This study separately investigates how temperature as well as two real load-situations affects the modal damping ratio and natural frequencies of a 64.9m span steel arch footbridge. Measurements of acceleration have been completed which covers a temperature span of  to . The natural frequencies of the five investigated modes were observed to decrease 2-6% as the temperature increased. This effect was with the help of beam-theory and finite element modelling deduced to originate mostly from changes in Young’s modulus of the materials, but also geometrical changes in steel because of thermal expansion. Further investigation included a static mass in the form of packed snow that was estimated to weigh 14 tons. The natural frequencies were observed to remain unchanged while the modal damping ratios decreased. The second load-case was an uncontrolled mass-event where a large group of pedestrians travelled over the bridge as two cars stood stationary at the quarter-point of the span. A large increase (146%) of the damping ratio was observed while the natural frequency of the first mode decreased 4%. This change was suggested come from the human structure interaction (HSI) partially because the natural frequency of the human body is close to the first vertical frequency of the bridge thus making humans act like dampers on the bridge when close to resonance, and that the number of pedestrians contribute to the modal mass of the system, thus decreasing the natural frequency. / Denna studie undersöker separat hur temperaturen såväl som två verkliga belastningssituationer påverkar de modala dämpnings kvoterna och egenfrekvenserna hos en 64,9 meter lång stål-bågs gångbro. Mätningar av accelerationen i bron har genomförts som täcker en temperatur på -10°C till 10°C. De naturliga frekvenserna hos de fem undersökta moderna observerades minska 2–6% när temperaturen ökade. Denna minskning var med hjälp av balk-teori och finita element-modellering härled att troligen komma från förändringar i Youngs modul av materialen, men även geometriska förändringar i stålet på grund av termisk expansion. Vidare undersökning innefattade en statisk massa i form av packad snö som uppskattades att väga 14 ton. Egenfrekvenserna observerades förbli oförändrade medan de modala dämpnings kvoterna minskade. Det andra lastfallet var ett okontrollerat massevenemang där en stor grupp fotgängare gick över bron medan två bilar var stationära en fjärdedel in på brons längd. En stor ökning (146%) av dämpnings kvoten för den första vertikala moden observerades medan egenfrekvensen minskade 4%. Denna förändring föreslogs komma från interaktionen mellan människan och bron, delvis för att människokroppens egenfrekvens ligger nära brons första vertikala frekvens vilket gör att människan agerar som en dämpare när de är nära resonans med bron, och att antalet fotgängare bidrar till den modala massan av systemet vilket sänker frekvensen.

Master of Science / Department of Psychology / Gary L. Brase / In 2006, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommended the revision of state HIV testing laws. With these recommendations, more low-risk individuals are tested regardless of their risk group. However, there is a greater chance of a false positive test result for low-risk individuals than for high-risk individuals. Additionally, previous research found that doctors and HIV counselors in Germany did not accurately communicate the relationship between risk factors and false positive tests (Gigerenzer, Hoffrage, & Ebert, 1998). This study aimed to (1) compare the findings of the 1998 German sample to HIV hotline counselors in the United States in 2011; and (2) to investigate the ability of students to calculate the conditional probability of HIV for a low-risk individual after receiving a positive test, based on idealized transcripts of conversations with HIV hotline counselors. The first study found that HIV hotline counselors use both verbal expressions of risk and percentages to communicate HIV testing statistics. Additionally, 2011 American counselors were more aware of the chance of false positives and false negatives than compared to the 1998 German sample. However, no 2011 American counselors were able to provide an accurate positive predictive value for a low-risk woman. The second study found low performance among students in the calculation of the positive predictive value. Performance was facilitated by a natural frequency format for high numerate individuals. There were different patterns of results for the General Numeracy Scale and the Subjective Numeracy Scale. This would suggest that these two scales might be measuring different constructs. These findings are consistent with the two theories supporting the Frequency Effect, namely the Frequentist Hypothesis and the Nested Sets Hypothesis. Additionally, this research suggests computation of the conditional risk of HIV is facilitated by a natural frequency format. Teaching techniques have been developed and demonstrate long lasting improvement in health related computations. If a few hours of training is all that it takes to communicate these life and death statistics in a manner that is consistent with reasoning, health practitioners and students should be required to have more education in communicating and computing probabilities.

