In this work, methods for rapid analysis and design of composite curved C-section frames subjected to axial tensile loading are developed. Failure is predicted using polynomial in-plane and interlaminar failure criteria. Interlaminar stresses can be directly computed only from three-dimensional finite element models, but the computational expense of these models is prohibitive. Therefore, approximate two-dimensional analysis methods are used here to predict interlaminar stresses in the curved corner regions between the web and flanges and at the free edges of the flanges. A response surface design approach is used to approximate the failure response using a minimum number of finite element analyses. Large degree of freedom 2D/3D global/local finite element models are selectively used in conjunction with the smaller 2D shell element models in the design process to improve the response surface polynomials. This combined use of simple and complex analyses is known as variable complexity modeling. Two design case studies are conducted, one with two design variables and one with five design variables. Three different objective function formulations are used in the two design variable case, minimum weight, maximum strength, and combined minimum weight and maximum strength. Only the minimum weight formulation is used in the five design variable case due to the complexity of the design space. The design studies demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed approach. / Master of Science

The stresses and deformations in cross-ply composite tubes subjected in circumferential temperature gradients are studied. The motivation behind the study is the anticipated use of composite tubes in space structures where the tube is exposed to the heat of the sun on one side and the cryogenic temperatures of space on the other. Experiments were performed to measure the functional form of the temperature gradient and the displacements. It was found that the form of the temperature gradient, T(Ɵ), can accurately be represented by T(Ɵ) = A + BcosƟ¸ and that the displacement of the tube is parabolic in the axial coordinate. Two types of analytical solutions were developed: an exact elasticity U solution and an approximate solution. The approximate solution includes a linear variation of the material properties with temperature and uses the principle of complementary virtual work in conjunction with a Ritz approximation on the stress field. The elasticity solution predicts that high tensile stresses could crack the matrix. The effect of including temperature-dependent material properties is to reduce the circumferential dependency of the stresses. / Master of Science

The increasing use of laminated composites in moving structures such as aircraft has led to a need for an efficient and accurate procedure for performing transient bending analysis of laminated composite plates. Classical theory is inadequate because it neglects transverse shear deformation, rotatory inertia, and geometric nonlinearities. In this thesis, a theory to account for transverse shear deformation and rotatory inertia is combined with the von Karman theory of geometric nonlinearities to develop the nonlinear governing equations of laminated composite plate bending. A finite element program is developed to solve these equations, using the Newmark direct integration technique to integrate the equations in time. Apparently, this constitutes the first transient finite-element analysis of laminated composite plate bending which accounts for transverse shear deformation, rotatory inertia, and geometric nonlinearities. The program accuracy is verified by comparison with results previously reported in the literature. Finally, results of a study of various material and plate geometry parameters are presented. The results of the parametric study show that transverse shear deformation, rotatory inertia, and geometric nonlinearity may all have a profound effect on the predicted bending response. In addition, the effects of material orthotropy, plate aspect ratio, plate thickness, lamination scheme, and load magnitude are shown to be significant. Computational constants such as the Newmark coefficients, the time-step size, and the element mesh are also investigated, and appropriate observations are made on the computational aspects of the program. / Master of Science

Studies on the effective moment of inertia of girders that support concrete slabs using joist seats as the horizontal shear connections, and a cost efficiency analysis comparing composite and non-composite floor systems that meet vibrations design standards, were conducted. The first study was undertaken because over-prediction of girder effective moment of inertia was the suspected cause of several recent vibration problems in floors supported by widely spaced LH-series joists. Eight purpose-built floors of the type in question were subjected to experimental tests of girder effective moment of inertia and girder frequency. Frequencies were tested for two live loading cases. Three separate test configurations were made with each floor by changing the seat-to-girder connections between bolted, welded, and reinforced. In the study, 1) the accuracy of the current design practice is assessed, 2) a new relationship was proposed, and 3) suggestions for finite element modeling are made. In recent years, composite construction has been used to improve cost efficiency by reducing structural weight and in some cases by reducing story height. However, vibration problems are a design consideration in composite floors because lighter floors tend to be more lively. It is not clear if cost savings can be made with composite construction if vibrations are considered in the design. To compare the cost of composite and non-composite floors that satisfy AISC/CISC Design Guide criterion for walking excitation, four typical size bays were analyzed using commercial design software that finds the least expensive member configuration for a given bay size. All acceptable bay configurations of member sizes and spacing were evaluated for least non-composite and composite costs, then these results were compared. The findings show that composite construction can be more economical when initial dead load deflections do not control the design. / Master of Science

