bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Venturing Through the Looking Glass: An Instance of Transformative Learning in Adult Education
Authors: MacIntosh Judith , Wiggins Nancy
Published: June 2016

Adult learners who are introduced to transformative learning in their university education initially tend to find the experience strikingly different from their previous educational programs. For Registered Nurses beginning a baccalaureate degree in nursing, learning in a transformative environment may be as odd to them as was the experience of Lewis Carroll's Alice on the other side of the Looking Glass. For their teachers, examining a common experience, not common to learners, in an uncommon manner expands the understanding of the process. Using the imaginative work of Lewis Carroll, the authors of this paper relate it to the experiences of these adult learners and expound on the strategies being used to facilitate the transformative process in adult education. The perspectives developed by the UNB nursing teachers and the strategies they use to facilitate transformative learning are described.
Just Plain Rhetoric? An Analysis of Mission Statements of Canadian Universities Identifying Their Verbal Commitments to Facilitating and Promoting Lifelong Learning
Authors: Kreber Carolin , Mhina Christine
Published: June 2016

Over the past decade, many government and policy documents have highlighted with greater urgency the need for lifelong learning. What do present mission statements of Canadian universities have to say regarding lifelong learning? In researching this question we analyzed the institutional mission statements of 58 Canadian universities to identify the extent to which these expressed commitments to facilitating and promoting lifelong learning. While mission statements cannot serve as proof of institutions actually enacting the goals and ideals by which they choose to portray themselves to the public, they still yield insight into the values institutions recognize as important. This article first proposes a model of conceptualizing lifelong learning in higher education. It distinguishes three dimensions of lifelong learning (the adaptive, the personal, and the democratic) and two aspects (lifelong learning as a goal and life-long learning as a process). From this three by two matrix we derive six categories of lifelong learning in or through higher education. We then use these six categories as a priori codes for our deductive anal- ysis of mission statements. We present and discuss the outcomes of our study, note differences with regards to institutional type, and make some suggestions for future research.
Beyond Access: Student Perspectives on Support Service Needs in Distance Learning
Authors: Potter Judith
Published: June 2016

This paper describes a study of the support service needs and assessments of distance learners at three Canadian bi-modal universities (i.e., offering degree-credit courses both on-campus and through distance education). A student profile is developed and compared with previous descriptions. From student data, a model of support services for distance learners emerges. Recommendations for the further development of support services for distance education students at Canadian bi-modal universities are also included.
A Comparison of Two Methods of Needs Assessment: Implications for Continuing Professional Education
Authors: Igarashi Michiko , Suveges Linda , Moss Gwenna
Published: June 2016

Needs identification is an important component of program planning in continuing professional education. Learners, professional associations, and society all have a stake in ensuring that programs are relevant and focused on important educational needs of professionals. This study compared two different methods of identifying learning needs--perceived needs and knowledge-based needs--for a group of practicing pharmacists (N= 113). The Canadian Consensus Asthma Management Guidelines (1996) provided the framework for the needs assessments and the standard against which pharmacists' knowledge of asthma treatment was assessed. Using data collected via a questionnaire, rank correlation tests showed no relationship between perceived needs and knowledge-based needs. While there was correspondence between the two methods on a few items, overall they did not identify the same needs. This confirmed the results of other research that there are some educational needs of which learners are unaware. Even with the limitations of perceived needs, few continuing professional educators would advocate abandoning this method, although most advocate a combination of methods. The following article discusses the implications of these and other research findings, and current literature on needs assessment in continuing professional education. Many questions remain, however, and there is a need for more research on needs assessment in continuing professional education.
Investigating the Educational Needs of Nurses in Telepractice: A Descriptive Exploratory Study
Authors: Carter Lorraine , Hudyma Shirlene , Horrigan Judith
Published: June 2016

Although some nursing bodies have recognized nursing telepractice as a specialty, with its own knowledge, skills, and attitudes, there is little documented evidence of the education- al needs of Canadian nurses working in tele- health. However, now that telehealth has been recognized as a partial solution to Canada’s health-care challenges, the area requires our attention as educators. This article is based on a study that explored the educational needs of 138 telehealth nurses practising across Canada; participants included nurses from most of the provinces and territories. The nurses were asked to complete a series of open-ended questions related to their educational needs and practice, and the data were analyzed using the methods of Miles and Huberman (1994). The study findings are discussed in the context of continuing education.
Self-Directed and Self-Regulated Learning: Conceptual Links
Authors: Pilling-Cormick Jane , Garrison D. Randy
Published: June 2016

