International Telemetering Conference Proceedings / October 27-30, 1997 / Riviera Hotel and Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada / An edge-based hybrid finite element boundary integral (FE-BI) method using cylindrical shell elements is described for analyzing conformal quarter-wave patches embedded in a circular cylinder. Special care is also taken to deal with weight functions, dyadic Green’s function, and feed model. Some types of the patch arrays embedded in different circular radius have been developed. The tests of their VSWRs and radiation characteristics are in good agreement with the theoretical results.

Efficiency and innovative problem solving are contradictory requirements for productdevelopment (PD), and both requirements must be satisfied in companies that strive to remainor to become competitive. Efficiency is strongly related to ”doing things right”, whereasinnovative problem solving and creativity is focused on ”doing the right things”.Engineering design, which is a sub-process within PD, can be viewed as problem solving or adecision-making process. New technologies in computer science and new software tools openthe way to new approaches for the solution of mechanical problems. Product datamanagement (PDM) technology and tools can enable concurrent engineering (CE) bymanaging the formal product data, the relations between the individual data objects, and theirrelation to the PD process. Many engineering activities deal with the relation betweenbehavior and shape. Modern CAD systems are highly productive tools for conceptembodiment and detailing. The finite element (FE) method is a general tool used to study thephysical behavior of objects with arbitrary shapes. Since a modern CAD technology enablesdesign modification and change, it can support the innovative dimension of engineering aswell as the verification of physical properties and behavior. Concepts and detailed solutionshave traditionally been evaluated and verified with physical testing. Numerical modeling andsimulation is in many cases a far more time efficient method than testing to verify theproperties of an artifact. Numerical modeling can also support the innovative dimension ofproblem solving by enabling parameter studies and observations of real and syntheticbehavior. Simulation-driven design is defined as a design process where decisions related tothe behavior and performance of the artifact are significantly supported by computer-basedproduct modeling and simulation.A framework for product modeling, that is based on a modern CAD system with fullyintegrated FE modeling and simulation functionality provides the engineer with tools capableof supporting a number of engineering steps in all life-cycle phases of a product. Such aconceptual framework, that is based on a moderately coupled approach to integratecommercial PDM, CAD, and FE software, is presented. An object model and a supportingmodular modeling methodology are also presented. Two industrial cases are used to illustratethe possibilities and some of the opportunities given by simulation-driven design with thepresented methodology and framework. / QC 20100810

The aim of the project presented in this thesis is to demonstrate a modelling method for predicting the variability in the ultimate load of stiffened panel under axial compression due to manufacturing variability. Bulking is sensitive to imperfections. In the case of a post-buckled panel, manu-facturing variability produces a scatter in the ultimate load. Thus, reasonable leeway for imperfections and inherent variability must be allowed in their design. Firstly, a finite element model of a particular stiffened panel was developed, and all nonlinearities within the material, boundary condition and geometry were considered. Verification and validation were performed to examine the accuracy of the buckling behaviour prediction, especially ultimate load. Experiments on 5 identical panels in design were performed to determine the level of panel-panel variation in geometry and collapse load. A data reduction programme based on the practical geometry scanning was developed, in addi-tion to which, the procedure of importing measured imperfection into Finite Ele-ment model was introduced. To identify and apply representative imperfections to the panel model, a double Fourier series representation of the random geometric distributions is attempt-ed, and was used thereby to derive a series of shapes representing random ge-ometry scatters. With these newly generated geometric imperfections, the variation in collapse load was determined, using the validated FE analysis. And also, the probability of these predicted loads was generalized.

