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1.
Bioinspired design of ergonomic tool handles using 3D-printed cellular metamaterials
Gregor Harih, Vasja Plesec, 2025, original scientific article

Abstract: The design of ergonomic tool handles is crucial for user comfort and performance, yet conventional stiff materials often lead to uneven pressure distribution and discomfort. This study investigates the application of 3D-printed cellular metamaterials with tunable stiffness, specifically gyroid structures, to enhance the ergonomic and haptic properties of tool handles. We employed finite element analysis to simulate finger–handle interactions and conducted subjective comfort evaluations with participants using a foxtail saw with handles of varying gyroid infill densities and a rigid PLA handle. Numerical results demonstrated that handles with medium stiffness significantly reduced peak contact pressures and promoted a more uniform pressure distribution compared to the stiff PLA handle. The softest gyroid handle, while compliant, exhibited excessive deformation, potentially compromising stability. Subjective comfort ratings corroborated these findings, with medium-stiffness handles receiving the highest scores for overall comfort, fit, and force transmission. These results highlight that a plateau-like mechanical response of the 3D-printed cellular metamaterial handle, inversely bioinspired by human soft tissue, effectively balances pressure redistribution and grip stability. This bioinspired design approach offers a promising direction for developing user-centered products that mitigate fatigue and discomfort in force-intensive tasks.
Keywords: bioinspired design, product ergonomics, 3D printing, tool handle, finite element method, user comfort, cellular metamaterials
Published in DKUM: 03.11.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 4
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2.
Computationally efficient multi-objective optimization of an interior permanent magnet synchronous machine using neural networks
Mitja Garmut, Simon Steentjes, Martin Petrun, 2025, original scientific article

Abstract: Improving the power density of an interior permanent magnet synchronous machine requires a complex and comprehensive approach that includes electromagnetic and thermal aspects. To achieve that, a multi-objective optimization of the machine’s geometry was performed according to selected key performance indicators by using numerical and analytical models. The primary objective of this research was to create a computationally efficient and accurate alternative to a direct finite element method-based optimization. By integrating artificial neural networks as meta-models, we aimed to demonstrate their performance in comparison to existing State-of-the-Art approaches. The artificial neural network approach achieved a nearly 20-fold reduction compared with the finite element method-based approach in computation time while maintaining accuracy, demonstrating its effectiveness as a computationally efficient alternative. The obtained artificial neural network can also be reused for different optimization scenarios and for iterative fine-tuning, further reducing the computation time. To highlight the advantages and limitations of the proposed approach, a multi-objective optimization scenario was performed, which increased the power-to-mass ratio by 16.5%.
Keywords: interior permanent magnet synchronous machine, artificial neural network, metamodel, multi-objective optimization, finite element method
Published in DKUM: 08.08.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 20
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3.
Experimental testing and numerical bite simulation of complete acrylic dentures in eugnathic and progenic occlusal relationships
Martin Pavlin, Robert Ćelić, Nenad Gubeljak, Jožef Predan, 2025, original scientific article

Abstract: Complete dentures are exposed to complex masticatory forces that may lead to material fatigue and eventual structural failure. Occlusal relationships, such as eugnathic and progenic, influence the distribution of these forces significantly. Understanding their biomechanical impact is essential for improving denture design and longevity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanical behaviour of complete dentures under bite loads in eugnathic and progenic occlusal relationships, using both experimental testing and numerical simulations. The focus was placed on identifying the conditions that lead to initial damage and the patterns of stress distribution. The material properties of the denture base and artificial teeth were determined through experimental tensile and compressive testing on cylindrical PMMA specimens. The denture geometry was acquired via 3D tomography based on impressions of an edentulous patient. Experimental testing of the denture bite was conducted to determine the force thresholds at which the initial cracks occur. Numerical simulations were carried out using finite element analysis at bite loads of 100 N and 200 N in both occlusal types, incorporating the obtained material parameters. The experimental results showed that the first signs of denture damage occurred at 6400 N in eugnathic occlusion and 7010 N in progenic occlusion. The numerical simulations confirmed that, during occlusion, the pressure is redistributed across multiple contact points, with a broader distribution reducing the localised stress. This redistribution was more efficient in eugnathic occlusion, which reduced the risk of longitudinal cracking in acrylic teeth. In contrast, progenic occlusion showed higher susceptibility to fractures within the acrylic denture base, particularly between adjacent teeth. Both the experimental and numerical approaches demonstrated that occlusal relationships affect the mechanical resilience of complete dentures directly. The findings highlight that eugnathic occlusion offers biomechanical advantages in stress distribution, potentially reducing the risk of fracture. Incorporating occlusal analysis into denture design protocols can enhance clinical outcomes and improve prosthetic longevity.
Keywords: bite force, finite element method, dental biomechanics, numerical simulations, complete acrylic dentures, occlusal force distribution, occlusal pressure distribution
Published in DKUM: 11.06.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 12
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4.
Integrating Multi-Physics Modeling within Multi-Objective Optimization to Enhance the Performance and Efficiency of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines : doktorska disertacija
Mitja Garmut, 2025, doctoral dissertation

