Mechanical Elements Research Articles

Mechanism of criminal activity aimed at unlawful seizure of business entities’ assets

Based on the analysis of the investigative and judicial practice of investigation of criminal offences related to raiding, and also on the generalization of theoretical developments on the mechanism of criminal activity, the article proves that the mechanism of criminal activity of raiders is complex and multifaceted, since it is manifested in a variety of criminal offences which may sometimes even be embodied by criminal technologies. Based on the scientific research carried out, depending on the object and subject matter of the offence, it has been established that criminal offences related to raiding can be classified into several groups. In this regard, it is proposed that in the context of cognition of the criminal activity of raiders, the author distinguishes a specific mechanism of criminal activity, which should be understood as the internal systemic order of interaction of the forensically significant elements of criminal activity of a raider, a group of raiders and factors of objective reality, which is caused by the object and subject of criminal encroachment and is a reflection of criminal activity and is manifested in a group of constituent elements covering forensically significant information. It is determined that the constituent elements of the species mechanism should be considered to be the situation, the subject matter of the criminal offence, the totality of actions of the offender and other persons associated with him/her, the behaviour of the victim and the actions of persons who were accidental participants to the criminal offence or were otherwise involved in the implementation of the criminal intent of the raider, a group of raiders, and the correlations between the actions of the offender and the criminal result which occurred as a result of the criminal actions of the offender. It is emphasised that the prospects for further research should be detailed characteristics of the outlined elements of the specific mechanisms of each of the identified groups of criminal offences related to raiding.

Computational and Experimental Characterization of Aligned Collagen across Varied Crosslinking Degrees.

Collagen-based scaffolds have been widely used in tissue engineering. The alignment of collagen fibers and the degree of crosslinking in engineering tissue scaffolds significantly affect cell activity and scaffold stability. Changes in microarchitecture and crosslinking degree also impact the mechanical properties of collagen scaffolds. A clear understanding of the effects of collagen alignment and crosslinking degrees can help properly control these critical parameters for fabricating collagen scaffolds with desired mechanical properties. In this study, combined uniaxial mechanical testing and finite element method (FEM) were used to quantify the effects of fiber alignment and crosslinking degree on the mechanical properties of collagen threads. We have fabricated electrochemically aligned collagen (ELAC) and compared it with randomly distributed collagen at varying crosslinking degrees, which depend on genipin concentrations of 0.1% or 2% for crosslinking durations of 1, 4, and 24 h. Our results indicate that aligned collagen fibers and higher crosslinking degree contribute to a larger Young's modulus. Specifically, aligned fiber structure, compared to random collagen, significantly increases Young's modulus by 112.7% at a 25% crosslinking degree (0.1% (4 h), i.e., 0.1% genipin concentration with a crosslinking duration of 4 h). Moreover, the ELAC Young's modulus increased by 90.3% as the crosslinking degree doubled by changing the genipin concentration from 0.1% to 2% with the same 4 h crosslinking duration. Furthermore, verified computational models can predict mechanical properties based on specific crosslinking degrees and fiber alignments, which facilitate the controlled fabrication of collagen threads. This combined experimental and computational approach provides a systematic understanding of the interplay among fiber alignment, crosslinking parameters, and mechanical performance of collagen scaffolds. This work will enable the precise fabrication of collagen threads for desired tissue engineering performance, potentially advancing tissue engineering applications.

Non-mechanical steering of the optical beam in spectral-domain optical coherence tomography

We demonstrate in a proof-of-concept experiment spectral-domain optical coherence tomography where steering of the optical beam that probes the sample in a transverse scan does not make use of any mechanical element. Steering is done with the help of a phase-only spatial light modulator, that introduces a spatially-dependent phase between the two orthogonal polarization components of an optical beam, and some optical elements that control the polarization of light. We demonstrate that making use of the non-mechanical beam steering system considered here, we can reproduce the main traits of imaging with standard OCT that makes use of mechanical-assisted optical beam steering.

