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Liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tanks are often supported by very large pile groups (≥ 100 piles). As these superstructures tend to be located along coastal areas, there is often a high risk of extreme lateral loading caused by either seismic, flooding or hurricane activity. In many cases, the foundation design can be governed by the required lateral resistance. At present, the responses of large pile groups subjected to lateral loading are not well understood. Published guidance for design is premised upon experimental testing of smaller pile groups (< 25 piles), and no additional commentary is provided to advise the design for groups of a larger scale. A typical approach for design of laterally loaded pile groups uses the beam on Winkler foundations method, where nonlinear p-y curves are reduced by a p-multiplier to account for the group effects. Alternatively, an average p-multiplier known as a group reduction factor (GRF) can be used. Chapter 1 details the study of using 3D continuum finite element (FE) models to measure the group effects in large pile groups using p-multipliers and GRF. Soil conditions, pile spacing, pile number, and pile head condition were varied to observe their effects. The study also looked at the effect of the circular configuration of pile groups used in LNG tank foundations. The design standards and prevailing methods were shown to overestimate trailing row p-multipliers for large pile groups, particularly with larger pile spacing. Based on the study data and published data, a predictive equation was proposed for estimating GRF of a laterally loaded large pile group. In addition, geotechnical engineers tend to evaluate the lateral responses of pile groups regardless of the presence of superstructures. It is not known whether this approach is suited for large infrastructure such as LNG storage tanks and their respective foundations. Chapter 2 captures the results from 3D finite element (FE) models used to observe the integrated tank and piled foundation behaviour and evaluate whether the current design approach used in practice is suitable. In addition, changes to soil-foundation stiffness, including varying soil conditions and pile spacing, were made to observe their effects. The results found that the foundation responses in the integrated model varied significantly from models which only considered the foundation. It was also found that the amount of LNG in the tank, soil conditions, and pile spacing also affected the lateral pile responses, particularly the leading and trailing piles. / Graduate

To, jak se bude implantát chovat v lebce, je velmi důležitým faktorem, který ovlivňuje jeho funkci. K ovlivnění dochází především vnějšími silami a nitrolebečním tlakem. Tato zatížení mohou způsobit pohyb implantátu a poškození živých tkání. Tato práce shrnuje poznatky a analýzy, týkající se rekonstrukce poranění lebky. Srovnání implantátů z různých materiálů a fixátorů je založené na napěťově-deformační analýze implantátu, zatíženého vnějšími silami a nitrolebečním tlakem.

