Finite Element Results Research Articles

Design model for shear keys used as thermal break systems in balcony-slab joints under combined shear and bending loads

Balcony-slab joints (BSs) are common in residential buildings. Integrating thermal break systems (TBSs) can reduce the energy loss resulting from thermal bridging. However, the mechanical performance of BSs equipped with TBSs against shear and bending remains hardly explored in design and experimentation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the mechanical behavior of BS joints under combined shear and bending actions, taking into account the presence of TBSs. Seven large-scale balcony-slab specimens were fabricated and tested under vertical loading with different moment-shear ratios (M/V). The BSs are equipped with TBSs comprising steel bars and shear profiles. A simplified finite element (FE) model was then developed using the ABAQUS software. The FE model employs spring-like elements to simulate the bond and contact behavior between concrete and steel, reproducing both the resistance and stiffness of the tested specimens. On the basis of the experimental and FE results, a resistance model consistent with the Eurocode design guidelines was drawn. Finally, moment-shear (M-V) interaction curves for balcony-slab joints were generated at the ultimate (ULS) and serviceability (SLS) levels, considering the impact of horizontal loading to achieve comprehensive design insights. The tests and FE results showed that the moment-shear ratio (M/V) significantly influences the shear capacity of the BS joints. The steel profiles effectively acted as shear keys connecting the balcony and the slab. A strength reduction coefficient of 0.701 was introduced for the design.

Ballistic characteristics of ceramic core sandwich structures

The ceramic core sandwich structure (CCSS) is a lightweight material with advantages of high anti-ballistic impact performance, high energy absorption and high specific strength. The ballistic performances of the CCSS with metal face plates hit vertically by projectiles with the nose shapes of conical, flat, and hemispherical are studied analytically and numerically in this paper. Based on the principle of energy conservation, an analytical model of ballistic characteristics of the sandwich ceramic core structure is developed. Numerical calculations are conducted, and the numerical model has been verified by experimental results from references by others. In addition, the analytical results agree well with finite element results. The effects of shape of projectile head, the thickness ratio of three plates of CCSS, and the ratio of shear strength of ceramic core to yield strength of metal face plates on the ballistic characteristics of the CCSS are discussed. It is shown that the conical-nosed projectile achieved the highest ballistic limit velocity (BLV) and the sharper nose increases the normal stress at the impact area thereby enhancing the BLV. The thickness of the ceramic core significantly influences the resistance of the CCSS and the thicker ceramic core enhances the ability of CCSS to absorb kinetic energy from the projectile. Furthermore, an appropriate increase in the yield strength of face plates can enhance the anti-ballistic impact performance of the CCSS. These insights have practical implications for the design of protective systems in military and civilian applications, where optimizing materials for impact resistance is crucial.

Dynamic shear strength of precast connection with UHPC-based and traditional grouted sleeves: Test, simulation, and analytical formulas

Dynamic shear strength is critical for ensuring the integrity of prefabricated structures with grouted sleeve connections under dynamic loads such as impacts and earthquakes. However, studies have yet to be conducted to clarify the dynamic shear strength of grouted sleeve connections for designs. To this end, this study systematically investigated the dynamic shear behavior of precast connection with grouted sleeves through physical experiments, numerical simulations, and theoretical analysis. Drop hammer impact tests were performed on nine precast connection specimens that differ in amounts of impact energy, axial loads, rebar ratios, and grouting materials. Experimental data indicated that the dynamic shear performance of the ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC)-based connections is superior to that of traditional grouted sleeve connections. The impact-induced displacement of a grouted sleeve connection is very sensitive to the amount of impact energy. Detailed finite element (FE) models were further developed to examine the dynamic shear strength of precast connections. Good agreements are observed between the numerical results and experimental data, demonstrating the rationality of the developed FE modeling method. It was found that the dynamic shear strengths of grouted sleeve connections are more sensitive to axial load levels and concrete strength grades than rebar ratios. Based on extensive simulation results obtained from the validated modeling method, the analytical formulas were proposed to predict the dynamic increase factor (DIF) and shear strength of precast connections. The analytical results predicted by the proposed formulas agree well with the FE results, demonstrating the applicability of the proposed formulas.

