An integrated platform for design and numerical analysis of shield tunnelling processes on different levels of detail

Building and construction information modelling for decision making during the life cycle of infrastructure projects are vital tools for the analysis of complex, integrated, multi-disciplinary systems. The traditional design process is cumbersome and involves significant manual, time-consuming preparation and analysis as well as significant computational resources. To ensure a seamless workflow during the design and analysis and to minimise the computation time, we propose a novel concept of multi-level numerical simulations, enabling the modelling on different Levels of Detail (LoDs) for each physical component, process information, and analysis type. In this paper, we present SATBIM, an integrated platform for information modelling, structural analysis and visualisation of the mechanised tunnelling process for design support. Based on a multi-level integrated parametric Tunnel Information Model, numerical models for each component on different LoDs are developed, considering proper geometric as well as material representation, interfaces and the representation of the construction process. Our fully automatic modeller for arbitrary tunnel alignments provides a high degree of automation for the generation, the setup and the execution of the simulation model, connecting the multi-level information model with the open-source simulation software KRATOS. The software of SATBIM is organized in a modular way in order to offer high flexibility not only for further extensions, but also for adaptation to future improvements of the simulation software. The SATBIM platform enables practical, yet flexible and user-friendly generation of the tunnel structure for arbitrary alignments on different LoDs, supporting the design process and providing an insight into soil-structure interactions during construction

Investigations into Dynamic Response of Automobile Components during Crash Simulation

AbstractCrash simulation is a virtual recreation of a destructive crash test of a vehicle and its components using a computer aided analysis software in order to examine the level of safety of the vehicle and its occupants by analysing the level and nature of impact stresses occurring in the component and the magnitude and nature of the deformation happening in the component. Computer aided parametric design software are generally used for modelling of the vehicle components, to define all the coordinate values and geometrical details and then this CAD data is generally transferred to an FEM software for pre-processing and solution followed by generation and interpretation of results related to energies, acceleration and displacements with different loads & boundary conditions possible in various accidental situations. This major accomplishment is possible due to advent of advanced FE software system and computers offered within the last few years. Simulating the crashworthiness of the vehicle is a significant step to design automobiles of present age and automotive industry has probably the widest application of such simulation. Nowadays software such as LSDYNA, RADIOSS, ABASUS and others have very wide practical aspects to perform crash simulations.In the present work, Finite element modelling practices used for crash analysis are studied and after effects of the different parameters on the vehicle have been reviewed. The aim of this work is to study the effects of such crash parameters on the dynamic response of automobile component through finite element approach path. This paper presents an investigations of development done in the crash simulation of automobile components and the related process parameters through finite element approach

The Development of the Use of Expert Testimony

The steadily increasing performance of modern computer systems is having a large influence on simulation technologies. It enables increasingly detailed simulations of larger and more comprehensive simulation models. Increasingly large amounts of numerical data are produced by these simulations. This thesis presents several contributions in the field of mechanical system simulation and visualisation. The work described in the thesis is of practical relevance and results have been tested and implemented in tools that are used daily in the industry i.e., the BEAST (BEAring Simulation Tool) tool box. BEAST is a multibody system (MBS) simulation software with special focus on detailed contact calculations. Our work is primarily focusing on these types of systems. focusing on these types of systems. Research in the field of simulation modelling typically focuses on one or several specific topics around the modelling and simulation work process. The work presented here is novel in the sense that it provides a complete analysis and tool chain for the whole work process for simulation modelling and analysis of multibody systems with detailed contact models. The focus is on detecting and dealing with possible problems and bottlenecks in the work process, with respect to multibody systems with detailed contact models. The following primary research questions have been formulated: How to utilise object-oriented techniques for modelling of multibody systems with special reference tocontact modelling? How to integrate visualisation with the modelling and simulation process of multibody systems withdetailed contacts. How to reuse and combine existing simulation models to simulate large mechanical systems consistingof several sub-systems by means of co-simulation modelling? Unique in this work is the focus on detailed contact models. Most modelling approaches for multibody systems focus on modelling of bodies and boundary conditions of such bodies, e.g., springs, dampers, and possibly simple contacts. Here an object oriented modelling approach for multibody simulation and modelling is presented that, in comparison to common approaches, puts emphasis on integrated contact modelling and visualisation. The visualisation techniques are commonly used to verify the system model visually and to analyse simulation results. Data visualisation covers a broad spectrum within research and development. The focus is often on detailed solutions covering a fraction of the whole visualisation process. The novel visualisation aspect of the work presented here is that it presents techniques covering the entire visualisation process integrated with modeling and simulation. This includes a novel data structure for efficient storage and visualisation of multidimensional transient surface related data from detailed contact calculations. Different mechanical system simulation models typically focus on different parts (sub-systems) of a system. To fully understand a complete mechanical system it is often necessary to investigate several or all parts simultaneously. One solution for a more complete system analysis is to couple different simulation models into one coherent simulation. Part of this work is concerned with such co-simulation modelling. Co-simulation modelling typically focuses on data handling, connection modelling, and numerical stability. This work puts all emphasis on ease of use, i.e., making mechanical system co-simulation modelling applicable for a larger group of people. A novel meta-model based approach for mechanical system co-simulation modelling is presented. The meta-modelling process has been defined and tools and techniques been created to fully support the complete process. A component integrator and modelling environment are presented that support automated interface detection, interface alignment with automated three-dimensional coordinate translations, and three dimensional visual co-simulation modelling. The integrated simulator is based on a general framework for mechanical system co-simulations that guarantees numerical stability

