Showing papers in "Shock and Vibration in 2017"

Deep Learning Enabled Fault Diagnosis Using Time-Frequency Image Analysis of Rolling Element Bearings

Abstract: Traditional feature extraction and selection is a labor-intensive process requiring expert knowledge of the relevant features pertinent to the system. This knowledge is sometimes a luxury and could introduce added uncertainty and bias to the results. To address this problem a deep learning enabled featureless methodology is proposed to automatically learn the features of the data. Time-frequency representations of the raw data are used to generate image representations of the raw signal, which are then fed into a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture for classification and fault diagnosis. This methodology was applied to two public data sets of rolling element bearing vibration signals. Three time-frequency analysis methods (short-time Fourier transform, wavelet transform, and Hilbert-Huang transform) were explored for their representation effectiveness. The proposed CNN architecture achieves better results with less learnable parameters than similar architectures used for fault detection, including cases with experimental noise.

Fault Diagnosis for Rotating Machinery Based on Convolutional Neural Network and Empirical Mode Decomposition

Abstract: The analysis of vibration signals has been a very important technique for fault diagnosis and health management of rotating machinery. Classic fault diagnosis methods are mainly based on traditional signal features such as mean value, standard derivation, and kurtosis. Signals still contain abundant information which we did not fully take advantage of. In this paper, a new approach is proposed for rotating machinery fault diagnosis with feature extraction algorithm based on empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and convolutional neural network (CNN) techniques. The fundamental purpose of our newly proposed approach is to extract distinguishing features. Frequency spectrum of the signal obtained through fast Fourier transform process is trained in a designed CNN structure to extract compressed features with spatial information. To solve the nonstationary characteristic, we also apply EMD technique to the original vibration signals. EMD energy entropy is calculated using the first few intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) which contain more energy. With features extracted from both methods combined, classification models are trained for diagnosis. We carried out experiments with vibration data of 52 different categories under different machine conditions to test the validity of the approach, and the results indicate it is more accurate and reliable than previous approaches.

Static and Dynamic Strain Monitoring of Reinforced Concrete Components through Embedded Carbon Nanotube Cement-Based Sensors

Abstract: The paper presents a study on the use of cement-based sensors doped with carbon nanotubes as embedded smart sensors for static and dynamic strain monitoring of reinforced concrete (RC) elements. Such novel sensors can be used for the monitoring of civil infrastructures. Because they are fabricated from a structural material and are easy to utilize, these sensors can be integrated into structural elements for monitoring of different types of constructions during their service life. Despite the scientific attention that such sensors have received in recent years, further research is needed to understand (i) the repeatability and accuracy of sensors’ behavior over a meaningful number of sensors, (ii) testing configurations and calibration methods, and (iii) the sensors’ ability to provide static and dynamic strain measurements when actually embedded in RC elements. To address these research needs, this paper presents a preliminary characterization of the self-sensing capabilities and the dynamic properties of a meaningful number of cement-based sensors and studies their application as embedded sensors in a full-scale RC beam. Results from electrical and electromechanical tests conducted on small and full-scale specimens using different electrical measurement methods confirm that smart cement-based sensors show promise for both static and vibration-based structural health monitoring applications of concrete elements but that calibration of each sensor seems to be necessary.

The Fault Diagnosis of Rolling Bearing Based on Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition and Random Forest

Abstract: Accurate diagnosis of rolling bearing fault on the normal operation of machinery and equipment has a very important significance. A method combining Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) and Random Forest (RF) is proposed. Firstly, the original signal is decomposed into several intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) by EEMD, and the effective IMFs are selected. Then their energy entropy is calculated as the feature. Finally, the classification is performed by RF. In addition, the wavelet method is also used in the proposed process, the same as EEMD. The results of the comparison show that the EEMD method is more accurate than the wavelet method.

