Deflection Behavior Research Articles

Fracture Toughness of Short Fibre-Reinforced Composites—In Vitro Study

The development of dental materials needs to be supported with sound evidence. This in vitro study aimed to measure the fracture toughness of a short fibre-reinforced composite (sFRC), at differing thicknesses. In this study, 2 mm, 3 mm and 4 mm depths of sFRC were prepared. Using ISO4049, each preparation was tested to failure. A total of 60 samples were tested: 10 samples for each combination of sFRC and depth. Fractured samples were viewed, and outcomes were analysed. EXF showed greater toughness than EXP, with a mean of 2.49 (95%CI: 2.25, 2.73) MPa.m1/2 compared to a mean of 2.13 (95%CI: 1.95, 2.31) MPa.m1/2, (F(1,54) = 21.28; p < 0.001). This difference was particularly pronounced at 2 mm depths where the mean (95%CI) values were 2.72 (2.49, 2.95) for EXF and 1.90 (1.78, 2.02) for EXP (Interaction F(2,54) = 7.93; p < 0.001). Both materials performed similarly at the depths of 3 mm and 4 mm. The results for both materials were within the accepted fracture toughness values of dentine of 1.79–3.08 MPa.m1/2. Analysis showed crack deflection and bridging fibre behaviour. The optimal thickness at the cavity base for EXF was 2 mm and for EXP 4 mm. Crack deflection and bridging behaviour indicated that restorations incorporating sFRCs are not prone to catastrophic failure and confirmed that sFRCs have similar fracture toughness to dentine. sFRCs could be a suitable biomimetic material to replace dentine.

Simulation and Investigation of Si-Based Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer (PMUT) Performances

Micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) based piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers for acoustic imaging of the surroundings are known as piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (PMUTs). This research proposes a structural design of the PMUT with four fixed-guided beams. The beam is subjected to lateral loads, with vectors that are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This project simulated Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer (PMUT) with three different material properties i.e. Aluminium Nitride (AlN), Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO). Based on the study, it was found that reducing the beam dimensions and increasing the plate size will result in the first mode frequency reduction from 1.33x107 Hz to 3.74x106 Hz. Other than that, it was found that AlN PMUT experienced the maximum deflection of 6.3413 to 6.3478 μm when the loads applied in the range of 50 to 200 μN/m2. When the piezoelectric material changed to PZT, we obtained the maximum deflections of 0.3771 to 0.3786 μm when the same loads range applied to the PMUT. As for the ZnO PMUT, the maximum deflections obtained were in between 0.1702 μm to 0.1772 μm with the loads are maintained as in the loads applied to the AlN and PZT. This study proved the significant impact of altering the structural dimensions and material properties of PMUTs on their operational characteristics, specifically the first mode frequency and deflection behavior.

Study on bending performance of prefabricated glulam-cross laminated timber composite floor

Abstract The glulam-cross laminated timber (CLT) composite floor is a type of prefabricated composite floor that integrates glulam beams and CLT slab into a unified structure using shear connectors. To investigate the bending performance of the glulam-CLT composite floor, the bending test was conducted on a full-scale composite floor under static load. The study comprehensively analyzed the failure mechanism, load–deflection behavior, interface slip and strain distribution of the glulam-CLT composite floor. The test results of the composite floor indicated that the failure mode was tensile fracture of the wood beam at the bottom. As the load increased, the deflection deformation of the mid-span beam exceeded that of the edge beam. When the load reached its ultimate limit, the deflection deformation of the mid-span beam increased by 14.4% compared to the edge beam. In the early loading phase, the strain distribution of the composite section satisfied the assumption of a plane section. However, the strain distribution deviated from this assumption with the increased load due to the relative slips between the glulam beam and CLT flange. To calculate the bending performance of the composite floor, the M-shaped section of the glulam-CLT composite floor was simplified as T-section composite beams. The linear-elastic method for determining the flexural rigidity and ultimate bearing capacity of the glulam-CLT composite floors was proved to be accurate and reliable. The findings provided valuable insights into the bending behavior of the CLT flange under load and emphasized the non-uniform stress distribution caused by shear lag effects.

