Device for simulating deformation by differential pressure

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for simulating the deformation of a structure (20), which is configured to simulate a deformation of a structure (20), the simulation device (1) comprising: a mounting plate (10); a deformable element (12) which is arranged, along a first face (120) of said deformable element (12), against a face (100) of the mounting plate (10) and configured to be in contact, along a second face (122) of the deformable element (12), with the structure (20), the deformable element (12) being configured to deform in such a way as to exert a force on said structure (20); a control interface (14) for controlling the deformation of the deformable element (12), the control interface being connected to the deformable element (12).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Differential pressure deformation simulation device

[0003] The invention relates to the field of modeling deformations on a substantially planar or curved surface. More specifically, the invention relates to a device for tangibly modeling a deformation on a substantially planar surface or on a curved surface. The invention finds application in fields where the estimation and quantification of a deformation on a surface is necessary. As an indicative example, the invention finds particular application in the field of construction and in particular nautical construction.

[0004] Many devices or equipment are now mounted on the surfaces of marine vessels. For example, to assess maritime physical characteristics, equipment is mounted on ship surfaces, such as the hull of a boat, a drone, or a submarine.

[0005] Any equipment mounted on a surface of a vessel such as a boat or an aquatic drone or even a submarine may be subjected to stress which may result in a difference in pressure applied to the equipment, between the pressure in the environment external to the supporting structure, namely the submarine or the aquatic drone, and the pressure specific to the supporting structure, which can be described as internal pressure, depending on the immersion or navigation conditions such as turning or sea waves.

[0006] This stress is called "differential pressure." Indeed, this type of stress is explained by the fact that the external pressure is not equal at all points. Indeed, the movement of a submarine or an aquatic drone causes variations in the external pressure which are applied directly to the submarine itself or to the aquatic drone. Rotary movements of the submarine or aquatic drone can, for example, generate overpressures or depressions in the hydrodynamic flow near the moving structure. The crushing of "sea packets" or waves during a surface navigation phase can also generate localized overpressures on the structure of the vessel. Finally, underwater movement and variations in depth can also cause differences in external pressure on the aquatic drone or the submarine.

[0007] In addition, the phenomenon of "differential pressure" induces a deformation of the shell subjected to this phenomenon mainly in a direction normal to the shell. The difficulty is to reproduce this type of stress in a laboratory or workshop environment in order to verify in a simplified manner the mechanical strength of a structure subjected to this type of deformation.

[0008] To date, two solutions exist for checking the resistance of a structure to shell contraction type stress:

[0009] Numerical modeling consists of the numerical schematic representation from a modeling software of the analyzed structure and the stress conditions. However, this method requires significant knowledge of the characteristics of the structure and especially the conjecture of the behavior of this structure in relation to the conditions imposed on said structure. More precisely, this method is essentially based on the establishment of operating hypotheses that are difficult to quantify. This numerical method therefore involves uncertainties in modeling and implementation. In addition, the reliability between the numerical model and the real behavior can be uncertain.

[0010] Practical testing on a control structure to verify the equipment's performance under real-life conditions. However, this solution requires multiplying the number of pieces of equipment for testing and installing the equipment on a boat, an aquatic drone, or underwater, making it an expensive solution. In addition, testing generally requires more time compared to digital modeling.

[0011] There is therefore no device for quickly and reliably testing the behavior of equipment subjected to specific external conditions.

[0012] The invention aims to overcome all or part of the problems cited above by proposing a device for simulating the deformation of a structure configured to simulate a deformation of a structure, the simulation device comprising: a chassis; a deformable device arranged, along a first face of the deformable device, against a face of the chassis and configured to be in contact, along a second face of the deformable device, with said structure, the deformable device being configured to deform so as to exert a force on said structure; an interface for controlling the deformation of the deformable device connected to the deformable device.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the frame comprises a deformation guide configured to uniformly distribute the force generated by the deformation device on the structure.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the deformable device comprises a cylinder. According to one aspect of the invention, the deformable device comprises a cushion and wherein the control interface comprises a compressed air pump connected to the cushion.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the cushion is capable of moving from a rest position, in which the cushion is configured to be distant from the structure, to a deformation position, in which the cushion is configured to exert pressure on the structure, and vice versa, by the action of the compressed air pump of the control interface.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the internal pressure of the cushion in the rest position is between 0.1 bar and 1 bar, and the internal pressure of the cushion in the deformation position is greater than 2 bar.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the cushion comprises a polyether material.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the frame is obtained from steel.

