Mechanical Model Research Articles

Dynamic Mechanical Properties and Constitutive Modeling of Polyurethane Microporous Elastomers

The present study fabricated samples of polyurethane elastomers (PUEs) with three distinct densities and assessed their mechanical responses using split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) tests. The findings reveal a significant increase in PUE stress with increasing strain rate and density. To further investigate the influence of strain rate sensitivity on PUEs, a strain rate sensitivity coefficient was employed to quantify the impact of strain rate on the mechanical properties of PUEs. Separate quantifications were performed for collapse stress, plateau stress, and densification strain as indicators of the strain rate sensitivity coefficient. The results demonstrate that the collapse stress sensitivity coefficient was notably affected by the applied strain rate. Additionally, both collapse and plateau stresses exhibited an increase with increasing density, which could be described by a power function relationship. Based on the theory of strain energy function, a constitutive model considering density and strain rate effects was developed to describe the stress–strain behavior of PUEs under various densities and strain rates. A comparison between this constitutive relationship and experimental results showed good agreement, highlighting its potential in describing dynamic mechanical behavior.

Design and Experimental Analysis of an Air-Suction Wheat Precision Hill-Seed Metering Device

The uniformity of the wheat distribution within and between rows has a significant effect on crop population structure, leading to decreased yield as nonuniformity increases. Traditional drills are influenced by soil porosity and flatness in the field, making accurate control of sowing depth and amount challenging and resulting in an uneven spatial distribution of gramineous seedlings. Precision cave-sowing technology effectively enhances wheat population distribution uniformity. However, owing to limitations in existing mechanical precision cave planters, their operational speed is lower than that of drill planters. To address these issues, this study designed an air-suction precision wheat seed dispenser, described its basic structure and working principle, and developed a seed mechanical model. A theoretical analysis was conducted on the working process and key components of the seed feeder. A suitable mould hole diameter was determined to be 1.6~2.0 mm, and the rotation speed range for the seed plate was found to be 65~85 r·min−1. Fluent simulations were used to determine the influence of orifice type on gas chamber flow fields; DEM-CFD-coupled simulation identified an appropriate negative pressure range of 2.6~3.4 kPa for optimal performance during seeding operations. Orthogonal experiments were carried out with mould hole diameter, negative pressure size, and seed plate speed as test factors alongside a qualification index, multiple sowing index, and missed sowing index as response indicators—leading to regression equation establishment, which yielded the optimal parameter combination: mould hole diameter at 1.8 mm; gas chamber negative pressure at 3.2 kPa; and a seed plate speed of 74 r·min−1, with the corresponding forwards speed of the machine being 7 km·h−1—resulting in a qualification index of 91.66%, multiple sowing index of 5.98%, and missed sowing index of 2.36%. This pneumatic suction type wheat precision seeder achieves equivalent operational speeds as traditional drills while enabling precision seeding.

Response of safety belt webbing used for formula student race car in a frontal collision

A particularly important element for ensuring the passive safety of a vehicle is the seat belt. In automotive engineering, the study of this subassembly is given special attention, because it plays a key role among the multiple safety systems, active and passive, that currently equip a vehicle. The paper studies several ways in which belt webbing can be damaged during use and how these defects can influence the behavior of the webbing. For this purpose, using the Finite Element Method (FEM) based on a mechanical model that considers the vehicle-driver-seat belt assembly, the forces that appear in the seat belt in the event of a frontal collision are determined. Experimental determinations carried out in the laboratory by the authors provide the mechanical properties modified following the failures. By introducing these mechanical properties into the developed model, it will be determined how the safety belt webbing responds in the event of a collision with a wall. A comparison is made between the behavior of the “new state” belt and one with defects in order to estimate the damage that can be caused by the appearance of the defects considered in the work.

