Structure Optimization of Wheel Force Transducer Based on Natural Frequency and Comprehensive Sensitivity

The current research of wheel force transducer （WFT） mainly focuses on test signal processing and decoupling methods based on signal itself, while the WFT structure optimization research related to decreasing the mass and increase the natural frequency and comprehen- sive sensitivity is not enough. In order to improve the WFT test accuracy, a structure optimization method based on natural frequency and comprehensive sensitivity indicators is put forward. The WPT with 8-beam elastic body is used for the finite element modeling （FEM）, in which the fol- lowing variations are taken into consideration： the con- nection type of elastic body with modified rim, the number of connection holes, and the respects of strain beam including the shape, the cross sectional area and the length, etc.. The test results shows that the natural frequency of the connecting block type is increased by 65.5% compared with the connecting seat type of elastic body ＆ modified rim, and the main channel sensitivity is improved as well. The results show that the connecting block type will achieve the best comprehensive performance when the number of connecting holes between the elastic body and the modified rim is 20. And the thinner and longer strain beam with smaller cross section area is preferable within the scope of elastic body mechanical strength. This research proposes a novel structure optimization method for WFT which contributes to improve the measurement performance of WFT.

Shaking Table Test of Pile-Water-Pier Superstructure

The model test of seismic simulation shaking table is an important method to study the seismic design of bridge structure. In order to evaluate the seismic response and dynamic characteristics of pile-water-pier system for developing more reliable design procedures, shaking table model tests of a submerged bridge pier system, including pile groups-cap-pier and inertia mass, were conducted. Since different similitude laws corresponding to different test objectives affected the validity of test results, the similitude law with the aim to consider the effect of hydrodynamic pressure was proposed and confirmed through an actual example. Based on the test results, the effect of water around model on seismic response under seismic excitation input was analyzed and the failure level was judged by observing the variation of basic frequency. The test results indicate that the transfer function of analytical model with water is different from that without water, the natural frequency without water is always higher than that with water, and the first modal shapes are various. It is also concluded that the similitude law is suitable for practical application and the dynamic characteristics and seismic response of the structure system can be changed because of the existence of the surrounding water, which should be paid much attention in the further investigation.