A heat mixed variational theorem for thermoelastic multilayered composites

This paper presents for thermoelastic media the analogue of the Reissner’s mixed variational theorem (RMVT), initially developed for elastic media, by adding the transverse thermal field–temperature increment relation as a constraint via a Lagrange multiplier. The latter is shown to be the transverse (normal) heat flux, which continuity at the laminated composite interfaces can now be fulfilled in a natural way as is the case for transverse stresses in the RMVT. Hence, the resulting new heat mixed variational theorem (HMVT) will be well suited for modelling thermoelastic layered composites. Mixed coupled thermoelastic constitutive equations to be used in conjunction with the HMVT are also presented. Finally, discussions are made on the application of the HMVT to the quasi-static and steady-state classical cases leading to uncoupled heat transfer and thermal-stress analyses.     

Application of aeroelastic modes on nonlinear supersonic panel flutter at elevated temperatures

This paper shows that the use of aeroelastic modes, instead of the traditional in vacuo natural modes, can reduce drastically the number of coupled nonlinear modal equations for the large amplitude nonlinear panel flutter analysis at an arbitrary yawed supersonic flow angle and elevated temperatures. All four types of panel behavior can be predicted and they are flat and stable, aerothermally buckled but dynamically stable, limit cycle oscillations, and chaos.     

The variability and interdependence of spider drag line tensile properties

There is considerable interest in producing fibres that mimic the impressive tensile properties of spider drag line silk. It must, however, be recognised that these properties have been assessed largely on the basis of their average values; there can be significant variability about these averages. The natural variability can also serve as a useful indicator of the range of values over which particular properties of biomimetic silk may be tailored. Here we quantify several tensile properties of drag line from Argiope trifasciata spiders. We distinguish between two groups of properties on the basis of their statistical coefficient of variation. There is significantly greater scope for tailoring the viscoplastic hardening aspects of drag line, compared to the variability of the initial elastic response or the yield strength. We also consider whether elastic modulus, yield strength and viscoplastic hardening can be controlled independently of one another.     

Methane/natural gas storage and delivered capacity for activated carbons in dry and wet conditions

Methane/natural gas storage and delivered capacity for three different activated carbons in dry and wet conditions were measured. In all tests the temperature of the bed was maintained constant at 277.15 K and pressure was increased up to 10 MPa. Natural gas storage capacity was less than methane storage capacity in dry conditions for all the three activated carbons tested, while the gas delivery was almost the same. One of activated carbon tested (NC120) showed the possibility of hydrate forming for pressures higher than 4 MPa but the amount of gas stored still was less than the amount stored in dry conditions over the whole range of pressure. The analysis of the gas delivered at each pressure steps shows that considerable amount of heavy components do not come out from the bed even at very low pressures in both dry and wet condition tests. Repeatability of the sorption/desorption processes - vital for possible commercial/industrial use - has been examined over various cycles.     

A NOVEL PASSIVE DUAL ENERGY RECOVERY SNUBBER FOR HIGH POWER GTO CONVERTERS

A novel passive dual energy recovery snubber circuit is presented where energy trapped in the snubber inductor and capacitor is recovered into the both DC rail and load, without any active devices or resistors. The maximum over-shoot voltage on the switch is fixed, peak switch current is low, circuit reset is fast and the operational range of load current is wide. This circuit is suitable for use in high frequency, single ended power gate turn-off (GTO) thyrister choppers. Main design equations, some simulations and practical results are included.     

Solar chimney and building ventilation

This study is concerned with the design of a solar chimney to induce ventilation in a building. CFD modelling techniques were used to assess the impacts of inclination angle, double glazing and low-emissivity finishes on the induced ventilation rate. It was found that for a south-facing chimney, an inclination angle of 67.5° from the horizontal was optimum for the location chosen, giving 11% greater efficiency than the vertical chimney, and that a 10% higher efficiency was obtained by using a low-emissivity wall surface.     

A simple design method for the Trombe wall

A simple analytical model of the Trombe wall is considered in which all the various parameters affecting the wall performance can be analyzed. Several design criteria for optimizing the wall performance are considered, and comparisons with previous methods are given.