Orthogonal expansion of ground motion and PDEM-based seismic response analysis of nonlinear structures

This paper introduces an orthogonal expansion method for general stochastic processes. In the method, a normalized orthogonal function of time variable t is first introduced to carry out the decomposition of a stochastic process and then a correlated matrix decomposition technique, which transforms a correlated random vector into a vector of standard uncorrelated random variables, is used to complete a double orthogonal decomposition of the stochastic processes. Considering the relationship between the Hartley transform and Fourier transform of a real-valued function, it is suggested that the first orthogonal expansion in the above process is carried out using the Hartley basis function instead of the trigonometric basis function in practical applications. The seismic ground motion is investigated using the above method. In order to capture the main probabilistic characteristics of the seismic ground motion, it is proposed to directly carry out the orthogonal expansion of the seismic displacements. The case study shows that the proposed method is feasible to represent the seismic ground motion with only a few random variables. In the second part of the paper, the probability density evolution method （PDEM） is employed to study the stochastic response of nonlinear structures subjected to earthquake excitations. In the PDEM, a completely uncoupled one-dimensional partial differential equation, the generalized density evolution equation, plays a central role in governing the stochastic seismic responses of the nonlinear structure. The solution to this equation will yield the instantaneous probability density function of the responses. Computational algorithms to solve the probability density evolution equation are described. An example, which deals with a nonlinear frame structure subjected to stochastic ground motions, is illustrated to validate the above approach.

Coherent nonlinear structures in dense electron positron plasma

It is shown that rarefactive-type double layer structures exist in ultradense electron-positron plasma.For this purpose,an extended Korteweg de Vries equation is derived and solved analytically in the low amplitude limit by employing the appropriate fluid equations.A strong influence of quantum degeneracy pressure of electrons and positrons,quantum diffraction effects and concentration of background positive ions on double layer is noticed.It is also pointed out that the amplitude and steepness of the double layer increases with an increase in ion concentration or ion charge number.The results are examined numerically for some interesting cases of dense plasmas with illustrations.

A generalized L_2-discrepancy for cubature and uncertainty quantification of nonlinear structures

The numerical method for multi-dimensional integrals is of great importance, particularly in the uncertainty quantification of engineering structures. The key is to generate representative points as few as possible but of acceptable accuracy. A generalized L2（GL2）-discrepancy is studied by taking unequal weights for the point set. The extended Koksma-Hlawka inequality is discussed. Thereby, a worst-case error estimate is provided by such defined GL2-discrepancy, whose dosed-form expression is available. The characteristic values of GL2-discrepancy are investigated. An optimal strategy for the selection of the representative point sets with a prescribed cardinal number is proposed by minimizing the GL2-discrepancy. The three typical examples of the multi-dimensional integrals are investigated. The stochastic dynamic response analysis of a nonlinear structure is then studied by incorporating the proposed method into the probability density evolution method. It is shown that the proposed method is advantageous in achieving tradeoffs between the efficiency and accuracy of the exemplified problems. Problems to be further studied are discussed.

Symplectic analysis for wave propagation in one-dimensional nonlinear periodic structures

The wave propagation problem in the nonlinear periodic mass-spring structure chain is analyzed using the symplectic mathematical method. The energy method is used to construct the dynamic equation, and the nonlinear dynamic equation is linearized using the small parameter perturbation method. Eigen-solutions of the symplectic matrix are used to analyze the wave propagation problem in nonlinear periodic lattices. Nonlinearity in the mass-spring chain, arising from the nonlinear spring stiffness effect, has profound effects on the overall transmission of the chain. The wave propagation characteristics are altered due to nonlinearity, and related to the incident wave intensity, which is a genuine nonlinear effect not present in the corresponding linear model. Numerical results show how the increase of nonlinearity or incident wave amplitude leads to closing of transmitting gaps. Comparison with the normal recursive approach shows effectiveness and superiority of the symplectic method for the wave propagation problem in nonlinear periodic structures.

