Axial Variation Research Articles

Correlation between axial and coronal common bile duct diameters in computed tomography: a retrospective study of 1064 patients

BackgroundThe measurement of the common bile duct (CBD) diameter is essential for evaluating bile duct pathologies. The axial plane of computed tomography (CT) images is the established method for CBD diameter measurement. However, modern software enables easy reconstruction of axial CT images into the coronal plane, allowing for CBD diameter measurement in this plane. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between measurements in the axial and coronal planes.ResultsThe three reviewers demonstrated fair reliability in measuring CBD diameter in axial and coronal planes, with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.776 and 0.799, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between the two diameters (r = 0.943), with 88.9% of axial diameter variation explained by coronal diameter and approximately 0.29 + (0.94 × coronal diameter) (R2 = 0.889, p < 0.001). When a cutoff value of 7 mm was used to predict an abnormal axial diameter, the agreement between axial and coronal CBD diameters was substantial (Kappa = 0.715) with discordance between the two measurements identified in 6.2% of cases (66/1064) when a) coronal diameter < 7 mm but axial measurement ≥ 7 mm (39/1064; 3.7%) and b) coronal diameter ≥ 7 mm but axial measurement < 7 mm (27/1064; 2.5%). In univariable linear regression and multivariable analyses, the strongest independent factors associated with increased axial CBD diameter were presence of focal CBD lesion, age ≥ 60 years, and cholecystectomy.ConclusionThere was a strong positive correlation between axial and coronal CBD diameters with substantial agreement when using a 7-mm cutoff and fair reliability in their measurements.

Design and experimental study of a field-reversed configuration plasma thruster prototype

Abstract The field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasma thruster driven by rotating magnetic field (RMF), abbreviated as the RMF-FRC thruster, is a new type of electric propulsion technology that is expected to accelerate the deep space exploration. An experimental prototype, including diagnostic devices, was designed and constructed based on the principles of the RMF-FRC thruster, with an RMF frequency of 210 kHz and a maximum peak current of 2 kA. Under the rated operating conditions, the initial plasma density was measured to be 5 × 1017 m-3, and increased to 2.2 × 1019 m-3 after the action of RMF. The coupling efficiency of RMF was about 53%, and the plasma current reached 1.9 kA. The axial magnetic field changed in reverse by 155 Gauss, successfully reversing the bias magnetic field of 60 Gauss, which verifies the the formation of FRC plasma. After optimization research, it was found that when the bias magnetic field is 100 Gauss, the axial magnetic field reverse variation caused by FRC is the highest at 164 Gauss. The experimental results are discussed and strategies are proposed to improve the performance of the prototype.

Towards efficient models for hydraulic conductivity in conifer wood. Part 1: estimation of sizes and numbers of bordered pits

Abstract Functional traits like hydraulic conductivity and vulnerability to cavitation are increasingly important due to climate change. In conifers, water is transported through lumina of tracheids connected via bordered pits, which severely limit xylem conductivity by causing large pressure drops related to their number, dimensions and structure. According to literature, numbers and dimensions of pits correlate positively with tracheid and lumen dimensions. This reflects variations from earlywood to latewood and between rings formed under different grow conditions, contributing to major conductivity variations. The wider aim of the work is to estimate such conductivity variations in trunkwood from measurement data on radial and axial variations of tracheid dimensions. This requires several integrated models, including models estimating numbers and dimensions of pits. The article presents such models developed on data from 27 Norway spruce trees representing different sites, clones and growth rates. Measured and estimated variations of tracheid, lumen and pit properties within and between rings are illustrated, indicating on average about one third smaller and fewer pits in latewood than in earlywood tracheids, and variations in numbers and areas of pits per unit volume of xylem which may be interesting also in fields like wood drying and impregnation.

