Forced Response Research Articles

Changes in the North Atlantic Oscillation over the 20th century

Abstract. The North Atlantic Oscillation explains a large fraction of the climate variability across the North Atlantic from the eastern seaboard of North America across the whole of Europe. Many studies have linked the North Atlantic Oscillation to climate extremes in this region, especially in winter, which has motivated considerable study of this pattern of variability. However, one overlooked feature of how the North Atlantic Oscillation has changed over time is the explained variance of the pattern. Here we show that there has been a considerable increase in the percentage of variability explained by the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) over the 20th century from 32 % in 1930 to 53 % by the end of the 20th century. Whether this change is due to natural variability, a forced response to climate change, or some combination remains unclear. However, we found no evidence for a forced response from an ensemble of 50 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models. These models did all show substantial internal variability in the strength of the North Atlantic Oscillation, but it was biased towards being too high compared to the reanalysis and with too little variation over time. Since there is a direct connection between the North Atlantic Oscillation and climate extremes over the region, this has direct consequences for both the long-term projection and near-term prediction of changes to climate extremes in the region.

Coupled modal characteristics of a bladed rotor bearing system under aerodynamic and rotor excitations: Modelling and numerical study

Bladed Rotor Bearing System is considered in the coupled vibration analysis among blades and the rotor system. The governing equations of motion are derived based on Lagrange’s equation, which accounts for the coupled vibrational modes. The model is discretised based on the Galerkin finite element method. A comparative analysis on the influence of uniform and pre-twisted blade configurations on the BRBS and on individual blades is carried out. Free vibration analysis for various blade geometry configurations is studied and results show that natural frequencies of the blades are reduced in the presence of pre-twist whereas the same is increased with double-taper. The Campbell diagram revealed the presence of frequency veering among the blades and rotor loci of natural frequencies for a specific blade configuration. The influence of aerodynamic and external excitations on the blades and the rotor, respectively, are considered in the forced response analysis, where the resulting effects of both the excitations on the individual blades and the BRBS for different blade configurations are studied.

Analytical solution of forced vibration of rectangular plates with part through surface crack based on wave propagation method

An analytical wave propagation framework is developed in this study for steady state forced vibration of plates with part through surface cracks for the first time. Rectangular thin plates with partial-width and full-width cracks are considered. The analytical waves are obtained by solving the dual equations of the plate established considering the line–spring model (LSM) of crack. The dual equations formed here are characterized by simultaneously solving kinematic variables and their dual dynamic variables. Both conventional and refined LSMs are considered. Two ways are proposed to generate the system equation in wave space based on the relationships of wave propagation, wave reflection and wave scattering. Compared with the traditional methods, most of them can only give exact analytical solutions under the condition of opposite-side simply supported boundaries, the developed analysis framework can treat arbitrary combinations of simple boundary condition of the cracked plate. Comparisons of results of the proposed method with those from the literature and finite element method (FEM) validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. A series of parametric studies for investigating the effects of length, position and depth of crack on the forced response of cracked plate are also presented. The proposed framework are effective for predicting the forced responses and natural frequencies of thin plates with part-through surface cracks.

Finite element analysis of locally strengthened stainless-steel tube under lateral impact loading

In this study, a Finite Element (FE) model of locally strengthened high-strength stainless-steel tube subjected to lateral impact loads is established using LS-DYNA to investigate its dynamic behaviours. The accuracy of the FE results is verified by comparing with the test results. The impact force, bending moment, stress and strain responses as well as the internal energy dissipation histories of the strengthened tube are analysed during the entire impact process. The results indicate that the impact resistance of the strengthened tube is obviously enhanced as compared to hollow stainless-steel tube. Furthermore, parametric studies are conducted to reveal the influence of axial compressive force, impact position, impact velocity and material strength on the impact behaviour of the strengthened tube. The results show that the application of axial compressive force reduced the impact force and increased the deformations of the strengthened tube. The impact resistance of the strengthened tube performed an increasing trend when moving the impact position towards the support and increasing the material strength. In addition, the increase of impact velocity significantly reduced the impact duration. Finally, design recommendations and process were proposed to facilitate the application of locally strengthened tube.