Formation of Nonlinear Solitary Vortical Structures by Coupled Electrostatic Drift and Ion-Acoustic Waves

Propagation of coupled electrostatic drift and ion-acoustic waves（DIAWs） is presented. It is shown that nonlinear solitary vortical structures can be formed by low-frequency coupled electrostatic DIAWs. Primary waves of distinct（small, intermediate and large） scales are considered. Appropriate set of 3 D equations consisting of the generalized Hasegawa-Mima equation for the electrostatic potential（involving both vector and scalar nonlinearities） and the equation of motion of ions parallel to magnetic field are obtained. According to experiments of laboratory plasma mainly focused to large scale DIAWs, the possibility of self-organization of DIAWs into the nonlinear solitary vortical structures is shown analytically. Peculiarities of scalar nonlinearities in the formation of solitary vortical structures are widely discussed.

THE APPLICATIONS OF GENERALIZED VARIATIONAL PRINCIPLES IN NONLINEAR STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

This paper discusses the generalized variational principles founded by the technique of Lagrangian multipliers in structural mechanics and analyzes the nonlinear statically indeterminate structures. It is assumed that the stress-strain relationship of the materials of structures has the form of namely, the physical equations of structures have the shape of exponential functions. Several examples are given to illustrate the statically indeterminate structures such as the trusses, beams, frames and torsional bars.

Fully Nonlinear Time Domain Analysis for Hydrodynamic Performance of An Oscillating Wave Surge Converter

The hydrodynamic behaviour of an oscillating wave surge converter(OWSC) in large motion excited by nonlinear waves is investigated. The mechanism through which the wave energy is absorbed in the nonlinear system is analysed. The mathematical model used is based on the velocity potential theory together with the fully nonlinear boundary conditions on the moving body surface and deforming free surface. The problem is solved by the boundary element method. Numerical results are obtained to show how to adjust the mechanical properties of the OWSC to achieve the best efficiency in a given wave, together with the nonlinear effect of the wave height. Numerical results are also provided to show the behaviour of a given OWSC in waves of different frequencies and different heights.

A time integral formulation and algorithm for structural dynamics with nonlinear stiffness

A newly-developed numerical algorithm, which is called the new Generalized-α （G-α） method, is presented for solving structural dynamics problems with nonlinear stiffness. The traditional G-α method has undesired overshoot properties as for a class of α-method. In the present work, seven independent parameters are introduced into the single-step three-stage algorithmic formulations and the nonlinear internal force at every time interval is approximated by means of the generalized trapezoidal rule, and then the algorithm is implemented based on the finite difference theory. An analysis on the stability, accuracy, energy and overshoot properties of the proposed scheme is performed in the nonlinear regime. The values or the ranges of values of the seven independent parameters are determined in the analysis process. The computational results obtained by the new algorithm show that the displacement accuracy is of order two, and the acceleration can also be improved to a second order accuracy by a suitable choice of parameters. Obviously, the present algorithm is zero- stable, and the energy conservation or energy decay can be realized in the high-frequency range, which can be regarded as stable in an energy sense. The algorithmic overshoot can be completely avoided by using the new algorithm without any constraints with respect to the damping force and initial conditions.

Progressive collapse resisting capacity of reinforced concrete load bearing wall structures

Reinforced concrete(RC) load bearing wall is widely used in high-rise and mid-rise buildings. Due to the number of walls in plan and reduction in lateral force portion, this system is not only stronger against earthquakes, but also more economical. The effect of progressive collapse caused by removal of load bearing elements, in various positions in plan and stories of the RC load bearing wall system was evaluated by nonlinear dynamic and static analyses. For this purpose, three-dimensional model of 10-story structure was selected. The analysis results indicated stability, strength and stiffness of the RC load-bearing wall system against progressive collapse. It was observed that the most critical condition for removal of load bearing walls was the instantaneous removal of the surrounding walls located at the corners of the building where the sections of the load bearing elements were changed. In this case, the maximum vertical displacement was limited to 6.3 mm and the structure failed after applying the load of 10 times the axial load bored by removed elements. Comparison between the results of the nonlinear dynamic and static analyses demonstrated that the "load factor" parameter was a reasonable criterion to evaluate the progressive collapse potential of the structure.

Critical Time Span and Nonlinear Action Structure of Climatic Atmosphere and Ocean

This paper studies the critical time span and the approximate nonlinear action structure of climatic atmosphere and ocean. The critical time span of the climatic atmosphere and ocean, which is related to the spatial resolution required, the strength of nonlinear action, and the calculation exactness, may represent the relative temporal scale of predictability. As far as the same characteristic spatial scale is concerned, the minimum critical time span of the ocean is about 9 times of that of atmosphere, several days or more. Usually, the stronger the nonlinear action, the shorter the critical time span with smooth changes of external forces. The approximate structure of nonlinear action of climatic atmosphere and ocean is: the nonlinear action decreases usually with increasing latitude, which is related to the role of the Coriolis force in fluid motion (forming geostrophic current); the nonlinear action changes with the anomalous cyclonic or anticyclonic circulation shear, for instance, when the strength of anomalous eastward zonal circulation is comparable to that of anomalous meridional circulation, the nonlinear action is the strongest; wind stress plus gradient forces enhance the nonlinear action, etc.

