An Interactive Environment for Multibody Simulation

Author(s):  
James D. Lynch ◽  
Martin J. Vanderploeg

Abstract Simulation of three dimensional multibody systems is a sophisticated analysis tool that is often used for design. Before a prototype is constructed, simulation provides a designer with a model that can be modified until a desired result is achieved. General purpose multibody dynamics packages are currently used around the world. During the evolution of multibody simulation, three dimensional graphics became an important tool for both system definition and evaluation of simulation results. In fact, three dimensional graphics was an enabling technology for simulation of large, complex three dimensional systems. However, the process has remained essentially a batch operation in which the analysis of the results is not accessible until the solution is complete. Changes in the model require starting the process over. Although the use of computer simulation in the place of early prototypes was a significant step forward in terms of reduced time and cost to develop a design, even more improvement is possible when the user is able to interactively change and analyze the system at any time in lieu of having to go through discrete trial and error steps. In order to reach this next level, this paper introduces an interactive computer graphics interface for three dimensional multibody dynamic simulation.

Machines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 10
Author(s):  
Luca Bruzzone ◽  
Mario Baggetta ◽  
Shahab E. Nodehi ◽  
Pietro Bilancia ◽  
Pietro Fanghella

This paper presents the conceptual and functional design of a novel hybrid leg-wheel-track ground mobile robot for surveillance and inspection, named WheTLHLoc (Wheel-Track-Leg Hybrid Locomotion). The aim of the work is the development of a general-purpose platform capable of combining tracked locomotion on irregular and yielding terrains, wheeled locomotion with high energy efficiency on flat and compact grounds, and stair climbing/descent ability. The architecture of the hybrid locomotion system is firstly outlined, then the validation of its stair climbing maneuver capabilities by means of multibody simulation is presented. The embodiment design and the internal mechanical layout are then discussed.


2013 ◽  
Vol 135 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Fietkau ◽  
Bernd Bertsche

This paper describes an efficient transient elastohydrodynamic simulation method for gear contacts. The model uses oil films and elastic deformations directly in the multibody simulation, and is based on the Reynolds equation including squeeze and wedge terms as well as an elastic half-space. Two transient solutions to this problem, an analytical and a numerical one, were developed. The analytical solution is accomplished using assumptions for the gap shape and the pressure in the middle of the gap. The numerical problem is solved using multilevel multi-integration algorithms. With this approach, tooth impacts during gear rattling as well as highly loaded power-transmitting gear contacts can be investigated and lubrication conditions like gap heights or type of friction may be determined. The method was implemented in the multibody simulation environment SIMPACK. Therefore it is easy to transfer the developed element to other models and use it for a multitude of different engineering problems. A detailed three-dimensional elastic multibody model of an experimental transmission is used to validate the developed method. Important values of the gear contact like normal and tangential forces, proportion of dry friction, and minimum gap heights are calculated and studied for different conditions. In addition, pressure distributions on tooth flanks as well as gap forms are determined based on the numerical solution method. Finally, the simulation approach is validated with measurements and shows good consistency. The simulation model is therefore capable of predicting transient gear contact under different operating conditions such as load vibrations or gear rattling. Simulations of complete transmissions are possible and therefore a direct determination of transmission vibration behavior and structure-borne noise as well as of forces and lubrication conditions can be done.


2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 623-640 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Beddiaf ◽  
Laurent Autrique ◽  
Laetitia Perez ◽  
Jean-Claude Jolly

Abstract Inverse three-dimensional heat conduction problems devoted to heating source localization are ill posed. Identification can be performed using an iterative regularization method based on the conjugate gradient algorithm. Such a method is usually implemented off-line, taking into account observations (temperature measurements, for example). However, in a practical context, if the source has to be located as fast as possible (e.g., for diagnosis), the observation horizon has to be reduced. To this end, several configurations are detailed and effects of noisy observations are investigated.


Author(s):  
Tom I-P. Shih ◽  
Yu-Liang Lin ◽  
Andrew J. Flores ◽  
Mark A. Stephens ◽  
Mark J. Rimlinger ◽  
...  