Grinding-stimulated fluorescence enhancement in carbon nanoparticles/poly(vinyl chloride) composite

The physical damage of engineering materials is challenging to perceive, particularly when they occur with only a slight extent. To present the location of damage to engineering is still difficult to achieve. Mechanical responsive engineering materials are therefore highly desired. Herein, a type of composites comprised of carbon nanoparticles (CNP) and poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) was prepared via a heating incubation process. Notably, we found that these composites were in a metastable state and exhibited a grinding-stimulated fluorescence enhancement performance. After grinding stimulation, a bright orange-yellow color emission appeared and the fluorescence intensity of the composites exhibited a 75-fold enhancement. It was noted that grinding had no effect on the fluorescence of CNP alone. The fluorescence enhancement may be due to the change in the surface environment of CNP, as grinding facilitates the entry of CNP into PVC. In addition, fluorescence enhancement was also observed in tightening screw experiments using commercialized PVC films, demonstrating the abrasive-stimulated fluorescence enhancement properties of this CNP/PVC. Such remarkable mechanical response property and interesting combination between CNP and PVC will provide avenue to promote the development of smart engineering materials and have considerable potentials in external force response and structure damage surveying.

Simulative investigation of the required level of geometrical individualization of the lumbar spines to predict fractures.

Injury mechanisms of the lumbar spine under dynamic loading are dependent on spine curvature and anatomical variation. Impact simulation with finite element (FE) models can assist the reconstruction and prediction of injuries. The objective of this study was to determine which level of individualization of a baseline FE lumbar spine model is necessary to replicate experimental responses and fracture locations in a dynamic experiment.Experimental X-rays from 26 dynamic drop tower tests were used to create three configurations of a lumbar spine model (T12 to L5): baseline, with aligned vertebrae (positioned), and with aligned and morphed vertebrae (morphed). Each model was simulated with the corresponding loading and boundary conditions from dynamic lumbar spine experiments. Force, moment, and kinematic responses were compared to the experimental data. Cosine similarity was computed to assess how well simulation responses match the experimental data. The pressure distribution within the vertebrae was used to compare fracture risk and fracture location between the different models.The positioned models replicated the injured spinal level and the fracture patterns quite well, though the morphed models provided slightly more accuracy. However, for impact reconstruction or injury prediction, the authors recommend pure positioning for whole-body models, as the gain in accuracy was relatively small, while the morphing modifications of the model require considerably higher efforts. These results improve the understanding of the application of human body models to investigate lumbar injury mechanisms with FE models.

Improved pseudostatic analysis of pile response to seismic ground movement: Multiple characteristic ground displacement profiles

Piles may be subjected to significant kinematic loading from ground movement under earthquakes. Pseudostatic analysis, which is based on the Winker beam model, traditionally adopts a single ground displacement profile, known as the characteristic ground displacement profile, for assessments of pile response under this loading condition. This study conducts dynamic analyses with different soil, pile-head-fixity, and seismic conditions and generates displacement, moment, and shear force response envelopes to evaluate the appropriateness of the characteristic displacement profiles of four common methods. These methods give inconsistent predictions because the maximum responses at different depths in the pile response envelopes occur at different points in time. To address this issue, we propose using multiple characteristic ground displacement profiles, which are determined by the maximum ground relative deformation or rotation. These multiple profiles, when used in pseudostatic analyses, give consistent predictions with dynamic pile response envelopes in most scenarios, thus overcoming the limitations of conventional single-profile methods.

