正交异性钢桥肋-桥面板焊缝裂纹的三维断裂力学分析

正交异性钢桥的肋-桥面板焊缝处的疲劳裂纹是典型的三维裂纹问题,但是现在普遍采用平面应变二维裂纹模型对其进行断裂力学分析.基于Schwartz-Neuman交替法建立正交异性钢桥肋-桥面板焊缝裂纹的局部三维断裂力学分析模型;评估焊缝处表面裂纹的形状和深度对应力强度因子的影响;采用Paris公式估算等应力幅下焊缝的疲劳寿命.计算结果表明:用平面应变二维裂纹模型进行正交异性钢桥的肋-面板焊缝的断裂力学分析会严重低估其疲劳寿命;采用三维断裂力学模型进行肋-桥面板焊缝裂纹的疲劳寿命分析十分必要.     

Application of genetic algorithm in crack detection of beam-like structures using a new cracked Euler–Bernoulli beam element

In this paper, a crack identification approach is presented for detecting crack depth and location in beam-like structures. For this purpose, a new beam element with a single transverse edge crack, in arbitrary position of beam element with any depth, is developed. The crack is not physically modeled within the element, but its effect on the local flexibility of the element is considered by the modification of the element stiffness as a function of crack's depth and position. The development is based on a simplified model, where each crack is substituted by a corresponding linear rotational spring, connecting two adjacent elastic parts. The localized spring may be represented based on linear fracture mechanics theory. The components of the stiffness matrix for the cracked element are derived using the conjugate beam concept and Betti's theorem, and finally represented in closed-form expressions. The proposed beam element is efficiently employed for solving forward problem (i.e., to gain accurate natural frequencies of beam-like structures knowing the cracks’ characteristics). To validate the proposed element, results obtained by new element are compared with two-dimensional (2D) finite element results as well as available experimental measurements. Moreover, by knowing the natural frequencies, an inverse problem is established in which the cracks location and depth are identified. In the inverse approach, an optimization problem based on the new beam element and genetic algorithms (GAs) is solved to search the solution. The proposed approach is verified through various examples on cracked beams with different damage scenarios. It is shown that the present algorithm is able to identify various crack configurations in a cracked beam.     

Design of maintenance schedules for fatigue-prone metallic components using reliability-based optimization

This contribution focuses on the design of optimal maintenance schedules for metallic structures prone to develop fatigue cracks. The crack propagation phenomenon is addressed using a fracture mechanics approach. The problem of maintenance scheduling is addressed within the framework of reliability-based optimization (RBO). Thus, it is possible to minimize the costs associated with maintenance and eventual failure while explicitly considering uncertainties in the crack propagation phenomenon and inspection activities. The underlying RBO problem is solved using an efficient method recently developed by the authors. A numerical example demonstrating the application of the proposed approach is presented.     

Three-dimensional J-integral calculations of part-through surface crack problems

In the field of nonlinear fracture mechanics, the J-integral is well known to play a significant role in predicting crack propagation and fracture strength. In this paper, we develop the three dimensional form of the J-integral using Eshelby's energy momentum tensor on any closed surface surrounding a crack front. Twenty-node isoparametric hexahedra elements in ADINA are used to calculate stress and strain distributions and Gaussian surface integration is used to evaluate J-integral values. Using the above method, we calculate the stress intensity factors for part-through surface cracks and verify the accuracy of these results.     

Effect of finite element choice in blunt crack band analysis

The previously developed method of element-wide blunt smeared crack bands, which allows an effective finite element analysis of cracks that are not fixed but propagate and do so in any direction, has so far been numerically studied and demonstrated only for the constant-strain triangular elements. Here this is accomplished for linear strain triangles and for all three methods developed in [1], including the methods of energy variation, of equivalent strength, and of fitting asymptotic series to nodal displacements. Meshes of greatly different sizes are shown to give again the same results except for a negligible error; this indicates satisfactory convergence. Accuracy of the stress intensity factor, compared to the exact solutions for sharp cracks, is found to be sufficient but not better than that achieved previously with constant strain triangles. However, the accuracy may well be better in case of concrete structures in which the element-wide crack band serves not merely as a convenient approximate representation of a sharp crack but as a better representation of the actual fracture process.     

