Sensor Selection and Placement for Track Switch Condition Monitoring through Validated Structural Digital Twin Models of Train–Track Interactions

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 49
Author(s):  
Nikhil Pillai ◽  
Jou-Yi Shih ◽  
Clive Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Strain Sensor ◽  
Vertical Direction ◽  
Sensor Selection ◽  
Railway Track ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Train Track ◽  
Switch Condition ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Twin Models

Railway track switches experience high failure rates, which can be reduced by monitoring their structural health. The results obtained from a validated Finite Element (FE) model for train–track switch interaction have been introduced to support sensor selection and placement. For the FE models with nominal and damaged rail profiles, virtual strain sensor measurements have been obtained after converting the true strains to engineering strains. Comparisons for the strains before and after the introduction of the fault have demonstrated greater amplitude for the strains after fault introduction. The highest difference in strain amplitude is in the vertical direction, followed by the longitudinal and lateral directions.

scholarly journals Applicability of a Three-Layer Model for the Dynamic Analysis of Ballasted Railway Tracks

Vibration ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 151-174
Author(s):  
André F. S. Rodrigues ◽  
Zuzana Dimitrovová
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Finite Element ◽  
Dynamic Analysis ◽  
Shear Stiffness ◽  
Shear Resistance ◽  
Railway Track ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Inertial Effects ◽  
Layer Model ◽  
3D Finite Element

In this paper, the three-layer model of ballasted railway track with discrete supports is analyzed to access its applicability. The model is referred as the discrete support model and abbreviated by DSM. For calibration, a 3D finite element (FE) model is created and validated by experiments. Formulas available in the literature are analyzed and new formulas for identifying parameters of the DSM are derived and validated over the range of typical track properties. These formulas are determined by fitting the results of the DSM to the 3D FE model using metaheuristic optimization. In addition, the range of applicability of the DSM is established. The new formulas are presented as a simple computational engineering tool, allowing one to calculate all the data needed for the DSM by adopting the geometrical and basic mechanical properties of the track. It is demonstrated that the currently available formulas have to be adapted to include inertial effects of the dynamically activated part of the foundation and that the contribution of the shear stiffness, being determined by ballast and foundation properties, is essential. Based on this conclusion, all similar models that neglect the shear resistance of the model and inertial properties of the foundation are unable to reproduce the deflection shape of the rail in a general way.

A SLOT-CUTTING TECHNIQUE FOR REPAIR AND REHABILIATION OF CONCRETE DAMS AFFECTED BY ALKALI-SILICA REACTION

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad S. Pourbehi ◽  
Breda Strasheim
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Economic Consequences ◽  
Structural Safety ◽  
Alkali Silica Reaction ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Concrete Dams ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Slot Cutting

The combined impacts of earthquake damage and aging of concrete material on vulnerable aged dam systems have been typical causes of structural failure. The possible malfunction or loss of these vital systems and components can have serious socio-economic consequences and impacts on potable water resource availability, crop irrigation, and electric power generation. Worldwide extensive work has been done to evaluate the structural safety of aged concrete dam system components and to develop suitable remedial action and rehabilitation strategies. This paper reports a Chemo-Thermo-Mechanical Finite Element model developed by the authors which was used to demonstrate the use of the Finite Element Method (FEM) to model the behavior of a synthetic dam if the concrete is affected by Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR), applying the slot cutting rehabilitation technique. ASR is a destructive chemical reaction between the cement paste and siliceous aggregate components in concrete materials that causes long-term expansion and degradation of concrete structures, including dams. Slot cutting is recognized as one of the promising techniques suitable to repair concrete dams suffering from ASR. The results show that the FE model could predict the stress and displacement field before and after the sawing of the slot in an assumed dam affected by ASR and demonstrate a promising capability for modeling the repair strategies in real dams suffering from ASR.