Seismic performance of mortise-tenon joint in prefabricated platform canopy

To optimize the prefabricated canopy joints, improve the construction efficiency, and enhance the seismic performance of assembly joints, a novel mortise-tenon joint (MTJ) was proposed. To evaluate the seismic performance along the vertical and track directions, two 1:1.5 scaled specimens were tested under low-cycle reciprocated loading. The test results find the hysteretic curves in both directions exhibit the “pinch” effect especially in the vertical direction, indicating the feature of shear slippage. The displacement ductility coefficients were all above 5.0, and the ultimate drift ratios were 4.54% and 5.88% respectively, showing excellent deformation ability and ductility. The parameters, such as the sectional strength ratio, the stirrup ratio of the prefabricated beam, the reinforcement ratio and the cross-sectional area of the enlarged section, were analyzed by the validated finite element (FE) models. The analysis shows as the section strength ratio decreases and the stirrup ratio increased, the seismic bearing capacity improved, while the plastic hinge located on the prefabricated column varied to the prefabricated beam ends. Based on the results, it is recommended the number of longitudinal rebars through the prefabricated beam is 4, the stirrup diameter in the prefabricated beam is 10mm and the the column cap is no less than 400mm. Finally, based on the truss-diagonal strut model, a method for calculating the shear strength capacity of the novel joint was proposed. Compared with the test and FE results, the theoretical equations exhibit good computational accuracy.

Solving for the Thermal Vibration Behaviors of Functionally Graded Stepped Conical Curved Plates with Point Connection Conditions

This paper proposed a degree-of-freedom reduction model for the rapid and unified solution of the modal and steady-state response behavior of functionally graded stepped conical curved plates with point connections under thermal environments. Within the framework of the first-order shear deformation theory, the two-dimensional spectral Chebyshev method and the fixed interface modal synthesis method were combined to derive the degree-of-freedom reduction model for functionally graded conical curved plates under thermal environments. Each reduction model was assembled considering external load excitations. Virtual springs were used to equivalently handle the coupling interface forces and point connection interface forces, further establishing a thermal vibration response analysis model for functionally graded stepped conical curved plates with point connections. In numerical examples, this degree-of-freedom reduction model was compared with experimental results and overall finite element results, validating the accuracy of the model and the advantages of rapid solution. Additionally, this degree-of-freedom reduction model was applied to quickly analyze the effects of material parameters and point connection parameters on the thermal steady-state response of the structure, providing a theoretical basis for the environmental adaptability design, verification, and evaluation of such structures.

Complementary use of analytical equations and numerical models for composite liner designs

The finite element (FE) method is used to identify limitations and extend the applicability of an analytical solution for leakage through holed wrinkles in composite liners. The limiting assumption in the analytical model is relaxed based on FE results, providing a means of obtaining good agreement through the two methods over a wide spectrum of cases. Despite the flexibility of the FE, the analytical model has the advantage of readily accommodating a wide range of dimensions and material properties that, even with a very large mesh, may be difficult to analyze using FE. In addition, the analytical equation is well-suited for Monte Carlo simulation. This is illustrated by the use of the modified analytical equation and the Monte Carlo simulations to compare the performance of two types of composite liners currently approved for use in Chinese landfills with a generic design in Canada and other parts of the world. It is shown that even with a relatively small number of holed wrinkles leakage through the geomembrane composite liner can differ by up to two orders of magnitude between composite liners considered to be equivalent. The paper also notes the need to revise regulations to reflect the evolution of knowledge.

Numerical computation of cut off wave number in polygonal wave guide by eight node finite element mesh generation approach

This study proposes a two-dimensional, eight-noded automated mesh generator for precise and efficient finite element analysis (FEA) in microwave applications. The suggested method for solving the Helmholtz problem employs an optimal domain discretization procedure. MAPLE-13 software's advanced automatic mesh generator was developed specifically for this work. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach, three distinct waveguide structures are analyzed, with the results compared to the best available analytical or numerical solutions. The findings indicate that the proposed method yields highly accurate and efficient finite element results, particularly for waveguide structures containing singularities. In microwave applications, this method can significantly enhance energy transmission efficiency.

