Search

This paper aims to address the issue of hydraulic support crushing accidents or support failures in the retracement roadway (RR) that frequently occurs when a fully mechanized mining face is retraced during the end-mining stage. The deformation and instability mechanism of surrounding rock in the RR during the end mining of a fully mechanized mining face at the Hanjiawan Coal Mine located in the northern Shaanxi mining area is explored through field measurement, theoretical analysis, similar simulation, and numerical simulation. The results reveal that the stability of the remaining coal pillar (RCP) and the fracture position of the main roof are the main factors contributing to large-scale dynamic load pressure in the RR during the end-mining stage. The plastic zone width limit of the RCP is identified to be 5.5 m. Furthermore, the stress distribution within the RCP during the end-mining stage is determined, and the linear relationship between the load borne by the RCP and the strength of the coal pillar is quantified. A similar simulation experiment is conducted to examine the collapse and instability characteristics of the overlying rock structure during the end-mining stage. UDEC (v.5.0) software is utilized to optimize the roof support parameters of the RR. A surrounding rock control technology that integrates the anchor net cable and hydraulic chock is proposed to ensure RR stability. Meanwhile, a method involving ceasing mining operations and waiting pressure is adopted to ensure a safe and smooth connection between the working face and the RR. This study provides a reference for the surrounding rock control of the RR during end mining in shallow, closely-spaced coal seams under similar conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A non-proportional reduction in strength parameters is widely used in slope stability assessment, but the current asynchronous reduction in strength parameters only considers the cohesion c and internal friction angle φ, which is suitable for slope stability assessment under static loads. Under seismic loads, however, tension at the rear edge of the slope often accompanies the appearance of ground cracks. In order to consider the relationship between tensile strength, cohesion, and the internal friction angle reduction coefficient, starting with the linear softening attenuation law of soil material strength parameters, a functional relationship between cohesion and internal friction angle is obtained. Then, considering that the failure of microelements in the tensile and shear zones conforms to the tension and shear of joint failure, the relationship between tensile strength, cohesion, and the internal friction angle reduction coefficient is derived. By establishing a homogeneous slope model and comparing and analyzing the progressive instability failure modes of slopes under static and seismic conditions, the stability and potential slip surface differences of slopes under two different working conditions are explored. The research results indicate that slope instability is a gradual, cumulative failure process under both static and dynamic conditions. The instability mode of the slope under static conditions is shear failure. In contrast, under dynamic loads, the instability failure of the slope is manifested as shear failure upward at the foot of the slope and tensile failure downward at the top of the slope. The stability coefficient of slopes under earthquake conditions is reduced by 17.3% compared to that under static conditions. Under earthquake conditions, the potential sliding surface under an asynchronous reduction in strength parameters is shallower than that under static conditions and deeper than that without an asynchronous reduction in strength parameters. Overall, the research results provide a reference for slope stability analysis and support design optimization under earthquake loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an extended numerical approach for evaluating the dynamic response of corrugated cardboard transport packaging under simulated transport conditions. Building upon a simplified method previously introduced, this study integrates a more comprehensive Finite Element Analysis (FEA) framework to capture the non-linear behaviour of packaging subjected to vertical random vibrations. The proposed model employs dynamic, modal, and contact analyses to simulate the deformation of packaging and subsequent strength reduction over multiple impact cycles, reflecting real-world conditions more accurately. The developed approach gives detailed insights into the structural degradation of packaging due to repetitive transport loads and validates the findings through comparative compression tests. The results show that enhanced numerical methods improve the accuracy of load-bearing predictions, thereby supporting optimisation in packaging design for various geometries and transport scenarios. This method offers a valuable tool for evaluating the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of packaging solutions in logistics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the instability characteristics of interlayer rock strata (IRS) in shallow buried close-distance coal seams under insufficient mining areas, based on the background of interval mining under goaf in Nanliang Coal Mine, this paper studies the instability characteristics of interlayer strata in interval mining under goaf by means of similar simulation, numerical simulation, and field measurement. The results indicated that the first weighting interval of the main roof during mining in the lower coal seam was 49 m, while small and large periodic weightings with intervals of 10–14 m and 15–19 m were identified. During periodic weighting, the support resistance ranged from 6813 to 10,935 kN, with a dynamic load factor of 1.07–1.74, and the peak abutment pressure in front of the working face was 5.85–9.85 MPa. The mining under the interval coal pillar (ICP) was the 'stress increase zone', and the mining under the temporary coal pillars (TCPs) and the interval goaf was the 'stress release zone'. During the working face mining out of the ICP, the support resistance reached 10,934 kN, the dynamic load factor reached 1.74, and the abutment pressure (AP) reached 9.85 MPa, which was 60% higher than the AP mining under the "stress release zone". Analysis suggests that the cutting instability of the IRS was the root cause of the increased AP in the working face of the lower coal seam. A numerical simulation was performed to verify the instability characteristics of the IRS in the interval goaf. The relationship between support strength and roof subsidence during the period of the working face leaving the coal pillar was established. A dynamic pressure prevention method involving pre-splitting and pressure relief of the ICP was proposed and yields superior field application performance. The findings of the study provide a reference for rock strata control during mining under the subcritical mining area in shallow and closely spaced coal seams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interchange is a pivotal traffic facility that connects highways and controls access. It is necessary to study their dynamic response characteristics to analyze the operational safety of ramp bridges on interchanges. Based on the numerical simulation results of the finite element model of the Fuxing Interchange Bridge, non-destructive measurement techniques were used to conduct field dynamic load tests on the bridge, including ramp strain testing and acceleration testing. These tests aimed to study the dynamic response characteristics of the ramp bridge under moving loads. Due to the design speed limitation of the ramp bridge, the grey prediction GM(1, 1) model was used to predict the maximum dynamic deflection, maximum dynamic strain, and vibration acceleration when the vehicle speed was 60 km/h. Subsequently, finite element software was used to simulate the dynamic deflection under vehicle speeds ranging from 30 to 60 km/h. The simulated value was compared with the predicted value, and the difference between the simulated value and the predicted value was slight. This model can evaluate the operational safety performance of off-ramps at different speeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the true load-bearing capacity and engineering reliability of a large span through a simply supported steel box arch bridge, a load test was conducted on the bridge. The example used in this test is the Jingchu Avenue Bridge located in Jingmen City, Hubei Province. Specifically, the static load test delineated six operational conditions, measuring parameters encompassing strain, hanger cable force, deflection, and potential cracks. The dynamic load test gauged the bridge's dynamic response and various indicators, including pulse tests, vehicle tests, jump tests, and barrier-free vehicle tests. The findings indicated that the maximum measured strain values during the static load test surpassed the calculated values; nonetheless, the verification factors and relative residual strains adhered to the code requirements, and no cracks were detected. The dynamic load test unveiled that the measured frequency values exceeded the theoretical ones, the damping ratios were within the normal range, and the measured impact coefficients were lower than the values stipulated in the code, all of which were in conformance with the code requirements. The data obtained from this experiment can be utilized to refine the long-term maintenance plan for the bridge, especially as it holds considerable value for structural health monitoring and aging assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a beam model integrating the Timoshenko beam theory with Vlasov beam theory to capture the coupled behavior of bidirectional bending, torsion, and axial vibration in thin-walled beams subjected to axial loads. Our model incorporates the effects of shear deformation, rotational inertia, and axial loads, offering a comprehensive approach to complex dynamic behaviors. By utilizing Hamilton's principle, we derived a complete set of coupled dynamic equations and boundary conditions. The highlight of this model is its capacity to accurately predict the dynamic response of thin-walled beams under multifaceted loading