Finite Element Simulation and Analysis

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 8407

Special Issue Editors


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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

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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
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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

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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

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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 795
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)
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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 957
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)
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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 742
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)
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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 3890
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)
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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 1209
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)
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