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At least 73 records · Page 4

Periodic trim solutions with hp-version finite elements in time

Finite elements in time as an alternative strategy for rotorcraft trim problems are studied. The research treats linear flap and linearized flap-lag response both for quasi-trim and trim cases. The connection between Fourier series analysis and hp-finite elements for periodic a problem is also examined. It is proved that Fourier series is a special case of space-time finite elements in which one element is used with a strong displacement formulation. Comparisons are made with respect to accuracy among Fourier analysis, displacement methods, and mixed methods over a variety parameters. The hp trade-off is studied for the periodic trim problem to provide an optimum step size and order of polynomial for a given error criteria. It is found that finite elements in time can outperform Fourier analysis for periodic problems, and for some given error criteria. The mixed method provides better results than does the displacement method.

Peters, David A.↗

Periodic trim solutions with hp-version finite elements in time

Finite elements in time as an alternative strategy for rotorcraft trim problems are studied. The research treats linear flap and linearized flap-lag response both for quasi-trim and trim cases. The connection between Fourier series analysis and hp-finite elements for periodic a problem is also examined. It is proved that Fourier series is a special case of space-time finite elements in which one element is used with a strong displacement formulation. Comparisons are made with respect to accuracy among Fourier analysis, displacement methods, and mixed methods over a variety parameters. The hp trade-off is studied for the periodic trim problem to provide an optimum step size and order of polynomial for a given error criteria. It is found that finite elements in time can outperform Fourier analysis for periodic problems, and for some given error criteria. The mixed method provides better results than does the displacement method.

Hou, Lin-Jun↗

A fully coupled thermal–microstructural–mechanical finite element process model for directed energy deposition additive manufacturing of Ti–6Al–4V

A fully coupled thermal–microstructural–mechanical finite element modelling framework is developed to investigate the distortion and residual stresses during directed energy deposition (DED) of multi-phase Ti–6Al–4V alloy. The Johnson–Cook constitutive model is used to predict the yield strength of each phase as a function of strain, strain rate and temperature where the flow stress is calculated by a linear mixing rule based on the volumetric phase fractions. A thin-walled rectangular sample is chosen as the reference geometry and the results are compared with experimentally measured in situ thermal history and distortion data, where a reasonable agreement is achieved. The proposed modelling framework with physics-based material constitutive model provides useful information for a better understanding of process–microstructure–property relations in additive manufacturing by DED.

Tunay, Merve↗

Three dimensional finite-element analysis of finite-thickness fracture specimens

The stress-intensity factors for most of the commonly used fracture specimens (center-crack tension, single and double edge-crack tension, and compact), those that have a through-the-thickness crack, were calculated using a three dimensional finite-element elastic stress analysis. Three-dimensional singularity elements were used around the crack front. The stress intensity factors along the crack front were evaluated by using a force method, developed herein, that requires no prior assumption of either plane stress or plane strain. The calculated stress-intensity factors from the present analysis were compared with those from the literature whenever possible and were generally found to be in good agreement. The stress-intensity factors at the midplane for all specimens analyzed were within 3 percent of the two dimensional plane strain values. The stress intensity factors at the specimen surfaces were considerably lower than at the midplanes. For the center-crack tension specimens with large thickness to crack-length ratios, the stress-intensity factor reached a maximum near the surface of the specimen. In all other specimens considered the maximum stress intensity occurred at the midplane.

Raju, I. S.↗

Probabilistic finite elements

In the Probabilistic Finite Element Method (PFEM), finite element methods have been efficiently combined with second-order perturbation techniques to provide an effective method for informing the designer of the range of response which is likely in a given problem. The designer must provide as input the statistical character of the input variables, such as yield strength, load magnitude, and Young's modulus, by specifying their mean values and their variances. The output then consists of the mean response and the variance in the response. Thus the designer is given a much broader picture of the predicted performance than with simply a single response curve. These methods are applicable to a wide class of problems, provided that the scale of randomness is not too large and the probabilistic density functions possess decaying tails. By incorporating the computational techniques we have developed in the past 3 years for efficiency, the probabilistic finite element methods are capable of handling large systems with many sources of uncertainties. Sample results for an elastic-plastic ten-bar structure and an elastic-plastic plane continuum with a circular hole subject to cyclic loadings with the yield stress on the random field are given.

Belytschko, Ted↗

Component mode synthesis and large deflection vibration of complex structures. Volume 2: Single-mode large deflection vibrations of beams and plates using finite element method

A finite element method is presented for the large amplitude vibrations of complex structures that can be modelled with beam and rectangular plate elements subjected to harmonic excitation. Both inplane deformation and inertia are considered in the formulation. Derivation of the harmonic force and nonlinear stiffness matrices for a beam and a rectangular plate element are presented. Solution procedures and convergence characteristics of the finite element method are described. Nonlinear response to uniform and concentrated harmonic loadings and improved nonlinear free vibration results are presented for beams and rectangular plates of various boundary conditions.

Mei, Chuh↗

Periodic trim solutions with HP-version finite elements in time

Finite Element in Time has been proven to be a powerful alternative solving strategy for the rotor craft trim problem. Additionally, Finite Element Method in Time has been developed in various versions like time-marching framework, Galerkin framework, Rayleigh-Ritz framework, and mixed formulation. Recently, this method was applied to the rotorcraft trim problem to obtain linearized solutions. The rotorcraft trim problem consists of trying to find a period solution for period-coefficient, differential equations subject to side constraints where certain force and momentum balance equations are forced to be equal to zero. There are free (or trim) parameters that are chosen to meet these side constraints. This project aims at expanding the application, in terms of the rotorcraft trim problem, from a linearized solution to nonlinear solution.

