Fatigue Assessment Method for Composite Wind Turbine Blade

Fatigue strength assessment of a horizontal axis wind turbine(HAWT)composite blade is considered.Fatigue load cases are identified,and loads are calculated by the GH Bladed software which is specified at the IEC61400 international specification and GL(Germanisher Lloyd)regulations for the wind energy conversion system.Stress analysis is performed with a 3-D finite element method(FEM).Considering Saint-Venant′s principle,a uniform cross section FEM model is built at each critical zone.Stress transformation matrixes(STM)are set up by applied six unit load components on the FEM model separately.STM can be used to convert the external load into stresses in the linear elastic range.The main material of composite wind turbine blade is fiber reinforced plastics(FRP).In order to evaluate the degree of fatigue damage of FRP,the stresses of fiber direction are extracted and the well-known strength criterion-Puck theory is used.The total fatigue damage of each laminate on the critical point is counted by the rain-flow counting method and Miner′s damage law based on general S-N curves.Several sections of a 45.3mblade of a 2 MW wind turbine are studied using the fatigue evaluation method.The performance of this method is compared with far more costly business software FOCUS.The results show that the fatigue damage of multi-axis FRP can be assessed conveniently by the FEM-STM method.And the proposed method gives a reliable and efficient method to analyze the fatigue damage of slender composite structure with variable cross-sections.

A PROBABILISTIC ASSESSMENT OF TEMPERATURE EFFECTSON THE LOW CYCLE FATIGUE BEHAVIOUR OF 1Cr_(18)Ni_9Ti STEEL WELD METAL

Based on the test results obtained from the single-step test and the incremental-step test at room temperature and 240℃, a probabilistic assessment of temperature effects on the cyclic stress-strum response and the fatigue life of 1Cr18Ni9Ti steel weld metal is performed. In orber to assess the temperature effect on cyclic stress amplitude where there is a scatter of the material cyclic constitution, a probabilistic assessment approach on the basis of probabilistic modified Ramberg-Osgood relations is introduced.The investigation shows that the cyclic stress amplitude and the scatter of cyclic stress amplitude data are decreased at 240℃. Similarly, from the consideration of the fatigue life scatter a probabilistic assessment of temperature effect on the fatigue life is suggested on the basis of probabilistic Langer S-N relations. The investigation shows that the crack initiation life is increased and the scatter of crack initiation life data is decreased at 240℃.

Fatigability Assessment Using the Fatigue Index Kliniken Schmieder (FKS) Is Not Compromised by Depression

Background: Attractor-based kinematic gait analysis using the Fatigue Index Kliniken Schmieder (FKS), have been suggested as a sensitive tool to determine motor fatigability in persons with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS). Hypothesis: Depression does not affect the FKS to a similar degree as in pwMS. Methods: We recruited 32 patients with major depression. Data were collected with two accelerometers attached to both ankles. Data were recorded for one minute at the beginning and at the end of the treadmill test. Attractor attributes were used to analyze the data. Results: The mean Fatigue Index Kliniken Schmieder (FKS) was 2.1. The change of the attractor (δM) was 3.7 and the change of variability (δD) was 0.6. Mean values were clearly below values of pwMS with fatigability from a previous publication. However, the individual level values from six individuals—five of them showed pain related comorbidity besides depression—fell within the lower pathological range. There was no correlation between Hamilton depression scale and the attractor attributes (δM and δD). Discussion: Depression does not affect gait as motor fatigability does in pwMS. Results from subjects with pain during the treadmill test show a moderately increased variability and moderately altered attractors.

Assessment of Global Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis: A Spanish Language Version of the CGI and PGI Fatigue Scales

Background: Fatigue is often identified as weakness following muscular exertion in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) but may be associated with other physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms. Objective: To develop a Spanish language global impression of fatigue scales to evaluate symptoms of fatigue distinct from a particular disease. Methods: 50 ambulatory patients with MS attending a clinical institute in Argentina consented to participate in this reliability study. The Spanish language version of the Clinical and Patient Global Impressions of Fatigue (CGI-S-F and PGI-S-F) instruments were administered with the Massachusetts General Hospital cognitive and physical functioning questionnaire (MGH-CPFQ). Results: The CGI-S-F and PGI-S-F scores were well correlated with each other (p < 0.00005). The mean CGI-S for fatigue was 2.28 ± 1.07 (SD) and PGI-S for fatigue was 2.30 ± 1.16 (p = ns) reflecting borderline to mild perception of fatigue. The total MGH-CPFQ was 16.68 ± 4.32. Both CGI-S-F and PGI-S-F measures were correlated with the MGH-CPFQ: CGI-Severity (r = 0.632;p < 0.00005);PGI-Severity (r = 0.717;p Conclusions: In this study, the Spanish language versions of the CGI-S-F and PGI-S-F were reliable measures in an MS population and can be useful and easily applied metrics in a busy clinical practice.

