization within Carbon Nanotube Ion Micro Thruster

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-12-01

NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA THESIS Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited. FINITE ELEMENT ...AND DATES COVERED Master’s thesis 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF PARTICLE IONIZATION WITHIN CARBON NANOTUBE ION MICRO THRUSTER 5...simulation, carbon nanotube simulation, microsatellite, finite element analysis, electric field, particle tracing 15. NUMBER OF PAGES 55 16. PRICE

A Finite Element Projection Method for the Solution of Particle Transport Problems with Anisotropic Scattering.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-07-01

piecewise constant energy dependence. This is a seven-dimensional problem with time dependence, three spatial and two angular or directional variables and...in extending the computer implementation of the method to time and energy dependent problems, and to solving and validating this technique on a...problems they have severe limitations. The Monte Carlo method, usually requires the use of many hours of expensive computer time , and for deep

Probabilistic structural analysis methods of hot engine structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chamis, C. C.; Hopkins, D. A.

1989-01-01

Development of probabilistic structural analysis methods for hot engine structures is a major activity at Lewis Research Center. Recent activities have focused on extending the methods to include the combined uncertainties in several factors on structural response. This paper briefly describes recent progress on composite load spectra models, probabilistic finite element structural analysis, and probabilistic strength degradation modeling. Progress is described in terms of fundamental concepts, computer code development, and representative numerical results.

Hierarchically-Driven Approach for Quantifying Fatigue Crack Initiation and Short Crack Growth Behavior in Aerospace Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-08-31

crack initiation and SCG mechanisms (initiation and growth versus resistance). 2. Final summary Here, we present a hierarchical form of multiscale...prismatic faults in -Ti: A combined quantum mechanics /molecular mechanics study 2. Nano-indentation and slip transfer (critical in understanding crack...initiation) 3. An extended-finite element framework (XFEM) to study SCG mechanisms 4. Atomistic methods to develop a grain and twin boundaries database

The aggregated unfitted finite element method for elliptic problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Badia, Santiago; Verdugo, Francesc; Martín, Alberto F.

2018-07-01

Unfitted finite element techniques are valuable tools in different applications where the generation of body-fitted meshes is difficult. However, these techniques are prone to severe ill conditioning problems that obstruct the efficient use of iterative Krylov methods and, in consequence, hinders the practical usage of unfitted methods for realistic large scale applications. In this work, we present a technique that addresses such conditioning problems by constructing enhanced finite element spaces based on a cell aggregation technique. The presented method, called aggregated unfitted finite element method, is easy to implement, and can be used, in contrast to previous works, in Galerkin approximations of coercive problems with conforming Lagrangian finite element spaces. The mathematical analysis of the new method states that the condition number of the resulting linear system matrix scales as in standard finite elements for body-fitted meshes, without being affected by small cut cells, and that the method leads to the optimal finite element convergence order. These theoretical results are confirmed with 2D and 3D numerical experiments.

Finite element analysis in fluids; Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Finite Element Methods in Flow Problems, University of Alabama, Huntsville, Apr. 3-7, 1989

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chung, T. J. (Editor); Karr, Gerald R. (Editor)

1989-01-01

Recent advances in computational fluid dynamics are examined in reviews and reports, with an emphasis on finite-element methods. Sections are devoted to adaptive meshes, atmospheric dynamics, combustion, compressible flows, control-volume finite elements, crystal growth, domain decomposition, EM-field problems, FDM/FEM, and fluid-structure interactions. Consideration is given to free-boundary problems with heat transfer, free surface flow, geophysical flow problems, heat and mass transfer, high-speed flow, incompressible flow, inverse design methods, MHD problems, the mathematics of finite elements, and mesh generation. Also discussed are mixed finite elements, multigrid methods, non-Newtonian fluids, numerical dissipation, parallel vector processing, reservoir simulation, seepage, shallow-water problems, spectral methods, supercomputer architectures, three-dimensional problems, and turbulent flows.

Use of edge-based finite elements for solving three dimensional scattering problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chatterjee, A.; Jin, J. M.; Volakis, John L.

1991-01-01

Edge based finite elements are free from drawbacks associated with node based vectorial finite elements and are, therefore, ideal for solving 3-D scattering problems. The finite element discretization using edge elements is checked by solving for the resonant frequencies of a closed inhomogeneously filled metallic cavity. Great improvements in accuracy are observed when compared to the classical node based approach with no penalty in terms of computational time and with the expected absence of spurious modes. A performance comparison between the edge based tetrahedra and rectangular brick elements is carried out and tetrahedral elements are found to be more accurate than rectangular bricks for a given storage intensity. A detailed formulation for the scattering problem with various approaches for terminating the finite element mesh is also presented.

A Finite Element Analysis of a Class of Problems in Elasto-Plasticity with Hidden Variables.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-09-01

RD-R761 642 A FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF A CLASS OF PROBLEMS IN 1/2 ELASTO-PLASTICITY MIlT (U) TEXAS INST FOR COMPUTATIONAL MECHANICS AUSTIN J T ODEN...end Subtitle) S. TYPE OF REPORT & PERIOD COVERED A FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF A CLASS OF PROBLEMS Final Report IN ELASTO-PLASTICITY WITH HIDDEN...aieeoc ede It neceeeary nd Identify by block number) ;"Elastoplasticity, finite deformations; non-convex analysis ; finite element methods, metal forming

Stabilized Finite Elements in FUN3D

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, W. Kyle; Newman, James C.; Karman, Steve L.

2017-01-01

A Streamlined Upwind Petrov-Galerkin (SUPG) stabilized finite-element discretization has been implemented as a library into the FUN3D unstructured-grid flow solver. Motivation for the selection of this methodology is given, details of the implementation are provided, and the discretization for the interior scheme is verified for linear and quadratic elements by using the method of manufactured solutions. A methodology is also described for capturing shocks, and simulation results are compared to the finite-volume formulation that is currently the primary method employed for routine engineering applications. The finite-element methodology is demonstrated to be more accurate than the finite-volume technology, particularly on tetrahedral meshes where the solutions obtained using the finite-volume scheme can suffer from adverse effects caused by bias in the grid. Although no effort has been made to date to optimize computational efficiency, the finite-element scheme is competitive with the finite-volume scheme in terms of computer time to reach convergence.

SUPG Finite Element Simulations of Compressible Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kirk, Brnjamin, S.

2006-01-01

The Streamline-Upwind Petrov-Galerkin (SUPG) finite element simulations of compressible flows is presented. The topics include: 1) Introduction; 2) SUPG Galerkin Finite Element Methods; 3) Applications; and 4) Bibliography.

Theoretical and software considerations for general dynamic analysis using multilevel substructured models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schmidt, R. J.; Dodds, R. H., Jr.

1985-01-01

The dynamic analysis of complex structural systems using the finite element method and multilevel substructured models is presented. The fixed-interface method is selected for substructure reduction because of its efficiency, accuracy, and adaptability to restart and reanalysis. This method is extended to reduction of substructures which are themselves composed of reduced substructures. The implementation and performance of the method in a general purpose software system is emphasized. Solution algorithms consistent with the chosen data structures are presented. It is demonstrated that successful finite element software requires the use of software executives to supplement the algorithmic language. The complexity of the implementation of restart and reanalysis porcedures illustrates the need for executive systems to support the noncomputational aspects of the software. It is shown that significant computational efficiencies can be achieved through proper use of substructuring and reduction technbiques without sacrificing solution accuracy. The restart and reanalysis capabilities and the flexible procedures for multilevel substructured modeling gives economical yet accurate analyses of complex structural systems.

Evaluation of HFIR LEU Fuel Using the COMSOL Multiphysics Platform

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Primm, Trent; Ruggles, Arthur; Freels, James D

2009-03-01

A finite element computational approach to simulation of the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) Core Thermal-Fluid behavior is developed. These models were developed to facilitate design of a low enriched core for the HFIR, which will have different axial and radial flux profiles from the current HEU core and thus will require fuel and poison load optimization. This report outlines a stepwise implementation of this modeling approach using the commercial finite element code, COMSOL, with initial assessment of fuel, poison and clad conduction modeling capability, followed by assessment of mating of the fuel conduction models to a one dimensional fluidmore » model typical of legacy simulation techniques for the HFIR core. The model is then extended to fully couple 2-dimensional conduction in the fuel to a 2-dimensional thermo-fluid model of the coolant for a HFIR core cooling sub-channel with additional assessment of simulation outcomes. Finally, 3-dimensional simulations of a fuel plate and cooling channel are presented.« less

Modelling multiple cycles of static and dynamic recrystallisation using a fully implicit isotropic material model based on dislocation density

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jansen van Rensburg, Gerhardus J.; Kok, Schalk; Wilke, Daniel N.

2018-03-01

This paper presents the development and numerical implementation of a state variable based thermomechanical material model, intended for use within a fully implicit finite element formulation. Plastic hardening, thermal recovery and multiple cycles of recrystallisation can be tracked for single peak as well as multiple peak recrystallisation response. The numerical implementation of the state variable model extends on a J2 isotropic hypo-elastoplastic modelling framework. The complete numerical implementation is presented as an Abaqus UMAT and linked subroutines. Implementation is discussed with detailed explanation of the derivation and use of various sensitivities, internal state variable management and multiple recrystallisation cycle contributions. A flow chart explaining the proposed numerical implementation is provided as well as verification on the convergence of the material subroutine. The material model is characterised using two high temperature data sets for cobalt and copper. The results of finite element analyses using the material parameter values characterised on the copper data set are also presented.

Discontinuous Galerkin Methods for NonLinear Differential Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barth, Timothy; Mansour, Nagi (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

This talk considers simplified finite element discretization techniques for first-order systems of conservation laws equipped with a convex (entropy) extension. Using newly developed techniques in entropy symmetrization theory, simplified forms of the discontinuous Galerkin (DG) finite element method have been developed and analyzed. The use of symmetrization variables yields numerical schemes which inherit global entropy stability properties of the PDE (partial differential equation) system. Central to the development of the simplified DG methods is the Eigenvalue Scaling Theorem which characterizes right symmetrizers of an arbitrary first-order hyperbolic system in terms of scaled eigenvectors of the corresponding flux Jacobian matrices. A constructive proof is provided for the Eigenvalue Scaling Theorem with detailed consideration given to the Euler equations of gas dynamics and extended conservation law systems derivable as moments of the Boltzmann equation. Using results from kinetic Boltzmann moment closure theory, we then derive and prove energy stability for several approximate DG fluxes which have practical and theoretical merit.

A musculo-mechanical model of esophageal transport based on an immersed boundary-finite element approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kou, Wenjun; Griffith, Boyce E.; Pandolfino, John E.; Kahrilas, Peter J.; Patankar, Neelesh A.

2015-11-01

This work extends a fiber-based immersed boundary (IB) model of esophageal transport by incorporating a continuum model of the deformable esophageal wall. The continuum-based esophagus model adopts finite element approach that is capable of describing more complex and realistic material properties and geometries. The leakage from mismatch between Lagrangian and Eulerian meshes resulting from large deformations of the esophageal wall is avoided by careful choice of interaction points. The esophagus model, which is described as a multi-layered, fiber-reinforced nonlinear elastic material, is coupled to bolus and muscle-activation models using the IB approach to form the esophageal transport model. Cases of esophageal transport with different esophagus models are studied. Results on the transport characteristics, including pressure field and esophageal wall kinematics and stress, are analyzed and compared. Support from NIH grant R01 DK56033 and R01 DK079902 is gratefully acknowledged. BEG is supported by NSF award ACI 1460334.

User manual for EXCALIBUR: A FE-BI numerical laboratory for cavity-backed antennas in a circular cylinder, version 1.2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kempel, Leo C.

1994-01-01

The Finite Element-Boundary Integral (FE-BI) technique was used to analyze the scattering and radiation properties of cavity-backed patch antennas recessed in a metallic groundplane. A program, CAVITY3D, was written and found to yield accurate results for large arrays without the usual high memory and computational demand associated with competing formulations. Recently, the FE-BI approach was extended to cavity-backed antennas recessed in an infinite, metallic circular cylinder. EXCALIBUR is a computer program written in the Radiation Laboratory of the University of Michigan which implements this formulation. This user manual gives a brief introduction to EXCALIBUR and some hints as to its proper use. As with all computational electromagnetics programs (especially finite element programs), skilled use and best performance are only obtained through experience. However, several important aspects of the program such as portability, geometry generation, interpretation of results, and custom modification are addressed.

Discontinuous Galerkin finite element methods for radiative transfer in spherical symmetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kitzmann, D.; Bolte, J.; Patzer, A. B. C.

2016-11-01

The discontinuous Galerkin finite element method (DG-FEM) is successfully applied to treat a broad variety of transport problems numerically. In this work, we use the full capacity of the DG-FEM to solve the radiative transfer equation in spherical symmetry. We present a discontinuous Galerkin method to directly solve the spherically symmetric radiative transfer equation as a two-dimensional problem. The transport equation in spherical atmospheres is more complicated than in the plane-parallel case owing to the appearance of an additional derivative with respect to the polar angle. The DG-FEM formalism allows for the exact integration of arbitrarily complex scattering phase functions, independent of the angular mesh resolution. We show that the discontinuous Galerkin method is able to describe accurately the radiative transfer in extended atmospheres and to capture discontinuities or complex scattering behaviour which might be present in the solution of certain radiative transfer tasks and can, therefore, cause severe numerical problems for other radiative transfer solution methods.

Linear and nonlinear dynamic analysis of redundant load path bearingless rotor systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murthy, V. R.

1985-01-01

The bearingless rotorcraft offers reduced weight, less complexity and superior flying qualities. Almost all the current industrial structural dynamic programs of conventional rotors which consist of single load path rotor blades employ the transfer matrix method to determine natural vibration characteristics because this method is ideally suited for one dimensional chain like structures. This method is extended to multiple load path rotor blades without resorting to an equivalent single load path approximation. Unlike the conventional blades, it isk necessary to introduce the axial-degree-of-freedom into the solution process to account for the differential axial displacements in the different load paths. With the present extension, the current rotor dynamic programs can be modified with relative ease to account for the multiple load paths without resorting to the equivalent single load path modeling. The results obtained by the transfer matrix method are validated by comparing with the finite element solutions. A differential stiffness matrix due to blade rotation is derived to facilitate the finite element solutions.

Recent advances in computational methodology for simulation of mechanical circulatory assist devices

PubMed Central

Marsden, Alison L.; Bazilevs, Yuri; Long, Christopher C.; Behr, Marek

2014-01-01

Ventricular assist devices (VADs) provide mechanical circulatory support to offload the work of one or both ventricles during heart failure. They are used in the clinical setting as destination therapy, as bridge to transplant, or more recently as bridge to recovery to allow for myocardial remodeling. Recent developments in computational simulation allow for detailed assessment of VAD hemodynamics for device design and optimization for both children and adults. Here, we provide a focused review of the recent literature on finite element methods and optimization for VAD simulations. As VAD designs typically fall into two categories, pulsatile and continuous flow devices, we separately address computational challenges of both types of designs, and the interaction with the circulatory system with three representative case studies. In particular, we focus on recent advancements in finite element methodology that has increased the fidelity of VAD simulations. We outline key challenges, which extend to the incorporation of biological response such as thrombosis and hemolysis, as well as shape optimization methods and challenges in computational methodology. PMID:24449607

Monochromatic X-ray-induced thermal effect on four-reflection “nested” meV-monochromators: dynamical diffraction theory and finite-element analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Ling-Fei; Gao, Li-Dan; Li, Zhen-Jie; Wang, Shan-Feng; Sheng, Wei-Fan; Liu, Peng; Xu, Wei

2015-09-01

The high energy resolution monochromator (HRM) is widely used in inelastic scattering programs to detect phonons with energy resolution, down to the meV level. Although the large amount of heat from insertion devices can be reduced by a high heat-load monochromator, the unbalanced heat load on the inner pair of crystals in a nested HRM can affect its overall performance. Here, a theoretical analysis of the unbalanced heat load using dynamical diffraction theory and finite element analysis is presented. By utilizing the ray-tracing method, the performance of different HRM nesting configurations is simulated. It is suggested that the heat balance ratio, energy resolution, and overall spectral transmission efficiency are the figures of merit for evaluating the performance of nested HRMs. Although the present study is mainly focused on nested HRMs working at 57Fe nuclear resonant energy at 14.4 keV, it is feasible to extend this to other nested HRMs working at different energies.

Coupled Thermo-Electro-Magneto-Elastic Response of Smart Stiffened Panels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bednarcyk, Brett A.; Yarrington, Phillip W.

2009-01-01

This report documents the procedures developed for incorporating smart laminate and panel analysis capabilities within the HyperSizer aerospace structural sizing software package. HyperSizer analyzes stiffened panels composed of arbitrary composite laminates through stiffener homogenization, or "smearing " techniques. The result is an effective constitutive equation for the stiffened panel that is suitable for use in a full vehicle-scale finite element analysis via MSC/NASTRAN. The existing thermo-elastic capabilities of HyperSizer have herein been extended to include coupled thermo-electro-magneto-elastic analysis capabilities. This represents a significant step toward realization of design tools capable of guiding the development of the next generation of smart aerospace structures. Verification results are presented that compare the developed smart HyperSizer capability with an ABAQUS piezoelectric finite element solution for a facesheet-flange combination. These results show good agreement between HyperSizer and ABAQUS, but highlight a limitation of the HyperSizer formulation in that constant electric field components are assumed.

On the effects of grid ill-conditioning in three dimensional finite element vector potential magnetostatic field computations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, R.; Demerdash, N. A.

1990-01-01

The effects of finite element grid geometries and associated ill-conditioning were studied in single medium and multi-media (air-iron) three dimensional magnetostatic field computation problems. The sensitivities of these 3D field computations to finite element grid geometries were investigated. It was found that in single medium applications the unconstrained magnetic vector potential curl-curl formulation in conjunction with first order finite elements produce global results which are almost totally insensitive to grid geometries. However, it was found that in multi-media (air-iron) applications first order finite element results are sensitive to grid geometries and consequent elemental shape ill-conditioning. These sensitivities were almost totally eliminated by means of the use of second order finite elements in the field computation algorithms. Practical examples are given in this paper to demonstrate these aspects mentioned above.

Finite Element Modeling of Scattering from Underwater Proud and Buried Military Munitions

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-02-28

FINAL REPORT Finite Element Modeling of Scattering from Underwater Proud and Buried Military Munitions SERDP Project MR-2408 JULY 2017...solution and the red dash-dot line repre- sents the coupled finite -boundary element solution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 3 The scattering...dot line represents the coupled finite -boundary element solution. . . . . . . . 11 i 4 The scattering amplitude as a function of the receiver angle for

Finite elements and finite differences for transonic flow calculations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hafez, M. M.; Murman, E. M.; Wellford, L. C.

1978-01-01

The paper reviews the chief finite difference and finite element techniques used for numerical solution of nonlinear mixed elliptic-hyperbolic equations governing transonic flow. The forms of the governing equations for unsteady two-dimensional transonic flow considered are the Euler equation, the full potential equation in both conservative and nonconservative form, the transonic small-disturbance equation in both conservative and nonconservative form, and the hodograph equations for the small-disturbance case and the full-potential case. Finite difference methods considered include time-dependent methods, relaxation methods, semidirect methods, and hybrid methods. Finite element methods include finite element Lax-Wendroff schemes, implicit Galerkin method, mixed variational principles, dual iterative procedures, optimal control methods and least squares.

Cognitive-graphic method for constructing of hierarchical forms of basic functions of biquadratic finite element

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Astionenko, I. O.; Litvinenko, O. I.; Osipova, N. V.; Tuluchenko, G. Ya.; Khomchenko, A. N.

2016-10-01

Recently the interpolation bases of the hierarchical type have been used for the problem solving of the approximation of multiple arguments functions (such as in the finite-element method). In this work the cognitive graphical method of constructing of the hierarchical form bases on the serendipity finite elements is suggested, which allowed to get the alternative bases on a biquadratic finite element from the serendipity family without internal knots' inclusion. The cognitive-graphic method allowed to improve the known interpolation procedure of Taylor and to get the modified elements with irregular arrangement of knots. The proposed procedures are universal and are spread in the area of finite-elements.

SIENA Customer Problem Statement and Requirements

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

L. Sauer; R. Clay; C. Adams

2000-08-01

This document describes the problem domain and functional requirements of the SIENA framework. The software requirements and system architecture of SIENA are specified in separate documents (called SIENA Software Requirement Specification and SIENA Software Architecture, respectively). While currently this version of the document describes the problems and captures the requirements within the Analysis domain (concentrating on finite element models), it is our intention to subsequent y expand this document to describe problems and capture requirements from the Design and Manufacturing domains. In addition, SIENA is designed to be extendible to support and integrate elements from the other domains (see SIENAmore » Software Architecture document).« less

Engine dynamic analysis with general nonlinear finite element codes. Part 2: Bearing element implementation overall numerical characteristics and benchmaking

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Padovan, J.; Adams, M.; Fertis, J.; Zeid, I.; Lam, P.

1982-01-01

Finite element codes are used in modelling rotor-bearing-stator structure common to the turbine industry. Engine dynamic simulation is used by developing strategies which enable the use of available finite element codes. benchmarking the elements developed are benchmarked by incorporation into a general purpose code (ADINA); the numerical characteristics of finite element type rotor-bearing-stator simulations are evaluated through the use of various types of explicit/implicit numerical integration operators. Improving the overall numerical efficiency of the procedure is improved.

Finite Macro-Element Mesh Deformation in a Structured Multi-Block Navier-Stokes Code

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bartels, Robert E.

2005-01-01

A mesh deformation scheme is developed for a structured multi-block Navier-Stokes code consisting of two steps. The first step is a finite element solution of either user defined or automatically generated macro-elements. Macro-elements are hexagonal finite elements created from a subset of points from the full mesh. When assembled, the finite element system spans the complete flow domain. Macro-element moduli vary according to the distance to the nearest surface, resulting in extremely stiff elements near a moving surface and very pliable elements away from boundaries. Solution of the finite element system for the imposed boundary deflections generally produces smoothly varying nodal deflections. The manner in which distance to the nearest surface has been found to critically influence the quality of the element deformation. The second step is a transfinite interpolation which distributes the macro-element nodal deflections to the remaining fluid mesh points. The scheme is demonstrated for several two-dimensional applications.

A modified moment-fitted integration scheme for X-FEM applications with history-dependent material data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Ziyu; Jiang, Wen; Dolbow, John E.; Spencer, Benjamin W.

2018-01-01

We present a strategy for the numerical integration of partial elements with the eXtended finite element method (X-FEM). The new strategy is specifically designed for problems with propagating cracks through a bulk material that exhibits inelasticity. Following a standard approach with the X-FEM, as the crack propagates new partial elements are created. We examine quadrature rules that have sufficient accuracy to calculate stiffness matrices regardless of the orientation of the crack with respect to the element. This permits the number of integration points within elements to remain constant as a crack propagates, and for state data to be easily transferred between successive discretizations. In order to maintain weights that are strictly positive, we propose an approach that blends moment-fitted weights with volume-fraction based weights. To demonstrate the efficacy of this simple approach, we present results from numerical tests and examples with both elastic and plastic material response.

Vibration transmission through rolling element bearings in geared rotor system, part 1. Ph.D. Thesis Final Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, Rajendra; Lim, Teik Chin

1989-01-01

A mathematical model is proposed to examine the vibration transmission through rolling element bearings in geared rotor systems. Current bearing models, based on either ideal boundary conditions for the shaft or purely translational stiffness element description, cannot explain how the vibratory motion may be transmitted from the rotating shaft to the casing. This study clarifies this issue qualitatively and quantitatively by developing a comprehensive bearing stiffness matrix of dimension 6 model for the precision rolling element bearings from basic principles. The proposed bearing formulation is extended to analyze the overall geared rotor system dynamics including casing and mounts. The bearing stiffness matrix is included in discrete system models using lumped parameter and/or dynamic finite element techniques. Eigensolution and forced harmonic response due to rotating mass unbalance or kinematic transmission error excitation for a number of examples are computed.

Finite element analysis of large transient elastic-plastic deformations of simple structures, with application to the engine rotor fragment containment/deflection problem

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wu, R. W.; Witmer, E. A.

1972-01-01

Assumed-displacement versions of the finite-element method are developed to predict large-deformation elastic-plastic transient deformations of structures. Both the conventional and a new improved finite-element variational formulation are derived. These formulations are then developed in detail for straight-beam and curved-beam elements undergoing (1) Bernoulli-Euler-Kirchhoff or (2) Timoshenko deformation behavior, in one plane. For each of these categories, several types of assumed-displacement finite elements are developed, and transient response predictions are compared with available exact solutions for small-deflection, linear-elastic transient responses. The present finite-element predictions for large-deflection elastic-plastic transient responses are evaluated via several beam and ring examples for which experimental measurements of transient strains and large transient deformations and independent finite-difference predictions are available.

Wave Scattering in Heterogeneous Media using the Finite Element Method

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-10-21

AFRL-AFOSR-JP-TR-2016-0086 Wave Scattering in Heterogeneous Media using the Finite Element Method Chiruvai Vendhan INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY...Scattering in Heterogeneous Media using the Finite Element Method 5a.  CONTRACT NUMBER 5b.  GRANT NUMBER FA2386-12-1-4026 5c.  PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 61102F 6...14.  ABSTRACT The primary aim of this study is to develop a finite element model for elastic scattering by axisymmetric bodies submerged in a

Pseudo-beam method for compressive buckling characteristics analysis of space inflatable load-carrying structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Changguo; Tan, Huifeng; Du, Xingwen

2009-10-01

This paper extends Le van’s work to the case of nonlinear problem and the complicated configuration. The wrinkling stress distribution and the pressure effects are also included in our analysis. Pseudo-beam method is presented based on the inflatable beam theory to model the inflatable structures as a set of inflatable beam elements with a pre-stressed state. In this method, the discretized nonlinear equations are given based upon the virtual work principle with a 3-node Timoshenko’s beam model. Finite element simulation is performed by using a 3-node BEAM189 element incorporating ANSYS nonlinear program. The pressure effect is equivalent included in our method by modifying beam element cross-section parameters related to pressure. A benchmark example, the bending case of an inflatable cantilever beam, is performed to verify the accuracy of our proposed method. The comparisons reveal that the numerical results obtained with our method are close to open published analytical and membrane finite element results. The method is then used to evaluate the whole buckling and the load-carrying characteristics of an inflatable support frame subjected to a compression force. The wrinkling stress and region characteristics are also shown in the end. This method gives better convergence characteristics, and requires much less computation time. It is very effective to deal with the whole load-carrying ability analytical problems for large scale inflatable structures with complex configuration.

Improved finite-element methods for rotorcraft structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hinnant, Howard E.

1991-01-01

An overview of the research directed at improving finite-element methods for rotorcraft airframes is presented. The development of a modification to the finite element method which eliminates interelement discontinuities is covered. The following subject areas are discussed: geometric entities, interelement continuity, dependent rotational degrees of freedom, and adaptive numerical integration. This new methodology is being implemented as an anisotropic, curvilinear, p-version, beam, shell, and brick finite element program.

Refinement of Out of Circularity and Thickness Measurements of a Cylinder for Finite Element Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-01

UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED Refinement of Out of Circularity and Thickness Measurements of a Cylinder for Finite Element Analysis...significant effect on the collapse strength and must be accurately represented in finite element analysis to obtain accurate results. Often it is necessary...to interpolate measurements from a relatively coarse grid to a refined finite element model and methods that have wide general acceptance are

Using Finite Element Method to Estimate the Material Properties of a Bearing Cage

DTIC Science & Technology

2018-02-01

UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED AD-E403 988 Technical Report ARMET-TR-17035 USING FINITE ELEMENT METHOD TO ESTIMATE THE MATERIAL...TITLE AND SUBTITLE USING FINITE ELEMENT METHOD TO ESTIMATE THE MATERIAL PROPERTIES OF A BEARING CAGE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT...specifications of non-metallic bearing cages are typically not supplied by the manufacturer. In order to setup a finite element analysis of a

Artificial Boundary Conditions for Finite Element Model Update and Damage Detection

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-03-01

BOUNDARY CONDITIONS FOR FINITE ELEMENT MODEL UPDATE AND DAMAGE DETECTION by Emmanouil Damanakis March 2017 Thesis Advisor: Joshua H. Gordis...REPORT TYPE AND DATES COVERED Master’s thesis 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE ARTIFICIAL BOUNDARY CONDITIONS FOR FINITE ELEMENT MODEL UPDATE AND DAMAGE DETECTION...release. Distribution is unlimited. 12b. DISTRIBUTION CODE 13. ABSTRACT (maximum 200 words) In structural engineering, a finite element model is often

Angular Random Walk Estimation of a Time-Domain Switching Micromachined Gyroscope

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-10-19

1 2. PARAMETRIC SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION BASED ON TIME-DOMAIN SWITCHING ........ 2 3. FINITE ELEMENT MODELING OF RESONATOR...8 3. FINITE ELEMENT MODELING OF RESONATOR This section details basic finite element modeling of the resonator used with the TDSMG. While it...Based on finite element simulations of the employed resonator, it is found that the effects of thermomechanical noise is on par with 10 ps of timing

Verification of finite element analysis of fixed partial denture with in vitro electronic strain measurement.

