A Topological Model for the Representation of Meshing Constraints in the Context of Finite Element Analysis

Author(s):  
Gilles Foucault ◽  
Jean-Claude Le´on ◽  
Jean-Christophe Cuillie`re ◽  
Vincent Franc¸ois ◽  
Roland Maranzana

The preparation of Finite Element analysis models (FE models) from Computer Aided Design (CAD) models is still a difficult task since its Boundary Representation (B-Rep) is often composed of a large number of thin faces, small edges, which are much smaller than the desired element size, and are not relevant for the meshing process. Such inconsistencies often cause poor-shaped FE elements, overdensities of elements, not only slowing down the computation of the FE solution, but also producing poor simulation results. In this paper, we present a “Mesh Constraint Topology” (MCT) model with adaptation operators aiming at transforming the CAD model in a FE model which only contains meshing-relevant edges and vertices, i.e. the explicit model of data intrinsic to the meshing process. Because the topology of faces adapted for meshing could contain interior edges, the MCT is represented with adjacency graphs instead of the B-Rep data-structure. We demonstrate how graphs provide efficient schemes to qualify interior and boundary entities, and facilitate the design of adaptation operators using high-level graph operators. Application and results are presented through adaptation issues of CAD models solved using MCT adaptation operators.

Author(s):  
Constantine M. Tarawneh ◽  
Arturo A. Fuentes ◽  
Javier A. Kypuros ◽  
Lariza A. Navarro ◽  
Andrei G. Vaipan ◽  
...  

In the railroad industry, distressed bearings in service are primarily identified using wayside hot-box detectors (HBDs). Current technology has expanded the role of these detectors to monitor bearings that appear to “warm trend” relative to the average temperatures of the remainder of bearings on the train. Several bearings set-out for trending and classified as nonverified, meaning no discernible damage, revealed that a common feature was discoloration of rollers within a cone (inner race) assembly. Subsequent laboratory experiments were performed to determine a minimum temperature and environment necessary to reproduce these discolorations and concluded that the discoloration is most likely due to roller temperatures greater than 232 °C (450 °F) for periods of at least 4 h. The latter finding sparked several discussions and speculations in the railroad industry as to whether it is possible to have rollers reaching such elevated temperatures without heating the bearing cup (outer race) to a temperature significant enough to trigger the HBDs. With this motivation, and based on previous experimental and analytical work, a thermal finite element analysis (FEA) of a railroad bearing pressed onto an axle was conducted using ALGOR 20.3™. The finite element (FE) model was used to simulate different heating scenarios with the purpose of obtaining the temperatures of internal components of the bearing assembly, as well as the heat generation rates and the bearing cup surface temperature. The results showed that, even though some rollers can reach unsafe operating temperatures, the bearing cup surface temperature does not exhibit levels that would trigger HBD alarms.


Author(s):  
R. N. Margasahayam ◽  
H. S. Faust

Abstract A finite-element stress analysis of a one-piece, integrated, all-composite shaft and coupling is presented. In addition to a brief discussion of design-driving parameters, some limitations of the analytical techniques used for design development are described. The 3D finite-element method (FEM) was then used to evaluate critical stresses and strains experienced by the shaft coupling. A comparison of the results from the finite-element analysis and those from static bending, axial, and torsional tests conducted on these prototype shafts yielded excellent correlation. Some important considerations in the development of the FE model and the correlation of results with tests, especially in the design of composite materials, are addressed.


2011 ◽  
Vol 402 ◽  
pp. 753-757 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hai Long Tong ◽  
Zhong Hai Liu ◽  
Li Yin ◽  
Quan Jin

Base on contact kinetics finite element theory, proceed secondary development of road wheel and pin mesh’s nonlinear dynamic contact analysis in LS-DYNA module, and carry out contrast of simulation analysis, achieved stress, strain and dynamic identities that caused by meshing impact in the whole meshing process, accord with practice, can instruct product practice design.


