On the Performance of a Two-Stage Vibration Isolation System Which has Geometrically Nonlinear Stiffness

Linear single-stage vibration isolation systems have a limitation on their performance, which can be overcome passively by using linear two-stage isolations systems. It has been demonstrated by several researchers that linear single-stage isolation systems can be improved upon by using nonlinear stiffness elements, especially for low-frequency vibrations. In this paper, an investigation is conducted into whether the same improvements can be made to a linear two-stage isolation system using the same methodology for both force and base excitation. The benefits of incorporating geometric stiffness nonlinearity in both upper and lower stages are studied. It is found that there are beneficial effects of using nonlinearity in the stiffness in both stages for both types of excitation. Further, it is found that this nonlinearity causes the transmissibility at the lower resonance frequency to bend to the right, but the transmissibility at the higher resonance frequency is not affected in the same way. Generally, it is found that a nonlinear two-stage system has superior isolation performance compared to that of a linear two-stage isolator.

An investigation of a two-stage nonlinear vibration isolation system

This paper investigates the most desirable configuration of a two-stage nonlinear vibration isolation system, in which the isolators contain hardening geometric stiffness nonlinearity and linear viscous damping. The force transmissibility of the system is used as the measure of the effectiveness of the isolation system. The hardening nonlinearity is achieved by placing horizontal springs onto the suspended and intermediate masses, which are supported by vertical springs. It is found that nonlinearity in the upper stage has very little effect and thus serves little purpose. The nonlinearity in the lower stage, however, has a profound effect, and can significantly improve the effectiveness of the isolation system. Further, it is found that it is desirable to have high damping in the upper stage and very low damping in the lower stage. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.

Using Superelements in the Calculation of Lattice-Boom Cranes

In this paper a superelement formulation for geometric nonlinear finite element analysis is proposed. The element formulation is based on matrices generated by the static condensation algorithm. After defining the element characteristics, a method for the calculation of the element forces in a large displacement and rotation analysis is developed. In order to use the element in the solution of stability problems, the formulation of the geometric stiffness matrix is derived. An example shows the benefits of the element for the calculation of lattice-boom cranes.

Aplicación de Métodos Meshless al Análisis de Problemas de Autovalores

La presente Tesis Doctoral aborda la aplicación de métodos meshless, o métodos sin malla, a problemas de autovalores, fundamentalmente vibraciones libres y pandeo. En particular, el estudio se centra en aspectos tales como los procedimientos para la resolución numérica del problema de autovalores con estos métodos, el coste computacional y la viabilidad de la utilización de matrices de masa o matrices de rigidez geométrica no consistentes. Además, se acomete en detalle el análisis del error, con el objetivo de determinar sus principales fuentes y obtener claves que permitan la aceleración de la convergencia. Aunque en la actualidad existe una amplia variedad de métodos meshless en apariencia independientes entre sí, se han analizado las diferentes relaciones entre ellos, deduciéndose que el método Element-Free Galerkin Method [Método Galerkin Sin Elementos] (EFGM) es representativo de un amplio grupo de los mismos. Por ello se ha empleado como referencia en este análisis. Muchas de las fuentes de error de un método sin malla provienen de su algoritmo de interpolación o aproximación. En el caso del EFGM ese algoritmo es conocido como Moving Least Squares [Mínimos Cuadrados Móviles] (MLS), caso particular del Generalized Moving Least Squares [Mínimos Cuadrados Móviles Generalizados] (GMLS). La formulación de estos algoritmos indica que la precisión de los mismos se basa en los siguientes factores: orden de la base polinómica p(x), características de la función de peso w(x) y forma y tamaño del soporte de definición de esa función. Se ha analizado la contribución individual de cada factor mediante su reducción a un único parámetro cuantificable, así como las interacciones entre ellos tanto en distribuciones regulares de nodos como en irregulares. El estudio se extiende a una serie de problemas estructurales uni y bidimensionales de referencia, y tiene en cuenta el error no sólo en el cálculo de autovalores (frecuencias propias o carga de pandeo, según el caso), sino también en términos de autovectores. This Doctoral Thesis deals with the application of meshless methods to eigenvalue problems, particularly free vibrations and buckling. The analysis is focused on aspects such as the numerical solving of the problem, computational cost and the feasibility of the use of non-consistent mass or geometric stiffness matrices. Furthermore, the analysis of the error is also considered, with the aim of identifying its main sources and obtaining the key factors that enable a faster convergence of a given problem. Although currently a wide variety of apparently independent meshless methods can be found in the literature, the relationships among them have been analyzed. The outcome of this assessment is that all those methods can be grouped in only a limited amount of categories, and that the Element-Free Galerkin Method (EFGM) is representative of the most important one. Therefore, the EFGM has been selected as a reference for the numerical analyses. Many of the error sources of a meshless method are contributed by its interpolation/approximation algorithm. In the EFGM, such algorithm is known as Moving Least Squares (MLS), a particular case of the Generalized Moving Least Squares (GMLS). The accuracy of the MLS is based on the following factors: order of the polynomial basis p(x), features of the weight function w(x), and shape and size of the support domain of this weight function. The individual contribution of each of these factors, along with the interactions among them, has been studied in both regular and irregular arrangement of nodes, by means of a reduction of each contribution to a one single quantifiable parameter. This assessment is applied to a range of both one- and two-dimensional benchmarking cases, and includes not only the error in terms of eigenvalues (natural frequencies or buckling load), but also of eigenvectors

