The Analysis and Simulation on Operating Characteristics of GSHP in Summer

At present, being environmental friendly and with the potential of energy efficiency, ground-source heat pump (GSHP) systems are widely used in the world. The GSHP system can transfer heat stored in the earth into a building during the winter, and transfer heat gained in the building into the earth during the summer. An office building in Shanghai which uses a GSHP system and dual-U-pipe vertical geothermal heat exchangers (GHEs) under the ground is taken as an example in this paper for analysis. Experiments on the operation performance of this GSHP system were carried out. When cooling in summer, the soil temperature increased during the day and decreased at night, and the maximum soil temperature reached 29.5 °C. The maximum heat exchange capacity of one borehole reached 53 W/m and the maximum coefficient of performance (COP) reached 4.2, which shows the GSHP system is quite energy efficient. In addition, design and simulation software for the GSHP system was developed by authors. When putting the corresponding parameters of the GSHP system into the software, the simulated results well match the measured ones.     

The θ-concept in the theory of creep and its modification for describing the creep limit

The article contains an analysis of the theory of creep which in the literature is called the -concept, and its shortcomings are noted. The article suggests a modified variant of the theory and formulates a criterion of the creep limit from the positions of the theory of reliability. The obtained equations and criteria are compared with the results of creep and rupture tests of a heat-resistant alloy. These relations are fairly simple and can be used for engineering calculations of creep and creep limit.Leningrad University. TsNIIKM Prometei, Leningrad. Translated from Problemy Prochnosti, No. 12, pp. 8–11, December, 1989.     

Effect of notches on creep–fatigue behavior of a P/M nickel-based superalloy

A study was performed to determine and model the effect of high temperature dwells on notch low cycle fatigue (NLCF) and notch stress rupture behavior of a fine grain LSHR powder metallurgy (P/M) nickel-based superalloy. It was shown that a 90 second (s) dwell applied at the minimum stress (“min dwell”) was considerably more detrimental to the NLCF lives than similar dwell applied at the maximum stress (“max dwell”). The short min dwell NLCF lives were shown to be caused by growth of small oxide blisters which caused preferential cracking when coupled with high concentrated notch root stresses. The cyclic max dwell notch tests failed mostly by creep accumulation, not by fatigue, with the crack origin shifting internally to a substantial distance away from the notch root. The classical von Mises plastic flow model was unable to match the experimental results while the hydrostatic stress profile generated using the Drucker–Prager plasticity flow model was consistent with the experimental findings. The max dwell NLCF and notch stress rupture tests exhibited substantial creep notch strengthening. The triaxial Bridgman effective stress parameter was able to account, with some limitations, for the notch strengthening by collapsing the notch and uniform gage geometry test data into a singular grouping.     

A general near-exact distribution theory for the most common likelihood ratio test statistics used in Multivariate Analysis

In this paper we first show how the exact distributions of the most common likelihood ratio test (l.r.t.) statistics, that is, the ones used to test the independence of several sets of variables, the equality of several variance-covariance matrices, sphericity, and the equality of several mean vectors, may be expressed as the distribution of the product of independent Beta random variables or the product of a given number of independent random variables whose logarithm has a Gamma distribution times a given number of independent Beta random variables. Then, we show how near-exact distributions for the logarithms of these statistics may be expressed as Generalized Near-Integer Gamma distributions or mixtures of these distributions, whose rate parameters associated with the integer shape parameters, for samples of size n, all have the form (n−j)/n for j=2,…,p, where for three of the statistics, p is the number of variables involved, while for the other one, it is the sum of the number of variables involved and the number of mean vectors being tested. What is interesting is that the similarities exhibited by these statistics are even more striking in terms of near-exact distributions than in terms of exact distributions. Moreover all the l.r.t. statistics that may be built as products of these basic statistics also inherit a similar structure for their near-exact distributions. To illustrate this fact, an application is made to the l.r.t. statistic to test the equality of several multivariate Normal distributions.     