This paper explores links between the concepts and models of self-directed and self-regulated learning. The focus is on the covert (person) and overt (behaviour and environment) aspects that link the fields of self-directed and self-regulated learning. Ways in which each of these areas of study address the private and shared worlds of the learner emerge. The exploration of these connections suggests a comprehensive and coherent perspective and should provide a basis for future research. The practical implications of a coherent perspective are also explored.
The Digital New Economy and the Virtual Educator
Authors: Menzies Heather
Published: June 2016

As we take up and are taken up by the new multimedia technologies, we cannot overlook the effects of larger economic trends associated with digitization, downsizing, globalization, privatization and free trade. As educators, we are faced with the challenge of trying to develop virtual education as an extension of a culture of education grounded in human-to-human communication as opposed to the business of education in which information is viewed as a commodity.
The Times They Are a-Changin’: Time for a Major Emphasis on the Three Ls of Lifelong Learning at Canadian Universities
Authors: Middleton Alan
Published: June 2016

This article contends that university continuing education is in need of a dramatic repositioning in the minds and wallets of most university administrations. In order to respond both to a developed economy’s need for the continuous upgrading of skills and knowledge and to universities’ needs for new funding sources, the provision of lifelong education and training—lifelong learning—needs to be strategically central to a university’s vision, mission, and goals. Right now, in its non-degree form, it is a peripheral activity making only minor contributions to universities’ reputation and revenue: according to the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada in its 2008 report Trends in Higher Education—Volume 3: Finance, only $300 million was earned by universities in noncredit courses. This had not changed much in a decade. Canadian universities are missing out on opportunities in reputation, revenue, and relevance, both domestically and globally. The article goes on to suggest the steps needed in the development of an effective lifelong learning strategy. Some would require changes in university management processes and philosophy to be effective, but continuation of the present half-hearted approach will not succeed in serving either Canada’s lifelong learning needs or its universities’ needs for relevance and revenue.
Together Alone: What Students Need from an E-moderator
Authors: P. Janes Diane
Published: June 2016

It has often been suggested that education via the Internet, or e-learning, leads to a sense of separation in individual learners; this need not be the case. Teaching is a relationship: a relationship that is built on a connection between teaching and learner, between learner and learner, and between the learners and the content. What then is the role of the instructor in moderating online learning? This paper will explore how that connection might be better made in an online environment and will explore the interpersonal or emotive distinctiveness needed in an e-moderator from the perspective of a group of graduate students engaged in an online master of education degree offered in Canada.
Don't Mourn, Organize: A Response to Scott McLean
Authors: Nesbit Tom
Published: June 2016

In the Fall 2007 issue of CJUCE, Scott McLean reviewed and analyzed the public claims made by university continuing education (UCE) units about the purpose of their work. He hoped that his survey would promote informed reflection and dialogue about these purposes and generate debate about the future direction of UCE in Canada. This article takes up that challenge and suggests ways in which we might rekindle some of the earlier passion and commitment to a broader and more explicitly social orientation.
Learning for Life: Extending University Level Education to Older Adults in Rural Saskatchewan
Authors: James George G.
Published: June 2016

About 55 percent of Saskatchewan's seniors live outside the province's 12 cities, in towns, villages, and rural municipalities, and are therefore at a distance from the two provincial universities. In order to assess the University of Saskatchewan's Extension Division's outreach development process, the author interviewed 11 individuals. The sample group had participated in at least one outreach course delivering university-level subject matter. The returns from the structured interview indicate very positive evaluations and high satisfaction levels. In contrast, earlier needs identification studies in Saskatchewan indicated that seniors, in general, are not strongly motivated to participate in university-level programs. Closer examination of the data from such studies indicate that this general response pattern may be misleading.
On-line Learning For Abused Women and Service Providers In Shelters: Issues Of Representation And Design
Authors: Campbell Katy , Sy San San , Anderson Kathleen
Published: June 2016

The challenge and potential of Internet technology to deliver learning services to increasing numbers of diverse learners who may not be included in formal continuing education settings are beginning to be addressed. VIOLET (http://www.VIOLETnet.org), a web site for abused women and their service providers, is designed to provide relevant legal information, an on-line community for support and sharing of experience and information, and on-going updates of legal information and community services. The project emerged out of a unique collaboration among women in many local and national communities and organizations and the Legal Studies Program at the Faculty of Extension, University of Alberta. Together they developed a safe space on the Internet for abused women, inclusive of gender, language, cultural, and learning style issues.A technology that widens access to information may also present barriers to access. In this paper we explore some of these barriers and their implications for the design of information resources and learning environments for abused women. These issues are described using an account of the formative evaluation of the project's web site.
Online Scholarly Discourse: Lessons Learned for Continuing and Nurse Educators
Authors: Carter Lorraine , Rukholm Ellen
Published: June 2016

