• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.8 no.6
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• pp.811-828
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• 2015

Proper modelling of the basal resistance terms is key in simulating the motion of fluidized granular flow. In this paper, standard depth-averaged governing equations of granular flow are used together with the classical Coulomb, Voellmy, and velocity dependent friction models (VDFM). A high-resolution modified TVDLF method is implemented to solve the partial differential equations without numerical oscillations. The effects of basal resistance terms on the motion of granular flows such as geometric shape evolution, travel times and final deposits are analyzed. Based on the numerical results, the predictions of the front and rear end positions and developing length of granular flow with Coulomb friction model show excellent agreements with experiment results reported by Hutter et al. (1995), and illustrate the validity of the numerical approach. For the Voellmy model, the higher value of turbulent coefficient than reality may obtain more reasonable predicted runout for the small-scale avalanche or granular flow. The energy exchange laws indicate that VDFM is different from the Coulomb and Voellmy models, although the flow characteristics of both three models fit the measurements and observations very well.

• Transactions of Materials Processing
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.227-235
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• 2018

The flow stresses have been identified prior to a numerical simulation for predicting a deformation of materials using the experimental or analytical analysis. Recently, the flow stress models considering the temperature effect have been developed to reduce the number of experiments. Artificial neural network can provide a simple procedure for solving a problem from the analytical models. The objective of this paper is the prediction of flow stress on the fiber metal laminate using the artificial neural network. First, the training data were obtained by conducting the uniaxial tensile tests at the various temperature conditions. After, the artificial neural network has been trained by Levenberg-Marquardt method. The numerical results of the trained model were compared with the analytical models predicted at the previous study. It is noted that the artificial neural network can predict flow stress effectively as compared with the previously-proposed analytical models.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.511-524
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• 2005

Thermalhydraulic reactor simulation of tomorrow will require a new generation of codes combining at least three scales, the CFD scale in open medium, the component scale and the system scale. DNS will be used as a support for modelling more macroscopic models. NEPTUNE is such a new generation multi-scale platform developed jointly by CEA-DEN and EDF-R&D and also supported by IRSN and FRAMATOME-ANP. The major steps towards the next generation lie in new physical models and improved numerical methods. This paper presents the advances obtained so far in physical modelling for each scale. Macroscopic models of system and component scales include multi-field modelling, transport of interfacial area, and turbulence modelling. Two-phase CFD or CMFD was first applied to boiling bubbly flow for departure from nucleate boiling investigations and to stratified flow for pressurised thermal shock investigations. The main challenges of the project are presented, some selected results are shown for each scale, and the perspectives for future are also drawn. Direct Numerical Simulation tools with Interface Tracking Techniques are also developed for even smaller scale investigations leading to a better understanding of basic physical processes and allowing the development of closure relations for macroscopic and CFD models.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.1045-1055
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• 2017

Tensile strength is considered key properties for characterizing rock material in engineering project. It is determined by direct and indirect methods. Point load test is a useful testing method to estimate the tensile strengths of rocks. In this paper, the effects of rock shape on the point load index of gypsum are investigated by PFC2D simulation. For PFC simulating, initially calibration of PFC was performed with respect to the Brazilian experimental data to ensure the conformity of the simulated numerical models response. In second step, nineteen models with different shape were prepared and tested under point load test. According to the obtained results, as the size of the models increases, the point load strength index increases. It is also found that the shape of particles has no major effect on its tensile strength. Our findings show that the dominant failure pattern for numerical models is breaking the model into two pieces. Also a criterion was rendered numerically for determination of tensile strength of gypsum. The proposed criteria were cross checked with the results of experimental point load test.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.53 no.9
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• pp.3100-3111
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• 2021

Numerical modeling for the safety-related equipment used in a nuclear power plant (i.e., cabinet facilities) plays an essential role in seismic risk assessment. A full finite element model is often time-consuming for nonlinear time history analysis due to its computational modeling complexity. Thus, this study aims to generate a simplified model that can capture the nonlinear behavior of the electrical cabinet. Accordingly, the distributed plasticity approach was utilized to examine the stiffness-degradation effect caused by the local buckling of the structure. The inherent dynamic characteristics of the numerical model were validated against the experimental test. The outcomes indicate that the proposed model can adequately represent the significant behavior of the structure, and it is preferred in practice to perform the nonlinear analysis of the cabinet. Further investigations were carried out to evaluate the seismic behavior of the cabinet under the influence of the constitutive law of material models. Three available models in OpenSees (i.e., linear, bilinear, and Giuffre-Menegotto-Pinto (GMP) model) were considered to provide an enhanced understating of the seismic responses of the cabinet. It was found that the material nonlinearity, which is the function of its smoothness, is the most effective parameter for the structural analysis of the cabinet. Also, it showed that implementing nonlinear models reduces the seismic response of the cabinet considerably in comparison with the linear model.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.171-188
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• 2021

