CMDB System Research Articles

A cast modular bracing system for steel special concentrically braced frames

A Cast Modular Ductile Bracing System (CMDB) is under development as an alternative to special concentrically braced frames. The CMDB system introduces cast components at the ends and center of the brace in an attempt to produce a system with reliable strength, stiffness, and deformation capacity. A cruciform cross-section has been chosen for the cast component geometry, which is specially detailed to enhance energy dissipation and increase low cycle fatigue life thereby reducing the likelihood of fracture. In this paper, capacity design parameters are established that describe the axial strength and flexural strength of the cast components relative to the main hollow structural section member. These parameters are varied in 2D finite element models to understand the nature of the system and identify the best performing designs. 3D FE models of the CMDB system and a typical special concentrically braced frame, in combination with fracture indices, are used to compare the expected low cycle fatigue life of the two systems.

Effect of High Energy Materials on Sensitivity of Composite Modified Double Base CMDB Propellant System

The shock sensitivities (viz, impact and friction) of composite modified double-base (CMBD) ingredients, double-base (DB) matrix (SNC:CL) and the effect of high energy materials like ammonium perchlorate (AP), cyclotrimethylene trinitramine(RDX), cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine (HMX) and pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PTN) on a CMDB system, have been studied. Individual ingredients of DB matrix, i.e., spheroidal nitrocellulose (SNC) and desensitised nitroglycerine (casting liquid (CL), do not appear to be very sensitive to impact and friction, impact of 36.0 kg each. Various DB mixtures gave impact ranging between 56.5 to 61.5 cm and friction insensitivity of 36.0 kg for all the formulations. But addition of AP to DB matrix increases the impact and friction sensitivity tremendously, impact ranging from 15 to 24 cm and friction from 2.0 to 3.2 kg. Sensitivity-wise addition of RDX, HMX, and PETN to DB matrix follows AP while the addition of Al slightly reduces the sensitivity.