Search results for "FEM simulation"
showing 10 items of 11 documents
Generative Design for Additively Manufactured Textiles in Orthopaedic Applications
2021
AbstractThe aim of this work is to implement a new process for the design and production of orthopaedic devices to realize entirely by Additive Manufacturing (AM). In particular, a generative algorithm for parametric modelling of flexible structures to use in orthopaedic devices has been developed. The developed modelling algorithm has been applied to a case study based on the design and production of a customized elbow orthosis made by Selective Laser Sintering. The results obtained have demonstrated that the developed algorithm overcomes many drawbacks typical of traditional CAD modelling approaches. FEM simulations have been also performed to validate the design of the orthosis. The new …
Using FEM simulation to predict structural performances of a sailing dinghy
2017
The use of finite element method (FEM) tools is proposed to investigate the structural response of an eco-sustainable sailing yacht to different loading conditions, typical of those acting during regattas. The boat is, in particular, a 4.60 m dinghy with the hull and the deck made of an hybrid flaxâcork sandwich and internal reinforcements made of marine plywood. A preliminary activity has consisted in the refitting of an existing model in order to reduce the hull weight and to improve performances during manoeuvrings. These tasks have been interactively simulated in the virtual environment of the boat CAD model, where longitudinal and transversal reinforcements were enlightened and the m…
Finite element analysis of two total knee joint prostheses
2012
Aim of this work is to compare two different total knee prostheses that differ mainly in the shape of the polyethylene (PE) component inserted between the femoral and tibial plates. The best solution between them has been originally reshaped in order to reduce stress peaks. The study procedure has been divided into the following steps. First step is the digitalisation of the shape of the prostheses by means of a 3D laser scanner. The morphology of two prototypes of the prostheses has been acquired by elaborating multiple Moire fringe patterns projected on their surfaces. Second step consisted on the manipulation of these data in a CAD module, that is the interpolation of raw data into NURBS…
Adoption of bonded magnets in place of sintered NdFeB: Performance and economic considerations on a small power generator
2015
Bonded magnets are giving promising results when adopted to replace expensive rare earth magnets. The possibility to “modulate” the magnetic characteristics by varying the binder percentage allows the opening of new lines of investigation and to face the problem of rare earths cost. In the paper a small power generator prototype has been equipped with bonded magnets realized in the Authors' Laboratories; it has been tested and compared with the original generator mounting NdFeB sintered magnets. FEM simulations are validated by means of experimental tests. Economic comparisons are proposed.
Pre-Stressed Sub-Surface Contribution on Bulk Diffusion in Metallic Solids
2011
Our recent modelling works and corresponding numerical simulations realized to describe the UO2 oxidation processes confirm the theory showing that an applied mechanical strain can strongly affect the local oxygen diffusion in a stressed solid. This result allows us to assume that stress field, previously applied at the surface of a metallic sample on several microns, will delay the degradation during its oxidation. Considering this hypothesis, we implemented a FEM simulation code developed in our laboratory to numerically investigate some different stress fields applied on a sample sub-surface, that might significantly modify the volume diffusion of oxygen during the oxidation process. The…
Analysis of Joint Quality along Welding Plane
2009
Porthole die extrusion is an always more important process for industrial applications. It is, however, characterized by a considerable complexity; in fact, different parameters have to be carefully set for improving the final part. A critical zone that strongly influences the goodness of the extruded component is the so called “welding plane”. It is the junction area where material flows converge inside the welding chamber. The variables that have to be controlled for improving the material characteristics in this zone are the effective stress, the pressure and the time that the material takes to cross the welding chamber. Moreover, material temperature is another fundamental issue that in…
Failure Analysis of a Humeral Shaft Locking Compression Plate—Surface Investigation and Simulation by Finite Element Method
2019
A case study of a failed humeral shaft locking compression plate is presented, starting with a clinical case where failure occurred and an implant replacement was required. This study uses finite element method (FEM) in order to determine the failure modes for the clinical case. Four loading scenarios that simulate daily life activities were considered for determining the stress distribution in a humeral shaft locking compression plate (LCP). Referring to the simulation results, the failure analysis was performed on the explant. Using fracture surface investigation methods, stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), a mixed mode failure was determined. An initial fatigue failu…
STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF A POSTERIOR STABILITY TOTAL KNEE JOINT REPLACEMENT
2011
Aim of this work is to compare two different total knee prostheses that differ in the shape of the Polyethylene (PE) insert, trying to optimize the shape of the best one, in order to reduce the stress peaks. The study procedure has been divided into the following steps. First step has been the three-dimensional shape acquisition of the two prostheses by means of a COMET5 3D scanner. The morphology of two prototypes of the prostheses has been acquired by elaborating multiple Moirè fringe pattern projected on their surfaces. Second step consisted of the manipulation of these data in a CAD module, that is the interpolation of raw data into parametric surfaces, reducing singularities due to the…
Normal pressures and frictional tractions on shallow conical hopper walls after concentric filling: Predictions and experiments
2013
Author's version of an article in the journal: Chemical Engineering Science. Also available from the publisher at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2012.11.028 A silo with a shallow hopper is designed to achieve the required silo capacity when the headroom available is limited, provided that the issue of segregation of stored particulate solids is not a problem. Several analytical models have been proposed to try to predict the design loads for such shallow silo hoppers to guarantee their structural integrity. In this study, a novel finite element analysis has been conducted to explore the development of pressures and tractions on the wall of a full scale shallow hopper when it is filled wit…
Assessing the Open Trenches in Screening Railway Ground-Borne Vibrations by Means of Artificial Neural Network
2009
Reducing ground borne vibrations in urban areas is a very challenging task in railway transportation. Many mitigation measures can be considered and applied; among these open trenches are very effective. This paper deals with the study of the effect, in terms of reduction of vertical and horizontal displacements and velocities, of the open trenches. 2D FEM simulations have been performed and several open trench configurations have been analysed varying the main geometric features such as width and depth, distance from the rail, thickness of the soil layer over the rigid bedrock, type of the ground, ratio between the depth of the trench, and the thickness of the soil layer. For quantifying t…