Effect of cyclic loading on subsequent creep behaviour and its implications in creep–fatigue life assessment

Abstract

Evaluation of creep–fatigue failure is essential in design and fitness evaluation of high-temperature components in power generation plants. Cyclic deformation may alter the creep properties of the material and taking cyclic effects into account may improve the accuracy of creep–fatigue failure life prediction. To evaluate such a possibility, creep tests were conducted on 316FR and modified 9Cr–1Mo steel specimens subjected to prior cyclic loading; their creep deformation and rupture behaviours were compared with those of as-received materials. It was found that creep rupture life and elongation generally decreased following cyclic loading in both materials. In particular, the rupture elongation of 316FR in long-term creep conditions drastically decreases as a result of being cyclically deformed at a large strain range. Use of creep rupture properties after cyclic deformation, instead of those of as-received material, in strain-based and energy-based life estimation approaches brought about a clear improvement of creep–fatigue life prediction.     

Free damped vibrations of a viscoelastic oscillator based on Rabotnov’s model

Free damped vibrations of a linear viscoelastic oscillator based on Rabotnov’s model involving one fractional parameter and several relaxation (retardation) times are investigated. The analytical solution is obtained in the form of two terms, one of which governs the drift of the system’s equilibrium position and is defined by the quasi-static processes of creep occurring in the system, and the other term describes damped vibrations around the equilibrium position and is determined by the systems’s inertia and energy dissipation. The drift is governed by an improper integral taken along two sides of the cut of the complex plane. Damped vibrations are determined by two complex conjugate roots of the characteristic equation, which are located in the left half-plane of the complex plane. The behaviour of the characteristic equation roots as function of the system’s parameters is shown in the complex plane. Dedicated to the bright memory of Academician Yury N. Rabotnov.     

Micro–macro homogenization of granular materials based on the average-field theory of Cosserat continuum

This paper performs further study on the micro–macro homogenization approach of granular materials (Li et al., 2010) based on the advancement of Hill’s lemma for Cosserat continuum (Liu, 2013). Firstly, the average couple stress tensor, expressed as the volume integration of quantities over the representative volume element (RVE) in the average-field theory of Cosserat continuum, is further deduced and expressed in terms of discrete quantities on the discrete particle assembly RVE of granular materials. The expression is also discussed and compared with other typical definitions of the effective couple stress tensor for granular materials in the literature. Then, rate forms of micromechanically based constitutive models consistent with different types of RVE boundary conditions are derived and discussed. Since the presented micro–macro homogenization approach is used, not only the micro–macro energy equivalence is satisfied, but also the microstructure and its evolution can be taken into account in the constitutive formulation with no need of specifying macroscopic phenomenological constitutive model.     

Modeling of viscoplastic rate-dependent hardening-softening behavior of hot mix asphalt in compression

The objective of this paper is to model viscoplastic rate-dependent hardening-softening behavior that is experimentally observed from hot mix asphalt (HMA) under repetitive creep and recovery loading in compression. A differential equation is utilized to incorporate the effects of the stress history into yield stress, and an internal variable representing rate dependence in the equation is set as a function of the viscoplastic strain rate to address the change in rate dependence of the material due to gradual hardening. Also, a separate rate-dependent function concept is adopted to describe the difference in rate dependence of the yield stress during unloading and loading. The developed viscoplastic model is applied using the time–temperature superposition principle and shows good agreement with the measured viscoplastic responses of HMA under repetitive creep and recovery loading with various load levels and rest periods.     

Analysis on the removal mechanism of disc grinding based on dynamic thermal–mechanical coupling

International Journal of Mechanics and Materials in Design - Disc grinding is a commonly-utilized removal technology to generate the machining surface with higher precision. The material removal is...     