PubMed

Wang, Gaoqi; Zhang, Song; Bian, Cuirong; Kong, Hui

2016-01-01

The purpose of the study was to verify the finite element analysis model of three-unite fixed partial denture with in vitro electronic strain analysis and analyze clinical situation with the verified model. First, strain gauges were attached to the critical areas of a three-unit fixed partial denture. Strain values were measured under 300 N load perpendicular to the occlusal plane. Secondly, a three-dimensional finite element model in accordance with the electronic strain analysis experiment was constructed from the scanning data. And the strain values obtained by finite element analysis and in vitro measurements were compared. Finally, the clinical destruction of the fixed partial denture was evaluated with the verified finite element analysis model. There was a mutual agreement and consistency between the finite element analysis results and experimental data. The finite element analysis revealed that failure will occur in the veneer layer on buccal surface of the connector under occlusal force of 570 N. The results indicate that the electronic strain analysis is an appropriate and cost saving method to verify the finite element model. The veneer layer on buccal surface of the connector is the weakest area in the fixed partial denture. Copyright © 2015 Japan Prosthodontic Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Finite Element Solution of Lateral Periodic Poisson–Boltzmann Model for Membrane Channel Proteins

PubMed Central

Xu, Jingjie; Lu, Benzhuo

2018-01-01

Membrane channel proteins control the diffusion of ions across biological membranes. They are closely related to the processes of various organizational mechanisms, such as: cardiac impulse, muscle contraction and hormone secretion. Introducing a membrane region into implicit solvation models extends the ability of the Poisson–Boltzmann (PB) equation to handle membrane proteins. The use of lateral periodic boundary conditions can properly simulate the discrete distribution of membrane proteins on the membrane plane and avoid boundary effects, which are caused by the finite box size in the traditional PB calculations. In this work, we: (1) develop a first finite element solver (FEPB) to solve the PB equation with a two-dimensional periodicity for membrane channel proteins, with different numerical treatments of the singular charges distributions in the channel protein; (2) add the membrane as a dielectric slab in the PB model, and use an improved mesh construction method to automatically identify the membrane channel/pore region even with a tilt angle relative to the z-axis; and (3) add a non-polar solvation energy term to complete the estimation of the total solvation energy of a membrane protein. A mesh resolution of about 0.25 Å (cubic grid space)/0.36 Å (tetrahedron edge length) is found to be most accurate in linear finite element calculation of the PB solvation energy. Computational studies are performed on a few exemplary molecules. The results indicate that all factors, the membrane thickness, the length of periodic box, membrane dielectric constant, pore region dielectric constant, and ionic strength, have individually considerable influence on the solvation energy of a channel protein. This demonstrates the necessity to treat all of those effects in the PB model for membrane protein simulations. PMID:29495644

A Finite Element Solution of Lateral Periodic Poisson-Boltzmann Model for Membrane Channel Proteins.

PubMed

Ji, Nan; Liu, Tiantian; Xu, Jingjie; Shen, Longzhu Q; Lu, Benzhuo

2018-02-28

Membrane channel proteins control the diffusion of ions across biological membranes. They are closely related to the processes of various organizational mechanisms, such as: cardiac impulse, muscle contraction and hormone secretion. Introducing a membrane region into implicit solvation models extends the ability of the Poisson-Boltzmann (PB) equation to handle membrane proteins. The use of lateral periodic boundary conditions can properly simulate the discrete distribution of membrane proteins on the membrane plane and avoid boundary effects, which are caused by the finite box size in the traditional PB calculations. In this work, we: (1) develop a first finite element solver (FEPB) to solve the PB equation with a two-dimensional periodicity for membrane channel proteins, with different numerical treatments of the singular charges distributions in the channel protein; (2) add the membrane as a dielectric slab in the PB model, and use an improved mesh construction method to automatically identify the membrane channel/pore region even with a tilt angle relative to the z -axis; and (3) add a non-polar solvation energy term to complete the estimation of the total solvation energy of a membrane protein. A mesh resolution of about 0.25 Å (cubic grid space)/0.36 Å (tetrahedron edge length) is found to be most accurate in linear finite element calculation of the PB solvation energy. Computational studies are performed on a few exemplary molecules. The results indicate that all factors, the membrane thickness, the length of periodic box, membrane dielectric constant, pore region dielectric constant, and ionic strength, have individually considerable influence on the solvation energy of a channel protein. This demonstrates the necessity to treat all of those effects in the PB model for membrane protein simulations.

On conforming mixed finite element methods for incompressible viscous flow problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gunzburger, M. D; Nicolaides, R. A.; Peterson, J. S.

1982-01-01

The application of conforming mixed finite element methods to obtain approximate solutions of linearized Navier-Stokes equations is examined. Attention is given to the convergence rates of various finite element approximations of the pressure and the velocity field. The optimality of the convergence rates are addressed in terms of comparisons of the approximation convergence to a smooth solution in relation to the best approximation available for the finite element space used. Consideration is also devoted to techniques for efficient use of a Gaussian elimination algorithm to obtain a solution to a system of linear algebraic equations derived by finite element discretizations of linear partial differential equations.

Ablative Thermal Response Analysis Using the Finite Element Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dec John A.; Braun, Robert D.

2009-01-01

A review of the classic techniques used to solve ablative thermal response problems is presented. The advantages and disadvantages of both the finite element and finite difference methods are described. As a first step in developing a three dimensional finite element based ablative thermal response capability, a one dimensional computer tool has been developed. The finite element method is used to discretize the governing differential equations and Galerkin's method of weighted residuals is used to derive the element equations. A code to code comparison between the current 1-D tool and the 1-D Fully Implicit Ablation and Thermal Response Program (FIAT) has been performed.

Well-Balanced Second-Order Approximation of the Shallow Water Equations With Friction via Continuous Galerkin Finite Elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quezada de Luna, M.; Farthing, M.; Guermond, J. L.; Kees, C. E.; Popov, B.

2017-12-01

The Shallow Water Equations (SWEs) are popular for modeling non-dispersive incompressible water waves where the horizontal wavelength is much larger than the vertical scales. They can be derived from the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations assuming a constant vertical velocity. The SWEs are important in Geophysical Fluid Dynamics for modeling surface gravity waves in shallow regimes; e.g., in the deep ocean. Some common geophysical applications are the evolution of tsunamis, river flooding and dam breaks, storm surge simulations, atmospheric flows and others. This work is concerned with the approximation of the time-dependent Shallow Water Equations with friction using explicit time stepping and continuous finite elements. The objective is to construct a method that is at least second-order accurate in space and third or higher-order accurate in time, positivity preserving, well-balanced with respect to rest states, well-balanced with respect to steady sliding solutions on inclined planes and robust with respect to dry states. Methods fulfilling the desired goals are common within the finite volume literature. However, to the best of our knowledge, schemes with the above properties are not well developed in the context of continuous finite elements. We start this work based on a finite element method that is second-order accurate in space, positivity preserving and well-balanced with respect to rest states. We extend it by: modifying the artificial viscosity (via the entropy viscosity method) to deal with issues of loss of accuracy around local extrema, considering a singular Manning friction term handled via an explicit discretization under the usual CFL condition, considering a water height regularization that depends on the mesh size and is consistent with the polynomial approximation, reducing dispersive errors introduced by lumping the mass matrix and others. After presenting the details of the method we show numerical tests that demonstrate the well-balanced nature of the scheme and its convergence properties. We conclude with well-known benchmark problems including the Malpasset dam break (see the attached figure). All numerical experiments are performed and available in the Proteus toolkit, which is an open source python package for modeling continuum mechanical processes and fluid flow.

Micromechanics based simulation of ductile fracture in structural steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yellavajjala, Ravi Kiran

The broader aim of this research is to develop fundamental understanding of ductile fracture process in structural steels, propose robust computational models to quantify the associated damage, and provide numerical tools to simplify the implementation of these computational models into general finite element framework. Mechanical testing on different geometries of test specimens made of ASTM A992 steels is conducted to experimentally characterize the ductile fracture at different stress states under monotonic and ultra-low cycle fatigue (ULCF) loading. Scanning electron microscopy studies of the fractured surfaces is conducted to decipher the underlying microscopic damage mechanisms that cause fracture in ASTM A992 steels. Detailed micromechanical analyses for monotonic and cyclic loading are conducted to understand the influence of stress triaxiality and Lode parameter on the void growth phase of ductile fracture. Based on monotonic analyses, an uncoupled micromechanical void growth model is proposed to predict ductile fracture. This model is then incorporated in to finite element program as a weakly coupled model to simulate the loss of load carrying capacity in the post microvoid coalescence regime for high triaxialities. Based on the cyclic analyses, an uncoupled micromechanics based cyclic void growth model is developed to predict the ULCF life of ASTM A992 steels subjected to high stress triaxialities. Furthermore, a computational fracture locus for ASTM A992 steels is developed and incorporated in to finite element program as an uncoupled ductile fracture model. This model can be used to predict the ductile fracture initiation under monotonic loading in a wide range of triaxiality and Lode parameters. Finally, a coupled microvoid elongation and dilation based continuum damage model is proposed, implemented, calibrated and validated. This model is capable of simulating the local softening caused by the various phases of ductile fracture process under monotonic loading for a wide range of stress states. Novel differentiation procedures based on complex analyses along with existing finite difference methods and automatic differentiation are extended using perturbation techniques to evaluate tensor derivatives. These tensor differentiation techniques are then used to automate nonlinear constitutive models into implicit finite element framework. Finally, the efficiency of these automation procedures is demonstrated using benchmark problems.

Semidiscrete Galerkin modelling of compressible viscous flow past a circular cone at incidence. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meade, Andrew James, Jr.

1989-01-01

A numerical study of the laminar and compressible boundary layer, about a circular cone in a supersonic free stream, is presented. It is thought that if accurate and efficient numerical schemes can be produced to solve the boundary layer equations, they can be joined to numerical codes that solve the inviscid outer flow. The combination of these numerical codes is competitive with the accurate, but computationally expensive, Navier-Stokes schemes. The primary goal is to develop a finite element method for the calculation of 3-D compressible laminar boundary layer about a yawed cone. The proposed method can, in principle, be extended to apply to the 3-D boundary layer of pointed bodies of arbitrary cross section. The 3-D boundary layer equations governing supersonic free stream flow about a cone are examined. The 3-D partial differential equations are reduced to 2-D integral equations by applying the Howarth, Mangler, Crocco transformations, a linear relation between viscosity, and a Blasius-type of similarity variable. This is equivalent to a Dorodnitsyn-type formulation. The reduced equations are independent of density and curvature effects, and resemble the weak form of the 2-D incompressible boundary layer equations in Cartesian coordinates. In addition the coordinate normal to the wall has been stretched, which reduces the gradients across the layer and provides high resolution near the surface. Utilizing the parabolic nature of the boundary layer equations, a finite element method is applied to the Dorodnitsyn formulation. The formulation is presented in a Petrov-Galerkin finite element form and discretized across the layer using linear interpolation functions. The finite element discretization yields a system of ordinary differential equations in the circumferential direction. The circumferential derivatives are solved by an implicit and noniterative finite difference marching scheme. Solutions are presented for a 15 deg half angle cone at angles of attack of 5 and 10 deg. The numerical solutions assume a laminar boundary layer with free stream Mach number of 7. Results include circumferential distribution of skin friction and surface heat transfer, and cross flow velocity distributions across the layer.

Finite Element Methods and Multiphase Continuum Theory for Modeling 3D Air-Water-Sediment Interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kees, C. E.; Miller, C. T.; Dimakopoulos, A.; Farthing, M.

2016-12-01

The last decade has seen an expansion in the development and application of 3D free surface flow models in the context of environmental simulation. These models are based primarily on the combination of effective algorithms, namely level set and volume-of-fluid methods, with high-performance, parallel computing. These models are still computationally expensive and suitable primarily when high-fidelity modeling near structures is required. While most research on algorithms and implementations has been conducted in the context of finite volume methods, recent work has extended a class of level set schemes to finite element methods on unstructured methods. This work considers models of three-phase flow in domains containing air, water, and granular phases. These multi-phase continuum mechanical formulations show great promise for applications such as analysis of coastal and riverine structures. This work will consider formulations proposed in the literature over the last decade as well as new formulations derived using the thermodynamically constrained averaging theory, an approach to deriving and closing macroscale continuum models for multi-phase and multi-component processes. The target applications require the ability to simulate wave breaking and structure over-topping, particularly fully three-dimensional, non-hydrostatic flows that drive these phenomena. A conservative level set scheme suitable for higher-order finite element methods is used to describe the air/water phase interaction. The interaction of these air/water flows with granular materials, such as sand and rubble, must also be modeled. The range of granular media dynamics targeted including flow and wave transmision through the solid media as well as erosion and deposition of granular media and moving bed dynamics. For the granular phase we consider volume- and time-averaged continuum mechanical formulations that are discretized with the finite element method and coupled to the underlying air/water flow via operator splitting (fractional step) schemes. Particular attention will be given to verification and validation of the numerical model and important qualitative features of the numerical methods including phase conservation, wave energy dissipation, and computational efficiency in regimes of interest.

Infinite Possibilities for the Finite Element.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Finlayson, Bruce A.

1981-01-01

Describes the uses of finite element methods in solving problems of heat transfer, fluid flow, etc. Suggests that engineers should know the general concepts and be able to apply the principles of finite element methods. (Author/WB)

Vectorial finite elements for solving the radiative transfer equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Badri, M. A.; Jolivet, P.; Rousseau, B.; Le Corre, S.; Digonnet, H.; Favennec, Y.

2018-06-01

The discrete ordinate method coupled with the finite element method is often used for the spatio-angular discretization of the radiative transfer equation. In this paper we attempt to improve upon such a discretization technique. Instead of using standard finite elements, we reformulate the radiative transfer equation using vectorial finite elements. In comparison to standard finite elements, this reformulation yields faster timings for the linear system assemblies, as well as for the solution phase when using scattering media. The proposed vectorial finite element discretization for solving the radiative transfer equation is cross-validated against a benchmark problem available in literature. In addition, we have used the method of manufactured solutions to verify the order of accuracy for our discretization technique within different absorbing, scattering, and emitting media. For solving large problems of radiation on parallel computers, the vectorial finite element method is parallelized using domain decomposition. The proposed domain decomposition method scales on large number of processes, and its performance is unaffected by the changes in optical thickness of the medium. Our parallel solver is used to solve a large scale radiative transfer problem of the Kelvin-cell radiation.

A combined registration and finite element analysis method for fast estimation of intraoperative brain shift; phantom and animal model study.

PubMed

Mohammadi, Amrollah; Ahmadian, Alireza; Rabbani, Shahram; Fattahi, Ehsan; Shirani, Shapour

2017-12-01

Finite element models for estimation of intraoperative brain shift suffer from huge computational cost. In these models, image registration and finite element analysis are two time-consuming processes. The proposed method is an improved version of our previously developed Finite Element Drift (FED) registration algorithm. In this work the registration process is combined with the finite element analysis. In the Combined FED (CFED), the deformation of whole brain mesh is iteratively calculated by geometrical extension of a local load vector which is computed by FED. While the processing time of the FED-based method including registration and finite element analysis was about 70 s, the computation time of the CFED was about 3.2 s. The computational cost of CFED is almost 50% less than similar state of the art brain shift estimators based on finite element models. The proposed combination of registration and structural analysis can make the calculation of brain deformation much faster. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huang, Chen, E-mail: chuang3@fsu.edu

A key element in the density functional embedding theory (DFET) is the embedding potential. We discuss two major issues related to the embedding potential: (1) its non-uniqueness and (2) the numerical difficulty for solving for it, especially for the spin-polarized systems. To resolve the first issue, we extend DFET to finite temperature: all quantities, such as the subsystem densities and the total system’s density, are calculated at a finite temperature. This is a physical extension since materials work at finite temperatures. We show that the embedding potential is strictly unique at T > 0. To resolve the second issue, wemore » introduce an efficient iterative embedding potential solver. We discuss how to relax the magnetic moments in subsystems and how to equilibrate the chemical potentials across subsystems. The solver is robust and efficient for several non-trivial examples, in all of which good quality spin-polarized embedding potentials were obtained. We also demonstrate the solver on an extended periodic system: iron body-centered cubic (110) surface, which is related to the modeling of the heterogeneous catalysis involving iron, such as the Fischer-Tropsch and the Haber processes. This work would make it efficient and accurate to perform embedding simulations of some challenging material problems, such as the heterogeneous catalysis and the defects of complicated spin configurations in electronic materials.« less

Effects of cleft type, facemask anchorage method, and alveolar bone graft on maxillary protraction: a three-dimensional finite element analysis.

PubMed

Yang, Il-Hyung; Chang, Young-Il; Kim, Tae-Woo; Ahn, Sug-Joon; Lim, Won-Hee; Lee, Nam-Ki; Baek, Seung-Hak

2012-03-01

To investigate biomechanical effects of cleft type (unilateral/bilateral cleft lip and palate), facemask anchorage method (tooth-borne and miniplate anchorage), and alveolar bone graft on maxillary protraction. Three-dimensional finite element analysis with application of orthopedic force (30° downward and forward to the occlusal plane, 500 g per side). Computed tomography data from a 13.5-year-old girl with maxillary hypoplasia. Eight three-dimensional finite element models were fabricated according to cleft type, facemask anchorage method, and alveolar bone graft. Initial stress distribution and displacement after force application were analyzed. Unilateral cleft lip and palate showed an asymmetric pattern in stress distribution and displacement before alveolar bone graft and demonstrated a symmetric pattern after alveolar bone graft. However, bilateral cleft lip and palate showed symmetric patterns in stress distribution and displacement before and after alveolar bone graft. In both cleft types, the graft extended the stress distribution area laterally beyond the infraorbital foramen. For both unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate, a facemask with a tooth-borne anchorage showed a dentoalveolar effect with prominent stress distribution and displacement on the upper canine point. In contrast, a facemask with miniplate anchorage exhibited an orthopedic effect with more favorable stress distribution and displacement on the middle maxilla point. In addition, the facemask with a miniplate anchorage showed a larger stress distribution area and sutural stress values than did the facemask with a tooth-borne anchorage. The pterygopalatine and zygomatico-maxillary sutures showed the largest sutural stress values with a facemask with a miniplate anchorage and after alveolar bone grafting, respectively. In this three-dimensional finite element analysis, it would be more advantageous to perform maxillary protraction using a facemask with a miniplate anchorage than a facemask with a tooth-borne anchorage and after alveolar bone graft rather than before alveolar bone graft, regardless of cleft type.

An Integrated Crustal Dynamics Simulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xing, H. L.; Mora, P.

2007-12-01

Numerical modelling offers an outstanding opportunity to gain an understanding of the crustal dynamics and complex crustal system behaviour. This presentation provides our long-term and ongoing effort on finite element based computational model and software development to simulate the interacting fault system for earthquake forecasting. A R-minimum strategy based finite-element computational model and software tool, PANDAS, for modelling 3-dimensional nonlinear frictional contact behaviour between multiple deformable bodies with the arbitrarily-shaped contact element strategy has been developed by the authors, which builds up a virtual laboratory to simulate interacting fault systems including crustal boundary conditions and various nonlinearities (e.g. from frictional contact, materials, geometry and thermal coupling). It has been successfully applied to large scale computing of the complex nonlinear phenomena in the non-continuum media involving the nonlinear frictional instability, multiple material properties and complex geometries on supercomputers, such as the South Australia (SA) interacting fault system, South California fault model and Sumatra subduction model. It has been also extended and to simulate the hot fractured rock (HFR) geothermal reservoir system in collaboration of Geodynamics Ltd which is constructing the first geothermal reservoir system in Australia and to model the tsunami generation induced by earthquakes. Both are supported by Australian Research Council.

Global-Local Finite Element Analysis of Bonded Single-Lap Joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kilic, Bahattin; Madenci, Erdogan; Ambur, Damodar R.

2004-01-01

Adhesively bonded lap joints involve dissimilar material junctions and sharp changes in geometry, possibly leading to premature failure. Although the finite element method is well suited to model the bonded lap joints, traditional finite elements are incapable of correctly resolving the stress state at junctions of dissimilar materials because of the unbounded nature of the stresses. In order to facilitate the use of bonded lap joints in future structures, this study presents a finite element technique utilizing a global (special) element coupled with traditional elements. The global element includes the singular behavior at the junction of dissimilar materials with or without traction-free surfaces.

The constraint method: A new finite element technique. [applied to static and dynamic loads on plates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tsai, C.; Szabo, B. A.

1973-01-01

An approch to the finite element method which utilizes families of conforming finite elements based on complete polynomials is presented. Finite element approximations based on this method converge with respect to progressively reduced element sizes as well as with respect to progressively increasing orders of approximation. Numerical results of static and dynamic applications of plates are presented to demonstrate the efficiency of the method. Comparisons are made with plate elements in NASTRAN and the high-precision plate element developed by Cowper and his co-workers. Some considerations are given to implementation of the constraint method into general purpose computer programs such as NASTRAN.

Element-topology-independent preconditioners for parallel finite element computations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Park, K. C.; Alexander, Scott

1992-01-01

A family of preconditioners for the solution of finite element equations are presented, which are element-topology independent and thus can be applicable to element order-free parallel computations. A key feature of the present preconditioners is the repeated use of element connectivity matrices and their left and right inverses. The properties and performance of the present preconditioners are demonstrated via beam and two-dimensional finite element matrices for implicit time integration computations.

Analysis of crack propagation as an energy absorption mechanism in metal matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, D. F.; Murphy, D. P.

1981-01-01

The crack initiation and crack propagation capability was extended to the previously developed generalized plane strain, finite element micromechanics analysis. Also, an axisymmetric analysis was developed, which contains all of the general features of the plane analysis, including elastoplastic material behavior, temperature-dependent material properties, and crack propagation. These analyses were used to generate various example problems demonstrating the inelastic response of, and crack initiation and propagation in, a boron/aluminum composite.

A Thermodynamically Consistent Approach to Phase-Separating Viscous Fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anders, Denis; Weinberg, Kerstin

2018-04-01

The de-mixing properties of heterogeneous viscous fluids are determined by an interplay of diffusion, surface tension and a superposed velocity field. In this contribution a variational model of the decomposition, based on the Navier-Stokes equations for incompressible laminar flow and the extended Korteweg-Cahn-Hilliard equations, is formulated. An exemplary numerical simulation using C1-continuous finite elements demonstrates the capability of this model to compute phase decomposition and coarsening of the moving fluid.

Acoustic-Liner Admittance in a Duct

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watson, W. R.

1986-01-01

Method calculates admittance from easily obtainable values. New method for calculating acoustic-liner admittance in rectangular duct with grazing flow based on finite-element discretization of acoustic field and reposing of unknown admittance value as linear eigenvalue problem on admittance value. Problem solved by Gaussian elimination. Unlike existing methods, present method extendable to mean flows with two-dimensional boundary layers as well. In presence of shear, results of method compared well with results of Runge-Kutta integration technique.

An extended validation of the last generation of particle finite element method for free surface flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gimenez, Juan M.; González, Leo M.

2015-03-01

In this paper, a new generation of the particle method known as Particle Finite Element Method (PFEM), which combines convective particle movement and a fixed mesh resolution, is applied to free surface flows. This interesting variant, previously described in the literature as PFEM-2, is able to use larger time steps when compared to other similar numerical tools which implies shorter computational times while maintaining the accuracy of the computation. PFEM-2 has already been extended to free surface problems, being the main topic of this paper a deep validation of this methodology for a wider range of flows. To accomplish this task, different improved versions of discontinuous and continuous enriched basis functions for the pressure field have been developed to capture the free surface dynamics without artificial diffusion or undesired numerical effects when different density ratios are involved. A collection of problems has been carefully selected such that a wide variety of Froude numbers, density ratios and dominant dissipative cases are reported with the intention of presenting a general methodology, not restricted to a particular range of parameters, and capable of using large time-steps. The results of the different free-surface problems solved, which include: Rayleigh-Taylor instability, sloshing problems, viscous standing waves and the dam break problem, are compared to well validated numerical alternatives or experimental measurements obtaining accurate approximations for such complex flows.

Goal-oriented explicit residual-type error estimates in XFEM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rüter, Marcus; Gerasimov, Tymofiy; Stein, Erwin

2013-08-01

A goal-oriented a posteriori error estimator is derived to control the error obtained while approximately evaluating a quantity of engineering interest, represented in terms of a given linear or nonlinear functional, using extended finite elements of Q1 type. The same approximation method is used to solve the dual problem as required for the a posteriori error analysis. It is shown that for both problems to be solved numerically the same singular enrichment functions can be used. The goal-oriented error estimator presented can be classified as explicit residual type, i.e. the residuals of the approximations are used directly to compute upper bounds on the error of the quantity of interest. This approach therefore extends the explicit residual-type error estimator for classical energy norm error control as recently presented in Gerasimov et al. (Int J Numer Meth Eng 90:1118-1155, 2012a). Without loss of generality, the a posteriori error estimator is applied to the model problem of linear elastic fracture mechanics. Thus, emphasis is placed on the fracture criterion, here the J-integral, as the chosen quantity of interest. Finally, various illustrative numerical examples are presented where, on the one hand, the error estimator is compared to its finite element counterpart and, on the other hand, improved enrichment functions, as introduced in Gerasimov et al. (2012b), are discussed.

Topological design of all-ceramic dental bridges for enhancing fracture resistance.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhongpu; Chen, Junning; Li, Eric; Li, Wei; Swain, Michael; Li, Qing

2016-06-01

Layered all-ceramic systems have been increasingly adopted in major dental prostheses. However, ceramics are inherently brittle, and they often subject to premature failure under high occlusion forces especially in the posterior region. This study aimed to develop mechanically sound novel topological designs for all-ceramic dental bridges by minimizing the fracture incidence under given loading conditions. A bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) technique is implemented within the extended finite element method (XFEM) framework. Extended finite element method allows modeling crack initiation and propagation inside all-ceramic restoration systems. Following this, BESO searches the optimum distribution of two different ceramic materials, namely porcelain and zirconia, for minimizing fracture incidence. A performance index, as per a ratio of peak tensile stress to material strength, is used as a design objective. In this study, the novel XFEM based BESO topology optimization significantly improved structural strength by minimizing performance index for suppressing fracture incidence in the structures. As expected, the fracture resistance and factor of safety of fixed partial dentures structure increased upon redistributing zirconia and porcelain in the optimal topological configuration. Dental CAD/CAM systems and the emerging 3D printing technology were commercially available to facilitate implementation of such a computational design, exhibiting considerable potential for clinical application in the future. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A progress report on estuary modeling by the finite-element method

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gray, William G.

1978-01-01

Various schemes are investigated for finite-element modeling of two-dimensional surface-water flows. The first schemes investigated combine finite-element spatial discretization with split-step time stepping schemes that have been found useful in finite-difference computations. Because of the large number of numerical integrations performed in space and the large sparse matrices solved, these finite-element schemes were found to be economically uncompetitive with finite-difference schemes. A very promising leapfrog scheme is proposed which, when combined with a novel very fast spatial integration procedure, eliminates the need to solve any matrices at all. Additional problems attacked included proper propagation of waves and proper specification of the normal flow-boundary condition. This report indicates work in progress and does not come to a definitive conclusion as to the best approach for finite-element modeling of surface-water problems. The results presented represent findings obtained between September 1973 and July 1976. (Woodard-USGS)

Finite Element Models and Properties of a Stiffened Floor-Equipped Composite Cylinder

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grosveld, Ferdinand W.; Schiller, Noah H.; Cabell, Randolph H.

2010-01-01

Finite element models were developed of a floor-equipped, frame and stringer stiffened composite cylinder including a coarse finite element model of the structural components, a coarse finite element model of the acoustic cavities above and below the beam-supported plywood floor, and two dense models consisting of only the structural components. The report summarizes the geometry, the element properties, the material and mechanical properties, the beam cross-section characteristics, the beam element representations and the boundary conditions of the composite cylinder models. The expressions used to calculate the group speeds for the cylinder components are presented.

IFEMS, an Interactive Finite Element Modeling System Using a CAD/CAM System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mckellip, S.; Schuman, T.; Lauer, S.

1980-01-01

A method of coupling a CAD/CAM system with a general purpose finite element mesh generator is described. The three computer programs which make up the interactive finite element graphics system are discussed.

Recent Development of Multigrid Algorithms for Mixed and Noncomforming Methods for Second Order Elliptical Problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Zhangxin; Ewing, Richard E.

1996-01-01

Multigrid algorithms for nonconforming and mixed finite element methods for second order elliptic problems on triangular and rectangular finite elements are considered. The construction of several coarse-to-fine intergrid transfer operators for nonconforming multigrid algorithms is discussed. The equivalence between the nonconforming and mixed finite element methods with and without projection of the coefficient of the differential problems into finite element spaces is described.

Development of an Anatomically Accurate Finite Element Human Ocular Globe Model for Blast-Related Fluid-Structure Interaction Studies

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-02-01

ARL-TR-7945 ● FEB 2017 US Army Research Laboratory Development of an Anatomically Accurate Finite Element Human Ocular Globe...ARL-TR-7945 ● FEB 2017 US Army Research Laboratory Development of an Anatomically Accurate Finite Element Human Ocular Globe Model... Finite Element Human Ocular Globe Model for Blast-Related Fluid-Structure Interaction Studies 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM

Finite Element Barotropic Model for the Indian and Western Pacific OceanBasin: Tidal Model Data Comparisons and Sensitivities

DTIC Science & Technology

2018-01-11

From - To) 01/11/2018 Final Technical Report June 01 2016 - Dec 30 2017 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Sa. CONTRACT NUMBER Finite - Element Barotropic Model...grid finite - element barotropic fully hydrodynamic model in order to understand the shallow-water dynamics of the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific Ocean...dissipative dissipative processes are explored. 15. SUBJECTTERMS finite - element , unstructured grid, barotropic tides, bathymetry, internal tide

ParaView visualization of Abaqus output on the mechanical deformation of complex microstructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Qingbin; Li, Jiang; Liu, Jie

2017-02-01

Abaqus® is a popular software suite for finite element analysis. It delivers linear and nonlinear analyses of mechanical and fluid dynamics, includes multi-body system and multi-physics coupling. However, the visualization capability of Abaqus using its CAE module is limited. Models from microtomography have extremely complicated structures, and datasets of Abaqus output are huge, requiring a visualization tool more powerful than Abaqus/CAE. We convert Abaqus output into the XML-based VTK format by developing a Python script and then using ParaView to visualize the results. Such capabilities as volume rendering, tensor glyphs, superior animation and other filters allow ParaView to offer excellent visualizing manifestations. ParaView's parallel visualization makes it possible to visualize very big data. To support full parallel visualization, the Python script achieves data partitioning by reorganizing all nodes, elements and the corresponding results on those nodes and elements. The data partition scheme minimizes data redundancy and works efficiently. Given its good readability and extendibility, the script can be extended to the processing of more different problems in Abaqus. We share the script with Abaqus users on GitHub.