On the shock performance of a nonlinear vibration isolator with high-static-low-dynamic-stiffness

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Contribution to assessing the stiffness reduction of structural elements in the global stability analysis of precast concrete multi-storey buildings

This study deals with the reduction of the stiffness in precast concrete structural elements of multi-storey buildings to analyze global stability. Having reviewed the technical literature, this paper present indications of stiffness reduction in different codes, standards, and recommendations and compare these to the values found in the present study. The structural model analyzed in this study was constructed with finite elements using ANSYS® software. Physical Non-Linearity (PNL) was considered in relation to the diagrams M x N x 1/r, and Geometric Non-Linearity (GNL) was calculated following the Newton-Raphson method. Using a typical precast concrete structure with multiple floors and a semi-rigid beam-to-column connection, expressions for a stiffness reduction coefficient are presented. The main conclusions of the study are as follows: the reduction coefficients obtained from the diagram M x N x 1/r differ from standards that use a simplified consideration of PNL; the stiffness reduction coefficient for columns in the arrangements analyzed were approximately 0.5 to 0.6; and the variation of values found for stiffness reduction coefficient in concrete beams, which were subjected to the effects of creep with linear coefficients from 0 to 3, ranged from 0.45 to 0.2 for positive bending moments and 0.3 to 0.2 for negative bending moments.

A Design Method for Flexure-Based Compliant Mechanisms on the Basis of Stiffness and Stress Characteristics

Geometric nonlinearities of flexure hinges introduced by large deflections often complicate the analysis of compliant mechanisms containing such members, and therefore, Pseudo-Rigid-Body Models (PRBMs) have been well proposed and developed by Howell [1994] to analyze the characteristics of slender beams under large deflection. These models, however, fail to approximate the characteristics for the deep beams (short beams) or the other flexure hinges. Lobontiu's work [2001] contributed to the diverse flexure hinge analysis building on the assumptions of small deflection, which also limits the application range of these flexure hinges and cannot analyze the stiffness and stress characteristics of these flexure hinges for large deflection. Therefore, the objective of this thesis is to analyze flexure hinges considering both the effects of large-deflection and shear force, which guides the design of flexure-based compliant mechanisms. The main work conducted in the thesis is outlined as follows. 1. Three popular types of flexure hinges: (circular flexure hinges, elliptical flexure hinges and corner-filleted flexure hinges) are chosen for analysis at first. 2. Commercial software (Comsol) based Finite Element Analysis (FEA) method is then used for correcting the errors produced by the equations proposed by Lobontiu when the chosen flexure hinges suffer from large deformation. 3. Three sets of generic design equations for the three types of flexure hinges are further proposed on the basis of stiffness and stress characteristics from the FEA results. 4. A flexure-based four-bar compliant mechanism is finally studied and modeled using the proposed generic design equations. The load-displacement relationships are verified by a numerical example. The results show that a maximum error about the relationship between moment and rotation deformation is less than 3.4% for a flexure hinge, and it is lower than 5% for the four-bar compliant mechanism compared with the FEA results.

