The aim of this thesis was to evaluate the use of dynamic excitation as a method for stiffness and strength grading of wet side boards of narrow dimensions. The need for such an investigation has previously been identified in an ongoing research project in which the possibility to use side boards as lamellae in wet glued glulam beams is investigated.      The assessment of the dynamic excitation method was carried out by means of experimental work and measurements.. The approach was quantitative in the sense that the data was collected through experiments performed on a rather large population and that the results were analyzed using statistical methods.      To investigate the effect of moisture content on stiffness of narrow dimension, side boards, the stiffness was measured in three states: - in wet state, before splitting the boards, - in wet state, after splitting the boards, and - in dry state (splitted boards).      The conclusion, after calculations and analysis of all the results, was that the natural frequency and stiffness of wet boards could, with a high degree of reliability, be predicted by use of the dynamic excitation method. There was a strong correlation in stiffness between wet state split boards and dry state split boards, with a coefficient of determination of 0.93.

The dynamic characteristics of shroud blade group played a significant role in steam turbine design. However, the complex shape and periodical structure of shroud blades make it so hard to find its dynamic characteristics under high speed operation. The complicate shape, periodic structure, and tedious computation limit the application of finite element method in the design analysis of shroud group blades. In order to design the shroud blade group, the component mode synthesis method was employed to derive the system dynamic equation of the grouped periodical blades. For simplicity, a pre-twisted and tapered cantilever beam is used to derive the approximate analytic solution of a rotating turbo blade. Then the approximated eigen solution of single blade is synthesized in company with the constrain condition by using the component mode synthesis method. In order to confirm the feasibility of the proposed simulation method, a real size turbine blade is used to discuss in the study. Through a comparison between the results solved from the proposed method and finite element method of single blade and shroud blade group to prove the reliability of the proposed method. The effect of blade parameters on the dynamic characteristic of shroud blade group has investigated in this work. Numerical results indicate the proposed method is feasible and effective in dynamic design analyses of the shroud blade group.

<p> The aim of this thesis was to evaluate the use of dynamic excitation as a method for stiffness and strength grading of wet side boards of narrow dimensions. The need for such an investigation has previously been identified in an ongoing research project in which the possibility to use side boards as lamellae in wet glued glulam beams is investigated.</p><p>     The assessment of the dynamic excitation method was carried out by means of experimental work and measurements.. The approach was quantitative in the sense that the data was collected through experiments performed on a rather large population and that the results were analyzed using statistical methods.</p><p>     To investigate the effect of moisture content on stiffness of narrow dimension, side boards, the stiffness was measured in three states:</p><ul><li>- in wet state, before splitting the boards,</li><li>- in wet state, after splitting the boards, and </li><li>- in dry state (splitted boards).</li></ul><p>     The conclusion, after calculations and analysis of all the results, was that the natural frequency and stiffness of wet boards could, with a high degree of reliability, be predicted by use of the dynamic excitation method. There was a strong correlation in stiffness between wet state split boards and dry state split boards, with a coefficient of determination of 0.93.</p>

Bolted joints are integral parts of mechanical systems, and bolt preload loss is one of the major failure modes for bolted joint structures. Understanding the damping and frequency response to a varying preload in a single-bolted lap-joint structure can be very helpful in predicting and analyzing more complicated structures connected by these joints. In this thesis, the relationship between the bolt preload and the natural frequency, and the relationship between the bolt preload and the structural damping, have both been investigated through impact hammer testing on a single-bolted lap-joint structure. The test data revealed that the bolt preload has nonlinear effects on the structural damping and on the natural frequency of the structure. The damping ratios of the test structure were determined to increase with decreasing preload. An increase in structural damping is beneficial in most engineering circumstances, for it will reduce the vibrational response and noise subjected to external excitations. It was also observed that the modal frequency increased with increasing preload, but remained approximately constant for preload larger than 30% in the bolt yield strength. One application for studying the preload effect is the detection for loose bolts in structures. The possibility of using impact testing for estimating preload loss has been confirmed, and the modal damping was determined to be a more sensitive indicator than the natural frequency in a single-bolted lap-joint structure.

