Theoretical Modeling and Experimental Validation of Fluid-Loaded Micro Rectangular Plates

This paper presents a theoretical model on the vibration analysis of micro scale fluid-loaded rectangular isotropic plates, based on the Lamb’s assumption of fluid-structure interaction and the Rayleigh-Ritz energy method. An analytical solution for this model is proposed, which can be applied to most cases of boundary conditions. The dynamical experimental data of a series of microfabricated silicon plates are obtained using a base-excitation dynamic testing facility. The natural frequencies and mode shapes in the experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical simulations for the lower order modes. The presented theoretical and experimental investigations on the vibration characteristics of the micro scale plates are of particular interest in the design of microplate based biosensing devices.

A simplified method for seismic analysis of rooftop telecommunication towers

A simplified method is presented in this paper for the estimation of forces at the base of telecommunication towers mounted on building rooftops due to seismic excitation. Although some codes and standards propose simplified methods for the evaluation of base shear forces for towers founded on ground, no method yet exists for the evaluation of overturning moments. The proposed simplified method is based on numerical simulations using truncated modal superposition, which is widely used for seismic analysis of linear structures. The method requires the prediction of input seismic acceleration at the building–tower interface, the definition of an acceleration profile along the building-mounted tower, and the determination or evaluation of the mass distribution of the tower along its height. The method was developed on the basis of detailed dynamic analyses of three existing towers assumed to be mounted separately on three buildings. It was found that the method yields conservative results, especially for the overturning moments.Key words: self-supporting towers, earthquake, horizontal excitation, dynamic analysis, acceleration, modal superposition.

Dynamic Analysis of a Serpentine Belt Drive With a Decoupler/Isolator

Belt drives employing a single, flat serpentine belt tensioned by a passive tensioner are found in automotive engine Front End Accessory Drive (FEAD) where the crankshaft supplies power to accessories like alternators, air-conditioning compressors, pumps, etc. [1]. When the FEAD undergoes forced vibration due to crankshaft excitation, dynamic tension fluctuations can cause the belt to slip on the accessory pulleys [2]. The probability of belt slip increases with the peak drop in belt tension over the pulley during steady state operation [3]. In this paper, one possible solution is analyzed, using a decoupler to isolate/separate the accessory inertia (e.g. alternator) from the FEAD system. This is achieved by placing between the pulley and the accessory a combination of a one-way rigid clutch and an isolator spring. In this study, the rotational response of a typical FEAD is extended to include the clutch and isolator. An analytical solution is then obtained by considering it as a piecewise-linearized system moving about an equilibrium angular displacements. The performance of the ordinary FEAD with regard to tension fluctuation is then compared to that of the system equipped with a decoupler/isolator. The results obtained indicate that within the practical working range of engine speeds, use of either an isolator or a decoupler-isolator could significantly lower the dynamic tension drop across the accessory pulley.

A simplified method for seismic analysis of lattice telecommunication towers

A simplified static method for estimating the member forces in self-supporting lattice telecommunication towers due to both horizontal and vertical earthquake excitations is presented in this paper. The method is based on the modal superposition technique and the response spectrum approach, which are widely used for seismic analysis of linear structures. It is assumed that the lowest three flexural modes of vibration are sufficient to correctly estimate the tower's response to horizontal excitation, while only the lowest axial mode is sufficient to capture the response to vertical excitation. An acceleration profile along the height of the tower is defined using estimates of the lowest three flexural modes or the lowest axial mode, as appropriate, together with the spectral acceleration values corresponding to the associated natural periods. After the mass of the tower is calculated and lumped at the leg joints, a set of equivalent static lateral or vertical loads can be determined by simply multiplying the mass profile by the acceleration profile. The tower is then analyzed statically under the effect of these loads to evaluate the member forces. This procedure was developed on the basis of detailed dynamic analysis of ten existing three-legged self-supporting telecommunication towers with height range of 30-120 m. The maximum differences in member forces obtained with the proposed method and the detailed seismic analysis are of the order of ±25% in the extreme cases, with an average difference of ±7%. The results obtained for two towers with heights of 66 and 83 m are presented in this paper to demonstrate the accuracy and practicality of the proposed method.Key words: self-supporting tower, earthquake, vertical excitation, dynamic analysis.