The nonlinear behavior of continuous-fiber-reinforced metal-matrix composite structures is examined using a micromechanical constitutive theory. Effective lamina and laminate constitutive relations based on the Aboudi micromechanics theory are presented. The inelastic matrix behavior is modeled by the unified viscoplasticity theory of Bodner and Partom. The laminate constitutive relations are incorporated into a first-order shear deformation plate theory. The resulting boundary value problem is solved by utilizing the finite element method. · Computational aspects of the numerical solution, such as the temporal integration of the inelastic strains and the spatial integration of bending moments are addressed. Numerical results are presented which illustrate the nonlinear response of metal matrix composites subjected to extensional and bending loads. Experimental data from available literature are in good agreement with the numerical results. / Ph. D. / incomplete_metadata

Thesis (MScEng (Civil Engineering))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / Introduction South Africa is currently experiencing a significant increase in infrastructure investment. Forecasts by BMI-BRSCU have shown that the building and construction industry is expected to grow considerably to 2010, before languishing slightly to 2015. This growth will be driven in particular by investment in non-residential building (41% growth) and construction (73% growth) activities. Even beyond 2015 however, the demand will still be high on the construction industry to provide infrastructure for South Africa’s growing population. South Africa is also facing a serious shortage of engineers, technicians and other skilled workers in the construction industry. This places high demands on designers and contractors to provide services and to realise projects in ever-reducing time periods and at less cost. These conditions have made it increasingly difficult to maintain the required quality of construction in an industry where mistakes can lead to disastrous consequences. Recent advances in structural materials, structural systems and the way in which projects are handled, now enables a new look at the possibilities of combining pre-fabrication with on site work. This method, known as Hybrid Concrete Construction (HCC), has the potential to revolutionize the South African construction industry if applied correctly. Local research into this technique is however required and it is the aim of this thesis to draw attention to this subject. Key Findings Hybrid Concrete Construction (HCC) can be applied to any structural project, it will however not necessarily be successful. A structure needs to be adapted from the very start to suit a particular construction method. This ensures that all the advantages of the selected construction method may be achieved. Adapting a structure to a different construction method requires a mutual understanding and commitment from all project participants, including the architect, engineer, contractor and client. HCC also requires a certain degree of repetition in a project to be financially viable. A theoretical cost exercise was performed where only the material and erection costs were considered. In this exercise, HCC was found to be slightly less expensive than other construction methods for the Office Building of more than 10 storeys. HCC was also found to be significantly faster than other construction methods for the Office Building of more than 3 storeys. The time calculation was however based on the simplified time estimates from one source. Because of HCC’s shorter estimated construction period, the client can expect to earn revenue from a much earlier date. This decreases the relative cost of a HCC project. This advantage, however, needs to be quantified for chosen South African projects. On-site safety is still an important issue with HCC projects. Labourers are not accustomed to this construction method and it may be necessary to alter current skill development programs to include a crane safety course. The training of qualified riggers and crane operators should receive priority if HCC is to develop in South Africa. This preliminary investigation has shown that Hybrid Concrete Construction (HCC) can be feasible for the South African market. Further investigation is however required to determine the parameters for which HCC would be the preferred construction method. Recommendations Based on the findings and conclusions of this investigation, the following recommendations are made. The following actions should be undertaken by individual South African companies: · Develop relationships with external project partners · Train competent riggers and crane operators The South African concrete industry should invest in the following actions: · Invest in mass-producing precast concrete facilities · Develop a central database of South African projects with information on time, costs, project concepts and layouts to be used as a guideline for decision making · Develop local guidelines for the production and application of self compacting concrete · Compile guidelines for the design and construction of HCC and precast concrete construction in South Africa · Develop a local hidden corbel type connection to its full potential

