Showing papers in "International Journal of Applied Mechanics and Engineering in 2017"

Modelling of Dynamics of a Wheeled Mobile Robot with Mecanum Wheels with the use of Lagrange Equations of the Second Kind

Abstract: Abstract The work presents the dynamic equations of motion of a wheeled mobile robot with mecanum wheels derived with the use of Lagrange equations of the second kind. Mecanum wheels are a new type of wheels used in wheeled mobile robots and they consist of freely rotating rollers attached to the circumference of the wheels. In order to derive dynamic equations of motion of a wheeled mobile robot, the kinetic energy of the system is determined, as well as the generalised forces affecting the system. The resulting mathematical model of a wheeled mobile robot was generated with the use of Maple V software. The results of a solution of inverse and forward problems of dynamics of the discussed object are also published.

Fem and Experimental Analysis of Thin-Walled Composite Elements Under Compression

Abstract: Abstract Thin-walled steel elements in the form of openwork columns with variable geometrical parameters of holes were studied. The samples of thin-walled composite columns were modelled numerically. They were subjected to axial compression to examine their behavior in the critical and post-critical state. The numerical models were articulately supported on the upper and lower edges of the cross-section of the profiles. The numerical analysis was conducted only with respect to the non-linear stability of the structure. The FEM analysis was performed until the material achieved its yield stress. This was done to force the loss of stability by the structures. The numerical analysis was performed using the ABAQUS® software. The numerical analysis was performed only for the elastic range to ensure the operating stability of the tested thin-walled structures.

Low Frequency Sloshing Analysis of Cylindrical Containers with Flat and Conical Baffles

Abstract: Abstract This paper presents an analysis of low-frequency liquid vibrations in rigid partially filled containers with baffles. The liquid is supposed to be an ideal and incompressible one and its flow is irrotational. A compound shell of revolution is considered as the container model. For evaluating the velocity potential the system of singular boundary integral equations has been obtained. The single-domain and multi-domain reduced boundary element methods have been used for its numerical solution. The numerical simulation is performed to validate the proposed method and to estimate the sloshing frequencies and modes of fluid-filled cylindrical shells with baffles in the forms of circular plates and truncated cones. Both axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric modes of liquid vibrations in baffled and un-baffled tanks have been considered. The proposed method makes it possible to determine a suitable place with a proper height for installing baffles in tanks by using the numerical experiment.

Modeling of Two-Wheeled Self-Balancing Robot Driven by DC Gearmotors

Abstract: Abstract This paper is aimed at modelling a two-wheeled self-balancing robot driven by the geared DC motors. A mathematical model consists of two main parts, the model of robot’s mechanical structure and the model of the actuator. Linearized equations of motion are derived and the overall model of the two-wheeled self-balancing robot is represented in state-space realization for the purpose of state feedback controller design.

Effect of Induced Magnetic Field on MHD Mixed Convection Flow in Vertical Microchannel

Abstract: Abstract The present work presents a theoretical investigation of an MHD mixed convection flow in a vertical microchannel formed by two electrically non-conducting infinite vertical parallel plates. The influence of an induced magnetic field arising due to motion of an electrically conducting fluid is taken into consideration. The governing equations of the motion are a set of simultaneous ordinary differential equations and their exact solutions in dimensionless form have been obtained for the velocity field, the induced magnetic field and the temperature field. The expressions for the induced current density and skin friction have also been obtained. The effects of various non-dimensional parameters such as rarefaction, fluid wall interaction, the Hartmann number and the magnetic Prandtl number on the velocity, the induced magnetic field, the temperature, the induced current density, and skin friction have been presented in a graphical form. It is found that the effect of the Hartmann number and magnetic Prandtl number on the induced current density is found to have a decreasing nature at the central region of the microchannel.

