Efficient Probabilistic Calculation of a Thermal Transient on a 3D FE Model With Variable Heat Exchange Coefficient

Author(s):  
Thibault Demol ◽  
Jean-Pierre Izard ◽  
Nicolas Tartare

Probabilistic calculations are often used to evaluate reliability in nuclear industry. One of their main difficulties is that failure probabilities are, in this domain, very low and therefore their computations are very long. The speed of the calculations depends on the probabilistic algorithm and the complexity of the physical problem (usually modeled by a finite element analysis). The optimization of the probabilistic algorithms benefits from a wealth of literature but the physical problem is often very simplified by a lot of approximations. This paper develops a methodology to avoid some approximations. The geometry of the problem is often brought back to a 1D or 2D problem. Here, large 3D mesh can still be used thanks to transfer functions. This requires the linearity of the problem and especially a constant heat transfer coefficient for a thermo-elastic analysis. This limitation has been removed. This article’s focus is on methodology but qualitative results of a probabilistic brittle fracture application of a reactor pressure vessel (RPV) in ferritic steel are given. Other kinds of analysis can benefit from similar methodology.

Author(s):  
Ashwini Gautam ◽  
Chris Fuller ◽  
James Carneal

This work presents an extensive analysis of the properties of distributed vibration absorbers (DVAs) and their effectiveness in controlling the sound radiation from the base structure. The DVA acts as a distributed mass absorber consisting of a thin metal sheet covering a layer of acoustic foam (porous media) that behaves like a distributed spring-mass-damper system. To assess the effectiveness of these DVAs in controlling the vibration of the base structures (plate) a detailed finite elements model has been developed for the DVA and base plate structure. The foam was modeled as a poroelastic media using 8 node hexahedral elements. The structural (plate) domain was modeled using 16 degree of freedom plate elements. Each of the finite element models have been validated by comparing the numerical results with the available analytical and experimental results. These component models were combined to model the DVA. Preliminary experiments conducted on the DVAs have shown an excellent agreement between the results obtained from the numerical model of the DVA and from the experiments. The component models and the DVA model were then combined into a larger FE model comprised of a base plate with the DVA treatment on its surface. The results from the simulation of this numerical model have shown that there has been a significant reduction in the vibration levels of the base plate due to DVA treatment on it. It has been shown from this work that the inclusion of the DVAs on the base plate reduces their vibration response and therefore the radiated noise. Moreover, the detailed development of the finite element model for the foam has provided us with the capability to analyze the physics behind the behavior of the distributed vibration absorbers (DVAs) and to develop more optimized designs for the same.


2021 ◽  
pp. 136943322110015
Author(s):  
Rana Al-Dujele ◽  
Katherine Ann Cashell

This paper is concerned with the behaviour of concrete-filled tubular flange girders (CFTFGs) under the combination of bending and tensile axial force. CFTFG is a relatively new structural solution comprising a steel beam in which the compression flange plate is replaced with a concrete-filled hollow section to create an efficient and effective load-carrying solution. These members have very high torsional stiffness and lateral torsional buckling strength in comparison with conventional steel I-girders of similar depth, width and steel weight and are there-fore capable of carrying very heavy loads over long spans. Current design codes do not explicitly include guidance for the design of these members, which are asymmetric in nature under the combined effects of tension and bending. The current paper presents a numerical study into the behaviour of CFTFGs under the combined effects of positive bending and axial tension. The study includes different loading combinations and the associated failure modes are identified and discussed. To facilitate this study, a finite element (FE) model is developed using the ABAQUS software which is capable of capturing both the geometric and material nonlinearities of the behaviour. Based on the results of finite element analysis, the moment–axial force interaction relationship is presented and a simplified equation is proposed for the design of CFTFGs under combined bending and tensile axial force.


Author(s):  
Constantine M. Tarawneh ◽  
Arturo A. Fuentes ◽  
Javier A. Kypuros ◽  
Lariza A. Navarro ◽  
Andrei G. Vaipan ◽  
...  