conditions, surpassing traditional models by integrating coupled axial vibrations. This research significantly advances the understanding of the dynamic behavior of thin-walled beams, providing a precise analytical tool for structural design and safety assessment. The robustness and accuracy of the proposed model were validated through extensive theoretical analysis and empirical validation, equipping engineers with critical insights to optimize the design of engineering structures subjected to complex dynamic loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Live stump-supported slopes are an environmentally friendly form of support that utilizes the powerful anchoring and reinforcing effects of deep-rooted plants to enhance slope stability. In order to ensure the safety and stability of embankment slopes during their service life, it is necessary to carry out research on the dynamic characteristics and stability of live stump slopes under train vibration loading. In this study, a large-scale indoor dynamic loading model test with a geometry of 1:7 was carried out on the live stump slope of a ballasted passenger railroad track to explore the attenuation characteristics of additional dynamic stresses, the dynamic displacement response law of the slope surface and the stress response characteristics of the live stumps, and to further investigate the influence of the live stumps on the stability of the slope under the dynamic loading. The results are as follows. (i) Additional dynamic stresses decayed at the bed surface and bed floor at a greater rate than the embankment body, and were significantly affected by dynamic loading when the vertical depth was less than 0.89 m. (ii) The dynamic displacement of the foundation bed is larger than that of the embankment body. The displacement response of the slope near the top and about 1/4 of the elevation of slope is the largest. (iii) The taproot of the living poles has many reverse bending points, and the bending moment of the taproot between the lateral roots shows the law of being larger on the top and smaller on the bottom. (iv) The slope facing has an amplifying effect on the vibration load of the train, and the farther away from the track, the smaller the amplifying effect. The research results have reference significance for the theoretical research and engineering application of living poles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reduce vehicle vibration and improve vehicle ride comfort and handling stability, a nonlinear energy sink inerter (NESI) is designed by combing an inerter and nonlinear energy sink (NES) for use in the seat suspension and vehicle suspension for the half-vehicle-seat (HVS) system; furthermore, a model-free adaptive control (MFAC) method based on the genetic algorithm is proposed to enhance the dynamic performance of the passive HVS system. The dynamic model of the active HVS system coupled with NESI using the MFAC method is established; its dynamic responses under pavement random and shock excitations are acquired using the numerical method and the dynamic performance is evaluated by seven evaluation indicators. The efficacy of the MFAC method is demonstrated through comparative analysis with the original passive HVS system, the HVS system coupled with NESI, and the active HVS system coupled with NESI using the proportional integral derivative (PID) control method. In addition, the influence of the installed position of MFAC on the dynamic performance of the active HVS system coupled with NESI is examined. The results show that for the active HVS system coupled with NESI using the MFAC method, compared with the other three HVS systems, the root mean square (RMS) values of the vehicle body vertical acceleration, vehicle body pitch acceleration, seat vertical acceleration, and front and rear suspension dynamic travel under pavement random excitation are smaller, the corresponding peak amplitudes under pavement shock excitation reduce, and the vibration attenuation time shortens; the RMS values of the front and rear dynamic tire loading under pavement random excitation are slightly smaller, the corresponding peak amplitudes under pavement shock excitation increase, and the vibration attenuation time decreases, which reflects the best dynamic performance among the four HVS systems and shows the effectiveness of the MFAC method. Furthermore, the control effect of the MFAC method is the best when it acts both on the seat and vehicle suspensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, concrete cracking is investigated in dynamics through finite element modeling. A probabilistic semi-explicit model, previously developed and validated for static loading, is extended for dynamic loading. The model in statics is based on two material mechanical parameters: the tensile strength and the critical strain-energy release rate in mode I, G I C , of the Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) theory. Concerning the dynamic aspects of the model, the tensile strength rate effect is modeled by an empirical dynamic-to-static strength ratio (Dynamic Increase Factor—DIF) and a similar formulation is proposed for G I C . The structural rate effect is naturally captured when mass and damping are included in the equation of motion. For static and dynamic loading, only macroscopic crack propagation is considered. Some numerical simulations in statics and dynamics are presented in the present paper. The main results related to this work can be summarized as follows: the dispersion of the numerical results related to the load–displacement curves decreases with the loading rate. The crack pattern considerably changes with loading rate (numerically and experimentally); the agreement between the experimental and numerical results (load–displacement curves and crack pattern) indicates the model is promising for engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of civil engineering has witnessed significant development since the emergence of innovative control strategies that enhanced the construction of structures, imparting valuable resistance against dynamic loads like wind or earthquakes. Despite numerous articles highlighting the potential of various control approaches to reduce vibration, their effectiveness in mitigating the dynamic effects on structures under real-world conditions appears limited once implemented. A variety of factors, including practical constraints, the choice of the control system device, the shape of the structure, and the amount of control energy deployed, contribute to this lack of efficiency. Within this context, the literature primarily addressed the discrepancy between the mathematical model and the actual structure model, commonly referred to as parameter uncertainties, in the controller design process. In other words, logical continuity in this field involves the application of a more adapted control approach, which enhances performance by incorporating more practical aspects in the controller synthesis procedure. These aspects include the dynamics of the control device, high-frequency neglected modes, and the inherent limitations or constraints of the control equipment. Thus, this study treats two main active control systems, ABS and AMD. While applying an approach known as μ-synthesis, the robust control was retained because of its ability to include all these considerations when they act simultaneously. We used this control to make sure that a three-degree-of-freedom structure responds as little as possible to seismic requests, which are shown by an uncertain model. We then conducted a comparative study between these two systems, focusing on displacement reduction and control force, while exploring a classic AMD control system at the top of the structure and an ABS control system at the bottom. This approach proved to be a powerful way to deal with the uncertainties affecting the structure and achieve the stability design objectives, given the satisfying simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transient stability control for disturbances in microgrids based on a lithium-ion battery–supercapacitor hybrid energy storage system (HESS) is a challenging problem, which not only involves needing to maintain stability under a dynamic load and changing external conditions but also involves dealing with the energy exchange between the battery and the supercapacitor, the dynamic change of the charging and discharging process and other factors. This paper focuses on the bus voltage control of HESS under load mutations and system uncertainty disturbances. A BP Neural Network-based Active Disturbance Rejection Controller (BP-ADRC) is proposed within the traditional voltage-current dual-loop control framework, leveraging uncertainty quantification. Firstly, system uncertainties are quantified using system-identification tools based on measurable information. Subsequently, an Extended State Observer (ESO) is designed to estimate the total system disturbance based on the quantified information. Thirdly, an adaptive BP Neural Network-based Active Disturbance Rejection Controller is studied to achieve transient stability control of disturbances. Robust controllers, PID controllers and second-order linear Active Disturbance Rejection Controllers are employed as benchmark strategies to design simulation experiments. Simulation results indicate that, compared to other benchmark strategies, the BP-ADRC controller based on uncertainty quantification exhibits superior tracking and disturbance-rejection performance in transient stability control within microgrids of hybrid energy storage systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of the Ultra High Aspect Ratio Wing Advanced Research and Designs (U-HARWARD) project, funded by CS2JU, various gust load alleviation (GLA) technologies have been developed and studied. GLA plays a crucial role in the development of new generation ultra-high aspect ratio wings (UHARWs), as it reduces gust loads, thereby decreasing the structural weight of the wing and, consequently, the entire aircraft. This weight reduction enhances overall aircraft efficiency, enabling a higher aspect ratio. GLA technologies are categorized into passive systems, which require no active intervention, and active systems, where control surfaces redistribute the aerodynamic loads. In this study, passive