Mixed Convective Fully Developed Flow in a Vertical Channel in the Presence of Thermal Radiation and Viscous Dissipation

Abstract: Abstract The effect of thermal radiation and viscous dissipation on a combined free and forced convective flow in a vertical channel is investigated for a fully developed flow regime. Boussinesq and Roseseland approximations are considered in the modeling of the conduction radiation heat transfer with thermal boundary conditions (isothermal-thermal, isoflux-thermal, and isothermal-flux). The coupled nonlinear governing equations are also solved analytically using the Differential Transform Method (DTM) and regular perturbation method (PM). The results are analyzed graphically for various governing parameters such as the mixed convection parameter, radiation parameter, Brinkman number and perturbation parameter for equal and different wall temperatures. It is found that the viscous dissipation enhances the flow reversal in the case of a downward flow while it counters the flow in the case of an upward flow. A comparison of the Differential Transform Method (DTM) and regular perturbation method (PM) methods shows the versatility of the Differential Transform Method (DTM). The skin friction and the wall temperature gradient are presented for different values of the physical parameters and the salient features are analyzed.

Unsteady MHD Heat Transfer in Couette Flow of Water at 4°C in a Rotating System with Ramped Temperature via Finite Element Method

Abstract: Abstract An unsteady magnetohydromagnetic natural convection on the Couette flow of electrically conducting water at 4°C (Pr = 11.40) in a rotating system has been considered. A Finite Element Method (FEM) was employed to find the numerical solutions of the dimensionless governing coupled boundary layer partial differential equations. The primary velocity, secondary velocity and temperature of water at 4°C as well as shear stresses and rate of heat transfer have been obtained for both ramped temperature and isothermal plates. The results are independent of the mesh (grid) size and the present numerical solutions through the Finite Element Method (FEM) are in good agreement with the existing analytical solutions by the Laplace Transform Technique (LTT). These are shown in tabular and graphical forms.

Transport of MHD Couple Stress Fluid Through Peristalsis in a Porous Medium Under the Influence of Heat Transfer and Slip Effects

Abstract: Abstract An attempt has been made to examine the effects of magnetohydrodynamic couple stress fluid in peristaltic flow with porous medium under the impact of slip, heat transfer and wall properties. The expressions are obtained for temperature, coefficient of heat transfer and velocity. Influences of different parameters, the Hartmann number, Brinkman number and adaptability parameters on the temperature and warmth trade coefficient are discussed through outlines.

Curvilinear Squeeze Film Bearing with Porous Wall Lubricated by a Rabinowitsch Fluid

Abstract: Abstract The present theoretical analysis is to investigate the effect of non-Newtonian lubricant modelled by a Rabinowitsch fluid on the performance of a curvilinear squeeze film bearing with one porous wall. The equations of motion of a Rabinowitsch fluid are used to derive the Reynolds equation. After general considerations on the flow in a bearing clearance and in a porous layer using the Morgan-Cameron approximation the modified Reynolds equation is obtained. The analytical solution of this equation for the case of a squeeze film bearing is presented. As a result one obtains the formulae expressing pressure distribution and load-carrying capacity. Thrust radial bearing and spherical bearing with a squeeze film are considered as numerical examples.

Effect of Hall Current in Thermoelastic Materials with Double Porosity Structure

Abstract: Abstract The present investigation is concerned with one dimensional problem in a homogeneous, isotropic thermoelastic medium with double porosity structure in the presence of Hall currents subjected to thermomechanical sources. A state space approach has been applied to investigate the problem. As an application of the approach, normal force and thermal source have been taken to illustrate the utility of the approach. The expressions for the components of normal stress, equilibrated stress and the temperature change are obtained in the frequency domain and computed numerically. A numerical simulation is prepared for these quantities. The effect of the Hartmann number is depicted graphically on the resulting quantities for a specific model. Some particular cases of interest are also deduced from the present investigation.

