Comparison of the Dynamic and Static Corner Frequencies in Ground Motion Simulation: Cases Study of Jiuzhaigou Earthquake and Northridge Earthquake

By using the stochastic finite-fault method based on static corner frequency (Model 1) and dynamic corner frequency (Model 2), we calculate the far-field received energy (FRE) and acceleration response spectra (SA) and then compare it with the observed SA. The results show that FRE obtained by the two models depends on the subfault size regardless of high-frequency scaling factor (HSF). Considering the HSF, the results obtained by Model 1 and Model 2 are found to be consistent. Then, similar conclusion was obtained from the Northridge earthquake. Finally, we analyzed the reasons and proposed the areas that need to be improved.

Study on shock absorption performance and damage of a new staggered story isolated system

The new staggered story isolated system is developed according to the base isolated system and the mid-story isolated system. Non-linear finite element model of an eighteen stories new staggered story isolated structure is established. For a comparative analysis, the models of a base isolated structure, a mid-story isolated structure, and an aseismic structure are also established, and their shock absorption performances and damages are analyzed for comparison. The results indicate that the new staggered story isolated structure has a small seismic response, good shock absorption performance which is feasible for application. Besides, the shock absorption performance of the new staggered story isolated structure is a little worse than the base isolated structure but slightly better than the mid-story isolated structure. The bottom of core tube and the story below the frame isolated story have large acceleration response which needs to be paid more attention in design.

Analysis on Dynamic Characteristics and Seismic Response of Wooden Structure of South Gate Building in Jiangzhang Town

In order to study the seismic performance of ancient wooden structures with single eaves and beam lifting in China, the finite element model of the upper floor of the south gate of Jiangzhang town in Shanxi Province was established by using ANSYS. Through modal analysis, the main frequencies and modes of the south gate of Jiangduan were obtained. Through the seismic response analysis of the south gate tower model, the displacement and acceleration response curves of the top nodes of the outer eaves column, golden column and through column under various working conditions of the South gate tower are obtained. The results show that the first and second order frequencies of the South Gate tower model are 1.830Hz and 1.855Hz, and the first two order modes are mainly transitional. With the increase of seismic excitation, the displacement and acceleration response of the top joints of the outer eave column, golden column and through column increase.

Both Prey and Predator Features Determine Predation Risk and Survival of Schooling Prey

Predation is one of the main evolutionary drivers of social grouping. While it is well appreciated that predation risk is likely not shared equally among individuals within groups, its detailed quantification has remained difficult due to the speed of attacks and the highly-dynamic nature of collective prey response. Here, using high-resolution tracking of solitary predators (Northern pike) hunting schooling fish (golden shiners), we not only provide detailed insights into predator decision-making but show which key spatial and kinematic features of predator and prey influence individual's risk to be targeted and survive attacks. Pike tended to stealthily approach the largest groups, and were often already inside the school when launching their attack, making prey in this frontal "strike zone" the most vulnerable to be targeted. From the prey's perspective, those fish in central locations, but relatively far from, and less aligned with, neighbours, were most likely to be targeted. While the majority of attacks (70%) were successful, targeted individuals that did manage to avoid capture exhibited a higher maximum acceleration response just before the attack and were further away from the pike's head. Our results highlight the crucial interplay between predators' attack strategy and response of prey in determining predation risk in mobile animal groups.

An approach to investigating rolling element bearing damage under impact loading

This paper presents an approach to studying rolling element bearing damage under the interference of impact loading. In the experimental part, a series of bearing tests was performed by using the twin-disc test device with artificially damaged bearings. This was followed by analysis of the measured acceleration response data in impact-free condition as well as under the influence of the impact loading. The results showed successful detection of the bearing outer race damage by using typical bearing damage detection approaches regardless whether the impact loading was applied to the system or not. In turn, recognition of the bearing rolling element damage required specific signal processing.