Investigation of elastic moduli of Kraft paper honeycomb core sandwich panels

In order to understand the influence of the thicknesses of Kraft paper honeycomb core and medium density fiberboard skins on the stiffness of the sandwich panel, the corresponding finite element models for the resulting sandwich panels were developed. The material properties for the core and skin components of these finite element models were determined using the published data and specifications. It was found that a decrease in the thickness ratio of the core to skin layer (shelling ratio) resulted in an increase in the modulus of elasticity and shear modulus of the sandwich panels. The increase was significant when the shelling ratio was smaller than six. Cell size only affected the modulus of elasticity of the sandwich panels under the flat-wise compression and panel’s inter-laminar shear modulus. Regression equations relating the stiffness of the sandwich panels to the shelling ratio and core cell size were obtained using the finite element model simulated results and were found to compare well with the existing models for layered wood composites.     

A mixed finite element formulation for plate problems

A mixed triangular finite element model has been developed for plate bending problems in which effects of shear deformation are included. Linear distribution for all variables is assumed and the matrix equation is obtained through Reissner's variational principle. In this model, interelement compatibility is completely satisfied whereas the governing equations within the element are satisfied ‘in the mean’. A detailed error analysis is made and convergence of the scheme is proved. Numerical examples of thin and moderately thick plates are presented.     

Block iterative finite element preprocessed scheme for simulation of large non-linear problems

The ‘Block Iterative Finite Element Preprocessed Scheme’ (BIFEPS) for finite element simulation combines two independent steps. In the ‘finite element preporcessing step’, spatial information about the finite element mesh is analysed and all integrals arising from the application of the Galerkin method are evaluated and stored on a permanent sequential storage unit (such as tape or disk). In the ‘block iterative step’, the preprocessed information is retrieved from permanent storage and the matrix equation is assembled and solved in an efficient manner according to a generalization of the block successive over-relaxation iterative method. Significant advantages over common finite element simulation techniques are achieved in terms of both computer core requirements and execution time. Numerical experiments show that the advantages of BIFEPS are greatest for large, non-linear simulation problems.     

Reduction of the degrees of freedom in solving dynamic problems by the finite element method

The method of lowering the order of a matrix equation which describes the dynamics of a finite element model is presented. The finite element with a ‘truncated’ mass matrix is obtained for calculating thin plate vibrations. Such an element has one vibrational degree of freedom at each nodal point. In the case of uniform systems the accuracy provided by the suggested element is no less than that provided by the non-conforming elements, which have three vibrational degrees of freedom at each nodal point, and in some cases it is greater. The finite elements with a ‘truncated’ mass matrix have essential advantages in the study of non-uniform systems.     

A new indentation model for sandwich circular panels with gradient metallic foam cores

A new analytical model is presented to predict indentation behavior of the sandwich circular panel with gradient foam cores under a flat-end cylindrical indenter. In the model, a displacement field of the upper face sheet of the sandwich panel is assumed to be a cosine function and plateau stress of the gradient foam core varies with the mass density along the thickness direction of the sandwich panel. The sandwich panel is modeled as an infinite, isotropic, plastic membrane on a rigid-plastic foundation. The explicit solutions of the relation between the indentation force and maximum plastic regions of the upper face sheet are derived based on the principle of minimum work. The analytical results are validated using the finite element code ABAQUS^®. The influences of the gradient foam core on the maximum plastic region, the indentation force and the plastic strain energy of the sandwich panel are also investigated.     

