DETECTION OF LONGITUDINAL DEFECT IN PIPES USING TORSIONAL MODES

The multi-modes and disperse characteristics of torsional modes in pipes are investigated theoretically and experimentally. At all frequencies, both phase velocity and group velocity of the lowest torsional mode T（0,1） are constant and equal to shear wave velocity. T（0,1） mode at all frequencies is the fastest torsional mode. In the experiments, T（0,1） mode is excited and received in pipes using 9 thickness shear vibration mode piezoelectric ceramic elements. Furthermore, an artificial longitudinal defect of a 4 m long pipe is detected using T（0,1） mode at 50 kHz. Experimental results show that it is feasible for longitudinal defect detection in pipes using T（0,1） mode of ultrasonic guided waves.

Analytical and numerical analysis on the torsional performance of elliptically deformed tunnels in the longitudinal direction

Segmental lining structures constructed by shields/tunnel boring machines are often subjected to uneven longitudinal cross-section torsion as a result of eccentric external loads,which is extremely adverse to tunnel safety but has not received sufficient attention for a long time.To figure out the torsional performance of segmental tunnels,it is essential to assess the longitudinal torsional stiffness and active-torsion-rejection capability of a segmented tunnel.The aim of the paper is to derive an analytical solution to the longitudinal torsional stiffness of a segmental tunnel with existing elliptical deformation.The longitudinal torsional stiffness under different internal force combinations is deduced considering the longitudinal axial force and bending moment based on the equivalent continuous model and force balance equation.The validity of the analytical solution is verified by comparing it with finite element method results.Then,a parametric analysis,using the new analytical solution,is included to investigate the effect of the key parameters on torsional behaviors,including the segment size,the bolt size and the transverse bending stiffness,etc.It is found that:(1)the longitudinal torsional stiffness efficiency(LTSE)of the segmental tunnel decreases with the rise of segment thickness to diameter ratio but increases with the ring width to diameter ratio;(2)the LTSE reduces with the increase of the effective shear length but rises with the diameter of bolts;(3)the LTSE increases rapidly with the ratio of compression-torsion or bending-torsion.Furthermore,the envelope curve of the critical load(N0,M0)for a tunnel to actively resist a certain internal torque is given.The proposed solution can be easily utilized to determine the longitudinal torsional stiffness of segmental tunnels and is an effective tool for tunnel design and maintenance.

Hole quality in longitudinal–torsional coupled ultrasonic vibration assisted drilling of carbon fiber reinforced plastics

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites are extremely attractive in the manufacturing of structural and functional components in the aircraft manufacturing field due to their outstanding properties, such as good fatigue resistance, high specific stiffness/strength, and good shock absorption. However, because of their inherent anisotropy, low interlamination strength, and abrasive characteristics, CFRP composites are considered difficult-to-cut materials and are prone to generating serious hole defects, such as delamination, tearing, and burrs. The advanced longitudinal–torsional coupled ultrasonic vibration assisted drilling (LTC-UAD) method has a potential application for drilling CFRP composites. At present, LTC-UAD is mainly adopted for drilling metal materials and rarely for CFRP. Therefore, this study analyzes the kinematic characteristics and the influence of feed rate on the drilling performance of LTC-UAD. Experimental results indicate that LTC-UAD can reduce the thrust force by 39% compared to conventional drilling. Furthermore, LTC-UAD can decrease the delamination and burr factors and improve the surface quality of the hole wall. Thus, LTC-UAD is an applicable process method for drilling components made with CFRP composites.