Object-Oriented Development in Creating Software Systems

Object-oriented development has become quite popular and well-known throughout the computer industry. There are three components that are a part of object-oriented development. One component is object-oriented analysis which involves the creation of an object-oriented model based on the application domain of the software system. The second component is object-oriented design which is when the programmers develop an object-oriented model based on the defined requirements for the software system. The last component is object-oriented programming which is the process of implementing the software system so it becomes a reality. Together these three components provide programmers with a beneficial tool in software development. Object-oriented development focuses on the concept of an object which is a software entity that has attributes and operations associated with it. These software objects can model real-world counterparts in order for programmers to simulate real-world situations. This simulation is accomplished by objects becoming abstractions of their real-world counterparts in which they manage their own state and offer services to other objects

Design and simulation of a 3D wing box test rig for static test / Leonard Langking

Generally, this project is about designing a 3D Wing Box Test rig for static test using solid modelling computer software. Wing box test rig was invented for testing wing structure. The test rig is to hold the wing in place and keep them cantilevered so that the load on the wings doesn't affect the rig. The test will be done on computer using CAD software. The software used is CATIA. The scope of this project is to design a 3D wing box test rig for static test. The design must meet the requirements given or a strong test rig that can withstand the load of wing. The CATIA software is used to design and do the simulation on the test rig. The design process and simulation in this project is done mostly using the CATIA software. The result will be obtained by improving the initial design and choosing the most suitable design. The project will be complemented with project that is the finite element analysis on the wing box test rig design. This is the analysis of load requirement analysis on the test rig. Besides that for future, student can use this design to fabricate a wing box test rig that will be use for static test. The engineering analysis on materials is done through calculation by referring to the theoretical values and formulas. The parameters taken from this engineering analysis will be applied on the CATIA software in the analysis and simulation of the design. The output of this project is a design and simulation of a 3D wing box test rig for static test that used a material of hollow box and C beam mild steel as the main component. The design will meet the requirements of factor of safety in the range of 1.2 to 2.5 and can withstand the maximum load of 50 KN

A Practical Guide to Chemical Process Optimization: Analysis of a Styrene Plant

This report acts as a beginner’s guide to chemical processes optimization. Performed universally, optimization merely entails improving an existing process, situation, device or system. For a chemical engineer, optimization typically aims to maximize potential economics of a chemical process by manipulating decision variables while staying within known constraints. In order to maximize the overall economics of a chemical process, individual equipment or stream conditions are examined. The chemical process is implemented in simulation software The optimization of individual components of the process may aim to maximize or minimize an outcome specific to that component, but still ultimately maximizes economic potential. An engineer must determine how each component of the process ultimately impacts the overall economic potential. Upon initial analysis of a chemical process, optimization can seem overwhelming. This report first defines, explains and exemplifies all the nomenclature used to develop, solve and evaluate optimization. This is follow by identification and analysis of the two types of optimization. This knowledge allows for final development of a generalized approach to chemical process optimization, including a specific and complete optimization example. All included examples focus on a specific chemical process designed for styrene production

