External Excitation Research Articles

Influence of Ground Motion Non-Gaussianity on Seismic Performance of Buildings

The non-Gaussian feature of seismic ground motion has been reported in some works. However, there remains a lack of research on the influence of the ground motion non-Gaussianity on the seismic performance of buildings, which motivates this study. By employing a non-Gaussian non-stationary random process simulation method previously proposed by the authors, 40,000 ground motion acceleration signals are efficiently generated, including 20,000 Gaussian and 20,000 non-Gaussian records. As computational examples, a four-story frame building and a three-tower super-tall building are selected. The generated acceleration signals serve as external excitations for the two buildings, allowing for a comparison of the differences in seismic structural responses caused by the Gaussian and non-Gaussian earthquake groups. Probability analysis is performed using top-layer displacement and maximum inter-story drift ratio as damage indicators. The results show that the structural responses induced by both Gaussian and non-Gaussian earthquake groups have identical first- and second-order moments but different higher-order moments. The responses from non-Gaussian earthquakes display distinct non-Gaussian traits, with their distribution of extreme values exhibiting a longer tail compared to the Gaussian counterparts. This leads to a notably larger value of non-Gaussian responses under high crossing probabilities, with an amplification that can surpass 18%.

Fluid-structure coupling analysis in liquid-filled containers using scaled boundary finite element method

In this study, a semi-analytical model is developed to investigate the fluid-structure coupling characteristics of liquid sloshing in an elastic rectangular container subjected to horizontal external excitation based on the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) for the first time. The fluid inside the container is assumed to be incompressible, inviscid and irrotational, with the hydrodynamic pressure chosen as independent nodal variable in the governing equations. The container walls are considered as cantilever beams. The coupled fluid-structure system is initially divided into the structural domain and fluid domain, after which the SBFEM is employed to obtain the governing equations for each sub-domain. In the framework of the SBFEM, only the boundary of each sub-domain, rather than the entire computational domain, needs to be meshed and discretized. This method reduces the spatial dimension of the problem by one and offers an efficient approach to model the computational domain, while allowing for analytical formulations to be derived for the internal of the domain, resulting in an accurate description of the field variables. The fundamental equation of the entire coupled fluid-structure system is then assembled by performing the equilibrium condition and compatibility condition to ensure the balance of interaction forces at the interface between container walls and the liquid. The free vibrations analysis of the fluid-structure coupling system is solved by utilizing the generalized eigenvalue problem, and the transient dynamic response is determined using the synchronous solution algorithm in conjunction with the implicit-implicit scheme of the Newmark method. To validate the excellent accuracy and stability of the proposed formulation, several numerical examples are presented to investigate the free vibration and transient dynamic characteristics for the fluid-structure coupling problem. The obtained results show good agreement with reference solutions available in the literature. Additionally, the effects of geometrical and material parameters on the system responses are examined and discussed.

Apply frequency response function schemes for damage detection in composite nanoscale-pipes under transient conditions

Knowledge of Nanoscale-structures sustainability is strongly associated with the reliability and the performances of Nano-electro-mechanical systems such as Nanoactuators and Nano-sensors that are widely used in bio-applications. Therefore, the damages in these types of infinitesimal systems must be quickly and accurately detected, located, and repaired. In this study, a novel damage detection framework in Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composite Nanoscale-Pipes (CNP) subjected to the fatigue effect of water internal pressure and thermal effect via Nanoscale-electrical capacitance sensors (NECS). First, a finite element model (FEM) of CNP damage is established, then the electrical potential difference (EPD) between the Nanoscale-electrodes (NEs) pairs before and after damage is measured. The distributed NECS measuring nano-electrodes are installed around the CNP and load the transient external excitations between each other. It is proposed and applied the transfer function (TF) of the CNP as an "open loop control" system to reflect the evolution of damage. The accuracy and reliability of the suggested technology are verified through the experimental results available in the literature. The results show that when the damage under NEs pairs has begun to grow, the signal amplitude value will change suddenly and sensitively, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method and the good potential for engineering applications.