Theoretical study on cushioning isolation of cushioning materials under high impact environment

Abstract When a guided projectile is fired, the high pressure generated by the gunpowder gas in the chamber produces a high impact accelerationtion of tens of thousands of g in the projectile, which makes the components of the projectile withstand a huge instantaneous, high-energy, strong impact load. This type of load environment results in the deformation and failure of the internal mechanical components and damage to all type of electronic components, leading to the failure of the entire guidance system. Selecting the correct cushioning material to store or dissipate the impact energy so that the peak value of the impact is reduced to within the range of the component is an effective technical approach. In this study, a mechanical analysis of the high-impact environment inside a certain type of artillery was conducted, the axial impact load variation curve of the projectile was drawn, and a buffer isolation mathematical model of the buffer material was established. This study obtains a visualization interface using Python to solve the problem intelligently. By changing the mass of the mass block, the equivalent stiffness and equivalent damping value of the buffer material in the program script, researchers can use the model to draw the displacement, velocity and acceleration curves of the two mass blocks simultaneously, and obtain the buffering efficiency and maximum elastic compression of the buffer material. When the equivalent damping is the same, this study obtains the buffering efficiency curve and the maximum elastic compression curve changing with the stiffness through the model. The results show that in the range of elastic deformation, the buffering efficiency is proportional to the length of the buffering material but inversely proportional to its equivalent stiffness. The mathematical model provides technical support for the pre-design development and selection of cushioning materials in high-impact environments.

An Experimental Study of Stable and Chaotic Structures in a Plasma System Analogous to Earth Magnetosphere

Abstract In recent years, studies on magnetospheric plasmas have increased drastically. Different theoretical models are proposed to match the data observed from various space missions. Still, no sufficient experimental setup is there to replicate the formation like a double layer in these kinds of plasma. In this study, we have made an experimental setup that nearly replicates the magnetospheric plasma environment. We have placed a stainless steel (SS) plate inside our plasma chamber. The argon plasma is produced in the hot cathode discharge method at comparatively high pressure. Then a positive bias is applied to the SS plate with and without attaching a permanent magnet. This positively biased SS plate creates a fireball and firerod-like structures in the absence and presence of the magnet, respectively. This scenario is analogous to the Earth’s magnetospheric plasma and the SS plate represents the pole of the Earth. In this plasma, we have studied the axial variation of ion density (ni ), electron temperature (Te ), electron energy distribution function (EEDF), and the plasma potential for both cases. Lastly, we have discussed the nature of the plasma potential variation with a theoretical model.

Analytical solutions for large-deflection bending of variable-thickness inhomogeneous functional graded composite circular plates with parameterized boundaries under hygro-thermo-mechanical loads

A brand-new hygro-thermo-mechanical bending model of the inhomogeneous concave and convex composite circular plates having varying thickness undergoing large deformation resting on nonlinear tri-parameter spring and shear elastic layers is proposed. Three-dimensional analytical hygrothermal field of circular plate is demonstrated with non-uniform thermal and moisture diffusion coefficients in axial variation, while thickness and elastic module of material are modeled in quadratically change and sufficiently summarized in normalization. The circled boundaries with arbitrary translational and rotational constraints are parameterized with feasible region of elastic parameters highlighted in rectangular domain by Linear Programming method. Two reduced-order integro-differential governing equations for the composite circular plates under extreme load have been derived, while analytical bending solutions are obtained by an employed homotopy-based analytical scheme with accuracy verified and convergence accelerated by truncation and iteration. Whether thickness or elastic module of composite material is variable, the final outcome on plate structural strength is the discrepancy of bending stiffness with different load capacity, with the former revealing more sensitive than the latter under the condition of same values. Once amplitude and distribution of hygrothermal load are determined, influence on large-deflection bending of circular plates exists at a limited range of nonlinearity, while non-uniform distribution of thermal expansion and moisture concentration aggravates bending effects only within this range.

Simulation of Nonlinear and Nonisothermal Reactive Liquid Chromatography considering Finite Mass-Transfer Rates and Various Adsorption Scenarios.

