Optimization of the Guiding Stability of a Horizontal Axis HTS ZFC Radial Levitation Bearing

This document presents a study on the optimization of the 3D geometry of a horizontal axis radial levitation bearing with zero-field cooled (ZFC) high-temperature superconductor (HTS) bulks in the stator, and radially magnetized permanent magnet (PM) rings in the rotor. The optimization of component dimensions and spacing to minimize the volume or cost concerning only the maximization of the levitation force was previously studied. The guidance force and guiding stability depend on the spacing between PM rings in the rotor and between the rings of HTS bulks in the stator. This new optimization study aims to find the optimum spacing that maximize the guidance force with given HTS bulk and PM ring dimensions while maintaining the minimum required levitation force. Decisions are taken using the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) over 3D finite element analysis (FEA). A simplified electromagnetic model of equivalent relative permeability is used on 3D FEA to reduce numerical processing and optimization time. Experimental prototypes were built to measure magnetic forces and validate appropriate values of equivalent magnetic permeability. An analysis of stable and unstable geometry domains depending on the spacing between rings of HTS bulks and PM rings is also done for two HTS bulk sizes.

Investigating the Effect of Nonrigid Connectors on the Success of Tooth-and-Implant-Supported Fixed Partial Prostheses in Maxillary Anterior Region: A Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Objective. This study was designed to assess the effect of nonrigid connectors (NRCs) and their location in the success of tooth-and-implant-supported fixed prostheses in the maxillary anterior region by finite element analysis (FEA). Materials and Methods. Three 3D FEA models were designed, presuming maxillary lateral incisor and canine to be extracted. Implant (replacing canine), abutment, bone (spongious and cortical), central incisor (containing dentin, root cement, gutta-percha, and casting post and core), periodontal ligament, and three three-unit cemented PFM prostheses (a rigid one and two nonrigid) were modeled. The NRC was once in the tooth side and once in the implant side. The prostheses were loaded twice: 250N to the incisal edges (0° to the long axis) and 200 N to the cingula (45° to the long axis). The von-Mises stress and vertical displacement were analyzed. Results. Under both vertical and oblique loadings, the rigid model presented the highest stress. Under vertical loading, the NRC caused a significant decrease in the applied stress to the prosthesis, bone, implant, and tooth. Locating the NRC in the tooth side decreased the applied stress to the prosthesis and NRC. Under oblique loading, prosthesis and implant tolerated less stress in the presence of an NRC. Placing the NRC in the tooth side resulted in the least stress in all of the components except for porcelain and patrix. Vertical displacement of the tooth apex was approximately equal in all models. Conclusion. Using an NRC on the tooth side is the most efficient method in reducing the applied stress to prosthesis, implant, tooth, and bone. The amount of intrusion is not dependent on using an NRC or not.

Functional or Nonfunctional Cusps Preservation for Molars Restored with Indirect Composite or Glass-Ceramic Onlays: 3D FEA Study

Evidence regarding the effect of the onlay preparation design for different CAD/CAM restorative materials considering the preservation of cusps is lacking. Molars were 3D-modeled in four preparation designs for onlay restoration: traditional design with functional cusp coverage (TFC), non-retentive design with functional cusp coverage (NFC), traditional design with non-functional cusp coverage (TNFC) and non-retentive design with non-functional cusp coverage (NNFC). The restorations were simulated with two CAD/CAM restorative materials: LD—lithium disilicate (IPS e.max CAD) and RC—resin composite (GrandioBloc). A 100 N axial load was applied to the occlusal surface, simulating the centric contact point. Von Mises (VM) and maximum principal (Pmax) stress were evaluated for restorations, cement layer and dental substrate. The non-retentive preparation design reduced the stress concentration in the tooth structure in comparison to the conventional retentive design. For LD onlays, the stress distribution on the restoration intaglio surface showed that the preparation design, as well as the prepared cusp, influenced the stress magnitude. The non-retentive preparation design provided better load distribution in both restorative materials and more advantageous for molar structure. The resin composite restoration on thenon-functional cusp is recommended when the functional cusp is preserved in order to associate conservative dentistry and low-stress magnitude.

