Effect of strain rate on the dynamic compressive mechanical behaviors of rock material subjected to high temperatures

Strain rate is not only an important measure to characterize the deformation property, but also an important parameter to analyze the dynamic mechanical properties of rock materials. In this paper, by using the SHPB test system improved with high temperature device, the dynamic compressive tests of sandstone at seven temperatures in the range of room temperature to 1000 °C and five impact velocities in the range of 11.0–15.0 m/s were conducted. Investigations were carried out on the influences of strain rate on dynamic compressive mechanical behaviors of sandstone. The results of the study indicate that the enhancement effects of strain rates on dynamic compressive strength, peak strain, energy absorption ratio of sandstone under high temperatures still exist. However, the increase ratios of dynamic compressive strength, peak strain, and energy absorption ratio of rock under high temperature compared to room temperature have no obvious strain rate effects. The temperatures at which the strain rates affect dynamic compressive strength and peak strain most, are 800, and 1000 °C, respectively. The temperatures at which the strain rates affect dynamic compressive strength and peak strain weakest, are 1000 °C, and room temperature, respectively. At 200 and 800 °C, the strain rate effect on energy absorption ratio are most significant, while at 1000 °C, it is weakest. There are no obvious strain rate effects on elastic modulus and increase ratio of elastic modulus under high temperatures. According to test results, the relationship formula of strain rate with high temperature and impact load was derived by internalizing fitting parameters. Compared with the strain rate effect at room temperature condition, essential differences have occurred in the strain rate effect of rock material under the influence of high temperature.     

Effects of apparent image velocity and complexity on the dynamic visual field using a high-speed train driving simulator

Train driving is a highly visual task. The visual capabilities of the train driver affects driving safety and driving performance. Understanding the effects of train speed and background image complexity on the visual behavior of the high-speed train driver is essential for optimizing performance and safety. This study investigated the role of the apparent image velocity and complexity on the dynamic visual field of drivers. Participants in a repeated-measures experiment drove a train at nine different speeds in a state-of-the-art high-speed train simulator. Eye movement analysis indicated that the effect of image velocity on the dynamic visual field of high-speed train driver was significant while image complexity had no effect on it. The fixation range was increasingly concentrated on the middle of the track as the speed increased, meanwhile there was a logarithmic decline in fixation range for areas surrounding the track. The extent of the visual search field decreased gradually, both vertically and horizontally, as the speed of train increased, and the rate of decrease was more rapid in the vertical direction. A model is proposed that predicts the extent of this tunnel vision phenomenon as a function of the train speed.Relevance to industryThis finding can be used as a basis for the design of high-speed railway system and as a foundation for improving the operational procedures of high-speed train driver for safety.     

Usability of a cloud-based collaborative learning framework to improve learners’ experience

Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) is concerned with how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) might facilitate learning in groups which can be co-located or distributed over a network of computers such as Internet. CSCL supports effective learning by means of communication of ideas and information among learners, collaborative access of essential documents, and feedback from instructors and peers on learning activities. As the cloud technologies are increasingly becoming popular and collaborative learning is evolving, new directions for development of collaborative learning tools deployed on cloud are proposed. Development of such learning tools requires access to substantial data stored in the cloud. Ensuring efficient access to such data is hindered by the high latencies of wide-area networks underlying the cloud infrastructures. To improve learners’ experience by accelerating data access, important files can be replicated so a group of learners can access data from nearby locations. Since a cloud environment is highly dynamic, resource availability, network latency, and learner requests may change. In this paper, we present the advantages of collaborative learning and focus on the importance of data replication in the design of such a dynamic cloud-based system that a collaborative learning portal uses. To this end, we introduce a highly distributed replication technique that determines optimal data locations to improve access performance by minimizing replication overhead (access and update). The problem is formulated using dynamic programming. Experimental results demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed collaborative learning system used by institutions in geographically distributed locations.     

无源光网络标准发展及关键技术研究

无源光网络(Passive Optical Network,PON)作为当今接入网的主要技术解决方案,具有带宽使用效率高、传输距离远、抗干扰能力强等特点.通过研究PON技术的发展动态,本文首先归纳了各种PON技术的产生背景和应用特点,整理出各技术间的连接关系及主要标准;其次介绍了PON技术的帧结构,并对带宽、波长、传输模式等PON技术的主要参数进行了汇总;然后将国内外研究热点进行划分,围绕媒体访问控制协议、帧结构、动态带宽分配算法、节能机制等关键技术,阐述了其研究现状及在PON中的重要作用;最后对PON技术的发展趋势进行了展望.     

