Linear buckling analysis of perforated cold-formed steel storage rack columns by means of the generalised beam theory

The investigation attempts to adapt a be am finite element procedure based on the Generalised Beam Theory (GBT) to the analysis of perforated columns. The presence of perforations is taken into account through the use of two beam elements with different properties, for the non- perforated and perforated parts of the member. Each part is meshed with its corresponding finite element and, afterwards, they are linked by means of constraint equations . Linear buckling analyses on steel storage rack columns are carried out to demonstrate how the proposed procedure should be applied. Some practical issues are discussed, such as the GBT deformation modes to be included in the analyses, or the optimum finite element discretiz ation. The resulting buckling loads are validated by comparison with the values obtained in anal yses performed using shell finite element models. Finally, it is verified that the buck ling loads produced with the propo sed method are rather accuratePeer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Efficient models for building acoustics : combining deterministic and statistical methods

Modelling vibroacoustic problems in the field of building design is a challenging problem due to the large size of the domains and the wide frequency range required by regulations. Standard numerical techniques, for instance finite element methods (FEM), fail when trying to reach the highest frequencies. The required element size is too small compared to the problem dimensions and the computational cost becomes unaffordable for such an everyday calculation. Statistical energy analysis (SEA) is a framework of analysis for vibroacoustic problems, based on the wave behaviour at high frequencies. It works directly with averaged magnitudes, which is in fact what regulations require, and its computational cost is very low. However, this simplified approach presents several limitations when dealing with real-life structures. Experiments or other complementary data are often required to complete the definition of the SEA model. This thesis deals with the modelling of building acoustic problems with a reasonable computational cost. In this sense, two main research lines have been followed. In the first part of the thesis, the potential of numerical simulations for extending the SEA applicability is analysed. In particular, three main points are addressed: first, a systematic methodology for the estimation of coupling loss factors from numerical simulations is developed. These factors are estimated from small deterministic simulations, and then applied for solving larger problems with SEA. Then, an SEA-like model for non-conservative couplings is presented, and a strategy for obtaining conservative and non-conservative coupling loss factors from numerical simulations is developed. Finally, a methodology for identifying SEA subsystems with modal analysis is proposed. This technique consists in performing a cluster analysis based on the problem eigenmodes. It allows detecting optimal SEA subdivisions for complex domains, even when two subsystems coexist in the same region of the geometry. In the second part of the thesis, the sound transmission through double walls is analysed from different points of view, as a representative example of the complexities of vibroacoustic simulations. First, a compilation of classical approaches to this problem is presented. Then, the finite layer method is proposed as a new way of discretising the pressure field in the cavity inside double walls, especially when it is partially filled with an absorbing material. This method combines a FEM-like discretisation in the direction perpendicular to the wall with trigonometric functions in the two in-plane directions. This approach has less computational cost than FEM but allows the enforcement of continuity and equilibrium between fluid layers. It is compared with experimental data and also with other prediction models in order to check the influence of commonly assumed simplifications. Finally, a combination of deterministic and statistical methods is presented as a possible solution for dealing with vibroacoustic problems consisting of double walls and other elements. The global analysis is performed with SEA, and numerical simulations of small parts of the problem are used to obtain the required parameters. Combining these techniques, a realistic simulation of the vibroacoustic problem can be performed with a reasonable computational cost

Large eddy simulations of inflow turbulence noise: application to tidal turbines

Marine anthropogenic noise is increasing, along with concern about its impact on the environment. Hence minimising noise within engineering design is important, including in applications such as ships, submarines and turbines. The desire to mitigate noise may also be related to reducing the detectability of certain types of marine craft. Noise reduction typically focuses on rotating machinery such as propellers, due to the high velocity of the blades.A common source of broadband noise in engineering scenarios is often termed inflow turbulence noise. Resulting from upstream turbulence impinging onto rotor blades, this source typically dominates the low to mid range of the frequency spectrum. This is due to the high turbulence intensity and large length scales present in the inflow turbulence, which exceed those generating competing noise sources.This thesis uses a library of numerical tools to simulate broadband inflow turbulence noise. Synthetic turbulence is generated numerically within the simulations. Turbulence is resolved on the grid by solving the filtered Navier-Stokes equations. Based on the assumption of incompressible flow, noise sources may be predicted without resolving acoustic waves on the grid. This decoupling of hydrodynamic and acoustic processes means that radiated noise may be estimated using an acoustic analogy.Validation of two inflow turbulence generators revealed the importance of obtaining the prescribed turbulence statistics, as well as minimising artificial pressure fluctuations. This is used to simulate homogeneous isotropic turbulence impinging onto a foil, allowing acoustic sources to be located. The far-field sound prediction is in good agreement with experimental measurement data for low frequencies. It is then shown that the effect of foil thickness on noise can successfully be predicted using the proposed methodology.Noise radiation from a tidal turbine is then estimated by fully resolving all turbine blades, both spatially and temporally, in the simulation. A good agreement is seen in comparison to an analytical model, demonstrating that the simulation captures the dominant flow features which affect the acoustic spectrum. These spectral ‘humps’ are a result of turbulence-rotor interaction, which is implicitly included. Full scale noise estimates made from the simulations are then used to inform environmental impact assessment; the turbine hydrodynamic noise is not expected to be an issue in this regard

