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At least 343 records · Page 19

Handbook of structural stability part VI : strength of stiffened curved plates and shells

A comprehensive review of failure of stiffened curved plates and shells is presented. Panel instability in stiffened curved plates and general instability of stiffened cylinders are discussed. The loadings considered for the plates are axial, shear, and the combination of the two. For the cylinders, bending, external pressure, torsion, transverse shear, and combinations of these loads are considered. When possible, test data and theory were correlated. General instability in stiffened cylinders was investigated. For bending and torsion loads, test data and theory were correlated. For external pressure several existing theories were compared. As a result of this investigation a unified theoretical approach to analysis of general instability in stiffened cylinders was developed. (author)

Becker, Herbert↗

Design-Oriented Analysis of Aircraft Fuselage Structures

A design-oriented analysis capability for aircraft fuselage structures that utilizes equivalent plate methodology is described. This new capability is implemented as an addition to the existing wing analysis procedure in the Equivalent Laminated Plate Solution (ELAPS) computer code. The wing and fuselage analyses are combined to model entire airframes. The paper focuses on the fuselage model definition, the associated analytical formulation and the approach used to couple the wing and fuselage analyses. The modeling approach used to minimize the amount of preparation of input data by the user and to facilitate the making of design changes is described. The fuselage analysis is based on ring and shell equations but the procedure is formulated to be analogous to that used for plates in order to take advantage of the existing code in ELAPS. Connector springs are used to couple the wing and fuselage models. Typical fuselage analysis results are presented for two analytical models. Results for a ring-stiffened cylinder model are compared with results from conventional finite-element analyses to assess the accuracy of this new analysis capability. The connection of plate and ring segments is demonstrated using a second model that is representative of the wing structure for a channel-wing aircraft configuration.

Giles, Gary L.↗

Thermal-Mechanical Elastic-Plastic and Ductile Failure Model Calibrations for 6061-T651 Aluminum Alloy from Plate

Numerical simulations of metallic structures undergoing rapid loading into the plastic range require material models that accurately represent the response. In general, the material response can be seen as having four interrelated parts: the baseline response under slow loading, the effect of strain rate, the conversion of plastic work into heat and the effect of temperature. In essence, the material behaves in a thermal-mechanical manner if the loading is fast enough so when heat is generated by plastic deformation it raises the temperature and therefore influences the mechanical response. In these cases, appropriate models that can capture the aspects listed above are necessary. The matters of interest here are the elastic-plastic response and ductile failure behavior of 6061-T651 aluminum alloy under the conditions described above. The work was accomplished by first designing and conducting a material test program to provide data for the calibration of a modular $J_2$ plasticity model with isotropic hardening as well as a ductile failure model. Both included modules that accounted for temperature and strain rate dependence. The models were coupled with an adiabatic heating module to calculate the temperature rise due to the conversion of plastic work to heat. The test program included uniaxial tension tests conducted at room temperature, 150 and 300 C and at strain rates between 10 –4 and 10 3 1/s as well as four geometries of notched tension specimens and two tests on specimens with shear-dominated deformations. The test data collected allowed the calibration of both the plasticity and the ductile failure models. Most test specimens were extracted from a single piece of plate to maintain consistency. Notched tension tests came from a possibly different plate, but from the same lot. When using the model in structural finite element calculations, element formulations and sizes different from those used to model the test specimens in the calibration are likely to be used. A brief investigation demonstrated that the failure model can be particularly sensitive to the element selection and provided an initial guide to compensate in a specific example.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Computer program simplifies selection of structural steel columns

Computer program rapidly selects appropriate size steel columns and base plates for construction of multistory structures. The program produces a printed record containing the size of a section required at a particular elevation, the stress produced by the loads, and the allowable stresses for that section.

Vissing, G. S.↗

Machined Structural Panels With Integral End Fittings

Flat, cylindrical, or otherwise-shaped unitary machined corrugated metal panels used as structural skins, according to proposal. Machined plates offer advantages over such conventional lightweight structural components as formed corrugated sheets, composite panels, and honeycomb panels. Include integrally machined end fittings and are lighter, less prone to failure, easier to design and analyze, and offer greater stiffness. No additional stringers or frames needed for reinforcement.