GLA was implemented using a folding wing tip (FWT) developed by the University of Bristol, while active GLA employed a Static Output Feedback controller developed by Politecnico di Milano. Both approaches were compared against a baseline aircraft configuration. A flutter assessment confirmed that FWT does not introduce aeroelastic instabilities, ensuring the aircraft remains flutter-free across its flight envelope. A thorough comparison of load envelopes, based on nearly 2000 load cases across different flight points and mass configurations, was conducted in compliance with CS25 regulations, examining both positive and negative gust conditions. The results show a possible 15% reduction in the dynamic load envelope for both passive and active solutions. Using NeOPT, a hybrid finite element (FE) model was developed, with a detailed global FEM (GFEM) for the wingbox and stick elements for other components. Linear gust analyses in Nastran, with the hinge locked and released, provided high-fidelity results, comparing wing failure indexes and demonstrating the effectiveness of the FWT solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stress environments of gob-side roadways (GSRs) are becoming increasingly complex during deep coal mining under thick and hard roofs. This leads to strong strata behaviors, including roadway floor heave, roof subsidence, and even coal bursts. Among them, coal bursts pose the greatest threat to production safety in coal mines. Coal bursts in a GSR strongly correlate with the load characteristics and stress-energy evolution laws of the roadway. This study analyzes the roof structures of double working faces (DWFs) during the initial weighting stage (IWS) and full mining stage (FMS) of gob-side working faces (GSWFs). This study also explores how varying roof structures affect the stability of GSRs. Three-dimensional roof structure models of DWFs and mechanical models of dynamic and static loads superposition on a GSR throughout the IWS and FMS of a GSWF were developed. An analysis identified the primary stress sources affecting the GSR throughout various mining stages of the GSWF. Subsequently, the principle of "three-load" superposition was developed. A novel method was proposed to quantify the stress state in the GSR surrounding rock across different mining stages of the GSWF. The method quantitatively characterizes the load of the GSR surrounding rock. Based on this, the criterion for judging the burst failure of the roadway was established. Numerical simulations are used to analyze the stress-energy evolution laws of the working face, coal pillar, and GSR surrounding rock during the mining process of the GSWF. These findings offer valuable references for studying and preventing coal bursts in GSRs under equivalent geological situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the effect of schistosity on the dynamic mechanical properties and failure pattern of thin-layered schist. Wudang Group schist with thin layers is selected as the research object, and the influence of the dynamic mechanical properties and failure pattern of schist under different angles and spacing is studied by combining an SHPB test and numerical simulation. The results indicate that under dynamic loading, the stress–strain curve demonstrates elastic compression, plastic deformation, and strain softening stages. Moreover, it is observed that the dynamic critical failure strength of schist exhibits typical "U"-type strength anisotropy. Specimens with a schistosity angle of 0° or 90° exhibit higher dynamic compressive strength under dynamic loading, with axial splitting and schistosity splitting as predominant failure modes. Conversely, when the schistosity angles are 30°, 45° or 60°, there is a noticeable decrease in compressive strength accompanied predominantly by shear failure along with local compressive shear failure. We additionally noted that as the spacing between schists decreases from 22 mm to 7 mm, there is a gradual reduction in dynamic compressive strength by approximately 20.3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shipping impact and wave loads impose dynamic loads on jetties and platforms in the sea, which cause the vibration of structures. Recently, many advanced viscous damper devices have been developed for implementation in structures to diminish structural vibration due to earthquakes or wind. However, the longitudinal configuration of conventional viscous damper devices requires adequate space to locate the damper device within the frame structure, which limits the application of viscous dampers for use in jetties or platforms to dissipate the vibrations imposed by ship impact or wave force. For this reason, in this study, an attempt has been made to develop a new viscous plane damper device applicable in limited space positions where the longitudinal damper device is not able to fit. For this purpose, the initial design for the viscous plane damper device is proposed, and the prototype of the device is manufactured. Then, the performance of the fabricated viscous plane damper is examined through experimental tests by applying cyclic loads using a dynamic actuator. In order to investigate the effect of the diameter and configuration of the piston's orifices, five different diameters for the orifices of 1, 2, 5, 8, and 10 mm are included, and three different distribution configurations of the orifices in the piston plate as Configurations A, B, and C are manufactured and tested experimentally. The lab testing is conducted by applying cyclic loads with different frequencies to evaluate the performance of the developed plane damper device under various load velocities. Accordingly, the dynamic performance of the damper device, including the damping force, effective damping and stiffness and the energy dissipation capacity obtained from the hysteresis response (force–displacement result), is investigated. The results of the experimental tests prove the functionality of the developed device to generate the desired damping force and vibration energy dissipation during applied cyclic loads. Therefore, the new plane damper device can be implemented in any structure to dissipate the effect of imposed vibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is imperative to conduct experimental studies on the seepage behavior of gas-bearing coal under cyclic dynamic loading conditions. This paper focuses on the evolution of coal permeability under the combined effects of dynamic loading, static loading, and gas adsorption. The principal conclusions are as follows: (1) As the frequency and amplitude of dynamic loading increase, the development of pore and fissure structures within the coal body becomes increasingly pronounced during dynamic loading cycles, resulting in a gradual rise in permeability. Notably, as the coal approaches its yielding stage, the permeability can increase by up to 47%. (2) The permeability curve is divided into four regions: the compaction reduction zone, the oscillation zone, the gradual recovery zone, and the abrupt failure increase zone. Ultimately, in the failure phase, the permeability surges dramatically, potentially reaching four to five times the initial permeability. (3) When the static loading stage and dynamic load are constant, the rate of change in coal permeability decreases with increasing adsorption amounts. When the adsorption amount is constant, the rate of change in permeability of the coal under dynamic loading increases with the increase in the static loading stress stage, with the maximum increase reaching 75.2%. It can be concluded from the rate of change in permeability and the dynamic loading sensitivity coefficient that the permeability of coal is highly sensitive to cyclic dynamic loading, with increased sensitivity associated with larger static loading stages and decreased sensitivity with greater adsorption amounts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates bidirectionally sinusoidal corrugated steel shells using finite element analysis (FEA) software, primarily ABAQUS 2017, supplemented by RFEM 6.05 for an initial result comparison. The research aims to establish a robust numerical solution to understand the structural behaviour of these shells under static and dynamic loading. Starting with meticulous calculations for a selected structural element, the paper emphasises a comparative analysis between ABAQUS and RFEM, offering valuable insights into simulating the responses of corrugated steel shells. A distinctive contribution of this research lies in its novel and comprehensive parametric analysis of these shells under static and dynamic loading, an area that has not been explored in previous studies. The study systematically explores various model parameters, including geometrical and mechanical properties, with detailed analyses revealing their influences on deformation, stress distribution, dynamic properties, and behaviour. Another key feature is the development of a coded script that systematically generates diverse numerical models, allowing for a thorough exploration of the structural system's response. This study advances our understanding of the structural behaviour of bidirectionally sinusoidal corrugated steel shells. These findings are set to enhance structural analysis and design practices by optimising parameters for improved performances in various engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problem of large dynamic load and low loading accuracy prevailing in traditional fatigue testing machines, and to meet the fatigue test loading demand of alternating small-load microelectromechanical devices and bionic devices, a high-frequency resonant piezoelectric fatigue tester that can apply alternating small loads in the range of 0.1 N~100 N was designed and manufactured, with a piezoelectric oscillator as the driving source of the system. Firstly, the structure of this fatigue testing machine is designed, and a dynamic model is established for the fatigue testing machine to theoretically study the influence of the system mass and stiffness on the change in the resonance frequency of the fatigue testing machine. Then, numerical calculations and experiments are carried out to verify the effect of system mass and stiffness changes on the intrinsic frequency of the fatigue testing machine. Finally, the fatigue