Use of B-spline surface to model large-deformation continuum plates: procedure and applications

The absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) has been used in the analysis of large deformation of flexible multibody systems that encompass belt drive, rotor blade, and cable applications. As demonstrated in the literature, the ANCF finite elements are ideal for isogeometric analysis. The purpose of this investigation is to establish a relationship between the B-splines, which are widely used in the geometric modeling, and the ANCF finite elements in order to construct continuum models of large-deformation geometries. This paper proposes a simplified approach to map the B-spline surfaces into ANCF thin plate elements. Matrix representation of the mapping process is established and examined through numerical examples successfully. The matrix representation of the mapping process is used because of its suitability of computer coding and to minimize the calculation time. The error estimation is carried out by analyzing the gap between the points of each ANCF element and the corresponding points of the portion of the B-spline surface. The Hausdorff distance is used to study the effect of the number of control points, the degree of interpolation, and the knot multiplicity on the mapped geometry. It is found that cubic interpolation is recommended for optimizing the accuracy of mapping the B-spline surface to ANCF thin plate elements. It is found that thin plate element in ANCF missing a number of basis functions which considered a source of error between the two surfaces, as well as it does not allow to converting the ANCF thin plate elements model to B-spline surface. In this investigation, an application example of modeling large-size wind turbine blade with uniform structure is illustrated. The use of the continuum plate elements in modeling flexible blades is more efficient because of the relative scale between the plate thickness and its length and width and the high flexibility of its structure. The numerical results are compared with the results of ANSYS code with a good agreement. The dynamic simulation for mapped surface model shows a numerical convergence, which ensures the ability of using the proposed approach for applications of dynamics for design and computer-aided design.     

Nanoscale finite element models for vibrations of single-walled carbon nanotubes: atomistic versus continuum

By the atomistic and continuum finite element models, the free vibration behavior of single-walled carbon nanotubes （SWCNTs） is studied. In the atomistic finite element model, the bonds and atoms are modeled by the beam and point mass elements, respectively. The molecular mechanics is linked to structural mechanics to determine the elastic properties of the mentioned beam elements. In the continuum finite element approach, by neglecting the discrete nature of the atomic structure of the nanotubes, they are modeled with shell elements. By both models, the natural frequencies of SWCNTs are computed, and the effects of the geometrical parameters, the atomic structure, and the boundary conditions are investigated. The accuracy of the utilized methods is verified in comparison with molecular dynamic simulations. The molecular structural model leads to more reliable results, especially for lower aspect ratios. The present analysis provides valuable information about application of continuum models in the investigation of the mechanical behaviors of nanotubes.     

基于遗传算法和参数化建模的非线性结构优化

提出了一种对存在接触关系的非线性结构(装配体)进行优化设计的新方法。该方法将遗传算法与结构几何及有限元参数化建模方法相结合，在通用CAE软件的二次开发编程环境中实现对带接触的结构装配体进行结构尺寸和形状优化设计。文中利用该方法对某浮动式闭气结构的重要结构参数和关键构件形状实施了优化设计，使其闭气性能得到大幅度提高，体现了本文方法在解决这类优化问题中的优势。本文的方法有利于拓宽结构优化技术在机械设计领域的应用范围。     

密闭腔体声-结构耦合系统的动力灵敏度分析

以密闭空腔为对象,开展了声-结构耦合系统的动力分析和灵敏度计算,为系统性态优化设计提供理论和算法基础。分别把结构和声场进行离散化,推导了声-结构耦合系统的有限元方程,求解了耦合系统的频率和声压级响应。在此基础上,以结构尺寸为设计变量,计算了耦合系统的固有频率和声压级响应的灵敏度,解决了声-结构耦合系统动力灵敏度的数值算法问题。     

On the finite element analysis of woven fabric impact using multiscale modeling techniques

Finite element modeling of the impact of flexible woven fabrics using a yarn level architecture allows the capturing of complex projectile-fabric and yarn–yarn level interactions, however it requires very large computational resources. This paper presents a multiscale modeling technique to simulate the impact of flexible woven fabrics. This technique involves modeling the fabric using a yarn level architecture around the impact region and a homogenized or membrane type architecture at far field regions. The level of modeling resolution decreases with distance away from the impact zone. This results in a finite element model with much lower computational requirements. The yarns are modeled using both solid and shell finite elements. Impedances are matched across all interfaces created between the various regions of the model to prevent artificial reflections of the longitudinal strain waves. A systematic approach is presented to determine geometric and material parameters of the homogenized zone. The multiscale model is extensively validated against baseline models. The limitations of using shell elements to model the yarn level architecture underneath the projectile are addressed.     

