A hybrid contact approach for modeling soil-structure interaction using the material point method

The grid-based multi-velocity field technique has become increasingly popular for simulating the Material Point Method(MPM)in contact problems.However,this traditional technique has some shortcomings,such as(1)early contact and contact penetration can occur when the contact conditions are unsuitable,and(2)the method is not available for contact problems involving rigid-nonrigid materials,which can cause numerical instability.This study presents a new hybrid contact approach for the MPM to address these limitations to simulate the soil and structure interactions.The approach combines the advantages of point-point and point-segment contacts to implement contact detection,satisfying the impenetrability condition and smoothing the corner contact problem.The proposed approach is first validated through a disk test on an inclined slope.Then,several typical cases,such as granular collapse,bearing capacity,and deformation of a flexible retaining wall,are simulated to demonstrate the robustness of the proposed approach compared with FEM or analytical solutions.Finally,the proposed method is used to simulate the impact of sand flow on a deformable structure.The results show that the proposed contact approach can well describe the phenomenon of soil-structure interaction problems.

Material point method simulation of hydro-mechanical behaviour in twophase porous geomaterials: A state-of-the-art review

The material point method(MPM)has been gaining increasing popularity as an appropriate approach to the solution of coupled hydro-mechanical problems involving large deformation.In this paper,we survey the current state-of-the-art in the MPM simulation of hydro-mechanical behaviour in two-phase porous geomaterials.The review covers the recent advances and developments in the MPM and their extensions to capture the coupled hydro-mechanical problems involving large deformations.The focus of this review is aiming at providing a clear picture of what has or has not been developed or implemented for simulating two-phase coupled large deformation problems,which will provide some direct reference for both practitioners and researchers.

An Efficient Reliability-Based Optimization Method Utilizing High-Dimensional Model Representation and Weight-Point Estimation Method

The objective of reliability-based design optimization(RBDO)is to minimize the optimization objective while satisfying the corresponding reliability requirements.However,the nested loop characteristic reduces the efficiency of RBDO algorithm,which hinders their application to high-dimensional engineering problems.To address these issues,this paper proposes an efficient decoupled RBDO method combining high dimensional model representation(HDMR)and the weight-point estimation method(WPEM).First,we decouple the RBDO model using HDMR and WPEM.Second,Lagrange interpolation is used to approximate a univariate function.Finally,based on the results of the first two steps,the original nested loop reliability optimization model is completely transformed into a deterministic design optimization model that can be solved by a series of mature constrained optimization methods without any additional calculations.Two numerical examples of a planar 10-bar structure and an aviation hydraulic piping system with 28 design variables are analyzed to illustrate the performance and practicability of the proposed method.

Modeling footing resting on anisotropic sand using material point method

Sand typically exhibits anisotropic internal structure which may significantly influence its mechanical behavior. The material point method (MPM) can eliminate mesh distortion and thus is suitable for investigating geotechnical problems with large deformation. In this study, an advanced anisotropic critical state theory (ACST)-based soil model is implemented in MPM to study the response of strip footing resting on anisotropic sand. The capability of the model is verified by simulating several element tests and strip footing tests with different soil densities and fabric bedding plane orientations. For the footing problem with a vertical load, as the fabric bedding plane orientation increases, the bearing capacity decreases and its corresponding settlement increases. The failure pattern becomes asymmetrical when the bedding plane orientation or the loading direction is inclined. A comparison between the simulation results predicted by the anisotropic and isotropic models is made, which demonstrates that neglecting the fabric anisotropy may lead to the overestimation of the bearing capacity.

Modeling pipe-soil interaction under vertical downward relative offset using B-spline material point method

To analyze the pipeline response under permanent ground deformation,the evolution of resistance acting on the pipe during the vertical downward offset is an essential ingredient.However,the efficient simulation of pipe penetration into soil is challenging for the conventional finite element(FE)method due to the large deformation of the surrounding soils.In this study,the B-spline material point method(MPM)is employed to investigate the pipe-soil interaction during the downward movement of rigid pipes buried in medium and dense sand.To describe the density-and stress-dependent behaviors of sand,the J2-deformation type model with state-dependent dilatancy is adopted.The effectiveness of the model is demonstrated by element tests and biaxial compression tests.Afterwards,the pipe penetration process is simulated,and the numerical outcomes are compared with the physical model tests.The effects of pipe size and burial depth are investigated with an emphasis on the mobilization of the soil resistance and the failure mechanisms.The simulation results indicate that the bearing capacity formulas given in the guidelines can provide essentially reasonable estimates for the ultimate force acting on buried pipes,and the recommended value of yield displacement may be underestimated to a certain extent.

