Browse Topic: Finite element analysis

Items (3,879)
S-cam brake is a drum-type foundation brake used in heavy commercial vehicles. It is a safety-critical device; hence, thorough validation of its performance by lab test rigs and field tests is essential. During prototype testing, an unusual impact was observed during dynamic braking at high pressure application, specifically when the brake drum is rotating, after a period of operation of about 10,000 cycles. This phenomenon was then observed even at static braking when the brake drum was at rest. From initial inspection, it is due to the cam roller, which rides on the web-slot provided at the shoe assembly, while the S-cam is rotating and falls back instantly. This phenomenon occurs repeatedly and creates an audible noise, which needs to be eliminated. The study aims to correlate the phenomenon using finite element analysis (FEA) as in a prototype test and to identify the root cause and optimize the design variables. Since the friction coefficient at the cam roller–web interface is unknown after a period of operation, different values of friction coefficient, ranging from 0.1 to 0.8, are iterated and simulated by rotating the S-cam until the braking effort is reached. The dynamic implicit analysis procedure in Abaqus standard is used to simulate this condition. Based on the results, design variables were improved to mitigate the issue. A quick solution, achieved by modifying a minor feature, successfully prevented the fallback behavior and was validated through physical testing. Furthermore, a permanent solution was developed to eliminate both the “ride-on” and “fallback” phenomena by optimizing component dimensions. This FEA methodology helps to validate the design in an initial concept phase itself for future variants. Using this method, even the structural and fatigue performance of braking parts can be validated at a system-level simulation with better accuracy.
Dinesh Kumar, J.Riyaz Mohamed, D.Vasanth Bharath, S.Rajkumar, S.Murugan, S.
To improve the mobility and reliability of special-purpose vehicles that are operated in extreme conditions and to minimize the influence of tire failure on the vehicle’s mobility, this paper investigates how the mechanical properties of honeycomb non-pneumatic tires are affected after high-speed impacts from external projectiles. A prototype of a network non-pneumatic honeycomb tire was initially developed, which was made of polyurethane material. The five parameter model of the Mooney-Rivlin model was selected as its constitutive relation and the experimental study was performed to validate three-dimensional stiffness simulation model for the tire. Secondly, a LS-DYNA-based finite element model was developed to describe the dynamic behaviors of the tire under an external impact at various locations (e.g. tread, single spoke plate and joints), and to investigate the influence of local damage and spoke plate fracture on the stiffness of the tire. The results indicate that the tire has better performance of resisting the impacts at small and medium levels, with the decrease of radial stiffness of the tire less than 4% after experiencing the ultrahigh load; after the spokes plate is broken, the radial stiffness of tire drops significantly by comparing with the intact tire, that is 24.17%, which has a great effect on the support performance of the tire. The findings of this work offer theoretical support and design guidelines for the structural optimization and properties improvement of NPTS.
Yao, TuzaoSun, XiaowangZhang, QiangFu, LeiHuang, Jianbin
The static-dynamic behaviors of ultra-precision five-axis machine tools are the core factors to ensure sub-micron-level machining accuracy. This study establishes a detailed finite element model of an entire machine based on the ANSYS Workbench platform and conducts in-depth research on the static-dynamic characteristics of the entire machine of the ultra-precision five-axis machining center by using the finite element analysis(FEM) method and combining the principles of statics and dynamics. By constructing an accurate finite element model, the stress distribution, deformation, and modal vibration characteristics of the entire machine, especially the key parts, such as spindle box, crossbeam, column, and guide rails, under complex loads such as gravity and cutting force are simulated. The static analysis reveals a maximum deformation of 0.17 mm in the spindle box and the column, and the maximum stress is 58 MPa (at the Z-direction guide rail contact point), which is lower than the allowable stress of Q215 steel (195.5 MPa). The modal analysis extracts the first six natural frequencies (50.683 - 175.91 Hz), and the low-order vibration modes are mainly the Y/X-direction swing of the column, revealing the weak stiffness links. Based on the analysis results, a parametric optimization method was further adopted to optimize the structure of the weak components: the base, the column and the spindle box. This significantly enhanced the overall stiffness, reducing the maximum deformation to 0.039 mm and the maximum stress to 45MPa. The first six natural frequencies were all greatly increased (the first one reaching 85.548Hz). These findings provide valuable insights for machine tool structural enhancement and performance optimization.
Li, ShanSohi, Seyed Hamed Hashemi
Ultrasonic guided waves enable long-range, low-intrusion inspection of pipelines. This study examines how array topology and axial spacing influence the quality of defect echoes when the longitudinal axisymmetric mode L(0,2) is used. We build COMSOL finite-element models of a steel pipe and excite it with PZT-4 at 80 kHz; three practical layouts are compared: (i) odd–even receiving, (ii) 8-transmit/8-receive, and (iii) 16-transmit/8-receive, arranged as two axially separated groups. The spacing between the groups is chosen to suppress parasitic modes such as L(0,1) and to strengthen L(0,2). Results show that the two-group configuration sharpens the defect echo and reduces modal interference; increasing the number of transmitters further raises the defect-wave amplitude and improves the separation from end-reflection echoes. Among the schemes, 8×8 performs well for small-defect identification, while 16×8 yields the clearest boundaries and fastest defect indication. These findings clarify how sensor number and placement govern modal purity and sensitivity, and they offer practical guidance for designing guided-wave arrays that improve the reliability of long-range pipeline inspection. - Ultrasonic guided waves Pipeline non-destructive testing L(0,2) mode; Sensor array layout; Finite element simulation; Guided wave signal processing.
Liao, WeiLi, TengfeiZhang, WenhuiLin, QingmingGuo, Yanbing
The suspended converter valve constitutes the fundamental equipment essential for the functioning of direct current power transmission infrastructure. The electrical equipment has been severely damaged in historical seismic events, underscoring the earthquake resistance of thyristor valve is critical for maintaining secure and consistent performance of energy delivery systems. Current seismic research focuses on ±800 kV converter valves, while studies on ±600 kV converter valves are lacking. Due to significant differences in the length of suspended insulators between ±600 kV and ±800 kV converter valves, their seismic responses differ considerably. A three-dimensional finite element model encompassing both the ±600 kV suspended converter valve and its supporting valve hall structure was developed to accurately capture their dynamic interactions under seismic excitation. The modal analysis is conducted, and the natural frequencies and mode shapes of converter valve and valve hall system are obtained. The seismic analysis results indicate that under 1 g seismic excitation, the calculated maximum seismic displacement of the suspended valve tower is 421 mm, exceeding the engineering design limit of 400 mm. The calculated minimum stress safety factor for the converter valve suspended insulators is 1.46, failing to meet the specified requirement of no less than 2. Both the swing amplitude of the converter valve and the stress on the suspended insulators exceed design limits. It not only poses a mechanical safety risk to the converter valve, but the excessive seismic displacement can also lead to seismic coupling effects between the converter valve and critical equipment. Therefore, further research on damping measures is required for the seismic vulnerabilities of ±600 kV suspended converter valves.
