A global-local finite element analysis of hybrid composite-to-metal bolted connections used in aerospace engineering

Efficient bolted joint design is an essential part of designing the minimum weight aerospace structures, since structural failures usually occur at connections and interface. A comprehensive numerical study of three-dimensional(3D) stress variations is prohibitively expensive for a large-scale structure where hundreds of bolts can be present. In this work, the hybrid composite-to-metal bolted connections used in the upper stage of European Ariane 5ME rocket are analyzed using the global-local finite element(FE) approach which involves an approximate analysis of the whole structure followed by a detailed analysis of a significantly smaller region of interest. We calculate the Tsai-Wu failure index and the margin of safety using the stresses obtained from ABAQUS. We find that the composite part of a hybrid bolted connection is prone to failure compared to the metal part. We determine the bolt preload based on the clamp-up load calculated using a maximum preload to make the composite part safe. We conclude that the unsuitable bolt preload may cause the failure of the composite part due to the high stress concentration in the vicinity of the bolt. The global-local analysis provides an efficient computational tool for enhancing 3D stress analysis in the highly loaded region.

A brief overview of the School of Aerospace Engineering of Tsinghua University

This article provides a brief overview of the teaching and research at the School of Aerospace Engineering(SAE) to celebrate the 80 th anniversary of the establishment of aeronautics as a discipline at Tsinghua University. The evolution of the school, undergraduate/graduate students and faculty members, and research activities and achievements have been described. The research input including research funding and research projects are summarized, showing a diversity of funding sources and a significant growth in either sum total or spending per researcher. The achievements including publications and inter/national academic awards are also introduced. It can be seen that the level of academic publications has been growing over the past decades. In addition,four representative research achievements have been briefly described to show the scientific contributions of the school.

Enhancement on parallel unstructured overset grid method for complex aerospace engineering applications

In the present study,an efficient overset grid method by means of parallel implicit hole-cutting is proposed for the sake of simulating unsteady flows in aerospace engineering involving multiple bodies in relative movement.In view of the degraded computational efficiency and robustness for conventional overset grid assembly,several innovative techniques are developed within the overset grid assembly process,viz.,a bookkeeping alternative digital tree method to speed up the donor-cell searching,a fast parallel advancing front algorithm to accelerate the wall-distance calculation and a message-passing strategy with efficient information communication and lower storage expenditure within distributed computational architecture.The contribution of the developed techniques is evidenced by comparison with the existing alternative ways in terms of computing efficiency.Subsequently,the overset grid method is embedded into an inhouse programed URANS solver to examine its capability in predicting the flow field of complex applications such as helicopter,store separation and component deploying.Results show that the developed overset grid methodology is,in practice,able to resolve the aerodynamic characteristics of complex aerospace engineering with a high-fidelity flow topology and accuracy.

A new robust design for imperfection sensitive stiffened cylinders used in aerospace engineering

A knock-down factor is commonly used to take into account the obvious decline of the buckling load in a cylindrical shell caused by the inevitable imperfections. In 1968, NASA guideline SP-8007 gave knock-down factors which rely on a lower-bound curve taken from experimental data. Recent research has indicated that the NASA knock-down factors are inclined to produce very conservative estimations for the buckling load of imperfect shells, due to the limitations of the computational power and the experimental skills available five decades ago. A novel knock-down factor is proposed composed of two parts for the metallic stiffened cylinders. A deterministic study is applied to achieve the first part of the knock-down factor considering the measured geometric imperfection, the other types of imperfections are considered in the second part using a stochastic analysis. A smeared model is used to achieve the implementation of the measured geometric imperfection for the stiffened cylinder. This new robust and less conservative design for the stiffened cylinders is validated by using test results.