Mechanical properties and damage mechanism of SMAHC laminates

Abstract The combination of smart materials and composite materials to achieve lightweight and intelligent structures has been an important research direction in recent years. In this paper, a three-dimensional woven hybrid shape memory alloy (SMA actuator) is modularly implanted into a composite laminate to prepare a SMA hybrid composite (SMAHC) laminate. The orthogonal test was designed with the three variables of SMA actuator modular implantation position, SMA pre-strain and SMA number. According to the orthogonal test results and finite element results, the influence of the three variables on the stiffness before heating, the stiffness change rate after heating and the strength of SMAHC laminates was studied. According to the test index, the influence of the three variables on the results was further evaluated. The results show that the implantation position has the greatest influence on the mechanical properties of SMAHC laminates, followed by SMA pre-strain, and the number of SMA has the least influence. The location and form of damage of SMAHC laminates are further summarized, and the bending damage mechanism of SMAHC laminates is analyzed.

Finite element analysis of ductility and flexural capacity of FRP and steel bars hybrid reinforced concrete beams

AbstractTo study the flexural behavior of hybrid reinforced concrete (hybrid‐RC) beams with FRP and steel bars, this paper used ABAQUS finite element (FE) software to model and nonlinear analyze the hybrid‐RC beams and investigate the effects of effective reinforcement ratio, concrete strength, and FRP bars type on the flexural behavior of hybrid‐RC beams. In addition, the FRP bars stress, flexural bearing capacity, and ductility formulas for hybrid‐RC beams were fitted based on the FE results, and existing literature data were used to verify their accuracy. The FE model results indicated that the effective reinforcement ratio, FRP bars type, and concrete strength significantly impacted the flexural bearing capacity and deformation performance of hybrid‐RC beams. Increasing the strength of concrete improved the flexural bearing capacity and ductility of hybrid‐RC beams; increasing the effective reinforcement ratio and the elastic modulus of FRP bars increased the flexural bearing capacity of the hybrid‐RC beams but decreased its ductility. In addition, the fitted FRP bars stress, flexural bearing capacity, and ductility calculation formulas can quickly and conveniently predict the flexural bearing capacity and ductility of hybrid‐RC beams.

Prestressed concrete slabs subjected to low-velocity impact: Theoretical analysis model and design method

Bidirectional bonded prestressed concrete (PS) structures are widely used in energy engineering structures due to their excellent impermeability. Owing to the particularity of the structure and the severity of damage consequences, the impact dynamic performance of bidirectional bonded PS structures has been widely concerned. Nonetheless, the existing researches focus on the test and finite element, and lacks the theoretical analysis model that can consider the whole process of load action, let alone the corresponding anti-impact design method. Therefore, based on the existing test and finite element results, the resistance function model of bidirectional bonded PS slab is proposed in this paper, and the anti-impact design method is formed. Firstly, the performance of specimens under low-velocity impact loading and quasi-static loading conditions is compared, and the effects of inertia force and material strain rate on the dynamic performance of specimens under low-velocity impact are further explored. Then, a resistance function theoretical analysis model that can consider the whole process of load action is proposed with a quadrilinear form, and the analytical expressions of resistance and stiffness at characteristic points are derived. Subsequently, the accuracy of the resistance function model is verified based on the existing test results. Furthermore, based on the resistance function model, the influence laws of compressive strength of concrete, prestressing degree, reinforcement ratio of reinforcement and slab thickness on slab resistance are analyzed. Finally, an anti-impact design method considering perforation and scabbing failure is proposed, and the feasibility of the design method is verified by impact test results.

Flow behaviors of various metals under tensile load

Abstract The influence of flow behaviors on the results of finite element (FE) analyses of metal-forming processes is dominant, even though it varies with strain hardening and softening phenomena. However, obtaining a flow curve with sufficient accuracy is not easy, particularly at large strains. Among various well-known methods of obtaining flow curves, tensile testing-based method is effective to obtain flow curves at large strains at room temperature. It is believed that the strain hardening behavior at large strains during the tensile test was not fully known. In this study, the flow curves, previously obtained using the combined tensile test and finite element method (FEM) approach, are classified as four categories, including monotonic strain hardening function, double-curvature strain hardening function, strain hardening-perfectly-plastic function, and perfectly-plastic-strain softening function. The tensile test characteristics of each type are investigated using its FE predictions, revealing that the specific type of a material can be identified by the tensile test.

