Dynamic analysis for different finite element models of beams with viscoelastic damping layer

Many new viscoelastic materials have been developed recently to help improve noise and vibration levels in mechanical structures for applications in automobile and aeronautical industry. The viscoelastic layer treatment applied to solid metal structures modifies two main properties which are related to the mass distribution and the damping mechanism. The other property controlling the dynamics of a mechanical system is the stiffness that does not change much with the viscoelastic material. The model of such system is usually complex, because the viscoelastic material can exhibit nonlinear behavior, in contrast with the many available tools for linear dynamics. In this work, the dynamic behavior of sandwich beam is modeled by finite element method using different element types which are then compared with experimental results developed in the laboratory for various beams with different viscoelastic layer materials. The finite element model is them updated to help understand the effects in the damping for various natural frequencies and the trade-off between attenuation and the mass add to the structure.

A 3-D finite element study of the influence of crown-implant ratio on stress distribution

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Root canal filling: fracture strength of fiber-reinforced composite-restored roots and finite element analysis

The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of root canal filling techniques on root fracture resistance and to analyze, by finite element analysis (FEA), the expansion of the endodontic sealer in two different root canal techniques. Thirty single-rooted human teeth were instrumented with rotary files to a standardized working length of 14 mm. The specimens were embedded in acrylic resin using plastic cylinders as molds, and allocated into 3 groups (n=10): G(lateral) - lateral condensation; G(single-cone) - single cone; G(tagger) - Tagger's hybrid technique. The root canals were prepared to a length of 11 mm with the #3 preparation bur of a tapered glass fiber-reinforced composite post system. All roots received glass fiber posts, which were adhesively cemented and a composite resin core was built. All groups were subjected to a fracture strength test (1 mm/min, 45°). Data were analyzed statistically by one-way ANOVA with a significance level of 5%. FEA was performed using two models: one simulated lateral condensation and Tagger's hybrid technique, and the other one simulated the single-cone technique. The second model was designed with an amount of gutta-percha two times smaller and a sealer layer two times thicker than the first model. The results were analyzed using von Mises stress criteria. One-way ANOVA indicated that the root canal filling technique affected the fracture strength (p=0.004). The G(lateral) and G(tagger) produced similar fracture strength values, while G(single-cone) showed the lowest values. The FEA showed that the single-cone model generated higher stress in the root canal walls. Sealer thickness seems to influence the fracture strength of restored endodontically treated teeth.

Zirconia-based dental crown to support a removable partial denture: a three-dimensional finite element analysis using contact elements and micro-CT data

Veneer fracture is the most common complication in zirconia-based restorations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanical behavior of a zirconia-based crown in a lower canine tooth supporting removable partial denture (RPD) prosthesis, varying the bond quality of the veneer/coping interface. Microtomography (μCT) data of an extracted left lower canine were used to build the finite element model (M) varying the core material (gold core - MAu; zirconia core - MZi) and the quality of the veneer/core interface (complete bonded - MZi; incomplete bonded - MZi-NL). The incomplete bonding condition was only applied for zirconia coping by using contact elements (Target/Contact) with 0.3 frictional coefficients. Stress fields were obtained using Ansys Workbench 10.0. The loading condition (L = 1 N) was vertically applied at the base of the RPD prosthesis metallic support towards the dental apex. Maximum principal (σmax) and von Mises equivalent (σvM) stresses were obtained. The σmax (MPa) for the bonded condition was similar between gold and zirconia cores (MAu, 0.42; MZi, 0.40). The incomplete bonded condition (MZi-NL) raised σmax in the veneer up to 800% (3.23 MPa) in contrast to the bonded condition. The peak of σvM increased up to 270% in the MZi-NL. The incomplete bond condition increasing the stress in the veneer/zirconia interface.