NBG–18 graphite is developed by SGL Carbon for the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor Company (PBMR), and is used as the preferred material for the internal graphite core structures of a high–temperature gas–cooled nuclear reactor (HTR). The NBG–18 graphite is manufactured using pitch coke, and is vibrationally molded. To assess the structural behaviour of graphite many destructive techniques have been performed in the past. Though the destructive techniques are easy and in some cases relative inexpensive to perform, these methods lead to waste material and require cumbersome time consuming sample preparations. To overcome this problem numerous non–destructive testing techniques are available such as sonic resonance, resonant inspection, ultrasonic testing, low and multifrequency Eddy current analysis, acoustic emission and impulse excitation techniques. The Hammer Impulse Excitation technique was used as a method in predicting the fatigue life of NBG–18 graphite by focussing on the application of modal frequency analysis of determined natural frequencies. Moreover, the typical fatigue characteristics of NBG–18 graphite were determined across a comprehensive set of load ranges. In order to be able to correlate modal frequency parameters with fatigue life, suitable uniaxial fatigue test specimen geometry needed to be obtained. The uniaxial fatigue test specimens were manufactured from two NBG–18 graphite sample blocks. The relationship between natural frequencies of uniaxial test specimens, fatigue life, sample positioning and sample orientation was investigated for different principle stress ratios. Load ratios R = –oo and R = +2 tested proved to show the highest r–values for the Pearson correlation coefficients investigated. However, there was no significant trend found between the natural frequency and the fatigue life. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Nuclear Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

NBG–18 graphite is developed by SGL Carbon for the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor Company (PBMR), and is used as the preferred material for the internal graphite core structures of a high–temperature gas–cooled nuclear reactor (HTR). The NBG–18 graphite is manufactured using pitch coke, and is vibrationally molded. To assess the structural behaviour of graphite many destructive techniques have been performed in the past. Though the destructive techniques are easy and in some cases relative inexpensive to perform, these methods lead to waste material and require cumbersome time consuming sample preparations. To overcome this problem numerous non–destructive testing techniques are available such as sonic resonance, resonant inspection, ultrasonic testing, low and multifrequency Eddy current analysis, acoustic emission and impulse excitation techniques. The Hammer Impulse Excitation technique was used as a method in predicting the fatigue life of NBG–18 graphite by focussing on the application of modal frequency analysis of determined natural frequencies. Moreover, the typical fatigue characteristics of NBG–18 graphite were determined across a comprehensive set of load ranges. In order to be able to correlate modal frequency parameters with fatigue life, suitable uniaxial fatigue test specimen geometry needed to be obtained. The uniaxial fatigue test specimens were manufactured from two NBG–18 graphite sample blocks. The relationship between natural frequencies of uniaxial test specimens, fatigue life, sample positioning and sample orientation was investigated for different principle stress ratios. Load ratios R = –oo and R = +2 tested proved to show the highest r–values for the Pearson correlation coefficients investigated. However, there was no significant trend found between the natural frequency and the fatigue life. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Nuclear Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

This research investigates possible monitoring methods to non-invasively detect blockages in the cyclone of milk powder spray driers to avoid costly production shutdowns. Two possible solutions have been identified. These are guided wave and vibration analysis. This research focuses on vibration analysis method, based on variation in the natural frequencies and/or damping ratios caused by blockages. Experimental simulation studies the performance to assess the viability of the vibration analysis method in identifying blockage in the cyclone. To test this method, a 1.87m long vertical cylindrical steel tube with both ends simply supported was setup as a prototype and flour was used as the powder conveyed by the tube. Analytical, numerical and experimental methods were implemented on the prototype using vibration analysis techniques. Experimental resonant frequencies of the empty shell from the impact hammer excitation were compared with analytical and numerical solutions to analyse the modal shapes. The first bending mode was determined as 79 Hz, which decreased with the amount of added mass and location closer to the middle point. This was validated by the simulated mass experiment, which also matched with the beam-mass theory. Flour induced experiment further validated the variation of the first bending mode. Experimental 270Hz, 380Hz and 398Hz resonant frequencies increased with the amount of added mass, which was validated by the simulated mass and flour induced experiment. Besides the variation of the natural frequencies, the damping ratio was also studied and quantified using the Hilbert transform envelope curve method. Onsite monitoring of the vibration of the cyclone in a spray dryer was done at Fonterra Te Rapa and clear resonant frequencies were obtained. The research results from the prototype demonstrate that vibration analysis as a non-destructive method to detect the milk powder deposition or blockage in the cyclone is possible and promising. However, more work is required before industry application.