К вопросу о моделировании системы обеспечения безопасности человека в российской Арктике

The research objective of this article is to develop an optimal model for a human security system in the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation (AZRF). This topic has gained particular relevance as the focus of Arctic exploration has shifted to include human interests, needs, concerns, and threats to human security. Despite this shift, the concept of human security has not yet been incorporated into the strategic documents of the Russian Federation that outline development priorities for the AZRF, nor into practical policies at the federal, regional, or municipal levels. This study employs qualitative methods of systems modeling and elements of quantitative analysis to create a human security index for the AZRF. The novelty of this study lies in its analysis of the existing human security system in the AZRF, identifying the key elements of the management mechanism, their interrelationships, and the challenges in the mechanism's functioning. Based on this analysis, specific recommendations are proposed to optimize the structure of public administration in this area and to improve the effectiveness of interactions between government structures, businesses, and civil society organizations (including indigenous peoples' organizations) operating in the AZRF. Additionally, the study develops a set of specific indicators describing various aspects of the human security system in the region. In accordance with UN recommendations, these indicators are classified into seven groups, covering economic, food, health, environmental, personal, cultural, linguistic, and political aspects of human security. Using these indicators, the study proposes to create a human security index for the Russian Arctic. This index will enable the monitoring of human security trends in the AZRF and inform adjustments to government policy in this area.

Comparison of SHD-IBG and PVIBGT in ONFH including mechanical and pathological analysis of failure cases

Currently, there is a lack of relevant research on the efficacy difference between SHD combined with IBG and PVIBGT in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head(ONFH). Firstly, this study intends to compare the effectiveness of surgical hip dislocation combined with impacting bone grafts (SHD-IBG) and pedicled vascularised iliac bone graft transfer (PVIBGT) in treating ONFH. And the study investigates patients who suffered from hip preservation failures from both groups to better comprehend failure reasons. 30 patients (34 hips) with ARCO stage IIIA femoral head necrosis were selected between January 2012 and July 2022. They were divided into group A(SHD-IBG) and group B (PVIBGT) according to different surgical methods. Firstly, compared the 1-year effect between SHD-IBG and PVIBGT at 1 year postoperatively; Secondly, assessed the medium and long-term efficacy of SHD-IBG hip preservation treatment; Lastly, based on study of the femoral head removed from patients with hip preservation failure in the two groups, the reasons for the failure of hip preservation were comprehensively analyzed in the two groups. Group A: 11 males (13 hips), 4 females (4 hips);Group B: 9 males (11 hips), 6 females (6 hips).Firstly, the average Harris scores of the two groups at 1 year after surgery: preoperative: 70.7, 1 year after surgery: 78.9 in group A; preoperative: 69.5, 1 year after surgery: 81.5 in group B. The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05).Compared to the preoperative period, quantitative analysis by DCE-MRI showed an increase in perfusion in the necroticarea and an improvement in hyperperfusion in the repair-responsive area one year after the surgery. Secondly, in group A, the hip preservation rate was 88.2% at 2.5–11 (average of 77 months) years of follow-up, and the mean Harris score at the last follow-up was 73.2.Semi-quantitative analysis of postoperative DCE-MRI showed that the perfusion curves of necrotic and repaired areas were similar to those of the normal area. This suggests the instability within the femoral head had been effectively improved, and the perfusion had partially recovered. Thirdly, according to Micro-CT and pathologica studies of patients with hip preservation failure in these two groups, all these patients' femoral head was significantly collapsed and deformed. Their trabeculae was thin and partially disorganized, with fractures in the subchondral bone and separation of the cartilage from the subchondral bone. The necrotic areas had sparse trabeculae, disorganized arrangement, loss of continuity, and disappearance of cells in the trabecular traps. The necrotic area was covered with fibrous tissue, and partial restoration was observed in the repair area. Mechanical finite element analysis showed that the maximum equivalent force was observed in the weight- bearing area and the cortical bone surrounding the shaft of femurand. The result of DCE-MRI showed that the repair reaction area exhibited abnormal hyperperfusion. In this study, the efficacy of SHD-IBG and PVIBGT was compared at 1 year after operation, and the long-term follow-up of SHD-IBG was 2.5–11 (mean 77 months) years, combined with DCE-MRI results, we found that the short-term effect of PVIBGT was more significant than that of SHD-IBG. SHD-IBG can achieve satisfactory hip preservation in the medium and long term follow-up.