A multicomponent nonisothermal lumped kinetic model (LKM) of fixed-bed liquid chromatographic reactor is introduced and numerically approximated. The model incorporates nonlinear Bi-Langmuir and Toth adsorption isotherms, reaction kinetics, axial and temporal variations of concentrations, and enthalpies of reaction and adsorption. The resulting model equations constitute a nonlinear coupled system of convection-diffusion-reaction partial differential equations (CDR-PDEs) for mass and energy balances in both the mobile and stationary phases, augmented by differential mass balances in the stationary phase and algebraic expressions for reaction rates and adsorption isotherms. Due to the nonlinearity of adsorption isotherms and reaction kinetics, which is impeding the derivation of closed-form solutions, a local-projection discontinuous Galerkin finite element (DG-FE) method is applied for space discretization. The emerging semidiscrete system of ordinary differential equations in time is solved numerically by employing a total variation bounded (TVB) Runge-Kutta method. To analyze the process performance, parametric studies are conducted using numerical simulations. A series of rigorous consistency tests are elucidating the interplay between thermal and concentration gradients, showcasing the impact of temperature on reactor performance, and highlighting the aspects of reactant conversion into products. Subsequently, a thorough comparison is performed among the considered adsorption isotherms to scrutinize the numerical findings and to augment the originality of research. The results obtained verify the validity of model equations and precision of the numerical technique used. Moreover, the outcomes of this study can be utilized to understand mass and energy distributions in nonequilibrium and nonisothermal liquid chromatographic reactors and to provide profound insights into the complexities of this separation-conversion process.

Axial behavior variation of 72-story concrete-filled steel tubes with different joint connections due to interface debonding considering long-term deformation of concrete core

Long-term concrete deformation including shrinkage and creep occurring seriously threats the longevity, safety and serviceability of concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) structures. In this study, numerical simulation on the variation of axial behavior of 72-story CFST structures with different joint connection details due to interface debonding considering shrinkage and creep of concrete core is carried out. Three connection details including connections with inner horizonal diaphragms only, two-direction through-beams only, and inner horizontal diaphragms combined with two-direction through-beam, are considered, respectively. Vertical loading from floors is treated as centralized vertical force applied on steel tube directly. The shrinkage of concrete core is simulated by decreasing concrete temperature. A cohesive constitutive law and a Coulomb friction model are employed to describe the interface behavior in tangential direction before and after debonding, respectively. The interaction between concrete core and steel tube in normal direction is treated as a hard contact. The concrete plastic-damage (CPD) constitutive model is used for concrete core and a plastic constitutive law is employed for the steel tube. The initiation of the interface debonding between steel tube, H-shaped steel beam flanges, inner diaphragms and concrete, the variation of the force transfer path, stress redistribution, steel tube yielding and the final failure are described in detail. Results show that the axial load-carrying capacity of each CFST structure has a decrease of 26–28 % when compared with that determined by the current design code where the confinement effect is considered, and a decrease of 9–10 % when compared with that determined by the current design code where the confinement effect of steel tube is not considered. Moreover, the axial stiffness decreases to 76–78 % of their theoretical values when debonding is not considered. Numerical results show that the interface debonding negatively affects the long-term axial load-carrying capacity and stiffness obviously, which has not been considered in current design codes. Some comments on the design of CFST members are proposed based on the numerical simulation results.

SH guided wave excitation in rails for defect and stress monitoring

Monitoring rail defects and thermal stress is imperative in ensuring the safety of railway transportation. Guided-wave-based inspection techniques emerge as a promising solution for concurrently detecting both the defects and thermal stress in rails. However, the substantial multimodal and dispersive nature of guided waves in the rail poses limitations on the application and advancement of this technology. This study systematically investigates the propagation characteristics of the SH0-like wave (the lowest-order shear horizontal-like wave) in the rail and its effectiveness in defect and axial stress monitoring through finite element simulations and experiments. A method based on dual opposite polarization active elements, and the corresponding piezoelectric transducers are proposed to excite SH0-like wave in the rail web and rail foot. Results show that SH0-like wave can travel stably across a broad frequency range in the rail web and rail foot. Additionally, both the simulations and experiments confirm that the SH0-like wave in the rail web is suitable for monitoring axial stress, as its velocity changes linearly with axial stress variations. Furthermore, the ability of the SH0-like wave to detect cracks and hole defects in the rail web is experimentally demonstrated. Given that the SH0-like wave is quasi-nondispersive in a broad frequency range and an SH0-like wave with high SRN can be effectively generated using the proposed method, this research aims to offer a practical technical solution to overcome the challenges of multimodal and dispersive effects in the guided-wave-based rail inspection techniques. It also sets the stage for developing a comprehensive system capable of simultaneously monitoring the defects and thermal stress in rails.