Influence of Transient Static and Transient Dynamic Analysis on Deflection of Bridge Slab Using Finite Element Method in ANSYS

The deflection behavior of bridge slabs is critical for ensuring structural safety and longevity. By using the Finite Element Method (FEM) in ANSYS, engineers can simulate and analyze the effects of both transient static and transient dynamic loads on bridge slabs. This paper explores how these two types of analyses affect the deflection behavior of a bridge slab. We present the mathematical formulations, practical applications, and a case study involving a bridge slab subjected to time-varying loads. The comparative results demonstrate the significant impact that the choice of analysis method has on predicting deflection and ultimately guiding structural design decisions.

Modeling and analysis of a flexible spinning Euler-Bernoulli beam with centrifugal stiffening and softening: A linear fractional representation approach with application to spinning spacecraft

The derivation of a linear fractional representation (LFR) model for a flexible, spinning and uniform Euler-Bernoulli beam is accomplished using the Lagrange technique, fully capturing the centrifugal force generated by the spinning motion and accounting for its dependence on the angular velocity. This six degrees of freedom (DOF) model accounts for the behavior of deflection in the moving body frame, encompassing the bending, traction and torsion dynamics. The model is also designed to be compliant with the Two-Input-Two-Output Port (TITOP) approach, which offers the possibility to model complex multibody mechanical systems, while keeping the uncertain nature of the plant and condensing all the possible mechanical configurations in a single LFR. To evaluate the effectiveness of the model, various scenarios are considered and their results are tabulated. These scenarios include uniform beams with fixed root boundary conditions for different values of tip mass, root offset and angular velocity. The results from the analysis of the uniform cantilever beam are compared with solutions found in the literature and obtained from a commercial finite element software. Ultimately, this paper presents a multibody model for a spinning spacecraft mission scenario. A comprehensive analysis of the system dynamics is conducted, providing insights into the behavior of the spacecraft under spinning conditions.

Analysis and Application of Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) Nanofiber Membrane-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators.

The triboelectric property of materials is used to harvest energy from intentional or nonintentional sources of vibration. Contact mode freestanding dielectric based nanogenerators (CFTENGs) have many advantages when compared with other modes of triboelectric nanogenerators. The property of dielectric materials plays an important role in the energy harvesting process. In this work, we aim to fabricate nanofiber membranes of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and study their properties for CFTENGs. The morphology and porosity of both membranes were tested experimentally. The mechanical property is modeled with a representative volume element (RVE) technique to understand its deflection behavior. In addition, an electromechanical model is developed to predict and analyze the behavior of those membranes in the energy conversion process. Our research reveals that the PAN dielectric layer achieves a maximum open circuit voltage of 192 kV compared to the PVA dielectric layer (2.2 kV) in the CFTENG system. In comparison, the dielectric layer of the PAN nanofiber membrane reflects its flexibility to generate electrical energy in a CFTENG with the effect of contact electrification and electrostatic induction under various sources of unused energies for a wide range of applications. Moreover, the same methodology is applied to various sources of vibration, and their performance is reported. With an appropriate power management circuit, we can design a PAN membrane-based TENG for various applications.

Deflection Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Beam Frame System with 3/4 Spacing Effective Height of The Beam

Deflection Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Beam Frame System with 3/4 Spacing Effective Height of The Beam