Towards an integrated approach to EU foreign policy? Horizontal spillover across the humanitarian–development and the security–migration interfaces

ABSTRACT Combining theoretical insights from works on policy integration and institutional overlap, this article develops a novel analytical framework to account for variations in policy integration in the EU’s external relations. We argue that the greater the level of institutional fit between different areas of the EU’s external relations, the greater the prospects for deepening policy integration through a ‘horizontal spillover’ mechanism. Specifically, we argue that network formation, policy entrepreneurship and political socialisation are key elements of this horizontal spillover mechanism leading towards greater policy integration. Empirically, we explore the relevance of our theoretical claims for the interface between the EU’s development policy and its humanitarian aid policy and between the CSDP and external migration policy in the AFSJ domain. Whilst both policy interfaces have been marked by growing functional pressures, we show that differences in institutional fit have resulted in varying degrees of progress in policy integration.

Shear stress identification in plate rubber bearing using surface-bonded piezoelectric transducer: A feasibility study

This paper presented a preliminary study on the feasibility of shear stress identification in plate rubber bearings using surface-bonded piezoceramic (PZT) transducers. A PZT-rubber bearing structural dynamic interaction model was developed to analyze the shear stress effect on the electromechanical admittance (EMA, inverse of impedance) by introducing a mechanical impedance system consisting of parallel mechanical elements. 3D finite element (FE) model of a full-sized plate rubber bearing was generated to detect shear stress using the EMA signatures. Proof-of-concept experiment was finally conducted on two plate rubber bearings subjected to shearing force, during which the process was monitored by three PZT sheets arranged at different loci. Theoretical, numerical and experimental results demonstrated that identification results of PZT transducers were closely related to the PZT location, shear stress in rubber bearings were generally in linear relationship with the peak values of EMA spectrum and its statistically quantifiable indicators.

Impact of the soil-foundation-structure interaction in the seismic behaviour of a heritage masonry tower: The Giralda of Seville

The seismic safety of heritage buildings may be affected by the interaction between the soil, the foundation and the structure, which is usually neglected in conventional seismic assessments. These factors are particularly important in the case of slender constructions, such as masonry towers, over soft strata. Hence, this work deals with the influence of the soil-foundation-structure interaction in the seismic behaviour of complex heritage masonry towers. The investigations have been carried out considering the case study of the Giralda tower in Seville, Spain. The region is an earthquake-prone area, characterised by far away very large earthquakes with long-return periods. The Giralda tower is a slender brick unreinforced masonry tower, 95 m high and about 13 m wide. It features a high artistic value and popularity as it has been the historical symbol of the city. It was declared a UNESCO Word Heritage Site of Outstanding Universal Value in 1987. Apart from its slenderness, the tower presents some other seismic vulnerabilities: openings irregularities, material heterogeneity and the position of a belfry on the top. Furthermore, the building is placed on soft alluvial strata and has a shallow foundation. Likewise, the tower has a considerable weight, which has caused large settlements. A thorough evaluation of the soil, the foundation and the structure has been carried out to develop a complex and detailed finite element model. Macro mechanical elements and the direct method have been used to develop the numerical model of the tower in the OpenSees framework. Free ambient vibration tests and non-destructive experiments have been used to calibrate the model. Its dynamic behaviour has been evaluated considering the seismic action suggested by the Spanish Code and those determined through a seismic response analysis, bearing in mind different return periods and considering real ground motions. Finally, the numerical results showed that the effect of the soil and the foundation have a significant impact on the seismic behaviour of the bell tower, amplifying the acceleration and its damage at the top.

