Using stochastic space-time models to map extreme precipitation in southern Portugal

The topographic characteristics and spatial climatic diversity are significant in the South of continental Portugal where the rainfall regime is typically Mediterranean. Direct sequential cosimulation is proposed for mapping an extreme precipitation index in southern Portugal using elevation as auxiliary information. The analysed index (R5D) can be considered a flood indicator because it provides a measure of medium-term precipitation total. The methodology accounts for local data variability and incorporates space-time models that allow capturing long-term trends of extreme precipitation, and local changes in the relationship between elevation and extreme precipitation through time. Annual gridded datasets of the flood indicator are produced from 1940 to 1999 on 800 m×800 m grids by using the space-time relationship between elevation and the index. Uncertainty evaluations of the proposed scenarios are also produced for each year. The results indicate that the relationship between elevation and extreme precipitation varies locally and has decreased through time over the study region. In wetter years the flood indicator exhibits the highest values in mountainous regions of the South, while in drier years the spatial pattern of extreme precipitation has much less variability over the study region. The uncertainty of extreme precipitation estimates also varies in time and space, and in earlier decades is strongly dependent on the density of the monitoring stations network. The produced maps will be useful in regional and local studies related to climate change, desertification, land and water resources management, hydrological modelling, and flood mitigation planning

Modelação da furação de laminados por elementos finitos

Furação de estruturas em compósitos de matriz poliméricaO recurso ao Método de Elementos Finitos (MEF) para a simulação e estudo da maquinagem tem vindo a merecer um interesse crescente. Neste trabalho comparam-se os resultados experimentais obtidos usando diferentes brocas helicoidais com uma simulação numérica da furação usando elementos sólidos tridimensionais do software ABAQUS® Explicit. Os resultados obtidos mostram a aplicabilidade do modelo, nomeadamente no que respeita à variação do principal parâmetro de corte no processo de furação – o avanço – e da geometria da ferramenta. O desenvolvimento das forças axiais durante a furação está directamente relacionado com a selecção dos parâmetros de corte e geometria de ferramenta e contribui para a existência de danos na placa. Assim, a minimização destas forças permite reduzir o risco de delaminação. Os resultados relativos à força para o início da delaminação são comparados com modelos analíticos já conhecidos. Os resultados numéricos apresentam uma concordância apreciável com os obtidos experimentalmente

Avaliação de progênies derivadas de cruzamentos envolvendo o acesso com espiguetas agrupadas da Embrapa.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo realizar a avaliação de progênies F3:5 provenientes de cruzamentos biparentais envolvendo cultivares/linhagens-elite e o acesso com espiguetas agrupadas da Embrapa, com base no caráter produção de grãos

Numerical and experimental analyses of biocomposites reinforced with natural fibres

n the last decades the biocomposites have been widely used in the construction, automobile and aerospace industries. Not only the interface transition zone (ITZ) but also the heterogeneity of natural fibres affects the mechanical behaviour of these composites. This work focuses on the numerical and experimental analyses of a polymeric composite fabricated with epoxy resin and unidirectional sisal and banana fibres. A three-dimensional model was set to analyze the composites using the elastic properties of the individual phases. In addition, a two-dimensional model was set taking into account the effective composite properties obtained by micromechanical models. A tensile testing was performed to validate the numerical analyses and evaluating the interface condition of the constitutive phases

Damage evaluation of drilled carbon/epoxy laminates based on area assessment methods

The characteristics of carbon fibre reinforced laminates had widened their use, from aerospace to domestic appliances. A common characteristic is the need of drilling for assembly purposes. It is known that a drilling process that reduces the drill thrust force can decrease the risk of delamination. In this work, delamination assessment methods based on radiographic data are compared and correlated with mechanical test results (bearing test)

Avaliação da delaminação após furação em compósitos laminados

As características excepcionais dos materiais compósitos de matriz polimérica têm conduzido à sua crescente utilização em todos os domínios. A necessidade de ligar estas peças entre si obriga à realização frequente de operações de furação que, embora devidamente adaptada, pode provocar diferentes tipos de dano nas peças a ligar. Desses, o dano mais grave é a delaminação pelas suas consequências na perda das propriedades mecânicas. Neste trabalho é apresentado um estudo comparativo da extensão do dano em função da geometria de ferramenta utilizada. Para tal as placas foram radiografadas após furação e a imagem resultante segmentada para medição das áreas associadas. Os resultados mostram a importância de uma adequada geometria de ferramenta na redução do dano causado pela furação em compósitos laminados

Avaliação de ferramentas na furação de laminados compósitos

Drilling of polymeric matrix composite structuresThe development of cutting tools becomes a challenge to the industry of composite materials to obtain high quality holes, minimizing damage. This work aims to examine the influence of various parameters such as feed rate and tool geometry on thrust forces developed during drilling operations and on the extent of damage. In this work, a comparative study of tool geometry with the aim of reducing the associated damage during drilling process is presented. In the end a good combination of tool geometry and drilling parameters based on experimental work will be presented.O desenvolvimento de ferramentas de corte torna-se um desafio à indústria de materiais compósitos, na obtenção de furos de elevada qualidade, minimizando o dano. Este trabalho visa analisar a influência de vários parâmetros, tais como o avanço e a geometria de ferramenta, nas forças desenvolvidas durante a furação e na extensão do dano. Neste artigo é apresentado um estudo comparativo de geometrias de broca com o objectivo de reduzir o dano associado à furação, que permitirá determinar qual a melhor selecção de parâmetros de furação, atendendo às diferentes geometrias de ferramenta

Drilling of carbon fibre reinforced laminates : a study

The distinguishing characteristics of carbon fibre reinforced laminates, like low weight, high strength or stiffness, had resulted in an increase of their use during the last decades. Although parts are normally produced to near-net shape, machining operations like drilling are still needed. In result of composites non-homogeneity, this operation can lead to delamination, considered the most serious kind of damage as it can reduce the load carrying capacity of the joint. A proper choice of tool and cutting parameters can reduce delamination substantially. In this work the results obtained with five different tool geometries are compared. Conclusions show that the choice of adequate drill geometry can reduce thrust forces, thus delamination damage

Tool geometry evaluation for carbon reinforced composite laminates

The use of composite laminates in complex structures has increased significantly. However, there are still some issues when considering their use, mainly related with machining, leading to some difficulties and lack of acceptance. In this work, a methodology to evaluate drill geometry and feed rate based on thrust force and delamination extension is presented

from theory to practice

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