testing machine was used to carry out fatigue test on the dog-bone-shaped specimens, and the failure process of specimen fatigue was verified by analysing the load applied to the specimen by the fatigue testing machine, and at the same time, it was proved that the performance of the present fatigue testing machine complied with the requirements. It provides a new technical means to meet the fatigue test loading demand of small-load electromechanical devices and bionic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher efficiency of rail transportation at the present stage of development of the transport industry necessitates the creation and introduction of rail vehicles with improved technical and economic characteristics among which is reduced tare weight. The issue of reducing the tare weight of wagons is quite urgent. It deals not only with the sprung mass of the wagon but also with the load on the rail track, which is under the influence of constant cyclic loads. Therefore, the present study deals with the development of a wagon covered with tarpaulin for carrying goods requiring protection against the environment. The loads inherent for operation on 1520 mm gauge lines are considered. The covered wagon mod. 11-217 is chosen as a prototype. The profiles of the covered wagon frame components are selected according to the moment of resistance of their cross-sections. It is found that the proposed design has a 16% lower tare weight than that of the prototype. The results of the strength calculation for the wagon under the main design operating modes have proved the feasibility of its structural design. The motion of the covered wagon over a track irregularity has been assessed as 'excellent'. The results of the study will contribute to the creation of recommendations for the development of modern structures of covered wagons as well as improve the efficiency of railway transportation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In construction projects, conducting dynamic load tests on all piles proves impractical. Selective testing estimates bearing capacity, while the remaining piles rely on penetration depth for management. This approach, however, faces reliability issues due to varying conditions among piles. Technological advancements, such as non-contact hammers and sensors, have enhanced the accuracy of penetration depth measurements during final driving. Nonetheless, relying solely on penetration depth for construction and quality management remains problematic. This study, therefore, focuses on enhancing the use of driving formulas to improve pile quality management, particularly for the widely used pre-stressed high-strength concrete (PHC) piles. To improve pile quality management, existing driving formulas underwent review and refinement. Utilizing 258 dynamic load test data from various sites, the Hiley, Gates, and Danish formulas underwent validation through statistical analysis and graphical comparison. Enhancements to the Gates formula, achieved through curve fitting with actual data and the application of segment-based coefficients, demonstrated increased accuracy in bearing capacity estimation. These improvements offer a more reliable approach to pile quality management in construction projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the mode-switching process of a hybrid tractor equipped with a hydraulic-mechanical continuously variable transmission (HMCVT) device, the separation and combination of the clutch will cause transient shocks, affecting the smoothness and driving comfort of the entire vehicle. This article conducts simulation and experimental research on the impact problem when switching from pure electric drive mode to hybrid-power speed coupling mode. Firstly, establish a system dynamics model in SimulationX 3.5 software and build a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) experimental platform. Secondly, a strategy of "clutch oil pressure fuzzy control + motor torque compensation" is proposed to solve the problem of the slow dynamic response of the engine. Finally, the orthogonal experiment range analysis method and variance analysis method are used to optimize the quality of mode switching, with six clutch-switching time sequences as experimental factors. The simulation results show that adopting the strategy of "clutch oil pressure fuzzy control + motor torque compensation" and optimizing the clutch-switching timing can effectively reduce the amplitude of output shaft speed reduction, dynamic load coefficient, and impact, and shorten the switching time. The comparison between the HIL test results and the simulation results shows that there is a certain difference between the two, but the overall trend is consistent, which verifies the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy and method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to analyze the ground vibration responses induced by the dynamic loads in a tunnel, this paper proposes a new simplified tunnel–soil model. Specifically, based on the basic theory of the thin-layer method (TLM), the basic solution of three-dimensional layered foundation soil displacement was derived in the cylindrical coordinate system. The perfectly matched layer (PML) boundary condition was applied to the TLM. Subsequently, a tunnel–soil dynamic interaction analysis model was established using the volume method (VM) in conjunction with the TLM-PML method. The displacement frequency response function of the foundation soil around the tunnel foundation was derived. Finally, a ground vibration test under an impact load in a tunnel was carried out. The test and calculated results were compared. The comparison results show that the ground vibration acceleration response values within 25 m from the load are similar. Compared with the test results, the theoretical calculation results exhibit a decreasing trend in the range of 40–80 Hz between 25 and 60 m, with the maximum reduction being approximately one order of magnitude. In addition, the experimental comparison demonstrates that the model can be used to analyze the ground vibrations caused by underground loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the results of dynamic tests of sandstone samples differing in strength parameters and porosity, which were carried out with the use of the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). For this study, three types of sandstones were considered: two from the region of India (Kandla Grey and Apricot Pink) and one from Central Europe (Barwald). The strength parameters of the samples were identified in static tests (UCS, BTS tests), whereas the porosity was measured using computed tomography. The performed scanning allowed the volume of the pores and their distribution in the samples to be identified. Dynamic tests involved loading the cylindrical samples with a diameter of 23 m in the range of high strain rates, i.e., ε ˙   = 102 ÷ 103/s, using the SHPB (split Hopkinson pressure bar) method. Samples with three different values of slenderness were used for testing (L/D = 1, 0.75 and 0.5). Based on the dynamic characteristics of the samples, the maximum dynamic stresses, Dynamic Increase Factor (DIF) and the amount of energy absorbed by the samples were determined. The conducted research indicates a significant impact of material porosity on the amount of dissipated energy under conditions of high strain rates. The research indicates that the values of this parameter for Apricot Pink and Kandla Grey sandstones (slenderness L/D = ¾ and L/D = ½) are similar, although the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of Kandla Grey sandstone is approximately 60% higher than that of Apricot Pink sandstone. As a result of the sample destruction process, various forms of sample destruction were obtained. The performed grain analysis indicates a significant increase in the smallest fraction (<0.5 mm) in the case of the sandstone with the highest porosity (Apricot Pink—55% of mass outcome) in comparison to the sandstone with the lowest porosity (Kandla Grey—12% of mass outcome). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The working environment of tractors is harsh and the working conditions are very complicated. To cope with this complex and changeable working environment, this paper presents a hybrid tractor powertrain loaded with hydraulic mechanical combined transmission (HMCVT). The powertrain can switch modes according to different operating environments. During mode switching, impact loads can cause wear and even damage to the transmission components. Interrupting the power transmission will reduce the tractor's operational efficiency. In this paper, the orthogonal experimental range analysis method was proposed to optimize the quality of mode switching. Mode switching involves interactions between clutches. Orthogonal table L16 (215) was selected to design the orthogonal table head. SimulationX was used for simulation. Employing MINITAB range analysis yielded the optimal results. The simulations indicated a reduction in the output shaft's velocity drop amplitude from 17.647% to 6.591%. The dynamic load coefficient decreased from 2.743 to 1.857. The impact strength was reduced from 14.125 to 5.67 m/s3. The switching time was reduced from 2.13 to 1.71 s. We built a model-in-the-loop (MIL) test platform to validate the results. The MIL test results were compared with the simulation results. Our findings indicate a degree of discrepancy between the simulated and the experimental results, yet the overall trends remain largely consistent. The correctness of the optimal scheme obtained from the orthogonal experiment is verified. This study provides a theoretical basis for the optimization of powertrain mode switching in hybrid tractors equipped with HMCVT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the shear modulus and damping ratio of silica rock under cyclic loading were experimentally analyzed using two loading modes, constant amplitude and increasing amplitude, combined with three increasing loading rates. Observations have indicated a decrease in the shear modulus of specimens as the number of cycles increased during the loading and unloading phases and an overall increase with larger amplitude intervals. The change in loading rate significantly affects the damping ratio of the specimens, leading