Bending Collapse Of Rectangular Section Tubes In Relation To The Bus Roll Over Problem

The thesis is concerned with the theoretical determination of the overall and local effects on the collapse behaviour of bus structures in a roll over situation. The aim is to enable an early selection of structural components, so that the finished body can absorb enough energy and preserve sufficient strength to meet the roll over safety requirements. Chapter 1 gives an introduction into the bus roll over problem, discusses the present safety legislation and reveals that there is very little information on the performance of buses in real accidents and that no collapse analysis of the complete structure or bending collapse of its details had been undertaken. The investigation into 21 bus roll over accidents, summarised in Chapter 2, showed that structural safety relies on both the overall collapse modes and hinge properties. Theoretical determination of the overall collapse mechanism and maximum strength of a typical British coach is carried out in Chapter 3 using the CRASHD collapse program. Some peculiarities of the finite element modelling are demonstrated and the analysis indicates that the collapse mechanism can be controlled by careful selection of various structural components. Chapter 4 emphasises the importance of a better understanding of the hinge behaviour in vehicle structures. Bending collapse of rectangular section tubes is investigated in Chapter 5 for hinge rotation angles up to 30-50 degrees. The analysis starts with determination of the maximum strength of sections which may buckle within elastic range. Repeatability of local collapse mechanisms enabled the definition of the appropriate theoretical model. Kinematic theorem of the limit analysis is then applied to derive the formula for the hinge moment-rotation curve. Particular attention is paid to the selection of the appropriate material properties. The agreement with experimental evidence (Chapter 6) was very good for the complete range of tubes tested. This range includes practically all the standard sections that are used in the general structural design. The theory is used in Chapter 7 to optimise sections from the safety point of view and, in combination with the CRASHD program, to predict the collapse behaviour of beams, bus rings and complete structure entirely on the theoretical basis. Static and dynamic tests of bus rings gave good agreement with theory. The practical aspects of the work have been emphasised throughout the thesis. Detailed explanation of all the major decisions has increased the volume of the text, but the author believes that this will prove useful for practicing engineers. People interested in essentials only are referred to Chapter 8 where all the most important conclusions are given

Eighteenth Space Simulation Conference: Space Mission Success Through Testing

The Institute of Environmental Sciences' Eighteenth Space Simulation Conference, 'Space Mission Success Through Testing' provided participants with a forum to acquire and exchange information on the state-of-the-art in space simulation, test technology, atomic oxygen, program/system testing, dynamics testing, contamination, and materials. The papers presented at this conference and the resulting discussions carried out the conference theme 'Space Mission Success Through Testing.

Multivariable isoperformance methodology for precision opto-mechanical systems

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2001.Includes bibliographical references (p. 277-285).Precision opto-mechanical systems, such as space telescopes, combine structures, optics and controls in order to meet stringent pointing and phasing requirements. In this context a novel approach to the design of complex, multi-disciplinary systems is presented in the form of a multivariable isoperformance methodology. The isoperformance approach first finds a point design within a given topology, which meets the performance requirements with sufficient margins. The performance outputs are then treated as equality constraints and the non-uniqueness of the design space is exploited by trading key disturbance, plant, optics and controls parameters with respect to each other. Three algorithms (branch-and-bound, tangential front following and vector spline approximation) are developed for the bivariate and multivariable problem. The challenges of large order models are addressed by presenting a fast diagonal Lyapunov solver, apriori error bounds for model reduction as well as a governing sensitivity equation for similarity transformed state space realizations. Specific applications developed with this technique are error budgeting and multiobjective design optimization. The goal of the multiobjective design optimization is to achieve a design which is pareto optimal, such that multiple competing objectives can be satisfied within the performance invariant set. Thus, situations are avoided where very costly and hard-to-meet requirements are levied onto one subsystem, while other subsystems hold substantial margins.(cont.) An experimental validation is carried out on the DOLCE laboratory testbed. The testbed allows verification of the predictive capability of the isoperformance technique on models of increasing fidelity. A comparison with experimental results, trading excitation amplitude and payload mass, is demonstrated. The predicted performance contours match the experimental data very well at low excitation levels, typical of the disturbance environment on precision opto-mechanical systems. The relevance of isoperformance to space systems engineering is demonstrated with a comprehensive NEXUS spacecraft dynamics and controls analysis. It is suggested that isoperformance is a useful concept in other fields of engineering science such as crack growth calculations in structures. The isoperformance approach enhances the understanding of complex opto-mechanical systems beyond the local neighborhood of a particular point design.by Olivier L. de Weck.Ph.D