• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.48 no.1
• /
• pp.73-88
• /
• 2023

This paper presents a novel implicit level set method for topology optimization of functionally graded (FG) structures with pre-existing discontinuities (pre-cracks) using radial basis functions (RBF). The mathematical formulation of the optimization problem is developed by incorporating RBF-based nodal densities as design variables and minimizing compliance as the objective function. To accurately capture crack-tip behavior, crack-tip enrichment functions are introduced, and an eXtended Finite Element Method (X-FEM) is employed for analyzing the mechanical response of FG structures with strong discontinuities. The enforcement of boundary conditions is achieved using the Hamilton-Jacobi method. The study provides detailed mathematical expressions for topology optimization of systems with defects using FG materials. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the efficiency and reliability of the proposed methodology.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.49 no.2
• /
• pp.197-213
• /
• 2023

To investigate the static properties of large high strength bolt shear connector in hybrid fiber-reinforced concrete (HFRC) and normal concrete (NC), eight push-out test specimens with single/double nut and HFRC/NC slabs were designed and push-out tests were conducted. A fine 3D nonlinear finite element (FE) model including HFRC constitutive model was established by using ANSYS 18.0, and the test results were used to verify FE models of the push-out test specimens. Then a total of 13 FE models were analyzed with various parameters including fiber volume fractions of HFRC, bolt diameter and thickness of steel flange. Finally, the empirical equations considering the contribution of polypropylene fiber (PF) and steel fiber (SF) obtained from the regression of the test results and FE analysis were recommended to evaluate the load-slip curve and ultimate capacity of the large high strength bolt shear connector embedded in HFRC/NC.

• Advances in aircraft and spacecraft science
• /
• v.10 no.4
• /
• pp.335-346
• /
• 2023

In this study, The Von Mises stresses in composite plate loaded in tension and repaired by a boron/epoxy scarf patch were analyzed using the finite element method. The performance of the repairs depends on several parameters: the dimensions and the intrinsic properties of the patch and the adhesive which are dependent on each other. Therefore, the method of experiment designs is used to determine the interaction effect of different parameters (patch folds), their optimum and the most influential parameter. The optimum of stacking sequences allows reducing stresses significantly, and thus permits designers to improve the quality of repairs.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
• /
• v.89 no.3
• /
• pp.323-334
• /
• 2024

Physical and chemical factors can cause traditional timber constructions to lose structural integrity. Knowing the dynamic properties of the building components is vital to avoid damage to the buildings from dynamic effects, a subset of physical effects. In this work, spruce and scotch pine wooden beams that had been strengthened in three distinct ways with carbon fiber strengthened polymer (CFRP) were investigated for changes in their dynamic properties. For this, CFRP was used to strengthening unstrengthened wooden beams in the form of bottom confinement, U-shaped confinement, and full confinement after the dynamic parameters of the beams were determined. By using experimental modal analysis with both free-free and fixed-fixed boundary conditions, the beams'initial natural frequencies were identified.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.51 no.2
• /
• pp.127-138
• /
• 2024

In this paper, structural behavior under fire conditions is comprehensively examined, and a novel software interface for testing interfaces efficiently is developed and validated. In order to accurately assess the response of structures to fire scenarios, advanced simulation techniques and modeling approaches are incorporated into the study. This interface enables accurate heat transfer analysis and thermo-mechanical simulations by integrating software tools such as CSI ETABS, CSI SAP2000, and OpenSees. Heat transfer models can be automatically generated, simulation outputs processed, and structural responses interpreted under a variety of fire scenarios using the proposed technique. As a result of rigorous testing and validation against established methods, including Cardington tests on scales and hybrid simulation approaches, the software interface has been proven to be effective and accurate. The analysis process is streamlined by this interface, providing engineers and researchers with a robust tool for assessing structural performance under fire conditions.

• Advances in concrete construction
• /
• v.17 no.4
• /
• pp.187-210
• /
• 2024

Cantilever structures demonstrate diverse nonlocal effects, resulting in either stiffness hardening or dynamic softening behaviors, as various studies have indicated. This research delves into the free and forced vibration analysis of rotating nanoscale cylindrical beams and tubes under external dynamic stress, aiming to thoroughly explore the nonlocal impact from both angles. Utilizing Euler-Bernoulli and Reddy beam theories, in conjunction with higher-order tube theory and Hamilton's principle, nonlocal governing equations are derived with precise boundary conditions for both local and nonlocal behaviors. The study specifically examines two-dimensional functionally graded materials (2D-FGM), characterized by axially functionally graded (AFG) and radial porosity distributions. The resulting partial differential equations are solved using the generalized differential quadrature element method (GDQEM) and Newmark-beta procedures to acquire time-dependent results. This investigation underscores the significant influence of boundary conditions when nonlocal forces act on cantilever structures.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.53 no.1
• /
• pp.91-101
• /
• 2024

