Modeling and Free Vibration Behavior of Rotating Composite Thin-walled Closed-section Beams with SMA Fibers

Smart structure with active materials embedded in a rotating composite thin-walled beam is a class of typical structure which is using in study of vibration control of helicopter blades and wind turbine blades. The dynamic behavior investigation of these structures has significance in theory and practice. However, so far dynamic study on the above-mentioned structures is limited only the rotating composite beams with piezoelectric actuation. The free vibration of the rotating composite thin-walled beams with shape memory alloy（SMA） fiber actuation is studied. SMA fiber actuators are embedded into the walls of the composite beam. The equations of motion are derived based on Hamilton＇s principle and the asymptotically correct constitutive relation of single-cell cross-section accounting for SMA fiber actuation. The partial differential equations of motion are reduced to the ordinary differential equations of motion by using the Galerkin＇s method. The formulation for free vibration analysis includes anisotropy, pitch and precone angle, centrifugal force and SMA actuation effect. Numerical results of natural frequency are obtained for two configuration composite beams. It is shown that natural frequencies of the composite thin-walled beam decrease as SMA fiber volume and initial strain increase and the decrease in natural frequency becomes more significant as SMA fiber volume increases. The actuation performance of SMA fibers is found to be closely related to the rotational speeds and ply-angle. In addition, the effect of the pitch angle appears to be more significant for the lower-bending mode ones. Finally, in all cases, the precone angle appears to have marginal effect on free vibration frequencies. The developed model can be capable of describing natural vibration behaviors of rotating composite thin-walled beam with active SMA fiber actuation. The present work extends the previous analysis done for modeling passive rotating composite thin-walled beam.

Static behavior of semi-rigid thin-walled steel-concrete composite beam-to-column joints with bolted partial-depth flush end plate:experimental study

A new type of semi-rigid thin-walled steel-concrete composite beam-to-column joint has been proposed in this paper.Five semi-rigid composite beam-to-column joint specimens subjected to hogging moments under monotonic loading were tested to study the static behavior of this new type of joint.The main variable parameters for the five joint specimens were the longitudinal reinforcement ratio and the joint type.The experimental results designated that the magnitude of extension of the longitudinal reinforcement is the most important factor that influenced the moment-rotation characteristic of the new type of joint.The concrete slabs could resist 3.8%-19.1% of the total shear load applied to the cross-sections near the beam-to-column connection.The edge stiffened elements,such as the flange of the lipped I-section thin-walled steel beam,were capable of having considerable inelastic deformation capacity although they had comparatively large width-to-thickness ratios.The shear failure of the concrete cantilever edge strip must be taken into account in practical design because it has significant influence on the anchorage of the longitudinal reinforcement in the new type of external joints.

Sensitivity of springback and section deformation to process parameters in rotary draw bending of thin-walled rectangular H96 brass tube

In order to study the effects of the process parameters on springback and section deformation, a sensitivity analysis model was established based on the combination use of the multi-parameter sensitivity analysis method and the springback/section deformation prediction finite element model, and by using this model the sensitivities of the springback and the section deformation to process parameters were analyzed and compared. The results show that the most sensitive process conditions for springback angle are the boost speed and the pressure of pressure die, and the most sensitive process condition for section deformation is the number of cores. When the clamp force, the boost speed and the pressure of pressure die are utilized to control section deformation, the effect of these process parameters on springback should be considered. When the process parameters are mainly used to control springback, the effect of these process parameters on the section deformation should be always considered.

Improved concept models for straight thin-walled columns with box cross section

This paper focuses on developing improved concept models for straight thin-walled box sectional columns which can better predict the peak crushing force that occurs during crashworthiness analyses. We develop a nonlinear translational spring based on previous research and apply such a spring element to build the enhanced concept models. The work presented in this article is developed on the basis of the publication of the author (Liu and Day, 2006b) and has been applied in a crashworthiness design issue, which is presented by the author in another paper (Liu, 2008).

