scholarly journals Agustín de Betancourt’s Double-Acting Steam Engine: Analysis through Computer-Aided Engineering

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 2309 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Rojas-Sola ◽  
Eduardo De la Morena-De la Fuente

This article analyses the double-acting steam engine designed by Agustín de Betancourt in 1789 and based on the steam engine of James Watt. Its novelty and scientific interest lies in the fact that from the point of view of industrial archaeology and the study of technical historical heritage there is no worldwide study on this invention, which marked a historic milestone in the design of the steam engines of the Industrial Revolution (1760–1840). This underscores the utility and originality of this research. To this end, a study of computer-aided engineering (CAE) was carried out using the parametric software Autodesk Inventor Professional, consisting of a static analysis using the finite-element method of the 3D CAD model of the invention under real operating conditions. The results have shown that the double-acting steam engine was correctly designed considering that the values of the maximum von Mises stress (188.4 MPa) obtained were taken away from the elastic limit of the material it was made of (cast iron), as well as to the maximum deformations (0.14% with respect to its length) obtained in the same element that presents the maximum stress (opening axle of the high pressure steam valve). Similarly, the maximum displacements (18.74 mm) are located in the mobile counterweights that transmit certain inertia to facilitate the opening and closing of the valves. Finally, if we look at the results of the safety coefficient, whose lowest value was 4.02, we could say that the invention was oversized, following constructive criteria of the time, as there were no resistance tests on materials that would help in the optimization of the design of the invention.

Agriculture ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 255 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Ignacio Rojas-Sola ◽  
Eduardo De la Morena-De la Fuente

This article analyzes an olive oil mill formed of four conical stones used in the milling of the olive. To this end, a study of computer-aided engineering (CAE) was carried out using the parametric software Autodesk Inventor Professional, consisting of a static analysis using the finite-element method (FEM) of the three-dimensional (3D) model of the mill under real operating conditions. The results obtained revealed that the conical stones mill was a very robust machine. When studying the assembly in the most unfavorable situation (blockage of one of its millstones), we observed that the element with the highest von Mises stress was the bearing nut, reaching a value of 263.9 MPa, which was far from the elastic limit of cast iron (758 MPa). On the other hand, the machine hardly presented any equivalent deformations or displacements that could jeopardize the operation as a whole. The maximum displacement obtained was 2.494 mm in the inertia flywheel, and the equivalent deformations did not reach 0.1% of the part dimension. Similarly, the element with the lowest safety coefficient (2.87) was the same bearing nut with the highest von Mises stress, although the next element with the second lowest safety coefficient had a value of 8.69, which showed that the set was clearly oversized. These results demonstrate the convenience of redesigning the set in order to resize some of its elements, and that they could have lower safety coefficients of between 2 and 4. After an initial analysis, the resizable elements would fundamentally be those related to the movement transmission system and the frame structure.


Agriculture ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 554
Author(s):  
José Ignacio Rojas-Sola ◽  
Eduardo De la Morena-De la Fuente ◽  
Manuel Jesús Hermoso-Orzáez ◽  
David Hernández-Díaz

This article analyzes a large tower press used to press crushed olives to obtain olive oil. To this end, a study of computer-aided engineering (CAE) was carried out using the parametric software Autodesk Inventor Professional, consisting of a static analysis using the finite-element method (FEM) of the 3D model of the press under real operating conditions. The tower press has been analyzed in two limit positions: in the rest position, supported on two pillars, and the pressing position, supported on the set of filter discs (basket load) called ‘cargo de capachos’ that contained the previously ground olives. In the first position, static analysis revealed that the maximum von Mises stress was 22.7 MPa, located on the axle of the roller, but this is far from the elastic limit. Moreover, the lowest safety coefficient is 11.16, produced in the contact between the tower and the right pillar and well above the optimal range between 2 and 4. On the other hand, it hardly presents equivalent displacements or deformations that would endanger the operation of the set. The greatest displacement would be in the wooden guide (0.123 mm) and a deformation of 0.027% with respect to its length. These values confirm that, in this position, the tower press was clearly oversized. However, the results obtained regarding the second position are not entirely conclusive. Although the values of the displacements and the equivalent deformations are low, with results similar to those obtained in the first position, with a maximum displacement of 0.1315 mm located in the horizontal beam of the support structure and a maximum equivalent deformation of value 0.385%, located in the contact between the screw and the nut, the same does not happen with the von Mises stress. The software did not obtain a convergent result due to the frustoconical geometry of the bolt that joins the screw and nut, adopting a maximum value of 508.3 MPa. For this point, the safety coefficient is 1.49, which reveals a sizing problem with the proposed solution of resizing the screw thread, giving it more robustness. The rest of the elements work with a safety coefficient above 4.33 so they are also clearly oversized, according to current criteria.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (16) ◽  
pp. 3385 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Rojas-Sola ◽  
Eduardo De la Morena-De la Fuente

