Browsing by Author "Zhang, Chao"

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    Compression after impact behavior of asymmetrically tapered laminates: experimental and numerical studies
    (Elsevier, 2024-12-01) Yu, Xiaonan; Xu, Xiwu; Huang, Luofeng; Qin, Qing; Zhang, Chao
    This paper presents experimental and numerical studies on the compression after impact (CAI) behavior of composite tapered laminates. It introduces newly designed impact platforms and compression fixtures specifically tailored for the specimens. Drop-weight impacts are applied to the center of the specimens, and the resulting damage is briefly described. Compression tests are then conducted on both non-impacted and impacted specimens, with strain gauges used to monitor the strain distribution. Internal damage is detected using CT scanning and ultrasonic C-scan techniques. The numerical simulations are performed using ABAQUS/Explicit finite element analysis (FEA), incorporating an intra-laminar progressive damage model and an inter-laminar cohesive model, while additionally modeling resin pockets as elastomers. The simulation and experimental results indicate that before compression failure, impact damage in the thin section minimally affects the out-of-plane displacement, which is predominantly influenced by structural asymmetry. Stress concentration is observed at the junction between the thin and tapered sections in the compression test, while in the CAI test, stress concentration appears in the impact zone. The impact induces a notable shift in failure location and damage modes, resulting in decreased compressive strength, although the impact on stiffness remains minimal.
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    Effects of a breakwater on a floating solar farm in heading and oblique waves
    (AIP Publishing, 2024-11-01) Zou, Detai; Wei, Yujia; Ou, Binjian; Zhang, Chao; Chu, Shengnan; Huang, Luofeng
    Floating photovoltaic (FPV) solar farms have gained significant research and industrial interest in recent years. However, to support its deployment in abundant ocean space, FPV is required to be protected against wave loading. Thus, the usage of a breakwater in front of a floating solar farm is particularly promising. In this work, a time-domain simulation model for an array of FPV solar units in heading and oblique waves was established. Following validation against experiments, the model was used to predict the wave-induced motion and loading responses of each floating solar unit in an array, first without a breakwater, and subsequently with a breakwater. By comparison, it was found that a breakwater can reduce the wave-induced motions of a floating solar farm by up to 56%, alongside up to 55% reduction of loading on the joints between FPV units. However, the breakwater is less effective in relatively long waves and could induce some increase in loading on joints, signifying future work to optimize the design of the breakwater based on the intended environmental condition. Overall, the present results provide insights into a practical breakwater solution for FPV in offshore and coastal conditions, supporting the long-term development of this industry.
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    Motion characteristics of a modularized floating solar farm in waves
    (American Institute of Physics (AIP), 2024-03-07) Wei, Yujia; Zou, Detai; Zhang, Deqing; Zhang, Chao; Ou, Binjian; Riyadi, Soegeng; Utama, I. K. A. P.; Hetharia, Wolter; Wood, Tim; Huang, Luofeng
    Modularized floating solar farms exhibit the potential to replace conventional steel-frame ones, effectively remedying hydroelastic issues of a very large floating structure through discrete modules with mechanical connections. However, the response of the discrete modules under cyclic wave loading has not been fully understood. This paper assesses the motion characteristics and expansibility of modularized floaters in waves, based on computational results from fluid–structural interaction simulations. A crucial factor, denoted as the ratio of frame length to wavelength 𝑅 = 𝐿𝑠/𝜆, is determined to predict the motions of a large floating solar system in head waves. Results indicate that the motion characteristics is predictable based on the R value. The empirical relationship between the R value and the motion of every unit in an array is analyzed. In particular, the results calculated from using the multiple-rigid-bodies method are also compared with those from using the single-large-hydroelastic-body method, and it was found that these two results are similar when R > 1. This similarity allows for predicting the multi-hinged bodies' behavior in waves through a simplified hydroelastic approach. Overall, this study reports insights that are useful for the design and optimization of modularized solar farms and can help address cyclic loading and motion concerns for long-term durability.