Damage Mechanism of Ultra-thin Asphalt Overlay(UTAO) based on Discrete Element Method

Aiming to analyze the damage mechanism of UTAO from the perspective of meso-mechanical mechanism using discrete element method(DEM),we conducted study of diseases problems of UTAO in several provinces in China,and found that aggregate spalling was one of the main disease types of UTAO.A discrete element model of UTAO pavement structure was constructed to explore the meso-mechanical mechanism of UTAO damage under the influence of layer thickness,gradation,and bonding modulus.The experimental results show that,as the thickness of UTAO decreasing,the maximum value and the mean value of the contact force between all aggregate particles gradually increase,which leads to aggregates more prone to spalling.Compared with OGFC-5 UTAO,AC-5 UTAO presents smaller maximum and average values of all contact forces,and the loading pressure in AC-5 UTAO is fully diffused in the lateral direction.In addition,the increment of pavement modulus strengthens the overall force of aggregate particles inside UTAO,resulting in aggregate particles peeling off more easily.The increase of bonding modulus changes the position where the maximum value of the tangential force appears,whereas has no effect on the normal force.

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.

Discrete element analysis on press and fracture mechanism of propellant grain

To analyze fracture mechanism of propellant grain and study the mechanical properties of propellant grain, the press and fracture processes of propellant grain with and without initial defects are modeled using the discrete element method. On the basis of the appropriate constitutive relationships, the discrete element model of the propellant grain was established. Compared with experimental measurements, the micro-parameters of the bonded-particle model of the propellant grain under unconfined uniaxial compression tests were calibrated. The propellant grains without initial defects, with initial surface defects, and with initial internal defects were studied numerically through a series of unconfined uniaxial compression tests. Results show that the established discrete element model is an efficient tool to study the press and fracture processes of the propellant grain. The fracture process of the propellant grain without initial defects can be divided into the elastic deformation phase, crack initiation phase, crack stable propagation phase, and crack unstable propagation phase. The fracture mechanism of this grain is the global shear failure along the direction of the maximum shear stress. Initial defects have significant effects on both the fracture mechanism and peak strength of the propellant grain. The major fracture mechanism of the propellant grain with initial surface defects is local shear failure, whereas that of the propellant grain with initial internal defects is global tensile failure. Both defects weaken the peak strengths of the propellant grain. Therefore, the carrying and filling process of the propellant grain needs to minimize initial defects as far as possible.

Investigation of the block toppling evolution of a layered model slope by centrifuge test and discrete element modeling

Primary toppling usually occurs in layered rock slopes with large anti-dip angles.In this paper,the block toppling evolution was explored using a large-scale centrifuge system.Each block column in the layered model slope was made of cement mortar.Some artificial cracks perpendicular to the block column were prefabricated.Strain gages,displacement gages,and high-speed camera measurements were employed to monitor the deformation and failure processes of the model slope.The centrifuge test results show that the block toppling evolution can be divided into seven stages,i.e.layer compression,formation of major tensile crack,reverse bending of the block column,closure of major tensile crack,strong bending of the block column,formation of failure zone,and complete failure.Block toppling is characterized by sudden large deformation and occurs in stages.The wedge-shaped cracks in the model incline towards the slope.Experimental observations show that block toppling is mainly caused by bending failure rather than by shear failure.The tensile strength also plays a key factor in the evolution of block toppling.The simulation results from discrete element method(DEM)is in line with the testing results.Tensile stress exists at the backside of rock column during toppling deformation.Stress concentration results in the fragmented rock column and its degree is the most significant at the slope toe.

The Lie symmetries and Noether conserved quantities of discrete non-conservative mechanical systems

This paper investigates the Lie symmetries and Noether conserved quantities of discrete non-conservative mechanical systems. The variational principle of discrete mechanics, from which discrete motion equations of systems are deduced, is generalized to the case of including the time variational. The requirement for an invariant group transformation is defined to be the Lie symmetry and the criterion when the Noether conserved quantities may be obtained from Lie symmetries is also presented. An example is discussed for applications of the results.

