Analysis of mesoscopic mechanical dynamic characteristics of ballast bed with under sleeper pads

The meso-dynamical behaviour of a high-speed rail ballast bed with under sleeper pads(USPs)was studied.The geometrically irregular refined discrete element model of the ballast particles was constructed using 3D scanning techniques,and the 3D dynamic model of the rail-sleeper-ballast bed was constructed using the coupled discrete element method-multiflexible-body dynamics(DEM-MFBD)approach.We analyse the meso-mechanical dynamics of the ballast bed with USPs under dynamic load on a train and verify the correctness of the model in laboratory tests.It is shown that the deformation of the USPs increases the contact area between the sleeper and the ballast particles,and subsequently the number of contacts between them.As the depth of the granular ballast bed increases,the contact area becomes larger,and the contact force between the ballast particles gradually decreases.Under the action of the elastic USPs,the contact forces between ballast particles are reduced and the overall vibration level of the ballast bed can be reduced.The settlement of the granular ballast bed occurs mainly at the shallow position of the sleeper bottom,and the installation of the elastic USPs can be effective in reducing the stress on the ballast particles and the settlement of the ballast bed.

Rock mechanical characteristics and landscape evolutionary mechanism of the slit-type Danxia landform on the Chinese Loess Plateau

Since 2015,the newly discovered slit-type Danxia landform on the Chinese Loess Plateau has become a hot topic in the field of geomorphology worldwide.However,the relationships among its formation,evolutionary mechanism,and mechanical characteristics of its strata and rocks are not clear.In this paper,the Ganquan canyon group is used as the research object.Basic physical and mechanical indices of sandstone in the Ganquan canyon group were measured through field investigation and indoor experiments,and the deterioration trends for the mechanical parameters of sandstone in this area under the action of infiltration,acid dry-wet cycles,and freeze-thaw cycles were revealed.Lastly,the formation and evolutionary mechanism of the slit-type Danxia landform were discussed.The results showed that:(1)The sandstone in the canyon group had a low cementation degree and weak cohesive force,which was easily weakened under the action of water,resulting in a decrease in compressive strength and elastic modulus.(2)Acidic dry-wet cycles caused the mineral composition of the sandstone to be dissolved,and the micropores continued to grow and develop until new cracks were produced.Macroscopically,the compressive strength and elastic modulus of sandstone were greatly reduced,and this damage was cumulative and staged.The greater the acidity,the greater the damage.(3)As the number of freeze-thaw cycles increased,the uniaxial compressive strength and elastic modulus of the sandstone decreased continuously.During the freeze-thaw cycle process,the growth and development of cracks were primarily in fracture mode and usually developed along parallel bedding positions.(4)The interaction of tectonic activity and lithology with different weathering processes was a key factor in the formation and evolution of the slit-type Danxia landform.In conclusion,the intricate process of weathering influenced by historical climatic fluctuations has been pivotal in shaping the topography of Danxia landform.

Anchoring mechanical characteristics of Ductile-Expansion bolt

The application of ductile rock bolts has been a crucial method for solving the problems of large deformations,energy absorption and stability control issues in deep rock masses.To study the anchoring mechanism of the key expansive structure,this paper proposes a novel type of bolt—the Ductile-Expansion bolt,and conducts research on anchoring mechanics,energy absorption characteristics,and failure modes of the bolt.In addition,this paper defines the concept of load-volume ratio of metal rock bolts and proves the Ductile-Expansion bolt is capable of better improving the unit volume bearing capacity of the bolt material.Furthermore,laboratory and field tests verify the Ductile-Expansion bolt had better anchoring effect than the traditional rebar bolt,with the expansion structure favorably enhancing the ductility and energy absorption performance of the bolt.Finally,this paper microscopically analyzes the crack propagation and distribution morphology of the bolts by establishing a 3D coupled numerical model based on FDM-DEM.Numerical results illustrate the interface at the variable diameter of the Ductile-Expansion bolt serves as the transition zone between high and low stress levels.The expansion structure can impose radial compression on the medium around the bolt,which can improve the bolt anchorage performance.

