Finite Element Model Results Research Articles

Stability analysis of deep foundation pit with a double-row cast-in-place piles and diagonal steel lattice braces under sloped excavation conditions

Existing deep foundation pit support structures are commonly composed of external earth-retaining structures, internal horizontal bracings, and vertical columns. A closed bracing system, often formed by a horizontal support through a bracket board, frequently impedes vertical excavation and soil removal operations in the foundation pit, and the processes of assembly and dismantling are complex and time-consuming. This study presents a combined support system and construction method consisting of cast-in-place piles and diagonal steel lattice braces. For sloped excavation, diagonal braces were constructed by slotting through the reserved soil, allowing the use of a single layer of support within the excavation depth. This approach significantly optimizes the construction process, reducing both project duration and overall cost. The field monitoring results indicated that the support method effectively controlled the lateral displacement of the pile bodies. Field monitoring results demonstrated that the proposed support system effectively controlled the lateral displacement of the pile bodies. The adoption of a support-first, excavation-second approach significantly controlled the settlement of the ground surface around the foundation pit, thereby preventing excessive increments in the axial force of the supports due to the large longitudinal depth excavation. The calculation results of the three-dimensional finite element model for foundation pit excavation and support indicate that the proposed support method results in a decreasing ratio of the maximum lateral deformation depth of the pile body, denoted as δh-m, to the excavation depth He as the excavation depth increases. This implied that the displacement of the pile body was strictly controlled. When the depth of the foundation pit excavation exceeded 10 m, the maximum lateral deformation occurred below 10 m along the pile shaft. The diagonal steel lattice braces transferred the load to the top of the cast-in-place piles at the bottom of the pit, where the stress concentration occurred. During construction, special attention must be paid to the strength of the connection between the pile top and the connecting beams.

Enhancing performance of sandwich panel with three-dimensional orthogonal accordion cores

This study introduces a novel three-dimensional orthogonal accordion structure (3D-OAS) as the cellular core of sandwich panels, achieving multi-directional zero Poisson’s ratio through the orthogonal combination of two-dimensional accordion structures. To analyze its static characteristics effectively, a two-dimensional equivalent Reissner–Mindlin model (2D-ERM) was established utilizing the variational asymptotic method (VAM). The accuracy of 2D-ERM was confirmed by conducting three-point bending tests on 3D-printed specimens and analyzing the in-plane and out-of-plane deformation results of the 3D finite element model (3D-FEM). The comparison of global displacement contours and path-displacement curves between 3D-FEM and 2D-ERM showed a high level of agreement in predicting static deformation. The equivalent stiffness of SP-3D-OAS steadily increased as the inclined angle deviates by 90-degree, irrespective of whether it pertains to the convex or concave angle. Evaluation of deformability in sandwich panels with different cellular core forms revealed superior comprehensive performance in 3D-OAS, followed by 3D-YRS and 3D-XYAS, with a reduction of 16.41% and 17.35% in specific stiffness, respectively. Compared to the 3D-FEM, 2D-ERM significantly reduces computation time without compromising engineering accuracy. The research results provide a useful reference for optimal design of sandwich panels with multi-directional ZPR cellular core.

Modal test and finite element updating of sprayer boom truss

In addressing the finite element model and actual structural error of the sprayer boom truss, this study aims to achieve high-precision dynamic characteristics, enhance simulation credibility, make informed optimization decisions, and reduce testing costs. The research investigates the dynamic behavior of the sprayer boom truss through modal experiments and finite element simulations. Initially, modal parameters of the sprayer boom are obtained through experimental testing, validating their reasonableness and reliability. Subsequently, Ansys Workbench18.0 simulation software was employed to analyze the finite element model of the sprayer boom, revealing a maximum relative error of 11.93% compared to experimental results. To improve accuracy, a kriging-based response surface model was constructed, and multi-objective parameter adjustments using the MOGA algorithm reduce the maximum relative error to 4.6%. Sensitivity analysis further refines the model by optimizing target parameters, resulting in a maximum relative error of 4.96%. These findings demonstrate the effective enhancement of the corrected finite element model’s precision, with the response surface method outperforming sensitivity analysis the maximum relative error between the updated finite element model and experimental results was within the engineering allowable range, confirming the effectiveness of the updated model.

