Appl. Mech., Volume 1, Issue 1 (March 2020) – 6 articles

The Generalized Softened Variable Angle Truss Model (GSVATM) allows one to compute the global behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams under torsion, including the pre- and post-cracking stage. In a previous study, such a model was successfully extended to cover prestressed concrete beams under torsion with longitudinal and uniform prestress. In order to continue to extend the theoretical model for other loading cases, in this article, the GSVATM is extended to cover RC beams under torsion combined with external and centered axial forces. The changes in GSVATM are presented, as well as the modified calculation solution procedure. Some theoretical predictions from the extended GSVATM are compared with numerical results from the non-linear finite element method (FEM), where good agreement is observed for the studied trends. Full article

Assessments of residual load-carrying capacity are often conducted for composite structural components that have received impact damage. The availability of a verified simulation methodology can provide significant cost savings when such assessments are required. To support the development of a reliable and accurate simulation methodology, this study investigated the predictive capabilities of a stacked solid-shell finite element model of a cylindrical composite component with a damage mechanics-based description of the intra-ply material response and a cohesive contact model used for simulation of the inter-ply behavior. Identification of material properties for the model was conducted through mechanical characterization. Special attention was paid to understanding the influence of non-physical parameters of the intra- and inter-ply material models on predicting compressive failure load of damaged composite cylinders. Calibration of the model conducted using the response surface methodology allowed for identifying rational values of the non-physical parameters. The results of simulations with the identified and calibrated finite element model showed reasonable correlation with experimental data in terms of the predicted failure loads and post-impact and post-failure damage modes. The investigated modeling technique can be recommended for evaluating the residual load-bearing capacity of flat and curved composite parts with impact damage working under the action of compressive loads. Full article

Pile punching (or driving) affects the surrounding area where piles and adjacent piles can be displaced out of their original positions, due to horizontal loads, thereby leading to hazardous outcomes. This paper presents a three-dimensional (3D) coupled Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics and Finite Element Method (SPH-FEM) model, which was established to investigate pile punching and its impact on adjacent piles subjected to lateral loads. This approach handles the large distortions by avoiding mesh tangling and remeshing, contributing greatly high computational efficiency. The SPH-FEM model was validated against field measurements. The results of this study indicated that the soil type in which piles were embedded affected the interaction between piles during the pile punching. A comprehensive parametric study was carried out to evaluate the impact of soil properties on the displacement of piles due to the punching of an adjacent pile. It was found that the interaction between piles was comparatively weak when the piles were driven in stiff clays; while the pile-soil interactions were much more significant in sandy soils and soft clays. Full article

In recent years, Spherical Cavity Expansion (SCE) theory has been extensively utilized to model dynamic deformation processes related to indentation and penetration problems in many fields. In this review, the SCE theory is introduced by explaining the different mathematical features of this theory, its solution, and a potential application to model the penetration of a rigid penetrator into a deformable target. First, a chronologically literature review of the most common models used to study this kind of penetration problems is introduced, focusing on the SCE theory. Then, the engineering model of penetration is presented using the SCE approach. The model is then compared and validated with some FE numerical simulations and with previous penetration results. It is concluded that this engineering model based on the SCE theory can be utilized to predict the projectile deceleration and penetration depth into the semi-infinite and finite targets impacted by rigid penetrators. Full article

Material flow transportation around the rotating tool and the mass deposition at the backside of the tool are critical characteristics of friction stir welding. To achieve an optimized weld structure, the history of the plastic deformation needs to be identified with a flow-based elucidation. In this study, an analogue model was applied to evaluate the formation of a banded structure using the bobbin tool, with a focus on the interaction between the tool-workpiece. The flow visualization in plasticine analogue was validated in comparison with the aluminium welds. The plastic flow mechanism was visualized both, at the surface and the cross-section of the weld-seam. The cross-section of the weld shows the details of the formation of tunnel voids, caused by the failure of the flow regimes. A physical model of the material flow was proposed to explain the formation mechanism of the tunnel void as a discontinuity during the mass refilling at the rear of the tool. Full article