In this dissertation, we develop multiscale finite element methods and uncertainty quantification technique for Richards' equation, a mathematical model to describe fluid flow in unsaturated porous media. Both coarse-level and fine-level numerical computation techniques are presented. To develop an accurate coarse-scale numerical method, we need to construct an effective multiscale map that is able to capture the multiscale features of the large-scale solution without resolving the small scale details. With a careful choice of the coarse spaces for multiscale finite element methods, we can significantly reduce errors. We introduce several methods to construct coarse spaces for multiscale finite element methods. A coarse space based on local spectral problems is also presented. The construction of coarse spaces begins with an initial choice of multiscale basis functions supported in coarse regions. These basis functions are complemented using weighted local spectral eigenfunctions. These newly constructed basis functions can capture the small scale features of the solution within a coarse-grid block and give us an accurate coarse-scale solution. However, it is expensive to compute the local basis functions for each parameter value for a nonlinear equation. To overcome this difficulty, local reduced basis method is discussed, which provides smaller dimension spaces with which to compute the basis functions. Robust solution techniques for Richards' equation at a fine scale are discussed. We construct iterative solvers for Richards' equation, whose number of iterations is independent of the contrast. We employ two-level domain decomposition pre-conditioners to solve linear systems arising in approximation of problems with high contrast. We show that, by using the local spectral coarse space for the preconditioners, the number of iterations for these solvers is independent of the physical properties of the media. Several numerical experiments are given to support the theoretical results. Last, we present numerical methods for uncertainty quantification applications for Richards' equation. Numerical methods combined with stochastic solution techniques are proposed to sample conductivities of porous media given in integrated data. Our proposed algorithm is based on upscaling techniques and the Markov chain Monte Carlo method. Sampling results are presented to prove the efficiency and accuracy of our algorithm.

The thesis work deals with the study and determination of static and dynamic stresses acting on windscreen structures during transportation from the manufacturing site to the production plant. To simulate the stress distribution affected by the transportation, a finite element model of the windscreen is development of the structure and tested. The evaluated results from the stress analysis are then verified against results from literature and by own experimental results. The constructed FE model is simulated for modal response, and the response is validated against data from the experimental modal analysis. The data from the experiment is also used to calibrate the material card in an effort to get the most realistic dynamic response. The dynamic stress experiment was carried out at RISE Borås in accordance to ASTM D4169-16 DC3. Strain gauges were mounted at areas of interest. The readings obtained from the strain gauges used in the analytical calculation of stress, which were used to verify the finite element stress results. The fundamental aim of both experiments was to evaluate the dynamic behaviour and validate the numerical model. The pre-processing software ANSA was used to construct the finite element model and MSC Nastran was used as the FE- solver to simulate static and dynamic stresses on the structure. Transport loads were simulated using the random vibration load case, where a input load is in form of Power Spectral Density (PSD) data which describes the distribution of power into frequency components for a given time series. The input PSD was also in accordance with ASTM D4169-16 DC3, which is used to simulate the same response as in the experiment. During the numerical analysis, the glass and the intermediate PVB layer is assumed to be linear and isotropic. A validation of the numerical model was carried out against the experimental results to evaluate the predictive capability of the developed numerical model. The finite element model leads to good correlation of natural frequencies and their corresponding mode shapes at the lower range of frequencies valid till 100 Hz. This study is thus intended to construct and develop a FE model in order to predict the dynamic response and stress states experienced during transportation. It is further extended to predict the critical areas on the windscreen and help optimize the packaging of windscreens. During the course of study, it was found that, windscreens in the current transport arrangement experienced high stresses at areas close to the supports. The simulated stress values near the top right spacer (holding area) were close to the elastic limit of glass. This therefore, presented a high chance of damage to the windscreen when subjected to the random vibration. / <p>The authors want to acknowledge that this work was written in collaboration between two Universities, Philip Oliver Reis from Jönköping University from the Master of Science program Product Development and Materials Engineering and Karthik Vasudeva Murthy from Chalmers University from the Master of Science program in Applied Mechanics. The authors of this report were assigned together by Volvo Car Corporation, to complete this research work.</p>

