An important step towards improving performance while reducing weight and maintenance needs is the integration of composite materials into mechanical and aerospace engineering. This subject explores the many aspects of composite application, from basic material characterization to state-of-the-art advances in manufacturing and design processes. The major goal is to present the most recent developments in composite science and technology while highlighting their critical significance in the industrial sector—most notably in the wind energy, automotive, aerospace, and marine domains. The foundation of this investigation is material characterization, which offers insights into the mechanical, chemical, and physical characteristics that determine composite performance. The papers in this collection discuss the difficulties of gaining an in-depth understanding of composites, which is necessary to maximize their overall performance and design. The collection of articles within this topic addresses the challenges of achieving a profound understanding of composites, which is essential for optimizing design and overall functionality. This includes the application of complicated material modeling together with cutting-edge simulation tools that integrate multiscale methods and multiphysics, the creation of novel characterization techniques, and the integration of nanotechnology and additive manufacturing. This topic offers a detailed overview of the current state and future directions of composite research, covering experimental studies, theoretical evaluations, and numerical simulations. This subject provides a platform for interdisciplinary cooperation and creativity in everything from the processing and testing of innovative composite structures to the inspection and repair procedures. In order to support the development of more effective, durable, and sustainable materials for the mechanical and aerospace engineering industries, we seek to promote a greater understanding of composites.
''This research aims to address a post-earthquake urgent strengthening measure to enhance the residual seismic capacity of earthquake-damaged reinforced concrete wall structures with coupling beams. The study consists of a series of tests on half-scale prototype coupling beams with various detailing options, including confined with reduced confinement, partially confined, and unconfined bundles, under cyclic loading conditions. The methodology employed involved subjecting the specimens to displacement-controlled reversal tests, and carefully monitoring their response using strain gauges and potentiometers. The main results obtained reveal that GFRP wrapping significantly enhances the seismic performance of earthquake-damaged coupling beams, even in cases where specimens experienced strength loss and main reinforcement rupture. The strengthened beams exhibit commendable ductility, maintaining high levels of deformation capacity, and satisfying the requirements of relevant seismic design codes. The significance of the study lies in providing valuable insights into the behavior and performance of damaged coupling beams and assessing the effectiveness of GFRP wrapping as a rapid and practical post-earthquake strengthening technique. The findings can be particularly useful for developing urgent post-earthquake strengthening strategies for high-rise buildings with structural walls. The method may be particularly useful for mitigating potential further damage in aftershocks and eventual collapse. In conclusion, this study represents a significant advancement in understanding the post-earthquake behaviors of coupling beams and provides valuable guidance for practitioners in making informed decisions regarding post-earthquake strengthening projects. The findings contribute to the overall safety and resilience of structures in earthquake-prone regions.''
Met toestemming overgenomen uit Microniek, 2020, nr. 5 A stereo-vision system that was developed for application in mobile robots turned outto lack depth resolution in the background of the pictures. A simulator was built togain understanding of the parameters that influence depth estimation in stereo vision.In this article we will explain how these properties influence depth resolution andprovide a link to the webtool that was made to interactively observe and evaluate theresulting depth resolution when the parameters are varied. This tool makes it possibleto find the correct hardware that provides the resolution required, or to determinethe resolution for specific hardware.
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