• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.773-796
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• 2014

This paper deals with free vibration analysis of continuous grading fiber reinforced (CGFR) and bi-directional FG annular sector plates on two-parameter elastic foundations under various boundary conditions, based on the three-dimensional theory of elasticity. The plates with simply supported radial edges and arbitrary boundary conditions on their circular edges are considered. A semi-analytical approach composed of differential quadrature method (DQM) and series solution is adopted to solve the equations of motion. Some new results for the natural frequencies of the plate are prepared, which include the effects of elastic coefficients of foundation, boundary conditions, material and geometrical parameters. Results indicate that the non-dimensional natural frequency parameter of a functionally graded fiber volume fraction is larger than that of a discrete laminated and close to that of a 2-layer. It results that the CGFR plate attains natural frequency higher than those of traditional discretely laminated composite ones and this can be a benefit when higher stiffness of the plate is the goal and that is due to the reduction in spatial mismatch of material properties. Moreover, it is shown that a graded ceramic volume fraction in two directions has a higher capability to reduce the natural frequency than conventional one-dimensional functionally graded material. The multidirectional graded material can likely be designed according to the actual requirement and it is a potential alternative to the unidirectional functionally graded material. The new results can be used as benchmark solutions for future researches.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.253-258
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• 2020

Vibration response in a sandwich plate with a nanocompiste core covered by magnetic layer is presented. The core is armed by functionalyy graded-carbon nanotubes (FG-CNTs) where the Mori-Tanaka law is utilized assuming agglomeration effects. The structure plate is located on elastic medium simulated by Pasternak model. The governing equations are derived based on Mindlin theory and Hamilton's principle. Utilizing diffrential quadrature method (DQM), the frequency of the structure is calculated and the effects of magnetic layer, volume percent and agglomeration of CNTs, elastic medium and geometrical parameters of structure are shown on the frequency of system. Results indicate that with considering magnetic layer, the frequency of structure is increased.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.55-66
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• 2022

To develop high-efficiency lateral force resistance components for high-rise buildings, a novel energy dissipation shear wall with concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) column elements was proposed. An energy dissipation shear wall specimen with CFST column elements (GZSW) and an ordinary reinforced concrete shear wall (SW) were constructed, and experimented by low-cycle reversed loading. The mechanical characteristics of these two specimens, including the bearing capacity, ductility, energy dissipation, and stiffness degradation process, were analyzed. The finite-element model of the GZSW was established by ABAQUS. Based on this finite-element model, the effect of the placement of steel-plate energy dissipation connectors on the seismic performance of the shear wall was analyzed, and optimization was performed. The experiment results prove that, the GZSW exhibited a superior seismic performance in terms of bearing capacity, ductility, energy dissipation, and stiffness degradation, in comparison with the SW. The results calculated by the ABAQUS finite-elements model of GZSW corresponded well with the results of experiment, and it proved the rationality of the established finite-elements model. In addition, the optimal placement of the steel-plate energy dissipation connectors was obtained by ABAQUS.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.60 no.4
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• pp.567-594
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• 2016

The main objective of the current research is estimating the flexural behavior of ferrocement Ribbed Plates reinforced with composite material. Experimental investigation was carried out on fifteen plates; their dimensions were kept constant at 1200 mm in length, 600 mm width and 100 mm thick but with different volume fraction of steel reinforcement and number of ribs. Test specimens were tested until failure under three line loadings with simply supported conditions over a span of 1100 mm. Cracking patterns, tensile and compressive strains, deformation characteristics, ductility ratio, and energy absorption properties were observed and measured at all stages of loadings. Experimental results were compared to analytical models using ANSYS 10 program. Parametric study is presented to look at the variables that can mainly affect the mechanical behaviors of the model such as the change of plate length. The results showed that the ultimate strength, ductility ratio and energy absorption properties of the proposed ribbed plates are affected by the volume fraction and the type of reinforcement, and also proved the effectiveness of expanded metal mesh and woven steel mesh in reinforcing the ribbed ferrocement plates. In addition, the developed ribbed ferrocement plates have high strength, ductility ratio and energy absorption properties and are lighter in weight compared to the conventional RC ribbed plates, which could be useful for developed and developing countries alike. The Finite Element (FE) simulations gave good results comparing with the experimental results.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.155-169
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• 2022

In the present paper an analytical model was developed to study the non-linear vibrations of Functionally Graded Carbon Nanotube (FG-CNT) reinforced doubly-curved shallow shells using the Multiple Scales Method (MSM). The nonlinear partial differential equations of motion are based on the FGM shallow shell hypothesis, the non-linear geometric Von-Karman relationships, and the Galerkin method to reduce the partial differential equations associated with simply supported boundary conditions. The novelty of the present model is the simultaneous prediction of the natural frequencies and their mode shapes versus different curvatures (cylindrical, spherical, conical, and plate) and the different types of FG-CNTs. In addition to combining the vibration analysis with optimization algorithms based on the genetic algorithm, a design optimization methode was developed to maximize the natural frequencies. By considering the expression of the non-dimensional frequency as an objective optimization function, a genetic algorithm program was developed by valuing the mechanical properties, the geometric properties and the FG-CNT configuration of shallow double curvature shells. The results obtained show that the curvature, the volume fraction and the types of NTC distribution have considerable effects on the variation of the Dimensionless Fundamental Linear Frequency (DFLF). The frequency response of the shallow shells of the FG-CNTRC showed two types of nonlinear hardening and softening which are strongly influenced by the change in the fundamental vibration mode. In GA optimization, the mechanical properties and geometric properties in the transverse direction, the volume fraction, and types of distribution of CNTs have a considerable effect on the fundamental frequencies of shallow double-curvature shells. Where the difference between optimized and not optimized DFLF can reach 13.26%.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society For Composite Materials Conference
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• 2005.04a
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• pp.137-140
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• 2005