Parameter-coupled state space models based on quasi-Gaussian fuzzy approximation

The accuracy of a fuzzy system’s approximation is closely tied to the performance of fuzzy control systems design, while this system’s interpretability depends on the description of a mechanical model using human language. This research introduces a quasi-Gaussian membership function characterized by a pair of parameters to achieve the sensitivity of a triangular membership function along with the interpretability of Gaussian membership functions. Consequently, a two-dimensional (2-D) quasi-Gaussian membership function is derived, and a method for establishing quasi-Gaussian fuzzy systems (QGFS) using a rectangular grid is proposed. After validating the approximation properties using the sine function for the one-dimensional (1-D) and 2-D QGFS, the systems are applied to approximate the depyrogenation tunnel, a significant piece of equipment in the pharmaceutical industry with various mechanical designs. Validation results indicate that the 1-D and 2-D QGFS can achieve an approximation error varying within a ± 5% range. Meanwhile, the 1-D and 2-D QGFSs are applied to mechanical models of the depyrogenation tunnel with satisfactory final approximation results. Lastly, the 2-D QGFS is capable of demonstrating an excellent description of models with coupled parameters.

Tool–Branch Interaction Mechanism of Impact-Pruning Process Based on Finite Element Method

This study addresses the necessity for a more profound comprehension of the mechanical behavior and fracture mechanisms of tree branches during impact pruning. The methodologies of the research are to develop a failure model of impact-cutting mechanics and a tool–branch interaction model using the finite element method (FEM). The validation of the model was conducted through the measurement of cutting forces and cross-sectional morphology in the field. A comparative analysis between experimental and simulation data revealed an average relative error below 15% for cutting force and below 10% for the cross-sectional ratio, thereby confirming the accuracy of the model. The findings indicate the presence of plastic deformation within the cutting zone, with elastic deformation prevailing in the surrounding region. As the branch approaches the yield point, the phenomenon of plastic deformation intensifies, resulting in a notable increase in internal energy demands, particularly in larger branches. The optimal pruning diameter was identified as 15 mm. An increase in cutting velocity raises the peak cutting force by 460.9 N per m/s, while a 1° increase in the blade wedge angle adds 34.9 N. A reduction in normal stress by increasing the tool back angle improves energy efficiency. This study provides insights to optimize pruning practices, enhancing efficiency and precision.

Spatial‐Dependent Coupling of Electrochemistry, Mass Transport, and Stress in Silicon‐Graphite Composite Electrodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractThe commercialization of high‐capacity silicon materials in lithium‐ion batteries is hindered by significant volume changes. Composite anodes made from silicon and graphite, which increase battery capacity and maintain electrode structural stability, are receiving considerable attention. However, the spatial configuration of the active particles in the electrode is few investigated due to the complexity of experiments at the microscopic scale. Herein, this work focuses on electrochemical, mass transport, and stress coupling mechanisms by considering different spatial configurations of silicon and graphite. In situ electrochemical and stress measurements are first conducted to demonstrate the impact of the active material arrangement. Then, a 2D electrochemical‐mechanical model is developed considering the heterogeneity of electrochemical processes at the particle‐electrolyte interface. The results show that placing silicon in the upper active layer significantly reduces the ion transport resistance, while the graphite layer near the current collector provides a good conductive network for electron transport in the silicon layer, enhancing the performance of the composite electrode structure. By combining electrochemical and mechanical field models with experimental verification, this study deepens the understanding of composite electrode structure design, offering practical guidance for optimizing the spatial configuration of electrode materials to significantly improve battery performance.

Advanced finite element modeling methods for tensile and bending analysis of arresting gear cables

This study addresses the gap in understanding the dynamic bending behavior of multi-layer twisted steel cable, pivotal in various industrial applications such as naval aircraft arresting systems. Utilizing advanced finite element modeling, the research explores the mechanical responses of these cables under macroscopic bending scenarios. By integrating beam elements and connectors within the finite element framework, the study simulates complex inter-strand interactions under various loading conditions. Results indicate that this method significantly enhances the prediction accuracy of the cables’ mechanical properties, thus offering substantial improvements in design and performance analysis of arresting gear systems. This study’s value lies in its potential to refine mechanical modeling of complex cable systems, thereby optimizing operational efficiency and safety in engineering applications.

