Numerical analysis of the deep soil failure mechanism for perimeter pile groups

In this paper, the lateral limiting pressure offered by the deep ‘flow-around’ soil failure mechanism for perimeter (ring) pile groups in undrained soil is explored using two−dimensional finite element modelling. A parametric study investigates the role of group configuration, pile−soil adhesion, group size, pile spacing and load direction on group capacity and corresponding soil failure mechanisms. The finite element output show that the plan group configuration (square or circular) has a negligible influence on lateral capacity for closely spaced perimeter pile groups. When compared to ‘full’ square pile groups with the same number of piles, the present results suggest that for practical pile spacing (≳ two pile diameters), perimeter groups do not necessarily increase capacity efficiency, particularly if the piles are smooth. Nevertheless, perimeter groups are shown to be characterized by both the invariance of their capacity to the direction of loading and their highly uniform load-sharing between piles, which are beneficial features to optimize design.

The Effects of Permanent Magnet Segmentations on Electromagnetic Performance in Ironless Brushless DC Motors

This paper investigates the electromagnetic torque by considering back electromagnetic force (back-EMF) trapezoidal degrees of ironless brushless DC (BLDC) motors through the two-dimensional finite element method (2-D FEM). First, the change percentages of the electromagnetic torque with back-EMF trapezoidal degrees, relative to those of PMs without segments, are investigated on the premise of the same back-EMF amplitude. It is found that both PM symmetrically and asymmetrically segmented types influence back-EMF trapezoidal degrees. Second, the corresponding electromagnetic torque, relative to that of PMs without segments, is studied in detail. The results show that the electromagnetic torque can be improved or deteriorated depending on whether the back-EMF trapezoidal degree is lower or higher than that of PMs without segments. Additionally, the electromagnetic torque can easily be improved by increasing the number of PMs’ symmetrical segments. In addition, the electromagnetic torque in PMs with asymmetrical segments is always higher than that of PMs without segments. Finally, two ironless PM BLDC motors with PMs symmetrically segmented into three segments and without segments are manufactured and tested. The experimental results show good agreement with those of the 2-D FEM method. This approach provides significant guidelines to electromagnetic torque improvement without much increase in manufacturing costs and process complexity.

Numerical Analysis of Microcracks of Fly Ash/Slag Concrete with Cobble as Coarse Aggregate

In order to improve mechanical properties of fly ash/slag concrete with large size cobble as coarse aggregate, this paper analyzes the effect of different factors on the concrete through the flexural strength test. The Monte Carlo simulation is used in the finite element solver of ANSYS to conduct the four-point bending beam test. Three-dimensional and two-dimensional finite element models are established to discuss how the gradation of large size cobbles affects the performance of the concrete by comparing macromechanical experiments. Results show that the gradation of large size cobbles is the main factor affecting the performance of the concrete. Slag generates the least effect on the concrete with cobble as coarse aggregate. When the mixing amount of slag and fly ash is 10%, the concrete presents the best flexural performance. Through the numerical loading test of the two-dimensional model for fly ash/slag concrete with cobble as coarse aggregate, it can be concluded that the change of the concrete follows the law of macromechanical properties.

Comparative Functional Morphology of Human and Chimpanzee Feet Based on Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis

To comparatively investigate the morphological adaptation of the human foot for achieving robust and efficient bipedal locomotion, we develop three-dimensional finite element models of the human and chimpanzee feet. Foot bones and the outer surface of the foot are extracted from computer tomography images and meshed with tetrahedral elements. The ligaments and plantar fascia are represented by tension-only spring elements. The contacts between the bones and between the foot and ground are solved using frictionless and Coulomb friction contact algorithms, respectively. Physiologically realistic loading conditions of the feet during quiet bipedal standing are simulated. Our results indicate that the center of pressure (COP) is located more anteriorly in the human foot than in the chimpanzee foot, indicating a larger stability margin in bipedal posture in humans. Furthermore, the vertical free moment generated by the coupling motion of the calcaneus and tibia during axial loading is larger in the human foot, which can facilitate the compensation of the net yaw moment of the body around the COP during bipedal locomotion. Furthermore, the human foot can store elastic energy more effectively during axial loading for the effective generation of propulsive force in the late stance phase. This computational framework for a comparative investigation of the causal relationship among the morphology, kinematics, and kinetics of the foot may provide a better understanding regarding the functional significance of the morphological features of the human foot.

Transverse energy confinement and resonance suppression in SAW resonators using low-cut lithium tantalate

This paper discusses the applicability of double busbar design to surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices employing low-cut lithium tantalate (LT) with multi-layered structure. This design offers good energy confinement, scattering loss suppression and transverse mode suppression for a wide frequency range. In addition, the effectiveness of manipulating the slowness curve shape for transverse mode suppression is demonstrated. First, three different lateral edge designs are applied to the layered SAW configuration on low-cut LT, and their performances are compared using the periodic 3-dimensional finite-element method powered by the hierarchical cascading technique. Then, the discussion is extended to influence of the SAW slowness shape to the transverse mode suppression.

Assessment of Substrate and TBC Damage Effects on Resonance Frequencies for Blade Health Monitoring

The reliability of critical aircraft components continues to shift towards onboard monitoring to optimize maintenance scheduling, economy efficiency and safety. Therefore, the present study investigates changes in dynamic behavior of turbine blades for the detection of defects, with focus on substrate cracks and TBC spallation as they relate to vibration modes 1 to 6. Two‐dimensional and three-dimensional finite element simulation is used. The results indicate that TBC spallation reduces natural frequencies due to the ensuing hot spot and overall increase in temperature, leading to drops in blade stiffness and strength. Cracks cause even larger frequency shifts due to local plastic deformation at the crack that changes the energy dissipation behavior. Mode 1 vibration shows the largest shifts in natural frequencies that best correlate to the size of defects and their position. As such, it may be most appropriate for the early assessment of the severity and location of defects.

Dynamic Calculation of Electric Propulsion Motor Tandem Rotors

The article presents the results of modeling the dynamic response of the tandem rotors of ice-class vessel electric propulsion motors under extreme operating conditions. The loading of rotors by torques in combination with vibration transmitted through the supports to the electric motors is considered as an external non-stationary action. A method for constructing a three-dimensional finite element model of the structure under study by fragmentary assembly has been developed on the basis of the ANSYS Mechanical software package. A scheme of elastic-compliant 3D-links allowing simulating the reciprocating-rotational vibrations of a tandem of rotors is presented. A test example is used to verify the proposed mechanical-mathematical model of the torsion system. Based on the calculated data, the analysis of the dynamic parameters of the tandem rotors is performed for the most unfavorable operating scenarios.

Seismic Permanent Deformation Analysis for Gravel Dams in High Altitude Meizoseismal Areas

It is commonly believed that the permanent deformation is introduced by the meizoseismal impacts of embankment dams, which is impossible to be reinstated and will further endanger the safety and normal use thereof. In this study, a three-dimensional finite element model of the dam have been established with the equivalent nodal force approach to calculate the permanent deformation of the dams under seismic protection. It was indicated by the results that the acceleration response of dams was not intense in the meizoseismal areas and the vertical seismic permanent deformation mainly occurred at the top of the dams, of which the collapse rate is less than 1% with small lateral and horizontal seismic permanent deformation. Moreover, the dam profile has been indicated with inward shrinkage upon the seismic permanent deformation, which is beneficial to the stability of the dam slopes. However, seismic measures are required to improve the seismic performance of the dam area because of the large acceleration and permanent seismic deformation at the dam tops. The research results provide a decision basis for seismic hazard assessment and reinforcement solutions of similar dams.