Macro-modelling of GFRG infilled RC frames incorporating pivot hysteretic model

GFRG (Glass Fibre Reinforced Gypsum) panels present a viable alternative to conventional masonry infills in masonry infilled RC frames. Based on the experimental study on the lateral load behaviour of GFRG infilled RC frames, it was understood that the GFRG panels enhance the structural performance of the RC framed structure. To delve further into this, numerical modelling of GFRG infilled RC frames with different fillings inside the cavities of the panel was performed using SAP2000. The GFRG panels were modelled using nonlinear layered shell elements, while the interface between the GFRG web and the infill material was represented using multilinear plastic link elements. The monotonic lateral load–deflection behaviour and the in-plane hysteresis response were simulated by performing monotonic and cyclic pushover analyses. The cyclic pushover analysis incorporated pivot hysteretic models for the materials, hinges and links. Validation of the proposed numerical models was carried out by comparing the results with those obtained from the experimental study. Key parameters such as peak load, initial stiffness, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation were carefully compared to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the proposed model. It was observed that the proposed numerical model was able to capture the monotonic and cyclic load–deflection behaviour and other performance parameters. The numerical model accurately predicted the peak load in the positive direction but overestimated the corresponding value in the negative direction. Moreover, the overestimation observed in the cumulative energy dissipated for all the specimens is relatively minor and does not significantly affect the overall accuracy of the model.

Thermo-mechanical behaviour of newly developed fabric-reinforced engineered geopolymer mortar

Geopolymer technology is a spectacular technique which provides solutions to several construction problems in a sustainable way. In the primary stage of this research, geopolymer mortar using industrial and agro wastes, such as fly ash and sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) was developed. It was found that the geopolymer mortar with 10% SCBA shows good mechanical and durability properties. In the second stage of this research, engineered geopolymer mortar (EGM) using 10% SCBA content and polypropylene (PP) fiber was developed. In the final stage of this study, a novel strengthening system made of fabric-reinforced engineered geopolymer mortar (FREGM) composites was developed using EGM and glass fabric. To characterise mechanical response, the FREGM material has been subjected to flexural and tensile tests. It was discovered that 4-layers of glass fabrics attained 21.87 MPa flexural strength. The feasibility of practical applications of this newly developed FREGM material was checked by using it for strengthening the cylindrical and beam specimens. For the cylindrical specimen, the test variables include methods of installations (cast-in-place and prefabricated), number of glass fiber fabrics, and test temperature (200 °C, 400 °C and 600 °C). The cast-in-place cylinder specimen achieved 6% higher load carrying capacity than the precast cylinder, and 30% higher load carrying capacity than the control specimen. The beam specimens strengthened with geopolymer mortar, EGM and FREGM materials performance were evaluated by studying the load- deflection behaviour, cost analysis, ductility factor, crack and installation methods (cast-in-place and prefabricated). It is found that the cast-in-place beam specimen achieved 9.5% more strength than the precast beam and 46% higher than the control specimen.

Analysis of fractional Euler-Bernoulli bending beams using Green’s function method

This paper deals with the effect of fractional order on the fractional Euler-Bernoulli beams model. This model is based on the elastic curve that can be approximated using tangent lines and the osculating circle. We introduce a general form of the fractional Green’s function for the highest-order term 1<α≤2, which gives a unique solution for the geometrical fractional bending beams with an inhomogeneous fractional differential equation. The analytical closed-form responses were obtained by inverse problem technique and integration over Green’s function kernel. The theory and properties of fractional Green’s function method are described by generalizing classical theory to the initial and two-point fractional boundary value problems. Static analysis of the numerical examples, such as determinate and indeterminate beams with typical loads and beam property boundary conditions, are presented and discussed. The results were verified using the direct integration method. The fractional conventional ratio indicates the beam's deformation deviation from its classical state. The analysis results reveal that changing the fractional parameter significantly impacts the deflection behavior of flexural beams due to the beam’s characteristics and the fractional order. The behavior of the fractional beam is identical to the classical state when the fractional parameter is an integer number.