Dynamic modeling and modal truncation approach for a high-speed rotating elastic beam

Summary  In the classical finite element analysis of beams, the nonlinear terms of deformation are ignored due to the linearization of deformation based on the assumptions of structural dynamics. Since the number of generalized coordinates is large in flexible bodies when using the finite element method (FEM), the modal truncation approach (MTA) is usually used for improving computational efficiency, and only lower-order transverse modes are chosen. In this paper, dynamic modeling and application of the MTA to a high-speed rotating beam are studied. The foreshortening displacement is included in the longitudinal displacement, therefore the dynamic modeling takes account of the effect of geometric nonlinearity. Equations of a rotating beam are obtained and the FEM and MTA are used for discretization. The applicability of the MTA to a high-speed rotating elastic beam is verified. The comparison of the results obtained by the FEM and MTA shows that in the case of a high-speed rotation, the centrifugal force can excite high-order transverse modes. Since using lower-order transverse modes for modal truncation obviously can cause error, addition of more transverse modes may improve the result. Furthermore, a coupling effect between axial and transverse displacements is revealed. It is shown that in the case of a sudden change of the axial displacement, the inclusion of the axial modes can significantly improve the response. Received 10 April 2001; accepted for publication 26 March 2002 This work was supported by the National Science Foundation of China (19832040) and the National Education Ministry of China (2000024818), for which the authors are grateful.     

智能板模态传感与控制的数值分析

智能结构技术对空间大型柔性结构 振动控制问题具有重要意义,采用独立模态空间控制技术对压电智能板进行主动振动控制是一种常用方法,以前对这一问题的研究仅限于解析的方法,本文采用有限单元法,设计了新的压电模态传感器与致动器,该方法能够适用于形状及边界条件较为复杂的智能板,算例分析证明了该方法的正确性。     

Numerical investigation of the slope discontinuities in large deformation finite element formulations

In many multibody system applications, the system components are made of structural elements that can have different orientations, leading to slope discontinuities. In this paper, a numerical investigation of a new procedure that can be used to model structures with slope discontinuities in the finite element absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) is presented. This procedure can be applied to model slope discontinuities in the case of commutative rotations of gradient deficient elements that are used for modeling thin beam and plate structures. An important special case to which the proposed procedure can be applied is the case of all planar gradient deficient ANCF finite elements. The use of the proposed method leads to a constant orthogonal element transformation that describes an arbitrary initial configuration. As a consequence, one obtains, in the case of large commutative rotations and large deformations, a constant mass matrix for structures which have complex geometry. The procedure used in this investigation to model slope discontinuities requires the use of the concept of the intermediate finite element coordinate system. For each finite element, a new set of gradient coordinates that define, at the discontinuity node, the element deformation with respect to the intermediate element coordinate system is introduced. These new gradient coordinates are assumed to be equal for the two finite elements at the point of intersection. That is, the change of the gradients of two elements at the intersection point from their respective intermediate initial reference configuration is assumed to be the same. This procedure leads to a set of linear algebraic equations that define the orthogonal transformation matrix for the finite element. Numerical examples are presented in order to demonstrate the use of the proposed procedure for modeling slope discontinuities.     

