Clamp links: A novel type of reciprocal frame connection

2021 ◽  
pp. 147807712110541
Author(s):  
Caio Castriotto ◽  
Felipe Tavares ◽  
Gabriela Celani ◽  
Olga Popovic Larsen ◽  
Xan Browne

Reciprocal frames (RFs) are complex structural systems based on mutual support between elements. One of the main challenges for these structures is achieving geometrical complexity with ease for assembly. This paper describes the development of a new type of connection for RF that uses a single bolt to fix a whole fan. The method used was the Research Through Design, using algorithmic modelling and virtual and physical prototyping. After the exploration of different alternatives, the connection selected was structurally evaluated with a 3D solid finite element analysis (FEM) software and a 2D bar parametric model. Finally, a full-scale pavilion was built as a proof-of-concept. A total of 47 connections were fabricated using four 3D-printed templates combined with a hand router. The construction allowed us to draw conclusions on the connection design and the assembly method, and the process as a whole can contribute to the development of new structural links and production methods.

Metals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 881
Author(s):  
Adrian Dubicki ◽  
Izabela Zglobicka ◽  
Krzysztof J. Kurzydłowski

Numerous engineering applications require lightweight structures with excellent absorption capacity. The problem of obtaining such structures may be solved by nature and especially biological structures with such properties. The paper concerns an attempt to develop a new energy-absorbing material using a biomimetic approach. The lightweight structure investigated here is mimicking geometry of diatom shells, which are known to be optimized by nature in terms of the resistance to mechanical loading. The structures mimicking frustule of diatoms, retaining the similarity with the natural shell, were 3D printed and subjected to compression tests. As required, the bio-inspired structure deformed continuously with the increase in deformation force. Finite element analysis (FEA) was carried out to gain insight into the mechanism of damage of the samples mimicking diatoms shells. The experimental results showed a good agreement with the numerical results. The results are discussed in the context of further investigations which need to be conducted as well as possible applications in the energy absorbing structures.


2011 ◽  
Vol 55-57 ◽  
pp. 664-669
Author(s):  
Jin Ning Nie ◽  
Hui Wang ◽  
De Feng Xie

According to the situation that the dual-friction drums on the new type towing machine lack stress analysis when designed, the safety is difficult to test and verify. The pull of wire rope in various positions was derived and calculated, so both compressive stress and tangent friction force generated by the pull of wire rope were calculated. The result made by ANSYS software demonstrates the safety of the left drum which suffers from larger loads, structure improvement measures are put forward for the drum.


2012 ◽  
Vol 195-196 ◽  
pp. 701-704
Author(s):  
Yan Hua Xue ◽  
Zhi Guang Wang ◽  
Xiao Hong Li ◽  
Xin Jiang

Shing is playing an important role in the large complex structural FEM simulations; it has a direct effect on calculating precision of structural simulations. For increasing the calculation accuracy and analysis accuracy of complex structure, the finite element meshing problems is proposed on the finite element analysis of large complicated structures. The effects caused by element type, mesh density and intergradations on calculating precision are studied and discussed. A research argues that with length-width ratio of 1~2 and length-thickness ration of 1.5~4.5 of two-dimensional rectangular element, the quality of meshing method of two-dimensional element is above normal. As the height of one-dimensional element is equal to the sum of reinforcing rib height of outer panel and half the thickness of panel, more accurate results can be obtained.


2014 ◽  
Vol 1065-1069 ◽  
pp. 1203-1207
Author(s):  
Yan Lin ◽  
Xue Jun Zhou ◽  
Yu Chen Liu ◽  
Wen Qing Kong

A new type of concrete-filled square steel tubular column to steel-encased concrete composite beam joint is proposed. In order to study the influences of parameters on bearing capacity for the joint formed plastic hinge in the beam end, nonlinear finite element analysis under monotonic loading is conducted by software ANSYS. The results show that axial compression ratio has little influence on joint bearing capacity, and with the increasing of it, the bearing capacity is enhanced slightly. The height of U-shape steel has a significant impact on joint bearing capacity, and with the rise of it, the bearing capacity is enhanced obviously. The thickness of U-shape steel has a comparatively obvious effect on joint bearing capacity with certain limits, and with the growth of it, the bearing capacity of the joint is also grown observably. The diameter of longitudinal reinforcement in the flange slab of beam has some effects on joint bearing capacity, and with the improvement of diameter, the bearing capacity is achieved.


