Mathematical models and solution algorithms for computational design of RC piles under structural effects

The paper presents mathematical models and solution algorithms for RC pile design, through scanning soil stratums from top to downwards with an interactive scanner band. The equilibrium of transferred loads from the superstructure, friction forces and tip bearing forces are considered for the design, which leads to optimum pile length. The most important contribution of this research for designers is supplying an efficient tool to obtain optimum pile length and reinforced concrete design of pile foundation systems. A program package has been developed in MATLAB depending on the proposed algorithm. Soil behaviors depending on external effects, active and passive zone distributions are considered. All possible effects in all freedom degrees are taken into account in design process. Stress and strain distributions due to axial loads, bending moments, shear forces and torsional moments may be monitored. The optimum pile length, cross section dimension and reinforcement details may be found by using developed algorithm.     

Remarks on the solution of extended Stokes' problems

The analytical solutions of first and second Stokes' problems are discussed, for infinite and finite-depth flows of a Newtonian fluid in planar geometries. Problems arising from the motion of the wall as a whole (one-dimensional flows) as well as of only one half of the wall (two-dimensional) are solved and the wall stresses are evaluated.The solutions are written in real form. In many cases, they improve the ones in literature, leading to simpler mathematical forms of velocities and stresses. The numerical computation of the solutions is performed by using recurrence relations and elementary integrals, in order to avoid the evaluation of integrals of rapidly oscillating functions.The main physical features of the solutions are also discussed. In particular, the steady-state solutions of the second Stokes' problems are analyzed by separating their “in phase” and “in quadrature” components, with respect to the wall motion. By using this approach, stagnation points have been found in infinite-depth flows.     

Flow and heat transfer over a generalized stretching/shrinking wall problem—Exact solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations

In this paper, we investigate the steady momentum and heat transfer of a viscous fluid flow over a stretching/shrinking sheet. Exact solutions are presented for the Navier-Stokes equations. The new solutions provide a more general formulation including the linearly stretching and shrinking wall problems as well as the asymptotic suction velocity profiles over a moving plate. Interesting non-linear phenomena are observed in the current results including both exponentially decaying solution and algebraically decaying solution, multiple solutions with infinite number of solutions for the flow field, and velocity overshoot. The energy equation ignoring viscous dissipation is solved exactly and the effects of the mass transfer parameter, the Prandtl number, and the wall stretching/shrinking strength on the temperature profiles and wall heat flux are also presented and discussed. The exact solution of this general flow configuration is a rare case for the Navier-Stokes equation.     

On a novel expression of the field scattered by an arbitrary constant impedance plane

The electromagnetic field scattered by an impedance plane is generally given by its plane wave expansion (Fourier representation). Here we derive an alternative expression which is more suitable for point source illumination. For this, we consider an original expression of the Hertz potentials for the incident field and express the scattered potentials in a novel form. A special function then involved can be expressed in an integral which is in turn expanded in a convergent series. The expression presented also permits us to express complete asymptotics. Our development considers an arbitrary impedance, passive or active.     

Large deflection of flexible tapered functionally graded beam

In this paper the semi-analytical analyses of the flexible cantilever tapered functionally graded beam under combined inclined end loading and intermediate loading are studied.In order to derive the fully non-linear equations governing the non-linear deformation,a curvilinear coordinate system is introduced.A general non-linear second order differential equation that governs the shape of a deflected beam is derived based on the geometric nonlinearities,infinitesimal local displacements and local rotation concepts with remarkable physical properties of functionally graded materials.The solutions obtained from semi-analytical methods are numerically compared with the existing elliptic integral solution for the case of a flexible uniform cantilever functionally graded beam.The effects of taper ratio,inclined end load angle and material property gradient on large deflection of the beam are evaluated.The Adomian decomposition method will be useful toward the design of tapered functionally graded compliant mechanisms driven by smart actuators.     

Long-term prediction of compressive creep development in expanded polystyrene

The results obtained in investigating the creep of expanded polystyrene (EPS) boards under compressive stress are presented. Power and exponential equations were used for describing creep compliance. It was found that the curves of creep compliance approximated by both equations adequately represent the research results, taking into account the scatter of the experimental data. Based on the calculation and empirical estimate of long-term creep of EPS under compressive stress σ_c=(0.25–0.45)σ_10%, its creep compliance was determined for a period of 10 years in the future. The dependence of on the density of polystyrene boards and the value of long-term compressive stress σ_c was established. The expected values of creep strain development in expanded polystyrene boards EPS 80–EPS 250 under constant compressive stress σ_c=(0.25–0.45)σ_10% are presented for the prediction period of 10 years. To obtain the expected creep values for any other period of time in the interval of 5T50 years, the values of should be multiplied by the empirical coefficient .     

Mikroprozessor-Interface zur on-line Erfassung von Wägedaten

Zusammenfassung Als ergänzender Schritt für die Automatisierung der Flüssigkeitschromatographie wurde in unseren analytischen Laboratorien für Routinemessungen die automatische Erfassung von Wägedaten während der Probenvorbereitung eingeführt. Zu diesem Zweck wurde ein von einem Mikroprozessor gesteuertes Datenerfassungsgerät entwickelt, welches die Gewichtswerte von der Analysenwaage on-line in das Hewlett-Packard Lab-Data-System 3354 übermittelt. Das bedienungsfreundliche Konzept bringt eine wesentliche Arbeitserleichterung und schließt Fehlermöglichkeiten weitgehendst aus. Mit Geräten, welche seit über einem Jahr in Betrieb stehen konnten die Erwartungen voll erfüllt werden.

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Microprocessor-interface for the on-line aquisition of weight data

Summary With the on-line data aquisition of sample weights an additional step to the automation of liquid chromatography was introduced in our analytical laboratories. A new developed microprocessor controlled equipment connects a balance to the Hewlett-Packard Lab-Data-System 3354 and controls the on-line transfer of the weight data. The design is based on an easy application for users and gives essential reductions of workload and of error possibilities. Equipment are now in use with excellent results for over one year.

     

Analysis of herbicides

Herbicides, like other pesticides, leave undesirable residues on the treated plants. To analyze them, the plant material is extracted and the herbicidal residues are separated from the bulk of the co-extractives of natural origin, about which too little is known. Quantitative determinations at the ppm level are best performed by gas chromatography with highly sensitive, specific detectors. In food control, where the history of the sample is unknown, the herbicide residues are identified and determined quantitatively together with the residues of other pesticides.     

Organic Compounds in Nature: Limits of Our Knowledge

Current geochemical and environmental research reveals the presence in soils and sediments of extremely complex assemblages of organic compounds. Their recognition has long been delayed by both conceptual and analytical limitations. Even today the best techniques cannot fully resolve these mixtures into their individual components. Yet, the knowledge of their structures and abundances is needed in geochemistry, and especially for the assessment of their potential biological effect and ecological impact. The classical “natural products approach” is unlikely to provide this information; therefore, I foresee the need for a more realistic assessment of nature, that acknowledges the limitations of our present analytical powers and of our knowledge.