Blog posts

The computational analysis of MEMS (Micro Electro Me-chanical systems) devices poses distinctive challenges, requiring software that provides flexible modeling tools, enables the coupling of multiple physical phenomena, and considers the integration of the devices into their macro-scale surroundings. To meet these requirements, Abaqus partners with developers of commercially available MEMS software by providing the necessary finite element analy-sis capabilities to these packages.

Portable, hand-held electronic devices have become commonplace due to their small size and light weight. It is inevitable that such devices will occasionally experience the shock loading associated with being dropped. Ac-counting for this loading scenario in the design process, both analytically and experimentally, allows for the devel-opment of more durable products. The ability to simulate drop-type loading reliably reduces the dependency on experimental testing.

The interaction of a subsea pipeline with the seabed is a complex phenomenon. Operational  loads can cause a subsea pipeline to buckle or “walk” over the seabed, leading to very high pipeline stresses. In some cases however, the buckling phenomena can be beneficially used to

relieve excessive stresses by allowing the pipeline to deform at pre-determined locations. The understanding and prediction of these phenomena is therefore crucial for subsea pipeline design.

Coiled tubing is used in a variety of oil well operations including drilling, completions, and  remedial activities. For each of these applications coiled tubing offers the benefits of reduced costs, speed, and reduced environmental impact. Coiled tubing possesses a limitation  however, in that it may buckle in service. In this situation the tubing may be damaged, and operations may be delayed or disrupted. In this Technology Brief, we provide a methodology for evaluating the buckling behavior of coiled wellbore tube.

Mesh construction is a key consideration in the course of building a finite element model. The quality of the analysis results depends on the quality of the mesh; arriving at an acceptable solution requires judicious meshing choices. Specifically, the analyst must consider the type of ele-ments and the density of the mesh, which is often varied throughout the model, with more refinement in critical re-gions. These considerations need to be balanced against the desire to minimize analysis cost in terms of preproc-essing effort, analysis run time, and computer resources.

In earth penetration events the projectile generally strikes the target at an oblique angle. As a result, the projectile is subjected to a multi-axial force and acceleration history through impact. The effectiveness of an earth penetration system is enhanced by the ability to withstand severe

The Dynamic Design Analysis Method (DDAM) is a U.S. Navy methodology for qualifying shipboard equipment and supporting structures for survival of shock loading due to

underwater explosions (UNDEX). The DDAM is a regimented collection of procedures that utilize estimates of the peak linear dynamic response of ship equipment and structures

Accurate numerical modeling of the shock response of marine structures is of considerable importance in their design since the cost associated with physical testing is often prohibitive. Along with the shock response calibra-tion, designers often have to grapple with opposing fac-tors while trying to optimize performance during operating conditions. Abaqus allows for the analysis of both the structural integrity and acoustic radiation in such cases.

Residual stresses may be introduced into plastic parts produced by the injection molding process. As a result, the part may warp or experience a reduction in strength. The design of an injection molded product can be improved if the effect of residual stresses on the final shape and performance of the product are predicted accurately. Abaqus and Moldflow can be used for this purpose. The residual stresses generated by the solidifi-cation of the plastic material are computed by Moldflow and transferred to Abaqus using the Abaqus Interface for Moldflow.

A key factor in the design of bottles and packaging con-tainers is performance during conveying. The ability of a bottle to remain standing while traveling through a con-veying plant for production, cleaning, filling, packaging, etc. allows that plant to be automated. If bottles fall or jam during conveying then human intervention is required to correct the situation. Finite element analysis can be used to verify new bottle designs and ensure that changes to current designs will not cause a reduction in conveying performance.