• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.29 no.10 s.241
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• pp.1377-1383
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• 2005

A general and efficient methodology has been developed to analyze dimensional variations of an assembly, taking into account of weld distortion. Weld distortion is generally probabilistic because of the random nature of welding parameters such as the welding speed, maximum welding temperature, ambient temperature, etc. The methodology is illustrated through a very simple example of two perpendicular plates fillet-welded to each other. Two steps comprise the methodology: establishment of a weld-distortion database, and tolerance analysis using the database. To establish the database, thermo-elasto-plastic finite element analyses are conducted to compute the weld distortion for all combinations of discrete values of major welding parameters. In the second step of tolerance analysis, the weld distortion retrieved from the database is used in addition to the dimensional tolerances of the parts. As a result of such an analysis, sensitivities of the assembly's dimensional variations to the part tolerances and weld distortion are obtained, which can be help improve the dimensional quality of the assembly.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society for Noise and Vibration Engineering Conference
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• 1998.04a
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• pp.444-449
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• 1998

A modal transducer in two-dimensional structure can be implemented by varying the distributed transducer's gain spatially. In this paper, a method based on finite element method is developed for optimizing spatial gain distribution of PVDF transducer to create the modal transducer for specific modes. Using this concept, one can design the modal transducer in two-dimensional structure having arbitrary geometry and boundary conditions. As a practical means for implementing this continuous gain distribution without repoling die PVDF film, the gain distribution is approximated by optimizing gain-weights of interface circuit. The whole spatial area of the PVDF film is divided into several electrode segments and the signals from each segment are properly weighted and summed by interface circuit. This corresponds to the approximation of a continuous function using discrete values. The electrode partition is optimized using the genetic algorithm. Gain-weights are optimized using the simplex search method. A modal sensor for first to fourth modes of aluminum plate is designed using PVDF film with gain-weighted interface circuit. Various lamination angles of PVDF film are taken into consideration to utilize the anisotropy of the PVDF film. Performance of the optimized' PVDF sensor is demonstrated by numerical simulations..

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.39-52
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• 2011

We are developing a biomimetic robot based on the Sea Lamprey. The robot consists of a cylindrical electronics bay propelled by an undulatory body axis. Shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators generate propagating flexion waves in five undulatory segments of a polyurethane strip. The behavior of the robot is controlled by an electronic nervous system (ENS) composed of networks of discrete-time map-based neurons and synapses that execute on a digital signal processing chip. Motor neuron action potentials gate power transistors that apply current to the SMA actuators. The ENS consists of a set of segmental central pattern generators (CPGs), modulated by layered command and coordinating neuron networks, that integrate input from exteroceptive sensors including a compass, accelerometers, inclinometers and a short baseline sonar array (SBA). The CPGs instantiate the 3-element hemi-segmental network model established from physiological studies. Anterior and posterior propagating pathways between CPGs mediate intersegmental coordination to generate flexion waves for forward and backward swimming. The command network mediates layered exteroceptive reflexes for homing, primary orientation, and impediment compensation. The SBA allows homing on a sonar beacon by indicating deviations in azimuth and inclination. Inclinometers actuate a bending segment between the hull and undulator to allow climb and dive. Accelerometers can distinguish collisions from impediment to allow compensatory reflexes. Modulatory commands mediate speed control and turning. A SBA communications interface is being developed to allow supervised reactive autonomy.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.317-333
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• 2014

The study of the mechanical behavior of rockfill materials under three-dimensional loading conditions is a current research focus area. This paper presents a microscale numerical study of rockfill deformation and strength characteristics using the Combined Finite-Discrete Element Method (FDEM). Two features unique to this study are the consideration of irregular particle shapes and particle crushability. A polydisperse assembly of irregular polyhedra was prepared to reproduce the mechanical behavior of rockfill materials subjected to axial compression at a constant mean stress for a range of intermediate principal stress ratios in the interval [0, 1]. The simulation results, including the stress-strain characteristics, relationship between principal strains, and principal deviator strains are discussed. The stress-dilatancy behavior is described using a linear dilatancy equation with its material constants varying with the intermediate principal stress ratio. The failure surface in the principal stress space and its traces in the deviatoric and meridian plane are also presented. The modified Lade-Duncan criterion most closely describes the stress points at failure.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.523-542
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• 2016

Snowdrift formation on roofs should be considered in snowy and windy areas to ensure the safety of buildings. Presently, the prediction of snowdrifts on roofs relies heavily on field measurements, wind tunnel tests and numerical simulations. In this paper, a new snowdrift modeling method by using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) coupled with DEM (Discrete Element Method) is presented, including material parameters and particle size, collision parameters, particle numbers and input modes, boundary conditions of CFD, simulation time and inlet velocity, and coupling calculation process. Not only is the two-way coupling between wind and snow particles which includes the transient changes in snow surface topography, but also the cohesion and collision between snow particles are taken into account. The numerical method is applied to simulate the snowdrift on a typical stepped flat roof. The feasibility of using coupled CFD with DEM to study snowdrift is verified by comparing the simulation results with field measurement results on the snow depth distribution of the lower roof.

