• Computers and Concrete
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• 제27권3호
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• pp.283-295
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• 2021

Existing meso-scale models of concrete need to refine the mesh grids of aggregate and cement mortar, which may greatly reduce the computational efficiency. To overcome this problem, a novel meso-scale modeling strategy, which is based on rigid body spring method and Voronoi diagram, is proposed in this study to establish the meso-scale model of concrete. Firstly, establish numerical aggregate models according to user-defined programs. Circle aggregates are adopted due to their high efficiency in generation and packing process, and the grading of aggregate are determined according to the distribution curve proposed by Full and Thompson; Secondly, extract the centroids of aggregates, and then develop the Voronoi diagram in which aggregate centroids are defined as initial scatters; Finally, establish the rigid body spring model for concrete based on the Voronoi diagram. Aggregates are represented by rigid blocks, and assumed to be unbreakable. Cement mortar is concentrated into the interface between adjacent blocks and represented by two uniform springs. The number of grids is consistent with that of aggregates in specimens, and no mesh-refinement of aggregates and cement mortar is required. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed modeling strategy are firstly identified by comparing the numerical results with the experimental ones, and then the applicability of the proposed strategy with different volume percentage occupied by aggregates is investigated.

• 한국정밀공학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국정밀공학회 2007년도 추계학술대회 논문집
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• pp.43-44
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• 2007

• 대기
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• 제20권3호
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• pp.343-353
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• 2010

A regional wind network with complex surface conditions must be designed with sufficient space and time resolution to resolve the local circulations. In this study, the spatial variations of the wind field observed in the Seoul and Jeju regional networks were evaluated in terms of annual, seasons, and months to assess the spatial homogeneity of wind fields within the regional networks. The coherency of the wind field as a function of separation distance between stations indicated that significant coherency was sometimes not captured by the network, as inferred by low correlations between adjacent stations. A meso-velocity scale was defined in terms of the spatial variability of the wind within the network. This problem is predictably most significant with weak winds, dull prevailing wind, clear skies and significant topography. The relatively small correlations between stations imply that the wind at a given point cannot be estimated by interpolating winds from the nearest stations. For the Seoul and Jeju regional network, the meso-velocity scale has typically a same order of magnitude as the speed of the network averaged wind, revealing the large spatial variability of the Jeju network station imply topography and weather. Significant scatter in the relationship between spatial variability of the wind field and the wind speed is thought to be related to thermally-generated flows. The magnitude of the mesovelocity scale was significantly different along separation distance between stations, wind speed, intensity of prevailing wind, clear and cloudy conditions, topography. Resultant wind vectors indicate much different flow patterns along condition of contributing factors. As a result, the careful considerations on contributing factors such as prevailing wind in season, weather, and complex surface conditions with topography and land/sea contrast are required to assess the spatial variations of wind field on a regional network. The results in the spatial variation from the mesovelocity scale are useful to represent the characteristics of regional wind speed including lower surface conditions over the grid scale of large scale atmospheric model.

• Computers and Concrete
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• 제19권4호
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• pp.375-385
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• 2017

In the present paper experimental and numerical analysis of hook-ended steel fiber reinforced concrete is carried out. The experimental tests are performed on notched beams loaded in 3-point bending using fiber volume fractions up to 1.5%. The numerical analysis of fiber reinforced concrete beams is performed at meso scale. The concrete is discretized with 3D solid finite elements and microplane model is used as a constitutive law. The fibers are modelled by randomly generated 1D truss finite elements, which are connected with concrete matrix by discrete bond-slip relationship. It is demonstrated that the presented approach, which is based on the modelling of concrete matrix using microplane model, able to realistically replicate experimental results. In all investigated cases failure is due to the pull-out of fibers. It is shown that with increase of volume content of fibers the effective bond strength and slip capacity of fibers decreases.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제42권6호
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• pp.620-635
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• 2010

In this paper we describe current activities on the project Multi-Scale Modeling and Analysis of convective boiling (MSMA), conducted jointly by the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) and the Swiss Nuclear Utilities (Swissnuclear). The long-term aim of the MSMA project is to formulate improved closure laws for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations for prediction of convective boiling and eventually of the Critical Heat Flux (CHF). As boiling is controlled by the competition of numerous phenomena at various length and time scales, a multi-scale approach is employed to tackle the problem at different scales. In the MSMA project, the scales on which we focus range from the CFD scale (macro-scale), bubble size scale (meso-scale), liquid micro-layer and triple interline scale (micro-scale), and molecular scale (nano-scale). The current focus of the project is on micro- and meso-scales modeling. The numerical framework comprises a highly efficient, parallel DNS solver, the PSI-BOIL code. The code has incorporated an Immersed Boundary Method (IBM) to tackle complex geometries. For simulation of meso-scales (bubbles), we use the Constrained Interpolation Profile method: Conservative Semi-Lagrangian $2^{nd}$ order (CIP-CSL2). The phase change is described either by applying conventional jump conditions at the interface, or by using the Phase Field (PF) approach. In this work, we present selected results for flows in complex geometry using the IBM, selected bubbly flow simulations using the CIP-CSL2 method and results for phase change using the PF approach. In the subsequent stage of the project, the importance of effects of nano-scale processes on the global boiling heat transfer will be evaluated. To validate the models, more experimental information will be needed in the future, so it is expected that the MSMA project will become the seed for a long-term, combined theoretical and experimental program.

