scholarly journals Finite-Element-Mesh Based Method for Modeling and Optimization of Lattice Structures for Additive Manufacturing

Materials ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 2073 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenjiong Chen ◽  
Xiaonan Zheng ◽  
Shutian Liu
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Lattice Structure ◽  
Experimental Testing ◽  
Modeling Method ◽  
Finite Element Mesh ◽  
Size Optimization ◽  
Lattice Structures ◽  
Uniform Lattice ◽  
Element Mesh ◽  
Unit Cells

A parameterization modeling method based on finite element mesh to create complex large-scale lattice structures for AM is presented, and a corresponding approach for size optimization of lattice structures is also developed. In the modeling method, meshing technique is employed to obtain the meshes and nodes of lattice structures for a given geometry. Then, a parametric description of lattice unit cells based on the element type, element nodes and their connecting relationships is developed. Once the unit cell design is selected, the initial lattice structure can be assembled by the unit cells in each finite element. Furthermore, modification of lattice structures can be operated by moving mesh nodes and changing cross-sectional areas of bars. The graded and non-uniform lattice structures can be constructed easily based on the proposed modeling method. Moreover, a size optimization algorithm based on moving iso-surface threshold (MIST) method is proposed to optimize lattice structures for enhancing the mechanical performance. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, numerical examples and experimental testing are presented, and experimental testing shows 11% improved stiffness of the optimized non-uniform lattice structure than uniform one.

scholarly journals Influence of finite element mesh size on the carrying capacity analysis of single-row ball slewing bearing

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 168781402110090
Author(s):  
Peiyu He ◽  
Qinrong Qian ◽  
Yun Wang ◽  
Hong Liu ◽  
Erkuo Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Mesh Size ◽  
Finite Element Mesh ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Element Mesh ◽  
Heavy Load ◽  
Slewing Bearing ◽  
Maximum Contact ◽  
Slewing Bearings

Slewing bearings are widely used in industry to provide rotary support and carry heavy load. The load-carrying capacity is one of the most important features of a slewing bearing, and needs to be calculated cautiously. This paper investigates the effect of mesh size on the finite element (FE) analysis of the carrying capacity of slewing bearings. A local finite element contact model of the slewing bearing is firstly established, and verified using Hertz contact theory. The optimal mesh size of finite element model under specified loads is determined by analyzing the maximum contact stress and the contact area. The overall FE model of the slewing bearing is established and strain tests were performed to verify the FE results. The effect of mesh size on the carrying capacity of the slewing bearing is investigated by analyzing the maximum contact load, deformation, and load distribution. This study of finite element mesh size verification provides an important guidance for the accuracy and efficiency of carrying capacity of slewing bearings.

Optimization of a finite element mesh for plates subjected to in-plane patch loading

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 1185-1193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghania Ikhenazen ◽  
Messaoud Saidani ◽  
Madina Kilardj
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Finite Element Mesh ◽  
Element Mesh ◽  
Patch Loading

A hybrid method for terminating the finite-element mesh (electrostatic case)

1995 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 282-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanmoy Roy ◽  
Tapan K. Sarkar ◽  
Antonije R. Djordjevic ◽  
Magdalena Salazar-Palma
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Hybrid Method ◽  
Finite Element Mesh ◽  
Element Mesh

Determination of Optimal Unit-Cell Size of Homogeneous Conformal Unit-Cell Lattice Structure Using Solid Shape Matching

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud A. Alzahrani ◽  
Seung-Kyum Choi
Keyword(s):  
Cell Size ◽  
Solid Body ◽  
Strain Energy ◽  
Lattice Structure ◽  
Weight Ratio ◽  
Unit Cell ◽  
Optimal Size ◽  
Lattice Structures ◽  
Unit Cell Size ◽  
Unit Cells

With rapid developments and advances in additive manufacturing technology, lattice structures have gained considerable attention. Lattice structures are capable of providing parts with a high strength to weight ratio. Most work done to reduce computational complexity is concerned with determining the optimal size of each strut within the lattice unit-cells but not with the size of the unit-cell itself. The objective of this paper is to develop a method to determine the optimal unit-cell size for homogenous periodic and conformal lattice structures based on the strain energy of a given structure. The method utilizes solid body finite element analysis (FEA) of a solid counter-part with a similar shape as the desired lattice structure. The displacement vector of the lattice structure is then matched to the solid body FEA displacement results to predict the structure’s strain energy. This process significantly reduces the computational costs of determining the optimal size of the unit cell since it eliminates FEA on the actual lattice structure. Furthermore, the method can provide the measurement of relative performances from different types of unit-cells. The developed examples clearly demonstrate how we can determine the optimal size of the unit-cell based on the strain energy. Moreover, the computational cost efficacy is also clearly demonstrated through comparison with the FEA and the proposed method.

Finite Element Mesh Generator Applying Constraints’ Propagation and Isoparametric Mapping

1991 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Rodriguez ◽  
M. Him
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Mesh Generation ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Finite Element Mesh ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Element Mesh ◽  
Mesh Generator ◽  
Generation Algorithm ◽  
Essential Input

Abstract This paper presents a finite element mesh generation algorithm (PREPAT) designed to automatically discretize two-dimensional domains. The mesh generation algorithm is a mapping scheme which creates a uniform isoparametric FE model based on a pre-partitioned domain of the component. The proposed algorithm provides a faster and more accurate tool in the pre-processing phase of a Finite Element Analysis (FEA). A primary goal of the developed mesh generator is to create a finite element model requiring only essential input from the analyst. As a result, the generator code utilizes only a sketch, based on geometric primitives, and information relating to loading/boundary conditions. These conditions represents the constraints that are propagated throughout the model and the available finite elements are uniformly mapped in the resulting sub-domains. Relative advantages and limitations of the mesh generator are discussed. Examples are presented to illustrate the accuracy, efficiency and applicability of PREPAT.

A Constrained Optimization Approach to Finite Element Mesh Smoothing

1991 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. N. Parthasarathy ◽  
Srinivas Kodiyalam
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Constrained Optimization ◽  
Finite Element Mesh ◽  
Optimization Approach ◽  
Element Mesh ◽  
Initial Mesh ◽  
Nodal Coordinates ◽  
Automatic Mesh ◽  
Mesh Generators

Abstract The quality of a finite element solution has been shown to be affected by the quality of the underlying mesh. A poor mesh may lead to unstable and lor inaccurate finite element approximations. Mesh quality is often characterized by the “smoothness” or “shape” of the elements (triangles in 2-D or tetrahedra in 3-D). Most automatic mesh generators produce an initial mesh where the aspect ratio of the elements are unacceptably high. In this paper, a new approach to produce acceptable quality meshes from an initial mesh is presented. Given an initial mesh (nodal coordinates and element connectivity), a “smooth” final mesh is obtained by solving a constrained optimization problem. The variables for the iterative optimization procedure are the nodal coordinates (excluding, the boundary nodes) of the finite element mesh, and appropriate bounds are imposed on these to prevent an unacceptable finite element mesh. Examples are given of the application of the above method for 2/3-D triangular meshes generated using a QUADTREE | OCTREE automatic mesh generators. Results indicate that the new method not only yields better quality elements when compared with the traditional Laplacian smoothing, but also guarantees a valid mesh unlike the Laplacian method.

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