Elastic-plastic Analysis Research Articles

Seismic response of a mid-story isolated stilted structure in mountainous areas

Research on the SSI effect on flat sites has yielded many valuable conclusions. However, current research on the impacts of various special local terrains on structural dynamics remains limited. For mountainous areas, it is common to construct houses in a multi-step, climbing, and laterally staggered architectural form that follows the mountain terrain. Only through the analysis of the combined action of the upper and lower parts can the seismic performance of this type of structural form be better revealed; considering the influence of SSI effects will be closer to the actual seismic effects. Therefore, to identify the damage factors of the mid-story isolated stilted structures under earthquakes and provide optimized design plans for the structures, six models are established considering three slopes and two types of foundations based on the engineering case in Chongqing, China. Through the elastic-plastic time-history analysis under earthquakes in the down and transverse-slope directions, concludes, compared with not considering SSI, the seismic response of the mid-story isolated stilted structures considering SSI in mountainous areas is amplified. With the increase of the mountain slope, the seismic response of the structures considering SSI increases, and the amplification coefficients are between 1–1.8. The amplification coefficients of the structures without SSI are concentrated around 1, which is less influenced by the slope. The damage to the stilted isolated layer is mainly concentrated in the column and the beam end, and the maximum seismic response appears in the short columns. The foundation soil stress increases with the increase of the mountain slope.

Probabilistic Modeling Geometric Tolerance and Low Cycle Fatigue Life of Gas Turbine Compressor Blade

Abstract This paper presents a probabilistic low cycle fatigue (LCF) assessment for geometric tolerances on high load contact surfaces of gas turbine compressor blades. The typical patterns of the geometric deviations for the root contact flank of the compressor blades are identified and characterized according to coordinate measurement machine (CMM) measurements of the blade root. These typical patterns are closely related to the root form manufacture tools and process. Finite element (FE) models for the typical geometric deviation patterns are created based on nodal coordinates transformation of the surface nodes on the blade root contact flanks and radius. An optimized blade root profile tolerance is established, which enables significant cost saving. The elastic-plastic FE analysis with nonlinear contact model, material strain-life test, response surface, and constrained Monte Carlo simulation are used to create a probabilistic LCF life model for the optimized tolerance. The model quantifies the effect of the geometric deviations, blade mass, and material property on the blade LCF life. The result shows that with the optimized tolerance, the probability of blade LCF failure is very low and acceptable. It is also shown that the strain life material property is the most critical factor for the LCF failure. The root profile tolerance and blade mass are seen to have a much weaker effect on the blade LCF life.

Base joint hysteresis model for reinforced concrete assembly columns with post-pouring area

In response to the problem of uncontrollable grouting quality of traditional grouting sleeves in the connection between prefabricated components, a column base joint with post pouring area connected by grouting sleeves (PCGS) is proposed. Both the sleeve and post pouring area could cause differences in hysteresis characteristics between prefabricated and cast-in-place components. In order to investigate the hysteresis model of PCGS column base joint, the cyclic load tests and finite element parametric analysis of PCGS column base joint were conducted. The theoretical calculation method for load and displacement of PCGS column base joint at yield, peak, and ultimate characteristic points was established based on equivalent rectangular stress and plastic hinge length in joint area. The average ratios of theoretical calculations to test results for load and displacement at the above three characteristic points are 0.997, 0.983, and 0.983, and 1.020, 1.041, and 0.970, respectively, indicating that the theoretical calculation method can accurately predict the strength and deformation of PCGS column base joint. The dimensionless skeleton curve model with double broken lines in the elastic and strengthening stages, and exponential function in descending stage has been established based on the test and simulated results. The degradation behavior of unloading stiffness and bearing capacity was quantitatively described using the regression fitting method, and the hysteresis rule was defined. The established hysteresis model can effectively reflect the strength and stiffness degradation under cyclic loading, which can provide guidance for the elastic-plastic seismic response analysis of PCGS column base joint.

Detectability of residual stress anomalies in railway wheels with different geometries subjected to thermal overload based on back gauge change

Temperature increases of railway wheels due to frictional braking on the running surface (wheel tread) can lead to maintenance challenges such as tread wear and thermal cracking. While heating within the anticipated design range should not adversely affect the structural safety of the wheels, excessive temperature rises resulting from brake system failures can induce tensile residual stresses in the rim, potentially leading to wheel fracture. Detecting wheels with abnormal residual stresses is therefore crucial for railway safety, and monitoring residual displacements in the rim due to changes in circumferential residual stresses is an implementable approach. However, the shape of the wheel web varies, and the displacement response to thermal input differs depending on the wheel geometries. This study aims to explore general deformation behaviours related to wheel shape and elucidate the relationship between shape and heat resistance. The elastic-plastic finite element analysis employing simplified intense thermal input revealed that residual deformation after excessive thermal loading consistently results in back gauge expansion, although the deformation and stress responses differ based on the web geometry. Differences in heat resistance are indicated by the variation in the temperature at which compressive yielding due to thermal stress occurs, depending on the web shape. The residual stress detectability of each wheel is determined based on the principle that greater residual displacement at lower stress indicates higher anomaly detectability.