In the railroad industry, distressed bearings in service are primarily identified using wayside hot-box detectors (HBDs). Current technology has expanded the role of these detectors to monitor bearings that appear to “warm trend” relative to the average temperatures of the remainder of bearings on the train. Several bearings set-out for trending and classified as nonverified, meaning no discernible damage, revealed that a common feature was discoloration of rollers within a cone (inner race) assembly. Subsequent laboratory experiments were performed to determine a minimum temperature and environment necessary to reproduce these discolorations and concluded that the discoloration is most likely due to roller temperatures greater than 232 °C (450 °F) for periods of at least 4 h. The latter finding sparked several discussions and speculations in the railroad industry as to whether it is possible to have rollers reaching such elevated temperatures without heating the bearing cup (outer race) to a temperature significant enough to trigger the HBDs. With this motivation, and based on previous experimental and analytical work, a thermal finite element analysis (FEA) of a railroad bearing pressed onto an axle was conducted using ALGOR 20.3™. The finite element (FE) model was used to simulate different heating scenarios with the purpose of obtaining the temperatures of internal components of the bearing assembly, as well as the heat generation rates and the bearing cup surface temperature. The results showed that, even though some rollers can reach unsafe operating temperatures, the bearing cup surface temperature does not exhibit levels that would trigger HBD alarms.


2015 ◽  
Vol 712 ◽  
pp. 63-68
Author(s):  
Przemysław Osocha ◽  
Bohdan Węglowski

In some coal-fired power plants, pipeline elements have worked for over 200 000 hours and increased number of failures is observed. The paper discuses thermal wear processes that take place in those elements and lead to rupture. Mathematical model based on creep test data, and describing creep processes for analyzed material, has been developed. Model has been verified for pipeline operating temperature, lower than tests temperature, basing on Larson-Miller relation. Prepared model has been used for thermal-strength calculations based on a finite element method. Processes taking place inside of element and leading to its failure has been described. Than, basing on prepared mathematical creep model and FE model introduced to Ansys program further researches are made. Analysis of dimensions and shape of pipe junction and its influence on operational element lifetime is presented. In the end multi variable dependence of temperature, steam pressure and element geometry is shown, allowing optimization of process parameters in function of required operational time or maximization of steam parameters. The article presents wide range of methods. The creep test data were recalculated for operational temperature using Larson-Miller parameter. The creep strain were modelled, used equations and their parameters are presented. Analysis of errors were conducted. Geometry of failing pipe junction was introduced to the Ansys program and the finite element analysis of creep process were conducted.


Author(s):  
Guillaume Chas ◽  
Nathalie Rupa ◽  
Josseline Bourgoin ◽  
Astrid Hotellier ◽  
Se´bastien Saillet

By monitoring the irradiation-induced embrittlement of materials, the Pressure Vessel Surveillance Program (PVSP) contributes to the RPV integrity and lifetime assessments. This program is implemented on each PWR Unit in France; it is mainly based on Charpy tests, which are widely used in the nuclear industry to characterize the mechanical properties of the materials. Moreover, toughness tests are also carried out to check the conservatism of the PVSP methodology. This paper first describes the procedure followed for the Pressure Vessel Surveillance Program. It presents the irradiation capsules: the samples materials (low alloy Mn, Ni, Mo vessel steel including base metals, heat affected zones, welds and a reference material) and the mechanical tests performed. Then it draws up a synthesis of the analysis of about 180 capsules removed from the reactors at fluence levels up to 7.1019 n/cm2 (E > 1 MeV). This database gathers the results of more than 10,000 Charpy tests and 250 toughness tests. The experimental results confirm the conservatism of the Code-based methodology applied to the toughness assessment.


Author(s):  
R. N. Margasahayam ◽  
H. S. Faust

Abstract A finite-element stress analysis of a one-piece, integrated, all-composite shaft and coupling is presented. In addition to a brief discussion of design-driving parameters, some limitations of the analytical techniques used for design development are described. The 3D finite-element method (FEM) was then used to evaluate critical stresses and strains experienced by the shaft coupling. A comparison of the results from the finite-element analysis and those from static bending, axial, and torsional tests conducted on these prototype shafts yielded excellent correlation. Some important considerations in the development of the FE model and the correlation of results with tests, especially in the design of composite materials, are addressed.


