A Fast Matrix Compression Method for Large Scale Numerical Modelling of Rotationally Symmetric 3D Passive Structures in Fusion Devices

This paper illustrates the development of a recursive QR technique for the analysis of transient events, such as disruptions or scenario evolution, in fusion devices with three-dimensional conducting structures using an integral eddy current formulation. An integral formulation involves the solution, at each time step, of a large full linear system. For this reason, a direct solution is impractical in terms of time and memory consumption. Moreover, typical fusion devices show a symmetric/periodic structure. This can be properly exploited when the plasma and other sources possess the same symmetry/periodicity of the structure. Indeed, in this case, the computation can be reduced to only a single sector of the overall structure. In this work the periodicity and the symmetries are merged in the recursive QR technique, exhibiting a huge decrease in the computational cost. Finally, the proposed technique is applied to a realistic large-scale problem related to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)

Validation of a Simulation Methodology for Thermoplastic and Thermosetting Composite Materials Considering the Effect of Forming Process on the Structural Performance

This research work investigated the influence of the press molding manufacturing process on the mechanical properties, both for thermoplastic and thermosetting fiber reinforced composite materials. The particular geometry of the case study, called Double Dome, was considered in order to verify the behavior of the Thermoplastic and Thermosetting prepreg in terms of shell thickness variation and fibers shear angle evolution during the thermoforming process. The thermoforming simulation was performed using LS-DYNA Finite Element Analysis (FEA) code, and the results were transferred by Envyo, a dedicated mapping tool, into a LS-DYNA virtual model for the structural simulation. A series of Double Dome specimens was produced with industrial equipment, and a bending experimental test was been carried on. Finally, a numerical-experimental correlation was performed, highlighting a significant forecast of the mechanical properties for the considered component

Astro MBSE: model based system engineering synthesized for the Italian astronomical community

Systems Engineering requires the involvement of different engineering disciplines: Software, Electronics, Mechanics (often nowadays together as Mechatronics), Optics etc. Systems Engineering of Astronomical Instrumentation is no exception to this. A critical point is the handling of the different point of view introduced by these disciplines often related to different tools and cultures. Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach can help the Systems Engineer to always have a complete view of the full system. Moreover, in an ideal situation, all of the information resides in the model thus allowing different views of the System without having to resort to different sources of information, often outdated. In the real world, however, this does not happen because the different actors (Optical Designers, Mechanical Engineers, Astronomers etc.) should adopt the same language and this is clearly, at least nowadays and for the immediate future, close to impossible. In the Italian Astronomical Community, we are developing methodologies and tools to share the expertise in this field among the different projects. In this paper we present the status of this activity that aims to deliver to the community proper tools and template to enable a uniformed use of MBSE (friendly name Astro MBSE) among different projects (ground and space based, …). We will analyze here different software and different approaches. The target and synthesis of this work will be a support framework for the MBSE based system Engineering activity to the Italian Astronomical Community (INAF)

Astro MBSE: overview on requirement management approaches for astronomical instrumentation

Systems Engineering requires the involvement of different engineering disciplines: Software, Electronics, Mechanics (often nowadays together as Mechatronics), Optics etc. Astronomical Instrumentation is no exception to this. A critical point is the handling of the requirements, their tracing, flow down and the interaction with stakeholders (flow up) and subsystems (flow down) in order to have traceable and methodical evolution and management. In the Italian Astronomical Community, we are developing methodologies and tools to share the expertise in this field among the different projects. In this paper we will focus on the requirement management approach among different projects (ground and space based, …). The target and synthesis of tis work will be a support framework for the Requirement management of the Italian Astronomical Community (INAF) projects

Applying the convention on biological diversity pathway classification to alien species in Europe

The number of alien species arriving within new regions has increased at unprecedented rates. Managing the pathways through which alien species arrive and spread is important to reduce the threat of biological invasions. Harmonising information on pathways across individual sectors and user groups is therefore critical to underpin policy and action. The European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN) has been developed to easily facilitate open access to data of alien species in Europe. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Pathway Classification framework has become a global standard for the classification of pathways. We followed a structured approach to assign pathway information within EASIN for a subset of alien species in Europe, which covered 4169 species, spanning taxonomic groups and environments. We document constraints and challenges associated with implementing the CBD Pathway Classification framework and propose potential amendments to increase clarity. This study is unique in the scope of taxonomic coverage and also in the inclusion of primary (independent introductions to Europe) and secondary (means of dispersal for species expansion within Europe, after their initial introduction) modes of introduction. In addition, we summarise the patterns of introduction pathways within this subset of alien species within the context of Europe. Based on the analyses, we confirm that the CBD Pathway Classification framework offers a robust, hierarchical system suitable for the classification of alien species introduction and spread across a wide range of taxonomic groups and environments. However, simple modifications could improve interpretation of the pathway categories ensuring consistent application across databases and information systems at local, national, regional, continental and global scales. Improving consistency would also help in the development of pathway action plans, as required by EU legislation

MORFEO enters final design phase

MORFEO (Multi-conjugate adaptive Optics Relay For ELT Observations, formerly MAORY), the MCAO system for the ELT, will provide diffraction-limited optical quality to the large field camera MICADO. MORFEO has officially passed the Preliminary Design Review and it is entering the final design phase. We present the current status of the project, with a focus on the adaptive optics system aspects and expected milestones during the next project phase

Be social, be agile: team engagement with Redmine

System engineering and project-team management are essential tools to ensure the project success and the Redmine is a valuable platform for the work organization and for a system engineered approach. We review in this work the management needs related to our project, and suggest the possibility that they fit to many research activities with a similar scenario: small team, technical difficulties (or unknowns), intense activity sprints and long pauses due to external schedule management, a large degree of shared leadership. We will then present our implementation with the Redmine, showing that the use of the platform resulted in a strong engagement and commitment of the team. The explicit goal of this work is also to rise, at least internally, the awareness about team needs and available organizational tools and methods; and to highlight a shareable approach to team management and small scale system engineering

Alien pathogens on the horizon: opportunities for predicting their threat to wildlife

According to the Convention on Biological Diversity, by 2020 invasive alien species (IAS) should be identified and their impacts assessed, so that species can be prioritized for implementation of appropriate control strategies and measures put in place to manage invasion pathways. For one quarter of the IAS listed as the “100 of the world's worst” environmental impacts are linked to diseases of wildlife (undomesticated plants and animals). Moreover, IAS are a significant source of “pathogen pollution” defined as the human-mediated introduction of a pathogen to a new host or region. Despite this, little is known about the biology of alien pathogens and their biodiversity impacts after introduction into new regions. We argue that the threats posed by alien pathogens to endangered species, ecosystems, and ecosystem services should receive greater attention through legislation, policy, and management. We identify 10 key areas for research and action, including those relevant to the processes of introduction and establishment of an alien pathogen and to prediction of the spread and associated impact of an alien pathogen on native biota and ecosystems. The development of interdisciplinary capacity, expertise, and coordination to identify and manage threats was seen as critical to address knowledge gaps