Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Xie Li, Sonya A. Brown, Mathew W. Joosten, Garth M. Pearce
Summary: This study conducted short beam shear tests to validate the capability of tow-wise modelling (TWM) in predicting the failure mechanisms of AP-Ply laminates, achieving excellent correlation between numerical and experimental results.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Justin D. Miller, Patrick Blanchard, Jeffery Dahl, Jan-Anders E. Mansson
Summary: Three-dimensional (3D) tow reinforced hybrid molding combines continuous fiber composite tow with injection overmolding to improve mechanical performance of molded components. However, the conventional modeling processes cannot accurately capture the tensile performance due to the waviness of the fibers when wrapped around load introduction points. The Hsaio and Daniel model was used to predict the elastic properties of the wavy fiber composite and showed that neglecting or modeling the waviness leads to significant differences in the predicted stiffness and strength.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
S. Valvano, A. Alaimo, C. Orlando
Summary: In this paper, the damped free-vibration and frequency response analysis of variable-angle-tow composite plates embedding viscoelastic layers with frequency-dependent properties are performed. The governing equations are derived and a nine-node finite plate element is employed for solving. The plate formulation presented in this paper is more efficient and accurate than existing methods thanks to the use of the mixed interpolation of tensorial components technique. Different multilayered structures laminated with unidirectional cross-ply layers or curvilinear fibers path ones are considered. Numerical solutions are presented for variable-angle-tow composites with different boundary conditions and lamination schemes.
COMPUTERS & STRUCTURES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Petr Skalka, Michal Kotoul
Summary: This study focuses on determining the cohesive energy density of silicon single crystals using experimental data, FE simulations, and an optimization procedure. Unlike previous studies, which focused on evaluating material toughness using multiple parameters, this study specifically looks at cohesive energy density for easy determination of material toughness. The approach developed in this study is also suitable for short cracks where linear fracture mechanics premise is violated.
Review
Engineering, Manufacturing
Vuong Nguyen-Van, Shuai Li, Junli Liu, Kien Nguyen, Phuong Tran
Summary: 3D concrete printing offers affordable construction solutions by minimizing costs, improving productivity, aligning with sustainability requirements, and tailoring products to complex design needs. Various techniques, materials, and design tools have been developed to meet mechanical and structural properties, as well as durability requirements. The use of parametric design and numerical simulation enables further construction optimization and realization of complex designs.
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yipin Su, Davide Riccobelli, Yingjie Chen, Weiqiu Chen, Pasquale Ciarletta
Summary: In this paper, we investigate the nonlinear deformation and morphological transitions of layered dielectric elastomer balloons in response to applied voltage and pressure. We propose a mathematical theory of nonlinear electro-elasticity and study the onsets of morphological transitions using the surface impedance matrix method. Finite-element numerical simulations are used to analyze the nonlinear evolution of bifurcated branches. Our findings suggest the possibility of designing tunable DE spheres for applications in soft robotics and mechanical actuators.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY A-MATHEMATICAL PHYSICAL AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Shannon Ryan, Julian Berk, Santu Rana, Brodie McDonald, Svetha Venkatesh
Summary: This article presents an inverse methodology for deriving viscoplasticity constitutive model parameters and using functional experiments in explicit finite element simulations. By utilizing Bayesian optimization and experiments with a wide range of loading conditions, the resulting constitutive model parameters are applicable across various conditions and exhibit superior predictive accuracy.
DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Shannon Ryan, Julian Berk, Santu Rana, Brodie McDonald, Svetha Venkatesh
Summary: This study presents a new inverse methodology for determining viscoplasticity constitutive model parameters for explicit finite element simulations of dynamic processes. The use of Bayesian optimization significantly improves predictive accuracy and is important for improving the accuracy of material parameter derivation for armor steels.
DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Peter L. Bishay, Christian Aguilar
Summary: Although the benefits of morphing wings have been proven in many studies, the conflicting design requirements of high out-of-plane stiffness and low in-plane stiffness remain a challenge for advancing morphing technology. Advances in hybrid and flexible composites may provide design solutions with a balance in stiffness. A parametric study of a composite skin for twist-morphing wings was conducted, considering design parameters such as the number of plies, fiber-orientation angle, and torsional rigidity. Analysis showed that torsional compliance can be increased by adjusting certain parameters, but at the expense of out-of-plane stiffness. The study highlights the nonlinear relationship and effects of different parameters on the behavior of the skin.
