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In the quest to elevate the mechanical properties of cellulose nanofiber-reinforced poly (lactic acid) composite materials for robust industrial applications, we conducted multiscale nonlinear finite element analysis rooted in homogenization theory. Our study delved into the intricate web of mechanical mechanisms and their pivotal influencers. This paper zeroed in on three paramount factors: the distribution of fibers, the fiber–matrix interface, and the aspect ratio of the fibers. For fiber distribution, we assumed fiber orientation control in fused filament fabrication and clarified the limit of material improvement by setting one-dimensional orientation as the upper limit. Our analysis of the fiber–matrix interface proposed a comprehensive three-scale structure, encompassing microstructures featuring intricate interfacial phases around the fibers, sub-microstructures with myriad dispersed fibers, and macrostructures subjected to external loads. The profound impact of the fiber–matrix interface on material properties was unveiled through a meticulous two-step homogenization process. Furthermore, we examined the substantial influence of the fiber aspect ratio on material properties. By unraveling the complex interplay among these critical factors, this research provided new design guidelines for fiber morphology to the performance of cellulose composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a conceptual framework for finite element analysis of generalized Maxwell viscoelastic materials based on the initial stress approach. The proposed method facilitates the explicit and convenient determination of mechanical parameters for viscoelastic materials by directly utilizing relaxation test data. Each time step's viscoelastic relaxation stress is treated as the initial stress, and a recursive calculation formula for the material's initial stress is established, relying solely on the relaxation stress and strain from the previous time step. Based on this, the study outlines the computational steps for initial-stress-based finite element analysis of elastic materials. The proposed algorithm's accuracy and efficiency are validated through a classical one-dimensional axial rod example. Results demonstrate that the introduced initial stress-type finite element analysis maintains the stiffness matrix equal to the initial stiffness matrix throughout the calculation process, significantly enhancing the efficiency of finite element analysis for viscoelastic materials while reducing the computational resource required. The conceptual framework improves the efficiency and accuracy of analyzing the mechanical parameters of viscoelastic materials using relaxation test data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For linear viscoelastic materials, this paper proposes a finite element analysis method based on an integral constitutive relationship that can simultaneously consider the relaxation behavior of the elastic modulus and the creep Poisson's ratio. Firstly, the generalized Maxwell model is employed to depict the relaxation characteristics of the elastic modulus, while the generalized Kelvin model is used to represent the creep Poisson's ratio. Subsequently, the element relaxation stiffness matrix is established, thereby forming a convolutional finite element equation. Furthermore, the recursive calculation of the convolutional integral is derived, and the calculation steps of the finite element for viscoelasticity considering the time-dependent nature of both the elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio are established. Finally, the accuracy of the proposed algorithm is verified through two numerical examples with linear viscoelastic material. The results indicate that the proposed variable stiffness method for the finite element analysis of linear viscoelastic materials can simultaneously consider the changes in the elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio over time, thereby establishing a new path and idea for the more accurate simulation of viscoelastic materials' mechanical properties. Compared with the initial strain method for linear viscoelastic materials, the variable stiffness method proposed in this paper effectively avoids the assumption of constant stress during the micro time interval, thus significantly enhancing the finite element calculation accuracy of linear viscoelastic materials. The proposed method establishes a simulation algorithm that matches existing commercial software with viscoelastic material experiments by considering the elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio as material parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the ultimate span of a concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) arch bridge, taking the structural strength, stiffness, and stability as the limiting conditions, the finite element analysis method is adopted to carry out research on the influence law of a single parameter of the pipe diameter, wall thickness, and cross-section height on the ultimate span of the arch axial shape. The result is used as a sample point to determine the ultimate span of the CFST arch bridge under multifactor coupling based on the response surface method. The finite element method is used to check the strength, stiffness, stability, number of segments and maximum lifting weight, steel content rate, and steel pipe concrete constraint effect coefficient of the CFST arch bridge under the ultimate span diameter. The results show that, when analyzed using a single parameter, the ultimate span diameter of the CFST arch bridge increases with the increase in the steel pipe diameter and the cross-section height, and then decreases. Moreover, it increases with the increase in the wall thickness of the steel pipe, and the CFST arch bridge reaches the ultimate span with the increase in the steel pipe wall thickness. When the pipe diameter is 1.38 m, the CFST arch bridge reaches the ultimate span; according to a multi-parameter coupling analysis, when the pipe diameter is 1.49 m, wall thickness is 37 mm, and cross-section height is 17 m, the CFST arch bridge reaches the ultimate span of 821 m, which meets all of the limiting conditions, and, at this point, the arch axial coefficient is 1.2. The results of the finite element calculation show that the structural strength, prior to the stiffness, stability, and other limitations, just reaches the critical value of the limiting conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the evolution of stress on the ring and segment interfaces during