Finite element modeling has become a powerful tool in orthopedic biomechanics, allowing simulations with complex geometries. Current fatigue behavior simulations are unable to accurately predict the cycles to failure, creep, and damage or modulus loss even when applied to a bending model. It is thought that the inhomogeneity of the models may be the source of the problem. It has also been suggested that the volume size of the element will affect the fatigue behavior. This is called a stressed volume effect. In this thesis non-homogeneous finite element models were used to examine the effects of "sizing factors" on damage laws in fatigue simulations. Non-homogeneous finite element models were created from micro computed tomography (CT) images of dumbbell shaped fatigue samples. An automatic voxel meshing technique was used which converted the CT data directly into mesh geometry and material properties. My results showed that including these sizing factors improved the accuracy of the fatigue simulations on the non-homogeneous models. Using the Nelder-Mead optimization routine, I optimized the sizing factors for a group of 5 models. When these optimized sizing factors were applied to other models they improved the accuracy of the simulations but not as much as for the original models, but they improved the results more than with no sizing factors at all. I found that in our fatigue simulations we could account for the effects of stressed volume and inhomogeneity by including sizing factors in the life and damaging laws. / Master of Science

Steel plate shear walls (SPSWs) are popular lateral force resisting systems whose practical applications range from high seismic regions to medium and low seismic areas and wind load applications. The factors which make SPSW attractive include its energy dissipation capacity, excellent ductility, constructability, speed of construction compared to concrete shear walls, reduced architectural footprint compared to concrete shear walls, and increased inelastic deformation capacity as compared to braced frames. The principle behind current SPSW design is that the post-buckling tension field capacity of the thin web plate is proportioned to resist the full lateral load. The resulting web plate is typically quite thin, buckles at low loads, possesses low stiffness, and does not provide resistance when the lateral loads are reversed until the tension field engages in the opposite direction. To compensate for these shortcomings, moment connections are required at the beam to column connections to improve energy dissipation, increase stiffness, and provide lateral resistance during load reversal. The resulting SPSW designs with very thin web plates, moment connections, and beams and columns significantly larger than comparable braced frames, can result in inefficient structural systems. The objective of this work is to develop steel plate shear wall systems that are more economic and efficient. In order to achieve this, approaches like shear connections between beams and columns, allowing some yielding in columns and increasing plate thicknesses were attempted. But these approaches were not effective in that there was no reduction in the amount of steel required since stiffness controlled the designs. This necessitated the creation of tunable steel plate shear wall systems in which strength and stiffness could be decoupled. Preliminary analyses of seven steel plate shear wall systems which allow tunability were conducted and two configurations namely circular holes and butterfly shaped links around the perimeter, that showed promising results were chosen. The solid plate in the middle of the panel contributes significant pre-yield stiffness to the system while the geometry of the perimeter perforations controls strength and ductility. An example panel was designed using the two approaches and compared to panels designed using current SPSW design methods. The proposed configurations resulted in improved overall performance of the system in terms of energy dissipation, stable hysteresis, required less steel and no moment connections between beams and columns. This was also observed from the parametric study that was performed by varying the thickness of the web plate and the geometry of the configurations. Thus it was concluded that the two proposed configurations of cutouts were promising concepts that allow separate tuning of the system strength, stiffness and ductility and could be adopted in any seismic zone for improved seismic resistance. / Master of Science

Steel plate shear walls (SPSWs) are an attractive option for lateral load resisting systems for both new and retrofit construction. They, however, present various challenges that can result in very thin web plates and excessively large boundary elements with moment connections, neither of which is economically desirable. Moreover, SPSW also suffers from buckling at small loads which results in highly pinched hysteretic behavior, low stiffness, and limited energy dissipation. To mitigate these shortcomings, a new type of SPSW has been developed and investigated. The buckling resistant steel plate shear wall (BR-SPSW) utilizes a unique pattern of cut-outs to reduce buckling. Also, it allows the use of simple shear beam-column connections and lends tunability to the shear wall system. A brief discussion of the concept behind the BR-SPSW is presented. A detailed parametric study is presented that investigates the sensitivity of the local and global system behavior to the geometric design variables using finite element models as the main tool. The key output parameters which define the system response are discussed in detail. Analytical solutions for some output parameters like strength and stiffness have been derived and resulting equations are proposed. Finally, preliminary suggestions have been made about how this system can be implemented in practice to improve the seismic resistance of the buildings. The proposed BR-SPSW system was found to exhibit relatively fuller hysteretic behavior with high resistance during the load reversals, without the use of moment connections. / Master of Science