Active control for a flexible beam with nonlinear hysteresis and time delay

A new active control method is presented to attenuate vibrations of a flexible beam with nonlinear hysteresis and time delay. The nonlinear and hysteretic behavior of the system is illustrated by the Bouc-Wen model. By specific transformation and augmentation of state parameters, we can convert the motion equation of the system with explicit time delay to the standard state space representation without any explicit time delay. Then the instantaneous optimal control method and Runge-Kutta method in fourth-order are applied to the controller design with time delay. Finally, in order to verify the effectivity of the time-delay controller proposed, numerical simulations are implemented. It is indicated by the simulation results that the control performance will deteriorate if neglect the time delay in process of the controller design and proposed time delay controller works well with both small and large time delay problems.

Fermionic Covariant Prolongation Structure for a Super Nonlinear Evolution Equation in 2+1 Dimensions

The integrability of a （2＋1）-dimensional super nonlinear evolution equation is analyzed in the framework of the fermionie covariant prolongation structure theory. We construct the prolongation structure of the multidimen- sional super integrable equation and investigate its Lax representation. Furthermore, the Backlund transformation is presented and we derive a solution to the super integrable equation.

Arc-length technique for nonlinear finite element analysis

Nonlinear solution of reinforced concrete structures, particularly complete load-deflection response, requires tracing of the equilibrium path and proper treatment of the limit and bifurcation points. In this regard, ordinary solution techniques lead to instability near the limit points and also have problems in case of snap-through and snap-back. Thus they fail to predict the complete load-displacement response. The arc-length method serves the purpose well in principle, received wide acceptance in finite element analysis, and has been used extensively. However modifications to the basic idea are vital to meet the particular needs of the analysis. This paper reviews some of the recent developments of the method in the last two decades, with particular emphasis on nonlinear finite element analysis of reinforced concrete structures.

Head Pursuit Variable Structure Guidance Law for Three-dimensional Space Interception

This article aims to develop a head pursuit （HP） guidance law for three-dimensional hypervelocity interception, so that the effect of the perturbation induced by seeker detection can be reduced. On the basis of a novel HP three-dimensional guidance model, a nonlinear variable structure guidance law is presented by using Lyapunov stability theory. The guidance law positions the interceptor ahead of the target on its tlight trajectory, and the speed of the interceptor is required to be lower than that of the target, A numerical example of maneuvering ballistic target interception verifies the rightness of the guidance model and the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Identification of nonlinear multi-degree-of freedom structures based on Hilbert transformation

The modeling method and identified method adapted to multi-degree-of-freedom structures with strucrural nonlinearities are established.The component mode synthesis method is used to establish the nonlinear governing equations by extending the connected relationships.Based on the modeling method,the Hilbert transform method is applied to identify the nonlinear stiffness of multi-degree-of-freedom structures.Nonlinear analysis and identification of a typical folding wing configuration with three freeplay hinges are investigated.The nonlinear governing equation is established based on present methods and the computing results of different stiffness are checked by finite element programming.In order to illustrate the influence of the nonlinearities,the frequency response characteristics of the structure are analyzed and Hilbert transform is performed.The Hilbert transform identification method is utilized to identify the nonlinear stiffness of nonlinear hinges in the time domain and several parametric studies are performed.In addition,the comparison of response is made to illustrate the feasibility of the methods.The results show that the extending component mode synthesis method in the present work can be used to establish the governing equation with structural nonlinearities.Based on the modeling method,the Hilbert transform identified method can be extended to multi-degree-of-freedom structures accurately.

