Disorder induced brittle to quasi-brittle transition in fiber bundles

We investigate the fracture process of a bundle of fibers with random Young modulus and a constant breaking strength. For two component systems we show that the strength of the mixture is always lower than the strength of the individual components. For continuously distributed Young modulus the tail of the distribution proved to play a decisive role since fibers break in the decreasing order of their stiffness. Using power law distributed stiffness values we demonstrate that the system exhibits a disorder induced brittle to quasi-brittle transition which occurs analogously to continuous phase transitions. Based on computer simulations we determine the critical exponents of the transition and construct the phase diagram of the system.Comment: 6 pages, 6 figure

Comparison of shearography to scanning laser vibrometry as methods for local stiffness identification of beams

Local stiffness of Euler–Bernoulli beams can be identified by dividing the bending moment of a deformed beam by the local curvature. Curvature and moment distributions can be derived from the modal shape of a beam vibrating at resonance. In this article, the modal shape of test beams is measured by both scanning laser vibrometry (SLV) and shearography. Shearography is an interferometric optical method that produces full-field displacement gradients of the inspected surface. Curvature can be obtained by two steps of derivation of the modal amplitude (in the case of SLV) or one step of derivation of the modal shape slope (in the case of shearography). Three specially prepared aluminium beams with a known stiffness distribution are used for the validation of both techniques. The uncertainty of the identified stiffness distributions with both techniques is compared and related to their signal-to-noise ratios. A strength and weakness overview at the end of the article reveals that the shearography is the technique that shows the most advantages

Measurement of the distributed dynamic stiffness of seats under compression to analyze dynamic characteristic of seats

Supporting stiffness of seats is an important component affecting dynamic characteristics cognized by a passenger. To analyze dynamic characteristic of a seat for vehicles operating on various road conditions, the seat vibration from road irregularity should be understood and compared. In this study, the seat is analyzed as distributed supporting system. The dynamic stiffness is measured using masses on elastic foundation. The deflection of the seat under compression is analyzed using simple numerical model and used in understanding dynamic coupling between arrayed masses. The characteristic of the seats is analyzed by measuring distributed dynamic stiffness. The influence of seat cover, elastic support and flexible polyurethane foam on the measured stiffness was analyzed. The equivalent dynamic stiffness when larger dummy model is used in measurements is compared to the distributed stiffnessesThe authors would like to acknowledge Hyundai-Kia Motors for their financial support of this research

Transverse versus longitudinal eigenperiods of multispan seismically isolated bridges

This paper is motivated from the wider need in system identification studies to identify and interpret the eigenvalues of seismically isolated bridges from field measurements. The paper examines the transverse eigenvalues of multispan bridges which are isolated in both transverse and longitudinal directions at all supports including all center piers and end-abutments. The paper shows that regardless of the value of the longitudinal isolation period of the deck, the length of the bridge and the number of spans, the first transverse (isolation) period is always longer than the longitudinal isolation period of the deck. This result cannot be captured with the limiting idealization of a beam on continuously distributed springs (beam on Winkler foundation) which yields the opposite result–that the first transverse period is always shorter than the longitudinal isolation period. This fundamental difference between the response of a flexural beam supported on distinct, equally spaced springs and that of a beam supported on continuously distributed springs has not received the attention it deserves in the literature of structural mechanics-dynamics. Finally, the paper shows that the first normalized transverse eigenperiod of any finite-span isolated deck follows a single master curve and the solutions from all configurations are self-similar and are not dependent on the longitudinal isolation period or on whether the deck is isolated on elastomeric or spherical sliding bearings

Parameter estimation of large flexible aerospace structures with application to the control of the Maypole Deployable Reflector

Systems such as the Maypole deployable reflector have a distributed parameter nature. The flexible column and hoop structure and the circular antenna of 30-100 meter diameter which it supports are described by partial, rather than ordinary, differential equations. Progress completed in reduced order modelling andd controller design and digital parameter estimation and control is summarized. Topics covered include depolyment and on-orbit operation; quasi-static (steady state) operation; dynamic distributed parameter system; autoregressive moving average identification; frequency domain procedures; direct or implicit active control; adaptive observers; parameter estimation using a linear reinforcement learning factor; feedback control; and reduced order modeling for nonlinear systems

Operating characteristics of a cantilever-mounted resilient-pad gas-lubricated thrust bearing

A resilient-pad gas thrust bearing consisting of pads mounted on cantilever beams was tested to determine its operating characteristic. The bearing was run at a thrust load of 74 newtons to a speed of 17000 rpm. The pad film thickness and bearing friction torque were measured and compared with theory. The measured film thickness was less than that predicted by theory. The bearing friction torque was greater than that predicted by theory

Broadband passive targeted energy pumping from a linear dispersive rod to a lightweight essentially non-linear end attachment

We examine non-linear resonant interactions between a damped and forced dispersive linear finite rod and a lightweight essentially nonlinear end attachment. We show that these interactions may lead to passive, broadband and on-way targeted energy flow from the rod to the attachment, which acts, in essence, as non-linear energy sink (NES). The transient dynamics of this system subject to shock excitation is examined numerically using a finite element (FE) formulation. Parametric studies are performed to examine the regions in parameter space where optimal (maximal) efficiency of targeted energy pumping from the rod to the NES occurs. Signal processing of the transient time series is then performed, employing energy transfer and/or exchange measures, wavelet transforms, empirical mode decomposition and Hilbert transforms. By computing intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) of the transient responses of the NES and the edge of the rod, and examining resonance captures that occur between them, we are able to identify the non-linear resonance mechanisms that govern the (strong or weak) one-way energy transfers from the rod to the NES. The present study demonstrates the efficacy of using local lightweight non-linear attachments (NESs) as passive broadband energy absorbers of unwanted disturbances in continuous elastic structures, and investigates the dynamical mechanisms that govern the resonance interactions influencing this passive non-linear energy absorption