Maximum Displacement Research Articles

Preparation and characterisation of IPMC brakes modified with composite electrodes performance

Ionic Polymer Metal Composite (IPMC) can be used as flexible actuators and sensors in the fields of bionic machinery and medical devices. However, IPMC still suffer from poor actuation performance and high cost of electrode preparation in practical applications. Optimisation of electrodes and use of novel assembly processes are expected to solve these problems. In this paper, low-dimensional nanocarbon materials were used to modify the Nafion membrane. Appropriate amounts of carbon nanotubes and carbon black were weighed and dispersed in chitosan and acetic acid to form a stable electrolyte. A new IPMC was prepared by bonding carbon nanotube and carbon black films on the Nafion membrane using the hot pressing method. Scanning electron microscope images showed that the hybrid films composed of carbon nanotubes and carbon black were successfully hot pressed onto the surface of the Nafion membrane and the hybrid electrode layer composed of carbon nanotubes and carbon black was more homogeneous and densely packed. The results of driving performance tests show that the hybrid electrode-modified IPMC has excellent driving performance, with a maximum output displacement of 9.2 mm and a maximum output force of 9.9 mN at a voltage of 5.0 V. These results are 1.07 and 1.14 times higher than those of the carbon nanotube IPMC and 1.74 and 1.70 times higher than those of the carbon black IPMC under the same conditions, respectively.

Design and analysis of a piezo-actuated hydraulic micro-displacement amplifier with high bandwidth and large amplification ratio

Micro-displacement amplifiers show great potential for enhancing the performance of piezoelectric ceramic stacks. However, designing a compact micro-displacement amplifier with a high amplification ratio and broad bandwidth remains challenging. This article introduces a hydraulic micro-displacement amplifier driven by a piezoelectric ceramic stack with a large amplification ratio, high bandwidth, and eliminating parasitic displacement. Theoretical and simulation analyses are performed for the hydraulic micro-displacement amplifier, optimizing parameters such as edge thin ring thickness and spring stiffness. A prototype was fabricated and tested in a series of experiments. The experimental results demonstrate that, under steady-state conditions, the hydraulic micro-displacement amplifier achieves an amplification ratio of 26.12 with a standard deviation of 2.28. The maximum output displacement is 172.4 μm at 150 V, and the resonant frequency is 445 Hz under a 20 N load. This study provides a novel approach to designing micro-displacement amplifiers.

Deformation and Stress Prediction of Tank under Uneven Settlement

Abstract The differential settlement of crude oil tank foundations can lead to deformation and stress concentration, posing significant risks to the safe operation of storage tanks. This study developed a finite element model for a large crude oil storage tank subjected to harmonic settlement to address the issue of non-uniform settlement around the tank. The model systematically varied the tank’s diameter-to-thickness ratio, height-to-diameter ratio, and the wind beam’s relative bending stiffness. The research examined the impact of these three factors on the maximum dimensionless radial displacement at the tank top and the maximum equivalent stress at the tank bottom. A predictive method was proposed for estimating the radial displacement at the tank top and the equivalent stress at the tank bottom under uneven settlement, offering valuable insights for assessing the integrity of large tanks in such conditions.

Prediction of bone ingrowth into a porous novel hip-stem: A finite element analysis integrated with mechanoregulatory algorithm.

Bone ingrowth into a porous implant is necessary for its long-term fixation. Although attempts have been made to quantify the peri-implant bone growth using finite element (FE) analysis integrated with mechanoregulatory algorithms, bone ingrowth into a porous cellular hip stem has scarcely been investigated. Using a three-dimensional (3D) FE model and mechanobiology-based numerical framework, the objective of this study was to predict the spatial distribution of evolutionary bone ingrowth into an uncemented novel porous hip stem proposed earlier by the authors. A CT-based FE macromodel of the implant-bone structure was developed. The bone material properties were assigned based on CT grey value. Peak musculoskeletal loading conditions, corresponding to level walking and stair climbing, were applied. The geometry of the implant-bone macromodel was divided into multiple submodels. A suitable mapping framework was used to transfer maximum nodal displacements from the FE macromodel to the cut boundaries of the FE submodels. CT grey value-based bone materials properties were assigned to the submodels. Thereafter, the submodels were solved and simulations of bone ingrowth were carried out using mechanoregulatory principle. A gradual increase in the average Young's modulus, from 1200 to 1500 MPa, of the bone tissue layer was observed considering all the submodels. The distal submodel exhibited 82% of bone ingrowth, whereas the proximal submodel experienced 65% bone ingrowth. Equilibrium in the bone ingrowth process was achieved in 7 weeks postoperatively, with a notable amount of bone ingrowth that should lead to biological fixation of the novel hip stem.

