scholarly journals The quest for a unified theory on biomechanical palm risk assessment through theoretical analysis and observation

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Sterken

AbstractSeveral methodologies related to the biomechanical risk assessment and the uprooting and breaking potential of palms are reviewed and evaluated in this study. Also a simple mathematical model was designed, to simulate the results of critical wind speed predictions for a tall coconut palm by using classic beam theory and Brazier buckling. First, the review presents arguments that assess the applicability of some influential claims and tree and palm risk assessment methods that have been amply marketed in the last 20 years. Then, the analysis goes beyond the classical procedures and theories that have influenced the arboricultural industry and related press so far. And afterwards, rationale behind several postulated ideas are presented, that are hoped to be fruitful in the path towards a new biomechanical theory for the biomechanical risk assessment of palms. The postulated model envisages the palm stem as a viscoelastic and hollow cylinder that is not only prone to buckling, ovalization and kinking, but also fatigue, shear, splitting and crack propagation. This envisaging was also the main reason why simple Brazier buckling formulation was experimentally applied to simulate the breaking risk of a cocostem. This study also enables a better understanding of the wide range of factors that may influence the mechanical behaviour of trees and palms under (wind) loading.

Author(s):  
Gibin Gil ◽  
Sujin Lee

ABSTRACT In radial tires, belt structure plays a role of minimizing the lateral deflection of carcass, which has a significant influence on the cornering and wear properties of a tire. The deflection of carcass affects the magnitude of tread block deformation when the tire is under the slip angle. As a result, it can change the cornering stiffness characteristics of the tire, especially when the vertical load is high. During tire development, a tire design engineer tries to find the optimal belt ply angle that satisfies the various performance requirements simultaneously, but it is not an easy task because the effect of belt angle change is different depending on the size of the tire. There have been many attempts to construct a mathematical model that represents the structural properties of the belt package, including the string-based model and the beam on elastic foundation model. But, in many cases, only the in-plane bending of belt is considered and the shear deformation is not taken into consideration. In this study, the effect of belt angle change on belt stiffness is analyzed using a mathematical model based on the Timoshenko beam theory. This model can account for the in-plane bending and shear deformation of the belt structure at the same time. The results of the analysis show how the contribution of bending and shear is changed depending on a tire design parameter, herein the belt cord angle. The effect of belt ply angle change on cornering stiffness is investigated by means of the brush model including belt flexibility. The prediction by the brush model is compared with the measurement using a Flat-trac machine, and the validity of the model is discussed.


Author(s):  
Sergei Soldatenko ◽  
Sergei Soldatenko ◽  
Genrikh Alekseev ◽  
Genrikh Alekseev ◽  
Alexander Danilov ◽  
...  

Every aspect of human operations faces a wide range of risks, some of which can cause serious consequences. By the start of 21st century, mankind has recognized a new class of risks posed by climate change. It is obvious, that the global climate is changing, and will continue to change, in ways that affect the planning and day to day operations of businesses, government agencies and other organizations and institutions. The manifestations of climate change include but not limited to rising sea levels, increasing temperature, flooding, melting polar sea ice, adverse weather events (e.g. heatwaves, drought, and storms) and a rise in related problems (e.g. health and environmental). Assessing and managing climate risks represent one of the most challenging issues of today and for the future. The purpose of the risk modeling system discussed in this paper is to provide a framework and methodology to quantify risks caused by climate change, to facilitate estimates of the impact of climate change on various spheres of human activities and to compare eventual adaptation and risk mitigation strategies. The system integrates both physical climate system and economic models together with knowledge-based subsystem, which can help support proactive risk management. System structure and its main components are considered. Special attention is paid to climate risk assessment, management and hedging in the Arctic coastal areas.


