134,831 research outputs found
Learning mechanics of materials by doing models
[EN] Mechanics of Materials is a discipline taught to the second-year students in the Bachelor Degree of
Mechanical Engineering at Universitat Politècnica de València, Alcoi Campus. The teaching-learning
process is focused on three main aspects: theory, practice, and numerical simulations. There are several
experiments designed to better understand the mechanical behaviour of the materials that are present
in buildings and machines. This paper explains the application of another hands-on methodology that
has been included in the course. It consists of completing the process by constructing or prototyping
scale models which help the students to understand how the structures work in real life. The results of
the experience allow us to consider that learning by doing has supposed a significant step in the
comprehension of the Mechanics of Materials and the students have showed a positive attitude towards
this activity. Not only by constructing models, but the fact that their construction is blended with other
active methodologies, contribute to enhance the motivation in learning the subject.Montava-Belda, I.; Juliá Sanchis, E.; Gadea Borrell, JM.; Segura Alcaraz, JG. (2021). Learning mechanics of materials by doing models. EDULEARN Proceedings (Internet). 806-811. https://doi.org/10.21125/edulearn.2021.0218S80681
Developing and Researching PhET simulations for Teaching Quantum Mechanics
Quantum mechanics is difficult to learn because it is counterintuitive, hard
to visualize, mathematically challenging, and abstract. The Physics Education
Technology (PhET) Project, known for its interactive computer simulations for
teaching and learning physics, now includes 18 simulations on quantum mechanics
designed to improve learning of this difficult subject. Our simulations include
several key features to help students build mental models and intuitions about
quantum mechanics: visual representations of abstract concepts and microscopic
processes that cannot be directly observed, interactive environments that
directly couple students' actions to animations, connections to everyday life,
and efficient calculations so students can focus on the concepts rather than
the math. Like all PhET simulations, these are developed using the results of
education research and feedback from educators, and are tested in student
interviews and classroom studies. This article provides an overview of the PhET
quantum simulations and their development. We also describe research
demonstrating their effectiveness and share some insights about student
thinking that we have gained from our research on quantum simulations.Comment: accepted by American Journal of Physics; v2 includes an additional
study, more explanation of research behind claims, clearer wording, and more
reference
Crack propagation in honeycomb cellular materials: a computational approach
Computational models based on the finite element method and linear or nonlinear fracture mechanics are herein proposed to study the mechanical response of functionally designed cellular components. It is demonstrated that, via a suitable tailoring of the properties of interfaces present in the meso- and micro-structures, the tensile strength can be substantially increased as compared to that of a standard polycrystalline material. Moreover, numerical examples regarding the structural response of these components when subjected to loading conditions typical of cutting operations are provided. As a general trend, the occurrence of tortuous crack paths is highly favorable: stable crack propagation can be achieved in case of critical crack growth, whereas an increased fatigue life can be obtained for a sub-critical crack propagation
Numerical simulations in the development of the French radioactive waste vitrification processes using induction furnace
International audienceFor many years, the CEA (Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives) Marcoule France has developed various processes dedicated to radioactive waste confinement, especially vitrification processes for HLLW. For 15 years now, the numerical simulation has become an important tool for research and developement projects held in the CEA-AREVA Joint Vitrification Laboratory (LCV). Induction heating, fluid mechanics and thermal simulations take part of all new R&D projects. The apports of such simulations are, first, the enhancement of the working knowledge of existing process. Those data are very useful to define optimisation choices, for example upgrades made on the hot metallic melter used since the 90s at LaHague facility. Second, the simulations are, of course, also used at the conception stage of new processes as a tool allowing wide ranges parametric tests. This has been extensively used in the design of the cold crucible inductive melter (CCIM) commissioned in 2010 at La Hague plant. Finally, it is a powerful and relatively cheap tool for prospective studies for processes of the future. Whatever the purpose, the potential benefits are gains on the reliability, the output capacity and the life time
Numerical thermo-elasto-plastic analysis of residual stresses on different scales during cooling of hot forming parts
In current research, more and more attention is paid to the understanding of residual stress states as well as the application of targeted residual stresses to extend e.g. life time or stiffness of a part. In course of that, the numerical simulation and analysis of the forming process of components, which goes along with the evolution of residual stresses, play an important role. In this contribution, we focus on the residual stresses arising from the austenite-to-martensite transformation at microscopic and mesoscopic level of a Cr-alloyed steel. A combination of a Multi-Phase-Field model and a two-scale Finite Element simulation is utilized for numerical analysis. A first microscopic simulation considers the lattice change, such that the results can be homogenized and applied on the mesoscale. Based on this result, a polycrystal consisting of a certain number of austenitic grains is built and the phase transformation from austenite to martensite is described with respect to the mesoscale. Afterwards, in a two-scale Finite Element simulation the plastic effects are considered and resulting residual stress states are computed
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