Search results for " Structural"
showing 10 items of 1751 documents
Algorithms for the calculation of the view factors between human body and rectangular surfaces in parallelepiped environments
1992
Abstract The thermal comfort conditions for people in moderate thermal environments are subjected to spatial changes, depending on the radiative exchanges of the human body with the surrounding surfaces. Radiative thermal exchanges are notably accounted for by means of the “view factors” between a person in a given posture and the surface of the enclosure. These important parameters can be evaluated by means of a large set of graphs by Fanger, for rectangular surfaces. But the handling of graphs could lead to reading errors. In this paper a simple algorithm is presented, which is able to compute the required view factors. A validation, by means of a comparison against experimental data, is …
Deducing a Drain Spacing Formula by Applying Dimensional Analysis and Self-Similarity Theory
2016
For designing a steady state drainage system a drain flow formula coupled with the Dupuit-Forcheimer form of the differential equation of groundwater flow is used. At first, in this paper the most applied drain flow formulas in steady-state conditions are reviewed and compared using as dependent variable the ratio between the maximum water table height and the distance between two lines of parallel drains. These equation are also tested using experimental field data measured in three plot drained by surface pipe drains having different value of drain spacing. Then, applying the dimensional analysis and the self-similarity theory, a new drain spacing formula is theoretically deduced and comp…
Effective elastic properties of biocomposites using 3D computational homogenization and X-ray microcomputed tomography
2021
A 3D computational homogenization method based on X-ray microcomputed tomography (μCT) was proposed and implemented to investigate how the fiber weight fraction, orthotropy and orientation distribution affect the effective elastic properties of regenerated cellulose fiber-polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposites. Three-dimensional microstructures reconstructed by means of the X-ray μCT were used as the representative volume elements (RVEs) and incorporated into the finite element solver within the computational homogenization framework. The present method used Euclidean bipartite matching technique so as to eliminate the generation of artificial periodic boundaries and use the in-situ solution d…
Characterization of the Microshell Surface Using Holography
2011
AbstractTo characterize the shape, the quality, and the roughness of microshells, digital holographic microscopy technology is used because it offers an appropriate ability to these studies. It captures holograms to reconstruct a double image, one for the intensity and another one for the phase. Using rotation axis, bump counting for the complete microshell surface is possible with a very high speed. Using image stitching and three-dimensional surface rebuilding software, mapping can be done in a few minutes. Each bump can then be characterized on the map by its position, diameter, and height.
Building Energy Performance: A LCA Case Study of kenaf-fibres insulation board
2008
Abstract The paper presents a life cycle assessment of a kenaf-fibre insulation board following the international standards of the ISO 14040 series. Each life-cycle step has been checked, from kenaf production and board manufacture by an Italian firm, to use and disposal. The aim is to assess the board eco-profile and to compare, on the basis of a life-cycle approach, the energy and environmental benefits and drawbacks related to its employment into a typical residential dwelling. A comparison among various insulating materials has been carried out. The study focuses also on processes and input materials which cause the main environmental impacts of the product, and points out critical issu…
Editorial: Sustainable development of energy, Water and Environment Systems
2020
In 2018 the Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES) was held in three different locations and periods, so as to offer to the scientific community working in the field several opportunities to share and discuss new ideas and disseminate results of research activities. The 1st Latin American SDEWES Conference was held in Rio de Janeiro (Brasil) in January 28–31 and attracted 180 scientists from 35 countries, with a high number of contributions mainly from Southern American and European academics and professionals, who reciprocally enriched about emerging issues in the field of sustainable development in these continents. Also, the participants a…
Sustainable and cost-efficient energy supply and utilisation through innovative concepts and technologies at regional, urban and single-user scales
2019
Abstract The environmental impact of the energy sector and the security and economics of energy supply and utilisation have been raising increasing concerns, stimulating the search for innovative solutions for a sustainable use of resources. This article provides an overview of published research in this area, with a focus on papers contributed in special issues of leading journals dedicated to the series of Conferences on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES), including the articles in the current special issue. Based on this review, research trends are identified and achievements supporting the energy transition are highlighted. The studies that focused…
Usage of European census data for sustainable land management – German case study
2014
AbstractThis paper describes opportunities and results of the usage of high resolution census data for sustainable land management. Following European Union requirements many countries in Europe have counted their population and other indicators in 2011. To take full benefit of the very rich high resolution census data in Germany some country specific problems had to be solved. By applying a semi-automatic procedure the study describes in which way the official topographical and property information systems provided by the surveying authorities are used to determine the boundaries of small scale census units. Linking the census data to the corresponding geographical units enables public adm…
An Italian input–output model for the assessment of energy and environmental benefits arising from retrofit actions of buildings
2013
Abstract The paper presents an energy and environmental extended input–output model combined with the life cycle assessment, applied to assess the energy and environmental benefits arising from the Italian policy of tax deduction for energy retrofit actions of buildings. The study allowed to assess the advantages due to the above policy, taking into account both direct and indirect energy saving and avoided CO 2 emissions obtained with the retrofit actions and indirect energy consumption and related CO 2 emissions due to the realization of the above actions. Moreover, the authors defined an original model to assess the indirect rebound effect caused by the energy saving actions. The obtaine…
Identification of determinants for rescheduling travel mode choice and transportation policies to reduce car use in urban areas
2018
[EN] This paper presents a qualitative analysis about the determinants related to rescheduling travel mode decisions during the activity scheduling process. Notably, we were interested to study changes between intention and behavior. Data used came from an in-depth Computer Assisted Telephone Interview (CATI) follow up survey to habitual drivers carried out during the implementation of a panel survey. An interpretative qualitative method based on Analytic Induction was used to cope with the complex nature of rescheduling decisions and the characteristics of the data. The Theory of Planned Behavior has been used to gain a better understanding of the reasons associated with rescheduling trave…