声波测井换能器激发响应实验研究

声波测井换能器的激发响应由换能器振动时所表现出来的动态阻抗和激发电路参数决定。而换能器的动态（阻抗）参数随压电晶体及其装配方式（力学边界条件）改变。为了测量换能器动态参数的影响，采用声波测井仪器常用的压电晶体和升压变压器，通过改变激发脉冲宽度和直流电压进行了实验，结果发现：在换能器两端的瞬态响应中，一共有三个二阶网络响应，分别对应于不同的频率。最低的一个影响声波测井波形的基线、与换能器主频接近的一个决定激发效率以及电路与压电晶体之间的匹配关系，是激发电路设计中比较关键的，其参数可以通过导纳圆测量仪器得到。     

Fast Positive Feedback Between the Adrenocortical Stress Response and a Brain Mechanism Involved in Aggressive Behavior.

Aggressive behavior induces an adrenocortical stress response, and sudden stressors often precipitate violent behavior. Experiments in rats revealed a fast, mutual, positive feedback between the adrenocortical stress response and a brain mechanism controlling aggression. Stimulation of the aggressive area in the hypothalamus rapidly activated the adrenocortical response, even in the absence of an opponent and fighting. Hypothalamic aggression, in turn, was rapidly facilitated by a corticosterone injection in rats in which the natural adrenocortical stress response was prevented by adrenalectomy. The rapidity of both effects points to a fast, mutual, positive feedback of the controlling mechanisms within the time frame of a single conflict. Such a mutual facilitation may contribute to the precipitation and escalation of violent behavior under stressful conditions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

快速纳秒响应二代近贴聚焦像增强器的批量生产

叙述了二代近贴聚焦像增强器批量生产所用真空设备性能及特点，同时给出了管子工艺考核结果及管子纳秒时间响应特性。工艺考核结果表明，制管工艺可靠、性能稳定，管子批量生产合格率大于70％。     

Driver detection and recognition of lineside signals and signs at different approach speeds

A study was carried out using simulation to investigate driver responses to lineside signals and signs at various approach speeds. The objectives of the study were: (1) to find out whether train speed would significantly affect signal/sign reading; (2) to examine at which point certain types of signs or signals could be detected or recognised, and (3) to determine a speed cut-off level above which certain types of signs or signals are no longer recognisable or detectable. Fifty-seven train drivers from 12 Train Operating Companies in the UK participated in the trials. Twenty different types of lineside signs and ten types of signals were tested under six different approach speeds ranging from 100 to 350 km/h (62–218 mph). Driver performance measures were ‘time remaining to the signal/sign’ at the point of detection or recognition, and reading error rate. The results showed a significant influence of train speed on driver responses to lineside signals/signs and demonstrated a non-linear relationship between driver responses to signals/signs and approach speed. This has been used to estimate a maximum approach speed limit within which a specific signal or sign can be correctly detected or recognised. The findings and implications of the study are discussed in the paper.     

Model Validation for Bridge-Road-Vehicle Dynamic Interaction System

The dynamic response of highway bridges subjected to moving truckloads has been observed to be dependent on (1) dynamic characteristics of the bridge; (2) truck configuration, speed, and lane position on the bridge; and (3) road surface roughness profile of the bridge and its approach. Historically, truckloads were measured to determine the load spectra for girder bridges. However, truckload measurements are either made for a short period of time [for example, weigh-in-motion (WIM) data] or are statistically biased (for example, weigh stations) and cost prohibitive. The objective of this paper is to present results of a 3D computer-based model for the simulation of multiple trucks on girder bridges. The model is based on the grillage approach and is applied to four steel girder bridges tested under normal truck traffic. Actual truckload data collected using a discrete bridge WIM system are used in the model. The data include axle loads, truck gross weight, axle configuration, and statistical data on multiple presence (side by side or following). The results are presented as a function of the static and dynamic stresses in each girder and compared with code provisions for dynamic load factor. The study provides an alternate method for the development of live-load models for bridge design and evaluation.