Inertial Forces (inertial + force)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Forced vibration testing of buildings using the linear shaker seismic simulation (LSSS) testing method

EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, Issue 7 2005
Eunjong Yu
Abstract This paper describes the development and numerical verification of a test method to realistically simulate the seismic structural response of full-scale buildings. The result is a new field testing procedure referred to as the linear shaker seismic simulation (LSSS) testing method. This test method uses a linear shaker system in which a mass mounted on the structure is commanded a specified acceleration time history, which in turn induces inertial forces in the structure. The inertia force of the moving mass is transferred as dynamic force excitation to the structure. The key issues associated with the LSSS method are (1) determining for a given ground motion displacement, xg, a linear shaker motion which induces a structural response that matches as closely as possible the response of the building if it had been excited at its base by xg (i.e. the motion transformation problem) and (2) correcting the linear shaker motion from Step (1) to compensate for control,structure interaction effects associated with the fact that linear shaker systems cannot impart perfectly to the structure the specified forcing functions (i.e. the CSI problem). The motion transformation problem is solved using filters that modify xg both in the frequency domain using building transfer functions and in the time domain using a least squares approximation. The CSI problem, which is most important near the modal frequencies of the structural system, is solved for the example of a linear shaker system that is part of the NEES@UCLA equipment site. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Numerical modeling of seismic triggering, evolution, and deposition of rapid landslides: Application to Higashi,Takezawa (2004)

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL AND ANALYTICAL METHODS IN GEOMECHANICS, Issue 4 2010
Nikos Gerolymos
Abstract A mathematical model is developed for the dynamic analysis of earthquake-triggered rapid landslides, considering two mechanically coupled systems: (a) the accelerating deformable body of the slide and (b) the rapidly deforming shear band at the base of the slide. The main body of the slide is considered as a one-phase mixture of Newtonian incompressible fluids and Coulomb solids sliding on a plane of variable inclination. The evolution of the landslide is modeled via a depth-integrated model of the Savage,Hutter type coupled with: (a) a cyclic hysteretic constitutive model of the Bouc,Wen type and (b) Voellmy's rheology for the deformation of the material within the shear band. The original shallow-water equations that govern the landslide motion are appropriately reformulated to account for inertial forces due to seismic loading, and to allow for a smooth transition between the active and the passive state. The capability of the developed model is tested against the Higashi,Takezawa landslide. Triggered by the 2004 Niigata-ken Chuetsu earthquake, the slide produced about 100m displacement of a large wedge from an originally rather mild slope. The mechanism of material softening inside the shear band responsible for the surprisingly large run-out of the landslide is described by a set of equations for grain crushing-induced pore-water pressures. The back-analysis reveals interesting patterns on the flow dynamics, and the numerical results compare well with field observations. It is shown that the mechanism of material softening is a crucial factor for the initiation and evolution of the landslide, while viscoplastic frictional resistance is a key requirement for successfully reproducing the field data. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


The intertarsal joint of the ostrich (Struthio camelus): Anatomical examination and function of passive structures in locomotion

JOURNAL OF ANATOMY, Issue 6 2009
Nina U. Schaller
Abstract The ostrich (Struthio camelus) is the largest extant biped. Being flightless, it exhibits advanced cursorial abilities primarily evident in its characteristic speed and endurance. In addition to the active musculoskeletal complex, its powerful pelvic limbs incorporate passive structures wherein ligaments interact with joint surfaces, cartilage and other connective tissue in their course of motion. This arrangement may enable energy conservation by providing joint stabilisation, optimised limb segment orientation and automated positioning of ground contact elements independently of direct muscle control. The intertarsal joint is of particular interest considering its position near the mid-point of the extended limb and its exposure to high load during stance with significant inertial forces during swing phase. Functional-anatomical analysis of the dissected isolated joint describes the interaction of ligaments with intertarsal joint contours through the full motion cycle. Manual manipulation identified a passive engage-disengage mechanism (EDM) that establishes joint extension, provides bi-directional resistance prior to a transition point located at 115° and contributes to rapid intertarsal flexion at toe off and full extension prior to touch down. This effect was subsequently quantified by measurement of intertarsal joint moments in prepared anatomical specimens in a neutral horizontal position and axially-loaded vertical position. Correlation with kinematic analyses of walking and running ostriches confirms the contribution of the EDM in vivo. We hypothesise that the passive EDM operates in tandem with a stringently coupled multi-jointed muscle-tendon system to conserve the metabolic cost of locomotion in the ostrich, suggesting that a complete understanding of terrestrial locomotion across extinct and extant taxa must include functional consideration of the ligamentous system. [source]


Study of liquid droplets impact on dry inclined surface

ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, Issue 5 2009
Jie Cui
Abstract The impact of droplets on the surface is a common phenomenon. The outcome of a droplet impacting on a solid surface depends on the properties of the liquid, the surface conditions and the kinematics parameters, i.e. velocity and momentum. During the impact process, the phenomenons, such as spread, rebound, often appear. This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of droplets impacting on inclined solid surface at low velocity. The effects of the impact parameters on the droplet impingement are studied. Measures were performed using a high-speed camera. It has been shown that the impacting droplets spread on the surface until liquid surface tension and viscosity overcame inertial forces, after which they recoiled off the surface. The maximum diameter of a droplet spread was measured. In addition, a further forecasting expression has been obtained through energy model when a droplet impacts on an inclined surface without splashing. It is found that it is in good agreement with experimental value and can well predict the maximum spread diameter. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]