scholarly journals Quantitatively assessing mekosuchine crocodile locomotion by geometric morphometric and finite element analysis of the forelimb

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e9349
Author(s):  
Michael D. Stein ◽  
Suzanne J. Hand ◽  
Michael Archer ◽  
Stephen Wroe ◽  
Laura A.B. Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Neutral Axis ◽  
Bending Moments ◽  
Late Cenozoic ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Geometric Morphometric ◽  
Uneven Terrain ◽  
Torsional Loads ◽  
Structural Stresses

Morphological shifts observed in the fossil record of a lineage potentially indicate concomitant shifts in ecology of that lineage. Mekosuchine crocodiles of Cenozoic Australia display departures from the typical eusuchian body-plan both in the cranium and postcranium. Previous qualitative studies have suggested that these crocodiles had a more terrestrial habitus than extant crocodylians, yet the capacity of mekosuchine locomotion remains to be tested. Limb bone shape, such as diaphyseal cross-section and curvature, has been related to habitual use and locomotory function across a wide variety of taxa. Available specimens of mekosuchine limbs, primarily humeri, are distinctly columnar compared with those of extant crocodylians. Here we apply a quantitative approach to biomechanics in mekosuchine taxa using both geomorphic morphometric and finite element methods to measure bone shape and estimate locomotory stresses in a comparative context. Our results show mekosuchines appear to diverge from extant semi-aquatic saltwater and freshwater crocodiles in cross-sectional geometry of the diaphysis and generate different structural stresses between models that simulate sprawling and high-walk gaits. The extant crocodylians display generally rounded cross-sectional diaphyseal outlines, which may provide preliminary indication of resistance to torsional loads that predominate during sprawling gait, whereas mekosuchine humeri appear to vary between a series of elliptical outlines. Mekosuchine structural stresses are comparatively lower than those of the extant crocodylians and reduce under high-walk gait in some instances. This appears to be a function of bending moments induced by differing configurations of diaphyseal curvature. Additionally, the neutral axis of structural stresses is differently oriented in mekosuchines. This suggests a shift in the focus of biomechanical optimisation, from torsional to axial loadings. Our results lend quantitative support to the terrestrial habitus hypothesis in so far as they suggest that mekosuchine humeri occupied a different morphospace than that associated with the semi-aquatic habit. The exact adaptational trajectory of mekosuchines, however, remains to be fully quantified. Novel forms appear to emerge among mekosuchines during the late Cenozoic. Their adaptational function is considered here; possible applications include navigation of uneven terrain and burrowing.

Determination of collapse moment of different angled pipe bends with initial geometric imperfection subjected to in-plane bending moments

2021 ◽  
pp. 095440622199640
Author(s):  
Manish Kumar ◽  
Pronab Roy ◽  
Kallol Khan
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Cross Section ◽  
Circular Cross Section ◽  
Initial Imperfection ◽  
Bend Angle ◽  
Bending Moments ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Geometric Imperfection ◽  
Initial Geometric Imperfection

From the recent literature, it is revealed that pipe bend geometry deviates from the circular cross-section due to pipe bending process for any bend angle, and this deviation in the cross-section is defined as the initial geometric imperfection. This paper focuses on the determination of collapse moment of different angled pipe bends incorporated with initial geometric imperfection subjected to in-plane closing and opening bending moments. The three-dimensional finite element analysis is accounted for geometric as well as material nonlinearities. Python scripting is implemented for modeling the pipe bends with initial geometry imperfection. The twice-elastic-slope method is adopted to determine the collapse moments. From the results, it is observed that initial imperfection has significant impact on the collapse moment of pipe bends. It can be concluded that the effect of initial imperfection decreases with the decrease in bend angle from 150∘ to 45∘. Based on the finite element results, a simple collapse moment equation is proposed to predict the collapse moment for more accurate cross-section of the different angled pipe bends.

