Functionally Graded Cellular Contact-Aided Compliant Mechanism for Energy Absorption

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jovana Jovanova ◽  
Angela Nastevska ◽  
Mary Frecker
Keyword(s):  
Energy Absorption ◽  
Material Properties ◽  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Functionally Graded ◽  
Nonlinear Material ◽  
Load Path ◽  
Cellular Contact ◽  
Overall Performance ◽  
Energy Absorbing

Cellular contact-aided compliant mechanisms (C3M) are cellular structures with integrated self-contact mechanisms, i.e. the segments can come into contact with each other during deformation. The contact changes the load path and can influence on the mechanism’s performance. Cellular contact-aided compliant mechanisms can be tailored for a specific structural application, such as energy absorption. Nickel Titanium compliant mechanisms can exploit the superelastic effect to improve performance and increase energy absorption. The potential for compliant mechanisms designed specifically for metal additive manufacturing opens the possibility of functional grading and tailoring the material properties locally for achieving overall performance. The combined effort of the geometry and the nonlinear material property increases the local compliance of the unit cell, resulting in higher energy absorption. A functionally graded 3D energy absorbing contact-aided compliant mechanisms cell with curved walls is analyzed. Functionally graded zones of higher flexibility are explored with different superelastic material properties. Introducing different moduli of elasticity as a function of the critical transformation stress results in different energy absorption. This approach can be used for tailoring the overall performance based on the application.

Design for Additive Manufacturing of Cellular Compliant Mechanism Using Thermal History Feedback

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jivtesh Khurana ◽  
Bradley Hanks ◽  
Mary Frecker
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Energy Absorption ◽  
Thermal History ◽  
Test Problem ◽  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Absorption Capacity ◽  
Unit Cell ◽  
Design For Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Area Of Interest

With growing interest in metal additive manufacturing, one area of interest for design for additive manufacturing is the ability to understand how part geometry combined with the manufacturing process will affect part performance. In addition, many researchers are pursuing design for additive manufacturing with the goal of generating designs for stiff and lightweight applications as opposed to tailored compliance. A compliant mechanism has unique advantages over traditional mechanisms but previously, complex 3D compliant mechanisms have been limited by manufacturability. Recent advances in additive manufacturing enable fabrication of more complex and 3D metal compliant mechanisms, an area of research that is relatively unexplored. In this paper, a design for additive manufacturing workflow is proposed that incorporates feedback to a designer on both the structural performance and manufacturability. Specifically, a cellular contact-aided compliant mechanism for energy absorption is used as a test problem. Insights gained from finite element simulations of the energy absorbed as well as the thermal history from an AM build simulation are used to further refine the design. Using the proposed workflow, several trends on the performance and manufacturability of the test problem are determined and used to redesign the compliant unit cell. When compared to a preliminary unit cell design, a redesigned unit cell showed decreased energy absorption capacity of only 7.8% while decreasing thermal distortion by 20%. The workflow presented provides a systematic approach to inform a designer about methods to redesign an AM part.

Composite Core Cross Tube Crushing Analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean Jenson ◽  
Muhammad Ali ◽  
Khairul Alam
Keyword(s):  
Energy Absorption ◽  
Compressive Loading ◽  
Deformation Mode ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Absorption Capacity ◽  
Functionally Graded ◽  
Layer By Layer ◽  
Thin Walled ◽  
The Cross ◽  
Energy Absorbing

Abstract Thin walled axial members are typically used in automobiles’ side and front chassis to improve crashworthiness of vehicles. Extensive work has been done in exploring energy absorbing characteristics of thin walled structural members under axial compressive loading. The present study is a continuation of the work presented earlier on evaluating the effects of inclusion of functionally graded cellular structures in thin walled members under axial compressive loading. A compact functionally graded composite cellular core was introduced inside a cross tube with side length and wall thickness of 25.4 mm and 3.048 mm, respectively. The parameters governing the energy absorbing characteristics such as deformation or collapsing modes, crushing/ reactive force, plateau stress level, and energy curves, were evaluated. The results showed that the inclusion of composite graded cellular structure increased the energy absorption capacity of the cross tube significantly. The composite graded structure underwent progressive stepwise, layer by layer, crushing mode and provided lateral stability to the cross tube thus delaying local tube wall collapse and promoting large localized folds on the tube’s periphery as compared to highly localized and compact deformation modes that were observed in the empty cross tube under axial compressive loading. The variation in deformation mode resulted in enhanced stiffness of the composite structure, and therefore, high energy absorption by the structure. This aspect has a potential to be exploited to improve the crashworthiness of automobile structures.

