Optimum Design of Structure Shape for Offshore Jacket Platforms

With the introduction of the design variables of nodal coordinates, which reflect the embedded depth of the pile and the jacket bed height, a shape optimum design model for offshore jacket platforms is established. A sequential two-level optimum algorithm is developed based on the design variable gradation. On the basis of the finite element method, the sensitivity of the objective function and nodal displacement is analyzed. As an example, the BZ281 oil storage offshore platform, which ties in the Bohai oil field, is designed with the shape optimum model. The results are compared with the cross-section optimum design. The tendency of design variables and its reasons in the two methods are analyzed. In the shape optimum design, the value of objective function is obviously smaller than that of the initial design and the cross-section optimum design. Therefore, the advantage of structure shape optimum design for jacket platforms is remarkable.

Formation Mechanism of Curved Martensite Structures in Cu-based Shape Memory Alloys

The curved martensite structures have been observed in CuZnAI-based shape memory alloys by both transmission electron microscope and optical microscope. It was found that the curved martensite structures observed in as-solution treated, as-aged and as-trained alloys usually occurred around dislocation tangles or precipitate, at the plate boundary or grain boundary, and when the growing plates collided with each other or alternate mutually.

Shape-induced phase transition of vortex domain structures in ferroelectric nanodots and their controllability by electrical and mechanical loads

Shape-induced phase transition of vortex domain structures （VDSs） in BaTiO3 （BT） nanodots under open circuit boundary condition have been investigated using an effective Hamiltonian method. Our calculation indicates the tetragonal VDS missing in cubic BT nanodots can be induced by varying the shape of a nanodot from cube to platelet. Interestingly, a novel VDS is found in BT nanoplatelets in our simulations. Further investigation shows that it is a result of compromise between the ground state and the symmetry of the shape of the nanodot. Furthermore, based on the novel VDS, routes of controlling VDSs governed by homogeneous electric field and uniform stress are discussed. In particular, our results show the possibility of designing multi-states devices based on a single VDS. ~ 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The Chinese Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics.

Synthesis,Crystal Structure and Thermal Decomposition of a New Energetic Dipotassium 3,3'-Dinitro-5,5'-bis-1,2,4-triazole-1,1'-diolate

A new energetic dipotassium 3,3-dinitro-5,5-bis-1,2,4-triazole-1,1-diolate [K2（DNOBT）] was synthesized, and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, 13 C NMR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. K2（DNOBT）·2H2O crystallizes in monoclinic system, space group P21/n with a=6.0446（10）, b=15.999（3）, c=6.4169（11） , β=99.421（2）°, V=612.21（18） 3, Z=4, Dc=2.009 g·cm（-3）, F（000）=372, μ=0.838 mm（-1）, S=1.012, the final R=0.0248 and w R（I 〉 2σ（I））=0.0604. Thermal decomposition of the title compound was studied by using DSC and TG-DTG, and there is primarily one exothermic decomposition process at 371.5 ℃.

A biarc-based shape optimization approach to reduce stress concentration effects

In order to avoid stress concentration, the shape boundary must be properly designed via shape optimiza- tion. Traditional shape optimization approach eliminates the stress concentration effect by using free-form curve to present the design boundaries without taking the machin- ability into consideration. In most numerical control （NC） machines, linear as well as circular interpolations are used to generate the tool path. Non-circular curves, such as non- uniform rotational B-spline （NURBS）, need other more ad- vanced interpolation functions to formulate the tool path. Forming the circular tool path by approximating the opti- mal free curve boundary with arcs or biarcs is another op- tion. However, these two approaches are both at a cost of sharp expansion of program code and long machining time consequently. Motivated by the success of recent researches on biarcs, a reliable shape optimization approach is pro- posed in this work to directly optimize the shape boundaries with biarcs while the efficiency and precision of traditional method are preserved. Finally, the approach is validated by several illustrative examples.

STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING IN COMPOSITE MATERIALS USING EMBEDDED SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY(SMA) WIRE SENSORS

Shape memory alloy （SMA） materials possess completely superelasticity or pseudoelasticity above the austenite finish temperature and many unique mechanical, thermal, thermal-mechanical and electrical properties compared with other conventional materials. Many studies have reported that the superelastic and hysteresis properties of the SMA materials can absorb energies coming from external excitations or sudden impacts. In addition, due to the special electrical properties of NiTi superelastic wires, they can also be used as strain-sensing element to monitor structural health conditions. Composite laminated specimens embedded with SMA wire sensors are fabricated and detailed testing system is designed such as multi-parameters measuring for impact and weak signal processing for SMA sensor. Low velocity impact test shows that SMA wire sensors embedded in fiber-reinforced plastic （FRP） laminate can be well used to monitor impact responses, such as the location of impact damage, impact degree, and strain distribution. Experimental results and theoretical predictions reveal almost the same. Comparing with other method, a simple, economic and reliable technique method monitoring important engineering structures on line is provided.

