Transient swelling-induced finite bending of hydrogel-based bilayers: analytical and FEM approaches

Hydrogels with their time-dependent intrinsic behaviors have recently been used widely in soft structures as sensors/actuators. One of the most interesting structures is the bilayer made up of hydrogels which may undergo swelling-induced bending. In this work, by proposing a semi-analytical method, the transient bending of hydrogel-based bilayers is investigated. Utilizing nonlinear solid mechanics, a robust semi-analytical solution is developed which captures the transient finite bending of hydrogel-based bilayers. Moreover, the multiphysics model of the hydrogels is implemented in the finite element method (FEM) framework to verify the developed semi-analytical procedure results. The effects of different material properties are investigated to illustrate the nonlinear behavior of these structures. The von-Mises stress contour extracted from FEM shows that the critical area of these soft structures is at the interface of the layers which experiences the maximum stress, and this area is most likely to rupture in large deformations.     

Finite deformation thermo-mechanical behavior of thermally induced shape memory polymers

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are polymers that can demonstrate programmable shape memory effects. Typically, an SMP is pre-deformed from an initial shape to a deformed shape by applying a mechanical load at the temperature T_H>T_g. It will maintain this deformed shape after subsequently lowering the temperature to T_L<T_g and removing the externally mechanical load. The shape memory effect is activated by increasing the temperature to T_D>T_g, where the initial shape is recovered. In this paper, the finite deformation thermo-mechanical behaviors of amorphous SMPs are experimentally investigated. Based on the experimental observations and an understanding of the underlying physical mechanism of the shape memory behavior, a three-dimensional (3D) constitutive model is developed to describe the finite deformation thermo-mechanical response of SMPs. The model in this paper has been implemented into an ABAQUS user material subroutine (UMAT) for finite element analysis, and numerical simulations of the thermo-mechanical experiments verify the efficiency of the model. This model will serve as a modeling tool for the design of more complicated SMP-based structures and devices.     

复合材料正交加筋板在横向载荷下挠度计算的半解析法

本文采用一种新的半解析法,即独特利用Heaviside函数建立与加筋板等效的变刚度模型来开展复合材料双向正交加筋板在横向载荷下的弯曲挠度分析．此模型可以准确地描述筋条在板面上的分布,以及由于筋条的存在而导致的板面刚度不均匀分布．使用Galerkin加权残值法求解该模型的控制方程,得到不同边界条件和载荷情况下的级数解．对于双向正交加筋板,将此半解析法的结果与传统均匀化方法和使用商业有限元软件ABAQUS建立的有限元模型所得到的弯曲挠度结果比较,验证了此方法的准确性和优越性．不同于传统均匀化方法,本双向正交加筋板的弯曲挠度半解析法可精确、有效地获取加筋间的局部弯曲挠度,可以促进复合材料结构的设计分析与优化的研究进展．     

比例边界有限元二阶灵敏度设计及断裂力学分析

比例边界有限元是一种只需在边界上划分网格且无需基本解的半解析方法,能有效处理应力奇异性和无边界问题.论文提出了一种比例边界有限元的二阶灵敏度分析方法,可以准确而高效地求解响应关于参数的二阶梯度.首先通过建立仅需右特征向量的哈密顿矩阵特征灵敏度分析方程,发展了一种改进的比例边界有限元一阶灵敏度分析方法;其次,进一步通过构建二阶哈密顿矩阵特征灵敏度分析方程,并对比例边界有限元系统方程进行一系列二次直接微分,提出了一种半解析形式的比例边界有限元二阶灵敏度分析方法.该方法被应用于线弹性裂纹结构的形状灵敏度分析和不确定性传播分析.最后,给出了两个数值算例验证论文方法的有效性.     