Vibration Analysis and Fatigue Assessment of Floors.Part II:Mechanical Equipment

Floors subjected to mechanical equipment loads frequently present problems associated with excessive vibration which can cause human discomfort or even reduce the structure service life.In this context,this work aims to develop an analysis methodology in order to assess the fatigue performance of steel-concrete composite floors,when subjected to vibrations induced by mechanical equipment.The studied structural model corresponds to a steel-concrete composite floor spanning 10 m by 10 m,with a total area of 100 m^(2).The numerical model developed for the dynamic analysis adopted the usual mesh refinement techniques present in finite element method(FEM)simulations implemented in the ANSYS program.The investigated floor dynamic response was calculated through the consideration of the dynamic loadings imposed by the mechanical equipment,simulated based on the use of harmonic forces applied on the concrete slabs.Furthermore,the dynamic structural response was performed considering several scenarios for the positioning of the equipment,in order to verify the occurrence of excessive vibration.The fatigue assessment is based on a linear cumulative damage rule through the use of the Rainflow-counting algorithm and S-N curves from traditional design codes.The results of this investigation indicated that the equipment position affects directly the floor dynamic structural response and also significantly influences the structure service life.

Vibration Analysis and Fatigue Assessment of Floors.Part I:Human Rhythmic Activities

Structural problems associated with excessive vibration of building floor systems when subjected to human rhythmic activities have been frequent.In this context,this research work aims to develop an analysis methodology to evaluate the human comfort and assess the fatigue performance of steel-concrete composite floors when subjected to human rhythmic activities(aerobics).The investigated structural model corresponds to a steel-concrete floor with dimensions of 10 m×10 m and a total area of 100 m^(2).The numerical model developed for the dynamic analysis of the floor adopted the usual mesh refinement techniques present in finite element method(FEM)simulations implemented in the ANSYS program.The investigated floor dynamic response was calculated through the consideration of people practicing rhythmic activities on the structure,in order to verify the occurrence of excessive vibration and to assess the human comfort.The fatigue assessment is based on a linear cumulative damage rule through the use of the Rainflow-counting algorithm and S-N curves from traditional design codes.The results indicated that,in several analysed situations,the investigated floor presents excessive vibration and user’s discomfort.On the other hand,the structure service life values were higher than those proposed by the design codes,ensuring that the members,connections and joints will not fail by fatigue cracking.

A critical review of wheel/rail high frequency vibration-induced vibration fatigue of railway bogie in China

Purpose–This review aims to give a critical view of the wheel/rail high frequency vibration-induced vibration fatigue in railway bogie.Design/methodology/approach–Vibration fatigue of railway bogie arising from the wheel/rail high frequency vibration has become the main concern of railway operators.Previous reviews usually focused on the formation mechanism of wheel/rail high frequency vibration.This paper thus gives a critical review of the vibration fatigue of railway bogie owing to the short-pitch irregularities-induced high frequency vibration,including a brief introduction of short-pitch irregularities,associated high frequency vibration in railway bogie,typical vibration fatigue failure cases of railway bogie and methodologies used for the assessment of vibration fatigue and research gaps.Findings–The results showed that the resulting excitation frequencies of short-pitch irregularity vary substantially due to different track types and formation mechanisms.The axle box-mounted components are much more vulnerable to vibration fatigue compared with other components.The wheel polygonal wear and rail corrugation-induced high frequency vibration is the main driving force of fatigue failure,and the fatigue crack usually initiates from the defect of the weld seam.Vibration spectrum for attachments of railway bogie defined in the standard underestimates the vibration level arising from the short-pitch irregularities.The current investigations on vibration fatigue mainly focus on the methods to improve the accuracy of fatigue damage assessment,and a systematical design method for vibration fatigue remains a huge gap to improve the survival probability when the rail vehicle is subjected to vibration fatigue.Originality/value–The research can facilitate the development of a new methodology to improve the fatigue life of railway vehicles when subjected to wheel/rail high frequency vibration.