Numerical modeling and the ultimate bending experiment of the directional drill pipes bending at the dog-leg of the multi-branch well

Directional drill pipes are prone to failure in the fish-bone branch wells. The primary cause of the directional drill pipes failure is excessive bending. This paper established a mathematical analysis model for the bending stress of the directional drill pipes at any point along its trajectory. Tested the mechanical properties of the directional drill pipe. An ultimate bending experiment was conducted on the directional drill pipes based on the pure bending moment theory. Additionally, a non-linear finite element model(FEM) of the directional drill pipes was established to analyze the influence of different bending loads on the stress distribution of the directional drill pipes connection. The FEM results were consistent with the results of the ultimate bending experiment. The FEM results indicate that the Box bending under transverse force is the primary cause of the failure for the Tooth top. The research results enable engineers and operators to easily obtain the stress distribution of the directional drill pipes under borehole curvature.

Numerical Study on the Lateral Load Response of Offshore Monopile Foundations in Clay: Effect of Slenderness Ratio

To meet growing energy demands, offshore wind turbines (OWTs) with higher energy outputs are being developed, presenting increased challenges for their foundation design. Over the past decade, extensive research on the design optimization of OWT support structures has significantly reduced the anticipated costs of offshore wind farm development. Various design methods have been developed and applied in practice, each with its own advantages and limitations. In this study, 3D finite element (FE) modeling, validated against the measured response of a large-scale test monopile, is used to investigate the lateral load response of monopiles with different geometries and slenderness ratios in smaall and large displacements. The results are compared to the standard p–y method, and specific behavioral and design aspects of large-diameter monopiles, such as the moment contribution ratio from different resisting components and the minimum embedment length criteria, are evaluated and discussed. The results showed that the maximum and minimum differences between the 3D FE modeling and one-dimensional (1D) DNV p–y method are 41% and 11% for large displacements, and 32.5% and 13.3% for small displacements, respectively. As the slenderness ratio increases, the discrepancy between the finite element (FE) modeling results and the 1D DNV p–y method decreases, with an average difference of about 13% across all monopile diameters at an L/D ratio of 10, in both small and large displacements, indicating the reasonable accuracy of the 1D method for slenderness ratios of 10 and above. Among the three minimum embedment length criteria examined, the DNV recommended and vertical-tangent criteria offered shorter embedment lengths. The primary resisting moment across all slenderness ratios comes from the distributed lateral load along the monopile shaft (MCRp−y), which increases as the L/D ratio increases.

Effect of Preload on Box-Section Steel Columns Filled with Concrete under Axial Load: A Numerical Study

External loads applied to a box-section steel column before it is filled with concrete to increase its efficiency due to modifications in structural systems or design errors may reduce its ultimate capacity and change its structural behavior. To examine this effect, finite element modeling (FEM) has been used to simulate these columns under preloading at different ratios with many variables in the geometric dimensions of the columns. The FEM results have been investigated using 38 experimental specimens obtained from previous studies without preloading. The results demonstrated high accuracy in modeling these columns in structural behavior and ultimate load capacity. After verifying the results, 84 Concrete-Filled Steel Columns (CFSC) were modeled under different preload ratios. The results indicated that some variables have directly affected the value of the decrease in column capacity in terms of its height, wall thickness, yield stress, and preload ratios, while others were inversely proportional in terms of the cross-section dimensions and concrete strength. The preload effect ratio had two separate limits, where when it reached 70%, the maximum value of the decrease in column capacity was 10.90%. The value increased sharply reaching 19.90% when there was a preload equal to 80%. New equations have been proposed to predict the ultimate capacity of CFSC under preloading with suitable accuracy with a correlation coefficient of no less than 0.949.