A 3-D,symmetric, finite element formulation of the Biot equations with application to acoustic wave propagation through an elastic porous medium

A weak solution of the coupled, acoustic-elastic, wave propagation problem for a flexible porous material is proposed for a 3-D continuum. Symmetry in the matrix equations; with respect to both volume, i.e. ‘porous frame’–‘pore fluid’, and surface, i.e. ‘porous frame/pore fluid’–‘non-porous media’, fluid–structure interaction; is ensured with only five unknowns per node; fluid pore pressure, fluid-displacement potential and three Cartesian components of the porous frame displacement field. Taking Biot's general theory as starting point, the discretized form of the equations is derived from a weighted residual statement, using a standard Galerkin approximation and iso-parametric interpolation of the dependent variables. The coupling integrals appearing along the boundary of the porous medium are derived for a number of different surface conditions. The primary application of the proposed symmetric 3-D finite element formulation is modelling of noise transmission in typical transportation vehicles, such as aircraft, cars, etc., where porous materials are used for both temperature and noise insulation purposes. As an example of an application of the implemented finite elements, the noise transmission through a double panel with porous filling and different boundary conditions at the two panel boundaries are analysed. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Progressive failure analysis for advanced grid stiffened composite plates/shells

A progressive failure methodology is developed to simulate the initiation and propagation of multi-failure modes for advanced grid stiffened (AGS) composite plates/shells on the basis of a stiffened element model. Failures of both skin and ribs are taken into consideration, which are matrix cracking, fiber failure, fiber–matrix shear failure, delamination in skin and fiber failure in rib. All these failures are defined using a set of 2-D stress-based polynomial failure criteria wherein the transverse shear stresses at centroid of the stiffened element are calculated by employing an integrated approach of finite element and finite difference method. Corresponding material and stiffness degradation behavior is introduced after the initiation of individual failure mechanisms. The progressive failure behavior of a composite orthotropic-grid curved panel with a centrally located cutout under compressive load is evaluated using the method.     

A Cauchy‐stress based solution for a necking elastic constitutive model under large deformation

A finite element based method for solution of large‐deformation hyperelastic constitutive models is developed, which solves the Cauchy‐stress balance equation using a single rotation of stress from principal directions to a fixed co‐ordinate system. Features of the method include stress computation by central differencing of the hyperelastic energy function, mixed integration‐order incompressibility enforcement, and an iterative solution method that employs notional ‘small strain’ stiffness. The method is applied to an interesting and difficult elastic model that replicates polymer ‘necking’; the method is shown to give good agreement with published results from a well‐established finite element package, and with published experimental results. It is shown that details of the manner in which incompressibility is enforced affects whether key experimental phenomena are clearly resolved. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Enhancing the resistance of composite sandwich panels to localized forces for civil infrastructure and transportation applications

This paper presents the details of an experimental and numerical study that was conducted to evaluate different methods of increasing the punching resistance of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite sandwich panels with balsa wood cores. A total of four large-scale panels were subjected to concentrated loads in a two-way bending configuration. Different techniques of locally stiffening the panels were investigated including bonding a steel coupling plate to the loaded surface of the panels and embedding steel tubes within the panel core. The experimental program was supplemented by a finite element study to evaluate the location, magnitude, and extent of stress concentrations in the panels. The experimental program demonstrated that the failure modes of the stiffened panels shifted from local punching to delamination of the loaded GFRP skin which initiated at the discontinuities of the panel stiffness. The finite element analysis indicated that the delamination failure was due to stress concentrations which formed at these critical locations. The local stiffening of the panel approximately tripled the concentrated load carrying capacity of the panels. The research findings suggest that, through careful design and detailing, composite sandwich panels can be used to resist large-magnitude concentrated loads such as those found in civil infrastructure and heavy freight transportation applications.     

Transient response of a submerged cylindrical foam core sandwich panel subjected to shock loading

Predicting the dynamic response of submerged vehicles subjected to hydrostatic pressure and underwater shock loading is of great interest to many structural designers and engineers for improving material and configuration design in recent years. In this paper, the finite element method is used to evaluate the dynamic response of a submerged cylindrical foam core sandwich panel subjected to shock loading. The sandwich panel consists of a foam core surrounded by fiber-reinforced laminates. The effect of fluid–structure coupling is included in the finite element analysis whereas the fluid is assumed to be compressible and inviscid. Time histories of circumferential stress for different composite plies are presented in graphical form and the effects of core type on circumferential stress and velocity of stand-off point are also investigated. Additionally, the distribution of pressure in fluid domain and the deformation of cylindrical foam core sandwich panel are estimated. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the specialized literature addressing the dynamic response of submerged cylindrical foam core sandwich panel to underwater shock loading is rather scanty. This work is likely to fill a gap in the specialized literature on this topic.     