Author(s):  
Mikkel L. Larsen ◽  
Vikas Arora ◽  
Marie Lützen ◽  
Ronnie R. Pedersen ◽  
Eric Putnam

Abstract Several methods for modelling and finite element analysis of tubular welded joints are described in various design codes. These codes provide specific recommendations for modelling of the welded joints, using simple weld geometries. In this paper, experimental hot-spot strain range results from a full-scale automatically welded K-node test are compared to corresponding finite element models. As part of investigating the automatically welded K-joint, 3D scans of the weld surfaces have been made. These scans are included in the FE models to determine the accuracy of the FE models. The results are compared to an FE model with a simple weld geometry based on common offshore design codes and a model without any modelled weld. The results show that the FE model with 3D scanned welds is more accurate than the two simple FE models. As the weld toe location of the 3D scanned weld is difficult to locate precisely in the FE model and as misplacement of strain gauges are possible, stochastic finite element modelling is performed to analyse the resulting probabilistic hot-spot stresses. The results show large standard deviations, showing the necessity to evaluate the hot-spot stress method when using 3D scanned welds.


Author(s):  
Phong Phan ◽  
Anh Vo ◽  
Amirhamed Bakhtiarydavijani ◽  
Reuben Burch ◽  
Brian K. Smith ◽  
...  

Abstract Computational approaches, especially Finite Element Analysis (FEA), have been rapidly growing in both academia and industry during the last few decades. FEA serves as a powerful and efficient approach for simulating real-life experiments, including industrial product development, machine design, and biomedical research, particularly in biomechanics and biomaterials. Accordingly, FEA has been a "go-to" high biofidelic software tool to simulate and quantify the biomechanics of the foot-ankle complex, as well as to predict the risk of foot and ankle injuries, which are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries among physically active individuals. This paper provides a review of the in silico FEA of the foot-ankle complex. First, a brief history of computational modeling methods and Finite Element (FE) simulations for foot-ankle models is introduced. Second, a general approach to build a FE foot and ankle model is presented, including a detailed procedure to accurately construct, calibrate, verify, and validate a FE model in its appropriate simulation environment. Third, current applications, as well as future improvements of the foot and ankle FE models, especially in the biomedical field, are discussed. Lastly, a conclusion is made on the efficiency and development of FEA as a computational approach in investigating the biomechanics of the foot-ankle complex. Overall, this review integrates insightful information for biomedical engineers, medical professionals, and researchers to conduct more accurate research on the foot-ankle FE models in the future.


Author(s):  
Saurabh Srivastava ◽  
Sachin Salunkhe ◽  
Sarang Pande ◽  
Bhavin Kapadiya

Steering knuckle connects steering system, suspension system and braking system to the chassis. The steering knuckle contributes a significant weight to the total weight of a vehicle. Increasing the efficiency of an automobile without compromising the performances is the major challenge faced by the manufacturers. This paper presents an effective topology optimization of steering knuckle used in a vehicle with the primary objective of minimizing weight. The study on optimization of knuckle is divided into two phases, the first phase involves making of a computer-aided design model of the original steering knuckle and carry out finite element analysis on the knuckle by estimating the loads, which are acting on the component. In the second phase, design optimization of the model of steering knuckle is carried out, and excess material is removed at the region where induced stress is negligible as obtained in finite element analysis assuming standard boundary and loading conditions. The paper describes a research work carried out to optimize structural topology giving the essential details. The methodology may be applied to optimize structural components used in applications where the ratio of desired properties to the cost, generally in terms of weight, is to be optimized. In the case of automobiles, strength to weight ratio has to be maximized. New researchers working in the area will have an understanding of the procedures, and further, the techniques may be applied to design in general.


2012 ◽  
Vol 215-216 ◽  
pp. 847-850
Author(s):  
Shou Jun Wang ◽  
Xing Xiong ◽  
Hong Jie Wang

In the condition of alternating impact ,the nut-supports subassembly is analyzed according to uncertainty of design parameters. Firstly, a three-dimensional (3-D) finite element (FE) model of the nut-supports subassembly is built and is meshed,and the constraints and loads are imposed.Secondly,the model of nut-supports was assembled using the software ANSYS to understand the stress distribution and various parts of the deformation of the nut-supports and its weak links in the harmonic forces.Finally,socket head cap screw has not enough pre-load in the condition of alternating impact and will be simplified.It is analyzed and checked whether it is cut or not; which provides the reference data for design and optimization of the wave maker.


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