scholarly journals An Inverse Method for Optimizing Elastic Properties Considering Multiple Loading Conditions and Displacement Criteria

2018 ◽  
Vol 140 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Danny Smyl

Significant research effort has been devoted to topology optimization (TO) of two- and three-dimensional structural elements subject to various design and loading criteria. While the field of TO has been tremendously successful over the years, literature focusing on the optimization of spatially varying elastic material properties in structures subject to multiple loading states is scarce. In this article, we contribute to the state of the art in material optimization by proposing a numerical regime for optimizing the distribution of the elastic modulus in structural elements subject to multiple loading conditions and design displacement criteria. Such displacement criteria (target displacement fields prescribed by the designer) may result from factors related to structural codes, occupant comfort, proximity of adjacent structures, etc. In this work, we utilize an inverse problem based framework for optimizing the elastic modulus distribution considering N target displacements and imposed forces. This approach is formulated in a straight-forward manner such that it may be applied in a broad suite of design problems with unique geometries, loading conditions, and displacement criteria. To test the approach, a suite of optimization problems are solved to demonstrate solutions considering N = 2 for different geometries and boundary conditions.

Author(s):  
Md. Fazle Rabbi ◽  
D. Kody Johnson ◽  
Debakanta Mishra ◽  
Radim Bruzek

Measurement of vertical wheel loads on railroad tracks using strain gauges mounted on the rail web is common practice. This measurement approach makes use of the differential shear concept that the difference in shear force between two points along a beam equals the magnitude of the vertical load applied between those two locations. Although the applicability of this concept is easy to verify for simple beams, its validity for field applications under different track configurations including support and loading conditions is relatively unexplored. Findings are presented from an ongoing research effort that has utilized numerical models to assess the effects of different track and loading configurations on vertical wheel load measurements using the differential shear approach. The underlying theory behind this measurement approach is first introduced, and different scenarios are compared using a simple one-dimensional model. This is followed by detailed analysis of the effects of different vertical, lateral, and axial loading combinations on the measured shear strain values. Finally, a three-dimensional finite element model is used to study the dependence of the measured wheel loads and calibration approaches on track support conditions. Findings from the analyses clearly establish the applicability of this measurement approach across different scenarios observed in railroad tracks.


Author(s):  
Anthony Garland ◽  
Georges Fadel

The goal of this research is to optimize an object's macroscopic topology and localized gradient material properties (GMPs) subject to multiple loading conditions simultaneously. The gradient material of each macroscopic cell is modeled as an orthotropic material where the elastic moduli in two local orthogonal directions we call x and y can change. Furthermore, the direction of the local coordinate system can be rotated to align with the loading conditions on each cell. This orthotropic material is similar to a fiber-reinforced material where the number of fibers in the local x and y-directions can change for each cell, and the directions can as well be rotated. Repeating cellular unit cells, which form a mesostructure, can also achieve these customized orthotropic material properties. Homogenization theory allows calculating the macroscopic averaged bulk properties of these cellular materials. By combining topology optimization with gradient material optimization and fiber orientation optimization, the proposed algorithm significantly decreases the objective, which is to minimize the strain energy of the object subject to multiple loading conditions. Additive manufacturing (AM) techniques enable the fabrication of these designs by selectively placing reinforcing fibers or by printing different mesostructures in each region of the design. This work shows a comparison of simple topology optimization, topology optimization with isotropic gradient materials, and topology optimization with orthotropic gradient materials. Finally, a trade-off experiment shows how different optimization parameters, which affect the range of gradient materials used in the design, have an impact on the final objective value of the design. The algorithm presented in this paper offers new insight into how to best take advantage of new AM capabilities to print objects with gradient customizable material properties.


2003 ◽  
Vol 70 ◽  
pp. 201-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hideaki Nagase ◽  
Keith Brew

The tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are endogenous inhibitors of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes that play central roles in the degradation of extracellular matrix components. The balance between MMPs and TIMPs is important in the maintenance of tissues, and its disruption affects tissue homoeostasis. Four related TIMPs (TIMP-1 to TIMP-4) can each form a complex with MMPs in a 1:1 stoichiometry with high affinity, but their inhibitory activities towards different MMPs are not particularly selective. The three-dimensional structures of TIMP-MMP complexes reveal that TIMPs have an extended ridge structure that slots into the active site of MMPs. Mutation of three separate residues in the ridge, at positions 2, 4 and 68 in the amino acid sequence of the N-terminal inhibitory domain of TIMP-1 (N-TIMP-1), separately and in combination has produced N-TIMP-1 variants with higher binding affinity and specificity for individual MMPs. TIMP-3 is unique in that it inhibits not only MMPs, but also several ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase) and ADAMTS (ADAM with thrombospondin motifs) metalloproteinases. Inhibition of the latter groups of metalloproteinases, as exemplified with ADAMTS-4 (aggrecanase 1), requires additional structural elements in TIMP-3 that have not yet been identified. Knowledge of the structural basis of the inhibitory action of TIMPs will facilitate the design of selective TIMP variants for investigating the biological roles of specific MMPs and for developing therapeutic interventions for MMP-associated diseases.