Measuring strain distributions in an asphalt pavement using fibre optic sensors under static loading by test vehicles

Understanding the in-situ structural behaviour of pavements plays an important role in road engineering. Hence, various measurement methods were developed in the past to get an insight into the response of roads to traffic loading. In the present study, distributed fibre optic strain sensors were embedded into a hot mix asphalt pavement. The sensors were used for strain measurements with high spatial resolution in order to assess its feasibility to gain the continuous strain distribution in the pavement under short-term static loading. In addition, the loading process was measured with high temporal resolution, indicating that – using shorter sensor lengths – vehicle passages could also be studied. The strain distributions gathered with this type of sensor were compared to the results of a simple finite element model and the effect of applying various sensor cables. In addition, new opportunities provided by distributed fibre optic sensors in road engineering are discussed.

Crack fault diagnosis in rotor bearing system by transient and study state time domain analysis

Online condition monitoring methodologies for rotor dynamic systems are an emerging trend and an essential for safe system operation. During operation fatigue cracks in rotor shaft can lead to catastrophic failures if not identified at early stage. Therefore, these systems require a reliable crack fault detection methodology. The vibrations may induce in the system due to different type of faults, like shaft transverse cracks, oil whirl and whip. To make the detection methodologies robust and reliable, redundancy in crack detection methodologies is vital. The present research is a foolproof procedure to detect the travers fatigue crack in the rotor shaft. Rotor response, orbital pattern, and response FFT during transient (runup/cost down) and study state operations at 2X & 3X sub critical speeds are analyzed to identify the presence of crack in rotor bearing system. The rotor system is analyzed by numerical Finite Element Modeling (FEM) simulations and experimental means. Open Wedge Crack (OWC) and Breathing Wedge Crack (BWC) are modeled and their behavior is studied. The effectiveness of Newton Rapson method, Houbolt numerical method, and Harmonic Balance Method (HBM) in crack diagnosis are studied. Numerical FEM results are validated with experimental and published literature results. FEM simulated and experimental response FFT shows similar response behavior with presence of crack with 98 % correlation and less than 2 % error. FEM simulated and literature response orbital pattern at 2X sub critical backward speed are similar with less than 3 % error (97.76 % close) and at 2X sub critical forward speed are similar with less than 1 % error (99.33 %).

Polyurethane/Carbon Nanotube-Based ThermoSense Electronic Skin: Perception to Decision Making Aided by Internet of Things Brain.

Human skin has several receptors collaborating with the brain to provide appropriate "decisions" when applying stimuli. Several research articles state that biomimetic electronic skin (e-skin) is reportedly used for sensor-related applications and performs similarly to natural skin. However, research reporting the capability of the e-skin to make decisions and therefore react upon exposure to adverse conditions is still in its nascent stage. Herein, we report the development of an e-skin, ThermoSense, that can thermoregulate by making appropriate decisions. Thermoplastic polyurethane and multiwalled carbon nanotubes were used as the model composite. The heating and sensing capabilities of the optimized e-skin were studied in detail. In the study window, the e-skin demonstrated excellent electrothermal conversion efficiency by generating a temperature of 192 °C, consuming a power of 2.23 W. A finite element modeling (FEM) was adopted to determine the distribution of the filler in the case of the optimized e-skin and thus was used to probe the reason for the heating across the e-skin via mapping of the internal energy across the sample. FEM results and experimental findings are in strong agreement. Additionally, the e-skin demonstrated its capability to act as a thermal sensor with a 0.947% °C-1 sensitivity. To integrate the decision-making capabilities of the e-skin, an Internet of Things (IoT) brain console was made using the e-skin and electronic chips by leveraging More than Moore's concept. The IoT brain was automated with decision-making programming that was controllable via an in-house-developed mobile application. The console worked exclusively under simulated conditions. When there was a shift from the set point temperature, it started to heat. Postusage, the e-skin matrix was recycled, and the recycled e-skin demonstrated a marginal decrement in performance attributes. This study opens new avenues for developing decision-making e-skins for next-generation human-machine interphases.