Design of Crashworthy Structures With Controlled Energy Absorption in the Hybrid Cellular Automaton Framework

2013 ◽  
Vol 135 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Punit Bandi ◽  
James P. Schmiedeler ◽  
Andrés Tovar
Keyword(s):  
Energy Absorption ◽  
Design Space ◽  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Mechanism Synthesis ◽  
Load Paths ◽  
Fully Stressed Design ◽  
Novel Method ◽  
The Given ◽  
Synthesis Approach

This work presents a novel method for designing crashworthy structures with controlled energy absorption based on the use of compliant mechanisms. This method helps in introducing flexibility at desired locations within the structure, which in turn reduces the peak force at the expense of a reasonable increase in intrusion. For this purpose, the given design domain is divided into two subdomains: flexible (FSD) and stiff (SSD) subdomains. The design in the flexible subdomain is governed by the compliant mechanism synthesis approach for which output ports are defined at the interface between the two subdomains. These output ports aid in defining potential load paths and help the user make better use of a given design space. The design in the stiff subdomain is governed by the principle of a fully stressed design for which material is distributed to achieve uniform energy distribution within the design space. Together, FSD and SSD provide for a combination of flexibility and stiffness in the structure, which is desirable for most crash applications.

Two Stage Design of Compliant Mechanisms With Superelastic Compliant Joints

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jovana Jovanova ◽  
Mary Frecker
Keyword(s):  
Analytical Model ◽  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Functionally Graded ◽  
Two Stage ◽  
Stage Design ◽  
Rigid Link ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Single Piece ◽  
Two Stage Design

The design of compliant mechanisms made of Nickel Titanium (NiTi) Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) is considered to exploit the superelastic behavior of the material to achieve tailored high flexibility on demand. This paper focuses on two-stage design optimization of compliant mechanisms, as a systematic method for design of the composition of the functionally graded NiTi material within the compliant mechanism devices. The location, as well as geometric and mechanical properties, of zones of high and low flexibility will be selected to maximize mechanical performance. The proposed two-stage optimization procedure combines the optimization of an analytical model of a single-piece functionally graded unit, with a detailed FEA of a continuous compliant mechanism. In the first stage, a rigid-link model is developed to initially approximate the behavior of the compliant mechanism. In the second stage the solution of the rigid-link problem serves as the starting point for a continuous analytical model where the mechanism consists of zones with different material properties and geometry, followed by a detailed FEA of a compliant mechanism with integrated zones of superelasticity. The two-stage optimization is a systematic approach for compliant mechanism design with functional grading of the material to exploit superelastic response in controlled manner. Direct energy deposition, as an additive manufacturing technology, is foreseen to fabricate assemblies with multiple single piece functional graded components. This method could be applied to bio-inspired structures, flapping wings, flexible adaptive structures and origami inspired compliant mechanisms.

Elastic Energy Absorption of Origami-Based Corrugations

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean S. Tolman ◽  
Spencer P. Magleby ◽  
Larry L. Howell
Keyword(s):  
Energy Absorption ◽  
Elastic Energy ◽  
Virtual Work ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Analytical Models ◽  
Geometrical Parameters ◽  
Work Analysis ◽  
Physical Testing ◽  
Energy Absorbing ◽  
Mechanism Theory

The mechanical properties of origami tessellations may provide innovative new designs for energy absorbing applications. The elastic energy absorbing properties of a particular tesselation, the Miura-ori, is investigated. Analytical models for the kinematics and force-deflection of a unit cell based on two different modes of elastic energy absorption are derived. The force-deflection model is developed based on the application of compliant mechanism theory and virtual work analysis. The models are verified through comparison with published results for similar models, analysis using commercial kinematics software and comparison to physical testing. Physical prototypes are used to determine values stiffness terms. The analytical models are used to explore the effects of the key geometrical parameters of the tessellation. This work lays a foundation for the use of origami-based corrugations in elastic energy absorption applications.