Plastic deformation of link beams in eccentrically braced frames is the primary dissipating source of seismic energy. Despite the excellent compatibility with the architectural designs, previous researches indicate the deficiency of flexural yielding links compared to the shear yielding ones because of their localized plastic deformation. Previous investigations have shown that implementing web openings in beams could be an efficient method to improve the seismic performance of moment-resisting connections. Accordingly, this research investigates the use of flexural links with stiffened and un-stiffened web openings to eliminate localized plasticity at the ends of the link. For this purpose, the numerical models are generated in finite element software "Abaqus" and verified against experimental data gathered from other studies. Models are subjected to cyclic displacement history to evaluate their behavior. Failure of the numerical models under cyclic loading is simulated using a micromechanical based damage model known as Cyclic Void Growth Model (CVGM). The elastic stiffness and the strength-based and CVGM-based inelastic rotation capacity of the links are compared to evaluate the studied models' seismic response. The results of this investigation indicate that some of the flexural links with edge stiffened web openings show increased inelastic rotation capacity compared to an un-perforated link.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.80 no.5
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• pp.523-538
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• 2021

The mechanical behaviour and stability of coal mining engineering underground is significantly affected by ground water. In this study, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) technique was employed to determine the water distribution characteristics in coal specimens during saturation process, based on which the functional rule for water distribution was proposed. Then, using discrete element method (DEM), an innovative numerical modelling method was developed to simulate water-weakening effect on coal behaviour considering moisture content and water distribution. Three water distribution numerical models, namely surface-wetting model, core-wetting model and uniform-wetting model, were established to explore the water distribution influences. The feasibility and validity of the surface-wetting model were further demonstrated by comparing the simulation results with laboratory results. The investigation reveals that coal mechanical properties are affected by both water saturation coefficient and water distribution condition. For all water distribution models, micro-cracks always initiate and nucleate in the water-rich area and thus lead to distinct macro fracture characteristics. With the increase of water saturation coefficient, the failure of coal tends to be less violent with less cracks and ejected fragments. In addition, the core-wetting specimen is more sensitive to water than specimens with other water distribution models.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.183-198
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• 2022

Plastic deformation of link beams in eccentrically braced frames is the primary dissipating source of seismic energy. Despite the excellent compatibility with the architectural designs, previous researches indicate the deficiency of flexural yielding links compared to the shear yielding ones because of their localized plastic deformation. Previous investigations have shown that implementing web openings in beams could be an efficient method to improve the seismic performance of moment-resisting connections. Accordingly, this research investigates the use of flexural links with stiffened and un-stiffened web openings to eliminate localized plasticity at the ends of the link. For this purpose, the numerical models are generated in finite element software "Abaqus" and verified against experimental data gathered from other studies. Models are subjected to cyclic displacement history to evaluate their behavior. Failure of the numerical models under cyclic loading is simulated using a micromechanical based damage model known as Cyclic Void Growth Model (CVGM). The elastic stiffness and the strength-based and CVGM-based inelastic rotation capacity of the links are compared to evaluate the studied models' seismic response. The results of this investigation indicate that some of the flexural links with edge stiffened web openings show increased inelastic rotation capacity compared to an un-perforated link.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.529-543
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• 2022

The lattice-spring-based synthetic rock mass model (LS-SRM) technique has been extensively employed in large open-pit mining and underground projects in the last decade. Since the LS-SRM requires a complex and time-consuming calibration process, a robust approach was developed using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to optimize the calibration procedure. For this purpose, numerical models were designed using the Box-Behnken Design technique, and numerical simulations were performed under uniaxial and triaxial stress states. The model input parameters represented the models' micro-mechanical (lattice) properties and the macro-scale properties, including uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), elastic modulus, cohesion, and friction angle constitute the output parameters of the model. The results from RSM models indicate that the lattice UCS and lattice friction angle are the most influential parameters on the macro-scale UCS of the specimen. Moreover, lattice UCS and elastic modulus mainly control macro-scale cohesion. Lattice friction angle (flat joint fiction angle) and lattice elastic modulus affect the macro-scale friction angle. Model validation was performed using physical laboratory experiment results, ranging from weak to hard rock. The results indicated that the RSM model could be employed to calibrate LS-SRM numerical models without a trial-and-error process.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.1105-1117
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• 2023

In this study, the pressure drop behavior of single- and two-phase flows of air and water through the porous beds filled with uniform and non-uniform sized spherical particles was examined. The pressure drop data in the single-phase flow experiments for the uniform particle beds agreed well with the original Ergun correlation. The results from the two-phase flow experiments were analyzed using numerical results based on three types of previous models. In the experiments for the uniform particle beds, the data on the two-phase pressure drop clearly showed the effect of the flow regime transition with a variation in the gas flow rate under stagnant liquid condition. The numerical analyses indicated that the predictability of the previous models for the experimental data relied mainly on the sub-models of the flow regime transitions and interfacial drag. In the experiments for the non-uniform particle beds, the two-phase pressure loss could be predicted well with numerical calculations based on the effective particle diameter. However, the previous models failed to accurately predict the counter-current flooding limit observed in the experiments. Finally, we propose a relation of falling liquid velocity into the particle bed by gravity to appropriately simulate the CCFL phenomenon.