Vibration is an inherent phenomenon in dynamic mechanical systems. The work undertaken in this thesis is to identify natural frequencies of a variable length blade. Therefore designers can ensure that natural frequencies will not be close to the frequency (or integer multiples) of the main excitation forces in order to avoid resonance. For a wind turbine blade, the frequency range between 0.5 Hz and 30 Hz is relevant. The turbine blade is approximated by a cantilever, therefore, it is fully constrained where attached to a turbine shaft/hub. Flap-wise, edge-wise and torsional natural frequencies are calculated. The MATLAB program “BEAMANALYSIS.m” has been developed for the finite element analysis of a one dimensional model of the beam. Similarly, a three dimensional model of the beam has been developed in a finite element program Unigraphics NX5. The results found using the MATLAB program are compared with those found with NX5. Satisfactory agreement between the results is found for frequencies up to almost 500 Hz. Additionally, the frequencies one might expect in an experiment are identified. Experimental modal analysis has been performed on a uniform and stepped beam made of mild steel to extract the first five flap-wise natural frequencies. The results found have been compared to numerical results and the exact solution of an Euler-Bernoulli beam. Concurrence is found for the frequency range of interest. Although, some discrepancies exist at higher frequencies (above 500 Hz), finite element analysis proves to be reliable for calculating natural frequencies. Finally, the fixed portion and moveable portion of the variable length blade are approximated respectively by a hollow and a solid beam which can be slid in and out. Ten different configurations of the variable length blade, representing ten different positions of the moveable portion are investigated. A MATLAB program named VARIBLADEANALYSIS.m was developed to predict natural frequencies. Similarly three dimensional models of the variable length blade have been developed in the finite element program Unigraphics NX5. / This work was supported by the Research office of CPUT.

The limitations lying behind the applications of EN-1991-1-4, Eurocode1, actions on structures-general actions-wind load-part 1-4, lead the structural designers to a great confusion. This may be due to the fact that EC1 only provides the guidance for bridges whose fundamental modes of vibration have a constant sign (e.g. simply supported structures) or a simple linear sign (e.g. cantilever structures) and these modes are the governing modes of vibration of the structure. EC1 analyzes only the along-wind response of the structure and does not deal with the cross wind response. The simplified methods that are recommended in this code can be used to analyze structures with simple geometrical configurations. In this report, the analytical methods which are used to describe the fluctuating wind behavior and predict the relative static and dynamic response of the structure are studied and presented. The criteria used to judge the acceptability of the wind load and the corresponding structural responses along with the serviceability considerations are also presented. Then based on the given methods the wind forces acting on a continuous bridge whose main span is larger than the 50 meters (i.e. > 50 meter requires dynamic assessment) is studied and compared with the results which could be obtained from the simplified methods recommended in the EC1.

Establishing dynamic characteristics of structures is a challenging area of research. The dynamic characteristics of structures, such as natural frequencies, modeshapes, response levels and damping characteristics play an important role in identifying the condition of the structures. The assumed modes method is a particular analytical method used to estimate the dynamic characteristics of a structure. However, the eigenfunctions used in the assumed mode method often led to ill-conditioning due to the presence of hyperbolic functions. Furthermore, a change in the boundary conditions of the system usually necessitates a change in the choice of assumed mode. In this thesis, a set of Alternative Admissible Functions (AAF), along with penalty functions, are used to obtain closed form solutions for an Euler-Bernoulli beam with various boundary conditions. A key advantage of the proposed approach is that the choice of AAF does not depend on the boundary conditions since the boundary conditions are modelled via penalty functions. The mathematical formulation is validated with different boundary conditions, Clamped-Free (CF), Simply-Supported (SS), and Clamped-Clamped (CC). A specific relation between the penalty function and the system parameters are established for CF, SS and CC boundary conditions to obtain appropriate values of penalties. Validation of results with the reported literature indicates excellent agreement when compared with closed-form Euler-Bernoulli beam values. The AAF approach with penalties is extended to a beam with a shallow crack to estimate the dynamic characteristics. The crack is modelled as a penalty function via a massless rotational spring. This model has the advantage of simplifying parametric studies, because of its discrete nature, allowing easy modification in the crack position and depth of the crack. Therefore, once the model is established, various practical applications may be performed without reformulation of the problem. Validation of results with the reported literature on beams with shallow cracks indicates the suitability of the proposed approach.