Hydromagnetic Rarefied Fluid Flow over a Wedge in the Presence of Surface Slip and Thermal Radiation

Abstract: Abstract An analysis is presented to investigate the effects of thermal radiation on a convective slip flow of an electrically conducting slightly rarefied fluid, having temperature dependent fluid properties, over a wedge with a thermal jump at the surface of the boundary in the presence of a transverse magnetic field. The reduced equations are solved numerically using the finite difference code that implements the 3-stage Lobatto IIIa formula for the partitioned Runge-Kutta method. Numerical results for the dimensionless velocity and temperature as well as for the skin friction coefficient and the Nusselt number are presented through graphs and tables for pertinent parameters to show interesting aspects of the solution.

Impact of Nonlinearity of The Contact Layer Between Elements Joined in a Multi-Bolted System on Its Preload

Abstract: Abstract The paper deals with modelling and calculations of asymmetrical multi-bolted joints at the assembly stage. The physical model of the joint is based on a system composed of four subsystems, which are: a couple of joined elements, a contact layer between the elements, and a set of bolts. The contact layer is assumed as the Winkler model, which can be treated as a nonlinear or linear model. In contrast, the set of bolts are modelled using simplified beam models, known as spider bolt models. The theorem according to which nonlinearity of the contact layer has a negligible impact on the final preload of the joint in the case of its sequential tightening has been verified. Results of sample calculations for the selected multi-bolted system, in the form of diagrams of preloads in the bolts as well as normal contact pressure between the joined elements during the assembly process and at its end, are presented.

Similarity Solutions on Mixed Convection Heat Transfer from a Horizontal Surface Saturated in a Porous Medium with Internal Heat Generation

Abstract: Abstract The aim of this work is to study the mixed convection boundary layer flow from a horizontal surface embedded in a porous medium with exponential decaying internal heat generation (IHG). Boundary layer equations are reduced to two ordinary differential equations for the dimensionless stream function and temperature with two parameters: ε, the mixed convection parameter, and λ, the exponent of x. This problem is numerically solved with a system of parameters using built-in codes in Maple. The influences of these parameters on velocity and temperature profiles, and the Nusselt number, are thoroughly compared and discussed.

Unsteady MHD Mixed Convection Flow of a Micropolar Fluid Over a Vertical Wedge

Abstract: Abstract An analysis is presented to investigate the unsteady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) mixed convection boundary-layer flow of a micropolar fluid over a vertical wedge in the presence of thermal radiation and heat generation or absorption. The free-stream velocity and surface temperature are assumed to be oscillating in magnitude but not in the direction of the oncoming flow velocity. The governing equations have been solved by two distinct methods, namely, the finite difference method for the entire frequency range, and the series solution for low frequency range and the asymptotic series expansion method for the high frequency range. Numerical solutions provide a good agreement with the series solutions. The amplitudes of skin friction and couple stress coefficients are found to be strongly dependent on the Richardson number and the vortex viscosity parameter. The Prandtl number, the conduction-radiation parameter, the surface temperature parameter and the pressure gradient parameter significantly affect the amplitudes of skin friction, couple stress and surface heat transfer rates. However, the amplitudes of skin friction coefficient are considerably affected by the magnetic field parameter, whereas the amplitudes of heat transfer rate are appreciably changed with the heat generation or absorption parameter. In addition, results are presented for the transient skin friction, couple stress and heat transfer rate with the variations of the Richardson number, the vortex viscosity parameter, the pressure gradient parameter and the magnetic field parameter.

Influence of Total Inertia Effects in a Thrust Curvilinear Bearing Lubricated with Newtonian Lubricants

Abstract: Abstract In the paper, the flow of a Newtonian type of lubricant in the clearance of a curvilinear bearing is considered. It is assumed that the bearing walls are modelled as smooth and impermeable. In analytical considerations, full inertia of the longitudinal flow and partial inertia of the circumferential flow are taken into account. The equation of motion of the lubricant is solved by the modified method of averaged inertia. A thrust bearing and spherical bearing are considered, for which dimensionless pressure distributions and the bearing capacity are given.