Experiment and restoring force model study of precast shear walls with new rabbet-unbonded horizontal connection

The 'rabbet-unbonded horizontal connection' (RUHC) is a new connection form of precast shear wall. This study conducted a low-cycle repeated loading test on three RUHC walls to investigate the hysteretic performance of the walls with the 'axial compression ratio' and 'unbonded level' as the main variables and the results showed that the above two parameters remarkably affected the seismic performance of RUHC walls. Based on the analysis of test skeleton and hysteresis curve characteristic, the influence of parameters such as axial compression ratio and unbonded level on the load and displacement during the loading process was analyzed. The theoretical values of yield, peak and limit points were calculated, and the skeleton curve model was proposed. Moreover, the unloading stiffness formula was proposed by the non-linear relation of dimensionless parameters and Matlab software fitting, and the hysteresis rule model was established. Finally, a three-fold-linear restoring force model of RUHC walls composed of the theoretical skeleton curve and hysteresis rule was established and verified. This model provides an effective prediction for the hysteresis characteristics and a theoretical basis for conducting elastic-plastic analysis of RUHC structures.

Fatigue and Autofrettage Analysis of Steel Sleeve Based on Precision Fit under Ultra High Pressure

Abstract In order to ensure precision fit between steel sleeve and plunger, copper sleeve and the other parts of the ultra high pressure plunger pump, as well as increase the fatigue life of steel sleeve, this paper made the analysis of work process and fatigue life of ultra high pressure autofrettage steel sleeve of plunger pump based on both analytical method and FEM. The elastic-plastic boundary radius, radial stress and plastic zone displacement were obtained based on the elastic-plastic mechanics analysis of ultra high pressure steel sleeve. The functional relationship built related to precision fit among autofrettage pressure, inner diameter expectation and displacement could ensure the machining dimension of inner diameter of steel sleeve and realize the precise control of inner diameter of steel sleeve. The analytical method and FEM for calculating fatigue life was also proposed, which are verified by experiment. The research shows that machining dimension is determined by inner diameter expectation in the autofrettage process to ensure precision fit; autofrettage treatment can reduce the working stress level of the steel sleeve and extend the fatigue life remarkably. These conclusions contribute to guide the design of steel sleeve.

Elucidation and verification of cracking behavior in additive manufacturing of alloy 718 based on fractography

This study identified a cracking that occurred continuously in the built direction of an additive manufactured part of alloy 718 by the laser metal deposition method and clarified the cracking behavior. The solidification microstructure of alloy 718 was evaluated by EDS, EPMA, and extraction residue, and it was found that Laves phase, Ti carbides, and Al oxides were formed between the dendrite microstructures. A fracture surface analysis of the cracks revealed that the cracking in the additive manufacturing was hot cracking associated with the liquid film and that the cracking occurred along the grain boundaries. The fracture surface at the beginning of the cracking showed a solidification cracking fracture surface. The experimental investigation for crack propagation during additive manufacturing and the analytical evaluation of the mechanical state around the cracking using thermal elastic-plastic analysis elucidated the cracking behavior during additive manufacturing. If the cracking exists at the fusion boundary, it is suggested that the cracking initiates from the solid-liquid interface towards the solidification direction. Moreover, tensile strain occurred around the cracks during additive manufacturing, particularly the strain was biggest at the crack edge on the fusion boundary. Therefore, the continuous cracking that occurred beyond each layer in the additive manufacturing of alloy 718 in this study can be considered solidification cracking, and its behavior can be further explained as a notch extension cracking that starts from the solidification cracking and continuously occurs in the solid-liquid coexistence temperature region.