An output-only damage identification method based on reinforcement-aided evolutionary algorithm and heterogeneous response reconstruction

The absence of excitation measurements may pose a huge challenge in the application of many damage identification methods since it is difficult to acquire the external excitations, such as wind load, traffic load. To deal with this issue, a novel output-only structural damage identification approach based on reinforcement-aided evolutionary algorithm and heterogeneous response reconstruction with Bayesian inference regularization is developed. On the one hand, heterogeneous measurements (e.g., displacements, strains, accelerations) are rescaled and reconstructed with the aid of Bayesian inference regularization technique. Structural damages are identified by minimizing the discrepancies between the measured and reconstructed responses. On the other hand, to solve the optimization-based inverse problem, a reinforcement-aided evolutionary algorithm, named Q-learning hybrid evolutionary algorithm (QHEA), integrating Jaya algorithm, differential algorithm, and Q-learning algorithm is proposed as search tool. To validate the feasibility and applicability of the proposed method, numerical studies on a three-span beam structure and laboratory tests on a five-story steel frame structure are carried out. The effects of data rescaling and data fusion on response reconstruction and damage identification are also investigated. The results clearly demonstrate the superiority of QHEA over other heuristic algorithms and heterogeneous data fusion over a single type of measurement. It is shown that both the locations and extents of the damaged elements can be accurately identified by the proposed method without the information of input force.

Coupled axial and transverse currents method for finite element modelling of periodic superconductors

In this paper, we propose the Coupled Axial and Transverse currents (I) (CATI) method, as an efficient and accurate finite element approach for modelling the electric and magnetic behavior of periodic composite superconducting conductors. The method consists of a pair of two-dimensional models coupled via circuit equations to account for the conductor geometrical periodicity. This allows to capture three-dimensional effects with two-dimensional models and leads to a significant reduction in computational time compared to conventional three-dimensional models. After presenting the method in detail, we verify it by comparison with reference finite element models, focussing on its application to twisted multifilamentary superconducting strands. In particular, we show that the CATI method captures the transition from uncoupled to coupled filaments, with accurate calculation of the interfilament coupling time constant. We then illustrate the capabilities of the method by generating detailed loss maps and magnetization curves of given strand types for a range of external transverse magnetic field excitations, with and without transport current.

Multitasking Integrated Metasurface for Electromagnetic Wave Modulation with Reflection, Transmission, and Absorption.

Accommodating multiple tasks within a tiny metasurface unit cell without them interfering with each other is a significant challenge. In this paper, an electromagnetic (EM) wave modulation metasurface capable of reflection, transmission, and absorption is proposed. This multitasking capability is achieved through a cleverly designed multi-layer structure comprising an EM Wave Shield Layer (ESL), a Polarization Modulation Layer (PML), and a Bottom Plate Layer (BPL). The functionality can be arbitrarily switched by embedding control materials within the structure. Depending on external excitation conditions, the proposed metasurface can realize reflection-type co-planar polarization to cross-polarization conversion, transmission-type electromagnetically induced transparency-like (EIT-like) modes, and broadband absorption. Notably, all tasks operate approximately within the same operating frequency band, and their performance can be regulated by the intensity of external excitation. Additionally, the operating principle of the metasurface is analyzed through impedance matching, an oscillator coupling model, and surface current distribution. This metasurface design offers a strategy for integrated devices with multiple functionalities.

Event-triggered semi-active TLCD for ground motion-induced vibration control

One potential drawback of tuned liquid column dampers (TLCDs) is their relatively low control efficiency during the initial stage of structural vibration caused by external excitations. This is because satisfactory control effects can only be achieved when the liquid inside TLCD is fully oscillating, which is not the case during the initial stage. To solve this problem, in this study, an event-triggered semi-active technique is creatively proposed to improve the vibration reduction efficiency of TLCDs during the initial stage. The fundamental idea of the proposed approach is to provide an initial displacement to the liquid column via baffles, and then release the constraints on the initial liquid displacement at an appropriate time to achieve the rapid activation of TLCDs. A strategy from the standpoint of phase difference between liquid column motion and structural motion is proposed to determine the triggering conditions (i.e. when to release the constraints). The effectiveness of the proposed semi-active system is examined under both harmonic and stochastic excitations. The results show that the proposed strategy successfully improves the vibration suppression performance of TLCDs in the early stage of structural vibration.