Redmon, John W., Jr.↗

Lattice Truss Structural Response Using Energy Methods

A deterministic methodology is presented for developing closed-form deflection equations for two-dimensional and three-dimensional lattice structures. Four types of lattice structures are studied: beams, plates, shells and soft lattices. Castigliano's second theorem, which entails the total strain energy of a structure, is utilized to generate highly accurate results. Derived deflection equations provide new insight into the bending and shear behavior of the four types of lattices, in contrast to classic solutions of similar structures. Lattice derivations utilizing kinetic energy are also presented, and used to examine the free vibration response of simple lattice structures. Derivations utilizing finite element theory for unique lattice behavior are also presented and validated using the finite element analysis code EAL.

Kenner, Winfred Scottson↗

Formulation and calibration of two-dimensional constitutive models for composite structures based on panel tests

Steel Plate Concrete (SC) composite members have been widely adopted because of its cost-efficiency and enhanced structural behavior. While researchers have attempted to study its in-plane shear behavior in the past twenty years, very limited number of large-scale pure shear tests were performed due to the challenge of experimental set-up and the availability of facilities. In this paper, a series of uniaxial loading tests and two full-scale pure shear panel tests of SC members were reported, on which the “mechanics-based Membrane Model of SC elements (MM-SC)” is developed. The MM-SC model is based on the fixed-angle crack formulation and the smeared-crack formulation, in which the experimental-based uniaxial constitutive models are implemented, considering the local buckling of faceplate, the tension stiffening of steel plate, the strength degradation of cracked concrete and the confinement effect of concrete. The proposed MM-SC model is subsequently incorporated into the object-oriented software OpenSEES. Finally, the simulation results of proposed model well predict the SC test observations in terms of critical branch points and structural behaviors, including initial stiffness, cracking strength, post-crack stiffness, yield strength, maximum strength, and failure modes.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Quick-Connect, Self-Alining Latch

Sturdy latch tolerates 10 degrees of angular mismatch in joining structural elements. Hexagonal passive plate nests in active plate, guided by capture plates and alinement keys and grooves. Center hole in both active and passive plates is 1 meter in diameter. Latch has possible uses a pipe joint, connector for parts of portable structures, and fitting for marine risers on offshore drilling rigs.

Burns, G. C.↗

Wind loads on flat plate photovoltaic array fields (nonsteady winds)

Techniques to predict the dynamic response and the structural dynamic loads of flat plate photovoltaic arrays due to wind turbulence were analyzed. Guidelines for use in predicting the turbulent portion of the wind loading on future similar arrays are presented. The dynamic response and the loads dynamic magnification factor of the two array configurations are similar. The magnification factors at a mid chord and outer chord location on the array illustrated and at four points on the chord are shown. The wind tunnel test experimental rms pressure coefficient on which magnification factors are based is shown. It is found that the largest response and dynamic magnification factor occur at a mid chord location on an array and near the trailing edge. A technique employing these magnification factors and the wind tunnel test rms fluctuating pressure coefficients to calculate design pressure loads due to wind turbulence is presented.