The Effect of MHD on Free Convection with Periodic Temperature and Concentration in the Presence of Thermal Radiation and Chemical Reaction

Abstract: Abstract This paper studies the effect of magneto hydrodynamics on unsteady free convection between a pair of infinite vertical Couette plates. The temperature of the plates and concentration between the plates vary with time. Convection between the plates is considered in the presence of thermal radiation and chemical reaction. The solution is obtained using perturbation techniques. These techniques are used to transform nonlinear coupled partial differential equations to a system of ordinary differential equations. The resulting equations are solved analytically. The solution is expressed in terms of power series with some small parameter. The effect of various parameters, viz., velocity, temperature and concentration, has been discussed. Mat lab code simulation study is carried out to support the theoretical results. The result shows that as the thermal radiation parameter R increases, the temperature decreases near the moving porous plate while it approaches to a zero in the region close to the boundary layer of the stationary plate. Moreover, as the modified Grashof number, i.e., based on concentration difference, increases, the velocity of the fluid flow increases hence the concentration decreases. An increase in both the chemical reaction parameter and Schmidt number results in decreased concentration.

Simulating progressive damage of notched composite laminates with various lamination schemes

Abstract: Abstract A three dimensional finite element based progressive damage model has been developed for the failure analysis of notched composite laminates. The material constitutive relations and the progressive damage algorithms are implemented into finite element code ABAQUS using user-defined subroutine UMAT. The existing failure criteria for the composite laminates are modified by including the failure criteria for fiber/matrix shear damage and delamination effects. The proposed numerical model is quite efficient and simple compared to other progressive damage models available in the literature. The efficiency of the present constitutive model and the computational scheme is verified by comparing the simulated results with the results available in the literature. A parametric study has been carried out to investigate the effect of change in lamination scheme on the failure behaviour of notched composite laminates.

Effect of Relative Velocity Between Rough Surfaces: Hydrodynamic Lubrication of Rotary Lip Seal

Abstract: Abstract Since the sixties, most of numerical studies that model the rotary lip seal lubrication have been restricted by assuming that one of the two opposing surfaces is smooth: either the lip or the shaft. This hypothesis, although it is verified only for a shaft roughness ten times smaller than that of the seal, is the best solution to avoid the transient term “∂h/∂t” in the deterministic approach. Thus, the subject of the present study is twofold. The first part validates the current hydrodynamic model with the international literature by assuming the asperities on the lip and shaft as a two-dimensional cosine function. In the second part the Reynolds equation for rough surfaces with relative motion is solved. The numerical results show that the relative motion between rough surfaces impacts significantly the load support and the leakage rate, but affects slightly the friction torque.

On The Parameters of Geometric Constraints for Cracked Plates under Tension – Three-Dimensional Problems

Abstract: Abstract This paper provides a comparative analysis of selected parameters of the geometric constraints for cracked plates subjected to tension. The results of three-dimensional numerical calculations were used to assess the distribution of these parameters around the crack front and their changes along the crack front. The study also involved considering the influence of the external load on the averaged values of the parameters of the geometric constraints as well as the relationship between the material constants and the level of the geometric constraints contributing to the actual fracture toughness for certain geometries.

On Some Mechanical Properties and Wear Behavior of Sintered Bronze Based Composites Reinforced with Some Aluminides Microadditives

Abstract: Abstract In the paper, the changes in some mechanical properties and wear behavior of CuSn10 sintered bronze and MMCs based on this bronze reinforced with composite ultrafine aluminide powders FeAl/15 % Al2O3, NiAl/15 % Al2O3 and Ti-46Al-8Cr are described. It was observed that the presence of aluminides in the MMCs leads to an increase in the hardness, but the flexural strength may increase or decrease depending on the type of aluminide. The presence of aluminides in the MMC reduces the wear rate considerably. It is decreased in the direction of FeAl/15 % Al2O3 → NiAl/15 % Al2O3 → Ti-46Al-8Cr aluminides and for the best MMC composition the advantage is about 20 times. In the MMCs wear process, micro-craters are formed on the contact surface and it is the principal reason of a decrease in the wear rate.