This article describes a collaborative three-year research project that focused on nurses' experiences of a learning environment as they participated in an Internet-based cardiac nursing program. In addition to gathering data about the general appropriateness of the learning environment in a specialty content area, the study examined the environment's facilitation of online scholarly discourse about cardiac nursing. Scholarly discourse is characterized by evolution over time of communication by and among learners, inclusion of references to relevant nursing literature, and the practice of writing conventions appropriate to the discipline. Guided by professorial and other learner supports, it is the foundation of theory-guided, evidence-based practice for registered nurses. The data reflects the study's consideration of online scholarly discourse derived from the nurses' contributions to an online discussion forum. Research partners included Laurentian University's Centre for Continuing Education and School of Nursing, the Sudbury Regional Hospital (SRH), and the Office of Learning Technologies (OLT). The project was funded by the Office of Learning Technologies.
Teaching and Learning Research Literacies in Graduate Adult Education: Appreciative Inquiry into Practitioners' Ways of Writing
Authors: Lander Dorothy A.
Published: June 2016

Graduate students in Canadian universities who conduct research with human subjects as part of the requirements for their degree must submit a research proposal to the University Research Ethics Board and receive approval on the basis of compliance with the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (1998). This reflexive account of teaching and learning research literacies is based on a participatory research activity that the author has used during graduate students' introduction to a research-based, self-directed graduate program in adult education delivered at a distance. For the purposes of this paper, "research literacies" refers to any research practices that culminate in the writing of a research thesis, taking into account the procedures for compliance with the Tri-Council Policy. The focus of the reflexive account is an experiential classroom innovation with multiple cohorts of graduate students (8-12 students each) in which the faculty advisor as the principal investigator involves the graduate students as research participants in appreciative inquiry into practitioners' ways of writing. This participatory research into practitioner and researcher literacies offers some implications for teaching and learning the ethics of representation throughout the research process up to and including publication.
Introductions and Farewell
Authors: Campbell Katy , Archer Walter
Published: June 2016

N/A
The Profession and Practice of Adult Education
Authors: Kops Bill
Published: June 2016

N/A
Key Strengths of an Innovative Volunteer Training Workshop
Authors: Sellick Angelika , Bournot-Trites Monique , Reeder Ken , Scales Andrew , Smith Mark , Zappa-Hollman Sandra
Published: June 2016

The study involved 14 volunteer facilitators, four UBC staff members, and the researcher as participant; the data collected were observation notes, questionnaires, results from focus groups, and interviews. The study revealed that the key strengths of the training workshop lay in its
approach to training, its focus on confidence and capacity building, the appreciation and contribution of volunteers’ assets, and the support of the sponsoring university. The article concludes with a consideration of the implications for strategic planning for university-community engagement and replication of the program in other educational contexts.
A Survey of the Professional Development Needs and Interests of CAUCE Members
Authors: Thompson Gordon , Archer Walter
Published: June 2016

In 2002, the CAUCE Professional Development Committee sponsored a survey of CAUCE members to gather information on their professional development needs and interests. This paper presents the results of this survey and compares it with the results of previous surveys. A particularly interesting aspect of the 2002 survey was the results of a self-assessment by CAUCE members on a series of specific professional competencies. In addition, the results of the present survey were discussed at a meeting of CAUCE deans and directors in February 2003 and a summary of that discussion is provided. The paper concludes with some questions and suggestions relating to future surveys.
Access to University Studies: Implementing and Evaluating Multi-point Videoconferencing
Authors: Keast David A.
Published: June 2016

A formidable geographic barrier exists in Canada for institutions wishing to provide opportunities for university education but serving clients and communities in remote regions of a province. In early September l995, the University of Alberta, Fairview College, and Kayas Cultural College embarked on a new partnership in offering a selected number of introductory Faculty of Arts courses in remote regions of northwestern Alberta. The primary mode of delivery was synchronized, multi-point videoconferencing (to as many as six sites), with all courses delivered from the University of Alberta campus. Slightly more than 70 percent of the student cohort for the first academic year were Aboriginal students. This paper provides a contextual background, describes the implementation, and reports the findings from a detailed formative evaluation of this partnership. The focus is primarily administrative in that questions addressed will relate to how such programs can be planned, implemented, managed, and monitored.
About Us: Reflection and Dialogue on the Purpose of University Continuing Education in Canada
Authors: Gander Lois
Published: June 2016