An Update On The Role Of Adipokines In Arterial Stiffness And Hypertension.

Adipokines are hormones produced by adipocytes and have been involved in multiple pathologic pathways, including inflammatory and cardiovascular complications in essential hypertension. Arterial stiffness is a frequent vascular complication that represents increased cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients. Adipokines, such as adiponectin, leptin and resistin, might be implicated in hypertension, as well as in vascular alterations associated with this condition. Arterial stiffness has proven to be a predictor of cardiovascular events. Obesity and target-organ damage such as arterial stiffness are features associated with hypertension. This review aims to update the association between adipokines and arterial stiffness in essential and resistant hypertension (RHTN).

Increased Arterial Stiffness In Resistant Hypertension Is Associated With Inflammatory Biomarkers.

Increased levels of inflammatory biomarkers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), 10 (IL-10), 1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) are associated with arterial stiffness in hypertension. Indeed, resistant hypertension (RHTN) leads to unfavorable prognosis attributed to poor blood pressure (BP) control and target organ damage. This study evaluated the potential impact of inflammatory biomarkers on arterial stiffness in RHTN. In this cross-sectional study, 32 RHTN, 20 mild hypertensive (HTN) and 20 normotensive (NT) patients were subjected to office BP and arterial stiffness measurements assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV). Inflammatory biomarkers were measured in plasma samples. PWV was increased in RHTN compared with HTN and NT (p < 0.05). TNF-α levels were significantly higher in RHTN and HTN than NT patients. No differences in IL-6 levels were observed. RHTN patients had a higher frequency of subjects with increased levels of IL-10 and IL-1β compared with HTN and NT patients. Finally, IL-1β was independently associated with PWV (p < 0.001; R(2) = 0.5; β = 0.077). RHTN subjects have higher levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-10) as well as increased arterial stiffness, and detectable IL-1β levels are associated arterial stiffness. These findings suggest that inflammation plays a possible role in the pathophysiology of RHTN.

About The Article: Effect Of Combined Aerobic And Resistance Training Versus Aerobic Training On Arterial Stiffness.

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The Geometric Curvature Of The Spine Of Runners During Maximal Incremental Effort Test.

This study sought to analyse the behaviour of the average spinal posture using a novel investigative procedure in a maximal incremental effort test performed on a treadmill. Spine motion was collected via stereo-photogrammetric analysis in thirteen amateur athletes. At each time percentage of the gait cycle, the reconstructed spine points were projected onto the sagittal and frontal planes of the trunk. On each plane, a polynomial was fitted to the data, and the two-dimensional geometric curvature along the longitudinal axis of the trunk was calculated to quantify the geometric shape of the spine. The average posture presented at the gait cycle defined the spine Neutral Curve. This method enabled the lateral deviations, lordosis, and kyphosis of the spine to be quantified noninvasively and in detail. The similarity between each two volunteers was a maximum of 19% on the sagittal plane and 13% on the frontal (p<0.01). The data collected in this study can be considered preliminary evidence that there are subject-specific characteristics in spinal curvatures during running. Changes induced by increases in speed were not sufficient for the Neutral Curve to lose its individual characteristics, instead behaving like a postural signature. The data showed the descriptive capability of a new method to analyse spinal postures during locomotion; however, additional studies, and with larger sample sizes, are necessary for extracting more general information from this novel methodology.

