Optimal design of beams undergoing harmonic bending and torsion using finite elements

Authors

Arnoldo Garcia, University of Texas-Pan American

Date of Award

12-2000

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Mechanical Engineering

First Advisor

Dr. Arnold Lumsdaine

Second Advisor

Dr. Ying X. Yao

Third Advisor

Dr. Robert A. Freeman

Abstract

In this study, the objective is to determine the natural frequency of an Euler-Bernoulli beam with an intermediate mass and inertial component. The beam is studied with fixed and relaxed end conditions. The beam is also modeled with an intermediate support. The models are then compared with an approximate closed form solution for the natural frequency. Results show that the closed form equation is within 2% percent when compared to the exact natural frequency equation.

The beam is modeled with a finite element software. The goal is to minimize the weight of a beam structure subject to harmonic excitation. Results show that the total mass after optimization had a mass reduction of 91% when compared to the original weight.

Comments

Copyright 2000 Arnoldo Garcia. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/optimal-design-beams-undergoing-harmonic-bending/docview/250109069/se-2?accountid=7119

Granting Institution

University of Texas-Pan American