Search Results (9)

This paper studies the dynamic response of corner-supported modular steel buildings with a core wall system, under progressive collapse scenarios, associated with corner module removals. Since using secondary systems such as concrete core in mid- to high-rise buildings is currently unavoidable, understanding their impact on load transfer between modules during collapse scenarios becomes essential. The designated four-, eight-, and twelve-story buildings were modelled using the macro-model-based finite element method in Abaqus. In addition, three different locations are considered for the concrete shear core within the building plan, leading to nine various case scenarios. Each vertical and horizontal inter-module connection was modelled by one axial and two shear springs with predefined nonlinear force-displacement behavior. The local and global buckling, which plays an essential role in the building’s stability, was considered to obtain accurate results. Finally, parametric studies on the building response were carried out, including the intra-module connection rigidity and inter-module connection stiffness. The results demonstrated that the core wall could maintain the robustness of a modular steel building through two mechanisms dependent on its location within the plan. In addition, preventing plastic hinges from forming in beams could be introduced as an anti-collapse mechanism in the corner module removal scenarios. Full article

This article proposes an progressive-collapse mechanism for suspended-dome structures subjected to cable rupture, based on experimental and finite element results. The anti-collapse mechanism can be succinctly described as a node-buckling mechanism: the potential for node buckling in a local arch-like spatial grid centered on unsupported node directly determines whether progressive collapse will occur in the overall structure. Subsequently, based on this anti-collapse mechanism, a node-buckling model is further proposed, and the factors affecting the anti-collapse bearing capacity of suspended domes are quantitatively expressed through the construction of a resistance index, which can be used to judge the sensitivity of hoop cables. Further, using Ribbed and Lamella suspended domes as examples, extensive calculations demonstrate the applicability and accuracy of the node-buckling model and resistance index to other types of suspended domes. Finally, the resistance index is used to analyze two important but easily overlooked factors that affect the anti-collapse bearing capacity of suspended domes. Initial geometric imperfections result in a rise–span ratio too small for the local arch-like spatial grid, while the lack of lateral stiffness at the supports will weaken the axial stiffness of the outermost radial or diagonal members. Both of these factors significantly reduce the stability of the local arch-like spatial grid, making it more likely to trigger progressive collapse in suspended-dome structures. Full article

The buckling failure of the afterburner cylinder is a serious safety concern for aero-engines. To tackle this issue, the buckling simulation analysis of the afterburner cylinder was carried out by using finite element method (FEM) software to obtain the buckling mode and critical buckling loads. It was found that the afterburner cylinder was susceptible to buckling when subjected to differential pressure or the compressive force of the rear flange. Buckling would occur when the differential pressure reached 0.4 times the atmospheric pressure or when the axial compressive force on the rear flange reached 222.8 kN. Buckling was also found at the front of the cylinder under the auxiliary mount load. Additionally, under various loads on the rear flange, buckling occurred in the rear section, with the buckling mode being closely related to the load characteristics. Based on the simulation results and structural design requirements, two structural improvements were proposed, including the wall-thickening scheme and the grid reinforcement scheme. FEM simulation analysis results showed that both schemes would improve the rigidity and stability of the afterburner cylinder. For the 0.3 mm increase in the wall thickness scheme, the critical buckling load increased by 17.86% to 66.4%; for the grid reinforcement scheme, the critical buckling load increased by 169% to 619%. Therefore, the grid reinforcement scheme had a stronger anti-buckling ability and was deemed the optimal solution. The findings of this paper could provide technical support for the structural design of large-sized and thin-walled components of aero-engines. Full article

In order to improve the force performance of traditional anti-buckling energy dissipation bracing with excessive non-recoverable deformation caused by strong seismic action, this paper presents a prestress-braced frame structure system with shape memory alloy (SMA) and investigates its deformation characteristics under a horizontal load. Firstly, this paper establishes a theoretical analysis model by analyzing the geometric relationship between the deformation of SMA cables and inter-story displacement based on the internal force balance equation. The model is used to solve the anti-lateral displacement stiffness of the SMA cable-supported frame structure and to derive a reasonable formula for calculating the initial prestress and cross-sectional area of SMA cables. Then, the mechanical behavior of the SMA cable-supported frame structure system under an equivalent horizontal load is simulated using ABAQUS software and compared with the calculated results of conventional tie-supported and non-dissipative-supported frame structures. The results show that the force performance of the frame structure system determined by the SMA cable design method proposed in this paper is significantly improved under the horizontal load. Furthermore, it can ensure a certain ductility requirement of the frame structure system, which verifies the effectiveness of the design method of the SMA cable frame structure system proposed in this paper. Full article