[0019] The invention will be better understood and other advantages will appear on reading the detailed description of an embodiment given by way of example, a description illustrated by the attached drawings in which:

[0020] [Fig.1] Figure 1 represents a schematic view of a simulation device according to the invention and of a surface deformed by said simulation device;

[0021] [Fig.2] Figure 2 represents a schematic view of the simulation device of Figure 1 in a rest configuration relative to the surface;

[0022] [Fig.3] Figure 3 represents a schematic view of the simulation device of Figure 1;

[0023] [Fig.4] Figure 4 represents a schematic view of a chassis of the simulation device of Figure 1;

[0024] For the sake of clarity, the same elements will have the same references in the different figures.

[0025] Figures 1 and 2 represent a device 1 for simulating deformation of equipment 2 under the effect of pressure exerted during changes in immersion, navigation or sea waves. The equipment 2 comprises a structure 20 which is substantially planar or curved and which can deform. The simulation device 1 is configured to simulate a deformation of the equipment 2, and more particularly of its structure 20. The structure 20 of the equipment 2 is defined as a structure extending mainly over two dimensions. A substantially planar or curved structure is a structure of which two of its three dimensions are significantly greater than its third dimension so that the structure can be likened to a surface. Deformation of the structure 20 is understood to mean an alteration of the dimensions of the surface observable locally, this alteration being only quantifiable along the normal to the plane of the structure of the equipment 2.In the remainder of the description, the structure 20 of the equipment 2 is interpreted as a structure 20 of a submerged panel 2. Nevertheless, any substantially planar or curved structure can be considered as a wall for example.

[0026] The simulation device 1 comprises a chassis 10. The chassis 10 comprises a supporting structure 100 extending substantially parallel to the equipment 2 and a deformation guide 101 connected to the supporting structure 100. The deformation guide 101 has a shape complementary to the shape of the structure 20 of the equipment 2. In other words, if the equipment 2 has a planar structure 20 then the deformation guide 101 also has a planar shape complementary to the structure 20 of the equipment 2. And, if the equipment 2 has a convex curved structure, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, then the deformation guide 101 has a concave shape complementary to the convex structure 20 of the equipment 2.

[0027] The simulation device 1 also comprises a deformable device 12 arranged, along a first face 120 of the deformable device 12 against the chassis 10. The deformable device 12 is fixed against the chassis 10. More precisely, the deformable device 12 is fixed, along its first face 120, against a face 10T of the deformation guide 101 of the chassis 10. The deformable device 12 is therefore immobile relative to the chassis 10 in a plane P1 so that there is no relative lateral movement between the chassis 10 and the deformable device 12.

[0028] The deformable device 12 is configured to be in contact, along a second face 122 of the deformable device 12, with the structure 20 of the equipment 2. The deformable device 12 is therefore arranged between the chassis 10 and the equipment 2. The deformable device 12 is in contact with the chassis 10 and with the equipment 2. More precisely,

[0029] 11 It is thus possible to observe a superposition of the supporting structure 100, the deformation guide 101, the deformable device 12 and the equipment 2 along an axis A1 substantially perpendicular to the plane P1. The second face 122 of the deformable device

[0030] 12 is arranged against the structure 20.

[0031] The deformable device 12 is configured to deform so as to exert a force or pressure on the equipment 2. The deformable device 12 is capable of deforming along the axis A1 substantially perpendicular to the plane P1 and in the direction D1 of the structure 20 so as to also deform the structure 20 of the equipment 2.

[0032] Like the structure 20, the deformable device 12 is a three-dimensional structure of which two dimensions, namely the length and the width, in the plane P1 are significantly greater than the third dimension, namely the thickness, along the axis A1. And, the thickness of the deformable device 12 can be modified and varied so as to increase or decrease. The deformable device 12 being fixed against the frame 10, the increase in the thickness of the deformable device 12 induces an increase in the support of the deformable device 12 against the structure 20. The pressure applied to the structure 20 by the deformable device 12 is then increased proportionally to the thickness of the deformable device 12 which increases. And conversely, the pressure applied to the structure 20 is reduced proportionally to the thickness of the deformable device 12 which decreases.

