Rilievo in tempo reale di difetti superficiali su corpi in movimento a velocità elevata con ultrasuoni senza contatto

Il rilievo di difetti superficiali durante le ispezioni periodiche è importante poiché in genere le sollecitazioni sono maggiori in superficie e possono accelerare la crescita delle discontinuità. I difetti superficiali possono essere rilevati utilizzando alcuni metodi tradizionali di controllo non distruttivo, quali correnti indotte, liquidi penetranti, polveri magnetiche ed ultrasuoni. Alcuni tra questi metodi possono essere usati solo in condizioni statiche; gli altri presentano delle limitazioni per l’ispezione dinamica. I progressi recenti nel campo dei sensori ultrasonori senza contatto ci hanno permesso di sviluppare un sistema semplice per l’ispezione in tempo reale di corpi in movimento a velocità elevata. Nel lavoro viene presentata la possibilità di usare, col sistema sviluppato, due metodologie, basate sugli ultrasuoni generati e ricevuti senza contatto con la struttura, per rilevare difetti superficiali su corpi in movimento a 100 km/h, così da poter effettuare l’ispezione anche in servizio. Una metodologia, basata sull’uso di laser e trasduttori senza contatto, utilizza i vantaggi delle onde superficiali generate con il laser; l’analisi viene fatta sull’onda riflessa, creata dall’interazione dell’onda superficiale con il difetto. Lo spessore superficiale ispezionato è selezionabile dalla lunghezza d’onda dell’onda superficiale generata. L’altra metodologia, basata sull’uso di trasduttori senza contatto, sfrutta gli svantaggi della trasmissione degli ultrasuoni all’interfaccia aria/metallo; l’analisi viene fatta sulla diffrazione dell’onda riflessa dalla superficie. L’esecuzione delle ispezioni risulta semplice con entrambe le tecniche. I risultati sperimentali indicano una buona efficienza delle due metodologie proposte per il rilievo, in tempo reale, di difetti superficiali su corpi in movimento ad alta velocità

A gis spatial analysis model for landslide hazard mapping application in alpine area

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A new design approach to the use of composite materials for heavy transport vehicles

In order to keep or to reach a high level of competitiveness and performance of a product, it is necessary to explore all the possible solutions that allow the best compromise between costs and project requirements. By this point of view the study of alternative designs and/or materials to use, is an important aspect that can identify a new concept or way of thinking about a product. This paper presents how to make use of composite materials in the field of heavy vehicles transportation. A new semitrailer in composite material has been designed, using a methodical redesign approach and an optimisation process. The main innovation in this project is, besides the use of the Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastics (GFRPs), also a new topology of the vehicle frame; the designed semitrailer, in fact. has a monocoque structur

Rilievo in tempo reale di difetti superficiali su corpi in movimento a velocità elevata con ultrasuoni senza contatto

Il rilievo di difetti superficiali durante le ispezioni periodiche è importante poiché in genere le sollecitazioni sono maggiori in superficie e possono accelerare la crescita delle discontinuità. I difetti superficiali possono essere rilevati utilizzando alcuni metodi tradizionali di controllo non distruttivo, quali correnti indotte, liquidi penetranti, polveri magnetiche ed ultrasuoni. Alcuni tra questi metodi possono essere usati solo in condizioni statiche; gli altri presentano delle limitazioni per l’ispezione dinamica. I progressi recenti nel campo dei sensori ultrasonori senza contatto ci hanno permesso di sviluppare un sistema semplice per l’ispezione in tempo reale di corpi in movimento a velocità elevata. Nel lavoro viene presentata la possibilità di usare, col sistema sviluppato, due metodologie, basate sugli ultrasuoni generati e ricevuti senza contatto con la struttura, per rilevare difetti superficiali su corpi in movimento a 100 km/h, così da poter effettuare l’ispezione anche in servizio. Una metodologia, basata sull’uso di laser e trasduttori senza contatto, utilizza i vantaggi delle onde superficiali generate con il laser; l’analisi viene fatta sull’onda riflessa, creata dall’interazione dell’onda superficiale con il difetto. Lo spessore superficiale ispezionato è selezionabile dalla lunghezza d’onda dell’onda superficiale generata. L’altra metodologia, basata sull’uso di trasduttori senza contatto, sfrutta gli svantaggi della trasmissione degli ultrasuoni all’interfaccia aria/metallo; l’analisi viene fatta sulla diffrazione dell’onda riflessa dalla superficie. L’esecuzione delle ispezioni risulta semplice con entrambe le tecniche. I risultati sperimentali indicano una buona efficienza delle due metodologie proposte per il rilievo, in tempo reale, di difetti superficiali su corpi in movimento ad alta velocità. &nbsp

Real-time non-contact ultrasonic detection of surface defects on objects moving at high speed