MSC products for the simulation of tire behavior

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Muskivitch, John C.

1995-01-01

The modeling of tires and the simulation of tire behavior are complex problems. The MacNeal-Schwendler Corporation (MSC) has a number of finite element analysis products that can be used to address the complexities of tire modeling and simulation. While there are many similarities between the products, each product has a number of capabilities that uniquely enable it to be used for a specific aspect of tire behavior. This paper discusses the following programs: (1) MSC/NASTRAN - general purpose finite element program for linear and nonlinear static and dynamic analysis; (2) MSC/ADAQUS - nonlinear statics and dynamics finite element program; (3) MSC/PATRAN AFEA (Advanced Finite Element Analysis) - general purpose finite element program with a subset of linear and nonlinear static and dynamic analysis capabilities with an integrated version of MSC/PATRAN for pre- and post-processing; and (4) MSC/DYTRAN - nonlinear explicit transient dynamics finite element program.

[Research Progress and Prospect of Applications of Finite Element Method in Lumbar Spine Biomechanics].

PubMed

Zhang, Zhenjun; Li, Yang; Liao, Zhenhua; Liu, Weiqiang

2016-12-01

Based on the application of finite element analysis in spine biomechanics,the research progress of finite element method applied in lumbar spine mechanics is reviewed and the prospect is forecasted.The related works,including lumbar ontology modeling,clinical application research,and occupational injury and protection,are summarized.The main research areas of finite element method are as follows:new accurate modeling process,the optimized simulation method,diversified clinical effect evaluation,and the clinical application of artificial lumbar disc.According to the recent research progress,the application prospects of finite element method,such as automation and individuation of modeling process,evaluation and analysis of new operation methods and simulation of mechanical damage and dynamic response,are discussed.The purpose of this paper is to provide the theoretical reference and practical guidance for the clinical lumbar problems by reviewing the application of finite element method in the field of the lumbar spine biomechanics.

Higher-order adaptive finite-element methods for Kohn–Sham density functional theory

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Motamarri, P.; Nowak, M.R.; Leiter, K.

2013-11-15

We present an efficient computational approach to perform real-space electronic structure calculations using an adaptive higher-order finite-element discretization of Kohn–Sham density-functional theory (DFT). To this end, we develop an a priori mesh-adaption technique to construct a close to optimal finite-element discretization of the problem. We further propose an efficient solution strategy for solving the discrete eigenvalue problem by using spectral finite-elements in conjunction with Gauss–Lobatto quadrature, and a Chebyshev acceleration technique for computing the occupied eigenspace. The proposed approach has been observed to provide a staggering 100–200-fold computational advantage over the solution of a generalized eigenvalue problem. Using the proposedmore » solution procedure, we investigate the computational efficiency afforded by higher-order finite-element discretizations of the Kohn–Sham DFT problem. Our studies suggest that staggering computational savings—of the order of 1000-fold—relative to linear finite-elements can be realized, for both all-electron and local pseudopotential calculations, by using higher-order finite-element discretizations. On all the benchmark systems studied, we observe diminishing returns in computational savings beyond the sixth-order for accuracies commensurate with chemical accuracy, suggesting that the hexic spectral-element may be an optimal choice for the finite-element discretization of the Kohn–Sham DFT problem. A comparative study of the computational efficiency of the proposed higher-order finite-element discretizations suggests that the performance of finite-element basis is competing with the plane-wave discretization for non-periodic local pseudopotential calculations, and compares to the Gaussian basis for all-electron calculations to within an order of magnitude. Further, we demonstrate the capability of the proposed approach to compute the electronic structure of a metallic system containing 1688 atoms using modest computational resources, and good scalability of the present implementation up to 192 processors.« less

An efficient finite element method for simulation of droplet spreading on a topologically rough surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Li; Wang, Xiao-Ping; Cai, Xiao-Chuan

2017-11-01

We study numerically the dynamics of a three-dimensional droplet spreading on a rough solid surface using a phase-field model consisting of the coupled Cahn-Hilliard and Navier-Stokes equations with a generalized Navier boundary condition (GNBC). An efficient finite element method on unstructured meshes is introduced to cope with the complex geometry of the solid surfaces. We extend the GNBC to surfaces with complex geometry by including its weak form along different normal and tangential directions in the finite element formulation. The semi-implicit time discretization scheme results in a decoupled system for the phase function, the velocity, and the pressure. In addition, a mass compensation algorithm is introduced to preserve the mass of the droplet. To efficiently solve the decoupled systems, we present a highly parallel solution strategy based on domain decomposition techniques. We validate the newly developed solution method through extensive numerical experiments, particularly for those phenomena that can not be achieved by two-dimensional simulations. On a surface with circular posts, we study how wettability of the rough surface depends on the geometry of the posts. The contact line motion for a droplet spreading over some periodic rough surfaces are also efficiently computed. Moreover, we study the spreading process of an impacting droplet on a microstructured surface, a qualitative agreement is achieved between the numerical and experimental results. The parallel performance suggests that the proposed solution algorithm is scalable with over 4,000 processors cores with tens of millions of unknowns.

Comparison of Gap Elements and Contact Algorithm for 3D Contact Analysis of Spiral Bevel Gears

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bibel, G. D.; Tiku, K.; Kumar, A.; Handschuh, R.

1994-01-01

Three dimensional stress analysis of spiral bevel gears in mesh using the finite element method is presented. A finite element model is generated by solving equations that identify tooth surface coordinates. Contact is simulated by the automatic generation of nonpenetration constraints. This method is compared to a finite element contact analysis conducted with gap elements.

Transient analysis of 1D inhomogeneous media by dynamic inhomogeneous finite element method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Zailin; Wang, Yao; Hei, Baoping

2013-12-01

The dynamic inhomogeneous finite element method is studied for use in the transient analysis of onedimensional inhomogeneous media. The general formula of the inhomogeneous consistent mass matrix is established based on the shape function. In order to research the advantages of this method, it is compared with the general finite element method. A linear bar element is chosen for the discretization tests of material parameters with two fictitious distributions. And, a numerical example is solved to observe the differences in the results between these two methods. Some characteristics of the dynamic inhomogeneous finite element method that demonstrate its advantages are obtained through comparison with the general finite element method. It is found that the method can be used to solve elastic wave motion problems with a large element scale and a large number of iteration steps.

A new conformal absorbing boundary condition for finite element meshes and parallelization of FEMATS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chatterjee, A.; Volakis, J. L.; Nguyen, J.; Nurnberger, M.; Ross, D.

1993-01-01

Some of the progress toward the development and parallelization of an improved version of the finite element code FEMATS is described. This is a finite element code for computing the scattering by arbitrarily shaped three dimensional surfaces composite scatterers. The following tasks were worked on during the report period: (1) new absorbing boundary conditions (ABC's) for truncating the finite element mesh; (2) mixed mesh termination schemes; (3) hierarchical elements and multigridding; (4) parallelization; and (5) various modeling enhancements (antenna feeds, anisotropy, and higher order GIBC).

Books and monographs on finite element technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noor, A. K.

1985-01-01

The present paper proviees a listing of all of the English books and some of the foreign books on finite element technology, taking into account also a list of the conference proceedings devoted solely to finite elements. The references are divided into categories. Attention is given to fundamentals, mathematical foundations, structural and solid mechanics applications, fluid mechanics applications, other applied science and engineering applications, computer implementation and software systems, computational and modeling aspects, special topics, boundary element methods, proceedings of symmposia and conferences on finite element technology, bibliographies, handbooks, and historical accounts.

An Automated Method for Landmark Identification and Finite-Element Modeling of the Lumbar Spine.

PubMed

Campbell, Julius Quinn; Petrella, Anthony J

2015-11-01

The purpose of this study was to develop a method for the automated creation of finite-element models of the lumbar spine. Custom scripts were written to extract bone landmarks of lumbar vertebrae and assemble L1-L5 finite-element models. End-plate borders, ligament attachment points, and facet surfaces were identified. Landmarks were identified to maintain mesh correspondence between meshes for later use in statistical shape modeling. 90 lumbar vertebrae were processed creating 18 subject-specific finite-element models. Finite-element model surfaces and ligament attachment points were reproduced within 1e-5 mm of the bone surface, including the critical contact surfaces of the facets. Element quality exceeded specifications in 97% of elements for the 18 models created. The current method is capable of producing subject-specific finite-element models of the lumbar spine with good accuracy, quality, and robustness. The automated methods developed represent advancement in the state of the art of subject-specific lumbar spine modeling to a scale not possible with prior manual and semiautomated methods.

Discrete maximum principle for the P1 - P0 weak Galerkin finite element approximations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Junping; Ye, Xiu; Zhai, Qilong; Zhang, Ran

2018-06-01

This paper presents two discrete maximum principles (DMP) for the numerical solution of second order elliptic equations arising from the weak Galerkin finite element method. The results are established by assuming an h-acute angle condition for the underlying finite element triangulations. The mathematical theory is based on the well-known De Giorgi technique adapted in the finite element context. Some numerical results are reported to validate the theory of DMP.

A Computational Approach for Automated Posturing of a Human Finite Element Model

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-07-01

Std. Z39.18 July 2016 Memorandum Report A Computational Approach for Automated Posturing of a Human Finite Element Model Justin McKee and Adam...protection by influencing the path that loading will be transferred into the body and is a major source of variability. The development of a finite element ...posture, human body, finite element , leg, spine 42 Adam Sokolow 410-306-2985Unclassified Unclassified Unclassified UU ii Approved for public release

Evaluation of Acoustic Propagation Paths into the Human Head

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-07-25

paths. A 3D finite-element solid mesh was constructed using a digital image database of an adult male head. Finite-element analysis was used to model the...air-borne sound pressure amplitude) via the alternate propagation paths. A 3D finite-element solid mesh was constructed using a digital image database ... database of an adult male head Coupled acoustic-mechanical finite-element analysis (FEA) was used to model the wave propagation through the fluid-solid

Semi-automatic sparse preconditioners for high-order finite element methods on non-uniform meshes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Austin, Travis M.; Brezina, Marian; Jamroz, Ben; Jhurani, Chetan; Manteuffel, Thomas A.; Ruge, John

2012-05-01

High-order finite elements often have a higher accuracy per degree of freedom than the classical low-order finite elements. However, in the context of implicit time-stepping methods, high-order finite elements present challenges to the construction of efficient simulations due to the high cost of inverting the denser finite element matrix. There are many cases where simulations are limited by the memory required to store the matrix and/or the algorithmic components of the linear solver. We are particularly interested in preconditioned Krylov methods for linear systems generated by discretization of elliptic partial differential equations with high-order finite elements. Using a preconditioner like Algebraic Multigrid can be costly in terms of memory due to the need to store matrix information at the various levels. We present a novel method for defining a preconditioner for systems generated by high-order finite elements that is based on a much sparser system than the original high-order finite element system. We investigate the performance for non-uniform meshes on a cube and a cubed sphere mesh, showing that the sparser preconditioner is more efficient and uses significantly less memory. Finally, we explore new methods to construct the sparse preconditioner and examine their effectiveness for non-uniform meshes. We compare results to a direct use of Algebraic Multigrid as a preconditioner and to a two-level additive Schwarz method.

Application of the Finite Element Method to Rotary Wing Aeroelasticity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Straub, F. K.; Friedmann, P. P.

1982-01-01

A finite element method for the spatial discretization of the dynamic equations of equilibrium governing rotary-wing aeroelastic problems is presented. Formulation of the finite element equations is based on weighted Galerkin residuals. This Galerkin finite element method reduces algebraic manipulative labor significantly, when compared to the application of the global Galerkin method in similar problems. The coupled flap-lag aeroelastic stability boundaries of hingeless helicopter rotor blades in hover are calculated. The linearized dynamic equations are reduced to the standard eigenvalue problem from which the aeroelastic stability boundaries are obtained. The convergence properties of the Galerkin finite element method are studied numerically by refining the discretization process. Results indicate that four or five elements suffice to capture the dynamics of the blade with the same accuracy as the global Galerkin method.

Numerical Solution of the Extended Nernst-Planck Model.

PubMed

Samson; Marchand

1999-07-01

The main features of a numerical model aiming at predicting the drift of ions in an electrolytic solution upon a chemical potential gradient are presented. The mechanisms of ionic diffusion are described by solving the extended Nernst-Planck system of equations. The electrical coupling between the various ionic fluxes is accounted for by the Poisson equation. Furthermore, chemical activity effects are considered in the model. The whole system of nonlinear equations is solved using the finite-element method. Results yielded by the model for simple test cases are compared to those obtained using an analytical solution. Applications of the model to more complex problems are also presented and discussed. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

COMET-AR User's Manual: COmputational MEchanics Testbed with Adaptive Refinement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moas, E. (Editor)

1997-01-01

The COMET-AR User's Manual provides a reference manual for the Computational Structural Mechanics Testbed with Adaptive Refinement (COMET-AR), a software system developed jointly by Lockheed Palo Alto Research Laboratory and NASA Langley Research Center under contract NAS1-18444. The COMET-AR system is an extended version of an earlier finite element based structural analysis system called COMET, also developed by Lockheed and NASA. The primary extensions are the adaptive mesh refinement capabilities and a new "object-like" database interface that makes COMET-AR easier to extend further. This User's Manual provides a detailed description of the user interface to COMET-AR from the viewpoint of a structural analyst.

A systematic study of finite BRST-BFV transformations in Sp(2)-extended generalized Hamiltonian formalism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Batalin, Igor A.; Lavrov, Peter M.; Tyutin, Igor V.

2014-09-01

We study systematically finite BRST-BFV transformations in Sp(2)-extended generalized Hamiltonian formalism. We present explicitly their Jacobians and the form of a solution to the compensation equation determining the functional field dependence of finite Fermionic parameters, necessary to generate arbitrary finite change of gauge-fixing functions in the path integral.

Parallelized Three-Dimensional Resistivity Inversion Using Finite Elements And Adjoint State Methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schaa, Ralf; Gross, Lutz; Du Plessis, Jaco

2015-04-01

The resistivity method is one of the oldest geophysical exploration methods, which employs one pair of electrodes to inject current into the ground and one or more pairs of electrodes to measure the electrical potential difference. The potential difference is a non-linear function of the subsurface resistivity distribution described by an elliptic partial differential equation (PDE) of the Poisson type. Inversion of measured potentials solves for the subsurface resistivity represented by PDE coefficients. With increasing advances in multichannel resistivity acquisition systems (systems with more than 60 channels and full waveform recording are now emerging), inversion software require efficient storage and solver algorithms. We developed the finite element solver Escript, which provides a user-friendly programming environment in Python to solve large-scale PDE-based problems (see https://launchpad.net/escript-finley). Using finite elements, highly irregular shaped geology and topography can readily be taken into account. For the 3D resistivity problem, we have implemented the secondary potential approach, where the PDE is decomposed into a primary potential caused by the source current and the secondary potential caused by changes in subsurface resistivity. The primary potential is calculated analytically, and the boundary value problem for the secondary potential is solved using nodal finite elements. This approach removes the singularity caused by the source currents and provides more accurate 3D resistivity models. To solve the inversion problem we apply a 'first optimize then discretize' approach using the quasi-Newton scheme in form of the limited-memory Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno (L-BFGS) method (see Gross & Kemp 2013). The evaluation of the cost function requires the solution of the secondary potential PDE for each source current and the solution of the corresponding adjoint-state PDE for the cost function gradients with respect to the subsurface resistivity. The Hessian of the regularization term is used as preconditioner which requires an additional PDE solution in each iteration step. As it turns out, the relevant PDEs are naturally formulated in the finite element framework. Using the domain decomposition method provided in Escript, the inversion scheme has been parallelized for distributed memory computers with multi-core shared memory nodes. We show numerical examples from simple layered models to complex 3D models and compare with the results from other methods. The inversion scheme is furthermore tested on a field data example to characterise localised freshwater discharge in a coastal environment.. References: L. Gross and C. Kemp (2013) Large Scale Joint Inversion of Geophysical Data using the Finite Element Method in escript. ASEG Extended Abstracts 2013, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ASEG2013ab306

FINITE-ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF MULTIPHASE IMMISCIBLE FLOW THROUGH SOILS

EPA Science Inventory

A finite-element model is developed for multiphase flow through soil involving three immiscible fluids: namely, air, water, and a nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL). A variational method is employed for the finite-element formulation corresponding to the coupled differential equation...

A finite element model on effects of impact load and cavitation on fatigue crack propagation in mechanical bileaflet aortic heart valve.

PubMed

Mohammadi, H; Klassen, R J; Wan, W-K

2008-10-01

Pyrolytic carbon mechanical heart valves (MHVs) are widely used to replace dysfunctional and failed heart valves. As the human heart beats around 40 million times per year, fatigue is the prime mechanism of mechanical failure. In this study, a finite element approach is implemented to develop a model for fatigue analysis of MHVs due to the impact force between the leaflet and the stent and cavitation in the aortic position. A two-step method to predict crack propagation in the leaflets of MHVs has been developed. Stress intensity factors (SIFs) are computed at a small initiated crack located on the leaflet edge (the worst case) using the boundary element method (BEM). Static analysis of the crack is performed to analyse the stress distribution around the front crack zone when the crack is opened; this is followed by a dynamic crack analysis to consider crack propagation using the finite element approach. Two factors are taken into account in the calculation of the SIFs: first, the effect of microjet formation due to cavitation in the vicinity of leaflets, resulting in water hammer pressure; second, the effect of the impact force between the leaflet and the stent of the MHVs, both in the closing phase. The critical initial crack length, the SIFs, the water hammer pressure, and the maximum jet velocity due to cavitation have been calculated. With an initial crack length of 35 microm, the fatigue life of the heart valve is greater than 60 years (i.e. about 2.2 x 10(9) cycles) and, with an initial crack length of 170 microm, the fatigue life of the heart valve would be around 2.5 years (i.e. about 9.1 x 10(7) cycles). For an initial crack length greater than 170 microm, there is catastrophic failure and fatigue cracking no longer occurs. A finite element model of fatigue analysis using Patran command language (PCL custom code) in MSC software can be used to evaluate the useful lifespan of MHVs. Similar methodologies can be extended to other medical devices under cyclic loads.

A block iterative finite element algorithm for numerical solution of the steady-state, compressible Navier-Stokes equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cooke, C. H.

1976-01-01

An iterative method for numerically solving the time independent Navier-Stokes equations for viscous compressible flows is presented. The method is based upon partial application of the Gauss-Seidel principle in block form to the systems of nonlinear algebraic equations which arise in construction of finite element (Galerkin) models approximating solutions of fluid dynamic problems. The C deg-cubic element on triangles is employed for function approximation. Computational results for a free shear flow at Re = 1,000 indicate significant achievement of economy in iterative convergence rate over finite element and finite difference models which employ the customary time dependent equations and asymptotic time marching procedure to steady solution. Numerical results are in excellent agreement with those obtained for the same test problem employing time marching finite element and finite difference solution techniques.

Skeletal assessment with finite element analysis: relevance, pitfalls and interpretation.

PubMed

Campbell, Graeme Michael; Glüer, Claus-C

2017-07-01

Finite element models simulate the mechanical response of bone under load, enabling noninvasive assessment of strength. Models generated from quantitative computed tomography (QCT) incorporate the geometry and spatial distribution of bone mineral density (BMD) to simulate physiological and traumatic loads as well as orthopaedic implant behaviour. The present review discusses the current strengths and weakness of finite element models for application to skeletal biomechanics. In cadaver studies, finite element models provide better estimations of strength compared to BMD. Data from clinical studies are encouraging; however, the superiority of finite element models over BMD measures for fracture prediction has not been shown conclusively, and may be sex and site dependent. Therapeutic effects on bone strength are larger than for BMD; however, model validation has only been performed on untreated bone. High-resolution modalities and novel image processing methods may enhance the structural representation and predictive ability. Despite extensive use of finite element models to study orthopaedic implant stability, accurate simulation of the bone-implant interface and fracture progression remains a significant challenge. Skeletal finite element models provide noninvasive assessments of strength and implant stability. Improved structural representation and implant surface interaction may enable more accurate models of fragility in the future.

Efficient finite element simulation of slot spirals, slot radomes and microwave structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gong, J.; Volakis, J. L.

1995-01-01

This progress report contains the following two documents: (1) 'Efficient Finite Element Simulation of Slot Antennas using Prismatic Elements' - A hybrid finite element-boundary integral (FE-BI) simulation technique is discussed to treat narrow slot antennas etched on a planar platform. Specifically, the prismatic elements are used to reduce the redundant sampling rates and ease the mesh generation process. Numerical results for an antenna slot and frequency selective surfaces are presented to demonstrate the validity and capability of the technique; and (2) 'Application and Design Guidelines of the PML Absorber for Finite Element Simulations of Microwave Packages' - The recently introduced perfectly matched layer (PML) uniaxial absorber for frequency domain finite element simulations has several advantages. In this paper we present the application of PML for microwave circuit simulations along with design guidelines to obtain a desired level of absorption. Different feeding techniques are also investigated for improved accuracy.

Scattering Cross Section of Sound Waves by the Modal Element Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baumeister, Kenneth J.; Kreider, Kevin L.

1994-01-01

#he modal element method has been employed to determine the scattered field from a plane acoustic wave impinging on a two dimensional body. In the modal element method, the scattering body is represented by finite elements, which are coupled to an eigenfunction expansion representing the acoustic pressure in the infinite computational domain surrounding the body. The present paper extends the previous work by developing the algorithm necessary to calculate the acoustics scattering cross section by the modal element method. The scattering cross section is the acoustical equivalent to the Radar Cross Section (RCS) in electromagnetic theory. Since the scattering cross section is evaluated at infinite distance from the body, an asymptotic approximation is used in conjunction with the standard modal element method. For validation, the scattering cross section of the rigid circular cylinder is computed for the frequency range 0.1 is less than or equal to ka is less than or equal to 100. Results show excellent agreement with the analytic solution.

Application of variational and Galerkin equations to linear and nonlinear finite element analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yu, Y.-Y.

1974-01-01

The paper discusses the application of the variational equation to nonlinear finite element analysis. The problem of beam vibration with large deflection is considered. The variational equation is shown to be flexible in both the solution of a general problem and in the finite element formulation. Difficulties are shown to arise when Galerkin's equations are used in the consideration of the finite element formulation of two-dimensional linear elasticity and of the linear classical beam.

Plan, formulate, discuss and correlate a NASTRAN finite element vibrations model of the Boeing Model 360 helicopter airframe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gabel, R.; Lang, P. F.; Smith, L. A.; Reed, D. A.

1989-01-01

Boeing Helicopter, together with other United States helicopter manufacturers, participated in a finite element applications program to emplace in the United States a superior capability to utilize finite element analysis models in support of helicopter airframe design. The activities relating to planning and creating a finite element vibrations model of the Boeing Model 36-0 composite airframe are summarized, along with the subsequent analytical correlation with ground shake test data.

Development and Application of the p-version of the Finite Element Method.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-11-21

this property hierarchic families of finite elements. The h-version of the finite element method has been the subject of inten- sive study since the...early 1950’s and perhaps even earlier. Study of the p-version of the finite element method, on the other hand, began at Washington University in St...Louis in the early 1970’s and led to a more recent study of * .the h-p version. Research in the p-version (formerly called The Constraint Method) has

A Large-scale Finite Element Model on Micromechanical Damage and Failure of Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Composites Including Thermal Residual Stress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, P. F.; Li, X. K.

2018-06-01

The purpose of this paper is to study micromechanical progressive failure properties of carbon fiber/epoxy composites with thermal residual stress by finite element analysis (FEA). Composite microstructures with hexagonal fiber distribution are used for the representative volume element (RVE), where an initial fiber breakage is assumed. Fiber breakage with random fiber strength is predicted using Monte Carlo simulation, progressive matrix damage is predicted by proposing a continuum damage mechanics model and interface failure is simulated using Xu and Needleman's cohesive model. Temperature dependent thermal expansion coefficients for epoxy matrix are used. FEA by developing numerical codes using ANSYS finite element software is divided into two steps: 1. Thermal residual stresses due to mismatch between fiber and matrix are calculated; 2. Longitudinal tensile load is further exerted on the RVE to perform progressive failure analysis of carbon fiber/epoxy composites. Numerical convergence is solved by introducing the viscous damping effect properly. The extended Mori-Tanaka method that considers interface debonding is used to get homogenized mechanical responses of composites. Three main results by FEA are obtained: 1. the real-time matrix cracking, fiber breakage and interface debonding with increasing tensile strain is simulated. 2. the stress concentration coefficients on neighbouring fibers near the initial broken fiber and the axial fiber stress distribution along the broken fiber are predicted, compared with the results using the global and local load-sharing models based on the shear-lag theory. 3. the tensile strength of composite by FEA is compared with those by the shear-lag theory and experiments. Finally, the tensile stress-strain curve of composites by FEA is applied to the progressive failure analysis of composite pressure vessel.

A Large-scale Finite Element Model on Micromechanical Damage and Failure of Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Composites Including Thermal Residual Stress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, P. F.; Li, X. K.

2017-09-01

The purpose of this paper is to study micromechanical progressive failure properties of carbon fiber/epoxy composites with thermal residual stress by finite element analysis (FEA). Composite microstructures with hexagonal fiber distribution are used for the representative volume element (RVE), where an initial fiber breakage is assumed. Fiber breakage with random fiber strength is predicted using Monte Carlo simulation, progressive matrix damage is predicted by proposing a continuum damage mechanics model and interface failure is simulated using Xu and Needleman's cohesive model. Temperature dependent thermal expansion coefficients for epoxy matrix are used. FEA by developing numerical codes using ANSYS finite element software is divided into two steps: 1. Thermal residual stresses due to mismatch between fiber and matrix are calculated; 2. Longitudinal tensile load is further exerted on the RVE to perform progressive failure analysis of carbon fiber/epoxy composites. Numerical convergence is solved by introducing the viscous damping effect properly. The extended Mori-Tanaka method that considers interface debonding is used to get homogenized mechanical responses of composites. Three main results by FEA are obtained: 1. the real-time matrix cracking, fiber breakage and interface debonding with increasing tensile strain is simulated. 2. the stress concentration coefficients on neighbouring fibers near the initial broken fiber and the axial fiber stress distribution along the broken fiber are predicted, compared with the results using the global and local load-sharing models based on the shear-lag theory. 3. the tensile strength of composite by FEA is compared with those by the shear-lag theory and experiments. Finally, the tensile stress-strain curve of composites by FEA is applied to the progressive failure analysis of composite pressure vessel.

Self Diagnostic Adhesive for Bonded Joints in Aircraft Structures

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-10-04

validated under the fatigue/dynamic loading condition. 3) Both SEM (Spectral Element Modeling) and FEM ( Finite Element Modeling) simulation of the...Sensors ..................................................................... 22 Parametric Study of Sensor Performance via Finite Element Simulation...The frequency range that we are interested is around 800 kHz. Conventional linear finite element method (FEM) requires a very fine spatial

A modular finite-element model (MODFE) for areal and axisymmetric ground-water-flow problems, Part 2: Derivation of finite-element equations and comparisons with analytical solutions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cooley, Richard L.

1992-01-01

MODFE, a modular finite-element model for simulating steady- or unsteady-state, area1 or axisymmetric flow of ground water in a heterogeneous anisotropic aquifer is documented in a three-part series of reports. In this report, part 2, the finite-element equations are derived by minimizing a functional of the difference between the true and approximate hydraulic head, which produces equations that are equivalent to those obtained by either classical variational or Galerkin techniques. Spatial finite elements are triangular with linear basis functions, and temporal finite elements are one dimensional with linear basis functions. Physical processes that can be represented by the model include (1) confined flow, unconfined flow (using the Dupuit approximation), or a combination of both; (2) leakage through either rigid or elastic confining units; (3) specified recharge or discharge at points, along lines, or areally; (4) flow across specified-flow, specified-head, or head-dependent boundaries; (5) decrease of aquifer thickness to zero under extreme water-table decline and increase of aquifer thickness from zero as the water table rises; and (6) head-dependent fluxes from springs, drainage wells, leakage across riverbeds or confining units combined with aquifer dewatering, and evapotranspiration. The matrix equations produced by the finite-element method are solved by the direct symmetric-Doolittle method or the iterative modified incomplete-Cholesky conjugate-gradient method. The direct method can be efficient for small- to medium-sized problems (less than about 500 nodes), and the iterative method is generally more efficient for larger-sized problems. Comparison of finite-element solutions with analytical solutions for five example problems demonstrates that the finite-element model can yield accurate solutions to ground-water flow problems.

Error analysis and correction of discrete solutions from finite element codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thurston, G. A.; Stein, P. A.; Knight, N. F., Jr.; Reissner, J. E.

1984-01-01

Many structures are an assembly of individual shell components. Therefore, results for stresses and deflections from finite element solutions for each shell component should agree with the equations of shell theory. This paper examines the problem of applying shell theory to the error analysis and the correction of finite element results. The general approach to error analysis and correction is discussed first. Relaxation methods are suggested as one approach to correcting finite element results for all or parts of shell structures. Next, the problem of error analysis of plate structures is examined in more detail. The method of successive approximations is adapted to take discrete finite element solutions and to generate continuous approximate solutions for postbuckled plates. Preliminary numerical results are included.

Scalable Implementation of Finite Elements by NASA _ Implicit (ScIFEi)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Warner, James E.; Bomarito, Geoffrey F.; Heber, Gerd; Hochhalter, Jacob D.