Edifícios altos têm pouca rigidez lateral devido a suas dimensões. Os principais carregamentos laterais nestas estruturas são de sismos e vento. Portanto, suas propriedades dinâmicas e a correta estimativa das mesmas são fundamentais. Todavia, mesmo havendo muita pesquisa nesta área, a predição de frequências naturais de vibração livre de edifícios altos com precisão não é trivial. Métodos computacionais e fórmulas de normas ao redor do mundo divergem, ao passo que cidades brasileiras estão crescendo com a construção de maiores estruturas com frequências naturais estimadas abaixo de valores esperados. Neste trabalho, as incertezas acerca da estimativa de frequências naturais são investigadas através da comparação de resultados de diferentes metodologias. Primeiramente, frequências naturais estimadas ainda na fase de projeto de 8 prédios altos construídos ou em construção no Brasil são comparadas com formulações típicas baseadas em dados experimentais. Em um segundo momento, 3 edifícios altos têm suas primeiras frequências naturais estimadas através de: um método simplificado proposto neste trabalho; 2 programas de MEF diferentes; um modelo em MEF incluindo diagonais de compressão a fim de replicar o comportamento da alvenaria de fechamento e, finalmente, através da aplicação de um fator para calibrar a frequência natural obtida via programação em MEF. Tal fator é oriundo de uma formulação elaborada neste estudo para corrigir a frequência natural estimada sem a consideração do acréscimo de rigidez causado pela alvenaria de fechamento. Os resultados evidenciam que as baixas frequências naturais são semelhantes a medições de resposta sísmica. Também é relatada uma boa convergência para diferentes métodos computacionais enquanto os resultados das análises com alvenaria não estrutural revelam uma ótima convergência. Este estudo apresenta um melhor entendimento das razões para as baixas frequências naturais dos arranha-céus brasileiros enquanto expõe avanços na estimativa de frequências naturais com alta precisão. / Tall buildings have low lateral stiffness due to their dimensions and the main lateral forces on these structures are wind and seismic loads. Therefore, an accurate estimation of their dynamic properties is essential. Nevertheless, even with plenty of studies in this area, predicting natural frequencies of tall buildings is not trivial. Numeric computational methods and simplified procedures around the world diverge, whereas Brazilian cities are growing with the construction of higher buildings with lower estimated values for natural frequencies than the expected. In this work, the uncertainties are investigated through the comparison of different methods of estimating natural frequencies. Firstly, the natural frequencies estimated during project phase of 8 buildings, recently constructed or under construction in Brazil, are compared with formulas based on experimental measurements. Secondly, the natural frequencies of 3 buildings are estimated with different methods: two FEM models made with two computer programs commercially available, a simplified method proposed in this work, a FEM model with diagonal elements representing the masonry infill and a method based on applying a correction factor on the natural frequency obtained with another method. This last method is proposed here in order to consider the effect of infill masonry on the stiffness. The results evince that the low frequencies are similar to the ones measured on seismic response. The different computational methods have a good convergence while the analysis including the infill masonry has an outstanding convergence. This study reveals a better understanding of the reasons for low natural frequencies of the Brazilian tall buildings while presents improvements on estimating natural frequencies with high precision.

Submitted by Ramon Moreira Peres null (ramon.mpe@gmail.com) on 2016-11-16T12:51:39Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação de Mestrado - Ramon Moreira Peres.pdf: 2352271 bytes, checksum: f6a0129949b15510489022df29120c6d (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Felipe Augusto Arakaki (arakaki@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2016-11-23T11:44:03Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 peres_rm_me_guara.pdf: 2352271 bytes, checksum: f6a0129949b15510489022df29120c6d (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-11-23T11:44:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 peres_rm_me_guara.pdf: 2352271 bytes, checksum: f6a0129949b15510489022df29120c6d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-09-16 / Outra / O presente trabalho estuda a dinâmica de rotores e em particular a de um rotor modelo de Jeffcott. Para tanto, foi utilizada uma bancada experimental que consiste de um rotor montado sobre um eixo apoiado por mancais de rolamento fixo a uma base metálica, sendo o acionamento da bancada experimental feito por meio de um motor elétrico trifásico de 2 cv com uma rotação máxima de 3.475 rpm, onde foram realizados testes para determinação da primeira frequência natural estacionária (teste de impacto), tesde de partida e de parada. Dois eixos de materiais diferentes foram utilizados, sendo um de aço SAE 1020 e outro de material compósito. Foram determinadas através de análise estrutural pelo método dos elementos finitos as rigidezes dos mancais, com esses valores obteve-se analiticamente a primeira frequência natural do sistema. Ainda utilizando o método dos elementos finitos foram obtidas as frequências naturais, os modos de vibrar e o diagrama de Campbell através de análise modal. Os resultados experimentais obtidos foram discutidos e comparados com os resultados analíticos e com os resultados obtidos pela aplicação do método dos elementos finitos. Percebe-se que com essa comparação a aplicação do software na fase inicial de projeto mostra-se de extrema importância, visto que as frequências naturais podem ser previstas já na etapa inicial. / This work studied the dynamics of rotors and in particular a Jeffcott rotor. An experimental bench consisting of a rotor mounted on a shaft supported by a fixed bearing housings to a metal base. The drive of the testing bench is made a three-phase electric motor of 2cv power, having a maximum rotation of 3.475rpm, which were performed the tests to identify the first natural frequency (impact test), run up and coast down using two different material of shaft, one made by steel SAE 1020 and a composite shaft. It was determined through structural analyses by the finite element method and the rigidities of the bearings was obtained. With this values the first natural frequency for the system was obtained analytically. Still using finite element method was obtainedthe natural frequencies. The vibration modes and the Campbell diagram, using modal analysis. The experimental results were discussed and compared the analytical results and the results by applyingthe finite element method, with this comparion the software application in the initial phase project proved extremely important given that the natural frequencies can be provided in the initial stage. / PRH-ANP/MCTI: 48610.009725/2013