Seismic performance of an innovative self-centering and repairable connection with SMA bolts in modular steel construction

Modular steel construction (MSC) is widely noticed and adopted in the building industry for its benefits of short construction period, low carbon emission, and great flexibility. The performance of inter-module connections, including the strength, toughness and ductility, is the focus of maintaining the load transfer mechanism and overall stability of modular structures. The structure with favorably designed connections can dissipate expected energy under cyclic loading with reduced structural damage. A self-centering and repairable connection (SRC) is herein proposed, with the benefits of a distinct load transmission path and easy assembly. Four full-size specimens were fabricated and tested under low-cycle loading, and the tested specimens were subsequently repaired by replacing angle cleats. The failure mode and bearing capacity of both SRC and repaired SRC specimens were investigated. Several seismic performance indices of the specimens, including hysteresis curves, strength and stiffness degradation, energy dissipation capacity, self-centering and repairable ability, were obtained. Furthermore, the performance of the SRC was comprehensively assessed according to Eurocode 3 Part 1–8, Chinese code GB 50011-2010, and American code AISC 341-16. In addition, an accurate finite element model (FEM) of the SRC was created and verified using experimental results. The developed FEM was used to investigate the effects of critical parameters, including angle cleat thickness and grade, vertical bolt diameter, and SMA bolt number and diameter, on the seismic performance of SRCs. Both experimental and FEM results show that only the replaceable angle cleats experienced the noticed plastic deformation for SRC specimens under cyclic loading, and SMA bolts provided the required self-centering force. It can be hence concluded that the proposed SRC can achieve the expected self-centering and recovery function.

Texture and bendability evolution mechanism of 6063 aluminum alloy tube formed by free-bending technology employing cross-scale numerical modeling

With the improvement of application requirements, the combination of precise shape and high performance of tube components has become a burning issue. This work investigates the free-bending process of 6063 aluminum alloy tubes using cross-scale numerical modeling. The cross-scale framework integrates macroscopic finite element model (FEM) and crystal plasticity finite element model (CPFEM) through strain history. CPFEM exhibits excellent agreement with the macroscopic FEM and experimental results for both the Mises stress and texture evolution. Predictions indicate that as bending deformation increases, the volume fractions of the initial Cube texture decrease, while the Goss texture component increases. The overall texture strength continuously decreases. Meanwhile, slip mode plays a critical role in texture evolution, causing similar trends in the inner and outer bend regions. Additionally, the findings from the cross-scale simulation accurately predict the detailed texture evolution of the 6063 aluminum alloy tube under various feeding speeds. The development of Goss texture in various forming regions and the formation of substructures within Goss-oriented grains are primary factors contributing to reduced tube formability, which could illustrate the primary mechanisms for variation in tube bendability effectively. The proposed cross-scale method lays the foundation for research on complex spatial tube components as well. Moreover, cross-scale simulation facilitates the prediction of macroscopic deformation and microstructural evolution in critical regions of tube components, allowing for the optimization of bending processes based on cross-scale simulation results.

Flexural mechanical properties of H-shaped steel-bamboo scrimber composite beams

To improve the torsional buckling resistance and enhance the load-bearing capacity and ductility of H-shaped steel beams with carbon reduction materials, the concept of combining H-shaped steel with bamboo scrimber has been proposed, in which the bamboo scrimber, an eco-friendly, lightweight, and high-strength material, promises significant structural benefits. Five full-scale specimens were designed and tested, including one H-shaped steel, two bamboo scrimber beams, and two composite beams. Additionally, further simulation tests were conducted using the verified finite element model (FEM). The experimental results revealed a remarkable increase in the ultimate bearing capacity of the composite beams by 96.5 % compared to bamboo scrimber-only beams and 72.7 % compared to steel-only beams. Meanwhile, distinct from the brittle fracture characteristics of the bamboo scrimber beams, which include instantaneous crack propagation and interlaminar cracking, the composite beams exhibited localized vertical cracks within the beam's tensile zone, effectively avoiding the torsional buckling issue of the H-shaped steel beam. The results further demonstrated that increasing the cross-sectional size of the composite beams can significantly enhance their flexural stiffness (up to 669 %), and reduce the deflection at the ultimate flexural moment. When the area of the bamboo scrimber in the cross-section was reduced with an unchanged steel profile, the initial stiffness dropped to 79 % without incurring any structural instability. Furthermore, by integrating the experimental and simulation results, a fiber element model for this composite beam structure is proposed to predict the maximum flexural moment value in the ultimate state. A corresponding calculation program was developed, and it is found that the calculated predicted ultimate flexural moment values exhibited negligible deviation from both experimental and FEM results, with AV of 1.0001, AAE of 2.21 %, and COV of 3.28 %.

