Modeling and analysis of the in-plane vibration of a complex cable-stayed bridge

The in-plane vibration of a complex cable-stayed bridge that consists of a simply-supported four-cable-stayed deck beam and two rigid towers is studied. The nonlinear and linear partial differential equations that govern transverse and longitudinal vibrations of the cables and transverse vibrations of segments of the deck beam, respectively, are derived, along with their boundary and matching conditions. The undamped natural frequencies and mode shapes of the linearized model of the cable-stayed bridge are determined, and orthogonality relations of the mode shapes are established. Numerical analysis of the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the cable-stayed bridge is conducted for various symmetrical and non-symmetrical bridge cases with regards to the sizes of the components of the bridge and the initial sags of the cables. The results show that there are very close natural frequencies when the bridge model is symmetrical and/or partially symmetrical, and the mode shapes tend to be more localized when the bridge model is less symmetrical. The relationships between the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the cable-stayed bridge and those of a single fixed–fixed cable and the single simply-supported deck beam are analyzed. The results, which are validated by commercial finite element software, demonstrate some complex classical resonance behavior of the cable-stayed bridge.     

An analysis of binary flutter of bridge deck sections

This paper is concerned with an analytical and experimental study of binary flutter of bridge deck sections. A set of analytical formulas giving the frequency and rate of growth of oscillation, the position of the equivalent center of rotation and the phase difference between bending and torsion near the critical flutter point is presented. The formulas provide an analytical basis for the previously proposed method of classification of binary flutter of bluff structures. The results of wind tunnel experiments on models with simple geometrical shapes confirm that the present formulas are applicable to a variety of structures ranging from a flat plate to much more bluff bridge deck sections.     

Dynamic behaviour of a cylindrical shell with a cutout

This paper presents the results of analytical and experimental investigations connected with the dynamic behaviour of a cylindrical shell with a rectangular cutout. The finite element method is used to predict the vibration frequencies and mode shapes. The resulting eigenvalue problems are solved by using a simultaneous iteration technique. The analytical study shows the influence of the cutout on the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the shell. The subtended angle of the cutout ranges from 40° to 120°. Experimental verification was performed on a machined mild steel shell having welded end rings bolted on to sturdy supports. A reasonably good agreement is obtained, with the discrepancies of the order of less than 10 %. The cutout is found to have very little influence on the natural frequencies.     

Stochastic interval analysis of natural frequency and mode shape of structures with uncertainties

In this paper, natural frequencies and mode shapes of structures with mixed random and interval parameters are investigated by using a hybrid stochastic and interval approach. Expressions for the mean value and variance of natural frequencies and mode shapes are derived by using perturbation method and random interval moment method. The bounds of these probabilistic characteristics are then determined by interval arithmetic. Two examples are given first to illustrate the feasibility of the presented method and the results are verified by Monte Carlo Simulations. The presented approach is also applicable to solve pure random and pure interval problems. This capability is demonstrated in the third and fourth examples through the comparisons with the peer research outcomes.     

A simplified method for the free vibration and flutter analysis of bridge decks

A simplified method for the free vibration and flutter analysis of bridge decks is presented. Bending-torsion coupled beam theory with warping stiffness included is used in the structural idealization of bridge decks in order to derive explicit formulae for natural frequencies and mode shapes. These are used to perform the flutter analysis. The time-dependent aerodynamic forces are modelled using Theodorsen type flat plate theory. Expressions for generalized mass, generalized stiffness and generalized aerodynamic force terms are derived in compact explicit form. The flutter problem is then formulated by summing algebraically the analytical expressions for generalized mass, generalized stiffness and generalized aerodynamic forces, and the associated flutter determinant is expanded in analytical form. Finally, the flutter speed and flutter frequency are thereby determined by using a standard root finding procedure. The method is demonstrated by numerical results. This is followed by some concluding remarks.     

