Finite element modeling assumptions impact on seismic response demands of MRF-buildings

Recent seismic events have raised concerns over the safety and vulnerability of reinforced concrete moment resisting frame ＂RC-MRF＂ buildings. The seismic response of such buildings is greatly dependent on the computational tools used and the inherent assumptions in the modelling process. Thus, it is essential to investigate the sensitivity of the response demands to the corresponding modelling assumption. Many parameters and assumptions are justified to generate effective structural finite element（FE） models of buildings to simulate lateral behaviour and evaluate seismic design demands. As such, the present study focuses on the development of reliable FE models with various levels of refinement. The effects of the FE modelling assumptions on the seismic response demands on the design of buildings are investigated. the predictive ability of a FE model is tied to the accuracy of numerical analysis; a numerical analysis is performed for a series of symmetric buildings in active seismic zones. The results of the seismic response demands are presented in a comparative format to confirm drift and strength limits requirements. A proposed model is formulated based on a simplified modeling approach, where the most refined model is used to calibrate the simplified model.

Analysis of complete plasticity assumption for solid circular shaft under pure torsion and calculation of shear stress

The distribution of shear stress on the cross-section of plastic metal solid circular shaft under pure torsion yielding, the applicability of complete plastic model assumption and the shear stress formula were researched. Based on the shear stress formula of circular shaft under pure torsion in elastic stage, the formula of torque in elastic stage and the definition of yield, it is obtained that the yielding stage of plastic metal shaft under pure torsion is only a surface phenomenon of torque-torsion angle relationship, and the distribution of shear stress is essentially different from that of tensile stress when yielding under uniaxial tension. The pure torsion platform-torsion angle and the shape of torque-torsion angle curve cannot change the distribution of shear stress on the shaft cross-section. The distribution of shear stress is still linear with the maximum shear stress ts. The complete plasticity model assumption is not in accordance with the actual situation of shaft under torsion. The experimental strength data of nine plastic metals are consistent with the calculated results of the new limiting strain energy strength theory （LSEST）. The traditional yield stress formula for plastic shaft under torsion is reasonable. The shear stress formula based on the plane assumption in material mechanics is applicable for all loaded stages of torsion shaft.

Modified molecular matrix model for predicting molecular composition of naphtha＇

To improve the naphtha composition prediction model based on molecular type homologous series matrix （MTHS）, this paper puts forward a novel molecular matrix to characterize the naphtha composition and the norreal distribution hypothesis to better describe the molecular composition distribution within each homologous series of the molecular matrix. Through prediction calculation of eight groups of naphtha samples and eight groups of gasoline samples, it is verified that the normal distribution hypothesis is more applicable than gamma distribution hypothesis for the prediction model. According to the prediction results of the samples, the restrain range of normal distribution parameters during model computing process is summarized. With the bulk properties of naphtha samples and the value range of distribution parameters as input conditions, this study utilizes the improved novel molecular matrix to predict the composition of naphtha samples. As the results show, the novel molecular matrix can predict more detailed composition information of naphtha and improve prediction accuracy with less unknown parameters.