Modified routine for decreasing numeric oscillations at associations of lumped elements

Some changes in the application of the numeric trapezoidal integration are analyzed for applications considering pi circuits. It is considered numeric and computational proceedings for improving the numeric results obtained with associations of pi circuits. In numeric integration solutions of the linear systems, it is common to represent these associations of pi circuits by only one matrix. This representation introduces undesirable numeric oscillations in simulations of the dynamics of wave propagation in electrical systems. The proposed changes improve the results of application of cascades of pi circuits associated to the trapezoidal integration, avoiding that the numerical oscillations, or Gibb's oscillations, have high values and are slowly damped. For the carried out simulations, different number of pi circuits and voltage sources are checked, confirming the reduction of the influence of the numeric oscillations on the obtained results. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Three-dimensional analysis of reinforced concrete members via embedded discontinuity finite elements

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

A religião, a magia e o canto de Orfeu na Argonáutica de Apolônio de Rodes

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

O cinema de Manoel de Oliveira: um caso singular

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Modeling of multiple cracks in reinforced concrete members using solid finite elements with high aspect ratio

This paper presents a new technique to model interfaces by means of degenerated solid finite elements, i.e., elements with a very high aspect ratio, with the smallest dimension corresponding to the thickness of the interfaces. It is shown that, as the aspect ratio increases, the element strains also increase, approaching the kinematics of the strong discontinuity. A tensile damage constitutive relation between strains and stresses is proposed to describe the nonlinear behavior of the interfaces associated with crack opening. To represent crack propagation, couples of triangular interface elements are introduced in between all regular (bulk) elements of the original mesh. With this technique the analyses can be performed integrally in the context of the continuum mechanics and complex crack patterns involving multiple cracks can be simulated without the need of tracking algorithms. Numerical tests are performed to show the applicability of the proposed technique, studding also aspects related to mesh objectivity.

Chromosomal mapping of two Mariner-like elements in the grasshopper Abracris flavolineata (Orthoptera: Acrididae) reveals enrichment in euchromatin

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

From archives to archival science Elements for a discursive construction

This work tries to outline the theoretical background established by archival science manuals, based mainly on discourse analysis as a key discipline to understand which the differences are and points of conceptual commonality in archival science traditions studied that to some extent, are additional. As archival science is a product of historically constructed knowledge, the context of conceptual production ultimately reflects in the different schools of thought and in the methodological approach. The manuals discussed here were selected by their canon and their wide dissemination in the archival science field, and are: the Manual for the arrangement and description of archives of the Association of Dutch Archivists (1898), and Jenkinson's A manual of archive administration including the problems of war archives and archive making. We considered how in these manuals two key concepts are discussed as for organization methodology in archival science: description and classification, establishing, from these concepts, which are the intertwined discourses in these texts and relating them to their historical aspects.

Model updating of the non-linear vibrating structures through Volterra series and proper orthogonal decomposition

Classical procedures for model updating in non-linear mechanical systems based on vibration data can fail because the common linear metrics are not sensitive for non-linear behavior caused by gaps, backlash, bolts, joints, materials, etc. Several strategies were proposed in the literature in order to allow a correct representative model of non-linear structures. The present paper evaluates the performance of two approaches based on different objective functions. The first one is a time domain methodology based on the proper orthogonal decomposition constructed from the output time histories. The second approach uses objective functions with multiples convolutions described by the first and second order discrete-time Volterra kernels. In order to discuss the results, a benchmark of a clamped-clamped beam with an pre-applied static load is simulated and updated using proper orthogonal decomposition and Volterra Series. The comparisons and discussions of the results show the practical applicability and drawbacks of both approaches.

Complex modal analysis of a slender vertical rotor by finite elements method

In this paper, natural frequencies were analyzed (axial, torsional and flexural) and frequency response of a vertical rotor with a hard disk at the edge through the classical modal and complex analysis. The equation that rules the movement was obtained through the Lagrangian formulation. The model considered the effects of bending, torsion and axial deformation of the shaft, besides the gravitational and gyroscopic effects. The finite element method was used to discretize the structure into hollow cylindrical elements with 12 degrees of freedom. Mass, stiffness and gyroscopic matrices were explained consistently. The classical modal analysis, usually applied to stationary structures, does not consider an important characteristic of rotating machinery which are the methods of forward and backward whirl. Initially, through the traditional modal analysis, axial and torsional natural frequencies were obtained in a static shaft, since they do not suffer the influence of gyroscopic effects. Later research was performed by complex modal analysis. This type of tool, based on the use of complex coordinates to describe the dynamic behavior of rotating shaft, allows the decomposition of the system in two submodes, backward and forward. Thus, it is possible to clearly visualize that the orbit and direction of the precessional motion around the line of the rotating shaft is not deformed. A finite element program was developed using MATLAB (TM) and numerical simulations were performed to validate this model. Natural frequencies and directional frequency forced response (dFRF) were obtained using the complex modal analysis for a simple vertical rotor and also for a typical drill string used in the construction of oil wells.