Study on settlement deformation law of new and old subgrade of expressway reconstruction and expansion based on CPTU

In the reconstruction and expansion of expressways in soft soil areas, controlling the differential settlement between the new and existing subgrades is of vital importance. To investigate the settlement and deformation characteristics of both the new and existing subgrades, piezocone penetration test (CPTU) and dissipation tests were conducted on these subgrades. The CPTU dissipation data was utilized to determine the soil’s degree of consolidation, and settlement calculations for the new and existing road subgrades were based on the CPTU test results. Subsequently, a finite element model was developed using the CPTU test findings to analyze the horizontal displacements, vertical settlements, and differential settlements of the new and existing subgrades before and after the reconstruction and expansion. Based on the measured settlement results, the new and old subgrade settlement calculation results are verified. The outcomes revealed that the degree of consolidation for the existing road subgrade of the Lianhuai Expressway ranged between 42 % and 96 %. The maximum horizontal displacement of the subgrade pre- and post-expansion occurred at the slope toe. Before expansion, the maximum vertical settlement was observed along the road’s centerline, while after expansion, it was located in the centerline of the widened section. The maximum additional settlement amounted to 274.77 mm. During the new road construction phase, the differential settlement between the new and existing road subgrades increased rapidly over time, peaking at its maximum value. However, during the operational phase of the new road, this differential settlement tapered off as time progressed.

Numerička analiza titrajnog odziva dalekovoda velikog raspona prijenosnih vodova izazvanog vjetrom

Based on the engineering background related to ±800 kV ultra-high voltage (UHV) transmission lines spanning the Yellow River, finite element models were developed for single-tower and transmission tower-line systems, with their wind-induced responses under wind loads were simulated and analysed. In addition, the coupling effect in a large-span transmission tower line system was investigated. The results showed that the natural vibration frequency of the tower-line system was slightly lower than that of a single tower and that the torsional natural frequency was the most significantly reduced. The transmission tower-line system has a maximum displacement of 1.92 times that of a single tower when the wind angle is 0°. The maximum axial force and stress in the tower-line system are 1.6 times and 1.37 times higher than those in a single tower. The interaction between the tower and wires significantly affects the wind-induced response of the tower body. Hence, considering the dynamic coupling effect of the tower-line transmission system is important when designing a tower.

Effect evaluation of fluid movement and rock properties for artificial seismic activity on hydrocarbons

Despite the effectiveness of seismic stimulation in enhancing oil production from reservoirs, the impact of high-frequency vibrations on oil droplets confined within pore throats has not been adequately investigated. This laboratory-scale experimental study examines the impact of low and high-frequency sinusoidal vibrations in dislodging oil droplets trapped in a specific pore-throat region. Sinusoidal vibrations ranging from 10 to 80 Hz and with maximum displacement amplitudes of 1.2–0.06 mm are applied. By comparing the images captured prior to and after the application of seismic vibrations, the amount of oil recovered is determined. Commercial gasoline and diesel are used as trapped oil samples, and water is used as the injection fluid to bring out the effect of fluid viscosities in seismic dislodgment. While applying vibrations to trapped oil in the pore throat, three different recovery modes are observed: continuous, snap-off, and emulsified. The continuous oil recovery mode is observed in cases with minimal flow resistance through the pore throat, whereas a snap-off or intermittent recovery mode is observed when the flow resistance is high, and the vibration frequencies fall within the midrange of 40–60 Hz. An emulsified oil recovery mode is observed at high vibration frequencies. The amount of recovered oil increases as geometrical restrictions and trapped oil viscosity decrease. Seismic mobilization is observed to be directly proportional to the mobilization velocity and inversely proportional to the entrapped oil viscosity and geometrical restriction factors.

The Itappachi Universal Motion Platform for Accurate Dose Measurement in Thoracoabdominal Radiotherapy.