As America's infrastructure ages, many of the nation's bridges approach the end of their service life. In order to develop a method for handling the rising number of deficient and functionally obsolete bridges, nondestructive tests and evaluations must be undertaken. Valuable information from these tests regarding the strength and condition of bridges will help in making decisions about their rehabilitation and replacement. Two adjoining open spandrel reinforced concrete arch bridges in downtown Appalachia, Virginia were selected for live load testing by Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). Both bridges have supported an increasing amount of extreme coal truck traffic throughout their service life and are essential to the efficient transport of coal in the region. Because of their age, having been built in 1929, and the amount of visible damage and repairs, VDOT was concerned about their remaining capacity and safe operation. The live load tests focused on global behavior characteristics such as service strain and deflection as well as local behavior of the arches surrounding significant repairs. It was found that the strain and deflection data collected during load testing displayed linear elastic behavior, indicating excess capacity beyond the test loads. Also, given the loading applied, the measured strains and deflections were small in magnitude, showing that the bridges are still acting as stiff structures and are in good condition. Data collected during these tests was compared to results from a finite element model of the bridges to determine the coal truck size which is represented by the live load test loading configurations. The model comparisons determined the test loads produced comparable deflections to those produced by the target coal truck load. Through this approach, a recommendation was given to VDOT regarding the satisfactory condition of the aging bridges to aid in the process of load rating and maintenance scheduling for the two bridges. / Master of Science

Bridge redundancy can be described as the capacity that a bridge has to continue carrying loads after suffering the failure of one or more main structural components without undergoing significant deformations. In the current AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specification, two-girder bridges are classified as fracture critical, which implies that these bridges are not inherently redundant. Therefore, two-girder bridges require more frequent and detailed inspections than other types of bridges, resulting in greater costs for their operation. Despite the fracture-critical classification of two-girder bridges, several historical events involving the failure of main load-carrying members in two-girder bridges constructed of steel plate girders have demonstrated their ability to have significant reserve load carrying capacity. Relative to the steel plate girder bridges, steel box-girder bridges have higher torsional stiffness and more structural elements that might contribute to load redistribution in the event of a fracture of one or more bridge main members. These observations initiated questions on the inherent redundancy that twin box-girder bridges might possess. Given the high costs associated with the maintenance and the inspection of these bridges, there is interest in accurately characterizing the redundancy of bridge systems. In this study, twin steel box-girder bridges, which have become popular in recent years due to their aesthetics and high torsional resistance, were investigated to characterize and to define redundancy sources that could exist in this type of bridge. For this purpose, detailed finite element bridge models were developed with various modeling techniques to capture critical aspects of response of bridges suffering severe levels of damage. The finite element models included inelastic material behavior and nonlinear geometry, and they also accounted for the complex interaction of the shear studs with the concrete deck under progressing levels of damage. In conjunction with the computational analysis approach, three full-scale bridge fracture tests were carried out during this research project, and data collected from these tests were utilized to validate the results obtained from the finite element models. / text