Lin, SenZhu, ZhubingLu, ZhichengSun, Yuhan
To fulfill the multi-tube launch requirements for a specific folding-wing UAV, this study improves the structure of the existing storage-launch container. Based on the finite element method, a parametric model of the container is established, and a multi-condition mechanical analysis is carried out for various storage, transportation, and launch conditions. The difference between the first six natural frequencies of the free mode and the prestressed mode is compared and analyzed. The modal analysis model considering prestress is used to identify the optimization area of the container. The variable density method (SIMP) is used to optimize the topology of the container, with the volume of the container as the constraint condition and the minimum strain energy as the optimization goal. The optimization results show that the first-order modal natural frequency of the container is increased by 108%, and the first six natural frequencies are increased to a safe range, which effectively avoids the resonance risk. At the same time, the quality is reduced by 29%, and good optimization results are achieved.
Yuan, WeiyangJi, YuguoLiu, ZhipengYu, Wenxin
This study investigates the interaction mechanism between ultraviolet nanosecond pulsed lasers and polyetheretherketone (PEEK). By integrating finite element simulations with experimental validation, the work explores the laser microtexturing characteristics of PEEK surfaces and evaluates the influence of microtextures on the material’s surface biocompatibility. First, the interaction between the laser and the PEEK polymer was analyzed, and a laser ablation model was established using the COMSOL Multiphysics simulation platform. Using finite element simulation, the effects of spot overlap ratio were investigated by adjusting the average laser power, while the influence of single-pulse energy on the ablation characteristics of the PEEK surface was examined by varying the scanning speed. Subsequently, ultraviolet nanosecond laser processing experiments were conducted on planar PEEK microtextures based on the simulation results. Taking surface microgrooves on PEEK as representative structures, the variations in groove depth and width under different combinations of laser parameters were analyzed. The parameters, including average laser power, scanning speed, and repetition frequency, were optimized to identify processing conditions that yield stable depth and width, along with good surface flatness. Finally, experiments have initially verified that the microtextured PEEK surface may improve biocompatibility and regulate surface wettability to a certain extent.
Wu, YifanWang, XiaohuiHan, YujieJin, Shuo
For the strength verification of metal structures, in addition to fundamental static strength analysis, fatigue analysis is also indispensable for structures subjected to cycle fatigue loads. Notably, accurate calculation of the stress intensity factor (SIF) is a prerequisite for the quantitative evaluation of crack propagation life. For real structures such as civil aircraft or steel bridge, the complexity of geometry, component connections, and mutual constraints makes the determination of SIFs along the crack propagation path both complex and time-consuming. If the cracked structure is simplified into a two-dimensional model for analysis, the beneficial effects of structural constraints on crack opening are often neglected, leading to overly conservative life predictions, which has been confirmed in the full-scale fatigue tests. Alternatively, while finite element analysis (FEA) can be used to estimate SIFs, inaccuracies or non-convergence may arise due to improper meshing around the crack tip, particularly when singular elements are not properly incorporated. To solve these problems, an analogy method for efficient and accurate evaluation of SIFs in complex metallic structures (particularly those used in civil aircraft) is proposed in this study. The method estimates the SIF in a real structure by comparing the crack opening displacement (COD) at the crack tip with that of a reference model (an infinite plate containing a central crack) using the same local mesh refinement. Extensive validation has demonstrated that the SIFs obtained using the proposed analogy method exhibit sufficient accuracy for engineering applications, offering a practical alternative to traditional analytical or finite element-based techniques in crack propagation analysis.
Luo, YifanZhu, WuxueXu, HaishengHuang, FuBao, HaishengLan, Xinlei
High-Voltage Battery (HVB) protection in lateral pole impact is very important due to severe nature of the impact. Unlike frontal impacts, vehicles have limited range of space and capacity to absorb kinetic energy in lateral side impacts. Nowadays, computer-aided engineering (CAE) using finite element analysis (FEA) is utilized routinely to simulate high-speed crash events of varied type, including side pole impact. These CAE applications focus on the analysis and design of HVB when the vehicle structure is well-developed. CAE methods are time-consuming and are not suited during the pre-program stage when the structure is only in a concept stage and not even a reasonable CAD is available/developed in any sense to use these methods. There is no analytical tool available to understand how to define the characteristics of the structure that surrounds and protects the HVB. The primary motive of this publication is to help with this aspect of vehicle planning/development. Needless to state that this procedure can also be used in planning/developing of internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid vehicles, as well. The objective therefore is to develop a simple method/procedure that can give reasonably accurate estimation of the collapse/crush force required for a specified crush space and hence protect the critical components, such as HVB and fuel tank. This analytical method also gives some insight into the optimal use of the upper body (rocker and floor cross-members) and underbody (ladder frame) parts. It was found, for a problem under consideration, optimum kinetic energy to be absorbed by the upper body is 32.5% to avoid intrusion into HVB.
Alavandi, BhimaraddiMidoun, DjamalFrank, Randy
In recent years, triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures have attracted considerable attention due to their excellent mechanical properties, lightweight characteristics, and remarkable potential for energy absorption in various engineering applications, particularly in automotive safety. To address the demand for enhanced energy absorption, a TPMS design strategy incorporating controllable twisting along the build direction is proposed in this study, enabling the regulation of local deformation paths and global absorption responses. Standard Primitive unit cells were constructed using an implicit function formulation, and twisted Primitive (TPS) structures with various twist angles were subsequently generated. TPS specimens were fabricated from 316 L stainless steel via selective laser melting (SLM) to evaluate the influence of twisting features on their mechanical behavior. To systematically elucidate the role of twisting in energy absorption, quasi-static compression tests were conducted and complemented by finite element simulations to analyze deformation modes and absorption characteristics under different twist angles. The results indicate that the twisting strategy significantly enhances the energy absorption capability of the Primitive structure. Compared with the standard Primitive configuration, TPS structures exhibit a higher specific energy absorption and a more stable progressive collapse mode under compression. In particular, increasing twist angles lead to notable improvements in both absorption efficiency and deformation controllability. Overall, the proposed controllable twisting design provides an effective approach for improving the energy absorption performance of TPMS lattices, offering theoretical guidance and technical support for their application in automotive passive safety and other energy-management systems.
Liu, ZheLian, YuehuiLi, YouguangGuo, PengboZhong, Gaoshuo
Composite hollow core station post insulators utilize fiber-reinforced epoxy resin as the core rod material, offering advantages such as high specific strength, high specific stiffness, and excellent fatigue resistance. This enables them to effectively meet the flexible, variable, and complex operational demands of modern power systems. However, composite materials exhibit anisotropic characteristics, resulting in complex mechanical properties. Additionally, the core rod of hollow pillar composite insulators is typically fabricated through a spiral-plus-circumferential winding process, which significantly complicates structural design and computational analysis. This study establishes a finite element model of the hollow pillar composite insulator core rod in ABAQUS. It analyzes the influence of fiber content on composite material parameters and performs finite element numerical calculations to examine the stress state of core rods with different winding angles under compressive and bending loads. The research findings provide theoretical support for the optimized structural design of hollow pillar composite insulator core rods.
