A simplified nonlinear dynamic model for the analysis of pipe structures with bolted flange joints

Bolted flange joints are widely used in engineering structures; however, the dynamic behavior of this connection is complex in nature. In this paper, a simplified nonlinear dynamic model with bi-linear springs is proposed and validated for pipe structures with bolted flange joints. First, static mechanical properties of the bolted flange joint are investigated. The analytical solution reveals that the axial stiffness of the bolted flange joint is different in tension and compression. Then, nonlinear springs with different stiffness in tension and compression are employed to represent the bolted flange joint. A special type of dynamic behavior, coupling vibration in the transverse and longitudinal directions, is observed in analytical derivation. Finally, relevant physical experiments and numerical simulations are performed. The physical experiments confirm the existence of the coupling vibration behavior. The relationship of longitudinal and transverse vibration frequencies is discussed. The numerical solutions reveal that the simplified nonlinear dynamic model better fits the physical response than conventional reduced linear beam model.     

Use of optimization in helicopter vibration control by structural modification

The application of a mathematical optimization process to helicopter vibration control by structural modification is described. Attention is focused on the reduction of vibration in the crew area. With stiffness parameters as design variables, use is made of forced vibration response circles to identify the parameters most effective in controlling the response in the crew area, thereby reducing the number of available design variables to a tractable size. The problem of reducing vibration is then cast as a non-linear programming problem and a sequential unconstrained minimization technique incorporating an algorithm based on the methods of Davidon, Fletcher and Powell is used to determine the precise values of the parameters. The method is applied to a simple two-dimensional beam-element helicopter fuselage model and the results discussed. Although the model is too simple for useful deductions of practical significance to be made in the strictly engineering sense, the exercise does demonstrate what can and cannot be done in controlling vibration by using an optimization routine.     

LIMIT CYCLE FLUTTER OF AIRFOILS IN STEADY AND UNSTEADY FLOWS

The limit cycle flutter of a two-dimensional wing with non-linear pitching stiffness is investigated. For modelling the aerodynamic forces of the wing steady linear and non-linear models as well as an unsteady model were used. The flutter speed was calculated using the harmonic balance method and by predicting Hopf bifurcation. Analytical solutions based on the centre manifold theory and normal forms were obtained as were results given by the harmonic balance method. The analytical solutions were compared with those obtained by numerical integration. The results show that the harmonic balance method can forecast flutter speed with a good accuracy while analytical solutions based on centre manifold theorem are accurate only in a small neighbourhood of the bifurcation point. The oscillation of the airfoil after flutter for two different models, linear and non-linear pitching stiffness were compared with each other and the flutter speeds for two linear steady and an unsteady aerodynamic model calculated. The obtained results show that flutter analysis based on the linear steady model is conservative only for the ratios of plunge frequency to pitch frequency lower than 1.     

Dynamical behavior of disordered rotationally periodic structures: A homogenization approach

This paper put forth a new approach, based on the mathematical theory of homogenization, to study the vibration localization phenomenon in disordered rotationally periodic structures. In order to illustrate the method, a case-study structure is considered, composed of pendula equipped with hinge angular springs and connected one to each other by linear springs. The structure is mistuned due to mass and/or stiffness imperfections. Simple continuous models describing the dynamical behavior of the structure are derived and validated by comparison with a well-known discrete model. The proposed models provide analytical closed-form expressions for the eigenfrequencies and the eigenmodes, as well as for the resonance peaks of the forced response. These expressions highlight how the features of the dynamics of the mistuned structure, e.g. frequency split and localization phenomenon, depend on the physical parameters involved.     

Modelling and dynamic properties of a novel solid and liquid mixture vibration isolator

Solid and Liquid Mixture (SALiM) vibration isolator is a new isolator which is designed for vibration isolation of heavy equipment with low frequency. The isolator contains liquid and elastic solid elements as working media. To get the stiffness property of the isolator, this paper establishes the mechanics model of elastic solid elements by introducing plate-shell model. Considering geometry nonlinearity, the stiffness of the element under outer liquid pressure and inner air pressure was obtained by perturbation method. Then the stiffness of isolator is derived. As a result, the stiffness is piecewise linear-nonlinear and determined by parameters of the elastic elements and elastic container. In addition, the equation of motion (EOM) of a single degree of freedom system supported by a SALiM isolator is given. The properties of the frequency response function (FRF) of the system are analysed using averaging method which is a classical approximation approach for estimating nonlinear system FRF. And it is found that the system with SALiM isolator shows softening stiffness behaviour. The jumping phenomenon clearly occurs under certain condition. Finally, the vibration isolation property is predicted based on energy transmissibility (ET) in different cases.     