Most tyre models developed to date require a fair amount of data before an accurate representation of the tyre can be obtained. This study entails the development of a simplified, yet accurate, non-linear Finite Element (FE) model of an “off-road” tyre to study the behaviour of the tyre due to radial loading conditions. The study aims to develop a FE tyre model that can solve fast and be accurate enough to be used in multibody dynamic vehicle simulations. A model that is less complex than conventional detailed FE models is developed. The work explores the use of superimposed finite elements to model the varying stiffness in the respective orthogonal directions of the sidewall and tread of the tyre. Non-linear elements defined by Neo-Hookean or Ogden models and elements with different linear orthogonal stiffnesses are superimposed onto each other to simulate the global material properties of the tread and the sidewall of the tyre investigated. The geometry of the tyre studied was measured experimentally using laser displacement transducers and digital image correlation techniques. Material properties of segments of the tyre were obtained by performing tensile tests on samples. Since the rubber slipped against the clamps during the experiment, deformation of the segments was also measured using digital image correlation. These geometrical and material properties were used as input to develop a finite element model of an “off-road” tyre. Measurements were conducted using laser displacement transducers, load cells mounted to actuators, etc. to obtain accurate sidewall deformation profiles and global radial load vs. displacement curves for different radial loading conditions. The data obtained from the results was used to validate the tyre model developed. Numerous analyses are performed with different combinations of moduli of elasticity in the respective orthogonal directions of the sidewall stiffness and the tread to investigate its influence on the global behaviour of the tyre model. The main focus of the project was to develop a tyre model from data obtained from laser and photogrammetry measurements in a laboratory that accurately represents tyre behaviour due to radial forces. A finite element model that can simulate the effect of radial forced and obstacles on a tyre was developed. The use of two subsets of elements, superimposed onto each other to simulate global material properties of the rubbers, steel wires, polyester and nylon threads, was investigated. The combination of material properties that gave the best fit for all the load cases investigated were determined. The finite element model correlated well with the load vs. displacement graphs and sidewall displacement profiles determined experimentally. The solving time is still fairly high and is still not quite suitable for real-time dynamic simulation. However, it solves faster than more complex tyre models where details of steel wires, etc. are included in the model. For future studies it is recommended that different element types be investigated in the tyre model. The study proves that equivalent material properties can be used to simulate the composite properties of the materials in tyres. Most tyres can be divided into a few regions that each has its own material structure right through the region. These regions can be characterized by simple tests and the input can be used as a first estimation of the tyre’s material properties for the model. Accurate validation criteria should be used to validate the tyre model if time does not allow for excessive testing of the material properties of all the rubber, steel wires, polyester threads, etc. Geometric displacement data at various loading conditions can be used for validation of the tyre model. The model developed can be used to investigate the effect of different stiffnesses and other material changes in the sidewall or tread of a tyre. Useful insight can be obtained from the finite element model developed for dynamic simulation where the force vs. global displacement data is important. / Dissertation (MEng)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / tm2015 / Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering / MEng / Unrestricted

In order to calculate specific impedance of cell-covered electrodes in a Equation of morphological parameters of cell per se, an ECIS model of Human Renal Epithelial Cell are created by analysis partial differential equations describing three intrinsic pathways of electrical currents in the system. Based on this cell model, this research explores how some adjustable dimensional parameters of electrode-configuration impact sensor sensitivity by changing the overall impedance contribution of electrical double layer. Namely, it includes electrode planner area, spacing between working and counter electrode and geometry of electrode, scanning frequency. Qualitative studies on how sensor sensitivity rely on configurational parameters are conducted with these parameters involved. Moreover, theoretical analysis of sensitivity by using equivalent circuit model is also carried out. As results of COMSOL simulations, special double layer electrode configurations and selectively planted cell monolayer arrangement are proposed regardless of fabrication difficulties. Accordingly, some possible strategies to make these arrangements come true are also illustrated. Finally, superior possible COMSOL simulation model is suggested and discussed for future optimization works. / 2021-05-07T00:00:00Z

This thesis presents the results of a research program examining the effects of macro-synthetic fibers on the shear and flexural behaviour of high-strength concrete (HSC) beams subjected to static and blast loads. As part of the study, a series of seventeen fiber-reinforced HSC beams are built and tested under either quasi-static four-point bending or simulated blast loads using a shock-tube. The investigated test parameters include the effects of: macro-synthetic fibers, fiber hybridization, combined use of fibers and stirrups and longitudinal steel ratio and type. The results show that under slowly applied loads, the provision of synthetic fibers improves the shear capacity of the beams by allowing for the development of yield stresses in the longitudinal reinforcement, while the combined use of synthetic fibers and stirrups is found to improve flexural ductility and cracking behaviour. The results also show that the provision of synthetic fibers delays shear failure in beams tested under blast pressures, with improved control of blast-induced displacements and increased damage tolerance in beams designed with combined fibers and stirrups. The study also shows that the use of hybrid fibers was capable of effectively replacing transverse reinforcement under both loading types, allowing for ductile flexural failure. Moreover, the use of synthetic fibers was effective in better controlling crushing and spalling in beams designed with Grade 690 MPa high-strength reinforcement. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that synthetic fibers can possibly be used to relax the stringent detailing required by modern blast codes by increasing the transverse reinforcement hoop spacing without compromising performance. As part of the analytical study, the load-deflection responses (resistance functions) of the beams are predicted using sectional (moment-curvature) analysis, as well as more advanced 2D finite element modelling. Dynamic resistance functions developed using both approaches, and incorporating material strain-rate effects, are then used to conduct non-linear single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) analyses of the blast-tested beams. In general, the results show that both methods resulted in reasonably accurate predictions of the static and dynamic experimental results.

