Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
2.7
1.3
Journals
Modelling
Special Issues
Finite Element Simulation and Analysis
share announcement

Finite Element Simulation and Analysis

A special issue of Modelling (ISSN 2673-3951).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 10009

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Paolo Todisco

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil Engineering, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
Interests: finite elements methods; steel structures; concrete structures; performance-based design; seismic vulnerability; numerical methods; failure criteria; masonry; seismic design
Dr. Elide Nastri

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil Engineering, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
Interests: finite elements methods; steel structures; concrete structures; performance-based design; seismic assessment; numerical methods; masonry structures; seismic design
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The finite element method (FEM) has become an essential tool for simulating and analysing complex engineering problems in various fields, such as mechanical, civil, and aerospace engineering.

The FEM has revolutionized the approach to analysing complex engineering problems across disciplines. This tool provides an effective means of modelling and understanding the behaviour of intricate structures and time-varying physical phenomena.

Through the FEM, a complex system can be divided into smaller, manageable elements, allowing for a detailed representation of structural characteristics and material behaviours. This approach enables the simulation of realistic behaviours and the assessment of complex systems under various loading conditions, temperatures, and environmental scenarios.

One of the primary strengths of the FEM lies in its versatility in addressing a wide range of physical phenomena, including studying structural vibrations, heat distribution in thermal systems, fluid dynamics, and material responses under stress. This flexibility empowers engineers to model and analyse intricate scenarios, predict behaviours, and optimize the design of structures and components.

Moreover, the FEM is an efficient and economically advantageous approach, enabling the evaluation of multiple design iterations and the optimization of engineering systems. Finite element analysis has significantly reduced product development costs and timelines, contributing markedly to the precision and reliability of modern engineering solutions.

In summary, the FEM stands as a fundamental pillar in engineering, providing an advanced and effective method with which to analyse, understand, and optimize complex structures and systems across various sectors. It plays a pivotal role in advancing and ensuring the safety of present and future engineering solutions.

This Special Issue, "Finite Element Simulation and Analysis", aims to bring together the latest research findings and developments in this area. We invite researchers and practitioners to contribute original research articles and review papers that focus on the application of finite element simulation and analysis in engineering science. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Finite element modelling and analysis;
  • Structural and fluid dynamics simulations;
  • Multi-physics and multi-scale simulations;
  • Optimization and sensitivity analysis;
  • Material modelling and characterization;
  • Validation and verification of finite element models;
  • Uncertainty quantification and reliability analysis;
  • Innovative applications of the finite element method.

We look forward to receiving your contributions to this Special Issue.

Dr. Paolo Todisco
Dr. Elide Nastri
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Modelling is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • finite elements
  • FE simulations
  • modelling
  • innovative applications
  • FEM validation
  • sensitivity analysis
  • dynamic analysis