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Wei Jiang, Weicheng Xie, Shuai Sun
Summary: This paper proposes a set of flywheel optimization methods for micro/nano-satellites to achieve parametric optimization analysis of the structural shape. The finite element analysis results show that this optimization method can effectively improve the comprehensive performance of the flywheel, and can guide the structural optimization design of micro/nano-satellite platforms in the future.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Liqian Wang, Zhuxuan Wei, Zengting Xu, Qingmin Yu, Zi Liang Wu, Zhijian Wang, Jin Qian, Rui Xiao
Summary: Liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) is a thermally responsive soft material that can be used for fabricating shape changing structures. The anisotropic shape changes of LCEs are different from other stimulus-responsive materials. In this paper, we investigate the bending behavior of bilayer LCEs and propose a strategy to achieve complex deformations by introducing precuts. Our design surpasses other stimulus-responsive materials in terms of shape morphing capabilities, providing possibilities for soft devices and 3D actuators.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Mechanics
Jeremy Ryatt, M. Ramulu
Summary: Stochastic tow-based discontinuous composite (STBDC) laminates are made from CFRP tows and can be manufactured in complex three-dimensional geometries. The effective elastic properties are often approximated as quasi-isotropic, but a new algorithm has been developed to consider the mesostructural morphology. Simulations show good correlation with reported values for effective stiffness and unnotched tensile failure strengths.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Son Tay Le, Tuan Ngoc Nguyen, Dac-Khuong Bui, Quang Phuc Ha, Tuan Duc Ngo
Summary: This study investigates the effects of finger-joint design parameters on the flexural behavior of finger-jointed timber beams through numerical modeling and optimization. The results indicate that the number of fingers and finger length significantly influence the load capacity, while the tip thickness has a marginal effect. Furthermore, a multi-objective optimization algorithm is proposed to simultaneously maximize the joint resistance and minimize material waste.
Article
Mathematics, Applied
Mihaly Katona, Miklos Kuczmann, Tamas Orosz
Summary: This paper discusses the manufacturing uncertainties in terms of geometry in mass-produced electrical machines, and presents a design optimization method for torque ripple and average torque. The effects of the flux barrier on the main properties of a permanent magnet synchronous motor are assessed, and a robust design analysis is conducted. The Central Composite method is found to be the most accurate, while the Plackett-Burman method is the most efficient in this particular case.
JOURNAL OF COMPUTATIONAL AND APPLIED MATHEMATICS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xiaogai Li
Summary: The study presents a personalization framework for generating subject-specific models across the lifespan and for pathological brains with significant anatomical changes. The framework includes hierarchical multiple feature and multimodality imaging registrations, mesh morphing, and mesh grouping, shown to be efficient with a heterogeneous dataset. The generated models demonstrate competitive personalization accuracy, allowing for age-dependent and groupwise brain injury mechanisms to be studied.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Hasan M. Khalid, Saheed O. Ojo, Paul M. Weaver
Summary: A novel two-dimensional inverse differential quadrature method is proposed to approximate the solution of high-order system of differential equations. The method improves the accuracy of the approximation by avoiding the high sensitivity of high-order numerical differentiation operations to noise. The study also presents a general framework for approximating arbitrary functions from high-order partial derivatives and analyzes the bending and buckling behaviors of laminated plates within the context of first-order shear deformation theory.
COMPUTERS & STRUCTURES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Giuseppe Sciascia, Vincenzo Oliveri, Paul M. Weaver
Summary: The design space for high-performance lightweight composite structures has expanded with the concept of variable stiffness. A multi-domain Ritz method is proposed for the analysis of prestressed variable stiffness laminated doubly-curved shell structures. The method shows great accuracy in predicting the dynamic response and reduces the number of variables required for computation.
THIN-WALLED STRUCTURES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Olga Doeva, Pedram Khaneh Masjedi, Paul M. Weaver
Summary: New exact analytical solutions are presented for the static deflection of coupled Timoshenko composite beams resting on two-parameter elastic foundations subject to arbitrary boundary and loading conditions. The influence of foundation coefficients, coupling terms, and aspect ratio on the static deflection of the beams is investigated and discussed.