Performance Improvement of Three-Spring Quasi-Zero-Stiffness Isolator by Shape Memory Alloy Damper

Quasi-zero stiffness vibration isolators (QZSI) can effectively resolve the contradiction between the load bearing and the vibration isolation for low-frequency vibration systems. The three-spring QZSI is a classical QZSI. However, constrained by its geometrical relationship, the working stroke of the QZSI is limited, and the isolation performance will deteriorate when the displacement response is significant. To solve this question, the shape memory alloy (SMA) damper, characterized by lower secondary stiffness, partially replaces the positive-stiffness spring of the three-spring QZS isolator to widen its effective working stroke, which forms a novel SMA-QZSI. Based on a piecewise linear constitutive model of SMA, a theoretical model of the force–displacement relationship of SMA-QZSI is established. Subsequently, the approximate analytic amplitude–frequency response equation of the non-smooth nonlinear SMA-QZSI system under harmonic excitation is obtained by the average method and verified numerically. In addition, the effects of mechanical parameters of SMA springs and external excitation parameters on mechanical behaviors and low-frequency isolation performance of the SMA-QZSI isolator are discussed. Finally, the static and dynamic experiments of SMA-QZSI are conducted to verify its force–displacement relationship and isolation performance. The results show that the proposed SMA-QZSI has remarkable low-frequency vibration isolation performance.

Nonlinear resonant analyses of graphene oxide powder reinforced hyperelastic cylindrical shells containing flowing-fluid

The resonant responses are investigated for the graphene oxide powder reinforced hyperelastic cylindrical (GOPRHC) shells containing flowing-fluid, and the shells are subjected to the radial harmonic excitations. Employing the improved Donnell's nonlinear shell theory, Halpin-Tsai model, hyperelastic constitution relation, velocity potential theory and Lagrange equation, the governing equation of motions are obtained for the GOPRHC shells containing flowing fluid. The amplitude frequency and force amplitude curves are presented by using the harmonic balance method and the pseudo-arc length continuation method. The effects of three distributions of the GOP, weight fraction of the GOP and fluid velocity on the natural frequency for the GOPRHC shells are discussed. The influences of different parameters on the dynamical responses for the GOPRHC shells containing flowing-fluid are conducted, including the external excitation, weight fraction of the GOP, fluid velocity and structural parameters. The results show that the GOPRHC shells with Hypere-X distribution containing flowing-fluid have the largest frequency. The super-harmonic resonance responses appear and present the synchronization effects with the primary resonant responses in the GOPRHC shells containing flowing-fluid. The increases of external excitations, fluid velocity, weight fraction of the GOP and structural parameters enrich the resonant responses for the GOPRHC shells. Compared to the fluid-filled hyperelastic cylindrical shells, the existence of the flowing-fluid makes the GOPRHC shells more prone to the chaotic vibrations. The hysteresis phenomena of chaotic vibrations occur in the GOPRHC shells containing flowing-fluid.

Study on damping performance of non-ideal particle-tuned inerter damper

Aiming at the shortcomings of the current particle dampers and the needs of civil engineering vibration damping, while considering the damping in the non-ideal inertial vessel, a new type of non-ideal particle tuned inerter damper (NPTID) is proposed. Firstly, the construction and technical realization of NPTID are introduced, the mechanical model of NPTID is proposed based on the principle of energy dissipation by particle collision, and the motion control equations of the single-degree-of-freedom structure with an additional NPTID are established; then three natural seismic waves and one artificial seismic wave are selected as the external excitations, and the damping performance of the NPTID is analyzed; finally, the influence of key parameters on the control effect of the NPTID is investigated by parametric analysis. The results show that NPTID has good control effect, and can realize the reduction ratio of more than 43% by utilizing a 0.1% particle mass ratio.