Im Luftfahrtbereich haben sich kohlenstofffaserverstärkte Kunststoffe (CFK) wegen ihrer hohen spezifischen Festigkeiten und Steifigkeiten längst als Konstruktionswerkstoffe etabliert. In der Großserienfertigung von Automobilkarosserien kommt diese Materialgruppe jedoch nur zögerlich zum Einsatz. Offensichtlich sprechen noch viele Argumente für den Einsatz von metallischen Werkstoffen: Denn auch Leichtmetalle und pressgehärtete Stähle ermöglichen immer höhere Leichtbaugrade, ohne dabei signifikante Kostensteigerungen zu generieren. Zudem sind Fertigungs- und Montageabläufe für Metallkarosserien etabliert und weitgehend frei von Entwicklungsrisiken. Vor diesem Hintergrund erscheint es schwer, mit neuen Leichtbaumaterialien und den zugehörigen Bauweisen einen Durchbruch erzielen zu können. Dabei zeigt das Produktsegment der Supersportwagen schon deutlich, dass zusätzliche Leichtbaupotentiale durch beanspruchungsgerecht gestaltete und optimierte CFK-Strukturen für den Automobilbau eröffnet werden. Bislang lassen sich derartig optimierte CFK-Strukturen jedoch kaum wettbewerbsfähig in Großserie realisieren. An dieser Stelle ergeben sich Chancen und zugleich neue Herausforderungen für die Produktentwickler: Zum einen sind Faserverbundbauweisen zu erarbeiten, mit denen die Leichtbaupotentiale von CFK weitgehend ausgereizt werden. Zum anderen ist die automatisierte Fertigung bei hohen Taktraten zu ermöglichen. Die Lösung beider Teilaufgaben setzt den Einsatz geeigneter materialspezifischer Konstruktionsmethoden voraus.

Le travail de cette thèse a pour but de développer des outils de simulation et une méthode de dimensionnement pour les poteaux hybrides soumis à des chargements combinés. La thèse est composée de 4 parties essentielles et comprend 6 chapitres. Dans la première partie, nous développons un élément fini poutre/poteau hybride élastique et l’interaction partielle avec matrice de raideur exacte. Cet élément fini découle de la solution analytique du système d'équations différentielles couplées obtenues en combinant les équations de champs (équilibre, cinématique et comportement). Les inconnues fondamentales sont les glissements aux interfaces et la déformation de cisaillement de l'élément principal. Ces équations sont résolues pour des conditions de chargement et des conditions aux limites arbitraires en accordant un soin particulier à la détermination des constantes d'intégration. Dans la seconde partie de cette thèse, nous proposons une formulation d'élément fini originale pour l'analyse en grand déplacement des poutres hybrides avec prise en compte des glissements qui se produisent à chaque interface acier-béton. La méthode de co-rotationnelle est retenue. Dans cette approche, le mouvement de l'élément se décompose en un mouvement de corps rigide ct en une partie déformable définie dans un repère co-rotationnel local qui se déplace de manière continue avec l'élément mais qui ne se déforme pas avec ce dernier. Un choix judicieux des variables cinématiques locales accompagné des matrices de transformation correspondantes permet de transposer l'élément linéaire développé en partie 1 en un élément géométriquement non-linéaire performant. La partie 3 est consacrée à l'analyse non linéaire matérielle par élément finis de poutres hybrides en interaction partielle et soumise aux forces combinées de flexion et de cisaillement. Dans la formulation élément fini proposée, nous adoptons la discrétisation par libres et une modèle 3D de comportement du béton avec prise en compte des états plans ce qui permet de reproduire rigoureusement l'effet du confinement et l'action des étriers. En partie 4, nous évaluons la pertinence de la méthode d'amplification des moments proposées dans I'Eurocode 2 et 4 à évaluer la charge ultime de poteaux hybrides soumis à une combinaison de charge axiale et de moment de flexion uni-axial. Dans un premier temps, nous conduisons une étude paramétrique sur 1140 cas différents de poteaux hybrides; étude destinés à couvrir les différentes typologies possibles, afin de disposer d'une base de résultats permettant d'évaluer la pertinence des méthodes simplifiées de I'Eurocode 2 ct de I'Eurocode 4 pour de tels éléments. Cette étude a été réalisée à l'aide d'un élément fini non-linéaire (géométrique et matériel), avec une hypothèse de Bemouilli pour tous les composants du poteau hybride. Il ressort de cette étude que ces méthodes simplifiées ne peuvent être appliquées aux poteaux hybrides. Sur base de l'analyse d'un nombre de cas plus important (2960 configurations), la méthode d'amplification des moments est calibrée pour les poteaux hybrides. / This thesis aims at developing simulation tools and a design method for hybrid beam-columns subjected to combined axial force, bending and shear. The thesis is divided in four main parts and comprises 6 chapters. In the first part, we develop a new finite element formulation based on the exact stiffness matrix for the linear elastic analysis of hybrid beam-columns in partial interaction taking into account the shear deformability of the encasing component. This element relies on the analytical solution of a set of coupled system of differential equations in which the primary variables are the slips and the shear deformation of the encasing beam. The latter is derived by combining the governing equations (equilibrium, kinematics, constitutive laws) and solved for a specific element with arbitrary boundary conditions and loading. Special care has been taken while dealing with the constants of integration. The second part of the thesis addresses a new finite element formulation for a large displacement analysis of elastic hybrid beam-columns taking into account the slips that occur at each steel-concrete interface. The co-rotational method is adopted in which the movement of the clement is divided into a rigid body motion and a deformable portion in the local co-rotational frame which moves and rotates continuously with the element but does not deform with it. Appropriate selection of local kinematic variables along with corresponding transformation matrices allows transforming the linear finite element developed in Part I into a nonlinear one resulting in an efficient locking-free formulation. In Part 3, we derive a finite element formulation for materially nonlinear analysis of hybrid beam-columns with shear deformable encasing component, in partial interaction and subjected to the combined shear and bending. The fiber model is adopted with condensation of the 3D stress-strain relations which allow to account for confinement in a rigorous manner as well as the effect of the stirrups. Part 4 examines the adequacy of the moment magnification method given in Eurocode 2 and 4 to provide an accura te estimation of the ultimate load of hybrid columns subjected to a combination of axial load and uniaxial bending moment. The developed finite element model with a shear rigid encasing component is used to conduct a parametric study comprising 1140 cases to cover the various possible situations. The predictions of the model are compared against the values given by the simplified methods of Eurocode 2 and Eurocode 4. lt is shown that these simplified methods does not give satisfactorily results. Based on the analysis of larger number of cases (2960 configurations), the moment magnification method has been calibrated for hybrid columns.