Multiple lubricated joints with long and short bearings in multibody mechanical systems - Modeling, simulation, and performance analysis

This study examines the effect of multiple lubricated imperfect long and short bearings on the performance of a multibody mechanical system. Unlike the typical assumption of a single perfect or imperfect lubricated joint due to modeling difficulties, this research considers the practical impacts of clearances in multiple joints. While unlubricated joints generally cause significant performance issues, lubricants reduce these effects, creating more localized peaks. The findings show that as the number of lubricated joints increases, both the magnitude and frequency of these peaks rise. In systems with multiple journal bearings, torque peaks become more noticeable due to the additional degrees of freedom introduced by the clearances. These degrees of freedom amplify acceleration, leading to higher lubricant reaction forces, which in turn require greater motor torque peaks to maintain the system's kinematics. Shorter lubricated joints exhibit more severe peaks than longer ones, mainly due to side leakage causing axial pressure variation and reduced damping capacity. The study highlights the need to replace idealized joints with imperfect ones for more accurate modeling of practical systems.

Hydraulic and axial force characteristics of large axial flow pumps under different flow conditions

Abstract Axial flow pumps often experience uneven distribution of axial force on the blades when deviating from design conditions, which can easily lead to local damage to the pump blades. In response to this issue, this article conducts a detailed study on the hydraulic and axial force characteristics of large vertical axial flow pumping stations in China based on constant and non-constant numerical simulation research methods. Research has found that under biased operating conditions, due to the angle between the water flow direction inside the impeller and the impeller blades, the water body collides with the blades, resulting in concentrated pressure distribution on both sides of the inlet side of the impeller blades. Under low flow conditions, the high axial force area of the impeller blade is concentrated in the middle and rear position of the suction surface, while under high flow conditions, the high axial force area is widely distributed. Under the conditions of 0.8 Q to 1.4 Q, the fluctuation of axial force on the impeller blades is mainly affected by the rotation of the impeller blades. However, under low flow conditions, due to the turbulence of the flow state, there is no obvious pattern of axial force variation on the impeller blades. In addition, under different flow conditions, there is no obvious pattern in the fluctuation of axial force on the guide vanes. This also proves that there are problems such as uneven axial force distribution and no periodic changes in the impeller blades under low flow conditions, which can easily lead to damage to the impeller blades. The above analysis can provide some reference for the design of impeller blades.

Effect of Storage Conditions and Time on the Dimensional Stability of 3D Printed Surgical Guides: An InVitro Study.

To evaluate the dimensional stability over time of additively manufactured surgical templates, fabricated by different resins, and stored by different methods. Using a 3D printer with DLS technology and two different resins (Surgical Guide (SG)-WhipMix and Key Guide (KG)-KeystoneIndustries), 96 surgical guides were additively manufactured. The guides were stored in three different environments: directly exposed to sunlight (S1), in normal interior room conditions (S2), and in darkness (S3). The guides were digitally scanned immediately after fabrication and post-processing, and after 1, 3, and 6 months of storage. For each group, the mean deviation of the root mean square (RMS) between guide's intaglio surface, as well as the axial deviation between sleeves' housings were calculated. The mean axial variations of angular axis deviation of sleeves' housings ranged between 0.09° and 3.99°. The mean deviation of the RMS discrepancy in guide's intaglio ranged from 0.1 to 0.18 mm. Variations were significant (p < 0.001) only for the S1 group and only for SG material. After 3 months, an additional storage time of 3 months did not have any further effect on dimensional stability. Within the limitations of the present study, storage time of a surgical guide for up to 3 months after manufacturing, as well as printing material can significantly affect surgical guide's dimensional stability, when they are exposed to direct or indirect sunlight conditions. Storage of guides in a dark environment is recommended in order to avoid an additional source of error in computer-guided surgery workflows.