Casting-cold extrusion of Al/Cu clad composite by copper tubes with different sketch sections

Casting-cold extrusion technology was presented to fabricate alttminum/copper clad composite, and copper tubes with different sketch sections were designed. The technology of aluminum/copper clad composite fabricated by casting-cold extrusion was simulated by DEFORM software using tubes with four arc grooves. The stress and strain in different deformation zones were analyzed. The groove size reduces gradually and the groove shape drives to triangle during the extrusion procedure. The maximum values of equivalent effective stress and radial stress appear in groove zones, and the maximum equivalent effective strain firstly is obtained also in groove zones. The grain size in groove zones is less than that in other zones. The experimental results are consistent with simulation results, which prove that the copper tubes with sketch section are favorable to the metallurgy bond of boundary interface between aluminum and copper.

Load Transferring Mechanism on Transition Section of Composite Bucket Foundation for Offshore Wind Turbines

The composite bucket foundation (CBF) is a new kind of foundation which has been applied in the offshore wind industry. A reasonable connection pattern between the tower and the CBF top cover is crucial for load transmissions from the superstructure. Therefore, it is essential to choose an optimum structure type for the transition section. The line type and the arc transition section models were established by ABAQUS, and the internal forces of cross section were extracted along the height direction. Specifically, the force transfer mechanism for different types of the transition sections was investigated comparatively with monotonic as well as composite loadings. The results show that the curved transition structure exhibits the better mechanical characteristics under the monotonic and composite loadings, and the reason can be illustrated that its specific arc-shape structure can effectively convert the tremendous bending moment from the turbine tower into the limited tensile and compressive stresses downwards, without the occurrence of force concentration. © 2017, Tianjin University and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

General Stiffness Matrix for a Thin-Walled, Open-Section Beam Structure

This paper is to review the theory of thin-walled beam structures of the open cross-section. There is scant information on the performance of structures made from thin-walled beam elements, particularly those of open sections, where the behavior is considerably complicated by the coupling of tensile, bending and torsional loading modes. In the combined loading theory of thin-walled structures, it is useful to mention that for a thin-walled beam, the value of direct stress at a point on the cross-section depends on its position, the geometrical properties of the cross-section and the applied loading. This applies whether the thin-walled section is closed or open but this study will be directed primarily at the latter. Theoretical analyses of structures are fairly well established, considered in multi-various applications by many scientists. However, due to the present interest in lightweight structures, it is necessary to specify where the present theory lies. It does not, for example, deal with compression and the consequent failure modes under global and local buckling. Indeed, with the inclusion of strut buckling failure and any other unforeseen collapse modes, the need was perceived for further research into the subject. Presently, a survey of the published works has shown in the following: 1) The assumptions used in deriving the underlying theory of thin-walled beams are not clearly stated or easily understood;2) The transformations of a load system from arbitrary axis to those at the relevant centre of rotation are incomplete. Thus, an incorrect stress distribution may result in;3) Several methods are found in the recent literature for analyzing the behaviour of thin-walled open section beams under combined loading. These reveal the need appears for further study upon their torsion/flexural behaviour when referred to any arbitrary axis, a common case found in practice. This review covers the following areas: 1) Refinement to existing theory to clarify those observations made in 1 - 3 above;2) Derivation of a general elastic stiffness matrix for combined loading;3) Calculation of the stress distribution on the cross-section of a thin-walled beam. A general transformation matrix that accounts for a load system applied at an arbitrary point on the cross-section will be published in a future paper.

Sectional Warping Corrective Model for Free Edge Stresses in Composite Laminates

The edge stress problem in composite laminates under uniform axial extension is analyzed. The displacement distribution in three directions along the thickness are derived respectively by use of the sectional warping corrective theory, and the hierarchical displacement functions are adopted in the width direction. Finally, based on the principle of virtual work, a special finite element model for boundary layer effects is obtained. Accuracy and convergence of the solution are studied, and the present resu...

