Impact of Self-Assembly Process Errors on Thermoelectric Performance

2012 ◽  
Vol 134 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan B. Crane ◽  
Patrick McKnight

Thermoelectric devices have many scaling benefits that motivate miniaturization, but assembly of small components is a significant challenge. Self-assembly provides a promising method for integrating very small elements. However, it introduces the possibility of stochastic errors with significant performance impacts. This work presents a method to estimate the impact of these errors on system performance. Equivalent thermoelectric properties are developed that adjust for the effect of missing elements in one-dimensional thermoelectric models. The models show that the thermoelectric devices can accommodate significant self-assembly errors by incorporation of redundant electrical paths. The model shows nearly linear decline in effective power factor with declining assembly accuracy, but the effective figure of merit (ZT) is relatively insensitive to assembly errors. Predictions from the modified one-dimensional model agree well with three-dimensional finite element simulations. This work identifies two basic strategies for how devices such as thermoelectric could be designed for self-assembly and demonstrates that it is possible to achieve high performance despite self-assembly process errors.

1999 ◽  
Vol 36 (02) ◽  
pp. 102-112
Author(s):  
Michael D. A. Mackney ◽  
Carl T. F. Ross

Computational studies of hull-superstructure interaction were carried out using one-, two-and three-dimensional finite element analyses. Simplification of the original three-dimensional cases to one- and two-dimensional ones was undertaken to reduce the data preparation and computer solution times in an extensive parametric study. Both the one- and two-dimensional models were evaluated from numerical and experimental studies of the three-dimensional arrangements of hull and superstructure. One-dimensional analysis used a simple beam finite element with appropriately changed sections properties at stations where superstructures existed. Two-dimensional analysis used a four node, first order quadrilateral, isoparametric plane elasticity finite element, with a corresponding increase in the grid domain where the superstructure existed. Changes in the thickness property reflected deck stiffness. This model was essentially a multi-flanged beam with the shear webs representing the hull and superstructure sides, and the flanges representing the decks One-dimensional models consistently and uniformly underestimated the three-dimensional behaviour, but were fast to create and run. Two-dimensional models were also consistent in their assessment, and considerably closer in predicting the actual behaviours. These models took longer to create than the one-dimensional, but ran in very much less time than the refined three-dimensional finite element models Parametric insights were accomplished quickly and effectively with the simplest model and processor, but two-dimensional analyses achieved closer absolute measure of the displacement behaviours. Although only static analysis with simple loading and support conditions were presented, it is believed that similar benefits would be found for other loadings and support conditions. Other engineering components and structures may benefit from similarly judged simplification using one- and two-dimensional models to reduce the time and cost of preliminary design.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1010
Author(s):  
Deepika Konakanchi ◽  
Amy L. de Jongh Curry ◽  
Robert S. Waters ◽  
Shalini Narayana

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a promising, non-invasive approach in the diagnosis and treatment of several neurological conditions. However, the specific results in the cortex of the magnitude and spatial distribution of the secondary electrical field (E-field) resulting from TMS at different stimulation sites/orientations and varied TMS parameters are not clearly understood. The objective of this study is to identify the impact of TMS stimulation site and coil orientation on the induced E-field, including spatial distribution and the volume of activation in the cortex across brain areas, and hence demonstrate the need for customized optimization, using a three-dimensional finite element model (FEM). A considerable difference was noted in E-field values and distribution at different brain areas. We observed that the volume of activated cortex varied from 3000 to 7000 mm3 between the selected nine clinically relevant coil locations. Coil orientation also changed the induced E-field by a maximum of 10%, and we noted the least optimal values at the standard coil orientation pointing to the nose. The volume of gray matter activated varied by 10% on average between stimulation sites in homologous brain areas in the two hemispheres of the brain. This FEM simulation model clearly demonstrates the importance of TMS parameters for optimal results in clinically relevant brain areas. The results show that TMS parameters cannot be interchangeably used between individuals, hemispheres, and brain areas. The focality of the TMS induced E-field along with its optimal magnitude should be considered as critical TMS parameters that should be individually optimized.


2011 ◽  
Vol 250-253 ◽  
pp. 2135-2140
Author(s):  
Zhi Ping Wu ◽  
Sheng Hua Qiu ◽  
Ying Li

According to the complex mining geological condition of Shandong gentle inclined multi-seam mining, Use the three-dimensional finite element numerical analysis software to establish three-dimensional geological model under the different mining working conditions. Taking into account the impact of faults to calculate multi-seam roof strata movement and surface subsidence caused by the different mining working conditions. The level displacement & subsidence distribution curve of the reference point of surface & multi-seam roof strata under the different working conditions is shown. The maximum, minimum settlement, differential settlement and subsidence diagram is shown. And the principal stress, shear stress value of surface & multi-seam roof strata after mining also is shown. The results showed that: little change of the biggest surface subsidence and differential settlement is caused by mining 3101&3102 face or separate 3101 or 3102 face. And the largest subsidence, and the settlement difference of the surface is 520mm, 498mm, 515mm and 59mm, 78mm, 81mm, Respectively. It provides an reference for reasonable, safe, economic for the inclined multi-seam mining under similar conditions.


