Multi-Objective Optimization of Aluminum Alloy Electric Bus Frame Connectors for Enhanced Durability

The widespread adoption of aluminumalloy electric buses,known for their energy efficiency and eco-friendliness,faces a challenge due to the aluminum frame’s susceptibility to deformation compared to steel.This issue is further exacerbated by the stringent requirements imposed by the flammability and explosiveness of batteries,necessitating robust frame protection.Our study aims to optimize the connectors of aluminum alloy bus frames,emphasizing durability,energy efficiency,and safety.This research delves into Multi-Objective Coordinated Optimization(MCO)techniques for lightweight design in aluminum alloy bus body connectors.Our goal is to enhance lightweighting,reinforce energy absorption,and improve deformation resistance in connector components.Three typical aluminum alloy connectors were selected and a design optimization platform was built for their MCO using a variety of software and methods.Firstly,through three-point bending experiments and finite element analysis on three types of connector components,we identified optimized design parameters based on deformation patterns.Then,employing Optimal Latin hypercube design(OLHD),parametric modeling,and neural network approximation,we developed high-precision approximate models for the design parameters of each connector component,targeting energy absorption,mass,and logarithmic strain.Lastly,utilizing the Archive-based Micro Genetic Algorithm(AMGA),Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization(MOPSO),and Non-dominated SortingGenetic Algorithm(NSGA2),we explored optimized design solutions for these joint components.Subsequently,we simulated joint assembly buckling during bus rollover crash scenarios to verify and analyze the optimized solutions in three-point bending simulations.Each joint component showcased a remarkable 30%–40%mass reduction while boosting energy absorption.Our design optimization method exhibits high efficiency and costeffectiveness.Leveraging contemporary automation technology,the design optimization platform developed in this study is poised to facilitate intelligent optimization of lightweight metal components in future applications.

Experimental investigation and analytically modeling of hysteretic behavior of rigid bus-flexible connectors of 220 kV electrical substations

This paper describes the quasi-static testing and analytical modelling of the hysteretic behavior of aluminum alloy rigid bus-flexible connectors of 220 kV electrical substations.The main objective of the study is to experimentally investigate the hysteretic behavior of six different types of rigid bus-flexible connectors 220 kV electrical substations when subjected to cyclic loading.Another objective is to theoretically study the flexibility and effectiveness of a previously proposed analytical model in fitting the experimental hysteresis loops of the tested rigid bus-flexible connectors.The experimental investigation indicates that the tested rigid bus-flexible connectors exhibit highly asymmetric hysteresis behavior along with tension stiffening effect.The theoretical study demonstrates that the generalized Bouc-Wen model has high flexibility and is effective in fitting the experimental hysteresis resisting force-displacement curves of the six tested rigid bus-flexible connectors.

Dynamic Responses of Mobile Offshore Base Connectors

A Mobile Offshore Base (MOB) is a multi-purpose logistics base, which can be stationed in coastal or international waters. In the conceptual design of the MOB, attention should he paid to the dynamic responses of the inter-module connectors because tremendous loads occur in the connectors. In this paper, a study on dynamic responses of the MOB connectors is carried out by use of the Rigid Module Flexible Connector (RMFC) model which assumes that the module stiffness is significantly larger than that of the connector. In the analysis, the connector is modeled as a linear spring, which restricts relative translations but allows for relative rotations of modules. The 3-D source distribution method is adopted to determine the hydrodynamic forces of the modules, and the hydrodynamic interaction between modules is taken into account. The module motions and connector loads for 12 connector stiffness cases in regular and irregular waves are calculated with the multi-rigid-body motion equations. And the calculated results are compared with those from relative references. It is shown that the results obtained by different methods are in good agreement.