A new nonlinear multibody/finite element formulation for knee joint ligaments

The focus of this investigation is to study the mechanics of the human knee using a new method that integrates multibody system and large deformation finite element algorithms. The major bones in the knee joint consisting of the femur, tibia, and fibula are modeled as rigid bodies. The ligaments structures are modeled using the large displacement finite element absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) with an implementation of a Neo-Hookean constitutive model that allows for large change in the configuration as experienced in knee flexion, extension, and rotation. The Neo-Hookean strain energy function used in this study takes into consideration the near incompressibility of the ligaments. The ANCF is used in the formulation of the algebraic equations that define the ligament/bone rigid connection. A unique feature of the ANCF model developed in this investigation is that it captures the deformation of the ligament cross section using structural finite elements such as beams. At the ligament/bone insertion site, the ANCF is used to define a fully constrained joint. This model will reflect the fact that the geometry, placement and attachment of the two collateral ligaments (the LCL and MCL), are significantly different from what has been used in most knee models developed in previous investigations. The approach described in this paper will provide a more realistic model of the knee and thus more applicable to future research studies on ligaments, muscles and soft tissues (LMST). Current finite element models are limited due to simplified assumptions for the spatial and time dependent material properties inherent in the anisotropic and anatomic constraints associated with joint stability, and the static conditions inherent in the analysis. The ANCF analysis is not limited to static conditions and results in a fully dynamic model that accounts for the distributed inertia and elasticity of the ligaments. The results obtained in this investigation show that the ANCF finite elements can be an effective tool for modeling very flexible structures like ligaments subjected to large flexion and extension. In the future, the more realistic ANCF models could assist in examining the mechanics of the knee to study knee injuries and possible prevention means, as well as an improved understanding of the role of each individual ligament in the diagnosis and assessment of disease states, aging and potential therapies.     

结构拓扑优化研究方法综述

结构拓扑优化研究方法目前有解析方法和数值方法两大类.首先介绍了解析方法中的 Michell理论,它在结构拓扑优化领域研究较早,影响最为深远.随后着重讨论了杆系和连 续体结构拓扑优化的数值方法.杆系结构常采用基结构方法,通过删除部分杆件达到结构 拓扑优化的目的.连续体结构一般要划分为有限单元,通过删除单元形成带孔的连续体, 以实现拓扑优化.介绍了连续体结构拓扑优化常采用的材料模型:各向同性、各向异性和 带微结构材料.并对连续体结构(0-1)拓扑优化中的数值计算不稳定问题的机理进行了分 析,给出了解决方法.此外,对应力约束问题存在解的奇异性现象也作了简要介绍.最后, 对数值方法中的主要数学求解方法进行了简单介绍.     

Analysis of Thin Beams and Cables Using the Absolute Nodal Co-ordinate Formulation

The purpose of this paper is to present formulations for beam elements based on the absolute nodal co-ordinate formulation that can be effectively and efficiently used in the case of thin structural applications. The numerically stiff behaviour resulting from shear terms in existing absolute nodal co-ordinate formulation beam elements that employ the continuum mechanics approach to formulate the elastic forces and the resulting locking phenomenon make these elements less attractive for slender stiff structures. In this investigation, additional shape functions are introduced for an existing spatial absolute nodal co-ordinate formulation beam element in order to obtain higher accuracy when the continuum mechanics approach is used to formulate the elastic forces. For thin structures where bending stiffness can be important in some applications, a lower order cable element is introduced and the performance of this cable element is evaluated by comparing it with existing formulations using several examples. Cables that experience low tension or catenary systems where bending stiffness has an effect on the wave propagation are examples in which the low order cable element can be used. The cable element, which does not have torsional stiffness, can be effectively used in many problems such as in the formulation of the sliding joints in applications such as the spatial pantograph/catenary systems. The numerical study presented in this paper shows that the use of existing implicit time integration methods enables the simulation of multibody systems with a moderate number of thin and stiff finite elements in reasonable CPU time.     

Numerical modeling of PZT-induced Lamb wave-based crack detection in plate-like structures

This paper presents the numerical modeling and simulations of PZT-induced Lamb wave propagation in plate-like structures by using the spectral finite element method. A novel spectral plate finite element, which can efficiently model the three-dimensional (3D) behavior of Lamb waves, is proposed. In the formulation, linear displacement distributions in the thickness direction are assumed for both the PZT layer and the base plate. A way to avoid the thickness locking is proposed and used in the formulations. Two examples, one for the validation of the proposed two-dimensional (2D) spectral finite element and the other for the demonstration of crack detection in plates, are presented and discussed. The contact between the two faces of crack is considered. Numerical results show that (1) only the anti-symmetric mode is prone to thickness locking thus remedy should be made only on this part, (2) the proposed 2D spectral finite element can adequately model the Lamb wave propagation in plate-like structures and the complex scattering for the crack, and (3) crack location can be well determined by a PZT-induced Lamb wave-based diagnosis algorithm.     