2016-01-01

Scalable Implementation of Finite Elements by NASA (ScIFEN) is a parallel finite element analysis code written in C++. ScIFEN is designed to provide scalable solutions to computational mechanics problems. It supports a variety of finite element types, nonlinear material models, and boundary conditions. This report provides an overview of ScIFEi (\\Sci-Fi"), the implicit solid mechanics driver within ScIFEN. A description of ScIFEi's capabilities is provided, including an overview of the tools and features that accompany the software as well as a description of the input and output le formats. Results from several problems are included, demonstrating the efficiency and scalability of ScIFEi by comparing to finite element analysis using a commercial code.

Optimal least-squares finite element method for elliptic problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jiang, Bo-Nan; Povinelli, Louis A.

1991-01-01

An optimal least squares finite element method is proposed for two dimensional and three dimensional elliptic problems and its advantages are discussed over the mixed Galerkin method and the usual least squares finite element method. In the usual least squares finite element method, the second order equation (-Delta x (Delta u) + u = f) is recast as a first order system (-Delta x p + u = f, Delta u - p = 0). The error analysis and numerical experiment show that, in this usual least squares finite element method, the rate of convergence for flux p is one order lower than optimal. In order to get an optimal least squares method, the irrotationality Delta x p = 0 should be included in the first order system.

The effectiveness of element downsizing on a three-dimensional finite element model of bone trabeculae in implant biomechanics.

PubMed

Sato, Y; Wadamoto, M; Tsuga, K; Teixeira, E R

1999-04-01

More validity of finite element analysis in implant biomechanics requires element downsizing. However, excess downsizing needs computer memory and calculation time. To investigate the effectiveness of element downsizing on the construction of a three-dimensional finite element bone trabeculae model, with different element sizes (600, 300, 150 and 75 microm) models were constructed and stress induced by vertical 10 N loading was analysed. The difference in von Mises stress values between the models with 600 and 300 microm element sizes was larger than that between 300 and 150 microm. On the other hand, no clear difference of stress values was detected among the models with 300, 150 and 75 microm element sizes. Downsizing of elements from 600 to 300 microm is suggested to be effective in the construction of a three-dimensional finite element bone trabeculae model for possible saving of computer memory and calculation time in the laboratory.

Multilevel Preconditioners for Reaction-Diffusion Problems with Discontinuous Coefficients

DOE PAGES

Kolev, Tzanio V.; Xu, Jinchao; Zhu, Yunrong

2015-08-23

In this study, we extend some of the multilevel convergence results obtained by Xu and Zhu, to the case of second order linear reaction-diffusion equations. Specifically, we consider the multilevel preconditioners for solving the linear systems arising from the linear finite element approximation of the problem, where both diffusion and reaction coefficients are piecewise-constant functions. We discuss in detail the influence of both the discontinuous reaction and diffusion coefficients to the performance of the classical BPX and multigrid V-cycle preconditioner.

Mingus Discontinuous Multiphysics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pat Notz, Dan Turner

Mingus provides hybrid coupled local/non-local mechanics analysis capabilities that extend several traditional methods to applications with inherent discontinuities. Its primary features include adaptations of solid mechanics, fluid dynamics and digital image correlation that naturally accommodate dijointed data or irregular solution fields by assimilating a variety of discretizations (such as control volume finite elements, peridynamics and meshless control point clouds). The goal of this software is to provide an analysis framework form multiphysics engineering problems with an integrated image correlation capability that can be used for experimental validation and model

Stress Field Evolution in a Ball Bearing Raceway Fatigue Spall (PREPRINT)

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-10-01

M50 steel V-Ring raceways, and extended the bearing life prediction methods of Ioannides and Harris (10) to predict the remaining useful life of...Carpenter VIM VAR M50 Bearing Steel ” (17) ABAQUS v6.8.2 Users Manual (18) Suresh, S., Fatigue of Materials. Second Edition, 2004, Cambridge University...images of spall’s edge cracks Figure 5. Finite Element Model Geometry Figure 6. a. Tracings of spall edges from M50 and Pyrowear 675 bearing steels

Finite element analysis of elasto-plastic soils. Report no. 4: Finite element analysis of elasto-plastic frictional materials for application to lunar earth sciences

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marr, W. A., Jr.

1972-01-01

The behavior of finite element models employing different constitutive relations to describe the stress-strain behavior of soils is investigated. Three models, which assume small strain theory is applicable, include a nondilatant, a dilatant and a strain hardening constitutive relation. Two models are formulated using large strain theory and include a hyperbolic and a Tresca elastic perfectly plastic constitutive relation. These finite element models are used to analyze retaining walls and footings. Methods of improving the finite element solutions are investigated. For nonlinear problems better solutions can be obtained by using smaller load increment sizes and more iterations per load increment than by increasing the number of elements. Suitable methods of treating tension stresses and stresses which exceed the yield criteria are discussed.

Using a multifrontal sparse solver in a high performance, finite element code

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

King, Scott D.; Lucas, Robert; Raefsky, Arthur

1990-01-01

We consider the performance of the finite element method on a vector supercomputer. The computationally intensive parts of the finite element method are typically the individual element forms and the solution of the global stiffness matrix both of which are vectorized in high performance codes. To further increase throughput, new algorithms are needed. We compare a multifrontal sparse solver to a traditional skyline solver in a finite element code on a vector supercomputer. The multifrontal solver uses the Multiple-Minimum Degree reordering heuristic to reduce the number of operations required to factor a sparse matrix and full matrix computational kernels (e.g., BLAS3) to enhance vector performance. The net result in an order-of-magnitude reduction in run time for a finite element application on one processor of a Cray X-MP.

Structural Acoustic Physics Based Modeling of Curved Composite Shells

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-09-19

Results show that the finite element computational models accurately match analytical calculations, and that the composite material studied in this...products. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Finite Element Analysis, Structural Acoustics, Fiber-Reinforced Composites, Physics-Based Modeling 16. SECURITY...2 4 FINITE ELEMENT MODEL DESCRIPTION

Finite element analysis of thrust angle contact ball slewing bearing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Biao; Guo, Yuan; Zhang, An; Tang, Shengjin

2017-12-01

In view of the large heavy slewing bearing no longer follows the rigid ring hupothesis under the load condition, the entity finite element model of thrust angular contact ball bearing was established by using finite element analysis software ANSYS. The boundary conditions of the model were set according to the actual condition of slewing bearing, the internal stress state of the slewing bearing was obtained by solving and calculation, and the calculated results were compared with the numerical results based on the rigid ring assumption. The results show that more balls are loaded in the result of finite element method, and the maximum contact stresses between the ball and raceway have some reductions. This is because the finite element method considers the ferrule as an elastic body. The ring will produce structure deformation in the radial plane when the heavy load slewing bearings are subjected to external loads. The results of the finite element method are more in line with the actual situation of the slewing bearing in the engineering.

Challenges in Integrating Nondestructive Evaluation and Finite Element Methods for Realistic Structural Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abdul-Aziz, Ali; Baaklini, George Y.; Zagidulin, Dmitri; Rauser, Richard W.

2000-01-01

Capabilities and expertise related to the development of links between nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and finite element analysis (FEA) at Glenn Research Center (GRC) are demonstrated. Current tools to analyze data produced by computed tomography (CT) scans are exercised to help assess the damage state in high temperature structural composite materials. A utility translator was written to convert velocity (an image processing software) STL data file to a suitable CAD-FEA type file. Finite element analyses are carried out with MARC, a commercial nonlinear finite element code, and the analytical results are discussed. Modeling was established by building MSC/Patran (a pre and post processing finite element package) generated model and comparing it to a model generated by Velocity in conjunction with MSC/Patran Graphics. Modeling issues and results are discussed in this paper. The entire process that outlines the tie between the data extracted via NDE and the finite element modeling and analysis is fully described.

The Valgus Inclination of the Tibial Component Increases the Risk of Medial Tibial Condylar Fractures in Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty.

PubMed

Inoue, Shinji; Akagi, Masao; Asada, Shigeki; Mori, Shigeshi; Zaima, Hironori; Hashida, Masahiko

2016-09-01

Medial tibial condylar fractures (MTCFs) are a rare but serious complication after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. Although some surgical pitfalls have been reported for MTCFs, it is not clear whether the varus/valgus tibial inclination contributes to the risk of MTCFs. We constructed a 3-dimensional finite elemental method model of the tibia with a medial component and assessed stress concentrations by changing the inclination from 6° varus to 6° valgus. Subsequently, we repeated the same procedure adding extended sagittal bone cuts of 2° and 10° in the posterior tibial cortex. Furthermore, we calculated the bone volume that supported the tibial component, which is considered to affect stress distribution in the medial tibial condyle. Stress concentrations were observed on the medial tibial metaphyseal cortices and on the anterior and posterior tibial cortices in the corner of cut surfaces in all models; moreover, the maximum principal stresses on the posterior cortex were larger than those on the anterior cortex. The extended sagittal bone cuts in the posterior tibial cortex increased the stresses further at these 3 sites. In the models with a 10° extended sagittal bone cut, the maximum principal stress on the posterior cortex increased as the tibial inclination changed from 6° varus to 6° valgus. The bone volume decreased as the inclination changed from varus to valgus. In this finite element method, the risk of MTCFs increases with increasing valgus inclination of the tibial component and with increased extension of the sagittal cut in the posterior tibial cortex. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An enriched finite element method to fractional advection-diffusion equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luan, Shengzhi; Lian, Yanping; Ying, Yuping; Tang, Shaoqiang; Wagner, Gregory J.; Liu, Wing Kam

2017-08-01

In this paper, an enriched finite element method with fractional basis [ 1,x^{α }] for spatial fractional partial differential equations is proposed to obtain more stable and accurate numerical solutions. For pure fractional diffusion equation without advection, the enriched Galerkin finite element method formulation is demonstrated to simulate the exact solution successfully without any numerical oscillation, which is advantageous compared to the traditional Galerkin finite element method with integer basis [ 1,x] . For fractional advection-diffusion equation, the oscillatory behavior becomes complex due to the introduction of the advection term which can be characterized by a fractional element Peclet number. For the purpose of addressing the more complex numerical oscillation, an enriched Petrov-Galerkin finite element method is developed by using a dimensionless fractional stabilization parameter, which is formulated through a minimization of the residual of the nodal solution. The effectiveness and accuracy of the enriched finite element method are demonstrated by a series of numerical examples of fractional diffusion equation and fractional advection-diffusion equation, including both one-dimensional and two-dimensional, steady-state and time-dependent cases.

On the existence and stability conditions for mixed-hybrid finite element solutions based on Reissner's variational principle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Karlovitz, L. A.; Atluri, S. N.; Xue, W.-M.

1985-01-01

The extensions of Reissner's two-field (stress and displacement) principle to the cases wherein the displacement field is discontinuous and/or the stress field results in unreciprocated tractions, at a finite number of surfaces ('interelement boundaries') in a domain (as, for instance, when the domain is discretized into finite elements), is considered. The conditions for the existence, uniqueness, and stability of mixed-hybrid finite element solutions based on such discontinuous fields, are summarized. The reduction of these global conditions to local ('element') level, and the attendant conditions on the ranks of element matrices, are discussed. Two examples of stable, invariant, least-order elements - a four-node square planar element and an eight-node cubic element - are discussed in detail.

GENSURF: A mesh generator for 3D finite element analysis of surface and corner cracks in finite thickness plates subjected to mode-1 loadings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raju, I. S.

1992-01-01

A computer program that generates three-dimensional (3D) finite element models for cracked 3D solids was written. This computer program, gensurf, uses minimal input data to generate 3D finite element models for isotropic solids with elliptic or part-elliptic cracks. These models can be used with a 3D finite element program called surf3d. This report documents this mesh generator. In this manual the capabilities, limitations, and organization of gensurf are described. The procedures used to develop 3D finite element models and the input for and the output of gensurf are explained. Several examples are included to illustrate the use of this program. Several input data files are included with this manual so that the users can edit these files to conform to their crack configuration and use them with gensurf.

A comparative study of finite element and finite difference methods for Cauchy-Riemann type equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fix, G. J.; Rose, M. E.

1983-01-01

A least squares formulation of the system divu = rho, curlu = zeta is surveyed from the viewpoint of both finite element and finite difference methods. Closely related arguments are shown to establish convergence estimates.

CFD Analysis of the SBXC Glider Airframe

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-01

mathematically on finite element methods. To validate and verify the methodology developed, a mathematical comparison was made with the previous research data...greater than 15 m/s. 14. SUBJECT TERMS finite element method, computational fluid dynamics, Y Plus, mesh element quality, aerodynamic data, fluid...based mathematically on finite element methods. To validate and verify the methodology developed, a mathematical comparison was made with the

Functional Data Approximation on Bounded Domains using Polygonal Finite Elements.

PubMed

Cao, Juan; Xiao, Yanyang; Chen, Zhonggui; Wang, Wenping; Bajaj, Chandrajit

2018-07-01

We construct and analyze piecewise approximations of functional data on arbitrary 2D bounded domains using generalized barycentric finite elements, and particularly quadratic serendipity elements for planar polygons. We compare approximation qualities (precision/convergence) of these partition-of-unity finite elements through numerical experiments, using Wachspress coordinates, natural neighbor coordinates, Poisson coordinates, mean value coordinates, and quadratic serendipity bases over polygonal meshes on the domain. For a convex n -sided polygon, the quadratic serendipity elements have 2 n basis functions, associated in a Lagrange-like fashion to each vertex and each edge midpoint, rather than the usual n ( n + 1)/2 basis functions to achieve quadratic convergence. Two greedy algorithms are proposed to generate Voronoi meshes for adaptive functional/scattered data approximations. Experimental results show space/accuracy advantages for these quadratic serendipity finite elements on polygonal domains versus traditional finite elements over simplicial meshes. Polygonal meshes and parameter coefficients of the quadratic serendipity finite elements obtained by our greedy algorithms can be further refined using an L 2 -optimization to improve the piecewise functional approximation. We conduct several experiments to demonstrate the efficacy of our algorithm for modeling features/discontinuities in functional data/image approximation.

The MHOST finite element program: 3-D inelastic analysis methods for hot section components. Volume 2: User's manual

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nakazawa, Shohei

1989-01-01

The user options available for running the MHOST finite element analysis package is described. MHOST is a solid and structural analysis program based on the mixed finite element technology, and is specifically designed for 3-D inelastic analysis. A family of 2- and 3-D continuum elements along with beam and shell structural elements can be utilized, many options are available in the constitutive equation library, the solution algorithms and the analysis capabilities. The outline of solution algorithms is discussed along with the data input and output, analysis options including the user subroutines and the definition of the finite elements implemented in the program package.

Influence of Finite Element Software on Energy Release Rates Computed Using the Virtual Crack Closure Technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krueger, Ronald; Goetze, Dirk; Ransom, Jonathon (Technical Monitor)

2006-01-01

Strain energy release rates were computed along straight delamination fronts of Double Cantilever Beam, End-Notched Flexure and Single Leg Bending specimens using the Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT). Th e results were based on finite element analyses using ABAQUS# and ANSYS# and were calculated from the finite element results using the same post-processing routine to assure a consistent procedure. Mixed-mode strain energy release rates obtained from post-processing finite elem ent results were in good agreement for all element types used and all specimens modeled. Compared to previous studies, the models made of s olid twenty-node hexahedral elements and solid eight-node incompatible mode elements yielded excellent results. For both codes, models made of standard brick elements and elements with reduced integration did not correctly capture the distribution of the energy release rate acr oss the width of the specimens for the models chosen. The results suggested that element types with similar formulation yield matching results independent of the finite element software used. For comparison, m ixed-mode strain energy release rates were also calculated within ABAQUS#/Standard using the VCCT for ABAQUS# add on. For all specimens mod eled, mixed-mode strain energy release rates obtained from ABAQUS# finite element results using post-processing were almost identical to re sults calculated using the VCCT for ABAQUS# add on.

Application of finite element approach to transonic flow problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hafez, M. M.; Murman, E. M.; Wellford, L. C., Jr.

1976-01-01

A variational finite element model for transonic small disturbance calculations is described. Different strategy is adopted in subsonic and supersonic regions, and blending elements are introduced between different regions. In the supersonic region, no upstream effect is allowed. If rectangular elements with linear shape functions are used, the model is similar to Murman's finite difference operators. Higher order shape functions, nonrectangular elements, and discontinuous approximation of shock waves are also discussed.

One-Dimensional Ablation with Pyrolysis Gas Flow Using a Full Newton's Method and Finite Control Volume Procedure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Amar, Adam J.; Blackwell, Ben F.; Edwards, Jack R.

2007-01-01

The development and verification of a one-dimensional material thermal response code with ablation is presented. The implicit time integrator, control volume finite element spatial discretization, and Newton's method for nonlinear iteration on the entire system of residual equations have been implemented and verified for the thermochemical ablation of internally decomposing materials. This study is a continuation of the work presented in "One-Dimensional Ablation with Pyrolysis Gas Flow Using a Full Newton's Method and Finite Control Volume Procedure" (AIAA-2006-2910), which described the derivation, implementation, and verification of the constant density solid energy equation terms and boundary conditions. The present study extends the model to decomposing materials including decomposition kinetics, pyrolysis gas flow through the porous char layer, and a mixture (solid and gas) energy equation. Verification results are presented for the thermochemical ablation of a carbon-phenolic ablator which involves the solution of the entire system of governing equations.

Extended precision data types for the development of the original computer aided engineering applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pescaru, A.; Oanta, E.; Axinte, T.; Dascalescu, A.-D.

2015-11-01

Computer aided engineering is based on models of the phenomena which are expressed as algorithms. The implementations of the algorithms are usually software applications which are processing a large volume of numerical data, regardless the size of the input data. In this way, the finite element method applications used to have an input data generator which was creating the entire volume of geometrical data, starting from the initial geometrical information and the parameters stored in the input data file. Moreover, there were several data processing stages, such as: renumbering of the nodes meant to minimize the size of the band length of the system of equations to be solved, computation of the equivalent nodal forces, computation of the element stiffness matrix, assemblation of system of equations, solving the system of equations, computation of the secondary variables. The modern software application use pre-processing and post-processing programs to easily handle the information. Beside this example, CAE applications use various stages of complex computation, being very interesting the accuracy of the final results. Along time, the development of CAE applications was a constant concern of the authors and the accuracy of the results was a very important target. The paper presents the various computing techniques which were imagined and implemented in the resulting applications: finite element method programs, finite difference element method programs, applied general numerical methods applications, data generators, graphical applications, experimental data reduction programs. In this context, the use of the extended precision data types was one of the solutions, the limitations being imposed by the size of the memory which may be allocated. To avoid the memory-related problems the data was stored in files. To minimize the execution time, part of the file was accessed using the dynamic memory allocation facilities. One of the most important consequences of the paper is the design of a library which includes the optimized solutions previously tested, that may be used for the easily development of original CAE cross-platform applications. Last but not least, beside the generality of the data type solutions, there is targeted the development of a software library which may be used for the easily development of node-based CAE applications, each node having several known or unknown parameters, the system of equations being automatically generated and solved.

Finite element meshing of ANSYS (trademark) solid models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kelley, F. S.

1987-01-01

A large scale, general purpose finite element computer program, ANSYS, developed and marketed by Swanson Analysis Systems, Inc. is discussed. ANSYS was perhaps the first commercially available program to offer truly interactive finite element model generation. ANSYS's purpose is for solid modeling. This application is briefly discussed and illustrated.

Nonlinear finite element modeling of corrugated board

Treesearch

A. C. Gilchrist; J. C. Suhling; T. J. Urbanik

1999-01-01

In this research, an investigation on the mechanical behavior of corrugated board has been performed using finite element analysis. Numerical finite element models for corrugated board geometries have been created and executed. Both geometric (large deformation) and material nonlinearities were included in the models. The analyses were performed using the commercial...

A Version of the Graphics-Oriented Interactive Finite Element Time-Sharing System (GIFTS) for an IBM with CP/CMS.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-03-01

POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL fMonterey, California THESIS A VERSION OF THE GRAPHICS-ORIENTED INTERACTIVE FINITE ELEMENT TIME-SHARING SYSTEM ( GIFTS ) FOR AN IBM...Master’s & Engineer’s active Finite Element Time-sharing System Thesis - March 1982 ( GIFTS ) for an IBM with CP/CMS 6. penromm.oOn. REPoRT MUlmiR 1. AUTHOIee...ss0in D dinuf 5W M memisi) ’A version of the Graphics-oriented, Interactive, Finite element, Time-sharing System ( GIFTS ) has been developed for, and

An Error Analysis for the Finite Element Method Applied to Convection Diffusion Problems.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-03-01

D TFhG-]NOLOGY k 4b 00 \\" ) ’b Technical Note BN-962 AN ERROR ANALYSIS FOR THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD APPLIED TO CONVECTION DIFFUSION PROBLEM by I...Babu~ka and W. G. Szym’czak March 1981 V.. UNVI I Of- ’i -S AN ERROR ANALYSIS FOR THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD P. - 0 w APPLIED TO CONVECTION DIFFUSION ...AOAO98 895 MARYLAND UNIVYCOLLEGE PARK INST FOR PHYSICAL SCIENCE--ETC F/G 12/I AN ERROR ANALYIS FOR THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD APPLIED TO CONV..ETC (U

Quality assessment and control of finite element solutions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noor, Ahmed K.; Babuska, Ivo

1987-01-01

Status and some recent developments in the techniques for assessing the reliability of finite element solutions are summarized. Discussion focuses on a number of aspects including: the major types of errors in the finite element solutions; techniques used for a posteriori error estimation and the reliability of these estimators; the feedback and adaptive strategies for improving the finite element solutions; and postprocessing approaches used for improving the accuracy of stresses and other important engineering data. Also, future directions for research needed to make error estimation and adaptive movement practical are identified.

Use of system identification techniques for improving airframe finite element models using test data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hanagud, Sathya V.; Zhou, Weiyu; Craig, James I.; Weston, Neil J.

1991-01-01

A method for using system identification techniques to improve airframe finite element models was developed and demonstrated. The method uses linear sensitivity matrices to relate changes in selected physical parameters to changes in total system matrices. The values for these physical parameters were determined using constrained optimization with singular value decomposition. The method was confirmed using both simple and complex finite element models for which pseudo-experimental data was synthesized directly from the finite element model. The method was then applied to a real airframe model which incorporated all the complexities and details of a large finite element model and for which extensive test data was available. The method was shown to work, and the differences between the identified model and the measured results were considered satisfactory.

Weak form implementation of the semi-analytical finite element (SAFE) method for a variety of elastodynamic waveguides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hakoda, Christopher; Lissenden, Clifford; Rose, Joseph L.

2018-04-01

Dispersion curves are essential to any guided wave NDE project. The Semi-Analytical Finite Element (SAFE) method has significantly increased the ease by which these curves can be calculated. However, due to misconceptions regarding theory and fragmentation based on different finite-element software, the theory has stagnated, and adoption by researchers who are new to the field has been slow. This paper focuses on the relationship between the SAFE formulation and finite element theory, and the implementation of the SAFE method in a weak form for plates, pipes, layered waveguides/composites, curved waveguides, and arbitrary cross-sections is shown. The benefits of the weak form are briefly described, as is implementation in open-source and commercial finite element software.

Nonlinear Legendre Spectral Finite Elements for Wind Turbine Blade Dynamics: Preprint

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Q.; Sprague, M. A.; Jonkman, J.

2014-01-01

This paper presents a numerical implementation and examination of new wind turbine blade finite element model based on Geometrically Exact Beam Theory (GEBT) and a high-order spectral finite element method. The displacement-based GEBT is presented, which includes the coupling effects that exist in composite structures and geometric nonlinearity. Legendre spectral finite elements (LSFEs) are high-order finite elements with nodes located at the Gauss-Legendre-Lobatto points. LSFEs can be an order of magnitude more efficient that low-order finite elements for a given accuracy level. Interpolation of the three-dimensional rotation, a major technical barrier in large-deformation simulation, is discussed in the context ofmore » LSFEs. It is shown, by numerical example, that the high-order LSFEs, where weak forms are evaluated with nodal quadrature, do not suffer from a drawback that exists in low-order finite elements where the tangent-stiffness matrix is calculated at the Gauss points. Finally, the new LSFE code is implemented in the new FAST Modularization Framework for dynamic simulation of highly flexible composite-material wind turbine blades. The framework allows for fully interactive simulations of turbine blades in operating conditions. Numerical examples showing validation and LSFE performance will be provided in the final paper.« less

[Progression on finite element modeling method in scoliosis].

PubMed

Fan, Ning; Zang, Lei; Hai, Yong; Du, Peng; Yuan, Shuo

2018-04-25

Scoliosis is a complex spinal three-dimensional malformation with complicated pathogenesis, often associated with complications as thoracic deformity and shoulder imbalance. Because the acquisition of specimen or animal models are difficult, the biomechanical study of scoliosis is limited. In recent years, along with the development of the computer technology, software and image, the technology of establishing a finite element model of human spine is maturing and it has been providing strong support for the research of pathogenesis of scoliosis, the design and application of brace, and the selection of surgical methods. The finite element model method is gradually becoming an important tool in the biomechanical study of scoliosis. Establishing a high quality finite element model is the basis of analysis and future study. However, the finite element modeling process can be complex and modeling methods are greatly varied. Choosing the appropriate modeling method according to research objectives has become researchers' primary task. In this paper, the author reviews the national and international literature in recent years and concludes the finite element modeling methods in scoliosis, including data acquisition, establishment of the geometric model, the material properties, parameters setting, the validity of the finite element model validation and so on. Copyright© 2018 by the China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology Press.

Finite element solution for energy conservation using a highly stable explicit integration algorithm

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baker, A. J.; Manhardt, P. D.

1972-01-01

Theoretical derivation of a finite element solution algorithm for the transient energy conservation equation in multidimensional, stationary multi-media continua with irregular solution domain closure is considered. The complete finite element matrix forms for arbitrarily irregular discretizations are established, using natural coordinate function representations. The algorithm is embodied into a user-oriented computer program (COMOC) which obtains transient temperature distributions at the node points of the finite element discretization using a highly stable explicit integration procedure with automatic error control features. The finite element algorithm is shown to posses convergence with discretization for a transient sample problem. The condensed form for the specific heat element matrix is shown to be preferable to the consistent form. Computed results for diverse problems illustrate the versatility of COMOC, and easily prepared output subroutines are shown to allow quick engineering assessment of solution behavior.

Periodic trim solutions with hp-version finite elements in time

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peters, David A.; Hou, Lin-Jun

1990-01-01

Finite elements in time as an alternative strategy for rotorcraft trim problems are studied. The research treats linear flap and linearized flap-lag response both for quasi-trim and trim cases. The connection between Fourier series analysis and hp-finite elements for periodic a problem is also examined. It is proved that Fourier series is a special case of space-time finite elements in which one element is used with a strong displacement formulation. Comparisons are made with respect to accuracy among Fourier analysis, displacement methods, and mixed methods over a variety parameters. The hp trade-off is studied for the periodic trim problem to provide an optimum step size and order of polynomial for a given error criteria. It is found that finite elements in time can outperform Fourier analysis for periodic problems, and for some given error criteria. The mixed method provides better results than does the displacement method.

Mesh-free distributed point source method for modeling viscous fluid motion between disks vibrating at ultrasonic frequency.

PubMed

Wada, Yuji; Kundu, Tribikram; Nakamura, Kentaro

2014-08-01

The distributed point source method (DPSM) is extended to model wave propagation in viscous fluids. Appropriate estimation on attenuation and boundary layer formation due to fluid viscosity is necessary for the ultrasonic devices used for acoustic streaming or ultrasonic levitation. The equations for DPSM modeling in viscous fluids are derived in this paper by decomposing the linearized viscous fluid equations into two components-dilatational and rotational components. By considering complex P- and S-wave numbers, the acoustic fields in viscous fluids can be calculated following similar calculation steps that are used for wave propagation modeling in solids. From the calculations reported the precision of DPSM is found comparable to that of the finite element method (FEM) for a fundamental ultrasonic field problem. The particle velocity parallel to the two bounding surfaces of the viscous fluid layer between two rigid plates (one in motion and one stationary) is calculated. The finite element results agree well with the DPSM results that were generated faster than the transient FEM results.

Local finite element enrichment strategies for 2D contact computations and a corresponding post-processing scheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sauer, Roger A.

2013-08-01

Recently an enriched contact finite element formulation has been developed that substantially increases the accuracy of contact computations while keeping the additional numerical effort at a minimum reported by Sauer (Int J Numer Meth Eng, 87: 593-616, 2011). Two enrich-ment strategies were proposed, one based on local p-refinement using Lagrange interpolation and one based on Hermite interpolation that produces C 1-smoothness on the contact surface. Both classes, which were initially considered for the frictionless Signorini problem, are extended here to friction and contact between deformable bodies. For this, a symmetric contact formulation is used that allows the unbiased treatment of both contact partners. This paper also proposes a post-processing scheme for contact quantities like the contact pressure. The scheme, which provides a more accurate representation than the raw data, is based on an averaging procedure that is inspired by mortar formulations. The properties of the enrichment strategies and the corresponding post-processing scheme are illustrated by several numerical examples considering sliding and peeling contact in the presence of large deformations.