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

12 pages, 1121 KiB  
Article
Modeling the Bending of a Bi-Layer Cantilever with Shape Memory Controlled by Magnetic Field and Temperature
by Olga S. Stolbova and Oleg V. Stolbov
Modelling 2024, 5(4), 1924-1935; https://doi.org/10.3390/modelling5040100 - 5 Dec 2024
Viewed by 376
Abstract
This paper presents a model of the bending behavior of a bi-layer cantilever composed of titanium nickelide and a magnetoactive elastomer embedded with magnetically hard particles. The cantilever is initially subjected to an external magnetic field in its high-temperature state, followed by cooling [...] Read more.
This paper presents a model of the bending behavior of a bi-layer cantilever composed of titanium nickelide and a magnetoactive elastomer embedded with magnetically hard particles. The cantilever is initially subjected to an external magnetic field in its high-temperature state, followed by cooling to a low-temperature state before the magnetic field is removed. This sequence results in residual bending deformation. Basic relations describing the material behavior of titanium nickelide and the magnetoactive elastomer are presented. A variational formulation for the problem under consideration is written down. The problem is solved numerically using the finite element method. The influence of the applied magnetic field magnitude and the thickness of the titanium nickelide layer on the cantilever deflection magnitude is studied. The dependence of the residual cantilever deflection on the applied magnetic field is obtained. The possibility of this structure as a controllable gripping element for applications in robotics and micro-manipulation is demonstrated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Finite Element Simulation and Analysis)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 5443 KiB  
Article
Efficient Numerical Modeling of Oil-Immersed Transformers: Simplified Approaches to Conjugate Heat Transfer Simulation
by Ivan Smolyanov and Evgeniy Shmakov
Modelling 2024, 5(4), 1865-1888; https://doi.org/10.3390/modelling5040097 - 2 Dec 2024
Viewed by 397
Abstract
The development of digital twins for power transformers has become increasingly important to predict possible operating modes and reduce the likelihood of faults. The accuracy of these predictions relies heavily on the numerical models used, which must be both simple and computationally efficient. [...] Read more.
The development of digital twins for power transformers has become increasingly important to predict possible operating modes and reduce the likelihood of faults. The accuracy of these predictions relies heavily on the numerical models used, which must be both simple and computationally efficient. This work focuses on creating a simplified numerical model for a template oil-immersed power transformer (100 MVA, 230/69 KV). The study investigates how the number of elements and the strategies used to set up the mesh in the domain of interest influence the results, aiming to identify the key parameters that affect the outcomes. Furthermore, a significant effect of resolving thermal boundary layers on the accurate identification of hot spots is demonstrated. Two approaches to resolving thermal boundary layers are explored in this work. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of three numerical models for conjugate heat transfer simulations, each with distinct features and computational domain compositions. The results show that the addition of extra calculation domains leads to the emergence of new vortex structures, affecting the velocity profile at the channel inlet and altering the location of hot spots. This study provides valuable insights into the configuration and composition of calculated domains in numerical models of oil-immersed power transformers, essential for the accurate prediction of hot spot temperatures and ensuring reliable operation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Finite Element Simulation and Analysis)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 4416 KiB  
Article
A Novel Application of Computational Contact Tools on Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis to Predict Ground-Borne Vibrations Generated by Trains in Ballasted Tracks
by Andrés García Moreno, Antonio Alonso López, María G. Carrasco García, Ignacio J. Turias and Juan Jesús Ruiz Aguilar
Modelling 2024, 5(4), 1454-1468; https://doi.org/10.3390/modelling5040075 - 7 Oct 2024
Viewed by 908
Abstract
Predictive numerical models in the study of ground-borne vibrations generated by railway systems have traditionally relied on the subsystem partition approach (segmented). In such a method, loads are individually applied, and the cumulative effect of the rolling stock is obtained through superposition. While [...] Read more.
Predictive numerical models in the study of ground-borne vibrations generated by railway systems have traditionally relied on the subsystem partition approach (segmented). In such a method, loads are individually applied, and the cumulative effect of the rolling stock is obtained through superposition. While this method serves to mitigate computational costs, it may not fully capture the complex interactions involved in ground-borne vibrations—especially in the frequency domain. Recent advancements in computation and software have enabled the development of more sophisticated vibrational contamination prediction models that encompass the entire dynamics of the system, from the rolling stock to the terrain, allowing continuous simulations with a defined time step. Furthermore, the incorporation of computational contact mechanics tools between various elements not only ensures accuracy in the time domain but also extends the analysis into the frequency domain. In this novel approach, the segmented models are shifted to continuous simulations where the nonlinear problem of a rigid–flexible multibody system is fully considered. The model can predict the impact of a high-speed rail (HSR) vehicle passing, capturing the key intricacies of ground-borne vibrations and their impact on the surrounding environment due to a deeper comprehension of the occurrences in the frequency domain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Finite Element Simulation and Analysis)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 6315 KiB  