On the interactions of surface waves with immersed structures

The fluid forces resulting from wave interaction with large submerged structures may be calculated using numerical procedures based on the solution of the associated boundary-value problem. In this paper, the analysis of wave interaction with a fixed submerged object of arbitrary cross-section and infinite length using a two-dimensional boundary value formation based on linear diffraction theory is summarized. Subsequently, the application of the boundary element method to obtain a solution is presented. The numerical considerations are emphasized with particular reference to computational efficiency. Numerical results are presented in the form of dimensionless wave force plots for various structural shapes. In the case of a bottom-seated half cylinder, for which there exists a closed-form solution, comparisons are made between results generated using both boundary element and equivalent finite element approaches. In the case of a submerged cylinder, comparisons are made between boundary element derived values and experimental results. The boundary element results compare well with both the closed-form solution and the experimental values.     

Mechanics and fracture of crack tip deformable bi-material interface

Novel interface deformable bi-layer beam theory is developed to account for local effects at crack tip of bi-material interface by modeling a bi-layer composite beam as two separate shear deformable sub-layers with consideration of crack tip deformation. Unlike the sub-layer model in the literature in which the crack tip deformations under the interface peel and shear stresses are ignored and thus a “rigid” joint is used, the present study introduces two interface compliances to account for the effect of interface stresses on the crack tip deformation which is referred to as the elastic foundation effect; thus a flexible condition along the interface is considered. Closed-form solutions of resultant forces, deformations, and interface stresses are obtained for each sub-layer in the bi-layer beam, of which the local effects at the crack tip are demonstrated. In this study, an elastic deformable crack tip model is presented for the first time which can improve the split beam solution. The present model is in excellent agreements with analytical 2-D continuum solutions and finite element analyses. The resulting crack tip rotation is then used to calculate the energy release rate (ERR) and stress intensity factor (SIF) of interface fracture in bi-layer materials. Explicit closed-form solutions for ERR and SIF are obtained for which both the transverse shear and crack tip deformation effects are accounted. Compared to the full continuum elasticity analysis, such as finite element analysis, the present solutions are much explicit, more applicable, while comparable in accuracy. Further, the concept of deformable crack tip model can be applied to other bi-layer beam analyses (e.g., delamination buckling and vibration, etc.).     

能量有限元预示复合材料结构动响应研究进展

复合材料结构高频动响应预示是飞行器等结构设计中的重要研究内容之一.为了探讨精确预示复合材料结构高频动响应方法,分析比较了目前较为通用的3种动力学响应预示方法,指出能量有限元法最适合求解具有各向异性特征的复合材料结构高频动响应问题.紧接着概述了国内外关于能量有限元方法和该方法在复合材料结构高频动响应预示方面的研究进展.在此基础上分析了能量有限元法在预示复合材料结构高频动响应问题中尚待深入研究的问题.     

Structural–acoustic sensitivity analysis of radiated sound power using a finite element/ discontinuous fast multipole boundary element scheme

The complete interaction between the structural domain and the acoustic domain needs to be considered in many engineering problems, especially for the acoustic analysis concerning thin structures immersed in water. This study employs the finite element method to model the structural parts and the fast multipole boundary element method to model the exterior acoustic domain. Discontinuous higher‐order boundary elements are developed for the acoustic domain to achieve higher accuracy in the coupling analysis. Structural–acoustic design sensitivity analysis can provide insights into the effects of design variables on radiated acoustic performance and thus is important to the structural–acoustic design and optimization processes. This study is the first to formulate equations for sound power sensitivity on structural surfaces based on an adjoint operator approach and equations for sound power sensitivity on arbitrary closed surfaces around the radiator based on the direct differentiation approach. The design variables include fluid density, structural density, Poisson's ratio, Young's modulus, and structural shape/size. A numerical example is presented to demonstrate the accuracy and validity of the proposed algorithm. Different types of coupled continuous and discontinuous boundary elements with finite elements are used for the numerical solution, and the performances of the different types of finite element/continuous and discontinuous boundary element coupling are presented and compared in detail. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Modeling of joints with clearance in flexible multibody systems