A deterministic model of impact noise transmission through structural connections based on modal analysis

Vibration transmission through structural connections is modelled in a deterministic way by means of modal analysis. This model is used first to study the effect of elastic joints across the floor in the transmission of impact noise. They are an effective means of reducing impact noise propagation, and can almost eliminate it for small values of the joint stiffness. The method is also used to study the acoustic relevance of studs in lightweight floor transmission. Different ways of modelling the studs are presented and compared. For the examples developed, the best option is to use springs for modelling the studs rather than more complex models involving springs and beams. Also the different behaviour of point and line connections is verified, as well as the influence of the position of the studs.     

Passive-active vibration isolation systems to produce zero or infinite dynamic modulus: theoretical and conceptual design strategies

The application of mechanical springs connected in parallel and/or in series with active springs can produce dynamical systems characterised by infinite or zero value stiffness. This mathematical model is extended to more general cases by examining the dynamic modulus associated with damping, stiffness and mass effects. This produces a theoretical basis on which to design an isolation system with infinite or zero dynamic modulus, such that stiffness and damping may have infinite or zero values. Several theoretical designs using a mixture of passive and active systems connected in parallel and/or in series are proposed to overcome limitations of feedback gain experienced in practice to achieve an infinite or zero dynamic modulus. It is shown that such systems can be developed to reduce the weight supported by active actuators as demonstrated, for example, by examining suspension systems of very low natural frequency or with a very large supporting stiffness or with a viscous damper or a self-excited vibration oscillator. A more general system is created by combining these individual systems allowing adjustment of the supporting stiffness and damping using both displacement and velocity feedback controls. Frequency response curves show the effects of active feedback control on the dynamical behaviour of these systems. The theoretical design strategies presented can be applied to design feasible hybrid vibration control systems displaying increased control performance.     

A WAVE MODEL FOR A PNEUMATIC TYRE BELT

A one-dimensional wave equation of an infinite flattened tyre belt is generated. The belt vibration is controlled by bending, tension, shear and the sidewall stiffness. The dispersion relations for two waves in the belt are calculated and used to find both the input impedance and attenuation on a tyre belt of infinite extent. Tension and the sidewall controls the deformation and stiffness below 100Hz. Waves propagate around the belt above this frequency. The wave speeds due to bending and shear were predicted and measured. The model presented here should be valid for the prediction of tyre response above about 400 Hz when for a car tyre the modal behaviour is observed to cease. In this high-frequency region, the tyre at the input appears to be of infinite extent.     

On the response of a harmonically excited two degree-of-freedom system consisting of a linear and a nonlinear quasi-zero stiffness oscillator

There are many systems which consist of a nonlinear oscillator attached to a linear system, examples of which are nonlinear vibration absorbers, or nonlinear systems under test using shakers excited harmonically with a constant force. This paper presents a study of the dynamic behaviour of a specific two degree-of-freedom system representing such a system, in which the nonlinear system does not affect the vibration of the forced linear system. The nonlinearity of the attachment is derived from a geometric configuration consisting of a mass suspended on two springs which are adjusted to achieve a quasi-zero stiffness characteristic with pure cubic nonlinearity. The response of the system at the frequency of excitation is found analytically by applying the method of averaging. The effects of the system parameters on the frequency-amplitude response of the relative motion are examined. It is found that closed detached resonance curves lying outside or inside the continuous path of the main resonance curve can appear as a part of the overall amplitude-frequency response. Two typical situations for the creation of the detached resonance curve inside the main resonance curve, which are dependent on the damping in the nonlinear oscillator, are discussed.     

柔性基础对ICF装置稳定性的影响

 为探讨土-结构相互作用（SSI）对惯性约束聚变（ICF）装置在地脉动作用下响应的影响,建立了某ICF装置刚性地基和柔性地基两种有限元模型。通过设置人工虚拟边界的弹簧单元和阻尼装置来考虑SSI效应,并且通过设置具有概率意义的弹簧刚度和阻尼系数,来模拟岩土特性参数的不确定性。两个模型地脉动随机响应结果的对比分析,揭示了柔性地基条件下SSI效应及岩土地基参数不确定性对装置的影响。研究表明,考虑岩性地基的柔性时,ICF装置主要部位的位移响应和转角响应分别放大了1.24和1.49倍。     

Active control of high-frequency vibration: Optimisation using the hybrid modelling method

