• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.793-802
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• 2024

In the framework of the European project SAMOSAFER, this numerical study focuses on some thermal aspects of the Emergency Draining Tank (EDT) located underneath the core of a Molten Salt Reactor. In case of an emergency, this tank passively receives the liquid fuel salt and is designed to ensure a subcritical state. An important requirement is that the fuel does not overheat to maintain the EDT Hastelloy container integrity. The present EDT is based upon a group of hexagonal cooling assemblies arranged in a hexagonal grid and cooled down thanks to conduction through the inert salt layer up to an air flow in charge of removing the heat. This numerical thermal study relies on a conjugated heat transfer analysis coupling a Finite Element solid thermal code (SYRTHES) and two instances of a Finite Volume CFD codes (Code_Saturne). Calculations on an initial design suggest that a simple center airpipe flow is likely to not sufficiently cool the device. Alternative solutions have been evaluated. Introduction of fins to enhance the heat transfer do not bring a noticeable improvement regarding maximum temperature reached. However, a solution in which the central pipe air flow is replaced by several cooling channels located closer to the fuel is investigated and suggests a better cooling.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.864-870
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• 2003

In recent engineering, the designer has become more and more dependent on the computer simulations such as FEM(Finite Element Method) and BEM(Boundary Element Method). In order to optimize such implicit models more efficiently and reliably, the meta -modeling technique has been developed for solving such a complex problems combined with the DACE(Design and Analysis of Computer Experiments). It is widely used for exploring the engineer's design space and for building approximation models in order to facilitate an effective solution of multi-objective and multi-disciplinary optimization problems. Optimization of a train suspension is performed according to the minimization of forty -six responses that represent ten ride comforts, twelve derailment quotients, twelve unloading ratios, and twelve stabilities by using the Kriging model of a train suspension. After each Kriging model is constructed, multi -objective optimal solutions are achieved by using a nonlinear programming method called SQP(Sequential Quadratic Programming).

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.749-758
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• 2018

This article derived a hybrid coupling technique using the higher-order displacement polynomial and three soft computing techniques (teaching learning-based optimization, particle swarm optimization, and artificial bee colony) to predict the optimal stacking sequence of the layered structure and the corresponding frequency values. The higher-order displacement kinematics is adopted for the mathematical model derivation considering the necessary stress and stain continuity and the elimination of shear correction factor. A nine noded isoparametric Lagrangian element (eighty-one degrees of freedom at each node) is engaged for the discretisation and the desired model equation derived via the classical Hamilton's principle. Subsequently, three soft computing techniques are employed to predict the maximum natural frequency values corresponding to their optimum layer sequences via a suitable home-made computer code. The finite element convergence rate including the optimal solution stability is established through the iterative solutions. Further, the predicted optimal stacking sequence including the accuracy of the frequency values are verified with adequate comparison studies. Lastly, the derived hybrid models are explored further to by solving different numerical examples for the combined structural parameters (length to width ratio, length to thickness ratio and orthotropicity on frequency and layer-sequence) and the implicit behavior discuss in details.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.77 no.1
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• pp.57-74
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• 2021

The thermal eigenvalue responses of the graded sandwich shell structure are evaluated numerically under the variable thermal loadings considering the temperature-dependent properties. The polynomial type rule-based sandwich panel model is derived using higher-order type kinematics considering the shear deformation in the framework of the equivalent single-layer theory. The frequency values are computed through an own home-made computer code (MATLAB environment) prepared using the finite element type higher-order formulation. The sandwich face-sheets and the metal core are discretized via isoparametric quadrilateral Lagrangian element. The model convergence is checked by solving the similar type published numerical examples in the open domain and extended for the comparison of natural frequencies to have the final confirmation of the model accuracy. Also, the influence of each variable structural parameter, i.e. the curvature ratios, core-face thickness ratios, end-support conditions, the power-law indices and sandwich types (symmetrical and unsymmetrical) on the thermal frequencies of FG sandwich curved shell panel model. The solutions are helping to bring out the necessary influence of one or more parameters on the frequencies. The effects of individual and the combined parameters as well as the temperature profiles (uniform, linear and nonlinear) are examined through several numerical examples, which affect the structural strength/stiffness values. The present study may help in designing the future graded structures which are under the influence of the variable temperature loading.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.613-625
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• 2003