This article is a response to Scott McLean’s (2007) CJUCE Forum article “About Us,” which set out the claims that university continuing education (UCE) units make about themselves on their websites. Using the activities of the Legal Studies Program of the Faculty of Extension at the University of Alberta as a reference point, this article suggests that the activities of UCE units may not be as bland as their purpose statements suggest. The ability of those statements to represent the visions of UCE units is questioned, as is the adequacy of the processes by which such statements are generated. In doing so, the author exposes the need to catalogue what UCE units are actually doing and reflect on why we seem to need to downplay some of those activities. The article concludes with the suggestion that in presenting a synthesis of the units’ purpose statements, McLean takes UCE units full circle to the debate he set to the side: What should UCE units do?
Les études supérieures en ligne pour les leaders : Le cas des officiers des Forces canadiennes
Authors: Imbeault Marc
Published: June 2016

This paper argues in favour of distance education in social sciences at the masters level for Canadian Forces officers. First, it demonstrates how distance learning has played a substantial role from the very beginning of university teaching (with Plato’s Academy). It then tries to demonstrate how technology will be central to the pedagogy of educational institutions in the future. Finally, it explains why Canadian Forces officers need to pursue higher education in social sciences even after they have undergraduate degrees, and how the nature of “3D” missions (for Defence, Diplomacy and Development) requires a more thorough understanding of social sciences. The author then suggests a meaningful way to realize this objective. The BOLD (Blended Online Learning Design) initiative demonstrates many of the characteristics required for this type of training: the possibility of studying entirely at a distance, a hybrid of synchronous and asynchronous learning, recognition of the teaching corps needs, transnational and international careers.
An Investigation of ESL Teachers’ Experience of Peer Consultation
Authors: Guo Yan
Published: June 2016

Peer evaluation has been criticized as a threat to academic freedom and has been used, usually erroneously, as a justification for academic reappointment, tenure promotion, and merit pay. In recent years, scholars have recommended that peer consultation, which is primarily designed to improve teaching, be honored, but apart from evaluation.In this study, peer consultation consists of three components: in-class peer observation, peer-to-peer discussion, and student input. This study explores how teachers and teaching assistants perceived their experience with peer consultation. Methods of data collection reflected a qualitative case study approach and included participant observations, audio-recorded interviews, student questionnaires, and focus groups. Data showed that peer consultation provided an opportunity for teachers to learn teaching strategies from each other, build upon each other’s teaching, reflect on their own teaching experience, and augment their understanding of their teaching beliefs. Despite these benefits, teachers reported feeling uncomfortable because of the power relationship between the observer and the observed, and new teachers were apprehensive about their perceived lack of experience. Non-native English speaking teachers also felt anxious when they were observed by native English speaking teachers. Analysis shed useful light on implementation of peer consultation as a powerful professional development force for academic staff in universities.
An Invitation to the Dance: The Importance of Practitioners Undertaking Research in Adult and Continuing Education
Authors: Thompson Gordon
Published: June 2016

Is research a necessary, or even a desirable, activity for adult and continuing education practitioners? Why, on top of all of the other roles and expectations, such as generating sufficient revenue, would practitioners choose to add research to their long list of other responsibilities--especially when it doesn't seem important to many of their colleagues or to their deans/directors? This paper explores these questions with the objective of convincing at least some of the practitioners who read this article that they should be engaged in research activities. Indeed, in some cases, it is likely that readers who think that they don't do research will be persuaded that they are presently engaged in forms of research!The paper begins with a review of the literature in an effort to assess the level of research activity presently undertaken by practitioners. Next, a variety of perspectives about what is meant by the term "research" is explored. In the following section, barriers to practitioners doing research are considered, and, finally, the arguments for practitioners doing research are examined.While this paper is aimed at adult and continuing education practitioners in general, it has been written with a particular focus upon the membership of CAUCE.
Numerical investigation of the effect of the turbulence in the predicting flow velocity distribution, turbulence kinetic energy and hydrostatic pressure on the lateral intakes
Authors: Asnaashari Adel , Merufinia Edris , Aminnejad Babak , Khoshtinat Saeid
Published: June 2016

In order to supply the required water for purposes such as irrigation, municipal and industrial consumptions, etc., human beings have always attempted to diverse water and construct large and small water intakes near the great rivers. Therefore, water diversion from the main path, water flow regime and the sediment transported by it change. This paper simulates the flow hydraulic in intake from the direct path of a rectangular channel and Navier-Stokes equations are solved by Finite-Volume Method (FVM) using the SSIIM2 software in which the flow velocity profiles near the surface of the water, the turbulent kinetic energy and hydrostatic pressure distribution in different sections of the main channels and intake at a constant discharge of 11 lit/sec, with the intake discharge ratio of 0.31, the inlet Froude number of 0.13 and various turbulence models were calculated in 3D mode and compared with the experimental results and there were a good agreement between the obtained values and the experimental results.
Near-fault seismic performance of triple variable friction pendulum bearing
Authors: Namiranian Pejman , Ghodrati Amiri Gholamreza , Veismoradi Sajad
Published: June 2016