This paper is concerned with the modeling of joints with clearance within the framework of finite element based dynamic analysis of nonlinear, flexible multibody systems. For actual joints, clearance, lubrication and friction phenomena can significantly affect the dynamic response of the system. In this work, the effects of clearance and lubrication are studied for revolute and spherical joints. The formulation is developed within the framework of energy preserving and decaying time integration schemes that provide unconditional stability for nonlinear, flexible multibody systems. Numerical examples are presented that demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed approach. The importance of modeling structural damping and limited driving power are discussed.     

Static Finite Element Validation of a Flexible Micro Air Vehicle

The flexible-wing approach has proven to be a successful method for designing micro air vehicles. The wing’s passive deformation under wind loads can allow for gust rejection, delayed stall, or improved longitudinal stability. As such, an accurate structural model of the flexible wing can provide greater understanding of the aforementioned phenomena. This paper seeks to formulate a static finite element wing model, with a particular emphasis on accuracy. The wing is broken into three different types of elements: beams, plates, and membranes. Individual element types are characterized and validated by constructing simple structures from the appropriate material, and then comparing experimental and numerical deformation fields. Experimental results are found through a visual image correlation system. The elements are then combined to form the complete wing model, which is also validated through experiments. The resulting finite element model is found to be very accurate, able to predict the complicated structural response of a composite wing. Due to observations made during standard wind tunnel testing, the structural response of a typical membrane MAV wing in steady level pre-stall flight is thought to be quasi-static. As such, the finite element model formulated in this work will be indispensable towards future numerical static aeroelastic optimization research efforts aimed at improving the efficiency, agility, and sensitivity of practical micro air vehicles.     

Investigation of the size effects in Timoshenko beams based on the couple stress theory

In this paper, a size-dependent Timoshenko beam is developed on the basis of the couple stress theory. The couple stress theory is a non-classic continuum theory capable of capturing the small-scale size effects on the mechanical behavior of structures, while the classical continuum theory is unable to predict the mechanical behavior accurately when the characteristic size of structures is close to the material length scale parameter. The governing differential equations of motion are derived for the couple-stress Timoshenko beam using the principles of linear and angular momentum. Then, the general form of boundary conditions and generally valid closed-form analytical solutions are obtained for the axial deformation, bending deflection, and the rotation angle of cross sections in the static cases. As an example, the closed-form analytical results are obtained for the response of a cantilever beam subjected to a static loading with a concentrated force at its free end. The results indicate that modeling on the basis of the couple stress theory causes more stiffness than modeling by the classical beam theory. In addition, the results indicate that the differences between the results of the proposed model and those based on the classical Euler–Bernoulli and classical Timoshenko beam theories are significant when the beam thickness is comparable to its material length scale parameter.     

作大范围运动矩形板的动力学建模理论研究

研究了初应力法的作大范围运动矩形板的建模理论。根据连续介质理论,考虑应变-位移中的非线性项,用一致质量有限元法对柔性板进行离散,基于Jourdain速度变分原理导出定轴转动下大范围运动为自由的柔性板刚-柔耦合动力学方程。从其刚柔耦合动力学方程出发,考虑在大范围运动已知情况下的结构动力学方程。通过引入准静态概念,把其结构动力学方程转化为准静态方程。对纵向和横向变形节点坐标进行坐标分离,解出与纵向变形相关的准静态方程,得到准静态时的纵向应力表达式,从而获得附加刚度项;并对此非惯性系下作大范围运动柔性板的结构动力学方程进行数值仿真,验证了采用初应力法柔性板的动力学建模方法来计算经历大范围运动的不规则柔性板的动力学响应是可行的,体现了初应力法对柔性板建模的优越性。