Some lower dimensional quantum field theories reduced from Chern-Simons gauge theories

We study symmetry reductions in the context of Euclidean Chern-Simons gauge theories to obtain lower dimensional field theories. Symmetry reduction in certain gauge theories is a common tool for obtaining explicit soliton solutions. Although pure Chern-Simons theories do not admit solitonic solutions, symmetry reduction still leads to interesting results. We establish relations at the semiclassical regime between pure Chern-Simons theories on S3 and the reduced quantum field theories, based on actions obtained by the symmetry reduction of the Chern-Simons action, spherical symmetry being the prominent one. We also discuss symmetry reductions of Chern-Simons theories on the disk, yielding a topological theory in two dimensions, which signals a curious relationship between symmetry reductions and the boundary conformal field theories. Finally, we study the Chern-Simons-Higgs instantons and show that under certain circumstances, the reduced action can formally be viewed as the action of a supersymmetric quantum mechanical model. We discuss the extent to which the reduced actions have a fermionic nature at the level of the partition function. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Three-dimensional fracture mechanics model of conch shells with hierarchical crossed-lamellar structures

Conch shells, characterized by a highly mineralized hierarchical crossed-lamellar structure that represents the pinnacle of molluscan evolution, exhibit exceptional crack resistance to protect their soft bodies from predatorial attacks. In this paper, we present a three-dimensional fracture mechanics model to establish a correlation between fracture toughness and the crossed-lamellar structure, elucidating the hierarchical crack bridging mechanism of aragonite lamellae. We find that increased fracture toughness is achieved through the energy dissipation contributed by the interfacial debonding of both first-order and second-order lamellae. The conch shells demonstrate outstanding resistance to cracking in two principal directions, featuring a locally stacked structure of flat plates that effectively withstand complex loads. The vertically alternating stacking structure of macroscopic layers of equal thickness inspires a biomimetic design with more balanced mechanical properties, accompanied by enhanced crack resistance observed as the lamellae become thinner. The theoretical results are in good agreement with relevant experimental measurements. This work not only sheds light on the physical mechanisms responsible for the remarkable fracture toughness of crossed-lamellar structures but also provides guidelines for designing high-performance biomimetic structural materials.

Heterogeneous phase deformation in a dual-phase tungsten alloy mediated by the tungsten/matrix interface: Insights from compression experiments and crystal plasticity modeling

Tungsten heavy alloy (WHA) is a typical multiphase alloy material consisting of hard tungsten (W) and soft matrix (γ) phases. When loaded, the two phases deform quite differently due to the large difference in their mechanical properties. At present, our understanding of phase deformation and behavior in the multiphase context is relatively poor compared to the single phase case. Such insight is necessary, however, for the design of multiphase alloys having optimal phase microstructure and corresponding material behavior. By combining mechanical testing and crystal plasticity modeling, the relationship between phase microstructure and multiphase alloy deformation behavior is systematically investigated in this work. The results demonstrate that deformation in the W and γ phases is quite different and related to the contrast in material properties between the two phases. Deformation heterogeneity in the multiphase alloy is characterized by the strain gradient near/across the W/γ interface and differences in phase deformation states in relation to the contrast in phase material properties and phase volume fraction. It is found that dislocation pile-up and twinning are the main mechanisms mediating heterogeneous deformation in the region around W/γ interfaces. Based on this insight, a novel design strategy for multiphase alloys is proposed based on optimization of the contrast in phase mechanical properties and the phase volume fractions. This strategy can be employed to design new tungsten alloys and other multi-phase alloys.

Cover Feature: Tutorial Review on the Set‐Up and Running of Quantum Mechanical Cluster Models for Enzymatic Reaction Mechanisms (Chem. Eur. J. 60/2024)

Cover Feature: Tutorial Review on the Set‐Up and Running of Quantum Mechanical Cluster Models for Enzymatic Reaction Mechanisms (Chem. Eur. J. 60/2024)

Rupture strength of living cell monolayers

To fulfil their function, epithelial tissues need to sustain mechanical stresses and avoid rupture. Although rupture is usually undesired, it is central to some developmental processes, for example, blastocoel formation. Nonetheless, little is known about tissue rupture because it is a multiscale phenomenon that necessitates comprehension of the interplay between mechanical forces and biological processes at the molecular and cellular scales. Here we characterize rupture in epithelial monolayers using mechanical measurements, live imaging and computational modelling. We show that despite consisting of only a single layer of cells, monolayers can withstand surprisingly large deformations, often accommodating several-fold increases in their length before rupture. At large deformation, epithelia increase their stiffness multiple fold in a process controlled by a supracellular network of keratin filaments. Perturbing the keratin network organization fragilized the monolayers and prevented strain-stiffening. Although the kinetics of adhesive bond rupture ultimately control tissue strength, tissue rheology and the history of deformation set the strain and stress at the onset of fracture.