the construction process of the concrete encapsulation of the main arch ring in a rigid-frame arch bridge, alongside its impact on the ultimate load-bearing capacity of the main arch ring, a 1:10 scale model experiment was conducted by taking the 600 m Tian'e Longtan Bridge as the prototype. The key cross-section concrete strain data were collected during the entire construction process of the main arch ring via fiber-optic strain sensors, which were used to investigate the stress evolution at ring and segment interfaces. ANSYS APDL was employed to simulate the ultimate bearing capacity under various loading conditions of two different finite element models, which were, respectively, formed segmentally and by single pouring. The results revealed that (1) after the closure of the concrete encapsulation of the main arch ring, the concrete stress in the cross-section exhibits significant stress disparities. At the same cross-section, the level of the web concrete stress can reach 76% of the floor concrete stress, while the roof concrete stress level is less than 20% of the floor concrete stress. (2) At the junction of two adjacent work planes, there are considerable differences in the stress levels of the concrete on both sides. After the closure of the main arch ring, the intersegment stress ratios of the floor, web, and roof concrete are 60~70%, 40~60%, and 0~5%, respectively. (3) Loading conditions remarkably affected the ultimate bearing capacity of the main arch ring. Under mid-span loading and 1/4 span symmetrical loading conditions, compared to single-pour concrete encapsulation, the ultimate bearing capacity of the main arch ring with concrete encapsulated by segmented and ring-divided pouring decreased by 19.16% and 5.23%, respectively, compared to single-pour concrete encapsulation. This suggests that the non-uniformity of stress distribution in the concrete sheath can lead to reductions in the ultimate bearing capacity of the arch ring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reasonable and efficient loading scheme is needed to guarantee the success of large-scale bridge tests. In this study, an array-type, self-balancing pulley-group loading system was designed based on the world's largest spanning arch bridge using a 1:10 scale model test. Automatic statistics of the required load at each loading point were realized using ANSYS, and a load optimization algorithm for loading points at different construction stages was proposed. Tests were carried out separately for the loading system using a single set of pulley groups and an array-type pulley group. Finite element models of the model bridge and the original bridge were established separately using ANSYS, and the stress results of different components during different construction stages of the main arch ring were compared. The research results show the following: (1) The load magnification factor of the single-pulley-group loading device is approximately 6.6 times, with a mechanical efficiency of 94.26%. (2) In the array-type loading system, the actual load at each loading point can reach the design value. The self-balancing characteristic of this system can eliminate the impact of vertical deformation of the structure on loading accuracy, verifying the reliability of the system. (3) The simulation results of the original bridge and the model bridge coincide well, and the stress of each component during the construction process has the same trend. At key construction stages, the maximum relative errors of the stress results of the rigid steel frame and the concrete inside the pipe of the two bridges are 8.33% and 9.34%, respectively, and the maximum absolute error of the bottom plate concrete is 0.66 MPa, verifying the correctness of the counterweight-optimization method. The loading scheme proposed in this paper can provide a reference for the design of loading systems with the same type of scale model test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the reasonable range of the inclination angle of arch ribs, a spatial finite element method was employed based on a concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) basket-handle through an arch bridge with a span of 360 m. A spatial finite element model was established using Midas/Civil software, which was verified with actual bridge data. The effects of different arch rib inclination angles were investigated under static loads. The structural natural frequencies, linear elastic stability coefficients, internal forces, and displacements were comprehensively considered to determine the reasonable range of the inclination angle. The results show that when the inclination angle ranges between 8° and 10°, the first, third, and sixth natural frequencies of the structure are increased. It effectively improves the lateral and torsional stiffness of the arch ribs while ensuring optimal out-of-plane stability of the arch ribs. Compared with the parallel arch, the stability is improved by 20.2%. The effects of angle variation on displacement and internal force of the arch ribs were not significant. Considering all indicators, the optimal range of the inclination angle for the arch ribs of 300-m-level highway CFST arch bridges is suggested to be 8~10°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vernier permanent-magnet machines have been attracted more and more attention because of their high torque density. In this paper, the sensorless control strategy of the novel axially magnetized Vernier permanent-magnet (AMVPM) machine is presented. First, the inductance non-linearity is investigated under different load conditions. Second, the mathematical model is established in cooperation with the finite element method. After that, the back electromotive force based sensorless control strategy is developed according to the state equation of the motor. In the sensorless drive, the model reference adaptive system (MRAS) technique incorporated with the inductance non-linearity is used for the speed estimation. The modified control strategy not only increases the stability but also improves the dynamic response of the system. Finally, the simulation results show that the modified MRAS is of high estimation precision, and the AMVPM machine can be well controlled, and the experimental results validated the theoretical design process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) storage tanks can ensure national energy sufficiency, but they are vulnerable to earthquakes. Although ordinary seismic isolation bearings can effectively reduce the base shear force and overturning moment, they tend to amplify the height