Elastic-plastic analysis of a novel prefabricated SRC column-steel beam composite frame structure

The objective of this study is to examine the mechanical behavior of a novel PSRCS (Prefabricated SRC Column-Steel Beam) frame structure under static and dynamic loads. To this end, a PSRCS frame structure with PSRCS joints has been constructed using the OpenSees software, and an elastoplastic analysis has been conducted. The principal findings of the study are as follows: Firstly, a comparison of the test results for the PSRCS joints with the FE (finite element) simulation results demonstrated that the FE model based on OpenSees is an effective means of simulating the load-bearing and deformation performance of the PSRCS joints. Subsequently, a PSRCS frame structure was constructed using OpenSees, and static and dynamic elastoplastic analyses were performed. Compared to the more conventional SRC column-steel beam frame structures, the PSRCS frame structure displays superior deformation capacity when subjected to static pushover action. The PSRCS frame structure exhibits a 'beam hinge' failure mode due to the plastic deformation of the flange connection plates, whereas the failure location of the conventional frame tends to be at the column ends, resulting in a 'column hinge' failure mode. In the context of dynamic analysis, an increase in the number of stories results in an augmented hysteresis of the vertex displacement-time history curve at the upper level of the PSRCS framework. The fundamental natural period T1 of the PSRCS frame is approximately 27.6 % to 34.0 % larger than that of the common frame, contributing to the maintenance of structural stability. In conclusion, a series of design objectives and methodologies based on performance were put forth for the PSRCS frame structure.

Influence of welding sequences and boundary conditions on residual stress and residual deformation in DH36 steel T-joint fillet welds

This paper aims to investigate the influence of welding sequences and boundary conditions on welding-induced residual stress and residual deformation of DH36 steel T-joint fillet welds through experimental and numerical methods. A series of typical experiments of successive and simultaneous double-sided welding conditions are conducted to explore both the magnitude and distribution of temperature field, residual stress and residual deformation. Meanwhile, thermal elastic-plastic finite element analysis based on a double ellipsoidal heat source model is performed to investigate the heat transfer and deformation mechanism during the welding process. The influencing factors are further explored to determine and quantify the residual stress and residual deformation induced by different welding sequences and boundary conditions. There is generally well agreement between the experimental and numerical results in terms of temperature field, residual stress, residual deformation and molten pool morphology. The results show that the welding sequences have an important influence on the magnitude and distribution of residual stress and residual deformation. Continuous simultaneous double-sided welding can significantly reduce residual stress and residual deformation to obtain better-quality welds. Boundary conditions have a significant effect on the distribution and magnitude of residual deformation and little effects on residual stress. Tightening the ends of the flange plate with bolts during the welding process can significantly reduce the deformation.

Study on Multi-Index Evaluation Technology of Seismic Performance of Green Ecological Building Structure

Traditional evaluation methods based on static elastic-plastic analysis usually produce results with low fitting degree compared with actual data. In this paper, a new seismic performance evaluation method is proposed. Firstly, several evaluation indexes of green ecological building structure are calculated. Subsequently, a cumulative damage model is established based on fatigue life curve and Miner criterion, which allows to determine the total dissipated strain energy and damage index. In order to verify the effectiveness of this method, it is compared with the traditional static elastic-plastic analysis method through experimental tests. The results show that compared with the traditional method of 50% to 60%, the proposed method achieves a significantly higher fitting degree with the actual data, ranging from 70% to 92%. This emphasizes the superiority and reliability of the proposed method in evaluating the seismic performance of green ecological building structures, and provides insights for safer and more flexible building practices.

A nonlinear interval finite element method for elastic–plastic problems with spatially uncertain parameters

This paper proposes a nonlinear interval finite element method for elastic–plastic analysis of structures with spatially uncertain parameters. The spatially uncertain parameters are described by the interval field, and the variation bounds of the elastic–plastic structural responses can be calculated effectively. Quantified by the interval field, the spatially uncertain parameters are represented by the interval Karhunen–Loève (K-L) expansion, based on which the nonlinear interval finite element equilibrium equation is formulated. An interval iterative method is then presented to solve the equilibrium equation and obtain an outer solution of the variation bounds of structural responses such as displacement. In this method, the Newton-Raphson iterative method is used to transform the nonlinear problem into a linear one, and then the interval iterative method is introduced to solve the interval linear equations. Three numerical examples are employed to illustrate the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed method.

Numerical examination on seismic response behavior of a piping system considering the plastic deformation of supports

A previous study proposed a passive safety structure to mitigate severe damage to crucial components under the beyond design basis event (BDBE). To examine the applicability of this concept to the piping system, the effect of the elastic-plastic behavior of the piping support structure on the seismic response of the piping system was investigated through elastic-plastic time history response analyses on a piping system model with multiple support structures. The numerical analyses considered the elastic-plastic behavior of supports and/or the inelastic characteristics of pipe material. The analysis results confirmed that the response of the piping system can be suppressed by adequately introducing the inelastic behavior of support structures. The results show the possibility of realizing of passive safety structure in piping systems and addressing some issues, such as changing vibration modes due to the elastic-plastic deformation of the support or the order of generation of inelastic behavior of pipe material and supports.

