• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.57-82
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• 2014

The heritage value of the mixed wood-masonry 18th century Pombalino buildings of downtown Lisbon is recognized both nationally and internationally. The present paper focuses on the seismic assessment of global response and retrofitting of a typical Pombalino building by nonlinear static analyses, performed by the research software Tremuri, which is able to model 3D configurations. The structure is modelled using nonlinear beams for masonry panels, while in case of the internal walls (frontal walls) an original formulation has been developed in order to take into account their specific seismic behaviour. Floors are modelled as orthotropic membrane finite elements: this feature allows to simulate the presence of both flexible and rigid diaphragms, being the first ones more representative of the original state while the second ones of retrofitted configurations. Seismic assessment has been evaluated by applying nonlinear static procedure and comparing the performance of different configurations (by considering various retrofitting strategies). Finally, assuming a lognormal cumulative distribution, fragility curves are obtained to be representative of Pombalino buildings: the most important application of such curves is for seismic risk and loss estimation analyses.

• Advances in aircraft and spacecraft science
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.347-368
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• 2023

In the first part of this study, a numerical simulation model was developed using the mechanical APDL software to validate the results of the 3D-elastisity theory on the laminated sandwich plate developed by Panago. The numerical simulation model showed a good agreement to the results of Pagano's theory in terms of deflection, normal stresses, and shear stresses. In the second part of this study, the developed numerical simulation model was used to define different plates dimensions and fibers layup orientations to examine the load response in terms of deflection and stresses. Further analysis was implemented on the natural frequencies of laminated xxx plates of the plates. The layup configurations include Unidirectional (UD), Cross-Ply (CP), Quasi-Isotropic (QI), the linear bio-inspired known as Linear-Helicoidal (LH), and the nonlinear bio-inspired known as Fibonacci-Helicoidal (FH). The following numerical simulation model can be used for the design and study of novel, sophisticated bio-inspired composite structures in a variety of configurations subjected to sinusoidal or constant loads.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.8
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• pp.3450-3462
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• 2024

This paper presents a computational framework for drop time assessment of a control element assembly (CEA) under fuel assembly (FA) deformations. The proposed framework consists of three key components: 1) finite element modeling of CEA, 2) fluid-structure interaction to compute drag force, and 3) modeling of frictional contact between CEA and FA. Specially, to accommodate the large motion of CEA, beam elements based on absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) are adopted. The continuity equation is utilized to calculate the drag force, considering flow changes in the cross-sectional area during the CEA drop. Lastly, beam-inside-beam frictional contact model is employed to capture practical contact conditions between CEA and FA. The proposed framework is validated through experiments under two scenarios: free falls of CEA within FA, encompassing undeformed and deformed scenarios. The experimental validation of the framework demonstrated that the drop time of CEA can be accurately predicted under the complex coupling effects of fluid and frictional contact. The drop times of the S-shaped deformation case is longer than those of the C-shaped deformation case, affirming the time delay due to frictional force. The validation confirms the potential applicability to access the safety and reliability of nuclear power plants under extreme conditions.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.129-149
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• 2010

The objective of this study is to formulate a general 3D material-structural analysis framework for the thermomechanical behavior of steel-concrete structures in a fire environment. The proposed analysis framework consists of three sequential modeling parts: fire dynamics simulation, heat transfer analysis, and a thermomechanical stress analysis of the structure. The first modeling part consists of applying the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) where coupled CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) with thermodynamics are combined to realistically model the fire progression within the steel-concrete structure. The goal is to generate the spatial-temporal (ST) solution variables (temperature, heat flux) on the surfaces of the structure. The FDS-ST solutions are generated in a discrete form. Continuous FDS-ST approximations are then developed to represent the temperature or heat-flux at any given time or point within the structure. An extensive numerical study is carried out to examine the best ST approximation functions that strike a balance between accuracy and simplicity. The second modeling part consists of a finite-element (FE) transient heat analysis of the structure using the continuous FDS-ST surface variables as prescribed thermal boundary conditions. The third modeling part is a thermomechanical FE structural analysis using both nonlinear material and geometry. The temperature history from the second modeling part is used at all nodal points. The ABAQUS (2003) FE code is used with external user subroutines for the second and third simulation parts in order to describe the specific heat temperature nonlinear dependency that drastically affects the transient thermal solution especially for concrete materials. User subroutines are also developed to apply the continuous FDS-ST surface nodal boundary conditions in the transient heat FE analysis. The proposed modeling framework is applied to predict the temperature and deflection of the well-documented third Cardington fire test.