Article
Design, Construction and Finite Element Analysis of a Hexacopter for Precision Agriculture Applications
by Miguel Ernesto Gutierrez-Rivera, Jesse Y. Rumbo-Morales, Gerardo Ortiz-Torres, Jose J. Gascon-Avalos, Felipe D. J. Sorcia-Vázquez, Carlos Alberto Torres-Cantero, Hector M. Buenabad-Arias, Iván Guillen-Escamilla, Maria A. López-Osorio, Manuel A. Zurita-Gil, Manuela Calixto-Rodriguez, Antonio Márquez Rosales and Mario A. Juárez
Modelling 2024, 5(3), 1239-1267; https://doi.org/10.3390/modelling5030064 - 12 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1157
Abstract
Agriculture drones face important challenges regarding autonomy and construction, as flying time below the 9-minute mark is the norm, and their manufacture requires several tests and research before reaching proper flight dynamics. Therefore, correct design, analysis, and manufacture of the structure are imperative [...] Read more.
Agriculture drones face important challenges regarding autonomy and construction, as flying time below the 9-minute mark is the norm, and their manufacture requires several tests and research before reaching proper flight dynamics. Therefore, correct design, analysis, and manufacture of the structure are imperative to address the aforementioned problems and ensure a robust build that withstands the tough environments of this application. In this work, the analysis and implementation of a Nylamid motor bracket, aluminum sandwich-type skeleton, and carbon fiber tube arm in a 30 kg agriculture drone is presented. The mechanical response of these components is evaluated using the finite element method in ANSYS Workbench, and the material behavior assumptions are assessed using a universal testing machine before their implementations. The general description of these models and the numerical results are presented. This early prediction of the behavior of the structure allows for mass optimization and cost reductions. The fast dynamics of drone applications set important restrictions in ductile materials such as this, requiring extensive structural analysis before manufacture. Experimental and numerical results showed a maximum variation of 8.7% for the carbon fiber composite and 13% for the Nylamid material. The mechanical properties of polyamide nylon allowed for a 51% mass reduction compared to a 6061 aluminum alloy structure optimized for the same load case in the motor brackets design. The low mechanical complexity of sandwich-type skeletons translated into fast implementation. Finally, the overall performance of the agriculture drone is evaluated through the data gathered during the flight test, showing the adequate design process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Finite Element Simulation and Analysis)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 7605 KiB  
Article
Choosing the Design of a Radial-Shear Rolling Mill for Obtaining a Screw Profile
by Sergey Lezhnev, Abdrakhman Naizabekov, Andrey Tolkushkin, Evgeniy Panin, Dmitry Kuis, Alexandr Arbuz, Pavel Tsyba and Elena Shyraeva
Modelling 2024, 5(3), 1101-1115; https://doi.org/10.3390/modelling5030057 - 27 Aug 2024
Viewed by 862
Abstract
The purpose of this work is a comparative analysis of the workpiece shape, and parameters of the stress-strain state during deformation on two radial-shear rolling mills with different roll configurations to determine the most suitable scheme for obtaining a screw reinforcement profile. During [...] Read more.
The purpose of this work is a comparative analysis of the workpiece shape, and parameters of the stress-strain state during deformation on two radial-shear rolling mills with different roll configurations to determine the most suitable scheme for obtaining a screw reinforcement profile. During the FEM simulation of the radial-shear rolling process in the DEFORM program, a comparison of the workpiece shape change after rolling, equivalent strain, damage index, and Lode–Nadai index was carried out. Steel 10 (analogue of AISI 1010) was chosen as material workpiece. The analysis of the obtained data revealed that the most rational choice for the implementation of the reinforcement profile production process is the radial-shear rolling mill RSR 10-30. Subsequent modeling of the combined process of radial-shear rolling and twisting in a screw matrix showed that when using rolls of RSR 10-30 mill, the screw profile of the workpiece is formed successfully, whereas using rolls of the SVP-08 mill, the formation of a screw profile is impossible due to jamming due to an irregular cross-section shape. A laboratory experiment confirmed the possibility of forming a screw reinforcement profile at RSR 10-30 mill, and an assessment of the geometric parameters of the final workpiece showed full compliance with the dimensions of the profiles obtained during modeling and experiment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Finite Element Simulation and Analysis)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