Coseismic site response and slope instability using periodic boundary conditions in the material point method

This paper proposed the explicit generalized-a time scheme and periodic boundary conditions in the material point method(MPM)for the simulation of coseismic site response.The proposed boundary condition uses an intuitive particle-relocation algorithm ensuring material points always remain within the computational mesh.The explicit generalized-a time scheme was implemented in MPM to enable the damping of spurious high frequency oscillations.Firstly,the MPM was verified against finite element method(FEM).Secondly,ability of the MPM in capturing the analytical transfer function was investigated.Thirdly,a symmetric embankment was adopted to investigate the effects of ground motion arias intensity(I_(a)),geometry dimensions,and constitutive models.The results show that the larger the model size,the higher the crest runout and settlement for the same ground motion.When using a Mohr-Coulomb model,the crest runout increases with increasing I_(a).However,if the strain-softening law is activated,the results are less influenced by the ground motion.Finally,the MPM results were compared with the Newmark sliding block solution.The simplified analysis herein highlights the capabilities of MPM to capture the full deformation process for earthquake engineering applications,the importance of geometry characterization,and the selection of appropriate constitutive models when simulating coseismic site response and subsequent large deformations.

A reasoning diagram based method for fault diagnosis of railway point system

Railway Point System(RPS)is an important infrastructure in railway industry and its faults may have significant impacts on the safety and efficiency of train operations.For the fault diagnosis of RPS,most existing methods assume that sufficient samples of each failure mode are available,which may be unrealistic,especially for those modes of low occurrence frequency but with high risk.To address this issue,this work proposes a novel fault diagnosis method that only requires the power signals generated under normal RPS operations in the training stage.Specifically,the failure modes of RPS are distinguished through constructing a reasoning diagram,whose nodes are either binary logic problems or those that can be decomposed into the problems of the binary logic.Then,an unsupervised method for the signal segmentation and a fault detection method are combined to make decisions for each binary logic problem.Based on the results of decisions,the diagnostic rules are established to identify the failure modes.Finally,the data collected from multiple real-world RPSs are used for validation and the results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms the benchmark in identifying the faults of RPSs.

A Visual Indoor Localization Method Based on Efficient Image Retrieval

The task of indoor visual localization, utilizing camera visual information for user pose calculation, was a core component of Augmented Reality (AR) and Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). Existing indoor localization technologies generally used scene-specific 3D representations or were trained on specific datasets, making it challenging to balance accuracy and cost when applied to new scenes. Addressing this issue, this paper proposed a universal indoor visual localization method based on efficient image retrieval. Initially, a Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) was employed to aggregate features from intermediate layers of a convolutional neural network, obtaining a global representation of the image. This approach ensured accurate and rapid retrieval of reference images. Subsequently, a new mechanism using Random Sample Consensus (RANSAC) was designed to resolve relative pose ambiguity caused by the essential matrix decomposition based on the five-point method. Finally, the absolute pose of the queried user image was computed, thereby achieving indoor user pose estimation. The proposed indoor localization method was characterized by its simplicity, flexibility, and excellent cross-scene generalization. Experimental results demonstrated a positioning error of 0.09 m and 2.14° on the 7Scenes dataset, and 0.15 m and 6.37° on the 12Scenes dataset. These results convincingly illustrated the outstanding performance of the proposed indoor localization method.

An interpolating reproducing kernel particle method for two-dimensional scatter points

An interpolating reproducing kernel particle method for two-dimensional （2D） scatter points is introduced. It elim- inates the dependency of gridding in numerical calculations. The interpolating shape function in the interpolating repro- ducing kernel particle method satisfies the property of the Kronecker delta function. This method offers a mathematics basis for recognition technology and simulation analysis, which can be expressed as simultaneous differential equations in science or project problems. Mathematical examples are given to show the validity of the interpolating reproducing kernel particle method.

