Application of boundary element method to 3-D problems of coupled thermoelasticity

This paper deals with a new boundary element method for analysis of the quasistatic problems in coupled thermoelasticity. Through some mathematical manipulation of the Navier equation in elasticity, the heat conduction equation is transformed into a simpler form, similar to the uncoupled-type equation with the modified thermal conductivity which shows the coupling effects. This procedure enables us to treat the coupled thermoelastic problems as an uncoupled one, A few examples are computed by the proposed BEM, and the results obtained are compared with the analytical ones available in the literature, whereby the accuracy and versatility of the proposed method are demonstrated.     

Preparation and structural characterization of Co/Al2O3 catalysts for the ozonation of pyruvic acid

A series of Co/Al₂O₃ catalysts were prepared by the incipient wetness impregnation method using γ-Al₂O₃ support and (CH₃COO)₂Co·4H₂O solutions, followed by calcination at 500–800 °C. Characterization of catalysts was accomplished by several techniques such as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), physisorption of nitrogen, mercury and helium-based pycnometries, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and pH of zero charge (PZC). Impregnation of support produced a moderate decrease of its surface area and pore volume and also led to minor changes of its PZC. Depending on preparation conditions (i.e., calcination atmosphere and temperature and metal loading), one or more of the following Co-containing compounds were identified: CoO, Co₃O₄ and CoAl₂O₄. The support and prepared Co/Al₂O₃ catalysts were tested to catalyze the ozonation of aqueous pyruvic acid at pH 2.5. Pyruvic acid was shown refractory towards single ozonation but the use of γ-Al₂O₃ and Co/Al₂O₃ catalysts resulted in 56–96% pyruvic acid conversion and 41–78% decrease in DOC after 2 h of ozonation of phosphate-buffered solutions. In the absence of the buffer, conversion rate was enhanced likely as a result of pH increase during the course of the process thus giving rise to the indirect way of ozonation through hydroxyl radicals. Acetic acid was found as the main by-product of pyruvic acid ozonation. Depending on the catalyst used, yield of acetic acid varied from 32 to 49%, values noticeably lower that that obtained from the control non-catalytic ozonation experiment (73%). Differences in catalytic activity amongst the various Co/Al₂O₃ catalysts investigated were attributed to the different Co active phases deposited on the γ-Al₂O₃ surface. The following sequence of increasing activity can be inferred from experimental results: CoO, CoAl₂O₄ and Co₃O₄. All the Co/Al₂O₃ catalysts prepared showed good stability as the percentage of cobalt leached out was rather low.     

Dynamic material properties of wood subjected to low-velocity impact

This article studied the effects of low-velocity impact on the failure stresses and stiffness using a pendulum test. The specimens were of variable depth (20, 30, and 40 mm), a width of 50 mm, length of 650 mm, and span-length of 480 mm. The smallest specimen depth was similar to specimen sizes tested in the literature used to create the duration of load curve, while the largest specimen depth are considered structural size specimens. The impact was predicted using a numerical approach with Euler–Bernoulli beam, as well as Timoshenko beam theory, with a plastic contact law. The models were validated for impact from a low release-angle (where the beam remained elastic), but could use improvement for the force prediction at a high incidence velocity. The measured force signals were used as forcing functions to obtain the dynamic failure stresses for all of the evaluated specimens, and the Timoshenko–Goens–Hearmon Method to derive the dynamic E. The resulting strain rates ranged from 9.11?×?10^?5 s^?1 for the quasi-static specimens up to 25 s^?1 for the greatest incidence velocity. The results from this study suggest different duration of load factors than the Madison Curve, influencing the design of structures subjected to dynamic loading.     

Reactor dosimetry for VVERs RPV lifetime assessment

A state of the art review of Reactor Dosimetry used for reactor pressure vessel irradiation damage assessment and lifetime evaluation of the Russian type VVER reactors is presented. The necessity of prospective studies in Reactor Dosimetry for improvements that will reduce the neutron fluence uncertainty and in this way to substantiate the extension of NPP lifetime is summarized by specialists in Reactor Dosimetry from countries operating VVER reactors such as Russia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, and Bulgaria, together with specialists from Western European countries such as France, Spain, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, and UK, operating PWR and BWR type reactors.     

Thermal Analysis of CNT-Based Nano-Composites by Element Free Galerkin Method

This paper deals with the thermal analysis of carbon nanotube (CNT) based composites by meshless element free Galerkin method. Cylindrical representative volume element (cylindrical RVE) has been chosen to evaluate the thermal properties of nano-composites using multi-domain and simplified approaches. The values of temperature have been calculated at different points and plotted against RVE length and RVE radius. A sensitivity analysis of RVE as well as CNT dimensions has been carried out in detail. The present computations show that the equivalent thermal conductivity is a function of CNT length, CNT radius, RVE length and RVE radius. Based on present numerical simulations, an approximate formula is proposed to calculate the equivalent thermal conductivity of nano-composites. The results obtained by simplified approach have been found in good agreement with those obtained by multi-domain approach.     