Recent progress in bio-inspired macrostructure array materials with special wettability—from surface engineering to functional applications

Bio-inspired macrostructure array(MAA,size:submillimeter to millimeter scale)materials with special wettability(MAAMs-SW)have attracted significant research attention due to their outstanding performance in many applications,including oil repellency,liquid/droplet manipulation,anti-icing,heat transfer,water collection,and oil–water separation.In this review,we focus on recent developments in the theory,design,fabrication,and application of bio-inspired MAAMs-SW.We first review the history of the basic theory of special wettability and discuss representative structures and corresponding functions of some biological surfaces,thus setting the stage for the design and fabrication of bio-inspired MAAMs-SW.We then summarize the fabrication methods of special wetting MAAs in terms of three categories:additive manufacturing,subtractive manufacturing,and formative manufacturing,as well as their diverse functional applications,providing insights into the development of these MAAMs-SW.Finally,the challenges and directions of future research on bio-inspired MAAMs-SW are briefy addressed.Worldwide efforts,progress,and breakthroughs from surface engineering to functional applications elaborated herein will promote the practical application of bio-inspired MAAMs-SW.

In vitro investigations on the effects of graphene and graphene oxide on polycaprolactone bone tissue engineering scaffolds

Polycaprolactone(PCL)scaffolds that are produced through additive manufacturing are one of the most researched bone tissue engineering structures in the field.Due to the intrinsic limitations of PCL,carbon nanomaterials are often investigated to reinforce the PCL scaffolds.Despite several studies that have been conducted on carbon nanomaterials,such as graphene(G)and graphene oxide(GO),certain challenges remain in terms of the precise design of the biological and nonbiological properties of the scaffolds.This paper addresses this limitation by investigating both the nonbiological(element composition,surface,degradation,and thermal and mechanical properties)and biological characteristics of carbon nanomaterial-reinforced PCL scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications.Results showed that the incorporation of G and GO increased surface properties(reduced modulus and wettability),material crystallinity,crystallization temperature,and degradation rate.However,the variations in compressive modulus,strength,surface hardness,and cell metabolic activity strongly depended on the type of reinforcement.Finally,a series of phenomenological models were developed based on experimental results to describe the variations of scaffold’s weight,fiber diameter,porosity,and mechanical properties as functions of degradation time and carbon nanomaterial concentrations.The results presented in this paper enable the design of three-dimensional(3D)bone scaffolds with tuned properties by adjusting the type and concentration of different functional fillers.

Sequential RBF Surrogate-based Efficient Optimization Method for Engineering Design Problems with Expensive Black-Box Functions

As a promising technique, surrogate-based design and optimization（SBDO） has been widely used in modern engineering design optimizations. Currently, static surrogate-based optimization methods have been successfully applied to expensive optimization problems. However, due to the low efficiency and poor flexibility, static surrogate-based optimization methods are difficult to efficiently solve practical engineering cases. At the aim of enhancing efficiency, a novel surrogate-based efficient optimization method is developed by using sequential radial basis function（SEO-SRBF）. Moreover, augmented Lagrangian multiplier method is adopted to solve the problems involving expensive constraints. In order to study the performance of SEO-SRBF, several numerical benchmark functions and engineering problems are solved by SEO-SRBF and other well-known surrogate-based optimization methods including EGO, MPS, and IARSM. The optimal solutions, number of function evaluations, and algorithm execution time are recorded for comparison. The comparison results demonstrate that SEO-SRBF shows satisfactory performance in both optimization efficiency and global convergence capability. The CPU time required for running SEO-SRBF is dramatically less than that of other algorithms. In the torque arm optimization case using FEA simulation, SEO-SRBF further reduces 21% of thematerial volume compared with the solution from static-RBF subject to the stress constraint. This study provides the efficient strategy to solve expensive constrained optimization problems.

Tailoring MgH_(2) for hydrogen storage through nanoengineering and catalysis

Hydrogen energy has been recognized as “Ultimate Power Source” in the 21st century, which could be the best solution to the looming energy crisis and climate degeneration in the near future. Due to its high safety, low price, abundant resources and decent hydrogen storage density, magnesium based solid-state hydrogen storage materials are becoming the leading candidate for onboard hydrogen storage. However,the high operation temperature and slow reaction rate of MgH_(2), as a result of the large formation enthalpy and high reaction activation energy,respectively, are the first and most difficult problems we need to face and overcome to realize its industrialization. Herein, a state-of-the-art review on tailoring the stable thermodynamics and sluggish kinetics of hydrogen storage in MgH_(2), particularly through nanoengnieering and catalysis is presented, aiming to provide references and solutions for its promotion and application. Promising methods to overcome the challenges faced by MgH_(2)/Mg, such as bidirectional catalysts and nanoconfinement with in-situ catalysis are compared and the required improvements are discussed to stimulate further discussions and ideas in the rational design of MgH_(2)/Mg systems with ability for hydrogen release/uptake at lower temperatures and cycle stability in the near future.