This work presents active control of high-frequency vibration using skyhook dampers. The choice of the damper gain and its optimal location is crucial for the effective implementation of active vibration control. In vibration control, certain sensor/actuator locations are preferable for reducing structural vibration while using minimum control effort. In order to perform optimisation on a general built-up structure to control vibration, it is necessary to have a good modelling technique to predict the performance of the controller. The present work exploits the hybrid modelling approach, which combines the finite element method (FEM) and statistical energy analysis (SEA) to provide efficient response predictions at medium to high frequencies. The hybrid method is implemented here for a general network of plates, coupled via springs, to allow study of a variety of generic control design problems. By combining the hybrid method with numerical optimisation using a genetic algorithm, optimal skyhook damper gains and locations are obtained. The optimal controller gain and location found from the hybrid method are compared with results from a deterministic modelling method. Good agreement between the results is observed, whereas results from the hybrid method are found in a significantly reduced amount of time.     

Nonlinear Analysis of Rotational Springs to Model Semi-Rigid Frames

This paper explains the mathematical foundations of a method for modelling semi-rigid unions. The unions are modelled using rotational rather than linear springs. A nonlinear second-order analysis is required, which includes both the effects of the flexibility of the connections as well as the geometrical nonlinearity of the elements. The first task in the implementation of a 2D Beam element with semi-rigid unions in a nonlinear finite element method (FEM) is to define the vector of internal forces and the tangent stiffness matrix. After defining the formula for this vector and matrix in the context of a semi-rigid steel frame, an iterative adjustment of the springs is proposed. This setting allows a moment–rotation relationship for some given load parameters, dimensions, and unions. Modelling semi-rigid connections is performed using Frye and Morris’ polynomial model. The polynomial model has been used for type-4 semi-rigid joints (end plates without column stiffeners), which are typically semi-rigid with moderate structural complexity and intermediate stiffness characteristics. For each step in a non-linear analysis required to adjust the matrix of tangent stiffness, an additional adjustment of the springs with their own iterative process subsumed in the overall process is required. Loops are used in the proposed computational technique. Other types of connections, dimensions, and other parameters can be used with this method. Several examples are shown in a correlated analysis to demonstrate the efficacy of the design process for semi-rigid joints, and this is the work’s application content. It is demonstrated that using the mathematical method presented in this paper, semi-rigid connections may be implemented in the designs while the stiffness of the connection is verified.     

The identification of sound generating mechanisms of tyres

Tyre noise is generated by several mechanisms. With a modern tyre, wall vibration, air pumping and air resonant radiation are all considered to be important. But tyre noise generating mechanisms are still not clear due to the complication of tyre vibration behaviour. Vibrations of the tyre shell are the combination of several different wave types which appear at different frequencies. In a low frequency range, where the tyre behaves like an elastically supported beam, the circular ring model is used to analyze the dispersion relations. Above 300 Hz, which is the transition point from one-dimensional to two-dimensional waveguide properties of the passenger car tyre, a cylindrical shell model is used to analyze flexural waves propagation. Two important features on the wave propagation, wave-guide behaviour and the curvature effect of the tyre wall are analyzed. In consideration of noise radiation from tyre waves, most of the tyre waves observed in this study are inefficient sound radiators since their wavenumbers are larger than the acoustic wave number. As a result, It is observed that one of the most important features in sound radiation of a tyre shell is acoustically excited wave motion of the tyre wall.     

Chains of oscillators with negative stiffness elements

Negative stiffness is not allowed by thermodynamics and hence materials and systems whose global behaviour exhibits negative stiffness are unstable. However the stability is possible when these materials/systems are elements of a larger system sufficiently stiff to stabilise the negative stiffness elements. In order to investigate the effect of stabilisation we analyse oscillations in a chain of n linear oscillators (masses and springs connected in series) when some of the springs? stiffnesses can assume negative values. The ends of the chain are fixed. We formulated the necessary stability condition: only one spring in the chain can have negative stiffness. Furthermore, the value of negative stiffness cannot exceed a certain critical value that depends upon the (positive) stiffnesses of other springs. At the critical negative stiffness the system develops an eigenmode with vanishing frequency. In systems with viscous damping vanishing of an eigenfrequency does not yet lead to instability. Further increase in the value of negative stiffness leads to the appearance of aperiodic eigenmodes even with light damping. At the critical negative stiffness the low dissipative mode becomes non-dissipative, while for the high dissipative mode the damping coefficient becomes as twice as high as the damping coefficient of the system. A special element with controllable negative stiffness is suggested for designing hybrid materials whose stiffness and hence the dynamic behaviour is controlled by the magnitude of applied compressive force.     