THIN-WALLED STRUCTURES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
M. M. S. Vilar, D. A. Hadjiloizi, P. Khaneh Masjedi, P. M. Weaver
Summary: Emerging manufacturing technologies allow for the production of slender and complex-shaped structures. However, current analytical methods for stress analysis often oversimplify the real behavior of laminated tapered beams. To address these limitations, this study proposes a simple and efficient stress recovery method that considers layerwise body forces and traction loads, as well as the effects of stiffness and load distributions. The model is validated through comparison with finite element analysis and analytical formulations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MECHANICS AND MATERIALS IN DESIGN
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Shahrzad Daghighi, Giovanni Zucco, Paul M. Weaver
Summary: Pressure vessels are widely used in various industries, including hydrogen storage and aircraft fuselages. Designing pressure vessels involves considering factors such as failure performance, weight, and packing efficiency. This study develops an initial design methodology for bend-free super ellipsoids of revolution to withstand both uniform internal pressure and thermal loads.
Article
Mechanics
Daniel Peeters, David Jones, Ronan O'Higgins, Paul M. Weaver
Summary: Interest in thermoplastic composites in aircraft has been increasing over the past 25 years. Combining winding and laser-assisted tape placement is a promising method to manufacture thermoplastic structures. In this study, a variable stiffness, unitized, integrated-stiffener thermoplastic wingbox was manufactured and tested. The corner regions were found to be critical and testing showed that decreasing the radius increases the corner strength, with an optimum radius existing to withstand maximum unfolding force/moment. The slowest deposition rate with least acceleration during manufacturing resulted in the highest corner strength for the same radius.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ciarn McHale, Paul M. Weaver
Summary: This study aims to develop a method to increase the bending stiffness of lattice structures while minimizing the increase in mass and stowed volume. This is achieved by using additional composite strips mounted adjacent and concentric to pre-existing strips. The new lattice configuration has a lighter weight and smaller stowed height compared to conventional configurations, but may have reduced stiffness. By increasing the deployed bending stiffness, this work enhances the feasibility of the morphing cylindrical lattice for deployable space structures.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Angeliki Chanteli, Marcus O. Conaire, Ruairi Brannigan, Andreas Heise, Paul M. Weaver, Ioannis Manolakis
Summary: This work demonstrates the use of azomethine-bearing diamines as hardeners for epoxy compounds, resulting in cleavable and thermoformable covalent adaptable networks that have comparable properties to conventional epoxy networks.
REACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Reece L. Lincoln, Paul M. Weaver, Alberto Pirrera, Rainer M. J. Groh, Evangelos Zympeloudis
Summary: Variable-angle tow (VAT) manufacturing methods, such as rapid tow shearing (RTS), greatly enhance the design possibilities for composite structures by smoothly changing fiber angle and ply thickness. RTS offers numerous advantages over conventional bending-driven steering processes, including improved tessellation, elimination of overlaps or gaps between tows, and prevention of fiber wrinkling or bridging. This study aims to validate previous predictions on the imperfection sensitivity reduction and increased load-carrying capacity of cylindrical shells through the manufacturing and testing of RTS cylinders. The experimental results are compared with high-fidelity finite element models, taking into consideration the geometric and loading imperfections.
Article
Mechanics
Aileen G. Bowen, Giovanni Zucco, Paul M. Weaver
Summary: The design of composite flexible hinges using Brazier phenomena can avoid added weight and complexity. This study aims to verify similarities between Brazier phenomena for circular and aerofoil cross-sections through finite element analyses.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Venkatesh Sundararaman, Matthew P. O'Donnell, Isaac Chenchiah, Gearoid Clancy, Paul M. Weaver
Summary: Structures with adaptive stiffness characteristics can achieve greater efficiency by reconfiguring their topology. In this study, the potential of using changes in the topology of planar lattice structures is explored to achieve desired adaptivity. The lattice structures can undergo elastic buckling or bending of cell walls, leading to a change in the structure's topology and enhancement of compressive and shear stiffness. Experimental observations correlate well with finite element analysis and analytical stiffness predictions. This topology morphing lattice structure offers a new route to tailor elastic characteristics.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
A. L. Kalamkarov, D. A. Hadjiloizi, P. M. Weaver, A. Georgiades
Summary: A micromechanical model has been developed for the analysis of structurally periodic flexoelectric plates with periodically varying thickness based on asymptotic homogenization, which can be applied to a variety of thin plate structures.
MATHEMATICS AND MECHANICS OF SOLIDS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Hasan M. Khalid, Saheed O. Ojo, Paul M. Weaver
Summary: The analysis of free vibration behavior is crucial for the design of laminated plate structures. This study presents a novel numerical solution technique to study the dynamic behavior of shear deformable laminated plates. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in different boundary conditions and geometric configurations.