Integration of Peridynamic Theory and OpenSees for Solving Problems in Civil Engineering

Peridynamics(PD)is a powerful method to simulate the discontinuous problems in civil engineering.However,it may take a lot of effort to implement the material constitutive models into PD program for solving a broad range of problems.OpenSees is an open source software which includes a versatile material library and has been widely used by researchers and engineers in civil engineering.In this context,the paper presents a simple but effective approach to integrate PD with OpenSees by using a Client-Server(CS)software integration technique,such that the existing material constitutive models in OpenSees can be directly used by PD.Two applications are presented to verify the new PD-OpenSees platform.The first one is a plate with a pre-crack subject to horizontal load simulated using a three-dimension(3D)multi-yield-surfaces plasticity model,and the second one is a concrete block with a rectangular hole subject to a uniaxial loading condition simulated using a 3D Cap plasticity model.It shows that the generation/propagation of cracks of the elastoplastic materials(e.g.,concrete and soil)can be analyzed by combing PD and three-dimensional plasticity constitutive models without compiling/linking these complex material models into PD program.Thus,the integrated PDOpenSees platform presented herein is potentially capable to solve a wide range of complex problems in civil engineering.

Resistance of grid steel-tube-confined concrete targets against projectile impact: Experimental investigation and analytical engineering model

Steel-tube-confined concrete(STCC) targets are provided with excellent anti-penetration performance over semi-infinite concrete(SIC) targets since the steel tube imposes passive restraint on the in-filled concrete during the penetration process. Grid STCC system with square steel tubes is a potential solution to protective structures. In this paper, experiments of 9-cell grid STCC targets penetrated by 12.7 mm Armor Piercing Projectile(APP) were performed. The influence of side length and thickness of steel tube,steel ratio and impact velocity on anti-penetration performance were taken into account. Additionally,single-cell square STCC targets were also designed and tested for comparison with the 9-cell grid STCC targets. Damage modes and parameters of the tested targets were measured and discussed. Moreover,the stiffness of radial confinement of grid STCC targets is achieved according to the elastic solution of infinite cylindrical shell in Winkler medium. Furthermore, the penetration resistance and depth of penetration(DOP) for grid STCC targets are obtained on the basis of the dynamic finite spherical cavityexpansion(FSCE) models including radial confinement effect. It is shown that the 9-cell grid STCC targets with optimal dimension match of thickness and side length of steel tube can reduce the DOP by about17 % and 23 % in comparison with the SIC targets and single-cell square STCC targets, respectively, due to both the confinement of square steel tube to concrete in the impacted cell and the additional confinement of the surrounding cells to the impacted cell;the penetration resistance and DOP of the grid and cellular STCC targets with similar steel ratio is close, and thus the grid STCC targets with simpler manufacturing process and excellent in-plane expandability are preferred in engineering practice;moreover, the predicted results of DOP model based on the FSCE models agree well with the tested results with the maximum disparity less than 12 % and the proposed model is more applicable to the grid and cellular STCC targets with high radial confinement.

Scaling law of hydrogen evolution reaction for InSe monolayer with 3d transition metals doping and strain engineering

Recently, two dimensional In Se attracts great attentions as potential hydrogen production photocatalysts.Here, comprehensive investigations on the hydrogen evolution reaction activity of In Se monolayer with3 d transition metal doping and biaxial strain were performed based on the density functional theory.Transition metal dopants significantly increase the bonding strength between H and Se, and then adjust the hydrogen adsorption free energy to 0.02 e V by Zn doping. The enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction activity results from less electron occupying H 1 s-Se 4 pzanti-bonding states, which is well correlated with the pzband center level. Importantly, the universal scalling law was proposed to descript the evolution of hydrogen adsorption free energy including both doping and strain effects. Moreover, with appropriate band alignment, optical absorption, and carriers separation ability, Zn doped In Se monolayer is considered as a promising candidate of visible-light photocatalyst for hydrogen production.