The objectives of the thesis work were to study theinteraction between embedded piezoceramic transducers andcomposite structures as well as determine techniques tosimplify the Lamb waves analysis. Firstly, this studyconsidered the design of the embedded piezoceramic transducers.Secondly, the effect of the embedded transducer on thecomposite strength as well as the influence of the mechanicallyloaded composite on the characteristics of the embeddedtransducer were investigated. Finally, to simplify the analysisof such complex Lamb wave responses, two techniques weredeveloped. They were based on the wavelet technique and amodelling technique, respectively. The design of the embedded piezoceramic transducers wasimproved by reducing the stress concentrations in the compositeas well as in all components constituting the piezoceramictransducer, that is, the piezoceramic element, interconnectorand conductive adhesive. The numerical analysis showed that thethickness of the interconnector had no significant influence onthe stress state of the piezoceramic transducer. It was alsofound that a compliant conductive adhesive reduced the stressconcentration located at the edge of the piezoceramic element.The structural integrity of composites embedded with theimproved piezoceramic transducer was investigated. Theexperiments, performed in tensile and compressive staticloading, indicated that the strength of the composite was notsignificantly reduced by the embedded piezoceramic transducer.Further investigations were conducted to evaluate theperformance of the improved piezoceramic transducer used as aLamb wave generator embedded in composites subjected tomechanical loading. The tests were conducted in tensile andcompressive static loading as well as fatigue loading. Thestudy showed a large working range of the embedded piezoceramictransducer. A post processing technique based on the waveletswas further assessed in the detection of damage and in thedamage size evaluation. A new wavelet basis was developedspecially for processing the Lamb wave response. This method,focused on the wavelet coefficients from the decomposition Lambwave response, showed promising results in evaluating thedamage size. The wavelets offered a sensitive tool to detectsmall damage, compared to other detection methods, improvingthe damage detection capabilities. The other technique wasdevoted to the simplification of the generated Lamb waves bythe use of multi-element transducers. The transducers weredesigned using both a normal-mode expansion and a FE-method.This technique allowed reducing the effect of a Lamb wave modetowards another. This technique was successfully implemented ina damage detection system in composites. <b>Keywords:</b>Embedded piezoceramic, transducer, composite,structural integrity, health monitoring, damage detection, Lambwaves, wavelets, normal-mode expansion, FE-method

<p>The objectives of the thesis work were to study theinteraction between embedded piezoceramic transducers andcomposite structures as well as determine techniques tosimplify the Lamb waves analysis. Firstly, this studyconsidered the design of the embedded piezoceramic transducers.Secondly, the effect of the embedded transducer on thecomposite strength as well as the influence of the mechanicallyloaded composite on the characteristics of the embeddedtransducer were investigated. Finally, to simplify the analysisof such complex Lamb wave responses, two techniques weredeveloped. They were based on the wavelet technique and amodelling technique, respectively.</p><p>The design of the embedded piezoceramic transducers wasimproved by reducing the stress concentrations in the compositeas well as in all components constituting the piezoceramictransducer, that is, the piezoceramic element, interconnectorand conductive adhesive. The numerical analysis showed that thethickness of the interconnector had no significant influence onthe stress state of the piezoceramic transducer. It was alsofound that a compliant conductive adhesive reduced the stressconcentration located at the edge of the piezoceramic element.The structural integrity of composites embedded with theimproved piezoceramic transducer was investigated. Theexperiments, performed in tensile and compressive staticloading, indicated that the strength of the composite was notsignificantly reduced by the embedded piezoceramic transducer.Further investigations were conducted to evaluate theperformance of the improved piezoceramic transducer used as aLamb wave generator embedded in composites subjected tomechanical loading. The tests were conducted in tensile andcompressive static loading as well as fatigue loading. Thestudy showed a large working range of the embedded piezoceramictransducer. A post processing technique based on the waveletswas further assessed in the detection of damage and in thedamage size evaluation. A new wavelet basis was developedspecially for processing the Lamb wave response. This method,focused on the wavelet coefficients from the decomposition Lambwave response, showed promising results in evaluating thedamage size. The wavelets offered a sensitive tool to detectsmall damage, compared to other detection methods, improvingthe damage detection capabilities. The other technique wasdevoted to the simplification of the generated Lamb waves bythe use of multi-element transducers. The transducers weredesigned using both a normal-mode expansion and a FE-method.This technique allowed reducing the effect of a Lamb wave modetowards another. This technique was successfully implemented ina damage detection system in composites.</p><p><b>Keywords:</b>Embedded piezoceramic, transducer, composite,structural integrity, health monitoring, damage detection, Lambwaves, wavelets, normal-mode expansion, FE-method</p>

