A Hybrid Level Set Optimization Design Method of Functionally Graded Cellular Structures Considering Connectivity

With the continuous advancement in topology optimization and additive manufacturing(AM)technology,the capability to fabricate functionally graded materials and intricate cellular structures with spatially varying microstructures has grown significantly.However,a critical challenge is encountered in the design of these structures–the absence of robust interface connections between adjacent microstructures,potentially resulting in diminished efficiency or macroscopic failure.A Hybrid Level Set Method(HLSM)is proposed,specifically designed to enhance connectivity among non-uniform microstructures,contributing to the design of functionally graded cellular structures.The HLSM introduces a pioneering algorithm for effectively blending heterogeneous microstructure interfaces.Initially,an interpolation algorithm is presented to construct transition microstructures seamlessly connected on both sides.Subsequently,the algorithm enables the morphing of non-uniform unit cells to seamlessly adapt to interconnected adjacent microstructures.The method,seamlessly integrated into a multi-scale topology optimization framework using the level set method,exhibits its efficacy through numerical examples,showcasing its prowess in optimizing 2D and 3D functionally graded materials(FGM)and multi-scale topology optimization.In essence,the pressing issue of interface connections in complex structure design is not only addressed but also a robust methodology is introduced,substantiated by numerical evidence,advancing optimization capabilities in the realm of functionally graded materials and cellular structures.

A new approach for flow simulation in complex hydraulic fracture morphology and its application:Fracture connection element method

Efficient flow simulation and optimization methods of hydraulic fracture morphology in unconventional reservoirs are effective ways to enhance oil/gas recovery.Based on the connection element method(CEM)and distribution of stimulated reservoir volume,the complex hydraulic fracture morphology was accurately described using heterogeneous node connection system.Then a new fracture connection element method(FCEM)for fluid flow in stimulated unconventional reservoirs with complex hydraulic fracture morphology was proposed.In the proposed FCEM,the arrangement of dense nodes in the stimulated area and sparse nodes in the unstimulated area ensures the calculation accuracy and efficiency.The key parameter,transmissibility,was also modified according to the strong heterogeneity of stimulated reservoirs.The finite difference and semi-analytical tracking were used to accurately solve the pressure and saturation distribution between nodes.The FCEM is validated by comparing with traditional numerical simulation method,and the results show that the bottom hole pressure simulated by the FCEM is consistent with the results from traditional numerical simulation method,and the matching rate is larger than 95%.The proposed FCEM was also used in the optimization of fracturing parameters by coupling the hydraulic fracture propagation method and intelligent optimization algorithm.The integrated intelligent optimization approach for multi-parameters,such as perforation number,perforation location,and displacement in hydraulic fracturing is proposed.The proposed approach was applied in a shale gas reservoir,and the result shows that the optimized perforation location and morphology distribution are related to the distribution of porosity/permeability.When the perforation location and displacement are optimized with the same fracture number,NPV increases by 70.58%,which greatly improves the economic benefits of unconventional reservoirs.This work provides a new way for flow simulation and optimization of hydraulic fracture morphology of multi-fractured horizontal wells in unconventional reservoirs.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL FINITE ELEMENT DELAUNAY MESH GENERATION BY A PERFECTED NODE CONNECTION METHOD

How to automatically generate three-dimensional finite element Delaunay mesh by a peifected node connection method is introduced, where nodes are generated based on existing elements, instead of independence of node creation and elements generation in traditional node connection method. Therefore, Ihe the difficulty about how to automatically create nodes in the traditional method is overcome.

Nonlinear Analysis of Axial-load and Stress Distribution for Threaded Connection

Analytical method for the distributions of axial-load and stress is based on elastic assumption, but the threaded connections are often in plastic deformation stage in practice. Meanwhile the strain in the threaded connection is difficult to measure. So it is necessary to study the reliable numerical method. At present neither the convergence analysis of the computational results nor the elastic-plastic analysis in the loading-unloading process are studied. In this paper, von Mises plasticity and kinematic hardening model is used to describe the material response. A new convergence criterion for nonlinear finite element analysis of the loading-unloading process is proposed. An axisymmetric finite element model according to the proposed convergence criterion is developed and used to analyze the distributions of axial-load and stress. It can be conclude that the stress distribution analysis is more dependent on the mesh density than the axial-load distribution analysis. The stress distribution result indicates that with increasing of applied load, the engaged threads close to the nut-bearing surface become plastic firstly. The axial-load distribution result reveals that the load percentage carried by single thread depends on the position of thread and load intensity. When the load is relatively small, the applied load is mainly carried by the engaged threads near the nut-bearing surface, when the load is larger, the differences of percentages for all threads become small. The proposed convergence analyzing procedure is applicable for other nonlinear analyses. The obtained distributions of axial-load and stress can be a reference of engineering application.

