Finite Element Methods for the Structural Analysis of Tension Leg Platforms for Floating Wind Turbines

Author(s):  
Markus S. Starr ◽  
Andreas Manjock ◽  
Christian Arjes ◽  
Ngoc-Do Nguyen ◽  
Torsten Faber

This paper represents the condensed version of an original Master Thesis written in 2016 [1]. The main aim lays in the structural analysis of Tension Leg Platforms (TLP) as support structures for Floating Wind Turbines (FWT). Special focus is given to a methodology study of different static analysis methods for components of a FWT support structure by Finite Element Method (FEM). The analysis considers Ultimate Limit States (ULS) only. Based on a given open source TLP design [2], the support structure is fragmented in its components. Each component is categorized, based on whether it can be analyzed by parametric equations or by computational methods. For the components, verifiable by parametric equations, the relevant standards are examined. The analysis of the decomposed support structure shows that existing standards can be applied for many of the components. One specific tubular joint of the support structure is selected and analyzed by computational methods. Considering the complexity of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for FWT, the performed methodology study compares and evaluates various simulation methods on how loads are applied onto the structure. The methodology study results show that for ULS consideration, all load driven simulation methods are generally applicable. In the prospect of fatigue analyses further developments and improvements are considered crucial. This especially includes a better coherence of the stiffness representation between global load simulation model and local structural analysis model.

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 326-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Chi Chen ◽  
Wen-Ching Ko ◽  
Han-Lung Chen ◽  
Hsu-Ching Liao ◽  
Wen-Jong Wu ◽  
...  

We propose a model to give us a method to investigate the characteristic three-dimensional directivity in an arbitrarily configured flexible electret-based loudspeaker. In recent years, novel electret loudspeakers have attracted much interest due to their being lightweight, paper thin, and possessing excellent mid- to high-frequency responses. Increasing or decreasing the directivity of an electret loudspeaker makes it excellent for adoption to many applications, especially for directing sound to a particular area or specific audio location. Herein, we detail a novel electret loudspeaker that possesses various directivities and is based on various structures of spacers instead of having to use multichannel amplifiers and a complicated digital control system. In order to study the directivity of an electret loudspeaker based on an array structure which can be adopted for various applications, the horizontal and vertical polar directivity characteristics as a function of frequency were simulated by a finite-element analysis model. To validate the finite-element analysis model, the beam pattern of the electret loudspeaker was measured in an anechoic room. Both the simulated and experimental results are detailed in this article to validate the various assertions related to the directivity of electret cell-based smart speakers.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (7) ◽  
pp. 170
Author(s):  
Pablo Castillo Ruano ◽  
Alfred Strauss

In recent years, interest in low-cost seismic isolation systems has increased. The replacement of the steel reinforcement in conventional elastomeric bearings for a carbon fiber reinforcement is a possible solution and has garnered increasing attention. To investigate the response of fiber-reinforced elastomeric bearings (FREBs) under seismic loads, it is fundamental to understand its mechanical behavior under combined vertical and horizontal loads. An experimental investigation of the components presents complexities due to the high loads and displacements tested. The use of a finite element analysis can save time and resources by avoiding partially expensive experimental campaigns and by extending the number of geometries and topologies to be analyzed. In this work, a numerical model for carbon fiber-reinforced bearings is implemented, calibrated, and validated and a set of virtual experiments is designed to investigate the behavior of the bearings under combined compressive and lateral loading. Special focus is paid to detailed modeling of the constituent materials. The elastomeric matrix is modeled using a phenomenological rheological model based on the hyperelastic formulation developed by Yeoh and nonlinear viscoelasticity. The model aims to account for the hysteretic nonlinear hyper-viscoelastic behavior using a rheological formulation that takes into consideration hyperelasticity and nonlinear viscoelasticity and is calibrated using a series of experiments, including uniaxial tension tests, planar tests, and relaxation tests. Special interest is paid to capturing the energy dissipated in the unbonded fiber-reinforced elastomeric bearing in an accurate manner. The agreement between the numerical results and the experimental data is assessed, and the influence of parameters such as shape factor, aspect ratio, vertical pressure, and fiber reinforcement orientation on stress distribution in the bearings as well as in the mechanical properties is discussed.


2015 ◽  
Vol 809-810 ◽  
pp. 859-864
Author(s):  
Dănuţ Zahariea

In this paper, the finite element analysis for stress/deformation/modes of vibration for the centrifugal fan impeller with constant thickness backward-curved blades using CATIA software will be presented. The principal steps of the finite element analysis procedure using CATIA/Generative Structural Analysis environment will be presented: creating the 3D model; configuring the mesh; applying the restraints; applying the loads; running the numerical static analysis and the numerical frequency analysis; interpreting the results and observing the modes of vibration correlating with the impeller mode shape. This procedure will be used for 4 different centrifugal fan impellers according with the 4 blade design methods and the results will be comparatively analyzed. For each design method, two materials will be used: steel with density of 7860 kg/m3 and aluminium with density of 2710 kg/m3. Two important results have been obtained after the structural analysis: under the working conditions considered for the analysis, all 4 blade design methods leads to impellers with very good mechanical behaviour; any frequency of the main modes of vibrations for all blade design methods and for both materials is not in phase with the impeller speed, thus the possibility of resonance being eliminated.