Fatigue Assessment of a Slender Footbridge Based on an Updated Finite Element Model

2018 ◽  
Vol 774 ◽  
pp. 589-594
Author(s):  
J. Pérez-Aracil ◽  
A.M. Hernandez-Díaz ◽  
J.F. Jiménez-Alonso ◽  
F.J. Puerta-Lopez
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Finite Element Model ◽  
Fatigue Damage ◽  
Model Updating ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Vertical Direction ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Modal Parameters ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Fatigue Assessment

Finite element model updating is a well-known technique to better characterize the real behaviour of civil engineering structures. The updated numerical model can be used to perform a more accurate structural assessment. Herein, its effectiveness is validated through the fatigue assessment of a lively footbridge considering two different numerical models: (i) a preliminary finite element (FE) model and (ii) an updated version of the preliminary model based on the modal parameters of the footbridge identified experimentally. For this purpose, the Malecon footbridge (Murcia, Spain) has been considered. This footbridge, a cable-stayed structure, is prone to vibrate in vertical direction under continuous walking pedestrian flows so fatigue damage might be expected on its supporting cables. A detailed FE model of the footbridge has been performed and subsequently updated based on the experimental modal parameters of the structure. The behaviour of the pedestrian flows was characterized by field observations. Finally, a comparison is performed between the fatigue damage of some cables of the footbridge considering the two mentioned FE models. The safe life method was used to assess such damage. As result, a maximum relative difference around 52 % was obtained between the two numerical models.

scholarly journals Influence of posterior pedicle screw fixation at L4–L5 level on biomechanics of the lumbar spine with and without fusion: a finite element method

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emre Sengul ◽  
Ramazan Ozmen ◽  
Mesut Emre Yaman ◽  
Teyfik Demir
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Lumbar Spine ◽  
Pedicle Screw ◽  
Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion ◽  
Adjacent Segment ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Lateral Bending ◽  
Adjacent Level ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Fixation System

Abstract Background Posterior pedicle screw (PS) fixation, a common treatment method for widespread low-back pain problems, has many uncertain aspects including stress concentration levels, effects on adjacent segments, and relationships with physiological motions. A better understanding of how posterior PS fixation affects the biomechanics of the lumbar spine is needed. For this purpose, a finite element (FE) model of a lumbar spine with posterior PS fixation at the L4–L5 segment level was developed by partially removing facet joints (FJs) to imitate an actual surgical procedure. This FE study aimed to investigate the influence of the posterior PS fixation system on the biomechanics of the lumbar spine before and after fusion by determining which physiological motions have the most increase in posterior instrumentation (PI) stresses and FJ loading. Results It was determined that posterior PS fixation increased FJ loading by approximately 35% and 23% at the L3–L4 adjacent level with extension and lateral bending motion, respectively. This increase in FJ loading at the adjacent level could point to the possibility that adjacent segment disease has developed or progressed after posterior lumbar interbody fusion. Furthermore, analyses of peak von Mises stresses on PI showed that the maximum PI stresses of 272.1 MPa and 263.7 MPa occurred in lateral bending and flexion motion before fusion, respectively. Conclusions The effects of a posterior PS fixation system on the biomechanics of the lumbar spine before and after fusion were investigated for all physiological motions. This model could be used as a fundamental tool for further studies, providing a better understanding of the effects of posterior PS fixation by clearing up uncertain aspects.

Representation of bolted joints in a structure using finite element modelling and model updating

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 7141-7151 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Omar ◽  
M. N. Abdul Rani ◽  
M. A. Yunus
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Dynamic Behaviour ◽  
Model Updating ◽  
Complex Structure ◽  
Bolted Joints ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Bolted Joint ◽  
Fe Modelling ◽  
Joint Structure

Efficient and accurate finite element (FE) modelling of bolted joints is essential for increasing confidence in the investigation of structural vibrations. However, modelling of bolted joints for the investigation is often found to be very challenging. This paper proposes an appropriate FE representation of bolted joints for the prediction of the dynamic behaviour of a bolted joint structure. Two different FE models of the bolted joint structure with two different FE element connectors, which are CBEAM and CBUSH, representing the bolted joints are developed. Modal updating is used to correlate the two FE models with the experimental model. The dynamic behaviour of the two FE models is compared with experimental modal analysis to evaluate and determine the most appropriate FE model of the bolted joint structure. The comparison reveals that the CBUSH element connectors based FE model has a greater capability in representing the bolted joints with 86 percent accuracy and greater efficiency in updating the model parameters. The proposed modelling technique will be useful in the modelling of a complex structure with a large number of bolted joints.