Intelligent technology-based control of motion and vibration using MR dampers

Due to their intrinsically nonlinear characteristics,development of control strategies that are implementable and can fully utilize the capabilities of semiactive control devices is an important and challenging task.In this study,two control strategies are proposed for protecting buildings against dynamic hazards,such as severe earthquakes and strong winds,using one of the most promising semiactive control devices,the magnetorheological (MR) damper.The first control strategy is implemented by introducing an inverse neural network (NN) model of the MR damper.These NN models provide direct estimation of the voltage that is required to produce a target control force calculated from some optimal control algorithms.The major objective of this research is to provide an effective means for implementation of the MR damper with existing control algorithms.The second control strategy involves the design of a fuzzy controller and an adaptation law.The control objective is to minimize the difference between some desirable responses and the response of the combined system by adaptively adjusting the MR damper.The use of the adaptation law eliminates the need to acquire characteristics of the combined system in advance. Because the control strategy based on the combination of the fuzzy controller and the adaptation law doesn't require a prior knowledge of the combined building-damper system,this approach provides a robust control strategy that can be used to protect nonlinear or uncertain structures subjected to random loads.

Nonlinear optical and optical limiting properties of new structures of organic nonlinear optical materials for photonic applications

The nonlinear optical （NLO） and optical limiting （OL） properties of three new structures of organic NLO guest host Poly（N-vinylcarbozole）/disperse orange 3 （PVK/DO3）, PVK/disperse orange 13 （PVK/DO13）. and PVK/disperse orange 25 （PVK/DO25） as a solution at different concentrations and as a thin-film sample are studied using continuous wave z-scan system at 532 nm. The open-aperture z-scan data of the NLO materials in the solution and thin-film samples displayed two-photon and saturable absorptions, respectively. The PVK/DO13 exhibites the largest and best values of the nonlinearities, such as n2, β, X（3） compared with those of PVK/DO3 and PVK/DO25. This nonlinearity increases as the concentration increases. Tile results indicate that these NLO materials are good candidates for optical switching and OL devices.

Improved formulations of the CR and KR methods for structural dynamics

Although the Chen-Ricles（CR）method and the Kolay-Ricles（KR）method have been applied to conduct pseudodynamic tests,they have both been found to have some adverse numerical properties,such as conditional stability for stiffness hardening systems and an unusual overshoot in the steady-state response of a high-frequency mode.An improved formulation for each method can be achieved by using a stability amplification factor to boost the unconditional stability range for stiffness hardening systems and a loading correction term to eliminate the unusual overshoot in the steady-state response of a high-frequency mode.The details for developing improved formulations for each method are shown in this work.

Advances in structural vibration control application of magneto-rheological visco-elastomer

Magneto-rheological visco-elastomer （MRVE） as a new smart material developed in recent years has several significant advantages over magneto-rheological liquid. The adjustability of structural dynamics to random environmental excitations is required in vibration control. MRVE can supply considerably adjustable damping and stiffness for structures, and the adjustment of dynamic properties is achieved only by applied magnetic fields with changeless structure design. Increasing researches on MRVE dy- namic properties, modeling, and vibration control application are presented. Recent advances in MRVE dynamic properties and structural vibration control application including composite structural vibration mitigation under uniform magnetic fields, vibration response characteristics improvement through harmonic parameter distribution, and optimal bounded parametric control design based on the dynamical programming principle are reviewed. Relevant main methods and results introduced are beneficial to understanding and researches on MRVE application and development.

Numerical Simulation of ATPS Parachute Transient Dynamics Using Fluid-Structure Interaction Method

In order to simulate and analyze the dynamic characteristics of the parachute from advanced tactical parachute system(ATPS),a nonlinear finite element algorithm and a preconditioning finite volume method are employed and developed to construct three dimensional parachute fluid-structure interaction(FSI)model.Parachute fabric material is represented by membrane-cable elements,and geometrical nonlinear algorithm is employed with wrinkling technique embedded to simulate the large deformations of parachute structure by applying the NewtonRaphson iteration method.On the other hand,the time-dependent flow surrounding parachute canopy is simulated using preconditioned lower-upper symmetric Gauss-Seidel(LU-SGS)method.The pseudo solid dynamic mesh algorithm is employed to update the flow-field mesh based on the complex and arbitrary motion of parachute canopy.Due to the large amount of computation during the FSI simulation,massage passing interface(MPI)parallel computation technique is used for all those three modules to improve the performance of the FSI code.The FSI method is tested to simulate one kind of ATPS parachutes to predict the parachute configuration and anticipate the parachute descent speeds.The comparison of results between the proposed method and those in literatures demonstrates the method to be a useful tool for parachute designers.