scholarly journals Finite Element Modelling of a Parabolic Trough Collector for Concentrated Solar Power

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 209
Author(s):  
Andrea Gilioli ◽  
Francesco Cadini ◽  
Luca Abbiati ◽  
Giulio Angelo Guido Solero ◽  
Massimo Fossati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Finite Element Model ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Local Strain ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Torsional Stiffness ◽  
Parabolic Trough ◽  
Global Parameter ◽  
Parabolic Trough Collector

Nowadays the design of large-scale structures can be effectively improved by the adoption of numerical models. Even if experimental tests still play a fundamental role, a methodological approach that combines experimental testing and modelling technique can significantly improve the understanding of the matter. This, in fact, would result in a more reliable optimization process, drastically reducing efforts and uncertainties towards the implementation of the final product. The present work deals with the development of a finite element model for the analysis of a full-scale prototype of an innovative parabolic trough collector. The collector is analysed under several load conditions in order to evaluate its structural behaviour. Each load configuration is also numerically reproduced. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the model is capable of reproducing both the global (stiffness) and local (strain state) behaviour of the structure. Specifically, the comparison between experimental data and numerical results show a good agreement for the global parameter torsional stiffness. Local strain values are also well reproduced in high-stressed zone. Thus, the model can be used as a reliable “virtual tool” for designers to evaluate the suitability of layout modifications, thereby replacing and reducing the amount of commonly needed experimental tests and, consequently, reducing time and costs. Finally, an example of the potentiality of the finite element model adopted for a computer-aided engineering approach is shown to determine the most promising solution for increasing the torsional stiffness of the trough, while simultaneously limiting the required experimental tests.

scholarly journals Numerical Simulation of Steel Reinforced Concrete (SRC) Joints

Metals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isaac Montava ◽  
Ramon Irles ◽  
Jorge Segura ◽  
Jose Gadea ◽  
Ernesto Juliá
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Reinforced Concrete ◽  
Finite Element Model ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Reinforced Concrete Beams ◽  
Plastic Behavior ◽  
Steel Reinforced Concrete ◽  
Concrete Joints

This paper presents a three-dimensional finite element model to confirm experimental tests carried out on steel reinforced concrete joints. The nonlinear behavior of this concrete is simulated, along with its reduced capability to resist large displacements in compression. The aim was to obtain the plastic behavior of reinforced concrete beams with a numerical model in the same way as obtained experimentally, in which the reduction of strength in the post-critical stage was considered to simulate behavior until structures collapsed. To do this, a nonlinear calculation was necessary to simulate the behavior of each material. Three numerical models provide a moment–curvature graph of the cross-section until collapse. Simulation of the structural elements is a powerful tool that avoids having to carry out expensive experimental tests. From the experimental results a finite element model is simulated for the non-linear analysis of steel reinforced concrete joints. It is possible to simulate the decreasing stress behavior of the concrete until reaching considerable displacement. A new procedure is discussed to capture the moment-curvature diagram. This diagram can be used in a simplified frame analysis, considering post-critical behavior for future research.

scholarly journals Laser Scanner-Based 3D Digitization for the Reflective Shape Measurement of a Parabolic Trough Collector

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (21) ◽  
pp. 5607
Author(s):  
Gabriele Guidi ◽  
Umair Shafqat Malik ◽  
Andrea Manes ◽  
Stefano Cardamone ◽  
Massimo Fossati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Finite Element Model ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Laser Scanner ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Parabolic Trough ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Optical Efficiency ◽  
Parabolic Trough Collector ◽  
Parabolic Surface

In concentrated solar power technology, the precise shape of the reflective surfaces is crucial for efficiency. Considering the geometry and size of a parabolic trough collector, measuring the actual shape is not trivial and some techniques can only be adopted during the assembly operations, evaluating only the manufacturing and alignment processes. The method proposed and tested in this work exploits a laser scanner-based three-dimensional digitization technique that can be used without any marker or other tools, and is attached to the structure. This technique is particularly suitable for assessing the behavior and the optical efficiency of the collectors under load and for validating a finite element model of the structure. The method defines the shape of the parabolic surface by collecting a 3D point cloud of the parabolic surface using a laser scanner. The measured form can then be compared with the ideal shape obtained from a finite element analysis of the structure subject to the gravity field. The comparison can also be performed when the collector is loaded by known forces or torques, with the finite element model reproducing the actual loading scenario. The object of the case study of this work was a 12 m wide full-scale prototype trough collector manufactured at the Politecnico di Milano. The uncertainty of the 3D measurements, acquiring twelve images in different positions, was verified to be less than 3.6 mm.