scholarly journals Theoretical analysis and experimental research on multi-layer elastic damping track structure

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 168781402199497
Author(s):  
Guanghui Xu ◽  
Shengkai Su ◽  
Anbin Wang ◽  
Ruolin Hu
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Analytical Solution ◽  
Finite Element Simulation ◽  
Reaction Force ◽  
Vibration Reduction ◽  
Vertical Direction ◽  
Propagation Path ◽  
Track Structure ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Element Simulation

The increase of axle load and train speed would cause intense wheelrail interactions, and lead to potential vibration related problems in train operation. For the low-frequency vibration reduction of a track system, a multi-layer track structure was proposed and analyzed theoretically and experimentally. Firstly, the analytical solution was derived theoretically, and followed by a parametric analysis to verify the vibration reduction performance. Then, a finite element simulation is carried out to highlight the influence of the tuned slab damper. Finally, the vibration and noise tests are performed to verify the results of the analytical solution and finite element simulation. As the finite element simulation indicates, after installation of the tuned slab damper, the peak reaction force of the foundation can be reduced by 60%, and the peak value of the vertical vibration acceleration would decrease by 50%. The vibration test results show that the insertion losses for the total vibration levels are 13.3 dB in the vertical direction and 21.7 dB in the transverse direction. The noise test results show that the data of each measurement point is smoother and smaller, and the noise in the generating position and propagation path can be reduced by 1.9 dB–5.5 dB.

scholarly journals Comparison of one versus two maxillary molars distalization with iPanda: a finite element analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamontip Sujaritwanid ◽  
Boonsiva Suzuki ◽  
Eduardo Yugo Suzuki
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Stress Distribution ◽  
Alveolar Bone ◽  
Vertical Direction ◽  
Minimal Amount ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Molar Distalization ◽  
Second Molar ◽  
Maxillary Molars ◽  
Displacement Patterns

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to compare the stress distribution and displacement patterns of the one versus two maxillary molars distalization with iPanda and to evaluate the biomechanical effect of distalization on the iPanda using the finite element method. Methods The finite element models of a maxillary arch with complete dentition, periodontal ligament, palatal and alveolar bone, and an iPanda connected to a pair of midpalatal miniscrews were created. Two models were created to simulate maxillary molar distalization. In the first model, the iPanda was connected to the second molar to simulate a single molar distalization. In the second model, the iPanda was connected to the first molar to simulate “en-masse” first and second molar distalization. A varying force from 50 to 200 g was applied. The stress distribution and displacement patterns were analyzed. Results For one molar, the stress was concentrated at the furcation and along the distal surface in all roots with a large amount of distalization and distobuccal crown tipping. For two molars, the stress in the first molar was 10 times higher than in the second molar with a great tendency for buccal tipping and a minimal amount of distalization. Moreover, the stress concentration on the distal miniscrew was six times higher than in the mesial miniscrew with an extrusive and intrusive vector, respectively. Conclusions Individual molar distalization provides the most effective stress distribution and displacement patterns with reduced force levels. In contrast, the en-masse distalization of two molars results in increased force levels with undesirable effects in the transverse and vertical direction.

scholarly journals Influence of finite element mesh size on the carrying capacity analysis of single-row ball slewing bearing

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 168781402110090
Author(s):  
Peiyu He ◽  
Qinrong Qian ◽  
Yun Wang ◽  
Hong Liu ◽  
Erkuo Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Mesh Size ◽  
Finite Element Mesh ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Element Mesh ◽  
Heavy Load ◽  
Slewing Bearing ◽  
Maximum Contact ◽  
Slewing Bearings

Slewing bearings are widely used in industry to provide rotary support and carry heavy load. The load-carrying capacity is one of the most important features of a slewing bearing, and needs to be calculated cautiously. This paper investigates the effect of mesh size on the finite element (FE) analysis of the carrying capacity of slewing bearings. A local finite element contact model of the slewing bearing is firstly established, and verified using Hertz contact theory. The optimal mesh size of finite element model under specified loads is determined by analyzing the maximum contact stress and the contact area. The overall FE model of the slewing bearing is established and strain tests were performed to verify the FE results. The effect of mesh size on the carrying capacity of the slewing bearing is investigated by analyzing the maximum contact load, deformation, and load distribution. This study of finite element mesh size verification provides an important guidance for the accuracy and efficiency of carrying capacity of slewing bearings.