Analysis and Design of the Globoidal Indexing Cam Mechanism

We first design and analyze the contour surface of the globoidal indexing cam with the aid of computer, and then do optimum design according to the requirements of dynamics. Finally, we discuss the problem of the pressure angle of the globoidal indexing cam mechanism in detail and put forward a new concept of equivalent pressure angle.

CONJUGATE CAM WITH FIVE-BAR LINKAGE MECHANISM FOR RAPIER DRIVE OF FLEXIBLE RAPIER LOOMS

A new type of rapier drive for flexible rapier loom through conjugate cams with five-bar linkage mechanism is raised and analyzed. Two designs suitable for the conversion of 1515-190.5 shuttle looms are given as examples. This mechanism can be applied to traditional shuttle looms as well as to new flexible rapier loom design.

A Parallel Indexing Cam Mechanism with Internal Placed Followers

A new type of parallel indexing cam mechanism is discovered.The composition of the cam profile is proposed and the formulas of the mechanism parameters are established by synthesis of its configuration and size.The equations for working pro- file and pressure angle of the cam are derived based on the inverse model and the derivative of pitch curve of cams.An example is given and demonstrates that it is available to design the new mechanism using the derived expressions.

Correlations between mineral composition and mechanical properties of granite using digital image processing and discrete element method

This study investigated the correlations between mechanical properties and mineralogy of granite using the digital image processing(DIP) and discrete element method(DEM). The results showed that the X-ray diffraction(XRD)-based DIP method effectively analyzed the mineral composition contents and spatial distributions of granite. During the particle flow code(PFC2D) model calibration phase, the numerical simulation exhibited that the uniaxial compressive strength(UCS) value, elastic modulus(E), and failure pattern of the granite specimen in the UCS test were comparable to the experiment. By establishing 351 sets of numerical models and exploring the impacts of mineral composition on the mechanical properties of granite, it indicated that there was no negative correlation between quartz and feldspar for UCS, tensile strength(σ_(t)), and E. In contrast, mica had a significant negative correlation for UCS, σ_(t), and E. The presence of quartz increased the brittleness of granite, whereas the presence of mica and feldspar increased its ductility in UCS and direct tensile strength(DTS) tests. Varying contents of major mineral compositions in granite showed minor influence on the number of cracks in both UCS and DTS tests.

Three dimensional discrete element modelling of the conventional compression behavior of gas hydrate bearing coal

To analyze the relationship between macro and meso parameters of the gas hydrate bearing coal(GHBC)and to calibrate the meso-parameters,the numerical tests were conducted to simulate the laboratory triaxial compression tests by PFC3D,with the parallel bond model employed as the particle contact constitutive model.First,twenty simulation tests were conducted to quantify the relationship between the macro–meso parameters.Then,nine orthogonal simulation tests were performed using four meso-mechanical parameters in a three-level to evaluate the sensitivity of the meso-mechanical parameters.Furthermore,the calibration method of the meso-parameters were then proposed.Finally,the contact force chain,the contact force and the contact number were examined to investigate the saturation effect on the meso-mechanical behavior of GHBC.The results show that:(1)The elastic modulus linearly increases with the bonding stiffness ratio and the friction coefficient while exponentially increasing with the normal bonding strength and the bonding radius coefficient.The failure strength increases exponentially with the increase of the friction coefficient,the normal bonding strength and the bonding radius coefficient,and remains constant with the increase of bond stiffness ratio;(2)The friction coefficient and the bond radius coefficient are most sensitive to the elastic modulus and the failure strength;(3)The number of the force chains,the contact force,and the bond strength between particles will increase with the increase of the hydrate saturation,which leads to the larger failure strength.

The Lie symmetries and Noether conserved quantities of discrete mechanical systems with variable mass

This paper studies the Lie symmetries and Noether conserved quantities of discrete mechanical systems with variable mass. The discrete Euler-Lagrange equation and energy evolution equation are derived by using a total variational principle. The invariance of discrete equations under infinitesimal transformation groups is defined to be Lie symmetry. The condition of obtaining the Noether conserved quantities from the Lie symmetries is also presented. An example is discussed for applications of the results.

