Modeling Large Deformation Impact Dynamics for Legged Microrobot Locomotion: A Preliminary Formulation

Author(s):  
Nikhil Potu Surya Prakash ◽  
Kenn Oldham

A finite element dynamic model is developed to better understand impact events during large amplitude dynamics of a compliant, elastic-legged small-scale robot. The proposed motion of the robot would be achieved as a result of impulse forces generated from the forced collision of piezoelectrically-actuated, beam-like legs with the ground. The nominal robot leg is a prismatic continuous structure with uniform density, cross-sectional area and moment of inertia. Dynamic modeling in this work attempts to manage the non-negligible motion of the actuated beam tip in its axial direction at impact when large bending deformations are excited, which complicates prior analysis methods. For the micro-robot, this motion is proposed to be exploited as a means to produce locomotion in the horizontal direction, and hence must be accounted for. Finite element analysis approaches are adapted for the micro-robotic circumstances. Preliminary results are presented for the scenario of large deformation, unforced dynamics with impact, tested using centimeter-scale mock-ups for future thin-film based micro-robots. Needs and opportunities for further validation are briefly discussed.

2015 ◽  
Vol 764-765 ◽  
pp. 1170-1174
Author(s):  
Thanh Huong Trinh ◽  
Buntara Sthenly Gan ◽  
Dinh Kien Nguyen

The dynamic response of non-uniform Timoshenko beams made of axially functionally graded materials subjected to multiple moving point loads is studied by using the finite element method. The material properties are assumed to vary continuously in the axial direction according to a power law. A beam element, taking the effects of shear deformation and cross-sectional variation into account, is formulated by using exact polynomials obtained from the governing differential equations of a homogenous Timoshenko beam element. The dynamic responses of the beams are computed by using the implicit Newmark method. The numerical results show that the dynamic characteristics of the beams are greatly influenced by the number of moving loads. The effects of the distance between the moving loads, material non-homogeneity, section profile as well as aspect ratio on the dynamic response of the beams are investigated in detail and highlighted.


Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 2760
Author(s):  
Ruiye Li ◽  
Peng Cheng ◽  
Hai Lan ◽  
Weili Li ◽  
David Gerada ◽  
...  

Within large turboalternators, the excessive local temperatures and spatially distributed temperature differences can accelerate the deterioration of electrical insulation as well as lead to deformation of components, which may cause major machine malfunctions. In order to homogenise the stator axial temperature distribution whilst reducing the maximum stator temperature, this paper presents a novel non-uniform radial ventilation ducts design methodology. To reduce the huge computational costs resulting from the large-scale model, the stator is decomposed into several single ventilation duct subsystems (SVDSs) along the axial direction, with each SVDS connected in series with the medium of the air gap flow rate. The calculation of electromagnetic and thermal performances within SVDS are completed by finite element method (FEM) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), respectively. To improve the optimization efficiency, the radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) model is employed to approximate the finite element analysis, while the novel isometric sampling method (ISM) is designed to trade off the cost and accuracy of the process. It is found that the proposed methodology can provide optimal design schemes of SVDS with uniform axial temperature distribution, and the needed computation cost is markedly reduced. Finally, results based on a 15 MW turboalternator show that the peak temperature can be reduced by 7.3 ∘C (6.4%). The proposed methodology can be applied for the design and optimisation of electromagnetic-thermal coupling of other electrical machines with long axial dimensions.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richárd Horváth ◽  
Vendel Barth ◽  
Viktor Gonda ◽  
Mihály Réger ◽  
Imre Felde

Abstract In this paper, we study the energy absorption of metamaterials composed of unit cells whose special geometry makes the cross-sectional area and the volume of the bodies generated from them constant (for the same enclosing box dimensions). After a parametric description of such special geometries, we analyzed by finite element analysis the deformation of the metamaterials we have designed during compression. We 3D printed the designed metamaterials from plastic to subject them to real compression. The results of the finite element analysis were compared with the real compaction results. Then, for each test specimen, we plotted its compaction curve. By fitting a polynomial to the compaction curves and integrating it (area under the curve), the energy absorption of the samples can be obtained. As a result of these investigations, we drew a conclusion about the relationship between energy absorption and cell number.


