• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.27-33
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• 2018

In this study, a mixed-interpolated tensorial component 4 nodes method (MITC4) is treated as a numerical analysis model for topology optimization using multiple materials assigned within Reissner-Mindlin plates. Multi-material optimal topology and shape are produced as alternative plate retrofit designs to provide reasonable material assignments based on stress distributions. Element density distribution contours of mixing multiple material densities are linked to Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization (SIMP) as a design model. Mathematical formulation of multi-material topology optimization problem solving minimum compliance is an alternating active-phase algorithm with the Gauss-Seidel version as an optimization model of optimality criteria. Numerical examples illustrate the reliability and accuracy of the present design method for multi-material topology optimization with Reissner-Mindlin plates using MITC4 elements and steel materials.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.583-597
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• 2023

This paper introduces a novel approach to multi-material topology optimization (MTO) targeting in-plane bi-directional functionally graded (IBFG) non-uniform thickness Reissner-Mindlin plates, employing an alternative active phase approach. The mathematical formulation integrates a first shear deformation theory (FSDT) to address compliance minimization as the objective function. Through an alternating active-phase algorithm in conjunction with the block Gauss-Seidel method, the study transforms a multi-phase topology optimization challenge with multi-volume fraction constraints into multiple binary phase sub-problems, each with a single volume fraction constraint. The investigation focuses on IBFG materials that incorporate adequate local bulk and shear moduli to enhance the precision of material interactions. Furthermore, the well-established mixed interpolation of tensorial components 4-node elements (MITC4) is harnessed to tackle shear-locking issues inherent in thin plate models. The study meticulously presents detailed mathematical formulations for IBFG plates in the MTO framework, underscored by numerous numerical examples demonstrating the method's efficiency and reliability.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.423-440
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• 2003

Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian finite element methods gain interest for the capability to control mesh geometry independently from material geometry, the ALE methods are used to create a new undistorted mesh for the fluid domain. In this paper we use the ALE technique to solve fuel slosh problem. Fuel slosh is an important design consideration not only for the fuel tank, but also for the structure supporting the fuel tank. "Fuel slosh" can be generated by many ways: abrupt changes in acceleration (braking), as well as abrupt changes in direction (highway exit-ramp). Repetitive motion can also be involved if a "sloshing resonance" is generated. These sloshing events can in turn affect the overall performance of the parent structure. A finite element analysis method has been developed to analyze this complex event. A new ALE formulation for the fluid mesh has been developed to keep the fluid mesh integrity during the motion of the tank. This paper explains the analysis capabilities on a technical level. Following the explanation, the analysis capabilities are validated against theoretical using potential flow for calculating fuel slosh frequency.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.129-145
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• 2020

In typical, structural topology optimization plays a significant role to both increase stiffness and save mass of structures in the resulting design. This study contributes to a new numerical approach of topologically optimal design of Mindlin-Reissner plates considering Winkler foundation and mathematical formulations of multi-directional variable thickness of the plate by using multi-materials. While achieving optimal multi-material topologies of the plate with multi-directional variable thickness, the weight information of structures in terms of effective utilization of the material at the appropriate thickness location may be provided for engineers and designers of structures. Besides, numerical techniques of the well-established mixed interpolation of tensorial components 4 element (MITC4) is utilized to overcome a well-known shear locking problem occurring to thin plate models. The well-founded mathematical formulation of topology optimization problem with variable thickness Mindlin-Reissner plate structures by using multiple materials is derived in detail as one of main achievements of this article. Numerical examples verify that variable thickness Mindlin-Reissner plates on Winkler foundation have a significant effect on topologically optimal multi-material design results.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.101-117
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• 2007

A new model predicting the nonlinear basic creep behaviour of concrete structures subjected to high multi-axial stresses is proposed. It combines a model based on the thermodynamic framework of the elasto-plastic continuum damage theory for time-independent material behaviour and a rheological model describing phenomenologically the long-term delayed deformation. Strength increase due to ageing is regarded. The general 3D solution for the creep theory is derived from a rate-type form of the uniaxial formulation by the assumption of associated creep flow and a theorem of energy equivalence. The model is able to reproduce linear primary creep as well as secondary and tertiary creep stages under high compressive stresses. For concrete in tension a simple viscoelastic formulation is applied. The material law is then incorporated into a finite element solution procedure for analysis of reinforced concrete structures. Numerical examples of uniaxial creep tests and concrete members show excellent agreement with experimental results.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.765-777
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• 2020

