scholarly journals Strut-and-tie models for linear and nonlinear behavior of concrete based on topological evolutionary structure optimization (ESO)

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-100
Author(s):  
R. M. LANES ◽  
M. GRECO ◽  
M. B. B. F. GUERRA

Abstract The search for representative resistant systems for a concrete structure requires deep knowledge about its mechanical behavior. Strut-and-tie models are classic analysis procedures to the design of reinforced concrete regions where there are stress concentrations, the so-called discontinuous regions of the structure. However, this model is strongly dependent of designer’s experience regarding the compatibility between the internal flow of loads, the material’s behavior, the geometry and boundary conditions. In this context, the present work has the objective of presenting the application of the strut-and-tie method in linear and non-linear on some typical structural elements, using the Evolutionary Topological Optimization Method (ESO). This optimization method considers the progressive reduction of stiffness with the removal of elements with low values of stresses. The equivalent truss system resulting from the analysis may provide greater safety and reliability.

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. S. Almeida ◽  
H. L. Simonetti ◽  
L. Oliveira Neto

The strut-and-tie models are appropriate to design and to detail certain types of structural elements in reinforced concrete and in regions of stress concentrations, called "D" regions. This is a good model representation of the structural behavior and mechanism. The numerical techniques presented herein are used to identify stress regions which represent the strut-and-tie elements and to quantify their respective efforts. Elastic linear plane problems are analyzed using strut-and-tie models by coupling the classical evolutionary structural optimization, ESO, and a new variant called SESO - Smoothing ESO, for finite element formulation. The SESO method is based on the procedure of gradual reduction of stiffness contribution of the inefficient elements at lower stress until it no longer has any influence. Optimal topologies of strut-and-tie models are presented in several instances with good settings comparing with other pioneer works allowing the design of reinforcement for structural elements.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (09) ◽  
pp. 1950064
Author(s):  
P. F. Xu ◽  
S. Y. Duan ◽  
F. Wang

Lightweight of wheel hubs is the linchpin for reducing the unsprung mass and improving the vehicle dynamic and braking performance of vehicles, thus, sustaining stability and comfortability. Current experience-based lightweight designs of wheel hubs have been argued to render uneven distribution of materials. This work develops a novel method to combine the reverse modeling technique with the topological optimization method to derive lightweight wheel hubs based on the principles of mechanics. A reverse modeling technique is first adopted to scan and reproduce the prototype 3D geometry of the wheel hub with solid ribs. The finite element method (FEM) is then applied to perform stress analysis to identify the maximum stress and its location of wheel hub under variable potential physical conditions. The finite element model is then divided into optimization region and nonoptimized region: the former is the interior portion of spoke and the latter is the outer surface of the spoke. A topology optimization is then conducted to remove the optimization region which is interior material of the spokes. The hollow wheel hub is then reconstructed with constant wall thickness about 5[Formula: see text]mm via a reverse modeling technique. The results show that the reconstructed model can reduce the mass of 12.7% compared to the pre-optimized model. The present method of this paper can guarantee the optimal distribution of wheel hub material based on mechanics principle. It can be implemented automatically to shorten the time interval for optimal lightweight designs. It is especially preferable for many existing structures and components as it maintains the structural appearance of optimization object.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazuki Yamamoto ◽  
Ryota Uehara ◽  
Shohei Mizuguchi ◽  
Masahiro Miyabe

Abstract High efficiency is strongly demanded for gas turbines to reduce CO2 emissions. In order to improve the efficiency of gas turbines, the turbine inlet temperature is being raised higher. In that case, the turbine blade loading is higher and secondary flow loss becomes a major source of aerodynamic losses due to the interaction between the horseshoe vortex and the strong endwall cross flow. One of the authors have optimized a boundary layer fence which is a partial vane to prevent cross-flow from pressure-side to suction-side between blade to blade. However, it was also found that installing the fence leads to increase another loss due to tip vortex, wake and viscosity. Therefore, in this paper, we focused on the endwall contouring and the positive effect findings from the boundary layer fence were used to study its optimal shape. Firstly, the relationship between the location of the endwall contouring and the internal flow within the turbine cascade was investigated. Two patterns of contouring were made, one is only convex and another is just concave, and the secondary flow behavior of the turbine cascade was investigated respectively. Secondly, the shape was designed and the loss reduction effect was investigated by using optimization method. The optimized shape was manufactured by 3D-printer and experiment was conducted using cascade wind tunnel. The total pressure distributions were measured and compared with CFD results. Furthermore, flow near the endwall and the internal flow of the turbine cascade was experimentally visualized. The internal flow in the case of a flat wall (without contouring), with a fence, and with optimized endwall contouring were compared by experiment and CFD to extract the each feature.


Symmetry ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 1837 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Sotola ◽  
David Stareczek ◽  
David Rybansky ◽  
Jiri Prokop ◽  
Pavel Marsalek

This paper presents a new design procedure for production of a transtibial prosthesis bed stump by three-dimensional (3D) printing with topological optimization. The suggested procedure combines the medical perspective with finite element analysis and facilitates regaining the symmetry in patients with transtibial prosthesis, which leads to life improvement. The particular focus of the study is the weight reduction of the lower part of the bed stump, while taking into account its stiffness and load-bearing capacity. The first part of the work deals with the analysis of the subject geometry of the bed stump, which is usually oversized in terms of the weight and stiffness that are necessary for the current application. In the second part, an analysis of walking biomechanics with a focus on the impact and rebound phases is presented. Based on the obtained information, a spatial model of the lower part of the bed stump is proposed in the third phase, in which the finite element method is described. In the fourth part, the topological optimization method is used for reducing the structure weight. In the last part, the results of the designed model are analyzed. Finally, the recommendations for the settings of the method are presented. The work is based on the practical industry requirements, and the obtained results will be reflected in the design of new types of transtibial prosthesis.


2003 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 507-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. N Akour ◽  
J. F Nayfeh ◽  
D. W Nicholson

Stress concentrations associated with circular holes in pure shear-loaded plates can be reduced by up to 13.5 per cent by introducing elliptical auxiliary holes along the principal stress directions. These holes are introduced in the areas of low stresses near the main circular hole in order to smooth the principal stress trajectories. A systematic study based on univariate search optimization method is undertaken by using finite element analysis (FEA) to determine the optimum size and location for an auxiliary defence hole system. The results are validated using RGB (red-green-blue) photoelasticity.


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