Surrounding Rock Deformation Mechanism and Control Technology for Gob-Side Entry Retaining with Fully Mechanized Gangue Backfilling Mining: A Case Study

Abstract: To counter the technical difficulties faced by gob-side entry retaining (GER) under multiple complex mining geological conditions in China, this paper introduces a GER method with fully mechanized gangue backfilling mining. A similar materials simulation experiment was conducted to simulate the gob-backfilled GER process by using the similar model test system containing an independently developed horizontal pushing load device. The experimental results show that the compaction speed of the backfilling area (BFA) can be improved, and the main roof subsidence can be reduced by increasing the horizontal pushing load and reducing the attenuation rate of the stress in BFA. The designed roadside backfill body (RBB) containing a flexible cushion is adaptive to the given deformation of the main roof, thus reducing the stress concentration of the RBB. The field test results show that when a 2 MPa horizontal pushing load is exerted in the BFA, arranging a 200 mm high-water-material flexible cushion can cause the BFA to swiftly change to the compaction stage. After stabilized deformation, the roadway section satisfies the design and application requirements. The feasibility and rationality of the GER with the fully mechanized gangue backfilling mining are proved, providing a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly mining method without using a coal pillar.

Computation of Rayleigh Damping Coefficients for the Seismic Analysis of a Hydro-Powerhouse

Abstract: The mass and stiffness of the upper and lower structures of a powerhouse are different. As such, the first two vibration modes mostly indicate the dynamic characteristics of the upper structure, and the precise seismic response of a powerhouse is difficult to obtain on the basis of Rayleigh damping coefficients acquired using the fundamental frequencies of this structure. The damping ratio of each mode is relatively accurate when the least square method is used, but the accuracy of the damping ratios that contribute substantially to seismic responses is hardly ensured. The error of dynamic responses may even be amplified. In this study, modes that greatly influence these responses are found on the basis of mode participation mass, and Rayleigh damping coefficients are obtained. Seismic response distortion attributed to large differences in Rayleigh damping coefficients because of improper modal selection is avoided by using the proposed method, which is also simpler and more accurate than the least square method. Numerical experiments show that the damping matrix determined by using the Rayleigh damping coefficients identified by our method is closer to the actual value and the seismic response of the powerhouse is more reasonable than that revealed through the least square method.

Numerical Simulation of Blast Vibration and Crack Forming Effect of Rock-Anchored Beam Excavation in Deep Underground Caverns

Abstract: Aiming at surrounding rock damage induced by dynamic disturbance from blasting excavation of rock-anchored beam in rock mass at moderate or far distance in underground cavern, numerical model of different linear charging density and crustal stress in underground cavern is established by adopting dynamic finite element software based on borehole layout, charging, and rock parameter of the actual situation of a certain hydropower station. Through comparison in vibration velocity, contour surface of rock mass excavation, and the crushing extent of excavated rock mass between calculation result and field monitoring, optimum linear charging density of blast hole is determined. Studies are also conducted on rock mass vibration in moderate or far distance to blasting source, the damage of surrounding rock in near-field to blasting source, and crushing degree of excavated rock mass under various in situ stress conditions. Results indicate that, within certain range of in situ stress, the blasting vibration is independent of in situ stress, while when in situ stress is increasing above certain value, the blasting vibration velocity will be increasing and the damage of surrounding rock and the crushing degree of excavated rock mass will be decreasing.

Toward Small-Scale Wind Energy Harvesting: Design, Enhancement, Performance Comparison, and Applicability

Abstract: The concept of harvesting ambient energy as an alternative power supply for electronic systems like remote sensors to avoid replacement of depleted batteries has been enthusiastically investigated over the past few years. Wind energy is a potential power source which is ubiquitous in both indoor and outdoor environments. The increasing research interests have resulted in numerous techniques on small-scale wind energy harvesting, and a rigorous and quantitative comparison is necessary to provide the academic community a guideline. This paper reviews the recent advances on various wind power harvesting techniques ranging between cm-scaled wind turbines and windmills, harvesters based on aeroelasticities, and those based on turbulence and other types of working principles, mainly from a quantitative perspective. The merits, weaknesses, and applicability of different prototypes are discussed in detail. Also, efficiency enhancing methods are summarized from two aspects, that is, structural modification aspect and interface circuit improvement aspect. Studies on integrating wind energy harvesters with wireless sensors for potential practical uses are also reviewed. The purpose of this paper is to provide useful guidance to researchers from various disciplines interested in small-scale wind energy harvesting and help them build a quantitative understanding of this technique.

