2-D strength prediction of single-row multi-bolted joints woven fabric kenaf composites

Implementation of multi-bolts arrangements in structures connections are commonplace in steel design to allow for joint efficiency and stronger connections. Woven fabric kenaf fibers are potentially used as reinforcement in composite materials due to excellent specific strength, renewability and less hazardous during handling as compared to commercial fibers. A two-dimensional Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) framework of single-row multi-bolted joints has been developed to study the stress distribution and predict the joint bearing stress at failure. Stress distribution among adjacent bolts were compared along the hole boundary and net-tension plane, suggesting net-tension failure occurred at end-bolt. The predicted bearing strength from finite element modelling are validated against experimental framework. The testing series under investigated consists of four datasets from single-row 2 bolts and 3 bolts single-lap joints. Current study showed that the XFEM models demonstrated good agreements with the experimental results

Experimental investigation of woven fabric cfrp bolted joints: parametric study

Present paper comprises a wide ranging experimental study of mechanically fastened woven CFRP using double-lap joint (DLJ) configurations. Details of the bolted joint materials and its configurations are given. This is followed by an account of the sample preparation process and a description of the range of joint types and variables investigated. Mechanical testing set-up and test method are then described. Experimental results relating to damage observations and ultimate strength are then presented. This is followed by discussion on the relationships between the bearing stress at failure and the hole size of specimens, the level of clamp-up and different joint type

The topological pigeonhole principle for ordinals

Given a cardinal $\kappa$ and a sequence $\left(\alpha_i\right)_{i\in\kappa}$ of ordinals, we determine the least ordinal $\beta$ (when one exists) such that the topological partition relation $$\beta\rightarrow\left(top\,\alpha_i\right)^1_{i\in\kappa}$$ holds, including an independence result for one class of cases. Here the prefix "$top$" means that the homogeneous set must have the correct topology rather than the correct order type. The answer is linked to the non-topological pigeonhole principle of Milner and Rado.Comment: 24 page

Acting on behalf of the concept

This paper discusses how drama process and techniques are providing alternative approaches to product concept generation. An investigation that used drama techniques for concept generation sessions observed that there appears to be an implicit response among designers to investigate functionality before, or instead of form. However, it was proposed that through practice the approach of ‘concept-acting’ would provide support for the designer’s kinaesthetic needs for touch, feel and positional experience. It was also observed that whilst an increasing number of people in the US are actively embracing this type of approach, through a variety of techniques, UK designers appear somewhat more sceptical of the value of drama to their design processes

Five dimensions in the communication of design intent

Industries which utilize Computer Aided Design, (CAD), are in a similar situation to the film industry, where the use of Computer Graphics, (CG), has reached such a level of reality that audiences often do not spot where CG has been used. This has resulted in a general attitude among critics of: “CG is what you expect in a film, but what we often lack is a decent plot”. Over a similar period, CAD software has become a powerful tool with proficient users, whilst the marketplace for such services now takes such facilities for granted. The ‘wow factor’ has faded. The special effects used in films has contributed to this dulling of presentation impact, which leads us to question where we stand in relation to a competitive edge, with the realization that: “CAD is what you expect from a firm, but what we often lack is clear intent.” The questioning of competitive edge draws us into some complex issues, concerning the reduction of compromise for design intent, where priorities fight for first place. There is no disputing the importance of time to market, yet the time compression technologies may no longer be providing a sufficient cutting edge. Even if new technologies facilitate even shorter lead-times we will always face the threat of a time management trap and potential loss of design quality. As a high-risk strategy for competitive advantage, contractual agreements for specified short lead-time deliveries, in some cases with penalty clauses written in, have established an expectation among the client base. Such a strategy leads us to effectively burn our bridges, in sacrificing margins for schedule 3 slippage and error compensation, leaving us nowhere to go but back. With such a lean approach to product development we have to improve our focus on the plot and its intent for design quality. The more investment we make at the front end, to enable the decision making process, the more likely we are to avoid pain at the back-end. Presently, decisions are made on a resource of available quality and quantity of data, using a perspective which is based on the experience, tacit knowledge and intuition of those involved. Whilst intuition is a good starting point or fall-back, as with tacit knowledge, it often proves difficult to substantiate. Background experience is the most valuable asset here but proves ineffectual when faced with low quality data, either through ambiguity, error or lack of substance. The improvement of quality standards require that we look closely at the production and presentation of data in the context of decision making and establish a process by which quality decisions can be made quickly and efficiently. This paper focuses on the process of communication between designers and their colleagues and clients, concerning the presentation of CAD models, from a cognitive perspective. It first establishes a context for individual differences in the management of auditory and visual information for decision making. This is followed by a discussion of five approaches to the communication of design intent and concludes with a checklist, to aid selection of an effective approach to communication

Private Clubs and Employment Discrimination: Does Federal Law Apply?

This Note examines the general history and function of Title VII and section 1981 of the civil rights law. The author discusses the problems inherent in defining an organization as a private club, for purposes of employment non-discrimination efforts. The Note examines statutory construction and legislative history, as well as case law to assess arguments as to whether Title VII impliedly amends section 1981 with respect to the private club exemption. The author argues that membership discrimination cases in the case law differ radically from employment discrimination cases, which address entirely different sets of rights. The argument concludes therefore that courts should consider Title VII and section 1981 as two separate remedies. Finally, the author recommends that because nothing in the legislative history supports the private club exemption and because club members\u27 right to freedom of association does not extend to their relationships with club employees, Congress should repeal that part of Title VII that provides such an exemption

Teaching and Professional Fellowship Report 2004/5 : An Investigation into the feasibility of developing a Virtual Newsroom - An e-learning tool for journalism

The aim of my fellowship was to put the idea of developing a Virtual Newsroom – an online means of teaching journalism -- to the test. I began work on this idea some six years ago after many years of using computers in the teaching of journalism. At that time, I developed, together with the IT Research and Development Unit (ITRDU), at the London Institute (now University of the Arts London), an e-learning prototype based on the ‘breaking story’ exercise – a fundamental exercise for journalism teaching. In tests on students the early prototype proved to be an effective method for learning journalism skills. The students found the prototype programme a worthwhile and stimulating experience. Teachers of journalism saw it as an innovative way of teaching journalism, but were hampered by the fact that there was no way, with the programme as then developed, they could get behind the scenes to change any of the content, or other elements of the exercise. It was essential then, that in any future development, the programme would have to have enough flexibility to enable journalism teaching staff to easily manipulate the content. It also became clear that, six years on, it was necessary to determine if any new developments in online learning for journalists had superseded my original idea

Enhancing the potential of design conferences

A study of six international design conferences was carried out in 2002, to review opportunities for improving inter and intra-disciplinary knowledge dissemination. A metacognitive perspective (Flavell, 1979) was adopted for the consideration of individual differences and their affect upon delivery and reception of information. A participative observational method was used by the investigator, as a presenter and audience member at all six conferences. This investigation reviewed conference organisation, venue facilities, presentation format, delivery, and audience comments. The investigator’s presentations were all delivered using the same format, which aimed to facilitate ease of contextualisation and retention of information. It was concluded that there are a number of quality improvements that can be adopted in the short and mediumterm, by organisers, presenters and audience members