1999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Allen ◽  
Nickolas Vlahopoulos

Abstract In this paper an algorithm is developed for combining finite element analysis and boundary element techniques in order to compute the noise radiated from a panel subjected to boundary layer excitation. The excitation is presented in terms of the auto and cross power spectral densities of the fluctuating wall pressure. The structural finite element model for the panel is divided into a number of sub-panels. A uniform fluctuating pressure is applied as excitation on each sub-panel separately. The corresponding vibration is computed, and is utilized as excitation for an acoustic boundary element analysis. The acoustic response is computed at any data recovery point of interest. The relationships between the acoustic response and the pressure excitation applied at each particular sub-panel constitute a set of transfer functions. They are combined with the spectral densities of the excitation for computing the noise generated from the vibration of the panel subjected to the boundary layer excitation. The development presented in this paper has the potential of computing wind noise in automotive applications, or boundary layer noise in aircraft applications.


Author(s):  
J. Rodriguez ◽  
M. Him

Abstract This paper presents a finite element mesh generation algorithm (PREPAT) designed to automatically discretize two-dimensional domains. The mesh generation algorithm is a mapping scheme which creates a uniform isoparametric FE model based on a pre-partitioned domain of the component. The proposed algorithm provides a faster and more accurate tool in the pre-processing phase of a Finite Element Analysis (FEA). A primary goal of the developed mesh generator is to create a finite element model requiring only essential input from the analyst. As a result, the generator code utilizes only a sketch, based on geometric primitives, and information relating to loading/boundary conditions. These conditions represents the constraints that are propagated throughout the model and the available finite elements are uniformly mapped in the resulting sub-domains. Relative advantages and limitations of the mesh generator are discussed. Examples are presented to illustrate the accuracy, efficiency and applicability of PREPAT.


Author(s):  
Basil Mathai ◽  
Sanjay Gupta

Abstract The primary fixation and long-term stability of a cementless femoral implant depend on bone ingrowth within the porous coating. Although attempts were made to quantify the peri-implant bone ingrowth using the finite element (FE) analysis and mechanoregulatory principles, the tissue differentiation patterns on a porous-coated hip stem have scarcely been investigated. The objective of this study is to predict the spatial distribution of evolutionary bone ingrowth around an uncemented hip stem, using a 3D multiscale mechanobiology based numerical framework. Multiple load cases representing a variety of daily living activities, including walking, stair climbing, sitting down and standing up from a chair, were used as applied loading conditions. The study accounted for the local variations in host bone material properties and implant-bone relative displacements of the macroscale implanted FE model, in order to predict bone ingrowth in microscale representative volume elements (RVEs) of twelve interfacial regions. In majority RVEs, 20-70% bone tissue (immature and mature) was predicted after two months, contributing towards a progressive increase in average Young's modulus (1200-3000 MPa) of the inter-bead tissue layer. Higher bone ingrowth (mostly greater than 60%) was predicted in the antero-lateral regions of the implant, as compared to the postero-medial side (20-50%). New bone tissue was formed deeper inside the inter-bead spacing, adhering to the implant surface. The study helps to gain an insight into the degree of osseointegration of a porous-coated femoral implant.


2016 ◽  
Vol 138 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sina Hamian ◽  
Andrew M. Gauffreau ◽  
Timothy Walsh ◽  
Jungchul Lee ◽  
Keunhan Park

This paper reports the frequency-dependent electrothermal behaviors of a freestanding doped-silicon heated microcantilever probe operating under periodic (ac) Joule heating. We conducted a frequency-domain finite-element analysis (FEA) and compared the steady periodic solution with 3ω experiment results. The computed thermal transfer function of the cantilever accurately predicts the ac electrothermal behaviors over a full spectrum of operational frequencies, which could not be accomplished with the 1D approximation. In addition, the thermal transfer functions of the cantilever in vacuum and in air were compared, through which the frequency-dependent heat transfer coefficient of the air was quantified. With the developed FEA model, design parameters of the cantilever (i.e., the size and the constriction width of the cantilever heater) and their effects on the ac electrothermal behaviors were carefully investigated. Although this work focused on doped-Si heated microcantilever probes, the developed FEA model can be applied for the ac electrothermal analysis of general microelectromechanical systems.


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