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Article
Publication date: 1 March 2005

Marcin Kaminski and Marcin Pawlik

Effectiveness of the homogenization method for various heat transfer problems of engineering composites is the main aim of the paper. This comparative study is done for layered…

Abstract

Effectiveness of the homogenization method for various heat transfer problems of engineering composites is the main aim of the paper. This comparative study is done for layered, fiber and particle reinforced Representative Volume Elements (RVE) for composites made of widely used components. Mathematical model is based on the effective modules method introduced for periodic composites ‐ effective heat conductivity is calculated in the closed form for specific spatial distribution of the components, while effective volumetric heat capacity is obtained from a simple spatial averaging. Such a homogenization scheme makes possible to significantly simplify the numerical analysis of transient heat transfer phenomena in various types of composites. The comparison of temperature histories obtained for the real and homogenized composite models is carried out using the Finite Element Method system ANSYS. As is demonstrated for various boundary problems, a homogenization technique in terms of composites types collected in the paper give satisfactory agreement with the real structure modeling; further numerical studies on composite cells discretization should increase modeling efficiency and diminish the numerical errors.

Details

Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, vol. 1 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1573-6105

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 July 2017

Dimitrios Chronopoulos, Manuel Collet and Mohamed Ichchou

This paper aims to present the development of a numerical continuum-discrete approach for computing the sensitivity of the waves propagating in periodic composite structures. The…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present the development of a numerical continuum-discrete approach for computing the sensitivity of the waves propagating in periodic composite structures. The work can be directly used for evaluating the sensitivity of the structural dynamic performance with respect to geometric and layering structural modifications.

Design/methodology/approach

A structure of arbitrary layering and geometric complexity is modelled using solid finite element (FE). A generic expression for computing the variation of the mass and the stiffness matrices of the structure with respect to the material and geometric characteristics is hereby given. The sensitivity of the structural wave properties can thus be numerically determined by computing the variability of the corresponding eigenvalues for the resulting eigenproblem. The exhibited approach is validated against the finite difference method as well as analytical results.

Findings

An intense wavenumber dependence is observed for the sensitivity results of a sandwich structure. This exhibits the importance and potential of the presented tool with regard to the optimization of layered structures for specific applications. The model can also be used for computing the effect of the inclusion of smart layers such as auxetics and piezoelectrics.

Originality/value

The paper presents the first continuum-discrete approach specifically developed for accurately and efficiently computing the sensitivity of the wave propagation data for periodic composite structures irrespective of their size. The considered structure can be of arbitrary layering and material characteristics as FE modelling is used.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 34 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 August 2019

Jun Yan, Haitao Hu, Zhixun Yang, Rui Wan and Yang Li

The purpose of this study is to present a multi-scale analysis methodology for calculating the effective stiffnesses and the micro stresses of helically wound structures

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to present a multi-scale analysis methodology for calculating the effective stiffnesses and the micro stresses of helically wound structures efficiently and accurately. The helically wound structure is widely applied in ocean and civil engineering as load-bearing structures with high flexibility, such as wire ropes, umbilical cables and flexible risers. Their structures are usually composed of a number of twisted subcomponents with relatively large slender ratio and have the one-dimensional periodic characteristic in the axial direction. As the huge difference between the axial length and the cross-section size of this type of structures, the finite element modeling and theoretical analysis based on some assumption are usually unavailable leading to the reduction of computability; even the optimization design becomes infeasible.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the asymptotic homogenization theory, the one-dimensional periodic helically wound structure is equivalent to the one-dimensional homogeneous beam. A novel implementation of the homogenization is derived for the analysis of the effective mechanical properties of the helically wound structure, and the tensile, bending, torsional and coupling stiffness properties of the effective beam model are obtained. On this basis, a downscaling analysis formation for the micro-component stress in the one-dimensional periodic wound structure is constructed. The stress of micro-components in the specified geometry position of the helically wound structure is obtained basing on the asymptotic homogenization theory simultaneously.

Findings

By comparing with the result from finite element established accurately, the established multi-scale calculation method of the one-dimensional periodic helically wound structure is verified. The influence of size effects on the macro effective performance and the micro-component stress is discussed.

Originality/value

This paper will provide the theoretical basis for the efficient elastoplastic analysis of the helically wound structure, even the fatigue analysis. In addition, it is necessary to point out that the axial length of the helically wound structure in the general engineering problems that such as deep-sea risers and submarine cables.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 36 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 October 2021

Khameel Mustapha, Jamal Alhiyafi, Aamir Shafi and Sunday Olusanya Olatunji

This study aims to investigate the prediction of the nonlinear response of three-dimensional-printed polymeric lattice structures with and without structural defects. Unlike…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the prediction of the nonlinear response of three-dimensional-printed polymeric lattice structures with and without structural defects. Unlike metallic structures, the deformation behavior of polymeric components is difficult to quantify through the classical numerical analysis approach as a result of their nonlinear behavior under mechanical loads.

