Comparison of concrete slabs pretensioned with composite bars and steel wires

A test program was set up to study AFRP as prestressing reinforcement for concrete slabs. The paper describes short-term, long-term and cyclic loading tests on ten slabs. The structural behavior of the pretensioned slabs, under these loading conditions, is investigated. Finally, it is concluded that the use of AFRP as prestressing reinforcement can offer promising perspectives.Presented at the Ninth International Conference on the Mechanics of Composite Materials. Riga. October, 1995.University of Ghent. Department of Structural Engineering, Magnel Laboratory for Concrete Research, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 9, 9052 Ghent (Belgium). Published in Mechanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 32, No. 2, pp. 149–157, March–April. 1996.     

Primal–Dual–Infeasible Newton Approach for the Analytic Center Deep-Cutting Plane Method

The convergence and complexity of a primal–dual column generation and cutting plane algorithm from approximate analytic centers for solving convex feasibility problems defined by a deep cut separation oracle is studied. The primal–dual–infeasible Newton method is used to generate a primal–dual updating direction. The number of recentering steps is O(1) for cuts as deep as half way to the deepest cut, where the deepest cut is tangent to the primal–dual variant of Dikin's ellipsoid.     

A “micro” process planning system based on integer programming for prismatic parts produced on horizontal machining centers

An automated process planning system is developed for manufacturing prismatic parts on a Horizontal Machining Center. The goal is to demonstrate the feasibility of using the integer (0–1) programming technique to determine the optimal sequence of machining operations. The final process sequence reflects constraints on tool life. Precedence relationships due to fixturing and/or process requirements are also taken into account. Decision logic for selection of cutting tools and calculation of necessary machining parameters are also developed. Process plans for test workpieces are produced and the effectiveness of the system demonstrated.     

Light absorption and laser-crack development. 2

Conclusions 1. The gray color of a laser crack in PMMA (black in polystyrene) is caused by carbon-black particles that adhere to its walls.2. Further experimentation under an electron microscope is necessary to determine the size of the carbon-black particles. Making use of these new data and the results described here, we can define their absorption index more precisely.3. The absorption index of the gaseous medium between the walls of the crack in a layer 30–100 µ thick is 20 cm^–1; this is 1000 times smaller than that of graphite, but approximately 1000 times greater than that of the ordinary block polymer.4. As a result of photochemical and photothermal reactions, the laser source creates a gray (PMMA) or black (polystyrene) absorbent layer located in the crack and on its walls. Thus, the energy of the laser beam is absorbed due to "self-inductive" opacity. This leads to an increase in the mass of the "gas wedge," to a pressure increase, and ultimately, to crack propagation.For communication 1, see [1].Institute of the Problems of Mechanics, Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 3, pp. 409–412, May–June, 1977.     

Scheduling of a machining center

A machining center is an advanced NC (Numerical Control) machine that has the capability to perform a variety of operations on a part by automatically changing the cutting tools. Because of its versatile processing capabilities, a machining center is often a production bottleneck, and effective scheduling can result in significant improvement of system performance. The problem, however, is very difficult since many factors such as machine setups, pallets, tool magazine, and possible tool overlapping among different part types, etc., have to be considered. This paper presents an optimization-based approach for the scheduling of a machining center with two pallets. A novel “separable” problem formulation that considers the above mentioned factors is presented. Lagrangian relaxation is applied to decompose the problem into simple subproblems, which are efficiently solved without encountering complexity difficulties. The subgradient method is then used to update the multipliers. Testing results indicate that the approach is effective, and the algorithm provides a valuable tool for solving stand-alone machining center problems. The approach also points out a direction on how to consider machining centers within a job shop environment.     

Prediction of diameter errors in bar turning: a computationally effective model

Machining accuracy can be considerably affected by the deflections of the machine–workpiece–tool system as well as the thermal expansion of material during machining. An improved model for predicting dimensional errors in turning process is presented. This model uses a geometric analysis in the machine frame, in which the elastic deflections of the machine–workpiece–tool system due to the cutting force are studied. In this paper, our workpiece deflection model [A.-V. Phan, G. Cloutier, J.R.R. Mayer, International Journal of Production Research 37 (1999) 4039–4051; G. Cloutier, J.R.R. Mayer, A.-V. Phan, Computer Modeling and Simulation in Engineering 4 (1999) 133–137] earlier developed is employed. As described in Phan et al. (1999), this deflection model is general, accurate and computationally effective thanks to its closed-form solutions derived from the finite element technique. Also, due to the coupling between the cutting force and actual depth of cut, iterative computations are performed to obtain the coupling value of this force which provides further accuracy to the prediction. Finally, via numerical examples, the predicted diameter error on a workpiece, the ratio between the coupled cutting force and its nominal value along the part axis as well as the influence of the cutting force components on the error prediction are computed using the proposed model. The results provide additional insight into the error formation in the turning process.     