Shear keys are usually installed as crucial shear-resistant members of an immersion joint; thus, the mechanical behavior of the shear keys, especially under earthquake loading, deserves more attention. This paper presents a novel arc-shaped energy absorption device developed for shear keys. In order to verify the seismic performance of shear keys strengthened by the arc-shaped energy absorption devices, a series of pseudo-static tests were conducted, in which different axial pressures (300 kN, 400 kN) were also taken into consideration. The testing results indicated that failure mode of the shear key enhanced by the energy absorption devices was a synthesis of the oblique shear failure of the rubber blankets, the buckling of the energy absorption devices, and the concrete fracture of the shear key. In view of load-displacement hysteretic curves of testing specimens, loops of the reinforced shear keys were plumper than those from a traditional shear key. In addition, the load-bearing capacity (cracking load, yield load, peak load, and failing load) differences of the shear keys with and without energy absorption devices reinforcement under the same axial pressure were 33.0%, 36.7%, 26.0%, and 23.6%, respectively. The maximum equivalent viscous coefficient values of the shear keys with and without energy absorption devices reinforcement were 0.37, 0.38, and 0.32, respectively. The arc-shaped energy absorption devices can contribute to the hysteretic behavior of the shear keys. However, the axial pressure had a positive influence on the load bearing capacity, accumulated energy absorption capacity, and initial stiffness of the shear keys. In contrast to that, the axial pressure had negative influence on ductility ratio of the reinforced shear keys (equivalent viscous coefficient values of two enhanced shear keys were roughly equal). A reasonable stiffness scheme of an energy absorption device should be given attention during the anti-seismic design of an immersion joint. The study can provide scientific support for further study on the seismic responses of immersion joints and promote the application of earthquake control technology in immersed tunnels. Full article

The phenomena that occur during compression of hybrid thin-walled columns with open cross-sections in the elastic range are discussed. Nonlinear buckling problems were solved within Koiter’s approximation theory. A multimodal approach was assumed to investigate an effect of symmetrical and anti-symmetrical buckling modes on the ultimate load-carrying capacity. Detailed simulations were carried out for freely supported columns with a C-section and a top-hat type section of medium lengths. The columns under analysis were made of two layers of isotropic materials characterized by various mechanical properties. The results attained were verified with the finite element method (FEM). The boundary conditions applied in the FEM allowed us to confirm the eigensolutions obtained within Koiter’s theory with very high accuracy. Nonlinear solutions comply within these two approaches for low and medium overloads. To trace the correctness of the solutions, the Riks algorithm, which allows for investigating unsteady paths, was used in the FEM. The results for the ultimate load-carrying capacity obtained within the FEM are higher than those attained with Koiter’s approximation method, but the leap takes place on the identical equilibrium path as the one determined from Koiter’s theory. Full article

Compression testing of continuous fiber reinforced materials is challenging, because a great number of competing failure modes and instabilities on different length scales have to be considered. In comparison to tensile testing, the results are more affected by the chosen test set-up. Effects introduced by the test set-up as well as the type of damage in continuous fiber reinforced materials are mainly investigated for quasi-static loading. This is not the case for cyclic compression loading. Neither standardized methods nor a great deal of literature for reference exists. The aim of this work is to increase the understanding by analyzing the potential effects the set-up in fatigue loading might have on the damage for two common testing strategies by fatigue tests, load increase creep tests and supplementary analytical models. The results show that damage modes can be altered by the testing strategy for the investigated woven glass fiber reinforced polyamide 6. The tools both experimentally and analytically provide the basis to choose the correct set-up in future investigations. Full article

Despite superior specific mechanical characteristics of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs), a lack of understanding of their fracture mechanisms under different impact conditions has limited the application of CFRP energy-absorbing structures. To avoid complex and expensive tests on the final structure, it is more convenient to test flat elements. To prevent catastrophic crushing due to the global buckling, flat specimens must be supported by a specific fixture. Previously developed fixtures had shortcomings like tearing of the specimen, jamming of the fixture, short crushable length, or they were specifically designed only for one failure mode. This newly designed fixture overcomes the limitations of previously published solutions. The final configuration includes cylindrical anti-buckling columns 10 mm in diameter and spaced 65 mm apart with adjustable heights. The fixture is designed for rectangular specimens with dimensions of 150 × 100 mm and different thicknesses up to 16 mm, like the ones mandated by the ASTM D7137 standard test method for compression after impact analysis. Other features of this new fixture are the possibility to study the effects of different defects on the crashworthiness of composites, higher crushing area, and integration with Instron drop tower and hydraulic testing machines. Full article

For stress-strain response simulations and damage prediction of cyclically loaded mechanical components, it is crucial to determine both the stress-strain and durability curves of the materials sued. Round and flat specimens can be used for this purpose, either following standard recommendations for their geometry or by designing a special geometry which enables special requirements, such as initial cracks of various shapes, attachment of an extensometer, special grips for raised temperatures, and so on. However, especially in the case of flat specimens having a slender shape, buckling can occur before the stress or strain values reach a sufficient magnitude in compression. To avoid this, an anti-buckling support can be attached to the specimen, which prevents the occurrence of buckling. In turn, friction occurs between the specimen and the anti-buckling support, which affects the measurement of the stress. If a special sensor is attached under the anti-buckling support, the friction force can be measured and subtracted from the stress signal, leaving only the stress-strain response of the material under investigation. In this study, two materials were investigated during incremental step and variable loading tests: The aluminium alloy AlMgSi0.5 and a biodegradable polylactide. Full article