We developed the "Itappachi" universal motion platform for measuring radiation doses under simulated respiratory motion in radiation therapy. The interplay effect, resulting from respiratory motion, degrades dose delivery precision in advanced treatments such as volumetric modulated arc therapy. The Itappachi platform is designed for precise dose measurement in dynamic scenarios through its ability to simulate respiratory motion. The platform features a large surface (580 mm × 380 mm), capable of supporting weights up to 56.8 kg, and moves with an amplitude of ±25 mm. It requires no silicone oil for maintenance, and it is controlled via Wi-Fi using user-owned devices, thereby reducing costs. Its motion accuracy was confirmed, with a maximum displacement error of 0.12 mm. Using the platform, we conducted dose measurements with a Delta4 Phantom under static, moving without gated irradiation, and moving with gated irradiation conditions. Gamma index analysis revealed excellent agreement for static and dynamic gated conditions (99.4%), while significant dose degradation occurred in the non-gated dynamic condition (32.6%). The Itappachi platform provides a cost-effective and accurate solution for dose measurement under respiratory motion by which it supports improved quality assurance in radiation therapy.

Surface ruptures of the 2022 Guanshan-Chihshang earthquakes in central Longitudinal Valley area, eastern Taiwan

AbstractThe Mw 6.4 and 6.8 Guanshan-Chihshang earthquakes occurred on 17 and 18 September 2022 resulted in prominent surface ruptures within the Longitudinal Valley in eastern Taiwan, particularly along the Yuli fault. Approximately 18 h after the mainshock, we began to document the surface rupture near Yuli Town. Our result suggests the surface rupture formed a confined single left-lateral trace in the town of Yuli, characterized by a series of en échelon right-stepping left-lateral faulting geometry. The rupture of 2022 roughly matches the locations of 1951 surface ruptures inside Yuli Town, with a similar amount of left-lateral cross-fault displacement. North and South of the Yuli residential area, we identified several sections of the surface rupture distributed in the water-saturated paddy fields. The maximum left-lateral displacement recorded across the rupture can reach 1.4 m just south of Yuli, with the fault scarp resembling a high-angle west-dipping fault geometry. In addition to the co-seismic surface ruptures, our repeating cross-fault measurements show significant post-seismic shallow after-slip along the Yuli fault. The amount of post-seismic deformation within 3 months after the mainshock is close to, or even higher than the co-seismic cross-fault displacement, consistent with local witness accounts and post-event field photos which showed continuous damage and displacement of building floors and roads after the earthquake. Such shallow post-seismic slips were also observed along the main fault trace in the 2014 South Napa earthquake, and likely represent the shallow elastoplastic behavior of the sub-vertical fault in the young alluvial sediments.

Three-Dimensional Analysis of Vocal Fold Oscillations: Correlating Superior and Medial Surface Dynamics Using Ex Vivo Human Hemilarynges.

The primary acoustic signal of the voice is generated by the complex oscillation of the vocal folds (VFs), whereby physicians can barely examine the medial VF surface due to its anatomical inaccessibility. In this study, we investigated possibilities to infer medial surface dynamics by analyzing correlations in the oscillatory behavior of the superior and medial VF surfaces of four human hemilarynges, each in 24 different combinations of flow rate, VF adduction, and elongation. The two surfaces were recorded synchronously during sustained phonation using two high-speed camera setups and were subsequently 3D-reconstructed. The 3D surface parameters of mean and maximum velocities and displacements and general phonation parameters were calculated. The VF oscillations were also analyzed using empirical eigenfunctions (EEFs) and mucosal wave propagation, calculated from medial surface trajectories. Strong linear correlations were found between the 3D parameters of the superior and medial VF surfaces, ranging from 0.8 to 0.95. The linear regressions showed similar values for the maximum velocities at all hemilarynges (0.69-0.9), indicating the most promising parameter for predicting the medial surface. Since excessive VF velocities are suspected to cause phono-trauma and VF polyps, this parameter could provide added value to laryngeal diagnostics in the future.

