This research program investigates the performance of a steel truss bridge when subjected to both localized web damage and a subsequent post-tensioned strengthening approach. The investigation utilizes a combined approach involving an experimental scale model bridge and a numerical computer model generated using the commercial finite element software RISA 3-D. The numerical model is validated using test data and further extended to parametric studies in order to investigate the theoretical load rating, strain energy, load redistribution, mode shapes and frequency of the bridge for control, damaged and strengthened states. The presence and severity of damage are found to significantly influence the global safety and reliability of the bridge. Also, higher order modes are more susceptible to changes in shape and frequency in the presence of damage. A recovery of truss deflection and a reduction of member forces are achieved by the proposed strengthening method.

The development of innovative propulsion systems requires testing in suitable facilities that reveal the efficacy of design models and allow for design refinement. The qualification process starts from ground tests and ends in vacuum chambers. The aim of this project is to design a versatile space propulsion facility capable of hosting different rocket engine architectures and providing an adequate supply line for different types of oxidizers and fuels in gaseous form. Identifying the key and critical components and implementing such components for the development of the facility and study the state of the art on safety standards and good practices for rocket engine testing. The test bed should be designed to withstand the structural stresses generated by the engine during static tests, while the supply line system should provide the mass flow required by the engine to deliver the design thrust (maximum thrust of 5kN). In this project, different types of rocket engines and their testing, fuel and oxidizers feed supply, risks involved and safety precautions in working of rocket test facilities are studied. A list of components for the development of such a rocket test facility and design of a logical layout plan consisting of various critical components for the propellant and oxidizer feed system is carried out. A total budget for the rocket test facility by evaluating the costs of various high quality and reliable components involved is produced. By accommodating different rocket architectures to withstand a maximum load of 5kN, an efficient design of the rocket test bed was realized and a static structural analysis of the same was performed that suffice for the objectives of the project.

Neste trabalho buscou-se propor e implementar um modelo de material capaz de prever o comportamento mecânico de estruturas em compósitos poliméricos reforçados (CPR). Inicialmente fez-se um levantamento bibliográfico sobre os modos de danificação intralaminar e falhas interlaminares bem como sobre formas de abordagem (analítica e numérica) para tratar esses problemas. Em seguida, foram apresentadas em detalhes as etapas experimentais executadas, descrevendo todo o procedimento de fabricação dos corpos-de-prova e os resultados obtidos a partir dos ensaios quase-estáticos de tração, compressão, cisalhamento e flexão. Com base nesses resultados e em informações provenientes da literatura, propõem-se alguns modelos de material que foram implementados em sub-rotinas FORTRAN. Tais modelos são posteriormente compilados em conjunto com um programa de elementos finitos (ABAQUS®) a fim de serem avaliados e terem seus parâmetros calibrados. Numa primeira fase, através de simulações computacionais dos ensaios de tração e compressão avaliou-se os modelos de material implementados. Numa segunda fase, os parâmetros foram calibrados tomando como base três estudos de caso (flexão, endentação e teste de impacto) envolvendo seqüências de empilhamento distintas. Após a simulação computacional desses estudos, apresentou-se a proposta de uma metodologia para avaliar problemas de impacto a baixa velocidade em estruturas laminadas. Conclui-se assim que o presente projeto de pesquisa traz contribuições inovadoras, mas também apresenta várias perspectivas de trabalhos futuros. / In this work, material models were proposed to predict the mechanical behavior of composite structures. First of all, it was done a study about damage intra-ply and inter-ply (delamination) on composite materials and about analytical and numerical approaches to solve problems of progressive damage on composite structures was performed. After, many specimens were manufactured and experimental tests (tensile, compression, shear and flexural tests) were carried out. Experimental results and information from literature were used to develop some material models, which were implemented using FORTRAN compiler. These material models were compiled with a commercial finite element program (ABAQUS®) in order to evaluate and calibrate parameters of the models. In the first step, computational simulations of tensile and compression test were carried out to evaluate material models implemented. In the second step, the parameters of the material models were calibrated using three case studies (flexural, indentation and impact test) with some staking sequences. After that, a methodology was proposed to evaluate impact problems on composite structures under low velocity. Therefore, this research project not only shows new contributions but also suggests many future investigations.