Seismic behavior of large-scale FRP–recycled aggregate concrete–steel columns with shear connectors

The application of fi ber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites for the development of high-performance composite structural systems has received signifi cant recent research attention. A composite of FRP–recycled aggregate concrete (RAC)–steel column (FRSC), consisting of an outer FRP tube, an inner steel tube and annular RAC fi lled between two tubes, is proposed herein to facilitate green disposal of demolished concrete and to improve the ductility of concrete columns for earthquake resistance. To better understand the seismic behavior of FRSCs, quasi-static tests of large-scale basalt FRSCs with shear connectors were conducted. The infl uence of the recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) replacement percentage, shear connectors and axial loading method on the lateral load and deformation capacity, energy dissipation and cumulative damage were analyzed to evaluate the seismic behavior of FRSCs. The test results show that FRSCs have good seismic behavior, which was evidenced by high lateral loads, excellent ductility and energy dissipation capacity, indicating RAC is applicable in FRSCs. Shear connectors can signifi cantly postpone the steel buckling and increase the lateral loads of FRSCs, but weaken the deformation capacity and energy dissipation performance.

Evaluation of the Shear Strength of Perfobond Rib Connectors in Ultra High Performance Concrete

Since the previous strength prediction models for the perfobond rib connector were proposed based upon the results of push-out tests conducted on concretes with compressive strength below 50 MPa, push-out test is performed on perfobond shear connectors applying ultra high performance concretes with compressive strength higher than 80 MPa to evaluate their shear resistance. The test variables are chosen to be the diameter and number of dowel holes and, the change in the shear strength of the perfobond rib connector is examined with respect to the strength of two types of UHPC: steel fiber-reinforced concrete with compressive strength of 180 MPa and concrete without steel fiber with compressive strength of 80 MPa. The test results reveal that higher concrete strength and larger number of holes increased the shear strength, and that higher increase rate in the shear strength was achieved by the dowel action. The comparison with the predictions obtained by the previous models shows that the experimental results are close to the values given by the model proposed by Oguejiofor and Hosain [1].

Optimal Stiffness for Flexible Connectors on A Mobile Offshore Base at Rough Sea States

This paper investigates a simplified method to determine the optimal stiffness of flexible connectors on a mobile offshore base(MOB) during the preliminary design stage. A three-module numerical model of an MOB was used as a case study. Numerous constraint forces and relative displacements for the connectors at rough sea states with different wave angles were utilized to determine the optimized stiffness of the flexible connectors. The range of optimal stiffnesses for the connectors was obtained based on the combination and intersection of the optimized stiffness results, and the implementation steps were elaborated in detail. The percentage reductions of the optimized and optimal stiffness of the flexible connector were determined to quantitatively evaluate the decreases of the constraint force and relative displacement of the connectors compared with those calculated by using the original range of the connector stiffnesses. The results indicate the accuracy and feasibility of this method for determining the optimal stiffness of the flexible connectors and demonstrate the rationality and practicability of the optimal stiffness results. The research ideas, calculation process, and solutions for the optimal stiffness of the flexible connectors of an MOB in this paper can provide valuable technical support for the design of the connectors in similar semisubmersible floating structures.

Academic health sciences libraries as connectors to knowledge beyond literature

Libraries at large academic medical centers in the United States are undergoing a transformation from their traditional role as knowledge repositories to a new role as connectors to knowledge. This transformation is fueled by the move away from library-held print resources as the primary source of information used by researchers,clinicians and students. Knowledge resources critical to the missions of academic medical centers now include online books and journals,very large data sets,software tools,and expertise far beyond the walls of the library. This article illustrates how Bernard Becker Medical Library at Washington University in St. Louis has seized the opportunity to recast itself as a connector to knowledge beyond literature and strengthen its vital role within the university as a catalyst for learning and discovery.

