Engineering Computations

Ju, Luying; Yan, Zihai; Wu, Mingming; Zhang, Gangping; Yan, Jiajia; Yu, Tianci; Ding, Pan; Xu, Riqing

doi: 10.1108/ec-01-2022-0019pmid: N/A

The purpose of this paper is to suggest an implicit integration method for updating the constitutive relationships in the newly proposed anisotropic egg-shaped elastoplastic (AESE) model and to apply it in ABAQUS.Design/methodology/approachThe implicit integration algorithm based on the Newton–Raphson method and the closest point projection scheme containing an elastic predictor and plastic corrector are implemented in the AESE model. Then, the integration code for this model is incorporated into the commercial finite element software ABAQUS through the user material subroutine (UMAT) interface to simulate undrained monotonic triaxial tests for various saturated soft clays under different consolidation conditions.FindingsThe comparison between the simulated results from ABAQUS and the experimental results demonstrates the satisfactory performance of this implicit integration algorithm in terms of effectiveness and robustness and the ability of the proposed model to predict the characteristics of soft clay.Research limitations/implicationsThe rotational hardening rule in the AESE model together with the implicit integration algorithm cannot be considered.Originality/valueThe singularity problem existing in most elastoplastic models is eliminated by the closed, smooth and flexible anisotropic egg-shaped yield surface form in the AESE model. In addition, this notion leads to an efficient implicit integration algorithm for updating the highly nonlinear constitutive equations for unsaturated soft clay.

Taşkin, Mustafa; Demir, Özgür

doi: 10.1108/ec-04-2022-0269pmid: N/A

The purpose of this paper is to parametrically investigate the vibration and damping characteristics of a functionally graded (FG) inhomogeneous and porous curved sandwich beam with a frequency-dependent viscoelastic core.Design/methodology/approachThe FG material properties in this study are assumed to vary through the beam thickness by power law distribution. Additionally, FG layers have porosities, which are analyzed individually in terms of even and uneven distributions. First, the equations of motion for the free vibration of the FG curved sandwich beam were derived by Hamilton's principle. Then, the generalized differential quadrature method (GDQM) was used to solve the resulting equations in the frequency domain. Validation of the proposed FG curved beam model and the reliability of the GDQ solution was provided via comparison with the results that already exist in the literature.FindingsA series of studies are carried out to understand the effects on the natural frequencies and modal loss factors of system parameters, i.e. beam thickness, porosity distribution, power law exponent and curvature on the vibration characteristics of an FG curved sandwich beam with a ten-parameter fractional derivative viscoelastic core material model.Originality/valueThis paper focuses on the vibration and damping characteristics of FG inhomogeneous and porous curved sandwich beam with frequency dependent viscoelastic core by GDQM – for the first time, to the best of the authors' knowledge. Moreover, it serves as a reference for future studies, especially as it shows that the effect of porosity distribution on the modal loss factor needs further investigation. GDQM can be useful in dynamic analysis of sandwich structures used in aerospace, automobile, marine and civil engineering applications.

Ab. Rashid, Mohd Fadzil Faisae; Ramli, Ariff Nijay

doi: 10.1108/ec-03-2022-0185pmid: N/A

This study aims to propose a new multiobjective optimization metaheuristic based on the tiki-taka algorithm (TTA). The proposed multiobjective TTA (MOTTA) was implemented for a simple assembly line balancing type E (SALB-E), which aimed to minimize the cycle time and workstation number simultaneously.Design/methodology/approachTTA is a new metaheuristic inspired by the tiki-taka playing style in a football match. The TTA is previously designed for a single-objective optimization, but this study extends TTA into a multiobjective optimization. The MOTTA mimics the short passing and player movement in tiki-taka to control the game. The algorithm also utilizes unsuccessful ball pass and multiple key players to enhance the exploration. MOTTA was tested against popular CEC09 benchmark functions.FindingsThe computational experiments indicated that MOTTA had better results in 82% of the cases from the CEC09 benchmark functions. In addition, MOTTA successfully found 83.3% of the Pareto optimal solution in the SALB-E optimization and showed tremendous performance in the spread and distribution indicators, which were associated with the multiple key players in the algorithm.Originality/valueMOTTA exploits the information from all players to move to a new position. The algorithm makes all solution candidates have contributions to the algorithm convergence.

