Analysis of Unbalances Forces Using Methods of Identification and Finite Elements

The study of damage in rotating machineries is of fundamental interest in the fields of machine and structure design. A rotating system, supported by bearings and under some dynamic conditions, can generate a variety of problems that are encountered in many different types of rotating machines. One of these problems is the unbalance due to non-homogeneous mass distribution along the shaft. One of the techniques which are widespread today is the identification of parameters and excitation forces that may well followed by monitoring the evolution and change of possible variations of these parameters. Although several methods for the identification of unbalance excitation force are available in the literature, none of them can be considered unrestricted to be applied for all rotating systems. In this study, two methodologies to identify unknown excitations, such as unbalance, have been proposed. This project refers to the analysis of unbalanced forces from displacement parameters and speed by using methods of identification by Fourier series and Legendre polynomials together with the finite element method, state observers in reasons of the problem of absence of signs of rotational displacement, bandpass filter were used to noise suppression of the data collected from the experimental part, Quasi-Newton method to minimize a function in which the bearing stiffness and its damping are unknowns, and also the experimental verification of the methodology, using for this system owned by a rotary mechanical vibrations of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of Faculty of Engineering, campus of llha Solteira.     

Failure Analysis in Graphite Epoxy Composite Laminates

The present analysis was performed to obtain bearing strength for pinned joints in uni-directional graphite epoxy composite laminates using characteristic curve model. The characteristic dimensions used to determine the characteristic curve were evaluated using a two-dimensional finite element model that was developed in ANSYS14.5 Software. Also, two-dimensional finite element stress analysis was developed to determine the stress distribution needed to evaluate the failure. Tsai-Wu failure criterion was used in the analysis with the characteristic curve to predict bearing strength. The results of the analysis showed good agreement with experimental data.     

Evaluation of Adhesive Joints for Combined Load Test-Fixtures

Abstract： In a test-fixture that the authors were using, steel tabs adhesively bonded to an aluminum panel debonded before the design load on the real test panel was fully applied. Therefore, studying behavior of adhesive joints for joining dissimilar materials was deemed to be necessary. To determine the failure load responsible for debonding of adhesive joints of two dissimilar materials, stress distributions in adhesive joints as obtained by a nonlinear finite element model of the test-fixture were studied under a gradually increasing compression-shear load. It was observed that in-plane stresses were responsible for the debonding of the steel tabs. To achieve a better understanding of adhesive joints of dissimilar materials, finite element models of adhesive lap joints and ADCB （asymmetric double cantilever beam） were studied, under loadings similar to the loading faced by the test-fixture. The analysis was performed using ABAQUS, a commercially available software, and the cohesive zone modeling was used to study the debonding growth.     

Determination of Natural Frequencies of Multilayered Plates by Mixed Finite Elements

Natural frequencies for multilayer plates are calculated by mixed finite element method. The main object of this paper is to use the mixed model for multilayer plates, analyzing each layer as an isolated plate, where the continuity of displacements is achieved by Lagrange multipliers （representing static variables）. This procedure allows us to work with any model for single plate （so as to ensure the proper behavior of each layer）, and the complexity of the multilayer system is avoided by ensuring the condition of displacements by the Lagrange multipliers （static variables）. The plate is discretized by finite element modeling based on a primary hybrid model, where the domain is divided by quadrilateral, both for the displacement field and static variables. This mixed element for plates was implemented and several examples of vibrations have been verified successfully by the results obtained by other methods in the literature.     

Development and Impact Behaviors of FRP Guarder Belt for Side Collision of Automobiles

In automobiles, the CFRP （carbon fiber reinforced plastics） has a possibility of weight reduction in automotive structures which can contribute to improve mileage and then reduce carbon dioxide. On the other hand, the safety of collision should be also made clear in the case of employing the CFRP to automotive structures. In this paper, the CFRP guarder belt equipped in the automotive door is developed and examined by an experiment and a numerical analysis for replacing the conventional steel door guarder beam. As the experimental relation of impact load to displacement for CFRP guarder belt agreed well with that of numerical result, the numerical method developed here is quite useful for estimating impact behaviors of CFRP guarder belt.     