Reverse Solution and Parametric Design of the Conjugate Cam Weft Insertion Mechanism Based on VB.NET and UG

In order to realize the parametric design of the conjugate cam weft insertion mechanism,according to the necessary parameters of weft insertion process,ideal kinematic curves of the weft insertion mechanism were given,and the mathematical model of reverse solution for this mechanism was established.The parameters of this mechanism were obtained by reverse solution on the basis of the given ideal kinematic curves and kinematic requirements.The parametric design platform which was integrated with the functions of parametric reverse solution,motion simulation,three-dimensional modeling and virtual assembly was developed based on VB.NET and Unigraphics(UG) NX.After entering the technological parameters of weft insertion process and essential structural parameters by users,three-dimensional drawing of the main parts such as the conjugate cam and shaft,can be obtained by this platform,also the processing data of the cam can be calculated.This platform provides a rapid approach for parametric design of weft insertion mechanism.

Prediction for Dynamic Characteristics of Ring-Plate Planetary Indexing Cam Mechanism

This paper is aimed to propose an approach to predict the dynamic characteristics of ring-plate planetary indexing cam mechanism, which is a novel type of indexing mechanism that employs internal planetary transmission structure. Firstly, the geometry and structure of the mechanism are discussed and the kinematic practicability is simulated with virtual prototype design. Then a 3D finite element model of the ring-plate planetary indexing cam mechanism is developed with the commercial software of MATLAB and ANSYS. Through the finite element analysis, the natural frequencies and the corresponding mode shapes are predicted in one motion cycle. On the basis of the virtual prototype design and finite element analysis, an experimental prototype is made and tested to validate the prediction of the dynamic characteristics. The agreement between experimental results and the finite element analysis testifies that the finite element model developed is applicable to the prediction of the dynamic characteristics of this type of mechanism.

THE DESIGN OF A NEW OUTSIDE TYPE CONJUGATE CAMS FOR SHEDDING MECHANISM

In the usual shedding mechanism of a weaving loom, the conjugate type of cams can be designed precisely according to any regular pattern sequence of heald frame motion to suit the weaving technological requirements. As this mechanism is also quite simple, with smaller cam size and better technological function, it is therefore very important and worthwhile to study this type of conjugate cams. In this paper, we try to analyze the defects of the traditional and some abroad type outside conjugate cams shedding mechanism, and propose a new improved design of this type of conjugate cams and then work it out finally.

An investigation of cam-roller mechanism applied in sphere cam engine

As an alternative power source for hybrid electrical vehicle(HEV), electric generating system(EGS) driven by sphere cam engine(SCE) is said to own higher power density and integration. In this work, the structure and working principle of EGS were introduced, based on which the advantages of EGS were displayed. The profile of sphere cam was achieved after the desired motion of piston was given. After establishing the dynamic model of power transmission mechanism, the characteristics of cam-roller mechanism were studied. The results show that the optimal cam profile of SCE is a sinusoid curve which has two peaks and two valleys and a mean pressure angle of 47.19°. Because of the special cam shape, the trace of end surface center of piston is an eight-shape curve on a specific sphere surface. SCE running at speed of 3000 r/min can generate the power of 33.81 kW, which could satisfy the need of HEVs. However, the force between cylinder and piston skirt caused by Coriolis acceleration can reach up to 1182 N, which leads to serious wear between cylinder liner and piston skirt and may shorten the lifespan of SCE.

Follow-Up Study of a Multiple Myeloma Patient Successfully Treated with Clarithromycin (CAM), Low-Dose Lenalidomide and Low-Dose Dexamethasone: Significance and Possible Mechanism of Action of CAM as an Add-On Therapy