Cross-sectional analysis on microstructure of plasma-sprayed HA+TiO_2 composite coatings on titanium substrate

The cross-sectional analysis on hydroxyapatite （HA） coating and HA+TiO2 composite coating was conducted by using electron probe microanalyser （EPMA）. The results reveal that annealing at 650 ℃ leads to the cracking within the HA coating or along the coating/substrate interface. The ribbon-like regions in HA coating are verified to contain less PO4-4 groups resulted from the high temperature melting of HA particles in plasma flame. From the viewpoint of microstructural observation, it can be concluded that the addition of TiO2 into HA coating can effectively strengthen and toughen the whole coating system with a shift of the well-bonded interface from the THA （top HA） coating/HTBC （HA+TiO2 bond coat） interface in the as-sprayed THBC （top HA-HTBC） coating to the HTBC/Ti substrate interface in the heat treated THBC coating. The THA coating bonds well to Ti substrate perhaps via its TiO2 hobnobbing with the Ti oxides formed on the Ti substrate.

Research about the composite section beam system on the state of interface slip

with the constant popularity of the precast assembly gasification, the application of the composite section beam which can change into different sections is wilder. This passage, based on the hypothesis that the interface is smooth, simplify the double composite section beam and deduce the anchorage-bolt-shear and composite-section-beam-bending-capacity formulas when there is a slip on the interface in elastic stage. Moreover, it contains some prospect and summarizes of the later research.

Stall Flutter Analysis of High-Aspect-Ratio Composite Wing

The stall flutter characters of high-aspect-ratio composite wing are investigated, and the effects of structure geometric nonlinearity and stiffness couple created by composite anisotropy on them also are discussed. Firstly, the high-aspect-ratio wing is modeled as a composite thin-walled closed section Euler beam whose displacement and rotation both could be of finite value, and the nonlinear dynamic equations is build up on it with all the effects of geometric nonlinearity, aerodynamic nonlinearity and anisotropy of material being considered. Then vibration equations are deduced through perturbing the dynamic equations at wing＇s equilibrium position, and coupled with unsteady stall aerodynamic model and ONERA model, to obtain the nonlinear stall flutter analysis equations of wing. Finally, the flutter stabilities with various wind speeds are determined by the harmonic balance method. With several exampies, the validity of the stall flutter model is proved, and the significant effects of geometric nonlinearity on the stall flutter various characters as wall as the effects of ply angle on the stall flutter speed and frequency also are discussed.

Evolution of Carbon Isotope Composition in Potential Global Stratotype Section and Point at Luoyixi, South China, for the Base of the Unnamed Global Seventh Stage of Cambrian System

This work deals with the evolution of carbon isotope composition in the Luoyixi （罗依溪） Section, a candidate of the Global Standard Stratotype-section and Point （GSSP）, defining the base of the as-yet-undefined seventh stage of Cambrian System at the first appearance of the cosmopolitan agnostoid Lejopyge iaevigata. This level is favored in a vote of International Subcommission on Cambrian Stratigraphy （ISCS） as the biohorizon for defining the base of a global stage. Two hundred and sixty-four samples for carbon and oxygen isotope analysis have been collected from the carbonate successions at an interval of 0.25 to 0.5 m in this section. Results of the carbon isotope data exhibit a remarkable disciplinarian trend. The pattern of the carbon isotope evolution is gently undulant with a relatively long period during the underlying Drumian Stage, and then the values of δ13C fluctuate sharply with a short period in provisional seventh stage. The onset of sharp fluctuation in the δ13C values begins at the proposed GSSP level, defining the base of the global seventh stage, where δ13C values change from a gentle trend to a sharp trend. Distinct covariant-relationships among δ13C,δ18O, and sea level fluctuations suggest that a warming change in paleoclimate took place during the early global seventh stage, which led to a positive shift in δ13C values.