Visando atender requisitos cada vez mais rigorosos de projeto e exigência dos consumidores, é necessário extrair o máximo desempenho de uma dada estrutura de produto, buscando sempre propriedades superiores as atuais. Para obter-se tais propriedades dinâmicas superiores (resistência, rigidez, peso) existem vários métodos de otimização estrutural, entre os quais a otimização de parâmetros, utilizada em ajustes finos de projeto; a otimização topológica, mais complexa e condicionada pelos processos de fabricação disponíveis e a otimização de forma utilizada em chapas estruturais. Dentre os métodos recentes de otimização de forma merece destaque o método de Padrões de Bossas por Formas Modais desenvolvido por Fredö e Hedlung (2004), que permite grandes ganhos de rigidez estrutural com pequenas deformações no formato das chapas. Entretanto, tal método tem sua aplicabilidade restrita, pois depende de fatores de ponderação cujo critério de escolha não foi explorado pelos autores. O presente trabalho analisa teoricamente o método desenvolvido por Fredö e Hedlung (2004), utilizando para tal uma chapa metálica em condições controladas para determinar um critério coerente de definição dos parâmetros de ponderação do método via otimização computacional suportado por uma análise modal via método dos elementos finitos. Com os resultados dessa análise pode-se criar um programa para implementação do método de Padrões de Bossas por Formas Modais em aplicações industriais, com ganhos significativos nas características estruturais de produtos sem impactos no custo final. / To meet increasingly higher design requirements and consumer demands for design, it is necessary to extract the maximum performance of a given product structure, always seeking superior properties versus current design. To obtain such superior dynamic properties (strength, stiffness, weight) there are several methods of structural optimization, including the parameters optimization used to fine-tune design; the topology optimization, more complex and conditioned by manufacturing processes and the shape optimization as used in structural plates. Among the newer methods for shape optimization, it is worth mentioning the Panel embossing pattern optimization method developed by Frëdo and Hedlung (2004), which allows large structural rigidity gains with small deformations in the plate shape. However, this method has a limited applicability because it depends on weighting factors whose selection criterion was unexplored by the authors. This work theoretically analyzes the method developed by Frëdo and Hedlung (2004), using for such a metal sheet under controlled conditions to determine a coherent criterion for the weighting parameters definition process using computational optimization supported by a modal analysis via finite element method. With the results of this analysis, it was possible to create a program to implement the method embossing pattern optimization method in industrial applications, with significant gains in structural characteristics of products without affecting the final cost.

O Concreto Leve Estrutural com Pérolas de EPS (CLEPE), ou simplesmente Concreto com EPS, é uma alternativa na execução de lajes maciças. Como possui uma redução da ordem de 50% no peso próprio em relação ao Concreto Convencional (CC), suas características dinâmicas são diferentes. Neste trabalho descreve-se o comportamento dinâmico de lajes de CLEPE que são comparadas com as de CC por meio de ensaios dinâmicos e uma análise paramétrica. Nos ensaios dinâmicos focou-se a obtenção de três fatores imprescindíveis em uma análise dinâmica, que são as frequências naturais, os modos de vibração (deformadas modais) e o amortecimento estrutural, valor determinado experimentalmente que constitui dado de entrada em simulações numéricas. Os resultados experimentais indicam que o fator de amortecimento do CLEPE é ligeiramente maior que o do CC. Já os resultados da análise paramétrica revelam que a diminuição da rigidez é preponderante em relação à diminuição da massa do CLEPE, o que acarreta na diminuição das frequências naturais das lajes com este material. Mesmo com um amortecimento maior, as lajes de CLEPE apresentam maior sensibilidade às vibrações. Esta constatação, entretanto, não exclui o CLEPE como um material estrutural, apenas indica que, como no uso de qualquer material, as estruturas com CLEPE também devem ser verificadas com relação ao comportamento dinâmico. / The Structural Lightweight Concrete with EPS Beads (SLCEB), or simply EPS concrete, is an alternative in the execution of massive slabs. As it has a reduction in the order of 50% in self-weight in relation to the Ordinary Concrete (OC), its dynamic characteristics are different. In this work it is described the dynamic behavior of SLCEB slabs whose are compared with those of OC by means of dynamic tests and a parametric analysis. The obtainment of three essential factors in a dynamic analysis, which are natural frequencies, the ways of vibration (deformed modal), and the structural damping, experimentally determinate value which constitutes an input data in numerical simulations are focused in the dynamical tests. The experimental results indicate that the damping factor of SLCEB is a little bigger than the OC ones. Although, the results of the parametric analysis indicate that the decrease of stiffness is preponderant in relation to the decrease of the SLCEB mass, which result in some decrease of natural frequencies of slabs with this material. In despite of having a bigger damping, the SLCEB slabs expose a bigger sensibility to vibrations. However, this observation does not exclude the SLCEB as a structural material. It only means that as in use of any material, the SLCEB structures must be also verified in relation to the dynamic behavior.