In the context of classic conical shell formulation, nonlinear forced vibration analysis of truncated conical shells and annular plates made of multi-scale epoxy/CNT/fiberglass composites has been presented. The composite material is reinforced by carbon nanotube (CNT) and also fiberglass for which the material properties are defined according to a 3D Mori-Tanaka micromechanical scheme. By utilizing the Jacobi elliptic functions, the frequency-deflection curves of truncated conical shells and annular plates related to their forced vibrations have been derived. The main focus is to study the influences of CNT amount, fiberglass volume, open angle, fiber angle, truncated distance and force magnitude on forced vibrational behaviors of multi-scale truncated conical shells and annular plates.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.617-639
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• 2016

In this work, an analytical formulation based on both hyperbolic shear deformation theory and stress function, is presented to study the nonlinear post-buckling response of symmetric functionally graded plates supported by elastic foundations and subjected to in-plane compressive, thermal and thermo-mechanical loads. Elastic properties of material are based on sigmoid power law and varying across the thickness of the plate (S-FGM). In the present formulation, Von Karman nonlinearity and initial geometrical imperfection of plate are also taken into account. By utilizing Galerkin procedure, closed-form expressions of buckling loads and post-buckling equilibrium paths for simply supported plates are obtained. The effects of different parameters such as material and geometrical characteristics, temperature, boundary conditions, foundation stiffness and imperfection on the mechanical and thermal buckling and post-buckling loading capacity of the S-FGM plates are investigated.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.365-374
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• 2023

This paper presents a new scheme for constructing locking-free finite elements in thick and thin plates, called Discrete Shear Gap element (DSG), using multiphase material topology optimization for triangular elements of Reissner-Mindlin plates. Besides, common methods are also presented in this article, such as quadrilateral element (Q4) and reduced integration method. Moreover, when the plate gets too thin, the transverse shear-locking problem arises. To avoid that phenomenon, the stabilized discrete shear gap technique is utilized in the DSG3 system stiffness matrix formulation. The accuracy and efficiency of DSG are demonstrated by the numerical examples, and many superior properties are presented, such as being a strong competitor to the common kind of Q4 elements in the static topology optimization and its computed results are confirmed against those derived from the three-node triangular element, and other existing solutions.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.571-579
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• 2009

For the flow analysis of reactive compressible media involving energetic materials and metallic confinements, a Hydro-SCCM (Shock Compression of Condensed Matter) tool is developed for handling multi-physics shock analysis of energetics and inerts. The highly energetic flows give rise to the strong non-linear shock waves and the high strain rate deformation of compressible boundaries at high pressure and temperature. For handling the large gradients associated with these complex flows in the condensed phase as well as in the reactive gaseous phase, a new Eulerian multi-fluid method is formulated. Mathematical formulation of explosive dynamics involving condensed matter is explained with an emphasis on validating and application of hydro-SCCM to a series of problems of high speed multimaterial dynamics in nature.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.33-45
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• 2020

Geometrically nonlinear buckling of functionally graded magneto-electro-elastic (FG-MEE) nanoshells with the use of classical shell theory and nonlocal strain gradient theory (NSGT) has been analyzed in present research. Mathematical formulation based on NSGT gives two scale coefficients for simultaneous description of structural stiffness reduction and increment. Functional gradation of material properties is described based on power-law formulation. The nanoshell is under a multi-physical field related to applied voltage, magnetic potential, and mechanical load. Exerting a strong electric voltage, magnetic potential or mechanical load may lead to buckling of nanoshell. Taking into account geometric nonlinearity effects after buckling, the behavior of nanoshell in post-buckling regime can be analyzed. Nonlinear governing equations are reduced to ordinary equations utilizing Galerkin's approach and post-buckling curves are obtained based on an analytical procedure. It will be shown that post-buckling curves are dependent on nonlocal/strain gradient parameters, electric voltage magnitude and sign, magnetic potential magnitude and sign and material gradation exponent.