Cerruti’s treatment of linear elastic trusses

This paper presents the analysis of linear elastic trusses proposed by Valentino Cerruti in his graduation thesis. While Cerruti is famous among rational mechanicians, very little is known on this work of his. We will consider the work in some detail, putting into evidence the main subjects dealt with by the author: redundant trusses and uniform resistance. We will also provide a comparison with his contemporaries and some critical comments.     

An extension of Neumann’s method for shape control of force-induced elastic vibrations by eigenstrains

This paper is concerned with the force-induced vibrations of linear elastic solids and structures. We seek a transient distribution of actuating stresses produced by additional eigenstrain, such that the vibrations produced by a given set of imposed forces are exactly compensated. This problem, known as dynamic shape control problem in structural engineering, or as dynamic displacement compensation problem in automatic control, is inverse to the usual direct problem of determining displacements due to imposed forces and actuation stresses. In the present paper, we extend a method, which was introduced by F.E. Neumann for demonstrating the uniqueness of direct elastodynamic problems. We use this extended Neumann method in order to show that the distribution of the actuating stresses for shape control must be equal to any statically admissible stress distribution that is in temporal equilibrium with the imposed forces. We furthermore discuss the role of stresses corresponding to this class of solutions in some detail, emphasizing the non-unique nature of a statically admissible stress. As an analytical justification of our formulations, we show that our method reveals some static results by J.M.C. Duhamel and by W. Voigt and D.E. Carlson. Particularly, our method can be interpreted as a dynamic extension of the Duhamel body-force analogy. We moreover present numerical results for a dynamically loaded, irregularly shaped domain in a state of plane strain. These finite element computations give excellent evidence for the validity of the presented method of shape control for both, the case of a step-input and the case of a harmonic excitation.     

The method of the reciprocal theorem of forced vibration for the elastic thin rectangular plates (II)—Rectangular plates with two adjacent clamped edges

In this paper, applying the method of reciprocal theorem, we give the distributions of the amplitude of bending moments along clamped edges and the amplitude of deflections along free edges of rectangular plates with two adjacent clamped edges under harmonic distributed and concentrated loads.     

Use of Tikhonov’s regularization method for solving identification problem for elastic systems

We present a method for solving nonlinear inverse problems, which also include identification problems for elastic systems. The problems whose initial data contain an error are usually solved by regularization methods [1–5]. In the present paper, we give preference to Tikhonov’s regularization method, which has been widely used in the recent years in practice to increase the stability of computational algorithms for solving problems in various areas of mechanics [6–9].     

Galin’s problem for a spatial elastic wedge

We study a three-dimensional contact problem on the indentation of an elliptic punch into a face of a linearly elastic wedge. The wedge is characterized by two parameters of elasticity and its edge is subjected to the action of an additional concentrated force. The other face wedge is free from stresses. The problem is reduced to an integral equation for the contact pressure. An asymptotic solution of this equation is obtained which is effective for a given contact region fairly remote from the edge. Calculations are performed that allow one to evaluate the effect of a force applied outside the contact region on the contact pressure distribution. The problem under study is a generalization of L. A. Galin’s problem on a force applied outside a circular punch on an elastic half-space [1, 2]. In a special case of a wedge with an opening angle of 180° and zero contact ellipse eccentricity, the obtained asymptotic relation coincides with the expansion of Galin’s exact solution in a series. Problems of indentation of an elliptic punch into a spatial wedge with the face not loaded outside the contact region have been studied previously. For example, the paper [3] dealt with the case of a known contact region (asymptotic method) and the paper [4] considered the case of an unknown contact region (numerical method). The solution of Galin’s problem allowed the authors of [2] to reduce the contact problem on the interaction of several punches applied to a half-space to a system of Fredholm integral equations of the second kind (Andreikin-Panasyuk method). A topical direction in contact mechanics is the model of discrete contact as well as related problems on the interaction of several punches [2, 5–8]. The interaction of several punches applied to a face of a wedge can be treated in a similar manner and an asymptotic solution can be obtained for the case where a concentrated force is applied at an arbitrary point of this face beyond the contact region rather than on the edge.     

Vertical vibrations of elastic foundation resting on saturated half-space

This paper is mainly concerned with the dynamic response of an elastic foun- dation of finite height bounded to the surface of a saturated half-space.The foundation is subjected to time-harmonic vertical loadings.First,the transform solutions for the governing equations of the saturated media are obtained.Then,based on the assumption that the contact between the foundation and the half-space is fully relaxed and the half- space is completely pervious or impervious,this dynamic mixed boundary-value problem can lead to dual integral equations,which can be further reduced to the Fredholm integral equations of the second kind and solved by numerical procedures.In the numerical exam- ples,the dynamic compliances,displacements and pore pressure are developed for a wide range of frequencies and material/geometrical properties of the saturated soil-foundation system.In most of the cases,the dynamic behavior of an elastic foundation resting on the saturated media significantly differs from that of a rigid disc on the saturated half-space. The solutions obtained can be used to study a variety of wave propagation problems and dynamic soil-structure interactions.     

