Constitutive structure in coupled non-linear electro-elasticity: Invariant descriptions and constitutive restrictions

A constitutive framework for electro-sensitive materials in the context of non-linear elasticity is analyzed. Constitutive equations are given in terms of energy functions that depend on several invariants. The study includes both the analysis of the invariants, which are present in the energy functions, and the analysis of constitutive restrictions that have to be obeyed by the constitutive functions. Isotropic as well as non-isotropic electro-sensitive elastomers are studied. The set of invariants that describe each material model is analyzed under two homogeneous deformations: (i) an uniaxial elongation and (ii) a simple shear deformation. These deformations are chosen since they are relevant to specific experiments, from which one may try to fit constitutive equations. The constitutive restrictions developed are based on classical ones used for isotropic non-linear elastic materials, in particular, are based on the Baker–Ericksen inequality and the ellipticity condition.     

Three-dimensional arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian numerical prediction method for non-linear free surface oscillation

A numerical prediction method has been proposed to predict non-linear free surface oscillation in an arbitrarily-shaped three-dimensional container. The liquid motions are described with Navier–Stokes equations rather than Laplace equations which are derived by assuming the velocity potential. The profile of a liquid surface is precisely represented with the three-dimensional curvilinear co-ordinates which are regenerated in each computational step on the basis of the arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) formulation. In the transformed space, the governing equations are discretized on a Lagrangian scheme with sufficient numerical accuracy and the boundary conditions near the liquid surface are implemented in a complete manner. In order to confirm the applicability of the present computational technique, numerical simulations are conducted for the free oscillations of viscid and inviscid liquids and for highly non-linear oscillation. In addition, non-linear sloshing motions caused by horizontal and vertical excitations and a transition from non-linear sloshing to swirling are numerically predicted in three-dimensional cylindrical containers. Conclusively, it is shown that these sloshing motions associated with high non-linearity are reasonably predicted with the present numerical technique. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Geometrically non-linear analysis of arbitrary elastic supported plates and shells using an element-based Lagrangian shell element

In the present paper, the ELF (element-based Lagrangian formulation) 9-node ANS (assumed natural strain) shell element was combined with the spring element for geometrically non-linear analysis of plates and shells sustained by arbitrary elastic edge supports that are subjected to variation in loading.This particular spring element serves as tool for modeling an arbitrary elastic edge support with 6 DOF (degrees of freedom). The elastic edge support was modeled by combining different spring models. The ANS method was used to overcome shear and membrane locking problems inherent in some thin plate and shell problems. In the formulation of the ELF characteristic arrays, the expression of element strains was adopted in the framework of the element natural coordinates. The non-linear analysis results of idealized edge supports were validated against the reference solutions available in the literature. As a result of the numerical test, the combination of the ELF 9-node shell element and spring element shows an exceptional performance for non-linear analysis of plates and shells under elastic edge supports.     

Localization of two-dimensional non-linear strain waves in a plate

The influence of an external medium on the evolution of two-dimensional long non-linear strain waves in an elastic plate is studied. The governing non-linear equations for longitudinal and shear waves are obtained. A threshold value of the external medium parameter is found that separates the existence of either one-dimensional (or plane) localized strain wave or two-dimensional localized strain wave. A considerable increase in the amplitude of the wave is found during the formation of the two-dimensional localized strain wave from an arbitrary initial pulse.     

Degenerate weakly non-linear elastic plane waves

Weakly non-linear plane waves are considered in hyperelastic crystals. Evolution equations are derived at a quadratically non-linear level for the amplitudes of quasi-longitudinal and quasi-transverse waves propagating in arbitrary anisotropic media. The form of the equations obtained depends upon the direction of propagation relative to the crystal axes. A single equation is found for all propagation directions for quasi-longitudinal waves, but a pair of coupled equations occurs for quasi-transverse waves propagating along directions of degeneracy, or acoustic axes. The coupled equations involve four material parameters but they simplify if the wave propagates along an axis of material symmetry. Thus, only two parameters arise for propagation along an axis of twofold symmetry, and one for a threefold axis. The transverse wave equations decouple if the axis is fourfold or higher. In the absence of a symmetry axis it is possible that the evolution equations of the quasi-transverse waves decouple if the third-order elastic moduli satisfy a certain identity. The theoretical results are illustrated with explicit examples.     