Seismic Performance of the Bridge Piers Reinforced with PP-ECC in the Plastic Hinge Region

Ductility deficiency in reinforced concrete (RC) piers is a substantial factor contributing to earthquake damage in bridge structures. In this study, the conventional concrete in the potential plastic hinge area was substituted with polypropylene fiber-reinforced engineered cementitious composite (PP-ECC), thereby leveraging its high ductility characteristics to explore the seismic performance of RC piers strengthened by PP-ECC. A finite element model was established to discuss the reinforced height, axial compression ratio, longitudinal reinforcement ratio and stirrup ratio on the hysteresis performance by referring to a published paper with a 1/5 scale test specimen. Based on the results of the parameter analysis, an ideal set of configuration parameters was proposed. Subsequently, a full-size simplified mechanical model was established with ideal reinforcement parameters. Time-history and pushover analysis were utilized to test the seismic response. The study indicates that the two analytical methods were largely consistent. The improvement in the displacement and shear force of the strengthened pier gradually decreased with the increase in acceleration amplitude. Time-history analysis reveals a decrease in the enhancement of displacement from 82.26% to 17.98% and a reduction at the bottom reaction from 12.2% to 1.5%. Under the pushover analysis method, the retrofitting level of the top displacement decreased from 77.22% to 11.53%, whereas the improvement level of the bottom shear decreased from 9.62% to 3.69%. These results provide a theoretical basis and reference standard for the application of PP-ECC.

A simple mechanical model of turbulence

This work examines the control and stabilization problems of vibrations in a hierarchical chain of oscillators with hysteresis couplings. Hysteresis coupling is formalized within the Bouc — Wen phenomenological model. The mass, stiffness, and damping properties of the oscillators are set to follow a specific scaling rule and decrease exponentially along the chain, thus forming a hierarchy. The model is verified using Kolmogorov’s hypotheses. To do this, energy spectra are constructed under hysteresis in coupling and without it at different amplitudes of the external excitation. As a result of computational experiments, it is shown that for a chain with hysteresis couplings at a high amplitude of excitation, the energy spectrum curve sufficiently corresponds to Kolmogorov’s hypotheses. The amplitude-frequency characteristics of the system are calculated under hysteresis in coupling using the frequency scanning method. In numerical experiments, frequency ranges of external excitation are identified, which correspond to the chaotic behavior of oscillators and their synchronization.

Shannon Wavelet‐Based Approximation Scheme for Information Entropy Integrals in Confined Domain

ABSTRACTIn this work, the author attempted to develop a Shannon wavelet‐based numerical scheme to approximate the information entropies in both configuration and momentum space corresponding to the ground and adjacent excited energy states of one‐dimensional Schrödinger equation appearing in non‐relativistic quantum mechanics. The development of this scheme is based on the judicious use of sinc scale functions as an approximation basis and a suitable numerical quadrature to approximate entropies in position and momentum spaces. Priori and posteriori errors appearing in the approximations of wave functions and entropy integrals have been discussed. The scheme (coded in Python) has been subsequently exercised for various exactly solvable and quasi‐exactly solvable non‐relativistic quantum mechanical models in confined domain.

Grey correlation analysis of the main influencing factors of wax deposition of waxy crude oil and determination of pigging period based on dynamic analysis

Normal temperature gathering and transportation has significant advantages in reducing energy consumption and cost. Due to the high wax content of crude oil in carbonate reservoirs, obvious wax deposition will occur in the process of gathering and transportation at room temperature. In this paper, according to the component analysis results of crude oil on site, the HEATANALOGY wax deposition model was used to calculate the wax deposition of different gathering pipelines. The main influencing factors of wax deposition were analyzed by grey correlation method. Finally, according to the pigging mechanical balance model, the safe pigging period is derived, and the relationship diagram of different pipe diameters, throughput and ground temperature is drawn. The results show that the wellhead temperature has the greatest influence on the initial wax deposition position and the peak wax deposition position of the pipe section. The flow rate has the greatest influence on the maximum wax deposition thickness of the tube wall. According to the relationship between the working conditions and the pigging cycle, it can be found that with the increase of the throughput, the pigging cycle decreases first and then increases. With the increase of ground temperature, the pigging cycle increases.