Liu, JianbiaoDu, YijunQuan, XiaoxiZhou, Songsong
The space cable-rod deployable articulated mast is a type of space-deployable structure with high storage efficiency. As a critical component, the pretension in the cables directly affects the stiffness and dynamic characteristics of the mast. However, research on the modeling of cable assemblies remains limited, and the relationship between cable tensions and the natural frequencies of the system has not been reported, leaving a lack of design and manufacturing guidelines for such assemblies. In this study, a dynamic model of the X-configuration cable–strut assembly consisting of a central locking device and four cables was developed, and its applicability was investigated. Guided by the characteristics of the actual structure, the assembly was simplified into a central mass–spring system, and the governing equations of motion were derived using the Newton–Euler formulation. A finite element (FEM) model based on spring elements is constructed to validate the proposed formulations. In addition, another FEM model employing beam elements is developed, and modal analyses are conducted to compare with theoretical predictions, thereby assessing the applicability of the model. The results demonstrate that the equivalent spring model can accurately capture the first, fourth, and fifth natural frequencies of the system, while its prediction of in-plane frequencies is limited due to the neglect of cable bending effects. Based on the characteristics of the three out-plane modes, explicit relationships between natural frequencies and cable tensions are derived. This work provides new insights into the simplified modeling of cable assemblies and offers valuable references for further refinement and practical applications.
Zhang, ShichengWang, YufengZhang, XiaochengSun, ChaoHe, HuadongWu, Zhiqiang
In order to improve the self-sufficiency rate of key mineral resources in China, it is necessary to develop and research deep-sea mining vehicles to improve the mining capacity of seabed mineral resources. The deep-sea mining vehicle is a heavy-duty underwater robot, and its main frame structure, as a critical component, must be designed to be lightweight to improve payload capacity and mining efficiency. This paper first conducted static analysis for the initial main frame structure. Finite element analysis results indicate that the initial structure fails to meet the strength requirements for lifting and recovery operations. The power index penalty factor was introduced into the topology optimization, which was based on the variable density method. The topology optimization objective was set to minimize structural compliance, with the maximum element stress and volume fraction used as constraints. The optimization process finally obtained the optimal material distribution. According to the results of topology optimization and space requirements of the installed equipment on the deep-sea mining vehicle, the new frame structure of the mining vehicle was re-established in the secondary modelling. According to the results of the analysis, the weight of the frame structure was reduced by 2.9%, and at the same time, the maximum stress was reduced by 57.2%, the maximum displacement was reduced by 47.2%, and the first-order natural frequency was increased by 54%. The strength and stiffness of the frame structure were greatly improved.
Tao, YichunYang, Mingyu
To further enhance the performance of the drive unit motor, a novel three-segment non-uniform Halbach array magnetic pole structure is proposed, which is applied to an external rotor permanent magnet motor with magnetic pole optimization. First, the overall motor design is carried out according to the requirements, determining the fundamental parameters of the motor. Then, four common magnetic pole structures—conventional arc-shaped, three-segment, Halbach array, and three-segment non-uniform Halbach array—are analyzed. A finite element analysis model of the motor is established for electromagnetic analysis, comparing the air-gap flux density, torque, and torque ripple of the four magnetic pole structures. Finally, optimized parameters for the stator and rotor tooth shapes are determined, and an optimization model is established. The NSGA-II algorithm is employed to optimize the stator and rotor tooth shapes. After optimization, the motor maintains its torque output while reducing torque ripple by 50%, effectively improving its performance.
Zhao, ChangleYang, Liu
This study explored the relationship between the placement roller and the radius of curvature of the mold. In the production process, it is better to judge the feasibility of placement based on the actual placement profile. It is calculated that when the prepreg with a tow width of 6.35 mm is used for automatic fiber placement and forming, the 4-tow, 8-tow, and 16-tow laying rollers can be laid at a maximum depth of 2 mm. The formulas for the length of the automatic fiber placement roller and the axial radius of curvature of the die are obtained. At the same time, through geometric analysis, a formula for calculating the minimum radius of curvature of the pressure roller is obtained. The finite element software Abaqus was used to simulate the contact of the 4-tow, 8-tow, and 16-tow laying rollers with the minimum axial critical radius of curvature at a 2 mm depth, and output the force curve of the node where the mold surface contacts the pressure roller. It is found that the simulation results are consistent with the calculation results.
Ma, ChengXiu, ZhifengXue, HongmingYang, MaoweiZhang, Pin
This paper addresses the stiffness issue of a lifting platform mechanism in a sand mold 3D printing device through finite element analysis (FEA) and proposes a multi-faceted optimization design approach. A finite element model of the lifting platform was established to analyze its stress and deformation distribution under extreme working conditions, revealing that the maximum deformation occurred at the platform edges. Based on the analysis results, structural design optimization, topology optimization of the top plate, and multi-objective parameter optimization of the bracket were implemented, significantly improving the platform's stiffness. After optimization, the maximum deformation of the lifting platform was reduced by 51.6%, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed methods. The results indicate that this approach has strong practical engineering value and can serve as a reference for optimizing similar structures.
Hong, HaichunYang, WenliangXu, JifuWang, HaitaoJing, WenxiaNiu, LonglongWang, Zhibing
This paper investigated the small deformation control of a large vertical vacuum vessel, a critical component in aerospace testing with stringent deformation limits under specific test conditions. Building on engineering experience and economic considerations, we designed oversized and multi-array external reinforcement rings tailored to the vessel’s spatial geometry to enhance its stiffness and stability. A novel integrated structural design was proposed, which mechanically couples the vacuum vessel with the concrete foundation via embedded components, specifically, by configuring optimized embedded parts at the vessel’s base and external reinforcement ring bottom, and then welding and binding these parts to the foundation’s embedded elements. This design significantly boosted the vertical vessel’s overall structural strength, rigidity, and stability. Ansys Workbench was used to simulate and analyze the vacuum vessel under different experimental conditions, and finite element simulations of the vessel under diverse experimental conditions validated that the integrated design achieves low stress and minimal deformation, compliant with test requirements. Post-installation deformation measurements further confirmed good agreement between experimental data and simulation results, verifying the model’s accuracy. The proposed fixed support structure addresses the limitations of traditional support systems for small-deformation applications and offers a new design paradigm for vertical vessel supports in high-precision engineering scenarios.
Bo, YangShizeng, LvXiao, HaoJie, Gong
A high-performance dual-ring RF MEMS breathing mode capacitive resonator is proposed, which achieves a 143.56% improvement in its quality factor (Q) through structural optimization. The structure of the resonator includes three main innovations: (1) reducing the anchor contact area to minimize the propagation loss of elastic waves, (2) optimizing anchor positioning to improve energy positioning, and (3) owning an inherent support structure that effectively avoids vibration energy coupling into the substrate. The design modifications were thoroughly investigated using COMSOL Multiphysics finite element simulations, and each method exhibited unique Q-value improvements through parameterized modeling of anchor loss contributions. In the design of MEMS resonators, these three methods are integrated synergistically into a resonator structure for the first time, preserving excellent breathing-mode operation while significantly suppressing energy dissipation mechanisms. The performance of the device has been further improved through a new differential amplification circuit that effectively mitigates feedthrough capacitance interference, representing a key achievement toward signal integrity in capacitive MEMS resonators. Computer analysis shows that the optimized resonator maintains constant oscillation characteristics while increasing the Q factor by 143.56% compared to traditional designs. The simulation results also demonstrate the generality of this method, indicating that it can be easily extended to MEMS resonators at other frequencies to enhance Q values. Targeted frequency response measurements confirm the effectiveness of structural modifications in suppressing anchor losses while maintaining mechanical stability. This work provides extensive design recommendations for high-Q MEMS resonator design, indicating that carefully optimizing a set of structural parameters can greatly improve performance. The provided method, validated through experimental finite element analysis of the system, is a resonator optimization model across MEMS structures. The 143.56% improvement in Q-value demonstrated in this work represents an important advancement in MEMS resonator technology, with potential applications in high-stability frequency generation and high-sensitivity quality detection.