Abstract: This Dissertation focuses on the optimization of an Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) machine for handheld battery-powered tools, aiming to enhance performance and efficiency. The research integrates multi-physics modeling, including electromagnetic Finite Element Method (FEM) and thermal models, to evaluate machine performance under various operating conditions. The performance is evaluated according to selected Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Further, different control methods, such as Field Oriented Control and Square-Wave Control, impact the performance significantly and are incorporated into the optimization process. Due to the computational challenges of FEM-based performance evaluations in Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO), this work utilizes Artificial Neural Network (ANN)-based meta-models, to accelerate the optimization process while preserving accuracy. The developed meta-models capture nonlinear machine characteristics from the FEM model. These meta-models are then used to evaluate machine performance through a combination of analytical and numerical post-processing methods. Four MOO scenarios are presented, each aimed at optimizing the cross-sectional design of IPM machines, to enhance performance and efficiency while reducing mass and cost. Additionally, these scenarios modify the machine’s electromagnetic behavior, to ensure better alignment with the selected control method. By comparing the optimization process of Scenario 1, which uses direct FEM-based evaluation without time reduction measures, to the approach incorporating Artificial Neural Network based meta-models, the total number of individual FEM evaluations decreased from 2.35×10^9 to 2.03×10^5, without almost any loss of accuracy. This reduced the computation time from 297 years to 9.07 days on our standard desktop computer. The obtained ANN-base meta-models can be used further for other optimizations without the need for additional FEM evaluations. In all four optimization scenarios, the use of meta-models enabled the generation of a Pareto front of the optimal solutions, leading to improved KPIs compared to the reference design. The highest relative improvement occurred in Scenario 1, where the selected optimized machine design achieved a 30% increase in power density compared to the reference design.
Keywords: Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) Machine, Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Meta-Modeling, Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO), Finite Element Method (FEM), Multi-Physics Modeling, Field Oriented Control (FOC), Square-Wave Control (SWC)
Published in DKUM: 15.05.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 160
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5.
Contactless determination of a permanent magnet’s stable position within ferrofluid
Mislav Trbušić, Anton Hamler, Viktor Goričan, Marko Jesenik, 2022, original scientific article

Abstract: The paper deals with the contactless detection of a rod permanent magnet’s position within a ferrofluid. The working principle of the proposed approach is grounded on the solenoidal nature of the field lines. For the line detection technique analyzed in this article, where the magnetic field is scanned along the line parallel to the magnet’s axial direction, the center of the magnet corresponds to the point on the line where the radial component of the magnetic field vanished. The concept introduced here was evaluated numerically, where the results showed a promising perspective for the technique to be employed in practice. In contrast to the X-ray or Vernier-caliper-based technique, the one proposed here is somewhat more suitable for employment in applications where simplicity and robustness are of vital importance.
Keywords: permanent magnet, levitation, ferrofluid, magnetic sensor, magnetic field, finite element method, FEM
Published in DKUM: 28.03.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 9
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6.
Structural integrity and life assessment of Ti-6Al-4V orthopaedic implants
Katarina Čolić, Svetlana M. Kostić, Simon Sedmak, Nenad Gubeljak, Aleksandar Grbović, 2024, original scientific article

