• Journal of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute of Korea
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.43-50
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• 2021

A Leg Mating Unit (LMU) is a device utilized during the float-over installation of offshore structures that include hyperelastic pads and mating part. The hyperelastic pads absorb the loads, whereas the mating part works as guidance between topside and supporting structures during the mating sequence of float-over installation. In this study, the design optimization of an LMU for the float-over installation of floating-type offshore structures is conducted to enhance the performance and to satisfy the requirements defined by classification society regulations. The initial dimensions of the LMU are referred to the dimensions of those used in fixed-type float-over installation because only the location and the number of LMUs are known. The two-parameter Mooney-Rivlin model is adopted to describe the hyperelastic pads under given material parameters. Geometric variables, such as the thickness, height, and width of members, as well as configuration variables, such as the angle and number of members, are defined as design variables and are parameterized. A sampling-based design sensitivity analysis based on latin hypercube sampling method is performed to filter the important design variables. The design optimization problem is formulated to minimize the total mass of the LMU under maximum von Mises stress and reaction force constraints.

• Journal of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute of Korea
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.215-226
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• 2022

Significant efforts have been devoted to developing high-performance composite materials by emulating the structure of biological creatures with superior mechanical characteristics. Nacre has been one of the most sought-after natural structures due to its exceptional fracture toughness compared with the constituent materials. However, the effect of manipulating the nacre-like geometry on the impact performance has not been fully investigated thus far. In this study, composites of randomly manipulated nacreous geometry are numerically developed and the impact performance is analyzed. We develop an algorithm by which the planar area of platelets in the nacre-like design is randomly resized. Thereafter, the numerical models of nonuniform nacre-patterned multi-layer structures are developed and the drop-weight impact simulation is performed. The impact behaviors of the model are evaluated by using the ratio of absorbed energy, the von Mises stress distribution, and the impact force-time curve. Therefore, the effect of the geometric irregularity on the nacre-patterned design is elucidated. This insight can be efficiently utilized in establishing the optimum design of the nacre-patterned structure.