Impact failure models and application condition of trees in debris-flow hazard mitigation

Forestry has played an important role in hazard mitigation associated with debris flows.Most forest mitigation measures refer to the experience of soil and water conservation,which disregard the destructive effect of debris flows,causing potentially serious consequences.Determination of the effect of a forest on reducing debris-flow velocity and even stopping debris flows requires distinguishing between when the debris flow will destroy the forest and when the trees will withstand the debris-flow impact force.In this paper,we summarized two impact failure models of a single tree: stem breakage and overturning.The influences of different tree sizes characteristics(stem base diameter,tree weight,and root failure radius) and debris-flow characteristics(density,velocity,flow depth,and boulder diameter) on tree failure were analyzed.The observations obtained from the model adopted in this study show that trees are more prone to stem breakage than overturning.With an increase in tree size,the ability to resist stem breakage and overturning increases.Debris-flow density influences the critical failure conditions of trees substantially less than the debrisflow velocity,depth,and boulder diameter.The application conditions of forests in debris-flow hazard mitigation were proposed based on the analysis of the model results.The proposed models were applied in the Xiajijiehaizi Gully as a case study,and the results explain the destruction of trees in the forest dispersing zone.This work provides references for implementing forest measures for debris-flow hazard mitigation.

Three-dimensional limit variation analysis on the ultimate pullout capacity of the anchor cables based on the Hoek-Brown failure criterion

Only simplified two-dimensional model and a single failure mode are adopted to calculate the ultimate pullout capacity(UPC)of anchor cables in most previous research.This study focuses on a more comprehensive combination failure mode that consists of bond failure of an anchorage body and failure of an anchored rock mass.The three-dimensional ultimate pullout capacity of the anchor cables is calculated based on the Hoek-Brown failure criterion and variation analysis method.The numerical solution for the curvilinear function in fracture plane is obtained based on the finite difference theory,which more accurately reflects the failure state of the anchor cable,as opposed to that being assumed in advance.The results reveal that relying solely on a single failure mode for UPC calculations has limitations,as changes in parameter values not only directly impact the UPC value but also can alter the failure model and thus the calculation method.

Robustness of community networks against cascading failures with heterogeneous redistribution strategies

Network robustness is one of the core contents of complex network security research.This paper focuses on the robustness of community networks with respect to cascading failures,considering the nodes influence and community heterogeneity.A novel node influence ranking method,community-based Clustering-LeaderRank(CCL)algorithm,is first proposed to identify influential nodes in community networks.Simulation results show that the CCL method can effectively identify the influence of nodes.Based on node influence,a new cascading failure model with heterogeneous redistribution strategy is proposed to describe and analyze node fault propagation in community networks.Analytical and numerical simulation results on cascading failure show that the community attribute has an important influence on the cascading failure process.The network robustness against cascading failures increases when the load is more distributed to neighbors of the same community instead of different communities.When the initial load distribution and the load redistribution strategy based on the node influence are the same,the network shows better robustness against node failure.

Storage reliability assessment model based on competition failure of multi-components in missile

The degradation data of multi-components in missile is derived by periodical testing. How to use these data to assess the storage reliability (SR) of the whole missile is a difficult problem in current research. An SR assessment model based on competition failure of multi-components in missile is proposed. By analyzing the missile life profile and its storage failure feature, the key components in missile are obtained and the characteristics voltage is assumed to be its key performance parameter. When the voltage testing data of key components in missile are available, a state space model (SSM) is applied to obtain the whole missile degradation state, which is defined as the missile degradation degree (DD). A Wiener process with the time-scale model (TSM) is applied to build the degradation failure model with individual variability and nonlinearity. The Weibull distribution and proportional risk model are applied to build an outburst failure model with performance degradation effect. Furthermore, a competition failure model with the correlation between degradation failure and outburst failure is proposed. A numerical example with a set of missiles in storage is analyzed to demonstrate the accuracy and superiority of the proposed model.