21 pages, 12932 KiB  
Article
Analysing the Impact of 3D-Printed Perforated Panels and Polyurethane Foam on Sound Absorption Coefficients
by Chetan Patil, Ratnakar Ghorpade and Rajesh Askhedkar
Modelling 2024, 5(3), 969-989; https://doi.org/10.3390/modelling5030051 - 16 Aug 2024
Viewed by 4077
Abstract
Effective sound absorption is crucial in environments like schools and hospitals. This study evaluates open-pore polyurethane foam and perforated onyx panels, which attenuate noise via distinct mechanisms: porous materials convert sound energy to heat through viscous and thermal losses, while perforated panels use [...] Read more.
Effective sound absorption is crucial in environments like schools and hospitals. This study evaluates open-pore polyurethane foam and perforated onyx panels, which attenuate noise via distinct mechanisms: porous materials convert sound energy to heat through viscous and thermal losses, while perforated panels use resonant behaviour for energy dissipation. The impact of hole geometries and panel orientations on the sound absorption coefficient and noise reduction coefficient was investigated using COMSOL Multiphysics 6.0 for finite element analysis and ISO 10534-2 compliant impedance tube experiments. Six perforated panel configurations were 3D-printed with varying hole diameters and backed by a 24 mm polyurethane foam layer. Both ‘forward’ and ‘reverse’ configurations were assessed. A tapered hole from 4 mm to 2 mm showed the highest sound absorption across the 100–4000 Hz range, with a noise reduction coefficient of 0.444, excelling in both orientations. Reverse designs generally performed less, underscoring the importance of hole geometry and orientation. Experimental results aligned with FEA simulations, validating the computational model. This study elucidates sound absorption mechanisms of porous and perforated materials, providing a validated framework for material selection in noise-sensitive settings and highlighting 3D-printing’s potential in noise control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Finite Element Simulation and Analysis)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 15998 KiB  
Article
AscentAM: A Software Tool for the Thermo-Mechanical Process Simulation of Form Deviations and Residual Stresses in Powder Bed Fusion of Metals Using a Laser Beam
by Dominik Goetz, Hannes Panzer, Daniel Wolf, Fabian Bayerlein, Josef Spachtholz and Michael F. Zaeh
Modelling 2024, 5(3), 841-860; https://doi.org/10.3390/modelling5030044 - 15 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1325
Abstract
Due to the tool-less fabrication of parts and the high degree of geometric design freedom, additive manufacturing is experiencing increasing relevance for various industrial applications. In particular, the powder bed fusion of metals using a laser beam (PBF-LB/M) process allows for the metal-based [...] Read more.
Due to the tool-less fabrication of parts and the high degree of geometric design freedom, additive manufacturing is experiencing increasing relevance for various industrial applications. In particular, the powder bed fusion of metals using a laser beam (PBF-LB/M) process allows for the metal-based manufacturing of complex parts with high mechanical properties. However, residual stresses form during PBF-LB/M due to high thermal gradients and a non-uniform cooling. These lead to a distortion of the parts, which reduces the dimensional accuracy and increases the amount of post-processing necessary to meet the defined requirements. To predict the resulting residual stress state and distortion prior to the actual PBF-LB/M process, this paper presents the finite-element-based simulation tool AscentAM with its core module and several sub-modules. The tool is based on open-source programs and utilizes a sequentially coupled thermo-mechanical simulation, in which the significant influences of the manufacturing process are considered by their physical relations. The simulation entirely emulates the PBF-LB/M process chain including the heat treatment. In addition, algorithms for the part pre-deformation and the export of a machine-specific file format were implemented. The simulation results were verified, and an experimental validation was performed for two benchmark geometries with regard to their distortion. The application of the optimization sub-module significantly minimized the form deviation from the nominal geometry. A high level of accuracy was observed for the prediction of the distortion at different manufacturing states. The process simulation provides an important contribution to the first-time-right manufacturing of parts fabricated by the PBF-LB/M process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Finite Element Simulation and Analysis)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-7
Back to TopTop