Modeling of equivalent strain in 2D cross-sections of open die forged components using neural networks

Open die forging is one of the oldest manufacturing methods known to remove defects in the ingot resulting from the casting process. The improved properties of the final component are highly dependent on the strain distribution. Although sinusoidal equations and empirical formulations have been already used to estimate the strain, they have been applied only to the core of the workpiece. In this work, a novel approach is presented to model the equivalent strain distribution in 2D cross-sections, in the direction of the press, of open die forged components using neural networks. The proposed method efficiently combines a parametric sinusoidal function with a neural network to learn the complex relationships between the process parameters and the resulting local strain. The neural network is trained on a dataset of finite element (FE) simulations of rectangular geometries that cover a wide range of aspect ratios, bite ratios, and height reductions. The presented methodology with near real-time prediction capabilities shows good agreement with FE results. Moreover, the parametric function captures the characteristic pattern of the strain distribution and reveals certain physical relationships affecting the deformation of the material. These patterns are later examined by analyzing the parameters identified in the parametric sinusoidal function.

Comprehensive analysis of wave interactions and resulting spall damage in layered heterogeneous medium under impact

The effect of dynamic spall damage on the response of layered medium subjected to one-dimensional impact involving an impactor and a multi-layered target is investigated. The study examines the damage caused by elastic waves below the Hugoniot Elastic Limit (HEL) during impact events. Analytical expressions of stress and particle velocity derived from mass and momentum conservation principles are utilized to solve the wave interactions within the impactor-target system, considering reflections, transmissions, and wave interactions between layers. These analytical expressions, integrated into a computational framework, facilitate the monitoring of material responses following each wave interaction, thereby analysing the impact response of the layered medium. Wave interactions, resulting in tensile stresses, that can cause damage to the target have been identified. A strain-based damage initiation and evolution law is incorporated into the developed computer program to predict damage in each layer of a medium. Damage alters the medium’s impact behaviour by decreasing stress magnitude and inducing temporal delays in the response due to attenuated wave propagation speed. The occurrences of tensile stress are explored, analyzing spatial and temporal variations of multiple damage incidents within the layered medium. The tension at the interface between two layers can induce damage in one or both adjacent layers, leading to debonding between layers. The effect of damage on the impact response of the medium is analysed by comparing the results for the damaged and undamaged target scenarios. The impact behaviour of a single-layer and a multi-layer target obtained from the present model, in terms of stress and particle velocity, is verified through Finite Element simulations of the identical impact problems, where the damage evolution criterion is incorporated using a VUMAT subroutine. The outcomes derived from this study align closely with Finite Element (FE) results.

Using optimization approach to design dental implant in three types of bone quality - A finite element analysis

Background/PurposeThe use of finite element (FE) analysis in implant biomechanics offers many advantages over other approaches in simulating the complexity of clinical situations. The aim of this study was to perform an optimization analysis of dental implants with different thread designs in three types of bone quality. Materials and methodsThe three-dimensional FE model of a mandibular bone block with a screw-shaped dental implant and superstructure was simulated. In the optimization analysis, the design variables included the thread pitch and the thread depth of the implant. The objective was to minimize the displacement of the implant to the target value. Three FE models with different bone qualities (D2: better bone quality; D3: ordinary bone quality; D4: poor bone quality) were created. ResultsThe FE results showed that the displacement of the implant and the stress of the cortical bone increased, while the Young's modulus of the cancellous bone decreased. In the D2 bone, changing the thread pitch and thread depth had little effect on cortical stress and implant displacement. However, in D3 and D4 bone, increasing thread depth reduced cortical stress by 40 % and implant displacement by at least 9 %. ConclusionAdjusted thread depth for D3 and D4 bone would reduce crestal bone stress and increase implant stability, but only a little alteration on crestal bone stress and implant stability for D2 bone.

