Application of Computational MBD for Simulation of Wrap Packaging Performance

This paper concerns evaluation of the performance of plastic wrap films applied for packaging engineering by numerical simulation. In particular, the feasibility of computational techniques as supporting tool for packaging testing is investigated. A wrap film model constituted by a web of point masses connected by springs and dampers is applied to a number of stacked box-shaped objects. These will be modeled as perfectly rigid using simulation techniques from 3D multibody dynamics. Contact mechanics are simulated by penalization methods. A simple example demonstrates the potential of the developed framework

Journal Off-Beat

Off-beat: informal, unusual, off-centre, ex-centric, outside the beaten track. JOURNAL OFF-BEAT tenu par deux flâneuses, Dominique Hecq from Australia et Chantal Danjou de France,  chaque territoire géographique déliant non pas une seule langue, maternelle ou de choix, mais des langues confrontées et tramées, même si chaque auteur garde une expression privilégiée dans sa langue

On numerical simulation of the dynamics of bottles in conveyor systems

The present paper concerns the dynamic behavior of bottles transported by conveyor systems. Such systems are widely applied in numerous industries. However, if systems are not properly designed or controlled, multiple undesired phenomena, like clogging or severe bottle scuffing, may occur in the bottle bulk. These effects are eventually strongly linked to the dynamic behavior of- and interaction between bottles. In order to propose a simulation model to support the design process needed for bottle conveyors, the plane mechanical behavior of bottles in a parametrically defined plant is considered. Generation of geometry, contact simulations by penalization and Coulomb friction is included in the model, which is solved by numerical integration of the Newton-Euler equations. The model is developed applying basic concepts from mechanics and numerical analysis and is therefore well-suited for implementation in any software for scientific programming. Results obtained with the model represent the expected physical effects for soft bottles well. A strategy for improvement of the computational efficiency of the method for modeling of high stiffness bottles is outlined

Saint Vincent and Islam

Vincent de Paul took a great interest in Islamic countries; indeed, the Congregation’s first foreign mission was to Constantinople in the Ottoman Empire. He was especially concerned with missions to North African countries and continued them despite considerable obstacles. While conversions of Muslims were desirable, they were to be made discreetly, and the confreres’ main priorities were to minister spiritually and corporally to Christian slaves. If Muslims were to be converted, he believed that they would be won over by deeds and love rather than by force or arguments. Yves Danjou explains how Vincent respected Muslims, especially considering the era. He was well-informed about them from different sources and recommended some of their practices and actions as examples to the Congregation and the Daughters of Charity. He also understood Muslim thought about Jesus and Mary. Vincent’s pastoral theology is explained. Danjou also discusses the importance of Islam in Vincent de Paul’s time, France’s relationship with Islamic countries, and French knowledge of Islam