Investigation of a dynamics-oriented engineering approach to ultraprecision machining of freeform surfaces and its implementation perspectives

In current precision and ultraprecision machining practice,the positioning and control of actuation systems,such as slideways and spindles,are heavily dependent on the use of linear or rotary encoders.However,positioning control is passive because of the lack of direct monitoring and control of the tool and workpiece positions in the dynamic machining process and also because it is assumed that the machining system is rigid and the cutting dynamics are stable.In ultraprecision machining of freeform surfaces using slow tool servo mode in particular,however,account must be taken of the machining dynamics and dynamic synchronization of the cutting tool and workpiece positioning.The important question also arises as to how ultraprecision machining systems can be designed and developed to work better in this application scenario.In this paper,an innovative dynamics-oriented engineering approach is presented for ultraprecision machining of freeform surfaces using slow tool servo mode.The approach is focused on seamless integration of multibody dynamics,cutting forces,and machining dynamics,while targeting the positioning and control of the tool–workpiece loop in the machining system.The positioning and motion control between the cutting tool and workpiece surface are further studied in the presence of interfacial interactions at the tool tip and workpiece surface.The interfacial cutting physics and dynamics are likely to be at the core of in-process monitoring applicable to ultraprecision machining systems.The approach is illustrated using a virtual machining system developed and supported with simulations and experimental trials.Furthermore,the paper provides further explorations and discussion on implementation perspectives of the approach,in combination with case studies,as well as discussing its fundamental and industrial implications.

Influence of Shim Layers on Progressive Failure of a Composite Componentin Composite-Aluminum Bolted Joint in Aerospace Structural Assembly

The influence of varying shim layers on the progressive damage/failure of a composite component in a bolted composite-aluminum aerospace structural assembly was investigated using a non-linear three-dimensional(3 D)structural solid elements assembled model of a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer(CFRP)-aluminum single-lap joint with a titanium(Ti-6 Al-4 V)fastener and a washer generated with the commercial finite element(FE)software package,ABAQUS/Standard.A progressive failure algorithm written in Fortran code with a set of appropriate degradation rules was incorporated as a user subroutine in ABAQUS to simulate the non-linear damage behavior of the composite component in the composite-aluminum bolted aerospace structure.The assembled 3 DFE model simulated,as well as the specimen for the experimental testing consisted of a carbon-epoxy IMS-977-2 substrate,aluminum alloy 7075-T651 substrate,liquid shim(Hysol EA 9394),solid peelable fiberglass shim,a titanium fastener,and a washer.In distinction to previous investigations,the influence of shim layers(liquid shim and solid peelable fiberglass shim)inserted in-between the faying surfaces(CFRP and aluminum alloy substrates)were investigated by both numerical simulations and experimental work.The simulated model and test specimens conformed to the standard test configurations for both civil and military standards.The numerical simulations correlated well with the experimental results and it has been found that:(1)The shimming procedure as agreed upon by the aerospace industry for the resolution of assembly gaps in bolted joints for composite materials is the same for a composite-aluminum structure;liquid shim series(0.3,0.5 and 0.7 mm thicknesses)prolonged the service life of the composite component whereas a solid peelable fiberglass shim most definitely had a better influence on the 0.9 assembly gap compared with the liquid shim;(2)The shim layers considerably influenced the structural strength of the composite component by delaying its ultimate failure thereby increasing its service life;and(3)Increasing the shim layer′s thickness led to a significant corresponding effect on the stiffness but with minimal effect on the ultimate load.

Robotic in situ bioprinting for cartilage tissue engineering

Articular cartilage damage caused by trauma or degenerative pathologies such as osteoarthritis can result in significant pain,mobility issues,and disability.Current surgical treatments have a limited capacity for efficacious cartilage repair,and long-term patient outcomes are not satisfying.Three-dimensional bioprinting has been used to fabricate biochemical and biophysical environments that aim to recapitulate the native microenvironment and promote tissue regeneration.However,conventional in vitro bioprinting has limitations due to the challenges associated with the fabrication and implantation of bioprinted constructs and their integration with the native cartilage tissue.In situ bioprinting is a novel strategy to directly deliver bioinks to the desired anatomical site and has the potential to overcome major shortcomings associated with conventional bioprinting.In this review,we focus on the new frontier of robotic-assisted in situ bioprinting surgical systems for cartilage regeneration.We outline existing clinical approaches and the utilization of robotic-assisted surgical systems.Handheld and robotic-assisted in situ bioprinting techniques including minimally invasive and non-invasive approaches are defined and presented.Finally,we discuss the challenges and potential future perspectives of in situ bioprinting for cartilage applications.