[0033] The deformation guide 101 makes it possible, by its shape complementary to the structure 20 of the equipment 2, to uniformly distribute the support, force or pressure generated by the deformation of the deformation device 12 over the entire structure 20 of the equipment 2.

[0034] In order to allow the thickness of the deformable device 12 to be varied, the simulation device 1 comprises a control interface 14 for controlling the deformation of the deformable device 12. The control interface 14 is connected to the deformable device 12. The control interface 14 is connected to the deformable device 12 via a link 140. The control interface 14 is thus configured to control the variation of the thickness substantially parallel to the axis A1. In other words, the control interface 14 is capable of controlling the increase in the thickness of the deformable device 12 substantially parallel to the axis A1 and the decrease in the thickness of the deformable device 12 substantially parallel to the axis A1. The control interface 14 is therefore capable of controlling the pressure and the support exerted by the deformable device 12 against the structure 20 and therefore the deformation observable on the structure 20 by the movement of the deformable device 12.

[0035] Thus, the variation in the thickness of the deformable device 12 makes it possible to simulate, in a controlled manner via the control interface 14, a deformation due to a variation in pressure against the equipment 2 and the reaction of the structure 20 with respect to this “pressure variation”.

[0036] The variation of the thickness of the deformable device 12 can be carried out by different means.

[0037] The deformable device 12 may comprise at least one jack, a first fixed end of which is fixed against the chassis 10. A movable end of the jack is arranged against the structure 20. The jack is electrically controlled by the control interface 14 so that the movable end can undergo a translation in the direction of the structure 20 and the first direction D1. The jack is arranged substantially parallel to the axis A1. The translation of the movable part of the jack, bearing against the structure 20, thus generates a point pressure on the structure 20 and deforms it proportionally to the translation movement of the movable part of the jack. The deformable device 12 may thus comprise several jacks so as to multiply the points of contact between each movable part of the jack and the structure 20 and generate a pressure on the entire equipment 2.

[0038] The cylinder may be a pneumatic cylinder. Alternatively, the cylinder may be a hydraulic cylinder allowing greater pressure to be applied to the structure 20 with greater precision.

[0039] Instead of the jack, the deformable device 12 may comprise, as shown in FIG. 3, a cushion 124. The cushion 124 is a sealed system made of deformable elastomer capable of filling, i.e. increasing its volume, and emptying, i.e. decreasing its volume, depending on the simulation needs in order to apply a contact pressure on the structure 20.

[0040] In order to fill the cushion 124, the control interface 14 may comprise a compressed air pump 144 connected to the cushion 124. The compressed air pump 144 and the control interface 14 make it possible to supply the air necessary for the deformation of the cushion 124. Thus, the compressed air pump 144 makes it possible to fill the cushion 124 with compressed air so as to increase the volume of the cushion 124 or to empty the cushion 124 with compressed air so as to decrease the volume of the cushion 124. The control interface 14 makes it possible to regulate the volume of the cushion 124 so as to regulate the pressure applied to the structure 20. The compressed air pump 144 may comprise a pressure gauge for monitoring the pressure actually supplied to the cushion 124. Alternatively, the compressed air pump 144 may be replaced by any pump making it possible to vary the internal pressure and the volume of the cushion 124.As an indicative example, a water, oil or any other fluid pump can be considered.

[0041] Alternatively, the deformable device 12 may comprise a plurality of individually controlled cushions 124 making it possible to apply different forces to the structure 20.

[0042] The deformable device 12, and more particularly the cushion 124, is capable of passing from a rest position, in which the cushion 124 has a low internal pressure and a low volume, to a deformation position, in which the cushion 124 has a high internal pressure and a high volume by the action of the compressed air pump 144 of the control interface 14. And the cushion is capable of passing from the deformation position to the rest position by the action of the compressed air pump 144. This rest position of the deformable device 12 is better represented in FIG. 2.

[0043] In the rest position, the cushion 124 is filled with little compressed air by the compressed air pump 144 so that the pressure that the cushion 124 exerts on the structure is relatively low or contained. In other words, the deformable device 12 does not exert pressure on the structure 20 when the deformable device 12 is in the rest position. Thus, if the deformable device 12 comprises a jack, then the jack is not bearing on the structure 20 and may even be distant from the structure 20. And, if the deformable device 12 comprises the cushion 124, then the cushion 124 is not bearing on the structure 20 and does not deform the structure 20.