An exact solution for the natural frequencies and mode shapes of an immersed elastically restrained wedge beam carrying an eccentric tip mass with mass moment of inertia

In general, the exact solutions for natural frequencies and mode shapes of non-uniform beams are obtainable only for a few types such as wedge beams. However, the exact solution for the natural frequencies and mode shapes of an immersed wedge beam is not obtained yet. This is because, due to the “added mass” of water, the mass density of the immersed part of the beam is different from its emerged part. The objective of this paper is to present some information for this problem. First, the displacement functions for the immersed part and emerged part of the wedge beam are derived. Next, the force (and moment) equilibrium conditions and the deflection compatibility conditions for the two parts are imposed to establish a set of simultaneous equations with eight integration constants as the unknowns. Equating to zero the coefficient determinant one obtains the frequency equation, and solving the last equation one obtains the natural frequencies of the immersed wedge beam. From the last natural frequencies and the above-mentioned simultaneous equations, one may determine all the eight integration constants and, in turn, the corresponding mode shapes. All the analytical solutions are compared with the numerical ones obtained from the finite element method and good agreement is achieved. The formulation of this paper is available for the fully or partially immersed doubly tapered beams with square, rectangular or circular cross-sections. The taper ratio for width and that for depth may also be equal or unequal.     

Free vibration of three-dimensional multilayered magneto-electro-elastic plates under combined clamped/free boundary conditions

In this paper, we study the free vibration of multilayered magneto-electro-elastic plates under combined clamped/free lateral boundary conditions using a semi-analytical discrete-layer approach. More specifically, we use piecewise continuous approximations for the field variables in the thickness direction and continuous polynomial approximations for those within the plane of the plate. Group theory is further used to isolate the nature of the vibrational modes to reduce the computational cost. As numerical examples, two cases of the lateral boundary conditions combined with the clamped and free edges are considered. The non-dimensional frequencies and mode shapes of elastic displacements, electric and magnetic potentials are presented. Our numerical results clearly illustrate the effect of the stacking sequences and magneto-electric coupling on the frequencies and mode shapes of the anisotropic magneto-electro-elastic plate, and should be useful in future vibration study and design of multilayered magneto-electro-elastic plates.     

HEALTH-MONITORING METHOD FOR BRIDGES UNDER ORDINARY TRAFFIC LOADINGS

A method for damage estimation of a bridge structure is presented using ambient vibration data caused by the traffic loadings. The procedure consists of identification of the operational modal properties and the assessment of damage locations and severities. An experimental study is carried out on a bridge model with a composite cross-section subjected to vehicle loadings. Vertical accelerations of the bridge deck are measured while vehicles are running. The modal parameters are identified from the free-decay signals extracted using the random decrement method. The damage assessment is carried out based on the estimated modal parameters using the neural networks technique. As input to the neural networks, the ratios of the resonant frequencies between before and after damages and the mode shapes after the damages are used to take into account the mass effect of the traffic on the bridge. The identified damage locations and severities agree reasonably well with the inflicted damages on the structure.     

Structural–acoustic model of a rectangular plate–cavity system with an attached distributed mass and internal sound source: Theory and experiment

In this paper three approaches are combined to develop a structural–acoustic model of a rectangular plate–cavity system with an attached distributed mass and internal sound source. The first approach results from a recently presented analysis based on the Rayleigh–Ritz method and is used to circumvent the difficulties in obtaining the natural frequencies and mode shapes of a plate with an attached, distributed mass. Furthermore, different plate boundary conditions can be accommodated. The resulting mode shapes are defined as continuous functions; this is advantageous as they can be directly used in the second approach, i.e., the classic modal-interaction approach in order to obtain the coupled equations of the system. Finally, in the third approach a group of point sources emitting a pressure pulse in the time domain is used to model an internal sound source. For the validation of the developed model an experiment was conducted in two configurations using a simply supported aluminium plate and a clamped plate coupled with a plexiglas box containing a loudspeaker. Good agreement was found between the analytical and experimental data.     

Sonic boom effects on circular bridge panels

This paper deals with the response of a curved bridge deck to sonic boom loading. The curved panel is considered as an annular sector plate with the two radial edges simply supported and the circular edges free. The method is equally applicable to other edge conditions. The normal mode method of analysis is used. The response to various durations of boom period as well as different pulse shapes has been determined and presented in the paper.     

Free transverse vibration analysis of an elastically connected annular and circular double-membrane compound system

In this paper, free transversal vibrations of a systems of two annular and circular membranes connected by a Winkler elastic layer are studied using analytical methods and numerical simulation. At first the motion of each system is described by two homogeneous partial differential equations. The general solutions of the free vibrations are derived by the Bernoulli-Fourier method and the boundary problems are solved. The natural frequencies and natural mode shapes of vibrations of systems under consideration are determined. The investigation of free vibrations prove that the double-membrane systems execute two kinds of vibrations, synchronous and asynchronous. Then for each system two models formulated by using finite element representations are prepared. The FE models are manually tuned to reduce the difference between the natural frequencies of the analytical solutions and the natural frequencies of the FE model calculations, respectively.     