The Effect of Particle Shape on the Structure and Rheological Properties of Carbon-based Particle Suspensions

The structure and rheological properties of carbon-based particle suspensions, i.e., carbon black（CB）, multi-wall carbon nanotube（MWNT）, graphene and hollow carbon sphere（HCS） suspended in polydimethylsiloxane（PDMS）, are investigated. In order to study the effect of particle shape on the structure and rheological properties of suspensions, the content of surface oxygen-containing functional groups of carbon-based particles is controlled to be similar. Original spherical-like CB（fractal filler）, rod-like MWNT and sheet-like graphene form large agglomerates in PDMS, while spherical HCS particles disperse relatively well in PDMS. The dispersion state of carbon-based particles affects the critical concentration of forming a rheological percolation network. Under weak shear, negative normal stress differences（ΔN） are observed in CB, MWNT and graphene suspensions, while ΔN is nearly zero for HCS suspensions. It is concluded that the vorticity alignment of CB, MWNT and graphene agglomerates under shear results in the negative ΔN. However, no obvious structural change is observed in HCS suspension under weak shear, and accordingly, the ΔN is almost zero.

Nonlinear Finite Element Method Considering Martensite Plasticity for Shape Memory Alloy Structure

This work presents a nonlinear finite element method to simulate the macroscopic mechanical responses and the effects of martensite plasticity in a shape memory alloy(SMA)structure.A linear relationship formulation is adopted to express the influence of martensite plasticity on the inverse martensitic phase transition of SMA material.Incorporating with a trigonometric-type phase transition evolution law and an exponential-type plastic flow evolution law,an incremental mechanical model with two internal variables is supposed based on the macroscopic experimental phenomena.A nonlinear finite element equation is formulated and solved by the principle of virtual displacement and Newton-Raphson method respectively.By employing the proposed nonlinear finite element method,the uniform tensile bar and three-point bending beam are simulated and analyzed.Results illustrate that the presented nonlinear finite element method is suitable to act as an effective computational tool for the wide applications based on the SMA material considering the effects of martensite plasticity because all material constants related to the method can be obtained from macroscopic experiments.

A fuzzy PID-controlled SMA actuator for a two-DOF joint

Shape memory alloy （SMA） actuator is a potential advanced component for servo- systems of aerospace vehicles and aircraft. This paper presents a joint with two degrees of freedom （DOF） and a mobility range close to ±60° when driven by SMA triple wires. The fuzzy proportional-integral-derivative （PID）-controlled actuator drive was designed using antagonistic SMA triple wires, and the resistance feedback signal made a closed loop. Experiments showed that, with the driving responding frequency increasing, the overstress became harder to be avoided at the position under the maximum friction force. Furthermore, the hysteresis gap between the heating and cooling paths of the strain-to-resistance curve expanded under this condition. A fuzzy logic control was considered as a solution, and the curves of the wires were then modeled by fitting polynomials so that the measured resistance was used directly to determine the control signal. Accurate control was demonstrated through the step response, and the experimental results showed that under the fuzzy PID-control program, the mean absolute error （MAE） of the rotation angle was about 3.147°. In addition, the investigation of the external interference to the system proved the controllable maximum output.

4D Printing:History and Recent Progress

4D printing has attracted great interest since the concept was introduced in 2012. The past 5 years have witnessed rapid advances in both 4D printing processes and materials. Unlike 3D printing, 4D printing allows the printed part to change its shape and function with time in response to change in external conditions such as temperature, light, electricity, and water. In this review, we first overview the history of 4D printing and discuss its definition. We then summarize recent technological advances in 4D printing with focuses on methods, materials, and their intrinsic links. Finally, we discuss potential applications and offer perspectives for this exciting new field.

High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) Steels in Building Construction

Majority of the buildings,including industrial buildings,are constructed using either structural steel (plates and structural shapes) or deformed bar steel reinforced concrete.Such buildings,however,must be designed to be safe and serviceable during construction and during use and occupancy.These objectives can be easily achieved by the use of steels having superior mechanical properties,ductility,weldability,fire resistance,etc.Over the years,the steel industry has made improvements in steel making technologies resulting in high strength low alloy (HSLA) steels with superior steel properties well suited for building construction.First part of this paper presents the structural design considerations,and the constructional considerations associated with the building structures in general,and steel structures in particular.This second part of the paper looks at the acceptance criteria for HSLA steels for North American building codes and construction.The third part of the paper presents the structural properties of currently available HSLA steels for building construction.The discussion focuses on hot-rolled structural steel shapes as well as deformed steel bars for concrete reinforcement.The paper argues that Niobium microalloying is the key to achieving superior properties in such steels.