Damage Tolerance Assessment of a Brake Unit Bracket for High-Speed Railway Welded Bogie Frames

The brake unit bracket of a bogie frame is an important load-carrying component, particularly under emergency start/stop conditions. Conventional infinite/safe life approaches provide an over-conservative recommendation for the allowable strength and lifetime, which hinders the lightweight design of modern railway vehicles. In this study, to ensure the reliability and durability of a brake unit bracket, an attempt was made to integrate the nominal stress method and an advanced damage tolerance method. First, a complex bogie frame was modelled using solid elements instead of plate and beam elements. A hot spot stress region on the bracket was found under an eight-stage load spectrum obtained from the Wuhan–Guangzhou high-speed railway line. Based on the probability of foreign damage, a semi-elliptical surface crack was then assumed for residual life assessment. The results obtained by the cumulative damage and damage tolerance methods show that the brake unit bracket can operate for over 30 years. Moreover, even if a 2-mm depth crack exists, the brake unit bracket can be safely operated for more than 2.27 years, with the hope that the crack can be detected in subsequent maintenance procedures. Finally, an appropriate safety margin was suggested which provides a basis for the life prediction and durability assessment of brake unit brackets of high-speed railways.

A Global Reliability Assessment Method on Aging Offshore Platforms with Corrosion and Cracks

Corrosion and fatigue cracks are major threats to the structural integrity of aging offshore platforms. For the rational estimation of the safety levels of aging platforms, a global reliability assessment approach for aging offshore platforms with corrosion and fatigue cracks is presented in this paper. The base shear capacity is taken as the global ultimate strength of the offshore platforms. It is modeled as a random process that decreases with time in the presence of corrosion and fatigue crack propagation. And the corrosion and fatigue crack growth rates in the main members and key joints are modeled as random variables. A simulation method of the extreme wave loads which are applied to the structures of offshore platforms is proposed too. Furthermore, the statistics of global base shear capacity and extreme wave loads are obtained by Monte Carlo simulation method. On the basis of the limit state equation of global failure mode, the instantaneous reliability and time dependent reliability assessment methods are both presented in this paper. Finally the instantaneous reliability index and time dependent failure probability of a jacket platform are estimated with different ages in the demonstration example.

RESEARCH PROGRESS ON STRUCTURAL FATIGUE RELIABILITY DESIGN AND ANALYSIS METHODS OF CHINESE RAILWAY VEHICLES

A state-of-art review is given to the new advances on fatigue reliability design and analysis methods of Chinese railway vehicle＇s structures. First, the structures are subject to a complicated random fatigue stressing history and this history should be determined by combining dynamic simulation and on-line inspection. Second, the random fatigue constitutions belong to an intrinsic fatigue phenomenon and a probabilistic model is developed to well describe them with two measurements of survival probability and confidence, similar model is also presented for the random stress-life rela- tions and extrapolated appropriately into Song fatigue life regime. Third, concept of the fatigue limit should be understood as the fatigue strength at a given fatigue life and a so-called local Basquin model method is proposed for measuring the random strengths. In addition, drawing and application methods of the Goodman-Smith diagram for integrally characterizing the random fatigue strengths are established in terms of ten kilometers. Fourth, a reliability stress-based method is constructed with a consideration of the random constitutive relations. These new advances form a new frame work for railway fatigue reliability design and analysis.

A Rapid Estimation Method of Structural Fatigue Analysis for a 17k Ton DWT Oil Tanker

Fatigue cracks and fatigue damage have been important issues for ships and offshore structures for a long time.However,in the last decade,with the introduction of higher tensile steel in hull structures and increasingly large ship dimensions,the greater attention should be paid to fatigue problems.Most research focuses on how to more easily access the fatigue strength of ships.Also,the major classification societies have already released their fatigue assessment notes.However,due to the complexity of factors influencing fatigue performances,such as wave load and pressure from cargo,the combination of different stress components,stress on concentration of local structure details,means stress,and the corrosive environments,there are different specifications with varying classification societies,leading to the different results from different fatigue assessment methods.This paper established the Det Norske Veritas（DNV） classification notes ＂fatigue assessment of ship structures＂ that explains the process of fatigue assessment and simplified methods.Finally,a fatigue analysis was performed by use data of a real ship and the reliability of the result was assessed.

