When will a flame describing function approach to thermoacoustics work well?

In any thermoacoustic analysis, it is important not only to predict linear frequencies and growth rates, but also the amplitude and frequencies of any limit cycles. The Flame Describing Function (FDF) approach is a quasi-linear analysis which allows the prediction of both the linear and nonlinear behaviour of a thermoacoustic system. This means that one can predict linear growth rates and frequencies, and also the amplitudes and frequencies of any limit cycles. The FDF achieves this by assuming that the acoustics are linear and that the flame, which is the only nonlinear element in the thermoacoustic system, can be adequately described by considering only its response at the frequency at which it is forced. Therefore any harmonics generated by the flame's nonlinear response are not considered. This implies that these nonlinear harmonics are small or that they are sufficiently filtered out by the linear dynamics of the system (the low-pass filter assumption). In this paper, a flame model with a simple saturation nonlinearity is coupled to simple duct acoustics, and the success of the FDF in predicting limit cycles is studied over a range of flame positions and acoustic damping parameters. Although these two parameters affect only the linear acoustics and not the nonlinear flame dynamics, they determine the validity of the low-pass filter assumption made in applying the flame describing function approach. Their importance is highlighted by studying the level of success of an FDF-based analysis as they are varied. This is achieved by comparing the FDF's prediction of limit-cycle amplitudes to the amplitudes seen in time domain simulations.

Investigating the link between well-being and energy use; an explorative case study between passive and active domestic energy management systems

The aim of this study was to explore how the remote control of appliances/lights (active energy management system) affected household well-being, compared to in-home displays (passive energy management system). A six-week exploratory study was conducted with 14 participants divided into the following three groups: active; passive; and no equipment. The effect on well-being was measured through thematic analysis of two semi-structured interviews for each participant, administered at the start and end of the study. The well-being themes were based on existing measures of Satisfaction and Affect. The energy demand for each participant was also measured for two weeks without intervention, and then compared after four weeks with either the passive or active energy management systems. These measurements were used to complement the well-being analysis. Overall, the measure of Affect increased in the passive group but Satisfaction decreased; however, all three measures on average decreased in the active group. The measured energy demand also highlighted a disconnect between well-being and domestic energy consumption. The results point to a need for further investigation in this field; otherwise, there is a risk that nationally implemented energy management solutions may negatively affect our happiness and well-being. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Growth, structural and optical properties of GaAs/AlGaAs Core/shell nanowires with and without quantum well shells

We have investigated the growth, structural properties and photoluminescence of novel GaAs/AlGaAs radial heterostructure nanowires, fabricated by metalorganic chemical vapour deposition. The effect of growth temperature on nanowire morphology is discussed. Strong photoluminescence is observed from GaAs nanowires with AlGaAs shells. Core/multishell nanowires, of GaAs cores clad in several alternating layers of thick AlGaAs barrier shells and thin GaAs quantum well shells, exhibit a blue-shifted photoluminescence peak believed to arise from quantum confinement effects. A novel two-temperature growth procedure for obtaining GaAs cores is introduced, and other nanowire heterostructures are addressed. © 2006 IEEE.

Obtaining bifurcation diagrams with a thermoacoustic network model

Linear techniques can predict whether the non-oscillating (steady) state of a thermoacoustic system is stable or unstable. With a sufficiently large impulse, however, a thermoacoustic system can reach a stable oscillating state even when the steady state is also stable. A nonlinear analysis is required to predict the existence of this oscillating state. Continuation methods are often used for this but they are computationally expensive. In this paper, an acoustic network code called LOTAN is used to obtain the steady and the oscillating solutions for a horizontal Rijke tube. The heat release is modelled as a nonlinear function of the mass flow rate. Several test cases from the literature are analysed in order to investigate the effect of various nonlinear terms in the flame model. The results agree well with the literature, showing that LOTAN can be used to map the steady and oscillating solutions as a function of the control parameters. Furthermore, the nature of the bifurcation between steady and oscillating states can be predicted directly from the nonlinear terms inside the flame model. Copyright © 2012 by ASME.

Numerical analysis of shallow foundations under combined horizontal and torsional loading

Foundations of subsea infrastructure in deep water subjected to asymmetric environmental loads have underscored the importance of combined torsional and horizontal loading effects on the bearing capacity of rectangular shallow foundations. The purpose of this study is to investigate the undrained sliding and torsional bearing capacity of rectangular and square shallow foundations together with the interaction response under combined loading using three-dimensional finite element (3D-FE) analysis. Upper bound plastic limit analysis is employed to establish a reference value for horizontal and torsional bearing capacity, and an interaction relationship for the combined loading condition. Satisfactory agreement of plastic limit analysis (PLA) and 3D-FE results for ultimate capacity and interaction curves ensures that simple PLA solution could be used to evaluate the bearing capacity problem of foundation under combined sliding and torsion.

Experimental behaviour of barrel vaulted structure subjected to rocking of the abutments

In this paper, the transverse rocking mechanism of a barrel vaulted structure subjected to horizontal cyclic loads is analysed by means of experimental tests on full scale model and by means of non-linear FE analyses. The study is part of an ongoing experimental and theoretical research program, developed by the University of Brescia, concerning the seismic behaviour of ancient masonry buildings. The scope of the paper is to provide some evidence of the rocking mechanism experienced by barrel vaulted structures under horizontal loading. The understanding of the behaviour of these structural systems is necessary for their seismic vulnerability assessment, as well as for the correct design of possible strengthening techniques. A numeric FE model was validated through comparison with the experimental results and it was used to verify the efficiency of two common strengthening solutions: the technique of the overlaying reinforced concrete slab and the technique of the thin spandrel walls. Experimental and numeric results will be discussed in the paper.

Seismic behaviour of barrel vault systems

In this paper, the experimental study on the rocking behaviour of a full scale barrel vaulted structure undergo cyclic horizontal loading is discussed. The study is the first part of an ongoing experimental and theoretical research program, developed by the University of Brescia, concerning the seismic behaviour of masonry buildings. The scope of the paper is to provide some evidence of the rocking mechanism experienced by barrel vaulted structures undergo horizontal loading. Understanding of the behaviour of such structural systems is fundamental for their seismic vulnerability assessment, as well as for the correct design of possible strengthening techniques. The structural behaviour is also investigated by means of non linear finite element analyses. Numerical results are validated through comparison with experimental results. After validation, the FE model can be applied to different case studies.