Energy-Entropy-Momentum integration of discrete thermo-visco-elastic dynamics.

A novel time integration scheme is presented for the numerical solution of the dynamics of discrete systems consisting of point masses and thermo-visco-elastic springs. Even considering fully coupled constitutive laws for the elements, the obtained solutions strictly preserve the two laws of thermo dynamics and the symmetries of the continuum evolution equations. Moreover, the unconditional control over the energy and the entropy growth have the effect of stabilizing the numerical solution, allowing the use of larger time steps than those suitable for comparable implicit algorithms. Proofs for these claims are provided in the article as well as numerical examples that illustrate the performance of the method.

Thermodinamically consistent dynamic formulation of discrete thermoviscoelastic elements

Metodología para integrar numéricamente de forma termodinámicamente consistente las ecuaciones del problema termomecánico acoplado de un elemento discreto viscoso.

The flexibility matrix o timber composite beams with a discrete connection system

This work presents a method for the analysis of timber composite beams which considers the slip in the connection system, based on assembling the flexibility matrix of the whole structure. This method is based on one proposed by Tommola and Jutila (2001). This paper extends the method to the case of a gap between two pieces with an arbitrary location at the first connector, which notably broadens its practical application. The addition of the gap makes it possible to model a cracked zone in concrete topping, as well as the case in which forming produces the gap. The consideration of induced stresses due to changes in temperature and moisture content is also described, while the concept of equivalent eccentricity is generalized. This method has important advantages in connection with the current European Standard EN 1995-1-1: 2004, as it is able to deal with any type of load, variable section, discrete and non-regular connection systems, a gap between the two pieces, and variations in temperature and moisture content. Although it could be applied to any structural system, it is specially suited for the case of simple supported and continuous beams. Working examples are presented at the end, showing that the arrangement of the connection notably modifies shear force distribution. A first interpretation of the results is made on the basis of the strut and tie theory. The examples prove that the use of EC-5 is unsafe when, as a rule of thumb, the strut or compression field between the support and the first connector is at an angle with the axis of the beam of less than 60º.

Classification of discrete systems on a square lattice

We consider the classification up to a Möbius transformation of real linearizable and integrable partial difference equations with dispersion defined on a square lattice by the multiscale reduction around their harmonic solution. We show that the A1, A2, and A3 linearizability and integrability conditions constrain the number of parameters in the equation, but these conditions are insufficient for a complete characterization of the subclass of multilinear equations on a square lattice.

On the use of discrete cosine transforms for multicarrier communications

In this correspondence, the conditions to use any kind of discrete cosine transform (DCT) for multicarrier data transmission are derived. The symmetric convolution-multiplication property of each DCT implies that when symmetric convolution is performed in the time domain, an element-by-element multiplication is performed in the corresponding discrete trigonometric domain. Therefore, appending symmetric redun-dancy (as prefix and suffix) into each data symbol to be transmitted, and also enforcing symmetry for the equivalent channel impulse response, the linear convolution performed in the transmission channel becomes a symmetric convolution in those samples of interest. Furthermore, the channel equalization can be carried out by means of a bank of scalars in the corresponding discrete cosine transform domain. The expressions for obtaining the value of each scalar corresponding to these one-tap per subcarrier equalizers are presented. This study is completed with several computer simulations in mobile broadband wireless communication scenarios, considering the presence of carrier frequency offset (CFO). The obtained results indicate that the proposed systems outperform the standardized ones based on the DFT.

Load displacement in grape harvesters: Discrete Element Analysis.

Dynamic weighing of the hopper in grape harvesters is affected by a number of factors. One of them is the displacement of the load inside the hopper as a consequence of the terrain topography. In this work, the weight obtained by a load cell in a grape harvester has been analysed and quantified using the discrete element method (DEM). Different models have been developed considering different scenarios for the terrain.