Cutting planes for integer programs with general integer variables

We investigate the use of cutting planes for integer programs with general integer variables. We show how cutting planes arising from knapsack inequalities can be generated and lifted as in the case of 0–1 variables. We also explore the use of Gomory's mixed-integer cuts. We address both theoretical and computational issues and show how to embed these cutting planes in a branch-and-bound framework. We compare results obtained by using our cut generation routines in two existing systems with a commercially available branch-and-bound code on a range of test problems arising from practical applications. © 1998 The Mathematical Programming Society, Inc. Published by Elsevier Science B.V.Corresponding author.This research was partly performed when the author was affiliated with CORE, Université Catholique de Louvain.     

Complexity of the min–max (regret) versions of min cut problems

This paper investigates the complexity of the min–max and min–max regret versions of the min s–t cut and min cut problems. Even if the underlying problems are closely related and both polynomial, the complexities of their min–max and min–max regret versions, for a constant number of scenarios, are quite contrasted since they are respectively strongly NP-hard and polynomial. However, for a non-constant number of scenarios, these versions become strongly NP-hard for both problems. In the interval scenario case, min–max versions are trivially polynomial. Moreover, for min–max regret versions, we obtain the same contrasted results as for a constant number of scenarios: min–max regret min s–t cut is strongly NP-hard whereas min–max regret min cut is polynomial.     

Features of biomechanical properties of human coronary arteries

The mechanical properties, biochemical composition, and structure of proximal and distal parts of the right and anterior descending branch of the left coronary arteries were studied experimentally. The vessels were removed during an autopsy of 121 males and 84 females aged from one day to 80 years. The material was divided into six age groups. From the proximal and distal parts, branchless segments of 15–20 mm long vessels were cut out. The mechanical properties of the coronary arteries were determined by passing a fluid at a pressure ranging from 0 to 240 mm Hg. It was found that the part of the wall of the coronary artery adjacent to the myocardium was thicker than the other part of the arterial wall. With increasing age, the mean thickness of the wall of both coronary arteries increased, but the wall thickening process was nonuniform in character in the proximal and distal parts, and individual layers. The changes of the stretch ratio and tangential modulus in the circumferential direction with age and sex were also investigated. The greatest changes in the wall thickness and mechanical parameters were found in the left coronary artery wall for mean over 40 years and in the right coronary artery wall for females over 50 years. The results of the biochemical and densitometric investigations agree well.Published in Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 35, No. 2, pp. 221–238, March–April, 1999.     

Deformation of rigidly clamped specimens of acrylic plastics subjected to one-sided cyclic heating

The effect of one-sided rapid cyclic heating on the deformation of rigidly clamped specimens of acrylic plastics has been investigated. It is shown that as the temperature drop increases, so does the bending deformation (concave toward the heated surface) of the unclamped specimens; the greatest temperature change during thermal cycling is concentrated in an active surface layer not more than 1.6 mm thick and is accompanied by the development of tensile stresses in that layer. The characteristics of the reversibility of the deformation upon subsequent annealing are examined.Riga Institute of Civil Aviation Engineers. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 1, pp. 85–90, January–February, 1976.     

Influence of structure on the mechanical properties of block copolymers

The relationship between the breaking strength and the temperature has been studied for butadiene/styrene block copolymers of the three-block configuration styrene-butadiene-styrene. The studies were carried out over the temperature range –20 to 60° at crosshead speeds of 5, 50, 250, 500, and 1000 mm/min. An analysis was carried out on the values of the parameter U in the equation linking the breaking strength with the temperature.For Communication 2 see [3].Voronezh Technological Institute. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 3, pp. 392–398, May–June, 1974.     

Analytical modeling of chatter stability using multi-dimensional approach

Machining is one of the most common manufacturing processes in industry due to its high flexibility and ability to produce parts which excellent quality. Chatter, a type of self excited vibrations arising in metal cutting operations, is a major limitation in machining resulting in poor quality and reduced productivity. Under certain conditions, the cutting process may become unstable yielding oscillations with high amplitudes and cutting forces. Stability analysis of the dynamic cutting process can be used to determine chatter-free machining conditions with high material removal rate. Usually, one dimensional models are used for stability analysis of machining. However, based on the geometry of the actual machining process, multi-directions would have to be used for accurate modeling of the process dynamics and the stability. In this presentation, multi directional models for turning and milling processes are presented. The effects of multi directional process mechanics on the stability are demonstrated by applications. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Deformation of elastic polyurethanes with a bimodal cellular structure

This article examines the cellular structure and mechanical properties of elastic foamed polyurethanes with a bimodal cellular structure (BFPUs). It is shown that the sizes of the oval cells (3–12 mm) in the elastic foamed polyurethenes that are studied are a tenth of an order greater than the sizes of the polyhedral cells (0.1–0.6 mm). Conversely, for rigid foamed polyurethanes, the polyhedral cells are more than a tenth of an order larger than the oval cells (microcells). The equations of the compression curve of BFFUs are found, and it is established that the deformation of BFPUs is determined by the deformation function of the cellular structure and the viscoelastic properties of the polymer matrix. The deformation functions of the cellular structure and the relaxation properties of BFPUs are determined. It is shown that choosing BFPUs with a cellular structure improves the comfort properties of the foamed material: the softness coefficient increased by 8–19% in the investigated case, while the support coefficient increased by 15–35%.Paper presented at the IX International Conference on the Mechanics of Composite Materials (Riga, 1995).Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 32, No. 3, pp. 330–339, May–June, 1996.     