Qian, RuiPeng, HuiliLiu, ShaWang, ChaoQiao, Zhifeng
With the development of controlled nuclear fusion technology, the tokamak device, as the most promising magnetic confinement fusion reactor for advanced engineering applications, requires remote maintenance of its internal components, which has become a key factor affecting both operational efficiency and safety. As a critical component directly exposed to high-temperature plasma, the divertor target plate needs to be periodically replaced and carefully maintained to ensure stable and reliable reactor operation. However, this region is subject to extreme conditions, including high temperature, high vacuum, and intense radiation, making conventional manual maintenance infeasible. This necessitates the development of intelligent and automated teleoperation systems. To address the automated assembly and disassembly requirements of divertor target plates, this study designs an integrated target plate actuator comprising key functional units: a positioning module, a screwing module, a quick-change module, and a passive compliance structure. The actuator achieves rapid and precise alignment with target plate holes, accommodates bolts of different specifications, and exhibits excellent impact resistance. Furthermore, stiffness and mechanical analyses, supported by finite element simulations, verify the actuator’s safety and reliability under high loads and impact forces. To further enhance operational performance, a segmented disassembly and assembly control strategy based on reinforcement learning is proposed, enabling the actuator to adaptively handle torque variations and ensure precise and stable bolt operations. The results demonstrate that the proposed actuator and control strategy significantly improve the accuracy, stability, and efficiency of target plate operations under complex working conditions, providing a reliable solution for automated divertor maintenance in tokamak devices.
Zang, XizheYu, XingzuCao, Zhangbin
Addressing the challenges in maintaining large hydraulic cylinders and the lack of specialized equipment, this study presents a dedicated maintenance system developed through a case study of a large hydraulic lifting cylinder. Through a comprehensive analysis of maintenance requirements, we developed a six-component maintenance system comprising a foundation base, a mounting bracket, a cylinder support frame, a piston rod bracket, a drive cylinder bracket, and hydraulic components. The paper systematically explains the structural configurations and functional specifications of each component, details the operational workflow of the maintenance system, and conducts theoretical design and strength verification for critical load-bearing brackets using principles from theoretical mechanics and structural mechanics. A static analysis module from ANSYS Workbench finite element software was employed to validate the overall structure. Results demonstrate that the key components meet operational strength requirements. This innovative maintenance system proves highly feasible and serves as a valuable reference for designing similar hydraulic cylinder systems.
Qiao, XiaodongDu, ChaoLong, Yuheng
Driven by increasing engineering demands, the need for high-performance flexible electronics has surged, accelerating the development of stretchable devices within mechanics. Among multilayer structures, the film/substrate architecture serves as a typical example, and its buckling behavior remains a longstanding focus of mechanical investigation. This work examines how an elastic film bonded to a soft tri-layer substrate loses stability, producing wrinkled surface patterns under compression. We first construct a mechanical model, then derive an analytical expression for the wrinkle amplitude using a force-balance approach, and finally employ finite-element simulations and theoretical comparisons, we systematically explore how the middle layer’s stiffness and thickness jointly govern the onset, wavelength and amplitude of surface buckling, revealing quantitative selection rules that have not previously been reported for tri-layer structures. The results show that the tri-layer film/substrate structure exhibits two instability modes: film-intermediate co-buckling and film-only wrinkling. By simply varying the middle layer’s elastic modulus or its thickness, one can move the structure across the boundary that separates the film-only and bi-layer buckling regimes, providing a direct mechanical selection for on-demand mode. In addition, the wrinkle amplitude increases monotonically with the applied initial strain. Those findings offer a theoretical reference for designing flexible electronics based on film/substrate structures.
Chen, HaoZhang, WulinSong, Yahui
A finite element analysis was conducted on the plastic deformation of 6 mm AZ31 magnesium alloy thin plates rolled asynchronously. Different reduction rates were adopted to analyze their influences on the bending deformation, rolling force, equivalent stress, and equivalent strain of the plates. The finite element analysis of asynchronous rolling was carried out when the single-pass reduction rates were 66%, 58.3%, 51.6%, 41.6%, and 35%, respectively. The results show that as the reduction rate decreases, the rolling force increases. Furthermore, considering the influencing factors of the rolling process parameters, it is determined that when the optimal rolling process reduction rate is 41.6%, the rolling effects of rolling force, stress, and strain are better, which is conducive to the rolling process.
Liu, BaishunLi, LiWang, Baozhong
Forced response resulting from rotor-stator interaction is a primary cause of high-cycle fatigue (HCF) failure in axial turbine blades. To investigate the mitigating effect of stator vane lean on the forced response of a downstream rotor blade, this paper conducts a numerical analysis based on a fluid-structure interaction (FSI) method, comparing a baseline radial vane with a leaned vane configuration in a single-stage axial turbine. Unsteady computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to analyze the unsteady flow field and aerodynamic excitation, and the resulting harmonic pressures were applied to a finite element (FE) model for harmonic response analysis. The results show that, compared to the radial vane, the leaned vane design effectively weakens the potential field and wake interactions by introducing a spanwise phase difference, which significantly reduces the amplitude of the unsteady pressure fluctuations. The harmonic response analysis further validates the effectiveness of this approach, demonstrating that under the first harmonic excitation, the leaned vane configuration reduces the maximum dynamic stress on the rotor blades by 37.7%. This study confirms that stator vane lean is an effective aerodynamic detuning strategy that mitigates the excitation at its source, leading to a substantial reduction in the rotor’s dynamic stress and thus offering a valuable method for improving turbine blade reliability.
Huang, ZhiZhang, YingXiong, Zhonggang
To enhance the service life of cemented carbide brazed circular saw blades used in sand willow stump cutting machines and to mitigate the problem of uneven stress distribution on saw teeth during cutting, this study investigates the circular saw blade as the research object. Sand willow, widely distributed in arid and desertification-prone regions of northern China, plays a vital role in ecological restoration and biomass utilization. However, due to the high density and toughness of its stems, conventional saw blades often experience severe tooth wear and premature failure, limiting the efficiency and stability of stump cutting operations. In this work, the dynamic simulation module of ABAQUS was employed to establish a finite element model of the cutting process. A Box–Behnken Design (BBD) combined with response surface methodology was then applied to systematically evaluate the influence of key tooth parameters on stress distribution. Using the maximum equivalent stress at critical nodes as the optimization criterion, a cooperative optimization strategy was developed to balance tooth strength and cutting efficiency. The optimized design markedly improved the mechanical performance of the saw teeth. Compared with conventional blades, the maximum stress value was reduced by 51%, resulting in enhanced reliability and prolonged service life. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of integrating finite element simulation with statistical optimization for tool design in forestry machinery, and provide both theoretical insights and practical support for advancing specialized sand willow cutting equipment, thereby contributing to ecological restoration and sustainable biomass utilization in desertification-affected regions.
