Circular Section Research Articles

Membrane piezoelectric MDS-actuator with a flat double spiral of interacting electrodes

A schematic diagram and mathematical model of functioning of a new piezoelectric membrane (MDS) actuator with double spiral (DS) electrodes on the upper and/or lower surfaces of a thin piezoelectric layer with axisymmetric and periodic (with a small period) in radial coordinate mutual reversed electric polarization are presented. The polarization of the layer was realized as a result of connecting the polarizing electric voltage of the appropriate value to the outputs of the double spirals of the electrodes. The electrodes of each (upper and lower) double spiral of the MDS-actuator are made in the form of electrodeposited ribbon coatings on the surfaces of the piezoelectric layer in close proximity to each other (due to the small spiral pitch) to create high values of electric field strength along the lines of force in localized areas of the piezoelectric layer between them when an alternating or constant control electric voltage is connected to the electrodes, in particular, with positive and negative values of the electrical potentials. Importantly, the electric field force lines and, as a consequence, the polarization of the piezoelectric layer of the MDS actuator are oriented mainly along (i.e. towards or against) the radial coordinate of the membrane, in contrast to many conventional actuator schemes. The results of numerical modeling for a circular elastic membrane with piezoelectric actuators installed on its upper and lower surfaces confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed piezoelectric MDS-actuator when it functions according to the “bimorph” scheme, including the use of the proposed new structural element (section) – a piezoelectric “compression ring” MDS at various geometric and control parameters. The effect of a significant increase in the membrane deflection with installed piezoelectric MDS-actuators compared to the use of traditional homogeneous plate piezoelectric actuators of bimorph type for different conditions of the membrane fixation, in particular, stationary (rigid) fixation of its center is revealed. For a hybrid piezoelectric MDS-actuator including independent concentric round and circular (i.e. “compression ring”) sections, the non-monotonic nature and numerical analysis of the nonlinear dependence of the largest deflection at the center of a hinge-immobile membrane fixed at the edge on the ratio of the radii of its round and circular MDS sections were revealed. The cases in which the effect of the “compression ring” is manifested, i.e. when the maximum deflection of a membrane with the “compression ring” exceeds the best possible value of the deflection of this membrane without its use in the traditional “bimorph” scheme, are identified. The new piezoelectric MDS-actuator can be used in micromechanics, controlled optics, sensor technology, acoustics, in particular, in the manufacture of piezoelectric acoustic or sensor elements of membrane type, electromechanical transducers for vibration energy collection.

Experimental and Numerical Analysis of PIP Slip Joint Subjected to Bending

Detachable circular hollow sections (CHSs) offer an innovative solution to tackle the complexities of installation, maintenance, upgrades, and repairs in offshore monopile systems, particularly in challenging environments with limited access. As an alternative to traditional tubular joints, the PIP slip joint presents advantages in terms of ease of installation, time efficiency, and reduced susceptibility to failure. This study conducts an experimental investigation on PIP (Pile-in-Pile) slip joints under pure bending conditions, accompanied by comprehensive numerical analyses to examine the relationship between section slenderness, contact properties, and structural performance. The results highlight a strong correlation between force-displacement curves and include a comparison of compressive and tensile strain values for both experimental and numerical models. The experimental and numerical models showed strong agreement across all results, demonstrating the robustness of the findings. Additionally, numerical models were utilized to investigate various D/t ratios, revealing insights into the normalized moment, rotational capacity, and the impact of local buckling and contact mechanics. Furthermore, a comparison of these findings with established code guidelines, such as Eurocode and AISC-LRFD, has been conducted and reviewed in the context of this study. From analysis, it was found that the rise in the D/t ratio prompted a transformation in the buckling mode, which substantially altered the rotational ratio. This shift indicates the importance of understanding how these variables interact in engineering applications. These findings significantly enhance the understanding of PIP slip joints and emphasize their potential as a compelling alternative for offshore wind turbine support structures.