Technical and Economic Aspects of Low Emission Reduction in Poland

Abstract: Abstract The paper presents the problem of excessive air pollution in Poland caused mainly by low emission. The emission arises in result of heating flats by means of old and energetically inefficient heating installations. In Poland and Bulgaria the inhaled air is of the worst quality out of all EU countries. The paper presents economic and technical problems related to low emission occurring during the combustion of solid fuels in local boiler houses. Furthermore, the most significant economic issues, connected with the reduction of low emission are discussed, as well as technological possibilities of efficient reduction of the amount of pollution in the atmosphere. Conclusions are presented at the end of the article.

A Numerical Analysis of Selected Elastic-Plastic Fracture Parameters for DEN(T) Plates under Plane Strain Conditions

Abstract: Abstract This paper provides a numerical analysis of selected parameters of fracture mechanics for double-edge notched specimens in tension, DEN(T), under plane strain conditions. The analysis was performed using the elastic-plastic material model. The study involved determining the stress distribution near the crack tip for both small and large deformations. The limit load solution was verified. The J-integral, the crack tip opening displacement, and the load line displacement were determined using the numerical method to propose the new hybrid solutions for calculating these parameters. The investigations also aimed to identify the influence of the plate geometry and the material characteristics on the parameters under consideration. This paper is a continuation of the author’s previous studies and simulations in the field of elastic-plastic fracture mechanics [4, 6, 16, 17, 31].

Bridges for Pedestrians with Random Parameters using the Stochastic Finite Elements Analysis

Abstract: Abstract The main aim of this paper is to present a Stochastic Finite Element Method analysis with reference to principal design parameters of bridges for pedestrians: eigenfrequency and deflection of bridge span. They are considered with respect to random thickness of plates in boxed-section bridge platform, Young modulus of structural steel and static load resulting from crowd of pedestrians. The influence of the quality of the numerical model in the context of traditional FEM is shown also on the example of a simple steel shield. Steel structures with random parameters are discretized in exactly the same way as for the needs of traditional Finite Element Method. Its probabilistic version is provided thanks to the Response Function Method, where several numerical tests with random parameter values varying around its mean value enable the determination of the structural response and, thanks to the Least Squares Method, its final probabilistic moments.

Analysis of Energy Consumption and Possibilities of Thermal-Modernization in Residential Buildings in Poland Case Study: The Town of Zielona Góra

Abstract: Abstract The article presents an analysis of buildings belonging the Department of Public Utilities and Housing in Zielona Góra. The research was based on a set of questions for building operators. The questionnaires consisted of 30 questions concerning general and detailed information about the buildings. In order to clearly present the results, this article includes data only about residential and residential-commercial buildings. Forty building built in different periods were selected for analysis.

Curvilinear Squeeze Film Bearing Lubricated with a Dehaven Fluid or with Similar Fluids

Abstract: Abstract In the paper, the model of a DeHaven fluid and some other models of non-Newtonian fluids, in which the shear strain rates are known functions of the powers of shear stresses, are considered. It was demonstrated that these models for small values of material constants can be presented in a form similar to the form of a DeHaven fluid. This common form, called a unified model of the DeHaven fluid, was used to consider a curvilinear squeeze film bearing. The equations of motion of the unified model, given in a specific coordinate system are used to derive the Reynolds equation. The solution to the Reynolds equation is obtained by a method of successive approximations. As a result one obtains formulae expressing the pressure distribution and load-carrying capacity. The numerical examples of flows of the unified DeHaven fluid in gaps of two simple squeeze film bearings are presented.