A fully implicit finite element method for bidomain models of cardiac electromechanics

PubMed Central

Dal, Hüsnü; Göktepe, Serdar; Kaliske, Michael; Kuhl, Ellen

2012-01-01

We propose a novel, monolithic, and unconditionally stable finite element algorithm for the bidomain-based approach to cardiac electromechanics. We introduce the transmembrane potential, the extracellular potential, and the displacement field as independent variables, and extend the common two-field bidomain formulation of electrophysiology to a three-field formulation of electromechanics. The intrinsic coupling arises from both excitation-induced contraction of cardiac cells and the deformation-induced generation of intra-cellular currents. The coupled reaction-diffusion equations of the electrical problem and the momentum balance of the mechanical problem are recast into their weak forms through a conventional isoparametric Galerkin approach. As a novel aspect, we propose a monolithic approach to solve the governing equations of excitation-contraction coupling in a fully coupled, implicit sense. We demonstrate the consistent linearization of the resulting set of non-linear residual equations. To assess the algorithmic performance, we illustrate characteristic features by means of representative three-dimensional initial-boundary value problems. The proposed algorithm may open new avenues to patient specific therapy design by circumventing stability and convergence issues inherent to conventional staggered solution schemes. PMID:23175588

Static Aeroelastic and Longitudinal Trim Model of Flexible Wing Aircraft Using Finite-Element Vortex-Lattice Coupled Solution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ting, Eric; Nguyen, Nhan; Trinh, Khanh

2014-01-01

This paper presents a static aeroelastic model and longitudinal trim model for the analysis of a flexible wing transport aircraft. The static aeroelastic model is built using a structural model based on finite-element modeling and coupled to an aerodynamic model that uses vortex-lattice solution. An automatic geometry generation tool is used to close the loop between the structural and aerodynamic models. The aeroelastic model is extended for the development of a three degree-of-freedom longitudinal trim model for an aircraft with flexible wings. The resulting flexible aircraft longitudinal trim model is used to simultaneously compute the static aeroelastic shape for the aircraft model and the longitudinal state inputs to maintain an aircraft trim state. The framework is applied to an aircraft model based on the NASA Generic Transport Model (GTM) with wing structures allowed to flexibly deformed referred to as the Elastically Shaped Aircraft Concept (ESAC). The ESAC wing mass and stiffness properties are based on a baseline "stiff" values representative of current generation transport aircraft.

Extension of Ko Straight-Beam Displacement Theory to Deformed Shape Predictions of Slender Curved Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ko, William L.; Fleischer, Van Tran

2011-01-01

The Ko displacement theory originally developed for shape predictions of straight beams is extended to shape predictions of curved beams. The surface strains needed for shape predictions were analytically generated from finite-element nodal stress outputs. With the aid of finite-element displacement outputs, mathematical functional forms for curvature-effect correction terms are established and incorporated into straight-beam deflection equations for shape predictions of both cantilever and two-point supported curved beams. The newly established deflection equations for cantilever curved beams could provide quite accurate shape predictions for different cantilever curved beams, including the quarter-circle cantilever beam. Furthermore, the newly formulated deflection equations for two-point supported curved beams could provide accurate shape predictions for a range of two-point supported curved beams, including the full-circular ring. Accuracy of the newly developed curved-beam deflection equations is validated through shape prediction analysis of curved beams embedded in the windward shallow spherical shell of a generic crew exploration vehicle. A single-point collocation method for optimization of shape predictions is discussed in detail

Contact Stress Analysis of Spiral Bevel Gears Using Finite Element Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bibel, G. D.; Kumar, A; Reddy, S.; Handschuh, R.

1995-01-01

A procedure is presented for performing three-dimensional stress analysis of spiral bevel gears in mesh using the finite element method. The procedure involves generating a finite element model by solving equations that identify tooth surface coordinates. Coordinate transformations are used to orientate the gear and pinion for gear meshing. Contact boundary conditions are simulated with gap elements. A solution technique for correct orientation of the gap elements is given. Example models and results are presented.

Nonlinear solid finite element analysis of mitral valves with heterogeneous leaflet layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prot, V.; Skallerud, B.

2009-02-01

An incompressible transversely isotropic hyperelastic material for solid finite element analysis of a porcine mitral valve response is described. The material model implementation is checked in single element tests and compared with a membrane implementation in an out-of-plane loading test to study how the layered structures modify the stress response for a simple geometry. Three different collagen layer arrangements are used in finite element analysis of the mitral valve. When the leaflets are arranged in two layers with the collagen on the ventricular side, the stress in the fibre direction through the thickness in the central part of the anterior leaflet is homogenized and the peak stress is reduced. A simulation using membrane elements is also carried out for comparison with the solid finite element results. Compared to echocardiographic measurements, the finite element models bulge too much in the left atrium. This may be due to evidence of active muscle fibres in some parts of the anterior leaflet, whereas our constitutive modelling is based on passive material.

Automating the generation of finite element dynamical cores with Firedrake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ham, David; Mitchell, Lawrence; Homolya, Miklós; Luporini, Fabio; Gibson, Thomas; Kelly, Paul; Cotter, Colin; Lange, Michael; Kramer, Stephan; Shipton, Jemma; Yamazaki, Hiroe; Paganini, Alberto; Kärnä, Tuomas

2017-04-01

The development of a dynamical core is an increasingly complex software engineering undertaking. As the equations become more complete, the discretisations more sophisticated and the hardware acquires ever more fine-grained parallelism and deeper memory hierarchies, the problem of building, testing and modifying dynamical cores becomes increasingly complex. Here we present Firedrake, a code generation system for the finite element method with specialist features designed to support the creation of geoscientific models. Using Firedrake, the dynamical core developer writes the partial differential equations in weak form in a high level mathematical notation. Appropriate function spaces are chosen and time stepping loops written at the same high level. When the programme is run, Firedrake generates high performance C code for the resulting numerics which are executed in parallel. Models in Firedrake typically take a tiny fraction of the lines of code required by traditional hand-coding techniques. They support more sophisticated numerics than are easily achieved by hand, and the resulting code is frequently higher performance. Critically, debugging, modifying and extending a model written in Firedrake is vastly easier than by traditional methods due to the small, highly mathematical code base. Firedrake supports a wide range of key features for dynamical core creation: A vast range of discretisations, including both continuous and discontinuous spaces and mimetic (C-grid-like) elements which optimally represent force balances in geophysical flows. High aspect ratio layered meshes suitable for ocean and atmosphere domains. Curved elements for high accuracy representations of the sphere. Support for non-finite element operators, such as parametrisations. Access to PETSc, a world-leading library of programmable linear and nonlinear solvers. High performance adjoint models generated automatically by symbolically reasoning about the forward model. This poster will present the key features of the Firedrake system, as well as those of Gusto, an atmospheric dynamical core, and Thetis, a coastal ocean model, both of which are written in Firedrake.

Electromagnetic finite elements based on a four-potential variational principle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schuler, James J.; Felippa, Carlos A.

1991-01-01

Electromagnetic finite elements based on a variational principle that uses the electromagnetic four-potential as a primary variable are derived. This choice is used to construct elements suitable for downstream coupling with mechanical and thermal finite elements for the analysis of electromagnetic/mechanical systems that involve superconductors. The main advantages of the four-potential as a basis for finite element formulation are that the number of degrees of freedom per node remains modest as the problem dimensionally increases, that jump discontinuities on interfaces are naturally accommodated, and that statics as well as dynamics may be treated without any a priori approximations. The new elements are tested on an axisymmetric problem under steady state forcing conditions. The results are in excellent agreement with analytical solutions.

Application of the control volume mixed finite element method to a triangular discretization

USGS Publications Warehouse

Naff, R.L.

2012-01-01

A two-dimensional control volume mixed finite element method is applied to the elliptic equation. Discretization of the computational domain is based in triangular elements. Shape functions and test functions are formulated on the basis of an equilateral reference triangle with unit edges. A pressure support based on the linear interpolation of elemental edge pressures is used in this formulation. Comparisons are made between results from the standard mixed finite element method and this control volume mixed finite element method. Published 2011. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. ?? 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Second order tensor finite element

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oden, J. Tinsley; Fly, J.; Berry, C.; Tworzydlo, W.; Vadaketh, S.; Bass, J.

1990-01-01

The results of a research and software development effort are presented for the finite element modeling of the static and dynamic behavior of anisotropic materials, with emphasis on single crystal alloys. Various versions of two dimensional and three dimensional hybrid finite elements were implemented and compared with displacement-based elements. Both static and dynamic cases are considered. The hybrid elements developed in the project were incorporated into the SPAR finite element code. In an extension of the first phase of the project, optimization of experimental tests for anisotropic materials was addressed. In particular, the problem of calculating material properties from tensile tests and of calculating stresses from strain measurements were considered. For both cases, numerical procedures and software for the optimization of strain gauge and material axes orientation were developed.

Adaptive finite element methods for two-dimensional problems in computational fracture mechanics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Min, J. B.; Bass, J. M.; Spradley, L. W.

1994-01-01

Some recent results obtained using solution-adaptive finite element methods in two-dimensional problems in linear elastic fracture mechanics are presented. The focus is on the basic issue of adaptive finite element methods for validating the new methodology by computing demonstration problems and comparing the stress intensity factors to analytical results.

N%-Superconvergence of Finite Element Approximations in the Interior of General Meshes of Triangles

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-12-01

RODiGuEz, On the asymptotic exactness of error estimators for linear triangular finite elements, Numer. Math., 59 (1991), pp. 107-127. 27. R. DURAN ...WAHLDIN, Interior maxmum norma estimates for finite element methods, Part H, unpublished manuscript. 38. I. BABUfKA, T. STROUBOULIS, A. MATHU. AND C.S

75 FR 70623 - Airworthiness Directives; DORNIER LUFTFAHRT GmbH Models Dornier 228-100, Dornier 228-101, Dornier...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-18

... measurements as well as finite element modelling and fatigue analyses to better understand the stress... include strain measurements as well as finite element modeling and fatigue analyses to better understand... finite element modelling and fatigue analyses to better understand the stress distribution onto the frame...

Evaluation of an improved finite-element thermal stress calculation technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Camarda, C. J.

1982-01-01

A procedure for generating accurate thermal stresses with coarse finite element grids (Ojalvo's method) is described. The procedure is based on the observation that for linear thermoelastic problems, the thermal stresses may be envisioned as being composed of two contributions; the first due to the strains in the structure which depend on the integral of the temperature distribution over the finite element and the second due to the local variation of the temperature in the element. The first contribution can be accurately predicted with a coarse finite-element mesh. The resulting strain distribution can then be combined via the constitutive relations with detailed temperatures from a separate thermal analysis. The result is accurate thermal stresses from coarse finite element structural models even where the temperature distributions have sharp variations. The range of applicability of the method for various classes of thermostructural problems such as in-plane or bending type problems and the effect of the nature of the temperature distribution and edge constraints are addressed. Ojalvo's method is used in conjunction with the SPAR finite element program. Results are obtained for rods, membranes, a box beam and a stiffened panel.

Deformation analysis of rotary combustion engine housings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vilmann, Carl

1991-01-01

This analysis of the deformation of rotary combustion engine housings targeted the following objectives: (1) the development and verification of a finite element model of the trochoid housing, (2) the prediction of the stress and deformation fields present within the trochoid housing during operating conditions, and (3) the development of a specialized preprocessor which would shorten the time necessary for mesh generation of a trochoid housing's FEM model from roughly one month to approximately two man hours. Executable finite element models were developed for both the Mazda and the Outboard Marine Corporation trochoid housings. It was also demonstrated that a preprocessor which would hasten the generation of finite element models of a rotary engine was possible to develop. The above objectives are treated in detail in the attached appendices. The first deals with finite element modeling of a Wankel engine center housing, and the second with the development of a preprocessor that generates finite element models of rotary combustion engine center housings. A computer program, designed to generate finite element models of user defined rotary combustion engine center housing geometries, is also included.

Finite-element simulation of blood perfusion in muscle tissue during compression and sustained contraction.

PubMed

Vankan, W J; Huyghe, J M; Slaaf, D W; van Donkelaar, C C; Drost, M R; Janssen, J D; Huson, A

1997-09-01

Mechanical interaction between tissue stress and blood perfusion in skeletal muscles plays an important role in blood flow impediment during sustained contraction. The exact mechanism of this interaction is not clear, and experimental investigation of this mechanism is difficult. We developed a finite-element model of the mechanical behavior of blood-perfused muscle tissue, which accounts for mechanical blood-tissue interaction in maximally vasodilated vasculature. Verification of the model was performed by comparing finite-element results of blood pressure and flow with experimental measurements in a muscle that is subject to well-controlled mechanical loading conditions. In addition, we performed simulations of blood perfusion during tetanic, isometric contraction and maximal vasodilation in a simplified, two-dimensional finite-element model of a rat calf muscle. A vascular waterfall in the venous compartment was identified as the main cause for blood flow impediment both in the experiment and in the finite-element simulations. The validated finite-element model offers possibilities for detailed analysis of blood perfusion in three-dimensional muscle models under complicated loading conditions.

Finite element modelling of aluminum alloy 2024-T3 under transverse impact loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdullah, Ahmad Sufian; Kuntjoro, Wahyu; Yamin, A. F. M.

2017-12-01

Fiber metal laminate named GLARE is a new aerospace material which has great potential to be widely used in future lightweight aircraft. It consists of aluminum alloy 2024-T3 and glass-fiber reinforced laminate. In order to produce reliable finite element model of impact response or crashworthiness of structure made of GLARE, one can initially model and validate the finite element model of the impact response of its constituents separately. The objective of this study was to develop a reliable finite element model of aluminum alloy 2024-T3 under low velocity transverse impact loading using commercial software ABAQUS. Johnson-Cook plasticity and damage models were used to predict the alloy's material properties and impact behavior. The results of the finite element analysis were compared to the experiment that has similar material and impact conditions. Results showed good correlations in terms of impact forces, deformation and failure progressions which concluded that the finite element model of 2024-T3 aluminum alloy under low velocity transverse impact condition using Johnson-Cook plastic and damage models was reliable.

Faults simulations for three-dimensional reservoir-geomechanical models with the extended finite element method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prévost, Jean H.; Sukumar, N.

2016-01-01

Faults are geological entities with thicknesses several orders of magnitude smaller than the grid blocks typically used to discretize reservoir and/or over-under-burden geological formations. Introducing faults in a complex reservoir and/or geomechanical mesh therefore poses significant meshing difficulties. In this paper, we consider the strong-coupling of solid displacement and fluid pressure in a three-dimensional poro-mechanical (reservoir-geomechanical) model. We introduce faults in the mesh without meshing them explicitly, by using the extended finite element method (X-FEM) in which the nodes whose basis function support intersects the fault are enriched within the framework of partition of unity. For the geomechanics, the fault is treated as an internal displacement discontinuity that allows slipping to occur using a Mohr-Coulomb type criterion. For the reservoir, the fault is either an internal fluid flow conduit that allows fluid flow in the fault as well as to enter/leave the fault or is a barrier to flow (sealing fault). For internal fluid flow conduits, the continuous fluid pressure approximation admits a discontinuity in its normal derivative across the fault, whereas for an impermeable fault, the pressure approximation is discontinuous across the fault. Equal-order displacement and pressure approximations are used. Two- and three-dimensional benchmark computations are presented to verify the accuracy of the approach, and simulations are presented that reveal the influence of the rate of loading on the activation of faults.

A framework for correcting brain retraction based on an eXtended Finite Element Method using a laser range scanner.

PubMed

Li, Ping; Wang, Weiwei; Song, Zhijian; An, Yong; Zhang, Chenxi

2014-07-01

Brain retraction causes great distortion that limits the accuracy of an image-guided neurosurgery system that uses preoperative images. Therefore, brain retraction correction is an important intraoperative clinical application. We used a linear elastic biomechanical model, which deforms based on the eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM) within a framework for brain retraction correction. In particular, a laser range scanner was introduced to obtain a surface point cloud of the exposed surgical field including retractors inserted into the brain. A brain retraction surface tracking algorithm converted these point clouds into boundary conditions applied to XFEM modeling that drive brain deformation. To test the framework, we performed a brain phantom experiment involving the retraction of tissue. Pairs of the modified Hausdorff distance between Canny edges extracted from model-updated images, pre-retraction, and post-retraction CT images were compared to evaluate the morphological alignment of our framework. Furthermore, the measured displacements of beads embedded in the brain phantom and the predicted ones were compared to evaluate numerical performance. The modified Hausdorff distance of 19 pairs of images decreased from 1.10 to 0.76 mm. The forecast error of 23 stainless steel beads in the phantom was between 0 and 1.73 mm (mean 1.19 mm). The correction accuracy varied between 52.8 and 100 % (mean 81.4 %). The results demonstrate that the brain retraction compensation can be incorporated intraoperatively into the model-updating process in image-guided neurosurgery systems.

Three-Dimensional Analysis of dike/fault interaction at Mono Basin (California) using the Finite Element Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

La Marra, D.; Battaglia, M.

2013-12-01

Mono Basin is a north-trending graben that extends from the northern edge of Long Valley caldera towards the Bodie Hills and is bounded by the Cowtrack Mountains on the east and the Sierra Nevada on the west. The Mono-Inyo Craters volcanic chain forms a north-trending zone of volcanic vents extending from the west moat of the Long Valley caldera to Mono Lake. The Hartley Springs fault transects the southern Mono Craters-Inyo Domes area between the western part of the Long Valley caldera and June Lake. Stratigraphic data suggest that a series of strong earthquakes occurred during the North Mono-Inyo eruption sequence of ~1350 A.D. The spatial and temporal proximity between Hartley Springs Fault motion and the North Mono-Inyo eruption sequence suggests a possible relation between seismic events and eruptions. We investigate the interactions between slip along the Hartley Springs fault and dike intrusion beneath the Mono-Inyo craters using a three-dimensional finite element model of the Mono Basin. We employ a realistic representation of the Basin that includes topography, vertical and lateral heterogeneities of the crust, contact relations between fault planes, and a physical model of the pressure required to propagate the dike. We estimate (a) the distribution of Coulomb stress changes to study the influence of dike intrusion on Hartley Springs fault, and (b) the local stress and volumetric dilatation changes to understand how fault slip may influence the propagation of a dike towards the surface.

Transport Modeling of Hydrogen in Metals for Application to Hydrogen Assisted Cracking of Metals.

DTIC Science & Technology

1995-04-04

34 consists of a Fortran "user element" subroutine for use with the ABAQUS 2 finite element program. Documentation of the 1-D user element subroutine is...trapping theory. The use of the ABAQUS finite element "User Element" subroutines for solving 1-D problems is then outlined in full detail. This is followed...reflect the new ordering given by Eq. (57). ABAOUS User Element Subroutines ABAQUS executes a Fortran subroutine named UEL for each "user defined" finite

A study of unstable rock failures using finite difference and discrete element methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garvey, Ryan J.

Case histories in mining have long described pillars or faces of rock failing violently with an accompanying rapid ejection of debris and broken material into the working areas of the mine. These unstable failures have resulted in large losses of life and collapses of entire mine panels. Modern mining operations take significant steps to reduce the likelihood of unstable failure, however eliminating their occurrence is difficult in practice. Researchers over several decades have supplemented studies of unstable failures through the application of various numerical methods. The direction of the current research is to extend these methods and to develop improved numerical tools with which to study unstable failures in underground mining layouts. An extensive study is first conducted on the expression of unstable failure in discrete element and finite difference methods. Simulated uniaxial compressive strength tests are run on brittle rock specimens. Stable or unstable loading conditions are applied onto the brittle specimens by a pair of elastic platens with ranging stiffnesses. Determinations of instability are established through stress and strain histories taken for the specimen and the system. Additional numerical tools are then developed for the finite difference method to analyze unstable failure in larger mine models. Instability identifiers are established for assessing the locations and relative magnitudes of unstable failure through measures of rapid dynamic motion. An energy balance is developed which calculates the excess energy released as a result of unstable equilibria in rock systems. These tools are validated through uniaxial and triaxial compressive strength tests and are extended to models of coal pillars and a simplified mining layout. The results of the finite difference simulations reveal that the instability identifiers and excess energy calculations provide a generalized methodology for assessing unstable failures within potentially complex mine models. These combined numerical tools may be applied in future studies to design primary and secondary supports in bump-prone conditions, evaluate retreat mining cut sequences, asses pillar de-stressing techniques, or perform backanalyses on unstable failures in select mining layouts.

Stochastic filtering for damage identification through nonlinear structural finite element model updating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Astroza, Rodrigo; Ebrahimian, Hamed; Conte, Joel P.

2015-03-01

This paper describes a novel framework that combines advanced mechanics-based nonlinear (hysteretic) finite element (FE) models and stochastic filtering techniques to estimate unknown time-invariant parameters of nonlinear inelastic material models used in the FE model. Using input-output data recorded during earthquake events, the proposed framework updates the nonlinear FE model of the structure. The updated FE model can be directly used for damage identification and further used for damage prognosis. To update the unknown time-invariant parameters of the FE model, two alternative stochastic filtering methods are used: the extended Kalman filter (EKF) and the unscented Kalman filter (UKF). A three-dimensional, 5-story, 2-by-1 bay reinforced concrete (RC) frame is used to verify the proposed framework. The RC frame is modeled using fiber-section displacement-based beam-column elements with distributed plasticity and is subjected to the ground motion recorded at the Sylmar station during the 1994 Northridge earthquake. The results indicate that the proposed framework accurately estimate the unknown material parameters of the nonlinear FE model. The UKF outperforms the EKF when the relative root-mean-square error of the recorded responses are compared. In addition, the results suggest that the convergence of the estimate of modeling parameters is smoother and faster when the UKF is utilized.

Energy dissipation in a rolling aircraft tire

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tielking, John T.

1988-01-01

The project is extending an existing finite element tire model to calculate the energy dissipation in a free-rolling aircraft tire and temperature buildup in the tire carcass. The model will provide a means of calculating the influence of tire design on the distribution of tire temperature. Current focus is on energy loss measurements of aircraft tire material. The feasibility of taking test specimens directly from the tire carcass for measurements of viscoelastic properties was demonstrated. The interaction of temperature and frequency effects on material loss properties was studied. The tire model was extended to calculate the cyclic energy change in a tire during rolling under load. Input data representing the 40 by 14 aircraft tire whose material loss properties were measured are being used.

Validation of High Displacement Piezoelectric Actuator Finite Element Models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taleghani, B. K.

2000-01-01

The paper presents the results obtained by using NASTRAN(Registered Trademark) and ANSYS(Regitered Trademark) finite element codes to predict doming of the THUNDER piezoelectric actuators during the manufacturing process and subsequent straining due to an applied input voltage. To effectively use such devices in engineering applications, modeling and characterization are essential. Length, width, dome height, and thickness are important parameters for users of such devices. Therefore, finite element models were used to assess the effects of these parameters. NASTRAN(Registered Trademark) and ANSYS(Registered Trademark) used different methods for modeling piezoelectric effects. In NASTRAN(Registered Trademark), a thermal analogy was used to represent voltage at nodes as equivalent temperatures, while ANSYS(Registered Trademark) processed the voltage directly using piezoelectric finite elements. The results of finite element models were validated by using the experimental results.

Use of system identification techniques for improving airframe finite element models using test data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hanagud, Sathya V.; Zhou, Weiyu; Craig, James I.; Weston, Neil J.

1993-01-01

A method for using system identification techniques to improve airframe finite element models using test data was developed and demonstrated. The method uses linear sensitivity matrices to relate changes in selected physical parameters to changes in the total system matrices. The values for these physical parameters were determined using constrained optimization with singular value decomposition. The method was confirmed using both simple and complex finite element models for which pseudo-experimental data was synthesized directly from the finite element model. The method was then applied to a real airframe model which incorporated all of the complexities and details of a large finite element model and for which extensive test data was available. The method was shown to work, and the differences between the identified model and the measured results were considered satisfactory.

The NASA/Industry Design Analysis Methods for Vibrations (DAMVIBS) Program - A government overview. [of rotorcraft technology development using finite element method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kvaternik, Raymond G.

1992-01-01

An overview is presented of government contributions to the program called Design Analysis Methods for Vibrations (DAMV) which attempted to develop finite-element-based analyses of rotorcraft vibrations. NASA initiated the program with a finite-element modeling program for the CH-47D tandem-rotor helicopter. The DAMV program emphasized four areas including: airframe finite-element modeling, difficult components studies, coupled rotor-airframe vibrations, and airframe structural optimization. Key accomplishments of the program include industrywide standards for modeling metal and composite airframes, improved industrial designs for vibrations, and the identification of critical structural contributors to airframe vibratory responses. The program also demonstrated the value of incorporating secondary modeling details to improving correlation, and the findings provide the basis for an improved finite-element-based dynamics design-analysis capability.

Probabilistic finite elements for fracture mechanics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Besterfield, Glen

1988-01-01

The probabilistic finite element method (PFEM) is developed for probabilistic fracture mechanics (PFM). A finite element which has the near crack-tip singular strain embedded in the element is used. Probabilistic distributions, such as expectation, covariance and correlation stress intensity factors, are calculated for random load, random material and random crack length. The method is computationally quite efficient and can be expected to determine the probability of fracture or reliability.

Reliability of Next Generation Power Electronics Packaging Under Concurrent Vibration, Thermal and High Power Loads

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-02-01

combined thermal g effect and initial current field. The model is implemented using Abaqus user element subroutine and verified against the experimental...Finite Element Formulation The proposed model is implemented with ABAQUS general purpose finite element program using thermal -displacement analysis...option. ABAQUS and other commercially available finite element codes do not have the capability to solve general electromigration problem directly. Thermal

Contact stress analysis of spiral bevel gears using nonlinear finite element static analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bibel, G. D.; Kumar, A.; Reddy, S.; Handschuh, R.

1993-01-01

A procedure is presented for performing three-dimensional stress analysis of spiral bevel gears in mesh using the finite element method. The procedure involves generating a finite element model by solving equations that identify tooth surface coordinates. Coordinate transformations are used to orientate the gear and pinion for gear meshing. Contact boundary conditions are simulated with gap elements. A solution technique for correct orientation of the gap elements is given. Example models and results are presented.

Error analysis of finite element method for Poisson–Nernst–Planck equations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sun, Yuzhou; Sun, Pengtao; Zheng, Bin

A priori error estimates of finite element method for time-dependent Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations are studied in this work. We obtain the optimal error estimates in L∞(H1) and L2(H1) norms, and suboptimal error estimates in L∞(L2) norm, with linear element, and optimal error estimates in L∞(L2) norm with quadratic or higher-order element, for both semi- and fully discrete finite element approximations. Numerical experiments are also given to validate the theoretical results.

Finite element analysis on the bending condition of truck frame before and after opening

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Kaiwu; Cheng, Wei; Lu, Jifu

2018-05-01

Based on the design parameters of a truck frame, the structure design and model of the truck frame are built. Based on the finite element theory, the load, the type of fatigue and the material parameters of the frame are combined with the semi-trailer. Using finite element analysis software, after a truck frame hole in bending condition for the finite element analysis of comparison, through the analysis found that the truck frame hole under bending condition can meet the strength requirements are very helpful for improving the design of the truck frame.

Non-Linear Finite Element Modeling of THUNDER Piezoelectric Actuators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taleghani, Barmac K.; Campbell, Joel F.

1999-01-01

A NASTRAN non-linear finite element model has been developed for predicting the dome heights of THUNDER (THin Layer UNimorph Ferroelectric DrivER) piezoelectric actuators. To analytically validate the finite element model, a comparison was made with a non-linear plate solution using Von Karmen's approximation. A 500 volt input was used to examine the actuator deformation. The NASTRAN finite element model was also compared with experimental results. Four groups of specimens were fabricated and tested. Four different input voltages, which included 120, 160, 200, and 240 Vp-p with a 0 volts offset, were used for this comparison.

Biomechanical investigation of naso-orbitoethmoid trauma by finite element analysis.

PubMed

Huempfner-Hierl, Heike; Schaller, Andreas; Hemprich, Alexander; Hierl, Thomas

2014-11-01

Naso-orbitoethmoid fractures account for 5% of all facial fractures. We used data derived from a white 34-year-old man to make a transient dynamic finite element model, which consisted of about 740 000 elements, to simulate fist-like impacts to this anatomically complex area. Finite element analysis showed a pattern of von Mises stresses beyond the yield criterion of bone that corresponded with fractures commonly seen clinically. Finite element models can be used to simulate injuries to the human skull, and provide information about the pathogenesis of different types of fracture. Copyright © 2014 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Computer aided stress analysis of long bones utilizing computer tomography

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Marom, S.A.

1986-01-01

A computer aided analysis method, utilizing computed tomography (CT) has been developed, which together with a finite element program determines the stress-displacement pattern in a long bone section. The CT data file provides the geometry, the density and the material properties for the generated finite element model. A three-dimensional finite element model of a tibial shaft is automatically generated from the CT file by a pre-processing procedure for a finite element program. The developed pre-processor includes an edge detection algorithm which determines the boundaries of the reconstructed cross-sectional images of the scanned bone. A mesh generation procedure than automatically generatesmore » a three-dimensional mesh of a user-selected refinement. The elastic properties needed for the stress analysis are individually determined for each model element using the radiographic density (CT number) of each pixel with the elemental borders. The elastic modulus is determined from the CT radiographic density by using an empirical relationship from the literature. The generated finite element model, together with applied loads, determined from existing gait analysis and initial displacements, comprise a formatted input for the SAP IV finite element program. The output of this program, stresses and displacements at the model elements and nodes, are sorted and displayed by a developed post-processor to provide maximum and minimum values at selected locations in the model.« less

Nonlinear finite element formulation for the large displacement analysis in multibody system dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rismantab-Sany, J.; Chang, B.; Shabana, A. A.

1989-01-01

A total Lagrangian finite element formulation for the deformable bodies in multibody mechanical systems that undergo finite relative rotations is developed. The deformable bodies are discretized using finite element methods. The shape functions that are used to describe the displacement field are required to include the rigid body modes that describe only large translational displacements. This does not impose any limitations on the technique because most commonly used shape functions satisfy this requirement. The configuration of an element is defined using four sets of coordinate systems: Body, Element, Intermediate element, Global. The body coordinate system serves as a unique standard for the assembly of the elements forming the deformable body. The element coordinate system is rigidly attached to the element and therefore it translates and rotates with the element. The intermediate element coordinate system, whose axes are initially parallel to the element axes, has an origin which is rigidly attached to the origin of the body coordinate system and is used to conveniently describe the configuration of the element in undeformed state with respect to the body coordinate system.

Finite element probabilistic risk assessment of transmission line insulation flashovers caused by lightning strokes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bacvarov, D.C.

