The Advantages of Coupling Peridynamics with Multibody Dynamics for Damage Prediction in Rotating Parts

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The nonlocal theory of peridynamic offers a unique approach to modeling crack initiation and propagation, particularly in situations where classical continuum mechanics face challenges. By replacing partial derivatives with integral equations, peridynamics allows for the analysis of problems involving discontinuities in the displacement field, such as crack edges. Although peridynamics has shown remarkable results in crack branching and micro-crack interactions, there is still room for further development. One promising area is the coupling of peridynamics with traditional multibody dynamics, enabling the simulation of damage prediction in rotating parts like wind turbines or helicopter rotor blades. This essay presents an argument for the coupled formulation of peridynamics and flexible multibody dynamics using a floating frame of references (FFR) approach.

 

Enhanced Modeling Capabilities:

Peridynamics, with its integral equations, overcomes limitations of classical local theories in capturing sharp corners, bifurcations, and other scenarios where displacement field discontinuities exist.
By coupling peridynamics with multibody dynamics, the simulation can accurately capture large rotations and translations in rotating parts, crucial for realistic damage prediction.

Improved Damage Prediction:

The traditional multibody dynamics approach alone may struggle to accurately predict damage initiation and propagation, especially in complex systems with cracks and micro-cracks.
Coupling peridynamics with multibody dynamics enables a comprehensive analysis that incorporates the nonlocal effects of peridynamics, enhancing the accuracy of damage prediction.

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1. Application in Rotating Parts:

   • Rotating parts, such as wind turbines and helicopter rotor blades, are prone to damage due to cyclic loading and varying operating conditions.

   • The coupled formulation of peridynamics and multibody dynamics provides a powerful simulation tool for predicting damage evolution in these rotating systems, facilitating preventive maintenance and enhancing safety.

2. Advantages of Floating Frame of References (FFR) Approach:

   • The FFR approach allows the modeling of a body using peridynamics while considering its large rotations and translations.

   • This approach ensures accurate representation of the complex motion of rotating parts, ensuring realistic damage predictions and facilitating design optimization.

 

Coupling peridynamics with multibody dynamics, specifically through the application of a floating frame of references approach, presents a significant advancement in damage prediction for rotating parts. By incorporating the nonlocal effects of peridynamics, this coupled formulation offers enhanced modeling capabilities and improved accuracy in predicting crack initiation, propagation, and interactions. This simulation tool has the potential to revolutionize the field of structural dynamics and contribute to the development of safer and more reliable rotating systems.

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