APPLIED MATHEMATICAL MODELLING
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
R. L. Lincoln, P. M. Weaver, A. Pirrera, R. M. J. Groh
Summary: This study explores the capabilities of the rapid tow shearing (RTS) process for reducing the imperfection sensitivity of axially compressed cylindrical shells. RTS enables the in situ manufacturing of embedded rings and stringers by depositing curvilinear carbon fibre tapes. By smoothly blending the material's elastic modulus and wall thickness across the cylindrical surface, the load paths can be redistributed favorably to minimize imperfection sensitivity. The use of a genetic algorithm that incorporates manufacturing imperfections and axial stiffness penalty helps maximize the reliability load of SF and RTS cylinders.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY A-MATHEMATICAL PHYSICAL AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Kyungil Kong, Kirsten Dyer, Christopher Payne, Ian Hamerton, Paul M. Weaver
Summary: In recent decades, offshore wind energy has experienced significant growth due to the deployment of longer and larger wind turbine composite blades. However, these composite blades are susceptible to damage and defects, requiring thorough condition monitoring and maintenance to ensure structural integrity. Delamination, debonding, and cracks are common types of damage in wind turbine composite blades, influenced by various factors. Regular condition monitoring is necessary to assess performance degradation and reduce maintenance costs. Data-driven inspection with digital twin technology and advanced functional materials show promise in improving monitoring frameworks.
RENEWABLE ENERGY FOCUS
(2023)
Article
Mechanics
Rawan Aqel, Patrick Severson, Rani Elhajjar
Summary: A novel core splice joint configuration for composite sandwich structures is studied and proposed to improve the strength and toughness. Experimental and numerical efforts show that this configuration can significantly increase the ultimate strength by 13% to 51% and the toughness by 2% to 35%.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2024)
Article
Mechanics
Xianheng Wang, Cong Chen, Jinsong Zhang, Xinming Qiu
Summary: In this paper, a new form-finding method based on spatial elastica model (FMSE) is proposed for elastic gridshells. The method integrates the deformations of elastic rods into the overall deformation of the gridshell, and solves a set of transcendental equations using the quasi-Newton method to ensure the deformation satisfies the given boundary conditions. The method is validated through experiments and expected to have potential applications in the investigations of elastic gridshells.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2024)
Article
Mechanics
Hao Huang, Zitong Guo, Zhongde Shan, Zheng Sun, Jianhua Liu, Dong Wang, Wang Wang, Jiale Liu, Chenchen Tan
Summary: The conventional evaluation of 3D braided composites' mechanical properties through numerical and experimental methodologies hinders material application due to the expenses, time constraints, and laborious efforts involved. This study establishes a multi-scale finite element model and a surrogate model for predicting the elastic properties of 3D4D rotary braided composites with voids. By optimizing a neural network model, the results are validated and provide valuable insights into the microstructure and properties of these composites.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2024)
Article
Mechanics
Xinyu Li, Hao Zhang, Haiyang Yang, Junrong Luo, Zhongmin Xiao, Hongshuai Lei
Summary: Due to their excellent mechanical properties and design flexibility, fluted-core composite sandwich structures have gained significant attention in aerospace and rail transit applications. This study investigated the free-vibration characteristics and optimized design of composite fluted-core sandwich cylinders through theoretical models and experimental tests.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2024)
Article
Mechanics
Chao Li, Chunzheng Duan, Xiaodong Tian, Chao Wang
Summary: A mechanistic model considering the bottom edge cutting effect and the anisotropic characteristics of the material is proposed in this paper to accurately predict cutting forces. The model was validated through a series of milling experiments and can be used to predict the cutting force of various parts of the cutter and any feed direction.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2024)
Article
Mechanics
Camila Sanches Schimidt, Leopoldo Pisanelli Rodrigues de Oliveira, Carlos De Marqui Jr
Summary: This work investigates the vibro-acoustic performance of graded piezoelectric metamaterial plates. The study shows that piezoelectric metamaterial plates with reconfigurable properties can provide enhanced vibration and sound power attenuation.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2024)
Article
Mechanics
Jun Ke, Li-jie Liu, Zhen-yu Wu, Zhong-ping Le, Luo Bao, Dong-wei Luo
Summary: Compared with other green natural fibers, ramie has higher mechanical properties and lower cost. In this study, ramie and glass fiber are made into composite circular tubes. The results show that the hybrid circular tube with ramie and glass fiber has improved torsional mechanical properties and reduced weight and cost. The failure mechanisms are affected by the loading direction and the content of each fiber.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2024)
Article
Mechanics
