Optimum joint detail for a general cold-formed steel portal frame

In the design of cold-formed steel portal frames it is essential that joint flexibility is taken into account in frame analysis. This paper describes optimisation of the joint detail of a cold-formed steel portal frame, conducted concurrently with frame analysis. It is one of the outputs of an Industrial CASE award on the design of cold-formed steel portal frames, which is being used to support a KTP application.

Intellectual Property management in publicly funded R&D centres—A comparison of university-based and company-based research centres

Recent thinking on open innovation and the knowledge-based economy have stressed the importance of external knowledge sources in stimulating innovation. Policy-makers have recognised this, establishing publicly funded Centres of R&D Excellence with the objective of stimulating industry–science links and localised innovation spillovers. Here, we examine the contrasting IP management practices of a group of 18 university- and company-based R&D centres supported by the same regional programme. Our analysis covers all but one of the Centres supported by the programme and suggests marked contrasts between the IP strategies of the university-based and company-based centres. This suggests the potential for very different types of knowledge spillovers from publicly funded R&D centres based in different types of organisations, and a range of alternative policy approaches to the future funding of R&D centres depending on policy-makers’ objectives.

Behaviour of joints with bonded-in steel bars loaded parallel to the grain of timber elements

Within the sustainability context, this paper is extremely timely and relevant. The research focuses on broadening the use of timber structurally. The insight gained forms the basis for sustainable, fire resistant, economic and aesthetically pleasing moment resistant connections in timber.

Precipitation, microstructure and mechanical properties of low nickel maraging steel

A maraging steel with a composition of Fe–12·94Ni–1·61Al–1·01Mo–0·23Nb (wt-%) was investigated. Optical, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis were employed to study the microstructure of the steel after different aging periods at temperatures of 450–600°C. Hardness and Charpy impact toughness of the steel were measured. The study of microstructure and mechanical properties showed that nanosized precipitates were formed homogeneously during the aging process, which resulted in high hardness. As the aging time is prolonged, precipitates grow and hardness increases. Fractography of the as forged steel has shown mixed ductile and brittle fracture and has indicated that the steel has good toughness. Relationships among heat treatment, microstructure and mechanical properties are discussed. Further experiments using tensile testing and impact testing for aged steel were carried out.