Influences of polishing on return loss of optical fiber connectors

With Al2O3 and SiO2 as polishing medium, under different polishing conditions, e.g. with different polishing pressure, polishing time and polishing fluid, the influences of polishing treatment on the return loss of optical fiber connectors were investigated. The return loss of optical fiber connectors is 32CD*238dB before polishing. The results show that dry polishing（i.e. no polishing fluid） with Al2O3 has less influence on return loss of optical fiber connectors, while dry polishing with SiO2 reduces return loss to about 20dB because of the end-face of optical fiber contaminated. The wet polishing（i.e. using distilled water as polishing fluid） with Al2O3 or SiO2 can increase return loss to 45CD*250dB, but wet polishing with Al2O3 may produce optical fiber undercut depth of 80CD*2140nm. Wet polishing with SiO2 should be preferentially selected for optical fiber connectors and polishing time should be controlled within 20CD*230s.

Shear Behavior of Open Steel Tube Connectors in Steel⁃UHPC Composite Decks

Steel and ultra⁃high performance concrete(UHPC)composite decks are effective at reducing fatigue cracking and asphalt pavement damage.The shear behavior of innovative open steel tube(OST)connectors in steel⁃UHPC composite decks was investigated by conducting push⁃out tests.The test parameter is the presence of reinforcement in the deck.The load⁃slip curves and shear behavior of the push⁃out specimens were obtained and discussed.The test results indicate that as compared with plain concrete specimens,the limit slip of reinforced specimens decreased by 32%and the shear stiffness increased by 10%,but the ultimate shear capacity was almost the same.The use of UHPC influenced the failure process as it was observed that the OST connector was sheared off at its lower semi⁃tube,followed by the pull⁃out failure of the upper semi⁃tube.A finite element model was verified by tests and was then used to analyze the deformation and failure behaviors of the composite deck with open tubes.The model demonstrates that there is a stress concentration zone at the connector root,and the lower semi⁃tube is the main component that is subject to loads.

大直径盾构隧道新型纵缝接头抗弯性能试验研究

纵缝接头是盾构隧道受力性能的薄弱部位,管片接头的形式直接影响盾构隧道的力学性能。目前国内的盾构隧道纵缝接头使用的连接件多为螺栓,新型纵缝接头使用了一种新的连接件—滑入式连接件,此种接头在大直径盾构隧道中的受力性能有待研究。本文以新型纵缝接头为研究对象,针对两种不同型号的滑入式连接件,采用模型试验的方法探究了大直径盾构隧道新型纵缝接头的受力性能,通过理论分析计算了新型纵缝接头的极限承载力,并比较分析了传统螺栓纵缝接头和新型纵缝接头的受力性能。结果表明:新型接头衬砌管片的薄弱部位在连接件周围的混凝土区域;滑入式连接件的型号直接影响新型纵缝接头的受力性能,两种接头中连接件尺寸较大的接头转角刚度相较于连接件尺寸较小的接头转角刚度增加了7.2~169.5%,极限承载能力增加了69.9%;新型纵缝接头比螺栓接头有更高的转角刚度,受力性能更好,适用于大直径盾构隧道。

套筒灌浆搭接及对接接头高应力反复拉压试验

为比较套筒灌浆搭接及对接接头间力学性能差异,进行了41个搭接接头和20个对接接头的单拉及高应力反复拉压试验。结果表明:单拉及高应力反复拉压时,两种接头均能实现最大力下总伸长率大于6%、延性系数大于4,强度基本满足规范要求;高应力反复拉压后单拉时,两种接头承载力均有所提高,但接头初始刚度和延性下降;防偏转措施可减少搭接接头残余变形,但其约束刚度有限,搭接接头残余变形略大于对接接头,防偏转搭接接头及对接接头残余变形基本满足规范要求;高应力反复拉压后单拉时,搭接接头套筒中部截面在加载前期纵向受拉、环向受压,加载后期纵向受压、环向受拉,对接接头套筒加载过程中均为纵向受拉、环向受压;高应力反复拉压结束后单拉时,防偏转、不防偏转搭接接头套筒中部截面近钢筋侧最大纵向拉应变分别为对接接头的0.10~0.39倍、0.13~0.18倍,最大环向压应变分别为对接接头的0.09~0.49倍、0.02~0.32倍,搭接接头对套筒材性要求较低;钢筋直径相同时搭接接头材料成本较对接接头降低约35%。