Geometric morphometrics of the wing as a tool for assigning genetic lineages and geographic origin to Melipona beecheii (Hymenoptera: Meliponini)

The stingless bee Melipona beecheii presents great variability and is considered a complex of species. In order to better understand this species complex, we need to evaluate its diversity and develop methods that allow geographic traceability of the populations. Here we present a fast, efficient, and inexpensive means to accomplish this using geometric morphometrics of wings. We collected samples from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica and we were able to correctly assign 87.1% of the colonies to their sampling sites and 92.4% to their haplotype. We propose that geometric morphometrics of the wing could be used as a first step analysis leaving the more expensive molecular analysis only to doubtful cases.

Thermodynamic origin of cooperativity in actomyosin interactions: The coupling of short-range interactions with actin bending stiffness in an Ising-like model

We present Monte Carlo simulations for a molecular motor system found in virtually all eukaryotic cells, the acto-myosin motor system, composed of a group of organic macromolecules. Cell motors were mapped to an Ising-like model, where the interaction field is transmitted through a tropomyosin polymer chain. The presence of Ca(2+) induces tropomyosin to block or unblock binding sites of the myosin motor leading to its activation or deactivation. We used the Metropolis algorithm to find the transient and the equilibrium states of the acto-myosin system composed of solvent, actin, tropomyosin, troponin, Ca(2+), and myosin-S1 at a given temperature, including the spatial configuration of tropomyosin on the actin filament surface. Our model describes the short- and long-range cooperativity during actin-myosin binding which emerges from the bending stiffness of the tropomyosin complex. We found all transition rates between the states only using the interaction energy of the constituents. The agreement between our model and experimental data also supports the recent theory of flexible tropomyosin.

Improved finite element for 3D laminate frame analysis including warping for any cross-section

The most ordinary finite element formulations for 3D frame analysis do not consider the warping of cross-sections as part of their kinematics. So the stiffness, regarding torsion, should be directly introduced by the user into the computational software and the bar is treated as it is working under no warping hypothesis. This approach does not give good results for general structural elements applied in engineering. Both displacement and stress calculation reveal sensible deficiencies for both linear and non-linear applications. For linear analysis, displacements can be corrected by assuming a stiffness that results in acceptable global displacements of the analyzed structure. However, the stress calculation will be far from reality. For nonlinear analysis the deficiencies are even worse. In the past forty years, some special structural matrix analysis and finite element formulations have been proposed in literature to include warping and the bending-torsion effects for 3D general frame analysis considering both linear and non-linear situations. In this work, using a kinematics improvement technique, the degree of freedom ""warping intensity"" is introduced following a new approach for 3D frame elements. This degree of freedom is associated with the warping basic mode, a geometric characteristic of the cross-section, It does not have a direct relation with the rate of twist rotation along the longitudinal axis, as in existent formulations. Moreover, a linear strain variation mode is provided for the geometric non-linear approach, for which complete 3D constitutive relation (Saint-Venant Kirchhoff) is adopted. The proposed technique allows the consideration of inhomogeneous cross-sections with any geometry. Various examples are shown to demonstrate the accuracy and applicability of the proposed formulation. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Influence of physical and geometrical parameters on three-dimensional load transfer mechanism at tunnel face

Three-dimensional discretizations used in numerical analyses of tunnel construction normally include excavation step lengths much shorter than tunnel cross-section dimensions. Simulations have usually worked around this problem by using excavation steps that are much larger than the actual physical steps used in a real tunnel excavation. In contrast, the analyses performed in this study were based on finely discretized meshes capable of reproducing the excavation lengths actually used in tunnels, and the results obtained for internal forces are up to 100% greater than those found in other analyses available in the literature. Whereas most reports conclude that internal forces depend on support delay length alone, this study shows that geometric path dependency (reflected by excavation round length) is very strong, even considering linear elasticity. Moreover, many other solutions found in the literature have also neglected the importance of the relative stiffness between the ground mass and support structure, probably owing to the relatively coarse meshes used in these studies. The analyses presented here show that relative stiffness may account for internal force discrepancies in the order of 60%. A dimensionless expression that takes all these parameters into account is presented as a good approximation for the load transfer mechanism at the tunnel face.