Influence of Wall Porosity and Surfaces Roughness on the Steady Performance of an Externally Pressurized Hydrostatic Conical Bearing Lubricated by a Rabinowitsch Fluid

Abstract: Abstract In the paper, the influence of both the bearing surfaces roughness as well as porosity of one bearing surface on the pressure distribution and load-carrying capacity of a curvilinear, externally pressurized, thrust bearing is discussed. The equations of motion of a pseudo-plastic Rabinowitsch fluid are used to derive the Reynolds equation. After general considerations on the flow in a bearing clearance and in a porous layer using the Morgan-Cameron approximation and Christensen theory of hydrodynamic lubrication with rough bearing surfaces the modified Reynolds equation is obtained. The analytical solution is presented; as a result one obtains the formulae expressing the pressure distribution and load-carrying capacity. Thrust radial and conical bearings, externally pressurized, are considered as numerical examples.

Fem Simulation of Triple Diffusive Natural Convection Along Inclined Plate in Porous Medium: Prescribed Surface Heat, Solute and Nanoparticles Flux

Abstract: Abstract In this paper, triple diffusive natural convection under Darcy flow over an inclined plate embedded in a porous medium saturated with a binary base fluid containing nanoparticles and two salts is studied. The model used for the nanofluid is the one which incorporates the effects of Brownian motion and thermophoresis. In addition, the thermal energy equations include regular diffusion and cross-diffusion terms. The vertical surface has the heat, mass and nanoparticle fluxes each prescribed as a power law function of the distance along the wall. The boundary layer equations are transformed into a set of ordinary differential equations with the help of group theory transformations. A wide range of parameter values are chosen to bring out the effect of buoyancy ratio, regular Lewis number and modified Dufour parameters of both salts and nanofluid parameters with varying angle of inclinations. The effects of parameters on the velocity, temperature, solutal and nanoparticles volume fraction profiles, as well as on the important parameters of heat and mass transfer, i.e., the reduced Nusselt, regular and nanofluid Sherwood numbers, are discussed. Such problems find application in extrusion of metals, polymers and ceramics, production of plastic films, insulation of wires and liquid packaging.

Comparative Numerical Analysis of Different Strengthening Systems of Historical Brick Arches

Abstract: The article presents a comparative numerical analysis of various ways to strengthen historical brick arches. Five ways of strengthening brick arches with steel tie-rods have been proposed. Two of these involve the use of braces wrapped around pillars supporting the arch connected with a tie-rod; another two ways involve the use of the tie-rods with welded metal sheets of different sizes; the last way involves the use of the tie-rod glued with use of epoxy adhesive. The collected data were compared with the reference model of the arch left without any interference. The obtained results allow to evaluate the used methods' effectiveness by comparing displacements in the vertical and horizontal direction, and stresses. The article indicates the direction of proper planning and design of the arch strengthening in brick structures, which often occur in historical buildings.

Analysis of parallelogram mechanism used to preserve remote center of motion for surgical telemanipulator

Abstract: Abstract This paper presents an analysis of a parallelogram mechanism commonly used to provide a kinematic remote center of motion in surgical telemanipulators. Selected types of parallel manipulator designs, encountered in commercial and laboratory-made designs described in the medical robotics literature, will serve as the research material. Among other things, computer simulations in the ANSYS 13.0 CAD/CAE software environment, employing the finite element method, will be used. The kinematics of the solution of manipulator with the parallelogram mechanism will be determined in order to provide a more complete description. These results will form the basis for the decision regarding the possibility of applying a parallelogram mechanism in an original prototype of a telemanipulator arm.

A Numerical Study of Coupled Non-Linear Equations of Thermo-Viscous Fluid Flow in Cylindrical Geometry

Abstract: Abstract In this paper we present numerical solutions to coupled non-linear governing equations of thermo-viscous fluid flow in cylindrical geometry using MATHEMATICA software solver. The numerical results are presented in terms of velocity, temperature and pressure distribution for various values of the material parameters such as the thermo-mechanical stress coefficient, thermal conductivity coefficient, Reiner Rivlin cross viscosity coefficient and the Prandtl number in the form of tables and graphs. Also, the solutions to governing equations for slow steady motion of a fluid have been obtained numerically and compared with the existing analytical results and are found to be in excellent agreement. The results of the present study will hopefully enable a better understanding applications of the flow under consideration.