Dans le contexte des moteurs électriques automobiles, les phénomènes vibratoires d'origine magnétique soulèvent une problématique relativement récente. L'objectif de cette thèse est la mise au point d'un modèle multi-physique pertinent d'une machine électrique afin de réaliser quelques études spécifiques, d'optimiser la machine et de prendre en compte la variabilité du comportement vibratoire. La modélisation numérique s'appuie totalement sur des formulations analytiques afin de bien maîtriser les différentes physiques. Des mesures expérimentales sur la machine permettent une confrontation avec le modèle numérique multi-physique et une validation des choix de modélisation. Dans ce contexte de modélisation multi-physique, un outil de couplage est développé entre les modèles 2D électromagnétique et 3D mécanique afin d'évaluer les comportements vibratoires d'origine électromagnétique de la machine. Une attention particulière a été portée à la prise en compte des forces magnétiques radiales et surtout tangentielles sur le stator de la machine électrique. Une méthode d'optimisation, basée sur le principe d'une surface de réponse dynamique, est appliquée sur le modèle électromagnétique afin d'améliorer des paramètres de conception de la machine. Les incertitudes liées à la conception sont souvent nombreuses, notamment dans le domaine vibratoire. A cet effet, la méthode MSP (Modal Stability Procedure) prenant en compte la variabilité des paramètres matériaux est proposée. La formulation MSP pour l'élément 3D hexaédrique est développée et appliquée au stator électrique afin d'évaluer la variabilité des fréquences propres et des fonctions de réponse en fréquence. / In the context of automotive electric motors, vibratory phenomena of magnetic origin arise relatively recent problems. the aim of this thesis is to develop a relevant multi-physic model of the electrical machine to perform some specific studies, to optimize the design of the machine and to take into account the variability of the vibration behavior. Numerical model is too based on analytical formulations in order to monitor the different physics. Experimental measurements on the machine are used to validate the numerical multi-physics model. In this context of multi-physic modeling, a coupling tool is developed between the 2D electromagnetic and 3D mechanical models, in order to evaluate the vibratory behavior of electomagnetic origin of the machine. A special attention was given in modeling of radial and especially tangential magnetic forces on the electric stator. An optimization method based on a dynamic response surface is applied to the electromagnetic model in order to improve the design of the machine. Uncertainties associated to the design are numerous, especially in the vibratory field. In this context, we proposed the MSP method (Modal Stability Procedure), which taking into account the variability of the material parameters. The MSP formulation for 3D hexahedral finite element is developed an applied to the electric staor, in order to evaluate the variability of the natural frequencies and the frequency response functions.

A obtenção de urânio metálico é fundamental para produção de elementos combustíveis que alimentam reatores nucleares de pesquisa e que fabricam radioisótopos e radiofármacos. No IPEN, o urânio metálico é obtido via redução magnesiotérmica do UF4. Essa reação é realizada em um cadinho fechado de grafite inserido em um reator metálico vedado e evitando contato com o meio exterior. O conjunto é aquecido gradualmente em um forno poço, até que se atinja a temperatura de ignição da reação (entre 600-650oC). A modelagem do perfil de aquecimento do sistema pode ser realizada empregando programas de simulação pelo Método dos Elementos Finitos. Através dos perfis térmicos no corpo da carga, têm-se uma noção do período de aquecimento necessário para que a reação ocorra, possibilitando a identificação da mesma em um agrupamento de maior ou menor rendimento em urânio metálico. Estima-se as propriedades térmicas do UF4, determinando sua condutividade térmica e capacidade térmica empregando o Método Flash Laser, bem como as propriedades térmicas da carga UF4 + Mg. Os resultados obtidos são comparados a testes laboratoriais realizados para a simulação preliminar do processo de produção. / The production of metallic uranium is essential for production of fuel elements for using in nuclear reactors manufacturing of radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals. In IPEN, metallic uranium is produced by magnesiothermical reduction of UF4. This reaction is performed in a closed graphite crucible inserted in a sealed metal reactor and no contact with the outside environment. The set is gradually heated in an oven pit, until it reaches the ignition temperature of the reaction (between 600-650°C). The modeling of the heating profile of the system can be made using simulation programs by finite element method. Through the thermal profiles in the load, we can have a notion of heating period required for the reaction to occur, allowing the identification of the same group in a greater or smaller yield in metallic uranium production. Thermal properties of UF4 are estimated, obtaining thermal condutivity and heat capacity using the Flash Laser Method, and for the load UF4 + Mg, either. The results are compared to laboratory tests to simulate the primary production process.

