Rolling Friction in Loose Media and its Role in Mechanics Problems

Rolling friction between particles is to be set in problems of granular material mechanics alongside with sliding friction. A classical problem of material passive lateral pressure on the retaining wall is submitted as a case in point. 3D method of discrete elements was employed for numerical analysis. Material is a universe of spherical particles with specified size distribution. Viscose-elastic properties of the material and surface friction are included, when choosing contact forces. Particles' resistance to rolling relative to other particles and to the boundary is set into the model. Kinetic patterns of medium deformations are given. It has been proved that rolling friction can significantly affect magnitude and nature of passive lateral pressure on the retaining wall

International University Network Internet Project of Integrated Engineering Education

The transfer of educational technologies of the OECD countries for higher technical education in the CIS requires significant financial and material resources. It is advisable to unite pedagogical teams and the laboratory base of universities that train specialists in related specialties using the Internet. The international scientific and educational network Internet project “Synergy” has been implemented with the support of the concern “Festo” (Germany). The universities directly involved in the regular educational activities of the project are NIU Moscow Power Engineering Institute, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, the Baltic State Technical University “VOENMECH” named after D.F. Ustinova, Omsk State Technical University and Karaganda State Technical University. The laboratories of the project participants are equipped with modern training stands and multimedia tools for conducting on-line courses and laboratory work in the remote access mode produced by the leading domestic and foreign companies including world leaders in the field of automation and robotics Festo, Siemens, Mitsubishi Auto Electrician.Regular online training has been organized with the use of exchange, composite and embedded module courses. The experience gained in the process of project implementation became the basis for the development of a new interdisciplinary program for the specialized magistracy as “Robotics. Control systems” for the Kazakhstan industry. The international university network project “Synergy” can become the basis for the practical implementation of the principles of the Bologna process, taking into account the specifics of the CIS countries

Experience of application of network technologies in engineering education

Leading technical universities of Russia and Kazakhstan, preparing engineers in the field of mechatronics, robotics and automation, combined their intellectual and material resources within the International University network project "Synergy". For practical training, FESTO equipment and its virtual counterparts are used primarily. Training of university students participating in the project has been organized, with lectures by leading professors on the Internet. Scientific Internet conferences of young scientists are regularly held. International Association DAAAM International regularly organizes international student practices. A doctoral school is being conducted, at the DAAAM annual symposium, the development of project participants is presented