Unidirectional guided-wave-driven metasurfaces for arbitrary wavefront control

Metasurfaces are capable of fully reshaping the wavefronts of incident beams in desired manners. However, the requirement for external light excitation and the resonant nature of their meta-atoms, make challenging their on-chip integration. Here, we introduce the concept and design of a fresh class of metasurfaces, driven by unidirectional guided waves, capable of arbitrary wavefront control based on the unique dispersion properties of unidirectional guided waves rather than resonant meta-atoms. Upon experimentally demonstrating the feasibility of our designs in the microwave regime, we numerically validate the introduced principle through the design of several microwave meta-devices using metal-air-gyromagnetic unidirectional surface magneto-plasmons, agilely converting unidirectional guided modes into the wavefronts of 3D Bessel beams, focused waves, and controllable vortex beams. We, further, numerically demonstrate sub-diffraction focusing, which is beyond the capability of conventional metasurfaces. Our unfamiliar yet practical designs may enable full, broadband manipulation of electromagnetic waves on deep subwavelength scales.

Dynamic Analysis of Rigid–Flexible Structures with Piezoelectric Actuation and Control

In this paper, the dynamic equation of a rigid body coupled with two flexible beams was established, considering the rotational motion of the rigid body and the elastic deflection of the flexible beams. The coupling effect between the rigid body rotation and flexible beam vibration was studied in detail. The dynamic response of the flexible beam with piezoelectric effect was established based on Hamilton’s principle. Under the premise of ignoring the nonlinear vibration coupling term of flexible beams, only the first two modes of transverse displacement and one directional rotation motion were studied in case studies. It was found that the coupling term caused by rigid body rotation can slightly alter the natural frequency and amplitude of flexible beams, mainly reflected in the first-order mode. With increasing the external excitation on the rigid body, the induced transverse displacement at the tip of the flexible beam increased significantly. Meanwhile, when the flexible beam was under external excitation, the vibration could also induce rigid body rotation. With the inverse piezoelectric effect, one may actively actuate the flexible beam vibration and rigid body rotation or control the undesired motion of the system. The control effect can be adjusted by varying the applied voltage excitation on the piezoelectric patches as well as patch positions. The conclusions drawn from this study can be applied to active precise control of space facilities such as satellites. Based on the dynamic modeling of rigid–flexible multi-body systems, this paper completed the study of the coupling effects of rigid body rotation and flexible body vibration, and proposed an application idea for completing small-angle maneuvers of rigid–flexible multi-body systems through piezoelectric control.

Dynamics of a 3D Piezo-Magneto-Elastic Energy Harvester with Axisymmetric Multi-Stability.

In this investigation, a three-dimensional (3D) axisymmetric potential well-based nonlinear piezoelectric energy harvester is proposed to increase the broadband frequency response under low-strength planar external excitation. Here, a two-dimensional (2D) planar bi-stable Duffing potential is generalized into three dimensions by utilizing axial symmetry. The resulting axisymmetric potential well has infinitely many stable equilibria and one unstable equilibria at the highest point of the potential barrier for this cantilevered oscillator. Dynamics of such a 3D piezoelectric harvester with axisymmetric multi-stability are studied under planar circular excitation motion. Bifurcations of average power harvested from the two pairs of piezoelectric patches are presented against the frequency variation. The results show the presence of several branches of large-amplitude cross-well type period-1 and subharmonic solutions. Subharmonics involved in such responses are verified from the Fourier spectra of the solutions. The identified subharmonic solutions perform interesting patterns of curvilinear oscillations, which do not cross the potential barrier through its highest point. These solutions can completely or partially avoid the climbing of the potential barrier, thereby requiring low input excitation energy for barrier crossing. The influence of excitation amplitude on the bifurcations of normalized power is also investigated. Through multiple solution branches of subharmonic solutions, producing comparable power to the period-1 branch, broadband frequency response characteristics of such a 3D axisymmetically multi-stable harvester are highlighted.

Low-Temperature Decomposition and Oxidation of the Nerve Agent Simulant on Mesoporous Nickel Oxide and Cu-Doped Nickel Oxide.