Assessment of mechanical performance of electrically conductive asphalt pavements using accelerated pavement testing

ABSTRACT Electrically Conductive Asphalt (ECA) pavements are a promising technology for preventing snow and ice accumulation on roadways. This study assesses the mechanical performance of ECA pavements using Accelerated Pavement Testing (APT). Three pavement test strips were constructed in New Jersey: a traditional asphalt layer as test strip-I, an ECA mastic prepared using a combination of asphalt binder and conductive fibres (strip-II), and an ECA-HPTO (high performance thin overlay mixture) layer containing graphite and carbon fibres (strip-III). Each test strip was instrumented with asphalt strain gauges (ASGs), pressure cells, and thermocouples to evaluate the structural responses. A Heavy Vehicle Simulator (HVS) was used to apply 300,000 passes on each test strip using a 40-kN truck tire. The structural integrity of the test strips was evaluated by conducting Heavy Weight Deflectometer (HWD) testing before and after HVS loading. Data from the ASGs revealed that strip III exhibited the highest cracking resistance (nearly 2 times less tensile strain). The rut depths in all test strips were negligible (less than 2 mm). ECA mastic and steel electrodes in the ECA layer impact the structural integrity of test strips, with variations in HWD deflection behaviour indicating the role of electrode spacing in maintaining pavement stability.

Kinetostatics Modeling and Analysis of a Spherical Parallel Continuum Manipulator

Abstract In this paper, a spherical parallel continuum manipulator (SPCM) which is the flexible version of the 3-RRR“Agile Eye” mechanism is proposed and analyzed. The SPCM consists of three parallel flexible limbs, each limb is formed by compliant truncated cone elements, and the moving platform connects each limb with a passive revolute joint. Three servo motors are used to control the manipulator actively, and the spherical motion is realized by the coupled large deflections of the flexible links. An equivalent compliance analysis method of the element is developed based on finite element analysis and principal axis decomposition. By combining all three limbs, the kinetostatics model of the whole manipulator is derived, and a gradient iteration algorithm is developed to solve the forward and inverse kinetostatics. Finally, a prototype of the manipulator is constructed using 3D-printing technology, and the accuracy for element equivalence and end-effector characteristics is validated by experiments. The results show that the derived kinetostatics model can accurately describe the force–deflection behavior of the SPCM.

Hygrothermoelastic large deflection behaviour in a thin circular plate with non-Fourier and non-Fick law

The coupled fractional dual phase-lag hygrothermoelasticity theory, developed using fractional calculus principles, extends classical Fourier’s and Fick’s laws to a time-fractional differential equation. The concept is applied to a thin circular plate that is exposed to hygrothermal loadings. The finite integral transform method and decoupled technique are utilized to create closed-form expressions for various factors such as temperature, moisture, large deflection, and stresses. The study compares the results of the dual phase-lag model with those of classical and hyperbolic models. The phase-lags parameters play a crucial role in regulating the heat and moisture transfer mechanism

Effect of disk-to-disk variations on the nonlinear static characteristics and stability regimes of coned disk spring stacks: Experimental and computational studies of quasi-zero-stiffness isolators

In this study, we introduce a novel approach to creating a Quasi-Zero Stiffness (QZS) isolator using off-the-shelf coned disk springs with a unique stack. These springs are affordable, compact, and can be adapted for a broad spectrum of force requirements, enabling the achievement of the QZS effect using a solitary component, thereby eliminating the need to balance the positive and negative stiffness elements. To address the issue of the limited displacement range offered by a single coned spring, the solution involves layering multiple disk springs with rigid spacers. Nonetheless, the nonlinear force–deflection behavior is significantly affected by manufacturing-driven geometric variability due to inherent differences from one disk spring to another. This aspect of variability has been overlooked by previous researchers, who have operated under the assumption that all disks in a stack are identical. This research delves into how variations in the disk springs’ geometry impact the nonlinear static behavior of the QZS stacks, employing both experimental and computational techniques. We illustrate the stability conditions and pinpoint the occurrences of buckling and snap-through events. Computational model for the multi-disk engineered stack is experimentally validated. Finally, we explore the QZS isolator design approaches that would take into account these geometric variations.