Effects of environment on creep behavior of two oxide/oxide ceramic–matrix composites at 1200 °C

The tensile creep behavior of two oxide/oxide ceramic–matrix composites (CMCs) was investigated at 1200 °C in laboratory air, in steam, and in argon. The composites consist of a porous oxide matrix reinforced with laminated, woven mullite/alumina (Nextel™720) fibers, have no interface between the fiber and matrix, and rely on the porous matrix for flaw tolerance. The matrix materials were alumina and aluminosilicate. The tensile stress–strain behavior was investigated and the tensile properties were measured at 1200 °C. Tensile creep behavior of both CMCs was examined for creep stresses in the 80–150 MPa range. Creep run-out defined as 100 h at creep stress was achieved in air and in argon for stress levels ≤100 MPa for both composites. The retained strength and modulus of all specimens that achieved run-out were evaluated. The presence of steam accelerated creep rates and reduced creep life of both CMCs. In the case of the composite with the aluminosilicate matrix, no-load exposure in steam at 1200 °C caused severe degradation of tensile strength. Composite microstructure, as well as damage and failure mechanisms were investigated. Poor creep performance of both composites in steam is attributed to the degradation of the fibers and densification of the matrix. Results indicate that the aluminosilicate matrix is considerably more susceptible to densification and coarsening of the porosity than the alumina matrix. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Air Force, Department of Defense or the U.S. Government.     

Thermal buckling analysis of nanoplates based on nonlocal elasticity theory with four-unknown shear deformation theory resting on Winkler–Pasternak elastic foundation

The thermal buckling analysis of nanoplates is based on nonlocal elasticity theory with four-unknown shear deformation theory resting on Winkler–Pasternak elastic foundation. The nanoplate is assumed to be under three types of thermal loadings, namely uniform temperature rise, linear temperature rise, and nonlinear temperature rise through the thickness. The theory involves four unknown variables with small-scale effects, as against five in the case of other higher-order theories and first-order shear deformation theory. Closed-form solution for theory was also presented. Results are presented to discuss the influences of the nonlocal parameter, aspect ratio, side-to-thickness ratio, and elastic foundation parameters on the thermal buckling characteristics of analytical rectangular nanoplates.     

Steady-state creep of an alloy based on the intermetallic compound Ni3Al(γ′)

An investigation of the steady-state creep of a Ni₃Al.10 at% Fe alloy () has shown that two creep mechanisms were operative over the temperature range 530 to 930° C. The experimental data at low temperatures (below 680° C) were not consistent with any of the established creep theories. However, the experimental data were in good agreement with a proposed model for cross-slip from octahedral {111} planes on to cube {100} planes in Li₂ crystals. Above 680° C, the rate-controlling mechanism, which had an activation energy of 3.27eV atom^–1, is considered to be the removal/production of APBs during climb.     

Nonparametric inference based on panel count data

Panel count data usually refer to data arising from studies on recurrent events in which the subjects under study are followed or observed only periodically rather than continuously. In such situations, an objective of interest is about the occurrence of some events that can occur multiple times or repeatedly and the studies resulting in this type of information are often referred to as event history studies. There are many fields such as medical studies, reliability experiments and social sciences wherein panel count data are encountered commonly. This article reviews basic concepts about panel count data, some common issues and questions of interest regarding them as well as the corresponding statistical procedures that are suitable for their analysis. In particular, we will discuss an estimation of the mean function of the underlying counting process characterizing the occurrence of the events, comparison of several processes and analysis of multiple state panel count data. Some discussion is also presented of situations involving dependent or informative observation processes.     

Speeding for fun? Exploring the speeding behavior of riders of heavy motorcycles using the theory of planned behavior and psychological flow theory

This paper focuses on a special segment of motorcyclists in Taiwan – riders of heavy motorcycles – and investigates their speeding behavior and its affecting factors. It extends the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to explore motorcyclist speeding behavior by including the variables of psychological flow theory. The levels of sensation-seeking and riding experience are also used as grouping variables to investigate group differences from the influences of their affecting factors on speeding behavior. The results reveal that the psychological flow variables have greater predictive power in explaining speeding behavior than the TPB variables, providing useful insights into the unique nature of this group of motorcyclists, who are more prone to engage in speeding. Group differences with regard to both sensation-seeking and rider experience in speeding behavior are highlighted, and the implications of the findings are discussed.     

