End Of Beam Research Articles

Size‐dependent buckling loads of non‐uniform Bernoulli–Euler beams with elastic boundary conditions and thermal effects based on two‐phase local/nonlocal elastic model

AbstractWe present predictive models of the size‐dependent buckling loads of non‐uniform Bernoulli–Euler beams under thermal effects based on the two‐phase local/nonlocal elastic model. The beam ends are assumed to be constrained by elastic springs with translational and rotational stiffness to simulate general boundary conditions. In contrast to most literature in this field, both the bending and thermal deformations of the beams are simultaneously considered to be two‐phase local/nonlocal of two phases, that is, the thermal effect is taken as equivalent to a size‐dependent thermal load. By using the fully equivalent differential form of the local/nonlocal equation with a set of constitutive boundary conditions, the problem is solved numerically with the aid of the generalized differential quadrature method (GDQM). Through conducting validation study, several parametric studies are given for examining the effects of the slope of beams’ thickness variation, nonlocal parameter, and elastically supported conditions on the buckling loads of non‐uniform beams. The results show that constrained stiffness has a drastic influence on the critical bucking loads of the beams. Furthermore, the consideration of the two‐phase thermal load will further reduce the actual buckling load of the beams.

Experimental study on seismic damage of SRC-RC vertical hybrid structure

In order to analyze the seismic performance of the SRC-RC vertical hybrid structure, three substructure models were designed, and the key data of structural performance, such as hysteresis curve, skeleton curve, bearing capacity, energy dissipation of structure, residual deformation and damage degree were obtained by carrying out low cyclic loading tests. According to the tests, the plastic development at the column base was delayed because of the reinforcement of section steel, and the plastic development at beam end was much more sufficient, which benefited the beam hinge mechanism in the transition area, so that the transition area has better energy dissipation capacity and deformation capacity. Based on the more sufficient lateral displacement of beam hinge, the beams suffered bending deformation obviously, and interaction between the beams and the infilled wall was significant, which led to a more complex interface force transmission, so the bending cracks and the shearing cracks were densely distributed along the full length of the beam. Meanwhile, the reinforcement of section steel not only improved the deformation capacity of the models but also resulted in more significant damage difference in positive and negative loading. To quantitatively evaluate the damage level, a seismic damage index system was proposed, including displacement damage degree, bearing capacity damage degree and residual deformation index, which reflect the increment of deformation caused by structural damage, the deterioration of bearing capacity and the residual deformation, respectively. It is suggested that the structural failure should be defined respectively under different modes: For the strength degradation behavior mode and ductility behavior mode, structural failure should be confirmed if the load reduces to 0.90 and 0.85 times of the peak load, respectively; and for the brittle behavior mode, the frame is considered to fail when the load reaches the peak without considering the structural performance after the peak load.

Seismic performance of mortise-tenon joint in prefabricated platform canopy

To optimize the prefabricated canopy joints, improve the construction efficiency, and enhance the seismic performance of assembly joints, a novel mortise-tenon joint (MTJ) was proposed. To evaluate the seismic performance along the vertical and track directions, two 1:1.5 scaled specimens were tested under low-cycle reciprocated loading. The test results find the hysteretic curves in both directions exhibit the “pinch” effect especially in the vertical direction, indicating the feature of shear slippage. The displacement ductility coefficients were all above 5.0, and the ultimate drift ratios were 4.54% and 5.88% respectively, showing excellent deformation ability and ductility. The parameters, such as the sectional strength ratio, the stirrup ratio of the prefabricated beam, the reinforcement ratio and the cross-sectional area of the enlarged section, were analyzed by the validated finite element (FE) models. The analysis shows as the section strength ratio decreases and the stirrup ratio increased, the seismic bearing capacity improved, while the plastic hinge located on the prefabricated column varied to the prefabricated beam ends. Based on the results, it is recommended the number of longitudinal rebars through the prefabricated beam is 4, the stirrup diameter in the prefabricated beam is 10mm and the the column cap is no less than 400mm. Finally, based on the truss-diagonal strut model, a method for calculating the shear strength capacity of the novel joint was proposed. Compared with the test and FE results, the theoretical equations exhibit good computational accuracy.