Abstract: This paper presents an experimental and numerical analysis of the mechanical behaviour of orthopaedic implants with crack-type defects, considering the principles and advantages of the modern X-FEM method, which was used due to limitations of traditional FEM in terms of crack growth simulation, especially for complex geometries. In X-FEM, the finite element space is enriched with discontinuity functions and asymptotic functions at the crack tip, which are integrated into the standard finite element approximation using the unity division property. Though rare, femoral component failures are well-documented complications that can occur after hip prosthetic implantation. Most stem fractures happen in the first third of the implant due to the loosening of the proximal stem and fixation of the distal stem, leading to bending and eventual fatigue failure. The main goal of this paper was to obtain accurate and representative models of such failures. Experimental analyses of the mechanical behaviour of implants subjected to physiological loads, according to relevant standards, using a new combined approach, including both experiments and numerical simulations was presented. The goal was to verify the numerical results and obtain a novel, effective methodology for assessing the remaining fatigue life of hip implants. For this purpose, the analysis of the influence of Paris coefficients on the total number of cycles was also considered. Hence, this simulation involved defining loads to closely mimic real-life scenarios, including a combination of activities such as ascending stairs, stumbling, and descending stairs. The tensile properties of the titanium alloy were experimentally determined, along with the Paris law coefficients C and m. The finite element software ANSYS 2022R2 version was used to develop and calculate the three-dimensional model with a crack, and the resulting stresses, stress intensity factors, and the number of cycles presented in the figures, tables, and diagrams. The results for the fatigue life of a partial hip implant subjected to various load cases indicated significant differences in behaviour, and this underscores the importance of analysing each case individually, as these loads are heavily influenced by each patient’s specific activities. It was concluded that the use of numerical methods enabled the preliminary analyses of the mechanical behaviour of implants under fatigue loading for several different load cases, and these findings can be effectively used to predict the possibility of Ti-6Al-4V implant failure under variable cyclic loads.
Keywords: structural integrity, fatigue fracture, extended finite element method (XFEM), experimental testing, DIC, numerical simulations, stress intensity factor, orthopaedic implants, crack-type defect
Published in DKUM: 21.03.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 8
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7.
Applications of modern metamaterials in aerospace engineering : lecture notes
Nejc Novak, 2020, other educational material

Keywords: metamaterials, aerospace engineering, solid mechanics, finite element method, design
Published in DKUM: 28.02.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 0
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8.
Introduction to finite element simulations : lecture notes
Nejc Novak, Matej Borovinšek, Matej Vesenjak, Zoran Ren, 2020, other educational material

Keywords: computational simulations, solid mechanics, finite element method, design, numerical methods
Published in DKUM: 28.02.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 1
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9.
The approach of using a horizontally layered soil model for inhomogeneous soil, by taking into account the deeper layers of the soil, and determining the model’s parameters using evolutionary methods
Marko Jesenik, Mislav Trbušić, 2025, original scientific article

Abstract: A new approach using a horizontally layered analytical soil model for inhomogeneous soil is presented. The presented approach also considers deeper soil layers, which is not the case when simply dividing the area of interest into smaller subareas. The finite element method model was used to prepare test data because, in such a case, the soil parameters are known. Six lines simulating Wenner’s method were used, and their results were combined appropriately to determine the soil parameters of nine subareas. To determine the soil parameters in the scope of each subarea, different optimization methods were used and compared to each other. The results were analyzed, and Artificial Bee Colony was selected as the most appropriate method among those tested. Additionally, the convergence of the methods was analyzed, and Memory Assistance is presented, with the aim of shortening the calculation time. In this study, three-, four-, five-, and six-layered soil models were tested, and it is concluded that the three-layered model is most appropriate. A finite element method model based on the soil determination results was constructed to verify the results. The results of the Wenner’s method simulation in the cases of the test data and final model were compared to confirm the accuracy of the presented method
Keywords: grounding system, soil model, finite element method, differential evolution, artificial bee colony, teaching–learning-based optimization
Published in DKUM: 21.02.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 6
.pdf Full text (6,81 MB)

10.
Sensitivity analysis of MTPA control to angle errors for synchronous reluctance machines
Martin Petrun, Jernej Černelič, 2025, original scientific article

Abstract: This study investigated the sensitivity of maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) control in synchronous reluctance machines (SynRMs) to angle errors, examining specifically how deviations in the reference control trajectory affected performance. Analytical and numerical methods were employed to analyze this sensitivity systematically, including the impact of magnetic saturation. Two MTPA control implementation schemes were evaluated, with torque and current amplitude as the reference variables, using a template SynRM from the open-source simulation tool SyR-e. The results indicated that performance sensitivity to angle errors was moderately low near the MTPA trajectory, allowing for significant angle deviations with minimal performance loss. Although magnetic saturation increased this sensitivity slightly, reducing the allowable error range by up to 25%, the maximum angle deviation for up to 1% of the performance decrease still corresponded to approximately ±3∘ around the MTPA trajectory. The findings of this study suggest potential for simplifying control implementations, reducing component costs through less precise position determination (sensor-based or sensorless), and achieving additional control objectives such as torque ripple reduction.
Keywords: control angle error, finite element method, MTPA control, sensitivity to performance decrease, suboptimal operation, synchronous reluctance machines
Published in DKUM: 07.02.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 13
.pdf Full text (1,46 MB)

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