Cosserat thermo-mechanics under finite deformations: theory and finite element implementation

211 p.The objective of this thesis is to propose a theory that is able to capture specific phenomena during machining operations on metals. Recent investigations proved that dislocations-driven mechanisms at molecular or atomic scale strongly affect the response of the medium when the deformations are localized in small areas compared to grain size. The classical continuum mechanics fails at predicting size effects, so new theories are required. Furthermore, during machining operations, strong thermal-microstructure interactions occur, and such pivotal relationships must be properly captured. In the last century, the strain-gradient theories have been used to overcome these shortcomings of the classical continuum mechanics. A special form of strain gradient theory is the Cosserat theory, which includes the microstructure grain rotation and its gradient as additional deformation measures, therefore allowing the theory to predict size-effects.A finite-deformation thermodynamically compatible elasto-visco-plastic Cosserat theory is presented in this investigation, alongside its numerical implementation in a Finite Element software. The theory is firstverified against previously derived analytical solutions and then used to analyze the size effect in a Hat-Shaped shear tests and simplified machining simulation of a Titanium Alloy. The focus of the investigations was to predict the correct thickness of the adiabatic shear band that forms in the metal during machining operations. Similar tests have been used to analytically identify the thickness of the adiabatic shear band. Finally, the effect of the additional material parameter (directly defining the intrinsic characteristic length of the continuum) on the thickness of the shear band has been examined during machining operations

Validation Procedure for Predictive Functions of Driver Behaviour on Two-Lane Rural Roads

The study presented here aims to validate some operating speed prediction models calibrated on two-lane rural roads by using speed data collected in Northern and Southern Italy. Operating speed is defined as the speed at which drivers of passenger cars travel on a dry road in free flow conditions during daylight hours and it is calculated using a specific percentile of speed distribution, typically the 85th. Speed measurements were carried out by using laser detectors in connection with previous environmental and traffic conditions. The study is addressed to emphasize the reliability and easy application of one predictive speed model working both on tangent segments and on circular curves. The calibration phase involved roads in the Northern Italy, while the validation phase involved roads in the Southern Italy. Three models were validated applying them on eight two-lane rural roads falling within the road network of the Province of Salerno with features that reflect those adopted in the calibration phase; the selected models to be validated present the simplest analytical structure for type and number of explanatory variables and for the performance diagram shape of the operating speed values. The validation procedure was to estimate some synthetic statistical parameters as mean absolute deviation, mean squared error and coefficient of variation. The results allow in a simple way to trace continuous operating speed profiles on two-lane rural roads and to carry out safety analyses on the horizontal alignment

Meiosis progression and donor age affect expression profile of DNA repair genes in bovine oocytes

Several genetic and physiological factors increase the risk of DNA damage in mammalian oocytes. Two critical events are meiosis progression, from maturation to fertilization, due to the extensive chromatin remodelling during genome decondensation and aging which is associated to a progressive oxidative stress. In this work, we studied the transcriptional patterns of three genes, RAD51, APEX-1 and MLH1, involved in DNA repair mechanisms. The analyses were performed by Real-Time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) in immature and in vitro matured oocytes collected from 17 ± 3 mo old heifers and 94 ± 20 mo old cows. Batches of 30-50 oocytes for each group (three replicates) were collected from ovarian follicles of slaughtered animals. The oocytes were freed from cumulus cells at the time of follicle removal, or after IVM carried out in M199 supplemented with 10% foetal calf serum, 10 IU LH /ml, 0.1 IU FSH /ml and 1 µg 17β-oestradiol/ml. Total RNA was extracted by Trizol method. The expression of bovine GAPDH gene was used as internal standard, while primers for bovine RAD51, APEX-1 and MLH1 genes were designed from DNA sequences retrieved from GeneBank. Results obtained indicate a clear up-regulation of RAD51, APEX-1 and MLH1 genes after IVM ranging between 2- and 4-fold compared to GV oocytes. However, only RAD51 showed a significant transcript increase between the immature oocytes collected from young and old individuals. This finding candidates RAD51 as gene marker for discriminating bovine immature oocytes in relation to the donor age