Precise integration method for a class of singular two-point boundary value problems

In this paper we present a precise integration method based on high order multiple perturbation method and reduction method for solving a class of singular twopoint boundary value problems.Firstly,by employing the method of variable coefficient dimensional expanding,the non-homogeneous ordinary differential equations（ODEs） are transformed into homogeneous ODEs.Then the interval is divided evenly,and the transfer matrix in every subinterval is worked out using the high order multiple perturbation method,and a set of algebraic equations is given in the form of matrix by the precise integration relation for each segment,which is worked out by the reduction method.Finally numerical examples are elaboratedd to validate the present method.

VISCOSITY ITERATIVE METHODS FOR COMMON FIXED POINTS OF TWO NONEXPANSIVE MAPPINGS WITHOUT COMMUTATIVITY ASSUMPTION IN HILBERT SPACES

In this article, we introduce a new viscosity iterative method for two nonexpansive mappings in Hilbert spaces. We also prove, without commutativity assumption, that the iterates converge to a common fixed point of the mappings which solves some variational inequality. The results presented extend the corresponding results of Shimizu and Takahashi IT. Shimizu, W. Takahashi, Strong convergence to common fixed point of families of nonexpansive mappings, J. Math. Anal. Appl. 211 （1997）, 71-83], and Yao and Chen [Y. Yao, R. Chert, Convergence to common fixed points of average mappings without commutativity assumption in Hilbert spaces, Nonlinear Analysis 67（2007）, 1758-1763].

Effective point kinetic parameters calculation in Tehran research reactor using deterministic and probabilistic methods

The exact calculation of point kinetic parameters is very important in nuclear reactor safety assessment, and most sophisticated safety codes such as RELAP5, PARCS,DYN3D, and PARET are using these parameters in their dynamic models. These parameters include effective delayed neutron fractions as well as mean generation time.These parameters are adjoint-weighted, and adjoint flux is employed as a weighting function in their evaluation.Adjoint flux calculation is an easy task for most of deterministic codes, but its evaluation is cumbersome for Monte Carlo codes. However, in recent years, some sophisticated techniques have been proposed for Monte Carlo-based point kinetic parameters calculation without any need of adjoint flux. The most straightforward scheme is known as the ‘‘prompt method'' and has been used widely in literature. The main objective of this article is dedicated to point kinetic parameters calculation in Tehran research reactor(TRR) using deterministic as well as probabilistic techniques. WIMS-D5B and CITATION codes have been used in deterministic calculation of forward and adjoint fluxes in the TRR core. On the other hand, the MCNP Monte Carlo code has been employed in the ‘‘prompt method''scheme for effective delayed neutron fraction evaluation.Deterministic results have been cross-checked with probabilistic ones and validated with SAR and experimental data. In comparison with experimental results, the relativedifferences of deterministic as well as probabilistic methods are 7.6 and 3.2%, respectively. These quantities are10.7 and 6.4%, respectively, in comparison with SAR report.

A Combined Homotopy Infeasible Interior-Point Method for Convex Nonlinear Programming

In this paper, on the basis of the logarithmic barrier function and KKT conditions, we propose a combined homotopy infeasible interior-point method （CHIIP） for convex nonlinear programming problems. For any convex nonlinear programming, without strict convexity for the logarithmic barrier function, we get different solutions of the convex programming in different cases by CHIIP method.

Coupled GIMP and CPDI material point method in modelling blast-induced three-dimensional rock fracture

Three-dimensional rock fracture induced by blasting is a highly complex problem and has received considerable attention in geotechnical engineering.The material point method is firstly applied to treat this challenging task.Some inherent weaknesses can be overcome by coupling the generalized interpolation material point(GIMP)and the convected particle domain interpolation technique(CPDI).For the media in the borehole,unchanged GIMP-type particles are used to guarantee a homogenous blast pressure.CPDITetrahedron type particles are employed to avoid the fake numerical fracture near the borehole for the rock material.A blasting experiment using three-dimensional single-borehole rock was simulated to examine the applicability of the coupled model under realistic loading and boundary conditions.A good agreement was achieved between the simulation and experimental results.Moreover,the mechanism of three-dimensional rock fracture was analyzed.It was concluded that rock particle size and material parameters play an important role in rock damage.The reflected tensile waves cause severe damage in the lower part of the model.Rayleigh waves occur on the top face of the rock model to induce a hoop failure band.