Universe ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 233
Author(s):  
Ambra Nanni ◽  
Sergio Cristallo ◽  
Jacco Th. van Loon ◽  
Martin A. T. Groenewegen

Background: Most of the stars in the Universe will end their evolution by losing their envelope during the thermally pulsing asymptotic giant branch (TP-AGB) phase, enriching the interstellar medium of galaxies with heavy elements, partially condensed into dust grains formed in their extended circumstellar envelopes. Among these stars, carbon-rich TP-AGB stars (C-stars) are particularly relevant for the chemical enrichment of galaxies. We here investigated the role of the metallicity in the dust formation process from a theoretical viewpoint. Methods: We coupled an up-to-date description of dust growth and dust-driven wind, which included the time-averaged effect of shocks, with FRUITY stellar evolutionary tracks. We compared our predictions with observations of C-stars in our Galaxy, in the Magellanic Clouds (LMC and SMC) and in the Galactic Halo, characterised by metallicity between solar and 1/10 of solar. Results: Our models explained the variation of the gas and dust content around C-stars derived from the IRS Spitzer spectra. The wind speed of the C-stars at varying metallicity was well reproduced by our description. We predicted the wind speed at metallicity down to 1/10 of solar in a wide range of mass-loss rates.


Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 2796
Author(s):  
Andrzej Osuch ◽  
Ewa Osuch ◽  
Stanisław Podsiadłowski ◽  
Piotr Rybacki

In the introduction to this paper, the characteristics of Góreckie lake and the construction and operation of the wind-driven pulverizing aerator are presented. The purpose of this manuscript is to determine the efficiency of the pulverizing aerator unit in the windy conditions of Góreckie Lake. The efficiency of the pulverization aerator depends on the wind conditions at the lake. It was necessary to conduct thorough research to determine the efficiency of water flow through the pulverization segment (water pump). It was necessary to determine the rotational speed of the paddle wheel, which depended on the average wind speed. Throughout the research period, measurements of hourly average wind speed were carried out. It was possible to determine the efficiency of the machine by developing a dedicated mathematical model. The latest method was used in the research, consisting of determining the theoretical volumetric flow rates of water in the pulverizing aerator unit, based on average hourly wind speeds. Pulverization efficiency under the conditions of Góreckie Lake was determined based on 6600 average wind speeds for spring, summer and autumn, 2018. Based on the model, the theoretical efficiency of the machine was calculated, which, under the conditions of Góreckie Lake, amounted to 75,000 m3 per year.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 787
Author(s):  
Bartłomiej Ambrożkiewicz ◽  
Grzegorz Litak ◽  
Anthimos Georgiadis ◽  
Nicolas Meier ◽  
Alexander Gassner

Often the input values used in mathematical models for rolling bearings are in a wide range, i.e., very small values of deformation and damping are confronted with big values of stiffness in the governing equations, which leads to miscalculations. This paper presents a two degrees of freedom (2-DOF) dimensionless mathematical model for ball bearings describing a procedure, which helps to scale the problem and reveal the relationships between dimensionless terms and their influence on the system’s response. The derived mathematical model considers nonlinear features as stiffness, damping, and radial internal clearance referring to the Hertzian contact theory. Further, important features are also taken into account including an external load, the eccentricity of the shaft-bearing system, and shape errors on the raceway investigating variable dynamics of the ball bearing. Analysis of obtained responses with Fast Fourier Transform, phase plots, orbit plots, and recurrences provide a rich source of information about the dynamics of the system and it helped to find the transition between the periodic and chaotic response and how it affects the topology of RPs and recurrence quantificators.


Author(s):  
David Callaway ◽  
Jeff Runge ◽  
Lucia Mullen ◽  
Lisa Rentz ◽  
Kevin Staley ◽  
...  

Abstract The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization broadly categorize mass gathering events as high risk for amplification of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread in a community due to the nature of respiratory diseases and the transmission dynamics. However, various measures and modifications can be put in place to limit or reduce the risk of further spread of COVID-19 for the mass gathering. During this pandemic, the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security produced a risk assessment and mitigation tool for decision-makers to assess SARS-CoV-2 transmission risks that may arise as organizations and businesses hold mass gatherings or increase business operations: The JHU Operational Toolkit for Businesses Considering Reopening or Expanding Operations in COVID-19 (Toolkit). This article describes the deployment of a data-informed, risk-reduction strategy that protects local communities, preserves local health-care capacity, and supports democratic processes through the safe execution of the Republican National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. The successful use of the Toolkit and the lessons learned from this experience are applicable in a wide range of public health settings, including school reopening, expansion of public services, and even resumption of health-care delivery.


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