The Influence of Acid on the RockMechanical Characteristics of Deep Shale in theWujiaping Formation

The microscopic characteristics and mechanical properties of rocks change after the action of acid on deep shale,which affects the fracturing effect.Accordingly,we designed and conducted indoor experiments related to the changes in macro and microscopic characteristics after the interaction of acid with the shale of Wujiaping Formation,based on which the characteristic law of fracture volume modification after acid fracturing was studied using numerical simulation.The results demonstrate that the pores and fractures are enlarged and the structure is significantly loosened after the acid immersion.And a 15%concentration of hydrochloric acid can effectively dissolve shale.Furthermore,the degree of acid-etching reaction is highly variable because of the different carbonate content,which reveals the strong inhomogeneity of the shale system in the Wujiaping Group reservoir section.After the acid interacted with the shale rock samples,the triaxial compressive strength,elastic modulus,and Poisson’s ratio of shale decreased.Moreover,the evaluation of the effect after acid fracturing simulated by fracturing software revealed that the smaller the value of elastic modulus in shale-based reservoirs,the more favorable the fracture volume modification.This discovery not only provides a theoretical basis for the expansion and extension patterns of acid-fracturing in carbonaceous shale formations but also offers research methods and theoretical insights for the fundamental exploration of other deep-seated oil and gas resources.

Physico-Mechanical Characteristics of Earth Bricks Stabilized with Cement and Padouk Sawdust Residues

The objective of this work is to improve the physical and mechanical properties of stabilized earth blocks (BTC) used in construction in the Ndé department of Cameroon. To achieve this, two stabilizers, cement and sawdust, were used at varying percentages of 0%, 4%, 6%, and 8%. Physical characterization tests, including natural water content, specific weight, jar test, Protor, and Atterberg limits, were conducted. Additionally, mechanical tests, such as compression and three-point bending, were performed. The results show that as the amount of stabilizer increases, the density of BTC decreases. The samples with 8% sawdust have the highest density, while those without stabilizers have the lowest. Porosity decreases as sawdust and cement content increases, with smaller values observed in samples with 8% sawdust or cement. Our tests indicate that blocks stabilized with cement have slightly higher compressive strength than those stabilized with sawdust. However, the water absorption rate increases with higher sawdust content.

Robust interface and excellent as-built mechanical properties of Ti–6Al–4V fabricated through laser-aided additive manufacturing with powder and wire

The feasibility of manufacturing Ti-6Al-4V samples through a combination of laser-aided additive manufacturing with powder(LAAM_(p))and wire(LAAM_(w))was explored.A process study was first conducted to successfully circumvent defects in Ti-6Al-4V deposits for LAAM_(p) and LAAM_(w),respectively.With the optimized process parameters,robust interfaces were achieved between powder/wire deposits and the forged substrate,as well as between powder and wire deposits.Microstructure characterization results revealed the epitaxial prior β grains in the deposited Ti-6Al-4V,wherein the powder deposit was dominated by a finerα′microstructure and the wire deposit was characterized by lamellar α phases.The mechanisms of microstructure formation and correlation with mechanical behavior were analyzed and discussed.The mechanical properties of the interfacial samples can meet the requirements of the relevant Aerospace Material Specifications(AMS 6932)even without post heat treatment.No fracture occurred within the interfacial area,further suggesting the robust interface.The findings of this study highlighted the feasibility of combining LAAM_(p) and LAAM_(w) in the direct manufacturing of Ti-6Al-4V parts in accordance with the required dimensional resolution and deposition rate,together with sound strength and ductility balance in the as-built condition.

Tillering Characteristics of Different Varieties of Double-season Rice under Different Mechanical Transplanting Modes

A total of 8 early-season and late-season rice varieties with different growth periods were selected, and their tillering characteristics under wide-narrow row and equal row .transplanting modes were studied. The results showed that the length of slow growth phase was related to the performance of transplanter; the ef- fect of mechanical transplanting on tillering of early-season rice was greater than that of late-season rice; Compared with late-season rice, early-season rice showed later tillering and longer tillering period; the tiller number per plant and effective panicle number per plant differed greatly among different varieties of double-season rice; under the condition of same transplanting density, the tillers of rice under wide- narrow row transplanting mode appeared rapidly and disappeared slowly, and wide- narrow row transplanting mode improved tillering, effective panicle number and yield of rice; different varieties of double-season rice showed different adaptability to me- chanical transplanting, and the varieties with short growth period, strong tilledng a- bility and more effective panicles per plant were more suitable for mechanical trans- planting; the effect of mechanical transplanting on rejuvenation of rice could be im- proved by improving the performance of transplanter.