[0044] In the deformation position, shown in Figure 1, the deformable device 12 exerts pressure on the structure 20 and bears on the structure 20. If the deformable device 12 comprises a jack, then the jack is in contact and bears on the structure 20 so as to deform the structure 20. And, if the deformable device 12 comprises the cushion 124, then the cushion 124 is filled with compressed air by the compressed air pump 144 so that the cushion 124 generates a high contact pressure on the structure 20 and deforms the structure 20. The internal pressure in the cushion 124 in the rest position can be between approximately 0.1 bar and 1 bar. And, the internal overpressure of the cushion 124 in the deformation position is greater than 1 bar. In other words, the internal pressure of the cushion 124 in the deformation position is greater than 2 bars. In the resting position, the volume of the cushion 124 may be almost zero.In the deformation position, the volume of the cushion 124 may be equal to 0.03 cubic meters.

[0045] In other words, as stated previously, the deformable device 12 comprises a first face 120 in contact with the frame 10 and a second face 122 in contact with the structure 20 and exerting a support on the structure 20. A distance D separating the first face 120 and the second face 122 can be observed along the axis A1. This distance D can be assimilated to the average thickness of the deformable device 12. The average thickness D is the average of the distances separating the first face 120 and the second face 122 of the deformable device 12 along the axis A1 perpendicular to the plane P1.

[0046] However, in the rest position, the distance D separating the first face 120 and the second face 122, namely the average thickness of the deformable device 12, is close to a zero value so that the first face 120 is or is almost in contact with the second face 122. And, in the deformation position, the distance D separating the first face 120 and the second face 122, namely the average thickness of the deformable device 12, is approximately equal to 10 millimeters.

[0047] Thus, the thickness of the deformable device 12, and of the cushion 124, along the axis A1 can vary by an amplitude equal to 10 millimeters between the rest position and the deformation position. The amplitude of deformation between the rest position and the deformation position can also vary depending on the structure 20 to be deformed and in particular its rigidity relative to the deformation device 12. The greater the rigidity value of the structure 20, the greater a high amplitude between the rest position and the deformation position of the deformation device 12 is necessary.

[0048] In order to allow for intense variation in internal pressure between the rest position and the deformation position, the cushion 124 may comprise a polyether material. This type of material advantageously has good elasticity while ensuring good rigidity of the cushion 124. Other elastomeric materials may be considered, such as polyurethane, polyethylene or polychloroprene.

[0049] Furthermore, the internal pressure and volume of cushion 124 can vary between the rest position and the deformation position so that it is possible to control with great precision the pressure applied to the structure 20 by the cushion 124.

[0050] The simulation device 1 is capable of simulating a pressure variation of the deformable device 12 and therefore the consequences of this pressure variation in the deformable device 12 on the structure 20 relative to the speed of movement of the equipment 2 in the marine environment. Thus, the simulation device is capable of simulating the deformation of the structure 20 as a function in particular of the speed of movement of the equipment 2 in the marine environment according to the following formula:

[0051] Where V is the speed of movement of the equipment 2 in its medium, AP represents the pressure difference in the deformable device 12 between the rest position and the deformation position, p the density of the medium and sin(a) represents the angle of change of immersion, i.e. the variation of the measured depth.

[0052] In addition, filling and emptying cycles of the cushion 124 may be controlled by the control interface 14. At each cycle, the internal pressure and volume of the cushion 124 after filling the cushion 124 by the compressed air pump 144 and the internal pressure and volume of the cushion 124 after emptying the cushion 124 by the compressed air pump 144 may be identical. In other words, after each cycle, the cushion 124 is filled to the same volume and internal pressure and the cushion 124 is emptied to the same volume and internal pressure. Alternatively, at each cycle, the internal pressure and volume of the cushion 124 after filling the cushion 124 by the compressed air pump 144 and the internal pressure and volume of the cushion 124 after emptying the cushion 124 by the compressed air pump 144 may be different.In other words, after each cycle, the cushion 124 can be filled to a different volume and internal pressure than the previous cycle and the cushion 124 can be emptied to a different volume and internal pressure. Thus, this cycle of pressurization or inflation and depressurization or deflation can be implemented a large number of times in order to represent the entire operational life of the equipment 2.