Porosity Effects on Interlaminar Fracture Behavior in Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites

Fiber-reinforced polymer composite materials have become materials of choice for manufacturing application due to their high specific stiffness, strength and fatigue life, low density and thermal expansion coefficient. However, there are some types of defects such as porosity that form during the manufacturing processes of composites and alter their mechanical behavior and material properties. In his study, hand lay-up was conducted to fabricate samples of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites with three different vacuum levels in order to vary porosity content. Nondestructive evaluation, destructive techniques and mechanical testing were conducted. Nondestructive evaluation results showed the trend in percentages of porosity through-thickness. Serial sectioning images revealed significant details about the composite’s internal structure such as the volume, morphology and distribution of porosity. Mechanical testing results showed that porosity led to a decrease in both Mode I static interlaminar fracture toughness and Mode I cyclic strain energy release rate fatigue life. The fractographic micrographs showed that porosity content increased as the vacuum decreased, and it drew a relationship between fracture mechanisms and mechanical properties of the composite under different modes of loading as a result of the porosity effects. Finally, in order to accurately quantify porosity percentages included in the samples of different vacuum levels, a comparison was made between the parameters and percentages resulted from the nondestructive evaluation and mechanical testing and the features resulted from fractography and serial sectioning.

Experimental research on mechanical properties of prestressed truss concrete composite beam encased with circular steel tube

Tests of 4 simply supported unbonded prestressed truss concrete composite beams encased with circular steel tube were carried out. It is found that the ratio of the stress increment of the unbonded tendon to that of the tensile steel tube is 0.252 during the using stage,and the average crack space of beams depends on the ratio of the sum of the bottom chord steel tube's outside diameter and the secondary bottom chord steel tube's section area to the effective tensile concrete area. The coefficient of uneven crack distribution is 1.68 and the formula for the calculation of crack width is established. Test results indicate that the ultimate stress increment of unbonded tendon in the beams decreases in linearity with the increase of the composite reinforcement index β0. The pure bending region of beams accords with the plane section assumption from loading to failure. The calculation formula of ultimate stress increment of the unbonded tendon and the method to calculate the bearing capacity of normal section of beams have been presented. Besides,the method to calculate the stiffness of this sort of beams is brought forward as well.

Shear deformable finite beam elements for composite box beams

The shear deformable thin-walled composite beams with closed cross-sections have been developed for coupled flexural, torsional, and buckling analyses. A theoretical model applicable to the thin-walled laminated composite box beams is presented by taking into account all the structural couplings coming from the material anisotropy and the shear deformation effects. The current composite beam includes the transverse shear and the restrained warping induced shear deformation by using the first-order shear deformation beam theory. Seven governing equations are derived for the coupled axial-flexural-torsional-shearing buckling based on the principle of minimum total potential energy. Based on the present analytical model, three different types of finite composite beam elements, namely, linear, quadratic and cubic elements are developed to analyze the flexural, torsional, and buckling problems. In order to demonstrate the accuracy and superiority of the beam theory and the finite beam elements developed by this study,numerical solutions are presented and compared with the results obtained by other researchers and the detailed threedimensional analysis results using the shell elements of ABAQUS. Especially, the influences of the modulus ratio and the simplified assumptions in stress-strain relations on the deflection, twisting angle, and critical buckling loads of composite box beams are investigated.