Development of a new connection for precast concrete walls subjected to cyclic loading

The Industrialized Building System （IBS） was recently introduced to minimize the time and cost of project construction. Accordingly, ensuring the integration of the connection of precast components in IBS structures is an important factor that ensures stability of buildings subjected to dynamic loads from earthquakes, vehicles, and machineries. However, structural engineers still lack knowledge on the proper connection and detailed joints o fiBS structure construction. Therefore, this study proposes a special precast concrete wall-to-wall connection system for dynamic loads that resists multidirectional imposed loads and reduces vibration effects （PI2014701723）. This system is designed to connect two adjacent precast wall panels by using two steel U-shaped channels （i.e., male and female joints）. During casting, each joint is adapted for incorporation into a respective wall panel after considering the following conditions： one side of the steel channel opens into the thickness face of the panel; a U-shaped rubber is implemented between the two channels to dissipate the vibration effect; and bolts and nuts are used to create an extension between the two U-shaped male and female steel channels. The developed finite element model of the precast wall is subjected to cyclic loads to evaluate the performance of the proposed connection during an imposed dynamic load. Connection performance is then compared with conventional connections based on the energy dissipation, stress, deformation, and concrete damage in the plastic range. The proposed precast connection is capable of exceeding the energy absorption of precast walls subjected to dynamic load, thereby improving its resistance behavior in all principal directions.

INFINITE ELEMENT METHOD FOR PROBLEMS ON UNBOUNDED AND MULTIPLY CONNECTED DOMAINS

The author studies the infinite element method for the boundary value problems of second order elliptic equations on unbounded and multiply connected domains. The author makes a partition of the domain into infinite number of elements. Without dividing the domain, as usual, into a bounded one and an exterior one, he derives an initial value problem of an ordinary differential equation for the combined stiffness matrix, then obtains the approximate solution with a small amount of computer work. Numerical examples are given.

Mechanical Properties of Moso Bamboo Connections with External Clamp Steel Plates

The Moso bamboo,a renewable green building material used in various new green buildings,have received exten-sive attention with the promotion of the concept of green buildings.To explore the mechanical properties of Moso bamboo connections with external clamp steel plates,the 16 specimens were designed by changing the bolt diameters and the end distances of the bolt holes.Their static tension tests were conducted to investigate bearing capacities and failure modes of different connection configurations.Based on test results,three failure modes of these connections were obtained,including the shear failure of bolt shank,bearing failure of bolt hole and punch-ing shear failure of the Moso bamboo.The influence of bolt diameters and end distances of bolt holes on bearing capacities of the connections was quantitatively analyzed.Based on a simplified mechanical model,the analytical models were deduced for the bolt shear failure and the bearing failure of bolt holes.The results showed that the predictive values are in substantial agreement with the experimental results.Finally,the design and manufacturing suggestions are recommended for this Moso bamboo connections.

Key technology for construction of connection between steel pylonand concrete pile cap of middle pylon of Taizhou Bridge

Taizhou Bridge is a suspension bridge with three pylons and two 1 080 m main spans. The middle pylon is a steel frame with longitudinal herringbone shape and lateral gate shape. The connection between steel pylon and concrete pile cap is a key part to transfer the huge inner force from the pylon to the foundation. Its construction quality is a critical factor to the overall structural loading of the whole bridge ; therefore the contact ratio between the bearing steel plate of pylon and concrete pile cap is required to be over 75 %. The inclined joint surface in two directions, longitudinally at 39/1 920 and laterally at 1/4, posted a challenge to the construction work. A procedure test was carried out to find an optimal construction method by comparison, and finally the post-injection method was selected as it can meet the requirement of concrete strength and contact ratio at the connection. The successful application of the post-injection method in Taizhou Bridge can nrovide an examnle and reference for similar nroiects in the future.