Analytical solution of conductor tensile force in asymmetrical spans used in overhead power lines and substations with influence of tension insulators

Introduction. Designing electrical substations involves analyzing the horizontal tensile force in flexible tension conductors under varying temperatures. These temperature changes affect the conductor’s length and forces. Problem. Existing methods for calculating horizontal tensile force in conductors often focus on symmetric spans or require complex finite element modeling (FEM), which is impractical for routine substation design. Asymmetric spans with tension insulators present a more complex challenge that current solutions do not adequately address. Purpose. Universal analytical solution and algorithm for calculating the horizontal tensile forces in conductors in asymmetric spans with tension insulators used in power substations or short overhead power line spans. The solution is designed to be easily implementable in software without requiring complex tools or extensive FEM. Methodology. The methodology involves deriving an analytical solution based on the catenary curve formed by the conductor between attachment points at different heights. The analysis includes calculating the conductor’s length for a given tensile force and using a state change equation to determine forces under new temperature conditions. Validation is performed using FEM calculations. Results. The proposed solution was validated against FEM models with varying height differences (5 m and 15 m) and conductor temperatures (–30 °C, –5 °C, +80 °C). The results showed a minimal error (less than 0.15 %) between the analytical solution and FEM results, demonstrating high accuracy. Originality. This paper presents a novel analytical solution to the problem of calculating tensile forces in asymmetric spans with tension insulators. Unlike existing methods, our solution is straightforward and easily implementable in any programming language. Practical value. The solution is practical for routine design tasks in electrical substations or short overhead power lines. Especially in power substations, accurate tensile forces are needed not only for mechanical design and sag calculations but also for calculating the dynamic effects of short-circuit currents. References 23, tables 4, figures 3.

Multimodal Resonances of a Rectangular Planar Dielectric Elastomer Actuator and Its Application in a Robot with Soft Bristles.

Inspired by the fact that flying insects improve their power conversion efficiency through resonance, many soft robots driven by dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) have achieved optimal performance via first-order modal resonance. Besides first-order resonance, DEAs contribute to multiple innovative functions such as pumps that can make sounds when using multimodal resonances. This study presents the multimodal resonance of a rectangular planar DEA (RPDEA) with a central mass bias. Using a combination of experiments and finite element modeling (FEM), it was discerned that under a prestretch of 1.0 × 1.1, the first-, second-, and third-order resonances corresponded to vertical vibration, rotation along the long axis, and rotation along the short axis, respectively. In first-order resonance, superharmonic, harmonic, and subharmonic responses were activated, while only harmonic and subharmonic responses were observed in the second- and third-order resonances. Further investigations revealed that prestretching tended to inhibit third-order resonance but could elevate the resonance frequencies of the first and second orders. Conveniently, both the experimental and FEM results showed that the frequencies and amplitudes of the multimodal resonances could be tuned by adjusting the amplitudes of the excitation signals, referring to the direct current (DC) amplitude and alternating current (AC) amplitude, respectively. Moreover, instead of linear vibration, we found another novel approach that used rotation vibration to drive a robot with soft bristles via hopping locomotion, showcasing a higher speed compared to the first-order resonance in our robot.

Novel Lightweight Hydraulic Integration Methodology for Robotic Applications

Hydraulic integration is one of the novel technologies in the field of robotics and assistive devices. Researchers have applied recent technologies starting from non-conventional machining methodologies and ending with additive manufacturing of metals. However, those methodologies have several drawbacks related to the cost, time, and robot weight. This motivates the research of new methodologies toward developing compact, cost-effective, and lightweight hydraulic integrated robotics mechanisms. This paper presents a novel methodology for fabricating hydraulically integrated parts by using lightweight and high-strength materials. The proposed materials, fabrication steps and the obtained results are thoroughly discussed. Silicon pipes are used for building the network of internal passages. This network is built inside a 3D-printed mould which is designed accordingly. A theoretical study is conducted for the newly manufactured hydraulic parts to define the design parameters and the working pressure at which the manufactured parts can withstand in addition to stresses and deformations analysis. The theoretical results are validated using finite element modelling (FEM) and experimental testing. The simulation results were consistent with the FEM results and the experimental results by 95% and 90% respectively. The proposed methodology is cheap and simple to implement in fabrication. Hence, this methodology can be used to fabricate hydraulic integrated components in hydraulically actuated humanoid robots successfully.

