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.

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%.

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.

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.

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.

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 provide an example and reference for similar projects in the future.

机械臂的位姿分离求逆和改进RRT-connect算法研究

针对机械臂逆解求取过程中存在大量矩阵变换、计算成本高的问题,采用位姿分离法对逆运动学求解过程进行改进,并提出基于自适应步长的RRT-connect路径规划算法。首先建立六自由度机械臂连杆坐标系模型,采用Standard Denavit-Hartenberg(D-H)方法对机械臂进行正运动学分析,得到机械臂末端执行器位姿相对于基座的齐次变换矩阵。然后引入位姿分离法改进了机械臂的逆运动学求解方法,将机械臂运动学逆解分为位置逆解和姿态逆解两部分,分别用几何法和解析法进行求解,减少了整体计算量。再者提出基于自适应步长的改进RRT-connect路径规划算法,解决了扩展速度慢的问题。最后通过仿真验证所提出方法的正确性和有效性。

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.

基于改进RRT-Connect算法的路径规划研究

传统移动机器人的路径规划算法环境障碍建模复杂且容易陷入局部最小值,而基于采样的快速扩展随机树(RRT)算法通过随机节点快速扩展路径搜索效率低。RRT-Connect算法在RRT算法基础上提升了搜索效率,但存在路径曲折的问题。为此,在RRT-Connect算法基础上通过加入人工势场引导增长方法和目标偏置采样方法,改进算法规划路径的平滑性和速度。为验证改进算法的有效性,与RRT算法、RRT-Connect算法在不同复杂度环境中的执行性能进行比较。仿真实验的结果表明,改进算法在三种不同环境下的路径规划时间和路径规划长度以及标准差稳定性方面均优于其他两种算法。

复合材料在汽车防撞梁上的应用研究进展

为促进复合材料在汽车构件中的应用,以汽车保险杠防撞梁为例,对复合材料防撞梁的材料、结构设计以及保险杠内部零件连接的研究进展进行综述。简述了碳纤维、玻璃纤维以及天然纤维等复合材料在汽车防撞梁上的研究进展,介绍了不同结构复合材料防撞梁对于耐撞性能的影响,分析了保险杠内部零件不同连接方式的优缺点。最后提出了汽车复合材料防撞梁的未来发展方向,应注重新型复合材料的开发、防撞梁结构的优化设计以及新型连接方式的研究。

自攻螺钉与拉铆钉混合连接受剪承载性能试验

为改善自攻螺钉连接的构件在地震作用下易发生拉脱导致结构严重破坏的缺点,提升冷弯薄壁型钢组合墙体抗破坏能力,分析了组合墙体层间连接处的传力机理,针对自攻螺钉的破坏模式,提出拉铆钉与自攻螺钉混合连接。为研究混合连接的抗剪性能,共进行了48组连接接头抗剪性能试验,包含冷弯薄壁型钢结构常用的5种连接板厚度,不同搭接板厚比(变化范围1.0~2.0),包含纯自攻螺钉连接、纯拉铆钉连接及混合连接的连接方式。观察混合连接的破坏模式,自攻螺钉未发现拉脱破坏,其破坏模式主要表现为:板承压破坏与螺钉倾斜组合破坏、铆钉剪断破坏及板承压与铆钉部分剪断组合破坏3种;相较单一连接方式,混合连接荷载–位移曲线表现出更长的塑性阶段;当板厚比大于1.5且组合板厚小于3.0mm,混合连接的承载力及延性较单一连接增长明显;利用现有计算方法对混合连接的承载力进行累加计算,与试验结果对比,计算结果偏保守。研究发现:混合连接能较好地弥补拉铆钉和自攻螺钉受剪过程中的缺陷,有效改善自攻螺钉拉脱破坏,从而提升连接的承载力及延性;板厚和板厚比是影响混合连接破坏模式及承载力的重要因素,与单一连接相比,板厚比越大,承载力提升越大;排布方式对混合连接的力学性能及破坏机理影响有限;在本文试验工况下,结合混合连接的破坏模式,在现有计算方法的基础上,提出改善后的计算方法,其计算结果更合理。

薄钢板机械咬合螺栓抗剪连接试验与计算方法

为探究薄钢板机械咬合螺栓抗剪连接的受力性能,设计了12个具有不同垫圈形状和预拉力的机械咬合螺栓连接试件和普通螺栓连接试件,并开展了受剪破坏试验。试验结果表明机械咬合螺栓连接试件的薄钢板在咬合部位发生受拉破坏,而普通螺栓连接试件的薄钢板出现孔壁承压破坏,且机械咬合螺栓连接的受剪承载力显著高于普通螺栓连接的受剪承载力。分别建立了机械咬合螺栓连接和普通螺栓连接的精细有限元模型,根据受剪试验结果验证了模型的准确性,进一步探究了垫圈直径、螺栓直径、钢板厚度和咬合深度对机械咬合螺栓连接受剪承载力的影响规律。最后开展了机械咬合螺栓连接的受剪承载机理分析,提出了能够准确预测其受剪承载力的计算公式。

富水砂层地铁盾构区间机械法联络通道施工影响

[目的]目前,富水砂层地铁盾构区间机械法联络通道施工对正线隧道及周围土体影响的研究较少,因此有必要对类似工程进行分析。[方法]以某富水砂层地铁盾构区间机械法联络通道施工项目为例,采用ABAQUS有限元软件建立数值模型,对富水砂层中机械法联络通道施工的全过程进行模拟分析,研究机械法联络通道施工对正线隧道及周围土体的影响;将数值计算结果与实际工程监测数据进行对比,验证所提数值模型的可靠性。[结果及结论]由机械法联络通道施工引起的沿正线隧道纵向和联络通道纵向的地面沉降曲线均呈U形,地面最大沉降值为4.60 mm;机械法联络通道施工对正线隧道的变形影响,以竖向变形和沿正线隧道横向的水平变形为主,正线隧道竖向变形最大值为1.08 mm,水平变形最大值为1.28 mm;施工过程中,正线隧道的最大应力会随着联络通道洞门的破除而突然增大,施工完成时,正线隧道的最大应力值为52.54 MPa。实际监测数据表明,拟合后的地面沉降监测数据与数值计算结果的变化趋势一致,验证了数值计算的可靠性。

城市轨道交通浮置板轨道纵向联板的动力效应分析

城市轨道交通浮置板轨道纵向联结处存在薄弱环节,轨道设计时对板与板纵向联结的动态效应考虑不足。通过引入等效密度及等效地基系数的方法对钢弹簧浮置板轨道系统板下基础进行合理的模型简化,建立了预制式和现浇式浮置板系统振动特性三维有限元分析模型,充分考虑了钢轨、剪力铰和板下基础对浮置板结构振动特性的影响,研究了浮置板轨道系统模态与谐响应特性,分析了浮置板纵向联结处的动力效应特性。结果表明:浮置板轨道在1~200 Hz低频段的模态振型变化主要表现为四种运动方式:刚体运动、弯曲、弯扭组合和扭转;对于预制板轨道系统,浮置板主导整个系统的振动特性表现的频段在系统模态分析和谐响应分析中表现出一致的规律;对于现浇板轨道系统,当频率为32.6~57.8 Hz时,浮置板对系统振动特性的主导作用弱化,表现为过渡频段;浮置板联板动力效应产生的低阶弯曲模态在预制板系统中表现为刚体运动模态;对于由Ns块板组成的浮置板系统,联板效应引起的单块板每阶弯曲模态频率附近的附加模态数为N_(s)/2-1。