功能梯度材料板件三维分析的半解析梯度有限元法

将半解析有限元与梯度有限元相结合,形成一种半解析梯度有限元来求解功能梯度材料板件问题。该方法兼有有限元法的适应性强、程序统一,半解析有限元法的节省单元与计算工作量,梯度有限元法的适应构件内部材料性能任意梯度分布等特点,并实现用一维数值计算给出构件三维分析结果。算例分析表明了方法的精度、功能与上述特点,充分揭示了功能梯度材料板件力学响应的三维形态。半解析梯度有限元法可推广应用到其他功能梯度材料面结构的各类分析中。     

Axisymmetric deformations of circular rings made of linear and Neo-Hookean materials under internal and external pressure: A benchmark for finite element codes

The axisymmetric deformations of thick circular rings are investigated. Four materials are explored: linear material, incompressible Neo-Hookean material and Ogden's and Bower's forms of compressible Neo-Hookean material. Radial distributed forces and a displacement-dependent pressure are the external loads. This problem is relatively simple and allows analytical, or semi-analytical, solution; therefore it has been chosen as a benchmark to test commercial finite element software for various material laws at large strains. The solutions obtained with commercial finite element software are almost identical to the present semi-analytical ones, except for the linear material, for which commercial finite element programs give incorrect results.     

Numerical Simulations for Saltwater Intrusion by the Mixed Hybrid Finite Element Method and Discontinuous Finite Element Method

The proposed numerical code simulates the displacement of two miscible fluids through a saturated porous medium (2D configuration). Coupling between flow and transport is carried out by an equation of state. In the mixing zone, the density is assumed to vary as a function of concentration. The model uses a combination of the mixed hybrid finite element method and the discontinuous finite element method.Applied in its classical development, the mixed hybrid finite element method leads to a non-conservative formulation of the mass balance equation. However, one of the main reasons for using this technique is the ability to conserve mass cell-by-cell. Consequently, a new formulation that makes it possible to hold the conservative form of the continuity equation and so preserve the mass cell-wise is proposed. Although the pertinence of these approaches could have also been tested on other standard benchmarks, e.g., Elder's problem or salt dome problem, we have voluntarily limited ourselves to Henry's problem (1964). This choice was dictated by the possibility of a comparison with a semi-analytical solution. Contrary to previous numerical results, the comparison is made for the whole mixing zone. The very good agreement between our results and the semi-analytical solution shows the robustness and the efficiency of this approach for the seawater intrusion problems.     

基于等几何分析的比例边界有限元方法

提出了一种具有比例边界有限元的半解析特性和等几何分析的几何特性的新方法。该新方法是在比例边界有限元框架中用NURBS曲线或曲面精确描述域边界几何形状,同时域边界位移场采用描述几何形状的NURBS形函数等参构造。这种新方法具有比例边界有限元固有的径向解析特性和NURBS的高阶连续性的优点。数值算例显示,与传统的比例边界有限元相比,基于等几何分析的比例边界有限元方法提高了域边界单元和域内应力场的连续性,减少了计算自由度。应用此方法可以用较少的计算自由度获得更高连续阶和更高精度的位移、应力和应变场。     

ELASTO-PLASTIC COUPLED ANALYSIS OF BURIED STRUCTURE AND SOIL MEDIUM BY PERTURBATIONAL SEMI-ANALYTIC METHOD

I.IntroductionMoreandmoreelasto-plasticanalysesareusedinCivilEngineering.TheMohr-Coulombyieldconditionisoftenappliedtorockandsoilmediumtostudythesituationofdestruction.Theperturbationalmethodwasfirstusedinthestudyofcelestialmechanics,thenithasbeenusedinsolidmechanicstocarryoutthegeometricallyandphysicallynonlinearanalysis[']'12].Forlarge?scalcproblems,thegeneralnumericalmethodsmaynotbeapttothiscomplexcalculation,butsemi-analyticalmethodscandoitwell.Touseanalyticalfunctionsinoneortwodirectio…     

Nodeless variable finite element method for heat transfer analysis by means of flux-based formulation and mesh adaptation

Based on flux-based formulation, a nodeless variable element method is developed to analyze two-dimensional steady-state and transient heat transfer problems. The nodeless variable element employs quadratic interpolation functions to provide higher solution accuracy without necessity to actually generate additional nodes. The flux-based formulation is applied to reduce the complexity in deriving the finite element equations as compared to the conventional finite element method. The solution accuracy is further improved by implementing an adaptive meshing technique to generate finite element mesh that can adapt and move along corresponding to the solution behavior. The technique generates small elements in the regions of steep solution gradients to provide accurate solution, and meanwhile it generates larger elements in the other regions where the solution gradients are slight to reduce the computational time and the computer memory. The effectiveness of the combined procedure is demonstrated by heat transfer problems that have exact solutions. These problems are: (a) a steady-state heat conduction analysis in a square plate subjected to a highly localized surface heating, and (b) a transient heat conduction analysis in a long plate subjected to a moving heat source. The English text was polished by Yunming Chen.     