Finite Element Analysis of the Dynamic Behaviour of Transmission Line Conductors Using MATLAB

The dynamic behaviour of power line cables have been a source of interest to researchers ever since the phenomenon was first noticed in the 1920s. Conductor oscillation is mostly caused by the dynamic forces of nature such as wind loading. This imposes a periodic force on the conductors which is highly undesirable. It is therefore important for engineers to account for the possible effect of the wind loading when designing the power line. Investigations have shown that modeling the exact dynamic behaviour of a conductor is very difficult. Based on this fact, getting the exact analytical solution to conductor vibration is difficult, which is almost impossible, hence the numerical approximation becomes an option. This paper presents the developed finite element method used to analyse the dynamic behaviour of transmission line conductors. The developed FEM （finite element method） is implemented on MATLAB. The numerical analysis using MATLAB that is presented in this paper is used to simulate the response of the conductor when subjected to external loading in the time domain. The simulation is used to analyse the transverse vibration of the conductor. The formulation of the stiffness matrix and load vector is done and the results obtained are used to evaluate the conductor＇s internal energy dissipation. This finite element solution is compared with the results documented in literature. This numerical simulation is also used to investigate the effects of varying the axial tension on energy dissipation within the strands. Hence, this evolved in physically appropriate energy characterization process that can be used to evaluate the conductor self-damping with respect to line contact.     

Non-saturation Throughput of S-ALOHA Using the Time-Scale Decomposition Technique

S-ALOHA （Slotted ALOHA） random access protocol is a widely used protocol mainly for the transmission of short packets in wireless networks. Most papers consider either an infinite population model where the impact of the backoff protocol cannot be adequately evaluated or a finite population model where the number of nodes is fixed. In this letter, a combination of both models is proposed using the time-scale decomposition technique. This methodology allows to study the system under more realistic conditions where the dynamics of users enter and leaving the system are reflected on the performance of the system as well as the impact of the backoff protocol. Also, it allows studying the system in non-saturation conditions. The proposed methodology divides the analysis in two parts： packet-level and connection-level. This analysis renders suitable results when the time scale of the packet level and connection level statistics is different. On the other hand, when these scales are similar, the proposed methodology is no longer suited.     

Vibration Analysis of Vehicle Floor Panel Using Hybrid Method of FEM and SEA

In order to improve the mass efficiency of an automotive soundproof package, it is important to predict the middle to high frequency range of noise and vibration during vehicle operation. A hybrid method of experimental and analytical SEA （statistical energy analysis） has been applied for the prediction of air-borne noise. However, for predicting structure-borne noise, there are no definitive simulation methods that can address the soundproof specifications in an actual vehicle. Thus, in this paper, a FEM （finite element method）＇SEA hybrid method is used. The FEM＇SEA hybrid method predicts structure-borne noise in the middle to high frequency range. First, we explain the basic concept of the FEM＇SEA hybrid method; Second, we describe our experiment to verify the analytical results of the FEM＇SEA hybrid method; Third, we provide the details of the FEM model versus the FEM＇SEA hybrid model; Finally, we verify the validity and availability of the FEM＇SEA hybrid method through comparisons of the FEM analysis results, FEM-SEA analysis results and measured results.     

Development of a Methodology for Determination and Analysis of Thermal Displacements of Machine Tools Using Finite Elements Method and Artificial Neural Network

In the processes of manufacturing, MT （machine tools） plays an important role in the manufacture of work pieces with complex and high dimensional and geometric accuracy. Much of the errors of a machine tool are those which are thermally induced which are from internal and external heat sources acting on the machine. In this paper, a methodology for determining and analyzing the thermal deformation of machine tools using FEM （finite element method） and ANN （artificial neural networks） is presented. After modeling the machine using FEM is defined the location of the heat sources, it is possible to obtain the temperature gradient and the corresponding thermal deformation at predetermined periods. Results obtained with simulations using the software NX.7.5 showed that this methodology is an effective tool in determining the thermal deformation of the machine, correlating the temperature reading at strategic points with volumetric deformation at the tool tip. Therefore, the thermal analysis of the errors in the pair tool part can be established. After training and validation process, the network will be able to make the prediction of thermal errors just stating the temperature values of specific points of each heat source, providing a way for compensation of thermally induced errors.     