Wind-Induced Coupling Vibration Effects of High-Voltage Transmission Tower-Line Systems

Abstract: A three-dimensional finite element model of a 500 kV high-voltage transmission tower-line coupling system is built using ANSYS software and verified with field-measured data. The dynamic responses of the tower-line system under different wind speeds and directions are analyzed and compared with the design code. The results indicate that wind speed plays an important role in the tower-line coupling effect. Under the low wind speed, the coupling effect is less obvious and can be neglected. With increased wind speed, the coupling effect on the responses of the tower gradually becomes prominent, possibly resulting in the risk of premature failure of the tower-line system. The designs based on the quasi-static method stipulated in the current design code are unsafe because of the ignorance of the adverse impacts of coupling vibration on the transmission towers. In practical engineering, when the quasi-static method is still used in design, the results for the design wind speed should be multiplied by the corresponding tower-line coupling effect amplifying coefficient .

Wind Induced Vibration Control and Energy Harvesting of Electromagnetic Resonant Shunt Tuned Mass-Damper-Inerter for Building Structures

Abstract: This paper proposes a novel inerter-based dynamic vibration absorber, namely, electromagnetic resonant shunt tuned mass-damper-inerter (ERS-TMDI). To obtain the performances of the ERS-TMDI, the combined ERS-TMDI and a single degree of freedom system are introduced. criteria performances of the ERS-TMDI are introduced in comparison with the classical tuned mass-damper (TMD), the electromagnetic resonant shunt series TMDs (ERS-TMDs), and series-type double-mass TMDs with the aim to minimize structure damage and simultaneously harvest energy under random wind excitation. The closed form solutions, including the mechanical tuning ratio, the electrical damping ratio, the electrical tuning ratio, and the electromagnetic mechanical coupling coefficient, are obtained. It is shown that the ERS-TMDI is superior to the classical TMD, ERS-TMDs, and series-type double-mass TMDs systems for protection from structure damage. Meanwhile, in the time domain, a case study of Taipei 101 tower is presented to demonstrate the dual functions of vibration suppression and energy harvesting based on the simulation fluctuating wind series, which is generated by the inverse fast Fourier transform method. The effectiveness and robustness of ERS-TMDI in the frequency and time domain are illustrated.

NMR Pore Structure and Dynamic Characteristics of Sandstone Caused by Ambient Freeze-Thaw Action

Abstract: For a deeper understanding of the freeze-thaw weathering effects on the microstructure evolution and deterioration of dynamic mechanical properties of rock, the present paper conducted the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) tests and impact loading experiments on sandstone under different freeze-thaw cycles. The results of NMR test show that, with the increase of freeze-thaw cycles, the pores expand and pores size tends to be uniform. The experimental results show that the stress-strain curves all go through four stages, namely, densification, elasticity, yielding, and failure. The densification curve is shorter, and the slope of elasticity curve decreases as the freeze-thaw cycles increase. With increasing freeze-thaw cycles, the dynamic peak stress decreases and energy absorption of sandstone increases. The dynamic failure form is an axial splitting failure, and the fragments increase and the size diminishes with increasing freeze-thaw cycles. The higher the porosity is, the more severe the degradation of dynamic characteristics is. An increase model for the relationships between the porosity or energy absorption and freeze-thaw cycles number was built to reveal the increasing trend with the freeze-thaw cycles increase; meanwhile, a decay model was built to predict the dynamic compressive strength degradation of rock after repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Remaining Useful Life Prediction of Bearing with Vibration Signals Based on a Novel Indicator