2010 ◽  
Vol 139-141 ◽  
pp. 938-942
Author(s):  
Ji Jing Lin ◽  
Yan Hong Chen

MFPSE, Micro Free Piston Swing Engine, is a new type of miniature internal combustion engine based on the working principle of two-stroke swing engine. The successful development and operation of this type of miniature internal combustion engine provide important significance for the miniaturization of the internal combustion engine, and provide a number of important research theory, computation method and experimental data. In this article, according to the work characteristics and co-ordination requirements of MFPSE (Micro Free Piston Swing Engine), whose strain interference is analyzed using finite element analysis software, the problems and interference of the center pendulum and cylinder is found evidently. The data of analysis provides theory basis for the MFPSE’s structural optimization, and is critical to improve the performance of MFPSE.


Author(s):  
P. Baras ◽  
J. Sawicki

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present numerical modelling results for 3D-printed aluminium components with different variable core infill values. Information published in this paper will guide engineers when designing the components with core infill regions. Design/methodology/approach: During this study 3 different core types (Gyroid, Schwarz P and Schwarz D) and different combinations of their parameters were examined numerically, using FEM by means of the software ANSYS Workbench 2019 R2. Influence of core type as well as its parameters on 3D printed components strength was studied. The “best” core type with the “best” combination of parameters was chosen. Findings: Results obtained from the numerical static compression tests distinctly showed that component strength is highly influenced by the type infill choice selected. Specifically, infill parameters and the coefficient (force reaction/volumetric percentage solid material) were investigated. Resulting total reaction force and percentage of solid material in the component were compared to the fully solid reference model. Research limitations/implications: Based on the Finite Element Analysis carried out in this work, it was found that results highlighted the optimal infill condition defined as the lowest amount of material theoretically used, whilst assuring sufficient mechanical strength. The best results were obtained by Schwarz D core type samples. Practical implications: In the case of the aviation or automotive industry, very high strength of manufactured elements along with a simultaneous reduction of their wight is extremely important. As the viability of additively manufactured parts continues to increase, traditionally manufactured components are continually being replaced with 3D-printed components. The parts produced by additive manufacturing do not have the solid core, they are rather filled with specific geometrical patterns. The reason of such operation is to save the material and, in this way, also weight. Originality/value: The conducted numerical analysis allowed to determine the most favourable parameters for optimal core infill configurations for aluminium 3D printed parts, taking into account the lowest amount of material theoretically used, whilst assuring sufficient mechanical strength.


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 549-555
Author(s):  
Jin Young Choi ◽  
Mark Timothy Kortschot

Purpose The purpose of this study is to confirm that the stiffness of fused filament fabrication (FFF) three-dimensionally (3D) printed fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (FRP) materials can be predicted using classical laminate theory (CLT), and to subsequently use the model to demonstrate its potential to improve the mechanical properties of FFF 3D printed parts intended for load-bearing applications. Design/methodology/approach The porosity and the fiber orientation in specimens printed with carbon fiber reinforced filament were calculated from micro-computed tomography (µCT) images. The infill portion of the sample was modeled using CLT, while the perimeter contour portion was modeled with a rule of mixtures (ROM) approach. Findings The µCT scan images showed that a low porosity of 0.7 ± 0.1% was achieved, and the fibers were highly oriented in the filament extrusion direction. CLT and ROM were effective analytical models to predict the elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio of FFF 3D printed FRP laminates. Research limitations/implications In this study, the CLT model was only used to predict the properties of flat plates. Once the in-plane properties are known, however, they can be used in a finite element analysis to predict the behavior of plate and shell structures. Practical implications By controlling the raster orientation, the mechanical properties of a FFF part can be optimized for the intended application. Originality/value Before this study, CLT had not been validated for FFF 3D printed FRPs. CLT can be used to help designers tailor the raster pattern of each layer for specific stiffness requirements.


2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 921-931 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lina Yan ◽  
Joel Louis Lim ◽  
Jun Wei Lee ◽  
Clement Shi Hao Tia ◽  
Gavin Kane O’Neill ◽  
...  

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