Aus der Einleitung: "Die Vorteile von Dehnschrauben ergeben sich aus der großen Verformung, die bei der Montage eingestellt und mit Hilfe eines taillierten Schafts ermöglicht wird. Zusätzlich zu dem geringeren Schaftdurchmesser erhöht eine größere Länge die Nachgiebigkeit und damit die Längenänderung. Aufgrund dieser hohen Längenänderung benötigen Dehnschrauben keine Schraubensicherung und sind unempfindlicher gegenüber Setzverlusten."

Ce travail de recherche vise à développer des méthodologies d’évaluation mécanique des implants dentaires, de leurs composants prothétiques et de l’interaction avec les tissus osseux de la mâchoire. D’après l’Organisation Mondiale de la Santé (OMS), 15 à 20% de la population âgée de 35 à 44 ans est atteint de problèmes d’édentation partielle et près de 30% de la population âgée de 65 à 74 d’édentation totale. Cela représente donc approximativement 7 millions de personnes en France ayant subi des pertes de dents durant leur vie. Les traitements proposés par l’implantologie dentaire sont devenus des solutions efficaces pour les problèmes d’édentation avec des taux de réussite cliniques supérieurs à 90%. Cependant, des complications cliniques existent, caractérisées par des inflammations ou des pertes partielles des tissus environnants. Les dentistes étant responsables du choix du traitement thérapeutique pour leurs patients, la prise d’une décision appropriée est capitale et exige une compréhension des risques et des bénéfices. C’est dans ce contexte qu’une première méthodologie d’évaluation a été développée pour améliorer le design des implants dentaires de type endosseux, dans les conditions de la norme de certification ISO 14801. La méthodologie est basée sur des approches numériques par Analyse d’Eléments Finis. Ensuite, des approches théoriques et des données cliniques ont été utilisées pour évaluer le comportement mécanique des tissus osseux de la mâchoire face aux différentes configurations par implants dentaires et leurs composants prothétiques. / The research purpose in this study is to develop of mechanical evaluation methods to dental implants, their prosthetic components and the interactions with bone tissues in mandible zone. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 15 to 20% of population from 35 to 44 years old is reached of partial edentulism problems and about 30% of population from 65 to 74 years old is reached of complete edentulism problems. This represents approximately 7 million people in France who have lost teeth during their lifetime. Treatments proposed by dental implantology have become effective solutions for edentulous patients with clinical success rates greater than 90%. However, clinical complications exist, characterized by inflammation or partial losses of the surrounding tissues. Dentists are responsible for the treatment choice for their patients; an appropriate decision is crucial and requires an understanding of the benefits and risks. In this context, a first methodology was developed for evaluated the endosseous dental implants under the conditions of the ISO 14801 certification standard. This methodology is based with an approach numerical by Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Furthermore, theoretical approaches and clinical data were used to evaluate the mechanical resistance of the bone tissues in the jaw with different dental implant configurations and their prosthetic components.