• Advances in Computational Design
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.313-331
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• 2017

In this study, teaching-learning based optimization (TLBO) is improved by incorporating model of multiple teachers, adaptive teaching factor, self-motivated learning, and learning through tutorial. Modified TLBO (MTLBO) is applied for simultaneous topology, shape, and size optimization of space and planar trusses to study its effectiveness. All the benchmark problems are subjected to stress, displacement, and kinematic stability constraints while design variables are discrete and continuous. Analyses of unacceptable and singular topologies are prohibited by seeing element connectivity through Grubler's criterion and the positive definiteness. Performance of MTLBO is compared to TLBO and state-of-the-art algorithms available in literature, such as a genetic algorithm (GA), improved GA, force method and GA, ant colony optimization, adaptive multi-population differential evolution, a firefly algorithm, group search optimization (GSO), improved GSO, and intelligent garbage can decision-making model evolution algorithm. It is observed that MTLBO has performed better or found nearly the same optimum solutions.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.39-51
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• 2016

This paper considers the tensile strength of concrete samples in direct, CTT, modified tension, splitting and ring tests using both of the experimental tests and numerical simulation (particle flow code 2D). It determined that which one of indirect tensile strength is close to direct tensile strength. Initially calibration of PFC was undertaken with respect to the data obtained from Brazilian laboratory tests to ensure the conformity of the simulated numerical models response. Furthermore, validation of the simulated models in four introduced tests was also cross checked with the results from experimental tests. By using numerical testing, the failure process was visually observed and failure patterns were watched to be reasonable in accordance with experimental results. Discrete element simulations demonstrated that the macro fractures in models are caused by microscopic tensile breakages on large numbers of bonded discs. Tensile strength of concrete in direct test was less than other tests results. Tensile strength resulted from modified tension test was close to direct test results. So modified tension test can be a proper test for determination of tensile strength of concrete in absence of direct test. Other advantages shown by modified tension tests are: (1) sample preparation is easy and (2) the use of a simple conventional compression press controlled by displacement compared with complicate device in other tests.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.19-35
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• 2010

This paper proposes a hybrid heuristic and criteria-based method of optimum design which combines the advantages of both the iterated simulated annealing (SA) algorithm and the rigorously derived optimality criteria (OC) for structural optimum design of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings under multi-load cases based on the current Chinese design codes. The entire optimum design procedure is divided into two parts: strength optimum design and stiffness optimum design. A modified SA with the strategy of adaptive feasible region is proposed to perform the discrete optimization of RC frame structures under the strength constraints. The optimum stiffness design is conducted using OC method with the optimum results of strength optimum design as the lower bounds of member size. The proposed method is integrated into the commercial software packages for building structural design, SATWE, and for finite element analysis, ANSYS, for practical applications. Finally, two practical frame-shear-wall structures (15-story and 30-story) are optimized to illustrate the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed optimum design method.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.66 no.4
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• pp.453-463
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• 2018

Three points bending flexural test was modelled numerically to study the crack propagation in the pre-cracked beams. The pre-existing double internal cracks inside the beam models were considered to investigate the crack propagation and coalescence paths within the modelled samples. Notch configuration effects on the failure stress were considered too. This numerical analysis shown that the propagation of wing cracks emanating from the tips of the pre-existing internal cracks caused the final breaking of beams specimens. It was also shown that when two notches were overlapped, they both mobilized in the failure process and the failure stress was decreased when the notches were located in centre line. However, the failure stress was increased by increasing the bridge area angle. Finally, it was shown that in all cases, there were good agreements between the discrete element method results and, the other numerical and experimental results. In this research, it is tried to improve the understanding of the crack propagation and crack coalescence phenomena in brittle materials which is of paramount importance in the stability analyses of rock and concrete structures, such as the underground openings, rock slopes and tunnel construction.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.639-655
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• 2017

The binary mixture consists of two types of granular media with different physical attributes and sizes, which can be characterized by the percentage of large granules by weight (P) and the particle size ratio (${\alpha}$). Researchers determine that two thresholds ($P_S$ and $P_L$) exist for the peak shear strength of binary mixtures, i.e., at $P{\leq}P_S$, the peak shear strength is controlled by the small granules; at $P{\leq}P_L$, the peak shear strength is controlled by the large granules; at $P_S{\leq}P{\leq}P_L$, the peak shear strength is governed by both the large and small granules. However, the thresholds of binary mixtures with different ${\alpha}$ values, and the explanation related to the inner details of binary mixtures to account for why these thresholds exist, require further confirmation. This paper considers the mechanical behavior of binary mixtures with DEM analysis. The thresholds of binary mixtures are found to be strongly related to their coordination numbers $Z_L$ for all values of ${\alpha}$, where $Z_L$ denotes the partial coordination number only between the large particles. The arrangement structure of the large particles is examined when P approaches the thresholds, and a similar arrangement structure of large particles is formed in both 2D and 3D particle systems.