Multiscale structural optimisation with concurrent coupling between scales

A robust three-dimensional multiscale topology optimisation framework with concurrent coupling between scales is presented. Concurrent coupling ensures that only the microscale data required to evaluate the macroscale model during each iteration of optimisation is collected and results in considerable computational savings. This represents the principal novelty of the framework and permits a previously intractable number of design variables to be used in the parametrisation of the microscale geometry, which in turn enables accessibility to a greater range of mechanical point properties during optimisation. Additionally, the microscale data collected during optimisation is stored in a re-usable database, further reducing the computational expense of subsequent iterations or entirely new optimisation problems. Application of this methodology enables structures with precise functionally-graded mechanical properties over two-scales to be derived, which satisfy one or multiple functional objectives. For all applications of the framework presented within this thesis, only a small fraction of the microstructure database is required to derive the optimised multiscale solutions, which demonstrates a significant reduction in the computational expense of optimisation in comparison to contemporary sequential frameworks. The derivation and integration of novel additive manufacturing constraints for open-walled microstructures within the concurrently coupled multiscale topology optimisation framework is also presented. Problematic fabrication features are discouraged through the application of an augmented projection filter and two relaxed binary integral constraints, which prohibit the formation of unsupported members, isolated assemblies of overhanging members and slender members during optimisation. Through the application of these constraints, it is possible to derive self-supporting, hierarchical structures with varying topology, suitable for fabrication through additive manufacturing processes.Open Acces

Playing Fair in the Boardroom: An Examination of the Corporate Structures of European Football Clubs

Article published in the Michigan State International Law Review

Development of an Autonomous Single-Point Calibration for a Constant Voltage Hot-Wire Anemometer

Traditionally, the measurement of turbulence has been conducted using hot-wire anemometry. This thesis presents the implementation of a constant voltage hot-wire anemometer for use with the Boundary Layer Data System (BLDS). A hot-wire calibration apparatus has been developed that is capable of operation inside a vacuum chamber and flow speeds up to 50 m/s. Hot-wires operated with a constant-voltage anemometer (CVA) were calibrated at absolute static pressures down to 26 kPa. A thermal/electrical model for a hot-wire and the CVA circuit successfully predicted the measured CVA output voltage trend at reduced pressure environments; however, better results were obtained when the Nusselt number was increased. A calibration approach that required only one measured flow speed was developed to allow autonomous calibrations of a CVA hot-wire. The single-point calibration approach was evaluated through comparison with the experimental data from the vacuum chamber over a range of 14-50 m/s and at pressures from 26 to 100 kPa. The thermal-electrical model was used to make predictions of CVA output voltage and the corresponding flow speed for conditions that could not be replicated within a laboratory. The first set of predictions were made for conditions from 7.5 to 100 kPa, at a constant temperature of 25⁰C, within a flight speed range of 40 to 150 m/s. Single-point calibrations were developed from these predictions. Additionally, the thermal-electrical model was used to predict hot-wire response for a change in temperature of 25⁰C at 26 kPa and the single-point calibration developed for the pressure range 7.5 to 100 kPa was tested for its ability to adjust. The temperature variation at a single pressure of 26 kPa proved that the single-point function was capable of adapting to off-standard temperatures with the largest deviations of +/- 7% in the mid-range velocities. With a temperature drop, the deviations were below 5%. The second set of thermal-electrical predictions involved conditions for altitude from 0 to 18 km at flow speeds from 40 to 150 m/s. A single-point calibration was developed for altitude conditions. Furthermore, to test the single-point calibration the thermal-electrical model was used to predict hot-re response for a temperature variation of 25⁰C at 18 km. The single-point calibration developed for altitude proved that it was capable of adjusting to a temperature variation of 25⁰C with maximum deviations of about 5% at mid-range velocities. It is proposed that the single-point calibration approach could be employed for CVA measurements with the Boundary Layer Data System (BLDS) to allow hot-wire data to be acquired autonomously during flight tests