EVIDENTIARY STANDARDS OF THE UN COMPENSATION COMMISSION: TAKEAWAYS FOR UKRAINE

Background: According to international law, a state responsible for internationally wrongful acts is obliged to fully compensate for the damage caused by such acts (Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts, Art. 31). Accordingly, victims who suffered losses as a result of such actions are entitled to compensation. To implement these fundamental principles, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe established the Register of Damages Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. It is just the first of three elements of the future compensation mechanism for Ukraine (the other two, yet to be created, are the compensation commission and the compensation fund). However, to get compensation, every victim of the war will have to prove his or her case before the future commission. In this regard, the evidentiary standards will become critical. To understand how future compensation mechanism for Ukraine could operate, it is useful to study the practice of similar institutions. The UN Compensation Commission deserves special attention, as it could provide valuable insights into how war-related damage must be proven to warrant compensation. Methods: The article’s primary purpose is to explore the approach adopted by the UN Compensation Commission with respect to evidentiary standards. To this end, the article will first outline the general framework of the Commission's work, its purpose and organisational structure. It is then necessary to describe the categories of claims reviewed by the Commission, since - as will be shown later - the Commission applied a diversified approach: different categories of claims were subject to different evidentiary standards with varying degrees of exactingness. This differentiation was necessitated by the prioritisation of claims and the use of an expedited procedure for reviewing first-priority claims. This main part of the study will focus on the Commission's documents that illustrate its approach to evidentiary standards. First, the three evidentiary standards applied by the Commission will be outlined and explained: proving the incident alone with no need to establish the extent of the damage; proving damage on the basis of a "reasonable minimum" of evidence appropriate in the circumstances; and proving damage on the basis of documentary and other evidence sufficient to establish the extent of the damage. The article will then analyse how these three standards were applied in practice to the selected categories of personal injury claims. Finally, the conclusions will consider what takeaways can be drawn from the Commission's case law for the Ukrainian case. Results and Conclusions: In times of armed conflict and occupation, gathering evidence of harm is notably challenging for victims due to various reasons. This fact calls for special consideration from international compensation mechanisms, which cannot adhere to the rigid formalities used in regular court proceedings. That is why the international law of evidence is adaptable and seeks to adjust to claimants' unique situations. This adaptability is exemplified by the relaxed and diversified standards of proof utilised by the UN Compensation Commission. Diversifying the standards of proof in the practice of the UN Compensation Commission consisted of applying three different approaches to different categories of claims. In addition, the burden placed on claimants was eased by presumptions developed in the Commission's case law. The pioneering approaches of the UN Compensation Commission should be applied and refined within an international compensation mechanism for Ukraine. This entails prioritising individual claims, introducing both regular and expedited tracks for processing claims, and ensuring flexibility with regard to the burden of proof and evidentiary standards to accommodate the challenges of wartime evidence collection without overwhelming victims.

Continuously Variable Two-Flow Hydrostatic-Mechanical Transmission of Crawler Tractor

The paper proposes an original design of a continuously variable two-flow hydrostatic-mechanical transmission, which ensures division of the power flow along the sides of the crawler tractor. To ensure stability of rectilinear motion, their volumetric and mechanical efficiency, the maximum pressure of the working fluid in the hydraulic transmission, the maximum speed and torque on the shaft of the hydraulic motor. The parameters of an unregulated hydraulic motor, an adjust-table pump and mechanical transmission elements are selected. A mathematical model of the rectilinear motion of a caterpillar tractor with a continuously variable hydrostatic-mechanical transmission has been developed, taking into account the weight of the tractor, the parameters of the running system, the characteristics of the internal combustion engine, the parameters and efficiency of hydraulic machines, gearboxes, range and transfer boxes, planetary gear and allowing to determine the efficiency of individual branches and the entire transmission, carry out traction calculations of the tractor. A calculation program has been developed that implements the mathematical model. The parameters of the dual-flow transmission are selected so that most of the torque is transmitted through the mechanical branch and the transmission has a fairly high efficiency value. The maximum value of tractor traction efficiency is realized in the second and third ranges, which are designed to perform basic tillage operations.

Establishment of a Mouse Model of Mycoplasma pneumoniae-Induced Plastic Bronchitis.