Buckling-restrained behavior of woven steel strip shear walls: Experiment and numerical simulation

A novel woven Buckling-Restrained Steel Strip Shear Wall (WBR-SSSW) is proposed for low and medium-rise buildings in this study. The proposed shear wall, comprising inclined arrangements of steel strips with varying dimensions, is categorized into compression and tension steel strips under horizontal loads. By weaving the steel strips, the out-of-plane buckling deformation of the compression strips is significantly alleviated. Cyclic tests were carried out on two 1/3-scaled single-story single-span SSSW specimens to investigate the seismic behavior of woven and non-woven SSSW. Finite element models of two types of SSSW were established and validated by test results. The results showed that the WBR-SSSW exhibited a distinct stress transfer path and stable bearing capacity, with the tension steel strip bearing the majority of the shear load. Compared to specimen SSSW, the WBR-SSSW reduced out-of-plane displacement by over 35 % at each loading level. Parametric analysis of the thickness, number, and width-to-spacing ratios of the steel strips was conducted to optimize the woven-net size. Additionally, a simplified theoretical model for WBR-SSSW was developed, showing good accuracy compared to finite element results, which can be used to estimate the structural shear bearing capacity.

Advanced concrete pavement internal crack monitoring using wave response variation and deep learning

This paper presents an in-depth investigation into internal crack monitoring in concrete pavement through the application of wave response variation (WRV) and deep learning techniques. The study examines wave scattering in both homogeneous (HM) and inhomogeneous (IHM) media, validating WRV by analyzing forward scattering due to interval vertical cracks through laboratory tests and analytical solutions. It compares various laboratory tests with experimental and finite element (FE) results. The analysis reveals that shallower cracks result in peaks at lower impulse frequencies on the WRV curve, while deeper cracks correspond to peaks at higher frequencies, as observed from both forward and incident waves. The study also finds that the complexity of IHM, influenced by random aggregate size and distribution, significantly affects WRV patterns, with larger aggregates causing greater energy attenuation in forward waves compared to smaller aggregates. Machine learning (ML) techniques are employed to predict cracks and clarify the impact of aggregate information on WRV. This research establishes a framework for understanding internal damage in IHM using ML technology. This study enables effective monitoring of internal vertical cracks, such as reflective cracks in bridge decks, pavements, and airport runways.

A New Continuous Strength Method for Prediction of Strain-Hardening Performance of High-Strength Aluminum Alloy Cylindrical Columns

This paper aims to develop a new continuous strength method (CSM) to more accurately predict the strain-hardening characteristics of high-strength aluminum alloy circular hollow sections (CHSs) under axial compression. A total of 11 stub column specimens made of 7A04-T6 and 6061-T6 aluminum alloys underwent testing. Additionally, 16 sets of experiment data were gathered from open sources, encompassing various aluminum alloy types such as 6082-T6, 6061-T6, and 6063-T5. Validated by experimental result, the finite element (FE) model was applied in a series of comprehensive parameter studies, supplementing the limited test result of high-strength aluminum alloy stub columns. Based on the experiment and FE results, this paper proposes a new CSM relation to determine the cross-sectional resistance of high-strength non-slender CHS aluminum alloys under compression. The cross-sectional resistance obtained from tests are compared with predicted strengths determined using the European code, as well as the solution of the CSM proposed in a previous study and in this paper. The comparison illustrates that the strength predictions in the European code and the previous study are conservative. Compared with the European code and the previous study, the strength prediction formula proposed in this paper improves accuracy by 11% and 5%, respectively, while reducing scatter by 8.4% and 2%, respectively.

Study on stable configurations and snap through of the rectangular VS bi-stable laminates with curvilinear fiber alignment

With advances in fiber placement technology, variable stiffness bistable laminates (VSBL) composited by curvilinear fiber format become a subject of intense interest for morphing structures due to their lower weight, adjustable stiffness and a richer range of stable configurations compared to straight fiber bistable laminate. Merely conducting research on square laminates is not enough allowing for practical application scenarios. This article investigates the influence of geometrical parameters of VSBL on the stable state configuration and static snap through actuated by MFC systematically. A quadratic variable curvature polynomial is used to fit the transverse displacement according to classical laminate theory. By means of von-Karman geometrical relationship and the Rayleigh-Ritz method, stable configurations of the VS bistable laminate are solved. By comparing with finite element results, the reliability and precision of the current results are verified. It shows that changing fiber orientation leads to significant effects on the steady state configuration and critical bifurcation points. Theoretical analysis of VS bistable laminates containing the smart piezoelectric material MFC is followed by analytical modeling. The voltage threshold required for actuating snap through of two stable states is acquired by smart material layer MFC. The specific reasons for the differences in the configurations of VS bistable laminates are illustrated by analyzing distribution of the stiffness of VSBL in the plane.