A cost-effective fabrication method suitable for research purposes is proposed in this study. The elastic modulus of the fabricated functionally graded materials is evaluated and compared using two experimental methods: the three-point bending test and the tensile test, with a focus on the fiber volume fraction of the FGM layers. New methods for computing the elastic modulus are introduced, which are based on Castigliano's theorem and the secant modulus concept, incorporating the non-linear behavior of the material. Additionally, the mode I fracture toughness of the FGM layers is measured accurately using the three-point bending test and finite element analysis, and the influence of varying fiber volume fractions on this parameter is investigated through statistical analysis. Results indicate that while an increase in fiber volume fraction correlates with a rise in elastic modulus, it does not necessarily lead to an enhancement in mode I fracture toughness, highlighting the complex interactions between material composition and mechanical properties.

• Composites Research
• /
• v.26 no.4
• /
• pp.207-212
• /
• 2013

In this study, the thickness optimization for uni-directional (UD) glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) laminates of the spar cap of composite tidal blades was performed under the tip deflection constrains. The spar cap was composed of GFRP composites and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. The stress distributions in the blade as well as its material costs for the optimized results were additionally investigated. The optimized thickness was obtained by interacting a sequential quadratic programming (SQP) algorithm and an ABAQUS software to calculate an objective function. It was confirmed that the thickness of UD GFRP increased with a decrease of the restrained tip deflection when a thickness of UD CFRP laminates was constrained to 9 mm. The weight of the optimized spar-cap increased up to 96.2% while the maximum longitudinal tensile stress decreased up to 24.6%. The thickness of UD GFRP laminates increased with a decrease of the thickness of UD CFRP laminates when the tip deflection was constrained to 126.83 mm. The weight increased up to 40.1%, but the material cost decreased up to 16.97%. Finally, the relationships among the weight, internal tensile stress, and material costs were presented based on the optimized thicknesses of the spar cap.

• Journal of the Korean Geosynthetics Society
• /
• v.16 no.3
• /
• pp.63-74
• /
• 2017

Although the Granular Compaction Pile (GCP) has been used for many decades, several failures still occur such as bulging, shear failure and other phenomena, indicating that more refined study is needed. The main objective of the study is to evaluate the stress concentration ratio for both area replacement ratio and shear strength of soil through literature review and numerical analysis. Numerical analysis using the finite element program ABAQUS has been performed for the composite ground with GCP. The behavior stress and settlement of composite ground have been analyzed for both the area replacement ratio (10~40%) and shear strength of soil (25~75 kPa). As a result of numerical analysis, as the soil strength and area replacement ratio increased, the average stree related coefficient and stress concentration ratio for depth tended to decrease, and stress related coefficient of upper layer tend to decrease equally, but the stress concentration ratio decreased. Therefore, tendency that the value in th upper layer differs from the value in other depths was displayed. Care should be taken because it is possible to make mistakes in designing the entire composite ground with the values measured in the upper layer. Also, the settlement reduction factor was compared with the existing equation and numerical analysis. And the value obatined from the existing equation and numerical analysis are similar.

• Journal of the Korean Geosynthetics Society
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.127-137
• /
• 2018

Gravel Compaction Pile (hereinafter referred to as GCP) is a ground improvement technique by packing crushed stones on fragile clay ground, pressing it, and forming stakes on the foundation. Although many researchers have analyzed stress behavior of GCP composite ground on domestic GCP technique using laboratory experiment and field experiment, analyses of stress behavior according to the difference of stiffness of mat foundation loaded on the upper foundation of GCP composite ground have not been done actively. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the stress concentration ratio in accordance with the difference of basis stiffness by interpreting figures. To perform this, replacement ratio was changed and modelled using ABAQUS, software for finite element analysis and analyzed the stress concentration ratio, amounts of settlement, and maximum amounts of horizontal displacement of composite ground in accordance with the difference of stiffness. An analysis showed that the stress concentration ratio of rigid foundation was highly assessed than unloading of flexible foundation in case of unloading, while amounts of settlement under flexible unloading condition were slightly higher than under rigid condition. This indicates that the characteristic of stress behavior on the different stiffness of upper foundation needs to be clarified. In addition, the maximum horizontal displacement was generated in a constant level regardless of the difference of stiffness.