Vacancies and interfaces engineering of core-shell heterostuctured NiCoP/NiO as trifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting and zinc-air batteries

The electronic structures and properties of electrocatalysts,which depend on the physicochemical structure and metallic element components,could significantly affect their electrocatalytic performance and their future applications in Zn-air battery(ZAB)and overall water splitting(OWS).Here,by combining vacancies and heterogeneous interfacial engineering,three-dimensional(3D)core-shell NiCoP/NiO heterostructures with dominated oxygen vacancies have been controllably in-situ grown on carbon cloth for using as highly efficient electrocatalysts toward hydrogen and oxygen electrochemical reactions.Theoretical calculation and electrochemical results manifest that the hybridization of NiCoP core with NiO shell produces a strong synergistic electronic coupling effect.The oxygen vacancy can enable the emergence of new electronic states within the band gap,crossing the Fermi levels of the two spin components and optimizing the local electronic structure.Besides,the hierarchical core-shell NiCoP/NiO nanoarrays also endow the catalysts with multiple exposed active sites,faster mass transfer behavior,optimized electronic strutures and improved electrochemical performance during ZAB and OWS applications.

Control of surface wettability via strain engineering

Reversible control of surface wettability has wide applications in lab-on-chip systems, tunable optical lenses, and microfluidic tools. Using a graphene sheet as a sam- ple material and molecular dynamic simulations, we demon- strate that strain engineering can serve as an effective way to control the surface wettability. The contact angles 0 of water droplets on a graphene vary from 72.5° to 106° under biaxial strains ranging from -10% to 10% that are applied on the graphene layer. For an intrinsic hydrophilic surface （at zero strain）, the variation of 0 upon the applied strains is more sensitive, i.e., from 0° to 74.8°. Overall the cosines of the contact angles exhibit a linear relation with respect to the strains. In light of the inherent dependence of the contact an- gle on liquid-solid interfacial energy, we develop an analytic model to show the cos 0 as a linear function of the adsorption energy Eads of a single water molecule over the substrate sur- face. This model agrees with our molecular dynamic results very well. Together with the linear dependence of Eads on bi- axial strains, we can thus understand the effect of strains on the surface wettability. Thanks to the ease of reversibly ap- plying mechanical strains in micro/nano-electromechanical systems, we believe that strain engineering can be a promis- ing means to achieve the reversibly control of surface wetta- bility.

Investigation into precision engineering design and development of the next-generation brake discs using Al/SiC metal matrix composites

Substantially lightweight brake discs with high wear resistance are highly desirable in the automotive industry.This paper presents an investigation of the precision-engineering design and development of automotive brake discs using nonhomogeneous Al/SiC metal-matrixcomposite materials.The design and development are based on modeling and analysis following stringent precision-engineering principles,i.e.,brake-disc systems that operate repeatably and stably over time as enabled by precision-engineering design.The design and development are further supported by tribological experimental testing and finite-element simulations.The results show the industrial feasibility of the innovative design approach and the application merits of using advanced metal-matrix-composite materials for next-generation automotive and electric vehicles.

Systems engineering optimization of Omid-2 in the conceptual design phase

Due to the importance and role of systems engineering in space mission developments, optimization of Omid＇s systems engineering as a milestone to its current and future generations is focused. In this regard systems engineering management organization as the basis of optimization work flow in the conceptual design phase is proposed for improvement. To improve the systems engineering management, an agile enhanced organization chart is developed that defines various system duties. This is a type of concurrent engineering approach that promotes direct communication and data interchange between the team members. Due to the importance of decision making in the conceptual design phase, two design matrices are constructed that portray merits of various design options in terms of improved satellite life as well as specific choices of remote sensing capability for the Omid second generation（Omid-2）. Conceptual design optimization is explored considering several structural objectives as well as optimal solar energy absorption utilizing a multiple criteria decision making approach. The Eigenvector method is utilized to formulate the objective function via expert judgment. This approach is robust with respect to designer probable miss-judgment. The optimized version of Omid-2 turned out to be a passive Z-axis spin stabilized satellite made of hexagonal honeycomb configuration with carbon-epoxy side panels and Aluminum bottom plate.

