Using Mid-stage Validation to Increase Confidence in Simulation of TPOs

October 4, 2016•by DatapointLabs•6,168 views

Finite element analysis of plastics contains assumptions and uncertainties that can affect simulation accuracy. It is useful to quantify these effects prior to using simulation for real-life applications. A mid-stage validation uses a controlled physical test on a standardized part to compare results from simulation to physical experiment. These validations do not use real-life parts but carefully designed geometries that probe the accuracy of the simulation; the geometries themselves can be tested with boundary conditions that can be simulated correctly. In one study, a quasi-static three-point bending experiment of a standardized parallel ribbed plate is performed and simulated, using Abaqus. A comparison of the strain fields resulting from the complex stress state on the face of the ribs obtained by digital image correlation (DIC) vs. simulation is used to quantify the simulation's fidelity. In a second study, a dynamic dart impact experiment is validated using LS-Dyna probing the multi-axial deformation of a polypropylene until failure.

Determination and Use of Material Properties for Finite Element Analysis: Book Review

June 3, 2016•by DatapointLabs•9,870 views

This book is intended to be a companion to the NAFEMS book, "An Introduction to the Use of Material Models in FE". It informs Finite Element Analysis users of the manner and methodologies by which materials are tested in order to calibrate material models currently implemented in various FEA programs. While the authors seek first to satisfy the basic material models outlined in the companion book, they make important extensions to FEA used in currently active areas including explicit simulation.

Using an Intermediate Validation Step to Increase CAE Confidence

May 24, 2016•by DatapointLabs•7,360 views

Simulations contain assumptions and uncertainties that a designer must evaluate to obtain a measure of accuracy. The assumptions of the product design can be differentiated from the ones for the solver and material model through the use of a mid-stage validation. An open loop validation uses a controlled test on a standardized part to compare results from a simulation to the physical experiment. From the validation, confidence in the material model and solver is gained. In this study, the material properties of a polypropylene are tested to characterize for an *ELASTIC *PLASTIC model in ABAQUS. A validation of a quasi-static three-point bending experiment of a parallel ribbed plate is then performed and simulated. A comparison of the strain fields resulting from the complex stress state on the face of the ribs obtained by digital image correlation (DIC) vs. simulation is used to quantify the simulation's fidelity.

Prediction of the Plastic Component Parts Durability with Use of a Drop Test Simulation

May 6, 2016•by Megan Lobdell•5,371 views

I found this to be a good explanation of calculating linear Drucker Prager variables for Abaqus.

Datapoint Newsletter: Spring '16, Volume 22.2

April 11, 2016•by Datapoint Newsletters•7,018 views

Focus on Validation, STEM Education, New Test Apparatus, Support for Altair HyperWorks

Datapoint Newsletter: Summer '15, Volume 21.3

August 10, 2015•by Datapoint Newsletters•6,984 views

Material Model Validation, New Knowledge Hub

Creep modelling of Polyolefins using artificial neural networks

July 31, 2015•by Massimo Nutini•5,777 views

Notwithstanding the increasing demand for polymeric materials in an extraordinary variety of applications, the engineers have often only limited tools suitable for the design of parts made of polymers, both in terms of mathematical models and reliable material data, which together constitute the basis for a finite-elements based design. Within this context, creep modelling constitutes a clear example of the needs for a more refined approach. An accurate prediction of the creep behaviour of polymers would definitely lead to a more refined design and thus to a better performance of the polymeric components. However, a limited number of models is available within the f.e. codes, and when the model complexity increases, it becomes sometimes difficult fitting the models parameters to the experimental data. In order to predict the polymer creep behaviour, this paper proposes a solution based on artificial neural networks, where the experimental creep curves are used to determine the parameters of a neural network which is then simply implemented in an Abaqus user subroutine. This allows to avoid the implementation of a complex material law and also the difficulties related to match the experimental data to the model parameters, keeping easily into account the dependence on stress and temperature. After a discussion of the selection of the appropriate network and its parameters, an example of the application of this approach to polyolefins in a simplified test case is presented.

Using the PRF Model for Polypropylene

April 28, 2015•by Tod Dalrymple•5,408 views

Challenges in the Modeling of Plastics in Computer Simulation

March 12, 2015•by DatapointLabs•7,256 views

Finite-element analysis and injection-molding simulation are two technologies that are seeing widespread use today in the design of plastic components. Limitations exist in our ability to mathematically describe the complexity of polymer behavior to these software packages. Material models commonly used in finite-element analysis were not designed for plastics, making it difficult to correctly describe non-linear behavior and plasticity of these complex materials. Time-based viscoelastic phenomena further complicate analysis. Dealing with fiber fillers brings yet another layer of complexity. It is vital to the plastics engineer to comprehend these gaps in order to make good design decisions. Approaches to understanding and dealing with these challenges, including practical strategies for everyday use, will be discussed.

Software for Creating and Managing Material Specifications 

August 12, 2014•by DatapointLabs•6,941 views

Material specifications define properties for incoming materials to meet required criteria. We present software that manages creation of material specifications, input of properties and material composition; and provides a way to evaluate qualification per specification. While it is designed for OEM/Tier n environments, it is also applicable for materials suppliers.