This article analyzes the ‘Hay inclined plane’ designed by the English engineer and entrepreneur William Reynolds and put into operation in 1792 to facilitate the transport of vessels between channels at different levels using an inclined plane. To this end, a study of computer-aided engineering (CAE) was carried out using the parametric software Autodesk Inventor Professional, consisting of a static analysis using the finite-element method (FEM) of the 3D model of the invention under real operating conditions. The results obtained after subjecting the mechanism to the two most unfavorable situations (blockage situation of the inertia flywheel and emergency braking situation) indicate that, with the exception of the braking bar, the rest of the assembly is perfectly designed and dimensioned. In particular, for the blockage situation, the point with the greatest stress is at the junction between the inertia flywheel and the axle to which it is attached, the maximum value of von Mises stress being at that point (186.9 MPa) lower than the elastic limit of the cast iron. Also, at this point the deformation is very low (0.13% of its length), as well as the maximum displacement that takes place in the inertia flywheel itself (22.98 mm), and the lowest safety factor has a value of 3.51 (located on the wooden shaft support), which indicates that the mechanism is clearly oversized. On the other hand, the emergency braking situation, which is technically impossible with a manual operation, indicates that the braking bar supports a maximum von Mises stress of 1025 MPa, above the elastic limit of the material, so it would break. However, other than that element, the rest of the elements have lower stresses, with a maximum value of 390.7 MPa, and with safety factors higher than 1.7, which indicates that the mechanism was well dimensioned.


Machines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 295
Author(s):  
José Ignacio Rojas-Sola ◽  
Gloria del Río-Cidoncha ◽  
Rafael Ortíz-Marín ◽  
Justino Trenas-Arbizu

This article shows an approach to the three-dimensional modelling of a sugarcane mill and its associated steam engine, designed by the Robey and Co. engineering company in 1869. In order to obtain the 3D CAD model of said invention, CATIA V5 R20 software has been employed. Various sources of starting material, from the basis of this research and found in the process of searching for relevant information, provide information on the main elements, operating conditions, and mechanism of the machine. Thanks to the three-dimensional geometric modelling carried out, it has been possible to explain, in detail, both its operation and the final assembly of the invention through the assemblies of its different subsets, thereby obtaining a virtual recreation that shows its operation. Likewise, a study has been carried out, from a mechanical engineering viewpoint, of the gear train that transmitted the movement, in order to ascertain the compression force exerted on the sugar cane. This research, related to industrial archaeology, therefore, enables the reader to understand a machine that constituted a milestone in the sugarcane industry, while paying tribute to the English engineer, Robert Robey.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 1338 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Rojas-Sola ◽  
Eduardo De la Morena-De la Fuente

This article analyzes the first self-propelled floating dredging machine designed and executed by Agustín de Betancourt in 1810 to dredge the port of Kronstadt (Russia). With this objective, a study of computer-aided engineering (CAE) has been carried out using the parametric software Autodesk Inventor Professional, consisting of a static analysis using the finite element method, of the 3D model which is reliable under operating conditions. The results have shown that the system of inertia drums proposed by Betancourt manages to dissipate the tensions between the different elements, locating the highest stresses in the links of the bucket rosary, specifically at the point of contact between links. Similarly, the maximum displacements and the greatest deformations (always associated with these points of greater stress), are far from reaching the limits of breakage of the material used in its construction, as well as the safety coefficient of the invention, confirming that the mechanism was oversized, as was generally the case at the time. This analysis highlights the talent of the Spanish engineer and his mastery of mechanics, in an invention, the first of its kind worldwide, which served the Russian Empire for many years.


Author(s):  
Kelly A. Fox ◽  
Brandon Massoni ◽  
Matthew I. Campbell

It is now common for computer-aided engineering tools to show a performance parameter — like von Mises stress — over the surface of a solid part. In this paper, a heatmap is generated for part cost where high values (shown in red) indicate regions with a high impact on manufacturing cost. This is accomplished by slicing the provided part many times in multiple orientations and evaluating the total costs of each side of the part at each slice. The costs from all the directions considered are combined to generate a heatmap to show how different regions affect cost, enabling the designer to make informed improvements to the part geometry. In this paper, our method for generating these heatmaps is presented with three primary manufacturing cost models: bar stock, forging, and metal 3D printing. In all cases, a machining operation is then applied to get to the final part shape. Results are shown to validate the approach and demonstrate its usefulness.


