Design and Analysis of a Dynamic Loading System for a Morphing Winglet

The following thesis paper investigates the possible methods to perform a dynamic load test on a morphing winglet. A morphing winglet design capable of deflecting in the cant direction was developed by a joint partnership between Ryerson University and Bombardier Aerospace. In order to validate the model and complete a proof of concept, a loading fixture was required to test the structural integrity of the winglet under a defined load. Upon completion of an enumeration study of planar four-bar linkages, a passive R-P-R-P mechanism was designed to apply a constant perpendicular load throughout the cant motion. A design of the half size loading fixture was developed, optimized and manufactured to integrate with an existing cant module. The dynamic loading model was validated by producing a positive correlation between the theoretical analysis and the experimental results, leading to a successful proof of concept for a full scale test.

Design and Analysis of a Dynamic Loading System for a Morphing Winglet

The following thesis paper investigates the possible methods to perform a dynamic load test on a morphing winglet. A morphing winglet design capable of deflecting in the cant direction was developed by a joint partnership between Ryerson University and Bombardier Aerospace. In order to validate the model and complete a proof of concept, a loading fixture was required to test the structural integrity of the winglet under a defined load. Upon completion of an enumeration study of planar four-bar linkages, a passive R-P-R-P mechanism was designed to apply a constant perpendicular load throughout the cant motion. A design of the half size loading fixture was developed, optimized and manufactured to integrate with an existing cant module. The dynamic loading model was validated by producing a positive correlation between the theoretical analysis and the experimental results, leading to a successful proof of concept for a full scale test.

Experimental evaluation of orthodontic bracket slot deformation to simulated torque

In orthodontic fixed appliance therapy, the archwire torque used to refine the teeth position during the treatment imparts significant forces inside the bracket slot. The objective of this study was to measure the torque relevant bracket slot deformation in Stainless Steel (SS) brackets during various degree of archwire twist. Standard edgewise brackets 0.018-inch (in.)/0.022-in. each 20 no. and 0.016 × 0.022, 0.017 × 0.025, 0.019 × 0.025, and 0.021 × 0.025 in. archwires each 10 no. were used. A novel experimental setup consisting of loading fixture and torque key mounted on a Vision Measuring System (VMS) were used to measure the brackets slot deformation. The Top Slot and Middle Slot Deformations (TSD and MSD) of the brackets for 35° angle of twist in 0.016 × 0.022 in. archwire in 0.018-in. slot, 0.019 × 0.025 in. archwire in 0.022-in. slot and for 30° angle of twist in 0.017 × 0.025 in. archwire in 0.018-in. slot and 0.021 × 0.025 in. archwire in 0.022-in. slot were measured. Results showed that the mean TSD and MSD were higher when the archwire size, the slot size and the angle of twist were greater. In the evaluated bracket-archwire combinations, the TSD were higher than MSD and the bracket slots were elastically deformed within the clinically required 35° angle of twist in the archwire. Clinicians should be aware of this torque relevant bracket slot deformation which might be a factor for torque loss and suitably incorporate archwire angle of twist.

Simulation and Experimental Substantiation of Beam Deflection under Guided End Conditions

This paper studies the nonlinear deflection characteristics of a rectangular cross sectional beam with guided support conditions. In this study two different end conditions namely guided – guided and guided – simply supported have been examined. Beams made with two dissimilar materials for instance, aluminum and steel have been considered for this study. Different loading conditions namely point load and the amalgamation of uniformly distributed load and point load have been taken into account in this study. The nonlinear response of a beam under static loading condition is influenced by various parameters like sectional properties of the beam, material, loading and boundary conditions etc. A separate loading fixture was fabricated using steel to apply the load (Point load and uniformly distributed load). The loading fixture was validated by performing an experimental measurement of the deflection under various loading conditions on a simply supported beam. The corresponding theoretical displacement values were calculated using the findings in literature and compared with test results .Both the results were found matching with each other with an average variation of just 10%. Based on this validation lesson, the loading fixture was incorporated in the actual study. Displacement values from the nonlinear static analysis were predicted using Finite Element Method and correlation was made with the experimental values for the actual beam setup. Close correlation among the numerical and physical test results was achieved and the maximum error was 8%.

Strength of Multicrystalline Silicon Wafers for Various Surface Conditions

This study focuses on fracture properties of silicon wafers used by the photovoltaic (PV) industry as substrates for solar cells. In the first part, we numerically model three fixtures that are often used to test the strength of PV wafers. In the second part, we employ our previously developed model to predict strength of the wafers as a function of loading fixture and surface treatment. Surface treatment is simulated by removing damage from the wafer surface.