Optimal design of passive viscous dampers for controlling the resonant response of orthotropic plates under high-speed moving loads

In this article, the resonant response of plates traversed by moving loads is addressed being its main application the dynamic performance of railway bridges under high-speed traffic. An innovative alternative to reduce the deck inadmissible oscillations that may appear in short simply supported structures in resonant conditions is proposed, based on artificially increasing the superstructure damping by retrofitting the deck with fluid viscous dampers. A particular auxiliary structure transforming the deck vertical deflection into relative movement within the devices is envisaged, being the main objectives of the study to optimise the retrofitting system parameters and to prove its efficiency under the action of railway vehicles. For these purposes, the retrofitted deck behaviour is first investigated using an orthotropic plate model under harmonic excitation. On the basis of an analytical approach, a dimensionless version of the equations of motion is presented, the governing parameters are extracted and an intensive sensitivity analysis of the plate response is performed. Finally, analytical closed-form expressions for the optimal dampers constants are derived and their adequacy is numerically evaluated. To this end, an existing bridge belonging to the Spanish Railway network is analysed using a three-dimensional finite element code specifically programmed by the authors for this application. In the end the controlling effect of the retrofitting system and the applicability of the optimal parameters analytical expressions are proven for a wide range of circulating velocities.     

Approximate closed form solutions for free vibration of polar orthotropic circular plates

For free vibrations of polar orthotropic plate, simple approximate closed form solutions for mode shapes and its natural frequencies were obtained using the Rayleigh-Ritz method. Coordinate function satisfying the natural boundary conditions and the predetermined coefficients was adapted, which results in compact expressions and enables to readily calculate symmetric and nonsymmetric natural frequencies for arbitrary values of the elastic constants. The derived formulation can be used in designing of circular plates such as wood disk, which are naturally endowed with material orthotropy as well as fiber reinforced composite materials. The model can easily be used for the evaluation of parametric studies on dynamic behaviors and nondestructive methods during the initial design process.     

Cost Optimized Non-Contacting Experimental Modal Analysis Using a Smartphone

The vibrations behavior analysis is an essential step in the mechanical design process. Several methods such as analytical modelling, numerical analysis and experimental measurements can be used for this purpose. However, the numerical or analytical models should be validated through experimental measurements, usually expensive. This paper introduces an inexpensive smartphone as an accurate, non-intrusive vibrations’ behavior measurement device. An experimental measurement procedure based on the video processing method is presented. This procedure allows the measurement of the natural frequencies and the mode shapes of a vibrating structure, simply by using a smartphone built-in camera. The experimental results are compared to those obtained using an accurate analytical model, where the natural frequencies error is less than 2.7% and the modal assurance criterion is higher than 0.89. In order to highlight the obtained results, a comparison has been done using a high quality and high frame per second (fps) camera-based measurement of material properties. Since the highest recovered natural frequency and its associated mode shape depend on the frame per second rate of the recorded video, this procedure has great potential in low frequencies problems such as for big structures like buildings and bridges. This validated technique re-introduces the personal smartphone as an accurate inexpensive non-contacting vibration measurement tool.     

DYNAMIC LOAD ON CONTINUOUS MULTI-LANE BRIDGE DECK FROM MOVING VEHICLES

The dynamic loading on a multi-lane continuous bridge deck due to vehicles moving on top at a constant velocity is investigated. The bridge is modelled as a multi-span continuous orthotropic rectangular plate with line rigid intermediate supports. The vehicle is simulated as a two-axle three-dimensional vehicle model with seven degrees of freedom according to the H20-44 vehicle design loading (AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications 1998 American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials [1]). The dynamic behavior of the bridge deck under single and several vehicles moving in different lanes is analyzed using the orthotropic plate theory and modal superposition technique. The dynamic loading is studied in terms of the dynamic impact factor of the bridge deck. The impact factor is found varying in an opposite trend as the dynamic responses for the different loading cases under study.     