An investigation into non-linear vibrations of thin plates

The variational and modified forms of the von Kármán-type non-linear plate equations are considered in the context of the Rayleigh-Ritz and Galerkin methods. An approximate analysis of the non-linear vibrations of thin elastic plates including inplane inertia is presented. The quantitative study confirms that the inplane inertia effects are negligible for thin plates provided the non-linearity is not too large. It is observed that the non-linear inertia terms in the transverse equation of motion should be retained in any such study. The analysis is simplified by neglecting the inplane inertia and applied to constrained and unconstrained plates. A different type of inplane boundary condition termed ‘the partially constrained’ is studied, and the inadequacy of replacing the unconstrained condition by means of an average-zero stress condition is clearly demonstrated. It is observed that in most of the cases considered the Galerkin method yields lower bounds for the non-linear coefficient of the modal equation. In all cases the Galerkin results yield less stiff models than the Rayleigh-Ritz method. The general significance of the convergence of the two methods beyond the scope of the title problem is highlighted.     

Postbuckling and mode jumping analysis of composite laminates using an asymptotically correct, geometrically non-linear theory

An analytic method is presented in this paper to study the postbuckling and mode jumping behavior of bi-axially compressed composite laminates. The governing partial differential equations (PDEs) are derived rigorously from an asymptotically correct, geometrically non-linear theory. A novel and relatively simpler solution approach is developed to solve the two coupled fourth-order PDEs, namely, the compatibility equation and the dynamic governing equation. The generalized Galerkin method is used to solve boundary value problems corresponding to antisymmetric angle-ply and cross-ply composite plates, respectively. The variety of possible modal interactions is expressed in an explicit and concise form by transforming the coupled non-linear governing equations into a system of non-linear ordinary differential equations (ODEs).

The comparison between the present method and the finite element analysis (FEA) shows a pretty good match in their numerical results in the primary postbuckling region. While the FEA may lose its convergence when solution comes close to the secondary bifurcation point, the analytic approach has the capability of exploring deeply into the post-secondary buckling realm and capture the mode jumping phenomenon for various combinations of plate configurations and in-plane boundary conditions. Free vibration along the stable primary postbuckling and the jumped equilibrium paths are also studied.     

Higher order linearization in non-linear random vibration

In this paper a higher order linearization method for analyzing non-linear random vibration problems is presented. The non-linear terms of the given equation are replaced by unknown linear terms. These are in turn described by extra non-linear differential equations. The combined system of equations is then linearized to arrive at a higher degree-of-freedom equation for the original system. The method is illustrated by considering the Duffing oscillator under white noise input. The equivalent two d.o.f linear system is derived by the present method. Numerical results on steady state variance and PSD functions are obtained. These are found to be better than the simple linearization results.     

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.     

A computationally efficient non-linear beam model

Aerospace structures with large aspect ratio, such as airplane wings, rotorcraft blades, wind turbine blades, and jet engine fan and compressor blades, are particularly susceptible to aeroelastic phenomena. Finite element analysis provides an effective and generalized method to model these structures; however, it is computationally expensive. Fortunately, the large aspect ratio of these structures is exploitable as these potential aeroelastically unstable structures can be modeled as cantilevered beams, drastically reducing computational time.In this paper, the non-linear equations of motion are derived for an inextensional, non-uniform cantilevered beam with a straight elastic axis. Along the elastic axis, the cross-sectional center of mass can be offset in both dimensions, and the principal bending and centroidal axes can each be rotated uniquely. The Galerkin method is used, permitting arbitrary and abrupt variations along the length that require no knowledge of the spatial derivatives of the beam properties. Additionally, these equations consistently retain all third-order non-linearities that account for flexural-flexural-torsional coupling and extend the validity of the equations for large deformations.Furthermore, linearly independent shape functions are substituted into these equations, providing an efficient method to determine the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the beam and to solve for time-varying deformation.This method is validated using finite element analysis and is extended to swept wings. Finally, the importance of retaining cubic terms, in addition to quadratic terms, for non-linear analysis is demonstrated for several examples.     