Veneer-wrapped steel columns: Proof-of-concept experimental and numerical investigations

This paper presents and discusses the structural behaviour of a novel type of steel–timber composite column to be used in residential building applications. It consists of a circular hollow section wrapped by multiple beech veneer sheets and where the composite action is ensured by a structural bi-component glue applied over the contact surfaces. As part of a proof-of-concept study, five short and three long columns with lengths of 0.27 m and 2.00 m, respectively, were tested under vertical concentric load with fibres parallel to the load direction and inclined by 15°. The global response of the specimens in terms of load-displacement behaviour and failure modes was studied, along with localised strain measurements through strain gauges and a digital image correlation (DIC) system. Results showed a significant increase in buckling resistance due to the stiffness added by the veneer layers. Already with the still-moderate veneer layer thicknesses used in this study, an increase in strength of over 25 % could thus be achieved. This enhancement highlights the effectiveness of veneer wrapping in stabilizing the inner core and delaying the occurrence of flexural buckling failure. A 3D non-linear finite element model (FEM) validated these findings, showing a good correlation with experimental results in resistance and stiffness. A parametric study was conducted to explore different geometries and materials, thus creating an extended FEM-based database. A relatively good agreement with modest deviation between the FEM predictions and analytical formulations available in the European Standards was found, considering the appropriate introduction of the mechanical properties of timber.

Moment Curvature and P-M Interaction Analysis of Steel and GFRP Reinforced Concrete Column

This research explores the use of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars and GFRP circular sections as longitudinal reinforcement in Reinforced Concrete (RC) columns, specifically to mitigate corrosion issues in harsh coastal environments. Twelve concrete specimens were prepared and tested under various loading conditions to evaluate the performance of GFRP as a substitute for conventional steel reinforcement. The experimental findings indicated that GFRP-RC columns displayed slightly lower axial load and bending moment capacities compared to steel-RC columns, though the ductility of both types was found to be similar. The study also highlights the significance of considering the role of GFRP bars in compression, supported by experimental results. This research offers valuable insights into the behavior and performance of both steel and GFRP-reinforced concrete columns, particularly in environments vulnerable to corrosion, with assessments conducted at 28 and 60-day intervals. A comparison of the outcomes from these timeframes reveals the effectiveness of GFRP as a reinforcement option in corrosive conditions

Real-scale tests on bundle-bar-filled circular hollow sections (BBFC) under eccentric compression

The escalating demand for innovative, multifunctional, and advanced composite structures stems from the pressing concerns related to cost efficiency and environmental impact, alongside interest in the prefabrication methods within the construction industry. This paper advances a pioneering approach by proposing the utilization of high-strength bundle-bar-filled circular hollow sections (BBFC) as columns. In this method, a bundle comprising high-strength reinforcing bars with an impressive yield strength of 670 N/mm² is strategically placed within a steel tube, varying in related-slenderness values from 0.86 to 2.44. Subsequent to this arrangement, the bundle undergoes grouting with mortar, resulting in the formation of the BBFCs. The composition of the bundle is a critical aspect, with different configurations featuring 1, 3, 7, and 19 high-strength bars. Given the intricacies involved in the fabrication process, this paper meticulously outlines the unique techniques employed to successfully manufacture the BBFCs. To comprehensively evaluate the performance of these innovative columns, a series of ten real-scale tests were conducted. These tests look at various aspects, including capacity, flexural stiffness, deflection, and strain response. In addition to experimental validation, finite element analysis was applied, not only to corroborate the empirical findings but also to lay the foundation for future parametric studies. These subsequent investigations aim to explore and understand the influence of different geometric and material features on the structural behaviour of this innovative composite column, thereby contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field.

Buckling behaviour of high-strength retrofitted steel sections manufactured through post heat-treatment processes

High-strength steel is increasingly popular in construction for its strength-to-weight ratio, which lowers the self-weight of structures and reduces transportation, erection, and foundation costs. Induction hardening (IH) process which involves rapid heating and cooling of the material leads to microstructural changes which enhance the hardness and strength of conventional steel, elevating it to the level of High Strength (HS) steel. This study reports an extensive investigation on the buckling response and design of IH post-treated structural steel Circular Hollow Sections (CHS). It includes tensile coupon tests, microstructural analyses, initial geometric imperfection measurements, and residual stress evaluations to determine the effects of IH treatment on CHS. Column buckling tests were conducted, and a numerical model was developed and validated against the experimental results which was utilised to study systematically the effect of imperfections. The findings suggest that the magnitude of the imperfections in IH steel sections doubled compared to the non-treated condition, whilst there was a minimal impact on the residual stresses. A comprehensive parametric study was performed using finite element models to study the structural response of IH steel CHS columns over a large range of global slendernesses and allow the assessment of the buckling curves specified in EN 1993–1–1. It was concluded that the buckling curve a (imperfection factor, α=0.21) specified in EN 1993–1–1 provides the best buckling load predictions for the IH steel CHS columns, the response of which is superior to that of their virgin counterparts, despite the increased imperfections caused by the heat-treating process.