Miller, R. D.↗

Polar Plate Theory for Orthogonal Anisotropy

Laminated fiber-reinforced (or filamentary) composites are used today for their high strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratios. However, because of the anisotropic behavior of composites, determining the response on a macroscopic scale is challenging. This is particularly evident in the evaluation of the governing differential equations of a circular disk with the fibers of the lamina oriented with rectilinear orthogonality. This includes any situation involving a composite plate of circular geometry in which out-of-plane displacements due to load are desired, such as fastener pull through loading of a composite plate. Current analysis techniques use numerical methods with rectilinear coordinate systems to solve problems with circular geometry. These analyses over predict plate stiffness by 20% and underpredict failure by 70%. Consequently, there is a need to transform classical composite plate theory to a polar coordinate system. In order to better analyze structures with circular geometries the classical composite plate equations are transformed into the plate equations for a rectilinearly anisotropic composite in polar coordinates. A composite plate is typically a laminate of fibers in rectilinear directions. Subsequent to the lay-tip the necessary geometry is cut out of a rectangular plate. In a similar manner, the derivation of the plate equation starts with the fundamental definitions of strain, displacement and curvature and incorporates the material property angular dependence into the equilibrium equations for a differential polar element. In the transformed state, the stiffness coefficients are no longer constant, adding to the complexity of the governing differential equations. This paper discusses the new derivation and evaluation of the plate equations for a circular composite disk with orthogonal rectilinear anisotropy. The resultant new three partial differential equations, which describe the circular anisotropic plate, can be used to evaluate out-of-plane displacements for given load conditions in design of composite Structures. Without the formation of these unique plate equations, design of such structures is not a precise engineering accomplishment due to the lack of precise design tools. Such structures are over designed to compensate and costly tests need to be performed after production to validate safety. Though impossible to present the mathematical solution within the limits of this paper, the application of the newly derived plate equation in its orthotropic form for a balanced symmetric laminate compared favorably with test results and surpassed the results of standard numerical methods. Within the limitations of the problem foundation the predictive model provides a mechanism for establishing out-of-plane deflection levels for a circular composite plate. Future work in this area should include incorporating the circular composite plate equations in Finite Element Models. The new anisotropic polar plate equations call be utilized as a design tool so that the design more accurately meets the requirements, thus taking full advantage of the weight savings of composites. These accomplishments have not previously been presented to the engineering community nor ever proposed to the IAF. Should the proposed paper be accepted for presentation, attendance is assured.

Bailey, Michelle D.↗

Planar oscillatory stirring apparatus

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for stirring materials using planar orthogonal axes oscillations. The apparatus has a movable slide plate sandwiched between two fixed parallel support plates. Pressurized air is supplied to the movable slide plate which employs a tri-arm air bearing vent structure which allows the slide plate to float and to translate between the parallel support plates. The container having a material to be stirred is secured to the upper surface of the slide plate through an aperture in the upper support plate. A motor driven eccentric shaft loosely extends into a center hole bearing of the slide plate to cause the horizontal oscillations. Novelty lies in the combination of elements which exploits the discovery that low frequency, orthogonal oscillations applied horizontally to a Bridgman crucible provides a very rigorous stirring action, comparable with and more effective by an order of magnitude than the accelerated crucible rotation technique.

Wolf, M. F.↗

Damping Experiment of Spinning Composite Plates with Embedded Viscoelastic Material

One way to increase gas turbine engine blade reliability and durability is to reduce blade vibration. It is well known that vibration reduction can be achieved by adding damping to metal and composite blade-disk systems. This experiment was done to investigate the use of integral viscoelastic damping treatments to reduce vibration of rotating composite fan blades. It is part of a joint research effort with NASA LeRC and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Previous vibration bench test results obtained at UCSD show that plates with embedded viscoelastic material had over ten times greater damping than similar untreated plates; and this was without a noticeable change in blade stiffness. The objectives of this experiment, were to verify the structural integrity of composite plates with viscoelastic material embedded between composite layers while under large steady forces from spinning, and to measure the damping and natural frequency variation with rotational speed.

Mehmed, Oral↗

Accuracy analysis of the semi-analytical method for shape sensitivity calculation

The semianalytical method of design sensitivity analysis that is widely used for calculating derivatives of static response with respect to design variables for structures modeled by finite elements is studied. It is shown that the method can have serious accuracy problems for shape design variables in structures modeled by beam, plate, truss, frame, and solid elements. Errors are shown to be associated with an incompatibility of the sensitivity field with the structure. An error index is developed to test the accuracy of the semianalytical method. It characterizes the difference in errors between a general finite-difference method and the semianalytical method. A method for improving the accuracy of the semianalytical method (when possible) is provided. Examples are presented to demonstrate the use of the error index.

