scholarly journals Evolutionary Inverse Material Identification: Bespoke Characterization of Soft Materials Using a Metaheuristic Algorithm

2022 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Di Lecce ◽  
Onaizah Onaizah ◽  
Peter Lloyd ◽  
James H. Chandler ◽  
Pietro Valdastri

The growing interest in soft robotics has resulted in an increased demand for accurate and reliable material modelling. As soft robots experience high deformations, highly nonlinear behavior is possible. Several analytical models that are able to capture this nonlinear behavior have been proposed, however, accurately calibrating them for specific materials and applications can be challenging. Multiple experimental testbeds may be required for material characterization which can be expensive and cumbersome. In this work, we propose an alternative framework for parameter fitting established hyperelastic material models, with the aim of improving their utility in the modelling of soft continuum robots. We define a minimization problem to reduce fitting errors between a soft continuum robot deformed experimentally and its equivalent finite element simulation. The soft material is characterized using four commonly employed hyperelastic material models (Neo Hookean; Mooney–Rivlin; Yeoh; and Ogden). To meet the complexity of the defined problem, we use an evolutionary algorithm to navigate the search space and determine optimal parameters for a selected material model and a specific actuation method, naming this approach as Evolutionary Inverse Material Identification (EIMI). We test the proposed approach with a magnetically actuated soft robot by characterizing two polymers often employed in the field: Dragon Skin™ 10 MEDIUM and Ecoflex™ 00-50. To determine the goodness of the FEM simulation for a specific set of model parameters, we define a function that measures the distance between the mesh of the FEM simulation and the experimental data. Our characterization framework showed an improvement greater than 6% compared to conventional model fitting approaches at different strain ranges based on the benchmark defined. Furthermore, the low variability across the different models obtained using our approach demonstrates reduced dependence on model and strain-range selection, making it well suited to application-specific soft robot modelling.

1998 ◽  
Vol 120 (2) ◽  
pp. 397-404 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. San Andre´s ◽  
D. Lubell

Squeeze film dampers (SFDs) provide vibration attenuation and structural isolation to aircraft gas turbine engines which must be able to tolerate larger imbalances while operating above one or more critical speeds. Rotor-bearing-SFD systems are regarded in theory as highly nonlinear, showing jump phenomena and even chaotic behavior for sufficiently large levels of rotor imbalance. Yet, few experimental results of practical value have verified the analytical predictions. A test rig for measurement of the dynamic forced response of a three-disk rotor (45 kg) supported on two cylindrical SFDs is described. The major objective is to provide a reliable data base to validate and enhance SFD design practice and to allow a direct comparison with analytical models. The open-ends SFD are supported by four-bar centering structures, each with a stiffness of 3.5 MN/m. Measured synchronous responses to 9000 rpm due to various imbalances show the rotor-SFD system to be well damped with amplification factors between 1.6 and 2.1 while traversing cylindrical and conical modes critical speeds. The rotor amplitudes of motion are found to be proportional to the imbalances for the first mode of vibration, and the damping coefficients extracted compare reasonably well to predictions based on the full-film, open-ends SFD. Tight lip (elastomeric) seals contribute greatly to the overall damping of the test rig. Measured dynamic pressures at the squeeze film lands are well above ambient values with no indication of lubricant dynamic cavitation as simple theoretical models dictate. The measurements show absence of nonlinear behavior of the rotor-SFD apparatus for the range of imbalances tested.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 32
Author(s):  
Dimitrios P. Sokolis

Multiaxial testing of the small intestinal wall is critical for understanding its biomechanical properties and defining material models, but limited data and material models are available. The aim of the present study was to develop a microstructure-based material model for the small intestine and test whether there was a significant variation in the passive biomechanical properties along the length of the organ. Rat tissue was cut into eight segments that underwent inflation/extension testing, and their nonlinearly hyper-elastic and anisotropic response was characterized by a fiber-reinforced model. Extensive parametric analysis showed a non-significant contribution to the model of the isotropic matrix and circumferential-fiber family, leading also to severe over-parameterization. Such issues were not apparent with the reduced neo-Hookean and (axial and diagonal)-fiber family model, that provided equally accurate fitting results. Absence from the model of either the axial or diagonal-fiber families led to ill representations of the force- and pressure-diameter data, respectively. The primary direction of anisotropy, designated by the estimated orientation angle of diagonal-fiber families, was about 35° to the axial direction, corroborating prior microscopic observations of submucosal collagen-fiber orientation. The estimated model parameters varied across and within the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, corroborating histologically assessed segmental differences in layer thicknesses.