Actor networks and the construction of applicable knowledge: the case of the Timbre Brownfield Prioritization Tool

This article deals with experiences acquired during the process of developing the Timbre Brownfield Prioritization Tool (TBPT). Developing a decision support tool that takes into account the expectations and experiences of its potential users is similar to creating applicable knowledge by the joint action of scientists and heterogeneous actors. Actor network theory is used to explore the construction of this form of applicable knowledge as a process of actor network creation. Following the French sociologist Callon, networks are seen to be initiated and carried out by a group of scientists (tool developers) via four moments of translation, called problematization, interessement, enrolment and mobilization. Each step in the construction of the TBPT—from the initial research question to the final model—can be linked in retrospect to changing configurations of actor networks. Based on the experiences of the tool developers in the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany and Romania, we illustrate how these configurations varied across space and time. This contribution emphasizes the ability to correlate gains in knowledge with the more visible changes in the scope of actor networks in order to highlight achievements but also limitations in acquiring applicable knowledge.     

Metal selectivity of Sargassum spp. and their alginates in relation to their alpha-L-guluronic acid content and conformation

The discovery of a consistent and unusual enrichment in homopolymeric alpha-L-guluronic acid G-blocks in alginates extracted from a suite of Sargassum brown algae is described in this study. 1H NMR spectroscopy was used to characterize these alginates which display homopolymeric guluronic acid block (G-block) frequency values (F(GG)) between 0.37 and 0.81. The presence of these G-blocks results in an enhanced selectivity for cadmium or calcium relative to monovalent ions such as sodium and the proton as well as smaller divalent ions such as magnesium. Results of competitive exchange experiments for the Cd-Ca-alginate system yield selectivity coefficient, K*(Cd)Ca, values between 0.43 +/- 0.10 and 1.32 +/- 0.02 for a range in F(GG) of 0.23 to 0.81. In contrast to the Cd-Ca-alginate system, the Mg-Ca-alginate and Mg-Cd-alginate systems yielded maximum values of K*(Mg)Ca (18.0 +/- 1.4) and K*(Mg)Cd (16.0 +/- 0.9) for the alginates extracted from Sargassum fluitans (F(GG) = 0.81; Cuba) and Sargassum thunbergii (F(GG) = 0.75; Korea), respectively. Selectivity studies with mixed-metal pair alginate systems highlight the importance of the specific macromolecular conformation of the alginate polymer in determining metal binding behavior in multiple-metal systems. Furthermore, they demonstrate the importance of the conformation of the alginate as it occurs within the tissue of Sargassum in determining the metal binding behavior of this algal biosorbent. The unique composition of the alginates present in species of Sargassum may represent a distinct advantage over other brown algal species when considering their implementation for the strategic removal of toxic heavy metals from contaminated and industrial wastewaters.     

Experimental and analytical investigation of crack development in composite reinforced laminated arch

This paper describes the analysis of a laminated timber arch radially reinforced with composite fiber rods to arrest crack growth. A laminated arch with a through crack was instrumented with crack propagations gages to detect crack growth and was tested experimentally. A finite element model was developed, which represented the laminated timber arch and the reinforcing rods, and used two dimensional interface elements to simulate crack extension. The arch was modeled with a flaw in the form of a through crack that was assumed to be sharp. Material properties of the arch and rods were determined experimentally, and the crack dimensions in the model were taken from the experimental arch, which was measured using an X-ray emitter with 33 μm resolution. The experimental results (deformations, strains and crack growth) were compared with the analyses. The model showed reasonable agreement with the experiment but an improved model is required to capture the behavior correctly. This paper demonstrates the possibilities in reinforcing wood structural members using high-strength composites and points to some experimental and analytical challenges.     

Homogeneous iron-catalyzed photochemical degradation of muconic acid in water

Iron photochemical oxidation has been used to remove muconic acid from water. Two different light systems were used: black lamps and solar irradiation. The effect of iron concentration, intensity of incident radiation, pH and presence of oxalic acid was investigated. The first two variables yield positive effects on the removal rate of muconic acid while higher efficiency was achieved at pH 3. Oxalic acid enhances the oxidation rate because of the formation of photoactive ferrioxalate ion. Stoichiometric results indicated formation of two hydroxyl radicals to degrade 1 mol of muconic acid. At similar experimental conditions, initial oxidation rates of muconic acid were higher when solar light was used to irradiate the aqueous solutions, although in this case, the oxidation process is stopped because of the consumption of photoactive species.