Influence of arch action on load-carrying capacity of double-sized industrial precast slabs: A combined numerical and experimental study

The precast industry offers slab panels of different geometries according to the field conditions. These slab panels are popular in temporary constructions and beneficial in sustainability but have some financial limitations and local constraints. For a long time, the construction industry has used the arch action method, which restricts the stresses to the compression zone in concrete members and develops the required load-carrying capacity. For the same motives, industrial buildings have preferred semi-circular precast roofs, but the morphology was not suitable. For the proposed slab in this research, firstly, the typical industrial precast slab panel was doubled in width to minimize the time and effort required for its casting, curing, and placement. Secondly, that doubled-in-width slab was provided with arch action to confine the stresses to compression and benefit from the section entirely. Lastly, the top of the slab was kept flat to take advantage of the roof space. All these changes aimed for structural stability, reduced material weight, improved load-carrying capacity, appropriate mobilization, and financial viability. A numerical approach and practical experimentation were adopted using finite element modeling (FEM) software, ABAQUS, to analyze the mechanical force versus displacement response of both slabs through the CDP (concrete damaged plasticity) model. The proposed slab exhibited better as its capacity was increased by about 1.5 times that of a typical slab. Though the material weight was little increased from 0.04 m3 to 0.045 m3, the reduced joint filler materials, reinforcement, and the mixing and lifting machinery efforts compensate for it. Hence, the slab can be recommended for the industry to save the economy while taking heavier loads efficiently.

The Northeast Water Polynya, Greenland: Climatology, Atmospheric Forcing and Ocean Response

AbstractThe Northeast Water Polynya is a significant annually recurring summertime Arctic polynya, located off the coast of Northeast Greenland. It is important for marine wildlife and affects local atmospheric and oceanic processes. In this study, over 40 years of observational and reanalysis products (ERA5 and ORAS5) are analyzed to characterize the polynya's climatology and ascertain forcing mechanisms. The Northeast Water Polynya has high spatiotemporal variability; its location, size and structure vary interannually, and the period for which it is open is changing. We show this variability is largely driven by atmospheric forcing. The polynya extent is determined by the direction of the near‐surface flow regime, and the relative locations of high and low sea‐level pressure centers over the region. The surface conditions also impact the oceanic water column, which has a strong seasonal cycle in potential temperature and salinity, the amplitude of which decreases with depth. The ocean reanalyses also show a significant warming trend at all depths and a freshening near the surface consistent with greater ice melt, but salinification at lower depths (∼200 m). As the Arctic region changes due to anthropogenic forcing, the sea‐ice edge is migrating northwards and the Northeast Water Polynya is generally opening earlier and closing later in the year. This could have significant implications for both the atmosphere and ocean in this complex and rapidly changing environment.

Crushing Response and Optimization of a Modified 3D Re-Entrant Honeycomb.

A modified 3D re-entrant honeycomb is designed and fabricated utilizing Laser Cladding Deposition (LCD) technology, the mechanical properties of which are systematically investigated by experimental and finite element (FE) methods. Firstly, the influences of honeycomb angle on localized deformation and the response of force are studied by an experiment. Experimental results reveal that the honeycomb angles have a significant effect on deformation and force. Secondly, a series of numerical studies are conducted to analyze stress characteristics and energy absorption under different angles (α) and velocities (v). It is evident that two variables play an important role in stress and energy. Thirdly, response surface methodology (RSM) and the Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) are implemented with high precision to solve multi-objective optimization. Finally, the final compromise solution is determined based on the fitness function, with an angle of 49.23° and an impact velocity of 16.40 m/s. Through simulation verification, the errors of energy absorption (EA) and peak crush stress (PCS) are 9.26% and 0.4%, respectively. The findings of this study offer valuable design guidance for selecting the optimal design parameters under the same mass conditions to effectively enhance the performance of the honeycomb.

Damping prediction of highly dissipative meta-structures through a wave finite element methodology

Aiming at accurately predicting the global Damping Loss Factor (DLF) for Highly Dissipative Structures (HDS), the current study uses the Wave Finite Element (WFE) methodology. It starts by deriving the forced responses of a Unit Cell (UC) representative of the periodic meta-structure. Then it computes the DLF of the wave via the power balance. The Bloch expansion is employed. The response to a point force applied to the periodic structure is decomposed in the Brillouin zone, allowing the prediction via integration over the wavespace. The global DLF is derived based on the Power Input Method (PIM). The accuracy of the methodology is demonstrated through several cases from simple panels to complex meta-structures. For HDS, results of General Laminated Model (GLM) is exploited for wave DLF and PIM based on Finite Element Method (FEM) data is provided as reference approach for global DLF. The study discusses the influence of bending waves on the DLF estimation for HDS. A final case study with a meta-structure is also offered. The later consists of a doubly periodic coated sphere in a host rubber, it demonstrates the importance of Bloch modes.