Une approche de simulation numérique multi-échelles EF2 fondée sur la théorie de l'homogénéisation périodique a été développée pour prédire la réponse globale couplée mécanique et thermomécanique fortement non linéaire des structures composites 3D. La stratégie de calcul intègre les effets de la microstructure périodique en introduisant l'architecture des renforts et les lois constitutives locales. Les lois de comportement des constituants utilisées obéissent aux lois de matériaux standards généralisées et sont formulées dans un cadre de la thermodynamique des processus irréversibles (TPI). Les équations caractéristiques (équilibre et lois de la thermodynamique) sont formulées sous l'hypothèse des petites déformations et rotations, et résolues simultanément de façon incrémentale aux deux échelles (microscopique et macroscopique). Sur le plan numérique, une implémentation au moyen de routines UMAT imbriquées (Méta-UMAT) a été développée et combinée à une technique de parallélisation dans le code de calcul Abaqus/Standard. La stratégie de calcul multi-échelles est appliquée pour simuler la réponse globale de structures composites 3D soumises à des trajets de chargement thermomécaniques complexes. Les structures composites sont constituées d’une matrice polymère thermoplastique viscoélastique-viscoplastic avec endommagement ductile et renforcées par différents types de renforcements (fibres courtes ou tissus). L’endommagement anisotrope dans les torons de tissu est modélisé à travers une approche micromécanique permettant de suivre l’évolution de la densité de micro-fissures transverses. Cette stratégie de calcul peut être déployée sur les structures en matériaux composites ayant une microstructure périodique et dont les phases présentent différents types des lois de comportement non linéaires (rhéologie, mécanismes d'endommagement et couplage thermomécanique). Les capacités de l'approche multi-échelles sont démontrées en comparant les prédictions numériques aux résultats expérimentaux en termes de réponse globale et de champs de déformation macroscopiques et microscopiques. Les performances de l'approche sont également illustrées à travers l'accès aux répartitions spatio-temporelles des variables internes à l'échelle de la microstructure ainsi que la dissipation intrinsèque dans les phases constitutives. / A multi-scale FE2 approach based on the periodic homogenization theory is developed to predict the overall response of nonlinear mechanical and fully coupled thermomechanical 3D composite structures. The computational strategy integrates the periodic microstructure effects by introducing the architecture of the reinforcement and the local constitutive laws.The considered constituents' constitutive laws obey generalized standard materials laws and are formulated within the framework of thermodynamics of irreversible processes. The characteristic equations (equilibrium and thermodynamics laws) are formulated under the assumption of small strains and rotations. They are solved simultaneously at both scales (microscopic and macroscopic) using an incremental scheme. For the numerical implementation, an advanced Meta-UMAT subroutine is developed and combined with a parallelization technique in the finite element commercial software Abaqus/Standard. The multi-scale computational strategy is applied to simulate the overall response of 3D composite structures under complex thermomechanical loading paths. The composite structures consist of thermoplastic polymer matrix with viscoelastic-viscoplastic behavior and ductile damage, reinforced by different types of reinforcements (short fibers or woven fabrics). The anisotropic damage within the yarns is modeled through a micromechanical approach to follow the transverse micro-cracks density evolution. This computational strategy is deployed on composite structures having periodic microstructure, whose phases exhibit different types of nonlinear behavior laws (rheology, damage mechanisms and thermomechanical coupling). The capabilities of the multi-scale approach are demonstrated (i) by comparing numerical predictions with experimental results in terms of global response, macroscopic and microscopic strain fields, and (ii) through the access to spatio-temporal distributions of internal variables at the microstructure scale as well as the intrinsic dissipation in the constitutive phases.