Correlation failure analysis of an uncertain hysteretic vibration system

In this paper, a numerical method for correlation sensitivity analysis of a nonlinear random vibration system is presented. Based on the first passage failure model, the probability perturbation method is employed to determine the statistical characteristics of failure modes and the correlation between them. The sensitivity of correlation between failure modes with respect to random parameters characterizing the uncertainty of the hysteretic loop is discussed. In a numerical example, a two-DOF shear structure with uncertain hysteretic restoring force is considered. The statistical characteristics of response, failure modes and the sensitivity of random hysteretic loop parameters are provided, and also compared with a Monte Carlo simulation.

Test selection and optimization for PHM based on failure evolution mechanism model

The test selection and optimization （TSO） can improve the abilities of fault diagnosis, prognosis and health-state evalua- tion for prognostics and health management （PHM） systems. Traditionally, TSO mainly focuses on fault detection and isolation, but they cannot provide an effective guide for the design for testability （DFT） to improve the PHM performance level. To solve the problem, a model of TSO for PHM systems is proposed. Firstly, through integrating the characteristics of fault severity and propa- gation time, and analyzing the test timing and sensitivity, a testability model based on failure evolution mechanism model （FEMM） for PHM systems is built up. This model describes the fault evolution- test dependency using the fault-symptom parameter matrix and symptom parameter-test matrix. Secondly, a novel method of in- herent testability analysis for PHM systems is developed based on the above information. Having completed the analysis, a TSO model, whose objective is to maximize fault trackability and mini- mize the test cost, is proposed through inherent testability analysis results, and an adaptive simulated annealing genetic algorithm （ASAGA） is introduced to solve the TSO problem. Finally, a case of a centrifugal pump system is used to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed models and methods. The results show that the proposed technology is important for PHM systems to select and optimize the test set in order to improve their performance level.

Brittleness Generation Mechanism and Failure Model of High Strength Lightweight Aggregate Concrete

The brittleness generation mechanism of high strength lightweight aggregate con-crete(HSLWAC) was presented, and it was indicated that lightweight aggregate was the vulnerable spot, initiating brittleness. Based on the analysis of the brittleness failure by the load-deflection curve, the brittleness presented by HSLWAC was more prominent compared with ordinary lightweight aggregate concrete of the same strength grade. The model of brittleness failure was also established.

Concave Group Selection of Nonparameter Additive Accelerated Failure Time Model

In this paper, we have studied the nonparameter accelerated failure time (AFT) additive regression model, whose covariates have a nonparametric effect on high-dimensional censored data. We give the asymptotic property of the penalty estimator based on GMCP in the nonparameter AFT model.

A FUZZY MODEL FOR THE FAILURE OF COMPOSITE STRUCTURES

In this paper, the fuzzy theory is used to describe the uncertainty in failure definition of composite structures. The concept of structural failure level (SFL) is suggested and a method of evaluation is presented.

Unified method for typical gear failure modeling and stiffness calculation based on the matrix equation

The failure types in gear systems vary,with typical ones mainly including pitting,cracking,wear,and broken teeth.Different modeling and stiffness calculation methods have been developed for various gear failure types.A unified method for typical gear failure modeling and stiffness calculation is introduced in this study by considering the deviations in the time-varying meshing stiffness(TVMS)of faulty gears resulting from the use of different methods.Specifically,a gear tooth is discretized into a large number of microelements expressed with a matrix,and unified models of typical gear failures are built by adjusting the values of the matrix microelements.The values and positions of the microelements in the tooth failure model matrix have the same physical meaning as the parameter variables in the potential energy method(PEM),so the matrix-based failure model can be perfectly matched with PEM.Afterward,a unified method for TVMS is established.Modeling of healthy and faulty gears with pitting,wear,crack,and broken tooth is performed with the matrix equation,and the corresponding TVMS values are calculated by incorporating the matrix models with PEM.On the basis of the results,the mechanism of typical fault types that affect TVMS is analyzed,and the conclusions are verified through the finite element method.The developed unified method is a promising technique for studying the dynamic response characteristics of gear systems with different failure types because of its superiority in eliminating stiffness deviations.