to a stepwise decrease within the same cyclic group, while the damping ratio of a single specimen exhibits a 'concave' distribution throughout the cyclic interval. Based on the axial strain and dissipation energy, this paper develops two damage models that can effectively predict the damage accumulation process in rocks under cyclic loading. These findings have significant implications for a deeper understanding of the mechanical behavior of rocks under dynamic loading and offer theoretical guidance and technical support for rock engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most research conducted so far has primarily focused on pile-supported gravel embankments. The ability of solidified soil used as an embankment filling material has been verified, and a clear view on the performance of solidified soil embankments on piled foundations is rather limited. The three-dimensional unit cell models of pile-supported embankments are conducted to investigate the performance of solidified soil embankments in comparison to gravel embankments under static and dynamic loads. Then, a systematic parametric analysis is performed to investigate the effects of various factors, including the cohesion and friction of solidified soil, the velocity and wheel load of vehicles, the pile spacing, the height of embankments. The results show that, compared with the results of gravel embankments, the heights of the outer soil arch plane in solidified soil embankments reduces under static and dynamic loads, and the piles bear more load. In addition, the total settlements of solidified soil embankments decrease with increasing cohesions, and there is an economical cohesion of 25 kPa. The vehicle wheel load, pile spacing, and the height of embankment significantly influence the load transfer mechanism and total settlement of solidified soil embankment, while the friction angles and velocities have little effect on the total settlements and vertical stress. The relationship between the soil arch height and various parameters in solidified soil embankments is established by multiple regression analysis. This investigation highlights the advantage of solidified soil in reducing total settlement and provides an insightful understanding of the load transfer mechanism of solidified soil embankment on piled foundation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, experimental tensile tests for pre-cracked high Carbon steel 'C90' specimens were performed for quasi-static and dynamic loading. High loading velocity affects the crack patterns by preventing deflection. On the other hand, an efficient numerical tool based on the phase field model was developed and validated to predict brittle fracture trajectories. A staggered numerical scheme was adopted to solve the displacement and damage fields separately. Implementation efficiency in initiating and propagating cracks, even from an undamaged microstructure, was proved. The effect of the critical fracture energy density Gc on the crack path was tested; with smaller Gc, the crack patterns become more complex. In addition, the impact of loading velocities was examined, and earlier and faster crack formation and greater crack branching is observed with higher impact velocity. In this study, bidimensional plane stress cases were treated. The phase field model with hybrid formulation was able to predict crack pattern and especially crack arrest and branching found in the literature. The developed model accurately determined the transition zone of the crack path topology that has been observed experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical behavior associated with the flow of ore-rock bulk materials is an important factor leading to the instability and failure of the shaft wall of the ore storage section in ore passes. It is of great significance for accurately understanding the stability failure characteristics of the shaft wall in the ore storage section in the ore-drawing process to understand the flow characteristics and internal mechanical transfer mechanism of ore-rock bulk. The flow characteristics, contact compactness, stress distribution characteristics, and contact force probability distribution of the ore-rock bulk are analyzed by the discrete element method, which realizes the quantitative characterization of the damage degree of ore-rock flow and reveals the damage mechanism of the shaft wall in the storage section of the ore pass. The results show that (1) in the process of ore-rock particle flow in the ore pass storage section, the macroscopic flow pattern of ore-rock particles changes from a "—" shape to a "V" shape, and the friction between ore-rock particles, particles, and the ore-pass wall is an important reason for the change of the macroscopic flow pattern; (2) the probability distribution of contact force strength between the particles decreases exponentially in the whole ore-drawing process, in which the strong force chains play a major role in the stability of the bulk system; and (3) the overpressure frequency and overpressure coefficient could be used to quantitatively characterize the wall damage degree under the action of ore-rock flow. The dynamic lateral pressure fluctuates periodically in exponential form and decreases, and the dynamic load formed by the ore-rock flow mainly acts on the lower part of the ore storage section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurately characterizing the mechanical behavior and fracture mechanisms of rock containing holes under dynamic loads is essential for ensuring the stability of underground rock structures. In this study, to enhance the understanding of the fracture processes in rock specimens with cavities subjected to dynamic impacts, experimental and numerical studies focusing on the influence of borehole geometry and strain rate are conducted. The results reveal that the strain rate affects the specimens' dynamic mechanical strength and peak strain. However, the degree of such influence diminishes as the borehole diameter increases in specimens containing two holes. Fractures that lead to failure are primarily initiated at the axial and radial edges of the holes, the specimen extremities, and around the rock bridges in specimens with dual cavities, indicating significant stress concentration zones within the stress field distribution for specimens with a single hole. Further analysis using displacement field diagrams confirms that shear-induced fractures are the predominant cause of failure across all specimens. These findings provide critical insights for developing borehole pressure relief technology to protect against the risks of deep dynamic impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the excavation mechanical properties of underpass tunnels has already had certain results, but only a few of them consider the effects of dynamic and static loads on the excavation mechanical properties of underground tunnels at the same time; particularly, there is a lack of research investigating double-line highway tunnels with angled underpasses of existing railway tunnels. In this paper, based on the tunnel project of the new double-line Shiqian Highway Tunnel passing under the Hurong Railway with an oblique angle, based on the method of over-advance geological prediction and investigations into the palm face surrounding the rock, the rock degradation caused by dynamic and static loads is quantified using the perturbation system. Additionally, the mechanical parameters of the rock under the influence of dynamic and static load coupling in the influence area of the cross-tunneling project are determined using the Hoek–Brown criterion, and the mechanical characteristics of the excavation of a tunnel under the double-lane highway tunnel passing under the existing railroad are constructed with the mechanical characteristics of the double-lane highway tunnel, taking into consideration the influence of the dynamic and static load coupling in a three-dimensional model. The results show that, in line with the new tunnel rock movement law for the top of the arch sinking, the bottom plate bulging, the side wall outward movement, the height and width of the arch, and the bottom plate arch show an increase with the tunnel excavation, while the side wall rock displacement effect is smaller; the left and right line tunnel disturbed area of the rule of change is similar; the existing tunnel bottom plate displacement is larger than the top plate and the left and right side wall, under the influence of the excavation time step. Typical profile point displacement is mainly determined by the distance from the excavation surface; von Mises stress extremes are observed in the top plate and side walls of the existing tunnel, which occur in the tunnel structure, and there are unloading and pressure-bearing zones in the bottom plate; the new tunnel has the same rock disturbance angle under the four calculation conditions and, based on the displacement control criterion, the excavation method is preferred and the upper and lower step blasting excavation method is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In rock engineering, the dynamic loads caused by mechanical action and rock blasting have an extremely significant influence on the stableness of surrounding rock masses. To examine the impact of dynamic load on the mechanical properties and fracturing characteristics of hard rocks as well as the failure responses of underground openings, a number of prismatic samples with holes of different numbers and configurations were prepared for dynamic tests employing an SHPB loading device. The experimental results demonstrate that the order of dynamic compressive strength of each group of samples under the impact nitrogen pressure of 0.45 MPa is: G3 > G2 > G5 > G4 > G7 > G6, and the dynamic deformation process of the samples is parted into three phases: linear elastic deformation, plastic deformation and post-peak deformation. A total of three categories of cracks, i.e., spalling cracks, shear cracks and tensile cracks, occur in the specimens. The failure mode of the samples having one or two holes arranged in a vertical direction is controlled by shear cracks, whilst that of the rest groups of pre-holed specimens belongs to tensile-shear failure. The existence of the fabricated holes in the samples significantly