Xue, Cheng; Xia, Zhaowang; Lao, Xingsheng; Yang, Zhengqi

doi: 10.1108/ec-12-2021-0717pmid: N/A

The purpose of this study is to provide some references about applying the semi-active particle damper to enhance the stability of the pipe structure.Design/methodology/approachThis paper establishes the dynamical models of semi-active particle damper based on traditional dynamical theory and fractional-order theory, respectively. The semi-active particle damping vibration isolation system applied in a pipe structure is proposed, and its analytical solution compared with G-L numerical solution is solved by the averaging method. The quantitative relationships of fractional-order parameters (a and kp) are confirmed and their influences on the amplitude-frequency response of the vibration isolation system are analyzed. A fixed point can be obtained from the amplitude-frequency response curve, and the optimal parameter used for improving the vibration reduction effect of semi-active particle damper can be calculated based on this point. The nonlinear phenomenon caused by nonlinear oscillators is also investigated.FindingsThe results show that the nonlinear stiffness parameter p will cause the jump phenomenon while p is close to 87; with the variation of nonlinear damping parameter μ, the pitchfork bifurcation phenomenon will occur with an unstable branch after the transient response; with the change of fractional-order coefficient kp, a segmented bifurcation phenomenon will happen, where an interval that kp between 18.5 and 21.5 has no bifurcation phenomenon.Originality/valueThis study establishes a mathematical model of the typical semi-active particle damping vibration isolation system according to fractional-order theory and researches its nonlinear characteristics.

Wang, Yongliang

doi: 10.1108/ec-12-2021-0748pmid: N/A

This study aimed to solve the engineering problem of free vibration disturbance and local mesh refinement induced by microcrack damage in circularly curved beams. The accurate identification of the crack damage depth, number and location depends on high-precision frequency and vibration mode solutions; therefore, it is critical to obtain these reliable solutions. The high-precision finite element method for the free vibration of cracked beams needs to be developed to grasp and control error information in the conventional solutions and the non-uniform mesh generation near the cracks. Moreover, the influence of multi-crack damage on the natural frequency and vibration mode of a circularly curved beam needs to be detected.Design/methodology/approachA scheme for cross-sectional damage defects in a circularly curved beam was established to simulate the depth, location and the number of multiple cracks by implementing cross-section reduction induced by microcrack damage. In addition, the h-version finite element mesh adaptive analysis method of the Timoshenko beam was developed. The superconvergent solution of the vibration mode of the cracked curved beam was obtained using the superconvergent patch recovery displacement method to determine the finite element solution. The superconvergent solution of the frequency was obtained by computing the Rayleigh quotient. The superconvergent solution of the eigenfunction was used to estimate the error of the finite element solution in the energy norm. The mesh was then subdivided to generate an improved mesh based on the error. Accordingly, the final optimised meshes and high-precision solution of natural frequency and mode shape satisfying the preset error tolerance can be obtained. Lastly, the disturbance behaviour of multi-crack damage on the vibration mode of a circularly curved beam was also studied.FindingsNumerical results of the free vibration and damage disturbance of cracked curved beams with cracks were obtained. The influences of crack damage depth, crack damage number and crack damage distribution on the natural frequency and mode of vibration of a circularly curved beam were quantitatively analysed. Numerical examples indicate that the vibration mode and frequency of the beam would be disturbed in the region close to the crack damage, and a greater crack depth translates to a larger frequency change. For multi-crack beams, the number and distribution of cracks also affect the vibration mode and natural frequency. The adaptive method can use a relatively dense mesh near the crack to adapt to the change in the vibration mode near the crack, thus verifying the efficacy, accuracy and reliability of the method.Originality/valueThe proposed combination of methodologies provides an extremely robust approach for free vibration of beams with cracks. The non-uniform mesh refinement in the adaptive method can adapt to changes in the vibration mode caused by crack damage. Moreover, the proposed method can adaptively divide a relatively fine mesh at the crack, which is applied to investigating free vibration under various curved beam angles and crack damage distribution conditions. The proposed method can be extended to crack damage detection of 2D plate and shell structures and three-dimensional structures with cracks.

Zhang, Xu; Jing, Hao; Zhang, Qing; Zhang, Ruijun; Liu, Lixin

doi: 10.1108/ec-12-2021-0736pmid: N/A

This paper aims to guide the implementation of noise reduction measures in hoistway and reduce the aerodynamic noise generated by elevator operation, this paper aims to propose an aerodynamic noise analysis method that can solve the flow field in hoistway.Design/methodology/approachA turbulence-acoustic model solving the flow field in a hoistway and a numerical wind hoistway model of the ultra-high-speed elevator were established by using large eddy simulation (LES) and Curle acoustic theory.FindingsThe characteristics of pulsating flow field and aerodynamic noise around ultra-high-speed elevator are analyzed. The asymmetric characteristics of the flow field could be observed using the turbulent kinetic energy and the instantaneous vortexes in the wind hoistway model. Vortex shedding, air flow separation and recombination around the car were the key factors for aerodynamic noise generation. The sound pressure level was approximately linear to the logarithm of car speed. The increase of car deflection angle in a certain range would reduce the peak frequency of wake noise and increase the sound pressure level (SPL) value.Originality/valueThis paper provides important guidance for researches studying the aerodynamic noise in the hoistway and the technical personnel that look for the reduction measures, which greatly improves the shortcomings in the numerical simulation of the aerodynamic noise of the hoistway.

