WAGNER: a new code for parametrical structural study of fuselages of civil transport aircraft

In the present paper, a new code (named WAGNER) for a parametric and automatic Finite Element mesh generation of fuselages of civil transport aircraft is presented. The code aims at providing a time saving and reliable tool in the conceptual design phase in order to evaluate stresses and deformations in the whole fuselage structure; these data allows us a preliminary structural sizing to be used as a baseline for deeper investigations and to determine the empty weight of the fuselage in view of a preliminary prediction of the maximum take-off weight of the aircraft. As an example of application, two layouts have been analysed: a non conventional two aisle single-deck (SD) with 2-4-2 passengers abreast and a double-deck (DD) with 3-3 passengers abreast/deck. FEM results for two different load cases (combined loads at limit load factor and ultimate pressurization) with geometrical linear and non-linear solutions, are finally discussed

Low complexity soft demapping for non-binary LDPC codes

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P4–216: The caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease: The impact of personality traits on stress perception

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Microfracture- and xeno-matrix-induced chondrogenesis for treatment of focal traumatic cartilage defects of the knee: age-based mid-term results

The aim of this study was to investigate clinical and instrumental outcomes of the autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) technique for the treatment of isolated traumatic condyle and femoropatellar cartilage lesions. A total of 25 patients (12 males, 13 females, mean age 47.3 years) treated between 2018 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed and subdivided into two groups based on age (Group A, age < 45 years; Group B, age > 45 years). A clinical evaluation was performed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm score and Visual Analogue Score (VAS). Cartilage regeneration was evaluated via magnetic resonance (1.5 Tesla) and classified according to a Magnetic resonance Observation of CArtilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) scoring system. At a minimum follow-up of 2 years, Group A patients obtained greater instrumental results in comparison to group B: in fact, the MOCART score was statistically significantly correlated with IKDC (r = 0.223) (p < 0.001) exclusively in group A. Nevertheless, a significant improvement in clinical functionality was shown in Group B (p < 0.001), demonstrating that this technique is safe, reproducible and capable of offering satisfactory clinical results regardless of age

Instability and softening in a continuous bi-rod

We present a continuous bi-rod structure composed of two flanges and a pleated web. The structure is characterised by an instability mechanism that couples axial contraction and twisting. In so doing, the latter can be controlled by the former. Moreover, a remarkable softening response is observed immediately after the critical state. A custom testing machine has been designed and manufactured in order to experimentally investigate the mechanical response of the continuous bi-rod. Full scale finite element simulations have been also performed to provide a deeper understanding of the relative contribution of the flanges and the pleated web to the observed mechanical response. The features exhibited by the continuous bi-rod pave the way for innovative technological applications in areas of growing interest (e.g., compliant mechanisms, morphing and deployable structures)

Thin-Walled Structures

This work presents a multi-scale design methodology for the deterministic optimisation of thin-walled composite structures integrating a global–local approach for the assessment of the buckling strength and a dedicated strategy to recover blended stacking sequences. The methodology is based on the multi-scale two-level optimisation strategy for anisotropic materials and structures. In the first step, focused on the macroscopic scale, several design requirements are included in the problem formulation: lightness, feasibility, manufacturing, blending, buckling failure, static failure and stiffness. The second step, which focuses on the laminate mesoscopic scale, deals with the recovery of blended stacking sequences, for the structure at hand, matching the optimal geometric and elastic properties determined in the first step. As a case study, the unconventional PrandtlPlane box-wing system is used to show the effectiveness of the proposed design methodology