weakens the mechanical properties and affects the fracture evolution characteristics, which rely on the quantity and layout of the cavities in the specimens. The interesting results are also discussed and explained, and could supply some insight in the mechanisms of tunnel surrounding rock failure and rock dynamic hazards such as rock burst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes two curves that depict the vehicle–bridge contact force in a novel transportation system named AERORail, which is a lightweight cable-supported structure in which the rails and the prestressed cable form the load bearing system. Based on the contact force identified from a full-scale AERORail system, single and double-valley curves were obtained as the idealized contact force model for large- and small-span AERORail systems, respectively. This was achieved by utilizing the Bezier curves and the least squares method. The proposed curves were verified through a moving load model from a previous study under various spans and speeds. Moreover, the structural response of the AERORail structure under high-speed vehicle passing was explored using the idealized contact force model. The simulation results show that the proposed contact force model can predict the displacement response of 5 m and 15 m spans with a relative error of less than 5%, proving that the model can be used for dynamic analysis of AERORail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an innovative method is put forward for estimating the dynamic mechanical behaviors of reinforced concrete (RC) column members by applying the random forest algorithm. Firstly, the development of dynamic modified coefficient (DMC) predictive models and the realization of the proposed method were elaborated. Then, due to the lack of dynamic loading tests on RC column members, a numerical model of RC columns considering the dynamic modification on flexural, shear and bond-slip behaviors was developed on the OpenSees platform, and the model accuracy and the effectiveness were verified with the available test results. Moreover, by comparing the simulated results of the hysteretic curve using numerical models with different complexities, the influences of dynamic modification and the deformation sub-element were investigated. Furthermore, a numerical experiment database was established to obtain the training data for developing the DMC predictive models of critical mechanical behavior parameters, including the yielding bearing capacity, ultimate bearing capacity and displacement ductility. Finally, the results of feature importance for different input parameters were studied, and the model accuracy was evaluated using the test set and available experimental data. It was revealed that the predictive models developed using the random forest algorithm can be employed to reliably estimate the dynamic mechanical behaviors of RC column members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deflection dynamic load allowance (DLA) of stiff bridges with high piers requires sub-millimeter accuracy. New technologies such as the vision-based optical method and GNSS are not yet recognized for use in DLA measurements due to their smaller SNR. Presently, the scaffolding method is widely utilized for dynamic deflection measurements in dynamic load tests owing to the reliability of employing rigid contact. When scaffolding is not available, engineers have to resort to a suspension hammer system. However, the mass eccentricity of the hammer, stretched-wire length, and wind will decrease the measurement accuracy. To overcome these drawbacks of the suspension hammer method (SHM), a preloaded spring method (PSM) and the related stretched-wire-spring system (SWSS) are proposed in this paper. The dynamic deflection of the coupled vehicle-bridge-SWSS was obtained by vehicle-bridge interaction (VBI) analysis. The sensitivity parameters of the PSM were analyzed and optimized to minimize the measurement error. Indoor experiments and field dynamic load tests were conducted to validate the feasibility and accuracy of the PSM. Additionally, the differences in dynamic deflection measurements between the PSM and SHM in windy environments were compared. The results show that, in a windless environment, the DLAs of the PSM are affected by the spring stiffness, stretched-wire length, and stretched-wire section stiffness, independently of the preload force. When the wind speed is less than or equal to 8 m/s and the pier height is less than 30 m, the maximum deflection measurement error of the PSM is −2.53%, while that of the SHM is −15.87%. Due to its low cost and high accuracy, the proposed method has broad application prospects in the dynamic deflection measurement of stiff bridges with high piers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the energy recovery ability of the energy-regenerative suspension, a transmission is generally used to increase the motor speed, but this results in a significant increase in the equivalent inertial mass of the suspension. The research on energy-regenerative suspension has been ongoing for more than 20 years, but there have been few product applications, mainly due to the failure to solve the problem of the deterioration of suspension performance caused by equivalent inertial mass. This paper proposes a new suspension configuration with the suspension shock absorber connected to a high-frequency vibration reduction structure and establishes a vibration transmission model. Through frequency domain analysis, it has been conclusively proven that the new-configuration can significantly reduce both the sprung mass acceleration and relative dynamic load of the energy regenerative suspension. On the basis of frequency domain analysis, a scheme based on PWM control of the dissipation resistance value of the energy regenerative suspension is proposed, and through bench comparison experiments, it has been verified that the new-configuration suspension can eliminate the oscillation of the damping force curve of the shock absorber and significantly improve the suspension performance. Further experiments show that using the skyhook semi-active control algorithm the new-configuration suspension can further reduce the sprung mass acceleration and relative dynamic load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As important load-bearing structures, suspension cables have been widely used in suspension bridges, engineering ropeways, cable suspension systems and other special equipment. Their dynamic problems have always been a research hotspot. Especially for complex cable systems such as engineering ropeways and cable lifting equipment, there will be moving loads acting on multi-span continuous friction-slip cable structures, resulting in nonlinear coupled vibration. Therefore, few scholars have studied how to calculate the nonlinear coupling vibration effect between such moving loads and multi-span continuous cables considering friction slip. Therefore, this paper proposes the use of the combination of the direct stiffness method and the Newmark-β integration method to solve the nonlinear system of equations of motion, which can be derived from the coupled vibration response between the moving load and the main cable. The corresponding calculation program is prepared. Combined with the dynamic load test and simulation results of engineering cases, the correctness and reasonableness of the coupled vibration equations and the program can be verified through comparative analysis. The results show that the calculation results of the self-programmed program are in good agreement with the dynamic load test results, in which the maximum error of the vertical displacement in the span is −4.40% and 0.86%, and the error of the static calculation reaches −13.90%. The impact effect is more obvious when hoisting the weight out of the pulling cable, in which the impact coefficient of the main cable can be up to 2.0. The impact coefficient of the deviation of the cable tower is 4.0. During the traveling process of the moving load, the vertical downward deflection of the main cable at the action point is the largest, and the upward deflection is in the region of 0.2~0.8L from the action point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: This article may be applied to the excavation and support of coal mine roadways. In order to study the impact of fracture thickness on the dynamic mechanical properties of rock specimens, impact compression tests on prefabricated sandstone specimens with different fracture thicknesses and intact specimens were carried out by using a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) test device, and the dynamic mechanical parameters of the fractured sandstone specimens were obtained. The results showed that the dynamic stress–strain curves of the prefabricated fractured sandstone specimens are similar to those of the intact sandstone specimens, which can be divided into three stages: elasticity, plasticity, and failure. With the increase in the thickness of prefabricated cracks, the dynamic compressive strength of the sandstone specimens decreases in a quadratic function, the dynamic strain decreases in a power exponential function, and the dynamic elastic modulus decreases linearly. Attempts were made to quantitatively analyze the crushing degree of sandstone specimens. The average particle size of the crushed specimens was negatively correlated with the thickness of prefabricated cracks, and the fractal dimension was linearly negatively correlated with the dynamic compressive strength. The 1.5–2.5 mm prefabricated fractured sandstone specimens produced airfoil cracks and secondary cracks; the 3–3.5 mm prefabricated fractured specimens produced airfoil cracks, coplanar secondary cracks, and secondary oblique cracks; and the complete specimens were subjected to axial failure to produce axial cracks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate identification of dynamic load is important for the optimal design and fault diagnosis of aeronautical structures. Aiming at the identification of dynamic loads on complex or unknown aeronautical structures, a deep convolution neural network (CNN) in the transform domain-based method is proposed. It takes decomposed signals from wavelet transform of several vibration signals as input. A CNN is used for