Experimental study on the seismic behavior of a novel type of precast column‐steel beam connection with grouted corrugated metallic duct

AbstractConsidering the complicated joint details and installation difficulties of beam‐column joints, a novel type of precast joint that utilizes grouted corrugated metallic ducts was proposed. Four full‐scale specimens were prepared and subjected to the low cyclic loading test, including two precast specimens (interior beam‐column joint and exterior beam‐column joint) and two cast‐in‐place specimens for comparison. The seismic behavior of the joint was evaluated based on failure modes, hysteretic behaviors, ductility, bearing capacity, and energy dissipation. From the test results, all specimens experienced bending failures at the beam end, which kept the plastic hinge away from the joint core area. The precast assembly joints showed excellent seismic behavior, especially in terms of the bearing capacity, ductility, and energy dissipation capacity, which are better than the cast‐in‐place ones. The bearing capacity measured for each specimen was greater than the design standard, indicating that the joints are reasonably designed, and the members are safe and reliable. Parametric analysis was also conducted by finite element modeling and design advice was given accordingly.

Study on seismic performance of prestressed fabricated reinforced concrete frame structure assembled by steel sleeves

This paper introduces a novel type of prestressed fabricated reinforced concrete frame (PSFRC frame) structure, which utilizes steel sleeves for assembly. The PSFRC frame incorporates prestressed tendons, stiffened steel sleeves, and high-strength bolts, resulting in improved bearing capacity and assembly efficiency. To assess the seismic performance of the PSFRC frame joint, experimental tests were conducted on one reinforced concrete (RC) joint and two PSFRC frame joints under cyclic loading. Hysteresis analysis and elastic-plastic time-history analysis were also performed using a finite element model. The experimental results showed that the PSFRC edge joint reached a peak load of 89.30 kN, while the PSFRC middle joint exhibited a capacity of 169.95 kN, which was 58.87 % higher than that of the cast-in-place specimen XJ (107.87 kN). The hysteresis curves of the PSFRC joints demonstrated significant fullness, with the equivalent damping coefficient of the PSFRC joint being increased by 11.56 % compared to the RC joint. Additionally, a simulation method using ABAQUS software was proposed to investigate the seismic response of the integral structure of the PSFRC frame. Finite element models for both PSFRC and RC frames were established, and their seismic performance was analyzed under cyclic loading and the El Centro seismic wave. Various parameters including peak loading capacity, stiffness degradation, peak acceleration value, inter-storey drift ratio, and concrete damage value were considered. The finite element analysis results revealed that the load-carrying capacity of the PSFRC frame (435.33 kN) was approximately 30 % higher than that of the RC frame (386.48 kN). Furthermore, at the peak acceleration of 600 gal, the maximum inter-storey drift ratio of the first floor for the PSFRC frame was 1/58, which was below the limit value of 1/50. The plastic hinge position at the beam end of the PSFRC frame was further from the core area, aligning with seismic design objectives. This research provides valuable insights into the design of fabricated building structures and methods for analyzing seismic performance.

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.

Performance of Seismically-Compatible Fin Plate Joints under Fire Conditions

AbstractThis paper compares the performance of fin plate joints designed with and without seismic considerations under gravity loading and fire conditions. The non-seismic design, following British detailing provisions, has a thicker fin plate located higher on the beam web and it positions the beam web closer to the column face compared to the seismic design detail based on New Zealand provisions. Finite elements in ABAQUS are used to model the subassembly, which is subjected to the ISO 834 fire with and without a cooling phase. The analyses indicate the same failure mode in both subassemblies, with yielding at the beam web top bolt hole in bearing and fracture of the top bolt in shear. However, under the same fire regime, peak compressive and moment demands of the seismic detail were approximately 25% less than those for the non-seismic detail. When subjected to heating only, time to runaway failure was similar for the seismic and non-seismic detail, occurring at 15.0 and 14.8 min into the analyses respectively. When a cooling phase was included, beginning 10 min after initial fire exposure, both subassemblies recovered without failure. A parametric study showed a larger gap between the beam end and column face decreased compression in the beam but did not significantly affect the failure characteristics of the joint. Use of thicker fin plates was also found to increase the time to failure. The results show that the seismic detailing provides limited improvement over the non-seismic detail for the analysed fin plates.