Arizona’s Senate Bill 1070: A Case Study on State-Sponsored Immigration Policy

This study assesses the origins of Arizona’s state-sponsored immigration policy. It attempts to identify the social dynamics within Arizona that contributed to the overwhelming public support for SB 1070. Since it has been two years after the law was passed, this analysis determines what impact the law has had thus far within the state. Finally, it postulates the future of Arizona’s immigration policy

A Short Empirical Note on State Misery Indexes

This paper constructs state level Misery Indexes, incorporating recent data on Regional Pricing Parities. As an application, it draws the Phillips curve derived from a panel of fifty states plus the District of Columbia in the years 2008-2011. A state level Misery Index will allow economists and the public to evaluate the overall macroeconomic picture of a regional economy, just as the Misery Index currently allows in the national and international context

Dynamic conductor ratings: annealing properties of homogenous conductors across varying climatic conditions

Static line ratings are currently utilised by electrical supply authorities to provide a safe and conservative rating for their overhead network. This in turns provides energy security to the customer and longevity for the conductor. Due to current economic environments, energy supply authorities are starting to consider the implementation of dynamic line ratings (DLRs). The dissertation’s main objective is to analyse the available methodologies for modelling the heat balance equation (HBE) in order to provide Ergon Energy Corporation Limited (EECL) the means to implement dynamic ratings. Research has proven that a DLR exploits the available weather parameters and temperature levels in order to increase or decrease the networks ampacity, hence a DLR is typically established by adjusting the convective losses. This has become an area of interest for EECL as they continue to investigate ways to reduce both their capital and operational expenditure, whilst continuing to be an explorative and innovative company. The initial aim of scrutinising the HBE methodology is to determine which application is most suitable for EECL. This was identified as a critical task as the Australian standard AS/NZS 7000:2010 directs the reader directly to IEC/TR 61597-1995, which is dramatically different to that which is provided by ESAA D(b)5 1988, the currently methodology utilised by EECL. The results of this sensitivity test reiterated that the existing process provided by ESAA D(b)5 is in fact satisfactory as it is more superior to the IEC/TR 61597, hence eliminating EECL from remodelling there ratings process. The completion of the sensitivity analysis returned results that highlighted specific characteristics which can be used to adjust the ampacity of the network. These components are; ambient temperature; wind speed; and wind approach angle. Such knowledge becomes beneficial as EECL has access to the Bureau of Meteorology’s (BOM) historical weather data, for which a statistical analysis can provide a means of predicting the types of weather conditions expected over the duration of the dynamic period. Associated with DLRs is the inherent risk of conductor annealing and increased conductor sag. Understanding the severity of the risks, it has been identified that the lifespan of the conductor was required to be determined. Calculating this is problematic for EECL as there are minimal records of conductor operating temperatures and high temperature exposures. To overcome this problem, a dynamic conductor ratings model was created. This model stipulates that if the current tensile strength of the conductor is unknown, it is to be sampled and tested. The results of this test will provide an expected tensile strength that can be used to back engineer the residual lifespan, hence allowing for the level of risk in a DLR to be quantified. The impact of uprating a conductor with respects to DLRs, as identified in the dissertation, has the potential to provide great financial benefits and more flexibility to the network. It also has the potential to place the asset and community at serious risk. The results and outcomes of this dissertation have the potential to assist plant rating engineers, asset managers and network planners in their understanding and application of DLRs, such that they will be able to identify portions of the network which as safe to uprate and portions which may require de-rating. It is also expected that by highlighting the risks involved, it will encourage EECL to begin monitoring the lifespan of the network, hence allowing them to gain a better knowledge of the life expectancy of a network and its available ampacity

Mercy vs. Justice - Blood of the Lamb

How did Christ\u27s death save us? The Atonement is a Christian doctrine which has been heavily debated in how it should be understood since the beginnings of Christianity. This analysis covers the theological theories of the Atonement, narrates a Catholic layman\u27s personal understanding that is based on scholarly research and is kept within the bounds of Catholic doctrine, and summarizes the thoughts and feelings of surveyed college-age Christians on the subject