Case study - Auxetic Foam Analysis
Auxetic materials have a negative Poisson's ratio, therefore they expand in all directions when stretched. High-resolution 3D scan data of auxetic foam was obtained from the synchrotron facilities at the University of Washington. The data was automatically segmented and meshed using ScanIP and the +FE module. The simulations were performed using Abaqus, Fluent and LS-Dyna.
Characteristics:
- Based on Synchrotron XMT scan data (3µm resolution)
- Automatic segmentation and mesh generation
- From image to model in less than 10 minutes
- Multipart meshing, solid and air domain, for structural and fluid flow simulation
Thanks to
G. Limbert, First Numerics • G. Tabor, University of Exeter • B. Walker (ARUP)
Image Processing
A high resolution MicroCT scan (3µm) of the auxetic foam was imported into ScanIP. Noise reduction on the background image was applied and main regions were segmented using the automated threshold tool. Two masks representing the foam and surrounding air were extracted.
Mesh Generation
The +FE module was used to generate a multipart mesh for finite element analysis within minutes. The software guaranties matching nodes and elements at the contact surface. Also node sets were created at the boundaries of the material. Several meshes were exported to Abaqus, Fluent and LS-DYNA.
Simulation
Finite Element and Fluid Flow simulations were run. Abaqus was used to perform a structural analysis showing elastoes within the materials. In Fluent a fluid flow simulation was run, showing the flow velocity through the air domain and fluid-solid interaction. Finally an impact simulation was performed using LS-DYNA to show the deformation of the foam under a dynamic load. ►Videos
Model Tree to view/hide the layers of the model.
Simulation of Elasto-Plastic Compression
This animation shows the result of the compression from LS-Dyna simulation in Oasys D3Plot. The analysis did not require any remeshing during the analysis which demonstrates the high quality mesh achieved from +FE.
Shear Simulation
The auxetic foam mesh was also subjected to a shear load in LS-DYNA. This Oasys D3Plot animation shows the response of the foam as the top and bottoom surface nodes are translated in opposing directions.
Stretch Simulation
The auxetic foam mesh was also subjected to a tension test in LS-DYNA. This Oasys D3Plot animation shows the response of the foam as the top nodes are translated vertically.