Investigation of Ferrocement Plate Affected by Flexural Filling up

Abstract: In spite of the fact that terrorist attacks are exceptional instances caused by human dynamic loads, such as blast loads, which must be carefully calculated like wind and seismic loads, the increased number of terrorist attacks in the last few years has largely shown that the impact of blast loads on structures is a real concern that we should take into account during the configuration procedure of structures. This article also introduces the behavior of ferrocement composites under blast loading, which are used as long-lasting formwork in traditional reinforced concrete constructions. Specimens of single ferro cement panels are subjected to blast load testing both analytically and experimentally, and the behavior of load deflection is then examined.

The investigation of deflection behavior in carbon/epoxy and glass/epoxy composite laminates under low-velocity impact with small projectiles

This study examined the impact behavior of carbon/epoxy and glass/epoxy composite laminates with 2, 4, and 6 mm thicknesses under low-velocity tests. The investigation involved subjecting the composite laminates under small-impact loads using spherical, cylindrical, and conical steel projectiles, each weighing 3 g. The impacts conducted at 29.5, 36.5, and 51 m/s velocities. This investigation modeled using finite element (FE) methods and analytical approaches. In the analytical method, the mass and spring model used for the impact of small projectiles. The research findings revealed that, in 2 mm thick carbon/epoxy composite laminates, the maximum deflection at the mid-point induced by a spherical projectile was 1.37 mm. This value exhibited a 48.91% and 19.13% increase compared to impacts with cylindrical and conical projectiles, respectively. Additionally, a comprehensive examination of delamination across all samples indicated the maximum delamination occurrence in glass/epoxy samples, showcasing lower impact resistance than carbon/epoxy laminates. Notably, with an increase in thickness, the delamination phenomenon in the samples exhibited a decreasing trend. In addition, the maximum value of delamination in the composite laminates were with spherical, conical, and cylindrical projectiles respectively, and also, there was an excellent convergence between FE and analytical results.

Non local analytical and numerical modelling of re-entrant auxetic honeycomb

Auxetic materials, characterized by their negative Poisson’s ratio, have been extensively studied for applications in energy absorption and mechanical reinforcement. Re-entrant honeycomb structures, a subtype of auxetic materials, have demonstrated superior mechanical characteristics. However, understanding the mechanical behavior of these structures at the nanoscale remained a significant challenge. To address this gap, the authors explored the influence of size on the deflection behavior of re-entrant auxetic honeycomb structures through non-local continuum mechanics. Their analytical model, incorporating the Euler-Bernoulli beam model and considering four non-dimensional geometrical parameters, was validated through numerical simulations and a comprehensive review of existing literature. The study aimed to provide valuable insights into the design and engineering of re-entrant auxetic honeycomb structures across diverse applications, contributing to the advancement of non-local elasticity theory and deepening the understanding of the mechanical behavior of auxetic structures at the nanoscale. The research laid a foundation for further exploration and optimization of re-entrant honeycomb structures, facilitating their effective utilization in fields such as MEMS/NEMS by leveraging the dimensionless parameters identified in the study.

Assessment of flexural response of RC beams and unrestrained shrinkage of fiber-reinforced high-volume fly ash-based no-aggregate concrete and self-compacting concrete

The use of industrial byproducts as a substitute for cement in concrete production to improve its properties is becoming a widespread practice in producing sustainable concrete. Although research around the world emphasizes higher substitution levels of fly ash (FA) to accrue the benefits from the microstructure refinement, no attempt has been made to study the deflection behavior and drying shrinkage of concrete that is devoid of aggregates while supplementing 80% of cement with class F fly ash (F-FA). Two types of concrete are used to cast full-scale reinforced concrete (RC) beams of size 150×300×2200 mm. The first type is a novel no aggregate concrete (NAC) made up of 80% F-FA and 20% ordinary Portland cement (OPC). The second type is high-volume fly ash self-compacting concrete (HVFASCC), which has 60% F-FA as a cement supplement and is equivalent in compressive strength to NAC. The NAC is reinforced with polypropylene fibers (PF) in three varying volume fractions: 0.6%, 0.8%, and 1.0%. All the beams are tested under a simply supported four-point loading condition. The drying shrinkage strain and mass loss are measured for prisms of size 75×75×300 mm up to 220 days exposed at 20% relative humidity (RH) and 50 ºC temperature in a humidity oven for all the mixes. The mechanical properties are also assessed along with the water absorption (sorptivity). The results indicate that adding PF to the beams with NAC delays the formation of the first crack and improves the peak load, the ultimate load, and the ductility of the NAC beam. Additionally, the beams with PF exhibit lower mid-span deflection and ductile failure mode, improving the overall structural performance. Regarding drying shrinkage, the HVFASCC prisms record the lowest shrinkage strains of all mixes. Adding PF to NAC increases the initial and ultimate drying shrinkage strains. However, adding PF to NAC inhibits the rate of shrinkage strain over the test duration. This research enhances understanding of how PF affects no-aggregate concrete behavior, paving the way for more comprehensive construction materials.