[0053] Figure 4 represents a schematic view of the chassis 10 of the simulation device 1, and more particularly of the supporting structure 100. As stated previously, the supporting structure 100 of the chassis 10 has a planar shape and extends substantially parallel to the structure 20. The chassis has a relatively solid structure compared to the structure 20 of the equipment 2 so that when the cushion 124 or the jack deforms, the chassis 10 remains static and it is the structure 20 which undergoes the deformation due to the variation in contact pressure from the deformable device 12. By way of example, the chassis can be obtained in a metal alloy such as steel.

[0054] Furthermore, in order to cancel any relative movement between the deformable device 12 and the chassis 10 in the plane P1, the chassis may comprise an immobilizing stud 110. The stud 110 takes the form of an outgrowth of the face 100 of the chassis 10 in the direction of the structure 20. The stud 110 may be in contact with the structure 20. The deformable device 12 may then comprise an opening 126 of a shape complementary to the stud 110 of the chassis. Thus, when the chassis 10, the deformable device 12 and the equipment 2 are superimposed, the stud 110 passes through the deformable device 12 at the level of the opening 126. The deformable device 12 is thus immobilized in the plane P1 and any relative lateral movement between the deformable device 12 and the chassis 10 is blocked. And, any movement along the axis A1 of the deformable device 12 is blocked by the presence of the frame 10 and the structure 20.In other words, the deformable device 12 is “caught in a pincer movement” between the chassis 10 and the equipment 2.

[0055] Alternatively, the deformable device 12 may be fixed against the deformation guide 101 of the chassis 10 so that a fitting-type connection is defined between the deformable device 12 and the deformation guide 101 of the chassis 10. To do this, an adhesive may allow the deformable device 12 to be fixed to the deformation guide 101 of the chassis 10.

[0056] The simulation device 1 makes it possible to model a deformation on any structure 20. Preferably, the structure 20 is a so-called planar structure in which two of its dimensions, such as its length and its width, are significantly greater than its third dimension so that a deformation in a plane coincident with the two significantly greater dimensions is observable. The structure 20 of the equipment 2 may be a planar structure, that is to say a structure in which its two dimensions significantly greater than the third dimension are included in a plane. Alternatively, the structure 20 may be a curved structure. This simulation device 1 is applicable to any equipment mounted on a carrier such as a surface vessel, a submarine or a drone which is subjected to differential pressures during the phases of change of immersion, turning or surface navigation.However, this simulation device 1 can also be applied for carriers that undergo differential pressure variations such as buildings subject to strong winds.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Simulation device (1) for deformation of a structure (20) configured to simulate a deformation of a structure (20), the simulation device (1) comprising: A chassis (10), A deformable device (12) arranged, along a first face (120) of the deformable device (12) against a face (100) of the chassis (10) and configured to be in contact, along a second face (122) of the deformable device (12), with said structure (20), the deformable device (12) being configured to deform so as to exert a force on said structure (20), A control interface (14) for the deformation of the deformable device (12) connected to the deformable device (12).

2. Simulation device (1) according to claim 1 wherein the frame (10) comprises a deformation guide (101) configured to uniformly distribute the force generated by the deformation device (12) on the structure (20).

3. A deformation simulation device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the deformable device (12) comprises a jack.

4. A deformation simulation device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the deformable device (12) comprises a cushion (124) and wherein the control interface (14) comprises a compressed air pump (144) connected to the cushion (124).

5. Deformation simulation device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the cushion (124) is capable of moving from a rest position, in which the cushion (124) is configured to be distant from the structure (20), to a deformation position, in which the cushion (124) is configured to exert pressure on the structure (20), and vice versa, by the action of the compressed air pump (144) of the control interface (14).

6. Deformation simulation device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the internal pressure of the cushion (124) in the rest position is between 0.1 bar and 1 bar, and wherein the internal pressure of the cushion (124) in the deformation position is greater than 2 bars.

7. Deformation simulation device (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, in which the cushion (124) comprises a polyether material.

8. Deformation simulation device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the frame (10) is obtained from steel.

Images