Juncture stress fields in multicellular shell structures. Volume I - Numerical methods of solving large matrices Final report

Numerical techniques for digital computer solution of algebraic simultaneous linear equations from finite difference approximation of partial differential equations of thin elastic shell

Global function approach in structural analysis: Basic approach, numerical results

The structural response to a given environment is described by the differential equations of motion of deformable bodies. Analytic solutions of such problems for a reasonably large class of structural configurations are not within the realm of the possible. Consequently, the mathematical problem is recast into a numerical problem for solution on the computer. New technology in the space and energy fields led to a growing demand for accurate analysis which at times cannot be met due to the limits set by available budgets for computer time. In response to this need for more efficient numerical analysis, the possibilities of reducing the number of freedoms in the system through a revival of the global function approach were explored

Enhancements to the STAGS computer code

The power of the STAGS family of programs was greatly enhanced. Members of the family include STAGS-C1 and RRSYS. As a result of improvements implemented, it is now possible to address the full collapse of a structural system, up to and beyond critical points where its resistance to the applied loads vanishes or suddenly changes. This also includes the important class of problems where a multiplicity of solutions exists at a given point (bifurcation), and where until now no solution could be obtained along any alternate (secondary) load path with any standard production finite element code

Digital Image Correlation application to structural health monitoring

Bridge inspectors have historically relied on previous inspection reports and photographs to assess bridge health. The inclusion of instrumentation including sensors such as strain gauges, tilt sensors, LVDTs, or accelerometers can greatly enhance bridge management. This instrumentation and data interpretation is classified under a new field of study called Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). A relatively new application called Digital Image Correlation (DIC) can be deployed for SHM of civil structures. DIC uses multiple digital cameras to capture sequenced images of a target object and provide displacement information. This research has sought to incorporate DIC systems into bridge inspection and eventually a long-term SHM program. Several experiments were conducted as part of this research in both the laboratory and the field to determine the physical limits of the DIC system. The research provided insight into these limits and illuminated several key areas which require further testing

Familial Takayasu arteritis - a pediatric case and a review of the literature

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a rare chronic inflammatory disease of the aorta and its major branches. It is seen predominantly in females during the second and third decades of life, although it can occur in childhood. The aetiology of TA remains unknown. To date, familial cases of TA have been considered rare; however, a review of the literature suggests that cases are accumulating. We report a case of two sisters affected by severe TA, and review other reported familial cases