1981-01-01

A new method for probabilistic risk assessment of transmission line insulation flashovers caused by lightning strokes is presented. The utilized approach of applying the finite element method for probabilistic risk assessment is demonstrated to be very powerful. The reasons for this are two. First, the finite element method is inherently suitable for analysis of three dimensional spaces where the parameters, such as three variate probability densities of the lightning currents, are non-uniformly distributed. Second, the finite element method permits non-uniform discretization of the three dimensional probability spaces thus yielding high accuracy in critical regions, such as the area of themore » low probability events, while at the same time maintaining coarse discretization in the non-critical areas to keep the number of grid points and the size of the problem to a manageable low level. The finite element probabilistic risk assessment method presented here is based on a new multidimensional search algorithm. It utilizes an efficient iterative technique for finite element interpolation of the transmission line insulation flashover criteria computed with an electro-magnetic transients program. Compared to other available methods the new finite element probabilistic risk assessment method is significantly more accurate and approximately two orders of magnitude computationally more efficient. The method is especially suited for accurate assessment of rare, very low probability events.« less

An extended algebraic variational multiscale-multigrid-multifractal method (XAVM4) for large-eddy simulation of turbulent two-phase flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rasthofer, U.; Wall, W. A.; Gravemeier, V.

2018-04-01

A novel and comprehensive computational method, referred to as the eXtended Algebraic Variational Multiscale-Multigrid-Multifractal Method (XAVM4), is proposed for large-eddy simulation of the particularly challenging problem of turbulent two-phase flow. The XAVM4 involves multifractal subgrid-scale modeling as well as a Nitsche-type extended finite element method as an approach for two-phase flow. The application of an advanced structural subgrid-scale modeling approach in conjunction with a sharp representation of the discontinuities at the interface between two bulk fluids promise high-fidelity large-eddy simulation of turbulent two-phase flow. The high potential of the XAVM4 is demonstrated for large-eddy simulation of turbulent two-phase bubbly channel flow, that is, turbulent channel flow carrying a single large bubble of the size of the channel half-width in this particular application.

A computer graphics program for general finite element analyses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thornton, E. A.; Sawyer, L. M.

1978-01-01

Documentation for a computer graphics program for displays from general finite element analyses is presented. A general description of display options and detailed user instructions are given. Several plots made in structural, thermal and fluid finite element analyses are included to illustrate program options. Sample data files are given to illustrate use of the program.

Solution-adaptive finite element method in computational fracture mechanics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Min, J. B.; Bass, J. M.; Spradley, L. W.

1993-01-01

Some recent results obtained using solution-adaptive finite element method in linear elastic two-dimensional fracture mechanics problems are presented. The focus is on the basic issue of adaptive finite element method for validating the applications of new methodology to fracture mechanics problems by computing demonstration problems and comparing the stress intensity factors to analytical results.

2D and 3D Multiscale/Multicomponent Modeling of Impact Response of Heterogeneous Energetic Composites

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-01

7 Development of Cohesive Finite Element Method (CFEM) Capability ................................7 3D...Cohesive Finite Element Method (CFEM) framework A new scientific framework and technical capability is developed for the computational analyses of...this section should shift from reporting activities to reporting accomplishments. Development of Cohesive Finite Element Method (CFEM) Capability

Finite element analysis of helicopter structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rich, M. J.

1978-01-01

Application of the finite element analysis is now being expanded to three dimensional analysis of mechanical components. Examples are presented for airframe, mechanical components, and composite structure calculations. Data are detailed on the increase of model size, computer usage, and the effect on reducing stress analysis costs. Future applications for use of finite element analysis for helicopter structures are projected.

Numerical calculation of thermo-mechanical problems at large strains based on complex step derivative approximation of tangent stiffness matrices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balzani, Daniel; Gandhi, Ashutosh; Tanaka, Masato; Schröder, Jörg

2015-05-01

In this paper a robust approximation scheme for the numerical calculation of tangent stiffness matrices is presented in the context of nonlinear thermo-mechanical finite element problems and its performance is analyzed. The scheme extends the approach proposed in Kim et al. (Comput Methods Appl Mech Eng 200:403-413, 2011) and Tanaka et al. (Comput Methods Appl Mech Eng 269:454-470, 2014 and bases on applying the complex-step-derivative approximation to the linearizations of the weak forms of the balance of linear momentum and the balance of energy. By incorporating consistent perturbations along the imaginary axis to the displacement as well as thermal degrees of freedom, we demonstrate that numerical tangent stiffness matrices can be obtained with accuracy up to computer precision leading to quadratically converging schemes. The main advantage of this approach is that contrary to the classical forward difference scheme no round-off errors due to floating-point arithmetics exist within the calculation of the tangent stiffness. This enables arbitrarily small perturbation values and therefore leads to robust schemes even when choosing small values. An efficient algorithmic treatment is presented which enables a straightforward implementation of the method in any standard finite-element program. By means of thermo-elastic and thermo-elastoplastic boundary value problems at finite strains the performance of the proposed approach is analyzed.

Benchmark model correction of monitoring system based on Dynamic Load Test of Bridge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Jing-xian; Fan, Jiang

2018-03-01

Structural health monitoring (SHM) is a field of research in the area, and it’s designed to achieve bridge safety and reliability assessment, which needs to be carried out on the basis of the accurate simulation of the finite element model. Bridge finite element model is simplified of the structural section form, support conditions, material properties and boundary condition, which is based on the design and construction drawings, and it gets the calculation models and the results.But according to the design and specification requirements established finite element model due to its cannot fully reflect the true state of the bridge, so need to modify the finite element model to obtain the more accurate finite element model. Based on Da-guan river crossing of Ma - Zhao highway in Yunnan province as the background to do the dynamic load test test, we find that the impact coefficient of the theoretical model of the bridge is very different from the coefficient of the actual test, and the change is different; according to the actual situation, the calculation model is adjusted to get the correct frequency of the bridge, the revised impact coefficient found that the modified finite element model is closer to the real state, and provides the basis for the correction of the finite model.

Adaptive mesh refinement for time-domain electromagnetics using vector finite elements :a feasibility study.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Turner, C. David; Kotulski, Joseph Daniel; Pasik, Michael Francis

This report investigates the feasibility of applying Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR) techniques to a vector finite element formulation for the wave equation in three dimensions. Possible error estimators are considered first. Next, approaches for refining tetrahedral elements are reviewed. AMR capabilities within the Nevada framework are then evaluated. We summarize our conclusions on the feasibility of AMR for time-domain vector finite elements and identify a path forward.

Nanoengineering Testbed for Nanosolar Cell and Piezoelectric Compounds

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-29

element mesh. The third model was a 3D finite element mesh that included complete geometric representation of Berkovich tip. This model allows for a...height of the specimen. These simulations suggest the proper specimen size to approximate a body of semi-infinite extent for a given indentation depth...tip nanoindentation model was the third and final finite element mesh created for analysis and comparison. The material model and the finite element

Higher and lowest order mixed finite element approximation of subsurface flow problems with solutions of low regularity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bause, Markus

2008-02-01

In this work we study mixed finite element approximations of Richards' equation for simulating variably saturated subsurface flow and simultaneous reactive solute transport. Whereas higher order schemes have proved their ability to approximate reliably reactive solute transport (cf., e.g. [Bause M, Knabner P. Numerical simulation of contaminant biodegradation by higher order methods and adaptive time stepping. Comput Visual Sci 7;2004:61-78]), the Raviart- Thomas mixed finite element method ( RT0) with a first order accurate flux approximation is popular for computing the underlying water flow field (cf. [Bause M, Knabner P. Computation of variably saturated subsurface flow by adaptive mixed hybrid finite element methods. Adv Water Resour 27;2004:565-581, Farthing MW, Kees CE, Miller CT. Mixed finite element methods and higher order temporal approximations for variably saturated groundwater flow. Adv Water Resour 26;2003:373-394, Starke G. Least-squares mixed finite element solution of variably saturated subsurface flow problems. SIAM J Sci Comput 21;2000:1869-1885, Younes A, Mosé R, Ackerer P, Chavent G. A new formulation of the mixed finite element method for solving elliptic and parabolic PDE with triangular elements. J Comp Phys 149;1999:148-167, Woodward CS, Dawson CN. Analysis of expanded mixed finite element methods for a nonlinear parabolic equation modeling flow into variably saturated porous media. SIAM J Numer Anal 37;2000:701-724]). This combination might be non-optimal. Higher order techniques could increase the accuracy of the flow field calculation and thereby improve the prediction of the solute transport. Here, we analyse the application of the Brezzi- Douglas- Marini element ( BDM1) with a second order accurate flux approximation to elliptic, parabolic and degenerate problems whose solutions lack the regularity that is assumed in optimal order error analyses. For the flow field calculation a superiority of the BDM1 approach to the RT0 one is observed, which however is less significant for the accompanying solute transport.

Prediction of local proximal tibial subchondral bone structural stiffness using subject-specific finite element modeling: Effect of selected density-modulus relationship.

PubMed

Nazemi, S Majid; Amini, Morteza; Kontulainen, Saija A; Milner, Jaques S; Holdsworth, David W; Masri, Bassam A; Wilson, David R; Johnston, James D

2015-08-01

Quantitative computed tomography based subject-specific finite element modeling has potential to clarify the role of subchondral bone alterations in knee osteoarthritis initiation, progression, and pain initiation. Calculation of bone elastic moduli from image data is a basic step when constructing finite element models. However, different relationships between elastic moduli and imaged density (known as density-modulus relationships) have been reported in the literature. The objective of this study was to apply seven different trabecular-specific and two cortical-specific density-modulus relationships from the literature to finite element models of proximal tibia subchondral bone, and identify the relationship(s) that best predicted experimentally measured local subchondral structural stiffness with highest explained variance and least error. Thirteen proximal tibial compartments were imaged via quantitative computed tomography. Imaged bone mineral density was converted to elastic moduli using published density-modulus relationships and mapped to corresponding finite element models. Proximal tibial structural stiffness values were compared to experimentally measured stiffness values from in-situ macro-indentation testing directly on the subchondral bone surface (47 indentation points). Regression lines between experimentally measured and finite element calculated stiffness had R(2) values ranging from 0.56 to 0.77. Normalized root mean squared error varied from 16.6% to 337.6%. Of the 21 evaluated density-modulus relationships in this study, Goulet combined with Snyder and Schneider or Rho appeared most appropriate for finite element modeling of local subchondral bone structural stiffness. Though, further studies are needed to optimize density-modulus relationships and improve finite element estimates of local subchondral bone structural stiffness. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Experimental validation of finite element modelling of a modular metal-on-polyethylene total hip replacement.

PubMed

Hua, Xijin; Wang, Ling; Al-Hajjar, Mazen; Jin, Zhongmin; Wilcox, Ruth K; Fisher, John

2014-07-01

Finite element models are becoming increasingly useful tools to conduct parametric analysis, design optimisation and pre-clinical testing for hip joint replacements. However, the verification of the finite element model is critically important. The purposes of this study were to develop a three-dimensional anatomic finite element model for a modular metal-on-polyethylene total hip replacement for predicting its contact mechanics and to conduct experimental validation for a simple finite element model which was simplified from the anatomic finite element model. An anatomic modular metal-on-polyethylene total hip replacement model (anatomic model) was first developed and then simplified with reasonable accuracy to a simple modular total hip replacement model (simplified model) for validation. The contact areas on the articulating surface of three polyethylene liners of modular metal-on-polyethylene total hip replacement bearings with different clearances were measured experimentally in the Leeds ProSim hip joint simulator under a series of loading conditions and different cup inclination angles. The contact areas predicted from the simplified model were then compared with that measured experimentally under the same conditions. The results showed that the simplification made for the anatomic model did not change the predictions of contact mechanics of the modular metal-on-polyethylene total hip replacement substantially (less than 12% for contact stresses and contact areas). Good agreements of contact areas between the finite element predictions from the simplified model and experimental measurements were obtained, with maximum difference of 14% across all conditions considered. This indicated that the simplification and assumptions made in the anatomic model were reasonable and the finite element predictions from the simplified model were valid. © IMechE 2014.

Methods for analysis of cracks in three-dimensional solids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raju, I. S.; Newman, J. C., Jr.

1984-01-01

Various analytical and numerical methods used to evaluate the stress intensity factors for cracks in three-dimensional (3-D) solids are reviewed. Classical exact solutions and many of the approximate methods used in 3-D analyses of cracks are reviewed. The exact solutions for embedded elliptic cracks in infinite solids are discussed. The approximate methods reviewed are the finite element methods, the boundary integral equation (BIE) method, the mixed methods (superposition of analytical and finite element method, stress difference method, discretization-error method, alternating method, finite element-alternating method), and the line-spring model. The finite element method with singularity elements is the most widely used method. The BIE method only needs modeling of the surfaces of the solid and so is gaining popularity. The line-spring model appears to be the quickest way to obtain good estimates of the stress intensity factors. The finite element-alternating method appears to yield the most accurate solution at the minimum cost.

Advances and trends in structures and dynamics; Proceedings of the Symposium, Washington, DC, October 22-25, 1984

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noor, A. K. (Editor); Hayduk, R. J. (Editor)

1985-01-01

Among the topics discussed are developments in structural engineering hardware and software, computation for fracture mechanics, trends in numerical analysis and parallel algorithms, mechanics of materials, advances in finite element methods, composite materials and structures, determinations of random motion and dynamic response, optimization theory, automotive tire modeling methods and contact problems, the damping and control of aircraft structures, and advanced structural applications. Specific topics covered include structural design expert systems, the evaluation of finite element system architectures, systolic arrays for finite element analyses, nonlinear finite element computations, hierarchical boundary elements, adaptive substructuring techniques in elastoplastic finite element analyses, automatic tracking of crack propagation, a theory of rate-dependent plasticity, the torsional stability of nonlinear eccentric structures, a computation method for fluid-structure interaction, the seismic analysis of three-dimensional soil-structure interaction, a stress analysis for a composite sandwich panel, toughness criterion identification for unidirectional composite laminates, the modeling of submerged cable dynamics, and damping synthesis for flexible spacecraft structures.

A new procedure for calculating contact stresses in gear teeth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Somprakit, Paisan; Huston, Ronald L.

1991-01-01

A numerical procedure for evaluating and monitoring contact stresses in meshing gear teeth is discussed. The procedure is intended to extend the range of applicability and to improve the accuracy of gear contact stress analysis. The procedure is based upon fundamental solution from the theory of elasticity. It is an iterative numerical procedure. The method is believed to have distinct advantages over the classical Hertz method, the finite-element method, and over existing approaches with the boundary element method. Unlike many classical contact stress analyses, friction effects and sliding are included. Slipping and sticking in the contact region are studied. Several examples are discussed. The results are in agreement with classical results. Applications are presented for spur gears.

Numerical simulation of abutment pressure redistribution during face advance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klishin, S. V.; Lavrikov, S. V.; Revuzhenko, A. F.

2017-12-01

The paper presents numerical simulation data on the abutment pressure redistribution in rock mass during face advance, including isolines of maximum shear stress and pressure epures. The stress state of rock in the vicinity of a breakage heading is calculated by the finite element method using a 2D nonlinear model of a structurally heterogeneous medium with regard to plasticity and internal self-balancing stress. The thus calculated stress field is used as input data for 3D discrete element modeling of the process. The study shows that the abutment pressure increases as the roof span extends and that the distance between the face breast and the peak point of this pressure depends on the elastoplastic properties and internal self-balancing stress of a rock medium.

Evaluation of the finite element fuel rod analysis code (FRANCO)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, K.; Feltus, M.A.

1994-12-31

Knowledge of temperature distribution in a nuclear fuel rod is required to predict the behavior of fuel elements during operating conditions. The thermal and mechanical properties and performance characteristics are strongly dependent on the temperature, which can vary greatly inside the fuel rod. A detailed model of fuel rod behavior can be described by various numerical methods, including the finite element approach. The finite element method has been successfully used in many engineering applications, including nuclear piping and reactor component analysis. However, fuel pin analysis has traditionally been carried out with finite difference codes, with the exception of Electric Powermore » Research Institute`s FREY code, which was developed for mainframe execution. This report describes FRANCO, a finite element fuel rod analysis code capable of computing temperature disrtibution and mechanical deformation of a single light water reactor fuel rod.« less

Dynamic responses of graphite/epoxy laminated beam to impact of elastic spheres

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sun, C. T.; Wang, T.

1982-01-01

Wave propagation in 90/45/90/-45/902s and 0/45/0/-45/02s laminates of a graphite/epoxy composite due to impact of a steel ball was investigated experimentally and also by using a high order beam finite element. Dynamic strain responses at several locations were obtained using strain gages. The finite element program which incorporated statically determined contact laws was employed to calculate the contact force history as well as the target beam dynamic deformation. The comparison of the finite element solutions with the experimental data indicated that the static contact laws for loading and unloading (developed under this grant) are adequate for the dynamic impact analysis. It was found that for the 0/45/0/-45/02s laminate which has a much larger longitudinal bending rigidity, the use of beam finite elements is not suitable and plate finite element should be used instead.

A new parallel-vector finite element analysis software on distributed-memory computers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Qin, Jiangning; Nguyen, Duc T.

1993-01-01

A new parallel-vector finite element analysis software package MPFEA (Massively Parallel-vector Finite Element Analysis) is developed for large-scale structural analysis on massively parallel computers with distributed-memory. MPFEA is designed for parallel generation and assembly of the global finite element stiffness matrices as well as parallel solution of the simultaneous linear equations, since these are often the major time-consuming parts of a finite element analysis. Block-skyline storage scheme along with vector-unrolling techniques are used to enhance the vector performance. Communications among processors are carried out concurrently with arithmetic operations to reduce the total execution time. Numerical results on the Intel iPSC/860 computers (such as the Intel Gamma with 128 processors and the Intel Touchstone Delta with 512 processors) are presented, including an aircraft structure and some very large truss structures, to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of MPFEA.

Finite element analysis (FEA) analysis of the preflex beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Lijuan; Gao, Qilang

2017-10-01

The development of finite element analysis (FEA) has been relatively mature, and is one of the important means of structural analysis. This method changes the problem that the research of complex structure in the past needs to be done by a large number of experiments. Through the finite element method, the numerical simulation of the structure can be used to achieve a variety of static and dynamic simulation analysis of the mechanical problems, it is also convenient to study the parameters of the structural parameters. Combined with a certain number of experiments to verify the simulation model can be completed in the past all the needs of experimental research. The nonlinear finite element method is used to simulate the flexural behavior of the prestressed composite beams with corrugated steel webs. The finite element analysis is used to understand the mechanical properties of the structure under the action of bending load.

Research on Finite Element Model Generating Method of General Gear Based on Parametric Modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lei, Yulong; Yan, Bo; Fu, Yao; Chen, Wei; Hou, Liguo

2017-06-01

Aiming at the problems of low efficiency and poor quality of gear meshing in the current mainstream finite element software, through the establishment of universal gear three-dimensional model, and explore the rules of unit and node arrangement. In this paper, a finite element model generation method of universal gear based on parameterization is proposed. Visual Basic program is used to realize the finite element meshing, give the material properties, and set the boundary / load conditions and other pre-processing work. The dynamic meshing analysis of the gears is carried out with the method proposed in this pape, and compared with the calculated values to verify the correctness of the method. The method greatly shortens the workload of gear finite element pre-processing, improves the quality of gear mesh, and provides a new idea for the FEM pre-processing.

Stable finite element approximations of two-phase flow with soluble surfactant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barrett, John W.; Garcke, Harald; Nürnberg, Robert

2015-09-01

A parametric finite element approximation of incompressible two-phase flow with soluble surfactants is presented. The Navier-Stokes equations are coupled to bulk and surfaces PDEs for the surfactant concentrations. At the interface adsorption, desorption and stress balances involving curvature effects and Marangoni forces have to be considered. A parametric finite element approximation for the advection of the interface, which maintains good mesh properties, is coupled to the evolving surface finite element method, which is used to discretize the surface PDE for the interface surfactant concentration. The resulting system is solved together with standard finite element approximations of the Navier-Stokes equations and of the bulk parabolic PDE for the surfactant concentration. Semidiscrete and fully discrete approximations are analyzed with respect to stability, conservation and existence/uniqueness issues. The approach is validated for simple test cases and for complex scenarios, including colliding drops in a shear flow, which are computed in two and three space dimensions.

Heat transfer model and finite element formulation for simulation of selective laser melting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, Souvik; Juha, Mario; Shephard, Mark S.; Maniatty, Antoinette M.

2017-10-01

A novel approach and finite element formulation for modeling the melting, consolidation, and re-solidification process that occurs in selective laser melting additive manufacturing is presented. Two state variables are introduced to track the phase (melt/solid) and the degree of consolidation (powder/fully dense). The effect of the consolidation on the absorption of the laser energy into the material as it transforms from a porous powder to a dense melt is considered. A Lagrangian finite element formulation, which solves the governing equations on the unconsolidated reference configuration is derived, which naturally considers the effect of the changing geometry as the powder melts without needing to update the simulation domain. The finite element model is implemented into a general-purpose parallel finite element solver. Results are presented comparing to experimental results in the literature for a single laser track with good agreement. Predictions for a spiral laser pattern are also shown.

The application of super wavelet finite element on temperature-pressure coupled field simulation of LPG tank under jet fire

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Bin

2015-02-01

Temperature-pressure coupled field analysis of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tank under jet fire can offer theoretical guidance for preventing the fire accidents of LPG tank, the application of super wavelet finite element on it is studied in depth. First, review of related researches on heat transfer analysis of LPG tank under fire and super wavelet are carried out. Second, basic theory of super wavelet transform is studied. Third, the temperature-pressure coupled model of gas phase and liquid LPG under jet fire is established based on the equation of state, the VOF model and the RNG k-ɛ model. Then the super wavelet finite element formulation is constructed using the super wavelet scale function as interpolating function. Finally, the simulation is carried out, and results show that the super wavelet finite element method has higher computing precision than wavelet finite element method.

Finite element computation of a viscous compressible free shear flow governed by the time dependent Navier-Stokes equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cooke, C. H.; Blanchard, D. K.

1975-01-01

A finite element algorithm for solution of fluid flow problems characterized by the two-dimensional compressible Navier-Stokes equations was developed. The program is intended for viscous compressible high speed flow; hence, primitive variables are utilized. The physical solution was approximated by trial functions which at a fixed time are piecewise cubic on triangular elements. The Galerkin technique was employed to determine the finite-element model equations. A leapfrog time integration is used for marching asymptotically from initial to steady state, with iterated integrals evaluated by numerical quadratures. The nonsymmetric linear systems of equations governing time transition from step-to-step are solved using a rather economical block iterative triangular decomposition scheme. The concept was applied to the numerical computation of a free shear flow. Numerical results of the finite-element method are in excellent agreement with those obtained from a finite difference solution of the same problem.

The use of Galerkin finite-element methods to solve mass-transport equations

USGS Publications Warehouse

Grove, David B.

1977-01-01

The partial differential equation that describes the transport and reaction of chemical solutes in porous media was solved using the Galerkin finite-element technique. These finite elements were superimposed over finite-difference cells used to solve the flow equation. Both convection and flow due to hydraulic dispersion were considered. Linear and Hermite cubic approximations (basis functions) provided satisfactory results: however, the linear functions were computationally more efficient for two-dimensional problems. Successive over relaxation (SOR) and iteration techniques using Tchebyschef polynomials were used to solve the sparce matrices generated using the linear and Hermite cubic functions, respectively. Comparisons of the finite-element methods to the finite-difference methods, and to analytical results, indicated that a high degree of accuracy may be obtained using the method outlined. The technique was applied to a field problem involving an aquifer contaminated with chloride, tritium, and strontium-90. (Woodard-USGS)

ADAPTION OF NONSTANDARD PIPING COMPONENTS INTO PRESENT DAY SEISMIC CODES

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

D. T. Clark; M. J. Russell; R. E. Spears

2009-07-01

With spiraling energy demand and flat energy supply, there is a need to extend the life of older nuclear reactors. This sometimes requires that existing systems be evaluated to present day seismic codes. Older reactors built in the 1960s and early 1970s often used fabricated piping components that were code compliant during their initial construction time period, but are outside the standard parameters of present-day piping codes. There are several approaches available to the analyst in evaluating these non-standard components to modern codes. The simplest approach is to use the flexibility factors and stress indices for similar standard components withmore » the assumption that the non-standard component’s flexibility factors and stress indices will be very similar. This approach can require significant engineering judgment. A more rational approach available in Section III of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, which is the subject of this paper, involves calculation of flexibility factors using finite element analysis of the non-standard component. Such analysis allows modeling of geometric and material nonlinearities. Flexibility factors based on these analyses are sensitive to the load magnitudes used in their calculation, load magnitudes that need to be consistent with those produced by the linear system analyses where the flexibility factors are applied. This can lead to iteration, since the magnitude of the loads produced by the linear system analysis depend on the magnitude of the flexibility factors. After the loading applied to the nonstandard component finite element model has been matched to loads produced by the associated linear system model, the component finite element model can then be used to evaluate the performance of the component under the loads with the nonlinear analysis provisions of the Code, should the load levels lead to calculated stresses in excess of Allowable stresses. This paper details the application of component-level finite element modeling to account for geometric and material nonlinear component behavior in a linear elastic piping system model. Note that this technique can be applied to the analysis of B31 piping systems.« less

Finite element, modal co-ordinate analysis of structures subjected to moving loads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olsson, M.

1985-03-01

Some of the possibilities of the finite element method in the moving load problem are demonstrated. The bridge-vehicle interaction phenomenon is considered by deriving a general bridge-vehicle element which is believed to be novel. This element may be regarded as a finite element with time-dependent and unsymmetric element matrices. The bridge response is formulated in modal co-ordinates thereby reducing the number of equations to be solved within each time step. Illustrative examples are shown for the special case of a beam bridge model and a one-axle vehicle model.

Finite Element A Posteriori Error Estimation for Heat Conduction. Degree awarded by George Washington Univ.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lang, Christapher G.; Bey, Kim S. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

This research investigates residual-based a posteriori error estimates for finite element approximations of heat conduction in single-layer and multi-layered materials. The finite element approximation, based upon hierarchical modelling combined with p-version finite elements, is described with specific application to a two-dimensional, steady state, heat-conduction problem. Element error indicators are determined by solving an element equation for the error with the element residual as a source, and a global error estimate in the energy norm is computed by collecting the element contributions. Numerical results of the performance of the error estimate are presented by comparisons to the actual error. Two methods are discussed and compared for approximating the element boundary flux. The equilibrated flux method provides more accurate results for estimating the error than the average flux method. The error estimation is applied to multi-layered materials with a modification to the equilibrated flux method to approximate the discontinuous flux along a boundary at the material interfaces. A directional error indicator is developed which distinguishes between the hierarchical modeling error and the finite element error. Numerical results are presented for single-layered materials which show that the directional indicators accurately determine which contribution to the total error dominates.

A note on derivations of Murray-von Neumann algebras.

PubMed

Kadison, Richard V; Liu, Zhe

2014-02-11

A Murray-von Neumann algebra is the algebra of operators affiliated with a finite von Neumann algebra. In this article, we first present a brief introduction to the theory of derivations of operator algebras from both the physical and mathematical points of view. We then describe our recent work on derivations of Murray-von Neumann algebras. We show that the "extended derivations" of a Murray-von Neumann algebra, those that map the associated finite von Neumann algebra into itself, are inner. In particular, we prove that the only derivation that maps a Murray-von Neumann algebra associated with a factor of type II1 into that factor is 0. Those results are extensions of Singer's seminal result answering a question of Kaplansky, as applied to von Neumann algebras: The algebra may be noncommutative and may even contain unbounded elements.

TAP 1: A Finite Element Program for Steady-State Thermal Analysis of Convectively Cooled Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thornton, E. A.

1976-01-01

The program has a finite element library of six elements: two conduction/convection elements to model heat transfer in a solid, two convection elements to model heat transfer in a fluid, and two integrated conduction/convection elements to represent combined heat transfer in tubular and plate/fin fluid passages. Nonlinear thermal analysis due to temperature dependent thermal parameters is performed using the Newton-Raphson iteration method. Program output includes nodal temperatures and element heat fluxes. Pressure drops in fluid passages may be computed as an option. A companion plotting program for displaying the finite element model and predicted temperature distributions is presented. User instructions and sample problems are presented in appendixes.

Supercomputer implementation of finite element algorithms for high speed compressible flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thornton, E. A.; Ramakrishnan, R.

1986-01-01

Prediction of compressible flow phenomena using the finite element method is of recent origin and considerable interest. Two shock capturing finite element formulations for high speed compressible flows are described. A Taylor-Galerkin formulation uses a Taylor series expansion in time coupled with a Galerkin weighted residual statement. The Taylor-Galerkin algorithms use explicit artificial dissipation, and the performance of three dissipation models are compared. A Petrov-Galerkin algorithm has as its basis the concepts of streamline upwinding. Vectorization strategies are developed to implement the finite element formulations on the NASA Langley VPS-32. The vectorization scheme results in finite element programs that use vectors of length of the order of the number of nodes or elements. The use of the vectorization procedure speeds up processing rates by over two orders of magnitude. The Taylor-Galerkin and Petrov-Galerkin algorithms are evaluated for 2D inviscid flows on criteria such as solution accuracy, shock resolution, computational speed and storage requirements. The convergence rates for both algorithms are enhanced by local time-stepping schemes. Extension of the vectorization procedure for predicting 2D viscous and 3D inviscid flows are demonstrated. Conclusions are drawn regarding the applicability of the finite element procedures for realistic problems that require hundreds of thousands of nodes.

Development of an hp-version finite element method for computational optimal control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hodges, Dewey H.; Warner, Michael S.