feature extraction, and fully connected layers are used for predicting the decomposed loads in the transform domain. After synthesizing the predicted decomposed components, the loads in the time domain can be obtained. The proposed method could avoid the explicit modeling of the system or transfer functions with complex or unknown structures. Using the data collected on a GARTEUR model, the proposed model is trained and verified. Extensive experimental results with qualitative and quantitative evaluations show the accuracy of this method and the robustness to measurement noise and other unknown load disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient operation of hydraulic manipulators with expansive working areas is crucial in various applications such as the construction industry, the rescue service, and the military. These machines are characterized by having more capabilities than humans, and they perform tasks that are not repeated in the same environment. For this reason, they are most often controlled by a human in a teleoperation system. This research investigates the influence of the operator's perception on the energy demand of such manipulators. Specifically, the research focused on assessing how the intuitive control systems, such as primary–secondary solutions, impact the energy consumption. Understanding the relation between the operator's perception and the energy demand is essential for optimizing manipulator design and operation. Experimental research was conducted to analyze the velocity and acceleration of the manipulator's effector, which is controlled by human operators under different movement ranges and size ratios. The obtained test results allow for the assessment of the dynamic loads, velocity, and energy consumption of the movement of a manipulator with a large working area due to the limitations resulting from the operator's perception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Railway bridges are subjected to significant dynamic loads. A numerical model of the bridge structure that captures its dynamic characteristics as accurately as possible is essential for the simulation of train crossings. However, most existing Calculation Models either do not consider the dynamic interaction between the structure and the soil, known as the soil–structure interaction (SSI), or give it only secondary importance. As a result, the accuracy of the predicted dynamic characteristics is affected. This paper illustrates how the dynamic interactions of abutments impact the portal frame bridge's SSI. This influence prompts the question of incorporating the frequency-dependent influence of the structure–soil–structure interaction (SSSI) into the modelling process. We propose a conservative estimation of the frequency range influenced by the shear wave interference of the SSSI and recommend using it as an application limit in the development of computational models. Based on this estimation, a Calculation Model is presented. In this approach, the SSI is considered using the well-known quasi-static spring–damper method from foundation vibration analysis, adhering to limitations based on the SSSI. For the application of the presented Calculation Model, four concrete portal frame bridges with spans between 9 m and 17 m along the high-speed line from Nuremberg to Munich, Germany, are investigated by analyzing the dynamic characteristics and comparing them with the prediction of the proposed numerical Calculation Model. The presented method shows good calculation accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mitigation of train-induced ground vibrations by track solutions is investigated by calculations and measurements. The calculation by a wavenumber domain method includes the correct vehicle–track interaction and the correct track–soil interaction. Some theoretical results for elastic elements and an increased bending stiffness of the track are presented where the force transfer of the track and the vehicle–track interaction are calculated for the high-frequency dynamic mitigation, and the force distribution along the track is calculated for the low-frequency mitigation which is due to the smoother impulses from the passing static loads. Measurement results for the ground vibration near isolated and un-isolated tracks are given for several under-sleeper pads, for under-ballast mats, and for several under-ballast plates and ballast troughs. The elastic elements yield a resonance frequency of the vehicle–track–soil system and a high-frequency reduction of the dynamic axle loads which depends mainly on the softness of the pads or mats and which can be improved by a higher sleeper mass. In addition, all troughs and most of the soft elements show a low-frequency reduction which is attributed to the scattered impulses of the static axle loads. Besides this main contribution of the article, the problem of a soft reference section on a different soil is discussed and recommendations for better ground vibration measurements of mitigation effects are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the research on sustainable mining and environmental preservation, understanding the dynamic behaviour of rock formations in deep, high-stress mining environments is essential. In order to acquire the laws of rock dynamic disaster generation from mining in deep, high-stress environments, this research adopts a multistage and multi-cycle triaxial cyclic loading test to obtain the stress–strain curves and macroscopic deformation characteristics of hard sandstone under different surrounding pressures. The results show that the cumulative damage displacement of hard sandstone under cyclic loading at a certain stress level for the first 3–4 cycles is half of the total damage displacement at that cycle stage, and its peak volumetric strain will increase with the increase. The elastic energy density ratio and dissipation energy density ratio of hard sandstone under cyclic loading show a sinusoidal fluctuation trend, and the fluctuation gradually decreases with the increase in the number of cycles and the increase in the cyclic stress level. Under the cyclic loading of different surrounding pressures, the hard sandstone shows brittle damage characteristics, where the damage form is mainly shear damage with a small amount of tensile damage in low surrounding pressure and the damage form is mainly shear damage, tensile damage, and local compression damage in high surrounding pressure. The study reveals the deformation and damage law, energy evolution, and dissipation characteristics of high-strength hard sandstone. It is essential for the development of mining strategies that minimize the impact on the environment, reduce the dynamic hazards generated by mining, and maximize the efficiency of resource extraction [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The work presented here is valuable for estimating design loads for offshore structures operating in ice-prone regions, especially the ones susceptible to ice-induced vibrations. By exploring the effects of interaction speed, ice temperature, indenter size and structural compliance on failure behaviour, the work provides valuable insights into the dynamics of high-pressure zones (hpzs) during ice–structure interaction, which is essential for calculating dynamic ice load on offshore structures. Results from medium-scale ice-crushing dynamic tests are presented in this paper based on a series of indentation experiments on confined ice samples using spherical indenters to simulate high-pressure zones (hpzs) with areas on the order of 103–104 mm2. The effects of ice temperature, interaction speed, indenter size and structural compliance on failure behaviour and associated structural dynamics have been studied. Observed failure behaviour consisted of a combination of continuous crushing extrusion and intermittent spalling, both of which were highly dependent on test conditions. Overall, the effects of the studied conditions on ice failure behaviour and associated interaction dynamics were found to be similar to the results reported from previous small-scale experiments, suggesting scale independence of the mechanisms that dominate ice failure behaviour. In general, warmer ice and smaller contact areas are associated with continuous extrusion with intermittent spalling, resulting in smoother peak pressures, while colder ice and larger contact areas tend to result in fracture-dominated behaviour with sharp peaks and substantial load drops. Ice temperature was also found to significantly influence interaction dynamics, with colder ice showing larger amplitude and longer duration dynamic activity, and higher peak pressures. Interaction speed was observed to primarily affect dynamic aspects of ice–structure interactions, with faster tests leading to higher failure frequencies. Similarly, structural compliance was found to mainly impact failure frequency, as well as the extent of load drops, with compliant structures tending to produce more significant load drops following failure. Overall, these experiments have helped enhance our understanding of compressive ice failure and contribute to improved models for dynamic ice–structure interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research on the impact of the excavation of underpass tunnels has already had certain results, but there is a lack of research cases of double-line highway tunnels with oblique angles under the existing railway tunnels, especially the method of determining the area of the impact of the dynamic and static loads of new tunnels and existing trains, which can be enriched by considering them at the same time. This paper, is based on the tunnel project of the new double-line Shiqian highway tunnel with oblique angles under the Hurong railway in Wanshoushan. By constructing a three-dimensional finite element model and simulating the application of static tunnel excavation load, dynamic blasting load, and dynamic train operation load of the existing tunnel, the overall displacement of the existing tunnel and the settlement value of the bottom plate of the track surface by the static tunnel excavation load were analyzed. Then, the stresses, vibration speeds, and displacements of the tunnel due to the dynamic blasting loads and the dynamic train operation loads were obtained. The results show that