Is the Long-term Economic Decline of the Philippines Unstoppable? Trends, Reasons, Outlook

The Philippines was in the 1960s a model of development in Asia and second to Japan,but occupies presently only the 11th position under South-East and East Asian countries in terms of GDP-per capita.The article explores why this important Asian country with a long colonial past and enormous economic potential still ranks under lower-income countries and has in the last decades let pass by many other Asian countries.In answering this question,the approach of external triggers for accelerated development is being applied.In stark contrast to the success stories of the strongly outward-looking Asian countries like the four Tigers,later of Thailand and Vietnam the Philippines never developed a vision of an open economy connecting pro-actively to the world markets.Trade is hampered by a non-competitive and highly protected national economy.The existing FDI is more oriented to the profitable local markets.Foreign debts were never effectively used and international tourism was never well promoted.Linking these failures to the existing power structures in the country,it seems very much that the backward forces like the big landowners,the local producers and industrialists never wanted and continue not to want to open up the economy to international competition and governments are complacent with these groups.Various indicators demonstrate the long-term decline of the Philippines:Among them the slow growth of the GDP and the continuously high poverty rates.As the alliance of big business and policy holds firm no change in the failing nationalistic economic model can be detected leaving the bleak outlook that the economic decline will continue.

Numerical analysis on seismic response and failure mechanism of articulated pile−structure system in a liquefiable site from shaking-table experiments

This study investigates the seismic response and failure mode of a pile-structure system in a liquefiable site by employing a numerical simulation model combined with the shaking-table results of a soil-pile-structure dynamic system.The pile and soil responses obtained from the numerical simulations agreed well with the experimental results.The slopes of the dynamic shear-stress-shear-strain hysteretic curves at different positions also exhibited a decreasing trend,indicating that the shear strength of the soil in all parts of the foundation decreased.The peak acceleration of the soil and pile was not clearly amplified in the saturated sand layer but appeared to be amplified in the top part.The maximum bending moments appeared in the middle and lower parts of the pile shaft;however,the shear forces at the corresponding positions were not large.It can be observed from the deformation mode of the pile-group foundation that a typical bending failure is caused by an excessive bending moment in the middle of the pile shaft if the link between the pile top and cap is articulated,and sufficient attention should be paid to the bending failure in the middle of the pile shaft.

Overview on the Prediction Models for Sheet Metal Forming Failure:Necking and Ductile Fracture

The formability of the material determines the amount of available deformation before failure and thus is important for the production of various structural components in industries. The workability of materiMs is commonly evaluated by different forms of failure mod- els during sheet metal forming （SMF） processes. In order to provide a whole picture about the prediction models for SMF failure, necking-related formability and ductile fracture-related forma- bility studies in SMF processes are systematically summarized, the applicability and limitation of each model are highlighted, and the link between forming limit diagram and ductile fracture criterion is pointed out, Conclusions about some critical issues on failure in SMF are made.

The temperature-dependent fracture strength model for ultra-high temperature ceramics

Breaking down the entire structure of a material implies severing all the bonds between its atoms either by applying work or by heat transfer. Because bond-breaking is indifferent to either means, there is a kind of equivalence between heat energy and strain energy. Based on this equivalence, we assume the existence of a constant maximum storage of energy that includes both the strain energy and the corresponding equivalent heat energy. A temperaturedependent fracture strength model is then developed for ultrahigh temperature ceramics （UHTCs）. Model predictions for UHTCs, HfB2, TiC and ZrB2, are presented and compared with the experimental results. These predictions are found to be largely consistent with experimental results.

Review on structural fatigue of NiTi shape memory alloys:Pure mechanical and thermo-mechanical ones

Structural fatigue of NiTi shape memory alloys is a key issue that should be solved in order to promote their engineering applications and utilize their unique shape memory effect and super-elasticity more sufficiently. In this paper, the latest progresses made in experimental and theoretical analyses for the structural fatigue features of NiTi shape memory alloys are reviewed. First, macroscopic experimental observations to the pure mechanical and thermo-mechanical fatigue features of the alloys are summarized; then the state-of-arts in the mechanism analysis of fatigue rupture are addressed; further, advances in the construction of fatigue failure models are provided; finally, summary and future topics are outlined.