Author(s):  
Paul J. Pearson ◽  
David M. Bevly

This paper develops two analytical models that describe the yaw dynamics of a farm tractor and can be used to design or improve steering control algorithms for the tractor. These models are verified against empirical data. The particular dynamics described are the motions from steering angle to yaw rate. A John Deere 8420 tractor, outfitted with inertial sensors and controlled through a PC-104 form factor computer, was used for experimental validation. Conditions including different implements at varying depths, as would normally be found on a farm, were tested. This paper presents the development of the analytical models, validates them against empirical data, and gives trends on how the model parameters change for different configurations.


2020 ◽  
pp. 030936462096778
Author(s):  
JW Steer ◽  
PR Worsley ◽  
M Browne ◽  
Alex Dickinson

Background: Finite element modelling has long been proposed to support prosthetic socket design. However, there is minimal detail in the literature to inform practice in developing and interpreting these complex, highly nonlinear models. Objectives: To identify best practice recommendations for finite element modelling of lower limb prosthetics, considering key modelling approaches and inputs. Study design: Computational modelling. Methods: This study developed a parametric finite element model using magnetic resonance imaging data from a person with transtibial amputation. Comparative analyses were performed considering socket loading methods, socket–residuum interface parameters and soft tissue material models from the literature, to quantify their effect on the residuum’s biomechanical response to a range of parameterised socket designs. Results: These variables had a marked impact on the finite element model’s predictions for limb–socket interface pressure and soft tissue shear distribution. Conclusions: All modelling decisions should be justified biomechanically and clinically. In order to represent the prosthetic loading scenario in silico, researchers should (1) consider the effects of donning and interface friction to capture the generated soft tissue shear stresses, (2) use representative stiffness hyperelastic material models for soft tissues when using strain to predict injury and (3) interrogate models comparatively, against a clinically-used control.


PAMM ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 341-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nils Hendrik Kröger ◽  
Daniel Juhre

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-20
Author(s):  
Dávid Huri

Automotive rubber products are subjected to large deformations during working conditions, they often contact with other parts and they show highly nonlinear material behavior. Using finite element software for complex analysis of rubber parts can be a good way, although it has to contain special modules. Different types of rubber materials require the curve fitting possibility and the wide range choice of the material models. It is also important to be able to describe the viscoelastic property and the hysteresis. The remeshing possibility can be a useful tool for large deformation and the working circumstances require the contact and self contact ability as well. This article compares some types of the finite element software available on the market based on the above mentioned features.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 651-680
Author(s):  
Ammar Alnmr

Choosing and calibrating a robust and accurate soil material model (constitutive model) is the first important step in geotechnical numerical modelling. A less accurate model leads to poor results and more difficulty estimating true behaviour in the field. Subsequent design work is compromised and may lead to dangerous and costly mistakes. In this research, laboratory experimental results were used as a basis to evaluate several soil material models offered in Plaxis2D software. The deciding feature of the soil model was how well it could represent effects of percentage of fine material within sandy soils to simulate its behaviour. Results indicate that the Hardening Soil (HS) model works well when the percentage of fine (soft) materials is less than 10%. Above that level, the Soft Soil model (SS) becomes the most suitable.  Finally, some important conclusions about this research and recommendations for future research are highlighted.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qichao Xue ◽  
Chunwei Zhang ◽  
Jian He ◽  
Guangping Zou ◽  
Jingcai Zhang

Based on the summary of existing pounding force analytical models, an updated pounding force analysis method is proposed by introducing viscoelastic constitutive model and contact mechanics method. Traditional Kelvin viscoelastic pounding force model can be expanded to 3-parameter linear viscoelastic model by separating classic pounding model parameters into geometry parameters and viscoelastic material parameters. Two existing pounding examples, the poundings of steel-to-steel and concrete-to-concrete, are recalculated by utilizing the proposed method. Afterwards, the calculation results are compared with other pounding force models. The results show certain accuracy in proposed model. The relative normalized errors of steel-to-steel and concrete-to-concrete experiments are 19.8% and 12.5%, respectively. Furthermore, a steel-to-polymer pounding example is calculated, and the application of the proposed method in vibration control analysis for pounding tuned mass damper (TMD) is simulated consequently. However, due to insufficient experiment details, the proposed model can only give a rough trend for both single pounding process and vibration control process. Regardless of the cheerful prospect, the study in this paper is only the first step of pounding force calculation. It still needs a more careful assessment of the model performance, especially in the presence of inelastic response.


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