Dynamic Interaction Analysis of a Coupled System of Permanent Maglev Train and Flexible Track Beam

Vehicle–track beam coupling resonance greatly influences the vibration response of the suspended permanent (SPML) system. Therefore, the study established the coupled dynamic model of the SPML train and the track beam using. The model is used to analyze the dynamic response of SPML trains when passing through the long-span flexible track beam at resonance speed. The accuracy of the model was verified by field tests, which simulated and compared the dynamic responses of maglev train and track beam systems at different running speeds. Furthermore, the coupled vibration response of the train and track beam at resonant speed are investigated to gain insight into the mechanism and vibrational properties of the SPML system in a resonant background. It shows that the dominant frequency of the train, suspension frame, and track beam is 6.74[Formula: see text]Hz. They result in resonance in the SPML system at 30[Formula: see text]km/h. Further analysis shows that adjusting the vertical distance between the mass center of the vehicle and the track beam can effectively alleviate the resonance between the vehicle and the track. Additionally, deformation at the ends of the long-span track beams affects the levitation force and gap of the suspension frame, offering valuable guidance for SPML system design.

Developing Programs for Converting MIDAS GEN to ANSYS Models Based on Python

The reasonableness and accuracy of engineering design are often assessed through the use of a variety of structural design analysis software, which are then compared and verified. However, it is challenging for a single analysis software to meet the diverse and complex design requirements. In order to meet the specific engineering requirements, it is necessary to convert the MIDAS result model into an ANSYS structural model and conduct a nonlinear analysis and simulation in ANSYS. Nevertheless, the existing interface is unable to facilitate direct conversion of the model. Accordingly, this paper presents a Python-based ANSYS APDL program that enables the complete conversion of MIDAS GEN structural models to ANSYS finite element models. The program is capable of converting a range of data, including material, section, element, connection, load, node mass, constraint, time history function, and so forth. The program is capable of converting specific connection units, including elastic and general connection units. Additionally, the beam-column section direction, beam end freedom release, rigid element, and special anti-rocking structure of the structure can be considered. Ultimately, the theatre model is transformed. Following a comparison of the analysis results, it was found that the mass and mode of the model before and after the transformation were essentially identical. The maximum error of the first six orders of the structure is 2.95%, with the structural displacement under gravity load remaining essentially unchanged. The research and analysis demonstrate the accuracy and reliability of the MIDAS GEN conversion ANSYS program. The conversion program significantly reduces the time required for direct modeling in ANSYS, enhancing work efficiency. The study has considerable practical significance for the seismic sway design and analysis of buildings based on vibration isolation design.

Nonlinear buckling and free vibration analysis of auxetic graphene origami composite beams under nonuniform thermal environment

This study examines the thermo-mechanical behavior of auxetic metamaterial beams enhanced by graphene origami (GOri) under spatially varying nonuniform temperature distributions (SVTD). Utilizing Timoshenko beam theory considering von-Kármánn type nonlinear strain–displacement relationship, GOri beams are modeled as layered structures. The Ritz method is employed to solve equilibrium equations, analyzing the impact of GOri distribution patterns, content, and folding degree on post-buckling and vibration paths. The effects of five SVTDs, three end conditions, and three GOri distribution patterns on buckling, post-buckling behavior, and nonlinear free vibration characteristics are explored. Findings reveal that the parabolic temperature distribution with peak temperatures at beam ends (P-MAE) results in higher critical temperatures and nonlinear free vibration frequencies. This research provides crucial insights into the design and optimization of GOri-enabled metamaterial structures in complex thermal environments, highlighting the significant influence of nonuniform temperature distributions along the beam’s length.

Seismic performance of Li-Tie type brick masonry infilled wooden frames considering joint damage: Degradation mechanism and hysteretic model

This paper investigated the influence of the damage to column-foot (C-F) joints and the gaps of mortise-tenon (M-T) joints on the seismic behavior of Li-Tie style timber frames with masonry-infilled wall. Five full-scale Li-Tie type brick masonry-infilled timber frames, two without the joint damage, two with the damage to C-F, and one with the gaps of M-T joints, were cyclically tested. The failure modes, mechanical and deformation mechanisms were revealed. The second-order effect, strength degradation law, and the changing laws of the equivalent viscous damping coefficient and strain of the specimens were analyzed. The results showed that when the maximum inter-layer drift ratio was less than 2.4 %, the second-order effect of Li-Tie type timber structure with the masonry infill can be ignored. The masonry infilled timber frames considering the joint deterioration suffered a large strength degradation degree, and a more significant loss of the peak load and ductility. The equivalent viscous damping coefficient of the masonry infilled timber frame considering C-F damage increased by up to 24.67 %, while that of the one including the gaps of M-T joint decreased by 6.67 %. The C-F damage led to an increase in the strain at the beam end, the damage to M-T joint resulted in an decrease in the strain at the beam end. However, the damage to C-F and the gaps in M-T joint had little influence on the strain distribution in the C-F area. Based on the hysteretic, stiffness and strength degradation characteristics, and tests results of the specimens, the new tri-linear hysteretic models of Li-Tie type brick masonry infilled wooden frames with and without the joint damage were established and verified. Good agreement between the model predictions and test results was observed.