Solitary wave-induced boulder transport on a beach

The influence of sediment on a slope on boulder transport is studied experimentally at the Hydrodynamics Laboratory of the University of Oslo. Experiments are conducted in a small 3 m long and 10 cm wide wave tank, filled with 5 cm of water. The transport of boulders is induced by breaking solitary waves with an amplitude normalized by water depth a/hw= 0.5. Generated solitary waves propagate towards a 1:10 beach. The experiments are conducted in two set-ups: (i) empty Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bottom of the flume, (ii) the slope covered by a thin layer of 65μm sand. The boulders are represented by concrete blocks of different shape and size. They are placed alternately (one at a time) at different locations on the beach slope with respect to wave breaking point. Transport of boulders and their dynamics is studied with respect to boulder characteristics (size, orientation), their initial position and inclusion of sediment. It is shown that presence of sediment enhances boulder transport. In particular, in this set-up, the presence of sediment increased the boulder transport in 2–5 times. The maximum displacement increase was observed for boulders with the smallest length and height and the largest width initially located at the breaking position. Another interesting result regards the type of boulder motion. The boulders experienced either sliding or turning over. Boulders whose height was at least twice as large as their length exhibited turning-over. This held for boulders placed both on an empty PMMA slope and on a sedimentary slope. However, the largest boulder displacement on an empty PMMA slope occurred due to turning over, while on a sedimentary slope it occurred due to sliding.

Machine learning-based multi-objective prestress optimization framework of suspend dome structure and case study

Intelligent optimization algorithms are widely employed for the prestress optimization of suspend domes to determine the optimal cable forces. This process involves numerous complex iterative calculations, with each iteration including a corresponding finite element analysis. Such a process is both cumbersome and time-consuming. In this study, a machine learning-based surrogate model integrated with an intelligent optimization algorithm was developed to address the prestress optimization problem in suspend domes. This optimization problem incorporates multiple objective constraints, including maximum vertical displacement, maximum lateral displacement of the support, uniformity of the cable force, and maximum cable force value. The efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed method were demonstrated through two case studies. Results show that the proposed method reduced computational time by 95 % and ensured convergence by effectively integrating the surrogate model with a multi-objective optimization strategy.

Tall and Fall Versus Drop and Drive Strategy in College Baseball Pitchers for Velocity and Elbow Valgus Torque

Background: Depending on anthropometrics and coaching style, pitchers are taught to pitch with a stride strategy that are traditionally classified as “tall and fall” or “drop and drive” for the purpose of maximizing pitch velocity. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of stride strategy (tall and fall vs drop and drive) in college baseball pitching on pitch velocity and elbow valgus torque. It was hypothesized that pitch velocity and elbow valgus torque would increase as pitchers aligned more with the tall and fall technique. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Markerless motion capture data were recorded on 64 collegiate pitchers (height, 1.89 ± 0.06 m; weight, 93.06 ± 9.44 kg) during game play at the host institution during the 2023 season. Peak magnitudes of body center of mass (COM) vertical displacement were determined using a straight-line trajectory between peak knee height and lead foot contact and used as a continuous variable. Pitchers were required to throw ≥4 fastballs during their outing to be included in the analysis. Multilevel modeling was used to determine associations between peak magnitudes of positive and negative vertical displacement of COM on pitch velocity and elbow valgus torque. Every fastball throughout the season with biomechanics data for each pitcher was included in the multilevel model. Results: Fastball velocity was mean ± SD 90.68 ± 2.90 mph (40.54 ± 1.29 m/s). Mean maximal negative vertical COM displacement was −0.91 ± 0.47 inches (−0.023 ± 0.012 m), which occurred 18.1% ± 5.75% of the way between peak knee height and stride foot contact. Mean maximal positive vertical COM displacement was 1.73 ± 1.14 inches (0.044 ± 0.029 m), which occurred 65.7% ± 7.8% of the time from peak knee height to stride foot contact. Positive COM displacement (β = 0.54; P < .001) and timing of peak positive COM displacement (β = 1.82; P = .023) reduced interpitcher variance by 9.9% and improved the ability of our model to predict fastball velocity. Negative COM displacement improved the ability of our model to predict ball velocity (β = −0.45; P = .021). Vertical COM displacement did not influence elbow valgus torque. Conclusion: Increasing vertical COM displacement in either the positive or the negative direction resulted in increased fastball velocity but did not result in greater elbow valgus torque. This indicates that the stride method may be used for performance enhancement but is unlikely to influence ulnar collateral ligament injury risk in college baseball pitchers. Clinical Relevance: Clinicians should not use stride mechanics as an injury risk indicator or diagnostic factor in injury etiology for college baseball pitchers.

