Probabilistic perspective on the failure of composite laminae

A probabilistic approach is presented for predicting the applied stress at failure for notched and unnotched unidirectional brittle matrix fibrous composites. It is assumed that failure is caused by the transverse normal stress alone. The mean value of the applied stress at failure can be calculated for any test coupon once the distribution of the transverse normal stress is known. Results are presented for axial and transverse tensile loading of notched coupons and transverse tensile loading of unnotched coupons. The widely observed linear In -In relationship between applied stress at failure and notch size is predicted

Definition and representation of complex architectural shapes.Experiences in advanced courses at the Faculty of Architecture in Milano

The complex shapes and building technologies that are more and more often used in contemporary architecture remind to us that new tools are necessary when we mean to control the process from the stage of conception until the final realization. After decades of predominance of standard orthogonal systems, the design process seems to have reached such an high grade of difficulty, to require a review of traditional teaching programmes in architecture schools, particularly if we consider that even the simple comprehension and interpretation of some realized works requires new approaches

Zero-power Flexible RFID Sensor for Pressure Monitoring of Elastic Compression Bandages

Compression therapy is now recognized as the main treatment for both the preventive and therapeutic care of venous disease, but its incorrect application may provoke severe injuries to the patient. Following the paradigm of e-Health, this paper presents a flexible, soft and battery-less wireless pressure sensor for the next-gen of smart/interconnected compression therapy kits. The sensor is manufactured with biocompatible latex foam and its softness reduces the risk of pressure sores. Moreover, the size of the sensor (30 mm of diameter) allows a great comfort of the user and the possibility of deploying multiple sensors in different locations of the medical treatment. The electromagnetic performance of the sensor is numerically optimized and experimentally validated, with a maximum achievable reading distance up to 17 cm, suitable for the requirement of through-the-bandage data reading. Finally, the pressure sensor is characterized through a preliminary mock-up emulating the compression of the bandages, demonstrating a linear correlation between pressure and tightening