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of anterior single implant-supported prostheses with different bone anchorages

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Straight and angulated abutments in platform switching: influence of loading on bone stress by three-dimensional finite element analysis

PURPOSE: In view of reports in the literature on the benefits achieved with the use of platform switching, described as the use of an implant with a larger diameter than the abutment diameter, the goal being to prevent the (previously) normal bone loss down to the first thread that occurs around most implants, thus enhancing soft tissue aesthetics and stability and the need for implant inclination due to bone anatomy in some cases, the aim of this study was to evaluate bone stress distribution on peri-implant bone, by using three-dimensional finite element analysis to simulate the influence of implants with different abutment angulations (0 and 15 degrees) in platform switching. METHODS: Four mathematical models of an implant-supported central incisor were created with varying abutment angulations: straight abutment (S1 and S2) and angulated abutment at 15 degrees (A1 and A2), submitted to 2 loading conditions (100 N): S1 and A1-oblique loading (45 degrees) and S2 and A2-axial loading, parallel to the long axis of the implant. Maximum (σmax) and minimum (σmin) principal stress values were obtained for cortical and trabecular bone. RESULTS: Models S1 and A1 showed higher σmax in cortical and trabecular bone when compared with S2 and A2. The highest σmax values (in MPa) in the cortical bone were found in S1 (28.5), followed by A1 (25.7), S2 (11.6), and A2 (5.15). For the trabecular bone, the highest σmax values were found in S1 (7.53), followed by A1 (2.87), S2 (2.85), and A2 (1.47). CONCLUSIONS: Implants with straight abutments generated the highest stress values in bone. In addition, this effect was potentiated when the load was applied obliquely.

Complex modal analysis of a vertical rotor through finite element method

Natural frequencies were analyzed (axial, torsional and flexural) and frequency response of a vertical rotor with a hard disk at the edge through the classical and complex modal analysis. The mathematical modeling was based on the theory of Euler-Bernoulli beam. The equation that rules the movement was obtained through the Lagrangian formulation. The model considered the effects of bending, torsion and axial deformation of the shaft, besides the gravitational and gyroscopic effects. The finite element method was used to discretize the structure into hollow cylindrical elements with 12 degrees of freedom. Mass, stiffness and gyroscopic matrices were explained consistently. This type of tool, based on the use of complex coordinates to describe the dynamic behavior of rotating shaft, allows the decomposition of the system in two submodes, backward and forward. Thus, it is possible to clearly visualize that the orbit and direction of the precessional motion around the line of the rotating shaft is not deformed. A finite element program was developed using Matlab ®, and numerical simulations were performed to validate this model.

A planar flexible robotic manipulator

Presents the dynamic modelling of a flexible robotic manipulator with two flexible links and two revolute joints, which rotates in the horizontal plane. The dynamic equations are derived using the Newton-Euler formulation and the finite element method, based on elementary beam theory, which is used to discretize the displacements such that the small motion is represented in terms of nodal displacements. Computer simulation results are presented to illustrate this study. The dynamic model becomes necessary for use in future design and control applications.

Dynamic stationary response of reinforced plates by the boundary element method

A direct version of the boundary element method (BEM) is developed to model the stationary dynamic response of reinforced plate structures, such as reinforced panels in buildings, automobiles, and airplanes. The dynamic stationary fundamental solutions of thin plates and plane stress state are used to transform the governing partial differential equations into boundary integral equations (BIEs). Two sets of uncoupled BIEs are formulated, respectively, for the in-plane state ( membrane) and for the out-of-plane state ( bending). These uncoupled systems are joined to formamacro-element, in which membrane and bending effects are present. The association of these macro-elements is able to simulate thin-walled structures, including reinforced plate structures. In the present formulation, the BIE is discretized by continuous and/or discontinuous linear elements. Four displacement integral equations are written for every boundary node. Modal data, that is, natural frequencies and the corresponding mode shapes of reinforced plates, are obtained from information contained in the frequency response functions (FRFs). A specific example is presented to illustrate the versatility of the proposed methodology. Different configurations of the reinforcements are used to simulate simply supported and clamped boundary conditions for the plate structures. The procedure is validated by comparison with results determined by the finite element method (FEM).

