Input cost, capacity utilization and substitution in the short run

This article studies the behavior of input cost shares in an environment where labor is costly to adjust, materials can be adjusted at no cost and capital is fixed. A model relating cost shares with relative prices and adjustment costs is proposed, allowing joint estimation of the elasticity of substitution and the adjustment cost function, which is an unknown function of the utilization capacity. Based on a panel of more than 700 manufacturing firms, we find evidence of strong input share variations according to the degree of capacity utilization. The estimated shapes of adjustment costs curves of labor are in agreement with our theoretical model, and we obtain sensible elasticities of substitution estimates. Based on such estimates, we find evidence of a negative (positive) bias in downturns (recoveries) in conventional productivity growth measures

Size Effect and Other Effects on Mode I Fracture Toughness Using Two Testing Methods

Financiado para publicación en acceso aberto: Universidade da Coruña/CISUG[Abstract] Mode I fracture toughness (KIC) is an intrinsic material property that quantifies its resistance to tensile fracture propagation. The International Society for Rock Mechanics has endorsed four methods to determine the KIC of rock, namely, the short rod, chevron bend, cracked chevron notched Brazilian disc, and semi-circular bend (SCB) methods. In this study, we compare the results of the SCB technique with those of the recently proposed pseudo-compact tension (pCT) test, which has proven to be convenient for the assessment of KIC in both fragile and ductile rocks. We select the SCB as a benchmark method due to its popularity, simplicity, and straightforward testing configuration. We discuss the results of 146 tests performed with different lithologies (Arcera, Pinacas and Corvio sandstones, and Blanco Mera granite), different sample sizes (100, 50 and 38 mm diameter), and a range of notch lengths. We also assess test repeatability and intercomparability of the results obtained using the two techniques. Compared with the SCB test, the pCT test allows for improved control of the specimen behaviour after the peak load, which provides a greater wealth of fracture mechanics information. pCT specimens yield results with higher repeatability than SCB samples. Although we observe that KIC tends to decrease with an increase in the notch length ratio, this effect appears to be non-significant based on statistical assessments. Accordingly, the corresponding mean KIC values are comparable for medium- and large specimens. The influence of specimen size is more pronounced in the SCB tests, while the pCT tests show less dependence for harder lithologies. Therefore, to set up minimum specimen requirements for fracture toughness testing, in addition to geometrical constraints, some key lithology-dependent properties (strength, mineralogy, grain size, etc.) should also be considered. Further methodological considerations related to test execution are also discussed.This work was funded by Repsol S.A. and supported by the Xunta de Galicia, the European Union (European Social Fund - ESF) and the MINECO/AEI/FEDER EU project BIA2017-87066-R. Funding for open access charge: Universidade da Coruña/CISUG

Therapeutic characteristics of Galician mineral and thermal waters (NW-Spain) ascribed to their local/regional geological setting

[Abstract] Galicia is located in the NW corner of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain). From a geological point of view, the territory belongs to the Hercynian chain and, more specifically, to a large outcrop dominated by igneous and metamorphic rocks called the Hesperian Massif or Iberian Massif. In some sectors the Hesperian Massif is partially covered by more recent sedimentary deposits. The geology of Galicia is very complex due to the age of the rocks that make up its substrate and their diversity. Thus, the hydrogeological behaviour of the underground medium (hydrodynamic and hydrogeochemical characteristics) will determine the therapeutic properties of the water emanating from the surface. In Galicia, aquifers are generally shallow with low mineralization, except for those whose waters come from deep fractured mediums. The chemical characteristics of the water are directly related to the geological matrix. The groundwater flows through the geological medium and is mineralogically enriched by heterogeneous chemical reactions. Galicia turns out to be an area rich in the potential exploitation, applications and use of different water resources. These resources are thermal, mineral-natural and mineral-medicinal waters. In this work, we have developed a study that relates the geology, hydrogeological and hydrogeochemica

Photoelastic stress analysis of mode I fracture toughness tests using PMMA samples

[Abstract:] Rocks are usually inhomogeneous and anisotropic materials. The presence of foliation planes, grain boundaries or even microcracks may alter the stress distribution. In order to identify whether unusual behaviours in rocks are due to these imperfections or result from other factors (e.g. experimental configuration), the analyses of homogenous and isotropic materials is an useful approach. We have performed a series of mode I fracture toughness (KIC) tests using polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) samples, which has the advantage of allowing photoelastic stress analysis based on its birefringent nature. Three different testing configurations were considered in the study: S\ emi-circular bend (SCB) test, the pseudo-compact tension (pCT) test, and a new alternative configuration based on the previous two that we have called pseudo-SCB (pSCB) test. To perform the photoelastic analysis, all the experiments were complemented with a specially-designed experimental setup consisting in two orthogonally arranged circular polarizers placed on both sides of the tested specimens. Using a source of white (polychromatic) light on one end it is possible to record the stress distribution using a digital camera aligned with the samples on the other end. As the load increases, a distinct evolving pattern of colour fringes can be visualized in the samples illustrating the spatially distributed stress levels. Based on this analysis we observe in some of the tests performed non-symmetrical stress fields. Although this behaviour could be related with the testing configuration, results suggest that other features, such as the shape of the notch tip, imperfections in sample preparation, or the misalignment of the samples in the testing device may also have an influence in stress distribution.Ministerio de Asuntos Económicos y Transformación Digital, MINECO; BIA2017- 87066-

