• Journal of Welding and Joining
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.76-81
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• 2011

Recently, the structural failures due to fatigue occur frequently with the increase of size of ships and offshore structures. In this respect, the assessment of fatigue life and the residual strength are very important. Currently, the smart materials technology has demonstrated a variety of possibilities for a diagnosis of structural strength and structural health condition for large structures. The benefits and feature of the MFC sensor are more flexible, durable and reliable than conventional smart material. In this study, Micro Fiber Composite (MFC) sensor for the measurement of stress intensity factor (SIF) of two dimensional cracks induced in a structure is developed. Two MFC sensors are placed in the vicinity of the crack tip close to each other with the crack tip in between them. The SIFs of Mode I($K_I$) as well as of Mode II($K_{II}$) based on the piezoelectric constitutive law and fracture mechanics are calculated. In this study, the SIF values measured by MFC sensors are compared with the theoretical results and measured value.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.6 no.7
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• pp.793-810
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• 2010

This paper addresses the control issue of vibratory MEMS-based gyroscopes. This study considers a gyroscope that can be modeled by an inner mass attached to an outer mass by four springs and four dampers. The outer mass itself is attached to the rotating frame by an equal number of springs and dampers. In order to measure the angular rate of the rotating frame, a driving force is applied to the inner mass and the Coriolis force is sensed along the y-direction associated with the outer mass. Due to micro-fabrication imperfections, including anisoelasticity and damping effects, both gyroscopes do not allow accurate measurements, and therefore, it becomes necessary to devise feedback controllers to reduce the effects of such imperfections. Given an ideal gyroscope that meets certain performance specifications, a feedback control strategy is synthesized to reduce the error dynamics between the actual and ideal gyroscopes. For a dual-mass gyroscope, it is demonstrated that the error dynamics are remarkably decreased with the application of four actuators applied to both masses in the x and y directions. It is also shown that it is possible to reduce the error dynamics with only two actuators applied to the outer mass only. Simulation results are presented to prove the efficiency of the proposed control design.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.62 no.2
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• pp.163-170
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• 2017

This study presents a particle-wall filtration model for predicting the particle motion behavior in a typical rotational flow field-filtration in blower system of cooker hood. Based on computational fluid dynamics model, air flow and particles has been simulated by Lagrangian-particle/ Eulerian-gas approaches and get verified by experiment data from a manufacturer. Airflow volume, particle diameter and local structure, which are related to the particle filtration has been studied. Results indicates that: (1) there exists an optimal airflow volume of $1243m^3/h$ related to the most appropriate filtration rate; (2) Diameter of particle is the significant property related to the filtration rate. Big size particles can represent the filtration performance of blower; (3) More than 86% grease particles are caught by impeller blades firstly, and then splashed onto the corresponding location of worm box internal wall. These results would help to study the micro-particle motion behavior and evaluate the filtration rate and structure design of blower.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.17 no.2 s.67
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• pp.102-108
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• 2007

Generally, the method used most widely for rock mass classification is considering the rock strength and development of joint frequency. However, if rock bed has micro-crack and long joint, this method is not rational. Therefore, the difficulties of excavation in the rock bed with complicated geological condition are decided by combining joint frequency. indoor tests (uniaxiall compressive strength, point load test, indoor elastic wave velocity, etc.) and field seismic refraction survey, and the rock mass classification should be implemented by considering their interrelationship.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.74 no.3
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• pp.313-323
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• 2020

Non-destructive tests are commonly used in construction industry to access the quality and strength of concrete. However, till date there is no non-destructive testing method that can be adopted to evaluate the bond condition of reinforced concrete beams. In this regard, the presented research work details the use of ultra-sonic pulse velocity test method to evaluate the bond condition of reinforced concrete beam. A detailed experimental research was conducted by testing four identical reinforced concrete beam samples. The samples were loaded in equal increments till failure and ultra-sonic pulse velocity readings were recorded along the length of the beam element. It was observed from experimentation that as the cracks developed in the sample, the ultra-sonic wave velocity reduced for the same path length. This reduction in wave velocity was used to identify the initiation, development and propagation of internal micro-cracks along the length of reinforcement. Using the developed experimental methodology, researchers were able to identify weak spots in bond along the length of the specimen. The proposed method can be adopted by engineers to access the quality of bond for steel reinforcement in beam members. This allows engineers to carryout localized repairs thereby resulting in reduction of time, cost and labor needed for strengthening. Furthermore, the methodology to apply the proposed technique in real-world along with various challenges associated with its application have also been highlighted.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.77 no.4
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• pp.481-493
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• 2021

Low rise masonry structures are relatively inexpensive and easier to construct compared to other types of structures such as steel and reinforced concrete buildings. However, masonry structures are relatively heavier and less ductile and more vulnerable to damages in earthquakes. In this research, a new innovative low-cost seismic isolator using steel rings (SISR) is employed to reduce the seismic vulnerability of masonry structures. FEA of a masonry structure, made of concrete blocks is used to evaluate the effect of the proposed SISR on the seismic response of the structure. Two systems, fixed base and isolated from the base with the proposed SISRs, are considered. Micro-element approach and ABAQUS software are used for structural modeling. The nonlinear structural parameters of the SISRs, extracted from a recent experimental study by the authors, are used in numerical modeling. The masonry structure is studied in two separate modes, fixed base and isolated base with the proposed SISRs, under Erzincan and Imperial Valley-06 earthquakes. The accelerated response at the roof level, as well as the deformation in the masonry walls, are the parameters to assess the effect of the proposed SISRs. The results show a highly improved performance of the masonry structure with the SISRs.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.84 no.1
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• pp.77-83
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• 2022