Li, ZhongZhang, BinbinHan, YiliangHe, JinjunRen, YuyanYang, JianjunWang, HaichaoPei, Zhiyong
To address the failures observed in aluminum-alloy fuel tanks, specifically, cracking of the dual-chamber sealing partition, end cover, and drain boss, finite element analysis was employed for comprehensive calculation and structural optimization. Stress, strain, and displacement under varying load conditions were evaluated, revealing that failures of the sealing partition and end cover were due to stress concentration. At the same time, the cracks in the drain boss were caused by weaknesses in the weld heat-affected zone. Three optimization measures were proposed: adding an R5 chamfer to sealing baffles, incorporating R5 transitional fillets on the reinforcing ribs of the end caps, and designing the drain boss as an asymmetrical elliptical shape with a central transitional fillet. Following these optimizations, the maximum stress on the components was significantly reduced, and the safety factor markedly increased. Results from sealing, pressure, and vibration tests confirmed that these measures effectively enhance the structural strength of aluminum-alloy fuel tanks and extend their service life. This study provides robust support for the design and analysis of aluminumalloy fuel tanks.
Chi, HongLei, HaisenSun, LiyingZhang, ZhitongWu, Xiaoci
This study presents a systematic investigation into the assembly stress and fatigue life of 60-series harmonic reducers. A sophisticated finite element simulation model is constructed to precisely simulate the real assembly process and calculate stress distribution in the flexspline under axial assembly errors. In addition, corresponding fatigue life tests are designed to explore the influence of different axial assembly errors on the number of rotation cycles and transmission efficiency of the harmonic reducer. By comparing the predictions of the fatigue life mathematical model with the test data, a reliable fatigue life prediction method is established, providing a solid theoretical basis for the whole-machine assembly process and reliability design of this series of harmonic reducers.
Du, YuefeiQiu, HaodongFan, YongLi, ZiyuanDong, YiZhang, ChiLi, ChenzhengLi, Yuan
In view of the practical problem that the air-conditioner outdoor units in the spacecraft test workshops of coastal launch sites are severely damaged under the influence of super typhoon, this paper employs the finite-element simulation method to establish a finite-element model of the outdoor units. The implicit Euler solution method is used to calculate the stress conditions of each component of the unit under the influence of typhoons with wind speeds of 50.9 m/s and 61.2 m/s respectively. By combining with the material yield strength, the weak links in the design are identified, and targeted improvement measures are proposed. The simulation results demonstrate good agreement with the actual impact of the typhoon, which can effectively guide the typhoon-resistance optimization design of subsequent air-conditioning units.
Gu, YufeiChen, ShaojiangShi, YunShanFu, YuanmingChen, XiYang, Degang
Recent advances in precision motion technology have heightened the requirement for precise stiffness analysis in flexible mechanisms. This paper begins with a theoretical analysis, constructing a mathematical expression for the stiffness of flexible mechanisms, providing a systematic framework for analysis. Subsequently, the study employed finite element analysis on both single and double parallelogram flexible mechanisms to validate the proposed theoretical stiffness formulas. This process not only confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed expressions but also highlighted the influence of different structures on stiffness characteristics. The finite element analysis results validate the proposed theoretical model as an effective and reliable tool for predicting the stiffness of flexible mechanisms. By establishing a reliable predictive model, this research paves the way for the informed design and systematic optimization of next-generation flexible mechanisms in precision motion engineering.
Cai, Dongchen
During the cutting process of low-stiffness structural components, the coupling effect between dynamic deformation and cutting forces presents a significant challenge in accurately predicting machining-induced deformations, thereby complicating quality control in the manufacturing of such parts. To address this issue, a cutting force-structural coupling simulation method that combines experiment and finite element is proposed, which takes into account the low-stiffness characteristics of structural components. Focusing on thin-plate parts as the research object, an orthogonal experimental scheme is designed considering workpiece thickness that serves as an indicator of rigidity. A milling force prediction model correlated with workpiece thickness is established. Based on the predicted cutting forces, a multi-analysis-step simulation method is introduced to analyze the machining deformation of structural parts. Additionally, a theoretical analytical model for the machining deformation of thin-plate workpieces is developed. A comparison between the theoretical and simulation results shows a relative error of less than 1.03%, validating the accuracy of the proposed simulation method. Finally, the exponential regression model for the machining deformation is constructed using training data obtained from the simulations. The prediction error of the regression model is less than 15%. The findings of this study are also applicable to predicting machining deformations in other large and low-stiffness structural components.
Zhao, YongshengGao, PengfeiXu, JingjingLiu, Zhifeng
To facilitate the development and application of bulb-flat titanium alloys in aerospace and automotive industries, this study selects TC4 as the research material and employs finite element simulation software to simulate the hot rolling process of TC4 bulb flat titanium. The temperature field, strain field, and metal flow velocity in each rolling pass are analyzed, and rolling experiments are conducted after optimizing the roll pass system. The results indicate that during the rolling process of TC4 bulb flat titanium, the head undergoes relatively smaller deformation, resulting in a slower temperature decrease, whereas the waist experiences greater deformation and a faster temperature drop. A significant temperature difference exists between the core and surface, which can be mitigated by appropriately increasing the roll temperature to reduce heat transfer. Prior to the K4 pass, the billet temperature drops to a level that may affect rolling performance, necessitating furnace reheating. Strain increases progressively with each rolling pass, with higher values observed at the waist compared to the head. A gradual strain transition occurs at the interface between the head and waist. Furthermore, the irregular design of the roll pass leads to a considerable difference in metal flow velocity between the upper and lower surfaces. During the K1 pass rolling, this imbalance can cause the guide guard to be displaced upward and result in roll wrapping. Without altering the roll diameter, shifting the entire roll pass system toward the side with higher metal flow velocity effectively reduces the linear velocity and prevents these issues, ensuring stable billet rolling. Rolling experiments successfully produced the final TC4 bulb flat titanium, thereby validating the feasibility of the optimized roll pass system and the rationality of the selected rolling parameters. It provides the possibility for its development and application in fields such as aircraft and automobiles.
Wu, XiaojuanLiu, DongmingWen, Mingyue
The desulfurization and denitrification tower is the core equipment of the carbon-based catalytic multi-pollutant synergistic control technology. Its design strength ensures the system’s pollutant removal efficiency and stable operation. This study utilized ANSYS finite element analysis software to establish a three-dimensional model of the tower and divide high-precision grids. Combined with the load analysis, calculation and work condition analysis under actual conditions, the deformation and stress distribution of the tower body, as well as the film stress and bending stress of each component, were calculated, and strength verification and stress assessment were conducted. When ignoring the calculation error, the overall design strength of the tower body meets the requirements, but the local reinforced beam stress exceeds the limit, so it is recommended to replace the steel with a material with a higher allowable stress value.