LJF of thin-walled gapped uni-planar K-type tubular steel joints with collar under brace balanced axial loads

This paper investigates the efficacy of the collar plate in improving the Local Joint Flexibility (LJF) of thin-walled circular hollow section (CHS) K-joints under axial loads. Initially, a finite element model (FEM) was created and verified against data from 14 available experimental tests. Subsequently, an extensive series of 136 unreinforced and reinforced K-joints was simulated to analyze the influence of parameters such as collar plate dimensions (η and λ), brace angle (θ), and joint geometry (β, ξ, and γ) on the LJF factor (fLJF) and the fLJF ratio (χ). The FEMs incorporated plate-to-member contact and weld modeling. Findings indicate that the utilization of the plate reduces the fLJF by 73 %. Additionally, it was observed that plate length significantly affects the fLJF compared to plate thickness. While the impact of γ, θ, and ξ on χ is marginal, β, η and λ emerge as a noteworthy determinant of χ. Despite the pivotal role of fLJF in joint behavior, there exists a gap in studies and equations specifically addressing fLJF in collar-plate reinforced K-joints under axial loads. To address this gap, leveraging the FE results, a design equation is proposed. This equation is subsequently validated with high coefficients of determination and standards set by the UK Department of Energy.

Analysis and experiment of structural geometry for improved strain sensitivity of FBG sensors

AbstractThis paper presents analysis and experimental studies to significantly enhance the strain sensitivity of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors by suitably modifying the host structure used for mounting the FBG. The proposed host structure is a novel, compact flexure beam-based design, specially engineered to amplify and convert horizontal strain into vertical strain more effectively. Its unique geometry includes circular sections for hinge connections, resulting in improved displacement amplification and reduced stress across the structure. Using ANSYS calculations and finite element analysis, simulations were conducted to evaluate the vertical deformation, stress, and longevity of the sensor's mechanical structure. Results from these simulations indicate an enhanced strain sensitivity of approximately 15.633 pm/με, a significant improvement over the 1.191 pm/με sensitivity observed with bare FBGs. Experimental tests were carried out on fabricated sensor structures to validate the enhancement in strain sensitivity. FBGs utilized in the experiments were inscribed using a 255 nm UV beam generated from a second harmonic copper vapour laser. The strain sensitivity of FBGs mounted on the optimized structure was found to increase up to 9.95 pm/με. The difference between simulation and experimental results are attributed to the partial absorption of strain by the adhesive used to affix FBGs.

A Simple Method to Evaluate the Bearing Capacity of Concrete-Filled Steel Tubes with Rectangular and Circular Sections: Beams, Columns, and Beam–Columns

This study investigates the behavior and capacity of concrete-filled steel tubes (CFTs) with rectangular and circular sections under various loading conditions: axial loads, pure-bending, and combined axial load-bending moments. A finite element-based numerical model is developed and validated against existing experimental data. Using an extensive databank generated from finite element analysis, this research proposes analytical empirical relations for determining the bearing capacity of rectangular and circular composite beams, columns, and beam–columns. These relations provide a direct, concise, and efficient method for calculating the ultimate strength of CFT members, making them valuable for engineering design. Comparisons between the proposed analytical results and previous experimental studies demonstrate the high accuracy of this method in analyzing rectangular and circular CFT member behavior. The findings contribute to a better understanding of CFT structural performance and offer practical tools for designers working with these composite elements.