Torsional Analysis of a Steel Cord-Rubber Tire Belt Structure

1996 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 339-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. M. V. Pidaparti
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Finite Element Model ◽  
Composite Structures ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Torsional Stiffness ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Rubber Belt ◽  
Steel Cord ◽  
Torsional Analysis

Abstract A three-dimensional (3D) beam finite element model was developed to investigate the torsional stiffness of a twisted steel-reinforced cord-rubber belt structure. The present 3D beam element takes into account the coupled extension, bending, and twisting deformations characteristic of the complex behavior of cord-rubber composite structures. The extension-twisting coupling due to the twisted nature of the cords was also considered in the finite element model. The results of torsional stiffness obtained from the finite element analysis for twisted cords and the two-ply steel cord-rubber belt structure are compared to the experimental data and other alternate solutions available in the literature. The effects of cord orientation, anisotropy, and rubber core surrounding the twisted cords on the torsional stiffness properties are presented and discussed.

Rotordynamics Analysis: Experimental and Numerical Investigations

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Jacques Sinou ◽  
David Demailly ◽  
Cristiano Villa ◽  
Fabrice Thouverez ◽  
Michel Massenzio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Finite Element Model ◽  
Critical Speed ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Test Rig ◽  
Turbofan Engine ◽  
Rotating Structure ◽  
Vibration Problems ◽  
The Finite Element Model

This paper presents a research devoted to the study of vibration problems in turbofan application. Several numerical and experimental tools have been developed. An experimental test rig that simulates the vibrational behavior of a turbofan engine is presented. Moreover, a finite element model is used in order to predict the non-linear dynamic behavior of rotating machines and to predict the first critical speed of engineering machine. A comparison between the experimental tests and the numerical model is conducted in order to evaluate the critical speed of the rotating structure and to update the finite element model.

scholarly journals Vibration-based Bayesian model updating of civil engineering structures applying Gaussian process metamodel

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (16) ◽  
pp. 3487-3502
Author(s):  
Hossein Moravej ◽  
Tommy HT Chan ◽  
Khac-Duy Nguyen ◽  
Andre Jesus
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Finite Element Model ◽  
Bayesian Approach ◽  
Model Updating ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Element Model ◽  
The Body ◽  
Structural Safety ◽  
Discrepancy Function ◽  
The Finite Element Model

Structural health monitoring plays a significant role in providing information regarding the performance of structures throughout their life spans. However, information that is directly extracted from monitored data is usually susceptible to uncertainties and not reliable enough to be used for structural investigations. Finite element model updating is an accredited framework that reliably identifies structural behavior. Recently, the modular Bayesian approach has emerged as a probabilistic technique in calibrating the finite element model of structures and comprehensively addressing uncertainties. However, few studies have investigated its performance on real structures. In this article, modular Bayesian approach is applied to calibrate the finite element model of a lab-scaled concrete box girder bridge. This study is the first to use the modular Bayesian approach to update the initial finite element model of a real structure for two states—undamaged and damaged conditions—in which the damaged state represents changes in structural parameters as a result of aging or overloading. The application of the modular Bayesian approach in the two states provides an opportunity to examine the performance of the approach with observed evidence. A discrepancy function is used to identify the deviation between the outputs of the experimental and numerical models. To alleviate computational burden, the numerical model and the model discrepancy function are replaced by Gaussian processes. Results indicate a significant reduction in the stiffness of concrete in the damaged state, which is identical to cracks observed on the body of the structure. The discrepancy function reaches satisfying ranges in both states, which implies that the properties of the structure are predicted accurately. Consequently, the proposed methodology contributes to a more reliable judgment about structural safety.

Design and Fatigue Life Analysis of a Motorcycle Frame

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Massimiliano Gobbi ◽  
Giorgio Previati ◽  
Giampiero Mastinu
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Fatigue Life ◽  
Finite Element Model ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Static Test ◽  
Weld Toe ◽  
Fatigue Life Analysis ◽  
Motorcycle Frame

An off-road motorcycle frame has been analyzed and modified to optimize its fatigue life. The fatigue life of the frame is very important to define the service life of the motorcycle. The strain levels on key parts of the frame were collected during experimental tests. It has been possible to locate the areas where the maximum stress level is reached. A finite element (FE) model of the frame has been developed and used for estimating its fatigue life. Static test bench results have been used to validate the FE model. The accuracy of the finite element model is good, the errors are always below 5% with respect to measured data. The mission profile of the motorcycle is dominated by off-road use, with stress levels close to yield point, so a strain-life approach has been applied for estimating the fatigue life of the frame. Particular attention has been paid to the analysis of the welded connections. A shell and a 3D FE model have been combined to simulate the stress histories at the welds. Two reference maneuvers have been considered as loading conditions. The computed stresses have been used to assess the life of the frame according to the notch stress approach (Radaj & Seeger). The method correlates the stress range in a idealized notch, characterized by a fictitious radius in the weld toe or root, to the fatigue life by using a single S-N curve. New technical frame layouts have been proposed and verified by means of the developed finite element model. The considered approach allows to speed up the design process and to reduce the testing phase.