Gu, JiangongWu, LinlinShi, LinaHu, YifanCheng, WenyuLiu, YiningSun, LeiWu, JiayuLuo, ZhengJiao, Lingyu
With the advance of high-end manufacturing and the rise of green design, lightweight structures have become a central concern in aerospace. Topology optimization offers a principled route to shed mass while preserving performance, yet most additive manufacturing (AM) studies still emphasize process tuning and new materials rather than structural layouts constrained by AM realities. This work targets a representative wing rib from a specific unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and formulates a multi-objective topology optimization that explicitly embeds AM constraints. Using the Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization (SIMP) variable-density framework, we couple static stiffness and strength measures with modal objectives so that the optimized rib not only resists deformation and limits stress but also improves the first three natural frequencies, thereby mitigating adverse vibration interactions at the wing level. A compromise-programming strategy balances these competing objectives under volume and manufacturability requirements, including AM-driven minimum feature scales and related geometric restrictions. Finite-element analyses are used throughout the loop to evaluate displacement, von Mises stress, and eigenfrequencies, ensuring that the emerging material distribution is both efficient and physically meaningful. The resulting topology exhibits clearer load paths and smoother stress flow, reduces peak displacements, and delivers a marked rise in the first three natural frequencies. Overall mass is lowered by approximately 55% while meeting all imposed constraints, achieving the dual aims of structural optimization and lightweighting. The study demonstrates that integrating AM constraints directly into the optimization stage yields designs that are performance-robust and fabrication-ready, and it provides a reusable workflow for thin-walled aerospace components such as wing ribs where stiffness, strength, and vibration behavior must be jointly considered.
Zhao, FeiZhang, HeranLi, XiaotingShi, BowenKong, Xiangwei
Taking the front door of a new energy vehicle as the research object, a finite element model was built based on HyperMesh to conduct stiffness and modal performance analysis, and clarify the characteristic differences of multiple responses of the door. To address the issue that traditional single approximation models are difficult to adapt to different response characteristics, a strategy for constructing differentiated approximation models is proposed, which is to select the optimal approximation model according to different response types. The results show that the approximation models for each response constructed based on the differentiation strategy have a fitting accuracy (R^2) of more than 0.99, close to complete fitting, which is significantly better than the overall adaptation effect of a single model. Finally, based on the approximate model established using this strategy, combined with a multi-objective optimization algorithm, the dimensions of the front door are optimized, while achieving lightweighting and performance improvement of the front door, which provides a new idea for constructing multi-response high-precision approximate models.
Wei, YansaiShen, Yongfeng
To explore the structural strength of thin-walled joint structures in the combined power nozzle of high-speed vehicles under coupled thermal-acoustic-vibration multi-physics loading, this study conducted an analysis of vibration characteristics and a prediction of fatigue life. Focusing on a representative plate-beam bolted joint structural unit, the modeling, computation, and analysis of the structure’s vibration behaviors under thermal-acoustic-vibration loading were implemented by means of the coupled Finite Element Method/Boundary Element Method (Coupled FEM/BEM). The improved rainflow counting method was applied to quantify the time-domain vibration stress responses; a corresponding rainflow damage matrix was then established, and the structural fatigue life was predicted based on this framework.
Yu, HongfengSha, YundongLiu, ShuangYang, Yanze
Pneumatic soft actuators are widely used in soft robotic systems because of their inherent compliance and smooth deformation. However, their practical application is often limited by low structural stiffness, restricted load-bearing capability, and insufficient tip output force. These limitations become more pronounced in tasks that require stable force transmission or precise interaction with the environment. In response to these limitations, this study proposes a stiffness-enhanced pneumatic soft actuator based on a modified multilayer structural configuration. The actuator integrates chamber layers, a constraint layer, and periodically distributed rigid reinforcement elements. This structural arrangement improves the way internal pressure is converted into bending deformation and external force output, while avoiding excessive local expansion of the chambers. Based on this actuator, a coupled theoretical model is developed to describe the relationship between internal pressure, bending angle, and tip force. The model considers both the hyperelastic behavior of the silicone material and the geometric constraints introduced by chamber deformation. Finite element simulations are performed to examine the actuator’s mechanical response under different pressure inputs. This effect becomes evident at higher pressure levels. Both free-bending behavior and tip contact force generation are analyzed. The simulation results follow the same trends as the theoretical predictions, and the overall deviation remains below 10% across the investigated pressure range. The agreement shows that the model reflects the main mechanical response. Compared with a conventional pneumatic soft actuator, the proposed design achieves higher stiffness and larger tip output force, while maintaining compliant motion and smooth bending behavior. The actuator structure and model may serve as a useful basis for pneumatic actuator design in force-demanding tasks.
Zhou, WenjingMa, RuiLu, MingyueWu, Yanyan
This study investigates the influence of wheel structural stiffness and wheel configuration (single- and dual-tire) on brake drum deformation in commercial vehicles equipped with pneumatically actuated drum brakes. A comprehensive multi-method approach was adopted, combining on-vehicle measurements, controlled bench testing using two- and three-dimensional optical metrology, and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of the rear axle assembly. Three- wheel configurations were evaluated: a dual-tire arrangement (Configuration A) and two single-tire designs with distinct stiffness characteristics (Configurations B and C). Radial distortion was quantified using the displacement difference between the bottom and top regions of the brake drum (ΔZ). The results demonstrate that wheel stiffness and the offset between the wheel-disc attachment point and the ground reaction force are dominant factors governing brake drum deformation. The brake drum equipped with dual-tire configurations exhibited minimal ΔZ, whereas the brake drums equipped with single-tire configurations, particularly the least stiff Configuration C, showed pronounced outward radial displacement and increased deformation asymmetry. Design evaluations conducted under the worst-case configuration confirmed these findings, showing an effective reduction in brake drum deformation achieved by increasing the brake drum collar thickness (–36.1%; +6 kg) and by increasing the wheel rim thickness (–27.8%; +4.5 kg).
de Souza, Cassio Belo ClementeSantana, Flávio ArcanjoHenze, SteffenPulju, HendrikFilho, William Manjud Maluf
During the development of mechanical components, engineers use numerical tools as a first step to design, develop, and analyze potential solutions for specific requirements, thereby reducing time- to-market of new components. Furthermore, numerical tools are also highly useful for analyzing components that exhibit failures. For brake discs, numerical analysis must consider not only mechanical behavior but also thermal and fluid dynamic behavior. In this context, as a further step, experimental tests can be performed in test facilities such as dynamometers, where the brake discs are evaluated under different operating conditions to determine their susceptibility to failures such as thermal distortion, judder (hot or cold), squeal, coning, etc. If such failures occur, corrective actions can be implemented using different approaches: a) redesign of the disc and braking system aided by numerical tools; b) tuning of the matching between disc and pad materials; and c) modification of the disc and/or the pad material. Regarding the first approach, the finite element method (FEM) is one of the most important numerical tools, and to obtain reliable results, accurate boundary conditions must be applied. The aim of the study is to demonstrate the feasibility of the CFD-thermal-structural boundary conditions derived from an experimental test performed on a ventilated brake disc assembled in an instrumented vehicle. Firstly, a comparison between an analytical method and the CFD solution was made regarding convective heat transfer coefficient (HTC). The test consisted of 16 main braking cycles from 140 to 0 km/h, conducted under eight different pedal pressure levels. After each main braking, a thermal shock was applied to the disc using water, followed by a secondary braking from 80 to 0 km/h, always with the same pedal pressure. The numerical analysis results showed good agreement with experimental tests in terms of temperature distribution. In addition, axial displacement distribution along the circumference is presented, with emphasis on coning deformation, one of the main triggers for judder.