Abstract A pre-processor was developed to assist CFD experts and non-experts in performing steady, three-dimensional Navier-Stokes analysis of a class of inlet-bleed problems involving oblique shock-wave/ boundary-layer interactions on a flat plate with bleed into a plenum through rows of circular holes. With this pre-processor, once geometry (e.g., hole dimensions and arrangement) and flow conditions (e.g., Mach number, boundary-layer thickness, incident shock location) are inputted, it will automatically generate every file needed to perform a CFD analysis from the grid system to initial and boundary conditions. This is accomplished by accessing a knowledge base established by experts who understand both CFD and the class of problems being analyzed. For experts in CFD, this tool greatly reduces the amount of time and effort needed to setup a problem for CFD analysis. It also provides experts with knobs to make changes to the setup if desired. For non-experts in CFD, this tool enables reliable and correct usage of CFD. A typical session on a workstation from data input to the generation of all files needed to perform a CFD analysis involves less than ten minutes. This pre-processor, referred to as AUTOMAT-V2, is an improved version of a code called AUTOMAT. Improvements made include: (1) multi-block structured grids can be patched in addition to being overlapped; (2) embedded grids can be introduced near bleed holes to reduce the number of grid points/cells needed by a factor of up to four; (3) grid systems generated allow up to three levels of multigrid; (4) CFL3D is supported in addition to OVERFLOW, two well-known and highly regarded Navier-Stokes solvers developed at NASA’s Langley and Ames Research Centers; (5) all files needed to run RONNIE for patched grids and MAGGIE for overlapped grids are also generated; and (6) more design parameters can be investigated including the study of micro bleed and effects of flow/hole misalignments.


2017 ◽  
Vol 114 (18) ◽  
pp. 4613-4618 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dingchang Lin ◽  
Jie Zhao ◽  
Jie Sun ◽  
Hongbin Yao ◽  
Yayuan Liu ◽  
...  

Rechargeable batteries based on lithium (Li) metal chemistry are attractive for next-generation electrochemical energy storage. Nevertheless, excessive dendrite growth, infinite relative dimension change, severe side reactions, and limited power output severely impede their practical applications. Although exciting progress has been made to solve parts of the above issues, a versatile solution is still absent. Here, a Li-ion conductive framework was developed as a stable “host” and efficient surface protection to address the multifaceted problems, which is a significant step forward compared with previous host concepts. This was fulfilled by reacting overstoichiometry of Li with SiO. The as-formed LixSi–Li2O matrix would not only enable constant electrode-level volume, but also protect the embedded Li from direct exposure to electrolyte. Because uniform Li nucleation and deposition can be fulfilled owing to the high-density active Li domains, the as-obtained nanocomposite electrode exhibits low polarization, stable cycling, and high-power output (up to 10 mA/cm2) even in carbonate electrolytes. The Li–S prototype cells further exhibited highly improved capacity retention under high-power operation (∼600 mAh/g at 6.69 mA/cm2). The all-around improvement on electrochemical performance sheds light on the effectiveness of the design principle for developing safe and stable Li metal anodes.


Author(s):  
Yoshiyuki Inoue ◽  
Md. Kamruzzaman

The LNG-FPSO concept is receiving much attention in recent years, due to its active usage to exploit oil and gas resources. The FPSO offloads LNG to an LNG carrier that is located close to the FPSO, and during this transfer process two large vessels are in close proximity to each other for daylong periods of time. Due to the presence of neighboring vessel, the motion response of both the vessels will be affected significantly. Hydrodynamic interactions related to wave effects may result in unfavorable responses or the risk of collisions in a multi-body floating system. Not only the motion behavior but also the second order drift forces are influenced by the neighboring structures due to interactions of the waves among the structures. A study is made on the time domain analysis to assess the behavior and the operational capability of the FPSO system moored in the sea having an LNG carrier alongside under environmental conditions such as waves, wind and currents. This paper presents an analysis tool to predict the dynamic motion response and non-linear connecting and mooring forces on a parallel-connected LNG-FPSO system due to non-linear exciting forces of wave, wind and current. Simulation for the mooring performance is also investigated. The three-dimensional source-sink technique has been applied to obtain the radiation forces and the transfer function of wave exciting forces on floating multi-bodies. The hydrodynamic interaction effect between the FPSO and the LNG carrier is included to calculate the hydrodynamic forces. For the simulation of a random sea and also for the generation of time depended wind velocity, a fully probabilistic simulation technique has been applied. Wind and current loads are estimated according to OCIMF. The effects of variations in wave, wind and current loads and direction on the slowly varying oscillations of the LNG and FPSO are also investigated in this paper. Finally, some conclusions are drawn based on the numerical results obtained from the present time domain simulations.


