SCC casting prediction for the realization of prototype VHPC-precambered composite beams

Casting simulations of self-compacting concrete are carried out in order to obtain a value of the minimum fluidity needed to cast a VHPC precambered composite beam. The mix proportioning of the concrete takes into account this minimum value. The numerical predictions are finally compared with the experimental observations during two casting tests and the real casting of the two 13 m beams. Although the simplifying assumptions needed to carry out the simulations are numerous, there is an agreement between the predictions and the real casting.     

Critical Configurations for 1-View in Projections from ℙ<Superscript>k</Superscript> → ℙ<Superscript>2</Superscript>

In this paper we describe, from a theoretical point of view, critical configurations for the projective reconstruction of a set of points, for a single view, i.e. for calibration of a camera, in the case of projections from ℙ^k to ℙ² for k ≥ 4. We give first a general result describing these critical loci in ℙ^k, which, if irreducible, are algebraic varieties of dimension k−2 and degree 3. If k=4 they can be either a smooth ruled surface or a cone and if k = 5 they can be a smooth three dimensional variety, ruled in planes, or a cone. If k≥ 6, the variety is always a cone, the vertex of which has dimension at least k − 6. The reducible cases are studied in Appendix A. These results are then applied to determine explicitly the critical loci for the projections from ℙ^k which arise from the dynamic scenes in ℙ³ considered in [13]. Marina Bertolini is currently Associate Professor of Geometry at the Department of Mathematics at the Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy. Her main field of research is Complex Projective Algebraic Geometry, with particular interest for the classification of projective varieties and for the geometry of Grassmann varieties. On these topics M. Bertolini has published more than twenty reviewed papers on national and international journals. She has been for some years now interested also in applications of Algebraic Geometry to Computer Vision problems. Cristina Turrini is Associate Professor of Geometry at the Department of Mathematics of Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy. Her main research interest is Complex Projective Algebraic Geometry: subvarieties of Grassmannians, special varieties, automorphisms, classification. In the last two years she has started to work on applications of Algebraic Geometry to problems of Computer Vision. She is author or co-author of about thirty reviewed papers. She is also involved in popularization of Mathematics, and on this subject she is co-editor of some books.     

Phase equilibria of the ternary Al-Cu-Ni system and interfacial reactions of related systems at 800 °C

A series of Al-Cu-Ni alloys of various compositions were made and annealed at 800 °C. The equilibrium phases were studied by metallography, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and electron probe microanalysis. The isothermal section of the ternary Al-Cu-Ni system at 800 °C was then determined based on these experimental results and the available phase relationship knowledge of the three constituent binary systems. No ternary compound was found. All three phases, AlNi₃, AlNi, and Al₃Ni₂, have very high ternary solubility, especially the AlNi phase, which almost reaches the binary Al-Cu side. However, no continuous solid solution was formed between the AlNi phase and any of the binary Al-Cu phases. Interfacial reactions of Al/Ni, Al/Cu, Al-Cu/Ni, and Al-Ni/Cu at 800 °C were investigated by using reaction couple techniques. The results showed that Al₃Ni and Al₃Ni₂ phases were formed in the Al/Ni couples; β-AlCu₄, γ ₁-Al₄Cu₉, and ɛ ₂-Al₂Cu₃ phases were formed in the Al/Cu couples. As for the results in the Al-2 at. pct Ni/Cu, Al-5 at. pct Ni/Cu, and Al-2 at. pct Cu/Ni, Al-4.5 at. pct Cu/Ni, and Al-6 at. pct Cu/Ni were similar to those in the binary Al/Cu and Al/Ni couples, respectively. A different reaction path was found in the Al-7.5 at. pct Cu/Ni couples, and an AlNi solid solution layer was formed instead of the Al₃Ni and Al₃Ni₂ phases.     

The hot blow forming of AZ31 Mg sheet: Formability assessment and application development

The hot blow forming of magnesium sheet offers significant opportunity for forming complex, lightweight parts for automotive applications. This paper characterizes the elevated-temperature formability of AZ31 magnesium sheet materials and the effect of processing conditions on the performance of these materials. In addition, magnesium sheet application development at General Motors Corporation is reviewed.     

Simulation of Strength Distribution in Ground Ceramics by Incorporating Residual Stress Effect

Strength of ground ceramics may be affected by residual stress as well as surface flaws induced by grinding. Strength prediction for ground ceramics is convenient for mechanical design of ceramic components. In this article, a numerical procedure based on fracture mechanics was proposed to estimate strength distribution of ground ceramics by considering grinding-induced residual stress. Bending strength and residual stress of ground ceramics were measured for three grinding-conditions. By comparison of simulated results with experimental ones, it was revealed that strength characteristics in experiments were well simulated by using the proposed procedure.     

Decision Making Effectiveness in Wildfire Incident Management Teams

During large scale wildfires, suppression activities are carried out under the direction of an Incident Management Team (IMT). The aim of the research was to increase understanding of decision processes potentially related to IMT effectiveness. An IMT comprises four major functions: Command, Operations, Planning, and Logistics. Four methodologies were used to study IMT processes: computer simulation experiments; analyses of wildfire reports; interviews with IMT members; and cognitive ethnographic studies of IMTs. Three processes were important determinants of IMT effectiveness: information management and cognitive overload; matching component function goals to overall goals; and team metacognition to detect and counter task‐disruptive developments. These processes appear to be complex multi‐person analogues of individual Incident Command processes identified previously. The findings have implications for issues such as: creating IMTs; training IMTs; managing IMTs; and providing decision support to IMTs.     

Synthesis,characterization and ion exchange properties of zirconium(IV) tungstoiodophosphate,a new cation exchanger

Zirconium(IV) tungstoiodophosphate has been synthesized under a variety of conditions. The most chemically and thermally stable sample is prepared by adding a mixture of aqueous solutions of 0·5 mol L⁻¹ sodium tungstate, potassium iodate and 1 mol L⁻¹ orthophosphoric acid to aqueous solution of 0·1 mol L⁻¹ zirconium(IV) oxychloride. Its ion exchange capacity for Na⁺ and K⁺ was found to be 2·20 and 2·35 meq g⁻¹ dry exchanger, respectively. The material has been characterized on the basis of chemical composition, pH titration, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis. The effect on the exchange capacity of drying the exchanger at different temperatures has been studied. The analytical importance of the material has been established by quantitative separation of Pb²⁺ from other metal ions.