PERANCANGAN GEDUNG PERTUNJUKAN SENI DI BANDA ACEH

ABSTRAKPERANCANGAN GEDUNG PERTUNJUKAN SENIDI BANDA ACEHOleh:Deddy Handayani1004104010047Gedung Pertunjukan Seni di Banda Aceh merupakan suatu wadah bagi para seniman untuk menampilkan karyanya baik berupa seni musik dan tari sehingga dapat ditonton oleh penikmat seni atau masyarakat luas sebagai sarana hiburan dan rekreasi. Lokasi perencanaan terletak di kawasan Jalan Sultan Iskandar Muda, Ulee Lheue Kecamatan Meuraxa yang merupakan kawasan pengembangan rekreasi kota Banda Aceh.Tujuan utama perancangan Gedung Pertunjukan Seni ini diawali dengan pendekatan studi literatur dan studi banding kemudian dilanjutkan dengan tahap identifikasi masalah yang muncul dalam proses perancangan dan melakukan analisa-analisa untuk memberikan tanggapan desain yang sesuai dengan kondisi lingkungan dan fisik bangunan.Hasil pembahasan analisa dituangkan dalam bentuk konsep perancangan gedung dengan tema Arsitektur Neo Vernakuler yang selanjutnya menjadi acuan dalam perancangan bangunan.Kata kunci : Gedung Pertunjukan Seni di Banda Aceh, Arsitektur Neo VernakularABSTRACTPERFORMING ARTS BUILDING DESIGNIN BANDA ACEHBy:Deddy Handayani1004104010047Performing Arts Building in Banda Aceh is a facility for artists to perform their works like musics and dance, soit can be watched by public as entertainment and also recreation. Site plan of this design located in Jalan Sultan Iskandar Muda District, Ulee Lheue Kecamatan Meuraxa where is an area of recreational development of Banda Aceh City.The main purpose of this Performing Arts Building Design is started by aproaching literatue and comparative studies and then the step is followed by the identification problems in design proses and after that conduct analyzes to provide an apropriate response to the environmental and physical conditions of the building.The results of this discussion is made in set forth in the form of building design concept with the Architecture Neo Vernacular concept which became a reference in building designing.Keywords : Performing Arts Building in Banda Aceh, Architecture Neo VernacularBanda Ace

Aerodynamic Analysis of the Aerospaceplane HYPLANE in Supersonic Rarefied Flow

HyPlane is the Italian aerospaceplane proposal targeting, at the same time, both the space tourism and point-to-point intercontinental hypersonic flights. Unlike other aerospaceplane projects, relying on boosters or mother airplanes that bring the vehicle to high altitude, HyPlane will take off and land horizontally from common runways. According to the current project, HyPlane will fly sub-orbital trajectories under high-supersonic/low-hypersonic continuum flow regimes. It can go beyond the von Karman line at 100 km altitude for a short time, then starting the descending leg of the trajectory. Its aerodynamic behavior up to 70 km have already been studied and the results published in previous works. In the present paper some aspects of the aerodynamic behavior of HyPlane have been analyzed at 80, 90 and 100 km. Computer tests, calculating the aerodynamic parameters, have been carried out by a Direct Simulation Monte Carlo code. The effects of the Knudsen, Mach and Reynolds numbers have been evaluated in clean configuration. The effects of the aerodynamic surfaces on the rolling, pitching and yawing moments, and therefore on the capability to control attitude, have been analyzed at h=100 km. The aerodynamic behavior has been compared also with that of another aerospaceplane at 100 km both in clean and flapped configuration

Removing the division into categories between cycling and para-cycling (Handbike category H) by designing a single performance and training activity

