Propagation of surface cracks on beam blank in the mould during continuous casting

ABSTRACT

We focus on crack propagation to investigate surface cracks in the mould during continuous casting, based on the crack initiation mechanism proposed in previous studies. The temperature and stress data of a solidified shell were extracted, and an extended finite element model based on the continuous damage theory of elastic–plastic materials was developed to simulate surface crack propagation. The results showed that, in the cracked area, stress concentration occurred at the crack tip, and the element split open and the crack propagated when the maximum principal stress in the stress concentration area reached the critical value. Prefabricated cracks in the fillet and web mainly developed into longitudinal cracks in the mould. The theoretical mechanism of this study was found to be the same as the crack propagation mechanism observed during the actual production of beam blanks. Thus, this study reveals the theoretical principle of crack initiation and propagation and can provide theoretical guidance for controlling surface cracks during beam blank continuous casting.     

重水浓度与吸光度关系曲线类型研究

重水作为反应堆的慢化材料，其浓度直接影响反应堆的安全和性能。为研究其重水浓度与吸光度间的关系曲线类型，基于朗伯-比尔定律，从理论上推导出液态重水中某种水分子的红外吸收峰分别与0~2种其他水分子的红外吸收峰发生重叠时重水浓度与吸光度间的关系式，分情况对二者之间的关系曲线类型进行讨论。采用傅里叶变换红外光谱仪，测得浓度为0.015%~99.98%（摩尔比）的重水标准样品吸收光谱，对重水浓度和吸光度间的关系曲线类型进行验证，理论推导与实际吻合。研究表明，一般情况下，宽浓度范围内，重水浓度与吸光度间的关系曲线类型为二次曲线；窄浓度范围内，关系曲线类型为线性。特殊情况下，吸光度为定值或关系曲线类型为线性。     

Technology enhanced learning of quantitative critical thinking

A Quantitative Critical Thinking (QCT) software tool was developed in this study to facilitate students’ learning of quantitative critical thinking via repeated practice by chemical engineering students reading a core module called fluid-solid systems. The software tool generated detailed calculation steps to typical engineering design problems encountered in this module that contained weaknesses, flaws or even errors. Students utilized the software tool to practice identifying these weaknesses, flaws or errors in the design solutions and then present a better or correct design by applying the concepts and knowledge acquired in the module. Since the QCT software tool was built upon an existing design software tool that was able to generate the correct, detailed design calculation steps to design problems, students were able to check their own design calculations against those presented by the software tool during this second learning step, thereby engaging in and learning quantitative critical thinking via a repeated practice approach. The software tool was successful in enhancing the performance of second-year undergraduate students in solving a question that required quantitative critical thinking in the final examination of the module. The average percentage scores achieved by students for the question who reported higher frequencies of usage of the software were generally higher than those who reported lower frequencies of usage or did not utilize the software tool throughout the semester.     

LWD仪器临界电压数据读取分析与解决

锂电池是LWD仪器正常工作的动力来源,是仪器的心脏。仪器出井后,需要在井口读取数据,当锂电池的电量接近耗尽时,会导致数据读取失败的问题。该问题处理不当,会造成长期占用井口,影响钻井时效,严重时还可能会因短路造成昂贵的LWD仪器损坏。锂电池的临界电压问题暴露了该仪器的设计缺陷,在此通过技术方法充分利用INSITE系统本身提供的功能,绕过其设计缺陷将问题解决。     

A Hybrid Virtual Cloud Learning Model during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the educational systems worldwide, leading to the near-total closures of schools, universities, and colleges. Universities need to adapt to changes to face this crisis without negatively affecting students’ performance. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to identify and help solve to critical challenges and factors that influence the e-learning system for Computer Maintenance courses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper examines the effect of a hybrid modeling approach that uses Cloud Computing Services (CCS) and Virtual Reality (VR) in a Virtual Cloud Learning Environment (VCLE) system. The VCLE system provides students with various utilities and educational services such as presentation slides/text, data sharing, assignments, quizzes/tests, and chatrooms. In addition, learning through VR enables the students to simulate physical presence, and they respond well to VR environments that are closer to reality as they feel that they are an integral part of the environment. Also, the research presents a rubric assessment that the students can use to reflect on the skills they used during the course. The research findings offer useful suggestions for enabling students to become acquainted with the proposed system’s usage, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and for improving student achievement more than the traditional methods of learning.     

Design of geocell reinforced roads through fragility modeling

Several studies have confirmed the geocell reinforcement system as potential road material. However, there is a wide gap between the number of research studies evaluating the geocell in the laboratory and those dealing with road design methods using the geocell. Due to this gap, the geocell system has not reached its full potential in highways. The present study proposes fragility modeling to design low volume roads by considering the geocell reinforced layer's modulus. A predictive model was developed to estimate the geocell layer's modulus using laboratory and finite element analysis results. The results indicate that geocell reinforcement reduces the stresses on the underlying road layers. The developed fragility approach is then used to examine three road designs for Texas's low volume road involving different geocell reinforced layers. The obtained fragility curves indicate the reliability of each of the three road designs against the traffic load and can thereby assist decision-makers in selecting the optimum design. By designing geocell reinforced roads via fragility modeling, highway officials will be able to integrate any uncertainties in the design inputs and check designs against road performance criteria such as rutting and fatigue cracking, and against decision criteria such as cost, emissions, etc.     

Looking out to look in: inspiration from social sciences for construction management research

In reaction to the recent call for critical debate in the field of construction management research, I argue that we should embrace the richness of adjacent fields of study in order to dynamically develop our own and face the plethora of contemporary societal challenges that exist in our industry. I introduce the concepts of other-than-rational thinking in decision-making and multiplicity in management responses as examples of inspirational sources from social sciences that would contribute to truly understanding the driving forces of construction management processes. I connect these concepts to contemporary studies in construction management and share my experiences with several positive collaborative approaches in conducting construction management research.