New tangent stiffness matrix for geometrically nonlinear analysis of space frames

A three-dimensional beam element is derived based on the principle of stationary total potential energy for geometrically nonlinear analysis of space frames. A new tangent stiffness matrix, which allows for high order effects of element deformations, replaces the conventional incremental secant stiffness matrix. Two deformation stiffness matrices due to the variation of axial force and bending moments are included in the tangent stiffness. They are functions of element deformations and incorporate the coupling among axial, lateral and torsional deformations. A correction matrix is added to the tangent stiffness matrix to make displacement derivatives equivalent to the commutative rotational degrees of freedom. Numerical examples show that the proposed dement is accurate and efficient in predicting the nonlinear behavior, such as axial-torsional and flexural-torsional buckling, of space frames even when fewer elements are used to model a member.

Numerical evaluation of buckling behavior in space structure considering geometrical parameters with joint rigidity

The buckling behavior of single layer space structure is very sensitive. The joint rigidity, moreover, is one of the main factors of stability which may determine the entire failure behavior. Thus, the reasonable stiffness of joint system, which is neither total pin assumption nor perfect fix condition, is very important to apply to the real single layer space one. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to investigate the buckling behavior of single layer space structure, using the development of the upgraded stiffness matrix for the joint rigidity. To derive tangential stiffness matrix, a displacement function was assumed using translational and rotational displacement at the node. The geometrical nonlinear analysis was simulated not only with perfect model but also with imperfect one. As a result, the one and two free nodal numerical models were investigated using derived stiffness matrix. It was figured out that the buckling load increases in proportion to joint rigidity with rise-span ratio. The stability of numerical model is very sensitive with the initial imperfection, responding of bifurcation in the structure.

FULL-FRONTAL COLLISION SIMULATIONS AND ANALYSES OF TUBULAR SPACE FRAME BODYWORK FOR SEDAN CAR

Using CAE tools based on nonlinear finite element methods, full-frontalcollision dynamic simulation and analysis of a sedan car body with 3D tubular load bearing frame aretentatively carried out. Time histories of the main collisional parameters are presented,improvements of the frame are partially made according to simulation results. Collisional simulationof the tubular frame alone indicates that, such new type of bodywork for sedan car is of goodpotentialities to meet the collision safety regulations.

Fuzzy optimization of space frame

Fuzzy concepts are introduced into structural optimization to solve fuzzyoptimization problems with a crisp objective function and fuzzy constraints, also a non-membershipfunction is used to convert fuzzy constrains into crisp constrains. Two models are discussed wherethe objective function considered is the volume of space frame and the fuzzy constrains are designlimits by the axial strength, slenderness, deflection, thickness and diameter of space frame member.

ANALYSIS OF MATERIAL MECHANICAL PROPERTIES FOR SINGLE-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBES

Abstract The carbon-carbon bond between two nearest-neighboring atoms is mod- eled as a beam and the single-walled carbon nanotubes are treated as the space frame structures in order to analyze the mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes. Based on the theory of Tersof- Brenner force feld, the energy relationships between the carbon-carbon bond and the beam model are obtained, and the stifness parameters of the beam are determined. By applying the present model, the Young’s moduli of the single-walled carbon nanotubes with diferent tube diameters are determined. And the present results are compared with available data.

Optimum design of lander structure based on finite element method

Three kinds of possible structures of legged lander including monocoqe, semi-monocoqe and space frame are compared, and the lightest space frame structure is selected as the lander's structure. Then, a new lander with four-legged truss structure is proposed. In the premise of ensuring that the main and assistant structures of landing legs are not changed, six possible lander body structures of the new lander are put forward. Taking the section size of each component of lander as design variables, and taking the total mass of the structure as the objective function, the six structures are analyzed by using the software Altair. OptiStruct and the results show that the mass of the basic structure is the lightest, and it is selected as the final design scheme of lander due to its simple structure and convenient manufacture. The optimization on the selected lander structure is conducted, and the detailed results are presented.

Structural Design of Philippine Arena

The Philippine Arena Project is a large domed roof structure. The arena volume is significant, with 227 m x 179 m ellipse shaped space standing, which is the largest non-column arena in the world. Reinforced concrete is used for the bowl structure and main seismic resisting system is considered as dual system. For the structure above Level 04, steel rakers and columns are applied. To identify seismic resisting performance of steel structure, push over analysis had been carried out. Pre-cast concrete plank is planned for arena seating to meet constructing ability. The roof structure is grid type space frame. Tension trusses are located under the space frame for overall stability of roof structure. Wind tunnel test had been conducted to evaluate accurate wind pressure for both structure and cladding design. LRB （lead rubber bearing） is located under the roof structure to reduce seismic force delivered from sub-structure.

Optimization for Maximum Nonlinear Buckling Load and Topics on Imperfection of Latticed Shells

The present paper represents comparison of continuum shells and latticed shells with qualitative analysis. For shells, the mechanical characteristics in the two perpendicular directions are continuous and related to each other, and any change in thickness will result in change in stiffness in any direction. In latticed shells, members are discrete and stiffnesses in two mutually perpendicular directions are discontinuous and independent of each other. Therefore, sensitivity of geometrical imperfection for buckling of latticed shells should be different from that of continuum shells. The author proposes a shape optimization method for maximum buckling load of a latticed shell. A single layer latticed dome is taken as a numerical example, and the results show that the buckling load parameter for full area loading case increases 32.75% compared to that of its initial shape. Furthermore, the numerical example demonstrates that an optimum latticed shell with maximum buckling load, unlike an optimum continuum shell, may not be sensitive to its geometrical imperfection.

Shed Light on the Geometrical Configuration and Structural Principle of an Ancient Wooden Bridge in Qingming Shanghe Tu

In the centre of the famous Chinese painting, Qingrning Shanghe Tu, an arch-shaped timber bridge, Hongqiao, stands like a rainbow over the river Bianhe. Unfortunately, Hongqiao was damaged during floods from the Yellow River, and we can only see her beautiful form in Qingming Shanghe Tu. While, the geometrical dimensions, structural principle, as well as the construction methods of the bridge are still an interesting mystery. In the present paper, the author uncovers the structural principle and the geometric dimensions of the bridge as well as its history background. Furthermore, the author introduces two new structural systems, Lap-Beam and 1.5-Layer space frame, which are inspired by the structural principle of the Hongqiao.