2-D multiplane finite element technique for solving a class of 3-D problems

A finite element technique, for efficient solution of a class of 3-D elasticity problems, is presented. In this method, standard 2-D finite elements are used along with a ‘connector’ element. An element, previously used to model material interfaces, is shown to provide the properties for use as a ‘connector’ element, if input variables are redefined. The accuracy of the technique is illustrated with a sample solution.     

Derivation of a new stiffness matrix for helically armoured cables considering tension and torsion

A new element stiffness matrix is derived for straight cable elements subjected to tension and torsion. The cross-section of a cable, which may consist of many different structural components, is treated in the following as a single composite element. The derivation is quite general; consequently, the results can be used for a broad category of cable configurations. Individual helical armourning wires, for instance, may have unique geometric and material properties. In addition, no limit is placed on the number of wire layers. Furthermore, compressibility of the central core element can also be considered. The equations of equilibrium are first derived to include ‘internal’ geometric non-linearties produced by large deformations (axial elongation and rotatioin) of a straight cable element. These equations are then linearized in a consistent manner to give a liner stiffness matrix. Linear elasticity is assumed throughout. Excellent agreement with experimental results for two different cables validates the correctness of the analysis.     

An enhanced layerwise finite element using a robust solid-shell formulation approach

The application of layerwise theories to correctly model the displacement field of sandwich structures or laminates with high modulus ratios, usually employs plate or facet shell finite element formulations to compute the element stiffness and mass matrices for each layer. In this work, a different approach is proposed, using a high performance hexahedral finite element to represent the individual layer mass and stiffness. This 8-node hexahedral finite element is formulated based on the application of the enhanced assumed strain method (EAS) to resolve several locking pathologies coming from the high aspect ratios of the finite element and the usual incompressibility condition of the core materials. The solid-shell finite element formulation is introduced in the layerwise theory through the definition of a projection operator, which is based on the finite element variables transformation matrix. The new finite element is tested and the implemented numerical remedies are verified. The results for a soft core sandwich plate are hereby presented to demonstrate the proposed finite element applicability and robustness.     

Finite element method for piezoelectric vibration

A finite element formulation which includes the piezoelectric or electroelastic effect is given. A strong analogy is exhibited between electric and elastic variables, and a ‘stiffness’ finite element method is deduced. The dynamical matrix equation of electroelasticity is formulated and found to be reducible in form to the well-known equation of structural dynamics, A tetrahedral finite element is presented, implementing the theorem for application to problems of three-dimensional electroelasticity.     

Moving particle finite element method with global smoothness

We describe a new version of the moving particle finite element method (MPFEM) that provides solutions within a C⁰ finite element framework. The finite elements determine the weighting for the moving partition of unity. A concept of ‘General Shape Function’ is proposed which extends regular finite element shape functions to a larger domain. These are combined with Shepard functions to obtain a smooth approximation. The Moving Particle Finite Element Method combines desirable features of finite element and meshfree methods. The proposed approach, in fact, can be interpreted as a ‘moving partition of unity finite element method’ or ‘moving kernel finite element method’. This method possesses the robustness and efficiency of the C⁰ finite element method while providing at least C¹ continuity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The mathematical shell model underlying general shell elements