Abstract: Aiming at reducing the production downtime and maintenance cost, prognostics and health management (PHM) of rotating machinery often includes the remaining useful life (RUL) prediction of bearings. In this paper, a method combining the generalized Weibull failure rate function (WFRF) and radial basis function (RBF) neural network is developed to deal with the RUL prediction of bearings. A novel indicator, namely, the power value on the sensitive frequency band (SFB), is proposed to track bearing degradation process. Generalized WFRF is used to fit the degradation indicator series to reduce the effect of noise and avoid areas of fluctuation in the time domain. RBF neural network is employed to predict the RUL of bearings with times and fitted power values at present and previous inspections as input. Meanwhile, the life percentage is selected as output. The performance of the proposed method is validated by an accelerated bearing run-to-failure experiment, and the results demonstrate the advantage of this method in achieving more accurate RUL prediction.

Sliding Mode Control with PD Sliding Surface for High-Speed Railway Pantograph-Catenary Contact Force under Strong Stochastic Wind Field

Abstract: As is well known, the external disturbance (especially the stochastic wind load) has nonnegligible effect on the operation of pantograph-catenary system, which may cause the strong fluctuation in contact force as well as the increased occurrence of contact loss. In order to improve the current collection quality of a high-speed railway pantograph-catenary system under a strong stochastic wind field, a sliding mode controller with a proportional-derivative (PD) sliding surface for a high-speed active pantograph is proposed. The nonlinear finite element procedure is employed to establish the catenary model. The fluctuating wind speeds along catenary are simulated using empirical spectrums. The buffeting forces exerted on contact and messenger wires are derived to construct the stochastic wind field along the catenary. A PD sliding surface is properly determined to guarantee that the mechanical impedance of pantograph head at the dominant frequencies of contact force decreases when the sliding surface approaches zero. Through several numerical simulations with different wind velocities and wind angles, the control performance of two popular control laws (proportional switching law and constant switching law) is evaluated.

Seismic Retrofit of Reinforced Concrete Frame Buildings with Hysteretic Bracing Systems: Design Procedure and Behaviour Factor

Abstract: This paper presents a design procedure to evaluate the mechanical characteristics of hysteretic Energy Dissipation Bracing (EDB) systems for seismic retrofitting of existing reinforced concrete framed buildings. The proposed procedure, aiming at controlling the maximum interstorey drifts, imposes a maximum top displacement as function of the seismic demand and, if needed, regularizes the stiffness and strength of the building along its elevation. In order to explain the application of the proposed procedure and its capacity to involve most of the devices in the energy dissipation with similar level of ductility demand, a simple benchmark structure has been studied and nonlinear dynamic analyses have been performed. A further goal of this work is to propose a simplified approach for designing dissipating systems based on linear analysis with the application of a suitable behaviour factor, in order to achieve a widespread adoption of the passive control techniques. At this goal, the increasing of the structural performances due to the addition of an EDB system designed with the above-mentioned procedure has been estimated considering one thousand case studies designed with different combinations of the main design parameters. An analytical formulation of the behaviour factor for braced buildings has been proposed.

Self-Loosening Failure Analysis of Bolt Joints under Vibration considering the Tightening Process

Abstract: By considering the tightening process, a three-dimensional elastic finite element analysis is conducted to explore the mechanism of bolt self-loosening under transverse cyclic loading. According to the geometrical features of the thread, a hexahedral meshing is implemented by modifying the node coordinates based on cylinder meshes and an ABAQUS plug-in is made for parametric modeling. The accuracy of the finite element model is verified and validated by comparison with the analytical and experimental results on torque-tension relationship. And, then, the fastening states acquired by different means are compared. The results show that the tightening process cannot be replaced by a simplified method because its fastening state is different from the real process. With combining the tightening and self-loosening processes, this paper utilizes the relative rotation angles and velocities to investigate the slip states on contact surfaces instead of the Coulomb friction coefficient method, which is used in most previous researches. By contrast, this method can describe the slip states in greater detail. In addition, the simulation result reveals that there exists a creep slip phenomenon at contact surface, which causes the bolt self-loosening to occur even when some contact facets are stuck.