Topological derivative-based topology optimization of structures subject to design-dependent hydrostatic pressure loading

In this paper the topological derivative concept is applied in the context of compliance topology optimization of structures subject to design-dependent hydrostatic pressure loading under volume constraint. The topological derivative represents the first term of the asymptotic expansion of a given shape functional with respect to the small parameter which measures the size of singular domain perturbations, such as holes, inclusions, source-terms and cracks. In particular, the topological asymptotic expansion of the total potential energy associated with plane stress or plane strain linear elasticity, taking into account the nucleation of a circular inclusion with non-homogeneous transmission condition on its boundary, is rigorously developed. Physically, there is a hydrostatic pressure acting on the interface of the topological perturbation, allowing to naturally deal with loading-dependent structural topology optimization. The obtained result is used in a topology optimization algorithm based on the associated topological derivative together with a level-set domain representation method. Finally, some numerical examples are presented, showing the influence of the hydrostatic pressure on the topology of the structure.     

Exploring new tensegrity structures via mixed integer programming

A tensegrity structure is a prestressed pin-jointed structure consisting of continuously connected tensile members (cables) and disjoint compressive members (struts). Many classical tensegrity structures are prestress stable, i.e., they are kinematically indeterminate but stabilized by introducing prestresses. This paper presents a procedure for generating various prestress stable tensegrity structures. This method is based on truss topology optimization and does not require connectivity relation of cables and struts of a tensegrity structure to be known in advance. Unlike the conventional form-finding methods, the locations of nodes are fixed throughout optimization. The optimization problem with the constraints expressing the definition of tensegrity structure, kinematical indeterminacy, and symmetry of configurations is formulated as a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) problem. Numerical experiments demonstrate that various tensegrity structures can be generated from one given initial structure by solving the presented MILP problems by using a few control parameters.     

Analysis of two-dimensional mixed-mode crack problems by finite element alternating method

A finite element alternating method is presented and applied to analyze two-dimensional linear elastic mixed-mode fracture problems with single or multiple cracks. The method involves the iterative superposition of the finite element solution of a bounded uncracked plate and the analytical solution of an infinite two-dimensional plate with a crack subjected to arbitrary normal and shear loadings. The normal and shear residual stresses evaluated at the location of fictitious cracks are fitted by appropriate polynomials through the least-squares method. Based on those coefficients of the determined polynomials, the mixed-mode stress intensity factors can be calculated accurately. The interaction effects among cracks are also considered. This method provides a highly efficient way to deal with two-dimensional fracture problems.     

Shape optimization of quasi-brittle axisymmetric shells by genetic algorithm

This paper describes the application of genetic algorithm to the shape optimization of axisymmetric shells. The primary problem of axisymmetric shell optimization under fracture mechanics constraint is formulated as the weight (volume of shell material) minimization under stress intensity constraints. It is assumed that the shells are made from quasi-brittle materials and through-thickness crack presence is admitted. Taking into account the fact of incomplete information concerning crack arising (size, location and orientation) this paper presents some numerical results based on a guaranteed approach.     

Reliability analysis of brittle structures under random loadings

A method for the reliability analysis of brittle structures subjected to random loads is proposed. The method is based on the weakest-link hypothesis and Weibull statistics for brittle materials. Initial flaws with a given expected size are assumed to be distributed at random with a certain density per unit volume. Basic concepts in random vibration theory and fracture mechanics are utilized in evaluating stress statistics, crack propagation and strength degradation. A structure fails when the stress intensity at any flaw reaches a critical value for rapid crack propagation. The failure of the structure is modeled as the first exceedance in random vibration theory. The effects of multi-vibration modes on the failure probability of the structure are included in the formulation. The evaluation of stress distribution and the computation of failure probability can be accomplished in a finite element analysis. Numerical examples on the evaluation of lifetime reliabilities of structures are given to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method.     

基于概率断裂力学的管道疲劳寿命分析

采用奇异单元模拟裂纹尖端应力场的奇异性,计算裂纹尖端的应力强度因子和张开应力.以概率论为基础,结合确定性疲劳断裂力学估算方法,考虑参数的不确定性和随机性,应用蒙特卡洛模拟法分析管道的疲劳寿命.结果表明：通过J积分计算得到的裂纹尖端张开应力与计算得到的管道工作应力基本相等.采用蒙特卡洛模拟法进行的一定可靠度和置信度下的疲劳寿命预测能反映评定参数的不确定性,较传统的断裂力学计算结果更安全.     

