Multiscale Analysis of Multiple Damage Mechanisms Coupled with Inelastic Behavior of Composite Materials

Thermodynamically consistent constitutive equations are derived here in order to investigate size effects on the strength of composite, strain, and damage localization effects on the macroscopic response of the composite, and statistical inhomogeneity of the evolution-related damage variables associated with the representative volume element. This approach is based on a gradient-dependent theory of plasticity and damage over multiple scales that incorporates mesoscale interstate variables and their higher order gradients at both the macro- and mesoscales. This theory provides the bridging of length scales. The interaction of the length scales is a paramount factor in understanding and controlling material defects such as dislocation, voids, and cracks at the mesoscale and interpreting them at the macroscale. The behavior of these defects is captured not only individually, but also the interaction between them and their ability to create spatiotemporal patterns under different loading conditions. The proposed work introduces gradients at both the meso- and macroscales. The combined coupled concept of introducing gradients at the mesoscale and the macroscale enables one to address two issues simultaneously. The mesoscale gradients allow one to address issues such as lack of statistical homogeneous state variables at the macroscale level such as debonding of fibers in composite materials, cracks, voids, and so forth. On the other hand, the macroscale gradients allow one to address nonlocal behavior of materials and interpret the collective behavior of defects such as dislocations and cracks. The capability of the proposed model is to properly simulate the size-dependent behavior of the materials together with the localization problem. Consequently, the boundary-value problem of a standard continuum model remains well-posed even in the softening regime. The enhanced gradient continuum results in additional partial differential equations that are satisfied in a weak form. Additional nodal degrees of freedom are introduced that leads to a modified finite-element formulation. The governing equations can be linearized consistently and solved within the incremental iterative Newton-Raphson solution procedure.     

Study on transient heat transfer through multilayer thermal insulation: Numerical analysis and experimental investigation

This paper reports on a numerical and experimental study of heat transfer phenomena through two different multilayer fibrous insulations for building applications. The investigated samples were composed of different layers of fibrous materials and aluminium foils, placed between one or two air gaps in the vertical dimension. An experimental apparatus (a guarded hot box) has been used to measure heat transfer through the samples, while a finite volume numerical model combined radiation/conduction heat transfer was developed to predict the temperature distribution and heat transfer in such insulation systems comprised of the materials separated by multiple reflective foils. The model takes into account the coupling between the solid conduction of the fibrous system and the gaseous conduction and radiation. The radiation heat transfer through the insulation system has been modelled via the two flux approximation. The numerical results were compared with the experimental data from the guarded hot box for model validation, as well as to assess the effectiveness of the reflective foils in changing the resistance of the insulations. The comparative verification of the model showed that the numerical results were consistent with the experimental data through the environmental conditions under examination.     

Influence of the process parameters of an intermeshing co‐rotating twin screw extruder on the morphology and notched Izod impact strength of PBT/ABS/MGE blends

In this research, it was studied the effects of the processing parameters applied to a twin screw extruder on the morphology and impact strength of poly(butylene terephthalate)/acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene blends with and without a reactive compatibilizer. It was found that the increase of the feed rate highly decreased the ductile brittle transition temperature (DBTT) and slightly increased the room temperature impact strength (RTIS) of the compatibilized blends. Besides the influence of the feed rate, it was also found that the compatibilized blends could reach high RTIS and low DBTT values by an appropriate combination of the compatibilizer feeding position in the extruder, the screw rotation speed and the width of the kneading discs of the screw. The DBTT was found to be at least partially controlled by the spatial distribution of the rubbery particles, which was quantified by finite body tessellation, a method applied for the first time in polymer blends. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Enhancement of stack ventilation in hot and humid climate using a combination of roof solar collector and vertical stack

In the hot and humid climate, stack ventilation is inefficient due to small temperature difference between the inside and outside of naturally ventilated buildings. Hence, solar induced ventilation is a feasible alternative in enhancing the stack ventilation. This paper aims to investigate the effectiveness of a proposed solar induced ventilation strategy, which combines a roof solar collector and a vertical stack, in enhancing the stack ventilation performance in the hot and humid climate. The methodology selected for the investigation is physical experimental modelling which was carried out in the actual environment. The results are presented and discussed in terms of two performance variables: air temperature and air velocity. The findings indicate that the proposed strategy is able to enhance the stack ventilation, both in semi-clear sky and overcast sky conditions. The highest air temperature difference between the air inside the stack and the ambient air (T_i−T_o) is achieved in the semi-clear sky condition, which is about 9.9 °C (45.8 °C–35.9 °C). Meanwhile, in the overcast sky condition, the highest air temperature difference (T_i−T_o) is 6.2 °C (39.3 °C–33.1 °C). The experimental results also indicate good agreement with the theoretical results for the glass temperature, the air temperature in the roof solar collector’s channel and the absorber temperature. The findings also show that wind has significant effect to the induced air velocity by the proposed strategy.     