基于SSTDR的光伏连接器故障检测

随着运行时间的增长,光伏连接器会出现氧化、老化、松动等现象,易导致接触不良、发热等问题,最终可能引起断路、电弧等故障,对光伏系统的高效、安全运行造成不良影响。由于光伏连接器故障会引起其等效阻抗的变化,该文采用扩频时域反射法(spread spectrum time domain reflectometry,SSTDR)来进行检测:通过向光伏连接器所在的光伏组件串注入正弦高频信号调制的伪随机序列序列测试信号,分析入射信号与反射信号的相关特性,再与健康状态下的特性进行比较,来实现光伏连接器故障在线诊断。对此进行仿真计算并在4块光伏板组成的光伏组串中进行实验,发现开路故障时包络面积最大可达到5×10^(5),而脱离故障时包络面积最小为0.8×10^(5),二者皆远大于健康时的包络面积0.07×10^(5),可有效诊断光伏连接器是否发生故障。

钢-UHPC组合桥面板横向负弯矩区受弯性能研究

为明确横向负弯矩作用下,剪力键形式、接缝设置情形、配筋率和钢混界面黏结状态等参数对钢-超高性能混凝土(ultra-high-performance concrete,UHPC)组合板受力性能的影响,完成了8块组合板局部足尺模型静力弯曲试验及有限元参数分析。试验结果表明:开孔板(perfobond leiste,PBL)试件的名义开裂强度(对应最大裂缝宽度为0.05 mm)较栓钉试件提高16.8%;矩形齿缝试件的名义开裂强度较整浇试件降低16%~23%;UHPC层钢筋配筋率从1.96%增加到2.82%时,名义开裂强度提高16.2%;钢板-UHPC界面涂油除黏PBL试件的初裂强度和名义开裂强度较界面黏结试件分别降低10.1%和5.8%。数值分析结果表明:PBL贯穿钢筋的存在、PBL和栓钉间距的减小能有效提高组合板的开裂后刚度;PBL开孔钢板上的孔径和孔间距对组合板的受力性能影响较小。

国际空间站宇航光纤通信器件发展综述

光纤通信技术在国际空间站(ISS)上首次大规模应用,是光通信技术从地面进入太空应用的一个重要里程碑。回顾了ISS舱内光纤通信所用宇航光缆和光纤连接器的技术发展历程,阐述了ISS对光纤通信技术的特殊需求;介绍了美国航空航天局(NASA)开展的光纤器件空间适应性试验研究情况,NASA和欧洲太空总署(ESA)负责建造舱段的光纤通信系统,以及NASA针对ISS光纤通信器件缺陷问题的质量调查情况和整改过程;结合ISS光纤通信器件质量问题的案例分析,总结了宇航光缆和光纤连接器在制造、工艺、材料、环境、检测和管理方面存在的问题和经验教训。最后,对宇航光纤通信器件的研发方向进行了展望。

不同锈蚀程度下栓钉连接件的抗剪性能分析

为研究栓钉连接件锈蚀条件下的抗剪性能退化规律,建立ABAQUS有限元模型进行数值模拟.针对均匀圆环、受压区半环、受拉区半环及拉压区半环4种不同的锈蚀分布形态,考虑不同的锈蚀高度、锈蚀深度进行数值分析.结果表明,当锈蚀深度相同时,4种锈蚀分布形态的栓钉抗剪承载力随锈蚀高度的增加而降低,在锈蚀高度为10 mm时降到最小,且锈蚀深度越大,承载力降低程度也越大;当锈蚀高度相同时,随着锈蚀深度的增加,抗剪承载力和抗剪刚度基本上呈线性下降趋势;当锈蚀高度和深度相同时,均匀圆环锈蚀的抗剪承载力和刚度的降低程度最大,相比其他3种情况降低60%左右,受压区半环锈蚀的抗剪承载力和刚度的降低程度最小.研究成果可为钢混组合结构栓钉连接件耐久性设计提供参考.

