Numerical simulation of large deformation in shear panel dampers using smoothed particle hydrodynamics

A shear panel damper (SPD) is commonly used to dissipate energy by metallic deformation in buildings and bridge structures. Consequently, accurate prediction of the deformation behavior of an SPD is very important in controlling the seismic performance of the structure in which it is used. To overcome the limitations of traditional numerical methods for modeling large deformation, a mesh-free particle method called smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) is introduced in this paper. Governing equations in SPH form are proposed; a bilinear model with a kinematic hardening rule and Jaumann stress rate are adopted to establish an SPH model. First, numerical modeling of an elastic simple shear test was carried out to verify the feasibility and reliability of the SPH method. Then, SPD cyclic shear tests were conducted for SPH analysis to extend its applications. SPH modeling can not only accurately simulate large deformation in an SPD, but can also describe the stress–strain relationship and calculate its cumulative dissipated energy subject to cyclic loading. Therefore, the SPH method can reasonably evaluate the properties of an SPD, and provide a scientific basis for their design and incorporation in civil structures in earthquake zones.