Experimental Evaluation of the Post-ultimate Strength Behavior of a Ship＇s Hull Girder in Waves

Experimental investigations into the collapse behavior of a box-shape hull girder subjected to extreme wave-induced loads are presented.The experiment was performed using a scaled model in a tank.In the middle of the scaled model,sacrificial specimens with circular pillar and trough shapes which respectively show different bending moment-displacement characteristics were mounted to compare the dynamic collapse characteristics of the hull girder in waves.The specimens were designed by using finite element(FE)-analysis.Prior to the tank tests,static four-point-bending tests were conducted to detect the load-carrying capacity of the hull girder.It was shown that the load-carrying capacity of a ship including reduction of the capacity after the ultimate strength can be reproduced experimentally by employing the trough type specimens.Tank tests using these specimens were performed under a focused wave in which the hull girder collapses under once and repetitive focused waves.It was shown from the multiple collapse tests that the increase rate of collapse becomes higher once the load-carrying capacity enters the reduction path while the increase rate is lower before reaching the ultimate strength.

Numerical and Experimental Evaluation of Shine-Through Loss and Beam Heating Due to Neutral Beam Injection on EAST

This research applies experimental measurements and NUBEAM,ONETWO and TRANSP modules to investigate the shine-through(ST)loss ratio and beam heating percentage of neutral beam injection on EAST.Measurements and simulations confirm that the ST loss ratio increases linearly with beam energy,and decreases exponentially with plasma density.Moreover,using the multi-step fitting method,we present analytical quantitative expressions of ST loss ratio and beam heating percentage,which are valuable for the high parameter long-pulse experiments of EAST.

Comprehensive experiment and evaluation on safety due to fully-mechanized mining under the Xitian River at Linxin Mine

L3414 mechanized mining working face (No.14 coal seam) of Lingxin Mine is under the Xitian River.The mining disturbed zone where rock properties and conditions have been changed due to mining, the safety and environmental protection were con- cemed greatly. Based on engineering geological environment of L3414 working face and mining factors, the color bore-bole TV inspecting, leakage of drilling fluid monitoring, simulation experiment, numerical computing, in-situ ground stress measurement and subsidence measurement, etal, these programs contribute to the formation of a scientific basis for control water safe mining and normal mining or environmental protection in the condition of existing fully-mechanized mining.

Evaluation of the mold-filling ability of alloy melt in squeeze casting

The mold-filling ability of alloy mclt in squceze casting process was evaluated by means of the maximum length of Archimedes spiral line. A theoretical evaluating model to predict the maximum filling length was built based on the flowing theory of the incompressible viscous fluid. It was proved by experiments and calculations that the mold-tilling pressure and velocity are prominent influencing factors on the mold-filling ability of alloy melt. The mold-filling ability increases with the increase of the mold-filling pressure and the decrease of the proper mold-filling velocity. Moreover, the pouring temperature relatively has less effect on the mold-filling ability under the experimental conditions. The maximum deviation of theoretical calculating values with experimental results is less than 15%. The model can quantitatively estimate the effect of every factor on the mold-filling ability.

A Study on the Factors Influencing Value-Added in the Cruise Ship Value Chain Based on the DEMATEL-ISM Model

Cruise value chain is to take the exchange of cruise products and services as the core in a certain spatial scope,and enterprises with core advantages within or between different industries establish associations in accordance with certain technical and economic conditions,so as to realise the multi-dimensional extension and value appreciation of the cruise value chain in the vertical and horizontal links,and ultimately establish a chain-network type of enterprise strategic alliance.This paper tries to analyse the value-added factors of the cruise industry chain by constructing a multi-level hierarchical structural model with reference to the influencing factor analysis methods of relevant literature-DEMATEL(Decision Making Experiment and Evaluation Experiment)and ISM(Interpretative Structural Model).The study shows that the innovation and scale value-added module in the upstream of the cruise industry chain is the core module of value-added of the whole cruise industry chain,and the value-added mainly originates from the design and manufacturing of cruise ships.The middle reaches of the cruise industry chain are mainly cruise operation enterprises,and the specificity of cruise operation determines that its brand value-added is mainly accomplished through the global layout of multinational corporations,and the cruise brand is able to drive the consumption demand and has value-added ability.The downstream value-added of the cruise industry chain is mainly realised through the increase in profits of cruise tourism service products.

Seismic performance of non-structural components and contents in buildings: an overview of NZ research

This paper summarizes the research on non-structural elements and building contents being conducted at University of Canterbury in New Zealand. Since the 2010-2011 series of Canterbury earthquakes, in which damage to non-structural components and contents contributed heavily to downtime and overall financial loss, attention to seismic performance and design of non-structural components and contents in buildings has increased exponentially in NZ. This has resulted in an increased allocation of resources to research leading to development of more resilient non-structural systems in buildings that would incur substantially less damage and cause little downtime during earthquakes. In the last few years, NZ researchers have made important developments in understanding and improving the seismic performance of secondary building elements such as partitions, facades, ceilings and contents.

