Optimization-based strut-and-tie model generation for reinforced concrete structures under multiple load conditions

Strut-and-Tie modelling (STM) has been widely applied to design D-regions of reinforced concrete structures. For economic and environmental reasons there is a need for optimized Strut-and-Tie models. How to optimize Strut-and-Tie models considering multiple load combinations has not been investigated extensively in the literature. In order to...

Analysis of historical polarization data of Venus: And its application to exoplanets

Aims: Analysing historical disk-integrated polarization data of Venus with the help of numerical simulations to learn about the time variability in cloud and haze properties, the position of the UV-absorber and the polar cap regions.<br/>Method: With numerical simulations, polarization curves will be calculated for specific input conditions. We...

Automated optimization-based generation and quantitative evaluation of Strut-and-Tie models

Strut-and-Tie modelling (STM) is a well-known approach to design D-regions in reinforced concrete structures. Because the STM method is based on lower-bound analysis, finding a suitable truss-analogy model is the most important aspect to guarantee good structural and economic performance of a resulting design. Continuum topology optimization ...

A Method for Determining the Length of FBG Sensors Accurately

In this letter, we propose a method for estimating the length of single-mode fiber Bragg grating type sensors with high accuracy. Our method is based on calculating the maximum oscillation frequency of the side-lobes of the FBG reflection spectrum. We show that this frequency is independent of the stress field to which the sensor is subjected...

Simultaneous optimization of shape and topology of free-form shells based on uniform parameterization model

In current optimization methods for free-form shells, the shape and topology are usually optimized separately. These methods are based on the assumption that the shape and topology of a shell influence each other only slightly, but this is not always correct. Moreover, different parameterization models are used in the shape optimization and...

Evaluating new participative city logistics concepts: The case of cargo hitching

Five years ago the project Cargo Hitching started with the goal to use the unused capacity of public transport passenger vehicles for freight and parcel transport. Like many new city logistics initiatives it is a difficult challenge to setup a profitable private business model. A rural pilot project was developed in the East of the Netherlands,...

Evaluating New Participative City Logistics Concepts: The Case of Cargo Hitching

Five years ago the project Cargo Hitching started with the goal to use the unused capacity of public transport passenger vehicles for freight and parcel transport. Like many new city logistics initiatives it is a difficult challenge to setup a profitable private business model. A rural pilot project was developed in the East of the Netherlands,...

Design study of a 10 MW MgB2 superconductor direct drive wind turbine generator

A superconducting direct drive generator based on field windings of MgB2 superconducting tape is proposed as a solution by mounting the generator in front of the blades using a king-pin nacelle design for offshore turbines with power ratings larger than 10 MW as investigated in the INNWIND.EU project.