• International journal of steel structures
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.1617-1630
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• 2018

The crucial differences between conventional rail with split-type connectors and continuous welded rails are axial stress in the longitudinal direction and stability, as well as other issues generated under the influence of loading effects. Longitudinal stresses generated in continuously welded rails on railway bridges are strongly influenced by the nonlinear behavior of the supporting system comprising sleepers and ballasts. Thus, the track structure interaction cannot be neglected. The rail-support system mentioned above has properties of non-uniform material distribution and uncertainty of construction quality. The linear elastic hypothesis therefore cannot correctly evaluate the stress distribution within the rails. The aim of this study is to apply the nonlinear finite element method using the nonlinear coupling interface between the track and structural model and to illustrate the welded rail behavior under the loading effect and uncertain factors of the ballast. Numerical results of nonlinear finite analysis with a three-dimensional solid and frame element model are presented for a typical track-bridge system. A composite plate girder, modeled by solid and shell elements, is also analyzed to consider the behavior of the welded rail. The analysis result showed buckling under the independent calculations of load cases, including 'temperature change', 'bending of the supporting structure', and 'braking' of the railway vehicle. A parametric study of the load combination method and the loading sequence is also included in this analysis.

• Composites Research
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.70-75
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• 2021

This paper presents a novel algorithm to reconstruct meso-scale representative volume elements (RVE), referring to experimentally observed features of Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) composites. Predicting anisotropic mechanical properties of SMC composites is challenging in the multiscale virtual test using finite element (FE) models. To this end, an SMC RVE modeler consisting of a series of image processing techniques, the novel reconstruction algorithm, and a FE mesh generator for the SMC composites are developed. First, micro-CT image processing is conducted to estimate probabilistic distributions of two critical features, such as fiber chip orientation and distribution that are highly related to mechanical performance. Second, a reconstruction algorithm for 3D fiber chip packing is developed in consideration of the overlapping effect between fiber chips. Third, the macro-scale behavior of the SMC is predicted by the multiscale analysis.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.283-289
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• 2015

In this study, the lightweight design of a brake bracket for a composite bogie was studied by considering two brake bracket models with thicknesses of 12t and 9t, respectively. For achieving this goal, finite element analysis and topology optimization were conducted. Firstly, the largest cross-sectional areas of the vertical and horizontal plates of the brake bracket were selected as the design variables. As the constraint, the Z-axis displacement of the brake bracket was increased by 2.5 units from the initial displacement value. The minimum volume fraction of the design regions was chosen as the objective function. The full model comprised a composite bogie frame and brackets attached together. However, to reduce the analysis time, 1D beam elements were used instead of the composite bogie frame by ensuring its equivalence with the full model. The result revealed that the weights of the 12t and 9t models of the brake bracket were reduced to 60 kg and 31 kg, respectively.