Thesis (M.S.)--Air Force Institute of Technology, 2005. / "September 2005" Also available as a PDF file on the Air Force Institute of Technlogy website.

Neste trabalho buscou-se propor e implementar um modelo de material capaz de prever o comportamento mecânico de estruturas em compósitos poliméricos reforçados (CPR). Inicialmente fez-se um levantamento bibliográfico sobre os modos de danificação intralaminar e falhas interlaminares bem como sobre formas de abordagem (analítica e numérica) para tratar esses problemas. Em seguida, foram apresentadas em detalhes as etapas experimentais executadas, descrevendo todo o procedimento de fabricação dos corpos-de-prova e os resultados obtidos a partir dos ensaios quase-estáticos de tração, compressão, cisalhamento e flexão. Com base nesses resultados e em informações provenientes da literatura, propõem-se alguns modelos de material que foram implementados em sub-rotinas FORTRAN. Tais modelos são posteriormente compilados em conjunto com um programa de elementos finitos (ABAQUS®) a fim de serem avaliados e terem seus parâmetros calibrados. Numa primeira fase, através de simulações computacionais dos ensaios de tração e compressão avaliou-se os modelos de material implementados. Numa segunda fase, os parâmetros foram calibrados tomando como base três estudos de caso (flexão, endentação e teste de impacto) envolvendo seqüências de empilhamento distintas. Após a simulação computacional desses estudos, apresentou-se a proposta de uma metodologia para avaliar problemas de impacto a baixa velocidade em estruturas laminadas. Conclui-se assim que o presente projeto de pesquisa traz contribuições inovadoras, mas também apresenta várias perspectivas de trabalhos futuros. / In this work, material models were proposed to predict the mechanical behavior of composite structures. First of all, it was done a study about damage intra-ply and inter-ply (delamination) on composite materials and about analytical and numerical approaches to solve problems of progressive damage on composite structures was performed. After, many specimens were manufactured and experimental tests (tensile, compression, shear and flexural tests) were carried out. Experimental results and information from literature were used to develop some material models, which were implemented using FORTRAN compiler. These material models were compiled with a commercial finite element program (ABAQUS®) in order to evaluate and calibrate parameters of the models. In the first step, computational simulations of tensile and compression test were carried out to evaluate material models implemented. In the second step, the parameters of the material models were calibrated using three case studies (flexural, indentation and impact test) with some staking sequences. After that, a methodology was proposed to evaluate impact problems on composite structures under low velocity. Therefore, this research project not only shows new contributions but also suggests many future investigations.

No description available.

