Finite element method

This thesis explores an approach for the measurement of the quality of power
generated by the Center of Ocean and Energy Technology's prototype ocean turbine. The
work includes the development of a system that measures the current and voltage
waveforms for all three phases of power created by the induction generator and quantifies
power variations and events that occur within the system. These so called "power quality
indices" are discussed in detail including the definition of each and how they are
calculated using LabYiew. The results of various tests demonstrate that this system is
accurate and may be implemented in the ocean turbine system to measure the quality of
power produced by the turbine. The work then explores a dynamic model of the ocean
turbine system that can be used to simulate the response of the turbine to varying
conditions.

Several modifications have been implemented to numerical simulation codes based on
blade element momentum theory (BEMT), for application to the design of ocean current
turbine (OCT) blades. The modifications were applied in terms of section modulus and
include adjustments due to core inclusion, buoyancy, and added mass. Hydrodynamic loads
and mode shapes were calculated using the modified BEMT based analysis tools. A 3D
model of the blade was developed using SolidWorks. The model was integrated with
ANSYS and several loading scenarios, calculated from the modified simulation tools, were
applied. A complete stress and failure analysis was then performed. Additionally, the
rainflow counting method was used on ocean current velocity data to determine the loading
histogram for fatigue analysis. A constant life diagram and cumulative fatigue damage
model were used to predict the OCT blade life. Due to a critical area of fatigue failure being
found in the blade adhesive joint, a statistical analysis was performed on experimental
adhesive joint data.

Silicon carbide as a representative wide band-gap semiconductor has recently received wide attention due to its excellent physical, thermal and especially electrical properties. It becomes a promising material for electronic and optoelectronic device under high-temperature, high-power and high-frequency and intense radiation conditions. During the Silicon Carbide crystal grown by the physical vapor transport process, the temperature gradients induce thermal stresses which is a major cause of the dislocations multiplication. Although large dimension crystal with low dislocation density is required for satisfying the fast development of electronic and optoelectronic device, high dislocation densities always appear in large dimension crystal. Therefore, reducing dislocation density is one of the primary tasks of process optimization. This dissertation aims at developing a transient finite element model based on the Alexander-Haasen model for computing the dislocation densities in a crystal during its growing process. Different key growth parameters such as temperature gradient, crystal size will be used to investigate their influence on dislocation multiplications. The acceptable and optimal crystal diameter and temperature gradient to produce the lowest dislocation density in SiC crystal can be obtained through a thorough numerical investigation using this developed finite element model. The results reveal that the dislocation density multiplication in SiC crystal are easily affected by the crystal diameter and the temperature gradient. Generally, during the iterative calculation for SiC growth, the dislocation density multiples very rapidly in the early growth phase and then turns to a relatively slow multiplication or no multiplication at all. The results also show that larger size and higher temperature gradient causes the dislocation density enters rapid multiplication phase sooner and the final dislocation density in the crystal is higher.

The finite element analyses of the concrete bridge system and single double-tee beams are carried out using both orthotropic and isotropic modeling including linear and nonlinear behavior. The orthotropic concrete double-tee bridge system is modeled to predict the deformational behavior of bridge deck under the AASHTO service loading conditions in the static regimes. The nonlinear analyses of reinforced and prestressed concrete rectangular beams are also carried out to verify the validity of modeling. Both the linear and nonlinear finite element analyses for single double-tee beams prestressed with FRP materials are carried out in this study. In this research, the MARC finite element software on the VAX frame is used as a tool to carry out the analyses.

This study presents the experimental and theoretical studies on debond of steel bonded to concrete, which aids in understanding the mechanics of the repaired damaged prestressed concrete girders with externally bonded steel plates. The bond strength of bonded steel plate specimen is determined experimentally by the debond test. The initial crack is introduced in the specimens at three different locations, which include the steel/adhesive interface, adhesive through-thickness, and adhesive/concrete interface. Certain debond test specimens are exposed to freeze/thaw and tidal cycles to evaluate the degradation in bond strength resulting from the environmental conditions. The fracture toughness for debonding would be evaluated and expressed as the critical strain energy release rate. A finite element analysis was performed to evaluate the compliance and stress distribution in the debond test specimens. Also, stress distribution of repaired AASHTO prestressed concrete bridge girders with metal sleeve splice was also determined at the interface of steel and concrete.

Piezoelectric sensors are one of the primary devices used in smart structures because of their capability to act as both, sensors and actuators. A finite element model has been developed to predict elastic behavior and electrical response of laminate composites with embedded piezoelectric sensors. Correlations with experimental results indicate that the model is capable of forecasting the elastic and electrical response of the structure with good accuracy. The important issue of debonding of any of the faces of the sensors is also studied in the current work. Finite element results indicate significant changes in the elastic response caused by debonding, as well as unreliable electrical outputs.

The finite element method is a very powerful tool used to analyze a variety of problems in engineering. This thesis looks at the finite element method as a tool and several important modeling features of concern. A well known finite element software package, ANSYS, will be used to demonstrate a diverse number of its capabilities, and several procedures followed in solving a specific engineering problem. The subject matter involves a nonlinear contact analysis of a pressure vessel having a threaded closure. The choice of this application is prompted by an interest in better understanding how the finite element method is implemented in the design and analysis of different pressure vessel parameters. A parametric finite element analysis was performed. Load and stress distributions along the threaded region of the vessel were examined for parameters including number of threads, thread pitch, diameter ratio, closure plug length, and thread profile.

The equivalent end deflections and rotations for beams with integral, but dissimilar, elastic supports were determined. Finite element analysis was used to generate the midsurface deflection of the beam. Numerical results were then fit to the analytical solution for the deflection of a beam, yielding the equivalent end slope resulting from deformations in the support. The lateral deflection at the support was available directly from the finite element calculation. The approach used for modeling of the supports is discussed. It was found that the slope and deflection at the support increase as the relative stiffness of the support decreases, as would be expected. Results are presented for both cantilever and beams with fixed ends, are valid for slender beams with small deflection.

Piezo-Transducer-Vibrators are miniature devices that emit both audio and silent signals and are currently targeted for use as an integral part of wristwatch technology. Utilizing nonlinear finite element analysis is essential for obtaining a greater understanding of the system response under varying conditions. Dyna3D nonlinear finite element code is applied in this analysis with the focus on the mechanical aspects of the vibrator. Four impact variables, the velocity, the plate gap, the weight and the velocity angle are studied to determine the effects on the system response. Each impact variable is assigned three separate values, creating twelve programs for analysis. For each program, responses to impact conditions are studied demonstrating the deformed mode shapes, maximum principal stresses and maximum displacements using state database plots and time-history plots.