Calculation of strain amplification matrix for strain invariant failure theory based on representative volume element models with periodical boundary condition

Strain invariant failure theory (SIFT) is a micro-mechanics-based failure theory for multi-scale failure analysis of composite materials originally proposed by Gosse and Christensen. In this paper, the approach for obtaining strain amplification matrix which is a key step for the execution of SIFT is improved by adopting representative volume element (RVE) finite element models considering periodical boundary condition, based on which more actual deformation mode is reflected. The deformation modes and strain data at the characteristic points of the centroid cell of multi-cell RVE model are analyzed and taken as a reference. It can be concluded that more reasonable deformation mode and relationship between the micro-mechanical and macro-mechanical strain states are obtained by employing the new model. Finally, numerical examples are provided to illustrate the determination of strain amplification factors within the RVEs considering periodical boundary condition at the characteristic points.     

Target priority determination methods by interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets with unknown attribute weights

The paper aims at the problem of multi-targets threat degree being hard to be evaluated accurately in complex air defense battlefield environments. Combined with multi-sensors information fusion and interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IVIFS) theories, the target priority determination is studied. The score and accuracy functions of IVIFS are improved with thinking about the hesitating information in order to increase the rationality. Then, the influence factors of target priority and the nonlinear relationship between the influence factors and target priority are analyzed. Next, the algorithms for calculating the factor weights and sensor weights are given. Based on the theory of IVIFS and technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS), two methods of target priority determination based on the IVIFS and TOPSIS are proposed. At last, an application example verifies the effectiveness and flexibility of the proposed algorithms.     

Application of digital image correlation method to in-situ dynamic strain measurement

Application of digital image correlation (DIC) method to determination of in-situ dynamic strain is presented in this study. Firstly, an integrative software is programmed based on the DIC algorithms and point-wise least-squares fitting technique. Then, simulated speckle images are generated to study the computational accuracy of this software. The experimental setup and procedures for measuring in-situ dynamic strain through both DIC and strain gauge are proposed. The DIC results are close to those measured by strain gauge. This fact reveals that DIC is a practical and effective tool for in-situ dynamic strain measurement. Finally, the full-field in-situ dynamic strain of another specimen is measured by DIC, and the overall distribution of the strain in the measurement area is clearly shown.     

Uncertainty analysis of value for money assessment for public-private partnership projects

In recent years, private sectors are encouraged to take an active part in franchising of urban infrastructure investments and operations, which promotes the rapid development of public-private partnership (PPP) in infrastructure and public service supply. Value for money (VFM) assessment has been officially proposed to provide a reference for selection of projects planning to adopt PPP. Based on the bottlenecks of VFM application in China and the uncertainties for urban infrastructure PPP projects, a discounted cash flow (DCF) model is established for VFM of infrastructure PPP projects. Then, a Monte Carlo simulation model is established on the basis of uncertainty factors for VFM. Through the analysis of Huai’an trams PPP project, coping strategies of uncertainties for VFM are put forward. Findings of the research may propel the establishment of a complete VFM evaluation system for PPP projects. Key instructional functions of VFM during the process of decision-making can be brought into full play and PPP may develop orderly.     

CT reconstruction with priori MRI images through multi-group datasets expansion

Computed tomography (CT) reconstruction with a well-registered priori magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) image can improve reconstruction results with low-dose CT, because well-registered CT and MRI images have similar structures. However, in clinical settings, the CT image of patients does not always match the priori MRI image because of breathing and movement of patients during CT scanning. To improve the image quality in this case, multi-group datasets expansion is proposed in this paper. In our method, multi-group CT-MRI datasets are formed by expanding CT-MRI datasets. These expanded datasets can also be used by most existing CT-MRI algorithms and improve the reconstructed image quality when the CT image of a patient is not registered with the priori MRI image. In the experiments, we evaluate the performance of the algorithm by using multi-group CT-MRI datasets in several unregistered situations. Experiments show that when the CT and priori MRI images are not registered, the reconstruction results of using multi-group dataset expansion are better than those obtained without using the expansion.     