Effects of Mechanical Sowing and Transplanting on Characteristics of Dry Matter Production in Middle-season Hybrid Rice

To clarify the effects of mechanical sowing and transplanting on dry mat- ter production of middle-season hybrid rice, a two-factor split plot design was used to study the effects of different sowing and transplanting methods and their interac- tion with the seedling number per hill or seeding time on dry matter accumulation, distribution and transformation of F You 498, a middle-season hybrid rice variety, under field conditions in 2012 and 2013. The results showed that there was a marked effect of the sowing and transplanting methods and their interaction with the seedling number per hill or seeding time on dry matter accumulation, distribution and transformation. The total population dry matter accumulation of the treatments with mechanical direct seeding （MDS） and machine-based transplanting （MT） was lower than that of the treatment with traditional manual transplanting （TMT）. How- ever, MDS had higher dry matter accumulation and accumulating rate in the joint- ing-earing stage,and maintained higher stem-sheath exportation, export rate and transformation than MT and TMT; MT had higher dry matter accumulation and ac- cumulating rate in the heading-maturity period than MDS and TMT. Moreover, the treatments with low seedling number per hill or early seeding enhanced the assimi- lation of dry matter after heading,the ratio of dry matter accumulation after earing to biomass yield and the contribution rate of dry matter accumulation after earing, and a reasonable early sowing was favorable to increase the harvest index of middle- season hybrid rice under mechanical sowing and transplanting conditions.

Friction Characteristics of Mechanical Seals with Laser-textured Seal Faces

Heat generated by friction between faces of mechanica l seals is a major factor that causes deterioration of the seals and shortens th eir service life. Excessive temperature rise can greatly alter the seal geometry and vaporize the sealing fluid, resulting in friction of boundary lubrication. These effects on face seals usually lead to excessive leakage and ultimately ren der the seal inoperable. In order to maintain the reliability of seals, high fri ction and unwanted wear must be avoided. Using the laser-texturing process to produce regular micro-surface structures is a fast and convenient technique compared to some more conventional etching or erosion technique currently used by the seal industry for various grooved face seals. Indeed, by using a pulse laser, better control is obtained on the geometr y, size and pore ratio of seal rings made of metallic or ceramic materials. In t his study, seal rings are made of silicon carbide and carbon. Mating faces of th e rings are polished and only silicon carbide rings are laser-textured. The las er texturing can be controlled to produce spherical pores at selected diameters, depths and pore ratio. The textured rings are then super-polished to remove th e bulges formed on the pores rims. After this process the average pore diameter, pore depth and pore ratio reach the predetermined parameter. Some untextured ri ngs are also treated to the same surface roughness and served as a reference for comparison of the textured rings. A special test rig is used to simulate a mech anical seal system and to measure the effect of the laser texturing on friction and seal performance. Tests are performed at various rotational speeds and vario us axial loads. Compared with the conventional mechanical seals, temperature rise, friction torq ue and friction coefficient of mechanical seals with laser-textured seal faces are much lower. These preliminary results show the potential of improving fricti on performance and increasing seal life with laser-textured seal faces.

Non-pneumatic mechanical elastic wheel natural dynamic characteristics and influencing factors

Non-pneumatic tire appears to have advantages over traditional pneumatic tire in terms of flat proof and maintenance free.A mechanical elastic wheel(MEW) with a non-pneumatic elastic outer ring which functions as air of pneumatic tire was presented.The structure of MEW was non-inflatable integrated configuration and the effect of hinges was accounted for only in tension. To establish finite element model of MEW, various nonlinear factors, such as geometrical nonlinearity, material nonlinearity and contact nonlinearity, were considered. Load characteristic test was conducted by tyre dynamic test-bed to obtain force-deflection curve. And the finite element model was validated through load characteristic test. Natural dynamic characteristics of the MEW and its influencing factors were investigated based on the finite element model. Simulation results show that the finite element model closely matched experimental wheel. The results also show that natural frequency is related to ground constraints, material properties, loads and torques. Influencing factors as above obviously affect the amplitude of mode of vibration, but have little effect on mode of vibration shape. The results can provide guidance for experiment research, structural optimization of MEW.

