Shape optimization of plate with static and dynamic constraints via virtual laminated element

The virtual laminated element method (VLEM) can resolve structural shape optimization problems with a new method. According to the characteristics of VLEM, only some characterized layer thickness values need be defined as design variables instead of boundary node coordinates or some other parameters determining the system boundary. One of the important features of this method is that it is not necessary to regenerate the FE (finite element) grid during the optimization process so as to avoid optimization failures resulting from some distortion grid elements. The thickness distribution in thin plate optimization problems in other studies before is of stepped shape. However, in this paper, a continuous thickness distribution can be obtained after optimization using VLEM, and is more reasonable. Furthermore, an approximate reanalysis method named “behavior model technique” can be used to reduce the amount of structural reanalysis. Some typical examples are offered to prove the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed method. Project (No. 50075083) supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China     

Application of virtual laminated element in the topology optimization of structures

This paper presents the topology optimization design of structures composed of plane stress elements. The authors' proposed method of topology optimization by virtual laminated element is based on the Evolutionary Structural Optimization (ESO) method of linear elasticity, but dose not require formation of as many elements as the conventional ESO method. The presented method has the important feature of reforming the stiffness matrix in generating optimum topology. Calculation results showed that this algorithm is simple and effective and can be applied for topology optimization of structures.     

Optimization design and residual thermal stress analysis of PDC functionally graded materials

INTRODUCTION Polycrystalline diamond compacts (PDC), con-sisting of a polycrystalline diamond (PCD) layer on a WC-Co substrate, and having high hardness and abrasive resistance, are used in a variety of drilling and machining applications (Farhad, 2001; Sadi and Muzaffer, 2001). However, due to differences of thermal and mechanical properties in diamond and WC-Co substrate, residual thermal stresses develop in regions near the interfaces during fabrication. The diamond coating exhib…     

Modeling of contact surface morphology and dust particles by using finite element method

The effect of dust particles on electric contacts and a hazardous size range of hard dust particles using a rigid model were discussed before. As further research, elastic-plastic model of finite element analysis was established in this work, which is closer to real condition. In this work, the behavior of large size and small size particles, and the influence of particles hardness were investigated. The calculating result of small-size particles presents a general hazardous size coefficient for different contact surface morphology; for large-size particles, it presents a hazardous size coefficient for complicated composition of the dust. And the effect of the dust shape is also discussed.     

Investigation of the dynamic characteristics of a dual rotor system and its start-up simulation based on finite element method

Recently, the finite element method (FEM) has been commonly applied in the engineering analysis of rotor dynamics. Gyroscopic moments, rotary inertia, transverse shear deformation and gravity can be included in computational models of rotor-bearing systems. In this paper, a finite element model and its solution method are presented for the calculation of the dynamics of dual rotor systems. A typical structure with two rotor shafts is discussed and the procedure for obtaining the coupling motion equations of the subsystems is illustrated. A computer program is developed to solve critical speeds and to simulate the transient motion. The influence of gyroscopic moments on co-rotation and counter-rotation is analyzed, and the effect of the speed ratio on critical speed is studied. The dynamic characteristics under different conditions of increasing speed during start-up are demonstrated by comparison with transient nodal displacements. The presented model provides a complete foundation for further investigation of the dynamics of dual rotor systems.     

Virtual design and performance prediction of a silencing air cleaner used in an I.C. engine intake system

INTRODUCTION The primary function of an intake system is firstly to efficiently channel fresh air to the engine,and secondly to minimize intake noise emissions.There are a number of current approaches for devel-oping a more realistic method to improve intake sys-tem design.The objectives include more effective silencing performance to meet increasingly severe legislative targets for reduced noise on the one hand,with optimized engine performance and fuel economy accompanied by improvements…     

Towards fully automatic modelling of the fracture process in quasi-brittle and ductile materials: a unified crack growth criterion

Fully automatic finite element （FE） modelling of the fracture process in quasi-brittle materials such as concrete and rocks and ductile materials such as metals and alloys, is of great significance in assessing structural integrity and presents tremendous challenges to the engineering community. One challenge lies in the adoption of an objective and effective crack propagation criterion. This paper proposes a crack propagation criterion based on the principle of energy conservation and the cohesive zone model （CZM）. The virtual crack extension technique is used to calculate the differential terms in the criterion. A fully-automatic discrete crack modelling methodology, integrating the developed criterion, the CZM to model the crack, a simple remeshing procedure to accommodate crack propagation, the J2 flow theory implemented within the incremental plasticity framework to model the ductile materials, and a local arc-length solver to the nonlinear equation system, is developed and implemented in an in-house program. Three examples, i.e., a plain concrete beam with a single shear crack, a reinforced concrete （RC） beam with multiple cracks and a compact-tension steel specimen, are simulated. Good agreement between numerical predictions and experimental data is found, which demonstrates the applicability of the criterion to both quasi-brittle and ductile materials.     

Analysis and optimization of assembly variations for non-rigid parts

Traditional variation analysis methods are not applicable to non-rigid assemblies due to possible part deformation during the assembly process. This paper presents the use of finite element methods to simulate assembly deformation. The relationship between the parts＇ variation and the variation of the key points in final assembly for quality control is set up by calculating the spring back deformation after assembly. Moreover, the optimization method for non-rigid assembly variations based on finite element analysis is presented. The optimal objective is to reduce the manufacturing cost. The approach is implemented by using ANSYS and MATLAB. The test example shows that the proposed method is effective and applicable.     

Driving force and structural strength evaluation of a flexible mechanical system with a hydrostatic skeleton

The purpose of this study was to build a flexible mechanical system with a hydrostatic skeleton. The main components of this system are two type flexible bags. One is a structural bag with constant inner pressure. The other is an actuator bag with controlled inner pressure. To design the system, it was necessary to estimate both structural deformation and driving force. Nu- merical analysis of flexible bags, however, is difficult because of large nonlinear deformation. This study analyzed structural strength and driving force of flexible bags with the nonlinear finite element analysis （FEA） software ABAQUS. The stress con- centration dependency on the bag shape is described and the driving force is calculated to include the large deformation. From the analytical results, this study derives an empirical equation of driving force. The validity of the equation was confirmed by condition-changed analyses and experimental results.