Análisis de daño y estudio de tensiones residuales en componentes mecánicos

Conferencia invitadaUnderstanding the effect of residual stresses in critical for the structural integrity of railway and other mechanical components [1–3]. The most important methods for residual stress measurements are introduced, together with their main advantages and disadvantages [4]. Neutron and synchrotron strain measurements performed in European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (France) [5], Institut Laue Langevin (France) [1], Diamond Light Source (UK) [6,7] and ISIS Neutron and Muon Source (UK) are described. They allow the in-plane components of the stress tensor acting in cross-sectional rail slices to be mapped [8–10]. Alternative techniques such as laboratory X-rays and magnetic measurement systems MAPS are also depicted, showing coarser detail but similar trends than previous methods. Stress balancing appears to be worst in zones where significant plastic deformation takes place [11,12]. In addition, the measurements are complemented with contour method analysis to map the longitudinal stress components. REFERENCES [1] J.F. Kelleher, Residual Stress in Railway Rails, PhD thesis, University of Manchester, School of Materials, 2006. [2] B. Moreno, A. Martin, P. Lopez-Crespo, J. Zapatero, J. Dominguez, Estimations of fatigue life and variability under random loading in aluminum Al-2024T351 using strip yield models from NASGRO, International Journal of Fatigue. 91 (2016) 414–422. [3] C.A. Simpson, S. Kozuki, P. Lopez-Crespo, M. Mostafavi, T. Connolley, P.J. Withers, Quantifying fatigue overload retardation mechanisms by energy dispersive X-ray diffraction, Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids. 124 (2019) 392–410. [4] P.J. Withers, H.K.D.H. Bhadeshia, Residual stress. Part 1 - Measurement techniques, Materials Science and Technology. 17 (2001) 355–365.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech. Departamento de Ingeniería Civil, de Materiales y Fabricació

Difracción de rayos X y difracción de neutrones en estudios de fatiga y fractura de materiales

Conferencia invitada de Joseph F KelleherThe fatigue behaviour of polycrystalline metals is often studied through crack propagation analysis [1,2]. Nevertheless, understanding the mechanical processes that take place right at the crack tip [3,4] would also involve considering the deformation developing at the plastic zone and the contact between the crack faces over a portion of the loading cycle [5–7]. Paris law or newer models such as Forman equation are commonly used to interpret growth data [8], but cannot be used to generalise for complex loading scenarios, such as multiaxial loads [9–11] or variable amplitude loads [2]. Diffraction methods are a powerful tool to characterise crack tip strains and stresses [12]. The basics principles of neutron and synchrotron diffraction for measuring bulk properties are discussed [13,14], with special emphasis on grain size effects [15,16], transition between plane stress and plain strain conditions [17], measurement of the plastic zone and development of shielding effects at the crack tip [18]. REFERENCES [1] P. Lopez-Crespo, P.J. Withers, F. Yusof, H. Dai, A. Steuwer, J.F. Kelleher, T. Buslaps, Overload effects on fatigue crack-tip fields under plane stress conditions: surface and bulk analysis, Fatigue and Fracture of Engineering Materials and Structures. 36 (2013) 75–84. [2] B. Moreno, A. Martin, P. Lopez-Crespo, J. Zapatero, J. Dominguez, Estimations of fatigue life and variability under random loading in aluminum Al-2024T351 using strip yield models from NASGRO, International Journal of Fatigue. 91 (2016) 414–422. [3] C. Bathias, Retrospective view on the role of the plastic zone at a fatigue crack tip, Fatigue and Fracture of Engineering Materials and Structures. 19 (1996) 1301–1306. [4] P. Lopez-Crespo, D. Camas, F. V Antunes, J.R. Yates, A study of the evolution of crack tip plasticity along a crack front, Theoretical and Applied Fracture Mechanics. 98 (2018) 59–66.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech. Departamento de Ingeniería Civil, de Materiales y Fabricació

Descriptive versus Prescriptive Discounting in Climate Change Policy Analysis

This paper distinguishes between five different approaches to social discount rates in climate change economics, criticizes two of these, and explains how the other three are to some degree mutually compatible. It aims to shed some new light on a longstanding debate in climate change economics between so-called “descriptivists” and “prescriptivists” about social discounting. The ultimate goal is to offer a sketch of the conceptual landscape that makes visible some important facets of the debate that very often go unacknowledged

Evidence of endothelial dysfunction in the development of Alzheimer's disease : Is Alzheimer's a vascular disorder?

Acknowledgements Dr Soiza is funded by an NRS Career Research Fellowship. The authors are grateful to Alzheimer’s Research UK for providing funding.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Robust variables control charts based on sample means

In-control probability properties of variables control charts for mean population surveillanc

Simplified solutions for two-person percentile games

Specialized zero-sum game solution using expected values for evaluation of marked set assurance probability in two-person percentile game

Generally applicable N-person percentile game theory for case of independently chosen strategies

Method for determining outcomes and optimum strategy for all players in discrete N-person game theory with independently chosen strategie

Median two person game theory and examples of its flexibility in applications

Probability distribution in two person game theor

Dark solitons in laser radiation build-up dynamics

We reveal the existence of slowly-decaying dark solitons in the radiation build-up dynamics of bright pulses in all-normal dispersion mode-locked fiber lasers, numerically modeled in the framework of a generalized nonlinear Schr\"odinger equation. The evolution of noise perturbations to quasi-stationary dark solitons is examined, and the significance of background shape and soliton-soliton collisions on the eventual soliton decay is established. We demonstrate the role of a restoring force in extending soliton interactions in conservative systems to include the effects of dissipation, as encountered in laser cavities, and generalize our observations to other nonlinear systems

Towards 'smart lasers': self-optimisation of an ultrafast pulse source using a genetic algorithm

Short-pulse fibre lasers are a complex dynamical system possessing a broad space of operating states that can be accessed through control of cavity parameters. Determination of target regimes is a multi-parameter global optimisation problem. Here, we report the implementation of a genetic algorithm to intelligently locate optimum parameters for stable single-pulse mode-locking in a Figure-8 fibre laser, and fully automate the system turn-on procedure. Stable ultrashort pulses are repeatably achieved by employing a compound fitness function that monitors both temporal and spectral output properties of the laser. Our method of encoding photonics expertise into an algorithm and applying machine-learning principles paves the way to self-optimising `smart' optical technologies