Simulation of Seawater Intrusion in Coastal Confined Aquifer Using a Point Collocation Method Based Meshfree Model

Seawater intrusion caused by groundwater over-exploitation from coastal aquifers poses a severe problem in many regions. Formulation of proper pumping strategy using a simulation model can assure sustainable supply of fresh water from the coastal aquifers. The focus of the present study is on the development of a numerical model based on Meshfree (MFree) method to study the seawater intrusion problem. For the simulation of seawater intrusion problem, widely used models are based on Finite Difference (FDM) and Finite Element (FEM) Methods, which demand well defined grids/meshes and considerable pre-processing efforts. Here, MFree Point Collocation Method (PCM) based on the Radial Basis Function (RBF) is proposed for the simulation. Diffusive interface approach with density-dependent dispersion and solution of flow and solute transport is adopted. These equations are solved using PCM with appropriate boundary conditions. The developed model has been verified with Henry’s problem, and found to be satisfactory. Further the model has been applied to another established problem and an attempt is made to examine the influence of important system parameters including pumping and recharge on the seawater intrusion. The PCM based MFree model is found computationally efficient as preprocessing is avoided when compared to other numerical methods.

A multiscale material point method for impact simulation

To better simulate multi-phase interactions involving failure evolution, the material point method （MPM） has evolved for almost twenty years. Recently, a particle-based multiscale simulation procedure is being developed, within the framework of the MPM, to describe the detonation process of energetic nano-composites from molecular to continuum level so that a multiscale equation of state could be formulated. In this letter, a multiscale MPM is proposed via both hierarchical and concurrent schemes to simulate the impact response between two microrods with different nanostructures. Preliminary results are presented to illustrate that a transition region is not required between different spatial scales with the proposed approach.

New Modification of Fixed Point Iterative Method for Solving Nonlinear Equations

In this paper, we have modified fixed point method and have established two new iterative methods of order two and three. We have discussed their convergence analysis and comparison with some other existing iterative methods for solving nonlinear equations.

Element-free Galerkin method for free vibration of rectangular plates with interior elastic point supports and elastically restrained edges

The element-free Galerkin method is proposed to solve free vibration of rectangular plates with finite interior elastic point supports and elastically restrained edges.Based on the extended Hamilton＇s principle for the elastic dynamics system,the dimensionless equations of motion of rectangular plates with finite interior elastic point supports and the edge elastically restrained are established using the element-free Galerkin method.Through numerical calculation,curves of the natural frequency of thin plates with three edges simply supported and one edge elastically restrained,and three edges clamped and the other edge elastically restrained versus the spring constant,locations of elastic point support and the elastic stiffness of edge elastically restrained are obtained.Effects of elastic point supports and edge elastically restrained on the free vibration characteristics of the thin plates are analyzed.

A Flux Based Approximation to Simulate Coupled Hydromechanical Problems for Mines with Heterogeneous Rock Types Using the Material Point Method

Advances in numerical simulation techniques play an important role in helpingmining engineers understand those parts of the rock mass that cannot be readily observed.The Material Point Method(MPM)is an example of such a tool that is gaining popularity for studying geotechnical problems.In recent years,the original formulation of MPM has been extended to not only account for simulating the mechanical behaviour of rock under different loading conditions,but also to describe the coupled interaction of pore water and solid phases in materials.These methods assume that the permeability of mediums is homogeneous,and we show that these MPM techniques fail to accurately capture the correct behaviour of the fluid phase if the permeability of the material is heterogeneous.In this work,we propose a novel implementation of the coupled MPM to address this problem.We employ an approach commonly used in coupled Finite Volume Methods,known as the Two Point Flux Approximation(TPFA).Our new method is benchmarked against two well-known analytical expressions(a one-dimensional geostatic consolidation and the so-called Mandel-Cryer effect).Its performance is compared to existing coupled MPM approaches for homogeneous materials.In order to gauge the possible effectiveness of our technique in the field,we apply ourmethod to a case study relating to a mine known to experience severe problems with pore water.