Approximate Method of Riemann-Hilbert Problem for Elliptic Complex Equations of First Order in Multiply Connected Unbounded Domains

In this article, we discuss the approximate method of solving the Riemann-Hilbert boundary value problem for nonlinear uniformly elliptic complex equation of first order (0.1) with the boundary conditions (0.2) in a multiply connected unbounded domain D, the above boundary value problem will be called Problem A. If the complex Equation (0.1) satisfies the conditions similar to Condition C of (1.1), and the boundary condition (0.2) satisfies the conditions similar to (1.5), then we can obtain approximate solutions of the boundary value problems (0.1) and (0.2). Moreover the error estimates of approximate solutions for the boundary value problem is also given. The boundary value problem possesses many applications in mechanics and physics etc., for instance from (5.114) and (5.115), Chapter VI, [1], we see that Problem A of (0.1) possesses the important application to the shell and elasticity.

Enhanced optimal delaunay triangulation methods with connectivity regularization

In this paper,we study the underlying properties of optimal Delaunay triangulations(ODT)and propose enhanced ODT methods combined with connectivity regularization.Based on optimizing node positions and Delaunay triangulation iteratively,ODT methods are very effective in mesh improvement.This paper demonstrates that the energy function minimized by ODT is nonconvex and unsmooth,thus,ODT methods suffer the problem of falling into a local minimum inevitably.Unlike general ways that minimize the ODT energy function in terms of mathematics directly,we take an outflanking strategy combining ODT methods with connectivity regularization for this issue.Connectivity regularization reduces the number of irregular nodes by basic topological operations,which can be regarded as a perturbation to help ODT methods jump out of a poor local minimum.Although the enhanced ODT methods cannot guarantee to obtain a global minimum,it starts a new viewpoint of minimizing ODT energy which uses topological operations but mathematical methods.And in terms of practical effect,several experimental results illustrate the enhanced ODT methods are capable of improving the mesh furtherly compared to general ODT methods.

Progressive Collapse Analysis of Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular Frames with Semi-rigid Connections

A 9-story concrete-filled steel tubular frame model is used to analyze the response of joints due to sudden column loss. Three different models are developed and compared to study the efficiency and feasibility of simulation, which include substructure model, beam element model and solid element model. The comparison results show that the substructure model has a satisfying capability, calculation efficiency and accuracy to predict the concerned joints as well as the overall framework. Based on the substructure model and a kind of semi-rigid connection for concretefilled square hollow section steel column proposed in this paper, the nonlinear dynamic analyses are conducted by the alternate path method. It is found that the removal of the ground inner column brings high-level joint moments and comparatively low-level axial tension forces. The initial stiffness and transmitted ultimate moment of the semi-rigid connection are the main factors that influence the frame behavior, and their lower limit should be guaranteed to resist collapse. Reduced ultimate moment results in drastic displacement and axial force development, which may bring progressive collapse. The higher initial stiffness ensures that the structure has a stronger capacity to resist progressive collapse.

Evaluation of Stiffened End-Plate Moment Connection through Optimized Artificial Neural Network

This study involves the development of an analytical model for understanding the behavior of the extended, stiffened end-plate moment connections with eight high strength bolts. Modeling of the connection as an assemblage of finite elements (FE) used for load deformation analysis, with material, and contact nonlinearities are developed. Results from the FE mathematical model are verified with results from the ANSYS computer program as well as with the test results. Sensitivity and feasibility studies are carried out. Significant geometry and force related variables are introduced;and by varying the geometric variables of the connections within a practical range, a matrix of test cases is obtained. Maximum end-plate separation, maximum bending stresses in the end-plate, and the forces from the connection bolts for these test cases are obtained. From the FE analysis, a database is produced to collect results for the artificial neural network analysis. Finally, salient features of the optimized Artificial Neural Network (ANN) via Genetic Algorithm (GA) analysis are introduced and implemented with the aim of predicting the overall behavior of the connection.