Natalia Pingaro, Gabriele Milani
Summary: This paper proposes an enhanced analytical model for predicting the behavior of FRCM samples tested under standard tensile tests. The model takes into account the interaction between fibers and matrix through the interface, and assumes different material properties at different phases. By solving a second order linear differential equation, an analytical solution can be obtained. The model is validated with experimental data and shows good predictability.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2024)
Article
Mechanics
Jialiang Fan, Anastasios P. Vassilopoulos, Veronique Michaud
Summary: This article investigates the effects of voids, joint geometry, and test conditions on the fracture performance of thick adhesive Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) joints. It concludes that grooved DCB joints with low void content tested at low displacement rates showed stable crack propagation without significant crack path deviation.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2024)
Article
Mechanics
Auwalu I. Mohammed, Kaarthikeyan Raghupathy, Osvaldo De Victoria Garcia Baltazar, Lawson Onokpasah, Roger Carvalho, Anders Mogensen, Farzaneh Hassani, James Njuguna
Summary: This study investigates the performance of composite pressure vessels under damaged and undamaged conditions, providing insights into their reliability and residual strength capabilities. The results demonstrate that the damage profile and its effect on compressive strength are similar between damaged and non-damaged cylinders. When subjected to quasi-static compression, the polyethylene liner absorbs enough elastic strain energy to recover without plastic deformation. Additionally, quasi-static compression has little to no influence on the axial strength of the cylinders. The damage characterization reveals fiber breakage, delamination, local buckling, and brooming failure. This study has direct implications for the safety design tolerances, manufacturing strategies, and operational failure conditions of composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs).
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2024)
Article
Mechanics
Muhammad Irfan Shirazi, Samir Khatir, Djilali Boutchicha, Magd Abdel Wahab
Summary: Structural health monitoring is important to ensure the safety of components and structures. This study proposes a method using finite element models and 1D-CNN network to extract and classify vibration responses for crack detection. The results show that the proposed approach is effective in real-time damage detection.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2024)
Article
Mechanics
Maryam Mirsalehi, Kiarash Kianpour, Sharif Shahbeyk, Mohammad Bakhshi
Summary: This study comprehensively investigates the one-way response of 3D-woven sandwich panels (3DWSPs) and their interfering parameters, providing interpretation of elastic and failure results, failure maps, and reliable theoretical models for linear elastic response and observed failure mechanisms.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2024)
Article
Mechanics
Yiming Zhao, Zhonggang Wang, Zhigang Yang, Bin Qin
Summary: The paper proposes a Ritz and statistical energy analysis (Ritz SEA) hybrid method for calculating rectangular plate acoustic vibration coupling in the mid-frequency range. This method combines the fast convergence and ability to handle arbitrary boundary conditions of the Ritz method with the power flow equation of the statistical energy analysis method. The results show that this approach effectively filters out random fluctuations in mid-frequency domains while demonstrating exceptional stability and precision.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2024)
Article
Mechanics
Joao Henrique Fonseca, Woojung Jang, Dosuck Han, Naksoo Kim, Hyungyil Lee
Summary: This study addresses the enhancement of an injection-molded fiber-reinforced plastic / metal hybrid automotive structure and its plastic injection molding process through the integration of the finite element method, artificial intelligence, and evolutionary search methods. Experimental validation of finite element models, the generation of a database through orthogonal array and Latin hypercube methods, and the training of artificial neural networks are conducted. The genetic optimization algorithm is then applied to identify optimal process parameters. The results show significant reduction in product warpage and manufacturing time while maintaining structural strength, contributing to the advancement of composite automotive structures with superior quality.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2024)
Article
Mechanics
Alessandro Vescovini, Carina Xiaochen Li, Javier Paz Mendez, Bo Cheng Jin, Andrea Manes, Chiara Bisagni
Summary: This paper presents a study on six single-stringer specimens manufactured using the card-sliding technique with non-crimp fabrics and adopting a Double-Double (DD) stacking sequence. The specimens were tested under compression loading conditions to investigate post-buckling and failure in aerospace structures. Experimental results and numerical simulations were compared to analyze the behavior and failure modes of the specimens. The study found promising evidence of a viable solution to optimize aeronautical structures and enhance resistance to skin-stringer separation, particularly with the use of tapered flanges.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2024)