Composite floor slab effect on seismic performance of steel-framed-tube structures with shear links

High-strength steel-framed-tube structures with low-yield-point shear links (SFT-RLYPSL) exhibit exceptional lateral and torsional stiffness, coupled with significant energy dissipation capacities. This study aims to investigate teh influence of composite floor slabs on the seismic performance of these structures. Expanding on previous research concerning SFT-RLYPSL, this paper presents a simplified numerical model for the SFT-RLYPSL, incorporating the influence of the composite floor slab. The developed model employs the steel4 constitutive relation to accurately depict the behavior of low-yield-point steel. Furthermore, the simplified numerical model utilizes two-node link elements to simulate shear links and integrates composite beams to represent the influence of the composite floor slab. Using this simplified model, elastic-plastic pushover analysis is performed on five distinct SFT-RLYPSL structural cases, and nonlinear time-history analysis is conducted on three structural configurations. The investigation explores various aspects of the seismic performance of SFT-RLYPSL, including modal behavior, pushover curves, progression of overturning failure, time-history roof displacements, inter-story drift angles, base reactions, inter-story shear, failure modes, residual inter-story drift angles, and the manifestation of shear lag phenomena. The findings suggest that incorporating the composite floor slab effect enhances initial stiffness and peak load capacity in pushover analysis, leading to distinct three-stage pushover curves. During nonlinear time-history analysis, the composite floor slab effect increases structural stiffness, decreases roof displacements and inter-story drift angles, while simultaneously increasing base reactions, worsening component damage, and raising collapse risk. Nevertheless, its influence on residual inter-story drift angles remains relatively minor, with a mitigating effect on the shear lag phenomenon. Importantly, the degree of this impact varies with alterations in floor slab thickness and seismic intensity, highlighting the critical importance of considering the composite floor slab effect in structural design deliberations.

Study on Elastic-Plastic Analysis of Deep Buried High Geostress Soft Rock Tunnel Using Numerical Procedure

Study on Elastic-Plastic Analysis of Deep Buried High Geostress Soft Rock Tunnel Using Numerical Procedure

Analysis of secondary makeup characteristics of drill collar joint and prediction of downhole equivalent impact torque of Well SDTK1

Based on the three-dimensional elastic-plastic finite element analysis of the 8” (203.2 mm) drill collar joint, this paper studies the mechanical characteristics of the pin and box of NC56 drill collar joints under complex load conditions, as well as the downhole secondary makeup features, and calculates the downhole equivalent impact torque with the relative offset at the shoulder of internal and external threads. On the basis of verifying the correctness of the calculation results by using measured results in Well GT1, the prediction model of the downhole equivalent impact torque is formed and applied in the first extra-deep well with a depth over 10 000 m in China (Well SDTK1). The results indicate that under complex loads, the stress distribution in drill collar joints is uneven, with relatively higher von Mises stress at the shoulder and the threads close to the shoulder. For 203.2 mm drill collar joints pre-tightened according to the make-up torque recommended by American Petroleum Institute standards, when the downhole equivalent impact torque exceeds 65 kN·m, the preload balance of the joint is disrupted, leading to secondary make-up of the joint. As the downhole equivalent impact torque increases, the relative offset at the shoulder of internal and external threads increases. The calculation results reveal that there exists significant downhole impact torque in Well SDTK1 with complex loading environment. It is necessary to use double shoulder collar joints to improve the impact torque resistance of the joint or optimize the operating parameters to reduce the downhole impact torque, and effectively prevent drilling tool failure.

Elastic–Plastic Analysis of a Circular Pipe Turned Inside Out

Elastic–Plastic Analysis of a Circular Pipe Turned Inside Out

Exploring of two connection forms of the tungsten tile and CuCrZr heat sink for first wall mockup

The first wall (FW) of a blanket or divertor faces high temperature plasma. Thus, the FW needs to withstand extremely high heat fluxes. Periodic plasma pulses bring some reliability challenges to FW structures. The FW is composed of tiles, heat sink and a bolt with different connection between the tile and the heat sink. In this study, the performances of two connection forms for the tile and the heat sink were investigated. The FLUENT software was used to evaluate the heat transfer performances for the two types structure. Elastic-plastic analysis was subsequently adopted to estimate the structural properties based on the thermal hydraulic results. At the same time, the thermal and structural results under a transient high thermal load (2 MW/m2) were also analyzed. Finally, structural fatigue analysis under a cyclic thermal load with 0.5 MW/m2 was also performed. The results indicated that there was a large discrepancy in the tile results for the two connections, while the differences in the heat sink result were not significant. The advantages and disadvantages of two connections also be discussed at last.