Mechanical Design, Additive Manufacturing, and Performance of Equal Volume Metamaterials

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richárd Horváth ◽  
Vendel Barth ◽  
Viktor Gonda ◽  
Mihály Réger ◽  
Imre Felde
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element Analysis ◽  
Finite Element ◽  
Energy Absorption ◽  
Mechanical Design ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Cell Number ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Unit Cells ◽  
And Performance

Abstract In this paper, we study the energy absorption of metamaterials composed of unit cells whose special geometry makes the cross-sectional area and the volume of the bodies generated from them constant (for the same enclosing box dimensions). After a parametric description of such special geometries, we analyzed by finite element analysis the deformation of the metamaterials we have designed during compression. We 3D printed the designed metamaterials from plastic to subject them to real compression. The results of the finite element analysis were compared with the real compaction results. Then, for each test specimen, we plotted its compaction curve. By fitting a polynomial to the compaction curves and integrating it (area under the curve), the energy absorption of the samples can be obtained. As a result of these investigations, we drew a conclusion about the relationship between energy absorption and cell number.

Structural Design of a Multifunctional Morphing Fowler Flap for a Twin-Prop Regional Aircraft

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Rea ◽  
Francesco Amoroso ◽  
Rosario Pecora ◽  
Maria Chiara Noviello ◽  
Maurizio Arena
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Analysis Tool ◽  
Load Path ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Aerodynamic Performances ◽  
Cross Sectional Size ◽  
Elementary Methods ◽  
Minimum Number ◽  
Mode 3

In the framework of Clean Sky 2 Airgreen 2 (REG-IADP) European research project, a novel multifunctional morphing flap technology was investigated to improve the aerodynamic performances of the next Turboprop regional aircraft (90 passengers) along its flight mission. The proposed true-scale device (5 meters span with a mean chord of 0.6 meters) is conceived to replace and enhance conventional Fowler flap with new functionalities. Three different functions were enabled: overall airfoil camber morphing up to +30° (mode 1), +10°/−10° (upwards/downwards) deflections of the flap tip segment (mode 2), flap tip “segmented” twist of ±5° along the outer flap span (mode 3). Morphing mode 1 is supposed to be activated during take-off and landing only to enhance aircraft high-lift performances and steeper initial climb and descent. Thanks to this function, more airfoil shapes are available at each flap setting and therefore a dramatic simplification of the flap deployment system may be implemented. Morphing modes 2 and 3 are enabled in cruise and off-design flight conditions to improve wing aerodynamic efficiency. The novel structural concept of the three-modal morphing Fowler flap (3MMF) was designed according to the challenges posed by real wing installation issues. The proposed concept consists of a multi-box arrangement activated by segmented ribs with embedded inner mechanisms to realize the transition from the baseline configuration to different target aero-shapes while withstanding the aerodynamic loads. Lightweight and compact actuating leverages driven by electromechanical motors were properly synthesized to comply with stringent requirements for real aircraft implementation: minimum actuating torque, minimum number of motors, reduced weight, and available design space. The methodology for the kinematic design of the inner mechanisms is based on a building block approach where the instant center analysis tool is used to preliminary select the locations of the hinges’ leverages. The final geometry of the inner mechanisms is optimized to maximize the mechanical advantage as well as to provide the kinematic performances required by the three different morphing modes. The load-path was evaluated, and the cross-sectional size of leverages was subsequently optimized. Finally, actuating torques predicted by instant center analysis were compared to the calculated values from finite element analysis. The structural sizing process of the multi-box arrangement was carried out considering elementary methods, and results were compared with finite element simulations.

Behavior of Congruent Tessellation Stacks Under Torsional Loading

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yves Klett ◽  
Fabian Muhs ◽  
Peter Middendorf
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Finite Element Analysis ◽  
Finite Element ◽  
Degree Of Freedom ◽  
Simple Solution ◽  
Torsional Loading ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Torsional Loads ◽  
Structural Mechanisms ◽  
Potential Use

The combination of several layers of rigidly foldable tessellations into can produce cellular material stacks with interesting properties, especially if the resulting stack preserves the mobility of its constituting layers. To achieve this, the construction of functional joining and hinging concepts need to be developed. This paper presents a simple solution to effectively joining different 1-DOF (degree of freedom) tessellation layers. The mechanical properties of the resulting structures under torsional loads are evaluated using finite element analysis, and their potential use as structural mechanisms is discussed.