Materials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 1623 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ting-Hsun Lan ◽  
Chin-Yun Pan ◽  
Pao-Hsin Liu ◽  
Mitch M. C. Chou

The aim of this study is to determine the minimum required thickness of a monolithic zirconia crown in the mandibular posterior area for patients with bruxism. Forty-nine full zirconia crowns, with seven different occlusal thicknesses of 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, and 1.0 mm, were made by using a computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing system (CAD/CAM). Seven crowns in each group were subjected to cyclic loading at 800 N and 5 Hz in a servohydraulic testing machine until fracture or completion of 100,000 cycles. Seven finite element models comprising seven different occlusal thicknesses of 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, and 1.0 mm were simulated using three different loads of vertical 800 N, oblique 10 degrees 800 N, and vertical 800 N + x N torque (x = 10, 50, and 100). The results of cyclic loading tests showed that the fracture resistance of the crown was positively associated with thickness. Specimen breakage differed significantly according to the different thicknesses of the prostheses (p < 0.01). Lowest von Mises stress values were determined for prostheses with a minimal thickness of 1.0 mm in different loading directions and with different forces. Zirconia specimens of 1.0 mm thickness had the lowest stress values and high fracture resistance and under 800 N of loading.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (16) ◽  
pp. 3416 ◽  
Author(s):  
T R Jebieshia ◽  
Senthil Kumar Raman ◽  
Heuy Dong Kim

The present study focuses on the aerodynamic performance and structural analysis of the centrifugal compressor impeller. The performance characteristics of the impeller are analyzed with and without splitter blades by varying the total number of main and splitter blades. The operating conditions of the compressor under centrifugal force and pressure load from the aerodynamic analysis are applied to the impeller blade and hub to perform the one-way Fluid–Structure Interaction (FSI). For the stress assessment, maximum equivalent von Mises stresses in the impeller blades are compared with the maximum allowable stress of the impeller material. The effects of varying the pressure field on the deformation and stress of the impeller are also calculated. The aerodynamic and structural performance of the centrifugal compressor at 73,000 rpm are investigated in terms of the efficiency, pressure ratio, equivalent von Mises stress, and total deformation of the impeller.


2014 ◽  
Vol 136 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tao He ◽  
Ning Ren ◽  
Dong Zhu ◽  
Jiaxu Wang

Efficiency and durability are among the top concerns in mechanical design to minimize environmental impact and conserve natural resources while fulfilling performance requirements. Today mechanical systems are more compact, lightweight, and transmit more power than ever before, which imposes great challenges to designers. Under the circumstances, some simplified analyses may no longer be satisfactory, and in-depth studies on mixed lubrication characteristics, taking into account the effects of 3D surface roughness and possible plastic deformation, are certainly needed. In this paper, the recently developed plasto-elastohydrodynamic lubrication (PEHL) model is employed, and numerous cases with both sinusoidal waviness and real machined roughness are analyzed. It is observed that plastic deformation may occur due to localized high pressure peaks caused by the rough surface asperity contacts, even though the external load is still considerably below the critical load determined at the onset of plastic deformation in the corresponding smooth surface contact. It is also found, based on a series of cases analyzed, that the roughness height, wavelength, material hardening property, and operating conditions may all have significant influences on the PEHL performance, subsurface von Mises stress field, residual stresses, and plastic strains. Generally, the presence of plastic deformation may significantly reduce some of the pressure spikes and peak values of subsurface stresses and make the load support more evenly distributed among all the rough surface asperities in contact.


Author(s):  
Sahand Kargarnejad ◽  
Farzan Ghalichi

Maxillofacial extensive defects are caused by various factors such as tumor, osteomyelitis and trauma. Reconstruction of such injuries become a major challenge for maxillofacial surgeons. Clinical experiments indicate that one of the serious problems associated with conventional plate systems is the frequent incidence of complications such as screw loosening, plate exposure and plate fractures. To improve the performance of reconstruction system with new procedure. A 42-year-old male patient suffering from Ameloblastoma tumor in the lateral large defect was selected as case study. Initially, after cutting the cancerous tissue, a titanium conventional plate (TCP) model had been utilized as mandibular reconstruction system which failed due to plate exposure. Patient's CT-scan images were prepared, and geometry and shape of the plate were evaluated using Computer-Aided Design & Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology. Then, its effect on the biomechanical performance of the failed system TCP model was investigated by finite element method (FEM). Fibula Free Flap FFF model as alternative and improved reconstruction system was selected. FEM evaluation of two models showed inevitable results which tip the scales in the favor of FFF model. The maximum Von-Mises stress had been exerted at the interface between screw-cortical bone. In TCP model, the peak value of Von-Mises stress exerted at the interface between screw-bone was 110 MPa, which exceeded the yield strength of the cortical bone, while, this factor fell to 68 MPa in FFF model. Furthermore, comparison with TCP model, the sensitivity of the plates and screws to the chewing load variations in FFF model decreased 20%. The results showed that the FFF model was more stable and flexible than the TCP model.


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