Study on the Influencing Factors and Mechanisms of the Evolution of the Architectural Characteristics of Guangfu Ancestral Halls in the Ming and Qing Dynasties

This paper discusses ancestral hall architecture within the context of the Cantonese folk lineage in the Pearl River Delta.Using a typological research approach and chronological analysis,various factors that have influenced the evolution of ancestral hall architecture are analyzed.The study specifically investigates the features of ancestral halls during the Ming and Qing dynasties.Three periods of ancient China are analyzed:The transition from Ming to Qing,the mid-Qing dynasty,and the late Qing dynasty.The variables of each period and how they influence the evolution of architectural typological features are identified.Based on our analysis,architectural features are related to economic and social factors,materials available,and craftsmanship of the construction workers.

Dynamic mechanical characteristics and application of constant resistance energy-absorbing supporting material

In deep underground engineering,rock burst and other dynamic disasters are prone to occur due to stress concentration and energy accumulation in surrounding rock.The control of dynamic disasters requires bolts and cables with high strength,high elongation,and high energy-absorbing capacity.Therefore,a constant resistance energy-absorbing(CREA)material is developed.In this study,the dynamic characteristics of the new material are obtained via the drop hammer tests and the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar(SHPB)tests of the new material and two common bolt(CB)materials widely used in the field.The test results of drop hammer test and SHPB test show that the percentage elongation of CREA material is more than 2.64 and 3.22 times those of the CB material,and the total impact energy acting on CREA material is more than 18.50 and 21.84 times,respectively,indicating that the new material has high elongation and high energy-absorbing capacity.Subsequently,the CREA bolts and cables using the new material are developed,which are applied in roadways with high stress and strong dynamic disturbance.The field monitoring results show that CREA bolts and cables can effectively control the surrounding rock deformation and ensure engineering safety.

Mechanical characteristics and microcosmic mechanisms of granite under temperature loads

The relationships between mechanical characteristics of rock and microcosmic mechanism at high temperatures were investigated by MTS815, as well as the stress-strain behavior of granite under the action of temperatures ranging from room temperature to 1200 ℃. Based on a micropore structure analyzer and SEM, the changes in rock porosity and micro structural morphology of sample fractures and brittle-plastic characteristics under high temperatures were analyzed. The results are as follows： 1） Mechanical characteristics do not show obvious variations before 800 ℃; strength decreases suddenly after 800 ℃ and bearing capacity is almost lost at 1200 ℃. 2） Rock porosity increases with rising temperatures; the threshold temperature is about 800 ℃; at this temperature its effect is basically uniform with strength decreasing rapidly. 3） The failure type of granite is a brittle tensile fracture at temperatures below 800 ℃ which transforms into plasticity at temperatures higher than 800 ℃ and crystal formation takes place at this time. Chemical reactions take place at 1200 ℃. Failure of granite under high temperature is a common result of thermal stress as indicated by an increase in the thermal expansion coefficient, transformation to crystal formation of minerals and structural chemical reactions.

Numerical investigations on mechanical characteristics and failure mechanism of outwash deposits based on random meso-structures using discrete element method