Design for Desired Mode Shapes: Preliminary Results

1998 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth K. Lai ◽  
G. K. Ananthasuresh
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Mode Shape ◽  
Longitudinal Axis ◽  
Mode Shapes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structural Members ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Made In

Abstract This paper is concerned with the shape optimization of structures to attain prescribed normal mode shapes. Optimizing structural members in order to have desired mode shapes, besides the desired natural frequencies, is of interest in some applications at both macro and micro scales. After reviewing the relevant past work on the “inverse mode shape” problem, a feasibility study using the lumped spring-mass models and finite element models of an axially vibrating bar is presented. Based on the observations made in the feasibility study with bars, a meaningful optimization problem is formulated and solved. Using finite element analysis and numerical optimization, a method for designing beam-like structures for prescribed mode shapes is developed. The method is demonstrated with an example of designing the cross-sectional area profile of a beam along its longitudinal axis to get a desired fundamental mode shape. The nonuniqueness of the solution is noted and avenues for future research are identified.

Comprehending Occurrence of Premature Failure in Compressor Turbine (CT) Blades for Short-Haul Aircraft Fleet

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. 10-23
Author(s):  
Joshua Kimtai Ngoret ◽  
Venkata Parasuram Kommula
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element Analysis ◽  
Finite Element ◽  
High Pressure ◽  
Thermal Stresses ◽  
Geometrical Model ◽  
Mechanical Stresses ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Premature Failure ◽  
Structural Stresses ◽  
Transient Thermal

This paper presents results from modeling of Compressor Turbine (CT) blades for short-haul aircraft fleet occasioned by thermo-mechanical stresses in order to comprehend the occurrence of premature failure. A 3D PT6A-114A engine high pressure (HP) CT blade geometrical model was developed in commercial CAD-SolidWorks, then imported to ANSYS 15.0 environment for finite element analysis (FEA). The CT blade was investigated for transient thermal stresses from heat generated by the combustors and static structural stresses from rotational velocities of the engine which account for 80% of inertial field during flight. The results revealed that the blades could have served for another 1.44% of the time they were in service.

A Comparison Between Three- and Two-Dimensional Thermal Finite Element Analysis of the Gas Metal Arc Welding Process

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad S. Davoud ◽  
Xiaomin Deng
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
3D Model ◽  
Gas Metal Arc Welding ◽  
Welding Process ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Transient Temperature ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
2D Model

Predictions of transient temperature distributions in welding can help the selection of welding process parameters that minimize residual stresses. A three-dimensional (3D) thermal finite element model of bead-on-plate gas metal are welding (GMAW) is presented and is used to evaluate a cross-sectional, two-dimensional (2D) counterpart model. While the thermomechanical problem of welding is 3D in nature, it is shown that the 2D model can provide temperature field predictions comparable to those of the 3D model, even though the 2D model tends to predict peak temperatures higher than those of the 3D model. Both types of model predictions are compared to welding test measurements.

Dual Representation Methods for Efficient and Automatable Analysis of 3D Plates

2010 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vikalp Mishra ◽  
Krishnan Suresh
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Dimensional Space ◽  
Reduction Process ◽  
Thin Plates ◽  
Design Environment ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dual Representation ◽  
3D Finite Element

It is well recognized that 3D finite element analysis is inappropriate for analyzing thin structures such as plates and shells. Instead, a variety of highly efficient and specialized 2D methods have been developed for analyzing such structures. However, 2D methods pose serious automation challenges in today’s 3D design environment. Specifically, analysts must manually extract cross-sectional properties from a 3D computer aided design (CAD) model and import them into a 2D environment for analysis. In this paper, we propose two efficient yet easily automatable dual representation methods for analyzing thin plates. The first method exploits standard off-the-shelf 3D finite element packages and achieves high computational efficiency through an algebraic reduction process. In the reduction process, a 3D plate bending stiffness matrix is constructed from a 3D mesh and then projected onto a lower-dimensional space by appealing to standard 2D plate theories. In the second method, the analysis is carried out by integrating 2D shape functions over the boundary of the 3D plate. Both methods do not entail extraction of the cross-sectional properties of the plate. However, the user must identify the plate or thickness direction. The proposed methodologies are substantiated through numerical experiments.

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