Search results for " Structural"
showing 10 items of 1751 documents
The calculation of the mean radiant temperature of a subject exposed to the solar radiation – A generalised algorithm
2005
Abstract The thermal sensation experienced by a subject in a confined environment is significantly affected by the radiative heat exchange between the human body and the surrounding surfaces: it contributes as far as 30% of the whole thermal exchanges of the subject. Besides, the presence of high-intensity radiation sources like, for example, the sun, may appreciably modify the radiant field to which people are exposed. As a consequence, this could alter notably the comfort conditions. In order of properly taking into account this issue, a simple analytical method is introduced in this work, that allows the easy evaluation of the thermal radiant field induced by the presence of the solar ra…
Stochastic seismic analysis of structures with nonlinear viscous dampers
2007
Fluid damper devices inserted in buildings or bridges are commonly used as energy sinks for seismic protection. In the response analysis of structures with filled damper devices the main problem exists in the strong nonlinear behavior of such equipment, as a consequence the differential equation of motion remains nonlinear and the response spectrum analysis still cannot be applied. In this note, by using the concept of power spectral density function coherent with the elastic response spectrum and by using the statistical linearization technique, expressions for finding the equivalent linear damping have been found. Comparisons with results obtained by Monte Carlo simulations confirm that f…
Biosilicification of loricate choanoflagellate: organic composition of the nanotubular siliceous costal strips of Stephanoeca diplocostata.
2010
SUMMARY Loricate choanoflagellates (unicellular, eukaryotic flagellates; phylum Choanozoa) synthesize a basket-like siliceous lorica reinforced by costal strips (diameter of approximately 100 nm and length of 3 μm). In the present study, the composition of these siliceous costal strips is described, using Stephanoeca diplocostata as a model. Analyses by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), coupled with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), indicate that the costal strips comprise inorganic and organic components. The organic, proteinaceous scaffold contained one major polypeptide of mass 14 kDa that reacted with wheat germ agglutinin. Polyclonal antibodies were raised that allowed …
Shear strength degradation due to flexural ductility demand in circular RC columns
2014
An analytical model was developed to estimate the shear-strength degradation and the residual capacity of circular reinforced concrete (RC) columns subjected to seismic action. The proposed model is an upgrade of a previously proposed model for axial force $$N$$ , bending moment $$M$$ and shear force $$V$$ ( $$N$$ – $$M$$ – $$V$$ ) interaction domain evaluation for rectangular and circular cross-section RC elements subjected to static loading. The model was extended to the case of circular cross-sections subjected to seismic actions with limitation of the range of variability of the deviation angle between the directions of the stress fields and the crack inclinations, as a function of the …
A boundary element model for piezoelectric dynamic strain sensing of cracked structures
2011
A piezoelectric sensor model is here presented for the Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of damaged structures. A boundary element approach based on the Dual Reciprocity BEM is then used to model and analyze the transient response of a piezoelectric patch bonded on a cracked beam. The BE model is written for the piezoelectric problem employing generalized displacements. The multidomain boundary element technique is implemented to model non-homogeneous and cracked configuration, taking contact conditions into account. Analyses have been carried out for an isotropic beam with a piezoelectric strip attached on it and dynamical results for the undamaged structure have been compared with FE res…
Experimental investigations of the soil–concrete interface: physical mechanisms, cyclic mobilization, and behaviour at different temperatures
2016
Behaviour of the pile–soil interface is important to correctly predict the response of floating piles in terms of displacement and lateral friction. Regarding energy piles, which couple the structural roles of deep foundations with the principle of shallow geothermal energy, the response of pile–soil interfaces is influenced by seasonal and daily cyclic thermal variations. Accordingly, the goal of this paper is to experimentally investigate the response of the pile–soil interface at different temperatures. This experimental campaign aims to analyse (i) the cyclic mobilization of the shear strength of the soil–pile interface that is induced by thermal deformation of the pile and (ii) the di…
Assessment of DEMO WCLL breeding blanket primary heat transfer system isolation valve absorbed doses due to activated water
2020
Abstract Within the framework of the activities foreseen by the EUROfusion action on the cooling water activation assessment for a DEMO reactor equipped with a Water Cooled Lithium Lead Breeding Blanket (WCLL BB), the University of Palermo is involved in the investigation of the absorbed dose induced by the decay of nitrogen radioisotopes produced by water activation, in the main components (e.g. isolation valves) of both First Wall (FW) and Breeder Zone (BZ) cooling circuits. The aim of this work is to assess the spatial distribution of the absorbed dose in the DEMO Upper Pipe Chase (UPC), focusing the attention on the space neighbouring a typical isolation valve of the Primary Heat Transf…
A computational procedure for the investigation of whipping effect on ITER High Energy Piping and its application to the ITER divertor primary heat t…
2015
Abstract The Tokamak Cooling Water System of nuclear facility has the function to remove heat from plasma facing components maintaining coolant temperatures, pressures and flow rates as required and, depending on thermal-hydraulic requirements, its systems are defined as High Energy Piping (HEP) because they contain fluids, such as water or steam, at a pressure greater than or equal to 2.0 MPa and/or at a temperature greater than or equal to 100 °C, or even gas at pressure above the atmospheric one. The French standards contemplate the need to consider the whipping effect on HEP design. This effect happens when, after a double ended guillotine break, the reaction force could create a displa…
Assessment of tools for urban energy planning
2019
Abstract In recent years, studies and policies have encouraged the diffusion of distributed energy supply technologies and large integration of renewable sources. This increases the need for new professionals in energy planning. Several computational tools for energy planning have been developed as described in the technical literature. However, energy planners of urban/district areas engaged in the transition towards smart systems related to buildings energy services require well-documented tools to evaluate the combination of available energy sources by proper conversion technologies. With this, after a scientific review, we selected 17 tools targeted on an urban/districts scale that can …
Finite Element Studies On Friction Stir Welding Processes of Tailored Blanks
2008
Although friction stir welding (FSW) has been successfully used to join materials that are difficult-to-weld or unweldable by fusion welding methods, it is still in its early development stage and, therefore, its potential has not been fully exploited yet. FSW appears to be a very promising process for tailor-welded blanks to overcome the difficulties encountered in traditional fusion welding processes for obtaining a sound welding with good nugget integrity. In this paper the friction stir welding process for tailored blanks of aluminum alloy is investigated through a FEM developed by the authors. In particular FSW for sheets with different thicknesses is studied. For each setup a differen…