The current paper investigates the effect of Variable Friction System (VFS) on the response of Triple Friction Pendulum Bearing (TFPB) under normal and parallel components of near-fault ground motions. The Triple Variable Friction Pendulum Bearing (TVFPB), a developed TFPB, is proposed in this study. The variation of the frictional force on sliding surfaces of TVFPB is such that up to a certain value of displacement, the friction coefficient increases and then decreases with further increase in displacement. In order to verify the effectiveness of VFS, the analytical seismic responses are compared with the response of the same system supported on conventional TFPB. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the usage of VFS is quiet effective in reducing the displacement of isolation system. Moreover, by comparing the superstructure demands, it is observed that for stiff bearings with smaller displacement capacity, the incorporation of VFS will result in lower superstructure demands, whereas for flexible bearings with larger displacement capacity, superstructure demands are increased.
Eigensensitivity of damped system with defective multiple eigenvalues
Authors: Wang Pingxin , Yang Xibei
Published: June 2016

This paper considers the sensitivity of defective multiple eigenvalues of reducible matrix pencil, the average of eigenvalues is proved to be analytic, the derivatives of the average eigenvalues and the corresponding eigenvector matrices are obtained when the generalized eigenvalue is reducible. The sensitivity of defective multiple eigenvalues of a quadratic eigenvalue problem dependent on several parameters are also obtained by the result of generalized eigenvalue problem. The results are useful for investigating structural optimal design, model updating and structural damage detection.
Fine trajectory planning method for mobile piezorobots
Authors: Bansevicius Ramutis , Drukteiniene Asta , Kulvietis Genadijus , Macerauskas Eugenijus , Janutenaite Jurate , Mazeika Dalius
Published: June 2016

New trajectory planning method for mobile piezorobots is presented in this paper. Non-rotated mobile piezorobots must move by the given trajectory at the maximum speed and precisely replicate the given path. Two segments excitation schemes, which are used for formation of motion trajectory, were analyzed. Trajectory planning method was verified with numerical experiments and with the experimental system in the laboratory.
Sound insulation performance optimization of lightweight sandwich panels
Authors: Xu Xiao-mei , Jiang Yi-ping , Lee Heow-pueh , Chen Ning
Published: June 2016

Optimization of lightweight sandwich panels has been intensively studied, but optimization in terms of the acoustic objective is still a hot topic, and the influence on optimization results caused by sandwich panel geometric constraints is also rarely investigated. In this study, the optimization on lightweight sandwich panel designs is investigated by maximizing the sound insulation performance and minimizing the panel mass simultaneously. Firstly, the acoustic model of sandwich panels is discussed, which provides basic formulas to model the acoustic objective function. Secondly, the optimization problem is formulated as a bi-objective programming model, and a solution algorithm based on the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) is provided. Finally, the numerical experiments are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed model and solution algorithm. Numerical results demonstrate the tradeoff between two objectives, the panel transmission loss corresponding to the three typical points in the Pareto front, and how the geometric constraints impact the optimization results for lightweight sandwich panels.
Design and experiments of multi-stage coil gun system
Authors: Lee Su-Jeong , Kim Jin Ho , Kim Soo-Hyun
Published: June 2016

An electromagnetic launcher (EML) is a device used to propel and accelerate a projectile by converting electrical energy into kinetic energy. A coil gun, which is a type of EML, can propel a projectile without any mechanical friction so that there is no theoretical limit to the velocity. A multi-stage system is a way to raise the effectiveness of the coil gun. It accelerates the projectile by controlling the relations between each stage of the solenoid and projectile. Since a multi-stage system controls the time needed to apply electric current to the coil depending on the position of the projectile, the switching time is extremely important. We performed a finite element analysis using MAXWELL to determine the extent to which the velocity of a multi-stage coil gun improved compared to a single-stage coil gun. In addition, we verified the two-stage performance through timing control by designing and producing a two-stage coil gun based on our research results for a single-stage coil gun. The velocity was increased by 34 % compared to the single-stage coil gun, and the error compared to the analysis result was 16.4 %.
Acoustic response of clamped isotropic plate with discrete patches and point masses having different thickness variation
Authors: Kumar Bipin , Ranjan Vinayak , Sikandar Azam Mohammad , Ajit K. Priya , Kumar Ranjan
Published: June 2016