2013 ◽  
Vol 690-693 ◽  
pp. 2327-2330
Author(s):  
Ming Bo Han ◽  
Li Fei Sun

By using finite element software, the paper establishes the main stand analysis model of the Ф140 pipe rolling mill and provides the model analysis of main stand in cases of full load. Verify the design of main stand fully comply with the technical requirements .In this paper, it provides the theoretical position of split casting and welding method using electric slag welding.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Savoldelli ◽  
Elodie Ehrmann ◽  
Yannick Tillier

AbstractWith modern-day technical advances, high sagittal oblique osteotomy (HSOO) of the mandible was recently described as an alternative to bilateral sagittal split osteotomy for the correction of mandibular skeletal deformities. However, neither in vitro nor numerical biomechanical assessments have evaluated the performance of fixation methods in HSOO. The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical characteristics and stress distribution in bone and osteosynthesis fixations when using different designs and placing configurations, in order to determine a favourable plating method. We established two finite element models of HSOO with advancement (T1) and set-back (T2) movements of the mandible. Six different configurations of fixation of the ramus, progressively loaded by a constant force, were assessed for each model. The von Mises stress distribution in fixations and in bone, and bony segment displacement, were analysed. The lowest mechanical stresses and minimal gradient of displacement between the proximal and distal bony segments were detected in the combined one-third anterior- and posterior-positioned double mini-plate T1 and T2 models. This suggests that the appropriate method to correct mandibular deformities in HSOO surgery is with use of double mini-plates positioned in the anterior one-third and posterior one-third between the bony segments of the ramus.


Author(s):  
Dinesh Shinde ◽  
Mukesh Bulsara ◽  
Jeet Patil

Brake friction lining material is the critical element of a braking system, since it provides friction resistance to the rotating drum for controlling automobiles. The present study involves wear analysis of newly developed eco-friendly non-asbestos friction lining material for automotive drum brake applications using experimental study, finite-element analysis, and microstructural investigations. Theoretical interpretation of braking force at different automobile speeds was derived using fundamentals. Specimen drum brake liner with eco-friendly material compositions was produced using an industrial hot compression molding process at one of the manufacturer. The surface wear of the liner was measured using an effective and accurate method. Furthermore, a finite-element analysis model was developed considering actual operating conditions and various components of the drum brake system. The model was elaborated for various result outcomes, including Von-Mises stresses and total deformation of components of the drum brake, and further used to estimate the surface wear of the friction lining material in terms of transverse directional deformation. Finally, microstructural analysis of the friction lining material was carried out using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. From the results, it is seen that the developed friction lining material is wear resistant. The finite-element analysis model can be effectively utilized to study the tribological characteristics of friction lining materials.


1999 ◽  
Author(s):  
H.-J. Chun ◽  
S. W. Lee ◽  
I. M. Daniel

Abstract A finite element analysis model was developed to predict flexural behavior of thick composites with uniform, graded and localized fiber waviness. In the analyses, material and geometrical nonlinearties due to fiber waviness were incorporated into the model utilizing energy density and an incremental method. In the model, two kinds of geometrical nonlinearity were considered, one due to reorientation of fibers and the other due to difference of curvatures from one finite element to another during deformation. The finite element analyses utilize the iterative mapping method to incorporate these geometrical nonlinear factors. The model was used to predict not only the flexural behavior of a flat thick composite plate but also of a thick composite plate with initial curvature. Flat composite specimens with various degrees of fiber waviness were fabricated and four-point flexural tests were conducted. The predicted nonlinear behavior by the current model was compared with results from the thin slice model [7] and experiments. Good agreement was observed among them.


1999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Partha S. Das

Abstract Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution (HBOI) designed, built and has operated two JOHNSON-SEA-LINK (JSL) manned submersibles for the past 25 years. The JSL submersibles each incorporate a 66–68 in. (1.6764–1.7272 m) OD, 4–5.25 in. (0.1016–0.13335 m) thick acrylic two-man sphere as a Pressure Vessel for Human Occupancy (PVHO). This type of spherical acrylic sphere or submersible was first introduced in around 1970 and is known as Naval Experimental Manned Observatory (NEMO) submersibles. As the demand increases for ocean exploration to 3000 ft. (914.4 m) depth to collect samples, to study the ocean surfaces, the problem of developing cracks at the interface of these manned acrylic submersibles following few hundred dives have become a common phenomena. This has drawn considerable attentions for reinvestigation of the spherical acrylic submersible in order to overcome this crack generation problem at the interface. Therefore, a new full-scale 3-D nonlinear FEA (Finite Element Analysis) model, similar to the spherical acrylic submersible that HBOI uses for ocean exploration, has been developed for the first time in order to simulate the structural behavior at the interface and throughout the sphere, for better understanding of the mechanical behavior. Variation of the stiffness between dissimilar materials at the interface, lower nylon gasket thickness, over designed aluminum hatch are seemed to be few of the causes for higher stresses within acrylic sphere at the nylon gasket/acrylic interface. Following the basic understanding of the stresses and relative displacements at the interface and within different parts of the submersible, various models have been developed on the basis of different shapes and thickness of nylon gaskets, openings of the acrylic sphere, hatch geometry and its materials, specifically to study their effect on the overall performance of the acrylic submersible. Finally, the new model for acrylic submersible has been developed by redesigning the top aluminum hatch and hatch ring, the sphere openings at both top and bottom, as well as the nylon gasket inserts. Altogether this new design indicates a significant improvement over the existing spherical acrylic submersible by reducing the stresses at the top gasket/acrylic interface considerably. Redesigning of the bottom penetrator plate, at present, is underway. In this paper, results from numerical modeling only are reported in details. Correlation between experimental-numerical modeling results for the new model will be reported in the near future.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document