Search results for "Finite element method"
showing 10 items of 746 documents
A comparison of simplex and simulated annealing for optimization of a new rear underrun protective device
2012
In this paper, two optimization approaches to improve the product design process have been analysed. Through the analysis of a case study, concerning the designing of a new High Energy Absorption Rear Underrun Protective Device (HEARUPD), two different optimization approaches (simplex and simulated annealing) have been compared. In the implemented optimization processes, the crash between an economy car and the rear part of a truck has been simulated by dynamic numerical (FEM) analyses. Moreover, authors have proposed the use of a suitable linear function of four variables with the purpose of reducing the multi-objective optimization processes to mono-objective ones. That has been made to s…
Solving some optimal control problems using the barrier penalty function method
2005
In this paper we present a new approach to solve the two-level optimization problem arising from an approximation by means of the finite element method of optimal control problems governed by unilateral boundary value problems. The minimized functional depends on control variables and state variables x. The latter are the optimal solution of an auxiliary quadratic programming problem, whose parameters depend on u.
On the optimization of the first wall of the DEMO water-cooled lithium lead outboard breeding blanket equatorial module
2016
Abstract Within the framework of EUROfusion R&D activities a research campaign has been carried out at the University of Palermo in order to investigate the thermo-mechanical performances of the DEMO water-cooled lithium lead (WCLL) breeding blanket first wall (FW). The research campaign has been mainly focused on the optimization of the FW geometric configuration in order to maximize the heat flux it may safely withstand fulfilling all the thermal, hydraulic and mechanical requirements foreseen by safety codes. Attention has been focused on the FW flat concept endowed with square cooling channels and the potential influence of its four main geometrical parameters on its thermo-mechanical p…
Study of the thermo-mechanical performances of the IFMIF-EVEDA Lithium Test Loop target assembly
2012
Abstract Within the framework of the IFMIF R&D program and in close cooperation with ENEA-Brasimone, at the Department of Energy of the University of Palermo a research campaign has been launched to investigate the thermo-mechanical behavior of the target assembly under both steady state and start-up transient conditions. A theoretical approach based on the finite element method (FEM) has been followed and a well-known commercial code has been adopted. A realistic 3D FEM model of the target assembly has been set-up and optimized by running a mesh independency analysis. A proper set of loads and boundary conditions, mainly concerned with radiation heat transfer between the target assembly ex…
Optimization of the breeder zone cooling tubes of the DEMO Water-Cooled Lithium Lead breeding blanket
2016
Abstract The determination of an optimal configuration for the breeder zone (BZ) cooling tubes is one of the most important issues in the DEMO Water-Cooled Lithium Lead (WCLL) breeding blanket R&D activities, since BZ cooling tubes spatial distribution should ensure an efficient heat power removal from the breeder, avoiding hotspots occurrence in the thermal field. Within the framework of R&D activities supported by the HORIZON 2020 EUROfusion Consortium action on the DEMO WCLL breeding blanket design, a campaign of parametric analyses has been launched at the Department of Energy, Information Engineering and Mathematical Models of the University of Palermo (DEIM), in close cooperation with…
Mixed mode energy release rates for bonded composite joints
2011
Abstract: Analytical formulae developed by Luo and Tong (2009) to determine the mixed mode strain energy release rates of laminated and co-cured composite structures and joints are reviewed. The effects of varying loading conditions and geometries on the mode mixity found analytically are investigated via a parametric study. A critical evaluation of the analytical formulae indicates that the formulae are robust in calculating the total strain energy release rate, but may underestimate the mode II component compared with the finite element analysis and experimental results. Possible reasons for this discrepancy are discussed, including the effect of stress concentrations and singularities at…
Competition between the buckling-driven delamination and wrinkling in compressed thin coatings
2012
Abstract The competition between two common failure modes of a thin coating under in-plane compression, the surface wrinkling and the buckling-driven delamination, is studied to assess the critical strain when the mechanical instability may occur at given geometrical and material parameters. A buckling map is constructed based on results of a finite element analysis, which relates the critical applied strain for the onset of instability to the interface adhesion and elastic properties of materials. An approximate scaling relation is derived for the energy release rate of buckling-driven delamination of a coating deposited on a compliant substrate.
INVESTIGATIONS OF STRAIN AND STRESS STATE AND CAPACITY IN SHORT CYLINDRICAL SHELLS UNDER INTERNAL PRESSURE
1989
In the paper it has been assumed that a triaxial stress and strain state occurs in a shell. The finite element method was used and owing to that digitization of the problem was possible. Such digitization was necessary for a numerical analysis of the moment stress state in the shell. On the ground of physical relations of the Prandtl-Reuss plastic flow theory an algorithm was formulated. The algorithm was a basis of calculating strains and stresses and determining capacity in a short cylindrical shell with rigid bottoms. The shell was subject to internal pressure. Experiments were carried out, as well. The results obtained with: equations of the membraneous shell theory, using plastic flow …
Finite element analysis in vertebrate palaeontology
2002
The Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a numerical method which allows to analyse the static and dynamic behaviour of complex structures. A structure is substituted by a model consisting of a number of small, well-defined elements, each interconnected by nodes. Within the element attributes and material properties, the model can be exposed to static or dynamic loads. The displacements of the structure as the reaction to its loadings are calculated. Other data such as stress or strain at localized points in the structure are derived from these displacements. Originally developed for engineering, FEA soon was introduced to human medicine by modelling the behaviour of bone, teeth, cartilage and …
Recent advances in local probe techniques in corrosion research – Analysis of the role of stress on pitting sensitivity
2007
Local probe techniques have been largely applied to predict the spatial distribution of the electrochemical reactions and to quantify the corrosion rate. These local probe techniques are now being developed to capture the temporal information, in-situ and in real-time. Nevertheless only few works have been devoted to investigate with these local probes the role of stress on pitting sensitivity on passive materials. In this paper, a part of the most recent studies based on combination of local electrochemical measurements with finite element mapping of surface stress gradients are reported illustrating the role of inclusions under straining and the mechanical effect of surface preparation on…