Il rilievo di difetti superficiali durante le ispezioni periodiche è importante poiché in genere le sollecitazioni sono maggiori in superficie e possono accelerare la crescita delle discontinuità. I difetti superficiali possono essere rilevati utilizzando alcuni metodi tradizionali di controllo non distruttivo, quali correnti indotte, liquidi penetranti, polveri magnetiche ed ultrasuoni. Alcuni tra questi metodi possono essere usati solo in condizioni statiche; gli altri presentano delle limitazioni per l’ispezione dinamica. I progressi recenti nel campo dei sensori ultrasonori senza contatto ci hanno permesso di sviluppare un sistema semplice per l’ispezione in tempo reale di corpi in movimento a velocità elevata. Nel lavoro viene presentata la possibilità di usare, col sistema sviluppato, due metodologie, basate sugli ultrasuoni generati e ricevuti senza contatto con la struttura, per rilevare difetti superficiali su corpi in movimento a 100 km/h, così da poter effettuare l’ispezione anche in servizio. Una metodologia, basata sull’uso di laser e trasduttori senza contatto, utilizza i vantaggi delle onde superficiali generate con il laser; l’analisi viene fatta sull’onda riflessa, creata dall’interazione dell’onda superficiale con il difetto. Lo spessore superficiale ispezionato è selezionabile dalla lunghezza d’onda dell’onda superficiale generata. L’altra metodologia, basata sull’uso di trasduttori senza contatto, sfrutta gli svantaggi della trasmissione degli ultrasuoni all’interfaccia aria/metallo; l’analisi viene fatta sulla diffrazione dell’onda riflessa dalla superficie. L’esecuzione delle ispezioni risulta semplice con entrambe le tecniche. I risultati sperimentali indicano una buona efficienza delle due metodologie proposte per il rilievo, in tempo reale, di difetti superficiali su corpi in movimento ad alta velocitàThe detection of surface defects during periodic inspection is important because, usually, the stresses are higher at the surface, thus affecting the growth of the discontinuity. Surface defects can be detected using some traditional non-destructive testing methods, such as eddy current, dye penetrant, magnetic particle and ultrasonic. Some of these methods can be used only in static conditions; the others have limitations for the dynamic inspection. The recent progress in the field of non-contact ultrasonic sensors has led us to develop a simple system for the real-time inspection of moving bodies at a high speed. The paper presents the possibility of using, with the developed system, two methodologies, based on non-contact ultrasound, to detect surface defects on objects moving at 100 km/h, so that in service inspection is possible. A methodology, based on laser and air-coupled sensors, uses the advantages of laser-generated surface waves; the analysis is done on the reflected wave, created by the interaction of the surface wave with the defect. The inspected surface layer can be selected from the wavelength of the surface wave. The other methodology, based on air-coupled sensors, uses the disadvantages of the ultrasound transmission at the air/metal interface; the analysis is done on the diffraction of the wave reflected from the surface. The execution of the inspection is simple with both techniques. The experimental results indicate a good efficiency of the two methodologies proposed for the real-time detection of surface defects on objects moving at high speed

Effect of snow-covered ground albedo on the accuracy of air temperature measurements

open8Solar radiation is one of the main factors which introduce significant deviations between thermometers reading and true air temperature value. Techniques to protect the sensors from direct radiative influence have been adopted almost since the beginning of meteorological observations. Reflected radiation from a snow-covered surface can also cause extra warming to thermometers hosted in solar shields, which are not always optimised to protect the sensors from this further radiative heat transfer. This phenomenon can cause errors in near-surface temperature measurements results, with a relevant impact on the quality of data records and series. This study experimentally evaluates the effect of reflected radiation from a snow-covered surface on the accuracy of air temperature measurements. The investigation is based on the evaluation of temperature differences between pairs of identical instruments, positioned above ground covered by natural vegetation, with one instrument in snow-free conditions and the other above a snow-covered surface, at the same time and at the same site. The work involved a representative number of sensors and shields, in terms of different typologies, technologies and engineering solutions, from different manufacturers. A mountain site with acceptable field conditions, offering long-lasting snow presence to maximise data availability, was selected to perform the experiment. Quantities of influence, such as relative humidity, wind speed and direction and solar radiation (global and reflected), were constantly measured. The main findings of this work show that none of the involved instruments were immune to the extra heating due to the snow-reflected radiation. Excluding nighttimes and days of high wind or low incident radiation, the differences among sensors positioned above natural soil and identical ones exposed to snow albedo ranged up to more than 3 ∘C. Solar screens with forced ventilation showed a partially reduced effect compared to most of the naturally ventilated ones. A full data analysis is reported here, together with complete results and uncertainties.openhttps://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5126973Musacchio, Chiara; Coppa, Graziano; Begeš, Gaber; Hofstätter-Mohler, Christina; Massano, Laura; Nigrelli, Guido; Sanna, Francesca; Merlone, AndreaMusacchio, Chiara; Coppa, Graziano; Begeš, Gaber; Hofstätter-Mohler, Christina; Massano, Laura; Nigrelli, Guido; Sanna, Francesca; Merlone, Andre

