THEORETICAL DERIVATION OF CRITERION G／FOR PREDICTION OF SHRINKAGF CAVITIES AND POROSITIES IN CASTINGS

The criterion for shrinkage cavity and porosity prediction of casting, G/T<K,is an empirical formula used widely in practice. However, its physical meaning is not evident and lacks proper dimensional relation.The empirical criterion does not include the factor of alloy element segregation. The criterion for the prediction of shrinkage cavity and porosity defects in castings has been derived as: G/T<A /DL or G/R<B. △T/DL. In addition, its physical meaning as well as dimension is discussed. It is worth noting that by using this theoretical criterion the influence of section thickness on the critical value K is clarified.

Fracture initiation and propagation in intact rock—A review

The initiation and propagation of failure in intact rock are a matter of fundamental importance in rock engineering. At low confining pressures, tensile fracturing initiates in samples at 40%-60% of the uniaxial compressive strength and as loading continues, and these tensile fractures increase in density, ultimately coalescing and leading to strain localization and macro-scale shear failure of the samples. The Griffith theory of brittle failure provides a simplified model and a useful basis for discussion of this process. The Hoek-Brown failure criterion provides an acceptable estimate of the peak strength for shear failure but a cutoff has been added for tensile conditions. However, neither of these criteria adequately explains the progressive coalition of tensile cracks and the final shearing of the specimens at higher confining stresses. Grain-based numerical models, in which the grain size distributions as well as the physical properties of the component grains of the rock are incorporated, have proved to be very useful in studying these more complex fracture processes.

A computed tomography reconstruction algorithm based on multipurpose optimal criterion and simulated annealing theory

Although emission spectral tomography （EST） combines emission spectral measurement with optical computed tomography （OCT）, it is difficult to gain transient emission data from a large number of views, therefore, high precision OCT algorithms with few views ought to be studied for EST application. To improve the reconstruction precision in the case of few views, a new computed tomography reconstruction algorithm based on multipurpose optimal criterion and simulated annealing theory （multi-criterion simulated annealing reconstruction technique, MCSART） is proposed. This algorithm can suffice criterion of least squares, criterion of most uniformity, and criterion of most smoothness synchronously. We can get global optimal solution by MCSART algorithm with simulated annealing theory. The simulating experiment result shows that this algorithm is superior to the traditional algorithms under various noises.

Application of viscoelastic continuum damage approach to predict fatigue performance of Binzhou perpetual pavements

For this study, the Binzhou perpetual pavement test sections constructed in Shandong Province, China, were simulated for long-term fatigue performance using the layered viscoelastic pavement analysis for critical distresses （LVECD） finite element software package. In this framework, asphalt concrete was treated in the context of linear visco- elastic continuum damage theory. A recently developed unified fatigue failure criterion that defined the boundaries of the applicable region of the theory was also incorporated. The mechanistic modeling of the fatigue mechanisms was able to accommodate the complex temperature variations and loading conditions of the field pavements in a rigorous manner. All of the material models were conveniently characterized by dynamic modulus tests and direct tension cyclic fatigue tests in the laboratory using cylindrical specimens. By comparing the obtained damage characteristic curves and failure criteria, it is found that mixtures with small aggregate particle sizes, a dense gradation, and modified asphalt binder tended to exhibit the best fatigue resistance at the material level. The 15 year finite element structural simulation results for all the test sections indicate that fa- tigue performance has a strong dependence on the thickness of the asphalt pavements. Based on the predicted location and severity of the fatigue damage, it is recommended that Sections 1 and 3 of the Binzhou test sections be emoloved for perpetual pavement design.