We show that although no actual mathematical shell model is explicitly used in ‘general shell element’ formulations, we can identify an implicit shell model underlying these finite element procedures. This ‘underlying model’ compares well with classical shell models since it displays the same asymptotic behaviours—when the thickness of the shell becomes very small—as, for example, the Naghdi model. Moreover, we substantiate the connection between general shell element procedures and this underlying model by mathematically proving a convergence result from the finite element solution to the solution of the model. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Gate elements at injection locations in numerical simulations of flow through porous media: applications to mold filling

Mold filling in polymer and composite processing is usually modelled as a special case of Darcy flow in porous media. The flow pattern and the time necessary to fill the mold depend on the ‘gate’ locations where resin is injected into the closed mold. In composite manufacturing, these are commonly outlets of small tubes transporting resin from a reservoir and their diameters are several orders of magnitude smaller than the mold dimensions. Similar size issue is also encountered in other applications of flow through porous media, such as oil and water pumping and drilling. Traditionally, these inlets are modelled by pressure or flow rate boundary condition as applied at a node of the finite element mesh that represents the injection gate. The omission of the inlet radius in the model results in a mathematical singularity as the mesh gets refined. The computed pressure or flow field depends on the mesh size and does not converge to the accurate solution, as the finite element mesh is refined. It is possible to deal with this phenomenon by modelling the inlet geometry more accurately but this approach is inefficient, as it requires additional degrees of freedom and, above all, significantly complicates the modelling process if the inlet location is not fixed a priori. This paper presents a more efficient alternate solution. It uses special ‘gate’ elements embedded in the mesh around the injection locations. Instead of adjusting the geometrical modelling of the injection location, the adjacent elements use modified shape functions to accurately model pressure field in the neighbourhood of small radial inlet. The proper pressure field shape‐functions for ‘gate’ elements based on linear finite elements are derived. The implementation in an existing mold filling simulation and how the ‘gate elements’ are automatically selected is described. An example to demonstrate the use of ‘gate’ elements and convergence towards the accurate solution with mesh refinement is presented. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Stress and failure analysis of woven composite plates with adhesive patch-reinforced circular hole

The application of a single-sided patch reinforcement to a woven E-glass fiber/epoxy composite panel with a central circular fastener hole is studied using three-dimensional finite element analysis. The width of the panel is 25.4 mm, while three hole diameters (3, 6 and 9 mm) are used in the study. The reinforcement patch is square in shape and is made of either E-glass fiber/epoxy or carbon fiber/epoxy laminae, with the patch-to-panel-thickness varying from 0.1 to 0.7. To simulate the ‘fastened’ condition, the patch-reinforced panel is bolted to a mild steel bar, which is fixed in the direction normal to the panel. One end of the panel is subject to unidirectional tensile load while the other end is under clamped boundary conditions. The through-thickness stress distributions and the failure loads of the patch-reinforced panels are evaluated by finite element analysis. Contact elements are used to account for interaction between contact surfaces. Experiments are also performed to verify the model.The relationships between the patch-to-panel-thickness and the strength of the panel and the material of patch reinforcement are considered and discussed.     

含金属芯压电压磁纤维/聚合物基复合材料时变、非线性和多物理场响应的细观力学模型

为有效模拟新型多功能智能材料——金属芯压电压磁纤维/聚合物基复合材料(MPPF/PMCs)的有效时变、非线性和多物理场响应,基于变分渐近法建立增量形式的细观力学模型。首先分别导出聚合物、压电压磁材料和金属芯的增量本构关系,建立统一的本构方程;以此为基础,推导出能量变化泛函的变分表达式。考虑材料的时变和非线性特征,建立与求解瞬时切线电-磁-力耦合矩阵有关的增量过程;通过最小化近似泛函求解场变量的波动函数,并通过有限元数值实现,从而建立逼近物理和工程真实性的细观力学模型。通过含铝芯压电(BaTiO_3)压磁(CoFe_2O_4)聚合物基复合材料算例表明:构建的模型可用于模拟不同多物理场下MPPF/PMCs的有效响应,可准确捕捉纤维与基体间的应力突变现象。