Evaluation and prediction of material fatigue characteristics under impact loads: review and prospects

PurposeThe properties of materials under impact load are introduced in terms of metal, nonmetallic materials and composite materials. And the application of impact load research in biological fields is also mentioned. The current hot research topics and achievements in this field are summarized. In addition, some problems in theoretical modeling and testing of the mechanical properties of materials are discussed.Design/methodology/approachThe situation of materials under impact load is of great significance to show the mechanical performance. The performance of various materials under impact load is different, and there are many research methods. It is affected by some kinds of factors, such as the temperature, the gap and the speed of load.FindingsThe research on mechanical properties of materials under impact load has the characteristics as fellow. It is difficult to build the theoretical model, verify by experiment and analyze the data accumulation.Originality/valueThis review provides a reference for further study of material properties.

Development of a photomicroscope method for in situ damage monitoring under ultrasonic fatigue test

PurposeMechanical issues related to the information and growth of small cracks are considered to play a major role in very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) for metallic materials. Further efforts on better understanding in early stage of a crack are beneficial to estimating and preventing catastrophic damage for a long period service.Design/methodology/approachDependent on the ultrasonic loading system, a novel method of in situ photomicroscope is established to study the crack behaviors in VHCF regime.FindingsThis in situ photomicroscope method provides advantages in combination with fatigue damage monitoring at high magnification, a large number of cycles, and efficiency. Visional investigation with attached image proceeding code proves that the method has high resolution on both size and time, which permits reliable accuracy on small crack growth rate. It is observed that the crack propagation trends slower in the overall small crack stage down to the level of 10–11 m/cycle. Strain analysis relays on a real-time recording which is applied by using digital image correlation. Infrared camera recording indicates the method is also suitable for thermodynamic study while growth of damage.Originality/valueBenefiting from this method, it is more convenient and efficient to study the short crack propagation in VHCF regime.

Response of multistory steel structure subjected to differential settlements of its foundation

PurposeThis article aims to address an outstanding problem dealing with the structure and its foundation.Design/methodology/approachDifferential settlement between foundation units of a multistory structure has been responsible for serious damage to buildings and often catastrophic failure and loss of life. The dynamic changes in the loading conditions of the structure, and the variability of the underlying ground due to environmental changes, are causing the undesirable differential settlement, which is manifested in the form of additional stresses in beams, columns and distortion of the structure elements. The structural response to the differential settlements depends on the type of the structure (concrete or steel), type of beam-to-column connections (rigid or semi-rigid), number of floors and the spans of the beams in the building. This paper presents the results of a numerical model, which was developed using the finite element technique and the software “ABAQUS” to analyze a nine-floor steel structure. The model was capable to capture the stresses and the strains developed in beams and columns and the relationships of moment–settlement and rotation–settlement for the structural during the differential settlement of its foundation. After validating of the model, data were produced for a wide range of governing parameters for rigid and semi-rigid connections and accordingly the mode of failure. The results can be used as a guideline for the design of steel structures.FindingsResults are useful for those design steel structures.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is based on the experimental and numerical data of the authors.Practical implicationsThis study provides a guideline for the design of steel structures.Originality/valueThis is the original research developed by the authors.

Recent advances in reliability analysis of aeroengine rotor system: a review

PurposeTo provide valuable information for scholars to grasp the current situations, hotspots and future development trends of reliability analysis area.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, recent researches on efficient reliability analysis and applications in complex engineering structures like aeroengine rotor systems are reviewd.FindingsThe recent reliability analysis advances of engineering application in aeroengine rotor system are highlighted, it is worth pointing out that the surrogate model methods hold great efficiency and accuracy advantages in the complex reliability analysis of aeroengine rotor system, since its strong computing power can effectively reduce the analysis time consumption and accelerate the development procedures of aeroengine. Moreover, considering the multi-objective, multi-disciplinary, high-dimensionality and time-varying problems are the common problems in various complex engineering fields, the surrogate model methods and its developed methods also have broad application prospects in the future.Originality/valueFor the strong demand for efficient reliability design technique, this review paper may help to highlights the benefits of reliability analysis methods not only in academia but also in practical engineering application like aeroengine rotor system.

Effect of randomly dispersed short fibers on the flexural resistance factor of concrete beams reinforced with GFRP bars

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential design advantage in terms of resistance factors for normal weight concrete beams containing moderate-dose randomly dispersed short fibers and reinforced with glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars.Design/methodology/approach An analytical model based on the current code specifications is used to calculate the moment capacity of over-reinforced sections. The vast majority of the considered beams are over-reinforced, compression-controlled. The data of the fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) reinforced with GFRP bars are collected from three published research studies which are based on experimentally tested results. Three different types of short fibers with four volume fractions are considered. Probabilistic model is established to conduct reliability-based calibration using Monte-Carlo Simulation. Limit state function, relevant load and resistance random variables are identified, and adequate statistical parameters are selected. Target reliability index consistent with the one used to develop current design code specifications is used.Findings Reliability analysis and calibration process are carried out with the intention of estimating the flexural resistance factors for FRC beams reinforced with GFRP bars.Originality/value The predicted flexural resistance factors ranged from 0.72 to 0.95, giving the resistance factors the potential to be increased above the currently specified value of 0.65 for compression-controlled members reinforced with FRP bars.

