197,810 research outputs found
Wear and Friction Modeling on Lifeboat Launch Systems
The RNLI provides search and rescue cover along the UK and RoI coast using a variety of lifeboats
and launch techniques. In locations where there is no natural harbour it is necessary to use a slipway
to launch the lifeboat into the sea. Lifeboat slipway stations consist of an initial section where the
boat is held on rollers followed by an inclined keelway lined with low friction composite materials,
the lifeboat is released from the top of the slipway and proceeds under its own weight into the water.
The lifeboat is later recovered using a winch line. It is common to manually apply grease to the
composite slipway lining before each launch and recovery in order to ensure sufficiently low friction
for successful operation. With the introduction of the Tamar class lifeboat it is necessary to upgrade
existing boathouses and standardise slipway operational procedures to ensure consistent operation.
The higher contact pressures associated with the new lifeboat have led to issues of high friction and
wear on the composite slipway linings and the manual application of grease to reduce friction is to be
restricted due to environmental impact and cost factors. This paper presents a multidisciplinary
approach to modelling slipway panel wear and friction using tribometer testing in conjunction with
finite element analysis and slipway condition surveys to incorporate common real-world effects such
as panel misalignments. Finally, it is shown that a freshwater lubrication system is effective,
reducing cost and environmental impacts while maintaining good friction and wear performance
Jewett, Town of and Laborers International Union of North America, Local 17
In the matter of Fact Finding Between Town of Jewett And Laborers International Union of North America, Local 17. PERB Case M2008-168. Before: Thomas B. Quimby, PERB-Appointed Fact Finder
Resolving Malpractice Disputes: Imaging the Jury’s Shadow
The ability of juries to resolve malpractice suits was studied. Results showed that most of the time, jury outcomes represent a fair resolution of the claim, but the risk that the result will not be fair is real and troubling
- …