2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 604-621
Author(s):  
Rodrigo Pinto Carvalho ◽  
Igor A. Rodrigues Lopes ◽  
Francisco M. Andrade Pires

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to predict the yield locus of porous ductile materials, evaluate the impact of void geometry and compare the computational results with existing analytical models. Design/methodology/approach A computational homogenization strategy for the definition of the elasto-plastic transition is proposed. Representative volume elements (RVEs) containing single-centred ellipsoidal voids are analysed using three-dimensional finite element models under the geometrically non-linear hypothesis of finite strains. Yield curves are obtained by means of systematic analysis of RVEs considering different kinematical models: linear boundary displacements (upper bound), boundary displacement fluctuation periodicity and uniform boundary traction (lower bound). Findings The influence of void geometry is captured and the reduction in the material strength is observed. Analytical models usually overestimate the impact of void geometry on the yield locus. Originality/value This paper proposes an alternative criterion for porous ductile materials and assesses the accuracy of analytical models through the simulation of three-dimensional finite element models under geometrically non-linear hypothesis.


2012 ◽  
Vol 192 ◽  
pp. 29-36
Author(s):  
Yu Xin Wang ◽  
Qing Chun Wang ◽  
Jian Rong Fu ◽  
Hong Hai Qiao

Effect of hard point of the engine hood on the head injury during the vehicle-human collision was studied to improve the design of engine hood. Firstly, the current common model of the engine hood was established with three-dimensional finite element modeling software, and 20 areas were divided, also a standard head finite element model was imported, secondly, each area of the engine hood was clashed by the standard head model, then the impact on the head injure was analyzed and the hard point of the hood area was achieved, thirdly, the optimization of the inside and outside panel materials and the plate structure were carried out to reduce the head damage. The simulation results show that the engine hood after optimization gave less damage to the head, which means the research carried out here is of a good reference to the engine hood optimization design for human protection


Author(s):  
Neelima Mallidi ◽  
Miles Greiner ◽  
Venkata V. R. Venigalla

The response of a truck package designed to transport four pressurized water reactor fuel assemblies to a simplified radiation fire model is simulated for a range of fire durations using three-dimensional finite element analysis. A model is developed to determine the cumulative seal degradation from its temperature versus time history. This model is used to determine the minimum fire duration that causes the seal to lose containment integrity. The fire durations that cause the maximum cladding temperature to reach its long term creep deformation and burst rupture temperatures are determined and found to be longer than the duration that cause the seal to lose containment integrity. These simulations are repeated for package models without the compliant regions of the impact limiters, and for a package with the impact limiter completely removed. These simulations quantify the level of thermal protection the impact limiters provide to the seals and cladding during simulated fires.


2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 2007-2029 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Thompson ◽  
M. Simons ◽  
V. C. Tsai

Abstract. Geodetic surveys suggest that ocean tides can modulate the motion of Antarctic ice streams, even at stations many tens of kilometers inland from the grounding line. These surveys suggest that ocean tidal stresses can perturb ice stream motion at distances about an order of magnitude farther inland than tidal flexure of the ice stream alone. Recent models exploring the role of tidal perturbations in basal shear stress are primarily one- or two-dimensional, with the impact of the ice stream margins either ignored or parameterized. Here, we use two- and three-dimensional finite-element modeling to investigate transmission of tidal stresses in ice streams and the impact of considering more realistic, three-dimensional ice stream geometries. Using Rutford Ice Stream as a real-world comparison, we demonstrate that the assumption that elastic tidal stresses in ice streams propagate large distances inland fails for channelized glaciers due to an intrinsic, exponential decay in the stress caused by resistance at the ice stream margins. This behavior is independent of basal conditions beneath the ice stream and cannot be fit to observations using either elastic or nonlinear viscoelastic rheologies without nearly complete decoupling of the ice stream from its lateral margins. Our results suggest that a mechanism external to the ice stream is necessary to explain the tidal modulation of stresses far upstream of the grounding line for narrow ice streams. We propose a hydrologic model based on time-dependent variability in till strength to explain transmission of tidal stresses inland of the grounding line. This conceptual model can reproduce observations from Rutford Ice Stream.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo Castillo Garcia ◽  
Stylianos Panayides

Abstract Suction piles are a form of foundation widely adopted in the offshore energy industry. Efforts to enhance the combined Vertical-Horizontal (V-H) performance of piles with the addition of fins, attracted interest from the engineering community in the beginning of the 21st century. Design of this enhancement was surfaced whilst examining foundation solutions for renewable energy projects. Studies to date have primarly considered relatively shallow waters comprising sandy soils, with the behaviour of fin-enhanced piles in very soft to soft clay soils, receiving less attention. The present study emphasis is on typical deep-water deposits of soft clay and attempts to evaluate the impact of varying fin length, shape, orientation and location, on the combined capacity of suction piles by means of three-dimensional finite element analyses. The paper investigates two types of load configuration; in the first instance loading at the pile head and secondly with the load attachment point located at approximately two thirds of the pile embedded length. These two configurations cover different foundation solutions, such as support for subsea infrastructure and anchoring for floating facilities, respectively. Optimum fin-enhanced suction pile configurations are presented for each application, with the results from this study indicating an increase of the load-carrying capacity in V-H space, whilst reducing the overall suction pile size. The efficiency of various configurations is presented with composite plots of increase in holding capacity, plotted against the increase in steel surface area. Preliminary recommendations on fin length, location, shape and orientation for typical suction pile applications are presented with intent to demonstrate the potential for cost savings and reduction in both operational and schedule risk.


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