Experimental and numerical study on the effect of friction between crack faces on fracture parameters of hot mix asphalt concrete

This article investigates the effect of friction between crack faces in ASCB (asymmetric semi-circular bend) specimen on fracture parameters of hot mix asphalt concrete. To achieve this, fracture tests were conducted on ASCB specimens containing cracks with different angles (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40°). In addition to the fracture tests, friction tests were also performed by designing a simple fixture. Subsequently, finite element analyses were carried out, and friction coefficients between crack faces were calculated based on the results of fracture and friction tests. Furthermore, two fracture criteria, ASED (average minimum strain energy density) and MTS (maximum tangential stress), were examined under two different scenarios: assuming zero-friction and non-zero friction between crack faces to predict fracture load and fracture strength. The fracture tests showed that with an increase in the crack angle, the fracture load initially decreased up to the crack angle of 20°, and then increased. Furthermore, the friction tests revealed that an increase in the normal load led to an increase in the friction coefficient. As per finite element results, the crack face contact occurred at a crack angle of 13.1°. Hence, crack faces in the ASCB specimens with the crack angles of 20, 30, and 40° had friction, which significantly affected the fracture parameters. The results also indicated that the average error values for the MTS and ASED criteria compared to the experimental results were 22.8 % and 18.8 %, respectively, when the friction` between crack faces is ignored, and 12.4 % and 4.0 % for the scenario that the friction effect is taken into account. The ASED criterion demonstrated higher accuracy than MTS criterion. Additionally, the average error value of fracture strength predicted by the ASED criterion with assuming non-zero friction was 4 %, indicating good predictive accuracy for fracture strength.

High-Order Models for Gas Transport in Multiscale Coal Rock.

The coal reservoirs exhibit great heterogeneity and strong anisotropy in multiscale pore/fracture structures. Developing highly accurate multiscale models for real-time prediction of microgaseous flow in complicated porous media with pronounced contrast in transport coefficients is crucial but not yet available, which is time-consuming, expensive, and even computationally impossible. In this study, a multiscale approximate solution of the gas flow and pressure field is derived in this paper for predicting coalbed methane (CBM) transport in macro-microscopic two-scale porous media of typical coal rocks in Guizhou Province, China, and the detailed finite element algorithm is established. The multiscale approximate solutions are constructed from the first- and second-order auxiliary cell functions and low- or high-order derivatives of the homogenized pressure field, which can accurately approximate the solution of the original problem to a certain extent. The numerical accuracy and validity of the multiscale approximate solutions under various working conditions are analyzed in detail by comparing and verifying the results with the direct numerical simulation results of fine-mesh high-precision finite elements. The results show that the homogenized approximate solution can only roughly capture the characteristics of the macroscopic pressure evolution, the first-order approximate solution can partially reproduce the macro-microscopic pressure oscillation phenomenon, and the second-order approximate solution can accurately predict the pressure profile and its evolution law with time in porous media with macro-micro configuration under various complex conditions. The second- and high-order two-scale approximate solutions constructed in this paper exhibit high numerical accuracy and excellent computational efficiency. We also develop multiscale approximate solutions for predicting microgaseous flow at a low reservoir pressure where the slippage effects are very pronounced. Potential applications of our high-order models to the coal reservoirs with a hierarchical matrix and fractures are discussed. The developed multiscale models exhibit excellent applicability to investigating the crossflow effects and coupling mechanisms between the matrix and cleats or fractures with multiple configurations in the CBM and shale gas reservoirs, which is crucial for the effective implementation of hydraulic fracturing technology. This study provides a fundamental understanding of gas transport in multiscale matrix-fracture networks, which helps to improve the optimization design of hydraulic fracturing in tight reservoirs.