• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.239-268
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• 2007

This paper deals with optimal stacking sequence design of laminate composite structures. The stacking sequence optimisation of laminate composites is formulated as a combinatorial problem and is solved using Simulated Annealing (SA), an algorithm devised based on inspiration of physical process of annealing of solids. The combinatorial constraints are handled using a correction strategy. The SA algorithm is strengthened by embedding Tabu search in order to prevent recycling of recently visited solutions and the resulting algorithm is referred to as tabu embedded simulated Annealing (TSA) algorithm. Computational performance of the proposed TSA algorithm is enhanced through cache-fetch implementation. Numerical experiments have been conducted by considering rectangular composite panels and composite cylindrical shell with different ply numbers and orientations. Numerical studies indicate that the TSA algorithm is quite effective in providing practical designs for lay-up sequence optimisation of laminate composites. The effect of various neighbourhood search algorithms on the convergence characteristics of TSA algorithm is investigated. The sensitiveness of the proposed optimisation algorithm for various parameter settings in simulated annealing is explored through parametric studies. Later, the TSA algorithm is employed for multi-criteria optimisation of hybrid composite cylinders for simultaneously optimising cost as well as weight with constraint on buckling load. The two objectives are initially considered individually and later collectively to solve as a multi-criteria optimisation problem. Finally, the computational efficiency of the TSA based stacking sequence optimisation algorithm has been compared with the genetic algorithm and found to be superior in performance.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.7 no.6
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• pp.419-429
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• 2019

The effect of an increasing percentage of nanofiller (glass cenosphere) with Glass/Epoxy hybrid composite curved panels modeled mathematically using the multiscale concept and subsequent numerical eigenvalues of different geometrical configurations (cylindrical, spherical, elliptical, hyperboloid and flat) predicted in this research article. The numerical model of Glass/Epoxy/Cenosphere is derived using the higher-order polynomial type of kinematic theory in association with isoparametric finite element technique. The multiscale mathematical model utilized for the customized computer code for the evaluation of the frequency data. The numerical model validation and consistency verified with experimental frequency data and convergence test including the experimental elastic properties. The experimental frequencies of the multiscale nano filler-reinforced composite are recorded through the impact hammer frequency test rig including CDAQ-9178 (National Instruments) and LABVIEW virtual programming. Finally, the nano cenosphere filler percentage and different design associated geometrical parameters on the natural frequency data of hybrid composite structural configurations are illustrated through a series of numerical examples.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.68 no.5
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• pp.527-536
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• 2018

The free vibration frequency responses of the graded flat and curved (cylindrical, spherical, hyperbolic and elliptical) panel structures investigated in this research considering the rectangular and tilted planforms under unlike temperature loading. For the numerical implementation purpose, a micromechanical model is prepared with the help of Voigt's methodology via the power-law type of material model. Additionally, to incur the exact material strength, the temperature-dependent properties of each constituent of the graded structure included due to unlike thermal environment. The deformation kinematics of the rectangular/tilted graded shallow curved panel structural is modeled via higher-order type of polynomial functions. The final form of the eigenvalue equation of the heated structure obtained via Hamilton's principle and simultaneously solved numerically using finite element steps. To show the solution accuracy, a series of comparison the results are compared with the published data. Some new results are exemplified to exhibit the significance of power-law index, shallowness ratio, aspect ratio and thickness ratio on the combined thermal eigen characteristics of the regular and tilted graded panel structure.

