Study on identification of damping system based on motion state

A correct identification for damping system is the foundation to select the dynamic analysis method. In this study, the differences between motion states in different damping systems are investigated initially. A theoretical identification method based on motion state is proposed with the spatial continuity of the motion, and the coordination of the motion state is used as the objective function. In addition, dynamic simulation results of a set of plates are compared to clarify the physical interpretation of the identification method. The method is applied to three practical examples with recognized damping system, including the motion of seismic isolation bearings, whiplash effect, semi-active controlling systems, and soil–structure interaction system. The analysis results verify that the proposed identification method is feasible in practical engineering.

Development of a new recline mechanism in order to reduce the “whiplash” effect using a virtual model

The purpose of this paper is to design a mechanism mounted on the occupant’s seat to control the recline of the backseat in the case of rear-end collisions to reduce the effects of whiplash upon the occupant’s neck and head using a virtual model of an occupant and seat. The design of the system is modeled in SolidWorks and simulated in this software by using the Adams physics model included in SolidWorks. The system will function similarly to a real sled; it is composed of a car’s seat, a multibody occupant and a surface along which the seat may slide. This system will be validated by comparing two real sled tests and a seat normally functioning. Once validated, the mechanism is enabled to make simulations which are conducted to analyze the differences in kinematics of the occupant’s neck and the various key parameters such as head accelerations, contact forces and T1 vertebrae acceleration. The multibody occupant is composed of multiple bodies inter-connected with joints and it will simulate a real occupant. As for the evaluation of injury potential for the neck, the neck injury criteria (NIC) are calculated for the comparisons of the two situations: when the backseat has normal rigidity and when the recline mechanism is activated. It was observed that, by using this recline mechanism, the key parameters were reduced. This paper presents the new developed mechanism with the obtained parameter reductions.

Preparation and Study of a Type of Magneto-Rheological Materials Used in Vibration Control of Space Grid Structure

A type of Magneto-Rheological Materials (MRMs) was prepared. The off-state viscosity and the shear stress of the MRMs were characterized and studied by an advanced rotational rheometer system. A kind of Self-Decoupling Magneto-rheological (SDMR) damper was established based on these MRMs. An intellectual isolation system for grid structures was obtained by integrating SDMR damper and isolation device. The seismic whiplash effect of the top bent frame column and space grid roof of the hydropower plant could be reduced. Furthermore, the half stable increment method was proposed as the semi-active strategy. The results indicated that the SDMR dampers used at the grid roof supports setting plate rubber bearings can significantly improve the vibration performance and energy dissipation structure roof isolation system in different seismic intensity. In addition, these SDMR dampers can effectively reduce the lateral slippage of the plate rubber, so as to avoid failure or damage of the isolation system because of the transfinite horizontal displacements. Compared with the conventional damper only in case of multiple earthquakes, the damping force and adjustable multiple of this SDMR damper have better adaptability, and this SDMR damper provides a higher safety factor.

Life After NBC’s “The Biggest Loser”: The Experiences and Perspectives of Former Reality TV Contestants

Utilizing Qualitative Description influenced by aspects of phenomenology, we conducted fifteen open-ended, semi-structured interviews with former contestants of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser.” The purpose of the study was to explore experiences of significant weight loss. We focused on challenges, emotional well-being, and relational dynamics of contestants transitioning through their weight loss journeys, which included what happened after the show was completed. Further, we analyzed perspectives regarding the utility of Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) in working with this population. In the study, three themes emerged which included: (1) Living at the ranch: It’s reality TV, not reality; (2) After the confetti falls: Post-Traumatic Reality TV Syndrome and The Whiplash Effect; and (3) Therapeutic treatment: Much needed but nowhere to be found. The study includes a rich description of the data, as well as a discussion of clinical implications.

Avoiding predicate whiplash: social choice theory and linguistic vagueness

Vagueness effects predictably occur in predicates that aggregate judgments along a number of different criteria. With these types of aggregations, small changes along one of the criteria can lead to big changes in the outcome of the aggregation procedure. Vagueness results from avoiding this ‘whiplash’ effect.

Dynamic Analysis of Concrete Frame Structure with Story-Adding Steel Structure at the Top

After steel structure was added on top of a concrete frame structure, the mass, stiffness, natural period and damping ratio of the original frame structure has changed significantly. Using finite element software ANSYS and software PKPM respectively, model of the original frame structure and the new structure with story-adding steel structure were built. Furthermore, seismic performance of the three structures was studied. Weak location of the structure was found out. Finally, the main factors were analyzed. Results show that whiplash effect is not obvious when one-story steel structure was added on the top of the original frame structure. Also, seismic performance of the frame structure with two-story steel structures on the top is perfect. Some suggestions are put forward for designing the similar structure.