Variable Universe Fuzzy-Proportional-Integral-Differential-Based Braking Force Control of Electro-Mechanical Brakes for Mine Underground Electric Trackless Rubber-Tired Vehicles.

Currently, the main solution for braking systems for underground electric trackless rubber-tired vehicles (UETRVs) is traditional hydraulic braking systems, which have the disadvantages of hydraulic pressure crawling, the risk of oil leakage and a high maintenance cost. An electro-mechanical-braking (EMB) system, as a type of novel brake-by-wire (BBW) system, can eliminate the above shortcomings and play a significant role in enhancing the intelligence level of the braking system in order to meet the motion control requirements of unmanned UETRVs. Among these requirements, the accurate control of clamping force is a key technology in controlling performance and the practical implementation of EMB systems. In order to achieve an adaptive clamping force control performance of an EMB system, an optimized fuzzy proportional-integral-differential (PID) controller is proposed, where the improved fuzzy algorithm is utilized to adaptively adjust the gain parameters of classic PID. In order to compensate for the deficiency of single-close-loop control and adjusting the brake gap automatically, a cascaded three-closed-loop control architecture with force/position switch technology is established, where a contact point detection method utilizing motor rotor angle displacement is proposed via experiments. The results of the simulation and experiments indicate that the clamping force response of the proposed multi-close-loop Variable Universe Fuzzy-PID (VUF-PID) controller is faster than the multi-closed-loop Fuzzy-PID and cascaded three-close-loop PID controllers. In addition, the chattering of braking force can be suppressed by 17%. This EMB system may rapidly and automatically finish the operation of the overall braking process, including gap elimination, clamping force tracking and gap recovery, which can obviously enhance the precision of the longitudinal motion control of UETRVs. It can thus serve as a BBW actuator of mine autonomous driving electric vehicles, especially in the stage of braking control.

The phenomenon of anticipation in fencing. An applicability approach.

The aim of the study was to determine the structure of muscular activity and ground reaction forces during the preparatory period and the execution of a fencing lunge at the opponent's torso. The analysis focused on the correlations between three phases of a fencing technical action in the context of factors of temporal anticipation. Six female épée fencers from the Polish National Fencing Team participated in the study. The research tools included electromyography (EMG), ground reaction force (GRF) platforms, and the OptiTrack motion capture system. The fencers performed the lunge three times in response to visual cues from the coach. By integrating the testing system, the EMG signal indices of the fencers' upper and lower limbs and the vertical force values of the fencers' front and rear leg muscles were obtained simultaneously. The results of the study demonstrated the key role of five muscles: BICEPS BRACHII, LAT TRICEPS, EXTCARP RAD, BICEPS FEMORIS and MED GAS in influencing the speed of lunge execution. In addition, a significant correlation was found between the EMG signal of the gastrocnemius muscle of the rear leg and the movement time (MT) phase of the lunge execution. The anticipatory activation of the EMG signal in relation to the vertical force waveforms generated by the ground forces response platform in the 15-30 ms interval was demonstrated. Finally, the importance of the preparatory period for the effectiveness of the fencing lunge was highlighted based on the phenomenon of anticipation.