Prediction of dynamic shear and maximum displacement of clamped reinforced concrete beams subjected to impact loading

This paper presents a novel approach for predicting the dynamic shear forces and the maximum displacement of clamped reinforced concrete (RC) beams subjected to impact loading. By integrating wave propagation effects, membrane actions and the time-dependent acceleration distribution into the analysis, the study presents an improved approach based on single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) analysis and overcomes the limitations of conventional SDOF method. The proposed model is validated against experimental data and finite-element simulations, demonstrating its reliability and accuracy in predicting dynamic response. Based on the validated model, a series of design charts are generated facilitating quick predictions of the maximum shear force at support and the maximum displacement of RC beams under impact, offering practical tools for engineers to enhance the safety and resilience of RC beams against impact loading.

Finite element analysis of anatomic plate fixation for proximal clavicular fractures

To explore establishment and finite element analysis of personalized proximal clavicular anatomical plate screw fixation model. A 40-year-old male healthy volunteer was selected and the finite element analysis modules of 3D reconstruction software Mimics 15.01, Hypermesh 2019 and Abaqus 2020 were used. The finite element model of anatomic plate at the proximal clavicle was established, and a vertical load of 250 N was applied to the distal end of long axis of clavicle about 15 mm, then the overall structure, plate and screw displacement cloud image, Mises stress distribution were observed. The displacement distribution of the overall structure shows the maximum displacement was distributed on the distal clavicle. Under the four conditions of normal upper limb weight, longitudinal clavicle fracture, oblique fracture and shoulder impact violence during fall, longitudinal clavicle fracture and oblique fracture, the maximum displacement were 1.04 mm, 1.03 mm, 1.35 mm and 1.33 mm, respectively. The displacement cloud map of titanium alloy steel plate showed the largest displacement was distributed near the distal clavicular bone, and the maximum displacement were 0.89 mm, 0.88 mm, 1.10 mm and 1.09 mm, respectively. The displacement cloud map of titanium alloy screw showed the largest displacement was distributed at the root of the distal screw, and the maximum displacement were 0.88 mm, 0.87 mm, 1.08 mm and 1.06 mm, respectively. Mises stress distribution showed the maximum stress was mainly distributed on titanium alloy plates and screws, and the stress on the clavicle was very small. Mises stress distribution cloud showed the maximum Mises stress was distributed at the second row of screw holes near the clavicle, and the maximum Mises stress were 673.1, 678.1, 648.5, 654.4 MPa, respectively. The maximum stresses of titanium alloy screws were 414.5, 417.4, 415.8 and 419.7 MPa, respectively. The biomechanical changes of personalized proximal clavicular anatomical plates are demonstrated by using 3D finite element method to provide biomechanical data for personalized proximal clavicular anatomical plates.

Experimental investigation of buckling and post-buckling behaviour of repaired composite laminates under in-plane shear loading

The performance of Ramped Scarf (RS) and Stepped Scarf (SS) repair schemes for highly loaded composite structures has been extensively studied under compressive, tensile, and flexural loadings. However, there is a lack of research on the buckling and post-buckling behaviour of RS and SS repairs under in-plane shear loading, which is critical for aerostructures. This paper addresses this gap by investigating the buckling and post-buckling performance of these repair schemes. Pristine (P) laminates, RS repairs with a scarf angle of 3°, and SS repairs with an overlap step length of 1/60 were manufactured and tested. The quality of the scarf repairs was inspected using artificial intelligence-based machine vision. Mechanical in-plane shear testing was conducted to evaluate the buckling and post-buckling behaviour of P, RS, and SS laminates. The experimental results indicate that RS repairs demonstrated an average of 35 % higher maximum displacement and 12 % higher failure load compared to pristine laminates. SS repairs showed 19 % higher maximum displacement, and 5 % higher failure load compared to pristine laminates. RS repairs excelled in all key mechanical performance indicators, including buckling load, Hooke's stiffness, maximum displacement, and failure load, compared to SS repairs. The failure modes of P, RS, and SS laminates were similar. However, RS repairs exhibited greater susceptibility to repair patch detachment compared to SS repairs.