Validation and Verification of Computational Model for the Numerical Simulation of the Operational Principle of a Submerged Horizontal Plate Device

This study describes the validation and verification of a two-dimensional numerical wave channel with a Submerged Horizontal Plate (SHP). The SHP is a fixed, submerged structure with a dual function: it acts as a breakwater and as a wave energy converter. To carry out the validation and verification procedures for the computational modeling, experimental and numerical results obtained from the literature were used. A relative error of 2.14% for the maximum axial velocity below the SHP was obtained in the validation, while an average absolute error of 0.0043 m/s for the axial velocity variation below the SHP was identified in the verification. Therefore, it can be inferred that the validation and verification stages were carried out successfully. So, the model is suitable for the numerical simulation of the operational principle of the SHP, both on a laboratory scale and on a real scale, allowing the investigation of its fluid dynamic behavior.

Demodulation algorithm of low coherent heterodyne interference signal for axial clearance measurement of rotating machinery

The time-domain low coherent heterodyne interference axial clearance measurement method has the challenges of small range and low precision in the clearance measurement of rotating machinery. An axial clearance demodulation algorithm based on the windowed power spectrum density transform (WPSD) is proposed. Based on the characteristics of low coherent heterodyne interference signal, the relationship model between window width and rotating structure motion parameters (amplitude of axial clearance change, rotor speed) is constructed, and the optimal window width mathematical model is obtained. The axial clearance measurement experiments are completed under different axial clearance measurement distances based on an experimental clearance platform, different rotor speeds and different axial clearance variation amplitudes. The experimental results show that the absolute error of the axial clearance reconstruction signal is less than 17 μm and the relative error is less than 4.8 % when the axial clearance measurement distance is 2.1 mm ∼ 11.3 mm, the rotor speed is in the range of 6000 rad/min ∼ 12000 rad/min, and the variation of axial clearance is in the range of 150 μm ∼ 350 μm. The experimental and simulation results are basically consistent.

Analysis of axial force variations and seismic performance of subway station columns under earthquake loading

Central column failure is a predominant seismic damage mode in subway station structures. During seismic events, the central columns’ vertical compressive force, as indicated by the axial compression ratio (ACR), undergoes continuous variations, significantly impacting both their failure modes and the seismic performance. This study involved establishing a finite element model of a subway station and conducting time history analyses to identify the distinct variation patterns of ACR in central columns for various seismic design scenarios. Based on these summarized patterns, appropriate ACR variations were designed for the columns, and the validity of the column model was confirmed using experimental data, enabling analyses of their failure modes and hysteresis characteristics under cyclic loads. Lastly, a sensitivity analysis of the parameters associated with the central columns was performed. The results demonstrated that the horizontal displacement and the ACR of the top of the central column were asynchronous, the frequency of the latter was 1.4–3.8 times that of the former, and the amplitude of the ACR was 0.08–0.68. When the frequency of the variable ACR was odd times, the damage and hysteresis curve of the column showed obvious asymmetry and harmfulness, and it exacerbated the damage to the core concrete of the column. Compared to applying a constant ACR, the bearing capacity and energy dissipation of the column were even reduced by about 50 % and 74 %, respectively. The specimens with the upper limit value of 0.95 of variable ACR had even more adverse effects on the damage and hysteresis behavior of the column than the scheme with a constant ACR of 0.95. In addition, the even multiple frequency of variable ACR had a limited effect on the seismic performance of the column, but the harm caused by the large amplitude variation of variable ACR could not be ignored. As to the impacts of structural parameters under cyclic loadings, elevating the longitudinal reinforcement ratio and decreasing the stirrup spacing within the central columns would substantially enhance energy dissipation capacity, with a maximum increase of about 69 %. Meanwhile, for columns with the same cross-sectional area, square columns exhibited superior hysteresis behavior compared to their circular counterparts. The findings of this study could provide guidance for the engineering design of the central columns.