Sistema de gestão ambiental: subsídios para a implantação em uma estação de tratamento de esgoto a partir da análise crítica de estudos ambientais prévios

The process of environmental impact assessment (EIA), in the extent of previous environmental studies, has as one of its functions to provide subsidies to the actions of environmental managment of enterprises. However, the proper estructuring of programs that allows to support this managment does not often occurs. This research sought as one of its objectives to evaluate in which extent the process of EIA can be a subsidie for the EMS, providing basic elements of this system. In addition, more specifically, the research had as one of its objetives the development of subsidies for the implantation of an Environmental Managment System (EMS), based on the model of ISO 14001 (2004), for a sewage treatment plant yet to be constructed in the city of President Venceslau / SP. In order to achieve theses objetives, a discussion was held based on the evaluation of environmental studies available in the library of Cetesb / SMA. Still, for the elaboration of subsidies for the EMS of the treatment plant, the research was focused on the structuring of environmental management program, based on the information contained in its Preliminary Environmental Report (PER). The research had as one of its products, the development of subsidies for the planning and control of the environmental aspects and impacts and for the environmental program of the enterprise, based on the use of environmental indicators. It was concluded, based on the results that, in general, the previous environmental studies analyzed showed little emphasis on the phase of development of structured environmental programs that offer guidelines to achieve the desired results for the environmental performance of the company.

Desenvolvimento de um protetor lateral em alumínio

In view of the need to develop a device for security and lateral protection, due to the Resolution 323/09 of CONTRAN, which requires the use of such equipment for most trucks and tow trucks, the objective of this work is to develop a project for an aluminum lateral protection device, according to the ABNT NBR 14.148 regulation, that, among many specifications, stipulates that the equipment must support a load of 5 kN and suffer a maximum deflection of 30mm, but does not say what material it should be made of. The reason for choosing aluminum is because of its low density, so as not to significantly increase the curb weight of the truck, which, consequently, reduces CO2 emissions and maintenance expenses. Additionally, this material presents a good resistance/weight ratio, high resistance to corrosion, excellent surface finish and it's fully recyclable; reason why it has been gaining the attention of many industry segments. For the realization of the project, profiles were chosen to make the assembly of the set, and then a finite elements analysis was performed in the HyperWorks software, to verify if the designed device would support the loads stipulated by the regulation. One details to note is that these simulation programs could show inaccuracies, because of the size and shape of the elements that compose the mesh, and for many other reasons, so it is necessary that, even with the results coming back satisfactory, actual physical tests are conducted to validate the proper functioning of the equipment, which was not done for this study

Tropical Africa as a cradle for horizontal transfers of transposable elements between species of the genus Drosophila and Zaprionus

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Key participants of the tumor microenvironment of the prostate: An approach of the structural dynamic of cellular elements and extracellular matrix components during epithelial-stromal transition

Cancer is a multistep process that begins with the transformation of normal epithelial cells and continues with tumor growth, stromal invasion and metastasis. The remodeling of the peritumoral environment is decisive for the onset of tumor invasiveness. This event is dependent on epithelial–stromal interactions, degradation of extracellular matrix components and reorganization of fibrillar components. Our research group has studied in a new proposed rodent model the participation of cellular and molecular components in the prostate microenvironment that contributes to cancer progression. Our group adopted the gerbil Meriones unguiculatus as an alternative experimental model for prostate cancer study. This model has presented significant responses to hormonal treatments and to development of spontaneous and induced neoplasias. The data obtained indicate reorganization of type I collagen fibers and reticular fibers, synthesis of new components such as tenascin and proteoglycans, degradation of basement membrane components and elastic fibers and increased expression of metalloproteinases. Fibroblasts that border the region, apparently participate in the stromal reaction. The roles of each of these events, as well as some signaling molecules, participants of neoplastic progression and factors that promote genetic reprogramming during epithelial–stromal transition are also discussed.

Elementos de manutenção de transformadores de potência

The intended purpose of this paper is to present the main commissioning tests for power transformers and the most used techniques in industrial segment, it is also discussed your results and consequences in the equipment’s normal operation. Also in this text, it is given specific information concerning a maintenance plan compatible to power transformers, with elements of preventive and predictive maintenance, exposing essential components, tests and the regulations current, showing how analyze and interpreted the results from this maintenance resources. Also in this paper is submitted the economic impact of damage to transformers and how the correct maintenance method can minimize them. The objective of this text is demonstrate the importance of the equipment and the benefits of proper maintenance, much of in financial terms as in electric system reliability

Importância da correta confecção do prontuário odontológico para identificação humana: relato de caso

The clinical records correspond to a set of documents where all information of the patient is stored. When properly confectioned and filed by the dentist, it may serve as a tool for success in dental expertise. The aim of this paper is to present the importance of proper confection of dental records in human identification by means the presentation of a case of identification, occurred in a São Paulo state city. The notes present in the dental records of the alleged victim were very poor, even with a contradiction. However, having endodontic treatment been performed, the comparative analysis between the radiographs of the skull of the victim (postmortem) and the endodontic treatment of tooth 22 (antemortem) permitted to observe total coincidence between the details of such treatment, and anatomical features present in other dental elements. These important parameters of comparison indicated that the body was of the suspect and, due to the number of coincidences, it could not belong to another individual. Nevertheless, the clinical documentation provided was deficient, and presented contradictory data. Because of its fundamental importance for human identification, it is essential that dental professionals take the necessary care to ensure its proper confection and custody, seeking to make the clinical records also an efficient instrument of consultation in identification cases.