Energy Absorption of Axial Members With the Inclusion of Functionally Graded Cellular Structure

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Ali ◽  
Khairul Alam ◽  
Eboreime Ohioma
Keyword(s):  
Energy Absorption ◽  
Cellular Structure ◽  
Tube Wall ◽  
Axial Loading ◽  
Hybrid Structure ◽  
Functionally Graded ◽  
Shell Elements ◽  
Thin Walled ◽  
Energy Absorbing ◽  
Deformation Modes

Axial members are commonly used in automotive structures and are responsible for absorbing significant portion of impact energy in the event of an accident. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of inclusion of functionally graded cellular structures in thin walled members under compressive axial loading. A compact functionally graded cellular structure was introduced inside a 352 mm long square tube with side length and wall thickness of 74 mm and 3.048 mm, respectively. The tube wall material was aluminum. The cellular structure’s geometry was observed in the cross-section of a banana peel that has a specific graded cellular packing in a confined space. This packing enables the peel to protect the internal soft core from external impacts. The same cellular pattern was used to construct the structure in present study. The study was conducted using non-linear finite element analysis in ABAQUS. The hybrid structure (tube and graded cellular structure) was fixed on one side and on the other (free end) side, was struck by a rigid mass of 300 Kg travelling at a velocity of 35 mph (15.64 m/s) along the axis of the square tube and perpendicular to the in-plane direction of the graded cellular structure. The tube and cell walls were discretized using reduced integration, hourglass control, 4 nodes, and hexahedral shell elements. The impact plate was modeled with 4 node rigid shell elements. General contact conditions were applied to define surface interaction among graded structure, square tube, and rigid plate. The parameters governing the energy absorbing characteristics such as deformation or collapsing modes, crushing/ reactive force, and energy curves, were evaluated. The results showed that the inclusion of graded cellular structure increased the energy absorption capacity of the square tube by 41.06%. The graded structure underwent progressive stepwise, layer by layer, crushing mode and provided lateral stability to the square tube thus delaying local tube wall collapse and promoting outward convex localized folds on the tube’s periphery as compared to highly localized and compact deformation modes that are typically observed in an empty square tube under axial compressive loading. The variation in deformation mode, large contact areas, presence of graded cellular structure resulted in enhanced stiffness of the hybrid structure, and therefore, high energy absorption by the structure. The results of this preliminary study show a potential of functionally graded cellular materials to significantly improve the energy absorbing capacities of thin walled members under axial loading by altering member’s crushing deformation modes.

Design of Crashworthy Structures With Controlled Energy Absorption in the HCA Framework

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Punit Bandi ◽  
James P. Schmiedeler ◽  
Andrés Tovar
Keyword(s):  
Energy Absorption ◽  
Design Space ◽  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Mechanism Synthesis ◽  
Load Paths ◽  
Fully Stressed Design ◽  
Novel Method ◽  
The Given ◽  
Synthesis Approach

This work presents a novel method for designing crashworthy structures with controlled energy absorption based on the use of compliant mechanisms. This method helps in introducing flexibility at desired locations within the structure, which in turn reduces the peak force at the expense of a reasonable increase in intrusion. For this purpose, the given design domain is divided into two subdomains: flexible (FSD) and stiff (SSD) subdomains. The design in the flexible subdomain is governed by the compliant mechanism synthesis approach for which output ports are defined at the interface between the two subdomains. These output ports aid in defining potential load paths and help the user make better use of a given design space. The design in the stiff subdomain is governed by the principle of a fully-stressed design for which material is distributed to achieve uniform energy distribution within the design space. Together, FSD and SSD provide for a combination of flexibility and stiffness in the structure, which is desirable for most crash applications.

scholarly journals Crashworthiness Design and Multiobjective Optimization for Hexagon Honeycomb Structure with Functionally Graded Thickness

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruixian Qin ◽  
Junxian Zhou ◽  
Bingzhi Chen
Keyword(s):  
Energy Absorption ◽  
Optimization Design ◽  
Surrogate Models ◽  
Honeycomb Structure ◽  
Functionally Graded ◽  
Thickness Variation ◽  
Static Compression ◽  
Crashworthiness Optimization ◽  
Energy Absorbing ◽  
Graded Thickness