Design/methodology/approach

Geometric models of periodic lattice structures were designed via PTC Creo. Imperfections in the form of missing unit cells are introduced in the replica of the lattice structure. The perfect and imperfect lattice structures have the same dimensions – 10 mm × 14 mm × 30 mm (w × h × L). The fused deposition modelling technique is used to fabricate the parts. The fabricated parts were subjected to physical compression tests to provide a measure of their transverse compressibility resistance. The ensuing nonlinear response from the experimental tests is deployed to develop a support vector machine surrogate model.

Findings

Results from the surrogate model’s performance, in terms of correlation coefficient, rose to as high as 99.91% for the nonlinear compressive stress with a minimum achieved being 98.51% across the four datasets used. In the case of deflection response, the model accuracy rose to as high as 99.74% while the minimum achieved is 98.56% across the four datasets used.

Originality/value

The developed model facilitates the prediction of the quasi-static response of the structures in the absence and presence of defects without the need for repeated physical experiments. The structure investigated is designed for target applications in hierarchical polymer packaging, and the methodology presents a cost-saving method for data-driven constitutive modelling of polymeric parts.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 21 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 July 2019

Md. Hazrat Ali, Shaheidula Batai and Dastan Sarbassov

This study highlights the demand for low-cost and high accuracy products through the design and development of new 3D printing technologies. Besides, significant progress has been…

2013

Abstract

Purpose

This study highlights the demand for low-cost and high accuracy products through the design and development of new 3D printing technologies. Besides, significant progress has been made in this field. A comparative study helps to understand the latest development in materials and future prospect of this technology.

Design/methodology/approach

Nevertheless, a large amount of progress still remains to be made. While some of the works have focused on the performances of the materials, the rest have focused on the development of new methods and techniques in additive manufacturing.

Findings

This paper critically evaluates the current 3D printing technologies, including the development and optimizations made to the printing methods, as well as the printed objects. Meanwhile, previous developments in this area and contributions to the modern trend in manufacturing technology are summarized briefly.

Originality/value

The paper can be summarized in three sections. Firstly, the existing printing methods along with the frequently used printing materials, as well as the processing parameters, and the factors which influence the quality and mechanical performances of the printed objects are discussed. Secondly, the optimization techniques, such as topology, shape, structure and mechanical property, are described. Thirdly, the latest development and applications of additive manufacturing are depicted, and the scope of future research in the relevant area is put forward.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 25 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2006

Nikolaos V. Kantartzis and Theodoros D. Tsiboukis

The paper seeks to investigate the precise time‐domain modelling and broadband performance optimisation of 3D EMC structures formed by composite left‐handed metamaterials.

Abstract

Purpose

The paper seeks to investigate the precise time‐domain modelling and broadband performance optimisation of 3D EMC structures formed by composite left‐handed metamaterials.

Design/methodology/approach

A frequency‐dependent alternating‐direction implicit finite‐difference time‐domain method is introduced. Developing a class of multi‐directional curvilinear schemes for double‐negative media, the unconditionally stable algorithm forms robust lattice tessellations and provides advanced models complicated media interfaces. Moreover, the erroneous refractions at the metamaterial boundaries are systematically analysed through dynamic stencil configurations and powerful perfectly matched layer absorbers.

Findings

The paper finds that the proposed technique leads to convergent discretisations that resolve all propagation bandwidths and enhances the design of promising periodical devices loaded by substrates of thin wires and split‐ring resonators. Furthermore, its versatile character subdues dispersion deficiencies far beyond the usual stability criteria. Numerical validation, addressing various up‐to‐date EMC devices like coupled antennas, waveguides, high‐pass filters and absorber linings in test facilities, confirms the merits of the algorithm.

Originality/value

The novel methodology offers an advanced nodal control process which drastically suppresses the serious dispersion errors of existing approaches as time‐step exceeds the Courant limit. The resulting grids can support coarse resolutions, while the general curvilinear framework, along with the ADI rationale, allows the accurate approximation of demanding permittivity and permeability constitutive profiles. Hence, high accuracy and confined computational overhead are achieved without the need of laborious assumptions.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 25 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 December 2019

Jun Wang, Rahul Rai and Jason N. Armstrong

This paper aims to clarify the relationship between mechanical behaviors and the underlying geometry of periodic cellular structures. Particularly, the answer to the following…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to clarify the relationship between mechanical behaviors and the underlying geometry of periodic cellular structures. Particularly, the answer to the following research question is investigated: Can seemingly different geometries of the repeating unit cells of periodic cellular structure result in similar functional behaviors? The study aims to cluster the geometry-functional behavior relationship into different categories.