Finite Element Analysis of the Distributed Vibration Absorbers for Structural Noise Control

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashwini Gautam ◽  
Chris Fuller ◽  
James Carneal
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Numerical Model ◽  
Base Plate ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Vibration Absorbers ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Poroelastic Media ◽  
Hexahedral Elements ◽  
Component Models

This work presents an extensive analysis of the properties of distributed vibration absorbers (DVAs) and their effectiveness in controlling the sound radiation from the base structure. The DVA acts as a distributed mass absorber consisting of a thin metal sheet covering a layer of acoustic foam (porous media) that behaves like a distributed spring-mass-damper system. To assess the effectiveness of these DVAs in controlling the vibration of the base structures (plate) a detailed finite elements model has been developed for the DVA and base plate structure. The foam was modeled as a poroelastic media using 8 node hexahedral elements. The structural (plate) domain was modeled using 16 degree of freedom plate elements. Each of the finite element models have been validated by comparing the numerical results with the available analytical and experimental results. These component models were combined to model the DVA. Preliminary experiments conducted on the DVAs have shown an excellent agreement between the results obtained from the numerical model of the DVA and from the experiments. The component models and the DVA model were then combined into a larger FE model comprised of a base plate with the DVA treatment on its surface. The results from the simulation of this numerical model have shown that there has been a significant reduction in the vibration levels of the base plate due to DVA treatment on it. It has been shown from this work that the inclusion of the DVAs on the base plate reduces their vibration response and therefore the radiated noise. Moreover, the detailed development of the finite element model for the foam has provided us with the capability to analyze the physics behind the behavior of the distributed vibration absorbers (DVAs) and to develop more optimized designs for the same.

scholarly journals Innovative passive reinforcements for the gradual stabilization of a landslide according with the observational method

Landslides ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Brezzi ◽  
Alberto Bisson ◽  
Davide Pasa ◽  
Simonetta Cola
Keyword(s):  
Monitoring System ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Site Conditions ◽  
Observational Method ◽  
Rainy Period ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Set Up

AbstractA large number of landslides occur in North-Eastern Italy during every rainy period due to the particular hydrogeological conditions of this area. Even if there are no casualties, the economic losses are often significant, and municipalities frequently do not have sufficient financial resources to repair the damage and stabilize all the unstable slopes. In this regard, the research for more economically sustainable solutions is a crucial challenge. Floating composite anchors are an innovative and low-cost technique set up for slope stabilization: it consists in the use of passive sub-horizontal reinforcements, obtained by coupling a traditional self-drilling bar with some tendons cemented inside it. This work concerns the application of this technique according to the observational method described within the Italian and European technical codes and mainly recommended for the design of geotechnical works, especially when performed in highly uncertain site conditions. The observational method prescribes designing an intervention and, at the same time, using a monitoring system in order to correct and adapt the project during realization of the works on the basis of new data acquired while on site. The case study is the landslide of Cischele, a medium landslide which occurred in 2010 after an exceptional heavy rainy period. In 2015, some floating composite anchors were installed to slow down the movement, even if, due to a limited budget, they were not enough to ensure the complete stabilization of the slope. Thanks to a monitoring system installed in the meantime, it is now possible to have a comparison between the site conditions before and after the intervention. This allows the evaluation of benefits achieved with the reinforcements and, at the same time, the assessment of additional improvements. Two stabilization scenarios are studied through an FE model: the first includes the stabilization system built in 2015, while the second evaluates a new solution proposed to further increase the slope stability.

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