A new method for the non-linear deflection analysis of an infinite beam resting on a non-linear elastic foundation

The aim of this paper is to develop a new method of analyzing the non-linear deflection behavior of an infinite beam on a non-linear elastic foundation. Non-linear beam problems have traditionally been dealt with by semi-analytical approaches that involve small perturbations or by numerical methods, such as the non-linear finite element method. In this paper, in contrast, a transformed non-linear integral equation that governs non-linear beam deflection behavior is formulated to develop a new method for non-linear solutions. The proposed method requires an iteration to solve non-linear problems, but is fairly simple and straightforward to apply. It also converges quickly, whereas traditional non-linear solution procedures are generally quite complex in application. Mathematical analysis of the proposed method is performed. In addition, illustrative examples are presented to demonstrate the validity of the method developed in the present study.     

FINITE LAYER ANALYSIS FOR SEMI-INFINITE SOILS (Ⅰ)——GENERAL THEORY

In the present paper a finite layer method is studied for the elastodynamics of transverse isotropic bodies. With this method, semi-infinite soils can be considered as an transverse isotropic half-space, its material functions varying with depth. Dividing the half.space into a series of layers in the direction of depth the material fimetioms in each layer are simulated by exponential fumctions Consequently, the fundamental equations to be solved can be simplified if the fouricr transform with repsect to coordinates is used. We have obtained the relationship between the "layer forces" and "layer displacements". This finite layer method, in fact, can also be called a semi-analytical method. It possesses those advantages as the usual semi-analytical methods do, and can be used to analyse the problem of the interaction between soils and structures.     

Some applications of semi-analytical finite element method in static and dynamic analysis of structures

In this paper a kind of semi-analytical finite element method based on the transfer matrix analysis of shells of revolution is briefly formulated. Some recent investigations on its application are presented: (1) a reanalysis algorithm for improving the accuracy of free vibration analysis; (2) a kind of semi-analytical ring element for the stress analysis of a curved pipe of the slender torus shell type.     

A finite deformation thermomechanical constitutive model for triple shape polymeric composites based on dual thermal transitions

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) have gained strong research interests recently due to their mechanical action that exploits their capability to fix temporary shapes and recover their permanent shape in response to an environmental stimulus such as heat, electricity, irradiation, moisture or magnetic field, among others. Along with interests in conventional “dual-shape” SMPs that can recover from one temporary shape to the permanent shape, multi-shape SMPs that can fix more than one temporary shapes and recover sequentially from one temporary shape to another and eventually to the permanent shape, have started to attract increasing attention. Two approaches have been used to achieve multi-shape shape memory effects (m-SMEs). The first approach uses polymers with a wide thermal transition temperature whilst the second method employs multiple thermal transition temperatures, most notably, uses two distinct thermal transition temperatures to obtain triple-shape memory effects (t-SMEs). Recently, one of the authors’ group reported a triple-shape polymeric composite (TSPC), which is composed of an amorphous SMP matrix (epoxy), providing the system the rubber-glass transition to fix one temporary shape, and an interpenetrating crystallizable fiber network (PCL) providing the system the melt-crystal transition to fix the other temporary shape. A one-dimensional (1D) material model developed by the authors revealed the underlying shape memory mechanism of shape memory behaviors due to dual thermal transitions. In this paper, a three-dimension (3D) finite deformation thermomechanical constitutive model is presented to enable the simulations of t-SME under more complicated deformation conditions. Simple experiments, such as uniaxial tensions, thermal expansions and stress relaxation tests were carried out to identify parameters used in the model. Using an implemented user material subroutine (UMAT), the constitutive model successfully reproduced different types of shape memory behaviors exhibited in experiments designed for shape memory behaviors. Stress distribution analyses were performed to analyze the stress distribution during those different shape memory behaviors. The model was also able to simulate complicated applications, such as a twisted sheet and a folded stick, to demonstrate t-SME.     

