Motion based design : solution algorithms to the inverse problem with applications to seismic design
A general solution algorithm to the inverse equilibrium problem is derived. The algorithm finds stiffness coefficients for a given loading and a given set of displacment constraints. Optimization techniques are employed for the statically indeterminate case and for the case of partial displacement specification. The applicability of the method to seismic design of buildings is demonstrated. An inverse eigen-problem is solved for a stiffness distribution that produces a desired fundamental mode shape. The stiffness is then scaled based on the magnitude of the excitation with the use of response spectra. Emphasis is placed on stiffness proportional damping, which can be generated from the physical placement of dampers. Thesis Supervisor: Jerome J. Connor Title: Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering Acknowledgments I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people to whom I am indebted for this thesis. First of all, I would like to thank my father and mother, Wilfred and Lorraine Gallegos. I would not have had the opportunity to write this thesis, were it not for your financial and emotional support. You have been very supportive of all my efforts without trying to influence any of the decisions I have made. A very heartfelt thanks to my brother and sister, Wilfred Jr. and Anita. You have always been, and will continue to be excellent role models. A special thanks to my advisor Professor Jerome J. Connor for an extremely interesting and challenging research topic. But more importantly, I thank you for helping me find a new direction in life. It was a pleasure working with you. Thanks to Miguel Licona for providing a state space simulator which was used to analyze the designs. I dedicate this thesis to my grandmothers, Corina V. Duran and Lucia Lopez. You provided me with a stable cultural environment and a unique perspective on life. I have always drawn and will continue to draw upon your wise words of wisdom in times of need.
Optimal Stiffness Distribution: Static Loading
This chapter is concerned with the first step in passive motion control, establishing a distribution of structural stiffness that produces the desired displacement profile. The stiffness distribution for static loading applied to a set of structures consisting of continuous cantilever beams, building-type structures modeled as equivalent discontinuous beams with lumped masses, and truss-type structures, is discussed. Closed form solutions are generated for the continuous cantilever beam example.
Physical Principles of Wind Energy Conversion
The primary component of a wind turbine is the energy converter which transforms the kinetic energy contained in the moving air, into mechanical energy. For the initial discussions of principles, the exact nature of the energy converter is irrelevant. The extraction of mechanical energy from a stream of moving air with the help of a diskshaped, rotating wind energy converter follows its own basic rules.