E.J. Sapountzakis¹, G.C. Tsiatas²

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.6, No.2, pp. 103-116, 2007, DOI:10.3970/cmc.2007.006.103

Abstract In this paper the general flexural-torsional buckling and vibration problems of composite Euler-Bernoulli beams of arbitrarily shaped cross section are solved using a boundary element method. The general character of the proposed method is verified from the formulation of all basic equations with respect to an arbitrary coordinate system, which is not restricted to the principal one. The composite beam consists of materials in contact each of which can surround a finite number of inclusions. It is subjected to a compressive centrally applied load together with arbitrarily transverse and/or torsional distributed or concentrated loading, while… More >

Kanchi Venkatesulu Reddy¹, Ranjan Ganguli²

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.5, No.2, pp. 79-98, 2007, DOI:10.3970/cmc.2007.005.079

Abstract This paper investigates the effect of damage on beams with fixed boundary conditions using Fourier analysis of the mode shapes in spatial domain. A finite element model is used to obtain the mode shapes of a damaged fixed-fixed beam. Then the damaged beams are studied using a spatial Fourier analysis. This approach contrasts with the typical time domain application of Fourier analysis for vibration problems. It is found that damage causes considerable change in the Fourier coefficients of the mode shapes. The Fourier coefficients, especially the higher harmonics, are found to be sensitive to both More >

M.V.V.S. Murthy¹, S. Gopalakrishnan^2,3, P.S. Nair⁴

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.5, No.1, pp. 43-62, 2007, DOI:10.3970/cmc.2007.005.043

Abstract A refined 2-node, 7 DOF/node beam element formulation is presented in this paper. This formulation is based on higher order shear deformation theory with lateral contraction for axial-flexural-shear coupled deformation in asymmetrically stacked laminated composite beams. In addition to axial, transverse and rotational degrees of freedom, the formulation also incorporates the lateral contraction and its higher order counterparts as degrees of freedom. The element shape functions are derived by solving the static part of the governing equations. The element considers general ply stacking and the numerical results shows that the element exhibits super convergent property. More >

Pauline T. Truong¹, Eric Berthelet¹, Junella C. Lee¹, Ross Petersen¹, Jan T. W. Lim¹, Catherine A. Gaul², Howard Pai¹, Paul Blood¹, Charles M. Ludgate¹

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.13, No.3, pp. 3139-3146, 2006

Abstract Objective: To prospectively evaluate the prevalence and severity of fatigue and its impact on quality of life (QOL) during and after radical external beam radiotherapy (RT) for prostate cancer.
Method and materials: Twenty-eight men with prostate cancer undergoing RT over 6-8 consecutive weeks were prospectively accrued. The Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), a validated fatigue assessment tool, was administered at five time points: baseline (week 1), middle of RT (week 3-4), end of RT (last week of RT), and follow-up (median 6.5 weeks after RT). The BFI contained nine questions, each using 0-10 ratings to quantify fatigue severity… More >

E.J. Sapountzakis¹, V.G. Mokos¹

Structural Durability & Health Monitoring, Vol.2, No.4, pp. 207-224, 2006, DOI:10.3970/sdhm.2006.002.207

Abstract In this paper a boundary element method is developed for the second-order analysis of frames consisting of composite beams of arbitrary constant cross section, taking into account shear deformation effect. The composite beam consists of materials in contact, each of which can surround a finite number of inclusions. The materials have different elasticity and shear moduli with same Poisson's ratio and are firmly bonded together. Each beam is subjected in an arbitrarily concentrated or distributed variable axial loading, while the shear loading is applied at the shear center of the cross section, avoiding in this… More >

P. Bocchini, C. Gentilini, F. Ubertini, E. Viola¹

Structural Durability & Health Monitoring, Vol.2, No.2, pp. 109-122, 2006, DOI:10.3970/sdhm.2006.002.109

Abstract This paper provides a simple and reliable method for the probabilistic characterization of the linear elastic response of frame structures with edge cracks of uncertain depth and location. A statistical analysis of the structural response allows consideration of the reliability of the investigated structure. A numerical example provides an indication of the performance of the approach proposed. More >

R. Costa¹, J. Alfaiate²

Structural Durability & Health Monitoring, Vol.2, No.1, pp. 11-18, 2006, DOI:10.3970/sdhm.2006.002.011

Abstract In this paper a numerical simulation is performed on the behaviour of reinforced concrete beams, submitted to initial damage, subsequently strengthened with external steel plates bonded with epoxy. Modelling these structures requires the characterization of the behaviour of different materials as well as the connection between them. Fracture is modelled within the scope of a discrete crack approach, using a formulation in which strong discontinuities are embedded in the finite elements. In this approach, the displacement field is truly discontinuous and the jumps are non-homogeneous within each parent element [Alfaiate, Wells and Sluys (2000)]. More >

K.G. Vinod¹, S. Gopalakrishnan¹, R. Ganguli¹

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.16, No.3, pp. 197-208, 2006, DOI:10.3970/cmes.2006.016.197

Abstract A spectral finite element formulation for a rotating beam subjected to small duration impact is presented in this paper. The spatial variation in centrifugal force is modeled in an average sense. Spectrum and dispersion plots are obtained as a function of rotating speed. It is shown that the flexural wave tends to behave non-dispersively at very high rotation speeds. The numerical results are simulated for two rotating waveguides of different dimensions. The results show that there is a steep increase in responses with the response peaks and the reflected signals almost vanishing at higher rotating More >

U. Andreaus^1,3, R.C. Batra², M. Porfiri^{2, 3}

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.9, No.2, pp. 111-132, 2005, DOI:10.3970/cmes.2005.009.111

Abstract Structural health monitoring techniques based on vibration data have received increasing attention in recent years. Since the measured modal characteristics and the transient motion of a beam exhibit low sensitivity to damage, numerical techniques for accurately computing vibration characteristics are needed. Here we use a Meshless Local Petrov-Galerkin (MLPG) method to analyze vibrations of a beam with multiple cracks. The trial and the test functions are constructed using the Generalized Moving Least Squares (GMLS) approximation. The smoothness of the GMLS basis functions requires the use of special techniques to account for the slope discontinuities at More >

Y. C. Hon¹, L. Ling², K. M. Liew³

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.2, No.1, pp. 39-50, 2005, DOI:10.3970/cmc.2005.002.039

Abstract In this paper we investigate a thermal driven Micro-Electrical-Mechanical system which was originally designed for inkjet printer to precisely deliver small ink droplets onto paper. In the model, a tiny free-ended beam of metal bends and projects ink onto paper. The model is solved by using the recently developed radial basis functions method. We establish the accuracy of the proposed approach by comparing the numerical results with reported experimental data. Numerical simulations indicate that a light (low composite mass) beam is more stable as it does not oscillate much. A soft (low rigidity) beam results More >