Linear and non-linear vibration and frequency response analyses of microcantilevers subjected to tip-sample interaction

Despite their simple structure and design, microcantilevers are receiving increased attention due to their unique sensing and actuation features in many MEMS and NEMS. Along this line, a non-linear distributed-parameters modeling of a microcantilever beam under the influence of a nanoparticle sample is studied in this paper. A long-range Van der Waals force model is utilized to describe the microcantilever-particle interaction along with an inextensibility condition for the microcantilever in order to derive the equations of motion in terms of only one generalized coordinate. Both of these considerations impose strong nonlinearities on the resultant integro-partial equations of motion. In order to provide an understanding of non-linear characteristics of combined microcantilever-particle system, a geometrical function is wisely chosen in such a way that natural frequency of the linear model exactly equates with that of non-linear model. It is shown that both approaches are reasonably comparable for the system considered here. Linear and non-linear equations of motion are then investigated extensively in both frequency and time domains. The simulation results demonstrate that the particle attraction region can be obtained through studying natural frequency of the system consisting of microcantilever and particle. The frequency analysis also proves that the influence of nonlinearities is amplified inside the particle attraction region through bending or shifting the frequency response curves. This is accompanied by sudden changes in the vibration amplitude estimated very closely by the non-linear model, while it cannot be predicted by the best linear model at all.     

The approximate solutions to the non-linear heat conduction problems in a semi-infinite medium

The approximate solutions to the non-linear heat conduction problems in a semi-infinite medium are investigated. The entire temperature range is divided into a number of small sub-regions where the thermal properties can be approximated to be constant. The resulting problems can be considered as the Stefan’s problem of a multi-phase with no latent heat and the exact solutions called Neumann’s solution are available. In order to obtain the solutions, however, a set of highly non-linear equations in determining the phase boundaries should be solved simultaneously. This work presents a semi-analytic algorithm to determine the phase boundaries without solving the highly non-linear equations. Results show that the solutions for a set of highly non-linear equations depend strongly on the initial guess, bad initial guess leads to the wrong solutions. However, the present algorithm does not require the initial guess and always converges to the correct solutions.     

Solutions of some classes of second order non-linear ordinary differential equations

A second order non-linear ordinary differential equation satisfied by a homogeneous function of u and v where u is a solution of the linear equation ÿ + p(t)ÿ + r(t)y = 0 and v = ωu, ω being an arbitrary function of t, is obtained. Defining ω suitably in two specific cases, solutions are obtained for a non-linear equation of the form ÿ + p(t)ÿ + q(t)y = μÿ²y^{−1 +} f(t)yⁿ where μ ≠ 1, n≠ 1. Applying our results, some classes of equations of the above type possessing solutions involving two or one or no arbitrary constants are derived. Some illustrative examples are also discussed.     

Dynamics of the geometrically non-linear analysis of anisotropic laminated cylindrical shells

A general approach, based on shearable shell theory, to predict the influence of geometric non-linearities on the natural frequencies of an elastic anisotropic laminated cylindrical shell incorporating large displacements and rotations is presented in this paper. The effects of shear deformations and rotary inertia are taken into account in the equations of motion. The hybrid finite element approach and shearable shell theory are used to determine the shape function matrix. The analytical solution is divided into two parts. In part one, the displacement functions are obtained by the exact solution of the equilibrium equations of a cylindrical shell based on shearable shell theory instead of the usually used and more arbitrary interpolating polynomials. The mass and linear stiffness matrices are derived by exact analytical integration. In part two, the modal coefficients are obtained, using Green's exact strain-displacement relations, for these displacement functions. The second- and third-order non-linear stiffness matrices are then calculated by precise analytical integration and superimposed on the linear part of equations to establish the non-linear modal equations. Comparison with available results is satisfactorily good.     

Exploitation of non-linear resonance in gravity-stabilized satellites

A perturbation study is presented which investigates the influence of internal non-linear resonance on the angular motion of a gravity-stabilized satellite containing a spinning rotor and a damper. First-order conditions that induce resonance are developed via the KBM method of asymptotic expansions. For a given resonance condition, energy dissipation properties of the system are assessed by a perturbation analysis based on canonical transformation theory. The analyses indicate that during internal resonance a relatively large transfer of energy can occur between satellite in-orbit plane (pitch) librations and out-of-plane (roll-yaw) librations. Moreover, for a limited range of pitch amplitudes, it is possible to induce resonance and dramatically attenuate pitch motion with a damper that is sensitive to yaw axis motion. The results were confirmed for a rotorless satellite by numerically integrating the exact equations of motion.     