Anh, Ho Pham Huy; Dat, Nguyen Tien

doi: 10.1108/ec-06-2022-0399pmid: N/A

The proposed Sliding Mode Control-Global Regressive Neural Network (SMC-GRNN) algorithm is an integration of Global Regressive Neural Network (GRNN) and Sliding Mode Control (SMC). Through this integration, a novel structure of GRNN is designed to enable online and. This structure is then combined with SMC to develop a stable adaptive controller for a class of nonlinear multivariable uncertain dynamic systems.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, a new hybrid (SMC-GRNN) control method is innovatively developed.FindingsA novel structure of GRNN is designed that can be learned online and then be integrated with the SMC to develop a stable adaptive controller for a class of nonlinear uncertain systems. Furthermore, Lyapunov stability theory is utilized to ensure the hidden-output weighting values of SMC-GRNN adaptively updated in order to guarantee the stability of the closed-loop dynamic system. Eventually, two different numerical benchmark tests are employed to demonstrate the performance of the proposed controller.Originality/valueA novel structure of GRNN is originally designed that can be learned online and then be integrated with the sliding mode SMC control to develop a stable adaptive controller for a class of nonlinear uncertain systems. Moreover, Lyapunov stability theory is innovatively utilized to ensure the hidden-output weighting values of SMC-GRNN adaptively updated in order to guarantee the stability of the closed-loop dynamic system.

Sbragio, Ricardo; Martins, Marcelo Ramos

doi: 10.1108/ec-07-2022-0489pmid: N/A

The purpose of this work is to present a procedure for determining the wind drift factor through two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of the wind acting on a wavy sea surface, such that the subjectivity of its estimation is reduced.Design/methodology/approachThe wind drift factor was determined by two-dimensional CFD analyses with open-channel condition. The characteristic wave was determined by the Sverdrup–Munk–Bretschneider (SMB) method. The uncertainty analysis is based on convergence studies using a single parameter refinement (grid and time step).FindingsThis procedure allows the estimation of the wind drift factor in a fetch-limited domain. The domain's value in the analyzed region is 0.0519 ± 4.92% which is consistent with the upper values of the wind drift factors reported in the literature.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of a three-dimensional domain was impractical with the available computational resources because of the fine mesh required for wave modeling. The uncertainty analysis consisted only of a verification procedure. Validation against real data was not possible because of the lack of measured data in the analyzed region.Originality/valueThe wind drift factor is usually estimated based on either experience or random sampling. The original contribution of this work is the presentation of a CFD procedure for estimating the wind drift factor, in which the domain inlet is subjected to a wave boundary condition and to a wind velocity.

Mohapatra, Jugal; Priyadarshana, Sushree; Raji Reddy, Narahari

doi: 10.1108/ec-06-2022-0396pmid: N/A

The purpose of this work is to introduce an efficient, global second-order accurate and parameter-uniform numerical approximation for singularly perturbed parabolic differential-difference equations having a large lag in time.Design/methodology/approachThe small delay and advance terms in spatial direction are handled with Taylor's series approximation. The Crank–Nicholson scheme on a uniform mesh is applied in the temporal direction. The derivative terms in space are treated with a hybrid scheme comprising the midpoint upwind and the central difference scheme at appropriate domains, on two layer-resolving meshes namely, the Shishkin mesh and the Bakhvalov–Shishkin mesh. The computational effectiveness of the scheme is enhanced by the use of the Thomas algorithm which takes less computational time compared to the usual Gauss elimination.FindingsThe proposed scheme is proved to be second-order accurate in time and to be almost second-order (up to a logarithmic factor) uniformly convergent in space, using the Shishkin mesh. Again, by the use of the Bakhvalov–Shishkin mesh, the presence of a logarithmic effect in the spatial-order accuracy is prevented. The detailed analysis of the convergence of the fully discrete scheme is thoroughly discussed.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of second-order approximations in both space and time directions makes the complete finite difference scheme a robust approximation for the considered class of model problems.Originality/valueTo validate the theoretical findings, numerical simulations on two different examples are provided. The advantage of using the proposed scheme over some existing schemes in the literature is proved by the comparison of the corresponding maximum absolute errors and rates of convergence.

Ju, Chuanming; Zhang, J.; Zhong, Yudong; Du, Xianfeng; Li, Jun; Chi, Baotao

doi: 10.1108/ec-11-2022-0670pmid: N/A

The purpose of this paper is to present an adaptive binary-tree element subdivision method (BTSM) for the evaluation of nearly singular integrals in three-dimensional boundary element method, which can facilitate automatic and high-quality patch generation.Design/methodology/approachIn this method, the nearly singular element is split into two sub-elements. Each sub-element is then examined to determine if it is to be subdivided based on a specific subdivision criterion. The specific subdivision ensures that those sub-elements far from the source point are sparse. And then those sub-elements in close proximity to the source point are replaced by regular triangular elements.FindingsWith the proposed method, the sub-elements obtained are automatically refined as they approach the projection point, and they are “good” in shape and size for standard Gaussian quadrature. Thus, the proposed method can be used to evaluate nearly singular integrals accurately for cases of different element shapes and various locations of the source point.Originality/valueNumerical examples for surface elements with various relative locations of the source point are presented. The results demonstrate that the proposed method has much better accuracy and robustness than some other methods.