Source record↗

Simple formulas for strain-energy release rates with higher order and singular finite elements

A general finite element procedure for obtaining strain-energy release rates for crack growth in isotropic materials is presented. The procedure is applicable to two-dimensional finite element analyses and uses the virtual crack-closure method. The procedure was applied to non-singular 4-noded (linear), 8-noded (parabolic), and 12-noded (cubic) elements and to quarter-point and cubic singularity elements. Simple formulas for strain-energy release rates were obtained with this procedure for both non-singular and singularity elements. The formulas were evaluated by applying them to two mode I and two mixed mode problems. Comparisons with results from the literature for these problems showed that the formulas give accurate strain-energy release rates.

Raju, I. S.↗

Calculation of strain-energy release rates with higher order and singular finite elements

A general finite element procedure for obtaining strain-energy release rates for crack growth in isotropic materials is presented. The procedure is applicable to two-dimensional finite element analyses and uses the virtual crack-closure method. The procedure was applied to nonsingular 4-noded (linear), 8-noded (parabolic), and 12-noded (cubic) elements and to quarter-point and cubic singularity elements. Simple formulas for strain-energy release rates were obtained with this procedure for both nonsingular and singularity elements. The formulas were evaluated by applying them to two mode I and two mixed mode problems. Comparisons with results from the literature for these problems showed that the formulas give accurate strain-energy release rates.

Raju, I. S.↗

Aeroelastic modeling of swept tip rotor blades using finite elements

A special finite element for the modeling of a swept tip rotor blade is derived. The swept tip blade undergoes moderate deflections in flap, lag and torsion. The nonlinear, partial differential equations of motion are discretized using a Galerkin finite element method. Tip sweep introduces flap-torsion and lag-axial couplings, and may lead to aeroelastic instabilities associated with frequency coalescence. When frequency coalescence does not occur, sweep is usually stabilizing. A comparison of the approximate model of a swept tip blade, using a blade with straight elastic axis and offsets of aerodynamic centers of gravity, with the exact swept tip model developed in this paper indicates that the approximate model can produce inaccurate results for the case of hingeless rotor blades.

Celi, R.↗

Evaluation of a hybrid, anisotropic, multilayered, quadrilateral finite element

A multilayered finite element with bending-extensional coupling is evaluated for: (1) buckling of general laminated plates; (2) thermal stresses of laminated plates cured at elevated temperatures; (3) displacements of a bimetallic beam; and (4) displacement and stresses of a single-cell box beam with warped cover panels. Also, displacements and stresses for flat and spherical orthotropic and anisotropic segments are compared with results from higher order plate and shell finite-element analyses.

Robinson, J. C.↗

A comparison of the capabilities of three finite element programs

Three finite element programs are compared to assess their capabilities as an analysis tool in a structural design process. Because of the need for repetitive analyses as an integral part of a design loop, a candidate program must be capable of handling large problems, operate efficiently, and be readily adaptable for use in computer-aided design. The three programs considered in the study, ELAS,SNAP, and NASTRAN, range from a relatively small finite element program limited to static structural analysis (ELAS) to a large complex general analysis system (NASTRAN). Results are given for comparative speeds and computer resources required for each program in the analysis of sample fuselage problems representative of practical aircraft design.

Loendorf, D. D.↗

Theoretical determination of nozzle admittances using a finite element method

A finite element method (FEM) is used to predict the admittances of axisymmetric nozzles. The flow in the nozzle is assumed to be isentropic and the disturbances are assumed to be small so that linear analyses apply. An approximate two dimensional compressible flow model is used to describe the steady flow in the nozzle. The propagation of acoustic disturbances is governed by the complete linear acoustic wave equation. This partial differential wave equation is transformed to an integral equation using Galerkin's method and Green's theorem is applied so that the acoustic boundary conditions can be introduced through the boundary residuals. A two dimensional finite element method using linear triangular elements is used to solve the integral acoustic equation. A one dimensional FEM is used to solve the reduced nozzle acoustic equation developed by Crocco and the solution is used to verify the sufficiency of the boundary residual formation. It is shown that agreement between predicted values of the admittance and experimental data is quite good.

Sigman, R. K.↗

Resonance prediction for slotted wind tunnel by the finite element method

A finite element approach is developed for predicting the so-called 'resonant' frequencies of subsonic wind tunnels with variously shaped cross sections. The resulting computer code has been applied to various wind tunnels. For example, the resonant frequencies for both the NASA Ames Research Center 6 x 6 ft wind tunnel (rectangular cross section) and the NASA Langley Research Center 16 x 16 ft Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (octagonal cross section) have been calculated. The results are believed to be more accurate than theoretical values used in the past for an equivalent rectangular cross section. The effect of a plenum chamber on the resonance is examined in detail. Application of the finite element approach to the plenum chamber, as it interacts with the test section, gives more accurate results than what would be obtained by assuming an open tunnel.

Lee, I.↗

Element-topology-independent preconditioners for parallel finite element computations

A family of preconditioners for the solution of finite element equations are presented, which are element-topology independent and thus can be applicable to element order-free parallel computations. A key feature of the present preconditioners is the repeated use of element connectivity matrices and their left and right inverses. The properties and performance of the present preconditioners are demonstrated via beam and two-dimensional finite element matrices for implicit time integration computations.

Park, K. C.↗