Dynamic Analysis Of Large Structures Research Articles

Performance of 2D-spectral finite element method in dynamic analysis of concrete gravity dams

This article presents a two-dimensional spectral finite element formulation for dynamic analysis of concrete gravity dams. Finite element method (FEM) is the one of the most extensively used analysis tools for solving problems of dynamic analysis of structures. However, it needs extensive computational resources and time for large structures, leading to the development of alternate computationally efficient modeling techniques over the past few decades. Some of these techniques are broadly termed as “Spectral Finite Element Methods” (SFEMs). Frequency domain-based SFEM (FDSFEM) and time domain-based SFEM (TDSFEM) are the most commonly used SFEMs found in the literature. This article provides a brief review of these methods identifying their key advantages and disadvantages; and explores the feasibility of applying such methods in the dynamic analysis of concrete gravity dams. Here, the TDSFEM has been used to perform the dynamic time history analysis of a concrete gravity dam due to its relative advantages over FDSFEM, which is challenging for irregular geometry and finite domain. Sensitivity analysis and convergence studies have been performed using 4-noded and 9-noded elements. The foundation of the dam has been modeled using two-dimensional infinite elements in both FEM and TDSFEM analysis, which is a novel application in the case of TDSFEM. This article quantifies the computational efficiency of TDSFEM over the conventional FEM by comparing the computation time in both methods and thus emphasizes the applicability of TDSFEM in dynamic analysis, especially in case of complex geometries and large two-dimensional structures (like concrete gravity dam). The results demonstrate the computational efficiency of TDSFEM over FEM when higher order elements are considered. Modal analysis and time history analysis results point that the use of higher order elements of TDSFEM can be a viable alternative to the use of the conventional FEM leading to significant saving in computational time with reasonable accuracy for dynamic analysis of large structures like concrete gravity dams.

Dynamic Properties of Calcareous Sands from Urban Areas of Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi (ABD) has recently developed its national building code that mandates dynamic analysis of large structures to seismic loadings. Large strain dynamic properties such as shear modulus (G) and damping ratio (D) of local undisturbed calcareous sands are not available. Designers are compelled to choose degradation models from studies on calcareous sands of other regions that are usually reconstituted. This research presents for the first time large strain dynamic properties of calcareous sands of urban ABD. Undisturbed samples are collected from different areas of urban ABD and are tested in cyclic triaxial (CT) devices fitted with bender elements (BE). The dynamic properties as functions of confinement are curve fitted with power models, whereas their variation with shear strain level is curve fitted with hyperbolic models. The results are compared with findings of previous studies on calcareous and silica sands. The results indicate that dynamic properties of all samples degrade with shear strain at almost the same rate irrespective of their spatial distribution. The proposed degradation models can therefore be used in dynamic analyses. The results from this study show smaller rates of degradation in dynamic properties compared to other studies on similar sands. The change in low-strain shear wave velocity (Vs) with confinement is significant among the tested samples; therefore, a site-specific evaluation of Vs is recommended. The dynamic properties of calcareous sands of ABD and previous studies however exhibit larger degradation with shear strain and a smaller increase in confinement compared to silica sands.

Parallel Algorithm for Structural Nonlinear Dynamic Finite Element Analysis

The parallel algorithm for nonlinear dynamic analysis of large structures is presented using domain decomposition and preconditioned conjugate gradient(PCG) technique. In the formulation called the global interface formulation(GIF), the PCG algorithm is applied on the assembled interface stiffness coefficient matrices of all subdomains. Newmark-β average acceleration technique is employed for time integration. Numerical results indicate that the proposed GIF formulation is superior to the conventional domain decomposition algorithm.

Dynamic analysis of large structures with uncertain parameters based on coupling component mode synthesis and perturbation method

Abstract This paper presents a methodological approach to compute the stochastic eigenmodes of large FE models with parameter uncertainties based on coupling of second order perturbation method and component mode synthesis methods. Various component mode synthesis methods are used to optimally reduce the size of the model. The statistical first two moments of dynamic response of the reduced system are obtained by the second order perturbation method. Numerical results illustrating the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed coupled methodological procedures for large FE models with uncertain parameters are presented.