A wide range of dynamic systems can be approximated as linear and time invariant, for which a wealth of tools are available to characterize or modify their dynamic characteristics. Experimental modal analysis (EMA) is a procedure whereby the natural frequencies, damping ratios and mode shapes which parameterize vibratory, linear, time invariant systems are derived from experimentally measured response data. EMA is commonly applied in a multitude of applications, for example, to generate experimental models of dynamic systems, validate finite element models and to characterize dissipation in vibratory systems. Recent EMA has also been used to characterize damage or defects in a variety of systems. The Algorithm of Mode Isolation (AMI), presented by Drexel and Ginsberg in 2001, employs a unique strategy for modal parameter estimation in which modes are sequentially identified and subtracted from a set of FRFs. Their natural frequencies, damping ratios and mode vectors are then refined through an iterative procedure. This contrasts conventional multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) identification algorithms, most of which attempt to identify all of the modes of a system simultaneously. This dissertation presents a hybrid multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) implementation of the algorithm of mode isolation that improves the performance of AMI for systems with very close or weakly excited modes. The algorithmic steps are amenable to semi-automatic identification, and many FRFs can be processed efficiently and without concern for ill-conditioning, even when many modes are identified. The performance of the algorithm is demonstrated on noise contaminated analytical response data from two systems having close modes, one of which has localized modes while the other has globally responsive modes. The results are compared with other popular algorithms. MIMO-AMI is also applied to experimentally obtained data from shaker excited tests of the Z24 highway bridge, demonstrating the algorithm's performance on a data set typical of many EMA applications. Considerations for determining the number of modes active in the frequency band of interest are addressed, and the results obtained are compared to those found by other groups of researchers.

Design denotes the transformation of an identified need to its physical embodiment in a traditionally iterative approach of trial and error. Conceptual design plays a prominent role but an almost infinite number of possible solutions at the outset of design necessitates fast evaluations. The traditional practice of empirical databases loses adequacy for novel concepts and an ever increasing system complexity and resource scarsity mandate new approaches to adequately capture system characteristics. Contemporary concerns in atmospheric science and homeland security created an operational need for unconventional configurations. Unmanned long endurance flight at high altitudes offers a unique showcase for the exploration of new design spaces and the incidental deficit of conceptual modeling and simulation capabilities. The present research effort evolves around the development of an efficient and accurate optimization algorithm for high aspect ratio wings subject to natural frequency constraints. Foundational corner stones are beam dimensional reduction and modal perturbation redesign. Local and global analyses inherent to the former suggest corresponding levels of local and global optimization. The present approach departs from this suggestion. It introduces local level surrogate models to capacitate a methodology that consists of multi level analyses feeding into a single level optimization. The innovative heart of the new algorithm originates in small perturbation theory. A sequence of small perturbation solutions allows the optimizer to make incremental movements within the design space. It enables a directed search that is free of costly gradients. System matrices are decomposed based on a Timoshenko stiffness effect separation. The formulation of respective linear changes falls back on surrogate models that approximate cross sectional properties. Corresponding functional responses are readily available. Their direct use by the small perturbation based optimizer ensures constitutive laws and eliminates a previously necessary optimization at the local level. The great economy of the developed algorithm makes it suitable for the conceptual phase of aircraft design.

Changes in load characteristics, deterioration with age, environmental influences and random actions may cause local or global damage in structures, especially in bridges, which are designed for long life spans. Continuous health monitoring of structures will enable the early identification of distress and allow appropriate retrofitting in order to avoid failure or collapse of the structures. In recent times, structural health monitoring (SHM) has attracted much attention in both research and development. Local and global methods of damage assessment using the monitored information are an integral part of SHM techniques. In the local case, the assessment of the state of a structure is done either by direct visual inspection or using experimental techniques such as acoustic emission, ultrasonic, magnetic particle inspection, radiography and eddy current. A characteristic of all these techniques is that their application requires a prior localization of the damaged zones. The limitations of the local methodologies can be overcome by using vibration-based methods, which give a global damage assessment. The vibration-based damage detection methods use measured changes in dynamic characteristics to evaluate changes in physical properties that may indicate structural damage or degradation. The basic idea is that modal parameters (notably frequencies, mode shapes, and modal damping) are functions of the physical properties of the structure (mass, damping, and stiffness). Changes in the physical properties will therefore cause changes in the modal properties. Any reduction in structural stiffness and increase in damping in the structure may indicate structural damage. This research uses the variations in vibration parameters to develop a multi-criteria method for damage assessment. It incorporates the changes in natural frequencies, modal flexibility and modal strain energy to locate damage in the main load bearing elements in bridge structures such as beams, slabs and trusses and simple bridges involving these elements. Dynamic computer simulation techniques are used to develop and apply the multi-criteria procedure under different damage scenarios. The effectiveness of the procedure is demonstrated through numerical examples. Results show that the proposed method incorporating modal flexibility and modal strain energy changes is competent in damage assessment in the structures treated herein.