相思木浆用于文化用纸生产时的滤水性能和留着性能

对来自印度尼西亚的相思木 (Acacia)浆与混合阔叶木浆和来自北欧的桦木浆进行对比分析 ,以期获得用于文化用纸生产时湿部的潜在滤水、留着性能及相关的手抄片性能 ,这些性能比较均基于恒定的抗张强度水平。相思木浆被证明拥有在文化用纸生产中至关重要的光散射能力、湿部成形和填料留着能力方面的优越性。需要改进的地方是 :它的滤水速率和湿纸幅强度较低 ,这些将是现代高速纸机湿部的瓶颈所在。相比之下 ,桦木浆具有较快的滤水速率和较高的湿部固含量 ,但其留着性能还有待改进     

A roadmap towards intelligent net zero- and positive-energy buildings

Buildings nowadays are increasingly expected to meet higher and more complex performance requirements: they should be sustainable; use zero-net energy; foster a healthy and comfortable environment for the occupants; be grid-friendly, yet economical to build and maintain. The essential ingredients for the successful development and operation of net zero- and positive-energy buildings (NZEB/PEB) are: thermal simulation models, that are accurate representations of the building and its subsystems; sensors, actuators, and user interfaces to facilitate communication between the physical and simulation layers; and finally, integrated control and optimization tools of sufficient generality that using the sensor inputs and the thermal models can take intelligent decisions, in almost real-time, regarding the operation of the building and its subsystems. To this end the aim of the present paper is to present a review on the technological developments in each of the essential ingredients that may support the future integration of successful NZEB/PEB, i.e. accurate simulation models, sensors and actuators and last but not least the building optimization and control. The integration of the user is an integral part in the dynamic behavior of the system, and this role has to be taken into account. Future prospects and research trends are discussed.     

Distributed uplink scheduling and rate control in cdma2000 using adaptive antenna arrays

Distributed uplink scheduling and rate control in CDMA networks are considered in the case of adaptive antenna arrays present at the base station. The system model with omnidirectional antennas is generalized to the case where adaptive antenna arrays are deployed. Rate control in a probabilistic manner is investigated. Long-term control by the base station through token bucket constraints is incorporated in the system. Monte Carlo simulation results show considerable improvement when adaptive antenna arrays are used. Optimization of the rate transition probabilities is treated in the special case of on–off scheduling.     

The effect of daily-activity patterns on crash involvement

The main purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of daily-activity and travel patterns on the risk of crash involvement. To this end, we develop a model that integrates daily-activity and travel choices in a single framework, recognizing that these variables affect the risk of crashes. This model can therefore provide predictions of the expected changes in risk levels from the implementation of measures that affect the daily-activity patterns and the socio-economic characteristics of the population.The empirical analysis makes use of data collected during a household survey that includes crash information and trip diaries. The model is applied in a case study of an Arab town in Israel to analyze various transportation policies. The results of this research show that in addition to individuals’ demographic and socio-economic characteristics, their daily-activity and travel patterns also have an impact on the risk of being involved in car crashes. The case study showed the potential of this framework for analyzing the effect of various social and transportation policies on road safety. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time such relationships have been tested by using a disaggregate model and the first time activity-based models have been used to analyze exposure to the risk of road crashes.     

Quantum states engineering: Recurrence formula including states with even and odd numbers of photons

Abstract

A previous recurrence formula using the resonant atom-field interaction for the generation of a field state in a cavity is extended to arbitrary states having even and odd numbers of photons in their photon-number distribution.     

High-density automotive hydrogen storage with cryogenic capable pressure vessels

LLNL is developing cryogenic capable pressure vessels with thermal endurance 5–10 times greater than conventional liquid hydrogen (LH₂) tanks that can eliminate evaporative losses in routine usage of (L)H₂ automobiles. In a joint effort BMW is working on a proof of concept for a first automotive cryo-compressed hydrogen storage system that can fulfill automotive requirements on system performance, life cycle, safety and cost. Cryogenic pressure vessels can be fueled with ambient temperature compressed gaseous hydrogen (CGH₂), LH₂ or cryogenic hydrogen at elevated supercritical pressure (cryo-compressed hydrogen, CcH₂). When filled with LH₂ or CcH₂, these vessels contain 2–3 times more fuel than conventional ambient temperature compressed H₂ vessels. LLNL has demonstrated fueling with LH₂ onboard two vehicles. The generation 2 vessel, installed onboard an H₂-powered Toyota Prius and fueled with LH₂ demonstrated the longest unrefueled driving distance and the longest cryogenic H₂ hold time without evaporative losses. A third generation vessel will be installed, reducing weight and volume by minimizing insulation thickness while still providing acceptable thermal endurance. Based on its long experience with cryogenic hydrogen storage, BMW has developed its cryo-compressed hydrogen storage concept, which is now undergoing a thorough system and component validation to prove compliance with automotive requirements before it can be demonstrated in a BMW test vehicle.