UNCERTAINTIES OF IMPACT CONFIGURATION FOR NUMERICAL REPLICATIONS OF REAL-WORLD TRAUMA: A FE ANALYSIS

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (08) ◽  
pp. 1640018 ◽  
Author(s):  
MICHÈLE BODO ◽  
SÉBASTIEN ROTH
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Finite Element Model ◽  
Real World ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Body Position ◽  
Free Fall ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Element Model ◽  
The Body ◽  
Thoracic Injury

This study deals with free fall accident analysis involving adults, and their numerical replications using a finite element model of the human thorax. The main purpose is to determine the role of body position at impact in the thorax injury risk appearance. For this study, cases of real-world free-fall provided by an emergency department were selected and investigated. These cases involved both male and female with an age range of 20 to 63 years, who sustained accidental free-fall with both injured and uninjured cases. The examination of the patients' medical record provided helpful information to accurately perform numerical replications with the finite element model HUByx (Hermaphrodite Universal Biomechanical yx model) which was already validated for various experimental tests in the field of automobile, ballistic impacts and blast. The results of simulations at different impact location allowed highlighting the crucial influence of the body orientation in the risk of thoracic injury occurrence.

scholarly journals Assessment of the dynamic structural behaviour of footbridges based on experimental monitoring and numerical analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 563-577
Author(s):  
G. L. DEBONA ◽  
J. G. S. da SILVA
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Finite Element Model ◽  
Rio De Janeiro ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Modal Testing ◽  
Structural Behaviour ◽  
Human Comfort ◽  
Vibration Tests

Abstract This research work aims to investigate the dynamic structural behaviour and assess the human comfort of footbridges, when subjected to pedestrian walking, based on experimental tests and tuning of finite element model. Therefore, the investigated structure is associated to a real pedestrian footbridge, spanning 24.4m, located at the campus of the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Initially, an experimental modal testing was conducted using two data acquisition strategies. After that the experimental forced vibration tests were performed on the footbridge, considering the pedestrians walking with different step frequencies. In sequence of the study, a finite element model was developed based on the ANSYS computational program. The experimental footbridge tests were used for the calibration of results on the numerical model. Finally, a human comfort assessment was performed, based on the comparisons between the results (peak accelerations), of the dynamic experimental monitoring and the recommendations provided by design guides SÉTRA, HIVOSS and AISC.

scholarly journals Numerical Investigation on the Role of Mechanical Factors Contributing to Globe Flattening in States of Elevated Intracranial Pressure

Life ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 316
Author(s):  
Jafar A. Mehr ◽  
Heather E. Moss ◽  
Hamed Hatami-Marbini
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Intracranial Pressure ◽  
Finite Element Model ◽  
Material Properties ◽  
Numerical Study ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Elevated Intracranial Pressure ◽  
Mr Images ◽  
Mechanical Factors

Flattening of the posterior eye globe in the magnetic resonance (MR) images is a sign associated with elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), often seen in people with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). The exact underlying mechanisms of globe flattening (GF) are not fully known but mechanical factors are believed to play a role. In the present study, we investigated the effects of material properties and pressure loads on GF. For this purpose, we used a generic finite element model to investigate the deformation of the posterior eyeball. The degree of GF in numerical models and the significance of different mechanical factors on GF were characterized using an automated angle-slope technique and a statistical measure. From the numerical models, we found that ICP had the most important role in GF. We also showed that the angle-slope graphs pertaining to MR images from five people with high ICP can be represented numerically by manipulating the parameters of the finite element model. This numerical study suggests that GF observed in IIH patients can be accounted for by the forces caused by elevation of ICP from its normal level, while material properties of ocular tissues, such as sclera (SC), peripapillary sclera (PSC), and optic nerve (ON), would impact its severity.

Assessment of the Realistic Stiffness and Capacity of the Connections in Quincha Frames to Develop Numerical Models

2013 ◽  
Vol 778 ◽  
pp. 526-533 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie Quinn ◽  
Dina D’Ayala
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Accurate Representation ◽  
Timber Frame ◽  
Historic Structures ◽  
The World ◽  
Infill Material ◽  
High Degree

Peru is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, this fact highlighted by several destructive earthquakes in recent years. The centre of Lima has a large number of historic structures with a ground floor in adobe, and their upper storeys in quincha, a traditional technique consisting of a timber frame with an infill of canes and mud. Despite the existence of a large number of buildings containing this technique, very little is known about its seismic performance. In order to investigate this, a series of experimental tests on quincha frames, with and without the infill, have been carried out previously, with the aim of quantifying the lateral behaviour and identifying vulnerable areas. The present paper details work carried out to develop a finite element model of the test frames without infill. This model of the timber frame will enable an accurate representation of the frame behaviour to be developed before adding the infill of canes and mud to the model. As the behaviour of the infill material and its connection to the frame is difficult to determine, characterising the timber frame with a high degree of accuracy ensures that the contribution of the infill can be globally quantified from the overall experimental results. The beams and posts are connected by cylindrical mortice and tenon joints, with a diagonal bracing member providing some lateral restraint. The connections have been modelled semi-rigid springs, with the stiffness calculated using variations of the component method. This was found to give very similar results to those obtained experimentally.

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