Plastic bronchitis (PB) constitutes a life-threatening pulmonary disorder, predominantly attributed to Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection. The pathogenic mechanisms involved remain largely unexplored, leading to the absence of reliable approaches for early diagnosis and clear treatment. Thus, the present investigation aimed to develop an MP-induced mouse model of PB, thereby enhancing our understanding of this complex condition. In the first stage, healthy BALB/c mice were utilized to investigate the optimal methods for establishing PB. This involved the application of nebulization (15-20 min) and intratracheal administration (6-50 μL) with 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) concentrations ranging from 4.5% to 7.5%. Subsequently, the MP model was induced by administering an MP solution (2 mL/kg/day, 108 CFU/50 μL) via the intranasal route for a duration of five consecutive days. Ultimately, suitable techniques were employed to induce plastic bronchitis in the MP model. Pathological changes in lung tissue were analyzed, and immunohistochemistry was employed to ascertain the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR-3) and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. The administration of 4.5% CEES via a 6 µL trachea was the optimal approach to establishing a PB model. This method primarily induced neutrophilic inflammation and fibrinous exudate. The MP-infected group manifested symptoms indicative of respiratory infection, including erect hair, oral and nasal secretions, and a decrease in body weight. Furthermore, the pathological score of the MP+CEES group surpassed that of the groups treated with MP or CEES independently. Notably, the MP+CEES group demonstrated significant activation of the VEGFR-3 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways, implying a substantial involvement of lymphatic vessel impairment in this pathology. This study successfully established a mouse model of PB induced by MP using a two-step method. Lymphatic vessel impairment is a pivotal element in the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying this disease entity. This accomplishment will aid in further research into treatment methods for patients with PB caused by MP.

An improved creep model for unsaturated reticulated red clay

Establishment of a creep model is an important method to analyze the relationship between soil creep deformation and time, and the element model is widely used for studying soil creep. However, the element creep model is employed for fitting saturated soil, and the mechanical element model is generally linear, which cannot well fit the nonlinear deformation of the soil with time in practice. The creep process of the soil is not only time-dependent, but also related to the deviatoric stress level. Therefore, the fractional calculus theory and a parameter n reflecting the effect of deviatoric stress level on the creep properties of the soil were introduced into the element model, and the fractional qBurgers creep model was established by using the fractional Koeller dashpot and Caputo fractional calculus. The proposed model was used to fit the triaxial test data of reticulated red clay under different net confining pressures and matric suctions by unsaturated triaxial apparatus. The proposed model can well describe the nonlinearity of unsaturated reticulated red clay, has memory and global correlation to the creep development process of unsaturated reticulated red clay, and has clear physical meaning. The functional relationships of the model parameters with the matric suction, net confining pressure and deviatoric stress level were deduced, so that the creep curves of unsaturated reticulated red clay can be obtained for any conditions, which is of great value for the study of unsaturated soils.

DISCRETE-CONTINUOUS PROCESSES AS THE MATHEMATICAL BASIS OF THE RELIABILITY OF THE BEHAVIOR OF SUBSYSTEMS OF THE "DRIVER-VEHICLE-ROAD-ENVIRONMENT" SYSTEM

The work is devoted to the study of the reliability of the behavior of subsystems of the driver-car-road-environment system. According to the definition of a number of researchers, traffic safety is a complex and system of rules, measures and means that ensure safe traffic conditions, which are aimed at protecting and preserving the life and health of active and passive road users, as well as protecting and preserving the environment and property. Therefore, the question of studying all aspects of the operation of the "Driver-car-road-environment" system becomes acute. The general approach to the formation of reliability models of the B-A-D-S system consists in the fact that this model is described in a formalized form from the standpoint of the reliability of the interaction of subsystems in the process of functioning and reflects the degree of influence of the reliability of individual subsystems on the reliability of the system as a whole. Usually, reliability indicators of system elements (failure intensity) are determined on the basis of the laws of distribution of time of failure-free operation, and the concept of "failure" is clearly defined for each subsystem. Reliability models formed in terms of element failures are the main type of system reliability models. It follows that the set of combinations of possible states of elements determines the set of possible states of the system in general, which is called the space of system states (control theory). When writing the work, the research of domestic and foreign authors on the issues of the basics of reliability and risk assessment was studied. The purpose of the publication is to study approaches to ensuring the reliability of complex systems. It was determined that for all mechanical elements (car parts, road elements) the most suitable failure model is the DM-distribution, while the estimation of the coefficient of variation can be in the range from 0.3 to 0.7

Quantum 3.0: Quantum Learning, Quantum Heuristics and Beyond

Quantum learning paradigms address the question of how best to harness conceptual elements of quantum mechanics and information processing to improve operability and functionality of a computing system for specific tasks through experience. It is one of the fastest evolving framework, which lies at the intersection of physics, statistics and information processing, and is the next frontier for data sciences, machine learning and artificial intelligence. Progress in quantum learning paradigms is driven by multiple factors: need for more efficient data storage and computational speed, development of novel algorithms as well as structural resonances between specific physical systems and learning architectures. Given the demand for better computation methods for data-intensive processes in areas such as advanced scientific analysis and commerce as well as for facilitating more data-driven decision-making in education, energy, marketing, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, finance and industry.