This paper presents the lateral-torsional buckling (LTB) of beams or girders with continuous lateral support at top flange. Traditional moment gradient factors ($C_b$) given by AISC in LRFD Specification for Structural Steel Buildings and by AASHTO in LRFD Bridge Design Specifications were reviewed. Finite-element method buckling analyses of doubly symmetric I-shaped beams with continuous top bracing were conducted to develop new moment gradient factors. A uniformly distributed load was applied at midheight and either or both end moments were applied at the ends of beams. The proposed solutions are simple and accurate for use by engineers to determine the LTB resistance of beams.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.58 no.3
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• pp.423-442
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• 2016

This study considers a functionally graded (FG) elastic layer resting on homogeneous elastic substrate under axisymmetric static loading. The shear modulus of the FG layer is assumed to vary in an exponential form through the thickness. In solution, the FG layer is approximated into a multilayered medium consisting of thin homogeneous sublayers. Stiffness matrices for a typical homogeneous isotropic elastic layer and a half-space are first obtained by solving the axisymmetric elasticity equations with the aid of Hankel's transform. Global stiffness matrix is, then, assembled by considering the continuity conditions at the interfaces. Numerical results for the displacements and the stresses are obtained and compared with those of the classical elasticity and the finite element solutions. According to the results of the study, the approach employed here is accurate and efficient for elasto-static problems of FGMs.

• Advances in aircraft and spacecraft science
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• v.1 no.3
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• pp.253-271
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• 2014

A linearised buckling analysis of thin-walled beams is addressed in this paper. Beam theories formulated according to a unified approach are presented. The displacement unknown variables on the cross-section of the beam are approximated via Mac Laurin's polynomials. The governing differential equations and the boundary conditions are derived in terms of a fundamental nucleo that does not depend upon the expansion order. Classical beam theories such as Euler-Bernoulli's and Timoshenko's can be retrieved as particular cases. Slender and deep beams are investigated. Flexural, torsional and mixed buckling modes are considered. Results are assessed toward three-dimensional finite element solutions. The numerical investigations show that classical and lower-order theories are accurate for flexural buckling modes of slender beams only. When deep beams or torsional buckling modes are considered, higher-order theories are required.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.91-120
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• 2015

A refined higher-order shear deformation theory for bending, vibration and buckling analysis of functionally graded sandwich plates is presented in this paper. It contains only four unknowns, accounts for a hyperbolic distribution of transverse shear stress and satisfies the traction free boundary conditions. Equations of motion are derived from Hamilton's principle. The Navier-type and finite element solutions are derived for plate with simply-supported and various boundary conditions, respectively. Numerical examples are presented for functionally graded sandwich plates with homogeneous hardcore and softcore to verify the validity of the developed theory. It is observed that the present theory with four unknowns predicts the response accurately and efficiently.

• Proceedings of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute Conference
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• 1994.10a
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• pp.38-45
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• 1994

P-version finite element model for the computation of stress intensity factors in two dimensional cracked panels by J-integral method is presented. The proposed model is based on high order theory and hierarchical shape function. The displacements fields are defined by integrals of Legendre polynomials which can be classified into three part such as basic mode, side mode, integral mode. The stress intensity factors are computed by J-integral method. The example models for validating the proposed p-version model are centrally cracked panel, single and double edged crack in a rectangular panel under pure Mode I. And the analysis results are compared with those by the h-version of FEM and empirical solutions in literatures. Very good agreement with the existing solution are shown.

• JSTS:Journal of Semiconductor Technology and Science
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.199-203
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• 2017

Mutually-actuated-nano-electromechanical (MA-NEM) memory switches are proposed for scalability improvement. While conventional NEM memory switches have fixed electrode lines, the proposed MA-NEM memory switches have mutually-actuated cantilever-like electrode lines. Thus, MA-NEM memory switches show smaller deformations of beams in switching. This unique feature of MA-NEM memory switches allows aggressive reduction of the beam length while maintaining nonvolatile property. Also, the scalability of MA-NEM memory switches is confirmed by using finite-element (FE) simulations. MA-NEM memory switches can be promising solutions for reconfigurable logic (RL) circuits.