1993-01-01

The purpose of this research effort is to develop a means to use, and to ultimately implement, hp-version finite elements in the numerical solution of optimal control problems. The hybrid MACSYMA/FORTRAN code GENCODE was developed which utilized h-version finite elements to successfully approximate solutions to a wide class of optimal control problems. In that code the means for improvement of the solution was the refinement of the time-discretization mesh. With the extension to hp-version finite elements, the degrees of freedom include both nodal values and extra interior values associated with the unknown states, co-states, and controls, the number of which depends on the order of the shape functions in each element.

A mixed shear flexible finite element for the analysis of laminated plates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Putcha, N. S.; Reddy, J. N.

1984-01-01

A mixed shear flexible finite element based on the Hencky-Mindlin type shear deformation theory of laminated plates is presented and their behavior in bending is investigated. The element consists of three displacements, two rotations, and three moments as the generalized degrees of freedom per node. The numerical convergence and accuracy characteristics of the element are investigated by comparing the finite element solutions with the exact solutions. The present study shows that reduced-order integration of the stiffness coefficients due to shear is necessary to obtain accurate results for thin plates.

Expansion and improvement of the FORMA system for response and load analysis. Volume 2C: Listings, finite element FORMA subroutines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wohlen, R. L.

1976-01-01

A listing of the source deck of each finite element FORMA subroutine is given to remove the 'black-box' aura of the subroutines so that the analyst may better understand the detailed operations of each subroutine. The FORTRAN 4 programming language is used in all finite element FORMA subroutines.

Constitutive Model Calibration via Autonomous Multiaxial Experimentation (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-17

test machine. Experimental data is reduced and finite element simulations are conducted in parallel with the test based on experimental strain...data is reduced and finite element simulations are conducted in parallel with the test based on experimental strain conditions. Optimization methods...be used directly in finite element simulations of more complex geometries. Keywords Axial/torsional experimentation • Plasticity • Constitutive model

Numerical Analysis of Solids at Failure

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-08-20

failure analyses include the formulation of invariant finite elements for thin Kirchhoff rods, and preliminary initial studies of growth in...analysis of the failure of other structural/mechanical systems, including the finite element modeling of thin Kirchhoff rods and the constitutive...algorithm based on the connectivity graph of the underlying finite element mesh. In this setting, the discontinuities are defined by fronts propagating

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wiley, J.C.

The author describes a general `hp` finite element method with adaptive grids. The code was based on the work of Oden, et al. The term `hp` refers to the method of spatial refinement (h), in conjunction with the order of polynomials used as a part of the finite element discretization (p). This finite element code seems to handle well the different mesh grid sizes occuring between abuted grids with different resolutions.

A finite element conjugate gradient FFT method for scattering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Collins, Jeffery D.; Ross, Dan; Jin, J.-M.; Chatterjee, A.; Volakis, John L.

1991-01-01

Validated results are presented for the new 3D body of revolution finite element boundary integral code. A Fourier series expansion of the vector electric and mangnetic fields is employed to reduce the dimensionality of the system, and the exact boundary condition is employed to terminate the finite element mesh. The mesh termination boundary is chosen such that is leads to convolutional boundary operatores of low O(n) memory demand. Improvements of this code are discussed along with the proposed formulation for a full 3D implementation of the finite element boundary integral method in conjunction with a conjugate gradiant fast Fourier transformation (CGFFT) solution.

Computer animation of modal and transient vibrations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lipman, Robert R.

1987-01-01

An interactive computer graphics processor is described that is capable of generating input to animate modal and transient vibrations of finite element models on an interactive graphics system. The results from NASTRAN can be postprocessed such that a three dimensional wire-frame picture, in perspective, of the finite element mesh is drawn on the graphics display. Modal vibrations of any mode shape or transient motions over any range of steps can be animated. The finite element mesh can be color-coded by any component of displacement. Viewing parameters and the rate of vibration of the finite element model can be interactively updated while the structure is vibrating.

Wavelet and Multiresolution Analysis for Finite Element Networking Paradigms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kurdila, Andrew J.; Sharpley, Robert C.

1999-01-01

This paper presents a final report on Wavelet and Multiresolution Analysis for Finite Element Networking Paradigms. The focus of this research is to derive and implement: 1) Wavelet based methodologies for the compression, transmission, decoding, and visualization of three dimensional finite element geometry and simulation data in a network environment; 2) methodologies for interactive algorithm monitoring and tracking in computational mechanics; and 3) Methodologies for interactive algorithm steering for the acceleration of large scale finite element simulations. Also included in this report are appendices describing the derivation of wavelet based Particle Image Velocity algorithms and reduced order input-output models for nonlinear systems by utilizing wavelet approximations.

Finite Element Analysis Generates an Increasing Interest in Dental Research: A Bibliometric Study.

PubMed

Diarra, Abdoulaziz; Mushegyan, Vagan; Naveau, Adrien

2016-01-01

The purpose was to provide a longitudinal overview of published studies that use finite element analysis in dental research, by using the SCI-expanded database of Web of Science(®) (Thomson Reuters). Eighty publications from 1999-2000 and 473 from 2009-2010 were retrieved. This literature grew faster than the overall dental literature. The number of publishing countries doubled. The main journals were American or English, and dealt with implantology. For the top 10 journals publishing dental finite element papers, the mean impact factor increased by 75% during the decade. Finite elements generate an increasing interest from dental authors and publishers worldwide.

On the Finite Element Implementation of the Generalized Method of Cells Micromechanics Constitutive Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilt, T. E.

1995-01-01

The Generalized Method of Cells (GMC), a micromechanics based constitutive model, is implemented into the finite element code MARC using the user subroutine HYPELA. Comparisons in terms of transverse deformation response, micro stress and strain distributions, and required CPU time are presented for GMC and finite element models of fiber/matrix unit cell. GMC is shown to provide comparable predictions of the composite behavior and requires significantly less CPU time as compared to a finite element analysis of the unit cell. Details as to the organization of the HYPELA code are provided with the actual HYPELA code included in the appendix.

Finite element methods on supercomputers - The scatter-problem

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loehner, R.; Morgan, K.

1985-01-01

Certain problems arise in connection with the use of supercomputers for the implementation of finite-element methods. These problems are related to the desirability of utilizing the power of the supercomputer as fully as possible for the rapid execution of the required computations, taking into account the gain in speed possible with the aid of pipelining operations. For the finite-element method, the time-consuming operations may be divided into three categories. The first two present no problems, while the third type of operation can be a reason for the inefficient performance of finite-element programs. Two possibilities for overcoming certain difficulties are proposed, giving attention to a scatter-process.

Finite elements: Theory and application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dwoyer, D. L. (Editor); Hussaini, M. Y. (Editor); Voigt, R. G. (Editor)

1988-01-01

Recent advances in FEM techniques and applications are discussed in reviews and reports presented at the ICASE/LaRC workshop held in Hampton, VA in July 1986. Topics addressed include FEM approaches for partial differential equations, mixed FEMs, singular FEMs, FEMs for hyperbolic systems, iterative methods for elliptic finite-element equations on general meshes, mathematical aspects of FEMS for incompressible viscous flows, and gradient weighted moving finite elements in two dimensions. Consideration is given to adaptive flux-corrected FEM transport techniques for CFD, mixed and singular finite elements and the field BEM, p and h-p versions of the FEM, transient analysis methods in computational dynamics, and FEMs for integrated flow/thermal/structural analysis.

Hybrid-finite-element analysis of some nonlinear and 3-dimensional problems of engineering fracture mechanics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Atluri, S. N.; Nakagaki, M.; Kathiresan, K.

1980-01-01

In this paper, efficient numerical methods for the analysis of crack-closure effects on fatigue-crack-growth-rates, in plane stress situations, and for the solution of stress-intensity factors for arbitrary shaped surface flaws in pressure vessels, are presented. For the former problem, an elastic-plastic finite element procedure valid for the case of finite deformation gradients is developed and crack growth is simulated by the translation of near-crack-tip elements with embedded plastic singularities. For the latter problem, an embedded-elastic-singularity hybrid finite element method, which leads to a direct evaluation of K-factors, is employed.

Shear-flexible finite-element models of laminated composite plates and shells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noor, A. K.; Mathers, M. D.

1975-01-01

Several finite-element models are applied to the linear static, stability, and vibration analysis of laminated composite plates and shells. The study is based on linear shallow-shell theory, with the effects of shear deformation, anisotropic material behavior, and bending-extensional coupling included. Both stiffness (displacement) and mixed finite-element models are considered. Discussion is focused on the effects of shear deformation and anisotropic material behavior on the accuracy and convergence of different finite-element models. Numerical studies are presented which show the effects of increasing the order of the approximating polynomials, adding internal degrees of freedom, and using derivatives of generalized displacements as nodal parameters.

Application of Finite Element Method in Traffic Injury and Its Prospect in Forensic Science.

PubMed

Liu, C G; Lu, Y J; Gao, J; Liu, Q

2016-06-01

The finite element method （FEM） is a numerical computation method based on computer technology, and has been gradually applied in the fields of medicine and biomechanics. The finite element analysis can be used to explore the loading process and injury mechanism of human body in traffic injury. FEM is also helpful for the forensic investigation in traffic injury. This paper reviews the development of the finite element models and analysis of brain, cervical spine, chest and abdomen, pelvis, limbs at home and aboard in traffic injury in recent years. Copyright© by the Editorial Department of Journal of Forensic Medicine.

Tools for Modeling & Simulation of Molecular and Nanoelectronics Devices

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-14

implemented a prototype DFT simulation software using two different open source Finite Element (FE) libraries: DEALII and FENICS . These two libraries have been...ATK. In the first part of this Phase I project we investigated two different candidate finite element libraries, DEAL II and FENICS . Although both...element libraries, Deal.II and FEniCS /dolfin, for use as back-ends to a finite element DFT in ATK, Quantum Insight and QuantumWise A/S, October 2011.

Review of literature on the finite-element solution of the equations of two-dimensional surface-water flow in the horizontal plane

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lee, Jonathan K.; Froehlich, David C.

1987-01-01

Published literature on the application of the finite-element method to solving the equations of two-dimensional surface-water flow in the horizontal plane is reviewed in this report. The finite-element method is ideally suited to modeling two-dimensional flow over complex topography with spatially variable resistance. A two-dimensional finite-element surface-water flow model with depth and vertically averaged velocity components as dependent variables allows the user great flexibility in defining geometric features such as the boundaries of a water body, channels, islands, dikes, and embankments. The following topics are reviewed in this report: alternative formulations of the equations of two-dimensional surface-water flow in the horizontal plane; basic concepts of the finite-element method; discretization of the flow domain and representation of the dependent flow variables; treatment of boundary conditions; discretization of the time domain; methods for modeling bottom, surface, and lateral stresses; approaches to solving systems of nonlinear equations; techniques for solving systems of linear equations; finite-element alternatives to Galerkin's method of weighted residuals; techniques of model validation; and preparation of model input data. References are listed in the final chapter.

[Construction of platform on the three-dimensional finite element model of the dentulous mandibular body of a normal person].

PubMed

Gong, Lu-Lu; Zhu, Jing; Ding, Zu-Quan; Li, Guo-Qiang; Wang, Li-Ming; Yan, Bo-Yong

2008-04-01

To develop a method to construct a three-dimensional finite element model of the dentulous mandibular body of a normal person. A series of pictures with the interval of 0.1 mm were taken by CT scanning. After extracting the coordinates of key points of some pictures by the procedure, we used a C program to process the useful data, and constructed a platform of the three-dimensional finite element model of the dentulous mandibular body with the Ansys software for finite element analysis. The experimental results showed that the platform of the three-dimensional finite element model of the dentulous mandibular body was more accurate and applicable. The exact three-dimensional shape of model was well constructed, and each part of this model, such as one single tooth, can be deleted, which can be used to emulate various tooth-loss clinical cases. The three-dimensional finite element model is constructed with life-like shapes of dental cusps. Each part of this model can be easily removed. In conclusion, this experiment provides a good platform of biomechanical analysis on various tooth-loss clinical cases.

The Applications of Finite Element Analysis in Proximal Humeral Fractures.

PubMed

Ye, Yongyu; You, Wei; Zhu, Weimin; Cui, Jiaming; Chen, Kang; Wang, Daping

2017-01-01

Proximal humeral fractures are common and most challenging, due to the complexity of the glenohumeral joint, especially in the geriatric population with impacted fractures, that the development of implants continues because currently the problems with their fixation are not solved. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative assessments are crucial in management of those patients. Finite element analysis, as one of the valuable tools, has been implemented as an effective and noninvasive method to analyze proximal humeral fractures, providing solid evidence for management of troublesome patients. However, no review article about the applications and effects of finite element analysis in assessing proximal humeral fractures has been reported yet. This review article summarized the applications, contribution, and clinical significance of finite element analysis in assessing proximal humeral fractures. Furthermore, the limitations of finite element analysis, the difficulties of more realistic simulation, and the validation and also the creation of validated FE models were discussed. We concluded that although some advancements in proximal humeral fractures researches have been made by using finite element analysis, utility of this powerful tool for routine clinical management and adequate simulation requires more state-of-the-art studies to provide evidence and bases.

The Elastic Behaviour of Sintered Metallic Fibre Networks: A Finite Element Study by Beam Theory

PubMed Central

Bosbach, Wolfram A.

2015-01-01

Background The finite element method has complimented research in the field of network mechanics in the past years in numerous studies about various materials. Numerical predictions and the planning efficiency of experimental procedures are two of the motivational aspects for these numerical studies. The widespread availability of high performance computing facilities has been the enabler for the simulation of sufficiently large systems. Objectives and Motivation In the present study, finite element models were built for sintered, metallic fibre networks and validated by previously published experimental stiffness measurements. The validated models were the basis for predictions about so far unknown properties. Materials and Methods The finite element models were built by transferring previously published skeletons of fibre networks into finite element models. Beam theory was applied as simplification method. Results and Conclusions The obtained material stiffness isn’t a constant but rather a function of variables such as sample size and boundary conditions. Beam theory offers an efficient finite element method for the simulated fibre networks. The experimental results can be approximated by the simulated systems. Two worthwhile aspects for future work will be the influence of size and shape and the mechanical interaction with matrix materials. PMID:26569603

Performance and Reliability of Bonded Interfaces for High-temperature Packaging: Annual Progress Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

DeVoto, Douglas J.

2017-10-19

As maximum device temperatures approach 200 °Celsius, continuous operation, sintered silver materials promise to maintain bonds at these high temperatures without excessive degradation rates. A detailed characterization of the thermal performance and reliability of sintered silver materials and processes has been initiated for the next year. Future steps in crack modeling include efforts to simulate crack propagation directly using the extended finite element method (X-FEM), a numerical technique that uses the partition of unity method for modeling discontinuities such as cracks in a system.

Human Activity Behavior and Gesture Generation in Virtual Worlds for Long- Duration Space Missions. Chapter 8

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sierhuis, Maarten; Clancey, William J.; Damer, Bruce; Brodsky, Boris; vanHoff, Ron

2007-01-01

A virtual worlds presentation technique with embodied, intelligent agents is being developed as an instructional medium suitable to present in situ training on long term space flight. The system combines a behavioral element based on finite state automata, a behavior based reactive architecture also described as subsumption architecture, and a belief-desire-intention agent structure. These three features are being integrated to describe a Brahms virtual environment model of extravehicular crew activity which could become a basis for procedure training during extended space flight.

EMUstack: An open source route to insightful electromagnetic computation via the Bloch mode scattering matrix method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sturmberg, Björn C. P.; Dossou, Kokou B.; Lawrence, Felix J.; Poulton, Christopher G.; McPhedran, Ross C.; Martijn de Sterke, C.; Botten, Lindsay C.

2016-05-01

We describe EMUstack, an open-source implementation of the Scattering Matrix Method (SMM) for solving field problems in layered media. The fields inside nanostructured layers are described in terms of Bloch modes that are found using the Finite Element Method (FEM). Direct access to these modes allows the physical intuition of thin film optics to be extended to complex structures. The combination of the SMM and the FEM makes EMUstack ideally suited for studying lossy, high-index contrast structures, which challenge conventional SMMs.

An accurate nonlinear finite element analysis and test correlation of a stiffened composite wing panel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, D. D., Jr.; Krishnamurthy, T.; Stroud, W. J.; McCleary, S. L.

1991-05-01

State-of-the-art nonlinear finite element analysis techniques are evaluated by applying them to a realistic aircraft structural component. A wing panel from the V-22 tiltrotor aircraft is chosen because it is a typical modern aircraft structural component for which there is experimental data for comparison of results. From blueprints and drawings, a very detailed finite element model containing 2284 9-node Assumed Natural-Coordinate Strain elements was generated. A novel solution strategy which accounts for geometric nonlinearity through the use of corotating element reference frames and nonlinear strain-displacement relations is used to analyze this detailed model. Results from linear analyses using the same finite element model are presented in order to illustrate the advantages and costs of the nonlinear analysis as compared with the more traditional linear analysis.

An accurate nonlinear finite element analysis and test correlation of a stiffened composite wing panel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, D. D., Jr.; Krishnamurthy, T.; Stroud, W. J.; Mccleary, S. L.

1991-01-01

State-of-the-art nonlinear finite element analysis techniques are evaluated by applying them to a realistic aircraft structural component. A wing panel from the V-22 tiltrotor aircraft is chosen because it is a typical modern aircraft structural component for which there is experimental data for comparison of results. From blueprints and drawings, a very detailed finite element model containing 2284 9-node Assumed Natural-Coordinate Strain elements was generated. A novel solution strategy which accounts for geometric nonlinearity through the use of corotating element reference frames and nonlinear strain-displacement relations is used to analyze this detailed model. Results from linear analyses using the same finite element model are presented in order to illustrate the advantages and costs of the nonlinear analysis as compared with the more traditional linear analysis.

Application of 'steady' state finite element and transient finite difference theory to sound propagation in a variable duct - A comparison with experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baumeister, K. J.; Eversman, W.; Astley, R. J.; White, J. W.

1981-01-01

Experimental data are presented for sound propagation in a simulated infinite hard wall duct with a large change in duct cross sectional area. The data are conveniently tabulated for further use. The 'steady' state finite element theory of Astley and Eversman (1981) and the transient finite difference theory of White (1981) are in good agreement with the data for both the axial and transverse pressure profiles and the axial phase angle. Therefore, numerical finite difference and finite element theories appear to be ideally suited for handling duct propagation problems which encounter large axial gradients in acoustic parameters. The measured energy reflection coefficient agrees with the values from the Astley-Eversman modal coupling model.

Recent Advances in Laplace Transform Analytic Element Method (LT-AEM) Theory and Application to Transient Groundwater Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuhlman, K. L.; Neuman, S. P.

2006-12-01

Furman and Neuman (2003) proposed a Laplace Transform Analytic Element Method (LT-AEM) for transient groundwater flow. LT-AEM applies the traditionally steady-state AEM to the Laplace transformed groundwater flow equation, and back-transforms the resulting solution to the time domain using a Fourier Series numerical inverse Laplace transform method (de Hoog, et.al., 1982). We have extended the method so it can compute hydraulic head and flow velocity distributions due to any two-dimensional combination and arrangement of point, line, circular and elliptical area sinks and sources, nested circular or elliptical regions having different hydraulic properties, and areas of specified head, flux or initial condition. The strengths of all sinks and sources, and the specified head and flux values, can all vary in both space and time in an independent and arbitrary fashion. Initial conditions may vary from one area element to another. A solution is obtained by matching heads and normal fluxes along the boundary of each element. The effect which each element has on the total flow is expressed in terms of generalized Fourier series which converge rapidly (<20 terms) in most cases. As there are more matching points than unknown Fourier terms, the matching is accomplished in Laplace space using least-squares. The method is illustrated by calculating the resulting transient head and flow velocities due to an arrangement of elements in both finite and infinite domains. The 2D LT-AEM elements already developed and implemented are currently being extended to solve the 3D groundwater flow equation.

The Use of Sparse Direct Solver in Vector Finite Element Modeling for Calculating Two Dimensional (2-D) Magnetotelluric Responses in Transverse Electric (TE) Mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yihaa Roodhiyah, Lisa’; Tjong, Tiffany; Nurhasan; Sutarno, D.

2018-04-01

The late research, linear matrices of vector finite element in two dimensional(2-D) magnetotelluric (MT) responses modeling was solved by non-sparse direct solver in TE mode. Nevertheless, there is some weakness which have to be improved especially accuracy in the low frequency (10-3 Hz-10-5 Hz) which is not achieved yet and high cost computation in dense mesh. In this work, the solver which is used is sparse direct solver instead of non-sparse direct solverto overcome the weaknesses of solving linear matrices of vector finite element metod using non-sparse direct solver. Sparse direct solver will be advantageous in solving linear matrices of vector finite element method because of the matrix properties which is symmetrical and sparse. The validation of sparse direct solver in solving linear matrices of vector finite element has been done for a homogen half-space model and vertical contact model by analytical solution. Thevalidation result of sparse direct solver in solving linear matrices of vector finite element shows that sparse direct solver is more stable than non-sparse direct solver in computing linear problem of vector finite element method especially in low frequency. In the end, the accuracy of 2D MT responses modelling in low frequency (10-3 Hz-10-5 Hz) has been reached out under the efficient allocation memory of array and less computational time consuming.

A meta-model analysis of a finite element simulation for defining poroelastic properties of intervertebral discs.

PubMed

Nikkhoo, Mohammad; Hsu, Yu-Chun; Haghpanahi, Mohammad; Parnianpour, Mohamad; Wang, Jaw-Lin

2013-06-01

Finite element analysis is an effective tool to evaluate the material properties of living tissue. For an interactive optimization procedure, the finite element analysis usually needs many simulations to reach a reasonable solution. The meta-model analysis of finite element simulation can be used to reduce the computation of a structure with complex geometry or a material with composite constitutive equations. The intervertebral disc is a complex, heterogeneous, and hydrated porous structure. A poroelastic finite element model can be used to observe the fluid transferring, pressure deviation, and other properties within the disc. Defining reasonable poroelastic material properties of the anulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus is critical for the quality of the simulation. We developed a material property updating protocol, which is basically a fitting algorithm consisted of finite element simulations and a quadratic response surface regression. This protocol was used to find the material properties, such as the hydraulic permeability, elastic modulus, and Poisson's ratio, of intact and degenerated porcine discs. The results showed that the in vitro disc experimental deformations were well fitted with limited finite element simulations and a quadratic response surface regression. The comparison of material properties of intact and degenerated discs showed that the hydraulic permeability significantly decreased but Poisson's ratio significantly increased for the degenerated discs. This study shows that the developed protocol is efficient and effective in defining material properties of a complex structure such as the intervertebral disc.

Micro-scale finite element modeling of ultrasound propagation in aluminum trabecular bone-mimicking phantoms: A comparison between numerical simulation and experimental results.

PubMed

Vafaeian, B; Le, L H; Tran, T N H T; El-Rich, M; El-Bialy, T; Adeeb, S

2016-05-01

The present study investigated the accuracy of micro-scale finite element modeling for simulating broadband ultrasound propagation in water-saturated trabecular bone-mimicking phantoms. To this end, five commercially manufactured aluminum foam samples as trabecular bone-mimicking phantoms were utilized for ultrasonic immersion through-transmission experiments. Based on micro-computed tomography images of the same physical samples, three-dimensional high-resolution computational samples were generated to be implemented in the micro-scale finite element models. The finite element models employed the standard Galerkin finite element method (FEM) in time domain to simulate the ultrasonic experiments. The numerical simulations did not include energy dissipative mechanisms of ultrasonic attenuation; however, they expectedly simulated reflection, refraction, scattering, and wave mode conversion. The accuracy of the finite element simulations were evaluated by comparing the simulated ultrasonic attenuation and velocity with the experimental data. The maximum and the average relative errors between the experimental and simulated attenuation coefficients in the frequency range of 0.6-1.4 MHz were 17% and 6% respectively. Moreover, the simulations closely predicted the time-of-flight based velocities and the phase velocities of ultrasound with maximum relative errors of 20 m/s and 11 m/s respectively. The results of this study strongly suggest that micro-scale finite element modeling can effectively simulate broadband ultrasound propagation in water-saturated trabecular bone-mimicking structures. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Shedding light into the function of the earliest vertebrate skeleton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martinez-Perez, Carlos; Purnell, Mark; Rayfield, Emily; Donoghue, Philip

2016-04-01

Conodonts are an extinct group of jawless vertebrates, the first in our evolutionary lineage to develop a biomineralized skeleton. As such, the conodont skeleton is of great significance because of the insights it provides concerning the biology and function of the primitive vertebrate skeleton. Conodont function has been debated for a century and a half on the basis of its paleocological importance in the Palaezoic ecosystems. However, due to the lack of extanct close representatives and the small size of the conodont element (under a milimiter in length) strongly limited their functional analysis, traditional restricted to analogy. More recently, qualitative approaches have been developed, facilitating tests of element function based on occlusal performance and analysis of microwear and microstructure. In this work we extend these approaches using novel quantitative experimental methods including Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Tomographic Microscopy or Finite Element Analysis to test hypotheses of conodont function. The development of high resolution virtual models of conodont elements, together with biomechanical approaches using Finite Element analysis, informed by occlusal and microwear analyses, provided conclusive support to test hypothesis of structural adaptation within the crown tissue microstructure, showing a close topological co-variation patterns of compressive and tensile stress distribution with different crystallite orientation. In addition, our computational analyses strongly support a tooth-like function for many conodont species. Above all, our study establishes a framework (experimental approach) in which the functional ecology of conodonts can be read from their rich taxonomy and phylogeny, representing an important attempt to understand the role of this abundant and diverse clade in the Phanerozoic marine ecosystems.

A 2-D Interface Element for Coupled Analysis of Independently Modeled 3-D Finite Element Subdomains

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kandil, Osama A.

1998-01-01

Over the past few years, the development of the interface technology has provided an analysis framework for embedding detailed finite element models within finite element models which are less refined. This development has enabled the use of cascading substructure domains without the constraint of coincident nodes along substructure boundaries. The approach used for the interface element is based on an alternate variational principle often used in deriving hybrid finite elements. The resulting system of equations exhibits a high degree of sparsity but gives rise to a non-positive definite system which causes difficulties with many of the equation solvers in general-purpose finite element codes. Hence the global system of equations is generally solved using, a decomposition procedure with pivoting. The research reported to-date for the interface element includes the one-dimensional line interface element and two-dimensional surface interface element. Several large-scale simulations, including geometrically nonlinear problems, have been reported using the one-dimensional interface element technology; however, only limited applications are available for the surface interface element. In the applications reported to-date, the geometry of the interfaced domains exactly match each other even though the spatial discretization within each domain may be different. As such, the spatial modeling of each domain, the interface elements and the assembled system is still laborious. The present research is focused on developing a rapid modeling procedure based on a parametric interface representation of independently defined subdomains which are also independently discretized.

Toward Verification of USM3D Extensions for Mixed Element Grids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pandya, Mohagna J.; Frink, Neal T.; Ding, Ejiang; Parlette, Edward B.

2013-01-01

The unstructured tetrahedral grid cell-centered finite volume flow solver USM3D has been recently extended to handle mixed element grids composed of hexahedral, prismatic, pyramidal, and tetrahedral cells. Presently, two turbulence models, namely, baseline Spalart-Allmaras (SA) and Menter Shear Stress Transport (SST), support mixed element grids. This paper provides an overview of the various numerical discretization options available in the newly enhanced USM3D. Using the SA model, the flow solver extensions are verified on three two-dimensional test cases available on the Turbulence Modeling Resource website at the NASA Langley Research Center. The test cases are zero pressure gradient flat plate, planar shear, and bump-inchannel. The effect of cell topologies on the flow solution is also investigated using the planar shear case. Finally, the assessment of various cell and face gradient options is performed on the zero pressure gradient flat plate case.

Eigenvalues of Rectangular Waveguide Using FEM With Hybrid Elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deshpande, Manohar D.; Hall, John M.

2002-01-01

A finite element analysis using hybrid triangular-rectangular elements is developed to estimate eigenvalues of a rectangular waveguide. Use of rectangular vector-edge finite elements in the vicinity of the PEC boundary and triangular elements in the interior region more accurately models the physical nature of the electromagnetic field, and consequently quicken the convergence.

Using Plate Finite Elements for Modeling Fillets in Design, Optimization, and Dynamic Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, A. M.; Seugling, R. M.

2003-01-01

A methodology has been developed that allows the use of plate elements instead of numerically inefficient solid elements for modeling structures with 90 degree fillets. The technique uses plate bridges with pseudo Young's modulus (Eb) and thickness (tb) values placed between the tangent points of the fillets. These parameters are obtained by solving two nonlinear simultaneous equations in terms of the independent variables rlt and twallt. These equations are generated by equating the rotation at the tangent point of a bridge system with that of a fillet, where both rotations are derived using beam theory. Accurate surface fits of the solutions are also presented to provide the user with closed-form equations for the parameters. The methodology was verified on the subcomponent level and with a representative filleted structure, where the technique yielded a plate model exhibiting a level of accuracy better than or equal to a high-fidelity solid model and with a 90-percent reduction in the number of DOFs. The application of this method for parametric design studies, optimization, and dynamic analysis should prove extremely beneficial for the finite element practitioner. Although the method does not attempt to produce accurate stresses in the filleted region, it can also be used to obtain stresses elsewhere in the structure for preliminary analysis. A future avenue of study is to extend the theory developed here to other fillet geometries, including fillet angles other than 90 and multifaceted intersections.

Simulation of thin slot spirals and dual circular patch antennas using the finite element method with mixed elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gong, Jian; Volakis, John L.; Nurnberger, Michael W.

1995-01-01

This semi-annual report describes progress up to mid-January 1995. The report contains five sections all dealing with the modeling of spiral and patch antennas recessed in metallic platforms. Of significance is the development of decomposition schemes which separate the different regions of the antenna volume. Substantial effort was devoted to improving the feed model in the context of the finite element method (FEM). Finally, an innovative scheme for truncating finite element meshes is presented.