2021 ◽  
pp. 107754632110276
Author(s):  
Jun-Jie Li ◽  
Shuo-Feng Chiu ◽  
Sheng D Chao

We have developed a general method, dubbed the split beam method, to solve Euler–Bernoulli equations for cantilever beams under multiple loading conditions. This kind of problem is, in general, a difficult inhomogeneous eigenvalue problem. The new idea is to split the original beam into two (or more) effective beams, each of which corresponds to one specific load and bears its own Young’s modulus. The mode shape of the original beam can be obtained by linearly superposing those of the effective beams. We apply the split beam method to simulating mechanical responses of an atomic force microscope probe in the “dynamical” operation mode, under which there are a stabilizing force at the positioner and a point-contact force at the tip. Compared with traditional analytical or numerical methods, the split beam method uses only a few number of basis functions from each effective beam, so a very fast convergence rate is observed in solving both the resonance frequencies and the mode shapes at the same time. Moreover, by examining the superposition coefficients, the split beam method provides a physical insight into the relative contribution of an individual load on the beam.


Cellulose ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (15) ◽  
pp. 9751-9768
Author(s):  
Teija Laukala ◽  
Sami-Seppo Ovaska ◽  
Ninja Kerttula ◽  
Kaj Backfolk

AbstractThe effects of bio-based strengthening agents and mineral filling procedure on the 3D elongation of chemi-thermomechanical pulp (CTMP) handsheets with and without mineral (PCC) filling have been investigated. The 3D elongation was measured using a press-forming machine equipped with a special converting tool. The strength of the handsheets was altered using either cationic starch or microfibrillated cellulose. Precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) was added to the furnish either as a slurry or by precipitation of nano-sized PCC onto and into the CTMP fibre. The 3D elongation of unfilled sheets was increased by the dry-strengthening agents, but no evidence on the theorised positive effect of mineral fill on 3D elongation was seen in either filling method. The performance of the strengthening agent depended on whether the PCC was as slurry or as a precipitated PCC-CTMP. The starch was more effective with PCC-CTMP than when the PCC was added directly as a slurry to the furnish, whereas the opposite was observed with microfibrillated cellulose. The 3D elongation correlated positively with the tensile strength, bursting strength, tensile stiffness, elastic modulus and bending stiffness, even when the sheet composition was varied, but neither the strengthening agent nor the method of PCC addition affected the 3D elongation beyond what was expectable based on the tensile strength of the sheets. Finally, mechanisms affecting the properties that correlated with the 3D elongation are discussed.


Author(s):  
Tarun Gangwar ◽  
Dominik Schillinger

AbstractWe present a concurrent material and structure optimization framework for multiphase hierarchical systems that relies on homogenization estimates based on continuum micromechanics to account for material behavior across many different length scales. We show that the analytical nature of these estimates enables material optimization via a series of inexpensive “discretization-free” constraint optimization problems whose computational cost is independent of the number of hierarchical scales involved. To illustrate the strength of this unique property, we define new benchmark tests with several material scales that for the first time become computationally feasible via our framework. We also outline its potential in engineering applications by reproducing self-optimizing mechanisms in the natural hierarchical system of bamboo culm tissue.


1991 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 257-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. F. Graham ◽  
D. R. Grant

Side-looking, C-band synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) penetrates cloud and fog, and operates day or night, to produce pseudo-three-dimensional terrain images with enhanced topography and surface roughness. The images, which have a 20 m resolution and cover large areas, have been used to map the regional trends, patterns of lineaments, and terrain types over a 6200 km2 area of complex lithology, structure, and drift cover. Four lineament classes are differentiated. Glacial trends are clear, and bedrock structures (faults, fractures, joints, foliation, and folded bedding) with relief expression at the surface show through the drift as lineaments. They accurately reproduce most known features when compared with bedrock and Quatenary geology maps. Hitherto unrecognized structural elements are revealed. Tones and textures reflect minute surface roughness variations useful in terrain classification. SAR wide-swath-mode imagery is thus a valuable complement to aerial photography, and is superior in revealing hummocky moraine, ribbed moraine, boulder fields and stony till. Wider use of this imagery is encouraged.


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