Numerical modeling of the electron beam welding and its experimental validation

Electron Beam Welding (EBW) is a highly efficient and precise welding method increasingly used within the manufacturing chain and of growing importance in different industrial environments such as the aeronautical and aerospace sectors. This is because, compared to other welding processes, EBW induces lower distortions and residual stresses due to the lower and more focused heat input along the welding line. This work describes the formulation adopted for the numerical simulation of the EBW process as well as the experimental work carried out to calibrate and validate it. The numerical simulation of EBW involves the interaction of thermal, mechanical and metallurgical phenomena. For this reason, in this work the numerical framework couples the heat transfer process to the stress analysis to maximize accuracy. An in-house multi-physics FE software is used to deal with the numerical simulation. The definition of an ad hoc moving heat source is proposed to simulate the EB power surface distribution and the corresponding absorption within the work-piece thickness. Both heat conduction and heat radiation models are considered to dissipate the heat through the boundaries of the component. The material behavior is characterized by an apropos thermo-elasto-viscoplastic constitutive model. Titanium-alloy Ti6A14V is the target material of this work. From the experimental side, the EB welding machine, the vacuum chamber characteristics and the corresponding operative setting are detailed. Finally, the available facilities to record the temperature evolution at different thermo-couple locations as well as to measure both distortions and residual stresses are described. Numerical results are compared with the experimental evidence.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Understanding the effects of e-business on business processes, a simulation approach

This thesis defines a new approach to the analysis of the effect of e-business on business processes, utilising simulation as evaluation tool. This research was focused on answering five research questions about the suitability of simulation in this context, the role of static modelling and generic business processes, the identification of patterns for e-business activities and how to operationalise these patterns into components in simulation software, as well as how to use these components. Requirements for modelling of e-business processes were identified and documented. Pilot cases studies proved the potential of simulation for studying e-business processes (Feasibility). Generic e-business activities were derived and classified from the literature and case studies in order to fill gaps identified in existent process models. Re-usable simulation components are proposed as a result of the unique combination of simulation and e-activities in order to make simulation modelling of e-business easier. The components were tested in industrial case studies and quasi-experiments with end users for feasibility, usability and usefulness. Results show that the components' approach is feasible, that having re-usable components promotes a better analysis, (usefulness) and that it is easy to build models using the components (usability). The theoretical novelty of this research resides in bringing together three areas of study: ebusiness, simulation and business processes to analyse e-business implementations. The research contributes to the knowledge of components and re-use theory in simulation by proposing a new approach to component development, operationalisation and analysis of the degree of granularity required for these components. From a practical point of view, this research provides companies with an easier and more complete way of analysing e-business processes, breaking the barrier for the use of simulation, speeding up model building of eprocesses and getting a better understanding of the dynamics of e-processes. Future work in the area will include extending the component approach to supply chains and inter-company transactions.This thesis defines a new approach to the analysis of the effect of e-business on business processes, utilising simulation as evaluation tool. This research was focused on answering five research questions about the suitability of simulation in this context, the role of static modelling and generic business processes, the identification of patterns for e-business activities and how to operationalise these patterns into components in simulation software, as well as how to use these components. Requirements for modelling of e-business processes were identified and documented. Pilot cases studies proved the potential of simulation for studying e-business processes (Feasibility). Generic e-business activities were derived and classified from the literature and case studies in order to fill gaps identified in existent process models. Re-usable simulation components are proposed as a result of the unique combination of simulation and e-activities in order to make simulation modelling of e-business easier. The components were tested in industrial case studies and quasi-experiments with end users for feasibility, usability and usefulness. Results show that the components' approach is feasible, that having re-usable components promotes a better analysis, (usefulness) and that it is easy to build models using the components (usability). The theoretical novelty of this research resides in bringing together three areas of study: ebusiness, simulation and business processes to analyse e-business implementations. The research contributes to the knowledge of components and re-use theory in simulation by proposing a new approach to component development, operationalisation and analysis of the degree of granularity required for these components. From a practical point of view, this research provides companies with an easier and more complete way of analysing e-business processes, breaking the barrier for the use of simulation, speeding up model building of eprocesses and getting a better understanding of the dynamics of e-processes. Future work in the area will include extending the component approach to supply chains and inter-company transactions