Interpretable machine learning models for predicting probabilistic axial buckling strength of steel circular hollow section members considering discreteness of geometries and material

Steel circular hollow section (CHS) members are widely utilized as axial force-resisting structural members in civil engineering structures. The buckling strength under axial loads is one of the critical parameters to determine the performance of the steel CHS members, which is significantly affected by the discreteness introduced by geometries, material, and initial imperfections. However, the reduction factor employed in the modern design codes (i.e. Chinese codes and EC3) only accounts for the reduction caused by all kinds of discreteness and does not reflect the impacts of every single discreteness and imperfection. To fill the gap, this paper proposed an interpretable machine-learning method to provide the probabilistic axial buckling strength of steel CHS members prediction result in a distribution form with the consideration of detailed discreteness. The model to predict the nominal axial buckling strength of steel CHS members was first developed utilizing ten machine learning algorithms after sufficient numerical simulations, where the numerical model was verified using test results. The artificial neural network (ANN) was selected for developing the prediction model due to its highly reliable performance in testing. The developed ANN models were further interpreted utilizing Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) to determine the interrelationship of different parameters. Then, the probabilistic axial bucking strength prediction model was established based on the developed ANN models, where the Latin hypercube sampling method was applied to address the discreteness of geometries, material, and initial imperfections. The generated probabilistic axial bucking strength prediction model’s effectiveness was verified by the evidence that the machine learning prediction results can highly match the numerical results' probability density function and the result from codes while significantly reducing the computation time. Finally, the design parameters’ impact on the axial buckling strength’s discreteness was evaluated using the global sensitivity analysis (GSA) method. The result shows that the discreteness of design parameters substantially influences the distribution of the axial buckling strength of the steel CHS members and the proposed prediction model can provide an accurate probabilistic distribution prediction.

Experimental testing and plastic strain analysis of high strength steel longitudinal plate to tubular X joints

Applying high strength steels to tubular joints can increase the propensity to fracture failure due to their lower ductility. However, to simulate the fracture behavior in the finite element (FE) analysis, sophisticated material damage model with rigorous fracture criteria should be incorporated. Recently, the latest draft of ISO 14346 has advocated the use of 5% strain limit in FE analysis of tubular joints. The strain limit concept has been further developed by the authors’ previous work, for its use as a practical alternative to the complicated material damage model. Specifically, a lowered limit of 2.5% was recommended for longitudinal plate to circular hollow section (CHS) joints subjected to in-plane bending. This study extends the strain limit investigation to longitudinal plate to tubular X joints subjected to tensile loads. An experimental program is first presented which included both CHS and rectangular hollow section (RHS) chord members fabricated from two high strength steels with nominal yield stresses of 460 MPa and 700 MPa. Based on test-validated supplemental numerical analyses, it is suggested that the joint load corresponding to 2.5% strain limit can be taken as the load-bearing capacity to suppress occurrence of a fracture failure for the tubular joint configurations considered in this study.

A New Continuous Strength Method for Prediction of Strain-Hardening Performance of High-Strength Aluminum Alloy Cylindrical Columns

This paper aims to develop a new continuous strength method (CSM) to more accurately predict the strain-hardening characteristics of high-strength aluminum alloy circular hollow sections (CHSs) under axial compression. A total of 11 stub column specimens made of 7A04-T6 and 6061-T6 aluminum alloys underwent testing. Additionally, 16 sets of experiment data were gathered from open sources, encompassing various aluminum alloy types such as 6082-T6, 6061-T6, and 6063-T5. Validated by experimental result, the finite element (FE) model was applied in a series of comprehensive parameter studies, supplementing the limited test result of high-strength aluminum alloy stub columns. Based on the experiment and FE results, this paper proposes a new CSM relation to determine the cross-sectional resistance of high-strength non-slender CHS aluminum alloys under compression. The cross-sectional resistance obtained from tests are compared with predicted strengths determined using the European code, as well as the solution of the CSM proposed in a previous study and in this paper. The comparison illustrates that the strength predictions in the European code and the previous study are conservative. Compared with the European code and the previous study, the strength prediction formula proposed in this paper improves accuracy by 11% and 5%, respectively, while reducing scatter by 8.4% and 2%, respectively.

