Informatics Publishing Limited

Yucheng Liu ¹

Affiliations
1 University of Louisiana, Lafayette, US

Abstract

As a popular energy absorber, steel box-sectional beams are widely used in various engineering structures. In this paper, the dynamic crushing behaviours of steel beams with box cross sections are investigated and outlined. Systematic parametric studies were conducted in order to study the effect of material properties, including strain hardening ratio and strain rate effect, length of the beam, and initial impact velocity on the crushing behaviours of the steel beams. A series of numerical models were constructed with various sets of parameters and used for crashworthiness analyses. Maximum crushing force, mean force, and specific energy absorption were recorded after analyses and compared to reveal the influences of parameters. Empirical equations were also developed based on the analyses results using nonlinear regression method, which can predict the effects of the initial impact velocity on the peak crushing forces of steel beams with box sections.

Keywords

Steel beam; Box section; Crushing behaviour; Strain rate; Strain hardening

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Yucheng Liu ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, LA 70504, Lafayette, US

Abstract

It is possible to use architecture concept models for CAE analyses supporting the design and optimization of a vehicle's general layout prior to the time consuming and expensive preparation of detailed models. Suspension system, including kinematic linkages, compliance and damping elements, wheels, tires, and brakes, plays a key role in determining whether the basic layout of a vehicle is suitable for given application. This paper presents an appropriate set of architecture level abstractions for suspension systems that can be incorporated into full vehicle concept models. These modeling abstractions provide abstract representations of a wide variety of suspension system configurations that illustrate both geometric and functional properties without resorting to high-fidelity solid model renderings of parts using details that simply do not exist this early in the design process. The architecture concept suspension model presented in this study can be used for vehicles rigid body analysis.

Keywords

Suspension System, Braking System, Concept Model, Rigid Body Analysis, Vehicle Design.

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Yucheng Liu ¹, Stefan J. Chu ¹, Raul Viera ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504, US

Abstract

This paper present a profound overview of the history and recent developments in structural impact and crashworthiness analysis applying experimental, analytical, and computational techniques. A study case is provided to show the regular approach of studying an S shaped thin-walled beams crash behaviour through computer modelling and simulation. In the future, experimental and computational atomic scale plasticity techniques such as diffraction and microscopy can be employed in this research area to develop a full understanding of structural impact mechanism by obtaining data and observations at both macroscopic and atomic level.

Keywords

Crashworthiness Analysis, Experimental Techniques, Computer Modeling and Simulation, Finite Element Analysis, Structural Design.

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Yucheng Liu ¹, Andrew Le Clair ¹, Matthew Doude ¹, V. Reuben F. Burch ²

Affiliations
1 Dept. of Mech. Engg., Mississippi State University, US
2 Dept. of Industrial and Systems Engg., Mississippi State University, US

Abstract

A data acquisition system along with a sensor package was designed and installed on an existing mechanically-controlled system to gather more data on their usage patterns. The data collected through the developed system include GPS route, vehicle speed and acceleration, engine state, transmission state, seat occupancy, fuel level, and video recording. The sensor package was designed and integrated in a way that does not interfere with the driver’s operation of the system. Cellular network connectivity was employed to retrieve sensor data so as to minimize human effort and maintain typical usage patterns of the outfitted systems. Testing and validation results showed that the developed system can correctly and effectively record data necessary for further analysis and optimization. The collected data will significantly promote system activity simulations in order to facilitate optimizing work flow at large industrial facilities and improving energy efficiency.

Keywords

Data Acquisition System, Sensor Package, Cargo Tractor, Testing and Validation.

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