• Korean Journal of Optics and Photonics
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.236-243
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• 2003

We discussed the design of lens module schematic eyes equivalent to finite model eyes, which are used to model the human eye based on spherical aberration and Stiles-Crowford effect. The optical system for head mounted display (HMD) is designed and evaluated using lens module schematic eyes. In addition to a compact HMD system, an optical system with high Performance is required. To satisfy these requirements, we used diffractive optical elements and aspheric surfaces so that the color and mono-chromatic aberrations were corrected. The optical system for HMD is composed of 0.47 inch micro-display of SVGA grade with 480,000 pixels, a plastic hybrid lens for the virtual image, and the lens module schematic eyes. The designed optical system fulfills the current specifications of HMD: such as, EFL of 31.25 mm, FOV of 24H$\times$18V$\times$30D degrees, and overall length of 59.1 mm. As a result, we could design an optical system useful for HMD; the system is expected to be comfortable while the user wears it.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.432-461
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• 1995

The basic principles in the design of Class II amalgam cavity preparations have been modified but not changed in essence over the last 90 years. The early essential principle was "extension for prevention". Most of the modifications have served to reduce the extent of preparation and, thus, increase the conservation of sound tooth structure. A more recent concept relating to conservative Class II cavity preparations involves elimination of occlusal preparation if no carious lesion exists in this area. To evaluate the ideal ClassII cavity preparation design, if carious lesion exists only in the interproximal area, three cavity design conditions were studied: Rodda's conventional cavity, simple proximal box cavity and proximal box cavity with retention grooves. In this study, MO amalgam cavity was prepared on maxillary first premolar. Three dimensional finite element models were made by serial photographic method. Linear, eight and six-nodal, isoparametric brick elements were used for the three dimensional finite element model. The periodontal ligament and alveolar bone surrounding the tooth were excluded in these models. Three types model(B option, Gap option and R option model) were developed. B option model was assumed perfect bonding between the restoration and cavty wall. Gap option model(Gap distance: $2{\mu}m$) was assumed the possibility of play at the interface simulated the lack of real bonding between the amalgam and cavity wall (enamel and dentin). R option model was assumed non-connection between the restoration and cavty wall. A load of 500N was applied vertically at the first node from the lingual slope of the buccal cusp tip. This study analysed the displacement, 1 and 2 direction normal stress and strain with FEM software ABAQUS Version 5.2 and hardware IRIS 4D/310 VGX Work-station. The results were as followed. 1. Rodda's cavity form model showed greater amount of displacement with other two models. 2. The stress and strain were increased on the distal marginal ridge and buccopulpal line angle in Rodda's cavity form model. 3. The stress and strain were increased on the central groove and a part of distal marginal ridge in simple proximal box model and proximal box model with retention grooves. 4. With Gap option, Rodda's cavity form model showed the greatest amount of the stress on distal marginal ridge followed by proximal box model with retention grooves and simple proximal box model in descending order. 5. With Gap option, simple proximal box model showed greater amount of stress on the central groove with proximal box model with retention grooves. 6. Retention grooves in the proximal box played the role of supporting the restorations opposing to loads.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.10 no.3 s.36
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• pp.423-435
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• 1998

In this paper fatigue strength reduction of butt weld with penetration defect, which can be seen frequently in the steel bridge, was assessed quantitatively. S-N curves were derived and investigated through the constant amplitude fatigue test of fully or partially penetrated welded specimen made of SWS490 steel. The fracture mechanical method was applied in order to calculate the remaining fatigue life of the partially penetrated butt welds. The fatigue limit of the fully penetrated butt welds was higher than that of category A in AASHTO's fatigue design curves, and the slope of S-N curves with 5.57 was stiffer than that of other result for welded part generally accepted as 3. The fatigue strength of the partially Penetrated butt weld was strongly influenced by the size of lack of penetration, D. It decreased drastically with increasing D from 3.9 to 14.7mm. Fracture behaviour of the partially penetrated butt weld is able to be explained obviously from the beach mark test that a semi-elliptical surface crack with small a/c ratio initiates at a internal weld root and propagates through the weld metal. To estimate the fatigue life of the partially penetrated butt weld with fracture mechanics, stress intensity factors K of 3-dimensional semi-elliptical crack were calculated by appling finite elements method and fracture mechanics parameters such as C and m were derived through the fatigue test of CT-specimen. As a result, the fatigue lives obtained by using the fracture mechanical method agreed well with the experimental results. The results were applied to Sung-Su bridge collapsed due to penetration defects in butt weld of vertical member.