Biomechanical analysis of two types of osseointegrated transfemoral prosthesis

In the last two decades, osseointegrated prostheses have been shown to be a good alternative for lower limb amputees experiencing complications in using a traditional socket-type prosthesis; however, restraining biomechanical issues, such as peri-prosthetic bone fractures or loosening, are present. To better understand and overcome these limiting issues, and thus reduce the number of implant failures, many studies have investigated the stress distribution on bone and implant during normal daily activities. The aim of this study was a biomechanical analysis of two different osseointegrated implants, a screw-type (OPRA) and a press fit system (OPL, Osseointegrated Prosthetic Limb), to evaluate the stresses generated in bone and prosthesis during a fall. In particular, four scenarios have been experimentally reproduced to determine the loads on the limb during different kinds of fall. For this purpose, a motion capture system and a force plate have been used. Numerical FEM (Finite Element Method) simulations have been performed to compare the behaviour of the OPRA and OPL systems in different fall scenarios. The obtained results showed that a fall backwards due to balance loss is the most stressful scenario among the ones analysed. As regards the comparison between OPRA and OPL devices, it emerged they have similar behaviours in terms of peak values of the stress, but the OPL implant generates larger high-stress areas in the distal femur as compared with the OPRA system

Morphology, phylogeny, and taxonomy of Microthlaspi (Brassicaceae: Coluteocarpeae) and related genera

The genus Thlaspi has been variously subdivided since its description by Linnaeus in 1753, but due to similarities in fruit shape several segregates have still not gained broad recognition, despite the fact that they are not directly related to Thlaspi. This applies especially to segregates now considered to belong to the tribe Coluteocarpeae, which includes several well-studied taxa, e.g., Noccaea caerulescens (syn. Thlaspi caerulescens), and the widespread Microthlaspi perfoliatum (syn. Thlaspi perfoliatum). The taxonomy of this tribe is still debated, as a series of detailed monographs on Coluteocarpeae was not published in English and a lack of phylogenetic resolution within this tribe was found in previous studies. The current study presents detailed phylogenetic investigations and a critical review of morphological features, with focus on taxa previously placed in Microthlaspi. Based on one nuclear (ITS) and two chloroplast (matK, trnL-F) loci, four strongly supported major groups were recovered among the Coluteocarpeae genera included, corresponding to Ihsanalshehbazia gen. nov., Friedrichkarlmeyeria gen. nov., Microthlaspi s.str., and Noccaea s.l. In addition, two new species of Microthlaspi, M. sylvarum-cedri sp. nov. and M. mediterraneo-orientale sp. nov., were discovered, which are well supported by both morphological and molecular data. Furthermore, M. erraticum comb. nov. (diploid) and M. perfoliatum s.str. (polyploid) were shown to be distinct species, phylogenetically widely separate, but with some overlap in several morphological characters. Detailed descriptions, notes on taxonomy, geographical distribution, and line drawings for the new species and each species previously included in Microthlaspi are provided. In addition, the current taxonomic state of the tribe Coluteocarpeae is briefly discussed and it is concluded that while several annual taxa are clearly distinct from Noccaea, many perennial taxa, after thorough phylogenetic and morphological investigations, may have to be merged with this genus. © International Association for Plant Taxonomy (IAPT) 2016

Sequence types and pleuromutilin susceptibility of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae isolates from Italian pigs with swine dysentery: 2003–2012

Swine dysentery is a mucohaemorrhagic colitis of pigs caused by infection with Brachyspira hyodysenteriae. The disease can be controlled by treatment with antimicrobial agents, with the pleuromutilins tiamulin and valnemulin being widely used. In recent years, the occurrence of B.hyodysenteriae with reduced susceptibility to these drugs has been increasing. The aim of this study was to determine temporal changes in genetic groups and pleuromutilin susceptibility amongst B.hyodysenteriae isolates from Italy. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was performed on 108 isolates recovered from 87 farms in different regions of Italy from 2003 to 2012, and their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for tiamulin and valnemulin were determined. Logistic regression was performed to assess associations between susceptibility to the two antimicrobial agents and genetic group, year and region of isolation. The isolates were allocated to 23 sequence types (STs), with five clonal clusters (Ccs) and seven singletons. More than 50% of isolates were resistant to both pleuromutilins (MIC >2.0 μg/mL for tiamulin and >1.0 μg/mL for valnemulin). All 10 isolates in ST 83 were resistant; these were first isolated in 2011 and came from nine farms, suggesting recent widespread dissemination of a resistant strain. Significant associations were found between the proportion of pleuromutilin susceptible isolates and the genetic group and year of isolation. Although resistant isolates were found in all Ccs, isolates in Ccs 2 and 7 were over five times more likely to be susceptible than those in the other Ccs. A significant trend in the reduction of susceptibility over time also was observed