Energy Absorption of Aluminium Extrusions Filled with Cellular Materials Under Axial Crushing: Study of the Interaction Effect

Artigo publicado no número especial Armour and Protection Systems: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci/special_issues/Armour_Protection_System[Abstract] This investigation focuses on the interaction effect during the quasi-static axial crushing of circular and square thin-walled aluminium extrusions filled with polymeric foam or cork. The increment in the absorbed energy due to interactions between materials was assessed using a validated numerical model calibrated with experimental material data. Simulations were run with variable cross-section dimensions, thickness, and foam density. The results were used to adjust the parameters of design formulas to predict the average crush forces of foam- and cork-filled thin-walled tubes. The analysis of the energy dissipation per unit volume revealed that the highest increments due to the interaction between materials appeared in the foam-filled square extrusions. Energy dissipation increased with higher density foams for both cross-sections due to a stronger constraint of the aluminium walls, and thus a reduction of the folding length. Thinner tube walls also delivered a higher improvement in the energy dissipation per unit volume than those with thicker walls. The contribution of friction was also quantified and investigated.This research was funded by the Spanish Goverment (Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad) grant number PID2019-108307RB-I00; and from the Research Council of Norway grant number 237885, SFI-CASA, and NTNUResearch Council of Norway; 237885https://www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci/special_issues/Armour_Protection_Syste

Hydrostatic, strike-slip and normal stress true triaxial hydrofracturing testing of Blanco Mera Granite: breakdown pressure and tensile strength assessment

Financiado para publicación en acceso aberto: Universidade da Coruña/CISUG[Abstract:] We have designed and built a versatile testing device to perform hydraulic fracturing experiments under true triaxial conditions. The device, based on a stiff biaxial frame that can be installed in a servocontrolled press, can accommodate cube rock samples of up to 150 mm-edge. Using a low-permeability rock known as Blanco Mera granite, we have performed a series of tests across a range of confining pressures including hydrostatic, normal, and strike-slip regimes. We have verified the applicability of two simple fracture mechanics-based models for the interpretation of experimental results, and we have determined the value of tensile strength of the rock from the injection curves recorded. The orientation of the hydraulically-triggered fractures with respect to the applied stress has also been analyzed. Although the models proposed by Rummel and Abou-Sayed provided reasonably satisfactory results, especially for hydrostatic and strike-slip tests, the presence of heterogeneities and defects in the rock matrix may have a strong influence on the fracture behavior and, therefore, affect the interpretation of hydrofracturing tests.This work was funded by REPSOL S.A. and the support of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (PID2021-126419NB-I00). A. Muñoz-Ibáñez also acknowledges the Margarita Salas grant from the Spanish Ministry of Universities, funded by the European Union – Next Generation EU. Funding for open access charge: Universidade da Coruña/CISUG

Hydrofracturing tests on granite samples using a true triaxial device equipped with acoustic emission sensors

[Abstract:] We present a series of tests performed on granite samples using a true triaxial device designed and built at the Rock Mechanics Laboratory (University of A Coruña). The experiments were performed using cubic rock samples of 150 mm-edge, which were loaded to different stress conditions (σh < σh < σy < 45 MPa) on each loading axis. The device is based on a stiff steel frame that can be coupled to a servo-hydraulic testing machine that provides de vertical stress (av), while two high-pressure pumps are used to deliver the lateral stress (σh and ah). An additional high-pressure pump is used to inject the fluid (mineral oil) into the rock sample at a low constant-flow rate. The aluminium loading platens, which are bevelled at the edges to avoid interaction among adjacent faces, have holes and grooves to introduce acoustic emission sensors that allow the location of fracture propagation. The specimens were drilled using a 6 mm drill bit until reaching the geometrical centre. Then, a 1/8" (~3.18 mm) stainless steel tube is glued to the samples with epoxy. Strain measurements during the experiments were conducted using four strain gages attached to the orthogonal faces of the specimens. The system was further equipped with three LVDTs to account for the bulk displacement on each axis. Our results suggest a linear relationship between the breakdown pressure and the confining stress under hydrostatic conditions but no clear correlation in non-hydrostatic stress regime.Ministerio de Asuntos Económicos y Transformación Digital, MINECO; BIA2017- 87066-