of the sloshing wave. In this paper, a hybrid vibration control method for LNG storage tanks is proposed, paralleling the series viscous mass damper (SVMD) devices with Lead-core rubber bearings (LRB). The seismic mitigation effects of this parallel seismic isolation scheme were investigated. First, three-dimensional finite element models of fixed base, LRB isolated and SVMD isolated tanks were established, and nonlinear time history analyses were performed for the three types of tanks to compare the seismic responses. It was concluded that SVMD can effectively control the sloshing wave height. In addition, the effects of site types, storage liquid heights, and SVMD's performance parameters on the seismic mitigation effects were also studied. It was found that the softer the site soil, the higher the storage liquid height would make seismic isolation less efficient. The increase of SVMD's additional equivalent mass reduces the sloshing wave height, increases the shear-to-weight ratio, and has little influence on the base displacement. The increase of SVMD's additional equivalent damping reduces the sloshing wave height, base shear force, and base displacement of the tank. The final conclusion is that SVMD can effectively control the sloshing wave height and has a good seismic mitigation effect. • Proposed a hybrid vibration control method for LNG storage tanks, paralleling the series viscous mass damper (SVMD) devices with lead-core rubber bearings (LRB). • Investigated the seismic mitigation effects of this parallel seismic isolation scheme, including the sloshing wave height, shear-to-weight ratio, base displacement, maximum effective stress and hydrodynamic pressure. • Studied the effects of site types, storage liquid heights and SVMD's performance parameters on the seismic mitigation effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A modified domain reduction method (MDRM) that introduces damping terms to the original DRM is presented in this paper. To verify the proposed MDRM and compare the computational accuracy of these two methods, a numerical test is designed. The numerical results of the MDRM and DRM are compared using an extended meshed model. The results show that the MDRM significantly improved the computational accuracy of the DRM. Then, the MDRM is compared with two existing conventional methods, namely Liao's transmitting boundary and viscous-spring boundary with Liu's method. The MDRM shows its great advancement in computational accuracy, stability and range of applications. This paper also discusses the influence of boundary location on computational accuracy. It can be concluded that smaller models tend to have larger errors. By introducing two dimensionless parameters, φ1 and φ2, the rational distance between the observation point and the MDRM boundary is suggested. When φ1>2 or φ2>13, the relative PGA error can be limited to 5%. In practice, the appropriate model size can be chosen based on these two parameters to achieve desired computational accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large lateral deformation in almost level liquefiable ground has been observed during past strong earthquakes, which cannot be explained by the same driving force as that in sloping ground. This study proposes a Rayleigh wave-shear wave coupling mechanism for this phenomenon, which is evaluated on the element and site levels. A simple element level elasto-plastic force–displacement model reveals that the combination of the symmetrical shear force with the asymmetrical shear resistance under Rayleigh wave-shear wave coupling can be a major contributor for the accumulation of lateral soil deformation. Finite element method numerical results for a site level ground model shows that Rayleigh wave-shear wave coupling can induce significantly greater lateral displacement compared to pure shear wave input, and further highlight the importance of soil liquefaction for this phenomenon. The amplitudes and frequencies of the shear wave and the Rayleigh wave and their phase difference are shown to affect the accumulation of lateral deformation. The findings of Rayleigh wave-shear wave coupling induced lateral deformation are consistent with observations in past earthquakes, and should be considered in geotechnical earthquake engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Developed a new type of fiber-reinforced seismic isolator with low cost and high-performance features. • Tensile and bending performance tests were conducted on the fiber-reinforced plastic plates. • Evaluated FRP seismic isolators' mechanical properties, including the vertical compressive performance, horizontal shear performance, ultimate performance, shear strain correlation, compressive stress correlation and loading frequency correlation by mechanical properties tests. • Studied the distributions of horizontal normal stress, vertical normal stress and interfacial shear stress in the isolator by numerical analysis. • Studied the effects of changing the plane size of the FRP seismic isolator and the plate/rubber thickness ratio on the isolator's performance. Seismic isolators are widely used in the field of seismic mitigation. But the disadvantage of the high cost limits the promotion of seismic isolators in underdeveloped areas. Therefore, the development of a new type of low-cost seismic isolator will facilitate the application of seismic isolation technology. This paper proposes a fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) seismic isolator with cost-effective and stable mechanical performance features, which uses a synthetic material of alkali-free fabrics and vinyl resin instead of the steel plate in the traditional laminated isolator. The design and manufacturing process of the bearing makes it have higher stability and integrity than the traditional bearing. A series of mechanical properties tests were conducted to investigate the mechanical behavior of the FRP seismic isolator and to determine the boundary properties of the FRP seismic isolator. The stress distributions inside the FRP seismic isolator are analyzed detailly by the finite element model. The effects of changing the plane size of the FRP seismic isolator and the plate/rubber thickness ratio (P/RTR) on the isolator performance were studied to provide technical support for the subsequent design and manufacture of FRP seismic isolators. The experimental and numerical analyses show that the FRP seismic isolators developed in this paper have good performance and are beneficial for application in low-rise building structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]