Showing papers in "Key Engineering Materials in 1999"

A Frequency Domain Approach for Fatigue Life Estimation from Finite Element Analysis

Abstract: Fatigue damage is traditionally determined from time signals of loading, usually in the form of stress or strain. This approach is satisfactory for periodic loading but requires very large time records to accurately describe random loading processes. These may prove prohibitive for many finite element analyses especially when modelling dynamic resonance. Alternatively, a compact frequency domain fatigue calculation can be utilised where the random loading and response are categorised using Power spectral density (PSD) functions and the dynamic structure is modelled as a linear transfer function. This paper will review the available methods for performing fatigue analysis from PSDs and shows that the Dirlik method gives the best comparable results with the traditional time domain approaches. It also demonstrates how these techniques can be implemented in the Finite Element environment to rapidly identify critical areas in the structure.

Vibration-Based Damage Detection in Rotating Machinery

Abstract: Damage detection as determined from changes in the vibration characteristics of a system has been a popular research topic for the last thirty years. Numerous damage identification algorithms have been proposed for detecting and locating damage in structural and mechanical systems. To date, these damage-detection methods have shown mixed results. A particular application of vibration-based damage detection that has perhaps enjoyed the greatest success is that of damage detection in rotating machinery. This paper summarizes the state of technology in vibration-based damage detection applied to rotating machinery. The review interprets the damage detection process in terms of a statistical pattern recognition paradigm that encompasses all vibration-based damage detection methods and applications. The motivation for the study reported herein is to identify the reasons that vibration-based damage detection has been successfully applied to rotating machinery, but has yet to show robust applications to civil engineering infrastructure. The paper concludes by comparing and contrasting the vibration-based damage detection applied to rotating machinery with large civil engineering infrastructure applications.

Novel Developments in α-SiAION Ceramics

Abstract: Advanced Research Workshop on Engineering Ceramics 99: Multifunctional Properties - New Perspectives -- MAY 11-15, 1999 -- SMOLENICE CASTLE, SMOLENICE, SLOVAKIA

"Mode and transducer selection for long range lamb wave inspection" in Damage Assessment of Structures

Abstract: Lamb waves can propagate many metres along plate and shell structures, and so have great potential in ‘smart structure’ applications where it is important for a transducer to interrogate a significant area of the surrounding structure. However, there are many different types of Lamb wave and in order to obtain simple signals that can be reliably interpreted, it is important to excite a single mode in a well controlled direction. The choice of which Lamb wave mode to use in a particular application depends on numerous factors, including the resolution required, the type of defects or damage to be detected, the attenuation and the available transduction options. This paper sets out a rational procedure for identifying suitable Lamb wave modes and operating frequencies for a particular inspection task. It is shown that the properties of the system to be inspected determine which mode and frequencies can be used, and that this then dictates the type of transducer required. A procedure for evaluating the performance of Lamb wave transducers is also demonstrated. As an illustrative example, it is shown that the well known angle incidence transduction technique is not generally suitable in applications where the structure to be inspected is liquid loaded. In such cases it is necessary to consider alternative transduction options such as electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMATs) or shear piezoelectric devices.

Role of Intergranular Films in Toughened Ceramics

Abstract: Self-reinforced silicon nitride ceramics rely the generation of elongated grains that act as reinforcing elements to gain increases in fracture toughness. However, the size and number of the reinforcing grains must be controlled, along with the matrix grain size, to optimize the fracture toughness and strength. Furthermore, the toughening processes of crack bridging are dependent upon retention of these reinforcing grains during crack extension by an interfacial debonding process. Both the debonding process and the resultant toughening effects are found to be influenced by the composition of the sintering aids which typical are incorporated into the amorphous intergranular films found in these ceramics. Specifically, it is shown that the interface between the intergranular glass and the reinforcing grains is strengthened in the presence of an epitaxial SiAlON layer. In addition, the interface strength increases with the Al and 0 content of the SiAlON layer. Micromechanics modeling indicates that stresses associated with thermal expansion mismatch are a secondary factor in interfacial debonding in these specific systems. On the other hand, first principles atomic cluster calculations reveal that the debonding behavior is consistent with the formation of strong Si-0 and Al-O bonds across the glass-crystalline interface.