Low-order mixed finite element analysis of progressive failure in pressure-dependent materials within the framework of the Cosserat continuum

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongxiang Tang ◽  
Yuhui Guan ◽  
Xue Zhang ◽  
Degao Zou
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Strain Softening ◽  
Progressive Failure ◽  
Mixed Finite Element ◽  
Failure Process ◽  
Cosserat Continuum ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Engineering Problems ◽  
Low Order

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.

scholarly journals Factor of Safety Reduction Factors for Accounting for Progressive Failure for Earthen Levees with Underlying Thin Layers of Sensitive Soils

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam J. Lobbestael ◽  
Adda Athanasopoulos-Zekkos ◽  
Josh Colley
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Strain Softening ◽  
Progressive Failure ◽  
Limit Equilibrium ◽  
Thin Layers ◽  
The Finite Element Method ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Limit Equilibrium Methods ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Reduction Factors

The effects of progressive failure on flood embankments with underlying thin layers of soft, sensitive soils are investigated. Finite element analysis allows for investigation of strain-softening effects and progressive failure in soft and sensitive soils. However, limit equilibrium methods for slope stability analysis, widely used in industry, cannot capture these effects and may result in unconservative factors of safety. A parametric analysis was conducted to investigate the effect of thin layers of soft sensitive soils on the stability of flood embankments. A flood embankment was modeled using both the limit equilibrium method and the finite element method. The foundation profile was altered to determine the extent to which varying soft and sensitive soils affected the stability of the embankment, with respect to progressive failure. The results from the two methods were compared to determine reduction factors that can be applied towards factors of safety computed using limit equilibrium methods, in order to capture progressive failure.

Y-Mat: an improved hybrid finite-discrete element code for addressing geotechnical and geological engineering problems

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gang Liu ◽  
Fengshan Ma ◽  
Maosheng Zhang ◽  
Jie Guo ◽  
Jun Jia
Keyword(s):  
Contact Force ◽  
Mechanical Response ◽  
Progressive Failure ◽  
Failure Process ◽  
Discrete Element ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Geological Engineering ◽  
Natural Rock ◽  
Engineering Problems ◽  
Process Failure

PurposeContinua and discontinua coexist in natural rock materials. This paper aims to present an improved approach for addressing the mechanical response of rock masses based on the combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM) proposed by Munjiza.Design/methodology/approachSeveral algorithms have been programmed in the new approach. The algorithms include (1) a simpler and more efficient algorithm to calculate the contact force; (2) An algorithm for tangential contact force closer to the actual physical process; (3) a plastic yielding criterion (e.g. Mohr-Coulomb) to modify the elastic stress for fitting the mechanical behavior of elastoplastic materials; and (4) a complete code for the mechanical calculation to be implemented in Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB).FindingsThree case studies, including two standard laboratory experiments (uniaxial compression and Brazilian split test) and one engineering-scale anti-dip slop model, are presented to illustrate the feasibility of the Y-Mat code and its ability to deal with multi-scale rock mechanics problems. The results, including the progressive failure process, failure mode and trajectory of each case, are acceptable compared to other corresponding studies. It is shown that, the code is capable of modeling geotechnical and geological engineering problems.Originality/valueThis article gives an improved FDEM-based numerical calculation code. And, feasibility of the code is verified through three cases. It can effectively solve the geotechnical and geological engineering problems.

Analysis of progressive deformation of the Edmonton Convention Centre excavation

1987 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 430-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. H. Chan ◽  
N. R. Morgenstern
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element Analysis ◽  
Finite Element ◽  
Strain Softening ◽  
Progressive Failure ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Shear Zones ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Progressive Deformation ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
The Stability

A finite element analysis was performed of the deformations observed during the excavation of the Edmonton Convention Centre. Local geology in the Edmonton area consists of layers of shale with weak bentonite seams overlain by glacial deposits. The presence of the bentonite seams, which possess strain-softening characteristics, controls the stability of the excavation, which is located in a valley wall. To simulate the influence of the bentonite seams a strain-softening finite element model is used to estimate the amount of deformation in the foundation of the excavation. Field measurements indicated that localized progressive straining had occurred during the excavation process, and substantial heave of the foundation floor was observed. The finite element results show progressive deformation of the excavation and propagation of shear zones. Good agreement between the finite element results and the field observations is obtained. Key words: progressive failure, strain softening, finite element analysis, shear band, excavation stability.

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
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Pressure Ratio ◽  
Monotonic Loading ◽  
Unit Weight ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Loose Sand ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Static Liquefaction ◽  
Random Finite Element

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.

Progressive failure of the Carsington Dam: a numerical study

1992 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 971-988 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Chen ◽  
N. R. Morgenstern ◽  
D. H. Chan
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element Analysis ◽  
Finite Element ◽  
Factor Of Safety ◽  
Progressive Failure ◽  
Limit Equilibrium ◽  
Equilibrium Analysis ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Limit Equilibrium Analysis ◽  
The Finite Element Analysis ◽  
Yellow Clay

The mechanism of progressive failure is well understood as one which involves nonuniform straining of a strain-weakening material. Traditional limit equilibrium analysis cannot be used alone to obtain a rational solution for progressive failure problems because the deformation of the structure must be taken into account in the analysis. The failure of the Carsington Dam during construction in 1984 has been attributed to progressive failure of the underlying yellow clay and the dam core materials. The dam was monitored extensively prior to failure, and an elaborate geotechnical investigation was undertaken after failure. The limit equilibrium analysis indicated that the factors of safety were over 1.4 using peak strength of intact clay material or 1.2 based on reduced strength accounting for preshearing of the yellow clay layer. Factors of safety were found to be less than unity if residual strengths were used. The actual factor of safety at failure was, of course, equal to one. By using the finite element analysis with strain-weakening models, the extent and degree of weakening along the potential slip surface were calculated. The calculated shear strength was then used in the limit equilibrium analysis, and the factor of safety was found to be 1.05, which is very close to the actual value of 1.0. More importantly, the mechanism of failure and the initiation and propagation of the shear zones were captured in the finite element analysis. It was also found that accounting explicitly for pore-water pressure effects using the effective stress approach in the finite element and limit equilibrium analyses provides more realistic simulations of the failure process of the structure than analyses based on total stresses. Key words : progressive failure, strain softening, finite element analysis, dams.

Optimization design of titanium alloy connecting rod based on structural topology optimization

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bin Zheng ◽  
Yi Cai ◽  
Kelun Tang
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element Analysis ◽  
Finite Element ◽  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Optimization Design ◽  
Equivalent Stress ◽  
Connecting Rod ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Finite Element Analysis ◽  
Maximum Equivalent Stress

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.

scholarly journals Fatigue life prediction of upper arm suspension using strain life approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hafida Kahoul ◽  
Samira Belhour ◽  
Ahmed Bellaouar ◽  
Jean Paul Dron
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element Analysis ◽  
Finite Element ◽  
Fatigue Life ◽  
Aluminium Alloys ◽  
Fatigue Analysis ◽  
Vertical Force ◽  
Upper Arm ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Location

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.

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