Resin transfer molding (RTM) is one of the most popular processes for producing fiber reinforced polymer composites. In the manufacture of complex thick composite structures, analysis on flow front advancement on the resin impregnating the multi-layered fiber preform is helpful for the optimization of the process. In this study, three-dimensional mold filling simulation of RTM is carried out by using CVFEM (Control Volume Finite Element Method). On the assumption of isothermal flow of Newtonian fluid, Darcy’s law and continuity equation are used as governing equations. Different permeability tensors employed in each layer are obtained by experiments. Numerically predicted flow front is compared with experimental one in order to validate the numerical results. Flow simulations are conducted in the two mold geometries, rectangular plate and hollow cylinder. Permeability tensor of each layer preform in Cartesian coordinate system is transformed to cylinder coordinates system so that the flow within the multi-layered preforms of the hollow cylinder can be calculated exactly. Our emphasis is on the three dimensional flow analysis for circular three-dimensional braided preform, which shows outstanding mechanical properties such as high impact strength and toughness compared with other conventional two-dimensional laminar-structured preforms.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.333-346
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• 2019

Foam ceramic materials contribute to the explosion effect weakening on concrete structures, due to the corresponding excellent energy absorption ability. The blast resistance of concrete members could be improved through steel-foam ceramics as protective cladding layers. An approach for the modeling of dynamic response of steel-foam ceramic protected reinforced concrete (Steel-FC-RC) slabs under blast loading was presented with the LS-DYNA software. The orthogonal analysis (five factors with five levels) under three degrees of blast loads was conducted. The influence rankings and trend laws were further analyzed. The dynamic displacement of the slab bottom was significantly reduced by increasing the thickness of steel plate, foam ceramic and RC slab, while the displacement decreased slightly as the steel yield strength and the compressive strength of concrete increased. However, the optimized efficiency of blast resistance decreases with factors increase to higher level. Moreover, an efficient design method was reported based on the orthogonal analysis.

• Composites Research
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.25-30
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• 2007

The advanced fiber-reinforced laminated composites are widely used in a variety of engineering applications such as aerospace, marine, mechanical and civil engineering for weight savings because of their high specific strength and stiffness. The material properties of ply is known to have larger variations than that of conventional materials and very sensitive to the loading direction. Therefore, it is important to consider the variations on designing the laminated composite. This paper demonstrates the importance of considering uncertainties through examining the effect of material properties variations on various design requirements such as tip deflection, natural frequency and buckling stress using COMSOL-MATLAB interface.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.1403-1419
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• 2015

When precast concrete infill panels are connected to steel frames at discrete locations, interaction at the structural interface is neither complete nor absent. The contribution of precast concrete infill panels to the lateral stiffness and strength of steel frames can be significant depending on the quality, quantity and location of the discrete interface connections. This paper presents preliminary experimental and finite element results of an investigation into the composite behaviour of a square steel frame with a precast concrete infill panel subject to lateral loading. The panel is connected at the corners to the ends of the top and bottom beams. The Frame-to-Panel-Connection, FPC4 between steel beam and concrete panel consists of two parts. A T-section with five achor bars welded to the top of the flange is cast in at the panel corner at a forty five degree angle. The triangularly shaped web of the T-section is reinforced against local buckling with a stiffener plate. The second part consists of a triangular gusset plate which is welded to the beam flange. Two bolts acting in shear connect the gusset plate to the web of the T-section. This way the connection can act in tension or compression. Experimental pull-out tests on individual connections allowed their load deflection characteristics to be established. A full scale experiment was performed on a one-storey one-bay 3 by 3 m infilled frame structure which was horizontally loaded at the top. With the characteristics of the frame-to-panel connections obtained from the experiments on individual connections, finite element analyses were performed on the infilled frame structures taking geometric and material non-linear behaviour of the structural components into account. The finite element model yields reasonably accurate results. This allows the model to be used for further parametric studies.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.65-79
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• 2022

The main goal of this paper is to study the vibration of damaged core laminated annular plates with FG face sheets based on a three-dimensional theory of elasticity. The structures are made of a damaged isotropic core and two external face sheets. These skins are strengthened at the nanoscale level by randomly oriented Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and are reinforced at the microscale stage by oriented straight fibers. These reinforcing phases are included in a polymer matrix and a three-phase approach based on the Eshelby-Mori-Tanaka scheme and on the Halpin-Tsai approach, which is developed to compute the overall mechanical properties of the composite material. In this study the effect of microcracks on the vibrational characteristic of the sandwich plate is considered. In particular, the structures are made by an isotropic core that undergoes a progressive uniform damage, which is modeled as a decay of the mechanical properties expressed in terms of engineering constants. These defects are uniformly distributed and affect the central layer of the plates independently from the direction, this phenomenon is known as "isotropic damage" and it is fully described by a scalar parameter. Three complicated equations of motion for the sectorial plates under consideration are semi-analytically solved by using 2-D differential quadrature method. Using the 2-D differential quadrature method in the r- and z-directions, allows one to deal with sandwich annular plate with arbitrary thickness distribution of material properties and also to implement the effects of different boundary conditions of the structure efficiently and in an exact manner. The fast rate of convergence and accuracy of the method are investigated through the different solved examples. The sandwich annular plate is assumed to have any arbitrary boundary conditions at the circular edges including simply supported, clamped and, free. Several parametric analyses are carried out to investigate the mechanical behavior of these multi-layered structures depending on the damage features, through-the-thickness distribution, and boundary conditions.