Quantum 3.0: Quantum Learning, Quantum Heuristics and Beyond

Quantum learning paradigms address the question of how best to harness conceptual elements of quantum mechanics and information processing to improve operability and functionality of a computing system for specific tasks through experience. It is one of the fastest evolving framework, which lies at the intersection of physics, statistics and information processing, and is the next frontier for data sciences, machine learning and artificial intelligence. Progress in quantum learning paradigms is driven by multiple factors: need for more efficient data storage and computational speed, development of novel algorithms as well as structural resonances between specific physical systems and learning architectures. Given the demand for better computation methods for data-intensive processes in areas such as advanced scientific analysis and commerce as well as for facilitating more data-driven decision-making in education, energy, marketing, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, finance and industry.

Molecular basis for differential Igk versus Igh V(D)J joining mechanisms

In developing B cells, V(D)J recombination assembles exons encoding IgH and Igκ variable regions from hundreds of gene segments clustered across Igh and Igk loci. V, D and J gene segments are flanked by conserved recombination signal sequences (RSSs) that target RAG endonuclease1. RAG orchestrates Igh V(D)J recombination upon capturing a JH-RSS within the JH-RSS-based recombination centre1–3 (RC). JH-RSS orientation programmes RAG to scan upstream D- and VH-containing chromatin that is presented in a linear manner by cohesin-mediated loop extrusion4–7. During Igh scanning, RAG robustly utilizes only D-RSSs or VH-RSSs in convergent (deletional) orientation with JH-RSSs4–7. However, for Vκ-to-Jκ joining, RAG utilizes Vκ-RSSs from deletional- and inversional-oriented clusters8, inconsistent with linear scanning2. Here we characterize the Vκ-to-Jκ joining mechanism. Igk undergoes robust primary and secondary rearrangements9,10, which confounds scanning assays. We therefore engineered cells to undergo only primary Vκ-to-Jκ rearrangements and found that RAG scanning from the primary Jκ-RC terminates just 8 kb upstream within the CTCF-site-based Sis element11. Whereas Sis and the Jκ-RC barely interacted with the Vκ locus, the CTCF-site-based Cer element12 4 kb upstream of Sis interacted with various loop extrusion impediments across the locus. Similar to VH locus inversion7, DJH inversion abrogated VH-to-DJH joining; yet Vκ locus or Jκ inversion allowed robust Vκ-to-Jκ joining. Together, these experiments implicated loop extrusion in bringing Vκ segments near Cer for short-range diffusion-mediated capture by RC-based RAG. To identify key mechanistic elements for diffusional V(D)J recombination in Igk versus Igh, we assayed Vκ-to-JH and D-to-Jκ rearrangements in hybrid Igh–Igk loci generated by targeted chromosomal translocations, and pinpointed remarkably strong Vκ and Jκ RSSs. Indeed, RSS replacements in hybrid or normal Igk and Igh loci confirmed the ability of Igk-RSSs to promote robust diffusional joining compared with Igh-RSSs. We propose that Igk evolved strong RSSs to mediate diffusional Vκ-to-Jκ joining, whereas Igh evolved weaker RSSs requisite for modulating VH joining by RAG-scanning impediments.

