Stochastic dynamic response of masonry minarets subjected to random blast and earthquake‐induced ground motions

This paper presents the stochastic seismic response analysis of masonry minarets subjected to random underground blast and earthquake‐induced ground motions by using a three‐dimensional finite element model. The random blast and earthquake‐induced ground motions are represented by the power spectral density function and applied to each support point of the three‐dimensional finite element model of the masonry minaret system. This research conducted a parametric study to estimate the effects of the blast‐induced ground motion on the stochastic response of the minaret. Therefore, the analyses were carried out for the different values of the charge weight and the distance from the charge centre. In addition, in order to investigate the effect of earthquake‐induced ground motion on the stochastic response of the masonry minaret, three different soil conditions—soft, medium and firm soils—are considered in the analyses. Finally, it is noted that underground blast and earthquake effects cause the stochastic behaviour of minaret to change considerably. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Continuous Flow–Assisted Polyol Synthesis of Citric Acid Functionalized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

Journal of Superconductivity and Novel Magnetism - The synthesis of nanoparticles by the continuous flow process is of great interest since it allows extensive control over reaction conditions with...     

Power parameters calculations based on wavelet packet transform

Power and power quality are of most importance in modern energy systems. The traditional method for power measurement and calculation uses Fourier transform. With Fourier transforms power calculations are performed in the time and frequency domains. However, it requires suitable windowing functions along with lengthy and complex (trigonometrically, exponentially, etc.) operations. In this study, a new approach which based on wavelet packet transform for power calculations of both fundamental and all harmonics of signals is proposed. The method is fast, efficient and overcomes limitations of the current techniques as mentioned above. The accuracy of the derived analytical equations is demonstrated via simulations implemented with the designed graphical user interface program and experimental works.     

3 Laser transmission joining in microtechnology

The laser is a joining tool which is particularly suitable for the application in microtechnology. The process variant laser transmission joining can be used both for welding thermoplastics and bonding of silicon and glass. The investigations presented in this paper cover detailed examinations of both processes. Concerning laser transmission welding of plastics it is examined how far the content of carbon black in the material influences the formation of the weld seam. It is shown that the optical depth of penetration, the weld seam width as well as the formation of the weld morphology differ with varying content of carbon black. Selective laser radiation bonding (SLB) is a novel method for joining silicon and glass based on the transmission heating of the interface of both joining partners and the thermo-chemical principles of silicon direct bonding. SLB shows advantages in reference to the thermal load of sensitive components like sensors and to the selectivity of the joining geometry. In this study the principle method of SLB and the latest advances like the integration of the thermal process control in the laser processing head will be presented. Also experimental test results of the process with constant laser power and thermal process control and the comparison of them will be shown.An erratum to this article can be found at     

Forms of n‐3 (ALA,C18:3n‐3 or DHA,C22:6n‐3) Fatty Acids Affect Carcass Yield,Blood Lipids,Muscle n‐3 Fatty Acids and Liver Gene Expression in Lambs

The effects of supplementing diets with n‐3 alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on plasma metabolites, carcass yield, muscle n‐3 fatty acids and liver messenger RNA (mRNA) in lambs were investigated. Lambs (n = 120) were stratified to 12 groups based on body weight (35 ± 3.1 kg), and within groups randomly allocated to four dietary treatments: basal diet (BAS), BAS with 10.7 % flaxseed supplement (Flax), BAS with 1.8 % algae supplement (DHA), BAS with Flax and DHA (FlaxDHA). Lambs were fed for 56 days. Blood samples were collected on day 0 and day 56, and plasma analysed for insulin and lipids. Lambs were slaughtered, and carcass traits measured. At 30 min and 24 h, liver and muscle samples, respectively, were collected for determination of mRNA (FADS1, FADS2, CPT1A, ACOX1) and fatty acid composition. Lambs fed Flax had higher plasma triacylglycerol, body weight, body fat and carcass yield compared with the BAS group (P < 0.001). DHA supplementation increased carcass yield and muscle DHA while lowering plasma insulin compared with the BAS diet (P < 0.01). Flax treatment increased (P < 0.001) muscle ALA concentration, while DHA treatment increased (P < 0.001) muscle DHA concentration. Liver mRNA FADS2 was higher and CPT1A lower in the DHA group (P < 0.05). The FlaxDHA diet had additive effects, including higher FADS1 and ACOX1 mRNA than for the Flax or DHA diet. In summary, supplementation with ALA or DHA modulated plasma metabolites, muscle DHA, body fat and liver gene expression differently.     

Response surface‐based finite‐element model updating of a historic masonry minaret for operational modal analysis

This study aimed to use the response surface (RS) method for finite element (FE) model updating, using operational modal analysis (OMA). The RS method was utilized to achieve better agreement between the numerical and field‐measured structure response. The OMA technique for the field study was utilized to obtain modal parameters of the selected historic masonry minaret. The natural frequencies and mode shapes were experimentally determined by the enhanced frequency domain decomposition (EFDD) method. The optimum results between the experimental and numerical analyses were found by using the optimization method. The central composite design was used to construct the design of experiments, and the genetic aggregation approach was performed to generate the RS models. After obtaining the RS models, an attempt was made to converge the natural frequency values corresponding to the five‐mode shapes with the frequency values identified by the experimental analysis. ANSYS software was used to perform 3D finite element (FE) modeling of the historic masonry minaret and to numerically identify the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the minaret. The results of the experimental, initial, and updated FE model were compared with each other. Significant differences can be seen when comparing the experimental and analytical results with the initial conditions.     

Electrical properties of composites as affected by the degree of mixedness of the conductive filler in the polymer matrix

The development of the electrical properties of composites as a function of the degree of mixedness of a conductive filler distributed into an insulating polymer is investigated. A wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD)‐based quantitative phase analysis method was used to characterize the variations of the concentrations of the insulating binder and the conductive particles around their mean values as a function of mixing time in an intensive batch mixer. Increasing the time and hence, the specific energy input, during the mixing process results in a more homogeneous spatial distribution of the conductive filler in the polymeric matrix, which in turn results in a decrease of the volume conductivity of the composite. The decreasing conductivity of the composite is attributed to the better coating and hence the isolation of the conductive particles from each other, thus hindering the formation of a conductive network “percolation”. Overall, these results suggest that the control of the electrical properties of conductive composites could benefit from a good understanding and adequate control of the dynamics of the mixing process and the resulting degree of mixedness of the conductive particles in the polymer matrix.     

Modified forensic-based investigation algorithm for global optimization

Engineering with Computers - Forensic-based investigation (FBI) is recently developed metaheuristic algorithm inspired by the suspect investigation–location–pursuit operations of police...