Bagatini, Pablo SchettertViotti, Matias RobertoPereira, LeonardoTuzzin, MatheusTitton, Angelo PradellaBoaretto, JoelDe Leon, Daniel Milbrath
Addressing the challenge of high-precision control requirements for assembly force and displacement during the automatic assembly of digital direct-writing light source lens units, this paper proposes an automatic assembly system design based on impedance control. The system employs torque motors as actuators and achieves dynamic, precise regulation of assembly force and displacement through impedance control with force-displacement coupling. The simulation process consists of three parts: finite element simulation of the assembly system structure, finite element simulation of the assembly process, and MATLAB simulation of impedance control. The finite element simulation of the assembly system structure verifies structural strength and determines deformation values for assembly displacement compensation. A finite element simulation of the assembly process is utilized to investigate the coupling relationship between assembly force and displacement, yielding the coupled force-displacement curves during assembly and determining the theoretical maximum assembly force. The MATLAB simulation of impedance control analyzes parameter settings, including three parameters: theoretical mass, theoretical damping, and theoretical stiffness, in order to ensure the controlled output converges to theoretical values. The main innovation lies in incorporating theoretical maximum assembly force and displacement as impedance control inputs, enabling the force-displacement curve to converge to the theoretical curve, thereby improving assembly quality and precision. The experimental results demonstrate significant improvements in system stability, response speed, and assembly force control precision, effectively enhancing the assembly accuracy and overall efficiency of automated light source production lines. This research provides a viable solution for high-precision assembly of digital direct-writing light source lens units in intelligent manufacturing environments.
Li, FuduanWang, HuaWang, RixinZhang, Xianmin
Drill string whirl and buckling cause impact-rub contact against the casing inner wall, which induces casing wear and threatens wellbore integrity. This study incorporates both whirl and buckling to analyze the wear mechanism. Finite-element dynamic models are established for three drill string states: stable unbuckled, sinusoidally buckled, and helically buckled. Transient dynamic simulations are performed in the ANSYS Workbench Transient Structural module to obtain whirl trajectories, contact pressures, and contact characteristics at multiple sections along the string. A casing-wear volume calculation based on the Kumar–Samuel formulation with time-varying contact pressure is then used to quantify wear at the lower drill collar, the upper stabilizer, the upper drill collar, the heavyweight drill string, and the buckled segment. Results show that once buckling occurs, whirl concentrates in the bottom-hole assembly and decays progressively from the bottom of the well toward the wellhead. Casing wear increases across all locations, with the largest increments at the lower drill-collar interval and within the buckled segment. Helical buckling produces greater casing wear than sinusoidal buckling. Neglecting drill string buckling, especially helical buckling, leads to underestimation of casing wear and thus underestimation of wellbore-integrity risk.
Liu, JunlinCao, GenpeiWan, ZhiguoYang, ZhengLi, LongDou, YihuaGu, Runpeng
Conventional dual-actuator rotational platforms exhibit actuation redundancy that compromises motion precision and increases structural complexity. This paper presents a topology optimization methodology for single-actuator pure rotational platforms to overcome these limitations. A SIMP material interpolation model integrates multi-objective functions, maximizing output rotation angle while minimizing rotational center parasitic displacement under volume fraction constraints. The Optimality Criteria (OC) algorithm was used to solve the optimization problem, with Heaviside density filtering eliminating numerical instabilities. The resulting platform achieves exceptional rotational capability (Rθ = 2.29) while maintaining ultra-low relative parasitic displacements (x: 4.96×10^–5, y: 2.20×10^–5). Parametric studies quantify the influence of volume fractions and stiffness coefficients on performance. The finite element method was employed to analyze the rotation angles and parasitic displacements of both the topology optimization platform and a traditional pure rotation platform. The comparative FEA results demonstrate the superior performance of our topology-optimized design, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Wang, QiliangZhang, RunshengZhang, Shaowen
The primary mirror support truss of large-aperture segmented telescopes, serving as a critical load-bearing component of the optical system, has its structural stability directly determining the optical imaging quality. This paper adopts a collaborative design method integrating topology optimization and size optimization to address issues, including excessive weight and unreasonable stiffness distribution in traditional support truss designs. First, based on the topology optimization theory of the Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization variable density method, topology optimization was performed on the initial truss structure using finite element simulation software, with the volume fraction as a constraint and the objective of maximizing structural stiffness to determine the optimal material distribution model. Subsequently, the truss structure was reconfigured based on the topology optimization results. Finally, the cross-sectional dimensions of the truss members were selected as optimization variables, and size optimization was performed using the NSGA-II multi-objective optimization algorithm with the objectives of minimizing structural weight and minimizing weighted compliance, while considering constraints such as stress and displacement. The results show that the optimized support truss achieves a 3.9% reduction in weight and a 35.47% decrease in elastic strain energy. This effectively meets the high-precision and lightweight design requirements for telescope support structures and provides a feasible technical solution for the design of large-aperture telescope support trusses.
Tan, DeliGuo, LiquanGao, DedongLiu, ChuanjieDai, XiaodongHuang, Lei
High-precision five-axis machining puts forward strict requirements for the stiffness and position stability of the AC double-angle milling head, especially when the gear transmission system is used under heavy cutting load and complex force coupling conditions. In the actual processing environment, the non-uniform deformation caused by structural coupling and load changes will directly affect the machining accuracy and stability. In order to solve these problems, this paper designs and analyzes a gear-type AC double-angle milling head with a pendulum structure and a layered modular structure. A parametric finite element model was established, and ABAQUS software was used to conduct a static analysis of two typical A-axis directions (0° and 90°), taking into account the internal prestressing force generated by gravity, cutting force, and gear meshing to reflect the typical working conditions. Under the same boundary conditions and load conditions, the influence of different structural materials on the overall stiffness was further studied through comparative analysis. The results show that under the conditions of five-axis linkage machining and positioning machining, the overall deformation of the milling head is maintained within the micron range, which meets the requirements of high-precision machining. The deformation behavior shows obvious dependence on the A-axis direction, reflecting the inherent anisotropic stiffness characteristics of the structure. Compared with the traditional structure, the proposed design has better rigidity performance under combined load conditions and provides practical reference values for the subsequent structural optimization, material selection, and precision control of high-performance five-axis CNC milling heads.