In the last ten years, many researchers have studied the vibrations of carbon nanotubes using different beam theories. The nano- and micro-scale systems have wavy shape and there is a demand for a powerful tool to mathematically model waviness of those systems. In accordance with the above mentioned lack for the modeling of the waviness of the curved tiny structure, a novel approach is employed by implementing the Timoshenko-beam model. Owing to the small size of the micro beam, these structures are very appropriate for designing small instruments. The vibrations of double walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) are developed using the Timoshenko-beam model in conjunction with the wave propagation approach under support conditions to calculate the fundamental frequencies of DWCNTs. The frequency influence is observed with different parameters. Vibrations of the double walled carbon nanotubes are investigated in order to find their vibrational modes with frequencies. The aspect ratios and half axial wave mode with small length are investigated. It is calculated that these frequencies and ratios are dependent upon the length scale and aspect ratio.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.81 no.4
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• pp.395-409
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• 2022

The presence of infill generally neglected in design despite the fact that infill contribution significantly increase the lateral stiffness and strength of the reinforced concrete frame structure. Several experimental studies and computational models have been proposed to capture the rational response of infill-frame interaction at global level. However, limited studies are available on explicit finite element modelling to study the local behavior due to high computation and convergence issues in numerical modelling. In the current study, the computational modelling of RC frames is done with various configurations of infill masonry in terms of types of blocks, lateral loading and reinforcement detailing employed with material nonlinearities, interface contact issues and bond-slip phenomenon particularly near the beam-column joints. To this end, extensive computational modelling of five variant characteristics test specimens extracted from the detailed experimental program available in literature and process through nonlinear static analysis in FEM code, ATENA generally used to capture the nonlinear response of reinforced concrete structures. Results are presented in terms of damage patterns and capacity curves by employing the finest possible detail provided in the experimental program. Comparative analysis shows that good correlation amongst the experimental and numerical simulated results both in terms of capacity and crack patterns.

• Advances in concrete construction
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.405-417
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• 2023

While ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is commonly reinforced with micro straight steel fibers in existing applications, studies have indicated that the use of deformed steel macro-fibers leads to enhanced ductility and post-peak responses for UHPC structural elements, which is of particular importance for earthquake-resistant structures. However, there are potential concerns regarding the use of UHPC reinforced with macro-fibers due to the issues of workability and fiber distribution. The objective of this study was to address these issues by extensively investigating the restricted and non-restricted deformability, filling ability, horizontal and vertical velocities, and passing ability of UHPC containing macro hooked-end steel fibers. A new approach is suggested to examine the homogeneity of fiber distribution in UHPC. The influences of ultra-fine fillers and steel macro-fibers on the workability of fresh UHPC and the mechanics of hardened UHPC were examined. It was found that although increasing the ratio of quartz powder to cement led to an improvement in the workability and tensile strain hardening behavior of UHPC, it reduced the fiber distribution homogeneity. The addition of 1% volume fraction of macro-fibers in UHPC improved workability, but reduced its compressive strength, which is contrary to the effect of micro-fiber inclusion in UHPC.

• Journal of Korean Philosophical Society
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• v.105
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• pp.269-290
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• 2008

The purpose of this paper is to explore the possibility of backwards causation. For study, this paper was divided into four views as follows: The first view was sometimes suggested by the people such as M. Dummett who distinguished observers from behaviors. According to observers' view, backwards causation is impossible, whereas behaviors' view possible. However, in a real or genuine sense, it is incorrect for us to argue for impossibility of backwards causation from the observer aspect. The second view was supported by J. H. Schmidt. He analyzed the possibility of backwards causation in terms of macro and micro level analysis about the causal events. According to micro level analysis, backwards causation is possible, but macro level analysis impossible. Usually the latter makes the former something miraculous. Under the macro level analysis, backwards causation, at first, seems to be miraculous phenomena which belongs to the micro level analysis. The third view had to do with physical equation, and the fourth view physical phenomena, respectively. John Earman argued for the backwards causation by the transformation from Lorentz­-Dirac equation to a second-order integro-differential one in the field of electrodynamic acceleration. His argument was criticized because of his misunderstanding about the relationship between two equations. On the other hand, Phil Dowe defended a version of Reichenbach's own theory about the direction of causation founded on the fork asymmetrical causal relation. However his view was different from Reichenbach's because the former defended the backwards causation model of Bell phenomena in quantum mechanics. On the contrary, Reichenbach put stressed on the priority of cause in the causal process. Subjectivism has recently been defended by H. Price, under the label of perspectivism. According to him, in a certain sense causal asymmetry is not in the world, but is rather a product of our own asymmetric perspective on the world. He also suggested causal net, the symmetry of microphysics, and so on. As mentioned above, there are many kind of suggestions of backwards causation. However none of them replaced objectively the main streams of the direction of causal process. The main stream has been usually defended by pragmatical ground. That is, effects do not precede their causes although causes cannot be without their effects.