Design, Modeling, and Analysis of a Novel Hydraulic Energy-Regenerative Shock Absorber for Vehicle Suspension

Abstract: To reduce energy consumption or improve energy efficiency, the regenerative devices recently have drawn the public’s eyes. In this paper, a novel hydraulic energy-regenerative shock absorber (HERSA) is developed for vehicle suspension to regenerate the vibration energy which is dissipated by conventional viscous dampers into heat waste. At first, the schematic of HERSA is presented and a mathematic model is developed to describe the characteristic of HERSA. Then the parametric sensitivity analysis of the vibration energy is expounded, and the ranking of their influences is . Besides, a parametric study of HERSA is adopted to research the influences of the key parameters on the characteristic of HERSA. Moreover, an optimization of HERSA is carried out to regenerate more power as far as possible without devitalizing the damping characteristic. To make the optimization results more close to the actual condition, the displacement data of the shock absorber in the road test is selected as the excitation in the optimization. The results show that the RMS of regenerated energy is up to 107.94 W under the actual excitation. Moreover it indicates that the HERSA can improve its performance through the damping control.

Study on Impact Behavior and Impact Force of Bridge Pier Subjected to Vehicle Collision

Abstract: The increasing occurrence of vehicle-pier collision accidents has significant influences on the safety of bridge structures. In order to study the impact behavior of bridge piers, a vehicle-double-pier collision numerical model was developed by LS-DYNA. Nonlinear material constitutive laws considering the strain-rate effect were used. The reliability of numerical analyses was validated. Parametric studies were carried out to investigate the effects of impact velocity, impact mass, and concrete and steel strength on the impact behaviors of piers and the impact forces. The relationship between failure modes of the impacted piers and impact energy was analyzed. Based on the numerical analysis results, the current impact design provisions of AASHTO, Eurocode, and JTG D60 were found to be unconservative, which could result in that piers designed with the current standard codes were vulnerable to the large impact energy. The recommended value of equivalent static force in the current standards is unreasonable.

Research and Analysis of Quasi-Zero-Stiffness Isolator with Geometric Nonlinear Damping

Abstract: This paper presents a novel quasi-zero-stiffness (QZS) isolator designed by combining a tension spring with a vertical linear spring. In order to improve the performance of low-frequency vibration isolation, geometric nonlinear damping is proposed and applied to a quasi-zero-stiffness (QZS) vibration isolator. Through the study of static characteristics first, the relationship between force displacement and stiffness displacement of the vibration isolation mechanism is established; it is concluded that the parameters of the mechanism have the characteristics of quasi-zero stiffness at the equilibrium position. The solutions of the QZS system are obtained based on the harmonic balance method (HBM). Then, the force transmissibility of the QZS vibration isolator is analyzed. And the results indicate that increasing the nonlinear damping can effectively suppress the transmissibility compared with the nonlinear damping system. Finally, this system is innovative for low-frequency vibration isolation of rehabilitation robots and other applications.