Experimental and numerical investigation of the seismic behavior of reinforced concrete frames with restricted ductility

In recent decades, the concept of special ductility has been commonly used to design reinforced concrete frames to resist strong earthquakes. There are numerous situations where strong earthquakes impose restricted ductility demands, e.g., structures governed by gravity loads or wind loads rather than seismic loads, and frames with geometric properties such that the dimensions prevent formation of plastic hinges at the ends of beams. To evaluate performance of such structures, this study has been conducted and emphasis is placed on intermediate reinforced concrete frames with code-conforming details. Shake table tests are conducted on a 3-story intermediate frame under a sequence of 9 incremental excitation records varying from 0.10 g to 0.60 g, representing minor to severe ground motions. A relatively satisfactory performance is observed: the maximum interstory drift ratio does not exceed 1.57 %, cracks are not localized at the ends of members but distributed along the spans of both beams and columns, and joints remain almost uncracked. To examine the effects of different parameters, a numerical model is developed and verified against the test results. Three essential parameters are considered: seismic event profile, span-to-depth ratio of the beam, and joint aspect ratio. The results show that the effects of different factors may be ranked from highest to lowest as follows: seismic event profile, aspect ratio of the beam-column joint, and span-to-depth ratio of the beam. The numerical analyses show that the frame will not exceed life safety limit under far field excitations and for joint aspect ratios larger than 0.9, but it may reach the threshold of collapse prevention limit under near fault earthquakes. Overall, the study sheds some light on seismic response of RC frames with restricted ductility and provides some indications of their feasibility as well as their limits in high seismic zones.

보 단부에 철판을 매립한 PC 콘크리트 보의 실험연구

In this study, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the flexural performance of steel plate embedded beams, in which the steel plate was embedded at the end of the PC beam. From the factory manufacturing stage of the PC beam, the design process of each step in which the construction and finishing loads were applied at completion was reviewed to produce a 12 m span beam. A stud bolt was installed on the embedded steel plate at the end of the beam to ensure adhesion, and the experiment was performed using two specimens with embedded depths of 250 and 450 mm. When the load was removed owing to the pre-stressing effect of the strand, the displacement recovery rate averaged 87.0%, and the stiffness gradually increased even after yielding, exhibiting trilinear behavior that was approximately 1.8 times higher than that of the yield load when the load reached perfect plasticity. Even after the 250-mm test, which was the minimum depth of the steel plate embedment in the beam end, the joint remained in excellent condition, indicating that the bonded steel plate had a minimum depth of 250 mm.

Seismic behavior of exterior joint of CFDST column to steel beam with RC slab

To investigate the seismic performance of an exterior joint connecting concrete-filled double-skin steel tubular (CFDST) column to steel beam with reinforced concrete (RC) slab, four scaled-down joint specimens were designed at a ratio of 1:2. Quasi-static tests were conducted with different axial compression ratios were performed, and the failure mode, hysteresis curve, skeleton curve, bearing capacity, energy dissipation capacity, strength and stiffness degradation, and strain analysis of the composite joint were analyzed. A finite element method (FEM) model of the joint was constructed and validated against the obtained experimental results. Additionally, a parametric study was carried out to investigate the influence of various factors, including the hollow ratio of the CFDST column, the concrete strength of the slab, the thickness of the slab, and the width-to-thickness ratio of the outer steel tube on joint. Based on experimental studies and finite element analysis (FEA), a theoretical calculation method was proposed to evaluate the flexural capacity of the composite joints. The test results showed that the composite exterior joint specimens with RC slab failed at the beam end. Typical failure phenomena of fracture at the steel beam and horizontal end plate interfaces, steel beam flange buckling, and concrete crushing at the RC slab were observed in the experiments. While the interior joint specimen experienced significant plastic deformation and buckling at the column flange. The hysteresis curve of the specimen is elliptical and full without pinching. The presence of RC slab can effectively improve the ultimate bearing capacity, initial stiffness and energy dissipation capacity of the specimen. The FEA results show that the bearing capacity of the composite joints was improved significantly with the increase of the thickness of the slab and the width-thickness ratio of the outer steel tube. The theoretical calculation results of the flexural capacity of the joint are 86 %–112 % of the results of the finite element calculation. The stability and accuracy of the calculation method are excellent and can be effectively applied to calculate the flexural capacity in CFDST composite structural systems.