• Computers and Concrete
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• 제15권2호
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• pp.231-257
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• 2015

This paper discusses the spatial variability of the carbonation depth caused by the mesoscopic structure of the concrete and the influence of the spatial variability on the thickness of the concrete cover. To conduct the research, a method to generate the random aggregate structure (RAS) based on polygonal particles and a simplified numerical model of the concrete carbonation at meso-scale are firstly developed. Based on the method and model, the effect of the aggregate properties including shape, content and gradation on the spatial variability of the carbonation depth is comprehensively studied. The results show that a larger degree of the spatial variability will be obtained by using (1) the aggregates with a larger aspect ratio; (2) a larger aggregate content; (3) the gradation which has more large particles. The proper sample size and model size used in the analysis are also studied. Finally, a case study is conducted to demonstrate the influence of the spatial variability of the carbonation depth on the proper thickness of the concrete cover. The research in this paper not only provides suggestions on how to decrease the spatial variability, but also proposes the method to consider the effect of the spatial variability in designing the thickness of the concrete cover.

• Computers and Concrete
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• 제24권5호
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• pp.413-422
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• 2019

In this study, 3D Meso-scale finite-element model is presented to study the mechanical behavior of steel microfiber-reinforced polymer concrete considering the random distribution of fibers in the matrix. The composite comprises two separate parts which are the polymer composite and steel microfibers. The polymer composite is assumed to be homogeneous, which its mechanical properties are measured by performing experimental tests. The steel microfiber-polymer bonding is simulated with the Cohesive Zone Model (CZM) to offer more-realistic assumptions. The CZM parameters are obtained by calibrating the numerical model using the results of the experimental pullout tests on an individual microfiber. The accuracy of the results is validated by comparing the obtained results with the corresponding values attained from testing the steel microfiber-reinforced polymer concrete incorporating 0, 1 and 2% by volume of microfibers, which indicates the excellent accuracy of the current proposed model. The results show that the microfiber aspect ratio has a considerable effect on the mechanical properties of the reinforced polymer concrete. Applying microfibers with a higher aspect ratio improves the mechanical properties of the composite considerably especially when the first crack appears in the polymer concrete specimens.

• 대한기계학회:학술대회논문집
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• 대한기계학회 2003년도 추계학술대회
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• pp.1793-1797
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• 2003

After the micro turning lathe was developed in the last year by AMR Laboratory in Yeungnam university, a micromilling machine is developed for micro/meso machining. This machine is integrated with PZT-driven micro-sliders, micro-linear encoders, aerostatic spindle which has maximum 150,000 rpm. It is applicable to milling and drilling of micro scale. This paper presents the possibility of micro/meso machining and characteristics of micro end milling process by using micro machine. A machining of micro parts using 0.2 mm flat end mill was achieved by micro-milling machine. Experimental results show the machining capability and positional accuracy of this machine is good enough for machining micro parts.

• Computers and Concrete
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• 제24권3호
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• pp.207-222
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• 2019

This paper has presented an effective and accurate meso-scale finite element model for simulating the fracture process of concrete under compression-shear loading. In the proposed model, concrete is parted into four important phases: aggregates, cement matrix, interfacial transition zone (ITZ), and the initial defects. Aggregate particles were modelled as randomly distributed polygons with a varying size according to the sieve curve developed by Fuller and Thompson. With regard to initial defects, only voids are considered. Cohesive elements with zero thickness are inserted into the initial mesh of cement matrix and along the interface between aggregate and cement matrix to simulate the cracking process of concrete. The constitutive model provided by ABAQUS is modified based on Wang's experiment and used to describe the failure behaviour of cohesive elements. User defined programs for aggregate delivery, cohesive element insertion and modified facture constitutive model are developed based on Python language, and embedded into the commercial FEM package ABAQUS. The effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed model are firstly identified by comparing the numerical results with the experimental ones, and then it is used to investigate the effect of meso-structure on the macro behavior of concrete. The shear strength of concrete under different pressures is also involved in this study, which could provide a reference for the macroscopic simulation of concrete component under shear force.

• 한국재료학회지
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• 제11권11호
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• pp.947-952
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• 2001

The meso-scale microstructure of the $Ni-Ni_3Al- Ni_3V$ system is crucial to obtain both high strength and high toughness. Its evolution may be predicted with the aid of computer simulation of the compositional separation for heat-treated alloys. In this study, computer simulations of the hypothetical A-B-C ternary system, which is similar to the $Ni-Ni_3Al- Ni_3V$ system in terms of phase equilibria, have been performed using the kinetic modeling. Simulated morphologies were changed with nominal compositions and model parameters. It was showed the current model was useful and the more realistic model was proposed.