Author(s):  
R. Villavicencio ◽  
Bin Liu ◽  
Kun Liu

The paper summarises observations of the fracture response of small-scale double hull specimens subjected to quasi-static impact loads by means of simulations of the respective experiments. The collision scenarios are used to evaluate the discretisation of the finite element models, and the energy-responses given by various failure criteria commonly selected for collision assessments. Nine double hull specimens are considered in the analysis so that to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different failure criterion selected for the comparison. Since a large scatter is observed from the numerical results, a discussion on the reliability of finite element analysis is also provided based on the present study and other research works found in the literature.


Author(s):  
Francesco Rea ◽  
Francesco Amoroso ◽  
Rosario Pecora ◽  
Maria Chiara Noviello ◽  
Maurizio Arena

In the framework of Clean Sky 2 Airgreen 2 (REG-IADP) European research project, a novel multifunctional morphing flap technology was investigated to improve the aerodynamic performances of the next Turboprop regional aircraft (90 passengers) along its flight mission. The proposed true-scale device (5 meters span with a mean chord of 0.6 meters) is conceived to replace and enhance conventional Fowler flap with new functionalities. Three different functions were enabled: overall airfoil camber morphing up to +30° (mode 1), +10°/−10° (upwards/downwards) deflections of the flap tip segment (mode 2), flap tip “segmented” twist of ±5° along the outer flap span (mode 3). Morphing mode 1 is supposed to be activated during take-off and landing only to enhance aircraft high-lift performances and steeper initial climb and descent. Thanks to this function, more airfoil shapes are available at each flap setting and therefore a dramatic simplification of the flap deployment system may be implemented. Morphing modes 2 and 3 are enabled in cruise and off-design flight conditions to improve wing aerodynamic efficiency. The novel structural concept of the three-modal morphing Fowler flap (3MMF) was designed according to the challenges posed by real wing installation issues. The proposed concept consists of a multi-box arrangement activated by segmented ribs with embedded inner mechanisms to realize the transition from the baseline configuration to different target aero-shapes while withstanding the aerodynamic loads. Lightweight and compact actuating leverages driven by electromechanical motors were properly synthesized to comply with stringent requirements for real aircraft implementation: minimum actuating torque, minimum number of motors, reduced weight, and available design space. The methodology for the kinematic design of the inner mechanisms is based on a building block approach where the instant center analysis tool is used to preliminary select the locations of the hinges’ leverages. The final geometry of the inner mechanisms is optimized to maximize the mechanical advantage as well as to provide the kinematic performances required by the three different morphing modes. The load-path was evaluated, and the cross-sectional size of leverages was subsequently optimized. Finally, actuating torques predicted by instant center analysis were compared to the calculated values from finite element analysis. The structural sizing process of the multi-box arrangement was carried out considering elementary methods, and results were compared with finite element simulations.


2014 ◽  
Vol 970 ◽  
pp. 177-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen Chiet Cheong ◽  
Heng Keong Kam ◽  
Chan Chin Wang ◽  
Ying Pio Lim

A computational technique of rigid-plastic finite element method by using the Eulerian meshing method was developed to deal with large deformation problem in metal forming by replacing the conventional way of applying complicated remeshing schemes when using the Lagrange’s elements. During metal forming process, a workpiece normally undergoes large deformation and causes severe distortion of elements in finite element analysis. The distorted element may lead to instability in numerical calculation and divergence of non-linear solution in finite element analysis. With Eulerian elements, the initial elements are generated to fix into a specified analytical region with particles implanted as markers to form the body of a workpiece. The particles are allowed to flow between the elements after each deformation step to show the deforming pattern of material. Four types of cold forging and sheet metal clinching were conducted to investigate the effectiveness of the presented method. The proposed method is found to be effective by comparing the results on dimension of the final product, material flow behaviour and punch load versus stroke obtained from simulation and experiment.


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