Free and Forced Vibration Analysis of Airtight Cylindrical Vessels with Doubly Curved Shells of Revolution by Using Jacobi-Ritz Method

Abstract: This paper presents free and forced vibration analysis of airtight cylindrical vessels consisting of elliptical, paraboloidal, and cylindrical shells by using Jacobi-Ritz Method. In this research, the theoretical model for vibration analysis is formulated by Flugge’s thin shell theory and the solution is obtained by Rayleigh-Ritz method. The vessel structure is divided into shell components (i.e., ellipsoid, parabolic, and cylinder) and their segments, and each displacement field of shell segments is represented by the Jacobi polynomials and the standard Fourier series. The continuous conditions at the interface are modeled by using the spring stiffness technique. The reliability and the accuracy of the present method are verified by comparing the results of the proposed method with the results of the previous literature and the finite element method (FEM). Moreover, some numerical results for free and forced vibration of elliptical-cylindrical-elliptical vessel (ECE vessel) and paraboloidal-cylindrical-elliptical vessel (PCE vessel) are reported.

Applicability of the Vibration Correlation Technique for Estimation of the Buckling Load in Axial Compression of Cylindrical Isotropic Shells with and without Circular Cutouts

Abstract: Applicability of the vibration correlation technique (VCT) for nondestructive evaluation of the axial buckling load is considered. Thin-walled cylindrical shells with and without circular cutouts have been produced by adhesive overlap bonding from a sheet of aluminium alloy. Both mid-surface and bond-line imperfections of initial shell geometry have been characterized by a laser scanner. Vibration response of shells under axial compression has been monitored to experimentally determine the variation of the first eigenfrequency as a function of applied load. It is demonstrated that VCT provides reliable estimate of buckling load when structure has been loaded up to at least 60% of the critical load. This applies to uncut structures where global failure mode is governing collapse of the structure. By contrast, a local buckling in the vicinity of a cutout could not be predicted by VCT means. Nevertheless, it has been demonstrated that certain reinforcement around cutout may enable the global failure mode and corresponding reliability of VCT estimation.

A Study on the Dynamic Behaviour of Lightweight Gears

Abstract: This paper investigates the dynamic effects of mass reduction on a pair of spur gears. A one-Degree-of-Freedom (DOF) model of a mechanical oscillator with clearance-type nonlinearity and linear viscous damping is used to perform the investigations. One-dimensional (1D) gear pair models aim at studying the torsional gear vibrations around the rotational axes and can be used to simulate either gear whine or gear rattle phenomena. High computational efficiency is reached by using a spring-damper element with variable stiffness to model the gear meshing process. The angle-dependent mesh stiffness function is computed in a preparation phase through detailed Finite Element (FE) simulations and then stored in a lookup table, which is then interpolated during the dynamic simulation allowing for high computational efficiency. Nonlinear contact effects and influence of material discontinuities due to lightweighting are taken into account by FE simulations with high level of detail. Finally, the influence of gear body topology is investigated through a sensitivity analysis, in which analytical functions are defined to describe the time-varying mesh stiffness.

Longitudinal Seismic Behavior of a Single-Tower Cable-Stayed Bridge Subjected to Near-Field Earthquakes

Abstract: Cable-stayed bridges are quite sensitive to large amplitude oscillations from earthquakes and seismic damage was observed for Shipshaw Bridge and Chi-Lu Bridge during past earthquakes. In order to investigate seismic damage of cable-stayed bridges, a 1 : 20 scale model of a single-tower cable-stayed bridge with A-shaped tower was designed, constructed, and tested on shake tables at Tongji University, China. One typical near-field ground motion was used to excite the model from low to high intensity. Test result showed that severe structural damage occurred at the tower of the model including parallel concrete cracks from bottom to nearly half height of the tower, concrete spalling, and exposed bars at top tower 0.2 m above the section where two skewed legs intersect. Posttest analysis was conducted and compared with test results. It is revealed that the numerical model was able to simulate the seismic damage of the test model by modeling nonlinearity of different components for cable-stayed bridges, namely, the tower, bents, superstructure, cables, and bearings. Numerical analysis also revealed that cable relaxation, which was detected during the test, had limited influence on the overall seismic response of the bridge with maximum error of 12%.

