Reliability analysis of static liquefaction of loose sand using the random finite element method

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 2100-2119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Johari ◽  
Jaber Rezvani Pour ◽  
Akbar Javadi

Purpose – Liquefaction of soils is defined as significant reduction in shear strength and stiffness due to increase in pore water pressure. This phenomenon can occur in static (monotonic) or dynamic loading patterns. However, in each pattern, the inherent variability of the soil parameters indicates that this problem is of a probabilistic nature rather than being deterministic. The purpose of this paper is to present a method, based on random finite element method, for reliability assessment of static liquefaction of saturated loose sand under monotonic loading. Design/methodology/approach – The random finite element analysis is used for reliability assessment of static liquefaction of saturated loose sand under monotonic loading. The soil behavior is modeled by an elasto-plastic effective stress constitutive model. Independent soil parameters including saturated unit weight, peak friction angle and initial plastic shear modulus are selected as stochastic parameters which are modeled using a truncated normal probability density function (pdf). Findings – The probability of liquefaction is assessed by pdf of modified pore pressure ratio at each depth. For this purpose pore pressure ratio is modified for monotonic loading of soil. It is shown that the saturated unit weight is the most effective parameter, within the selected stochastic parameters, influencing the static soil liquefaction. Originality/value – This research focuses on the reliability analysis of static liquefaction potential of sandy soils. Three independent soil parameters including saturated unit weight, peak friction angle and initial plastic shear modulus are considered as stochastic input parameters. A computer model, coded in MATLAB, is developed for the random finite element analysis. For modeling of the soil behavior, a specific elasto-plastic effective stress constitutive model (UBCSAND) was used.

2021 ◽  
Vol 138 ◽  
pp. 104322
Author(s):  
B.A. Robbins ◽  
D.V. Griffiths ◽  
Gordon A. Fenton

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bin Zheng ◽  
Yi Cai ◽  
Kelun Tang

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to realize the lightweight of connecting rod and meet the requirements of low energy consumption and vibration. Based on the structural design of the original connecting rod, the finite element analysis was conducted to reduce the weight and increase the natural frequencies, so as to reduce materials consumption and improve the energy efficiency of internal combustion engine. Design/methodology/approach The finite element analysis, structural optimization design and topology optimization of the connecting rod are applied. Efficient hybrid method is deployed: static and modal analysis; and structure re-design of the connecting rod based on topology optimization. Findings After the optimization of the connecting rod, the weight is reduced from 1.7907 to 1.4875 kg, with a reduction of 16.93%. The maximum equivalent stress of the optimized connecting rod is 183.97 MPa and that of the original structure is 217.18 MPa, with the reduction of 15.62%. The first, second and third natural frequencies of the optimized connecting rod are increased by 8.89%, 8.85% and 11.09%, respectively. Through the finite element analysis and based on the lightweight, the maximum equivalent stress is reduced and the low-order natural frequency is increased. Originality/value This paper presents an optimization method on the connecting rod structure. Based on the statics and modal analysis of the connecting rod and combined with the topology optimization, the size of the connecting rod is improved, and the static and dynamic characteristics of the optimized connecting rod are improved.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hafida Kahoul ◽  
Samira Belhour ◽  
Ahmed Bellaouar ◽  
Jean Paul Dron

Purpose This paper aims to present the fatigue life behaviour of upper arm suspension. The main objectives are to predict the fatigue life of the component and to identify the critical location. In this analysis, three aluminium alloys were used for the suspension, and their fatigue life was compared to select the suitable material for the suspension arm. Design/methodology/approach CAD model was prepared using Solid Works software, and finite element analysis was done using ANSYS 14.0 software by importing the Parasolid file to ANSYS. The model is subjected to loading and boundary conditions; the authors consider a vertical force with constant amplitude applied at the bushing that connected to the tire, the others two bushing that connected to the body of the car are constraint. Tetrahedral elements given enhanced results as compared to other types of elements; therefore, the elements (TET 10) are used. The maximum principal stress was considered in the linear static analysis, and fatigue analysis was done using strain life approach. Findings Life and damage are evaluated and the critical location was considered at node 63,754. From the fatigue analysis, aluminium alloys 7175-T73 (Al 90%-Zn 5.6%-Mg 2.5% -… …) and 2014-T6 (Al 93.5%-Cu 4.4%-Mg 0.5%… …) present a similar behaviour as compared to 6061-T6 (Al 97.9%-Mg 1.0%-Si 0.6%… … .); in this case of study, these lather are considered to be the materials of choice to manufacture the suspension arms; but 7175-T73 aluminium alloys remain the material with a better resistance to fatigue. Originality/value By the finite element analysis method and assistance of ANSYS software, it is able to analyse the different car components from varied aspects such as fatigue, and consequently save time and cost. For further research, the experimental works under controlled laboratory conditions should be done to determine the validation of the result from the software analysis.