Modal and Thermal Analysis of a Modified Connecting Rod of an Internal Combustion Engine Using Finite Element Method

The connecting rod is one of the most important moving components in an internal combustion engine. The present work determined the possibility of using aluminium alloy 7075 material to design and manufacture a connecting rod for weight optimisation without losing the strength of the connecting rod. It considered modal and thermal analyses to investigate the suitability of the material for connecting rod design. The parameters that were considered under the modal analysis were: total deformation, and natural frequency, while the thermal analysis looked at the temperature distribution, total heat flux and directional heat flux of the four connecting rods made with titanium alloy, grey cast iron, structural steel and aluminium 7075 alloy respectively. The connecting rod was modelled using Autodesk inventor2017 software using the calculated parameters. The steady-state thermal analysis was used to determine the induced heat flux and directional heat flux. The study found that Aluminium 7075 alloy deformed more than the remaining three other materials but has superior qualities in terms of vibrational natural frequency, total heat flux and lightweight compared to structural steel, grey cast iron and titanium alloy.

Simulation of Steel Reinforcement on the Nonlinear Behaviour of Slender Glulam Beam Columns by Using the Newton-Raphson Method

The current theory in NF EN 1995-1-1/NA of Eurocode 5, which is based on maximum deflection, has been investigated on softwoods. Therefore, this theory is not adapted for slender glulam beam columns made of tropical hardwood species from the Congo Basin. This maximum deflection is caused by a set of loads applied to the structure. However, Eurocode 5 doesn’t provide how to predict this deflection in case of long-term load for such structures. This can be done by studying load-displacement (P-Δ) behaviour of these structures while taking into account second order effects. To reach this goal, a nonlinear analysis has been performed on a three-dimensional beam column embedded on both ends. Since conducting experimental investigations on large span structural products is time-consuming and expensive especially in developing countries, a numerical model has been implemented using the Newton-Raphson method to predict load-displacement (P-Δ) curve on a slender glulam beam column made of tropical hardwood species. On one hand, the beam has been analyzed without wood connection. On the other hand, the beam has been analyzed with a bolted wood connection and a slotted-in steel plate. The load cases considered include self-weight and a uniformly applied long-term load. Combinations of serviceability limit states (SLS) and ultimate limit states (ULS) have also been considered, among other factors. A finite-element software RFEM 5 has been used to implement the model. The results showed that the use of steel can reduce displacement by 20.96%. Additionally, compared to the maximum deflection provided by Eurocode 5 for softwoods, hardwoods can exhibit an increasing rate of 85.63%. By harnessing the plastic resistance of steel, the bending resistance of wood can be increased by 32.94%.

Deformation mechanism and limit support pressure of cutting steel plate during connection between pipes in large spacing using pipe curtain structure method

The pipe curtain structure method(PSM)is a novel construction method to control ground deformation strictly.Compared with the traditional pipe-roofing and pipe jacking method,the connection between pipes in large spacings using PSM is widely acknowledged as a unique construction procedure.Further study on this connection procedure is needed to resolve similar cases in that the pipes are inevitably constructed on both sides of existing piles.Cutting the steel plate during the connection procedure is the first step,which is crucial to control the safety and stability of the surrounding environment and existing structures.The deformation mechanism and limit support pressure of the cutting steel plate during the connection between pipes in large spacings are studied in this paper,relying on the undercrossing Yifeng gate tower project of Jianning West Road River Crossing Channel in Nanjing,China.A modified 3D wedge-prism failure model is proposed using the 3D discrete element method.Combined with Terzaghi loose earth pressure theory and the limit equilibrium theory,the analytical solutions for the limit support pressure of the excavation face of the cutting steel plate are derived.The modified 3D wedge-prism failure model and corresponding analytical solutions are categorised into two cases:(a)unilateral cutting scheme,and(b)bilateral cutting scheme.The analytical solutions for the two cases are verified from the numerical simulation and in-situ data and compared with the previous solutions.The comparative analysis between the unilateral and bilateral cutting schemes indicates that the bilateral cutting scheme can be adopted as a priority.The bilateral cutting scheme saves more time and induces less ground deformation than the unilateral one due to the resistance generated from the superimposed wedge.In addition,the parametric sensitivity analysis is carried out using an orthogonal experimental design.The main influencing factors arranged from high to low are the pipe spacing,the cutting size,and the pipe burial depth.The ground deformation increases with the increased cutting size and pipe spacing.The pipe burial depth slightly affects the ground deformation if the other two factors are minor.Cutting steel plates in small sizes,excavating soil under low disturbance,and supporting pipes for high frequency can effectively reduce the ground surface subsidence.