Intentional blade mistuning to emulate the dynamic influence of split ring damper

Abstract A novel methodology to predict responses of bladed disk incorporated with a split ring damper is proposed. To account for the dynamic characteristics of the split ring damper, intentional blade stiffness mistuning is presented. It is assumed that the mistuning is proportional to the blade stiffness matrix and uniformly distributed to all blades. Therefore, the responses of bladed disk integrated with split ring damper are captured by detuned bladed disk integrated with continuous ring damper. The proposed method is demonstrated through a lumped-parameter model and validated using a complete finite element model. A key advantage of the proposed approach is that the dynamic characteristics of a split ring damper are emulated by a continuous ring damper in the detuned bladed disk. Moreover, the approach holds the potential to facilitate ROM by employing sector-level calculations. This results in substantial reductions in computational efforts while maintaining accurate predictions of forced responses.

Steady but model dependent Arctic amplification of the forced temperature response in 21st century CMIP6 projections

Abstract We examine sources of uncertainty in projections of Arctic Amplification (AA) using the CMIP6 multi-model ensemble and single model initial-condition large ensembles of historical and future scenario simulations. In the CMIP6 multi-model mean, the annual mean AA ratio is steady at approximately 2.5, both in time and across scenarios, resulting in negligibly small scenario uncertainty in the magnitude of AA. Deviations from the steady value can be found at the low and high emission scenarios due to different root causes, with the latter being mostly evident in the summer and autumn seasons. Best estimates of model uncertainty are at least an order of magnitude larger than scenario uncertainty in CMIP6. The large ensembles reveal that irreducible internal variability has a similar magnitude to model uncertainty for most of the 21st century, except in the lowest emission scenario at the end of the 21st century when it could be twice as large.

Insight into single-helix intelligent shape memory polymer cables: modeling and optimization under finite sliding contact

This pioneering study focuses on the finite element analysis (FEA) of thermomechanical properties of shape memory polymer (SMP) wire ropes and their components under both small- and finite-sliding contact deformation. To validate the FEA, we need to validate both geometric modeling and non-linear material behavior. Owing to intricate geometry, as well as excessive wire interactions in the structure, this part is studied by simulating a 1 × 37 steel wire rope and then comparing it with existing experimental data. To evaluate the response of non-linear material behavior, we employ the available numerical results to model the thermomechanical property of an SMP rectangular bar under a uniaxial test and then verify both constrained and unconstrained recovery behavior. After rigorous validation, two configurations of 1 × 7 and 1 × 27 SMP cables are modeled based on the thermo-visco-hyperelastic constitutive framework for acrylate polymer systems. Upon exerting an axially tensile load on these 1 × 7 and 1 × 27 SMP wire ropes, the response of force and shape recovery, as well as the normal and shear stress distributions, are measured under constrained and unconstrained conditions. For a deeper physical understanding, the influences of different temperature rates (5 and 1 °C min−1), inter-wire sliding frictional coefficient (0.1–0.6), and multiple-shape programming on the stress-strain-temperature relations of these SMP cables are also investigated. Furthermore, based on optimizing two cable factors of diameter and helix angle, and using the design of experiments method, the specific energy of a 1 × 6 SMP cable is maximized. Under different thermomechanical loadings, this study tries to cast light on the remarkable features and possible potential applications of these newly developed SMP actuators which may foster unparalleled advancements in various industries.

Influence of local scour on the dynamic response of bridges under barge collisions

The response assessment of bridges crossing navigable waterways under vessel collisions is commonly conducted assuming intact bridge models. However, local scour may occur at bridge foundations, which has been identified as one of the major hydraulic causes of bridge failures. Therefore, it is imperative to consider local scour in the design and analysis of bridges against vessel collisions. Many previous studies have focused on the bridge response under vessel collisions assuming deterministic scour depths with incremental values, without integrating a scour prediction modeling in the analysis. This work investigates the barge-bridge collisions in the presence of scour at pile foundations, by using empirical scour prediction models. The accuracy of each prediction model is evaluated using relevant laboratory test and field measurement records. Finite element (FE) models of a four-span continuous reinforced concrete (RC) bridge and a jumbo hopper barge are developed in LS-DYNA. The current study identifies the correlation between the upstream flow depth and the barge collision location in the analyses. Numerical results illustrate that both scour depth and collision location influence the displacement, shear force, and bending moment response of bridge piles. The struck bridge pier accommodates a considerably increased displacement with an increased scour depth, while the shear force and bending moment are primarily influenced by the collision location. The influence of scour on the barge-pier collision force is marginal. The maximum axial force in soil springs increases considerably with scour depth. The choice of scour prediction model shows a significant impact on the displacement, shear force, bending moment of piles, the displacement of struck pier, and the axial force of soil springs.

