scholarly journals Finite-element modelling reveals force modulation of jaw adductors in stag beetles

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (101) ◽  
pp. 20140908 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Goyens ◽  
J. Soons ◽  
P. Aerts ◽  
J. Dirckx

Male stag beetles carry large and heavy mandibles that arose through sexual selection over mating rights. Although the mandibles of Cyclommatus metallifer males are used in pugnacious fights, they are surprisingly slender. Our bite force measurements show a muscle force reduction of 18% for tip biting when compared with bites with the teeth located halfway along the mandibles. This suggests a behavioural adaptation to prevent failure. We confirmed this by constructing finite-element (FE) models that mimic both natural bite situations as well as the hypothetical situation of tip biting without muscle force modulation. These models, based on micro-CT images, investigate the material stresses in the mandibles for different combinations of bite location and muscle force. Young's modulus of the cuticle was experimentally determined to be 5.1 GPa with the double indentation method, and the model was validated by digital image correlation on living beetles. FE analysis proves to be a valuable tool in the investigation of the trade-offs of (animal) weapon morphology and usage. Furthermore, the demonstrated bite force modulation in male stag beetles suggests the presence of mechanosensors inside the armature.

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Ancillao ◽  
Eduardo Palermo ◽  
Stefano Rossi

Uniaxial Hand-Held Dynamometer (HHD) is a low-cost device widely adopted in clinical practice to measure muscle force. HHD measurements depend on operator’s ability and joint movements. The aim of the work is to validate the use of a commercial HHD in both dorsiflexion and plantarflexion ankle strength measurements quantifying the effects of HHD misplacements and unwanted foot’s movements on the measurements. We used an optoelectronic system and a multicomponent load cell to quantify the sources of error in the manual assessment of the ankle strength due to both the operator’s ability to hold still the HHD and the transversal components of the exerted force that are usually neglected in clinical routine. Results showed that foot’s movements and angular misplacements of HHD on sagittal and horizontal planes were relevant sources of inaccuracy on the strength assessment. Moreover, ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion force measurements presented an inaccuracy less than 2% and higher than 10%, respectively. In conclusion, the manual use of a uniaxial HHD is not recommended for the assessment of ankle plantarflexion strength; on the contrary, it can be allowed asking the operator to pay strong attention to the HHD positioning in ankle dorsiflexion strength measurements.


2017 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Radosław Bielawski ◽  
Michał Kowalik ◽  
Karol Suprynowicz ◽  
Witold Rządkowski ◽  
Paweł Pyrzanowski

Abstract The aim of the paper is to validate the use of measurement methods in the study of GFRP joints. A number of tests were carried out by means of a tensile machine. The studies were concerned with rivet connection of composite materials. One performed two series of tests for two different forces and two fibre orientations. Using Finite Element Method (FEM) and Digital Image Correlation (DIC), strain maps in the test samples were defined. The results obtained with both methods were analysed and compared. The destructive force was analysed and, with the use of a strain gauge, the clamping force in a plane parallel to the annihilated sample was estimated. Destruction processes were evaluated and models of destruction were made for this type of materials taking into account their connections, such as riveting.


Author(s):  
D. Croccolo ◽  
T. M. Brugo ◽  
M. De Agostinis ◽  
S. Fini ◽  
G. Olmi

As electronics keeps on its trend towards miniaturization, increased functionality and connectivity, the need for improved reliability capacitors is growing rapidly in several industrial compartments, such as automotive, medical, aerospace and military. Particularly, recent developments of the automotive compartment, mostly due to changes in standards and regulations, are challenging the capabilities of capacitors in general, and especially film capacitors. Among the required features for a modern capacitor are the following: (i) high reliability under mechanical shock, (ii) wide working temperature range, (iii) high insulation resistance, (iv) small dimensions, (v) long expected life time and (vi) high peak withstanding voltage. This work aims at analyzing the key features that characterize the mechanical response of the capacitor towards temperature changes. Firstly, all the key components of the capacitor have been characterized, in terms of strength and stiffness, as a function of temperature. These objectives have been accomplished by means of several strain analysis methods, such as strain gauges, digital image correlation (DIC) or dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). All the materials used to manufacture the capacitor, have been characterized, at least, with respect to their Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio. Then, a three-dimensional finite element model of the whole capacitor has been set up using the ANSYS code. Based on all the previously collected rehological data, the numerical model allowed to simulate the response in terms of stress and strain of each of the capacitor components when a steady state thermal load is applied. Due to noticeable differences between the thermal expansion coefficients of the capacitor components, stresses and strains build up, especially at the interface between different components, when thermal loads are applied to the assembly. Therefore, the final aim of these numerical analyses is to allow the design engineer to define structural optimization strategies, aimed at reducing the mechanical stresses on the capacitor components when thermal loads are applied.


