Publications

Publications

Headform Impactor FEM with Application to Vehicle Hood Design for Pedestrian Protection

This study presents the development and validation of a Finite Element model of a headform impactor, using LS-DYNA and LS-OPT to calibrate its viscoelastic material properties against experimental data. The validated FEA model is then applied to the optimization of a generic vehicle hood design through a series of impact simulations to enhance pedestrian protection.

Bumper beam-longtudinal system subjected to offset impact loading

S Kokkula, O S Hopperstad, O-G Lademo, T Berstad

This work utilizes the non-linear finite element code LS-DYNA to simulate the complex behavior of an automotive bumper system during an offset crash, focusing on the accuracy of a user-defined material model compared to industrial standards. The FEA demonstrates that incorporating advanced features like anisotropic plasticity, a ductile fracture criterion, and adaptive meshing is critical to accurately predict the experimentally observed deformation modes and component failures.

FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS AND MODELING OF A .38 LEADROUND NOSE BALLISTIC GELATIN TEST

Danielle Datoc

This paper details the use of the Finite Element code LS-DYNA to simulate the ballistic impact of a .38 caliber lead bullet into a block of ballistic gelatin. The analysis employs a sophisticated fluid-structure interaction model with Lagrangian and Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) meshes to accurately predict bullet deformation, penetration depth, and the formation of the temporary and permanent wound cavities.

Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis of a Large Thin-Arch Dam Using Massively Parallel Computing

Charles R. Noble and Larry K.Nuss.

This study uses a parallel Finite Element Analysis program to compare implicit and explicit time integration methods for the nonlinear seismic analysis of a concrete arch dam. The detailed FEA model includes contact elements for joint opening and fluid elements for reservoir interaction, with results showing the explicit method provides better scalability on massively parallel computers.

Aero-Structural Design Investigations for Biplane Wind Turbine Blades

Dr. Perry Roth-Johnson

This dissertation uses a detailed Finite Element model to conduct an aero-structural optimization of a novel biplane wind turbine blade, aiming to reduce blade mass while satisfying stress, buckling, and deflection constraints. The Finite Element analysis, integrated with aerodynamic load calculations, shows that the biplane design is a structurally feasible and potentially more cost-effective solution for large-scale wind turbines.