Stability of hot-finished and cold-formed steel hollow section columns: A comparative study

A comparative study into the buckling behaviour of hot-finished and cold-formed steel hollow section members subjected to axial compression is presented in this paper. The main differences between hot-finished and cold-formed hollow sections are initially discussed. An experimental programme conducted to investigate the local, global and local-global interactive buckling of hollow section columns is then described. Three S355 normalised hot-finished and three S355/S420 (dual certified) cold-formed profiles, covering circular, square and rectangular hollow sections (CHS, SHS and RHS respectively), were studied. The stress-strain characteristics of the examined materials were obtained through tensile coupon tests. 3D laser scanning was utilised to determine the distribution of geometric imperfections in selected SHS test specimens and a consistent approach to characterise different forms of geometric imperfections from the scan data is put forward. A stub column test was carried out on each cross-section to examine its local buckling behaviour, and a series of long column tests were performed on all test profiles. In total, 21 tensile coupon tests, six stub column tests and 40 long column tests were conducted in this programme. Finite element models were also developed, validated and used for parametric studies to generate supplementary numerical datasets. The obtained test and numerical data, along with the existing experimental results collected from the literature, were used to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the Eurocode 3 (EC3) stability design provisions for hot-finished and cold-formed hollow section columns; aspects requiring improvements are highlighted to guide future studies.

Investigation on load-bearing capacity improvement coefficient of CFRP-reinforced CHS KT-joints

This study numerically analyses the load-bearing capacity of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) strengthened circular hollow section (CHS) multiplanar KT-joints based on experiments. Compared to unreinforced joints, the load-bearing capacity improvement coefficient k was proposed and investigated. First, the experiments on bare and CFRP-reinforced CHS KT-joints were briefly described. Three-dimensional numerical models were then established for bare and CFRP-strengthened CHS KT-joints. Refined and simplified CFRP models were established. The effectiveness of the simplified CFRP model was validated by comparing it with experimental results. To improve computational efficiency, the contact between CFRP and steel tubes was optimised by the combination of surface-based cohesive behaviour and tie. A parametric study was carried out to analyse the effect of 20 independent parameters on k. We found that k is primarily influenced by non-dimensional geometric parameters, load of brace-T, number of CFRP layers, and CFRP properties. Parametric formulae for k were established through nonlinear regression analysis. The proposed parametric formulae agree well with numerical analysis and experimental results.

A one-dimensional higher-order dynamic modeling method for thin-walled beams with circular cross-sections

This paper addresses the construction of a dynamical model for a thin-walled beam with circular cross-section in the framework of one-dimensional higher-order beam theory. And a method for pattern recognition of circular thin-walled structures is proposed based on principal component analysis. Initially, a set of equal length linear segments are defined to discretize the mid-line of a circular section. Preliminary deformation modes of thin-walled structures, defined over the cross-section through kinematic concept, are parametrically derived through changing the discretization degree of the section. Next, the generalized eigenvectors are derived from the governing equations, and the characteristic deformation modes of circular sections with different discretization degrees are solved based on principal component analysis. In addition, a reduced higher-order model can be obtained by updating the initial governing equations with a selective set of cross-section deformation modes. The features include further reducing the number of degree of freedoms (DOFs) and significantly improving computational efficiency while ensuring accuracy. For illustrative purposes, the versatility of the procedure is validated through both numerical examples and comparisons with other theories.

Design equations for maximum stress concentration factors for concrete-filled steel tubular K-joints

Stress concentration factors (SCFs) for welded tubular joints can be decreased by filling the chord with concrete leading to a longer fatigue life. However, there are currently no design formula available in guidelines to predict the SCF of concrete-filled circular hollow section (CFCHS) K-joints, thus limiting their applicability in bridge design. To address this gap, finite element models for CFCHS K-joints were developed and compared against test results to ensure their accuracy. Then, a comprehensive parametric study was conducted to establish relationships between maximum SCFs and four variables: brace-to-chord diameter ratio (β), chord diameter-to-thickness ratio (2γ), brace-to-chord thickness ratio (τ), and the angle between braces and chord (θ). A total of 480 FE models were examined under three loading conditions including brace and chord loading: balanced axial force, chord axial force, and chord bending. Design equations to predict the maximum SCF for CFCHS K-joints were established by multiple regression analyses of the numerical results. A comparison of maximum SCFs between circular hollow section (CHS) and CFCHS K-joints was made, and it was concluded that average reductions of 42% and 33% in maximum SCFs in CFCHS K-joints at the locations of the chord and brace were found compared to CHS joints for balanced axial force, respectively. Finally, a case study illustrating how to use the proposed equations for fatigue safety verification was presented.