2005 ◽  
Vol 05 (04) ◽  
pp. 539-548 ◽  
Author(s):  
SANTANU MAJUMDER ◽  
AMIT ROYCHOWDHURY ◽  
SUBRATA PAL

With the help of finite element (FE) computational models of femur, pelvis or hip joint to perform quasi-static stress analysis during the entire gait cycle, muscle force components (X, Y, Z) acting on the hip joint and pelvis are to be known. Most of the investigators have presented only the net muscle force magnitude during gait. However, for the FE software, either muscle force components (X, Y, Z) or three angles for the muscle line of action are required as input. No published algorithm (with flowchart) is readily available to calculate the required muscle force components for FE analysis. As the femur rotates about the hip center during gait, the lines of action for 27 muscle forces are also variable. To find out the variable lines of action and muscle force components (X, Y, Z) with directions, an algorithm was developed and presented here with detailed flowchart. We considered the varying angles of adduction/abduction, flexion/extension during gait. This computer program, obtainable from the first author, is able to calculate the muscle force components (X, Y, Z) as output, if the net magnitude of muscle force, hip joint orientations during gait and muscle origin and insertion coordinates are provided as input.


2013 ◽  
Vol 579-580 ◽  
pp. 507-511
Author(s):  
Yi Xiang Liu ◽  
Yong Mei Wang

This paper firstly starting mechanism of vibration and noise from gear, gear noise mechanism is explained, and analyze the factors and the impact of noise on the gear reducer. Secondly, the establishment of a complete solid model of gear reducer and reducer model for finite element model, the reduction gear box gear reducer of modal analysis and finite element modal calculation, and points out the dynamic analysis of structure, size and weight factor is proportional to the reciprocal of the modal frequencies of each mode is the with the frequency is low, that is, the greater the weight. Once again, the main measure of load and control of gear noise of gear is analyzed, including the calculation, for exciting force reduction gear reducer gear load computation. The analysis and calculation are the theoretical basis of gear structure design and its performance evaluation.


Open Physics ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 243-248
Author(s):  
Doudou Sarr Lo ◽  
Yacine Amara ◽  
Georges Barakat ◽  
Ferhat Chabour

Abstract The aim of this paper is to explore the possibility of using linear tubular flux switching permanent magnet machines in a free piston energy conversion (FPEC) system. In FPEC systems, acceleration and therefore speed are often relatively high, which impose to have a reduced number of poles, meanwhile the cogging force will be relatively high. In order to reduce the cogging force two techniques are combined. The analysis is done using finite element method.


2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 477-484
Author(s):  
Hossein Goodarzi Hosseinabadi ◽  
Reza Bagheri ◽  
Volker Altstädt

Purpose Hexagonal honeycombs with meso-metric cell size show excellent load bearing and energy absorption potential, which make them attractive in many applications. However, owing to their bend-dominated structure, honeycombs are susceptible to deformation localization. The purpose of this study is to provide insight about shear band propagation in struts of 3D-printed honeycombs and its relation to the achieved macroscopic mechanical behavior. Design/methodology/approach Hexagonal honeycombs and unit cell models are 3D-printed by fused deposition modeling (FDM). The samples are exposed to compression loading and digital image correlation technique and finite element analyses are incorporated. Findings It is found that the strain contours, which are obtained by finite element, are in agreement with experimental measurements made by DIC. In addition, three stages of shear band propagation in struts of 3D-printed honeycombs are illustrated. Then the correlation between shear band propagation stages and the achieved macroscopic mechanical responses is discussed in detail. Originality/value For the first time, a hierarchical activation of different modes of shear band propagation in struts of a 3D-printed honeycomb is reported. This information can be of use for designing a new generation of honeycombs with tailor-made localization and energy absorption potential.


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