In the present work, sound power radiation response of a clamped rectangular plate with attached discrete masses and discrete patches is analysed. Four different thickness variations with taper ratios (HX) 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 are considered. Rayleigh integral is used to predict the sound radiation characteristics. Plate with four patches with linearly increasing – decreasing thickness variation at taper ratio (HX = 0.3) is most effective in achieving the minimum peak sound power level. With this configuration (linearly increasing – decreasing), a wider choice of taper ratio of (0.15-0.45) is possible for obtaining minimum peak sound power level for all the cases considered.
Experimental study on seismic behavior of steel tube confined high-strength concrete shear walls
Authors: Zhang Qian , Bai Liang , Liang Xingwen , Xiong Ergang
Published: June 2016

The high strength concrete shear walls are characterized by its high bearing capacity, high stiffness but a poor deformation capacity. In order to improve the deformation capacity of these members, specimens of high-strength concrete shear wall with steel tube confined boundary elements were designed and the quasi-static tests were conducted. The failure mode, failure mechanism, deformation capacity, hysteretic behavior, stiffness degradation and energy dissipation capacity of specimens were researched. The results indicate that the steel tube boundary elements can provide an effective confinement to the wall pier and the horizontal bearing capacity of specimens dropped slowly. Under a high axial force, the vertical bearing capacity of specimens can be maintained, and the deformation and energy dissipation capacity could be obviously enhanced due to the use of steel tubes in the boundary elements. The ultimate displacement and the energy dissipation of steel tube confined high-strength concrete shear walls were increased by 27 % and 81 % respectively compared to high-strength concrete shear walls with the same axial load ratio. According to the experimental results, the calculation formula is addressed for the cross-section bearing capacity of steel tube confined high-strength concrete shear wall. As a result, it is a good practice that the steel tube confined boundary elements can be utilized at the bottom strengthening zone so as to improve the seismic performance of high-strength concrete shear walls.
Numerical optimization of vehicle noises in multi-peak frequency points based on hybrid genetic algorithm and simulated annealing
Authors: Qu Xiao-jun , Liang Hai-long , Zhang Bo-chao , Cui Xu-yang
Published: June 2016

The finite element model of Body in White was built, and the corresponding modes were computed in this paper. These computational modes were then compared with experimental results. The small errors showed that the accuracy of the finite element model can satisfy the computational requirements. Based on the verified finite element model, acoustic cavities in the vehicle were extracted to build a boundary element model. Sound pressure levels at all passengers in the vehicle were then computed, compared and analyzed. Results indicated that the sound pressure curve had 6 peak noises. Using the characteristic frequency weight coefficient and field point weight coefficient, the body panels which made large acoustic contributions to the comprehensive sound field under multi-characteristic frequencies were determined. Finally, the improved genetic algorithm based on simulated annealing was used to optimize the key body panels, and peak noises at researched field points after the optimization were further computed. The computational results were compared with those of the original structure, which presented that the noise was improved at most frequency points in the spectrum and peak noises were suppressed obviously.
Dynamic characteristics of pipe-soil interaction for steel catenary riser in touchdown zone
Authors: Cao Yong-hong , Jing Yong-qiang , Guo Zheng-hong
Published: June 2016

Steel catenary riser (SCR) is one of the most popular and economic risers in the development of deep-water oil and gas field. As a difficulty in the SCR design, the pipe-soil interaction at the touchdown zone is affected by the soil strength, riser diameter, upper floating body, and other factors. Conventionally, the pipe-soil interaction was mainly studied based on the static response of the riser under a linear seabed which was inconsistent with the actual situation. Therefore, a dynamic characteristic model was built in the paper for more realistic simulation of the pipe-soil interaction. And experiments were conducted to verify the reliability of the numerical model. Based on the verified model, the dynamic process of the nonlinear time-domain was analyzed. Different parameters, such as the soil strength and dynamic loads, were changed to analyze their effects on the pipe-soil interaction in the whole process which provided a certain foundation for the SCR design.
Life estimation of the beam with normal distribution parameters and subjected to cyclic load
Authors: Li Changyou , Wang Xuchu , Wang Wei , Zhang Yimin , Guo Song
Published: June 2016

This research aims at estimating the life of the beam with normal distribution parameters and subjected to cyclic load. It is tested by Monte-Carlo simulation that the generalized displacement and velocity are normally distributed when the coefficient of variation (CV) of the random parameter is small (generally CV≤ 0.01). The random perturbation method is employed to estimate the mean and variance of the generalized displacement and velocity. The random dynamic stress and its derivative with respect to the time t of the beam is formulated according to the shape function of beam element and the stress equation in a Euler-Bernoulli beam. Their mean, variance and correlation coefficient are given using the first-order approximation in a Taylor series. Based on Palmgren-Miner rule, the expected cumulative damage equation is given and is used to estimate the life where the random dynamic stress is non-stationary and follows the normal distribution with the nonzero mean at any time t. The presented method could also estimate the life of other structure or component which has several normal random parameters, is subjected to cyclic load and obeys the linear dynamics and elastic theory when the random parameter’s CV is small.
Synchronization for a vibrating system with octa-motors drives on an isolation frame
Authors: He Bin , Zhao Chunyu , Ren Jie , Wen Bangchun
Published: June 2016