Edifícios altos têm pouca rigidez lateral devido a suas dimensões. Os principais carregamentos laterais nestas estruturas são de sismos e vento. Portanto, suas propriedades dinâmicas e a correta estimativa das mesmas são fundamentais. Todavia, mesmo havendo muita pesquisa nesta área, a predição de frequências naturais de vibração livre de edifícios altos com precisão não é trivial. Métodos computacionais e fórmulas de normas ao redor do mundo divergem, ao passo que cidades brasileiras estão crescendo com a construção de maiores estruturas com frequências naturais estimadas abaixo de valores esperados. Neste trabalho, as incertezas acerca da estimativa de frequências naturais são investigadas através da comparação de resultados de diferentes metodologias. Primeiramente, frequências naturais estimadas ainda na fase de projeto de 8 prédios altos construídos ou em construção no Brasil são comparadas com formulações típicas baseadas em dados experimentais. Em um segundo momento, 3 edifícios altos têm suas primeiras frequências naturais estimadas através de: um método simplificado proposto neste trabalho; 2 programas de MEF diferentes; um modelo em MEF incluindo diagonais de compressão a fim de replicar o comportamento da alvenaria de fechamento e, finalmente, através da aplicação de um fator para calibrar a frequência natural obtida via programação em MEF. Tal fator é oriundo de uma formulação elaborada neste estudo para corrigir a frequência natural estimada sem a consideração do acréscimo de rigidez causado pela alvenaria de fechamento. Os resultados evidenciam que as baixas frequências naturais são semelhantes a medições de resposta sísmica. Também é relatada uma boa convergência para diferentes métodos computacionais enquanto os resultados das análises com alvenaria não estrutural revelam uma ótima convergência. Este estudo apresenta um melhor entendimento das razões para as baixas frequências naturais dos arranha-céus brasileiros enquanto expõe avanços na estimativa de frequências naturais com alta precisão. / Tall buildings have low lateral stiffness due to their dimensions and the main lateral forces on these structures are wind and seismic loads. Therefore, an accurate estimation of their dynamic properties is essential. Nevertheless, even with plenty of studies in this area, predicting natural frequencies of tall buildings is not trivial. Numeric computational methods and simplified procedures around the world diverge, whereas Brazilian cities are growing with the construction of higher buildings with lower estimated values for natural frequencies than the expected. In this work, the uncertainties are investigated through the comparison of different methods of estimating natural frequencies. Firstly, the natural frequencies estimated during project phase of 8 buildings, recently constructed or under construction in Brazil, are compared with formulas based on experimental measurements. Secondly, the natural frequencies of 3 buildings are estimated with different methods: two FEM models made with two computer programs commercially available, a simplified method proposed in this work, a FEM model with diagonal elements representing the masonry infill and a method based on applying a correction factor on the natural frequency obtained with another method. This last method is proposed here in order to consider the effect of infill masonry on the stiffness. The results evince that the low frequencies are similar to the ones measured on seismic response. The different computational methods have a good convergence while the analysis including the infill masonry has an outstanding convergence. This study reveals a better understanding of the reasons for low natural frequencies of the Brazilian tall buildings while presents improvements on estimating natural frequencies with high precision.