Design of LQG Controller for Active Suspension without Considering Road Input Signals

Abstract: As the road conditions are completely unknown in the design of a suspension controller, an improved linear quadratic and Gaussian distributed (LQG) controller is proposed for active suspension system without considering road input signals. The main purpose is to optimize the vehicle body acceleration, pitching angular acceleration, displacement of suspension system, and tire dynamic deflection comprehensively. Meanwhile, it will extend the applicability of the LQG controller. Firstly, the half-vehicle and road input mathematical models of an active suspension system are established, with the weight coefficients of each evaluating indicator optimized by using genetic algorithm (GA). Then, a simulation model is built in Matlab/Simulink environment. Finally, a comparison of simulation is conducted to illustrate that the proposed LQG controller can obtain the better comprehensive performance of vehicle suspension system and improve riding comfort and handling safety compared to the conventional one.

Development of Practical Finite Element Models for Collapse of Reinforced Concrete Structures and Experimental Validation

Abstract: This paper describes two practical methodologies for modeling the collapse of reinforced concrete structures. They are validated with a real scale test of a two-floor structure which loses a bearing column. The objective is to achieve accurate simulations of collapse phenomena with moderate computational cost. Explicit finite element models are used with Lagrangian meshes, modeling concrete, and steel in a segregated manner. The first model uses 3D continuum finite elements for concrete and beams for steel bars, connected for displacement compatibility using a penalty method. The second model uses structural finite elements, shells for concrete, and beams for steel, connected in common nodes with an eccentricity formulation. Both are capable of simulating correctly the global behavior of the structural collapse. The continuum finite element model is more accurate for interpreting local failure but has an excessive computational cost for a complete building. The structural finite element model proposed has a moderate computational cost, yields sufficiently accurate results, and as a result is the recommended methodology.

Effects of Crack on Vibration Characteristics of Mistuned Rotated Blades

Abstract: Rotated blades are key mechanical components in turbine and high cycle fatigues often induce blade cracks. Meanwhile, mistuning is inevitable in rotated blades, which often makes it much difficult to detect cracks. In order to solve this problem, it is important and necessary to study effects of crack on vibration characteristics of mistuned rotated blades (MRBs). Firstly, a lumped-parameter model is established based on coupled multiple blades, where mistuned stiffness with normal distribution is introduced. Next, a breathing crack model is adopted and eigenvalue analysis is used in coupled lumped-parameter model. Then, numerical analysis is done and effects of depths and positions of a crack on natural frequency, vibration amplitude, and vibration localization parameters are studied. The results show that a crack causes natural frequency decease and vibration amplitude increase of cracked blade. Bifurcations will occur due to a breathing crack. Furthermore, based on natural frequencies and vibration amplitudes, variational factors are defined to detect a crack in MRBs, which are validated by numerical simulations. Thus, the proposed method provides theoretical guidance for crack detection in MRBs.

Fuzzy Semiactive Vibration Control of Structures Using Magnetorheological Elastomer

Abstract: In this research, a novel variable stiffness vibration isolator that uses magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) accompanied with a fuzzy semiactive vibration control was developed. Firstly, the viscoelastic characteristics of MREs in shear mode were clarified systematically in order to achieve a mathematical basis for the controller development. Secondly, the fuzzy semiactive vibration control with a strategy based on the Lyapunov theory and dynamic characteristic of MREs was proposed for minimizing the movement of the isolator. In the conventional semiactive algorithm, the command applied current of MRE-based isolator is set at either minimum or maximum value which causes high acceleration and jerk peaks periodically, thus leading to the degeneration of the overall system quality. However, the fuzzy semiactive algorithm presented here is able to produce the sufficient applied current and thus viscoelastic force is desirably produced. The effectiveness of the developed isolator was evaluated numerically by MATLAB simulation and experimentally in comparison with the performances of a passive system and a system with on-off type semiactive controller. The results showed that the developed controller was successful in overcoming the disadvantages of conventional on-off semiactive control.