the area of influence of the static loads of the new tunnel excavation on the existing tunnel is divided into three types of perturbations presenting strong, weak, and slight; the area affected by the blasting dynamic load of new tunnel excavation is a circular domain with the datum point in the tunnel section as the center; the area affected by the dynamic load of train operation in the existing tunnel is an ellipse with the center of the track surface of the existing tunnel as the datum; and there is an anomalous shape in the area affected by the blasting dynamic load of new tunnel excavation and the area affected by the dynamic load of the train operation in the existing tunnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The outcomes of this research can be implemented in the design of fast and easily tunable low-level controllers of redundant pneumatic parallel robots. This control algorithm allows for online stiffness changes of the robot, providing safe manipulation while maintaining the ability to use high amounts of force if needed. Redundant cascade manipulators actuated by pneumatic bellows actuators are passively compliant, rugged and dexterous, making them exceptionally well suited for application in agriculture. Unfortunately, the bellows are notoriously difficult to precisely position. This paper presents a novel control algorithm for the control of a parallel platform actuated by pneumatic bellows, which serves as a module of a cascade manipulator. The algorithm combines a feed-forward controller and a variable-gain I-controller. The mathematical model of the module, which serves as the feed-forward controller, was created by applying two simple regression steps on experimentally acquired data. The gain of the I-controller is linearly dependent on the total reference error, thereby addressing the prevalent problem of "a slow response or excessive overshoot", which, in the described case, the simple combination of a feed-forward and constant-gain I-controller tends to suffer from. The proposed algorithm was experimentally verified and its performance was compared with two controllers: an ANFIS controller and a constant gain PID controller. The proposed controller has outperformed the PID controller in the three calculated criteria: IAE, ISE and ITAE by more than 40%. The controller was also tested under dynamic loading conditions, showing promising results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geosynthetic reinforced and pile-supported (GRPS) provide an economic and effective solution for embankments. To investigate the load-bearing mechanism of the GRPS embankment in loess, experimental and numerical studies under static and dynamic loading are carried out. The characteristics of soil arch effect and tensile membrane effect of GPRS embankment under static and dynamic loading are revealed by analyzing pile–soil stress ratio, tension of geogrid, and stress distribution of pile. The test results show that the pile–soil stress ratio under dynamic loading is reduced by 2.3 compared with static loading. In comparison to static load, the soil arching effect is attenuated under dynamic load, and the stronger the static load soil arching effect, the greater the degree of weakening under dynamic load. In addition, under dynamic loading, the tensioned membrane effect is still effective, but its enhancement is not as pronounced as under static loading. Furthermore, by using the finite element software, the numerical model is developed and validated with the experimental results. The parameter analysis of the load-bearing performance of the GRPS embankment is accomplished using the finite element model as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper conducts impact dynamics experiments on coal measures sandstone in a deep mine via the established dynamic load and temperature split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) experimental system. Firstly, the experimental conditions for the impact dynamics of fine sandstone were determined, with temperatures of 18, 40, 60, 80, and 100 °C, an axial static load range of 1–9 MPa, and a preset bullet incidence velocity of 1.0–5.0 m/s. Secondly, based on the analysis of the basic parameters and physical composition, the dynamic stress and strain responses of fine sandstone under different experimental conditions were obtained, and the change mechanism of its dynamic mechanical process was theoretically analyzed. When the temperature rose from 18 °C to 100 °C, the dynamic peak stress of fine sandstone increased from 36.04 MPa to 73.41 MPa, with an increase of 103.7%. At a temperature of 40 °C, when the axial static load increased from 1 MPa to 9 MPa, the dynamic stress peak of fine sandstone increased from 57.25 MPa to 80.01 MPa, and the corresponding peak strain also showed an increasing trend. The experiment analyzed the variation characteristics of dynamic stress in fine sandstone under the combined action of different strain rates or bullet incidence velocities and different temperatures. In the strain rate range of 47.1 s−1 to 140.9 s−1, there was a significant strain rate effect on the dynamic peak stress and peak strain of fine sandstone, which increased with the increase of strain rate. The study found a polynomial relationship between the dynamic mechanical parameters of fine sandstone and the impact of experimental parameters, with a coefficient of determination greater than 0.9. A dynamic stress constitutive model for fine sandstone under one-dimensional stress state under dynamic load and temperature action was established, and the model validation and parameter determination of dynamic stress changes in fine sandstone under different temperature conditions were carried out. The research results provide a new experimental method for the static and dynamic mechanical analysis of coal and rock masses under complex geological conditions and can provide a basic reference for the prevention and control of dynamic disasters in deep mining processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical properties of water-rich coal and rock in a subzero environment are very different from those at room temperature, which causes many unexpected hazards for projects. In this study, coal and rock samples subjected to the coupled effects of water, temperature, and dynamic loads were taken as the research object, and the discussion was shaped around their mechanical properties. The crack evolution trend and different gradient impact velocities were determined using a split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). Multiple fractals were based on high-speed digital image correlation (HS-DIC) technology and the quality-screening method; the evolution trend of the surface cracks in the crushing process and the distribution characteristics of the specimen fragments after crushing were examined from the perspective of fractals. This provided a powerful supplement to the existing research system on the problem of mining via the freezing method, and it accounted for the shortcomings of the existing research to a certain extent. In this research, the results mainly showed four points: (1) The coal samples were determined to have a wave velocity between 1.68 and 2.01 km/s, while the rock samples were between 2.24 and 2.61 km/s. Under the same conditions, the rock's resistance to deformation and damage was greater than that of coal. (2) In the saturated state, the plastic strength of the coal and rock samples was greater than that in the dry state, due to the strengthening of their internal stresses caused by the presence of fissure water. (3) With decreasing temperature, the degree of the dynamic compression factor of coal and rock showed a trend of initially increasing, then decreasing, and then increasing. With the increase in the loading rate, the destruction of the coal and rock was more intense, and the destruction process was accelerated. (4) After the saturated coal and rock samples were frozen, their interiors were affected by the dual factors of contraction under the influence of temperature and expansion under the influence of the freezing expansion force. The internal fissures closed or shrank, and the water in the pores turned into ice, leading to an increase in pore volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of air springs has become widespread in various industries due to their exceptional superelastic properties; however, their strong nonlinear characteristics have become a hindrance to numerical simulations of air springs and have garnered increasing attention. This paper examined the nonlinear dynamic mechanical characteristics of air springs from a fluid–structure interaction perspective and verified the accuracy of the simulation analysis model through quasistatic tension and compression experiments. The average relative errors for air spring load and gas pressure were found to be 8.1% and 7.7%, respectively, which supports the validity of the model. The impact of frequency and amplitude excitations on the axial load characteristics of air springs was investigated through tension and torsion testing. The results showed that increasing the excitation frequency improves the stability of the axial load, while increasing the excitation amplitude enhances the axial load value. The change in axial compression was found to be more significant than that in axial tension, as it was affected not only by the axial load but also by the radial load, which is a key factor affecting the dynamic characteristics of air springs. A radial load analysis model was established to study the influence of frequency and amplitude excitations on the axial load characteristics of air springs. The simulation results indicated that under different amplitudes, the radial load of air springs goes through four stages: a steady period, rising period, steady period, and falling period. Additionally, under the same amplitude, the radial load value increases with an increase in frequency. This research on the dynamic load characteristics of air springs under amplitude and frequency excitations is important for their application in low-frequency and low-amplitude vibration environments, and its findings can be utilized to improve the technical parameters of air springs for suspension damping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]