A comprehensive study was performed to overcome the design issues related to Ocean Current Turbine (OCT) blades. Statistical ocean current models were developed in terms of the probability density function, the vertical profile of mean velocity, and the power spectral density. The models accounted for randomness in ocean currents, tidal effect, and ocean depth. The proposed models gave a good prediction of the velocity variations at the Florida Straits of the Gulf Stream. A novel procedure was developed to couple Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) with blade element momentum theory. The FSI effect was included by considering changes in inflow velocity, lift and drag coefficients of blade elements. Geometric non-linearity was also considered to account for large deflection. The proposed FSI analysis predicted a power loss of 3.1 % due to large deflection of the OCT blade. The method contributed to saving extensive computational cost and time compared to a CFD-based FSI analysis. The random ocean current loadings were calculated by considering the ocean current turbulence, the wake flow behind the support structure, and the velocity shear. The random ocean current loadings had large probability of high stress ratio. Fatigue tests of GFRP coupons and composite sandwich panels under such random loading were performed. Fatigue life increased by a power function for GFRP coupons and by a linearlog function for composite sandwich panels as the mean velocity decreased. To accurately predict the fatigue life, a new fatigue model based on the stiffness degradation was proposed. Fatigue life of GFRP coupons was predicted using the proposed model, and a comparison was made with experimental results. As a summary, a set of new design procedures for OCT blades has been introduced and verified with various case studies of experimental turbines. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2017. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

This study expands on the work of ElHajjar and HajAli (2003) on a quantitative thermoelastic strain analysis method for composite materials. Computational models for various prepreg and thicksection composites are validated with experiments using this quantitative strain analysis method. This study provides this thermomechanical calibrations for prepreg S2glass/epoxy, Carbon/epoxy, and pultruded Eglass/polyester. A research collaboration with the Institute of Paper Science and Technology (IPST) focused on infrared thermography for defect detection in wood and fibrous materials and structural systems. This study provides some detailed information on various testing setups for fiber and corrugated board systems to analyze anomalies and manufacturing defects. Quantitative infrared thermography is suggested as a preferred method for assessing the bond quality in corrugated paper systems. Methods for tracking fullfield thermal data during fatigue have been developed for FRP composites. The temperature changes on the surface of an FRP composite caused by damage during fatigue are tracked and thermoelastic stress analysis (TSA) technique is developed to relate the surface deformation to the IR emission. Infrared thermography is developed for fatigue damage detection in FRP composites with stochastic methods for analyzing this fullfield data. Future damage detection techniques in aging aircraft will require quantitative and noncontact nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods especially for composite components. Infrared (IR) thermograpy techniques are qualitatively used to assess and indirectly infer the durability of structural systems. A research collaboration with Lockheed Martin for nondestructive evaluation of composite lap shear joints led to a development of thermoelastic stress analysis techniques for evaluation aerospace structures. Infrared thermography is used to investigate failure initiation and progression in composite lap shear joints.