The aim of this paper is to investigate combination of vibration isolation for four vibrating machines with eight unbalanced rotors to eliminate the dynamic forces that the system acts on the foundation. By using the average method of modified small parameters and modal analysis, we deduce the dimensionless coupling equations of the eight unbalanced rotors, which convert the problem of synchronization for the eight unbalanced rotors into that of existence and stability of zero solutions for the dimensionless coupling equations. By combining the existence of zero solutions for the dimensionless coupling equations with the general dynamic symmetry for two coupled unbalanced rotors in one vibrating machine, the synchronization criterion and the stability criterion are obtained by using the generalized Lyapunov equation, Lyapunov criterion and Routh-Hurwitz criterion. Computer simulations are carried out to verify the above theoretical results. The results of computer simulation demonstrate that a pair of unbalanced rotors in one vibrating machine can synchronize at a phase difference of π, the phase differences among the four vibrating machines are between the two opposite. The four vibrating machines can vibrate only in z-direction, while the isolation frame is at rest during the working process. When the power supply of one motor in any vibrating machine is switched off, the coupling characteristics of the system can transfer energy from the unbalanced rotors with power supply to that without power supply to extend synchronization of the eight unbalanced rotors.
The effect of welding residual stress on the free vibration of underwater cylindrical shell
Authors: Yang Nian , Chen Luyun , Yi Hong , Liu Yong
Published: June 2016

The effect of welding residual stress on the vibration of underwater cylindrical shell is investigated. The welding residual stress of practical underwater structure, such as submarine, is widespread and complicate distributed. However, the earlier theoretical studies which mainly focused on the overall uniform distributed stress cannot be applied to deal with this practical vibration problem. In this paper, we offer a new theoretical analysis method aim at non-uniform distributed welding distributed stress. Based on the Flügge theory, considering the Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI), we derive the motion equations of the underwater cylindrical shell with welding residual stress. By means of a polynomial approximation and quadratic matrix linearization, we solve the nonlinear eigenvalue problem caused by the welding residual stress and FSI. Some numerical examples are used to validate our method and compare the welding residual stress-caused influence in the air and water.
Numerical analysis of flow noises in the square cavity vortex based on computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Wang Yan , Yang Yongwang , Ma Gaosheng , Zhou Yao-ming
Published: June 2016

In order to study turbulence conditions in an underwater square cavity, the large eddy simulation method was adopted to analyze flow field distributions in the cavity as well as its development and pressure pulsation characteristics at some key positions. MATLAB was also adopted to realize Fast Fourier Transform of signals in time domain and obtain pressure pulsation levels in frequency domain. Based on the analyzed results, pressure pulsation characteristics of key points in the cavity were further discussed. The results showed that pressure pulsation frequencies and characteristics were different with different positions in the square cavity and were closely related with relevant vortex motion states. It was found through comparisons with the experimental results, that pressure pulsation simulation had a good consistency with the experiment when the analyzed frequency was more than 31.5 Hz. As a result, feasibility and accuracy of numerical simulation and Fourier analysis methods were verified. Finally, a numerical model of square cavity in near sound field was built, and sound source intensity distributions at two frequency points were extracted. It could be found that the sound source intensity was large at the rear-edge step, which was consistent with the intensity distribution of vortices. Therefore, reliability of the numerical model in this paper was indirectly verified in the results.
Estimation of statistical energy analysis loss factor for fiber reinforced plastics plate of yachts
Authors: Cai Yannian , Yu Hongliang , Liang Bingnan , Song Yuchao , Yan Jin
Published: June 2016

Loss factor is one of the most significant parameters of Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA) which represents the damping loss characteristics of a system and indicates the ability of its vibration energy consumption. In order to estimate it, the power input method (PIM) and the impulse response decay method (IRDM) have become widely used especially when the object of study is made of Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) of which dynamic interaction is really complicated. Numerical simulation is also applied to analyze the loss factor of the spring-damping-system with single degree of freedom (SDOF) using MATLAB to introduce the identification procedure of PIM and IRDM. With the comparison of the methods, the analytical study indicates these techniques are effective for the estimation of loss factor. This paper focuses on an experimental approach to get the SEA loss factor of FRP plate and the test investigations are performed in detail. The requirements and limitations of each method applied are discussed and PIM is a better solution dealing with this kind of the composite material. The loss factor of test specimen is obtained to provide a valuable reference for the prediction and control of vibration and noise of yachts with SEA.
Evaluation of wear and physical qualities of traditional and biodegradable polymeric films with Braille under vibrations
Authors: Venytė I. , Kibirkštis E. , Miliūnas V. , Vaitasius K. , Stepanenko A. , Ragulskis K. , Ragulskis L.
Published: June 2016