电连接器用聚氨酯胶密封件贮存可靠性统计模型的加速试验验证与评估

针对电连接器用聚氨酯胶密封件在长贮条件下的寿命评估问题,从机理层面分析了聚氨酯胶密封件内聚破坏和边界破坏导致性能下降的原因。依据从机理层面建立的电连接器用聚氨酯胶密封件贮存可靠性统计模型,利用聚氨酯胶密封件温湿度综合应力加速退化试验数据,综合应用粒子群优化算法和回归分析、AD检验及拟合优度等检验方法,从数据统计层面验证了电连接器用聚氨酯胶密封件失效物理方程和退化轨迹模型的合理性。利用扫描电镜和能谱分析验证了失效机理分析的正确性。最后,利用所建模型评估了电连接器用聚氨酯胶密封件在贮存环境下的可靠寿命。

钢-UHPC结合段PBL连接件和钢梁端面承压联合作用研究

钢-混结合段作为钢梁和混凝土连接为整体的核心部件,传力构件的受力性能对钢-混凝土结合段至关重要。为提高结合段的力学性能,进行了仅有钢梁端面承压、PBL连接件和两者联合作用3组推出试验。结果表明:3组试件最终破坏裂缝分布均为钢梁端面侧“八”字形分布;钢梁端面组(D组)试件破坏模式主要为UHPC的开裂破坏而失效,PBL连接件组(P组)和联合作用组(PD组)试件主要是贯穿钢筋的剪切破坏而失效;3组试件的荷载-滑移曲线均包含弹性、裂缝开展和屈服3个阶段,由于贯穿钢筋和UHPC榫具有抑制裂缝开展和提高试件延性的作用,P组和PD组试件裂缝开展阶段较D组更短,屈服阶段更长,延性更好。对荷载-滑移曲线进行拟合,提出了钢梁端面承压和PBL连接件承载力随滑移量变化的计算公式。引入滞后滑移差Δs_(j),当Δs_(j)=0~0.67 mm时,联合作用计算结果偏于安全。计算得到钢梁端面承压传力比例约为43%,PBL连接件传力比例约为57%,两者传力效果基本相当。利用UHPC作为外包混凝土时,建议采用承载能力更高的贯穿钢筋,以充分发挥UHPC的高强性能,从而提高结合段的承载能力。

PBL抗剪传力钢筋连接接头受拉力学性能试验

装配式混凝土构件间钢筋的连接是其适用性和经济性的关键环节,针对国内工程常用的灌浆套筒和约束浆锚钢筋连接技术存在施工难度大、效率低、质量不易检验等问题,本文提出了PBL-穿孔钢筋连接接头、PBL-穿孔钢管连接接头和PBL-U形钢筋连接接头3种钢筋连接接头,实现预制混凝土单元间钢筋应力的传递,具有施工简便、质量易保证、成本低等优势。对这3种钢筋接头进行了6组参数共18个钢筋接头试件的拉伸性能试验,研究了新型接头试件的破坏模式、承载力和变形能力等,得到各参数对新型接头拉伸强度的影响规律,并对不同接头的受拉力学性能进行对比分析。研究结果表明:3种钢筋连接接头能够实现钢筋应力的有效传递,验证了新型钢筋连接接头的可行性。

机载光电复合旋转连接器设计技术研究

针对机载外挂平台设备系统光电信号旋转传输的使用需求,传统产品存在小型化、轻量化不足及高空环境下高电压易打火等问题,本文提出了机载光电复合旋转连接器一体化成型设计方法,通过中心轴与绝缘片、电刷架与绝缘片一体化结构设计,电接触可靠性及小偏角光纤准直器高效耦合设计,解决了传统光电旋转连接器无法满足机载设备狭小安装空间的小型化及耐高电压等技术难题,研制出了1光5电复合旋转连接器产品,能够满足高空18000 m环境下光电信号动态传输的使用要求,同时,产品随整机通过地面和飞行测试,效果良好。