Study on Mechanical Properties and Fatigue of Cold-rolled Steel Plate for Distribution Transformer

The oil tank steel plate of the distribution transformer is covered with welds, and the fatigue failure of the oil tank often occurs in the internal defects of fillet welds. Given the above problems, this paper puts forward the bearing capacity calculation formula of cold-rolled steel plate and carries on the force analysis of steel plate and the fatigue analysis of weld through finite elements. Based on the theory of plastic limit design, the ultimate flexural bearing capacity of the control section of steel plate members is proposed. The calculation formula of equivalent structural stress is given based on the calculation method of structural stress and linear elastic fracture mechanics, and the calculation method of fatigue life and fatigue cumulative damage is given. Then, the elastic-plastic equation is solved according to three criteria: Mises yield criterion, plastic flow criterion, and strengthening criterion. Based on the above numerical simulation analysis, the mechanical model of steel plate weld is constructed, the mesh is divided, the boundary conditions are restricted and the same load is applied. ABAQUS analysis results show that the stress distribution curve of the connector has a maximum value at X = 80 mm and X = 210 mm, that is, the top surface of the connector steel plate has an obvious stress concentration at 80 mm and 210 mm. When the length of the weld is not more than 60 times the size of the welding foot, the full section of the core plate will yield, and the maximum stress value of the weld element will not exceed the tensile strength value of the welding material. The error of the results calculated by the formula in this paper is mostly within 10%, and the rest is basically within 20%. Therefore, the bearing capacity formula of the steel plate in this paper has ideal calculation accuracy and can provide effective guidance for the design of distribution transformer oil tanks.

Structural design of a balanced cone-spherical fiber-reinforced rubber hose

This article focuses on the optimal structural design of a balanced cone-spherical fibre-reinforced rubber hose (RH). Combined with deformation characteristics of the conical RH, the cone-spherical RH is improved based on the spherical RH. Then the mechanical model of balance performance, stiffness and burst pressure for the cone-spherical RH is constructed. The structural optimization design of double cone-spherical RHs is conducted to further reduce the stiffness of the RH. The model is applied to large-sized RH. Eventually, in the optimization case of this article, the double cone arc-shaped structure has the smallest stiffness. Compared to existing single curved RHs, the stiffness has been reduced by 53%. The correctness of the theoretical model is verified through experiments.

Individualized optimal strategy in team pursuit for track cycling

In track cycling, performance in the team pursuit depends on the mechanical and physiological abilities of each member of the team, but also on the choice of racing strategy. Athletes must cover the 4000 m of the race, sharing the effort between them in successive relays. This raises the question of the optimum strategy. We propose a method for resolving this question by coupling a mechanical model of the race to physiological models (digital twins) of the athletes. The mechanical model enables one to predict a theoretical finishing time for a given strategy, while the physiological model enables one to determine whether or not a given strategy is feasible. By coupling the two models and using numerical optimization, an optimal strategy for a given team can then be predicted. Simplified team composition case studies are explored. For each case studied, an optimal strategy to maximize performance is obtained and composed of a set of three variables: relay lengths, power values for each relay, and the starting order of cyclists. The proposed method can be used for real athletes and extended to other disciplines.

Robust Teleportation of a Surface Code and Cascade of Topological Quantum Phase Transitions

Teleportation is a facet where quantum measurements can act as a powerful resource in quantum physics, as local measurements allow us to steer quantum information in a nonlocal way. While this has long been established for a single Bell pair, the teleportation of a many-qubit entangled state using nonmaximally entangled resources presents a fundamentally different challenge. Here, we investigate a tangible protocol for teleporting a long-range entangled surface-code state using elementary Bell measurements and its stability in the presence of coherent errors that weaken the Bell entanglement. We relate the underlying threshold problem to the physics of anyon condensation under weak measurements and map it to a variant of the Ashkin-Teller model of statistical mechanics with Nishimori-type disorder, which gives rise to a cascade of phase transitions. Tuning the angle of the local Bell measurements, we find a continuously varying threshold. Notably, the threshold moves to infinity for the X+Z angle along the self-dual line—indicating that infinitesimally weak entanglement is sufficient in teleporting a self-dual topological surface code. Our teleportation protocol, which can be readily implemented in dynamically configurable Rydberg-atom arrays, thereby gives guidance for a practical demonstration of the power of quantum measurements. Published by the American Physical Society 2024