Calibration and Validation of a Linear-Elastic Numerical Model for Timber Step Joints Based on the Results of Experimental Investigations.

The paper is dedicated to the numerical analysis of a single-step joint, enabling the prediction of stiffness and failure modes of both single- and double-step joints. An experimental analysis of the geometrically simplest version, the single-step joint, serves as a reference for the calibration of the subsequent finite element model. The inhomogeneous and anisotropic properties of solid timber make detailed modelling computationally intensive and strongly dependent on the respective specimen. Therefore, the authors present a strategy for simplified but still appropriate modelling for the prediction of local failure at certain load levels. The used mathematical approach is based on the linear elasticity theory and orthotropic material properties. The finite element calculations are performed in the environment of the software Abaqus FEA. The calibrated numerical model shows a good conformity until first failures occur. It allows for a satisfactory quantification of the stiffness of the connection and estimation of the force when local failure begins and is, therefore, recommended for future, non-destructive research of timber connections of various shapes.

Study on Possible Application of Rubber Granulate from the Recycled Tires as an Elastic Cover of Prototype Rail Dampers, with a Focus on Their Operational Durability.

This study is an attempt to investigate possible applications of rubber granulate SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber) produced from recycled waste tires as an elastic cover for prototype rail dampers, which are aimed at reducing the level of railway noise emitted in the environment. The authors present laboratory procedures and discuss the results of several experimental tests performed on seven different SBR materials with the following densities: 1100, 1050, 1000, 850, 750, 700 and 650 kg/m3. It is proven that rubber granulate SBR produced from recycled waste tires, can be used as an elastic cover in steel inserts in rail dampers, provided that the material density is not lower than 1000 kg/m3. In the conducted tests, samples of the materials with high densities exhibited good static and dynamic elastic characteristics and had sufficient operational durability.

Analysis of the Influence of Fatigue Strength of Prototype Under Ballast Mats (UBMs) on the Effectiveness of Protection against Vibration Caused by Railway Traffic.

The present paper focuses on laboratory tests of fatigue strength of prototype under ballast mats (UBMs), carried out according to the procedure described in the new European standard EN 17282, which was released in October 2020. The mineral wool-based mat revealed significant differences in the values of static and dynamic characteristics, measured before and after the fatigue tests. The elastomeric mats based on recycled materials (SBR granulate and fibers) turned out to have had sufficient durability and effectiveness of protection against vibration caused by railway traffic. The values of static and dynamic bedding moduli, determined before and after the fatigue tests, were used to develop a viscoelastic rheological model of the vibration isolator with the use of fractional derivatives. Using this original model of the ballasted track system with four degrees of freedom, a significant influence of cyclic loading on the level of vibration suppression (insertion loss factor) was demonstrated. The analytical model confirmed that the mats with variations of bedding moduli exceeding 10% should not be used as resilient elements.

Laboratory Tests and Analyses of the Level of Vibration Suppression of Prototype under Ballast Mats (UBM) in the Ballasted Track Systems.

The present paper is aimed at the analysis of under ballast mats (UBM) which are used in ballasted track structures as vibration isolators and to protect the ballast layer against fast degradation. The mats were tested in the laboratory and afterwards a novel 4-DoF mechanical model of the track structure with UBM was developed. The novelty of this study consists in the comparison of two testing procedures: a procedure based on the popular German standard DIN 45673-5 and a new European standard EN 17282, released in October 2020. Major discrepancies were demonstrated in the determined values of the static and dynamic characteristics using both approaches-especially in reference to the mats with higher stiffness.

Extreme Mechanical Properties of Regular Tensegrity Unit Cells in 3D Lattice Metamaterials.

The study focuses on the identification of extreme mechanical properties of 3D lattice metamaterials based on regular tensegrity modules: 4-strut simplex, 3-strut simplex, expanded octahedron, truncated tetrahedron and X-module. The basis of the analysis is a continuum model which is used to find the equivalent elasticity matrices of the unit cells. For each examined tensegrity module a line of extreme properties is determined, which indicates the occurrence of the soft mode of deformation. Moreover, the eigenvectors corresponding to soft and stiff deformation modes are calculated and presented graphically. The obtained results are promising from the point of view of future creation of tensegrity lattices and metamaterials with extreme mechanical properties. One of the analysed materials is identified as quasi bimode, two as quasi trimodes, another one as a trimode and one more as a unimode.

Soft and Stiff Simplex Tensegrity Lattices as Extreme Smart Metamaterials.

The present paper is dedicated to an evaluation of novel cellular metamaterials based on a tensegrity pattern. The materials are constructed from supercells, each of which consists of a number of simplex modules with different geometrical proportions. Mechanical properties of the metamaterial can be controlled by adjusting the level of self-equilibrated forces or by changing the properties of structural members. A continuum model based on the equivalence of strain energy of the 3D theory of elasticity with a discrete formulation is used to identify the qualitative properties of the considered metamaterials. The model allows the inclusion of nonlinearities related to the equations of equilibrium in actual configuration of the structure with self-equilibrated set of normal forces typical for tensegrities. The lattices are recognised as extreme metamaterials according to the eigensolution of the equivalent elasticity matrices of the continuum model. The six representative deformation modes are defined and discussed: stiff, soft and medium extensional modes and high (double) as well as low shear modes. The lattices are identified as unimode or nearly bimode according to the classification of extreme materials.

Smart Metamaterial Based on the Simplex Tensegrity Pattern.

In the present paper, a novel cellular metamaterial that was based on a tensegrity pattern is presented. The material is constructed from supercells, each of which consists of eight 4-strut simplex modules. The proposed metamaterial exhibits some unusual properties, which are typical for smart structures. It is possible to control its mechanical characteristics by adjusting the level of self-stress or by changing the properties of structural members. A continuum model is used to identify the qualitative properties of the considered metamaterial, and to estimate how the applied self-stress and the characteristics of cables and struts affect the whole structure. The performed analyses proved that the proposed structure can be regarded as a smart metamaterial with orthotropic properties. One of its most important features are unique values of Poisson’s ratio, which can be either positive or negative, depending on the applied control parameters. Moreover, all of the mechanical characteristics of the proposed metamaterial are prone to structural control.