A. Caignot, P. Ladevèze, D. Néron and J.‐F. Durand
The purpose of this paper is to propose a virtual testing strategy in order to predict damping due to the joints which are present in the ARIANE 5 launcher.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a virtual testing strategy in order to predict damping due to the joints which are present in the ARIANE 5 launcher.
Design/methodology/approach
Since engineering finite element codes do not give satisfactory results, either because they are too slow or because they cannot calculate dissipation accurately, a new computational tool is introduced based on the LArge Time INcrement (LATIN) method in its multiscale version.
Findings
The capabilities of the new strategy are illustrated on one of the joints of ARIANE 5. The damping predicted virtually is compared to experimental results, and the approach appears promising.
Originality/value
The tool which has been developed gives access to calculations which were previously unaffordable with standard computational codes, which may improve the design process of launchers. The code is transferred into ASTRIUM‐ST, where it is being used to build a database of dissipations in the joints of the ARIANE 5 launcher.
Details
Keywords
Zimou Tang, Min Yang, Jianxiong Xiao, Zheng Shen, Liming Tang and Jibin Wang
This paper aims to present an engineering computational method for fatigue life evaluation of welded structures on large-scale equipment under random vibration load.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present an engineering computational method for fatigue life evaluation of welded structures on large-scale equipment under random vibration load.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a case study of the traction transformers, virtual fatigue test (VFT) was proposed via numerical simulation approach. Static analysis was conducted to identify the risky zone and then dynamic response of the risky welds under random vibration load was calculated based on frequency-domain structural stress method (FDSSM) theory, life distribution and associated survivability at various locations of the structure were obtained. Structural modification was finally performed according to the evaluation results. Moreover, experimental test was carried out and compared with the virtual test result.
Findings
By applying the virtual test, fatigue life of the complex welded structures on large-scale equipment can be accurately and efficiently obtained considering dynamic effect under random vibration load. Meanwhile, risky welds can be directly determined and targeted modification scheme can be accordingly concluded. Validity of the VFT result was proved by comparing with the experimental test.
Originality/value
The proposed method can help obtain equivalent structural stress and fatigue life distribution of the welded structure at any position with various survivability and make quantitative evaluation on the life-extending effect of the structural modification. This method shows significant cost and efficiency advantages over experimental test during design stage of the large-scale structures in numerous manufacturing industries.