Numerical Modeling of Steel Fiber Reinforced Recycled Concrete Filled Steel Tube Column Under Cyclic Loading

A finite element model (FEM) was created with the aim of analyzing the behavior of steel fiber reinforced recycled concrete (SFRRC)-filled steel tube columns under combined cyclic loading and monotonic axial load. The FEM considered the effect of steel tube confinement on the inner concrete behavior under cyclic loading. The numerical model was described in detail, with a focus on modeling the materials involved (normal concrete, SFRRC, and steel) under cyclic loading. A constitutive concrete model - with and without considering confinement - was based on utilizing a concrete damaged plasticity (CDP) model. The steel tube - concrete core interface was modeled by a surface-to-surface contact. A stress-strain constitutive concrete model, confined by circular steel tubes, was implemented, and validated using experimental results from the literature. The developed FEM considered various parameters: steel tube thickness, volume ratios of steel fibers, besides strengths of both concrete core and the steel tube. The FEM results showed great similarity to the under- cyclic- loading tested columns. The results indicated that the concrete confining pressure must be considered in CDP model. A good correlation between numerical and experimental findings was obvious, including failure modes, and hysteretic curves of load-displacement.

Multiscale modelling of microstructure evolution, and local solidification behaviours of the AlSi10Mg build component in laser powder bed fusion process

Laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) process is an additive manufacturing process, in which rapid heating and cooling takes place. The microstructure and the solidification behaviour of L-PBF components have significant impacts on their mechanical properties. The solidification takes place in a very short duration which is difficult to capture experimentally, therefore the finite-element (FE) simulation is the best feasible solution. In this paper, to study the evolution of the AlSi10Mg alloy’s microstructure during the L-PBF process, a model composed of macroscopic finite element (FE) model and microscopic phase field (PF) model was built. This model is suitable to predict a more realistic thermal behaviour involving the possible physical phenomena and the thermal behaviour for various heat inputs was calculated. The PF model was then updated with these results in order to simulate the chemical compositions’ concentration field and solidified microstructure. According to the simulation’s results, the primary dendrite arm spacing (PDAS) is significantly influenced by the laser line energy. To validate the FE model along with the Phase field (PF) model, the results were compared with the analytical and experimental findings; and the FE model and PF results exhibited good agreement with the experimental results. Additionally, the solute distribution analysis demonstrated that during the solidification process, micro-segregation developed and the process parameters affected the micro-segregation. Finally, the specimens were subjected to metallographic and element distribution analyses using an energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS) to compare the results with those from the PF simulation and establish the relationship between the process parameters.

Nonlinear finite element modelling of the bond behavior of near-surface mounted Fe-SMA bars

Strengthening of concrete members with near-surface-mounted (NSM) iron-based shape memory alloy (Fe-SMA) bars can increase the load-carrying capacity and reduce deflections/crack widths owing to the unique self-prestressing ability of the Fe-SMA. However, the bond behavior of Fe-SMA bars is critical for the effectiveness of the NSM strengthening method, as inadequate bond strength can result in premature bond failure, rendering the strengthening technique ineffective. This study presents the results of a non-linear finite element (FE) model that was developed and validated to simulate the bond behavior and failure patterns of NSM Fe-SMA bars grouted into concrete. The variable parameters of the study included the effect of the compressive strength of the grout and the concrete block, the effect of cover depth and the activation of the Fe-SMA bar on the bond behavior. Investigations showed that the bond resistance and failure patterns of the NSM bars were significantly affected by the compressive strength of the concrete block and grout. The results showed that increasing the compressive strength of the grout by two times resulted in a 35 % increase in bond strength while increasing the compressive strength of the concrete block by three times resulted in a 30 % increase in bond strength. Additionally, the load transfer between the grout and concrete block was strongly influenced by the grout's compressive strength, where a higher strength of the grout resulted in a stiffer bond and increased contribution of the concrete block to resisting loads. Similarly, increasing the cover depth by four times from 5 mm to 20 mm increased the bond strength by more than twice and ultimately led to a change in failure mode from a splitting crack in the grout to a splitting crack in the concrete block. The results of the study also show that prestressing the short NSM bond with Fe-SMA can induce an initial bar slip in the range of 0.025 to 0.14 mm for recovery stresses of 100 MPa to 350 MPa.