In an effort to develop the next frontier filtration material for chemical warfare agent (CWA) decomposition, we synthesized mesoporous NiO and CuxNi1-xO (x = 0.10 and 0.20) and studied the decomposition of CWA simulant diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DIFP) on their surfaces. Mesoporous NiO and CuxNi1-xO were fully characterized and found to be a solid solution with no phase separation up to 20% copper dopant. The synthesized materials were successfully templated producing ordered mesoporous metal oxides with high surface areas (67.89- 94.38 m2/g). Through Raman spectroscopy, we showed that pure NiO contained a high concentration of Ni2+ vacancies, while Cu2+ reduced these defects. Through in situ infrared spectroscopy, we determined the surface species formed, potential pathways, and driving factors for decomposition. Upon exposure of DIFP, all materials produced similar decomposition products CO, CO2, carbonyls, and carbonates. However, decomposition reactions were sustained longer on mesoporous NiO, facilitated by the higher Ni2+ vacancy concentration. NiO was further studied with DIFP, first at low dosing temperatures (-50 °C), which still resulted in the production of CO and carbonates, and then, second, with a higher pretreatment temperature, which showed the importance of terminal hydroxyls/water to fully oxidize decomposition products to CO2. Mesoporous NiO demonstrated high decomposition and oxidation capabilities at temperatures below room temperature, all without any external excitation or noble metals, making it a promising frontier filtration material for CWA decomposition.

Validation of a scaled dynamic test system for simulating a high‐speed train passing bridges under seismic excitation

AbstractThis study presents the validation of a dynamic test system to simulate a high‐speed train passing bridges under seismic excitation. The system comprises scaled models of a CRH380A high‐speed train and an 11‐span simply supported bridge on a shake table array. This innovative apparatus combines seismic loading with the moving train load to replicate train‐track‐bridge interaction (TTBI) during earthquakes. It allows investigation of various train speeds and seismic excitations, providing invaluable insights into TTBI. First, the detailed similarity design principle based on the equations of motion was discussed, and its applicability to the wheel‐rail contact relationship was verified. Then, the dynamic characteristics of the scaled model were identified, and the impact of the error between the scaled model and the theoretical model on the TTBI response was assessed. Furthermore, the comparison of the dynamic test model and the numerical simulation in acceleration responses validated the accuracy of the rigid‐flexible coupling model method for the actual TTBI system. Test cases without external excitation, with simple harmonic excitation and with seismic excitation were conducted on the dynamic test system. Results showed that the influence of track irregularity and running speed on train response aligns with the classical train‐bridge interaction theory. The successful implementation of this test system marks a significant advance in understanding TTBI mechanics and has significant implications for seismic safety enhancement of railway infrastructure.

Nonlinear vibration characteristics of thermo-viscoelastic coupling of moving PET films with temperature-dependent elastic modulus

In order to improve the transport stability of roll-to-roll produced polyethylene terephthalate films (PET films) in high temperature environments, this paper investigates the nonlinear vibrational properties of moving PET films under a uniform temperature field by considering the temperature dependence of the elastic modulus. Firstly, constant tensile tests were conducted to test the elastic modulus values of PET films at different hot air temperatures, and the Wachtman model was improved to establish a temperature-dependent elastic modulus model for PET films. Secondly, based on the Kelvin-Voigt model, the nonlinear vibrational equilibrium differential equations of the system were established by applying the Bubnov-Galerkin method of discretization according to D’Alembert’s principle. Finally, numerical simulations based on the 4th-order Runge-Kutta method were carried out to analyze the effects of films width, external excitation frequency, external excitation amplitude, transfer velocity, ambient temperature, damping coefficient and viscoelasticity coefficient on the nonlinear vibration of the system. This provides a theoretical basis for the commissioning of stabilized transfer parameters for roll-to-roll production of PET films.

Rotordynamics of a rotor supported by foil bearings under various housing excitation

Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel cell Systems(FCS) are rapid-growing technology in transportation systems. In such applications, a motor-driven oil-free air compressor is one of the critical auxiliary subsystems. Foil bearings are the perfect choice as oil-free bearings for the compressors due to high rotordynamics stability and shock-resistance. The platform of a motor-driven oil-free compressor can also be used as an electric turbocharger for traditional internal combustion engines. All electromechanical subsystems for electric vehicles must satisfy vibration endurance requirements following ISO 16750–3:2012, characterized by certain g-loading at specific frequencies. For the compressor to satisfy ISO 16750 requirement, detailed rotordynamics simulations with externally excited compressor housing under certain g-loading are essential to design the foil bearings considering the static and dynamic loads to the bearing and rotordynamics stability. The main objectives of the current research are 1) to develop a four degree of freedom (4-DOF) dynamic model of the rotor supported by foil bearings under external excitation to the compressor, 2) to simulate linear and non-linear rotordynamics of the compressor rotor supported by two radial foil bearings, and 3) to provide appropriate design guideline such as bump stiffness and axial length of the foil bearings. The simulations show that the rotor is stable for both under single frequency excitation and simultaneous excitations of all the frequencies in ISO 17650 standard. 4-DOF modal analyses were applied to identify natural mode of the system under the housing excitation.