Finite deformation swelling of a temperature-sensitive hydrogel cylinder under combined extension-torsion

The swelling behavior of a temperature-sensitive poly-N-isopropylacrylamide(PNIPAM) hydrogel circular cylinder is studied subjected to combined extension-torsion and varied temperature. In this regard, a semi-analytical solution is proposed for general combined loading. A finite element(FE) analysis is conducted, subjecting a hydrogel cylinder to the combined extension-torsion and the varied temperature to evaluate the validity and accuracy of the solution. A user-defined UHYPER subroutine is developed and verified under free and constrained swelling conditions. The FE results illustrate excellent agreement with the semi-analytical solution. Due to the complexity of the problem, some compositions and applied loading factors are analyzed. It is revealed that for larger cross-linked density and larger ending temperature, the cylinder yields higher stresses and smaller radial swelling deformation. Besides, the radial and hoop stresses increase by applying larger twist and axial stretch. The hoop stresses intersect at approximately R/Rout = 0.58, where the hoop stress vanishes. Besides, the axial force has direct and inverse relationships with the axial stretch and the twist, respectively. However, the resultant torsional moment behavior is complex, and the position of the maximum point varies significantly by altering the axial stretch and the twist.     

A semi-analytical approach for the non-linear large deflection analysis of laminated rectangular plates under general out-of-plane loading

A semi-analytical approach for the geometrically non-linear analysis of rectangular laminated plates with general inplane and out-of-plane boundary conditions under a general distribution of out-of-plane loads is developed. The analysis is based on the elastic thin plate theory with geometrically non-linear von Kármán strains. The solution of the non-linear partial differential equations is reduced to an iterative sequential solution of non-linear ordinary differential equations using the multi-term extended Kantorovich method. The efficiency, accuracy, and convergence of the proposed method are examined through a comparison with other semi-analytical methods and with finite element analyses. The capabilities of the approach and its applicability to the non-linear large deflection analysis of plate structures are demonstrated through various numerical examples. Emphasis is placed on combinations of lamination, boundary, and loading conditions that cannot be analyzed using alternative semi-analytical methods.     

THE MIXED STATE HAMILTONIAN DYNAMIC ELEMENT AND A SEMI-ANALYTICAL SOLUTION FOR THE ANALYSIS OF THICK LAMINATED COMPOSITE PLATES

Through introducing the Laplace transformation in the time direction,the mixed state Hamilton canonical equation and a semi-analytical solution arepresented for analyzing the dynamic response of laminated composite plates.Thismethod accounts for the separation of variables,the finite element discretization can beemployed in the plane of laminar,and the exact solution in the thickness direction isderived by the state space control method.To apply the transfer matrix method,therelational expression at the top and bottom surface is established.So the generalsolution in transformation space is deduced by the spot method.By the application ofinversion of Laplace transformation,the transient displacements and stresses can bederived.     

离散元与壳体有限元结合的多尺度方法及其应用

在深入研究复杂结构和非均质材料冲击响应和破坏机理的过程中,往往遇到多尺度计算问题。本文尝试建立三维离散元与壳体有限元结合的多尺度方法用于处理圆柱壳问题,该方法采用三维离散元对感兴趣的局域进行局部模拟,利用平板壳体有限元进行整体模拟,采用一种特殊的过渡层使离散元区和有限元区能很好的衔接。我们将这一方法应用于激光辐照下充压柱壳的热/力耦合冲击破坏响应,得到的模拟结果与文献报道有较好的吻合。     

弹性力学Hamilton方法广义解的适定性

首先引入了Hamilton体系中平面应力弹性力学问题正则方程的Galerkin变分方程,证明了Galerkin变分方程和目前文献中所用的Ritz变分方程的等价性,以及相应广义解的适定性,从而为目前的数值方法提供了理论基础。从证明过程中可以看到广义解实际上是Ritz变分泛函的一个鞍点。     

On the application of mixed method to solve solids of revolution with discrete fixed supports

In this paper, the force method of statically indeterminate structure mechanics is used to treat the solids of revolution with discrete fixed supports. The reactionary forces of discrete fixed supports are considered as statically indeterminate unknown variables. The force-method canonical equations, in which the coefficient matrix and the right-hand vector are computed by semi-analytical finite element method, are solved. Then the finite element solution of solid of revolution with discrete fixed supports is calculated with the external loads superposed from the assigned external loads and the reactionary forces of discrete supports.