Cycling and all categories of para-cycling including Handbike are cyclical sports, that is, sports characterized using a specific skill, continuous skill. To separate competitions between cyclists and paracyclists, there is a classification system. The study in aims to design one activity performance and training, to eliminate the division into categories between cycling and para-cycling (Handbike), since this does not favour the integration and sporting inclusion of the two groups of athletes. The differences in performance will be identified between: cyclists and paracyclists with spinal cord injury or amputation of the lower limbs (H). Then will proceed to design and verify an activity capable of making the two categories compete and train together, eliminating the differences in performance through the use of a "counterweight" and using a mixed training, HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) and Endurance. The sample taken into consideration is composed of 5 cyclists and 5 paracyclists (H) aged between 19 and 38 years. To achieve the goal, the study was based on the method of analysing the scientific literature, detecting the various parameters in the race and using mathematical statistical methods, such as Multiple Regression and the T-Test for independent samples. The analysis of the results of this study shows that; between cyclists and para-cyclists who participated, there are substantial differences in performance, thanks to the data obtained from multiple regression, in which we find an R-squared value that is .999975008, also the only positive coefficient among the independent variables is that of power (6.760634791). This means that of all the reported values, it is the only one that directly affects performance

Evaluation of White Striping prevalence and predisposing factors in broilers at slaughter

White striping ( WS: ) is an alteration of breast and thigh muscles of broiler chickens characterized by the presence of white striations parallel to the direction of muscle fibers. This study was performed to evaluate the prevalence and the predisposing factors to WS in commercial broilers of different weight reared in northern Italy. Fifty seven broiler flocks, including animals of medium- and heavy-weight, were grossly evaluated at slaughter for the presence of WS. For each flock, breeding data (mean BW at slaughter, ADG, sex, color of skin and fat, genetic line, age, antibiotic treatment, and prevalence of deep pectoral myopathy) were collected and statistically analyzed to assess their correlation with WS. Histology of breast fillets affected by different grades of WS was performed to evaluate potential differences between medium- and heavy-weight broilers. The overall prevalence of WS in medium- and heavy-weight broilers (mean BW 2.59 \ub1 0.13 kg and 3.64 \ub1 0.34 kg, respectively) was 70.2 \ub1 7.9% and 82.51 \ub1 8.5%, respectively, while the percentage of severe WS was 13.3 \ub1 7.1% and 25.7 \ub1 12.8%, respectively. A strong correlation was found between presence of WS, BW at slaughter, and ADG (Pearson correlation = 0.69, P < 0.01; Pearson correlation = 0.67, P < 0.01). WS also closely correlated with the prevalence of deep pectoral myopathy (Spearman's Rho slaughterhouse 1 = 0.74, Spearman's Rho slaughterhouse 2 = 0.51, P < 0.01). No correlation was found between genetics or sanitary status of the flock and WS. Histology confirmed that breasts with WS lesions were affected by a polyphasic degenerative and necrotizing myopathy, and that the lesions, as expected, were more severe in heavy-weight broilers. In conclusion, WS is a major concern in commercial meat poultry reared in Italy, affecting more severely heavier broilers, and it is mainly related to the BW and ADG of animals

Key sectors in Input-Output Production Networks: an application to Brexit

This paper presents the first detailed and holistic description of the European production network (EPN) and provides different rankings of the most 'systemically important' industries involved in Brexit. Employing techniques of complex networks analysis and Input-Output traditional tools, the study identifies those industries that are key in the complex structure of the UK-EU trade relationships. The method developed would help policy-makers to better understand which tariff would have a more distortive impact, which export sector should be pushed, which imports should be safeguarded. Such information may have foremost importance in the negotiations between the UK and EU. Our findings suggest that Brexit would be not just a problem for the UK, as it is often portrayed, but any form of Brexit could propagate affecting the global production system. Further, by inspecting industries centrality within the EPN, we find that the UK could be less exposed to trade barriers than EU countries