Transient Dynamic Response of Generally Shaped Arches under Interval Uncertainties

This paper endeavors to investigate the characteristics of the transient dynamic response of a generally shaped arch when influenced by uncertain parameters while being subjected to specific external excitation. The equations of motion of the generally shaped arches are derived by the differential quadrature (DQ) method, and the deterministic dynamic responses are calculated using the Newmark-β method. By employing the Chebyshev inclusive function, an interval method based on a non-intrusive polynomial surrogate model is developed, and the uncertain dynamic responses are reckoned by enabling numerical simulations. The results of the proposed interval method are compared with those obtained from the scanning method for validation. The effects of various shapes and rise span ratios on the dynamic responses are investigated through a parametric study. The results suggest that the degree of fluctuation in the uncertain dynamic behavior is influenced by the type of parameter. Additionally, the responses of each shaped arch decrease with the increase in the rise span ratios, and with the same rise span ratio, the deterministic responses and corresponding uncertain responses are also affected by the shape of the arch, and they are considered to be at a minimum when the arch shape is parabolic. This study will enhance understanding of the dynamic properties of arches with uncertainties and provide some basis for the assessment and health monitoring of arch structures.

Nonlinear resonant responses of a novel FGM sandwich cylindrical shell structure for supersonic flight vehicles based on 1:1 internal resonance between conjugate modes

A new design scheme for the functionally graded material (FGM) sandwich cylindrical shell structure made of ceramic-FGM-carbon fiber composites is proposed, which is geared towards supersonic flight vehicles and has high specific stiffness and high-temperature resistance. We focus on analyzing the nonlinear resonant responses of the novel FGM sandwich cylindrical shell subjected to external excitation and aerodynamic force. Firstly, the mechanical properties of the novel FGM sandwich material are calculated, and then the nonlinear dynamic model of the FGM sandwich cylindrical shell is established based on the first order shear deformation theory (FSDT) and Hamilton's principle. Due to the axisymmetric property of the cylindrical shell, a 1:1 internal resonance between the driven and companion modes always exists in the perfect cylindrical shell. Taking this into consideration, the nonlinear resonant response problems of the FGM sandwich cylindrical shell are numerically simulated by combining the Galerkin method and the pseudo-arc length continuation method. Finally, the effects of complex parameters such as external excitation, aerodynamic force, aspect ratio, gradient index, and skin-core-skin ratio on the nonlinear resonant responses of the FGM sandwich cylindrical shell are investigated.

Fully Integrated Direct Current Triboelectric Nanogenerators Coupled with Charge Pump and Electric Field Enhancing Effect Enabling Improved Output Performance

AbstractDirect‐current triboelectric nanogenerators (DC‐TENGs) arising from electrostatic breakdown have garnered significant attention due to their advantages of rectification‐free operation, constant current output, and high output power density. Previous studies have primarily concentrated on improving its performance through structural design and parameter optimization, neglecting the potential benefits of external charge excitation. Here, a facile and universal strategy coupling charge pump and electric field enhancing effect with DC‐TENG (CE‐DC‐TENG) is proposed to improve the output performance of DC‐TENG. An alternating current TENG is used as the charge pump. A field‐enhancing conductive layer, which is introduced under the main DC‐TENG, is connected with the pump TENG to accumulate the charge and enhance the electric field for electrostatic breakdown. The effectiveness of this method is demonstrated by linear and rotary sliding mode TENGs. Furthermore, a fully integrated rotary sliding mode CE‐DC‐TENG is designed and fabricated, and it exhibits impressive performance with a 13‐fold higher power density of 1.56 W m−2 compared to conventional DC‐TENG. Moreover, it can directly power small electronics or be combined with a designed power management circuit for more efficient energy conversion. This work presents a new design strategy for improving the performance of DC‐TENG and facilitating its practical applications.