Feasibility of developing composite action between concrete and cold-formed steel beam

Cold-formed steel structures are steel structure products constructed from sheets or coils using cold rolling, press brake or bending brake method. These structures are extensively employed in building construction industry due to their light mass, ductility by economic cold forming operations, favorable strength-to-mass ratio and other factors. The utilization of cold formed steel sections with concrete as composite can hugely reduce the construction cost. However, the use of cold formed steel members in composite concrete beams has been very limited. A comprehensive review of developments in composite beam with cold formed steel sections was introduced. It was revealed that employing cold-formed steel channel section to replace reinforcement bars in conventional reinforced concrete beam results in a significant cost reduction without reducing strength capacity. The use of composite beam consisting of cold-formed steel open or close box and filled concrete could also reduce construction cost. Lighter composite girder for bridges with cold-formed steel of U section was introduced. Moreover, types of shear connectors to provide composite action between cold-formed steel beam and concrete slab were presented. However, further studies to investigate the effects of metal decking on the behavior of composite beam with cold-formed steel section and introduction of ductile shear connectors were recommended.

Composite wave-absorbing structure combining thin plasma and metasurface

In order to solve the thickness dependence of plasma absorption of electromagnetic waves and further reduce the backward radar scattering cross section(RCS)of the target,we designed a novel composite structure of a metasurface and plasma.A metasurface with three absorption peaks is designed by means of an equivalent circuit based on an electromagnetic resonance type metamaterial absorber.The reflection and absorption of the composite structure are numerically and experimentally verified.The finite integration method was used to simulate a composite structure of finite size to obtain the RCS.The experimental measurements of electromagnetic wave reflection were conducted by a vector network analyzer(Keysight N5234A)and horn antennas,etc.The research showed that the absorption capacity of this composite structure was substantially improved compared to either the plasma or the metasurface,and it is more convenient for application due to its low plasma thickness requirement and easy fabrication.

A new finite element of spatial thin-walled beams

Based on the theories of Timoshenko＇s beams and Vlasov＇s thin-walled members, a new spatial thin-walled beam element with an interior node is developed. By independently interpolating bending angles and warp, factors such as transverse shear deformation, torsional shear deformation and their Coupling, coupling of flexure and torsion, and second shear stress are considered. According to the generalized variational theory of Hellinger-Reissner, the element stiffness matrix is derived. Examples show that the developed model is accurate and can be applied in the finite element analysis of thinwalled structures.

Study of Second-Order Continuities of a Composite Surface

There are two classes of continuities, parametric continuities and geometric continuities, which are used to illuminate the smoothness of a composite surface in surface construction and reconstruction in computer graphics (CG) and computer aided design (CAD). A parametric continuity is more stiff than its corresponding geometric continuity of the same order. This paper uncovers the geometric properties of parametric and geometric continuities less than and equal to second order and presents the proofs for the corresponding propositions. These propositions can be applied to the existent or promising schemes of surface construction or reconstruction, which can provide a convincing theory for researchers to establish their schemes in surface construction. Three examples are used in this paper to show the applications of these propositions.

Experimental Investigations on Web Crippling Failure Modes of Aluminum Hollow and Composite Tubes

In order to study the web-crippling behavior of aluminum hollow sectionsubjected to concentrated load, sixteen aluminum hollow tubes with different loadingconditions, bearing length and web slenderness ratios were tested. This paper alsodiscussed a method to improve the web crippling strength of the aluminum hollowsections by infilling the mortar as composite section, and four aluminum compositesections were tested. The literature has reported lots of web crippling tests, but there isfew reports on web crippling behavior of aluminum composite sections. Interior-Ground(IG) and End-Ground (EG) loading conditions were adopted, with the specimens placedon the ground to simulate the load of floor joists. Specimens were also placed on abearing plate with end (ETF) or interior (ITF) bearing load. The influence of supportingconditions, loading positions, bearing length and web slenderness ratios on web cripplingultimate bearing capacity and ductility of aluminum hollow sections was studied. Theenhancements of infilling mortar were also evaluated. The results obtained from theexperiments show that infilling the mortar in aluminum hollow tubes is an effectivemethod for enhancing the ultimate capacity of the web, especially for specimens underInterior-Ground (IG) condition. Based on the results of parameter research, this paperproposes a series of design formulas for well predicting web crippling ultimate capacityof aluminum hollow and composite tubes under four different loading and boundaryconditions.