A study of wire tool surface topography and optimization of wire electro-spark machined UNS N06690 using the federated mode of RSM-ANN

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the postprocessed wire tool surface using scanning electron microscopy and find out the streamlined conditions of input process variables using multi-objective optimization techniques to get minimum wire wear values.Design/methodology/approachA federated mode of response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) is used to optimize the process variables during the machining of a nickel-based superalloy.FindingsThe study explores that with the rise in spark-off time and spark gap voltage, the rate of wire tool consumption also escalates.Originality/valueMost of the researchers used the RSM technique for the optimization of process variables. The RSM generates a second-order regression model during the modeling and optimization of a manufacturing process whose major limitation is to fit the collected data to a second-order polynomial. The leading edge of ANN on the RSM is that it has comprehensive approximation capability, i.e. it can approximate virtually all types of nonlinear functions, including quadratic functions also.

Research on anti-fatigue design method of welded structure oriented to stiffness coordination strategy

PurposeIn order to obtain the relationship between the geometry and stress concentration of load-bearing welded joints, the fatigue design method of welded structures based on stiffness coordination strategy is studied.Design/methodology/approachBased on the structural stress theory, a new method for anti-fatigue design of welded structures oriented to stiffness coordination strategy is proposed, and the detailed implementation process of this method is given. This method is also called the three-stage anti-fatigue design method for welded structures, which includes three stages, namely, identification, analysis and relief of stress concentration.FindingsThrough the experimental analysis of welded joints in IIW standard, the effectiveness of stiffness coordination in welded joint design is proved. The method is applied to the design of welded parts and products, and the feasibility of the method in alleviating the phenomenon of stress concentration and improving the fatigue resistance of welded structures is verified.Originality/valueIn this study, based on the principle of coordinated design of weld stiffness, a three-stage anti-fatigue design method of welded structure is proposed. The method has practical value for the optimization design and anti-fatigue performance improvement of welded structure in engineering products.

High-cycle and very-high-cycle fatigue behavior of a stainless steel for air-conditioning compressor valve plates

PurposeThe investigations could guide the structural design and fatigue life prediction of air-conditioning compressor valve plates.Design/methodology/approachThe High-Cycle Fatigue (HCF) and Very-High-Cycle Fatigue (VHCF) behaviors of stainless steel used for air-conditioning compressor valve plates were investigated. Monotonic and cyclic loading conditions were designed to explore the fatigue responses according to the load characteristics of the structure.FindingsThe crack initiation can be observed as the arc-shaped cracks at both sides of specimens and Y-shaped crack bifurcation in the specimens. Moreover, the middle section and the cracks at both ends are not connected to the surface of the specimen. The stress-life results of the materials under two directions (vertical and horizontal) were provided to examine the difference in fatigue strength.Originality/valueMonotonic and cyclic loading conditions were designed to explore the fatigue responses according to the load characteristics of the structure. Based on the experimental data, the results indicate that specimens under cyclic loading conditions could demonstrate better mechanical performance than static loadings.

Shaking table test on single segment prefabricated concrete bridge pier connected by grouting sleeve

PurposePrefabricated pier technology has the advantages of quick construction time, relatively little traffic interference and relatively small environmental impact. However, its applicability under earthquake conditions is not yet fully understood. The seismic performance and influence parameters of a prefabricated concrete pier connected by embedded grouting sleeve (GS) in a pile cap are investigated in this study.Design/methodology/approachTwo prefabricated pier scale model specimens with different reinforcement anchorage lengths and two comparative cast-in-place (CIP) pier model specimens are designed and manufactured for a seismic simulation shaking table. With the continuous increase of input ground motion strength, the changes in basic dynamic characteristics, damage development, acceleration and displacement variation laws, and pier bottom strain responses are compared among the specimen. The finite element software ABAQUS is used to simulate the test pier.FindingsThe crack location of the two prefabricated pier specimens is almost the same as that of the CIP pier specimens; CIP pier specimens show more penetrated cracks than prefabricated pier specimens, as well as an earlier crack penetration time. The acceleration, displacement and strain response of the CIP pier specimens are more affected by earthquake activity than those of the prefabricated pier specimens. The acceleration, displacement and strain responses of the two prefabricated piers are nearly identical. The finite element results are in close agreement with the acceleration and displacement response data collected from the test, which verifies the feasibility of the finite element model established in ABAQUS.Originality/valueA GS connection method is adopted for the prefabricated pier, and on the premise of meeting the minimum reinforcement anchorage length required by the code, this study explores the influences of different reinforcement anchorage lengths on the seismic performance of prefabricated piers in high-intensity areas. A shaking table loading test is used to simulate the real changes of the structure under the earthquake. This work may provide a valuable reference for the design and seismic performance analysis of prefabricated pier, particularly in terms of seismic stability.