Publications

Publications

A Non-Linear Programming Method Approach for Upper Bound Limit Analysis

This paper presents a finite element model for calculating the upper bounds of a structure's collapse load. It utilizes a non-linear programming method and an augmented Lagrangian to combine independent velocity and strain rate fields, solving non-linearities at the element level.

Applications of Reliability Assessment for Aerospace, Automotive, Bioengineering, and Weapons System

This collection shows how Finite Element Analysis is integrated with probabilistic methods to perform reliability-based design for aerospace, automotive, and ship structures. These methods use FEA simulations to analyze failures like fatigue, crashworthiness, and buckling, allowing for a quantitative assessment of structural risk under uncertainty.

Naval Waste Package Design Sensitivity

Tim Schmitt

This document details a sensitivity analysis using the LS-DYNA finite element code to evaluate the structural integrity of the Naval waste package under impact loading. The study simulates corner drop and tip-over scenarios with varying internal dimensions and canister weights to determine their influence on stress levels in the outer corrosion barrier. The finite element models were verified for mesh sensitivity to ensure the accuracy of the conclusions.

The Influence of Under Sleeper Pads on Railway Track Dynamics

Stephen Witt

This paper employs a Finite Element model created in TrueGrid and solved with LS-DYNA to analyze the dynamic performance of Under Sleeper Pads in railway tracks. The study simulates a wheel moving over a track to assess how different pad stiffnesses alter wheel/rail and ballast contact forces in scenarios with non-uniform track support, such as transitions to bridges and the presence of hanging sleepers.

Solid Model Design Simplifications

This paper details an investigation into simplifying complex CAD solid models to make them usable for downstream applications. It describes the development of prototype software tools designed to detect and eliminate problematic geometric features that cause failures in Finite Element analysis meshing programs.