Impact Dynamics on Granular Plate

In this paper, a theoretical and numerical study on the impact of a rubber solid on the free surface of a granular plate is presented, showing a simulation of an aircraft wheel on impact with a flexible landing surface. This physical action, when we use a theological approach, becomes a fundamental parameter to investigate wear and tear, and consequently strength to micro and macro pavements failure. The study has developed initially from a microscopic point of view and subsequently on macroscale. The effects are strictly linked with material degradation associated with damage evolution. The problem is developed by energetic approach on an elastic-plastic element using the functional energy containing two contributions, bulk and surface. The model simulates the behaviour of flexible runway pavements during the landing phase.     

Influence of the Number of Rollers on a Tapered Roller Bearing

In roller bearings, the outer ring is usually fixed and the inner ring has the rolling motion. Concerning TRB （tapered roller bearings）, this motion generates forces that are transmitted to the outer ring by the tapered rollers. Thus, contact stresses occur and the number of rollers plays a major role with respect to the load distribution. This influence is analyzed in this study by the FEM （finite element method） with commercial code ABAQUS, where two models were evaluated： a common TRB and the same one but with fewer rollers. As an application, a manual automotive transmission was considered for the input loads.     

The Topic of Contact Zone Problems in the Shaft and Hole Joint, Taking into Account Component Form Errors

In assemblies constructed from components manufactured with radial deviations, cross-section deviations and deviations being combination of both, there occur variable values of local stresses and displacements. Both the types of shape deviations and their values need to be taken into account in the designing process and play an important role during machine operation. They have a crucial effect on the value and scatter of maximum reduced von Mises stresses and contact stresses. Axisymmetric joints were examined, in which shafts in selected shape variants and in variable angular positions were associated with a non-deformable hole. The aspects of contact zone problems are presented using the example of numerical simulation of contact between an elliptical saddle-shaped shaft placed in a rigid, non-deformable hole in different angular positions. Occurrence of both variable relative stresses and contact stresses as well as shaft＇s axial shift and rotary movement resistance were demonstrated.     

Proof of Concept MFD Optimization of the Aftbody Geometry of Axisymmetric Slender Body Based on Wave Drag Considerations

A comprehensive, universally valid, elegant and yet simple method to design slender axisymmetric body of minimum wave drag in transonic and supersonic flows is developed. Computational aerodynamics is also used as a tool for numerical experiments in gaining physical understanding of the drag mechanism due to the geometry of the aftbody, such as the correlation between wave drag and wave distribution of the aftbody geometry. The method utilizes MFD （modified feasible direction） based optimization program, along with the linear slender body aerodynamics, for its elegance and generic optimization convenience. The efforts are focused on inviscid flow. A practical method of reducing the wave drag of a given body is developed for both bodies with pointed end and with base area, using shock wave generator at a particular location on the aftbody. The results show that the MFD optimization program can be effectively utilized in an aerodynamic optimization problem.     

Stabilizing Mechanism and Running Behavior of Couplers on Heavy Haul Trains

Published studies in regard to coupler systems have been mainly focused on the manufacturing process or coupler strength issues. With the ever increasing of tonnage and length of heavy haul trains, lateral in-train forces generated by longitudinal in-train forces and coupler rotations have become a more and more significant safety issue for heavy haul train operations. Derailments caused by excessive lateral in-train forces are frequently reported. This article studies two typical coupler systems used on heavy haul locomotives. Their structures and stabilizing mechanism are analyzed before the corresponding models are developed. Coupler systems models are featured by two distinct stabilizing mechanism models and draft gear models with hysteresis considered. A model set which consists of four locomotives and three coupler systems is developed to study the rotational behavior of different coupler systems and their implications for locomotive dynamics. Simulated results indicate that when the locomotives are equipped with the type B coupler system, locomotives can meet the dynamics standard on tangent tracks; while the dynamics performance on curved tracks is very poor. The maximum longitudinal in-train force for locomotives equipped with the type B coupler system is 2000 kN. Simulations revealed a distinct trend for the type A coupler system. Locomotive dynamics are poorer for the type A case when locomotives are running on tangent tracks, while the dynamics are better for the type A case when locomotives are running on curved tracks. Theoretical studies and simulations carried out in this article suggest that a combination of the two types of stabilizing mechanism can result in a good design which can significantly decrease the relevant derailments.     