Experimental performance evaluation of quadrature amplitude modulation signal transmission in a silicon microring

We comprehensively characterize the transmission performance of m-ary quadrature amplitude modulation(m-QAM) signals through a silicon microring resonator in the experiment. Using orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing based on offset QAM(OFDM/OQAM) which is modulated with m-QAM modulations, we demonstrate low-penalty data transmission of OFDM/OQAM 64-QAM, 128-QAM, 256-QAM, and 512-QAM signals in a silicon microring resonator. The observed optical signal-to-noise ratio(OSNR) penalties are 1.7 dB for 64-QAM,1.7 dB for 128-QAM, and 3.1 dB for 256-QAM at a bit-error rate(BER) of 2 × 10^(-3) and 3.3 dB for 512-QAM at a BER of 2 × 10^(-2). The performance degradation due to the wavelength detuning from the microring resonance is evaluated, showing a wavelength range of ~0.48 nm with BER below 2 × 10^(-3). Moreover, we demonstrate data transmission of 191.2-Gbit/s simultaneous eight wavelength channel OFDM/OQAM 256-QAM signals in a silicon microring resonator, achieving OSNR penalties less than 2 dB at a BER of 2 × 10^(-2).

Development and Control of a Magnetorheological Damper‑Based Brake Pedal Simulator for Vehicle Brake‑by‑Wire Systems

Recent developments have demonstrated that the brake pedal simulator(BPS)is becoming an indispensable apparatus for the break-by-wire systems in future electric vehicles.Its main function is to provide the driver with a comfortable pedal feel to improve braking safety and comfort.This paper presents the development and control of an adjustable BPS,using a disk-type magnetorheological(MR)damper as the passive braking reaction generator to simulate the traditional pedal feel.A detailed description of the mechanical design of the MR damper-based BSP(MRDBBPS)is presented in this paper.Several basic performance experiments on the MRDBBPS prototype are conducted.A returnto-zero(RTZ)algorithm is proposed to avoid hysteresis and improve the repeatability of the pedal force.In addition,an RTZ algorithm-based real-time current-tracking controller(RTZRC)is designed in consideration of the response lag of the coil circuit.Finally,an experimental system is established by integrating the MRDBBPS prototype into a selfdeveloped automotive MR braking test bench(AMRBTB),and several control and braking experiments are performed.This research proposes a RTZRC control algorithm which can significantly increase the tracking accuracy of the brake pedal characteristic curve,particularly at a high pedal velocity.Additionally,the designed MRDBBPS prototype can achieve an effective and favorable control of the AMRBTB with a good repeatability.

Experimental evaluation of rate coefficients for Rb (5D_J)+H_2→RbH+H reaction

The Rb（5Dj）＋H2→RbH＋H photochemical reaction has been studied. Rb vapor mixed with H2 is irradiated in a glass cell with 778-nm pulses which populate one of the 52D states by two-photon absorption. Measurements for the relative intensities of the atomic fluorescence and the absorption of the RbH product near the axis of the cell yield the rate coefficients for the Rb（5D3/2）＋H2 and Rb（5D5/2）＋H2 reactions, which are （3.6±1.3） ×10^-11 and （1.7±0.6）×10^-11 cm^3/s, respectively. The relative reactivity with H2 for Rb（5D3/2） is higher than that for Rb（5D5/2）.

A Procedure for the Design of Novel Assisting Devices for the Sit-to-Stand

The Sit-to-Stand （STS） is an activity most people perform numerous times daily. Standing up deals with the transition from two stabilized postures, namely seated to standing, with movement of all body segments except the feet. During the STS the body＇s Center of Gravity （COG） is moved upward from a sitting position to a standing position without losing balance and requiring a good coordination of many muscles. Three main phases of the STS movement can be recognized. One begins to stand up by inclining the upper body forward, which moves body mass toward the feet in order to maintain balance after lift-off. Prior to leaving the chair, hip and knee extensor muscles are activated to provide antigravity support for these joints, this action is commonly referred to as ＂weight shift＂. Finally; after leaving the chair, the leg and trunk joints are straightened to achieve upright stance. The STS task can be considered of major importance for impaired and elderly people to achieve minimal mo- bility and independence. In this paper we detail a procedure for the design of assisting devices to be used for the STS. In par- ticular, an experimental procedure is described firstly to track and record point trajectories and the orientation of the trunk during the STS. This analysis is then used to get information for the design of assisting devices. A proposal and simulation results are presented for a novel mechatronic system. In particular, for the case under study experimental tests are used to drive the actua- tion system for the reported simulation. A functional mechatronic scheme is then proposed to control the device during its operation.

Functional Design for Customizing Sit-To-Stand Assisting Devices

Standing up refers to the transition from the seating to the standing postures to perform a movement that involves several body segments and requires both voluntary action and equilibrium control during an important displacement of the body Centre of Gravity （COG）. This task can be considered very important for people with reduced mobility to achieve minimal independence in Activity of Daily Living （ADL）. In this paper, we propose solutions for the homecare of persons with reduced mobility, describing a functional design to customize assisting devices for the Sit-to-Stand （STS）. In particular, the support mechanism that generates the requested motion and sustains the body of a person can be synthesized ad-hoc according to the experimental data of the subject. Experimental tests carried out during the Sit-To-Stand are used to track and record point trajectories and the orientation of the trunk of an individual, and they are used to design a 1-DOF mechanism able to reproduce the assigned rigid-body motion. A four-bar linkage has been synthesized according to the desired features. Simulation results are reported to illustrate the engineering soundness of the proposed mechatronic solution.