Parametric analysis of innovative corrugated profile of soil‐steel composite bridge

AbstractComposite soil‐steel corrugated structures are well recognized and widely used for construction of culverts and pedestrian or animal crossings. Moreover, for the past decade corrugated soil‐steel structures because of their large span are also recognized and chosen for bridges and tunnels engineering. Record holder composite corrugated structure of 32.40 m span encourages new research in the development of innovations. This paper investigates innovative the deepest corrugation cross‐section strengthened with circular hollow section steel pipes influence on plate utilization of large span soil‐steel composite bridge. The numerical 2D model of 17.5 m span structure was developed for investigation. Parametric analysis indicated that introduction of circular pipes will reduce corrugated profile steel thickness because of reduction of buckling length of straight region of corrugation. Moreover, 3D numerical analysis of buckling shapes allowed to conclude that local buckling of the deepest corrugation of 500 × 237 mm could be controlled strengthening the plates with circular steel pipes.

Effect of welding residual stresses on the fatigue life assessment of welded connections

Welding residual stresses impose significant influences on the fatigue behavior and structural integrity of welded connections in various engineering applications. Understanding the effects of these residual stresses on fatigue life is crucial for ensuring the reliability and safety of welded structures. This paper proposes a damage-incorporated thermal–mechanical simulation method to examine the effect of welding residual stresses on the fatigue life prediction of welded plates and circular hollow section (CHS) X-joints. Compared to the experimental X-ray diffraction measurements and the fatigue tests, the predicted residual stresses and fatigue life demonstrate good agreement with experimental results for both high-cycle and low-cycle fatigue. The location of fatigue cracks resembles closely the estimation from a uniform fatigue damage indicator. The fatigue life prediction without incorporating the welding residual stresses does not affect significantly the life estimation for low-cycle fatigue but can cause substantial over-predictions for high-cycle fatigue.

Wind Tunnel Investigation of the Icing of a Drone Rotor in Forward Flight

The Bell Textron APT70 is a UAV concept developed for last mile delivery and other usual applications. It performs vertical takeoff and transition into aircraft mode for forward flight. It includes four rotor each with four rotating blades. A test campaign has been performed to study the effects of ice accretion on rotor performance through a parametric study of different parameters, namely MVD, LWC, rotor speed, and pitch angle. This paper presents the last experimentations of this campaign for the drone rotor operating in forward flight under simulated icing conditions in a refrigerated, closed-loop wind tunnel. Results demonstrated that the different parameters studied greatly impacted the collection efficiency of the blades and thus, the resulting ice accretion. Smaller droplets were more easily influenced by the streamlines around the rotating blades, resulting in less droplets impacting the surface and thus slower ice accumulations. Higher rotation speeds and pitch angles generated more energetic streamlines, which again transported more droplets around the airfoils instead of them impacting on the surface, which also led to slower accumulation. Slower ice accumulation resulted in slower thrust losses, since the loss in performances can be directly linked to the amount of ice accreted. This research has not only allowed the obtainment of very insightful results on the effect of each test parameter on the ice accumulation, but it has also conducted the development of a unique test bench for UAV propellers. The new circular test sections along with the new instrumentation installed in and around the tunnel will allow the laboratory to be able to generate icing on various type of UAV in forward flight under representative atmospheric conditions.

An adaptive weighted integration method for multipath ultrasonic flowmeter

Abstract The error introduced by the integration method is an important factor affecting the measurement accuracy of the multipath ultrasonic flowmeter. An adaptive weighted integration method (adaptive weighted integration method for velocity profile of circular section) is proposed to reduce the integration error, taking a DN400 double-side eight-path ultrasonic flowmeter as an example. This method is based on the velocity distribution information in the full flow range and the integration weights are determined by the principle of minimum error. The applicability of this method is verified by numerical simulation and actual fluid flow experiments. The results show that the integration error of the proposed method is superior to the Gauss–Jacobi and optimized weighted integration method for circular section integration methods, and the maximum integration error is reduced from 0.0877% and −0.0355% to 0.0220% in the flow range of 125–2500 t h−1.