RDG System in Remote Areas with Utility or Local Feed Topology and Operation Strategy

In remote regions with availability of wind energy, a RDG （renewable distributed generation） system is an advantageous alternative to increase the provision of electrical supply. Usually, these systems are structured on the basis of a connection to an existing weak grid. When the grid is out of service, the system may operate in islanding mode, if the RDG configuration allows it, continuing the provision of energy with standard voltage and frequency values. Facing the latter situation, a wind-diesel/gas generation system is proposed, with a conversion and control strategies based on a variable speed wind turbine employing a DFIG （doubly fed induction generator）, a SC （ultracapacitor） storage system and a SG （synchronous generator） driven by a diesel/gas engine.     

Composite with Recyclable Loads for the Manufacture of Blocks to Build Popular Houses

The science space in a state school in Natal city was built using a composite consisting of gypsum, EPS （expanded polystyrene）, shredded tire, cement and water. Mechanical and thermal resistances were evaluated. Inside the blocks, three types of fillings （EPS plates, aluminum cans and 500 mL bottles of mineral water） were placed in order to obtain a walls with higher thermal resistance, but also to give it an ecologically correct order, considering that both the tire and the EPS occupy a large space in landfills and require years to be degraded when released into the environment. Compression tests were conducted according to the rules. The experiments demonstrated that the temperature difference between the internal and external surfaces on the walls reached levels above 12.0 ℃. It was also demonstrated that the proposed composite has adequate mechanical strength to be used for sealing walls. The proposed use of the composite can contribute to reduce the significant housing deficit of Brazil, producing popular houses at low cost and with little time to work.     

Enhance Mining System Reliability through System Integration Approach

The reliability of mining systems is generally low due to their harsh working conditions. Currently, efforts for improving mining system reliability are often made in isolation. This practice could substantially limit the effectiveness of the efforts on overall reliability improvement of the mining system. To enhance the overall reliability of mining systems, an integrated improvement approach is necessary. In this paper, we developed a framework for integrated mining system reliability improvement to address this issue. In this framework, there are five major components including data integration, business process integration, hardware integration, software integration and analysis/decision integration, but we only focus on the integrated reliability analysis which is important to the analysis/decision integration. The reliability analysis considers the interactions between machines, and the impacts of design, operation, maintenance, automation and working environment on the overall system reliability. These multiple interactions present a big challenge to accurate reliability prediction. In this paper, we for the first time systematically investigated integrated reliability analysis approaches for dealing with this challenge using novel models and methods, including covariate hazard models, intelligent reliability prediction approach and complex system modeling methods. While these models and methods have found some successful applications in other industries, they in general have not been effectively used for the reliability analysis of mining systems. Our study results show that the system integration approach is applicable to mining systems and can be used for developing a computer aided integration system for the implementation of the integrated reliability improvement approach.     

Preliminary Study on the Seizure Trend of a MOM-THP with Self-directed Balls

This work continues the approach of one of our topics relating to a MOM-THP （metal on metal-total hip prostheses） with self-directed movement balls. Experiments revealed a certain seizure in some strain conditions. Laboratory trials for balls/plane Hertzian contacts have been restarted in order to determine seizure behaviour depending on the roughness of the flat area. The trials have been carried out in BSF （body simulated fluid） lubrication conditions, much closer to the real operating conditions up against the initial tests with distilled water. Seizure burdens to different loadings and contact surfaces roughness influence over the seizure burden have been determined. Even though the minimum value of the wear must be the same with the minimum value of the surfaces roughness, given the experimental conditions, it came out from the trials results on wear that the lowest level of wear is acquired at a certain value of roughness, not at the lowest level of roughness.