| Use of simple finite elements for mechanical systems impact analysis based on stereomechanics, stress wave propagation, and energy method approaches
Michael L. McCoy, Rasoul Moradi, Hamid M. Lankarani*
The Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology, vol. 25, no. 3, pp.783-795, 2011
Abstract : This paper examines the effectiveness of analyzing impact events in mechanical systems for design purposes using simple or low ordered
finite elements. Traditional impact dynamics analyses of mechanical systems namely stereomechanics, energy method, stress-wave
propagation and contact mechanics approaches are limited to very simplified geometries and provide basic analyses in making predictions
and understanding the dominant features of the impact in a mechanical system. In engineering practice, impacted systems present a
complexity of geometry, stiffness, mass distributions, contact areas and impact angles that are impossible to analyze and design with the
traditional impact dynamics methods. In real cases, the effective tool is the finite element (FE) method. The high-end FEA codes though
may be not available for typical engineer/designer. This paper provides information on whether impact events of mechanical systems can
be successfully modeled using simple or low-order finite elements. FEA models using simple elements are benchmarked against theoretical
impact problems and published experimental impact results. As a case study, an FE model using simple plastic beam elements is
further tested to predict stresses and deflections in an experimental structural impact.
Keyword : Impact dynamics; Stereomechanics; Stress wave; Energy method; FEA impact simulation; FEA impact benchmarks |