Os biopolímeros surgem como materiais alternativos no atendimento aos requisitos de desempenho que a área médica tem exigido para implantes ósseos. Nesse contexto o polímero poliuretano derivado de óleo de mamona (Ricinus communis) tem obtido lugar de destaque. Mesmo assim, esse material, considerado um biopolímero regenerador ósseo, ainda necessita de investigação mecânica consistente para uma aplicação de forma confiável. No entanto, há uma grande dificuldade em se prever o comportamento mecânico das estruturas fabricadas por biopolímeros. Diante desse fato, o presente projeto de pesquisa visa através de ensaios experimentais em amostras padronizadas para ensaios de tração e compressão, bem como, ensaios normalizados para próteses de quadril, adquirir propriedades de material adequadas para a implementação dos modelos computacionais, assim como dados de comportamento mecânico sob solicitação. De posse desses dados, através do método dos elementos finitos, são realizadas simulações computacionais com o objetivo de verificar a capacidade do modelo de material de Drucker-Prager representar o comportamento mecânico do biopolímero. Este modelo é aplicado inicialmente na simulação dos ensaios de tração e compressão e posteriormente nas simulações das próteses em biopolímero, onde carregamentos mais complexos estão presentes. Os resultados obtidos nas simulações são analisados e discutidos para fins de validação do uso deste modelo de material em estruturas fabricadas com o biopolímero. / Biopolymers have been widely used as alternative materials to attend the performance requirements that medical area has demanded to bone implants. In this way, the Castor Oil Polyurethane (Ricinus communis) has taken a distinct place. Nevertheless, this material, considered bone constructive, still needs a consisting mechanical investigation for a reliable application, despite the great difficulty to predict the mechanical behavior of biopolymer structures. Face this fact, this work intends through experiments in normalized specimens for tensile and compressive tests, as well as normalized tests for hip implants, to obtain material properties and mechanical behavior data required to implement computational models of the hip prosthesis. Using the finite element method, computational simulations are carried out to verify the capability of Drucker-Prager material model to represent the biopolymer mechanical behavior. This model is first applied in tensile and compressive tests simulations, and further in prosthesis biopolymer simulations, where more complex loadings are present. The results of these simulations are analyzed and discussed in order to validate the use of this material model in biopolymers structures.

Os biopolímeros surgem como materiais alternativos no atendimento aos requisitos de desempenho que a área médica tem exigido para implantes ósseos. Nesse contexto o polímero poliuretano derivado de óleo de mamona (Ricinus communis) tem obtido lugar de destaque. Mesmo assim, esse material, considerado um biopolímero regenerador ósseo, ainda necessita de investigação mecânica consistente para uma aplicação de forma confiável. No entanto, há uma grande dificuldade em se prever o comportamento mecânico das estruturas fabricadas por biopolímeros. Diante desse fato, o presente projeto de pesquisa visa através de ensaios experimentais em amostras padronizadas para ensaios de tração e compressão, bem como, ensaios normalizados para próteses de quadril, adquirir propriedades de material adequadas para a implementação dos modelos computacionais, assim como dados de comportamento mecânico sob solicitação. De posse desses dados, através do método dos elementos finitos, são realizadas simulações computacionais com o objetivo de verificar a capacidade do modelo de material de Drucker-Prager representar o comportamento mecânico do biopolímero. Este modelo é aplicado inicialmente na simulação dos ensaios de tração e compressão e posteriormente nas simulações das próteses em biopolímero, onde carregamentos mais complexos estão presentes. Os resultados obtidos nas simulações são analisados e discutidos para fins de validação do uso deste modelo de material em estruturas fabricadas com o biopolímero. / Biopolymers have been widely used as alternative materials to attend the performance requirements that medical area has demanded to bone implants. In this way, the Castor Oil Polyurethane (Ricinus communis) has taken a distinct place. Nevertheless, this material, considered bone constructive, still needs a consisting mechanical investigation for a reliable application, despite the great difficulty to predict the mechanical behavior of biopolymer structures. Face this fact, this work intends through experiments in normalized specimens for tensile and compressive tests, as well as normalized tests for hip implants, to obtain material properties and mechanical behavior data required to implement computational models of the hip prosthesis. Using the finite element method, computational simulations are carried out to verify the capability of Drucker-Prager material model to represent the biopolymer mechanical behavior. This model is first applied in tensile and compressive tests simulations, and further in prosthesis biopolymer simulations, where more complex loadings are present. The results of these simulations are analyzed and discussed in order to validate the use of this material model in biopolymers structures.