Use of a submodel method to check the bolt strength of marine equipment

A submodel method was proposed that works from computational models of marine gear cases to verify that the proposed bolts will give it sufficient structural integrity. Calculations for marine equipment using this system accorded well with conventional results. As an example, an anti-shock computation was processed for a gear case, and the submodel was then employed to check the strength of individual components. The results showed that the gear case connecting structure can satisfy relative anti-shock requirements, and the dynamic response characteristics seen in the bolt structures had a close relationship with the method used for attaching the bolt. This provides a new means for checking the strength of connecting structures on large-scale equipment and thus has significant reference value.

Interleaved-Connected Split Planar Resonant Inductor Design in 1 kV SiC LLC Converters

Design method of split planar resonant inductor in 1 kV SiC logical link control(LLC)converter is proposed,which ensures the converter power density of 93.59 W/in^3 and peak efficiency of 95.73%.Split resonant inductor helps to provide symmetrical resonant current by symmetrical impedance,and improves the distortion of resonant current,which ensures the efficiency of the whole converter.An interleaved winding connecting scheme improves the power density of the planar magnets,which contributes to power density improvement.Design method and calculation process of such split planar resonant inductor are provided.To verify the feasibility of the proposed design method,a 1 kV/48 V 6.6 kW,210 k Hz SiC LLC prototype was built,and the experimental results are given.

The influence of the underpassing frozen connecting passage on the deformation of the existing tunnel

Based on the engineering background of the contact channel between Shangyang and Gushan of Fuzhou Metro Line 2 undercrossing the existing tunnel line,the freezing temperature field of the contact channel,the displacement field of the existing tunnel line and the contact channel with different net distances and horizontal angles are analyzed by ANSYS finite element software and field measurement method.The obtained results indicate that during the freezing period,the temperature drops at different measuring holes are almost the same.The temperature near the bottom freezing tube drops faster than that far from the tube.It is found that the bilateral freezing technique improves the formation of the freezing wall in the intersection area.In this case,the intersection time of the cross-section is 7 days faster than that of the adjacent ordinary section.The change curve of the displacement of the surface uplift in different freezing periods with the distance from the center of the channel is“M”shaped.The maximum uplift displacement at 12 m from channel center is 25 mm.The vertical displacement of the measuring point located above the central axis of the connecting channel is large.The farther the point from the central axis,the smaller the corresponding vertical displacement.When the horizontal angle between the existing tunnel and the connecting channel is less than 60,the existing vertical displacement of the tunnel changes rapidly with the horizontal angle,reaching 0.17 mm/.Meanwhile,when the net distance is less than 6.1 m,the change rate of the vertical displacement of the tunnel is up to 2.4 mm/m.

ALTERNATING METHOD STUDY ON STRESS ANALYSIS OF SURROUNDING ROCK FOR TWO RANDOM GEOMETRY TUNNELS

The stress analysis of surrounding rock for two random geometry tunnels is studied in this paper by using Schwarz’s alternating method. The simple and effective alternating algorithm is found, in which the surplus surface force is approximated by Fourier series, thus the iteration derivation can be conducted according to the precision required, finally, the stress results with high precision are obtained.

A new approach for free vibration analysis of a system of elastically interconnected similar rectangular plates

A new procedure is proposed to ease the analyses of the free vibration of an elastically connected identical plates system with respect to Kirchhoff plate theory.A structure of n parallel,elastically connected rectangular plates is of concern,whereby the motion is explained by a set of n coupled partial differential equations.The method involves a new change in variables to uncouple equations and form an equal system of n decoupled plates,while each is assumed to be elastically connected to the ground.The differential quadrature method is adopted to solve the decoupled equations.To unravel the original system,the inverse transform is applied.Decoupling the equations enables one to solve them based on the solution methods available for a single plate system.This also diminishes the computational costs of such problems.By considering different boundary conditions,a case study is run to present the method and to validate the results with its counterparts,for which excellent agreement is observed.Assessing the influence of dimensionless thickness,aspect ratio,and stiffness coefficients on the frequencies reveals the different effects of them at the low order of dimensionless natural frequencies in comparison with high orders and for different boundary conditions.