Optimal Design of Step-Sloping Notches for Cogging Torque Minimization of Single-Phase BLDC Motors

This paper presents a method for reducing the cogging torque for a sloping notch with two notches applied on the stator teeth. The accuracy of FEA was confirmed by a comparison with a previous model using an asymmetric notch for the experiment data and 3D FEA results, followed by a comparison of the cogging torque of a two notches model and a sloping notch model. The sloping notch model was modified to a step-sloping notch model in consideration of a potential manufacturing process. The optimal design for minimizing the cogging torque was developed considering the sloping degree, angle, position, and size of the notches. As the optimal design result, the cogging torque on the optimal model was reduced. Finally, the analysis and optimal design results were confirmed by FEA.

Functional or Nonfunctional Cusps Preservation for Posterior Onlays in Indirect Composite or Glass-Ceramic: 3D FEA Study

Evidence regarding the effect of the onlay preparation design for different CAD/CAM restorative materials considering the preservation of cusps is lacking. Molars were 3D modeled in four preparation designs for onlay restoration: traditional design with functional cusp coverage (TFC), non-retentive design with functional cusp coverage (NFC), traditional design with non-functional cusp coverage (TNFC), non-retentive design with non-functional cusp coverage (NNFC). Restorations were simulated with two CAD/CAM restorative materials: LD – lithium disilicate (IPS e.max CAD) and RC - resin composite (GrandioBloc). A 100 N axial load was applied to the occlusal surface simulating the centric contact point. Von Mises (VM) and maximum principal (Pmax) stresses were evaluated for restorations, cement layer and dental substrate. The non-retentive preparation design reduced the stress concentration in the tooth structure in comparison to the conventional retentive design. For LD onlays, the stress distribution on the restoration intaglio surface showed that the preparation design as well as the prepared cusp, influenced the stress magnitude. The non-retentive preparation design provided better load distribution in both restorative materials and more advantageous for tooth structure. The resin composite restoration on non-functional cusp is recommended when functional cusp is preserved, in order to associate conservative dentistry and low stress magnitude.

Investigation of Valvetrain Dynamics Using Transient Dynamic Simulation in ANSYS

Engine valvetrain is one of the complex mechanisms in internal combustion engine as it involves many components namely, cam, pushrod, rocker lever, crosshead, intake and exhaust valves etc. Due to many components, their interactions with each other and presence of valve lash makes the system complicated to simulate. Typically, engine system level valvetrain dynamic simulation is performed in 1D software. Aim of this study is to understand the physics governing interactions and motion of the components in the valvetrain. This is done by simulating an inline 6-cylinder engine valvetrain mechanism through transient dynamic analysis in Ansys. This paper describes an approach used to simulate the valvetrain mechanism in Ansys and associated learnings. Finite Element Analysis model considers actual stiffnesses of all components. Appropriate joints/contacts are used to model the interactions. The comparative assessment of the valvetrain forces between Ansys results and 1D simulation results shows a good match. Further, 3D simulation in Ansys captures the key characteristics of valvetrain like crosshead tilting, uneven valve actuations and closing. It is also able to predict uneven contact and polishing observed on valve tip face. Overall, this study helped to ascertain the validity of 3D FEA method. This method also enhances the understanding of the valvetrain dynamics which can be helpful in further design improvements. This paper also includes a discussion on further steps to improve analysis model to make it more realistic e.g. including hot valve lash, valve seat wear etc. These improvements will help to understand effects of valve lash on valve velocities, sudden impact loads on valves, valve stresses/fatigue, pushrod buckling etc.

Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis and Characterization of Quasi-Surface Acoustic Wave Resonators

In this work, three-dimensional finite element analysis (3D FEA) of quasi-surface acoustic wave (QSAW) resonators with high accuracy is reported. The QSAW resonators consist of simple molybdenum (Mo) interdigitated transducers (IDT) on solidly mounted stacked layers of AlN/Mo/Si. Different to the SAW resonators operating in the piezoelectric substrates, the reported resonators are operating in the QSAW mode, since the IDT-excited Rayleigh waves not only propagate in the thin piezoelectric layer of AlN, but also penetrate the Si substrate. Compared with the commonly used two-dimensional (2D) FEA approach, the 3D FEA method reported in this work shows high accuracy, in terms of the resonant frequency, temperature coefficient of frequency (TCF), effective coupling coefficient (keff2) and frequency response. The fabricated QSAW resonator has demonstrated a keff2 of 0.291%, series resonant frequency of 422.50 MHz, and TCF of −23.418 ppm/°C in the temperature range between 30 °C and 150 °C, for the design of wavelength at 10.4 μm. The measurement results agree well with the simulations. Moreover, the QSAW resonators are more mechanically robust than lamb wave devices and can be integrated with silicon-based film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) devices to offer multi-frequency function in a single chip.