Dynamic Fracturing Behavior of Layered Rock with Different Inclination Angles in SHPB Tests

Abstract: The fracturing behavior of layered rocks is usually influenced by bedding planes. In this paper, five groups of bedded sandstones with different bedding inclination angles θ are used to carry out impact compression tests by split Hopkinson pressure bar. A high-speed camera is used to capture the fracturing process of specimens. Based on testing results, three failure patterns are identified and classified, including (A) splitting along bedding planes; (B) sliding failure along bedding planes; (C) fracturing across bedding planes. The failure pattern (C) can be further classified into three subcategories: (C1) fracturing oblique to loading direction; (C2) fracturing parallel to loading direction; (C3) mixed fracturing across bedding planes. Meanwhile, a numerical model of layered rock and SHPB system are established by particle flow code (PFC). The numerical results show that the shear stress is the main reason for inducing the damage along bedding plane at = 0°~75°. Both tensile stress and shear stress on bedding planes contribute to the splitting failure along bedding planes when the inclination angle is 90°. Besides, tensile stress is the main reason that leads to the damage in rock matrixes at = 0°~90°.

Study on Ultrasonic Response to Mechanical Structure of Coal under Loading and Unloading Condition

Abstract: Ultrasonic technology can be applied to study the changes in the internal defects of coal under quantitative loading, which can provide the theoretical basis for applying the technology to determine the structural stability of coal and predict disasters related to the dynamics of coal or rock. In this paper, to investigate the propagation laws of ultrasonic signals through a coal material under various loading conditions, an ultrasonic test system for the deformation and fracture of coal rock was used and a cyclic loading and unloading pattern is adopted. In addition, changes in ultrasonic parameters such as amplitude, dominant frequency, and velocity were analyzed. At the initial loading stage, the ultrasonic amplitude, amplitude of the dominant frequency, and wave velocity slightly decrease as the loading process progresses, and these three ultrasonic parameters gradually increase to their maxima when the stress level reaches approximately 46%. When it progresses from the linear elastic stage to the elastic plastic stage, the material inside the coal distorts and fractures more drastically, the inner defects are fully developed, and the acoustic parameters decrease significantly. Therefore, the corresponding measures should be adapted to reduce the loading stress before the coal is loaded to its critical stress level.

Review of Blast Loading Models, Masonry Response, and Mitigation

Abstract: Different models for prediction of blast loading, response of masonry structure against blast load, and various mitigation strategies are discussed. Variation of peak positive incident pressure with scale distance in free field spherical burst and surface burst scenarios, proposed by different researchers, is presented and compared. The variation is found significant in the region of small scaled distances. Blast wave parameters in urban environment have been found different from the free field scenario. Effects of geometry, boundary conditions, and material properties on response of masonry buildings were found significant. Different mitigation strategies such as blast wall, landscaping, architecture, and retrofitting techniques are presented.

Enhanced Bearing Fault Detection Using Step-Varying Vibrational Resonance Based on Duffing Oscillator Nonlinear System

Abstract: Bearing is a key part of rotary machines, and its working condition is critical in normal operation of rotary machines. Vibrational signals are usually analyzed to monitor the status of bearing. However, information on the status of bearing is always buried in heavy background noise; that is, status information of bearing is weaker than the background noise. Extracting the status features of bearing from signals buried in noise is difficult. Given this, a step-varying vibrational resonance (SVVR) method based on Duffing oscillator nonlinear system is proposed to enhance the weak status feature of bearing by tuning different parameters. Extraction ability of SVVR was verified by analyzing simulation signal and practical bearing signal. Experimental results show that SVVR is more effective in extracting weak characteristic information than other methods, including multiscale noise tuning stochastic resonance (SR), Woods–Saxon potential-based SR, and joint Woods–Saxon and Gaussian potential-based SR. Two evaluation indices are investigated to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the fault detection capability of the SVVR method. The results show that the SVVR can effectively identify the weak status information of bearing.