Experimental study of the effect of laser beams on transparent dielectrics

The destruction of transparent polymer blocks by laser action is investigated. It is established that microscopic breakdown regions, whose size remains constant in time, are formed in the zone of action of the laser pulse. The intensity of the radiation from these microregions varies with time and corresponds to a temperature of (2–4) · 10³°K. The microregions are located near, but not at the centers of the cracks. The previously irradiated region of the polymer is shown to be in a state of stress. The possibility of thermal explosion with subsequent crack formation is evaluated. The continued development of the cracks as a result of repeated irradiation is studied. The temperature of the gas in the large cracks has been measured and found to exceed room temperature by 15°. The molecular weight has been measured before and after irradiation and found to decrease. The effect of laser beams of various wavelengths is considered. The rate of growth of the disk-shaped cracks has been measured.Institute of Problems of Mechanics, Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 5, pp. 827–835, September–October, 1969.     

Damage to transparent polymers caused by laser pulses lasting 10−3 and 10−8 sec

A study has been made of the internal damage produced in transparent polymers by laser pulses lasting 10^–3 sec (free-generation mode) and 10^–8 sec (giant-pulse mode). It has been established that in these cases different mechanisms are responsible for the damage. The action of giant laser pulses on transparent polymers evidently provides the first and so far only means of studying fracture effects associated with the truly instantaneous application of load, i. e., when the load application time is much less than the fracture time.Mekhanika Polimerov, Vol. 3, No. 3, pp. 493–497, 1967     

Stress on the interatomic bonds near the surface of a polymer

The stresses on the interatomic bonds in the interior and at the surface of polyethylene terephthalate film in uniaxial tension have been determined by means of infrared transmission and reflection spectroscopy. The stresses are found using the shift in the frequency of the atomic vibrations produced by the application of a mechanical load. It is shown that the stresses on some bonds in the specimen reach 700 kgf/mm², i.e., approach their theoretical strength. The concentration of these bonds in a surface layer 1 µ thick is approximately an order greater than the concentration in the interior of the specimen.A. F. Ioffe Physicotechnical Institute, Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Leningrad. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 3, pp. 512–514, May–June, 1976.     

Two stage linear programming under uncertainty with 0–1 integer first stage variables

Stochastic programs with continuous variables are often solved using a cutting plane method similar to Benders' partitioning algorithm. However, mixed 0–1 integer programs are also solved using a similar procedure along with enumeration. This similarity is exploited in this paper to solve two stage linear programs under uncertainty where the first stage variables are 0–1. Such problems often arise in capital investment. A network investment application is given which includes as a special case a coal transportation problem.     

Identification of chaos in a cutting process by the 0–1 test

We have examined the cutting process by using a two degrees of freedom non-smooth model with a friction component. Instead of the standard Lyapunov exponent treatment a statistical ‘0–1’ test based on the asymptotic properties of a non-harmonic Brownian motion chain has been successively applied to reveal the nature of the cutting process. In this test we calculated the control parameter K which is approaching asymptotically to 0 or 1 for regular and chaotic motions, respectively. The presented approach is independent on the integration procedure as we defined a characteristic distance between the points forming the time series used in the test separately.     

Experimental investigation of the anisotropy of strength of bolted joints of laminated composites upon variation of geometric and design parameters

Conclusion In the present work we investigated the anisotropy of the characteristics of tensile (buckling) strength and elasticity of plates made of KMU-4L in a bolted joint in a wide range of parameters of the material (stacking, number of layers), geometric parameters of the joint, parameters of the fastening element and of design parameters. An analysis of the results showed that the strength of the bolted joint under static loading can be increased for thin plates with h = 1–2 mm by local reinforcement of the zone of the hole by layers with = ±45 °, and also by increasing the moment of preliminary tightening; for plates with h = 3–4 mm the only feasible measure is increasing the moment of preliminary tightening to 20–40 Nm. All the results of the experiment were graphically generalized in the form of surfaces of maximal stress; this made it possible to predict the load bearing capacity of a joint for intermediate values of the parameters by calculating the safety factors.Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, No. 2, pp. 268–272, March–April, 1990.     

Nonlinear dynamics of regenerative cutting processes—Comparison of two models

Understanding the nonlinear dynamics of cutting processes is essential for the improvement of machining technology. We study machine cutting processes by two different models, one has been recently introduced by Litak [Litak G. Chaotic vibrations in a regenerative cutting process. Chaos, Solitons & Fractals 2002;13:1531–5] and the other is the classic delay differential equation model. Although chaotic solutions have been found in both models, well known routes to chaos, such as period-doubling or quasi-periodic motion to chaos are not observed in either model. Careful analysis shows that the chaotic motion from the Litak’s model has sharper spectral peaks, a smaller correlation dimension and a smaller value for the largest positive Lyapunov exponent. Implications to the control of chaos in cutting processes are discussed.