Large-deflection and postbuckling of beam-columns with non-linear semi-rigid connections including shear and axial effects

The non-linear large deflection-small strain analysis and post-buckling behavior of an out-of-plumb Timoshenko beam-column of symmetrical cross section subjected to end loads (forces and moments) with non-linear bending connections at both ends, and its top end partially restrained against transverse and longitudinal translations are developed in a classical manner. A set of non-linear equations based on the “modified shear equation” that includes the effects of (1) shear deformation and the shear component of the applied axial forces; and (2) shortening of the beam-column due to both axial forces and “bowing” are presented. The proposed method and corresponding equations can be used in the large deflection-small strain analysis of Timoshenko beam-columns with non-linear bending connections, as well as lateral and longitudinal non-linear restraints at the top end. This paper is an extension of previous work presented by the senior author on the large deflection and post-buckling behavior of Timoshenko beam-columns with linear elastic semi-rigid connections and linear elastic lateral bracing. Three comprehensive examples are included that show the effectiveness of the proposed method and corresponding equations. Results obtained in the three examples are verified against analytical solutions available in the technical literature and against results from models using the FEM program ABAQUS.     

On the propagation of a three-dimensional packet of weakly non-linear internal gravity waves

The evolution of a three-dimensional packet of weakly non-linear internal gravity waves propagating obliquely at an arbitrary angle to the vertical line is considered. Two coupled non-linear equations connecting variations of a packet amplitude and induced flows are derived. three-dimensionality of the packet having been found responsible for the non-linearity of the system. Explicit formulae for the induced flow vertical component and the mean density field variation caused by packet propagation have been obtained. The plane wave is shown to be unstable at any arbitrary slope of the wave vector. The non-linear equation describing the evolution of the two-dimensional packet is derived in the subsequent order of the asymptotic scheme.It has been found possible for the packet to collapse. The collapse of internal waves packets may be one of the possible mechanisms of “blini”-shaped regions of mixed waters formation in the ocean.     

A new multigrid algorithm for non-linear equations in conjunction with time-marching procedures

Full approximate storage (FAS) multigrid algorithm is the most commonly used multigrid algorithm for non-linear equations. The algorithm initially developed for steady-state equations was later extended to obtain steady-state solutions employing unsteady equations. In extending the FAS algorithm for the steady-state non-linear equations to unsteady non-linear equations, the FAS algorithm does not to take into account that the governing equations are typically linearized in time before they are solved. Thus, there is a scope to develop a new multigrid algorithm to apply the multigrid technique to the equations linearized in time. In the present work, such an algorithm is developed exploring this possibility and is implemented for two-dimensional incompressible and compressible flows coupled with explicit time marching procedures. The results of the new algorithm compare favourably with those of the FAS multigrid method and single grid.     

Resonant non-linear normal modes. Part II: activation/orthogonality conditions for shallow structural systems

The general conditions, obtained in Lacarbonara and Rega (Int. J. Non-linear Mech. (2002)), for orthogonality of the non-linear normal modes in the cases of two-to-one, three-to-one, and one-to-one internal resonances in undamped unforced one-dimensional systems with arbitrary linear, quadratic and cubic non-linearities are here investigated for a class of shallow symmetric structural systems. Non-linear orthogonality of the modes and activation of the associated interactions are clearly dual problems. It is known that an appropriate integer ratio between the frequencies of the modes of a spatially continuous system is a necessary but not sufficient condition for these modes to be non-linearly coupled. Actual activation/orthogonality of the modes requires the additional condition that the governing effective non-linear interaction coefficients in the normal forms be different/equal to zero. Herein, a detailed picture of activation/orthogonality of bimodal interactions in buckled beams, shallow arches, and suspended cables is presented.     

What non-linear methods offered to linear problems? The Fokas transform method

In 1750 D’ Alembert demonstrated how a linear partial differential equation can be solved via separation of variables, a method that decomposes a PDE into a set of ODEs. This method was the basis for the development of many branches of contemporary analysis, from function spaces to spectral analysis of operators and the theory of special functions. A condition for the method of separation of variables to work is the existence of a coordinate system that fits the boundary of the fundamental domain and at the same time it separates the PDE. It is remarkable that two and a half centuries later a generalization is introduced that has its origin in the analysis of non-linear integrable equations. In the present work, this promising new transform method is outlined and applied to particular boundary value problems. A crucial part of the method is the introduction of a global relation which, if properly used, can provide the missing boundary data in a very elegant and effective way. We show how this can be used to generate separable solutions of partial differential equations even when no system, that fits the geometry of the fundamental domain, is available. This is shown for the case of the Dirichlet problem for the modified Helmholtz equation in the interior of an equilateral triangle. Furthermore, the connection of the Fokas method to the classical moment problem is investigated. It is shown that, in this case, the global relation is decomposed into a sequence of global relations, directly associated with the Fourier coefficients of the Dirichlet and Neumann boundary values.