Linear stability analysis of a Couette-Poiseuille flow: A fluid layer overlying an anisotropic and inhomogeneous porous layer

We investigate the temporal stability analysis of a two-layer flow inside a channel that is driven by pressure. The channel consists of a fluid layer overlying an inhomogeneous and anisotropic porous layer. The flow contains a Couette component due to the movement of the horizontal impermeable upper and lower walls binding the two layers. These walls of the channel move at an identical speed but in opposite directions. The flow dynamics for the porous medium are modelled by the Darcy-Brinkman equations, and the Navier-Stokes equations are employed to describe the motion within the fluid layer. The hydrodynamic instability of infinitesimal disturbance is investigated using Orr-Sommerfeld analysis. The corresponding eigenvalue problem is derived and solved numerically using the Chebyshev polynomial-based spectral collocation method. Results reveal that stability features are strongly affected by the axial and spatial permeability variations of the porous medium. Further, the ratio of the depth of the fluid layer to the porous layer and the strength of the Couette component play a crucial role. The destabilization of the perturbed system is noticed by strengthening the Couette flow component. The combined impact of increasing the anisotropy parameter and depth ratio, decreasing Darcy number, and reducing the inhomogeneity factor stabilizes the system. This facilitates us to have greater control over the instability characteristics of such fluid-porous configuration by suitably adjusting various flow parameters. The outcome will be beneficial in relevant applications for enhancing or suppressing the instability of perturbation waves, as preferable.

Simulation study on heat and mass transfer characteristics within tubular moving bed heat exchangers

In the field of waste heat recovery, tubular moving bed heat exchangers (MBHEs) hold great promise as equipment capable of effectively handling large-sized granular materials with high temperature. To further clarify the heat and mass transfer characteristics within tubular MBHEs, this study firstly conducted detailed investigations on the contributions of different heat transfer mechanisms. The result shows that heat radiation (∼45 %) and gas film heat conduction (∼42 %) control the heat transfer processes involving tube walls, with an inlet particle temperature of 600 °C, tube wall temperature of 50 °C, and particle descent velocity of 2 mm/s. These contributions can be influenced by the inlet particle temperature and the tube wall temperature, rather than the particle descent velocity. Additionally, for a specific particle, its heat transfer state is highly depended on where it is located. Subsequently, the time-varying and space-varying characteristics of the heat transfer processes involving tube walls are studied. The results suggest that the time-varying and space-varying characteristics are inherent in tubular MBHEs due to the difficulty to achieve complete stability. Meanwhile, temporal fluctuations intensify with an increase in the inlet particle temperature, a decrease in wall temperature, or an increase in particle descent velocity. The result of power spectral density (PSD) indicates that the heat transfer processes exhibit a degree of chaotic behavior due to the nonlinear property of sub-models, as well as the randomness in particle feeding and contacts. The space-varying characteristic is mainly determined by the inlet particle temperature and the tube wall temperature, rather than the particle descent velocity. This characteristic can be observed in both the axial and circumferential directions, with the circumferential variation being more pronounced than the axial variation. Furthermore, a double-tube MBHE, a topic that has received scant attention in previous research, is investigated in comparison to a single-tube MBHE to explore the differences in heat and mass transfer between the two configurations. It indicates that under the same boundary conditions, there are differences in heat transfer results, which are attributed to the interactions between two vertically arranged tubes. These interactions are reflected in the reconstruction of particle flow patterns and the effect altering the temperature distribution for the particles or fluid surrounding the tubes. The obtained results provide valuable insights into the mass and heat transfer behaviors of particles and fluids within tubular MBHEs, laying a foundation for advancing the development of efficient tubular MBHEs.