Barthelemy, Bruno↗

Mutual Inductance Problem for a System Consisting of a Current Sheet and a Thin Metal Plate

Rapid inspection of aircraft structures for flaws is of vital importance to the commercial and defense aircraft industry. In particular, inspecting thin aluminum structures for flaws is the focus of a large scale R&D effort in the nondestructive evaluation (NDE) community. Traditional eddy current methods used today are effective, but require long inspection times. New electromagnetic techniques which monitor the normal component of the magnetic field above a sample due to a sheet of current as the excitation, seem to be promising. This paper is an attempt to understand and analyze the magnetic field distribution due to a current sheet above an aluminum test sample. A simple theoretical model, coupled with a two dimensional finite element model (FEM) and experimental data will be presented in the next few sections. A current sheet above a conducting sample generates eddy currents in the material, while a sensor above the current sheet or in between the two plates monitors the normal component of the magnetic field. A rivet or a surface flaw near a rivet in an aircraft aluminum skin will disturb the magnetic field, which is imaged by the sensor. Initial results showed a strong dependence of the flaw induced normal magnetic field strength on the thickness and conductivity of the current-sheet that could not be accounted for by skin depth attenuation alone. It was believed that the eddy current imaging method explained the dependence of the thickness and conductivity of the flaw induced normal magnetic field. Further investigation, suggested the complexity associated with the mutual inductance of the system needed to be studied. The next section gives an analytical model to better understand the phenomenon.

Fulton, J. P.↗

Two-Piece Screens for Decontaminating Granular Material

Two-piece screens have been designed specifically for use in filtering a granular material to remove contaminant particles that are significantly wider or longer than are the desired granules. In the original application for which the twopiece screens were conceived, the granular material is ammonium perchlorate and the contaminant particles tend to be wires and other relatively long, rigid strands. The basic design of the twopiece screens can be adapted to other granular materials and contaminants by modifying critical dimensions to accommodate different grain and contaminant- particle sizes. A two-piece screen of this type consists mainly of (1) a top flat plate perforated with circular holes arranged in a hexagonal pattern and (2) a bottom plate that is also perforated with circular holes (but not in a pure hexagonal pattern) and is folded into an accordion structure. Fabrication of the bottom plate begins with drilling circular holes into a flat plate in a hexagonal pattern that is interrupted, at regular intervals, by parallel gaps. The plate is then folded into the accordion structure along the gaps. Because the folds are along the gaps, there are no holes at the peaks and valleys of the accordion screen. The top flat plate and the bottom accordion plate are secured within a metal frame. The resulting two-piece screen is placed at the bottom opening of a feed hopper containing the granular material to be filtered. Tests have shown that such long, rigid contaminant strands as wires readily can pass through a filter consisting of the flat screen alone and that the addition of the accordion screen below the flat screen greatly increases the effectiveness of removal of wires and other contaminant strands. Part of the reason for increased effectiveness is in the presentation of the contaminant to the filter surface. Testing has shown that wire type contamination will readily align itself parallel to the material direction flow. Since this direction of flow is nearly always perpendicular to the filter surface holes, the contamination is automatically aligned to pass through. The two-filter configuration reduces the likelihood that a given contaminant strand will be aligned with the flow of material by eliminating the perpendicular presentation angle. Thus, for wires of a certain diameter, a two-piece screen is 20 percent more effective than is the corresponding flat perforated plate alone, even if the holes in the flat plate are narrower. An accordion screen alone is similarly effective in catching contaminants, but lumps of agglomerated granules of the desired material often collect in the valleys and clog the screen. The addition of a flat screen above the accordion screen prevents clogging of the accordion screen. Flat wire screens have often been used to remove contaminants from granular materials, and are about as effective as are the corresponding perforated flat plates used alone.

Backes, Douglas↗

Mixed finite element formulation for frictionless contact problems

Simple mixed finite element models and a computational procedure are presented for the solution of frictionless contact problems. The analytical formulation is based on a form of Reissner's large-rotation theory of the structure with the effect of transverse shear deformation included. The contact conditions are incorporated into the formulation by using a perturbed Lagrangian approach with the fundamental unknowns consisting of the internal forces (or stress resultants), the generalized displacements, and the Lagrange multipliers associated with the contact conditions. Numerical examples of axisymmetric deformations of a hemispherical shell and planar deformations of a circular ring are presented. Both structures are pressed against a rigid plate. Detailed information about the response of the structures is presented. The numerical studies demonstrate the high accuracy of the mixed models and the effectiveness of the computational procedure based on combining the geometrically nonlinear terms and the contact conditions in one iteration loop.

Noor, Ahmed K.↗