A Model for Predicting Construction Worker Fatigue

Fatigue impairs workers’judgment,reduces their productivity,and jeop­ardizes their safety.The paper presents a tool to predict workers’fatigue based on their vital signs.An experimental study was conducted in which the heart rate and sleep quality for three individuals were monitored using fitness trackers(wearable sensors).The data collected were used to develop two models based on regression analysis and Artificial Neural Networks(ANN),to predict their fatigue level.A Borg’s scale was used to estimate the Rating of Perceived Exertion(RPE)of the participants.The two models were able to satisfactorily predict the RPE(workers fatigue level)with an average validity of 75%and 80%for the regression ANN models,respec­tively.The developed models can provide project managers and superinten­dents with early warning to avoid potential worker overexertion,injuries,and fatalities.

Theory and practice for assessing structural integrity and dynamical integrity of high-speed trains

Purpose–The safety and reliability of high-speed trains rely on the structural integrity of their components and the dynamic performance of the entire vehicle system.This paper aims to define and substantiate the assessment of the structural integrity and dynamical integrity of high-speed trains in both theory and practice.The key principles and approacheswill be proposed,and their applications to high-speed trains in Chinawill be presented.Design/methodology/approach–First,the structural integrity and dynamical integrity of high-speed trains are defined,and their relationship is introduced.Then,the principles for assessing the structural integrity of structural and dynamical components are presented and practical examples of gearboxes and dampers are provided.Finally,the principles and approaches for assessing the dynamical integrity of highspeed trains are presented and a novel operational assessment method is further presented.Findings–Vehicle system dynamics is the core of the proposed framework that provides the loads and vibrations on train components and the dynamic performance of the entire vehicle system.For assessing the structural integrity of structural components,an open-loop analysis considering both normal and abnormal vehicle conditions is needed.For assessing the structural integrity of dynamical components,a closed-loop analysis involving the influence of wear and degradation on vehicle system dynamics is needed.The analysis of vehicle system dynamics should follow the principles of complete objects,conditions and indices.Numerical,experimental and operational approaches should be combined to achieve effective assessments.Originality/value–The practical applications demonstrate that assessing the structural integrity and dynamical integrity of high-speed trains can support better control of critical defects,better lifespan management of train components and better maintenance decision-making for high-speed trains.

Evaluation of Muscle Fatigue Based on Surface Electromyography and Subjective Assessment

To investigate the relationship between surface electromyography and subjective assessment of muscle fatigue, 20 young male volunteers participated in the experiment of pistol holding and aiming. sE MG of the anterior deltoid was recorded during the entire process, while fatigue assessments(Borg scale) were collected every 30 s. We divided the signal into several parts and then octave band method was used to calculate mean energy of each part, an equation was derived based on the relationship between the mean energy of sE MG and Borg scale. The results showed that the degree of local muscle fatigue could be described by a cubic curve, and could be used to evaluate and monitor muscle fatigue.

System dynamics in structural strength and vibration fatigue life assessment of the swing bar for high‐speed maglev train

High‐speed maglev trains are subjected to severe dynamic loads,thus posing a failure hazard.It is necessary to account for the vehicle dynamics to improve the structural strength and fatigue life assessment approach under harsh routes and super high‐speed grades.As the most critical load‐carrying part between the vehicle body and levitation frames,the swing bar was taken as an example to demonstrate the significance of vehicle dynamics to integrate classical structural strength and fatigue life with the service conditions.A multiphysics‐coupled dynamic model of an alpha improvement scheme for an electromagnetic suspension maglev train capable of 600 km/h was established to investigate the complex dynamic loads and fatigue spectra.Using this model,the structural strength and fatigue life of the wrought swing bars were investigated.Results show only a slight effect on the structural strength and fatigue life of swing bars by the super high‐speed grades.The nonaxial bending moments caused by the uncompensated relative displacement between the vehicle body and bolsters are identified as the decisive factors.The minimum safety factor of the structural strength for wrought swing bars is 1.33,while the minimum fatigue life is 34 years.Both match the design requirements but are not conservative enough.Therefore,further verification and optimization are recommended to improve the design of swing bars.