Author(s):  
Alexander Grahn ◽  
Eckhard Krepper ◽  
Frank-Peter Weiß ◽  
So¨ren Alt ◽  
Wolfgang Ka¨stner ◽  
...  

The present study aims at modelling the pressure drop of flows across growing cakes of compressible, fibrous materials which may form on the upstream side of containment sump strainers after a loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA). The model developed is based on the coupled solution of a differential equation for the change of the pressure drop in terms of superficial liquid velocity and local porosity of the fibre cake and a material equation that accounts for the compaction pressure dependent cake porosity. Details of its implementation into a general-purpose three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics code (CFD) are given. An extension to this basic model is presented, which simulates the time dependent clogging of the fibre cake due to capturing of suspended particles as they pass trough the cake. The extended model relies on empirical relations which model the change of pressure drop and removal efficiency in terms of particle deposit in the fibre cake.


Author(s):  
Eugen-Dan Cristea ◽  
Pierangelo Conti

The paper presents a three-dimensional (3-D), time-dependent Euler-Lagrange multiphase approach for high-fidelity numerical simulation of strongly swirling, turbulent, heavy dust-laden flows within large-sized cyclone separators, as components of the state-of-art suspension preheaters (SPH) of cement kilns. The case study evaluates the predictive performance of the coupled hybrid 3-D computational fluid dynamics–dense discrete phase model (CFD-DDPM) approach implemented into the commercial general purpose code ANSYS-Fluent R16.2, when applied to industrial cyclone collectors used to separate particles from gaseous streams. The gas (flue gases) flow is addressed numerically by using the traditional CFD methods to solve finite volume unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (FV-URANS) equations. The multiphase turbulence is modeled by using an option of Reynolds stress model (RSM), namely dispersed turbulence model. The motion of the discrete (granular) phase is captured by DDPM methodology. The twin cyclones of SPH top-most stage have been analyzed extensively both for the overall pressure drop and global collection efficiency, and for the very complex multiphase flow patterns established inside this equipment. The numerical simulation results have been verified and partially validated against an available set of typical industrial measurements collected during a heat and mass balance (H&MB) of the cement kiln.


2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 285-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrina L Ruedinger ◽  
David R Rutkowski ◽  
Sebastian Schafer ◽  
Alejandro Roldán-Alzate ◽  
Erick L Oberstar ◽  
...  

Background and purposeSafe and effective use of newly developed devices for aneurysm treatment requires the ability to make accurate measurements in the angiographic suite. Our purpose was to determine the parameters that optimize the geometric accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) vascular reconstructions.MethodsAn in vitro flow model consisting of a peristaltic pump, plastic tubing, and 3D printed patient-specific aneurysm models was used to simulate blood flow in an intracranial aneurysm. Flow rates were adjusted to match values reported in the literature for the internal carotid artery. 3D digital subtraction angiography acquisitions were obtained using a commercially available biplane angiographic system. Reconstructions were done using Edge Enhancement (EE) or Hounsfield Unit (HU) kernels and a Normal or Smooth image characteristic. Reconstructed images were analyzed using the vendor's aneurysm analysis tool. Ground truth measurements were derived from metrological scans of the models with a microCT. Aneurysm volume, surface area, dome height, minimum and maximum ostium diameter were determined for the five models.ResultsIn all cases, measurements made with the EE kernel most closely matched ground truth values. Differences in values derived from reconstructions displayed with Smooth or Normal image characteristics were small and had only little impact on the geometric parameters considered.ConclusionsReconstruction parameters impact the accuracy of measurements made using the aneurysm analysis tool of a commercially available angiographic system. Absolute differences between measurements made using reconstruction parameters determined as optimal in this study were, overall, very small. The significance of these differences, if any, will depend on the details of each individual case.


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