Effect of heat aging on pull-off strength of FRP epoxy bonded concrete: An experimental study and fire modelling

In this study, the bonding strengths of three different types of externally bonded composite systems were investigated under different environmental aging conditions at high temperatures, and the finite element model for a roof fire and concrete slab fire from above evaluated if the beams were externally reinforced with fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP). An FRP system is a structural reinforcement made of a type of fiber reinforcement fixed to a concrete surface through an epoxy adhesive. The bonding strength between the FRP and concrete substrates was measured using a pull-off test machine, as described in the EN 1542 standard. This study aims to determine the deterioration and negative effects of miscellaneous high temperatures on externally bonded FRPs used for strengthening civil structures. Epoxy-bonded carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP), glass fiber-reinforced polymers (GFRP), and basalt fiber-reinforced polymers (BFRP) were exposed to various temperatures of 23°C (control conditions), 70, 85, 100, 115, 130, and 150°C. Duratek® AV21 epoxy-based lamination system was used as an adhesive between the concrete and the FRP sheet. Three bonding failure modes (adhesive, cohesive, and substrate) were investigated for each test. The results were compared for three different types of FRPs under various temperatures, which is also significant research on the heat aging of the degradation process. The test results were also evaluated using finite element (FE) software modelling for roof and slab fires exposed from above, where the beams under the slab were reinforced with FRP systems. The test pull-off test results and FE model thermal analysis results were evaluated to obtain the temperature rise in the critical section of the concrete beam/slab in existing retrofitted buildings. The FE model results showed a critical temperature rise on the beam-slab corner connection as a result of the fire above the concrete slab. The duration of the FRP systems effectively bonded to the concrete beams located under different slab thicknesses and pull-off results were evaluated at elevated temperatures.

Aerodynamic and Structural Design Procedures Supported by Fabrication and Flight Testing of a Small Unmanned Helicopter

In this work, typical design, production, and testing procedures for a small unmanned helicopter are explained and performed. In doing so, preliminary sizing of the helicopter and three main disciplines are conducted: aerodynamic analytical and numerical simulations, power calculations, and structure analysis assessment. First, a thorough survey is implemented to obtain the trends for the maximum take-off weight versus some design constraints such as rotor diameter, motor power, payload, and empty weight. Performance calculation results are obtained to figure out all aspects that correspond to the specified mission. The designed rotor geometry along with the aerodynamic characteristics and flight performance variables is then validated using the blade element theory and numerical simulations. Second, based on the power curves obtained for different flight regimes, an electric brushless motor is selected. The numerical simulations (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis is used to enhance the selection which implies that the motor power should be greater than 5.4 kW to overcome the drag forces. The motor power selection corresponds to a maximum rotor pitch angle of 15∘ and a maximum rotor speed of 1450 RPM. Then, the aerodynamic loads are used as an input for the structural analysis using one-way coupling of fluid–structure interaction (FSI) and consequently designing the internal structure of the blade. Eventually, the internal structure manufactured using carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) by applying a combined technique between wet layup and compression molding. The blade is statically tested compared with numerical finite element model results. The fuselage structure along with hub and tail units is manufactured and assembled with the existing on-shelf components to examine the helicopter lift capability with different payloads up to 9 kg. The results show that the detailed design process is significant for manufacturing such blades and the helicopter is capable of lifting off the ground with various payloads depending on the rotor pitch angles (8∘, 12∘, and 15∘) at a constant rotor speed of 1450 RPM.