A obtenção de urânio metálico é fundamental para produção de elementos combustíveis que alimentam reatores nucleares de pesquisa e que fabricam radioisótopos e radiofármacos. No IPEN, o urânio metálico é obtido via redução magnesiotérmica do UF4. Essa reação é realizada em um cadinho fechado de grafite inserido em um reator metálico vedado e evitando contato com o meio exterior. O conjunto é aquecido gradualmente em um forno poço, até que se atinja a temperatura de ignição da reação (entre 600-650oC). A modelagem do perfil de aquecimento do sistema pode ser realizada empregando programas de simulação pelo Método dos Elementos Finitos. Através dos perfis térmicos no corpo da carga, têm-se uma noção do período de aquecimento necessário para que a reação ocorra, possibilitando a identificação da mesma em um agrupamento de maior ou menor rendimento em urânio metálico. Estima-se as propriedades térmicas do UF4, determinando sua condutividade térmica e capacidade térmica empregando o Método Flash Laser, bem como as propriedades térmicas da carga UF4 + Mg. Os resultados obtidos são comparados a testes laboratoriais realizados para a simulação preliminar do processo de produção. / The production of metallic uranium is essential for production of fuel elements for using in nuclear reactors manufacturing of radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals. In IPEN, metallic uranium is produced by magnesiothermical reduction of UF4. This reaction is performed in a closed graphite crucible inserted in a sealed metal reactor and no contact with the outside environment. The set is gradually heated in an oven pit, until it reaches the ignition temperature of the reaction (between 600-650°C). The modeling of the heating profile of the system can be made using simulation programs by finite element method. Through the thermal profiles in the load, we can have a notion of heating period required for the reaction to occur, allowing the identification of the same group in a greater or smaller yield in metallic uranium production. Thermal properties of UF4 are estimated, obtaining thermal condutivity and heat capacity using the Flash Laser Method, and for the load UF4 + Mg, either. The results are compared to laboratory tests to simulate the primary production process.

Finite element models were created in Abaqus 6.14 to characterize the rotational stiffness of shallowly embedded column-foundation connections. Scripts were programmed to automate the model generation process and allow study of multiple independent variables, including embedment length, column size, baseplate geometry, concrete modulus, column orientation, cantilever height, and applied axial load. Three different connection types were investigated: a tied or one part model; a contact-based model; and a cohesive-zone based model. Cohesive-zone modeling was found to give the most accurate results. Agreement with previous experimental data was obtained to within 27%. Baseplate geometry was found to affect connection stiffness significantly, especially at lower embedment depths. The connection rotational stiffness was found to vary only slightly with cantilever height for typical column heights. Results from varying other parameters are also discussed.

Change in papillary muscle motion as a result of left ventricular (LV) remodeling after posterolateral myocardial infarction is thought to contribute to ischemic mitral regurgitation. A finite element (FE) model of the LV was created from magnetic resonance images acquired immediately before myocardial infarction and 8 weeks later in a cohort of 12 sheep. Severity of mitral regurgitation was rated by two-dimensional echocardiography and regurgitant volume was estimated using MRI. Of the cohort, 6 animals (DC) received hydrogel injection therapy shown to limit ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction while the control group (MI) received a similar pattern of saline injections. LV pressure was determined by direct invasive measurement and volume was estimated from MRI. FE models of the LV for each animal included both healthy and infarct tissue regions as well as a simulated hydrogel injection pattern for the DC group. Constitutive model material parameters for each region in the FE model were assigned based on results from previous research. Invasive LV pressure measurements at end diastole and end systole were used as boundary conditions to drive model simulations for each animal. Passive stiffness (C) and active material parameter (Tmax) were adjusted to match MRI estimations of LV volume at end systole and end diastole. Nodal positions of the chordae tendineae (CT) were determined by measurements obtained from the excised heart of each animal at the terminal timepoint. Changes in CT nodal displacements between end systole and end diastole at 0 and 8-week timepoints were used to investigate the potential contribution of changes in papillary muscle motion to the progression of ischemic mitral regurgitation after myocardial infarction. Nodal displacements were broken down into radial, circumferential, and longitudinal components relative to the anatomy of the individual animal model. Model results highlighted an outward radial movement in the infarct region after 8 weeks in untreated animals, while radial direction of motion observed in the treated animal group was preserved relative to baseline. Circumferential displacement decreased in the remote region in the untreated animal group after 8 weeks but was preserved relative to baseline in the treated animal group. MRI estimates of regurgitant volume increased significantly in the untreated animal group after 8 weeks but did not increase in the treated group. The results of this analysis suggest that hydrogel injection treatment may serve to limit changes in papillary muscle motion and severity of mitral regurgitation after posterolateral myocardial infarction.