Search results for "Structural Engineering"
showing 10 items of 1998 documents
Smart renewable generation for an islanded system. Technical and economic issues of future scenarios
2012
The subject addressed in this paper is the analytical study of the transition of an energy generation system for a real MV/LV distribution system from one that is “fuel-based” to a distributed and smart “renewables-based” system. The paper outlines both the technical and the economic issues related to such a transition from one type of system to the other. The study is carried out for a real islanded network located in the Island of Pantelleria (Mediterranean Sea). The results obtained are presented and discussed, putting into evidence the technical, environmental and economic benefits of using smart technologies and renewable energy sources.
Proposal for a more accurate physically based S–N curve for welded steel joints
2009
Abstract The present article proposes a more accurate S–N curve in the high cycle fatigue regime for fillet welded joints in steel subjected to constant amplitude loading. The S–N curves are constructed based on a physical model of the fatigue damage evolution. It is a two phase model where the crack initiation is treated by a local weld notch approach. The subsequent growth is based on the concept of the stress intensity factor at the crack front by applying the Paris law. According to the proposed model, the time to crack initiation becomes the dominant part of the fatigue life at low stress range levels. The resulting S–N curves are non-linear for a log–log scale and they do not predict …
A finite/infinite element analysis of thick plate on a layered foundation
2000
Abstract The algorithm of calculations of a thick plate on the Kolar–Nemec's subsoil by the finite/infinite element method is presented. The layered subsoil numerical implementation different from that given by Kolar and Nemec is proposed. The advantages of employing the proposed algorithm to the solutions of plates on layered foundation are then illustrated by numerical example.
Fatigue life calculation by means of the cycle counting and spectral methods under multiaxial random loading
2005
The paper contains a new algorithm for estimation of fatigue life in HCF regime under multiaxial random loading using spectral methods. Loading of Gaussian distribution and narrow- and broad-band frequency spectra were assumed. Various characteristic states of multiaxial loading were considered. The equivalent stress history was determined with use of the failure criteria of multiaxial fatigue based on the critical plane. For determination of the critical plane position, the method of variance was applied. During simulation, the authors compared the results obtained by a spectral method in the frequency domain with those from the rain-flow algorithm in the time domain. The paper also contai…
Semiactive Backstepping Control for Vibration Reduction in a Structure with Magnetorheological Damper Subject to Seismic Motions
2009
The use of magnetorheological (MR) dampers for mitigating vibrations caused by seismic motions in civil engineering structures has attracted much interest in the scientific community because of the advantages of this class of device. It is known that MR dampers can generate high damping forces with low energy requirements and low cost of production. However, the complex dynamics that characterize MR dampers make difficult the control design for achieving the vibration reduction goals in an efficient manner. In this article, a semiactive controller based on the backstepping technique is proposed. The controller was applied to a three-story building with an MR damper at its first floor subje…
Single thermal zone balance solved by Transfer Function Method
2005
We present an algorithm that uses the Z-transform operator to face the problem of heat transmission in a single thermal zone composed by multilayered walls. The method is very flexible and could be adopted to calculate the transfer function coefficients able to simulate the thermal behaviour of a room in free floating. Knowing the transfer function coefficients, it is possible to simulate the dynamic profile of each inner surfaces temperature and furthermore of the inner air temperature. The proposed algorithm is fully described granting maximum clarity. The explicitness of all steps of the calculus make possible the definition of a method that is able to vary all of the calculus parameters…
A cellular automaton based model simulating HVAC fluid and heat transport in a building. Modeling approach and comparison with experimental results
2010
A discrete model characterizing heat and fluid flow in connection with thermal fluxes in a building is described and tested against experiment in this contribution. The model, based on a cellular automaton approach, relies on a set of a few quite simple rules and parameters in order to simulate the dynamic evolution of temperatures and energy flows in any water or brine based thermal energy distribution network in a building or system. Using an easy-to-record input, such as the instantaneous electrical power demand of the heating or cooling system, our model predicts time varying temperatures in characteristic spots and the related enthalpy flows whose simulation usually requires heavy comp…
Self-piercing riveting for aluminium alloys-composites hybrid joints
2008
In the paper, the growing interest on hybrid joints developed between composite panels and aluminium alloys blanks is focused. The self-piercing riveting operation is considered and its feasibility for the proposed joints verified. The most relevant process parameters were investigated in order to determine a suitable process window and, what is more, the mechanical performances of the developed joints were investigated in order to determine process parameters aimed to maximise them. Finally, the failure mechanics of the obtained joints were considered in order to highlight the mechanisms which occur and determine the lost of the load carrying capability of the joints. The developed experim…
Combination of modal responses consistent with seismic input representation
2004
The well-known modal superposition method for the evaluation of seismic response by the complete quadratic modal combination rule (CQC) is revisited. The most widely used version of the CQC rule utilizes correlation coefficients derived for white-noise excitation and neglects the influence of peak factor variation on the response. Here a simplified procedure for evaluation of correlation coefficients and peak factors consistent with the power spectral density of seismic excitation is proposed. The procedure is based on an approximate analytic expression for direct evaluation of the power spectral density of the excitation consistent with any prefixed response spectrum, and the evaluation of…
Shape Distortion and Thickness Distribution during SPIF Processes: Expermental and Numerical Analysis
2011
Single Point Incremental Forming (SPIF) is a quite new sheet forming process which offers the possibility to deform complex parts without dedicated dies using only a single point tool and a standard 3-axis CNC machine. The process mechanics enables strains much higher than traditional sheet forming processes, but particular attention must be given to the final part geometrical accuracy. In this paper the capabilities of a dedicated explicit numerical model are quantitatively analyzed on pyramid-shaped parts. In particular a comparison between experimental and numerical results is reported. Three different shapes at the varying of the stamping angle were considered and the final shape was ac…