Extraction of fibre network architecture by X-ray tomography and prediction of elastic properties using an affine analytical model

This paper proposes a method for extracting reliable architectural characteristics from complex porous structures using micro-computed tomography (μCT) images. The work focuses on a highly porous material composed of a network of fibres bonded together. The segmentation process, allowing separation of the fibres from the remainder of the image, is the most critical step in constructing an accurate representation of the network architecture. Segmentation methods, based on local and global thresholding, were investigated and evaluated by a quantitative comparison of the architectural parameters they yielded, such as the fibre orientation and segment length (sections between joints) distributions and the number of inter-fibre crossings. To improve segmentation accuracy, a deconvolution algorithm was proposed to restore the original images. The efficacy of the proposed method was verified by comparing μCT network architectural characteristics with those obtained using high resolution CT scans (nanoCT). The results indicate that this approach resolves the architecture of these complex networks and produces results approaching the quality of nanoCT scans. The extracted architectural parameters were used in conjunction with an affine analytical model to predict the axial and transverse stiffnesses of the fibre network. Transverse stiffness predictions were compared with experimentally measured values obtained by vibration testing. © 2011 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Survey of the properties of the master cartons (corrugated fibreboard boxes) used in frozen shrimp industry

Master cartons for fishery products collected from different prawn freezing factories were evaluated for bursting strength, puncture resistance, waterproofness, combined weight of liners, basis weight of the corrugating medium, weight of the carton, dimensions of the carton, wax content and saponifiable matter and discussed in the light of the ISI standards.

Experiments with fibre-glass sheathing as a protection against marine wood-boring organisms

Wooden test panels of different species of wood sheathed with fibre-glass reinforced plastic were subjected to immersion tests along with corresponding controls in Cochin Port area and the effect of the protective coating studied.

Scalar dissipation rate transport in the corrugated flamelets and thin reaction zones regime for turbulent premixed flames

The characteristics of the scalar dissipation rate transport in the corrugated flamelets and the thin reaction zones regimes are studied based on two three-dimensional Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) databases for freely propagating statistically planar turbulent premixed flames. The turbulent flame parameters are so chosen that the database which represents the corrugated flamelets regime has a global Damköhler number Da>1 whereas the database representing the thin reaction zones regime has Da <1. It is demonstrated that the terms originating from the correlation between fluctuating velocity and scalar gradient T1 shows strong Da dependence. The terms originating from dilatation T2, the scalar inner product of gradients of velocity and scalar fields T3 and the correlation between reaction rate and scalar gradients T4 and the dissipation term D2 remain important for both the flames. However, T3 dissipates scalar dissipation rate in the Da > 1 flame while it produces scalar dissipation rate in the Da < 1 flame. This difference is because of the change in the alignment between scalar and velocity gradients

An investigation into the information exchange between a consultant and client company: a case study

This report deals with collaborations of engineering consultants and clients in the automobile industry.

In these relationships three main challenges have been identified which have to be addressed by the consultancies. Therefore, the research takes the viewpoint of the consulting side. The challenges are

(i) the appropriate project goal definition;

(ii) achieving client satisfaction; and

(iii) dealing with international clients.

An investigation of such a relationship carried out on a case study shows that improvements can be achieved through communication support. The ways to do that are proposed.

Grouper, mudcrab and company

The paper discusses aquaculture practices on the three other high-value commodities which can be cultured as an alternative to shrimp. These species are grouper, mud crab and sea bass, it also discusses milkfish aquaculture practices.

Precise modal excitation in multimode fibre for control of modal dispersion and mode-group division multiplexing

Each mode of a multimode fibre is excited using binary phase patterns on a Spatial Light Modulator and verified by observation of the near-field leaving the fibre and analysis of the step response. © 2011 OSA.