Dynamic response of the leg of a tension leg platform subjected to an axial, suddenly applied load at one end

This paper deals with the solution of the problem of the dynamic response of the leg of a tension leg platform subjected to an axial, suddenly applied load at one end, considering a highly simplified model but taking into account several complicating factors. The problem is solved by means of a non-harmonic Fourier expansion in terms of eigenfunctions obtained from a non-regular Sturm-Liouville system.     

Kirsch problem and the lower natural frequencies of a clamped square-plate

A clamped square-plate is subjected to a uniform state of stress in the x-direction. The present study deals with the basic question of determining the variation of the lower natural frequencies of transverse vibration of a plate as a small diameter, central hole is made in it, introducing a stress concentration field.     

Transverse vibrations of a rectangular cantilever plate with thickness varying in a discontinuous fashion

A numerical solution is obtained for the title problem by means of the popular finite element method. An experimental investigation of the problem is also presented for plates of square planform. The agreement between theoretical and experimental values is very good in the case of the fundamental frequency, and reasonably good when the second and third normal modes of transverse vibration are considered. It is concluded that beneficial effects are obtained in the sense that one generates a lighter structural element with higher fundamental frequency of transverse vibration. Hence, dynamic stiffening is achieved.     

Monitoring the status of a mechanical cable while in operation by means of the acoustic emission method

The mechanical cable is an essential element in towing operations, remote control of equipment, salvage operations, civil engineering applications, etc.Failure of these cables can result in loss of life and loss of equipment worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Obviously then, sensors that can indicate the condition of these cables so that the risk to their continued use and their remaining safe life can be determined when in operation are very important from the point of view of commercial and military interest.This paper presents a brief review of research into failure mechanisms of various cables and the acoustic emission signatures of the various cables under simulated loading. The development of a specific operational monitor for a towed cable system is also given.     

Crystal-rich mass flow deposits related to the eruption of a sublacustrine silicic cryptodome (Early Permian Collio Basin, Italian Alps)

Sedimentological, granulometric and petrographic data are presented from a detailed study on a crystal-rich mass flow deposit, which is presumably related to the eruption of a sublacustrine cryptodome. The deposit forms a prominent intercalation in the Lower Permian Collio Formation in the Italian Alps north of Brescia. Outcrops of the 10–20-m-thick volcaniclastic deposit (Dasdana I Beds, DB) can be traced over 12 km from east to west. The DB consists of a thick, crystal-rich, sandy–gravelly lower subunit representing a sequence of amalgamated Bouma-a(b) divisions overlain by a thin, well-bedded, sandy–muddy subunit that is rich in outsize porphyritic silicic fragments. Modal and computer-aided image analyses reveal that the crystal-rich lower subunit contains up to 80% of volcanogenic crystals. Some samples contain up to 60% of porphyritic fragments, which have a phenocryst content of about 20%. The wide textural range from cryptocrystalline, poikilomosaic, to rarer medium-grained granophyric groundmass, the irregular to lensoid shapes of the porphyritic fragments, and the presence of basement and sedimentary clasts suggest that the DB originated from a sublacustrine eruption of a partially extrusive cryptodome (ca. 1.6 km³). Two other porphyritic felsic cryptodomes (Dosso dei Lupi, Dosso del Bue), described briefly here, emplaced into the Collio Formation sometime after the DB event, and expose flat bases and tilted sediments at their sides. Textures observed in these domes are comparable to those found in the DB porphyritic fragments.     

Comparison of Cu and Zn cycling in eutrophic lakes with oxic and anoxic hypolimnion

Data on the cycling of Cu and Zn in two eutrophic lakes are presented: Lake Greifen that becomes seasonally anoxic in its hypolimnion and Lake Sempach that is aerated during winter and oxygenated during summer. They suggest that hypolimnetic oxygenation 1) enhances the release of copper from the sediment but 2) also accelerates the entrapment and deposition of Cu and Zn by freshly formed Mn- and Fe-oxides.