Mechanics Based Design of Structures and Machines 

About: Mechanics Based Design of Structures and Machines is an academic journal published by Marcel Dekker. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Finite element method & Vibration. It has an ISSN identifier of 1539-7734. Over the lifetime, 1340 publications have been published receiving 14493 citations.

Enhanced whale optimization algorithm for sizing optimization of skeletal structures

Abstract: The whale optimization algorithm (WOA) is a recently developed swarm-based optimization algorithm inspired by the hunting behavior of humpback whales. This study attempts to enhance the original formulation of the WOA in order to improve solution accuracy, reliability and convergence speed. The new method, called enhanced whale optimization algorithm (EWOA), is tested in sizing optimization problems of truss and frame structures. The EWOA is compared with WOA and other metaheuristic methods developed in literature in four optimization problems of skeletal structures. Numerical results demonstrate the efficiency of the EWOA and WOA with the former algorithm being more efficient than its standard version.

An Efficient Shear Deformation Beam Theory Based on Neutral Surface Position for Bending and Free Vibration of Functionally Graded Beams

Abstract: In this article, an efficient shear deformation beam theory based on neutral surface position is developed for bending and frees vibration analysis of functionally graded beams. The theory accounts for hyperbolic distribution of the transverse shear strains and satisfies the zero traction boundary conditions on the surfaces of the beam without using shear correction factors. The neutral surface position for a functionally graded beam in which its material properties vary in the thickness direction is determined. Based on the present higher order shear deformation beam theory and the neutral surface concept, the equations of motion are derived from Hamilton's principle. The accuracy of the present solutions is verified by comparing the obtained results with the existing solutions. It can be concluded that the present theory is not only accurate but also simple in predicting the bending and vibration behavior of functionally graded beams.

Design of Distributed Compliant Mechanisms

Abstract: The optimization problem formulations currently used to synthesize compliant mechanism topologies aim to maximize the flexibility for obtaining the desired output motion while maximizing the overall stiffness for satisfactorily bearing the applied loads. The best solution to this problem, as posed, is a linkage consisting of rigid members connected together with revolute joints. The current elastic mechanics-based formulations do generate compliant topologies that closely imitate a rigid-body linkage by means of lumped compliance as in flexural pivots. Systematically generating such topology solutions could serve as a creative aid in the conceptual design of mechanisms, especially when the force-deflection specifications are nonintuitive to human designers. However, flexural pivot-based compliant designs are not useful in most applications when large displacements and/or high strength are desired. Ideally, compliant designs should distribute flexibility uniformly throughout the structure rather t...

Static and free vibration analysis of graphene platelets reinforced composite truncated conical shell, cylindrical shell, and annular plate using theory of elasticity and DQM

Abstract: In this paper, three-dimensional static and free vibration analysis of functionally graded graphene platelets-reinforced composite (FG-GPLRC) truncated conical shells, cylindrical shells and annula...

A Dual Phase Lag Model on Thermoelastic Interaction in an Infinite Fiber-Reinforced Anisotropic Medium with a Circular Hole

Abstract: The model of generalized thermoelasticity proposed by dual phase lag (DPL), is applied to study the thermoelastic interactions in an infinite fiber-reinforced anisotropic medium with a circular hole. A decaying with time thermal field on the boundary of the hole, which is stress free, causes the thermoelastic interactions. The solutions for displacement, temperature, and stresses are obtained with the help of the finite element procedure. The effects of the reinforcement on temperature, stress, and displacement are studied. The exact solution in the case of isotropic medium is discussed explicitly. The accuracy of the finite element method validated by comparing between the finite element and exact solutions for absence the reinforcement.