2014 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 1888-1905 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.M. Rahman ◽  
Hakan Oztop ◽  
S. Mekhilef ◽  
R. Saidur ◽  
A. Chamkha ◽  
...  

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of thick wall parameters of a cavity on combined convection in a channel. In other words, conjugate heat transfer is solved. Design/methodology/approach – Galerkin weighted residual finite element method is used to solve the governing equations of mixed convection. Findings – The streamlines, isotherms, local and average Nusselt numbers are obtained and presented for different parameters. It is found heat transfer is an increasing function of dimensionless thermal conductivity ratio. Originality/value – The literature does not have mixed convection and conjugate heat transfer problem in a channel with thick walled cavity.


2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 2421-2447 ◽  
Author(s):  
João Paulo Pascon

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to deal with large deformation analysis of plane beams composed of functionally graded (FG) elastic material with a variable Poisson’s ratio. Design/methodology/approach The material is assumed to be linear elastic, with a Poisson’s ratio varying according to a power law along the thickness direction. The finite element used is a plane beam of any-order of approximation along the axis, and with four transverse enrichment schemes, which can describe constant, linear, quadratic and cubic variation of the strain along the thickness direction. Regarding the constitutive law, five materials are adopted: two homogeneous limiting cases, and three intermediate FG cases. The effect of both finite element kinematics and distribution of Poisson’s ratio on the mechanical response of a cantilever is investigated. Findings In accordance with the scientific literature, the second scheme, in which the transverse strain is linearly variable, is sufficient for homogeneous long (or thin) beams under bending. However, for FG short (or moderate thick) beams, the third scheme, in which the transverse strain variation is quadratic, is needed for a reliable strain or stress distribution. Originality/value In the scientific literature, there are several studies regarding nonlinear analysis of functionally graded materials (FGMs) via finite elements, analysis of FGMs with constant Poisson’s ratio, and geometrically linear problems with gradually variable Poisson’s ratio. However, very few deal with finite element analysis of flexible beams with gradually variable Poisson’s ratio. In the present study, a reliable formulation for such beams is presented.


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 111-117
Author(s):  
Ram Krishna Danai ◽  
Indra Prasad Acharya

The bearing capacity of foundation is the primary concern in the field of geotechnical engineering. In this study numerical models are developed for each of the secondary borehole data collected around Kathmandu valley. Finite element analysis (i.e. PLAXIS 2D) is carried out using Mohr-coulomb failure criteria to represent two dimensional soil models. Foundation is aimed to model as square footing and prescribed settlement of 10% of footing width is provided to obtain corresponding bearing capacity. In plaxis, effective stress is considered as an ultimate bearing capacity. Drained behavior with axisymmetical models have been considered for soil model in plaxis software. Various soil parameters like C (Cohesion), γ (unit weight), Φ (Frictional angle), ν (Poison ratio), E (Elasticity) for each 1.5m and 3m depths have been considered in models and in theoretical approaches.


2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongxiang Tang ◽  
Yuhui Guan ◽  
Xue Zhang ◽  
Degao Zou

Purpose This paper aims to develop a finite element analysis strategy, which is suitable for the analysis of progressive failure that occurs in pressure-dependent materials in practical engineering problems. Design/methodology/approach The numerical difficulties stemming from the strain-softening behaviour of the frictional material, which is represented by a non-associated Drucker–Prager material model, is tackled using the Cosserat continuum theory, while the mixed finite element formulation based on Hu–Washizu variational principle is adopted to allow the utilization of low-order finite elements. Findings The effectiveness and robustness of the low-order finite element are verified, and the simulation for a real-world landslide which occurred at the upstream side of Carsington embankment in Derbyshire reconfirms the advantages of the developed elastoplastic Cosserat continuum scheme in capturing the entire progressive failure process when the strain-softening and the non-associated plastic law are involved. Originality/value The permit of using low-order finite elements is of great importance to enhance computational efficiency for analysing large-scale engineering problems. The case study reconfirms the advantages of the developed elastoplastic Cosserat continuum scheme in capturing the entire progressive failure process when the strain-softening and the non-associated plastic law are involved.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 678-691
Author(s):  
Intan Najwa Humaira Mohamed Haneef ◽  
Norhashimah Shaffiar ◽  
Yose Fachmi Buys ◽  
Abdul Malek Abd. Hamid