On compliance and buckling objective functions in topology optimization of snap-through problems

This paper deals with topology optimization of static geometrically nonlinear structures experiencing snap-through behaviour. Different compliance and buckling criterion functions are studied and applied for topology optimization of a point loaded curved beam problem with the aim of maximizing the snap-through buckling load. The response of the optimized structures obtained using the considered objective functions are evaluated and compared. Due to the intrinsic nonlinear nature of the problem, the load level at which the objective function is evaluated has a tremendous effect on the resulting optimized design. A well-known issue in buckling topology optimization is artificial buckling modes in low density regions. The typical remedy applied for linear buckling does not have a natural extension to nonlinear problems, and we propose an alternative approach. Some possible negative implications of using symmetry to reduce the model size are highlighted and it is demonstrated how an initial symmetric buckling response may change to an asymmetric buckling response during the optimization process. This problem may partly be avoided by not exploiting symmetry, however special requirements are needed of the analysis method and optimization formulation. We apply a nonlinear path tracing algorithm capable of detecting different types of stability points and an optimization formulation that handles possible mode switching. This is an extension into the topology optimization realm of a method developed, and used for, fiber angle optimization in laminated composite structures. We finally discuss and pinpoint some of the issues related to buckling topology optimization that remains unsolved and demands further research.     

Optimal topology design for stress-isolation of soft hyperelastic composite structures under imposed boundary displacements

Soft hyperelastic composite structures that integrate soft hyperelastic material and linear elastic hard material can undergo large deformations while isolating high strain in specified locations to avoid failure. This paper presents an effective topology optimization-based methodology for seeking the optimal united layout of hyperelastic composite structures with prescribed boundary displacements and stress constraints. The optimization problem is modeled based on the power-law interpolation scheme for two candidate materials (one is soft hyperelastic material and the other is linear elastic material). The ?-relaxation technique and the enhanced aggregation method are employed to avoid stress singularity and improve the computational efficiency. Then, the topology optimization problem can be readily solved by a gradient-based mathematical programming algorithm using the adjoint variable sensitivity information. Numerical examples are given to show the importance of considering prescribed boundary displacements in the design of hyperelastic composite structures. Moreover, numerical solutions demonstrate the validity of the present model for the optimal topology design with a stress-isolated region.     

某车型发动机悬置后支架优化设计和疲劳分析

针对某车型发动机在振动强化试验中悬置后支架出现开裂的问题,建立悬置后支架有限元模型并进行应力分析,发现应力分析结果与试验结果一致,且原支架结构应力集中现象非常明显,主要分布在侧筋根部;用OptiStruct对悬置后支架进行拓扑优化设计,结果表明拓扑优化材料应主要布置在底部和侧筋.在此基础上,通过4种优化方案的对比得到质...     

Axisymmetric shell optimization under fracture mechanics and geometric constraint

This paper describes a problem of axisymmetric shell optimization under fracture mechanics and geometric constraints. The shell is made from quasi-brittle materials, and through crack arising is admitted. It is supposed that the shell is loaded by cyclic forces. A crack propagation process related to the stress intensity factor is described by Paris fatigue law. The problem of finding the meridian shape and the thickness distribution (geometric design variables) of the shell having the smallest mass subject to constraints on the cyclic number for fatigue cracks and geometrical constraint on the shell volume is investigated. Special attention is devoted to different possibilities of problem transformation and analytical methods of their solution. Using minimax approach, optimal shapes of the shells and their thickness distributions have been found analytically.     

Reliability-based structural optimization of frame structures for multiple failure criteria using topology optimization techniques

Topology optimization methods using discrete elements such as frame elements can provide useful insights into the underlying mechanics principles of products; however, the majority of such optimizations are performed under deterministic conditions. To avoid performance reductions due to later-stage environmental changes, variations of several design parameters are considered during the topology optimization. This paper concerns a reliability-based topology optimization method for frame structures that considers uncertainties in applied loads and nonstructural mass at the early conceptual design stage. The effects that multiple criteria, namely, stiffness and eigenfrequency, have upon system reliability are evaluated by regarding them as a series system, where mode reliabilities can be evaluated using first-order reliability methods. Through numerical calculations, reliability-based topology designs of typical two- or three-dimensional frames are obtained. The importance of considering uncertainties is then demonstrated by comparing the results obtained by the proposed method with deterministic optimal designs.     