On Green’s function for a bimaterial elastic half-plane

The problem of a point force acting in a composite, two-dimensional, isotropic elastic half-plane is considered. An exact solution is obtained, using Mellin transforms and the Melan solution for a point force in a homogeneous half-plane.     

Local existence for Frémond’s model of damage in elastic materials

We consider a dissipative model recently proposed by M. Frémond to describe the evolution of damage in elastic materials. The corresponding PDEs system consists of an elliptic equation for the displacements with a degenerating elastic coefficient coupled with a variational dissipative inclusion governing the evolution of damage. We prove a local-in-time existence and uniqueness result for an associated initial and boundary value problem, namely considering the evolution in some subinterval where the damage is not complete. The existence result is obtained by a truncation technique combined with suitable a priori estimates. Finally, we give an analogous local-in-time existence and uniqueness result for the case in which we introduce viscosity into the relation for macroscopic displacements such that the macroscopic equilibrium equation is of parabolic type.Received: 31 July 2002, Accepted: 9 August 2003, Published online: 21 November 2003Correspondence to: E. Bonetti     

Quasi-Green’s function method for free vibration of clamped thin plates on Winkler foundation

The quasi-Green’s function method is used to solve the free vibration problem of clamped thin plates on the Winkler foundation. Quasi-Green’s function is established by the fundamental solution and the boundary equation of the problem. The function satisfies the homogeneous boundary condition of the problem. The mode-shape differential equation of the free vibration problem of clamped thin plates on the Winkler foundation is reduced to the Fredholm integral equation of the second kind by Green’s formula. The irregularity of the kernel of the integral equation is overcome by choosing a suitable form of the normalized boundary equation. The numerical results show the high accuracy of the proposed method.     

Analytical solution for buckling of asymmetrically delaminated Reissner’s elastic columns including transverse shear

The exact analytical solution of buckling in delaminated columns is presented. In order to investigate analytically the influence of axial and shear strains on buckling loads the geometrically exact beam theory is employed with no simplification of the governing equations. The critical forces are then obtained by the linearized stability theory. In the paper, we limit the studies to linear elastic columns with a single delamination, but with arbitrary longitudinal and vertical asymmetry of delamination and arbitrary boundary conditions. The studies of quantitative and qualitative influence of transverse shear are shown in detail and extensive results for buckling loads with respect to delamination length, thickness and longitudinal position are presented.     

Eringen’s length scale coefficient for buckling of nonlocal rectangular plates from microstructured beam-grid model

Based on a microstructured beam-grid model, closed form solutions for Eringen’s length scale coefficient are derived for the buckling of nonlocal rectangular plates under compressive uniaxial load. The microstructured beam-grid model comprises rigid beam elements connected by rotational springs and torsional springs. Stiffness of the rotational springs and torsional springs are expressed in terms of the plate flexural and torsional rigidities, respectively. Exact buckling solutions are obtained for the microstructured beam-grid model. By interpreting the rigid element length as the internal characteristic length, the Eringen’s length scale coefficient $e_0$ may be determined by comparing the buckling load from the microstructured beam-grid model and the nonlocal rectangular plate model. The small length scale coefficient is shown to be dependent on the buckling mode, the aspect ratio of plate and boundary conditions.     

Analytical solution for squeeze film damping of MEMS perforated circular plates using Green’s function

Squeezed air film between two closely spaced vibrating microstructures is the important source of energy dissipation and has profound effects on the dynamics of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Perforations in the design are one of the methods to model these damping effects. The literature reveals that the analytical modeling of squeeze film damping of perforated circular microplates is less explored; however, these microplates are also an imperative part of the numerous MEMS devices. Here, we derive an analytical model of transverse and rocking motions of a perforated circular microplate. A modified Reynolds equation that incorporates compressibility and rarefaction effects is utilized in the analysis. Pressure distribution under the vibrating microplate is derived by using Green’s function and also derived by finite element method (FEM) to visualize the pressure distribution under perforated and non-perforated areas of the microplate. The analytical damping results are validated with previous renowned analytical models and also with the FEM results. The outcomes confirm the potential of the present analytical model to accurately predict the squeeze film damping parameters.     

A relook at Reissner’s theory of plates in bending

Shear deformation and higher order theories of plates in bending are (generally) based on plate element equilibrium equations derived either through variational principles or other methods. They involve coupling of flexure with torsion (torsion-type) problem and if applied vertical load is along one face of the plate, coupling even with extension problem. These coupled problems with reference to vertical deflection of plate in flexure result in artificial deflection due to torsion and increased deflection of faces of the plate due to extension. Coupling in the former case is eliminated earlier using an iterative method for analysis of thick plates in bending. The method is extended here for the analysis of associated stretching problem in flexure.     