The jurisdictional challenges to the prosecution of piracy cases in Kenya: mixed fortunes for a perfect model in the global war against piracy

Since 2008 Kenya has distinguished itself in the global war against piracy by undertaking prosecutions in the national courts of suspected pirates arrested in the high seas and handed over by navies of leading maritime nations under bilateral agreements (MOUs) entered into between Kenya and these leading maritime nations. As of July 2011, Kenya had over 20 convicted pirates serving jail terms ranging between 7 and 20 years and over 100 suspected pirates awaiting trial in national courts. This is the largest number of suspected pirates held and tried in any one state at any given time in modern history. To achieve this, Kenya had to effect far reaching changes in the law. In the initial stages, suspected pirates were charged under Kenya’s Penal Code (Cap 63 Laws of Kenya). However, the high court in the case of Re Mohamud Mohamed Dashi and eight others [2010] eKLR, ruled that Kenya had no jurisdiction to try suspected pirates under that law. In September 2009, Kenya passed a new law (the Merchant Shipping Act), which not only defined more comprehensively and extensively the offence of piracy, but also extended the jurisdiction of Kenyan courts to try piracy committed by non-nationals. Though the law gives Kenya a very broad jurisdiction to try suspected pirates, the process is still fraught with challenges due to lack of financial and human resources. In the case of Republic vs Hassan Jama Haleys Alias Hassan Jamal and five others [2010] eKLR, the court commented thus:

“… I must note that the ‘piracy trials’ have presented a unique challenge to the Kenyan legal system. We cannot ignore the fact that these are suspects who having been arrested by foreign naval forces on the High Seas are brought to Kenya for trial. They are strangers in the country, do not understand the legal system, may not know what their rights are and do not understand the language… the Kenyan Government and the International partners supporting these trials put in place a system to provide free legal representation for the suspects…”     

A finite pointset method for the numerical simulation of free surface flow around a ship

In this paper, we present a Finite pointset method (FPM) for the numerical simulation of free surface flow around a ship in calm water. It is a Lagrangian and meshless particle scheme which is applied to the projection method for the incompressible governing equations. This requires the solution of Poisson problems in each time step, so a moving least squares (MLS) interpolants is used for the spatial derivatives in order to discretize the Poisson equation with pressure-Dirichlet condition of free surface flow in meshless structure. Meanwhile, an additional problem of the periodic particle locations redistribution in the present approach is still handled by MLS interpolants. With the proposed FPM technique, problems associated with the free surface flow around a ship are circumvented. A verification of numerical modeling is made using the Wigley hull and the validity of the proposed methodology is examined by comparing the detail of wave profile and wave-making resistance with Series 60 model. The results demonstrate that FPM is able to perform efficient and stable simulations of free surface flow around a ship.     

A new method for absolute datum transfer in seafloor control network measurement

To decrease the time consumption and the labor intensity in the absolute datum transfer of traditional seafloor control network measurement, a new method, namely sailing-circle positioning method, is put forward in this paper. First, the traditional intersection positioning model is improved by considering the equivalent sound velocity profile error as an unknown parameter in the adjustment model. Second, the effect of geometric dilution of precision (GDOP) on positioning accuracy is analyzed. By seeking for the minimum of GDOP, it is concluded that the absolute datum transfer can achieve the highest accuracy in the condition of sailing along a circle relative to other sailing paths. Moreover, the optimal radius of the circle for the accurate datum transfer is also given out. Besides, the correlation between the accuracy of datum transfer and the sound velocity error in this method is analyzed. Finally, the new method was tested and verified by the experiments in Songhua lake with the water depth of 60 m and in South China sea with the water depth of 2000 m, respectively. These experiment results show that the new method can improve the accuracy and efficiency of traditional datum transfer method significantly.     

Advantages of twin rudder system with asymmetric wing section aside a propeller

This study presents a new twin rudder system with asymmetric wing section, aside a propeller, as a new category energy saving device (ESD) for ships. The energy saving principle of the new ESD, which is called “Gate rudder”, is described and its applicability on a large bulk carrier is explored using experimental and numerical methods. The study makes emphasis on the cost-effectiveness of the proposed ESD and presents a potential energy saving up to 7–8 % with the new device as well as an attractive return investment in 0.37–0.9 year. These estimations are based on the conventional powering methods, whereas the accuracy of the ESD design method is confirmed by model test measurements.