Failure mechanism and plastic hinge of RC joints under impact load acting on column ends

Impact loads often act on columns end during accidents such as vehicle impacts and terrorist attacks. The resulting deformations lead to a redistribution of internal forces in the member as well as a reduction in the load carrying capacity. The integrity of the core area of the joint is threatened, which could trigger a progressive collapse. This study numerically investigated the damage and deformation of reinforced concrete (RC) beam-column joints when they are impacted on the column end. The resistance mechanism of joints and the influence of impact location as well as impact velocity was explored. Besides, the deformation capacity of RC beam-column joints under impact loading was quantified using equivalent plastic hinges. It was found that the damage and plastic deformation is concentrated at the impacted column end. The horizontal reaction force at the beam end provides resistance and plays the role as a bearing. The column bottom reaction force is in the same direction as the impact force. However, it is much smaller than the beam end reaction force. The resistance mechanisms within the joints can be categorized into strut-and-tie near the loading point and arches in the mid-span of the beam and column. The core area rotates and has a significant lateral displacement towards the impact location, whether it is loaded at the beam end or the column end. As the impact location moves away from the core aera, the impacted column end exhibit more bending failure. With increasing impact velocity, the impact force, reaction force and total energy absorption of the joint increase. The deformation increases, with more damage occurring in the core area and spreading to the beam. In addition, the plastic curvature was used to describe the actual plastic deformation of the joints, whose maximum occurring at the interface where the impacted column end meets the core area. A formula for the equivalent plastic hinge length of RC joints was proposed, taking into account the effects of impact location and impact velocity.

Experimental evaluation of bonded/unbonded prestressed precast concrete joints under repetitive loading scenarios: Seismic performance and retrofit intervention

Recently, demands for mitigating structural damage and post-earthquake repair costs have spurred considerable research on prestressed precast frames. In this study, quasi-static tests were conducted on bonded and unbonded prestressed precast beam-column joints (BPPJs and UPPJs) to investigate the influences of bonded/unbonded post-tensioned (PT) strands, evaluate the performance of BPPJs under repeated loading, and verify the effectiveness of post-earthquake retrofitting with external buckling-restrained rods (BRRs). Additionally, the difference between the bonded and unbonded joints was further revealed from the perspective of the tensile forces of the strands at the beamcolumn interface. Test results showed that compared with the UPPJ, the BPPJ exhibited superior performance in terms of lateral stiffness, lateral resistance, and energy dissipating capacity, with a 76.4 % increase in the load-bearing capacity. The compressive zone at the beam end was also deeper in the BPPJ, accompanied by a denser distribution of compressive cracks in the concrete. Furthermore, the bond between the strands and grouting material in the duct accelerated the increase in the tensile forces of the strands at the interface, resulting in considerably more prestress loss in the BPPJ after the tests, which was 120.0 % greater than that in the UPPJ. Under repetitive loading scenarios, although the yielding resistance of the BPPJ decreased by 35.0 % compared with that of the first loading owing to the reduced tensile forces in the strands, relatively minor variations in the load-bearing capacity and energy dissipation were observed. After retrofitting with BRRs, the BPPJ exhibited substantial enhancements in both lateral stiffness and resistance, validating the effectiveness of post-earthquake retrofitting with BRRs.

Damage-free self-centering steel columns incorporating SMA bolts and replaceable steel angles

Steel moment-resisting frames (MRFs) are one lateral force-resistant structural system commonly used in high seismicity areas. The current seismic design practice for MRFs expects to develop plastic hinges at the beam ends to dissipate earthquake input energy. Meanwhile, plastic hinges also form almost unavoidably at the column bases of the first story due to the strong-base-weak-column design philosophy. However, concentrated deformation in the predetermined plastic hinges may lead to considerable damage in structural components. The accompanying large residual drifts can substantially compromise post-earthquake reparability and normal functionality. Hence, this paper presents a novel type of self-centering (SC) steel column base incorporating shape memory alloy (SMA) bolts and replaceable steel angles as a damage-free solution. First, the working principle of the column bases is described. Subsequently, the seismic performance of the steel columns is experimentally evaluated by considering the influences of the steel angles and repeated loading scenarios, and the replaceability of steel angles. Results show the novel steel column bases exhibit satisfactory flag-shaped hysteresis loops with excellent SC capability and stable energy dissipation, whereas almost all the damage is concentrated in the steel angles that can be replaced rapidly after the cyclic loading if required. The deformed columns are restored to their upright positions instantaneously with negligible residual deformation after unloading. More importantly, the steel column stays damage-free, and the SMA bolts with prestrain remain tightened. This enables the steel columns to maintain high functionality to withstand immediate aftershocks or future earthquakes, explicitly achieving seismic resilient design.