An explainable & prescriptive solution for space-based energy consumption optimization using BIM data & genetic algorithm

Creating energy-efficient buildings is a multifaceted challenge that involves carefully considering architectural, mechanical, and electrical parameters. With the increasing emphasis on low-energy building mandates and sustainable construction practices, integrating energy performance simulation into the design process has become imperative. However, existing methods often struggle to handle the vast amount of design information and to explore optimal alternatives effectively. While recent approaches such as Building Information Models (BIM) and data-driven solutions show promise for energy analysis, they frequently lack transparency and robust design optimization capabilities, limiting their applicability in critical contexts within the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operation (AECO) industry. In response to these challenges, this research proposes a novel prescriptive model aimed at addressing these limitations. The proposed methodology integrates building energy simulation with optimization techniques, utilizing BIM data and a Genetic Algorithm (GA). The Genetic algorithm provides some optimized solutions, including different alternatives of geometry, material, electrical, and mechanical elements to help engineering for data-driven decision-making. This integration aims to develop a model that is both prescriptive and explainable for indoor building design. Leveraging the value engineering method, the proposed approach seeks to strike a balance between energy consumption, functionality, and cost. By doing so, it aims to enhance energy efficiency while providing tangible design optimization solutions.

Dynamic Mechanical Properties and Modified Material Constitutive Model for Hot Forged Ti2AlNb over Wide Ranges of Temperature and Strain Rate.

In this paper, the stress-strain curves of Ti2AlNb are established based on uniaxial impact tests over wide ranges of temperature and strain rate. The Ti2AlNb exhibited the work hardening effect but did not show an obvious yield stage during a quasi-static compression test. In the SHPB test, an obvious temperature softening effect was found, the strain rate strengthening effect was detected when the strain rate was 4000-8000 s-1, and the strain rate softening effect was detected in the range of 8000-12,000 s-1. A function describing the effect of strain rate on the strain rate strengthening parameters under various temperatures was proposed to modify the basic J-C constitutive model. The relative errors between the experimental measured value and predicted values in various experimental conditions with a modified J-C model were less than 5.0%. The results verified that the modified J-C model could accurately describe the dynamic mechanical properties of Ti2AlNb at high temperatures and strain rates. The research could help to illustrate the cutting mechanism and finite element simulation of Ti2AlNb alloy.

Failure analysis of wellhead casing and optimization of slip hanger in ultra deep wells

When replacing the sealing element and lifting the oil production spool in a certain oilfield in Xinjiang, it was found that the casing at the clamping point of the wellhead hanger slip was broken. Based on the Ф232.5 mm W-type slip hanger structure used in the X1 well on site, a three-dimensional finite element model of the casing’s grip by the slip hanger was established. Firstly, based on the third and fourth strength theories, the calculation formula for the ultimate load of the casing under the slip effect was derived. Furthermore, tensile experiments, chemical composition measurements, and microstructure analysis were conducted on the 155 V casing samples used, and it was found that the performance of the 155 V casing material meets the standard requirements, the data suggests that the slip may contribute to casing fracture, warranting further investigation. Therefore, based on the mechanical finite element analysis model, it is calculated that the maximum stress on the outer wall of the casing reaches 1146 MPa, which is higher than the yield strength of the 155 V casing. This will lead to the damage of the casing used on site. Therefore, the structure of the slip is optimized, and the analysis shows that the top of the slip tooth is optimized to have a long axis of 400 mm, the one-fourth elliptical distribution with a short axis of 1 mm and the optimization of the top angle of the slip teeth to 60°–70° will significantly decrease the maximum stress on the outer wall of the casing. However, the optimization scheme of changing the inclination angle of the slip teeth and increasing the clearance of the slip back cone angle cannot effectively improve the stress distribution and maximum value on the outer wall of the casing.

Wave energy converter with mechanical motion rectifier, motion regulator, and energy storage element.

In this work, a novel design of an oscillating body-type Wave Energy Converter (WEC) is proposed with an efficiency of 48.73 %. Innovative features of the new design include the integration of Mechanical Motion Rectifier (MMR), Motion Regulator (MR), Energy Storage Element (ESE), and Electric Generator (EG) with the operation controlled by a microcontroller, limit switches, and linear actuator. Lab experiments conducted with a prototype ensured a peak voltage of 8.1 V and peak power of 4.3 W. Experimental and MATLAB theoretical simulation results demonstrated the average power of 55.2-148.3 mW for a wave height of 50-125 mm. In comparison to the conventional operation, where the electric generator is directly driven by wave motion, the proposed design will ensure higher peak power and better energy utilization characteristics of the generated voltage waveform. Simulation results are presented with the incorporation of non-circular gears that ensure modification of the voltage waveform for better energy utilization.