An Analysis of a Finite Element Method for Convection-Diffusion Problems. Part II. A Posteriori Error Estimates and Adaptivity.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-03-01

AN ANALYSIS OF A FINITE ELEMENT METHOD FOR CONVECTION- DIFFUSION PROBLEMS PART II: A POSTERIORI ERROR ESTIMATES AND ADAPTIVITY by W. G. Szymczak Y 6a...PERIOD COVERED AN ANALYSIS OF A FINITE ELEMENT METHOD FOR final life of the contract CONVECTION- DIFFUSION PROBLEM S. Part II: A POSTERIORI ERROR ...Element Method for Convection- Diffusion Problems. Part II: A Posteriori Error Estimates and Adaptivity W. G. Szvmczak and I. Babu~ka# Laboratory for

Vertical discretization with finite elements for a global hydrostatic model on the cubed sphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yi, Tae-Hyeong; Park, Ja-Rin

2017-06-01

A formulation of Galerkin finite element with basis-spline functions on a hybrid sigma-pressure coordinate is presented to discretize the vertical terms of global Eulerian hydrostatic equations employed in a numerical weather prediction system, which is horizontally discretized with high-order spectral elements on a cubed sphere grid. This replaces the vertical discretization of conventional central finite difference that is first-order accurate in non-uniform grids and causes numerical instability in advection-dominant flows. Therefore, a model remains in the framework of Galerkin finite elements for both the horizontal and vertical spatial terms. The basis-spline functions, obtained from the de-Boor algorithm, are employed to derive both the vertical derivative and integral operators, since Eulerian advection terms are involved. These operators are used to discretize the vertical terms of the prognostic and diagnostic equations. To verify the vertical discretization schemes and compare their performance, various two- and three-dimensional idealized cases and a hindcast case with full physics are performed in terms of accuracy and stability. It was shown that the vertical finite element with the cubic basis-spline function is more accurate and stable than that of the vertical finite difference, as indicated by faster residual convergence, fewer statistical errors, and reduction in computational mode. This leads to the general conclusion that the overall performance of a global hydrostatic model might be significantly improved with the vertical finite element.

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in Design and Production.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Waggoner, Todd C.; And Others

1995-01-01

Finite element analysis (FEA) enables industrial designers to analyze complex components by dividing them into smaller elements, then assessing stress and strain characteristics. Traditionally mainframe based, FEA is being increasingly used in microcomputers. (SK)

High-Accuracy Finite Element Method: Benchmark Calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gusev, Alexander; Vinitsky, Sergue; Chuluunbaatar, Ochbadrakh; Chuluunbaatar, Galmandakh; Gerdt, Vladimir; Derbov, Vladimir; Góźdź, Andrzej; Krassovitskiy, Pavel

2018-02-01

We describe a new high-accuracy finite element scheme with simplex elements for solving the elliptic boundary-value problems and show its efficiency on benchmark solutions of the Helmholtz equation for the triangle membrane and hypercube.

Workshop on the Integration of Finite Element Modeling with Geometric Modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wozny, Michael J.

1987-01-01

The workshop on the Integration of Finite Element Modeling with Geometric Modeling was held on 12 May 1987. It was held to discuss the geometric modeling requirements of the finite element modeling process and to better understand the technical aspects of the integration of these two areas. The 11 papers are presented except for one for which only the abstract is given.

Effects of Crimped Fiber Paths on Mixed Mode Delamination Behaviors in Woven Fabric Composites

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-01

continuum finite - element models. Three variations of a plain-woven fabric architecture—each of which had different crimped fiber paths—were considered... Finite - Element Analysis Fracture Mechanics Fracture Toughness Mixed Modes Strain Energy Release Rate 16. SECURITY...polymer FB Fully balanced laminate FEA Finite - element analysis FTCM Fracture toughness conversion mechanism G Shear modulus GI, GII, GIII Mode

A simple finite element method for linear hyperbolic problems

DOE PAGES

Mu, Lin; Ye, Xiu

2017-09-14

Here, we introduce a simple finite element method for solving first order hyperbolic equations with easy implementation and analysis. Our new method, with a symmetric, positive definite system, is designed to use discontinuous approximations on finite element partitions consisting of arbitrary shape of polygons/polyhedra. Error estimate is established. Extensive numerical examples are tested that demonstrate the robustness and flexibility of the method.

Reference Models for Multi-Layer Tissue Structures

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-01

simulation,  finite   element  analysis 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT 18. NUMBER OF PAGES 19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON USAMRMC...Physiologically realistic, fully specimen-specific, nonlinear reference models. Tasks. Finite element analysis of non-linear mechanics of cadaver...models. Tasks. Finite element analysis of non-linear mechanics of multi-layer tissue regions of human subjects. Deliverables. Partially subject- and

A simple finite element method for linear hyperbolic problems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mu, Lin; Ye, Xiu

Here, we introduce a simple finite element method for solving first order hyperbolic equations with easy implementation and analysis. Our new method, with a symmetric, positive definite system, is designed to use discontinuous approximations on finite element partitions consisting of arbitrary shape of polygons/polyhedra. Error estimate is established. Extensive numerical examples are tested that demonstrate the robustness and flexibility of the method.

Component mode synthesis and large deflection vibration of complex structures. Volume 3: Multiple-mode nonlinear free and forced vibrations of beams using finite element method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mei, Chuh; Shen, Mo-How

1987-01-01

Multiple-mode nonlinear forced vibration of a beam was analyzed by the finite element method. Inplane (longitudinal) displacement and inertia (IDI) are considered in the formulation. By combining the finite element method and nonlinear theory, more realistic models of structural response are obtained more easily and faster.

Examples of finite element mesh generation using SDRC IDEAS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zapp, John; Volakis, John L.

1990-01-01

IDEAS (Integrated Design Engineering Analysis Software) offers a comprehensive package for mechanical design engineers. Due to its multifaceted capabilities, however, it can be manipulated to serve the needs of electrical engineers, also. IDEAS can be used to perform the following tasks: system modeling, system assembly, kinematics, finite element pre/post processing, finite element solution, system dynamics, drafting, test data analysis, and project relational database.

Finite element analysis of transonic flows in cascades: Importance of computational grids in improving accuracy and convergence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ecer, A.; Akay, H. U.

1981-01-01

The finite element method is applied for the solution of transonic potential flows through a cascade of airfoils. Convergence characteristics of the solution scheme are discussed. Accuracy of the numerical solutions is investigated for various flow regions in the transonic flow configuration. The design of an efficient finite element computational grid is discussed for improving accuracy and convergence.

AutoCAD-To-NASTRAN Translator Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, A.

1989-01-01

Program facilitates creation of finite-element mathematical models from geometric entities. AutoCAD to NASTRAN translator (ACTON) computer program developed to facilitate quick generation of small finite-element mathematical models for use with NASTRAN finite-element modeling program. Reads geometric data of drawing from Data Exchange File (DXF) used in AutoCAD and other PC-based drafting programs. Written in Microsoft Quick-Basic (Version 2.0).

The Constraint Method for Solid Finite Elements.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-09-30

9. ’Hierarchical Approximation in Finite Element Analysis", by I. Norman Katz, International Symposium on Innovative Numerical Analysis In Applied ... Engineering Science, Versailles, France, May 23-27, 1977. 10. "Efficient Generation of Hierarchal Finite Elamnts Through the Use of Precomputed Arrays

An adaptively refined XFEM with virtual node polygonal elements for dynamic crack problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teng, Z. H.; Sun, F.; Wu, S. C.; Zhang, Z. B.; Chen, T.; Liao, D. M.

2018-02-01

By introducing the shape functions of virtual node polygonal (VP) elements into the standard extended finite element method (XFEM), a conforming elemental mesh can be created for the cracking process. Moreover, an adaptively refined meshing with the quadtree structure only at a growing crack tip is proposed without inserting hanging nodes into the transition region. A novel dynamic crack growth method termed as VP-XFEM is thus formulated in the framework of fracture mechanics. To verify the newly proposed VP-XFEM, both quasi-static and dynamic cracked problems are investigated in terms of computational accuracy, convergence, and efficiency. The research results show that the present VP-XFEM can achieve good agreement in stress intensity factor and crack growth path with the exact solutions or experiments. Furthermore, better accuracy, convergence, and efficiency of different models can be acquired, in contrast to standard XFEM and mesh-free methods. Therefore, VP-XFEM provides a suitable alternative to XFEM for engineering applications.

A Review on Strengthening Steel Beams Using FRP under Fatigue

PubMed Central

Jumaat, Mohd Zamin; Ramli Sulong, N. H.

2014-01-01

In recent decades, the application of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites for strengthening structural elements has become an efficient option to meet the increased cyclic loads or repair due to corrosion or fatigue cracking. Hence, the objective of this study is to explore the existing FRP reinforcing techniques to care for fatigue damaged structural steel elements. This study covers the surface treatment techniques, adhesive curing, and support conditions under cyclic loading including fatigue performance, crack propagation, and failure modes with finite element (FE) simulation of the steel bridge girders and structural elements. FRP strengthening composites delay initial cracking, reduce the crack growth rate, extend the fatigue life, and decrease the stiffness decay with residual deflection. Prestressed carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) is the best strengthening option. End anchorage prevents debonding of the CRRP strips at the beam ends by reducing the local interfacial shear and peel stresses. Hybrid-joint, nanoadhesive, and carbon-flex can also be attractive for strengthening systems. PMID:25243221

A review on strengthening steel beams using FRP under fatigue.

PubMed

Kamruzzaman, Mohamed; Jumaat, Mohd Zamin; Sulong, N H Ramli; Islam, A B M Saiful

2014-01-01

In recent decades, the application of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites for strengthening structural elements has become an efficient option to meet the increased cyclic loads or repair due to corrosion or fatigue cracking. Hence, the objective of this study is to explore the existing FRP reinforcing techniques to care for fatigue damaged structural steel elements. This study covers the surface treatment techniques, adhesive curing, and support conditions under cyclic loading including fatigue performance, crack propagation, and failure modes with finite element (FE) simulation of the steel bridge girders and structural elements. FRP strengthening composites delay initial cracking, reduce the crack growth rate, extend the fatigue life, and decrease the stiffness decay with residual deflection. Prestressed carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) is the best strengthening option. End anchorage prevents debonding of the CRRP strips at the beam ends by reducing the local interfacial shear and peel stresses. Hybrid-joint, nanoadhesive, and carbon-flex can also be attractive for strengthening systems.

Adaptive Shape Functions and Internal Mesh Adaptation for Modelling Progressive Failure in Adhesively Bonded Joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stapleton, Scott; Gries, Thomas; Waas, Anthony M.; Pineda, Evan J.

2014-01-01

Enhanced finite elements are elements with an embedded analytical solution that can capture detailed local fields, enabling more efficient, mesh independent finite element analysis. The shape functions are determined based on the analytical model rather than prescribed. This method was applied to adhesively bonded joints to model joint behavior with one element through the thickness. This study demonstrates two methods of maintaining the fidelity of such elements during adhesive non-linearity and cracking without increasing the mesh needed for an accurate solution. The first method uses adaptive shape functions, where the shape functions are recalculated at each load step based on the softening of the adhesive. The second method is internal mesh adaption, where cracking of the adhesive within an element is captured by further discretizing the element internally to represent the partially cracked geometry. By keeping mesh adaptations within an element, a finer mesh can be used during the analysis without affecting the global finite element model mesh. Examples are shown which highlight when each method is most effective in reducing the number of elements needed to capture adhesive nonlinearity and cracking. These methods are validated against analogous finite element models utilizing cohesive zone elements.

CONSTRUCTION OF SCALAR AND VECTOR FINITE ELEMENT FAMILIES ON POLYGONAL AND POLYHEDRAL MESHES

PubMed Central

GILLETTE, ANDREW; RAND, ALEXANDER; BAJAJ, CHANDRAJIT

2016-01-01

We combine theoretical results from polytope domain meshing, generalized barycentric coordinates, and finite element exterior calculus to construct scalar- and vector-valued basis functions for conforming finite element methods on generic convex polytope meshes in dimensions 2 and 3. Our construction recovers well-known bases for the lowest order Nédélec, Raviart-Thomas, and Brezzi-Douglas-Marini elements on simplicial meshes and generalizes the notion of Whitney forms to non-simplicial convex polygons and polyhedra. We show that our basis functions lie in the correct function space with regards to global continuity and that they reproduce the requisite polynomial differential forms described by finite element exterior calculus. We present a method to count the number of basis functions required to ensure these two key properties. PMID:28077939

CONSTRUCTION OF SCALAR AND VECTOR FINITE ELEMENT FAMILIES ON POLYGONAL AND POLYHEDRAL MESHES.

PubMed

Gillette, Andrew; Rand, Alexander; Bajaj, Chandrajit

2016-10-01

We combine theoretical results from polytope domain meshing, generalized barycentric coordinates, and finite element exterior calculus to construct scalar- and vector-valued basis functions for conforming finite element methods on generic convex polytope meshes in dimensions 2 and 3. Our construction recovers well-known bases for the lowest order Nédélec, Raviart-Thomas, and Brezzi-Douglas-Marini elements on simplicial meshes and generalizes the notion of Whitney forms to non-simplicial convex polygons and polyhedra. We show that our basis functions lie in the correct function space with regards to global continuity and that they reproduce the requisite polynomial differential forms described by finite element exterior calculus. We present a method to count the number of basis functions required to ensure these two key properties.

Design sensitivity analysis with Applicon IFAD using the adjoint variable method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frederick, Marjorie C.; Choi, Kyung K.

1984-01-01

A numerical method is presented to implement structural design sensitivity analysis using the versatility and convenience of existing finite element structural analysis program and the theoretical foundation in structural design sensitivity analysis. Conventional design variables, such as thickness and cross-sectional areas, are considered. Structural performance functionals considered include compliance, displacement, and stress. It is shown that calculations can be carried out outside existing finite element codes, using postprocessing data only. That is, design sensitivity analysis software does not have to be imbedded in an existing finite element code. The finite element structural analysis program used in the implementation presented is IFAD. Feasibility of the method is shown through analysis of several problems, including built-up structures. Accurate design sensitivity results are obtained without the uncertainty of numerical accuracy associated with selection of a finite difference perturbation.

New Developments in the Method of Space-Time Conservation Element and Solution Element-Applications to Two-Dimensional Time-Marching Problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chang, Sin-Chung; Wang, Xiao-Yen; Chow, Chuen-Yen

1994-01-01

A new numerical discretization method for solving conservation laws is being developed. This new approach differs substantially in both concept and methodology from the well-established methods, i.e., finite difference, finite volume, finite element, and spectral methods. It is motivated by several important physical/numerical considerations and designed to avoid several key limitations of the above traditional methods. As a result of the above considerations, a set of key principles for the design of numerical schemes was put forth in a previous report. These principles were used to construct several numerical schemes that model a 1-D time-dependent convection-diffusion equation. These schemes were then extended to solve the time-dependent Euler and Navier-Stokes equations of a perfect gas. It was shown that the above schemes compared favorably with the traditional schemes in simplicity, generality, and accuracy. In this report, the 2-D versions of the above schemes, except the Navier-Stokes solver, are constructed using the same set of design principles. Their constructions are simplified greatly by the use of a nontraditional space-time mesh. Its use results in the simplest stencil possible, i.e., a tetrahedron in a 3-D space-time with a vertex at the upper time level and other three at the lower time level. Because of the similarity in their design, each of the present 2-D solvers virtually shares with its 1-D counterpart the same fundamental characteristics. Moreover, it is shown that the present Euler solver is capable of generating highly accurate solutions for a famous 2-D shock reflection problem. Specifically, both the incident and the reflected shocks can be resolved by a single data point without the presence of numerical oscillations near the discontinuity.

Parallel processing in finite element structural analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noor, Ahmed K.

1987-01-01

A brief review is made of the fundamental concepts and basic issues of parallel processing. Discussion focuses on parallel numerical algorithms, performance evaluation of machines and algorithms, and parallelism in finite element computations. A computational strategy is proposed for maximizing the degree of parallelism at different levels of the finite element analysis process including: 1) formulation level (through the use of mixed finite element models); 2) analysis level (through additive decomposition of the different arrays in the governing equations into the contributions to a symmetrized response plus correction terms); 3) numerical algorithm level (through the use of operator splitting techniques and application of iterative processes); and 4) implementation level (through the effective combination of vectorization, multitasking and microtasking, whenever available).

A Simplified Finite Element Simulation for Straightening Process of Thin-Walled Tube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Ziqian; Yang, Huilin

2017-12-01

The finite element simulation is an effective way for the study of thin-walled tube in the two cross rolls straightening process. To determine the accurate radius of curvature of the roll profile more efficiently, a simplified finite element model based on the technical parameters of an actual two cross roll straightening machine, was developed to simulate the complex straightening process. Then a dynamic simulation was carried out using ANSYS LS-DYNA program. The result implied that the simplified finite element model was reasonable for simulate the two cross rolls straightening process, and can be obtained the radius of curvature of the roll profile with the tube’s straightness 2 mm/m.

Finite element modeling and analysis of tires

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noor, A. K.; Andersen, C. M.

1983-01-01

Predicting the response of tires under various loading conditions using finite element technology is addressed. Some of the recent advances in finite element technology which have high potential for application to tire modeling problems are reviewed. The analysis and modeling needs for tires are identified. Reduction methods for large-scale nonlinear analysis, with particular emphasis on treatment of combined loads, displacement-dependent and nonconservative loadings; development of simple and efficient mixed finite element models for shell analysis, identification of equivalent mixed and purely displacement models, and determination of the advantages of using mixed models; and effective computational models for large-rotation nonlinear problems, based on a total Lagrangian description of the deformation are included.

Application of finite element substructuring to composite micromechanics. M.S. Thesis - Akron Univ., May 1984

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Caruso, J. J.

1984-01-01

Finite element substructuring is used to predict unidirectional fiber composite hygral (moisture), thermal, and mechanical properties. COSMIC NASTRAN and MSC/NASTRAN are used to perform the finite element analysis. The results obtained from the finite element model are compared with those obtained from the simplified composite micromechanics equations. A unidirectional composite structure made of boron/HM-epoxy, S-glass/IMHS-epoxy and AS/IMHS-epoxy are studied. The finite element analysis is performed using three dimensional isoparametric brick elements and two distinct models. The first model consists of a single cell (one fiber surrounded by matrix) to form a square. The second model uses the single cell and substructuring to form a nine cell square array. To compare computer time and results with the nine cell superelement model, another nine cell model is constructed using conventional mesh generation techniques. An independent computer program consisting of the simplified micromechanics equation is developed to predict the hygral, thermal, and mechanical properties for this comparison. The results indicate that advanced techniques can be used advantageously for fiber composite micromechanics.

A Least-Squares-Based Weak Galerkin Finite Element Method for Second Order Elliptic Equations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mu, Lin; Wang, Junping; Ye, Xiu

Here, in this article, we introduce a least-squares-based weak Galerkin finite element method for the second order elliptic equation. This new method is shown to provide very accurate numerical approximations for both the primal and the flux variables. In contrast to other existing least-squares finite element methods, this new method allows us to use discontinuous approximating functions on finite element partitions consisting of arbitrary polygon/polyhedron shapes. We also develop a Schur complement algorithm for the resulting discretization problem by eliminating all the unknowns that represent the solution information in the interior of each element. Optimal order error estimates for bothmore » the primal and the flux variables are established. An extensive set of numerical experiments are conducted to demonstrate the robustness, reliability, flexibility, and accuracy of the least-squares-based weak Galerkin finite element method. Finally, the numerical examples cover a wide range of applied problems, including singularly perturbed reaction-diffusion equations and the flow of fluid in porous media with strong anisotropy and heterogeneity.« less

A Least-Squares-Based Weak Galerkin Finite Element Method for Second Order Elliptic Equations

DOE PAGES

Mu, Lin; Wang, Junping; Ye, Xiu

2017-08-17

Here, in this article, we introduce a least-squares-based weak Galerkin finite element method for the second order elliptic equation. This new method is shown to provide very accurate numerical approximations for both the primal and the flux variables. In contrast to other existing least-squares finite element methods, this new method allows us to use discontinuous approximating functions on finite element partitions consisting of arbitrary polygon/polyhedron shapes. We also develop a Schur complement algorithm for the resulting discretization problem by eliminating all the unknowns that represent the solution information in the interior of each element. Optimal order error estimates for bothmore » the primal and the flux variables are established. An extensive set of numerical experiments are conducted to demonstrate the robustness, reliability, flexibility, and accuracy of the least-squares-based weak Galerkin finite element method. Finally, the numerical examples cover a wide range of applied problems, including singularly perturbed reaction-diffusion equations and the flow of fluid in porous media with strong anisotropy and heterogeneity.« less

Finite Element Analysis of Tube Hydroforming in Non-Symmetrical Dies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nulkar, Abhishek V.; Gu, Randy; Murty, Pilaka

2011-08-01

Tube hydroforming has been studied intensively using commercial finite element programs. A great deal of the investigations dealt with models with symmetric cross-sections. It is known that additional constraints due to symmetry may be imposed on the model so that it is properly supported. For a non-symmetric model, these constraints become invalid and the model does not have sufficient support resulting in a singular finite element system. Majority of commercial codes have a limited capability in solving models with insufficient supports. Recently, new algorithms using penalty variable and air-like contact element (ALCE) have been developed to solve positive semi-definite finite element systems such as those in contact mechanics. In this study the ALCE algorithm is first validated by comparing its result against a commercial code using a symmetric model in which a circular tube is formed to polygonal dies with symmetric shapes. Then, the study investigates the accuracy and efficiency of using ALCE in analyzing hydroforming of tubes with various cross-sections in non-symmetrical dies in 2-D finite element settings.

Interpolation Hermite Polynomials For Finite Element Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gusev, Alexander; Vinitsky, Sergue; Chuluunbaatar, Ochbadrakh; Chuluunbaatar, Galmandakh; Gerdt, Vladimir; Derbov, Vladimir; Góźdź, Andrzej; Krassovitskiy, Pavel

2018-02-01

We describe a new algorithm for analytic calculation of high-order Hermite interpolation polynomials of the simplex and give their classification. A typical example of triangle element, to be built in high accuracy finite element schemes, is given.

Dynamic characterization, monitoring and control of rotating flexible beam-mass structures via piezo-embedded techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lai, Steven H.-Y.

1992-01-01

A variational principle and a finite element discretization technique were used to derive the dynamic equations for a high speed rotating flexible beam-mass system embedded with piezo-electric materials. The dynamic equation thus obtained allows the development of finite element models which accommodate both the original structural element and the piezoelectric element. The solutions of finite element models provide system dynamics needed to design a sensing system. The characterization of gyroscopic effect and damping capacity of smart rotating devices are addressed. Several simulation examples are presented to validate the analytical solution.

Finite element stress analysis of the human left ventricle whose irregular shape is developed from single plane cineangiocardiogram

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ghista, D. N.; Hamid, M. S.

1977-01-01

The three-dimensional left ventricular chamber geometrical model is developed from single plane cineangiocardiogram. This left ventricular model is loaded by an internal pressure monitored by cardiac catheterization. The resulting stresses in the left ventricular model chamber's wall are determined by computerized finite element procedure. For the discretization of this left ventricular model structure, a 20-node, isoparametric finite element is employed. The analysis and formulation of the computerised procedure is presented in the paper, along with the detailed algorithms and computer programs. The procedure is applied to determine the stresses in a left ventricle at an instant, during systole. Next, a portion (represented by a finite element) of this left ventricular chamber is simulated as being infarcted by making its active-state modulus value equal to its passive-state value; the neighbouring elements are shown to relieve the 'infarcted' element of stress by themselves taking on more stress.

Least-squares finite element methods for compressible Euler equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jiang, Bo-Nan; Carey, G. F.

1990-01-01

A method based on backward finite differencing in time and a least-squares finite element scheme for first-order systems of partial differential equations in space is applied to the Euler equations for gas dynamics. The scheme minimizes the L-sq-norm of the residual within each time step. The method naturally generates numerical dissipation proportional to the time step size. An implicit method employing linear elements has been implemented and proves robust. For high-order elements, computed solutions based on the L-sq method may have oscillations for calculations at similar time step sizes. To overcome this difficulty, a scheme which minimizes the weighted H1-norm of the residual is proposed and leads to a successful scheme with high-degree elements. Finally, a conservative least-squares finite element method is also developed. Numerical results for two-dimensional problems are given to demonstrate the shock resolution of the methods and compare different approaches.

Finite element area and line integral transforms for generalization of aperture function and geometry in Kirchhoff scalar diffraction theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kraus, Hal G.

1993-02-01

Two finite element-based methods for calculating Fresnel region and near-field region intensities resulting from diffraction of light by two-dimensional apertures are presented. The first is derived using the Kirchhoff area diffraction integral and the second is derived using a displaced vector potential to achieve a line integral transformation. The specific form of each of these formulations is presented for incident spherical waves and for Gaussian laser beams. The geometry of the two-dimensional diffracting aperture(s) is based on biquadratic isoparametric elements, which are used to define apertures of complex geometry. These elements are also used to build complex amplitude and phase functions across the aperture(s), which may be of continuous or discontinuous form. The finite element transform integrals are accurately and efficiently integrated numerically using Gaussian quadrature. The power of these methods is illustrated in several examples which include secondary obstructions, secondary spider supports, multiple mirror arrays, synthetic aperture arrays, apertures covered by screens, apodization, phase plates, and off-axis apertures. Typically, the finite element line integral transform results in significant gains in computational efficiency over the finite element Kirchhoff transform method, but is also subject to some loss in generality.

Dynamic and thermal response finite element models of multi-body space structural configurations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edighoffer, Harold H.

1987-01-01

Presented is structural dynamics modeling of two multibody space structural configurations. The first configuration is a generic space station model of a cylindrical habitation module, two solar array panels, radiator panel, and central connecting tube. The second is a 15-m hoop-column antenna. Discussed is the special joint elimination sequence used for these large finite element models, so that eigenvalues could be extracted. The generic space station model aided test configuration design and analysis/test data correlation. The model consisted of six finite element models, one of each substructure and one of all substructures as a system. Static analysis and tests at the substructure level fine-tuned the finite element models. The 15-m hoop-column antenna is a truss column and structural ring interconnected with tension stabilizing cables. To the cables, pretensioned mesh membrane elements were attached to form four parabolic shaped antennae, one per quadrant. Imposing thermal preloads in the cables and mesh elements produced pretension in the finite element model. Thermal preload variation in the 96 control cables was adjusted to maintain antenna shape within the required tolerance and to give pointing accuracy.

The Model Experiments and Finite Element Analysis on Deformation and Failure by Excavation of Grounds in Foregoing-roof Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sotokoba, Yasumasa; Okajima, Kenji; Iida, Toshiaki; Tanaka, Tadatsugu

We propose the trenchless box culvert construction method to construct box culverts in small covering soil layers while keeping roads or tracks open. When we use this construction method, it is necessary to clarify deformation and shear failure by excavation of grounds. In order to investigate the soil behavior, model experiments and elasto-plactic finite element analysis were performed. In the model experiments, it was shown that the shear failure was developed from the end of the roof to the toe of the boundary surface. In the finite element analysis, a shear band effect was introduced. Comparing the observed shear bands in model experiments with computed maximum shear strain contours, it was found that the observed direction of the shear band could be simulated reasonably by the finite element analysis. We may say that the finite element method used in this study is useful tool for this construction method.

Models and finite element approximations for interacting nanosized piezoelectric bodies and acoustic medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasedkin, A. V.

2017-01-01

This research presents the new size-dependent models of piezoelectric materials oriented to finite element applications. The proposed models include the facilities of taking into account different mechanisms of damping for mechanical and electric fields. The coupled models also incorporate the equations of the theory of acoustics for viscous fluids. In particular cases, these models permit to use the mode superposition method with full separation of the finite element systems into independent equations for the independent modes for transient and harmonic problems. The main boundary conditions were supplemented with the facilities of taking into account the coupled surface effects, allowing to explore the nanoscale piezoelectric materials in the framework of theories of continuous media with surface stresses and their generalizations. For the considered problems we have implemented the finite element technologies and various numerical algorithms to maintain a symmetrical structure of the finite element quasi-definite matrices (matrix structure for the problems with a saddle point).

Time-independent hybrid enrichment for finite element solution of transient conduction–radiation in diffusive grey media

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mohamed, M. Shadi, E-mail: m.s.mohamed@durham.ac.uk; Seaid, Mohammed; Trevelyan, Jon

2013-10-15

We investigate the effectiveness of the partition-of-unity finite element method for transient conduction–radiation problems in diffusive grey media. The governing equations consist of a semi-linear transient heat equation for the temperature field and a stationary diffusion approximation to the radiation in grey media. The coupled equations are integrated in time using a semi-implicit method in the finite element framework. We show that for the considered problems, a combination of hyperbolic and exponential enrichment functions based on an approximation of the boundary layer leads to improved accuracy compared to the conventional finite element method. It is illustrated that this approach canmore » be more efficient than using h adaptivity to increase the accuracy of the finite element method near the boundary walls. The performance of the proposed partition-of-unity method is analyzed on several test examples for transient conduction–radiation problems in two space dimensions.« less

Evaluation of stress changes in the mandible with a fixed functional appliance: a finite element study.

PubMed

Chaudhry, Anshul; Sidhu, Maninder S; Chaudhary, Girish; Grover, Seema; Chaudhry, Nimisha; Kaushik, Ashutosh

2015-02-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a fixed functional appliance (Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device; 3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif) on the mandible with 3-dimensional finite element stress analysis. A 3-dimensional finite element model of the mandible was constructed from the images generated by cone-beam computed tomography of a patient undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. The changes were studied with the finite element method, in the form of highest von Mises stress and maximum principal stress regions. More areas of stress were seen in the model of the mandible with the Forsus compared with the model of the mandible in the resting stage. This fixed functional appliance studied by finite element model analysis caused increases in the maximum principal stress and the von Mises stress in both the cortical bone and the condylar region of the mandible by more than 2 times. Copyright © 2015 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.