Xie, XinguiYuan, YongchaoQi, QuanLi, Xiangshuai
During offshore wind power operation and maintenance activities, personnel transfer and boarding procedures involve numerous safety risks. is a highly effective solution for enhancing safety during ship transfers at sea. This paper designs a compact active motion-compensating lightweight gangway capable of compensating for multi-degree-of-freedom motions induced by sea waves, including roll, pitch, yaw, and heave. The structural design is first established, and based on this configuration, the output forces of the rotary electric cylinder, roll electric cylinder, and pitch electric cylinder are analyzed. A finite element method was employed to conduct a static analysis of the gangway under extreme loading conditions. Analysis of the first six modal orders revealed that the first natural frequency of the designed gangway is significantly higher than the wave frequency, thereby effectively preventing resonance phenomena. The forward transformation matrix of the gangway was simulated using the Denavit-Hartenberg (DH) method. Simulation results indicate that the working space of the lightweight gangway meets the preset motion range requirements, thereby validating the design’s feasibility. The designed compact passageway features simple operational control, high cost-effectiveness, minimal installation footprint, and low installation and control complexity, demonstrating high practicality.
Yu, ZhigangFu, WanliZheng, BowenWang, ZhuoqunFang, Jiwen
In order to solve the problem of poor terrain adaptability of traditional cranes in the construction of transmission lines in mountainous areas, and to ensure the safe operation of light modular spider cranes in complex terrain, this study is modelled on spider cranes with a rated lifting capacity of 3 tons. According to the Crane Design Specification and the Crane Design Manual, the static finite element analysis of the core structure was carried out using UG and ANSYS Workbench software. Following the principle of balancing load-bearing accuracy and calculation efficiency, the upper and lower structures of the spider crane are simplified in layers. Subsequently, the reaction force, displacement and stress characteristics of the core structure were analysed under the condition of a rated load of 3 tons and the minimum working radius. The research results show that the strength and rigidity of the core structure of the spider crane meet the standard requirements to ensure that it can operate safely in mountainous environments.
Chen, ZhenQu, HongleiSun, JianChen, Guang
Aligned with the “3060 dual carbon” goal, the rapid growth of new energy installation capacity in China’s western high-altitude regions has caused an urgent demand for UHV converter station construction. This paper suggests a prefabricated structural system by using embedded ear-shaped tongue-and-groove UHPC wall-column connections to meet the challenges of traditional cast-in-place concrete firewalls, such as prolonged construction periods and difficulty in quality control in harsh environments. The seismic performance of the connection was investigated through pseudo-static tests and finite element analysis. The results show that failure mainly occurs on the wall–column interface, with cracks mainly appearing at the wall panel corners. The scaled model demonstrated full hysteresis loops, indicating stable energy dissipation. The ear-shaped tongue-and-groove connection showed superior initial stiffness and ultimate load-bearing capacity (404.3 kN) compared with the straight-type connection (177.5 kN). An increase in the semicircular diameter improved load capacity, while the axial compression ratio had little effect. This study proposes a theoretical reference for the design and application of prefabricated valve hall structures in high-altitude regions.
Wang, FengyunYan, YongZeng, ChengZhou, TingRen, Zhaoyang
With the continuous advancement of marine technology and growing humanity’s demand for ocean exploration, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) have been widely deployed. Consequently, the safe, efficient, and accurate recovery of AUVs has become a significantly important research issue. To address these challenges, this study proposes an AUV recovery system utilizing a Cable-based roll reduction device. Based on existing marine crane equipment, the crane design is modified to incorporate this roll reduction mechanism. A three-dimensional model and kinematic model of the recovery system were established for analysis. MATLAB-based simulation analysis examined the forces and motion states under wave disturbances. A novel recovery cage was designed, modeled in SolidWorks, and subjected to finite element analysis to verify structural strength and validate design rationality. Final results demonstrate that this device significantly reduces recovery system sway, substantially enhances AUV retrieval accuracy, and provides a novel approach for AUV recovery.
Wu, TianCheng, ZhaoyangLi, TianyiZhao, LeiKang, XiaogangWa, JianliHe, Yunpeng
Extruded Rails are critical energy-absorbing components in automotive structures designed to mitigate impact loads during the frontal collisions. Traditional crashworthiness design relies heavily on computationally expensive finite element simulations and iterative design exploration. This work proposes a machine learning–driven framework for rapid front extruded rails design using a trained geometric deep surrogate model. A design-of-experiments (DoE) was conducted by varying geometric parameters including width, height, and wall thickness of a thin-walled extruded rail structure. For each design variant, LS-DYNA simulations were performed to obtain performance metrics such as mean crush force and peak crush force. These simulation results were used to train an AI surrogate model capable of predicting crash responses directly from geometric parameters. The proposed approach significantly reduces computational cost by replacing repeated high-fidelity crash simulations with machine learning surrogate predictions. By enabling fast and accurate evaluation of crash response metrics, the workflow shortens design cycles and supports sustainability-driven crashworthiness assessment by reducing simulation resource usage. The framework establishes a scalable, simulation-driven engineering pathway across vehicle platforms and provides a foundation for future closed-loop, AI-assisted crash design workflows.
Kumar, ManikSrinivasan, Sriram
The extreme cold environment has a significant impact on the mechanical properties of welded hollow ball nodes, which are crucial components in large-span steel structures. In this paper, based on the comprehensive test data of drum-shaped welded hollow sphere nodes from Beijing Daxing International Airport, a sophisticated finite element model incorporating welding residual stress is established. Through detailed static loading analysis and systematic hysteresis performance studies, the research thoroughly explores the influence mechanisms of low temperature on node bearing capacity, deformation capability, and energy dissipation performance. The investigation reveals that while the bearing capacity of the nodes increases significantly in low-temperature environments, both their plastic deformation capacity and energy consumption performance are notably reduced. These findings provide valuable theoretical references for the design and optimization of large-span mesh frame structures in cold regions, enabling engineers to better account for temperature effects in structural calculations and safety assessments. The results have important implications for improving the reliability and durability of steel structures in extreme cold environments.
Luo, YanzhiJin, Changming
Tubing Ultimate burst strength Full scale test
Cheng, WenjiaYang, HongbinGe, YuanZhong, ChongdiMeng, LingkunJi, BingyinShi, Jiaoqi
The filter seat of diesel engine fuel filters is a key load-bearing component in the engine fuel system. Its structural integrity directly affects the reliability and safety of fuel delivery. In actual operation, the filter seat is subjected to random vibration loads generated by engine operation and vehicle dynamics, which may cause fatigue failure over time, even when static stresses are below the yield strength. This study employs finite element modeling (FEM) to investigate the structural strength and fatigue life of the diesel engine filter seat under random vibration conditions. The CAD model is simplified and meshed to reflect the main load paths, and boundary conditions, including bolt preload, gravity, and measured vibration PSD spectra are applied. Modal and harmonic response analyses are performed using Abaqus, and the Tovo-Benasciutti frequency-domain method is used in fe-safe to predict fatigue life. The results identify the most fatigue-sensitive areas and reveal that the minimum fatigue life is 10^3.067 cycles under realistic conditions, with the most critical regions located near the bolt connection. The simulation methodology and results provide a reliable basis for structural optimization and life prediction of similar components under random vibration environments.
Gu, KexuanZhu, YiXie, LiangWang, Wei
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