CRYSTALLINE FRAGMENTS IN GLASSES

The nature of tetrahedral molecular fragments is investigated in SiSe2 glasses using the molecular-dynamics method. The glass consists of both edge-sharing (ES) and corner-sharing tetrahedra. The ES tetrahedra are the building blocks of chain-like-molecular fragments. The two-edge-sharing tetrahedra are the nucleus, and corner-sharing configurations provide connecting hinges between fragments. Statistics of rings and fragments reveals that threefold and eightfold rings are most abundant, chainlike fragments that are typically 10-15 angstrom long occur mostly in eightfold rings, and the longest fragments occur in elevenfold rings.

Dependência estrutural da capacidade de rotação plástic em vigas de concreto armado

Summary In this work the structural dependence of plastic rotation capacity in RC beams is evaluated using the Finite Element Method. The objective is to achieve a better understanding of the non-linear behavior of reinforced concrete members and perform extensive parameter studies, using a rational model developed by Bigaj [1] to analyze the phenomenon of plastic rotation capacity in reinforced concrete members. It is assumed that only bending failure is relevant due to sufficient member resistance against shear and torsion. The paper begins with the physical and theoretical background of the phenomenon of plastic hinge development in RC structures. Special emphasis is laid on the issue of structural dependence of deformation capacity of plastic hinges in RC members. Member size dependence and influence of properties of construction materials were emphasized as well. The essential components of the Bigajs model for calculating the plastic rotation capacity are discussed. The behaviour of the plastic hinge is analysed taking into account the strain localisation in the damage zones of the hinge region. The Fictitious Crack Model (FCM) and the Compressive Damage Zone Model (CDZ) are adopted in a Fracture Mechanics approach to model the behaviour of concrete in tension and compression, respectively. The approach is implemented in FEMOOP, a FEM in-house solver under development, and applied to evaluate ductility in 2D beams. The models were generated with GiD, a pre-processor and post-processor developed by CIMNE, and analyzed with the capabilities implemented in FEMOOP. © Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, España 2010.

Nonlinear dynamic model and simulation of morphing wing profile actuated by shape memory alloys

Morphing aircraft have the ability to actively adapt and change their shape to achieve different missions efficiently. The development of morphing structures is deeply related with the ability to model precisely different designs in order to evaluate its characteristics. This paper addresses the dynamic modeling of a sectioned wing profile (morphing airfoil) connected by rotational joints (hinges). In this proposal, a pair of shape memory alloy (SMA) wires are connected to subsequent sections providing torque by reducing its length (changing airfoil camber). The dynamic model of the structure is presented for one pair of sections considering the system with one degree of freedom. The motion equations are solved using numerical techniques due the nonlinearities of the model. The numerical results are compared with experimental data and a discussion of how good this approach captures the physical phenomena associated with this problem. © The Society for Experimental Mechanics, Inc. 2012.

Considerações e avaliações das solicitações em estruturas de edificações de paredes de concreto pré-moldado utilizando o modelo de pórtico tridimensional: estudo de caso

The present study is in reference to precast concrete (panels) walls as the main structural system. The diversification of the structural systems is a reality due to specific characteristics', as a result there is a lack of study and analysis. Some systems are already established in their applications, for instance: conventional reinforced concrete, structural masonry, metal structures, and wood structure. Apart from this precast concrete elements has had a growth in building sites in Brazil, therefore professionals should be more aware. Affordable house funding initiatives to address the housing shortage has been recurrent throughout the country, additionally precast concrete walls has been an alternative that meets the three basic concepts of engineering, which are: the technique, economy, and security. The objective of this study is to gather concepts from the literature and TOMO (2012) about precast concrete walls and make a didactic synthesis of how they are viewed. The modeling structure method of the system was performed following the concept of assigning bars, using the computer program of calculations SAP2000. Initially will be presented a theoretical part, furthermore a case study to illustrate the sizing of the walls using EXCEL tables programmed with calculation routine. The results will be presented in calculated efforts by the program for further analysis. Finally, will be highlighted important items of modeling and interpretation of the results