Determination of the steady state response of viscoelastically point-supported rectangular specially orthotropic plates by an energy-based finite difference method

A method based on a variational procedure in conjunction with a finite difference method is used to examine the free vibration characteristics and steady state response to a sinusoidally varying force applied at the center of a viscoelastically point-supported orthotropic elastic plate of rectangular shape. Using the energy-based finite difference method, the problem is reduced to the solution of a system of algebraic equations. The influence of the mechanical properties, and of the damping of the supports to the mode shapes and to the steady state response of viscoelastically point-supported rectangular plates is investigated numerically for a concentrated load at the center for various values of the mechanical properties characterizing the anisotropy of the plate material and for various damping ratios. The results are given for the frequencies and mode shapes of the first three symmetrical modes. Convergence studies are made. The validity of the present approach is demonstrated by comparing the results with other solutions based on the Kirchhoff-Love plate theory.     

Longitudinal vibration of multi-step non-uniform structures with lumped masses and spring supports

The governing equation for longitudinal free vibration of a one-step non-uniform bar is reduced to an analytically solvable equation by selecting suitable expressions, such as power functions and exponential functions, for the area variation. The analytical solutions of one-step non-uniform bars are derived and used to obtain the mode shape functions of a multi-step bar with or without lumped masses and spring supports. The eigenvalue equation of such a multi-step bar can be easily established using the fundamental solutions developed in this paper. The new exact approach is presented which combines the recurrence formula and closed form solutions of one step bars. A numerical example demonstrates that the calculated natural frequencies and mode shapes of a high-rise structure are in good agreement with the corresponding experimental data, verifying the accuracy of the proposed method. This numerical example also shows that one of the advantages of the present method is that the total number of the elements required in the proposed method could be much less than that normally used in conventional finite element methods.     

Bending vibrations of wedge beams with any number of point masses

The natural frequencies and mode shapes of beams with constant width and linearly tapered depth (or thickness) carrying any number of point masses at arbitrary positions along the length of the beams were investigated using the Euler-Bernoulli equation. Use of the closed-form (exact) solutions for the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the unconstrained single-tapered beam (without carrying any point masses) and incorporation of the expansion theorem, the equation of motion for the associated constrained beam (carrying any point masses) were derived. Solution of the last equation will yield the desired natural frequencies and mode shapes of the constrained single-tapered beam. The bending vibrations of a single-tapered beam with six kinds of boundary conditions were investigated. Comparison with the existing literature or the traditional finite element method results reveals that the adopted approach has excellent accuracy and simple algorithm.     

Smearing technique for vibration analysis of simply supported cross-stiffened and doubly curved thin rectangular shells

Plates stiffened with ribs can be modeled as equivalent homogeneous isotropic or orthotropic plates. Modeling such an equivalent smeared plate numerically, say, with the finite element method requires far less computer resources than modeling the complete stiffened plate. This may be important when a number of stiffened plates are combined in a complicated assembly composed of many plate panels. However, whereas the equivalent smeared plate technique is well established and recently improved for flat panels, there is no similar established technique for doubly curved stiffened shells. In this paper the improved smeared plate technique is combined with the equation of motion for a doubly curved thin rectangular shell, and a solution is offered for using the smearing technique for stiffened shell structures. The developed prediction technique is validated by comparing natural frequencies and mode shapes as well as forced responses from simulations based on the smeared theory with results from experiments with a doubly curved cross-stiffened shell. Moreover, natural frequencies of cross-stiffened panels determined by finite element simulations that include the exact cross-sectional geometries of panels with cross-stiffeners are compared with predictions based on the smeared theory for a range of different panel curvatures. Good agreement is found.     

FREE VIBRATION ANALYSIS OF COMPOSITE RECTANGULAR MEMBRANES WITH AN OBLIQUE INTERFACE

The natural frequencies and mode shapes of a composite rectangular membrane with no exact solutions are found by using an analytical method appropriate for the geometric feature of the title problem membrane presented here. The method has a key feature in which the theoretical development is very simple and only a small amount of numerical calculation is required. Example studies show that the natural frequencies and their associated modes obtained from the method are found to be very accurate compared with the results by the FEM (SYSNOISE) or exact solutions. Furthermore, the natural frequencies converge rapidly and accurately to the exact values or the numerical results obtained from the finite element model using meshes sufficient to yield already converging natural frequencies, even when a small number of series functions are used in the proposed method.