Gear dynamics monitoring using discrete wavelet transformation and multi-layer perceptron neural networks

This paper presents a multi-stage algorithm for the dynamic condition monitoring of a gear. The algorithm provides information referred to the gear status (fault or normal condition) and estimates the mesh stiffness per shaft revolution in case that any abnormality is detected. In the first stage, the analysis of coefficients generated through discrete wavelet transformation (DWT) is proposed as a fault detection and localization tool. The second stage consists in establishing the mesh stiffness reduction associated with local failures by applying a supervised learning mode and coupled with analytical models. To do this, a multi-layer perceptron neural network has been configured using as input features statistical parameters sensitive to torsional stiffness decrease and derived from wavelet transforms of the response signal. The proposed method is applied to the gear condition monitoring and results show that it can update the mesh dynamic properties of the gear on line.

Decision boundary for discrete Bayesian network classifiers

Bayesian network classifiers are a powerful machine learning tool. In order to evaluate the expressive power of these models, we compute families of polynomials that sign-represent decision functions induced by Bayesian network classifiers. We prove that those families are linear combinations of products of Lagrange basis polynomials. In absence of V-structures in the predictor sub-graph, we are also able to prove that this family of polynomials does in- deed characterize the specific classifier considered. We then use this representation to bound the number of decision functions representable by Bayesian network classifiers with a given structure and we compare these bounds to the ones obtained using Vapnik-Chervonenkis dimension.

Laminar-turbulent transition induced by a discrete roughness element in a supersonic boundary layer

The linear instability and breakdown to turbulence induced by an isolated roughness element in a boundary layer at Mach 2:5, over an isothermal flat plate with laminar adiabatic wall temperature, have been analysed by means of direct numerical simulations, aided by spatial BiGlobal and three-dimensional parabolized (PSE-3D) stability analyses. It is important to understand transition in this flow regime since the process can be slower than in incompressible flow and is crucial to prediction of local heat loads on next-generation flight vehicles. The results show that the roughness element, with a height of the order of the boundary layer displacement thickness, generates a highly unstable wake, which is composed of a low-velocity streak surrounded by a three-dimensional high-shear layer and is able to sustain the rapid growth of a number of instability modes. The most unstable of these modes are associated with varicose or sinuous deformations of the low-velocity streak; they are a consequence of the instability developing in the three-dimensional shear layer as a whole (the varicose mode) or in the lateral shear layers (the sinuous mode). The most unstable wake mode is of the varicose type and grows on average 17% faster tan the most unstable sinuous mode and 30 times faster than the most unstable boundary layer mode occurring in the absence of a roughness element. Due to the high growthrates registered in the presence of the roughness element, an amplification factor of N D 9 is reached within 50 roughness heights from the roughness trailing edge. The independently performed Navier–Stokes, spatial BiGlobal and PSE-3D stability results are in excellent agreement with each other, validating the use of simplified theories for roughness-induced transition involving wake instabilities. Following the linear stages of the laminar–turbulent transition process, the roll-up of the three-dimensional shear layer leads to the formation of a wedge of turbulence, which spreads laterally at a rate similar to that observed in the case of compressible turbulent spots for the same Mach number.

Design and analysis of ripple-based controls based on the discrete modeling and Floquet theory

Ripple-based controls can strongly reduce the required output capacitance in PowerSoC converter thanks to a very fast dynamic response. Unfortunately, these controls are prone to sub-harmonic oscillations and several parameters affect the stability of these systems. This paper derives and validates a simulation-based modeling and stability analysis of a closed-loop V 2Ic control applied to a 5 MHz Buck converter using discrete modeling and Floquet theory to predict stability. This allows the derivation of sensitivity analysis to design robust systems. The work is extended to different V 2 architectures using the same methodology.

Discrete (MD) and continuum (DD) simulations of void growth in single crystals.

Void growth in ductile materials is an important problem from the fundamental and technological viewpoint. Most of the models developed to quantify and understand the void growth process did not take into account two important factors: the anisotropic nature of plastic flow in single crystals and the size effects that appear when plastic flow is confined into very small regions.