The aim of the thesis is to study the response of Swedish buttress dams if they are subjected to an earthquake of relevant magnitude to Sweden. Swedish dams are evaluated for an extensive amount of load cases, but not for earthquake loading. Therefore, it is not known how the Swedish buttress dams would respond during such loading. Earthquake engineering is practised only to a marginal extent in Sweden due to a low risk of major earthquakes. In fact, an earthquake hazard zonation map that provides data for earthquake resistant design, does not even exist for Sweden. Therefore, part of the thesis is aimed at acquiring data from alternative sources to enable seismic evaluation. The effect of earthquakes on Swedish buttress dams are analysed through case studies. The case studies are performed with numerical analysis using the commercial finite element program Brigade Plus. The case studies are performed on two buttress dam models that were selected based on an inventory of Swedish buttress dams. In the case studies, the dam models are evaluated for the Safety Evaluation Earthquake (SEE), which correspond to 10 000 years return period. At the SEE event, the Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA), is also related to the geographical location of a dam. The envelope of available PGA in Sweden was used in the case studies to cover the spectrum of PGA. The response of the dams to the lowest value of PGA is insignificant and the dams are essentially unaffected. However, for the highest value of PGA the responses indicates that the concrete of the dams is severely cracked and that the ultimate capacity of the reinforcement may be exceeded. Hence, it is concluded that the geographical location of a Swedish dam is highly influential on the response to earthquake loading. / Syftet med denna uppsats är att analysera effekten på svenska betonglamelldammar i det fall de utsätts för en jordbävning av relevant magnitud för Sverige. Svenska dammar har blivit utvärderade för ett stort antal lastfall, dock ej för jordbävningslaster. Det är därför inte känt hur svenska betonglamelldammar uppträder under sådana laster. Jordbävningsdimensionering tillämpas endast marginellt i Sverige eftersom det föreligger låg risk för kraftfulla jordbävningar. Faktum är att en zonindelningskarta över jordbävningsrisk för byggnadsdimensionering inte ens existerar i Sverige. Därför dedikeras en del av uppsatsen till att hitta data från alternativa källor för seismisk utvärdering. Effekten av jordbävningar på svenska betonglamelldammar analyseras genom fallstudier. Dessa är genomförda baserat på numerisk analys med det kommersiella finita element programmet Brigade Plus. Analyserna är baserade på två utvalda betonglamelldammodeller som valdes genom en inventering av svenska betonglamelldammar. I fallstudien utvärderas dammarna för en Säkerhet Utvärderings Jordbävning (SUJ), denna motsvaras av 10 000 års återkomsttid. Vid en SUJ relateras den Maximala Mark Accelerationen (MAA) även till det geografiska läget av en damm. Ytterlighetsvärdena av tillgänglig MMA värden i Sverige användes i fallstudien för att täcka in hela spektrumet. Effekten av det lägsta MMA värdet på dammarna är obetydlig och dammarna kan anses i stort sett opåverkade. Det högsta värdet av MMA indikerar dock att dammarnas betong utsätts för stor uppsprickning och att kapaciteten av armeringen överskrids. Det kan därmed fastslås att det geografiska läget av en damm har stort inflytande över vilken effekt som kan förväntas vid en jordbävning

The development in structural design and construction of high-speed craft has been extensive during the last decades. Environmental and economical issues have increased the need to develop more optimized structures, using new material concepts, to reduce weight and increase performance efficiency. However, both lack of, and limitations in design methodology, makes this a difficult task. In this thesis a methodological framework which enables detailed studies of the slamming loads and associated responses for high-speed planing craft in irregular waves is established. The slamming loads can either be formulated based on numerical simulations, or on experimental measurements and pressure distribution reconstruction. Structure responses are derived in the time-domain using finite element analysis. Statistical methods are used to determine design loads and lifetime extreme responses. The framework is applied to perform phenomenological studies of the slamming loading conditions for high-speed craft, and used to highlight and quantify the limitations in the prevailing semi-empirical method for design load determination with respect to slamming. A number of clarifications regarding the original derivation and the applicability of the prevailing semi-empirical method are presented. Finally, several potential improvements to the method are presented and the associated implications discussed. The long-term goal of the research project is to establish a method for direct calculation of loads and response for high-speed planing craft, which can enable design of truly efficient craft structures. The methodology and the results presented in this thesis are concluded to be important stepping-stones towards this goal. / <p>In page VII, Paper B is wrong title. The correct title is "Experiental Evaluation of Slamming Pressure Models Used in Structural Design of High-Speed Craft". QC 20130228</p>