Structural Aerospace Composite/Metallic Samples under Fatigue Loads： Experimental Activity on Three Case Studies

The use of composite materials in aerospace engineering is ever increasing. Properties such as low weight, high performance, high stiffness and the ability for it to be tailored specifically for different structural uses has increased its importance in recent years. Specific experimental/numerical activities were developed in the last decade at the aerospace department of Polito and are under consideration in recent years regarding the analysis of fatigue behavior of composite/metallic structural samples under cyclic loading condition. A review of the main significant results connected to three case-studies is presented in the paper. The first is related to the definition and analysis of innovative joint for composite high aspect ratio aircraft structures. The modular design oriented to limit component dimensions for transportability requires the presence of a removable joints able to overcome the typical low bearing failure level of composite pin-loaded joint under static and fatigue loading distribution according to airworthiness requirements. The static experiments demonstrate the consistency of the proposed advanced joint configuration that postpones the joint failure to high load level according to the structural requirements. The cyclic loading phase takes as reference point the failure load of the initial configuration and defines a loading cycle with a maximum higher than the failure load of the initial configuration. The fatigue behavior of the advanced joint also demonstrates a substantial consistency with expected duration of 1 e6 cycles as required by the structural design for operating reasons. Specific indication on fatigue limit with respect to critical amplitude is reported. The second is related to the presence of specific damaged situation in thin-walled fiat/stiffened composite plate. Stiffened configurations are frequently used to increase buckling load level. Unexpected events on solid/stiffened composite panels can introduce a certain level of damage, typically delamination, that can cause reduction in buckling design level and reduction in global strength. The presence of cyclic load and fatigue effect can have an important consequence on damage propagation and structural integrity. The damaged area determined by the skin-stiffener de-bonding of a certain dimension is investigated under static compression and cyclic compression. Local buckling of damaged area is determined and pointed out by tests in uniaxial compression. The experimental static behavior points out the presence of a snap-effect during loading and un-loading. Fatigue loading configuration is applied in the range of post-critical local configuration considered as the most effective situation. Preliminary fatigue results are presented and discussed. The third is related to preliminary investigation on the effect of fatigue life reduction of 2024 AI alloy in corrosive （exfoliation） environment. The effect of corrosion is taken into consideration introducing specific concentration factors into the life estimation relationship. Differences between fatigue in prior corroded specimens and fatigue in presence of corrosive environment are emphasized. No crack propagation is considered. Related concentration factors are derived and compared by the few experimental results in order to define some guidelines for design process and to improve aircraft better evaluation of component structural integrity in operative situations. A preliminary approach is presented in the paper in order to correctly identify the contribution of corrosive environment in coupled fatigue loading phase. The results are discussed and future improvements are suggested.

Comparative Study on Results of Euler,Improved Euler and Run­ge-Kutta Methods for Solving the Engineering Unknown Problems

The paper presents the comparative study on numerical methods of Euler method,Improved Euler method and fourth-order Runge-Kutta method for solving the engineering problems and applications.The three proposed methods are quite efficient and practically well suited for solving the unknown engineering problems.This paper aims to enhance the teaching and learning quality of teachers and students for various levels.At each point of the interval,the value of y is calculated and compared with its exact value at that point.The next interesting point is the observation of error from those methods.Error in the value of y is the difference between calculated and exact value.A mathematical equation which relates various functions with its derivatives is known as a differential equation.It is a popular field of mathematics because of its application to real-world problems.To calculate the exact values,the approximate values and the errors,the numerical tool such as MATLAB is appropriate for observing the results.This paper mainly concentrates on identifying the method which provides more accurate results.Then the analytical results and calculates their corresponding error were compared in details.The minimum error directly reflected to realize the best method from different numerical methods.According to the analyses from those three approaches,we observed that only the error is nominal for the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method.