Background: Recently, high efficacy of the chemotherapeutic regimen combining clarithromycin (CAM) with lenalidomide (Len) and dexamethasone (Dex) (BiRD) in treating multiple myeloma (MM) patients has been reported. However, the exact mechanism of added CAM has not been fully elucidated. This case report will provide helpful information for understanding the significance and the mechanism of action of CAM as an add-on therapy. Patient: A 78-year-old female patient with IgA-λ type MM was treated with low-dose Len coupled with low-dose Dex (low Rd), and excellent response was achieved for long term, but she later became refractory to this treatment. Then, CAM was added to low Rd (low Rd-CAM, i.e., modified BiRD therapy). This add-on-therapy was found to be effective, but later suspended because of pneumonitis. Then, low-dose Len coupled with CAM (low R-CAM) treatment was applied;but effect of this Dex-free treatment was insufficient. Thus, low Rd-CAM was reapplied and satisfactory reduction of IgA was achieved. This fact suggests that low Rd-CAM is the favorable combination, Dex is requisite and CAM might have enhanced the effect of Dex. In this case, various serum cytokines were examined during the course of illness. Only interleukin-6 showed apparent increase, and tumor necrosis factor-α, transforming growth factor-β, soluble IL-2 receptors and C-reactive protein showed the slight increase during low Rd-CAM treatment. The results seem somewhat conflicting, but it seems that intricate cytokine response due to immune activation might have occurred during low Rd-CAM treatment.

Mechanism Design of Palletizing Robot Based on Translating Cam Principle

Palletizing robot technology has been applied more and more extensively in logistics automation field.But there are some limitations in the current single-arm palletizing robot that it cannot do effective work in the process of moving back to the taking-end and the mechanical arm has so many freedoms that its control system is relatively complex.Based on the translating cam principle,a novel palletizing robot is designed.The horizontal movement of the palletizing mechanical arm is controlled by changeable outer slides,and the vertical movement is controlled by partitioned up-and-down spindles.To improve palletizing efficiency,the single palletizing mechanical arm is changed into multi-arm.Moreover,to improve its kinematic properties,the acceleration operating performance,joint driving force and palletizing trajectory are optimized through the multi-objective delaminating sequence method.According to the optimization results,the 3D model of the multi-arm palletizing robot is built in Pro/E,and the kinematic simulation is made.The simulation results show that the novel mechanism and optimization parameters are rational and feasible.This novel palletizing robot has the advantages of cam mechanism,so it simplifies the driving mode of palletizing movement and can lower the requirements for controlling system.At the same time,it can increase palletizing efficiency further by adding mechanical arms.

Analysis and Design of Conjugate Cam Shedding Mechanism with Dual Driving Shafts

The principle of conjugate cam shedding mechanism forthe outside tappets with dual driving shafts is discussed,and its design conditions and parameters are studied,giving the results of practical calculations finally.

Circular Obstacle Avoidance Control of the Compass-Type Biped Robot Based on a Blending Method of Discrete Mechanics and Nonlinear Optimization

This paper considers an obstacle avoidance control problem for the compass-type biped robot, especially circular obstacles are dealt with. First, a sufficient condition such that the swing leg does not collide the circular obstacle is derived. Next, an optimal control problem for the discrete compass-type robot is formulated and a solving method of the problem by the sequential quadratic programming is presented in order to calculate a discrete control input. Then, a transformation method that converts a discrete control input into a continuous zero-order hold input via discrete Lagrange-d’ Alembert principle is explained. From the results of numerical simulations, it turns out that obstacle avoidance control for the continuous compass-type robot can be achieved by the proposed method.

Investigation of Micro-mechanical Response of Asphalt Mixtures by a Three-dimensional Discrete Element Model

The micro-mechanical response of asphalt mixtures was studied using the discrete element method. The discrete element sample of stone mastic asphalt was generated first and the vehicle load was applied to the sample. A user-written program was coded with the FISH language in PFC3 D to extract the contact forces within the sample and the displacements of the particles. Then, the contact forces within the whole sample, in asphalt mastic, in coarse aggregates and between asphalt mastic and coarse aggregates were investigated. Finally, the movement of the particles in the sample was analyzed. The sample was divided into 15 areas and a figure was drawn to show how the balls move in each area according to the displacements of the balls in each area. The displacements of asphalt mastic balls and coarse aggregates were also analyzed. The experimental results explain how the asphalt mixture bears vehicle load and the potential reasons why the rutting forms from a micro-mechanical view.