An analytical solution for shear bearing capacity of circumferential joints of precast concrete segmental tunnel linings considering dowel action

AbstractThe capacity of the circumferential joint of the precast concrete segmental tunnel lining (PCTL) structure in terms of shear performance principally includes the dowel action by connector/bolt as well as friction force, and it is a vital parameter to assess the mechanical response of the circumferential joint. Further, as there was no analytical model available for precise estimation of a circumferential joint in terms of the shear‐bearing capacity considering the dowel action of the bolt in the presence of axial/normal force, therefore in this investigation, an analytical model has been proposed to estimate the shear‐bearing capacity of the circumferential joint. Furthermore, the analytical model's precision and accuracy were validated via large‐scale experimental investigation on a circumferential joint of PCTL. Upon comparing analytical model outcomes with experimental results, absolute error varied between +5% and −9%, with an average value of the coefficient of friction at the yield point of the bolt. Moreover, the formation of hinges on the side of the bolt within the segment was considered a failure of the circumferential joint. Additionally, the parametric investigation revealed that with just a 1% change in axial force, the diameter, pre‐tightening, and yield strength of the bolt and concrete strength improved by 2.85%, 1%, 0.27%, 0.26% and 0.17% shear‐bearing capacity of the circumferential joint respectively. Axial force variation greatly influences the shear‐bearing capacity of circumferential joint followed by diameter, pre‐tightening, yield strength of the bolt, and concrete strength. Conclusively, with analysis of axial force distribution around the ring for the tunnel, the proposed model has been applied to a full ring to estimate shear bearing capacity.

Experimental study on seismic behavior of reinforced concrete exterior beam-column joints under varying axial load

The majority of low-cycle loading tests on reinforced concrete (RC) beam-column joints were currently conducted under constant axial loads. During earthquake shaking, the axial load on the joints fluctuates due to the overturning moment and vertical ground vibration. Particularly in exterior beam-column joints, where beam shear occurs on only one side, the range of axial load variation is significantly larger. To elucidate the impact of varying axial loads on the seismic performance of exterior beam-column joints, low-cycle loading tests were conducted on four groups of full-size beam-column subassemblage specimens. Two identical specimens from each group underwent low-cycle loading tests with constant and varying axial loads, respectively. Based on the experimental findings, this paper examines the differences in cyclic behaviors among comparison specimens, focusing on damage characteristics, joint shear strength, stiffness degradation, displacement ductility, and longitudinal bar slip. The study suggests that compared to specimens subjected to constant axial loads, the comparison specimens exhibit variations in load-carrying capacity corresponding to the fluctuations in axial load. Furthermore, varying axial loads accelerate post-peak stiffness and strength degradation, leading to reduced ductility. Additionally, specimens in one of the comparison groups exhibited different failure models when subjected to varying axial loads and constant axial loads, specifically beam failure and joint failure, respectively. Numerical simulations of the corresponding beam-column subassemblages were conducted on the Opensees platform to elucidate how the two axial loading methods affect the transformation of failure modes. A subsequent parametric study focusing on the axial compression ratio was performed to further explore the impact of varying axial loads on the seismic behavior of beam-column joints.

Effect of free vibration on mechanical characteristics of Bi-directional functionally graded beams under hygrothermal effect

ABSTRACT The effect of free vibration on mechanical characteristics of bi-directional functionally graded material (BDFGM) beams under the influence of hygrothermal effects involves the application of the harmonic differential quadrature method (HDQM). The material parameters are supposed to vary in both axial and thickness directions. The temperature distribution is employed along the length direction of the BDFGM beams while maintaining a constant moisture concentration. An exponential law with axial thermal variation under moisture effect is investigated to analyse vibration behaviour in the BDFGM beams using the HDQM. Hamilton’s principle is used to obtain governing equations. Three kinds of temperature distribution profile were considered i.e. uniform (UTR), linear (LTR) and nonlinear temperature rise (NLTR). Free vibration analysis is performed using the HDQM. The precision of the HDQM is validated by comparing it with prior studies. Various configurations of boundary conditions, including supported, clamped, and free, are considered. Parametric results are investigated to explore the effect of the exponent parameters, temperature profile and constant humidity content. Results indicate that temperature, constant moisture content, material properties, and different end conditions significantly influence natural frequency. The outcomes can be applied to designing two or more directional FGM structures for different environmental conditions.