Nonlinear dynamic analysis of curved beams

A computational procedure is presented for predicting the dynamic response of curved beams with geometric nonlinearities. A mixed formulation is used with the fundamental unknowns consisting of stress resultants, generalized displacements and velocity components. The governing semidiscrete finite element equations consist of a mixed system of algebraic and differential equations. The temporal integration of the differential equations is performed by using an explicit half-station central difference method. A procedure is outlined for lumping both the flexibilities and masses of the mixed model, thereby uncoupling all the equations of the system. The advantages of the proposed computational procedure over explicit methods used with the displacement formulation are discussed. The effectiveness and versatility of the proposed approach are demonstrated by means of numerical examples.     

Potential of minicomputer-array processor system for nonlinear finite-element analysis

A study is made of the potential of using a minicomputer-array processor system for efficient solution of large-scale nonlinear finite-element problems. A PRIME 750 is used as the host computer, and a software simulator residing on the PRIME is employed to assess the performance of the Floating Point Systems AP-120B array processor. Major hardware characteristics of the system such as virtual memory, parallel and pipeline processing are reviewed and the interplay between various hardware components is examined. Effective use of the minicomputer-array processor system for nonlinear analysis requires the following: (a) proper selection of the computational procedure and the capability to vectorize the numerical algorithms; (b) reduction of I/O operations; and (c) overlapping host and array-processor operations. A detailed discussion is given of techniques to accomplish each of these tasks. Two benchmark problems with 1715 and 3230 degrees of freedom, respectively, are selected to measure the anticipated gain in speed obtained by using the proposed algorithms on the array processor. Results of the study of the two benchmarks indicate that these two problems would run faster on a PRIME 750 coupled with the AP-120B than on the PRIME 750 alone. The 1715 degree-of-freedom problem would run about five times faster, and the 3230 degree-of-freedom problem would run about ten times faster. New advances in array-processor hardware are outlined, and possible improvements in the computational algorithms are discussed. The combination of the two can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the minicomputer-array processor system for large-scale nonlinear analysis.     

Solution properties and unperturbed dimensions of poly (vinylpyrrolidone)

The dilute solution properties of nine poly(vinylpyrrolidone) fractions in methanol covering the molecular weight range 6.76 × 10⁴ to 1.02 × 10⁷ were studied. Constants a and K_m of the Mark-Houwink-Sakurada (M.H.S.) equation were found to be 0.60 and 2.64 × 10^?4 respectively using light scattering and intrinsic viscosity data and were compared with the literature values. The second virial coefficient, A₂ decreases gradually as the molecular weight increases while the root-mean-square radius of gyration, ² increases. The dependence of A₂ on molecular weight is in agreement with other flexible polymers dissolved in moderate to good solvents. The unperturbed chain dimension, (r/M) was calculated using the Stockmayer-Fixman (S—F) equation and a value of 4.9 × 10^?17 cm was obtained. The S—F plot slightly bends in the region of high molecular weight which is according to expectation.     

Grey relational analysis coupled with principal component analysis for optimisation design of the process parameters in in-feed centreless cylindrical grinding

This paper investigates optimisation design of an in-feed centreless cylindrical grinding process performed on EN52 austenitic valve steel (DIN: X45CrSi93). The major performance characteristics selected to evaluate the process are surface roughness, out of cylindricity of the valve stem and diametral tolerance, and the corresponding centreless cylindrical grinding parameters are dressing feed, grinding feed, dwell time and cycle time. In this study, since the process is with multiple-performance characteristics, therefore, the grey relational analysis that uses grey relational grade as performance index is specially adopted to determine the optimal combination of centreless cylindrical grinding parameters. Moreover, the principal component analysis is applied to evaluate the weighting values corresponding to various performance characteristics so that their relative importance can be properly and objectively described. The results of confirmation experiments reveal that grey relational analysis coupled with principal component analysis can effectively be used to obtain the optimal combination of centreless cylindrical grinding parameters. Hence, this confirms that the proposed approach in this study can be a useful tool to improve the centreless cylindrical grinding performance of valve stem in in-feed centreless cylindrical grinding process.     