• Solar Energy
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.13-18
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• 1990

When nonuniform thermal boundary conditions are imposed on the surface of a circular cylinder in crossflow, the heat transfer characteristics can be quite different compared to what is found for isothermal or constant heat flux boundary conditions. In the present analysis, two kinds of nonuniform boundary conditions along the circumference of the cylinder are considered in a uniform stream of air: step changes and linear profiles. Step changes in temperature can arise on the surface of an external, cylindrical, solar central receiver. As the working fluid(water) flows through the vertical tubes that ring the circumference of Solar One(a solar central receiver in Barstow, California), the solar flux on the receiver heats the water from a liquid to a superheated state. In this process, portions of the receiver panels, and thus portions of the circumference of the cylinder, function as a preheater, boiler, or superheater. Hence the surface temperature can vary significantly around the cylinder. Common engineering practice has been to use an average wall temperature with an isothermal cylinder heat transfer coefficient when estimating the convective loss in these kinds of situations.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.125-137
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• 2018

In this work, the bending and free vibration analysis of multilayered plates and shells is presented by utilizing a new higher order shear deformation theory (HSDT). The proposed involves only four unknowns, which is even less than the first shear deformation theory (FSDT) and without requiring the shear correction coefficient. Unlike the conventional HSDTs, the present one presents a novel displacement field which incorporates undetermined integral variables. The equations of motion are derived by using the Hamilton's principle. These equations are then solved via Navier-type, closed form solutions. Bending and vibration results are found for cylindrical and spherical shells and plates for simply supported boundary conditions. Bending and vibration problems are treated as individual cases. Panels are subjected to sinusoidal, distributed and point loads. Results are presented for thick to thin as well as shallow and deep shells. The computed results are compared with the exact 3D elasticity theory and with several other conventional HSDTs. The proposed HSDT is found to be precise compared to other several existing ones for investigating the static and dynamic response of isotropic and multilayered composite shell and plate structures.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.295-312
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• 2017

Cast in situ and grouted concrete helical piles with 150-200 mm diameter half cylindrical ribs have become an economical and effective choice in Shanghai, China for uplift piles in deep soft soils. Though this type of pile has been successful used in practice, the reinforcing mechanism and the contribution of the ribs to the total resistance is not clear, and there is no clear guideline for the design of such piles. To study the inclusion of ribs to the contribution of shear resistance, the shear behaviour between silty sand and concrete slabs with parallel ribs at different spacing and angles were tested in a large direct shear box ($600mm{\times}400mm{\times}200mm$). The front panels of the shear box are detachable to observe the soil deformation after the test. The tests were modelled with three-dimensional finite element method in ABAQUS. It was found that, passive zones can be developed ahead of the ribs to form undulated failure surfaces. The shear resistance and failure mode are affected by the ratio of rib spacing to rib diameter. Based on the shape and continuity of the failure zones at the interface, the failure modes at the interface can be classified as "punching", "local" or "general" shear failure respectively. With the inclusion of the ribs, the pull out resistance can increase up to 17%. The optimum rib spacing to rib diameter ratio was found to be around 7 based on the observed experimental results and the numerical modelling.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.137-148
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• 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the computer monitors used for analysis and interpretation of digital radiographs within the clinics of the Oral Health Centre of Western Australia. Materials and Methods: In total, 135 computer monitors(3 brands, 6 models) were assessed by analysing the same radiographic image of a combined 13-step aluminium step wedge and the Artinis CDDent 1.0^® (Artinis Medical Systems B.V.^®, Elst, the Netherlands) test object. The number of steps and cylindrical objects observed on each monitor was recorded along with the monitor's make, model, position relative to the researcher's eye level, and proximity to the nearest window. The number of window panels blocked by blinds, the outside weather conditions, and the number of ceiling lights over the surgical suite/cubicle were also recorded. MedCalc^® version 19.2.1 (MedCalc Software Ltd^®, Ostend, Belgium, https://www.medcalc.org; 2020) was used for statistical analyses(Kruskal-Wallis test and stepwise regression analysis). The level of significance was set at P<0.05. Results: Stepwise regression analysis showed that only the monitor brand and proximity of the monitor to a window had a significant impact on the monitor's performance (P<0.05). The Kruskal-Wallis test showed significant differences (P<0.05) in monitor performance for all variables investigated, except for the weather and the clinic in which the monitors were placed. Conclusion: The vast performance variation present between computer monitors implies the need for a review of monitor selection, calibration, and viewing conditions.