Outwash deposit is a unique type of geological materials, and its features such as heterogeneity, discontinuity and nonlinearity determine the complexity of mechanical characteristics and failure mechanism. In this work, random meso-structure of outwash deposits was constructed by the technique of computer random simulation based on characteristics of its meso-structure in the statistical sense and some simplifications, and a series of large direct shear tests on numerical samples of outwash deposits with stone contents of 15%, 30%, 45% and 60% were conducted using the discrete element method to further investigate its mechanical characteristics and failure mechanism under external load. The results show that the deformation characteristics and shear strength of outwash deposits are to some extent improved with the increase of stone content, and the shear stress–shear displacement curves of outwash deposits show great differences at the post-peak stage due to the random spatial distribution and content of stones. From the mesoscopic view, normal directions of contacts between "soil" and "stone" particles undergo apparent deflection as the shear displacement continues during the shearing process, accompanying redistribution of the magnitude of contact forces during the shearing process. For outwash deposits, the shear zone formed after shear failure is an irregular stripe due to the movements of stones near the shear zone, and it expands gradually with the increase of stone content. In addition, there is an approximately linear relation between the mean increment of internal friction angle and the stone content lying between 30% and 60%, and a concave nonlinear relation between the mean increment of cohesion and stone content, which are in good agreement with the existing research results.

Microstructure and mechanical characteristics of AA6061-T6 joints produced by friction stir welding,friction stir vibration welding and tungsten inert gas welding:A comparative study

This study compared the microstructure and mechanical characteristics of AA6061-T6 joints produced using friction stir welding(FSW),friction stir vibration welding(FSVW),and tungsten inert gas welding(TIG).FSVW is a modified version of FSW wherein the joining specimens are vibrated normal to the welding line during FSW.The results indicated that the weld region grains for FSVW and FSW were equiaxed and were smaller than the grains for TIG.In addition,the weld region grains for FSVW were finer compared with those for FSW.Results also showed that the strength,hardness,and toughness values of the joints produced by FSVW were higher than those of the other joints produced by FSW and TIG.The vibration during FSW enhanced dynamic recrystallization,which led to the development of finer grains.The weld efficiency of FSVW was approximately 81%,whereas those of FSW and TIG were approximately 74%and 67%,respectively.

Experimental study of the dynamic mechanical responses and failure characteristics of coal under true triaxial confinements

Investigations on the dynamic mechanical properties and failure mechanisms of coal under in-situ stress is essential for the prevention of dynamic disasters in deep coal mines.Thus,a modified true triaxial Hopkinson bar was employed to explore the dynamic mechanical behaviors of coal at different confining pressures(0–20 MPa)and strain rates(40–220 s^(-1)).The results show that the dynamic peak stress is positively correlated with lateral static pre-stressσy andσz,but negatively correlated with axial static prestressσx.At approximate strain rates,increasing the lateral static pre-stress facilitates increasing the dynamic peak stress,but the minimum lateral static pre-stress is the primary factor limiting a significant increase in dynamic peak stress of coal.Furthermore,the dynamic differential stress is linearly related to the logarithm of strain rate,and the peak strain varies linearly with strain rate.However,there is no significant correlation between confining pressure and peak strain.Moreover,X-ray CT images and photographic fracture observations of coal samples show the failure patterns under uniaxial and triaxial conditions are splitting failure and shear failure,respectively.The device provides a viable approach for fully comprehending the dynamic mechanical behaviors of rock-like material in complex stress conditions.

Field tests on mechanical characteristics and strength parameters of red-sandstone

Large-scale field shear tests on ten specimens of the red-sandstone embankment at a highway in Hunan,China,were performed to examine mechanical characteristics and parameters of red-sandstone.The curves of thrust-displacement,failure mode,and shear strength parameters for red-sandstone with different water contents,different compactions,and different grain size distributions were obtained from the tests.A practical procedure of in-situ test for red-sandstone embankment was proposed to normalize the test equipment and test steps.Based on three-dimensional thrust-sliding limit equilibrium method,the formulas for calculating strength parameters of red-sandstone considering three-dimensional sliding surface were inferred.The results show that red-sandstone has typical complete curves of stress-strain,strain softening,which are caused by the special structure of red-sandstone;water content and compaction are important factors for strength and failure mode of red-sandstone;The average value of cohesion and internal friction angle of the specimens calculated by three-dimensional technique are 21.56 kPa and 29.29°,respectively,and those by traditional two-dimensional method are 25.52 kPa and 33.76°,respectively.