Non-linear axisymmetric vibration of orthotropic thin circular plates on elastic foundations

This study deals with the large amplitude axisymmetric free vibrations of cylindrically orthotropic thin circular plates resting on elastic foundations. Geometric non-linearity due to moderately large deflections has been included. Movable and immovable simply supported plates and immovable clamped plates resting on Winkler, Pasternak and non-linear Winkler foundations have been considered. The von Kármán type governing equations have been employed. Harmonic vibrations are assumed and the time t is eliminated by the Kantorovich averaging method. An orthogonal point collocation method is used for spatial discretization. Numerical results are presented for the linear natural frequency of the first axisymmetric mode and for the ratio of the non-linear period to the linear period of natural vibration. The effects of foundation parameters, the orthotropic parameter and the edge conditions on the non-linear vibration behaviour have been investigated.     

SIMPLIFIED MODELS FOR THE LOCATION OF CRACKS IN BEAM STRUCTURES USING MEASURED VIBRATION DATA

A new simplified approach to modelling cracks in beams undergoing transverse vibration is presented. The modelling approach uses Euler-Bernoulli beam elements with small modifications to the local flexibility in the vicinity of cracks. This crack model is then used to estimate the crack locations and sizes, by minimizing the difference between the measured and predicted natural frequencies via model updating. The uniqueness of the approach is that the simplified crack model allows the location and damage extent to be estimated directly. The simplified crack model may also be used to generate training data for pattern recognition approaches to health monitoring. The proposed method has been illustrated using the experimental data on beam examples.     

Methods and application of structural modelling from measured structural frequency response data

A structure with a number of resonances is difficult to analyze theoretically but may be investigated from measured data. By exciting a structure at one point and measuring the frequency response at a number of positions it is possible to construct a mathematical model of the structure. The model is valuable because it enables unmeasured frequency response functions to be predicted. Methods of mathematical modelling are reviewed and a widely applicable procedure is proposed. By modelling two separate components of a structure from measured data it is possible to obtain an estimate of the subsequent motion and power flow through the two components when coupled. A critical examination is made of the use of mathematical modelling for the determination of mass and stiffness distribution and for the prediction of the response of coupled structures.     

The use of asymptotic modelling in vibration and stability analysis of structures

The use of springs with very large stiffness to model constraints in vibratory systems has been a popular approach to overcome the limitations on the choice of admissible functions in the Rayleigh-Ritz method. The maximum possible error resulting from this asymptotic modelling can be determined by using positive and negative stiffness values, or in general terms using positive and negative penalty functions. This paper illustrates how this method could be used to determine the critical loads of structures.     

Regularised finite element model updating using measured incomplete modal data

This paper presents an effective approach for directly updating finite element model from measured incomplete vibration modal data with regularised algorithms. The proposed method is based on the relationship between the perturbation of structural parameters such as stiffness change and the modal data measurements of the tested structure such as measured mode shape readings. In order to adjust structural parameters at detailed locations, structural updating parameters will be selected at critical point level to reflect the modelling errors at the connections of structural elements. These updating parameters are then evaluated by an iterative or a direct solution procedure, which gives optimised solutions in the least squares sense without requiring an optimisation technique. In order to reduce the influence of modal measurement uncertainty, the Tikhonov regularisation method incorporating the L-curve criterion is employed to produce reliable solutions for the chosen updating parameters. Numerical simulation investigations and experimental studies for the laboratory tested space steel frame structure are undertaken to verify the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed methods for adjusting the stiffness at the joints of structural members. The results demonstrate that the proposed methods provide reliable estimates of finite element model updating using the measured incomplete modal data.     

A tunable high-static-low-dynamic stiffness vibration isolator

In this study, a novel vibration isolator is developed. The developed isolator possesses the characteristics of high-static-low-dynamic stiffness (HSLDS) and can act passively or semi-actively. The HSLDS property of the isolator is obtained by connecting a mechanical spring, in parallel with a magnetic spring that is constructed by a pair of electromagnets and a permanent magnet. The mechanical spring is a structural beam whose stiffness exhibits a hardening behavior. The stiffness of the magnetic spring can be positive or negative, depending on the polarity of the current to the electromagnets. A passive HSLDS isolator is obtained when the electromagnet current is zero. In the stiffness characterization study, the analytical model for each of the springs is established and the tuning parameters are identified. Using the stiffness models, the design optimization issues are investigated. In the experimental study, the effectiveness of the isolator for vibration isolation is tested. The analytical natural frequencies of the isolator are validated experimentally. The relationships between the displacement transmissibility and the exciting frequency are measured both under the passive mode and under the semi-active mode. The on-line tuning capability of the isolator is investigated.