Decision boundary for discrete Bayesian network classifiers

Bayesian network classifiers are a powerful machine learning tool. In order to evaluate the expressive power of these models, we compute families of polynomials that sign-represent decision functions induced by Bayesian network classifiers. We prove that those families are linear combinations of products of Lagrange basis polynomials. In absence of V-structures in the predictor sub-graph, we are also able to prove that this family of polynomials does in- deed characterize the specific classifier considered. We then use this representation to bound the number of decision functions representable by Bayesian network classifiers with a given structure and we compare these bounds to the ones obtained using Vapnik-Chervonenkis dimension.

Discrete element analysis for the assessment of the accuracy of load cell-based dynamic weighing systems in grape harvesters under different ground conditions

Dynamic weighing systems based on load cells are commonly used to estimate crop yields in the field. There is lack of data, however, regarding the accuracy of such weighing systems mounted on harvesting machinery, especially on that used to collect high value crops such as fruits and vegetables. Certainly, dynamic weighing systems mounted on the bins of grape harvesters are affected by the displacement of the load inside the bin when moving over terrain of changing topography. In this work, the load that would be registered in a grape harvester bin by a dynamic weighing system based on the use of a load cell was inferred by using the discrete element method (DEM). DEM is a numerical technique capable of accurately describing the behaviour of granular materials under dynamic situations and it has been proven to provide successful predictions in many different scenarios. In this work, different DEM models of a grape harvester bin were developed contemplating different influencing factors. Results obtained from these models were used to infer the output given by the load cell of a real bin. The mass detected by the load cell when the bin was inclined depended strongly on the distribution of the load within the bin, but was underestimated in all scenarios. The distribution of the load was found to be dependent on the inclination of the bin caused by the topography of the terrain, but also by the history of inclination (inclination rate, presence of static periods, etc.) since the effect of the inertia of the particles (i.e., representing the grapes) was not negligible. Some recommendations are given to try to improve the accuracy of crop load measurement in the field.

A discrete spectral model for intermediate crack debonding in FRP-strengthened RC beams

One of the common failure modes of reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened in flexure with a bonded fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) is intermediate crack (IC) debonding, which is originated at a critical section in the vicinity of flexural cracks and propagates to a plate end. Despite considerable research over the last years, few reliable and simplified IC debonding strength models have been developed. This paper firstly presents a one-dimensional model based on the discrete crack approach for concrete and the spectral element method for the numerical simulation of the IC debonding process. The progressive formation of flexural cracks and subsequent concrete-FRP interfacial debonding is formulated by the introduction of a new element able to represent both phenomena simultaneously without perturbing the numerical procedure. Furthermore, with the proposed model, high frequency dynamic response for these kinds of structures can also be obtained in a very simple and non-expensive way, which makes this procedure very useful as a tool for diagnoses and detection of debonding in its initial stage by monitoring the change in local dynamic characteristics.

Discrete Multi-Criteria Methods for lands use and conservation planning on La Colacha in Arroyos Menores (Río Cuarto, Province of Córdoba, Argentina)

The study area is La Colacha sub-basins from Arroyos Menores basins, natural areas at West and South of Río Cuarto in Province of Córdoba of Argentina, fertile with loess soils and monsoon temperate climate, but with soil erosions including regressive gullies that degrade them progressively. Cultivated gently since some hundred sixty years, coordinated action planning became necessary to conserve lands while keeping good agro-production. The authors had improved data on soils and on hydrology for the study area, evaluated systems of soil uses and actions to be recommended and applied Decision Support Systems (DSS) tools for that, and were conducted to use discrete multi-criteria models (MCDM) for the more global views about soil conservation and hydraulic management actions and about main types of use of soils. For that they used weighted PROMETHEE, ELECTRE, and AHP methods with a system of criteria grouped as environmental, economic and social, and criteria from their data on effects of criteria. The alternatives resulting offer indication for planning depending somehow on sub basins and on selections of weights, but actions for conservation of soils and water management measures are recommended to conserve the basins conditions, actually sensibly degrading, mainly keeping actual uses of the lands.