Discrete generator coordinate: Symmetry restoration in finite-dimensional spaces

Group theoretical-based techniques and fundamental results from number theory are used in order to allow for the construction of exact projectors in finite-dimensional spaces. These operators are shown to make use only of discrete variables, which play the role of discrete generator coordinates, and their application in the number symmetry restoration is carried out in a nuclear BCS wave function which explicitly violates that symmetry. © 1999 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Optimal design of smart structures using bonded piezoelectrics for vibration control

Smart material technology has become an area of increasing interest for the development of lighter and stronger structures which are able to incorporate actuator and sensor capabilities for collocated control. In the design of actively controlled structures, the determination of the actuator locations and the controller gains, is a very important issue. For that purpose, smart material modelling, modal analysis methods, control and optimization techniques are the most important ingredients to be taken into account. The optimization problem to be solved in this context presents two interdependent aspects. The first one is related to the discrete optimal actuator location selection problem, which is solved in this paper using genetic algorithms. The second is represented by a continuous variable optimization problem, through which the control gains are determined using classical techniques. A cantilever Euler-Bernoulli beam is used to illustrate the presented methodology.

A general technique to embed non-uniform discontinuities into standard solid finite elements

A general technique to embed non-uniform displacement discontinuities into standard solid finite elements is presented. The technique is based on the decomposition of the kinematic fields into a component related to the deformation of the solid portion of the element and one related to the rigid-body motion due to a displacement discontinuity. This decomposition simplifies the incorporation of discontinuity interfaces and provides a suitable framework to account for non-uniform discontinuity modes. The present publication addresses two families of finite element formulations: displacement-based and stress hybrid finite element. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Blade design and forming for fans using finite elements

The necessity of adapting the standardized fan models to conditions of higher temperature has emerged due to the growth of concerning referring to the consequences of the gas expelling after the Mont Blanc tunnel accident in Italy and France, where even though, with 100 fans in operation, 41 people died. However, since then, the defied solutions have pointed to aerodynamic disadvantages or have seemed nonappropriate in these conditions. The objective of this work is to present an alternative to the market standard fans considering a new technology in constructing blades. This new technology introduces the use of the stainless steel AISI 409 due to its good adaptation to temperatures higher than 400°C, particularly exposed to temperatures of gas exhaust from tunnels in fire situation. Furthermore, it presents a very good resistance to corrosion and posterior welding and pressing, due to its alloyed elements. The innovation is centered in the process of a deep drawing of metallic shells and posterior welding, in order to keep the ideal aerodynamic superficies for the fan ideal performance. On the other hand, the finite element method, through the elasto-plastic software COSMOS permitted the verification of the thickness and structural stability of the blade in relation to the aerodynamic efforts established in the project. In addition, it is not advisable the fabrication of blades with variable localized thickness not even, non-uniform ones, due to the verified concentration of tensions and the difficulties observed in the forming. In this way, this study recommends the construction of blades with uniform variations of thickness. © 2007 Springer.

Análise da execução de um algoritmo numérico cbs para simulação de escoamento utilizando elementos finitos

This work intends to analyze the application and execution time of a numerical algorithm that simulates incompressible and isothermal flows. It was used the explicit scheme of the Characteristic Based Split (CBS) algorithm and the Artificial Compressibility (AC) scheme for coupling pressure-velocity equations. The discretization was done with the finite element method using a bilinear elements grid. The free software GNU-Octave was used for implementation and execution of routines. The results were analyzed using the classic lid-driven cavity problem. This work shows results for tests with several Reynolds' number. The results for these tests show a good agreement when compared with previous ones obtained from bibliography. The code runtime's analysis shows yet that the matrix's assembly is the part of greater consumption time in the implementation.

Analysis of mechanical behavior in bending of polymer composites using the finite elements method

The use of composite materials has increased in the recent decades, mainly in the aeronautics and automotives industries. In the present study is elaborated a computational simulation program of the bending test using the finite elements method, in the commercial software ANSYS. This simulation has the objective of analyze the mechanical behavior in bending of two composites with polymeric matrix reinforced with carbon fibers. Also are realized bending tests of the 3 points to obtain the resistances of the materials. Data from simulation and tests are used to make a comparison between two failures criteria, Tsai-Wu and Hashin criterion. Copyright © 2009 SAE International.