Directional coarsening of γ′ phase in single crystal nickel based superalloys during tensile creep

Abstract

The γ′ precipitate rafting kinetics and morphological evolution for two model single crystal superalloys have been studied. The microstructure of the alloys after different stages of tensile creep at 1040°C and under a range of stresses are examined using TEM and SEM. The chemical compositions of both γ and γ′ phases are analysed by energy dispersive spectrometry. Results show that a meshlike γ′ raft structure is formed along the direction normal to the stress axis during primary creep. The applied stress causes a decrease in the coherent strain energy at the γ′/γ interfaces in the (001) crystal plane. The released energy is the driving force for the diffusion of elements, leading to the formation of the γ′ rafts. A longer time is required for the formation of γ′rafts in alloy 2 owing to its higher content of the refractory element W which obstructs the migration of the other elements in the diffusion field of the γ′ rafts.     

Design of filament–wound domes based on continuum theory and non-geodesic roving trajectories

In this paper the optimal shapes and fiber architectures of non-geodesics-based domes for pressure vessels are determined upon the condition of equal shell strains. Based on the continuum theory and the non-geodesic law, the system of differential equations governing the optimal meridian profiles is derived. A specific function is chosen to describe the slippage coefficient distribution for the desired non-geodesic path, in order to ensure C¹ continuity of the roving paths when passing the dome–cylinder conjunction. Next, the meridian profiles are determined for various material anisotropies; the related winding angle developments of non-geodesic trajectories are also presented. The performance factors of non-geodesics-based optimal domes are obtained using various slippage coefficients and polar opening radii. The results show that the structural efficiency of the dome improves with increasing slippage coefficient. It is concluded that the non-geodesics-based dome designed using the present method gains better performance than the one relying on geodesics.     

Experimental optimization of dry sliding wear behavior of in situ AlB2/Al composite based on Taguchi’s method

A wear rate prediction model for aluminum based composites reinforced with 10 and 30 wt.% in situ aluminum diboride (AlB₂) flakes was developed using Taguchi’s method by considering the parameters of sliding velocity, normal load, sliding distance and reinforcement ratio. Having produced the in situ reinforced bulk of composite, the final shape of the test samples was given through squeeze casting method. The wear behavior of the specimen was investigated using pin-on-disk rig where the samples sliding against a steel disk under different conditions. The orthogonal array, signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed to study the optimal testing parameters on composite samples. The experimental results demonstrate that the normal load and reinforcement ratio were the major parameters influencing the specific wear rate for all samples, followed by sliding velocity. The sliding distance, however, was found to have a negligible effect on the specific wear rate. Moreover, the optimal combination of the testing parameters has been predicted. The predicted specific wear rates for all the test samples were found to lie close to that of the experimentally observed ones.     

Effect of niobium on creep and creep crack growth of cast Ni–Cr austenitic steel

Abstract

An investigation of the effect of Nb on creep properties and creep crack growth rate in a 25Cr–35Ni–0·4C (wt-%) cast steel at 871 and 950°C was carried out. Tensile tests were also carried out at room temperature, 871, and 950°C. The tensile strength and elongation increased with an increase in Nb content at high temperatures. There existed an optimum Nb content for the creep properties and creep crack growth rate. Creep crack growth is controlled by creep deformation.

MST/1222     

Effects of phosphorus on creep behaviour of nickel and Ni–20Cr and on creep and strength of Nimonic 80A

Abstract

The influence of P on the creep behaviour of Ni, Ni–20Cr (wt-%), and Nimonic 80A was investigated by carrying out creep tests under various loads and at different temperatures. After creep fracture the samples were investigated using optical, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopy. The grain boundary segregation was examined using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). It was found that P segregates to the grain boundaries in all the materials investigated. The creep rate of Ni–20Cr and Nimonic 80A is decreased by the addition of P. Grain boundary segregation of P and its influence on strength was also investigated using AES for specimens aged between 600 and 700°C after fracture by a tensile test inside an ultrahigh vacuum chamber. Maxima of tensile strength are observed to be time dependent as a result of carbide precipitation, which is affected by the P segregation.

MST/1679