Optimization study of strengthened T-shaped concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) column-steel beam joint

In this paper, a strengthened T-shaped concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) column-steel beam joint is proposed. The joint is strengthened in the core region of the column wall as well as the beam, to avoid buckling of the column wall and outward displacement of the plastic hinge at the beam end. To study the damage modes and seismic performance of the joint, low-cycle loading experiments on two full-scale specimens of the joint were carried out. The results show that each specimen was damaged by plastic hinging of the steel beam flanges, the column walls did not buckle, and all had a good seismic performance. In addition, Abaqus finite element software was utilized to optimize the joints by analyzing the effects of changing the dimensions of the strengthened column and modifying the structure of the beam-column connection. Simulation results show that increasing the thickness and height of the strengthened column wall enhances the joint's load capacity, stiffness, and energy dissipation. it is recommended that the width-to-thickness ratio of the strengthened columns should be at most 0.08 and the beam-to-column height ratio should be kept at least 1.3. Additionally, two optimization methods, reducing the wall thickness of the steel corbel and weakening the steel beam flange, can effectively reduce weld tearing at the beam-to-column connections, while guaranteeing a good seismic performance. It is suggested that the slope of the steel corbel is not less than 1:6.25, and the weakening ratio of the steel beam flange is not greater than 0.267.

Experimental study on fatigue damage mitigation in welded beam-to-column connections with passive vibration control

To investigate the effectiveness of a viscous fluid damper (VFD) in mitigating fatigue damage in welded beam-to-column connections, six specimens were manufactured with the full penetration groove weld process. These specimens were divided into three groups: S1, S2, and S3, each containing two specimens. One specimen in each group was equipped with VFD, while the other was not. All specimens underwent the same elastic cyclic loading stage, but a different plastic cyclic loading stage for each group. The study results indicate that the presence of VFD can significantly enhance the load-bearing capacity of the welded beam-to-column connection by 10%–15% when subjected to the same displacement amplitude at the beam end. The primary cause of failure in the welded beam-to-column connection is the fatigue damage of the weld toe on the beam flange, which requires more attention during the welding process. Additionally, the VFD can effectively reduce stress concentration at the weld seam area, leading to a maximum of 50% decrease in the maximum stress near the weld toe of the beam flange center, as observed in our study.

A sectional nonlinear wideband piezoelectric-magnetic coupled energy collector for collecting multi-directional vibrational energy

Abstract The classic vibration energy collector has functional restrictions, and it can only collect vibration energy in one or two dimensions. At the same time, it has issues with low output power in the low-frequency vibration region and a limited reaction frequency range. This research proposes a segmented nonlinear broadband piezoelectric–magnetic coupled energy collector capable of collecting vibration energy in different directions. The collector is equivalent to current state-of-the-art research in that it can collect vibration energy in three dimensions while also having a wide collection frequency and a high power density. The collection consists of a hemispherical support structure and four fundamental piezoelectric beam collision components. The rationality of the collision segmentation nonlinear principle is first clarified through theoretical calculation and analysis, and then the collision design is applied between the ends of different cantilever beams to broaden the captured energy frequency band, while parallel piezoelectric beams use a 45° tilt treatment to fully utilize the geometrical properties of the tilted beams for multidirectional energy collection. In addition, the collector introduces a magnetic coupling effect to create a bistable structure via magnetic contact. Comsol 5.6 software is used to model and simulate the planned 45° tilted beam structure, which clarifies the piezoelectric beam’s linear intrinsic frequency characteristics and multi-directional geometric aspects. To further verify the collector’s validity, a physical model is built and a vibration experiment apparatus is created. The experimental results demonstrate that the collector’s effective bandwidth range is up to 6.3 Hz under 1 g acceleration excitation, representing a 125.0% increase in bandwidth when compared to the cantilever beam with a linear array. At 14 Hz frequency, the collector produces a maximum total output power of 19.52 mW and a power density of up to 3211uW cm−3 when excitation is provided in the Z-direction.