Creep Modeling of Magnesia-chromite Bricks in a RH Snorkel During a Process Cycle

In this paper both experimental and analytical approaches to provide the inputs for creep modeling of refractories including a newly developed high temperature compressive creep machine and an inverse estimation procedure of creep law parameters are briefly introduced.Besides,a modified shear test is applied to determine the cohesion and friction angle of refractories under shear state. A RH snorkel equipped with magnesia- chromite bricks is chosen for a case study of thermomechanical simulation applying the classical creep model and Drucker-Prager creep model available in the finite element code ABAQUS,respectively. Afterwards,thermal stresses and joint opening of magnesia- chromite bricks during a process cycle are compared to distinguish the impact of these two creep models.

The System Analysis and Reliability Evaluation of Rock Slopes

The principal of preferred plane analysis is a new research view and model of rock slope engineering geology. It advocates that the rock slope stability, boundary conditions and failure model are controlled by preferred planes. Therefore, the problem of slope stability evaluation can be converted into the search for preferred planes and determination of preferred separating bodies. The organic combination of the deterministic model and the indeterministic model can be realized by applying the systems engineering principle and the research model and method of reliability analysis in the quantitative evaluation and prediction of rock slope stability. Finally, the paper presents the case studies of slopes of the Yangtze Gorge Project and the Ma'anshan openpit mine.

Numerical investigations of the failure mechanism evolution of rock-like disc specimens containing unfilled or filled flaws

The mechanical responses and ultimate failure patterns of rocks are associated with the failure mechanism evolution.In this study,smoothed particle hydrodynamics(SPH)method with the mixed-mode failure model is proposed to probe into failure mechanism evolutions for disc specimens upon loading.The tensile damage model and the Drucker-Prager model are used to calculate the tensile failure and shear failure of the material,respectively.It is concluded that for flaw-unfilled disc specimens,the crack coalescence mechanism in the rock bridge area is affected by the flaw inclination angle and the material property.Considering disc specimens with filled flaws,the incremental rate of tensile damage grows more rapidly when the disc and filling material have a closer ratio of tensile strength to cohesion,which makes the entire specimen response greater brittleness.Furthermore,with the increasing non-uniformity of filling distribution,the incremental rate of tensile-activated damage decreases and the disc specimen performs more ductile.Besides,the influence of the fillings is greater when the flaw inclination angle is approaching 45°.It is proved that the proposed SPH method can be used to simulate the failure mechanism evolution of rocks,which lays a foundation for the study of more complex rock failure.

Fluid structure interaction of supersonic parachute with material failure

The material damage of parachute may occur in parachutes at high speeds,and the growth of tearing may finally lead to failure of aerospace mission.In order to study the damage mechanism of parachute,a material failure model is proposed to simulate the failure of canopy fabric.The inflation process of supersonic parachute is studied numerically based on Arbitrary Lagrange Euler(ALE)method.The ALE method with material failure can predict the transient parachute shape with damage propagation as well as the flow characteristics in the parachute inflation process,and the simulated dynamic opening load is consistent with the flight test.The damage propagation mechanism of parachute is then investigated,and the effect of parachute velocity on the damage process is discussed.The results show that the canopy tears apart by the fast flow from the initial damaged area and the damaged canopy shape leads to the asymmetric change of the flow structure.With the increase of Mach number,the canopy tearing speed increases,and the tearing directions become uncertain at high Mach numbers.The dynamic load when damage occurs increases with the Mach number,and is proportional to the dynamic pressure above the critical Mach number.

Improving the Reliability of a Domestic Refrigerator Compressor Subjected to Repetitive Loading

As a reliability quantitative specification, parametric accelerated life testing was used to assess the reliability of a newly designed compressor of a commercial refrigerator subjected to repetitive stresses. A generalized life-stress failure model and new sample size equation with a new load concept were derived starting with the basic refrigeration cycle. The sample size equation with the acceleration factor also enabled the parametric accelerated life testing to quickly evaluate the expected lifetime. The design of this testing should help an engineer uncover the design parameters affecting reliability during the design process of the compressor system. Consequently, it should help companies improve product reliability and avoid recalls due to the product failures in the field. A newly designed compressor in a commercial refrigerator was used as a test case.