Large Deflection Analysis of Functionally Graded Beam by Using Combining Method

In this study, the large deflection behavior of a circular cross-section beam is examined using the Combining Method (CM). The CM is a numerical solution method that uses block diagrams in the Matlab-Simulink program and weighting coefficients in the Differential Quadrature Method (DQM). The beam material considered is Functionally Graded Material (FGM). Boundary conditions of the beam are taken as clamped-free (C-F) and a singular load is assumed to be applied from the free end of the beam. Geometric nonlinear analysis is performed while calculating the large deflection equations of the beam and performing numerical analysis. The effects of increasing the force applied to the beam, changing the beam cross-section in the longitudinal direction, and changing the material index of the FGM on the extreme deflection behavior of the beam were examined. For comparison purposes, the results obtained from CM are compared with the results obtained from both SolidWorks-Simulation and Ansys-Workbench programs. As a result of the analysis, increasing the applied force causes the x and y coordinates of the end point of the beam to decrease. The change in geometry and material index greatly affects the large deflection occurring in the beam.

Research on the prediction model of energy separation effect of vortex tube based on trajectory deflection characteristics and its numerical solution method

In this paper, in order to establish the energy separation mechanism of the vortex tube, the hydrodynamic behavior of the compressible fluid in the asymmetric cavity space is investigated, and a numerical model of the trajectory deflection behavior is deduced and established; in order to form the optimal design method of the structural parameters of the vortex tube, the force situation of the fluid microelements entering different regions of the vortex chamber of the vortex tube is analyzed, and the trajectory deflection equations are corrected by combining with the expansion behavior of the fluid and the characterizing equations of vortex strength, transportability, and vortex initiation characteristics are given. The characterization equations of vortex strength, transportability and vortex initiation characteristics are given, and the numerical simulation of their influence parameters is carried out; in order to realize the prediction of the vortex tube performance of a given structure, the multifactor Pearson thermodynamic map is used to correlate and analyze the experimental data of vortex tubes reported publicly in the past years, and the polynomial regression equations are designed and established for the prediction of the vortex tube's energy separation effect and the confidence level and the degree of coincidence of the prediction results are examined. The confidence level and degree of agreement of the prediction results were examined. It is found that: the trajectory deflection motion of the compressible fluid in the asymmetric cavity space is the result of the combined effect of structural air pressure bias and the expansion behavior of the incident fluid; in order to improve the vortex strength in the vortex tube, the vortex initiation chamber space should be as small as possible; the increase of the diameters of the hot-end pipe and the cold-end pipe is conducive to the enhancement of vortex strength, but at the same time, it weakens the vortex transport in the heat pipe; the vortex initiation chamber size has a negative correlation with the hot-end temperature rise, and the inlet fluid pressure has a The negative correlation between the size of the vortex chamber and the temperature rise at the hot end, the positive correlation between the increase of inlet fluid pressure and the resulting temperature rise, and the strong correlation between the inlet fluid pressure and the friction coefficient on the effect of energy separation; the predictive equations for the effect of energy separation obtained by the fitting are in good agreement with the real situation.