Cost optimization in structural design for reinforced concrete frames using Jaya algorithm

This study analyzes and optimizes the structural design of three-dimensional (3D) reinforced concrete framestructures to minimize the amount of two main materials, including concrete and steel reinforcement, used inreinforced concrete frames. Jaya algorithm was developed based on evolutionary algorithms to build the structural optimization model. The objective function (minimum material cost) with variables being column andbeam cross-sections was set up. In which, the constraints related to the maximum internal force and displacement being in the structural members satisfy limited strength and serviceability requirements. A subroutine written in Python was used to connect the optimization process to the structural analysis software, ETABS. The 3D reinforced concrete frame of a three-story building was selected for cost and design optimization analysis. In which, the optimization problem was solved in cases of three different maximum numbers of iterations, including 20, 35, and 50. In each iteration level, a setting of five independent runs was performed. The subroutine proved to be fast, robust, and convenient manner for solving optimization problems in designing 3D reinforced concrete frames. In which, the best optimal cost might be obtained after twenty iterations and the better convergence behavior occurred at higher numbers of iterations. The study results showed that, for this reinforced concrete frame, applying optimal design led to a materials cost reduction (success rate) by 33.67% compared to that of the conventional design. This success rate would fluctuate according to different nations’ design codes.

Optimization-Based Vibration Control Analysis of Dampers in High-Rise Building

Tuned mass dampers (TMDs) are a useful control of vibrations for tall buildings and can be considered equal to burdens such as breezes and earthquakes. The better limits for TMD are to reduce the earthquake vibrations of tall buildings including soil–structure interaction (SSI) influences. This study proposes the multi-objective Black Widow Optimization (BWO) with Elman neural network (ENN) computation that is brought on to find the optimal limits of TMD. Considering that this proposed model analyzed the mass, stiffness, and damping ratio of TMD to get the maximum accelerations and displacement of 40 story building model, from the execution results, starting from this proposed BWO–Elman model to the expected methodology, the most outrageous TMD limits are better, likewise, the reduction of acceleration and displacement are 25% and 19.86% in the proposed study. This study assists the researchers with a better understanding of earthquake vibration and leads the fashioners to achieve superior TMD for tall designs. The impact of vibration control on the displacements and accelerations of both controlled and uncontrolled buildings is investigated in this work. It uses a MATLAB software technique to analyze their modal replies, moreover, this proposed optimal TMD model is compared with conventional techniques by acceleration and stiffness parameters.

Achieving excellent properties of laser tailor-welded thin Al-Si coated press-hardened steel joint via controlling dilution rate

In laser tailor welded traditional 25 μm thick Al-Si coated press-hardened steel (PHS), a lot of ferrite was easily formed in the weld, so filling with expensive high-alloys wire is usually necessary. In this work, a new thin Al-Si coated PHS with 18 μm thickness was laser tailor welded, and a cheap low alloy wire was attempted to fill into the weld to via control the dilution rate. At a high dilution rate of 94%, the weld contained a ferrite fraction of 38%, resulting in the fracture occurring in the weld during tension and bending. At a medium dilution rate of 85%, the ferrite fraction in the weld decreased to 18%, obtaining excellent tensile and bending properties. The tensile strength and elongation of the joint reached 1528 MPa and 5.6%, respectively, with fracture being in the base metal (BM). The maximum bending load and displacement were 1291 N and 7.0 mm, respectively, and cracks initiated and propagated in the BM. This is attributed to the small amount of ferrite and stress concentration in the narrow weld. At a low dilution rate of 76%, the ferrite reduced to 6%, and the bending cracks initiated and propagated in the BM. However, the tensile specimen fractured in the weld, which should be related to the relatively low C concentration and the stress concentration at the weld toe due to the weld reinforcements.

Influence Mechanism of Water Level Variation on Deformation of Steep and Toppling Bedding Rock Slope

The construction of major hydropower projects globally is challenged by slope deformation in reservoir areas. The deformation and failure mechanisms of large rock slopes are complex and poorly understood, making prevention and management extremely challenging. In order to explore the influence mechanism of the water level variation on the deformation of steep toppling bedding rock slopes, this paper takes the right bank slope near the dam area of the Longtou Hydropower Station as an example, and field investigations, deformation monitoring, physical simulation tests and numerical analyses are carried out. It is found that the slope deformation response is obvious under the influence of the reservoir water level variation, which is mainly reflected in the change in the slope groundwater level, rock mechanical parameters and seepage field in the slope body. The toe of the slope produces plastic deformation and maximum displacement. With the increase in the reservoir water level, the plastic zone expands and the displacement increases, which leads to the intensification of the slope deformation. This paper puts forward that the deformation and failure modes of the steep and toppling bedding rock slope caused by water level variation are due to shear dislocation, bending deformation and toppling fracture. This study reveals the influence mechanism of the water level variation on the deformation of steep and toppling bedding rock slopes, which can provide theoretical support for the construction of major hydropower projects.