The partial replacement of silica or calcium carbonate by halloysite nanotubes as fillers in ethylene propylene diene monomer composites

The effect of partial replacement of silica or calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) by halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) on the curing behavior, tensile properties, dynamic mechanical properties, and morphological characteristics of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) composites was studied. Five different compositions of EPDM/Silica/HNT and EPDM/CaCO₃/HNT compounds (i.e. 100/30/0, 100/25/5, 100/15/15, 100/5/25, and 100/0/30 parts per hundred rubber (phr)) were prepared on a two‐roll mill. The results indicated that the replacement of CaCO₃ by HNTs increased the tensile strength, elongation at break (E_b), and tensile modulus of composites from 0 to 30 phr of HNTs whereas for silica, the maximum tensile strength and E_b occurred at 5 phr loading of HNTs with an enhanced stress at 300% elongation (M300). The curing results show that, with replacement of silica or CaCO₃ by HNTs, the cure time (t₉₀) and cure rate (CRI) were decreased and increased, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy investigation confirmed that co‐incorporation of 5 phr of HNTs with silica would improve the dispersion of silica and enhanced the interactions between fillers and EPDM matrix. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer esters as flow improvers of waxy crude oil

Four comb-like copolymers derived from styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer were prepared and characterized by FTIR, ¹H-NMR and elemental analysis. The molecular weight was determined using GPC and their intrinsic viscosity was measured. The prepared polymers were investigated as pour point depressants and flow improvers for waxy crude oil and it was found that, the maximum depression was obtained by the sample that has long branch chain (PPD4) from 27 °C to − 3 °C (ΔPP = 30 °C, at 10,000 ppm), while the minimum depression was exhibited by short branch chain, PPD1 (ΔPP = 21 °C) at the same conditions.The effect of these polymers on the rheology and flow properties of Qarun waxy crude oil was investigated. It was found that the Bingham yield value (τ_β) decreased from 6.0 Pa s to 0.5 Pa s for PPD4 at 27 °C and 10,000 ppm. The dynamic viscosity also decreased from 110 mPa s to 24 mPa s for the same sample and the same conditions.     

The effect of mass transfer on reaction rates during immobilized β-galactosidase-catalyzed conversion of lactose in hollow fiber membrane

The mass transfer of substrates through a bio-catalytic membrane layer is a key issue in determining the performance of β-galactosidase-catalyzed conversion of lactose in a hollow fiber membrane reactor (HFMR) system. An investigation on the effect of solutes mass transfer through a bio-catalytic membrane layer was carried out using the coupled mass transfer-reaction model. Product formation was reduced at a trans-membrane pressure (TMP) of higher than 0.5?bar. Meanwhile, the concentration polarization modulus of solutes rapidly increased with higher TMP and this result suggests the formation of gel layer, which reduced bio-catalysis rate at higher applied TMP. The concentration profile of solutes or substrates on the bio-catalytic membrane surface, which determines the rate of reaction was reduced due to mass transfer limitation. This investigation highlights that the formation of substrate-β-gal complex in an immobilized system is influenced by the mass transfer behavior of its substrate.     

Investigation on material mixing during FSW of AA7475 to AISI304

AA7xxx and AISI304 stainless steel (SS) are employed in promising applications. Al alloy-to-SS dissimilar joining is difficult and challenging. Major challenge in the joining of these alloys is the difficulty in mixing of these materials which possess exotic and widely distant properties. AA7475-T761 is a high strength aluminum alloy which is used in key aircraft components. Maiden AA7475-T761 and AISI304 dissimilar joints were fabricated using friction stir welding. Welding was performed with tool having pin diameter of 4 mm and offset of 1.25 mm on Aluminum side. Tool rotational speed, traverse speed and shoulder diameter were varied in the range of 450–560 rpm, 50–63 mm/min, and 12–14 mm, respectively. Mechanical tests showed that joint formed with 14 mm diameter, 560 rpm and 50 mm/min gave the best joint efficiency of 71% of Al-alloy at 7.31% elongation. The materials mixing issues during processing were analyzed with SEM mircrostructure and fractography. Metallography also revealed that offset is critical to the success of joint as it controlled effective mixing of SS and Al in 15 and 85 vol.%, respectively. SS fragments from thermo-mechanically affected zone of SS were found to be partially sheared forming layer of thickness equal to tool traverse/revolution ratio.