Physical parameters of Braille elements formed on polymeric films including biodegradable ones were tested in the investigation presented in this paper. A separate Braille element is analyzed. Plane strain and axisymmetric problems are investigated. At the places of maximum equivalent stresses deterioration of quality of material of a Braille element is expected. Equivalent stresses are used for determination of the number of cycles till the start of wear at the surfaces of the Braille element when the film performs vibrations according to the eigenmode. Graphical representations are obtained. The results of performed investigations are used in the process of interpretation of measurements of wear of vibrating Braille elements.
A comparative study of signal processing methods for structural health monitoring
Authors: Qarib Hossein , Adeli Hojjat
Published: June 2016

In this paper four non-parametric and five parametric signal processing techniques are reviewed and their performances are compared through application to a sample exponentially damped synthetic signal with closely-spaced frequencies representing the ambient response of structures. The non-parametric methods are Fourier transform, periodogram estimate of power spectral density, wavelet transform, and empirical mode decomposition with Hilbert spectral analysis (Hilbert-Huang transform). The parametric methods are pseudospectrum estimate using the multiple signal categorization (MUSIC), empirical wavelet transform, approximate Prony method, matrix pencil method, and the estimation of signal parameters by rotational invariance technique (ESPRIT) method. The performances of different methods are studied statistically using the Monte Carlo simulation and the results are presented in terms of average errors of multiple sample analyses.
Linkages with the quantitative assessment of water resources vulnerability: a new approach for adaptive water management under a changing environment
Authors: Xia J. , Shi W. , Hong S. , Chen J.-X.
Published: June 2016

Climate change impact on water resources has been a global hot issue in recent years. In accordance with the latest research progress, a new meaning of water resources vulnerability (WRV) and a concept of adaptive water management have been proposed. For evaluating WRV under the changing environment in the Huai River Basin (HRB), the sixth largest river basin in China, a quantitative assessment model coupling with exposure, droughts risk, sensitivity, and adaptability of water resources system was established. In addition, the adaptive regulation of WRV under five scenarios of water demand control, water efficiency control, pollutant restriction of the water function zone, the minimum water demand control of the ecosystem and integrated control were analyzed in this study. The results indicated that the region with the greatest value of WRV was Xiaoqing River in the benchmark year (2000) and the most unfavorable scenarios in which 33% and 87% of HRB were the extreme vulnerable regions. Among all adaptive regulation scenarios, the most sensitive scenario was the integrated control, followed by the control of water function zone compliance, water use efficiency, water demand and the minimum water demand control of the ecosystem. This study will provide a scientific foundation to integrated water resources management in China.
Coagulation behavior and floc characteristics of a novel composite poly-ferric aluminum chloride–polydimethyl diallylammonium chloride coagulant with different OH/(Fe3+ + Al3+) molar ratios
Authors: Sun Cuizhen , Qiu Jinwei , Zhang Zhibin , Marhaba Taha F. , Zhang Yanhao
Published: June 2016

In this paper, flocculating performance and mechanisms of a new composite coagulant, poly-ferric aluminum chloride–polydimethyl diallylammonium chloride (PFAC-PD) with different OH−/(Fe3+ + Al3+) molar ratios, were investigated for humic acid (HA)–kaolin synthetic wastewater treatment. The impact of OH−/(Fe3+ + Al3+) molar ratios on the removal efficiencies of turbidity and dissolved organic carbon, specific UV absorbance, coagulation mechanisms and dynamics was explored during the coagulation process using composite coagulants. The coagulation experimental results revealed that the composite coagulants with lower OH−/(Fe3+ + Al3+) molar ratio exhibited better coagulation efficiency. When OH−/(Fe3+ + Al3+) molar ratio of the composite coagulant was 1.5, adsorption-bridging played a dominant role in coagulating HA–kaolin synthetic wastewater. The floc growth rate and floc size, increased with increasing OH−/(Fe3+ + Al3+) molar ratio and the highest peak height of the size distribution was obtained by PFAC-PD with OH−/(Fe3+ + Al3+) = 1.5. Also, the composite coagulants with higher OH−/(Fe3+ + Al3+) molar ratio formed more compact flocs, as reflected by the higher fractal dimension value. The flocs coagulated by PFAC-PD with basicity value of 1.0 gave strong strength and good recoverability.