Mechanical properties and damage characteristics of solidified body-coal combination in continuous driving and gangue backfilling

Recovery of the coal buried under buildings,railways and water bodies and the residual coal in irregularly arranged fully mechanized mining faces is a common engineering problem facing underground coal mining.In this study,a mining technology of continuous driving and gangue backfilling(CDGB)was proposed.The technology,which can not only alleviate ground subsidence and gangue discharge,but also release the above-mentioned coals,contributes to green and efficient sustainable development of mining.The stability of the system of the solidified body-reserved coal pillar combination(S-C combination)is crucial to the CDGB technology.Therefore,it is of great significance to explore the mechanical and damage characteristics of S-C combination in the synergistic bearing process.First,four sets of differentshaped S-C combination specimens were fabricated and a S-C combination bearing structure in CDGB was constructed to explore the differences in mechanical characteristics and damage modes of different-shaped S-C combination specimens during CDGB.Subsequently,their surface strain field evolutions and acoustic emission(AE)response characteristics in the load-bearing process were obtained with the aid of the digital image correlation technique and the AE signal monitoring system.Furthermore,a damage evolution model based on AE parameters and mechanical parameters was established to clarify the damage evolution law.The following results were obtained:(1)The free area of S-C combination can serve as a quantitative index to evaluate the stability of the overburden control system;(2)The concept of critical value k of the free area was first proposed.When the free area exceeds the critical value k(free area ratio greater than 1.13),the deformation resistance and the free area changes becomes negatively correlated;(3)As the free area expands,the failure of the S-C combination specimen evolves from tensile failure to shear failure.The distribution characteristics of the axial strain field also verified such a change in the failure mode;(4)When the free area expands,the peak AE count gradually changes from“double peaks”to“a single peak”.In this process,the expansion of free area shortens the time for accumulating and releasing energy during loading.Micro cracks generated in the specimen change from a phased steep growth to a continuous increase,and the process in which micro cracks develop,converge,intersect and connect to form macro cracks accelerates.The damage evolution law concluded based on AE parameters and mechanical parameters can well characterize the damage evolution process of S-C combination,providing certain reference for the study on the synergistic bearing of S-C combination during CDGB.

Numerical Simulation of Mechanical Characteristics of a Metal Net for Deep-Sea Aquaculture

The investigation on hydrodynamic characteristics of a cage is important for its application in the deep-sea aquaculture in our country.With finite element method,the beam element is used to simulate a three-dimensional metal chain net,and the connector element is introduced as the interaction between metal net lines.A mechanical model for the metal net is constructed to simulate the hydrodynamic characteristics of a metal net subjected to fluid current forces.The static simulation results show that the relative errors of the displacements are 2.13%,4.19%,6.64%,and 11.35% compared with static concentrated load tests under concentrated forces of 20,40,60,and 80 N,respectively.Both the transient hydrodynamic deformations and drag forces of the netting structures under different current velocities are obtained by solving the hydrodynamic equation of the netting structure.The average relative error of the current forces obtained by numerical simulations shows an 8.13%deviation from the drag tests of the metal nets in the tank under five current velocities.The effectiveness and precision of the simulation approach are verified by static and dynamic tests.The proposed simulation approach will provide a good foundation for the further investigation of the hydrodynamic characteristics of deep-sea aquaculture metal cages and the parameter design for the safety of such cage systems.

Experimental Study on the Flow Characteristics of a Plate with a Mechanically Choked Orifice

The mechanically choked orifice plate (MCOP) is a new type of device for flow control by which choking conditionsfor incompressible fluids can be obtained with relatively small pressure losses. Given the lack of relevant results anddata in the literature, in the present study, we concentrate on the experimental determination of the flow coefficientfor the annular orifice, the pressure distribution in the MCOP, and the characteristics of the choked flow itself. Asconfirmed by the experimental results, the Reynolds number, the orifice plate thickness, the plug taper, and theeccentricity have an obvious influence on the aforementioned flow coefficient. The pressure drop in the MCOPis mainly generated near the orifice plate, and the pressure upstream of the orifice plate is slightly reduced in theflow direction, while the pressure downstream of the orifice plate displays a recovery trend. The choked flow rateof the MCOP can be adjusted by replacing the spring with a maximum flow control deviation of 4.91%.