Higher energy absorption efficiency and better crashworthiness performance are always the key objectives for different energy absorbing structures applied in numerous industries including aerospace, rail equipment transportation, and automotive. In this study, a functionally graded thickness (FGT) design method is introduced in the design of a hexagon honeycomb structure to improve energy absorbing efficiency on the basis of a traditional honeycomb with uniform thickness (UT). The validation of a numerical analysis model for a UT honeycomb under axial loading is implemented by a nonlinear finite element code LS-DYNA (V971). Furthermore, the multiobjective crashworthiness optimization of an FGT honeycomb subjected to axial quasi-static compression is conducted to maximize specific energy absorption (SEA) and minimize peak crashing force (PCF). In addition, three surrogate models, including radial basis function (RBF), response surface method (RSM), and kriging (KRG), are compared in the accuracy of predicting SEA and PCF and capacity for optimization design of FGT honeycomb structure; the Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) is applied to obtain the Pareto optimal solutions for the maximum thickness, minimum thickness, and thickness variation gradient exponent of a honeycomb wall. The optimal points obtained by different surrogate models subjected to an SEA value of 18.5 kJ/kg, 20 kJ/kg, 22 kJ/kg, and 24 kJ/kg are validated, and corresponding optimal parameters are compared; RBF and RSM are more suitable in crashworthiness optimization design of the FGT honeycomb structure. It is indicated that the FGT honeycomb with optimal geometrical parameters presents remarkable enhancement and energy absorbing potential compared to the traditional honeycomb structure.

scholarly journals Force Diverting Helmet Liner Achieved Through a Lattice of Multi-Material Compliant Mechanisms

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vaibhav Gokhale ◽  
Prasad Tapkir ◽  
Andres Tovar
Keyword(s):  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Radial Force ◽  
Von Mises Stress ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Linear Force ◽  
The One ◽  
Von Mises ◽  
Energy Absorbing ◽  
The Impact

This work introduces the design of a lattice array of multi-material compliant mechanisms (LCM) that diverts the impact radial force into tangential forces through the action of elastic hinges and connecting springs. When used as the helmet liner, the LCM liner design has the potential to reduce the risk of head injury through improved impact energy attenuation. The compliant mechanism array in the liner is optimized using a multi-material topology optimization algorithm. The performance of the LCM liner design is compared with the one obtained by expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam, which is traditionally used in sport helmets. An impact test is carried out using explicit, dynamic, nonlinear finite element analysis. The parameters under consideration include the internal energy, the peak linear force, as well as von Mises stress and effective plastic strain distributions. Although there is a small increase in stress and strain values, the simulations show that the maximum internal of the LCM liner design is four times the one of the foam design while the peak linear force is reduced to about half. While the use of the LCM liner design is intended for sports helmets, this design may find application in other energy absorbing structures such as crashworthy vehicle components, blast mitigating structures, and protective gear.

Effects of Functionally Graded Cellular Core on Energy Absorption Response of Thin Walled Composite Axial Members

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Ali ◽  
Khairul Alam ◽  
Eboreime Ohioma
Keyword(s):  
Energy Absorption ◽  
Compressive Loading ◽  
Deformation Mode ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Steel Tube ◽  
Absorption Capacity ◽  
Functionally Graded ◽  
Composite Tube ◽  
Thin Walled ◽  
Energy Absorbing

Thin walled axial members are typically used in vehicles’ side and front chassis to improve crashworthiness. Extensive work has been done in exploring energy absorbing characteristics of thin walled structural members under axial compressive loading. The present study is a continuation of the work presented earlier on evaluating the effects of presence of functionally graded cellular structures in thin walled members. A functionally graded aluminum cellular core in compact form was placed inside a steel square tube. The crushing behavior was modeled using ABAQUS/Explicit module. The variables affecting the energy absorbing characteristics, for example, deformation or collapsing modes, crushing/ reactive force, plateau stress level, and energy curves, were studied. An approximate 35% increase in the energy absorption capacity of steel tube was observed by adding aluminum graded cellular structure to the square tube. The aluminum graded structure crushed systematically in a layered manner and its presence as core supported the steel square tube side walls in transverse direction and postponed the local (tube) wall collapse. This resulted in composite tube undergoing larger localized folds as compared to highly compact localized folds, which appeared in the steel tube without any graded core. The variation in deformation mode resulted in increased stiffness of the composite structure, and therefore, high energy absorption by the structure. Further, a relatively constant crushing force was observed in the composite tube promoting lower impulse. This aspect has a potential to be exploited to improve the crashworthiness of automobile structures.

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