Fatigue Analysis of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Cylinders for Safety Risk Assessment

With the widespread application of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG),the safety of LPG cylinder has received more and more attention.For the safety of LPG cylinder,we conduct a safety risk assessment of cylinder using the failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) method.Taking the most influential inflatable fatigue under normal conditions as the research object,we use FE-safe software to analyze the fatigue failure.The risk compliance coefficients of various failure modes are calculated and classified according to the risk level.In this way,the service life of the LPG cylinder weld is determined.The presented method improves the safety risk assessment process of LPG cylinder and provides a good theoretical and practical basis for similar pressure vessel risk assessment.

Mn25Al7钢焊接接头的疲劳性能试验研究

Mn25Al7钢是一种新型的轻质高强船用钢,目前针对Mn25Al7钢的疲劳性能尚未开展相关试验研究。本文对Mn25Al7钢的母材、对接焊接接头及T型焊接接头等典型节点进行疲劳试验研究,分别基于名义应力方法和热点应力方法拟合得到典型节点疲劳等级曲线,并与现有规范的疲劳等级曲线进行对比分析。对三种试样的断口形貌进行观测,分析其裂纹扩展规律和断裂机理。试验结果表明:Mn25Al7钢母材疲劳寿命高于按规范设计的普通钢材;规范低估了母材和磨平焊趾的对接焊缝接头疲劳寿命,但能较好地评估T型焊缝接头的疲劳寿命。通过对比分析三种试件的损伤速率差别,进一步对断口形貌进行了系统分析,发现初始裂纹源和焊接残留物会造成疲劳强度的降低。本研究可为船用高强钢的疲劳寿命预测提供理论依据和试验支撑。

基于零点有效缺口应力的薄板焊接接头疲劳评估

文中采用零点有效缺口应力进行了薄板焊接接头的疲劳评估研究.该方法综合考虑整体结构应力以及缺口根部到零点位置的非线性峰值应力的影响,以临界距离法和零点结构应力法为基础,将零点应力位置作为缺口对结构疲劳影响的临界距离对焊接结构进行疲劳强度评估.通过对两种不同类型的焊接接头试样(T形单面焊接头和不同厚度组合搭接接头)的疲劳试验结果进行拟合.结果表明,在对焊根失效的试样进行疲劳评估时,焊根位置不同截面应力线性化之后得到零点有效缺口应力存在较大差异;其中,焊脚截面应力线性化得到的S-N曲线分散带宽度最小;再者,同时考虑焊趾和焊根失效的零点有效缺口应力S-N曲线,与分别考虑焊趾或焊根失效的零点有效缺口应力S-N曲线分散带相差不大,证明该方法可同时用于焊接接头焊趾和焊根疲劳评估.

某在役铆接钢桁梁桥关键构件疲劳性能研究

精准评估现役钢桥的疲劳寿命对于桥梁结构的安全运营至关重要。该文以某在役铆接钢桁梁桥为研究对象,在对桥梁结构进行计算分析明确各构件的受力特点的基础上,针对原桥典型构件以及关键节点开展系列疲劳性能研究。数值计算结果表明,城B荷载作用下原桥典型构件以及关键节点均具有良好抗疲劳性能,疲劳寿命循环次数均大于200万次。

超临界锅炉再热热段管道裂纹分析及寿命评估

某型超临界锅炉再热热段管道内壁出现网状裂纹,裂纹分布于该处疏水管沿蒸汽流动方向约200 mm范围内。经宏观检查,无损检测以及扫描电镜形貌检查,判断其为热疲劳裂纹。通过查询该锅炉的运行记录,分析原因为再热蒸汽压力波动,导致疏水管道产生的冷凝水反复涌入再热热段管道,使其管道内壁产生热疲劳裂纹。运用有限元软件模拟出了疏水管内冷凝水产生的液面位置,即距离再热热段管道外壁超过30 cm的疏水管内再热蒸汽会全部冷凝为液态水。提出了避免产生此种热疲劳裂纹的解决方法,如调整疏水一次阀门的位置以及控制再热蒸汽压力的大幅度波动。最后对该段无裂纹的热段管道进行了寿命评估,得出剩余寿命约为61 722 h。