Study on progressive failure mode of surrounding rock of shallow buried bias tunnel considering strain-softening characteristics

Mountain tunnels portal often have to pass through slope terrain unavoidably, thus forming a shallow buried bias tunnel. During the construction of shallow buried bias tunnel, disasters such as slope sliding and tunnel collapse frequently occur. The failure mode of surrounding rock obtained by current research is based on the limit equilibrium theory, which cannot reflect the progressive failure characteristics of the surrounding rock of shallow buried bias tunnel. In order to reveal the failure mechanism of the gradual instability of surrounding rock of shallow buried bias tunnel, the problem of gradual failure of the surrounding rock is reduced to an elastic–plastic analysis problem for surrounding rock considering the strain-softening characteristics. Based on the elastic–plastic analysis of the failure process of shallow buried bias tunnel, MATLAB was used to compile a program to read the finite-difference calculation result file, extract the effective information such as shear strain and tensile strain at the center point of each unit, and establish the analysis method of the progressive failure mode of shallow buried bias tunnel. The reliability of the method proposed was verified by comparing the failure process of the model test with the development process of shear strain increment. Under the condition of no support, the formation mechanism of failure plane of surrounding rock on both sides of shallow buried bias tunnel is different. The shallow buried side is the shear failure plane formed by the collapse of surrounding rock, while the deep buried side of the tunnel is the shear failure plane formed by the collapse of surrounding rock and slope sliding. Under the conditions of excavation and support, the failure plane of the shallow buried bias tunnel can be divided into three parts according to the formation sequence and reasons. The part I is the failure plane, which is formed by active shear under the influence of tunnel excavation. The part II is the failure plane formed by tensile crack of slope top. The part III is the failure plane formed by passive shear under the push of the soil in the upper part of the slope.

Fatigue Life and Crack Initiation of K and N Type Jacket Structure Using 3D Fatigue FE Analysis

Jacket structures are widely used as foundation structures for offshore wind energy. The jacket structure as a truss shape structure is not deformed easily and has the advantage of keeping the structure stable under wind load. The offshore jacket structures are subjected to unstable repetitive loads such as wind, and wave loads in the deep sea. These harsh environments lead to the deterioration of material performance and fatigue failure with cracks in the structure. It is crucial to locate fatigue cracks since they might compromise a structure's overall stability.In this study, fatigue life and crack initiation for different braced jacket structures were investigated. First, 3D non-steady heat conduction analysis and thermal elastic-plastic analysis were performed to reproduce the initial state of the weld joint in the jacket structure. The heat history obtained from the 3D non-steady heat conduction analysis was enforced as an input in thermal elastic-plastic analysis to calculate welding deformation and residual stress. Next, the fatigue FE analysis of the jacket welding structure was carried out using the residual stress and welding deformation as initial values along with the external cyclic loadings. The 3D fatigue FE analysis employed cyclic hysteresis constitutive equations and fatigue damage theory to calculate the fatigue life and crack initiation. The 3D fatigue FE results were compared with the S-N curve by European code 3 and the hot spot stress (HSS) method. The results show that the 3D fatigue FE method effectively calculates the fatigue life and finds crack initiation.

Calculation and Discussion for Crack Driving Force of Dissimilar Metal Welded Joint of Nuclear Power Equipment Nozzle and Safe End

This study investigates the effects of the material mechanical properties heterogeneity and strength mismatch variation on crack driving forces for cracks in a dissimilar metal welded joint (DMW) of a reactor pressure vessel inlet nozzle to the safe end. Linear elastic and elastic-plastic analyses are carried out to calculate the stress intensity factor (SIF) and J-integral for cracks in the DMW. The effects of crack locations, crack depths, and strength mismatch factors on the SIF and J-integral are studied. The SIF results obtained by finite element analysis are compared with those obtained by the influence function method adopted in the nuclear power code. Results show that the effect of crack location on the SIF can be ignored. The SIFs calculated by the influence function method for cracks in the DMW are basically reasonable, although its conservatism is slightly insufficient. Moreover, with moving the crack location from the nozzle through buttering and weld metal to the safe end, the J-integral increases. The effect of the crack location and strength mismatch factors on the J-integral is essentially caused by variation of the plastic zone and the material properties of the crack front. The crack sizes affect the level of influence of the crack location and the strength mismatch factors on the J-integral. The J-integral increases with decrease of the strength mismatch factor.