Purpose The internal fixation plate of bone fractures by using polylactic acid (PLA) has attracted the attention of many researchers, as it is biodegradable and biocompatible to the human body. However, its brittleness has led to implant fracture. On the contrary, polypropylene carbonate (PPC), which is also biodegradable and biocompatible, has an excellent elongation at break. The purpose of this paper is to compare the PLA fixation plate with the new fixation plate made up of PLA/PPC blends by using finite element analysis (FEA). Design/methodology/approach The mandible bone from CT data set and fixation plate was designed by using the MIMICS, Amira and Solidworks softwares. Abaqus software was used for FEA of PLA/PPC fixation plate applied on the fractured mandible bone. A model of mandibular bone with a fracture in the body was subjected to incisor load. The analysis was run to determine the von Mises stress, elongation of the fixation plate and the displacement of the fractured gap of PLA/PPC blends fixation plate. Findings The von Mises stress predicted that all the blend compositions were safe to be used as a fixation plate since the stress values were less than the yield strength. In addition, the stress value of the fixation plate was gradually decreased up to 20 percent when the amount of PPC increased to 30 percent. This indicates that the stress shielding effect was successfully reduced. The elongation of the fixation plate was gradually increased from 11.54 to 12.55 µm as the amount of PPC in the blends increased from 0 to 30 percent, thereby illustrating that the flexibility of the fixation plate was improved by the addition of PPC. Finally, the measured displacement of the fractured gap for all compositions of PLA/PPC blends fixation plate is less than 150 µm, which proves the likely success of fracture fixation by using the PLA/PPC blends. Research limitations/implications An optimum solution of PLA/PPC blends and another new material such as compatibilizer need to be introduced in the blends in order to improve the performance of PLA/PPC blends as a new material for a fixation plate. Besides, by using the same method of producing PLA/PPC blends, longer durations for in vitro degradation of PLA/PPC blends are essential to further understand the degradation behavior of the blends applied in the human body. Finally, it is also important to further test the mechanical strength of PLA/PPC blends during the degradation period to know the current strength of the implant in the healing process of the bone. Practical implications PLA fixation plate and screw can commercially be used in CMF surgery since they reduce cost because of the elimination of secondary surgery to remove the fixation plate and screw after the healing process. Social implications It is hoped that the advantages of this research will ensure the market of PLA product to continue expanding in medical application. Originality/value This study is one of the alternative ways for the biomedical researchers to improve the elongation break of PLA. Currently, many researchers focus on polymeric materials such as PLA, poly(glycolic) acid and polydioxanone blends, which were extensively being used in CMF surgery. However, the work on PLA/PPC blends to be used as one of the materials for the CMF fixation plate is very limited, if any. PPC, the proposed material for this research, will improve the mechanical performance of PLA fixation plate and screw to become more sustainable and flexible when applied on human mandible bone.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Usman ◽  
Muhammad Hamid ◽  
Zafar Hayat Khan ◽  
Rizwan Ul Haq ◽  
Waqar Ahmed Khan

Purpose This study aims to deal with the numerical investigation of ferrofluid flow and heat transfer inside a right-angle triangular cavity in the presence of a magnetic field. The vertical wall is partially heated, whereas other walls are kept cold. The effects of thermal radiation are included in the analysis. The governing equations including continuity, momentum and energy equations are converted to nondimensional form using viable variables. Design/methodology/approach Finite element method (FEM)-based simulations are performed using finite element approach to investigate the effects of the volume fraction of ferroparticles (Fe3O4), the length of the heating element and the dimensionless numbers including Rayleigh and Hartmann numbers on the streamlines, isotherms and Nusselt number. Findings It is demonstrated that both horizontal and vertical velocity components increase with the length of the heating element, whereas the dimensionless temperature decreases the heating domain. It is observed that an increase of 10% in the volume fraction of ferroparticles increases Nusselt number more than 12%, and 20% increase in the volume fraction of ferroparticles increases more than 30%, depending upon the length of the heating element. Originality/value This is a new study showing the significance of the magnetic nanoparticles for the enhancement of heat transfer rate in a triangular cavity.


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 761-784
Author(s):  
Ali Belhocine ◽  
Oday Ibraheem Abdullah

Purpose This study aims to investigate numerically a thermomechanical behavior of disc brake using ANSYS 11.0 which applies the finite element method (FEM) to solve the transient thermal analysis and the static structural sequentially with the coupled method. Computational fluid dynamics analysis will help the authors in the calculation of the values of the heat transfer (h) that will be exploited in the transient evolution of the brake disc temperatures. Finally, the model resolution allows the authors to visualize other important results of this research such as the deformations and the Von Mises stress on the disc, as well as the contact pressure of the brake pads. Design/methodology/approach A transient finite element analysis (FEA) model was developed to calculate the temperature distribution of the brake rotor with respect to time. A steady-state CFD model was created to obtain convective heat transfer coefficients (HTC) that were used in the FE model. Because HTCs are dependent on temperature, it was necessary to couple the CFD and FEA solutions. A comparison was made between the temperature of full and ventilated brake disc showing the importance of cooling mode in the design of automobile discs. Findings These results are quite in good agreement with those found in reality in the brake discs in service and those that may be encountered before in literature research investigations of which these will be very useful for engineers and in the design field in the vehicle brake system industry. These are then compared to experimental results obtained from literatures that measured ventilated discs surface temperatures to validate the accuracy of the results from this simulation model. Originality/value The novelty of the work is the application of the FEM to solve the thermomechanical problem in which the results of this analysis are in accordance with the realized and in the current life of the braking phenomenon and in the brake discs in service thus with the thermal gradients and the phenomena of damage observed on used discs brake.


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