구조안전성 평가를 위한 무선 진동 모니터링 시스템 개발

Wired monitoring systems have been used for damage detection and dynamic analysis of large structures(bridges, dams, plants, etc.). However, the real-world applications still remain limited, mainly due to time and cost issues inherent to wired systems. In recent years, an increasing number of researchers have adopted WSN(wireless sensor network) technologies to the field of SHM(structural health monitoring). Accurate time synchronization is most critical for the wireless approach to be feasible for SHM purpose, along with sufficient wireless bandwidth and highly precise measuring resolution. To satisfy technical criteria stated above, a wireless vibration monitoring system that uses high-precision MEMS(micro-electro-mechanical system) sensors and A/D convertor is discussed in detail. It was found experimentally that the level of time synchronization fell within <TEX>$200\;{\mu}sec$</TEX>.

A new parallel overlapped domain decomposition method for nonlinear dynamic finite element analysis

In this paper a new parallel algorithm for nonlinear transient dynamic analysis of large structures has been presented. An unconditionally stable Newmark-β method (constant average acceleration technique) has been employed for time integration. The proposed parallel algorithm has been devised within the broad framework of domain decomposition techniques. However, unlike most of the existing parallel algorithms (devised for structural dynamic applications) which are basically derived using nonoverlapped domains, the proposed algorithm uses overlapped domains. The parallel overlapped domain decomposition algorithm proposed in this paper has been formulated by splitting the mass, damping and stiffness matrices arises out of finite element discretisation of a given structure. A predictor–corrector scheme has been formulated for iteratively improving the solution in each step. A computer program based on the proposed algorithm has been developed and implemented with message passing interface as software development environment. PARAM-10000 MIMD parallel computer has been used to evaluate the performances. Numerical experiments have been conducted to validate as well as to evaluate the performance of the proposed parallel algorithm. Comparisons have been made with the conventional nonoverlapped domain decomposition algorithms. Numerical studies indicate that the proposed algorithm is superior in performance to the conventional domain decomposition algorithms.

The reduction of computation effort in Kron's methods for eigenvalue and response analysis of large structures

In the dynamic analysis of large structures it is frequently effective to employ substructuring to obtain a significant reduction in computing time. One such technique is that due originally to Kron. This paper presents three separate but compatible procedures which, when allied to Kron's method, give further substantial reductions in computing time over the direct implementation. Each of these procedures is an approximation but the user has direct control over the degree of error introduced. Examples are presented in which the improvement in computing efficiency is approximately 10-fold with no detectable sacrifice in accuracy.

The static substructure method for dynamic analysis of structures

In this paper, the static substructure method based on the Ritz vector direct superposition method is suggested for analysing the dynamic response of structures. The advantage of this algorithm is that the computer cost can be reduced and the static analysis and the dynamic analysis of large structures can be simplified by using the identical static substructure method.

Application of Ritz vectors for dynamic analysis of large structures

The use of an orthogonal set of specially selected Ritz vectors is shown to be very effective in reducing the cost of dynamic analysis by modal superposition. Several mechanical structures are examined and the Ritz vector approach is compared to the classical eigenvector approach on the basis of cost, accuracy, and elapsed analysis (throughput) time. Mathematical proof of the completeness of orthogonal Ritz vectors is provided for the case of a positive definite mass matrix and a symmetric stiffness matrix.

Application of ritz vectors for dynamic analysis of large structures

The use of an orthogonal set of specially selected Ritz vectors is shown to be very effective in reducing the cost of dynamic analysis by modal superposition. Several mechanical structures are examined, and the Ritz vector approach is compared to the classical eigenvector approach on the basis of cost, accuracy and elapsed analysis (throughput) time. Mathematical proof of the completeness of orthogonal Ritz vectors is provided for the case of a positive definite mass matrix and a symmetric stiffness matrix.

Dynamic analysis of large structures by modal synthesis techniques

The past decade has seen the development of several techniques for the dynamic analysis of large structures that involve division into substructures or components. These techniques make use of component displacement modes to synthesize global systems of generalized coordinates and, for that reason, they have come to be known as modal synthesis or component mode techniques. This paper discusses some of the approaches used to develop structural dynamic characteristics from substructure dynamic characteristics. Several criteria that may be used to evaluate the merits of the various methods are discussed. Two methods classed as (1) fixed-attachment mode and (2) free-attachment mode methods are developed in detail. General flow charts are presented that can be used in preparing computer programs.