Design/methodology/approach

Specifically, the effects of the geometry on the compressive deformation (mechanical behavior) responses of multiple standardized cubic periodic cellular structures (CPCS) at macro scales are investigated through both physical tests and finite element simulations of three-dimensional (3D) printed samples. Additionally, these multiple CPCS can be further nested into the shell of 3D models of various mechanical domain parts to demonstrate the influence of their geometries in practical applications.

Findings

The paper provides insights into how different CPCS (geometrically different unit cells) influence their compressive deformation behaviors. It suggests a standardized strategy for comparing mechanical behaviors of different CPCS.

Originality/value

This paper is the first work in the research domain to investigate if seemingly different geometries of the underlying unit cell can result in similar mechanical behaviors. It also fulfills the need to infill and lattify real functional parts with geometrically complex unit cells. Existing work mainly focused on simple shapes such as basic trusses or cubes with spherical holes.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 26 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 April 2020

Duc Hai Nguyen, Hu Wang, Fan Ye and Wei Hu

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mechanical properties’ behaviors of woven composite cut-out structures with specific parameters. Because of the complexity of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mechanical properties’ behaviors of woven composite cut-out structures with specific parameters. Because of the complexity of micro-scale and meso-scale structure, it is difficult to accurately predict the mechanical material behavior of woven composites. Numerical simulations are increasingly necessary for the design and optimization of test procedures for composite structures made by the woven composite. The results of the proposed method are well satisfied with the results obtained from the experiment and other studies. Moreover, parametric studies on different plates based on the stacking sequences are investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-scale modeling approach is suggested. Back-propagation neural networks (BPNN), radial basis function (RBF) and least square support vector regression are integrated with efficient global optimization (EGO) to reduce the weight of assigned structure. Optimization results are verified by finite element analysis.

Findings

Compared with other similar studies, the advantage of the suggested strategy uses homogenized properties behaviors with more complex analysis of woven composite structures. According to investigation results, it can be found that 450/−450 ply-orientation is the best buckling load value for all the cut-out shape requirements. According to the optimal results, the BPNN-EGO is the best candidate for the EGO to optimize the woven composite structures.

Originality/value

A multi-scale approach is used to investigate the mechanical properties of a complex woven composite material architecture. Buckling of different cut-out shapes with the same area is surveyed. According to investigation, 45°/−45° ply-orientation is the best for all cut-out shapes. Different surrogate models are integrated in EGO for optimization. The BPNN surrogate model is the best choice for EGO to optimization difficult problems of woven composite materials.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 38 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 August 2022

Guoquan Zhang, Yaohui Wang, Jian He and Yi Xiong

Composite cellular structures have wide application in advanced engineering fields due to their high specific stiffness and strength. As an emerging technology, continuous…

Abstract

Purpose

Composite cellular structures have wide application in advanced engineering fields due to their high specific stiffness and strength. As an emerging technology, continuous fiber-reinforced polymer additive manufacturing provides a cost-effective solution for fabricating composite cellular structures with complex designs. However, the corresponding path planning methods are case-specific and have not considered any manufacturing constraints. This study aims to develop a generally applicable path planning method to fill the above research gap.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a path planning method based on the graph theory, yielding an infill toolpath with a minimum fiber cutting frequency, printing time and total turning angle. More specifically, the cellular structure design is converted to a graph first. Then, the graph is modified to search an Eulerian path by adding an optimal set of extra edges determined through the integer linear programming method. Finally, the toolpath with minimum total turning angle is obtained with a constrained Euler path search algorithm.

Findings

The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated through the fabrication of both periodic and nonperiodic composite cellular structures, i.e. triangular unit cell-based, Voronoi diagram-based and topology optimized structures. The proposed method provides the basis for manufacturing planar thin-walled cellular structures of continuous fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). Moreover, the proposed method shows a notable improvement compared with the existing method. The fiber cutting frequency, printing time and total turning angle have been reduced up to 88.7%, 52.6% and 65.5%, respectively.

Originality/value

A generally applicable path planning method is developed to generate continuous toolpaths for fabricating cellular structures in CFRP-additive manufacturing, which is an emerging technology. More importantly, manufacturing constraints such as fiber cutting frequency, printing time and total turning angle of fibers are considered within the process planning for the first time.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 29 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1997

Jaroslav Mackerle

Gives a bibliographical review of the finite element methods (FEMs) applied for the linear and nonlinear, static and dynamic analyses of basic structural elements from the…

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Abstract

Gives a bibliographical review of the finite element methods (FEMs) applied for the linear and nonlinear, static and dynamic analyses of basic structural elements from the theoretical as well as practical points of view. The range of applications of FEMs in this area is wide and cannot be presented in a single paper; therefore aims to give the reader an encyclopaedic view on the subject. The bibliography at the end of the paper contains 2,025 references to papers, conference proceedings and theses/dissertations dealing with the analysis of beams, columns, rods, bars, cables, discs, blades, shafts, membranes, plates and shells that were published in 1992‐1995.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 14 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

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