Modular approach to structural similitude

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2018

Authors

Cristiano P. Coutinho (Author) Other; António J. Baptista (Author) Other; José Dias Rodrigues (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: International Journal of Mechanical Sciences

Vol. 135

Pages: 294-312

ISSN: 0020-7403

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00N-K05

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmecsci.2017.11.005

Abstract (EN): Similitude theory is a branch of engineering science concerned with establishing the necessary and sufficient conditions of similarity among phenomena, and has been applied to different fields such as structural engineering, vibration and impact problems. Testing of subscale models is still nowadays a valuable design tool, helping engineers to accurately predict the behavior of oversized prototypes through scaling laws applied to the obtained experimental results. However, several limitations and difficulties still persist when applying the similitude theory through the current methodologies to complex structures. This manuscript presents an original modular approach. The objective is to improve how the similitude theory is applied through the governing equations, overcoming part of the identified constraints. The major achievement is that, with the new approach, the similitude theory can be applied to complex structures through differential equations of its simple substructures, even if the governing equations for the whole structure are not available. A stiffened plate is selected to demonstrate the use of the modular approach and the accuracy of the scaled model testing. To that end, the modular approach has to be firstly applied to the generalized simple plate and beam. Even though the simplifying assumptions are minimized in the substructure governing equations, the modular, approach is able to avoid the expected increase in the mathematical effort and complexity of the process of applying the similitude theory. In a second step, a relation is established between the scaling relationships derived for each simple structural element of the complex prototype.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 19