Modular approximate discrete modeling for blisk system with triple closed-loop equivalence method

At present, the lumped-parametric model is often used in the preliminary design of bladed disks. However, the lack of systematic modeling methods leads to high errors. In order to develop the systematic modeling method and improve the equivalence accuracy, this paper considers the comprehensive equivalence from the aspects of natural characteristics, transient forced responses, and steady-state forced responses under aerodynamic excitations. This paper includes two novelties. First, based on the modular equation of blisk system, an approximate discrete model is derived for computational efficiency. Second, a triple closed-loop equivalence method with modal weight optimization is developed innovatively for optimal equivalence parameters. The method can significantly improve the accuracy of element parameters in the lumped-parametric model and achieve the comprehensive equivalence to actual blisk. Compared with the existing equivalence method, the average errors of natural frequencies in the whole mode interval and in the high-density mode interval are reduced by 41.75 % and 36.76 %, respectively. The maximum and average displacement errors of the transient response are reduced by 51.76 % and 58.98 %, respectively. Furthermore, vibration characteristics of the mass and stiffness mistuned blisks are analyzed under traveling wake excitation during acceleration and deceleration processes by approximate discrete model and determined parameters.

Improving Aeromechanical Performance of Compressor Rotor Blisk with Topology Optimization

When it comes to modern design of turbomachinery, one of the most critical objectives is to achieve higher efficiency and performance by reducing weight, fuel consumption, and noise emissions. This implies the need for reducing the mass and number of the components, by designing thinner, lighter, and more loaded blades. These choices may lead to mechanical issues caused by the fluid–structure interaction, such as flutter and forced response. Due to the periodic aerodynamic loading in rotating components, preventing or predicting resonances is essential to avoid or limit the dangerous vibration of the blades; thus, simulation methods are crucial to study such conditions during the machine design. The purpose of this paper is to assess a numerical approach based on a topology optimization method for the innovative design of a compressor rotor. A fluid-structural optimization process has been applied to a rotor blisk which belongs to a one-and-a-half-stage aeronautical compressor including static and dynamic loads coming from blade rotation and fluid flow interaction. The fluid forcing is computed by some CFD TRAF code, and it is processed via time and space discrete Fourier transform to extract the pressure fluctuation components in a cyclic-symmetry environment. Finally, a topological optimization of the disk is performed, and the encouraging results are presented and discussed. The remarkable mass reduction in the component (≈32%), the mode-shape frequency shift from a fluid forcing frequency, and an overall relevant reduction in the dynamic response around Campbell’s crossing confirm the efficacy of the presented methodology.

Experimental analysis and safety assessment of thermal runaway behavior in lithium iron phosphate batteries under mechanical abuse

Mechanical abuse can lead to internal short circuits and thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, causing severe harm. Therefore, this paper systematically investigates the thermal runaway behavior and safety assessment of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries under mechanical abuse through experimental research. Mechanical abuse experiments are conducted under different conditions and battery state of charge (SOC), capturing force, voltage, and temperature responses during failure. Subsequently, characteristic parameters of thermal runaway behavior are extracted. Further, mechanical abuse conditions are quantified, and the relationship between experimental conditions and battery characteristic parameters is analyzed. Finally, regression models for battery safety boundaries and the degree of thermal runaway risk are established. The research results indicate that the extracted characteristic parameters effectively reflect internal short circuit (ISC) and thermal runaway behaviors, and the regression models provide a robust description of the battery's safety boundaries and thermal runaway risk degree. This work sheds light on understanding thermal runaway behavior and safety assessment methods for lithium-ion cells under mechanical abuse.