半椭圆表面裂纹前缘应力强度因子的计算

在断裂力学中,如何求取应力强度因子一直是一个重要的课题.该文通过MSC.Marc提供的断裂力学模块,采用三维J积分法计算含有半椭圆表面裂纹前缘应力强度因子.首先通过MSC.Marc.Mentat建立特定裂纹体有限元模型,假设裂纹前缘处在平面应变状态下.由MSC.Marc计算出裂纹前沿的J积分,再由J积分计算出裂纹前缘的应力强度因子值.最后将计算结果与经验公式得到的结果进行了比较.仿真结果表明,通过MSC.Marc采用三维J积分法计算的应力强度因子具有较高的准确性和可靠性.     

Influence of micro-cracking and contact on the effective properties of composite materials

In the present work a novel micro-mechanical approach to analyze the influence of micro-crack evolution and contact on the effective properties of elastic composite materials is proposed, based on homogenization techniques, interface models and fracture mechanics concepts. By means of the finite element method, enhanced non-linear macroscopic constitutive laws are developed by taking into account changes in micro-structural configuration associated with the growth of micro-cracks and with contact between crack faces. Numerical simulations are carried out for the cases of a porous composite with edge cracks and of a debonded fibre reinforced composite, loaded along extension/compression uniaxial macro-strain paths. Micro-crack propagation is modelled by using an original methodology based on the J-integral technique in conjunction with an interface model taking into account the unilateral contact of crack faces. In the context of a micro-to-macro transition obtained by controlling the macro-deformation of the micro-structure, the effects of adopting three types of boundary conditions on the macroscopic constitutive law, namely linear deformation, uniform tractions and periodic deformations and anti-periodic tractions, are studied. As a consequence, the proposed method can be applied to a large class of problems including periodic, locally periodic and irregular composite materials. Micro-crack and contact evolution result in a progressive loss of stiffness and can lead to failure for homogeneous macro-deformations associated with unstable crack propagation.     

Evolutionary topology optimization of continuum structures with smooth boundary representation

This paper develops an extended bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) method for topology optimization of continuum structures with smoothed boundary representation. In contrast to conventional zigzag BESO designs and removal/addition of elements, the newly proposed evolutionary topology optimization (ETO) method, determines implicitly the smooth structural topology by a level-set function (LSF) constructed by nodal sensitivity numbers. The projection relationship between the design model and the finite element analysis (FEA) model is established. The analysis of the design model is replaced by the FEA model with various elemental volume fractions, which are determined by the auxiliary LSF. The introduction of sensitivity LSF results in intermediate volume elements along the solid-void interface of the FEA model, thus contributing to the better convergence of the optimized topology for the design model. The effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method are verified by a series of 2D and 3D topology optimization design problems including compliance minimization and natural frequency maximization. It has been shown that the developed ETO method is capable of generating a clear and smooth boundary representation; meanwhile the resultant designs are less dependent on the initial guess design and the finite element mesh resolution.     

A hybrid finite element-scaled boundary finite element method for crack propagation modelling

This study develops a novel hybrid method that combines the finite element method (FEM) and the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) for crack propagation modelling in brittle and quasi-brittle materials. A very simple yet flexible local remeshing procedure, solely based on the FE mesh, is used to accommodate crack propagation. The crack-tip FE mesh is then replaced by a SBFEM rosette. This enables direct extraction of accurate stress intensity factors (SIFs) from the semi-analytical displacement or stress solutions of the SBFEM, which are then used to evaluate the crack propagation criterion. The fracture process zones are modelled using nonlinear cohesive interface elements that are automatically inserted into the FE mesh as the cracks propagate. Both the FEM’s flexibility in remeshing multiple cracks and the SBFEM’s high accuracy in calculating SIFs are exploited. The efficiency of the hybrid method in calculating SIFs is first demonstrated in two problems with stationary cracks. Nonlinear cohesive crack propagation in three notched concrete beams is then modelled. The results compare well with experimental and numerical results available in the literature.