On Saint-Venant’s principle in the dynamics of elastic beams

In dynamics, Saint-Venant’s principle of exponential decay of stress resulting from a self-equilibrating load is not valid. For a beam type structure, a self-equilibrated load may penetrate well inside the beam. Although this effect has been known for a long time, at least since Lamb’s paper [Proc. Roy. Soc. Lon. Ser. A 93 (1916) 114], it was not clear how to characterize it quantitatively. In this paper we propose a “probabilistic approach” to evaluate the magnitude of the penetrating stress state. The key point is that, in engineering problems, the distribution of the self-equilibrated load is usually not known. By assigning to the self-equilibrated load some probabilistic measure one can find probabilistic characteristics of the penetrating stress state. We develop this reasoning for the simplest case: longitudinal vibrations of a two-dimensional semi-infinite, elastic isotropic homogeneous strip, excited by a periodic load at the end. We show the frequency range where Saint-Venant’s principle can be used with good accuracy, and thus, one-dimensional classical beam theory still can be applied. We characterize also the increase in this range which is achieved in the refined plate theory proposed by Berdichevsky and Le [J. Appl. Math. Mech. (PMM) 42 (1) (1978) 140].     

Image singularities of Green’s functions for isotropic elastic bimaterials subjected to concentrated forces and dislocations

Green’s functions for isotropic materials in the two-dimensional problem for elastic bimaterials with perfectly bonded interface are reexamined in the present study. Although the Green’s function for an isotropic elastic bimaterial subjected to a line force or a line dislocation has been discussed by many authors, the physical meaning and the structure of the solution are not clear. In this investigation, the Green’s function for an elastic bimaterial is shown to consist of eight Green’s functions for a homogeneous infinite plane. One of the novel features is that Green’s functions for bimaterials can be expressed directly by knowing Green’s functions for the infinite plane. If the applied load is located in material 1, the solution for the half-plane of material 1 is constructed with the help of five Green’s functions corresponding to the infinite plane. However, the solution for the half-plane of material 2 only consists of three Green’s functions for the infinite plane. One of the five Green’s functions of material 1 and all the three Green’s functions of material 2 have their singularities located in the half-plane where the load is applied, and the other four image singularities of material 1 are located outside the half-plane at the same distance from the interface as that of the applied load. The nature and magnitude of the image singularities for both materials are presented explicitly from the principle of superposition, and classified according to different loads. It is known that for the problem of anisotropic bimaterials subjected to concentrated forces and dislocations, the image singularities are simply concentrated forces and dislocations with the stress singularity of order O(1/r). However, higher orders (O(1/r²) and O(1/r³)) of stress singularities are found to exist in this study for isotropic bimaterials. The highest order of the stress singularity is O(1/r³) for the image singularities of material 1, and is O(1/r²) for material 2. Using the present solution, Green’s functions associated with the problems of elastic half-plane with free and rigidly fixed boundaries, for homogeneous isotropic elastic solid, are obtained as special cases.     

Differential quadrature method for analyzing nonlinear dynamic characteristics of viscoelastic plates with shear effects

The integro-partial differential equations governing the dynamic behavior of viscoelastic plates taking account of higher-order shear effects and finite deformations are presented. From the matrix formulas of differential quadrature, the special matrix product and the domain decoupled technique presented in this work, the nonlinear governing equations are converted into an explicit matrix form in the spatial domain. The dynamic behaviors of viscoelastic plates are numerically analyzed by introducing new variables in the time domain. The methods in nonlinear dynamics are synthetically applied to reveal plenty and complex dynamical phenomena of viscoelastic plates. The numerical convergence and comparison studies are carried out to validate the present solutions. At the same time, the influences of load and material parameters on dynamic behaviors are investigated. One can see that the system will enter into the chaotic state with a paroxysm form or quasi-periodic bifurcation with changing of parameters.     

Dynamic equivalence,self-equilibrated excitation and Saint-Venant’s principle for an elastic strip

The distinction between the near and far-fields for a semi-infinite, elastic strip has been exploited to derive conditions under which different dynamic excitations can be considered as equivalent. These different excitations are equivalent in the sense that they produce the same displacement field far from the excited end. It is shown that dynamically equivalent excitations degenerate to statically equivalent loads in the limit of a vanishing frequency. The no-radiation condition is derived, and its relation to self-equilibrated, dynamic and static loads is presented. Dynamically equivalent excitations are utilized to formulate a dynamic version of Saint-Venant’s principle for symmetric excitations with frequencies below the first cut-off frequency of a strip. It has been shown that the requirement of self-equilibrium of a load for the decay of end effects for static fields can be deduced from the requirement of zero average power for the dynamic fields.     

Periodicity detection on the parameter-space of a forced Chua’s circuit

We report a Periodicity-Detection algorithm, implemented in a LabVIEW routine for real-time data analysis on experimental chaos, to evaluate the periodicity P of experimental time series. The Periodicity-Detector (PD) algorithm was applied to the forced Chua’s circuit with the aim to build the Periodicity-parameter-space (P-parameter-space). As results of the P-parameter-space, we could observe very complex dynamical behaviors, as regions of periodic structures, a new sequence of accumulation boundary, and the periodic structures organizing themselves in a period-adding bifurcation cascade. Those results agree with the maximal Lyapunov exponent and the bifurcation diagram analysis, presented in a previous work.