Effect of Geometric Parameters and Construction Sequence on Ground Settlement of Offset Arrangement Twin Tunnels

A parametric study that examines the ground surface settlement due to the excavation of shallow offset arrangement twin tunnels is presented. Offset arrangement tunnels are those that run parallel to each other, but at different elevations. The study focuses on the influence of both the construction sequence and various geometric parameters on the induced soil settlement. A series of three-dimensional finite element analyses was carried out to investigate the settlement behavior and interactions between offset arrangement twin tunnels excavated in clay using a simplified mechanized excavation method. Analyses were carried out for three cover-to-diameter (C/D) ratios, three possible construction sequences, five angular relative positions, and five angular spacings. In addition, settlement data were also investigated by varying horizontal and vertical spacings while keeping the angular spacing constant. The total settlement of the excavated twin tunnels and the settlement induced solely by the new second tunnel are both presented, and special attention was paid to identifying the dominant geometric parameters. The observed data trends from this study are generally consistent with the limited data available in the literature. This study confirmed a few perceived behaviors. First, angular relative position better describes the settlement behavior in comparison to angular spacing. Second, the effect of the vertical distance is noticeably more significant than that of the horizontal distance between the two tunnels. Third, excavation of the lower tunnel at first induces higher total ground settlement than when the upper tunnel is excavated first or when both tunnels are excavated concurrently. Fourth, settlement due to the construction of the newer tunnel decreases with the increase in the cover depth. In addition, two design charts have been proposed to calculate the settlement induced from a new second tunnel excavation and the eccentricity of the maximum total settlement relative to the center of the new tunnel.

Comparative Functional Morphology of Human and Chimpanzee Feet Based on Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis

To comparatively investigate the morphological adaptation of the human foot for achieving robust and efficient bipedal locomotion, we develop three-dimensional finite element models of the human and chimpanzee feet. Foot bones and the outer surface of the foot are extracted from computer tomography images and meshed with tetrahedral elements. The ligaments and plantar fascia are represented by tension-only spring elements. The contacts between the bones and between the foot and ground are solved using frictionless and Coulomb friction contact algorithms, respectively. Physiologically realistic loading conditions of the feet during quiet bipedal standing are simulated. Our results indicate that the center of pressure (COP) is located more anteriorly in the human foot than in the chimpanzee foot, indicating a larger stability margin in bipedal posture in humans. Furthermore, the vertical free moment generated by the coupling motion of the calcaneus and tibia during axial loading is larger in the human foot, which can facilitate the compensation of the net yaw moment of the body around the COP during bipedal locomotion. Furthermore, the human foot can store elastic energy more effectively during axial loading for the effective generation of propulsive force in the late stance phase. This computational framework for a comparative investigation of the causal relationship among the morphology, kinematics, and kinetics of the foot may provide a better understanding regarding the functional significance of the morphological features of the human foot.

Comparison of Stress Distribution in Surrounding Bone during Insertion of Dental Implants on Four Implant Threads under the Effect of an Impact: A Finite Element Study

The design of an implant thread plays a fundamental role in the osseointegration process, particularly in low-density bone. It has been postulated that design features that maximize the surface area available for contact may improve mechanical anchorage and stability in cancellous bone. The primary stability of a dental implant is determined by the mechanical engagement between the implant and bone at the time of implant insertion. The contact area of implant-bone interfaces and the concentrated stresses on the marginal bones are principal concerns of implant designers. Numerous factors influence load transfer at the bone-implant interface, for example, the type of loading, surface structure, amount of surrounding bone, material properties of the implant and implant design. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the impact two different projectile of implant threads on stress distribution in the jawbone using three-dimensional finite element analysis.

Assessment of Substrate and TBC Damage Effects on Resonance Frequencies for Blade Health Monitoring

The reliability of critical aircraft components continues to shift towards onboard monitoring to optimize maintenance scheduling, economy efficiency and safety. Therefore, the present study investigates changes in dynamic behavior of turbine blades for the detection of defects, with focus on substrate cracks and TBC spallation as they relate to vibration modes 1 to 6. Two‐dimensional and three-dimensional finite element simulation is used. The results indicate that TBC spallation reduces natural frequencies due to the ensuing hot spot and overall increase in temperature, leading to drops in blade stiffness and strength. Cracks cause even larger frequency shifts due to local plastic deformation at the crack that changes the energy dissipation behavior. Mode 1 vibration shows the largest shifts in natural frequencies that best correlate to the size of defects and their position. As such, it may be most appropriate for the early assessment of the severity and location of defects.

Dynamic Calculation of Electric Propulsion Motor Tandem Rotors

The article presents the results of modeling the dynamic response of the tandem rotors of ice-class vessel electric propulsion motors under extreme operating conditions. The loading of rotors by torques in combination with vibration transmitted through the supports to the electric motors is considered as an external non-stationary action. A method for constructing a three-dimensional finite element model of the structure under study by fragmentary assembly has been developed on the basis of the ANSYS Mechanical software package. A scheme of elastic-compliant 3D-links allowing simulating the reciprocating-rotational vibrations of a tandem of rotors is presented. A test example is used to verify the proposed mechanical-mathematical model of the torsion system. Based on the calculated data, the analysis of the dynamic parameters of the tandem rotors is performed for the most unfavorable operating scenarios.

Seismic Permanent Deformation Analysis for Gravel Dams in High Altitude Meizoseismal Areas

It is commonly believed that the permanent deformation is introduced by the meizoseismal impacts of embankment dams, which is impossible to be reinstated and will further endanger the safety and normal use thereof. In this study, a three-dimensional finite element model of the dam have been established with the equivalent nodal force approach to calculate the permanent deformation of the dams under seismic protection. It was indicated by the results that the acceleration response of dams was not intense in the meizoseismal areas and the vertical seismic permanent deformation mainly occurred at the top of the dams, of which the collapse rate is less than 1% with small lateral and horizontal seismic permanent deformation. Moreover, the dam profile has been indicated with inward shrinkage upon the seismic permanent deformation, which is beneficial to the stability of the dam slopes. However, seismic measures are required to improve the seismic performance of the dam area because of the large acceleration and permanent seismic deformation at the dam tops. The research results provide a decision basis for seismic hazard assessment and reinforcement solutions of similar dams.