Dynamic assessment, which is often characterised by the learning potential approach across the world and in South Africa, is receiving more and more attention from educators and research practitioners alike. The nature of dynamic assessment lends itself to application in areas where prior dependence on static (traditional) forms of psychometric assessment can no longer be sustained as viable options towards assessment. A main focus area within dynamic assessment is the field of tertiary selections and admissions. More research is needed in this field in South Africa and in order to progress within the field in this country in terms of designing, developing, norming and implementing dynamic assessment tests/batteries, previous research has to be investigated in detail in order to understand the areas which need attention and improvement more fully. In addition, it is not only the negative aspects which need to be investigated but also the success with which many studies have been greeted which needs to be looked at. Investigating the status of South African research into the field of dynamic assessment offers the interested practitioner a platform from which to view results that have emanated from this country in the past fifteen years. Past reliance on static measures meant that product-based assessment made no allowance for the detection and measurement of potential within individuals. It is not the contention of this study to state unequivocally that all disadvantaged students possess equal potential, but that a large pool of learners with potential are often passed over during selection for admission. In order to address these and similar issues, new tests will have to be developed but these can only be developed once past and current research is properly assessed. This is the aim of the present study. There is no document yet available on the status of dynamic assessment in South Africa which pays close attention to the research details of various findings within this field. The main findings indicate that although the field is still being researched today, there has been a decrease in the number of studies as well as a concomitant decrease in the implementation of dynamic research efforts. The reasons cited are lack of time, costs, inefficiencies and also confusion as to what dynamic assessment entails. There is, as yet, no consistent definition of dynamic assessment in South Africa, which makes it all the harder to entrench dynamic assessment as a methodology and implement it on as wide a scale as possible. Most research efforts in this field in South Africa presently comprise Master's and Doctoral studies and are, for the most part, efforts emanating from a handful of tertiary institutions. Some past research efforts have been successful but have since been disbanded, whereas there has been a growing awareness of the usefulness of dynamic assessment but it is not being implemented for the reasons stated above. This study investigates these results. Dynamic assessment is most certainly a prudent and effective partial solution to the issue of assessment in South Africa and can no longer be ignored. Yet, with cautious interpretation of the results, researchers and practitioners in the field will be better able to arrive at a more informed opinion of the advances in the field when allowed to scour past and present research. / Thesis (MA (Research Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2003. / Psychology / unrestricted

Ce mémoire présente les travaux de thèse visant à étudier le comportement parasismique des éléments de murs à ossature en bois aux travers d’approches expérimentales et du développement d’une méthodologie d’application de méthodes basées sur la performance sismique. Les approches expérimentales sont constituées de trois campagnes d’essais : (1) une série d’essais monotones et cycliques à l’échelle d’assemblages agrafés et pointés, (2) une série d’essais monotones et cycliques à l’échelle de l’élément de mur à ossature en bois et (3) une série d’essais dynamiques sur table vibrante. La base de données constituée par les résultats d’essais permet alors l’examen des propriétés de résistance et de raideur des éléments de murs suivant les conditions de sollicitation (vitesse d’essai, chargement vertical). Le développement d’une modélisation à l’échelle macro du comportement cyclique et dynamique de tels éléments est également proposé à l’aide de modèles de loi de comportement hystérétiques. Une méthodologie d’application aux structures à ossature bois de méthodes basées sur la performance sismique (méthode N2 et MPA) ainsi qu’une analyse de vulnérabilité - construction de courbes de fragilité - à l’aide de la méthode N2 sont proposées. / This thesis presents a study of the seismic behavior of light timber frame walls with stapled and nailed sheathings through experimental approaches and the development of a methodology for the application of seismic performance-based methods. The experimental approaches consist of three test campaigns: (1) a series of static tests on stapled and nailed connections, (2) a series of static tests performed on light timber frame walls and (3) a series of dynamic tests performed on light timber frame walls on a vibrating table. The database consists of these test results then allows the examination of strength and stiffness properties of the wall elements according to the stress conditions (strain rate, vertical load). The development of a macro-scale modeling of the cyclic and dynamic behavior of such elements is also proposed using constitutive law models. A framework of the application to light timber frame structures of seismic performance-based methods based (N2 method and MPA method) and a vulnerability analysis - fragility curves - using the N2 method are proposed.