The numerical algorithm of thermal phenomena is based on the solution of the heat conduction equations in Petrov-Galerkin’s formula using the finite element method. In the modeling of phase transformation in the solid state, the models based on the diagrams of continuous heating and continuous cooling (CHT and CCT). In the modeling of mechanical phenomena, equations of equilibrium and constitutive relationships were adopted in the rate form. It was assumed that the hardened material is elastic-plastic, and the plasticizing can be characterized by isotropic, kinematic or mixed strengthening. In the model of mechanical phenomena besides thermal, plastic and structural strains, the transformations plasticity was taken into account. Thermo-physical size occurring in the constitutive relationship, such as Young’s modulus and tangential modulus, while yield point depend on temperature and phase composition of the material. The modified Leblond model was used to determine transformation plasticity. This model was supplemented by an algorithm of modified plane strain state, advantageous in application to the modeling of mechanical phenomena in slender objects. The problem of thermoelasticity and plasticity was solved by the FEM. In order to evaluate the quality and usefulness of the presented numerical models, numerical analysis of temperature fields, phase fractions, stresses and strains was performed, i.e. the basic phenomena accompanying surface layer of progressive-hardening with a movable heat source of slender elements made of tool steel for cold work.

The paper is devoted to the strength analysis of a simply supported three layer beam. The sandwich beam consists of: two metal facings, the metal foam core and two binding layers between the faces and the core. In consequence, the beam is a five layer beam. The main goal of the study is to elaborate a mathematical model of this beam, analytical description and a solution of the three-point bending problem. The beam is subjected to a transverse load. The nonlinear hypothesis of the deformation of the cross section of the beam is formulated. Based on the principle of the stationary potential energy the system of four equations of equilibrium is derived. Then deflections and stresses are determined. The influence of the binding layers is considered. The results of the solutions of the bending problem analysis are shown in the tables and figures. The analytical model is verified numerically using the finite element analysis, as well as experimentally.

Construction elements of supercritical power plants are subjected to high working pressures and high temperatures while operating. Under these conditions high stresses in the construction are created. In order to operate safely, it is important to monitor stresses, especially during start-up and shut-down processes. The maximum stresses in the construction elements should not exceed the allowable stress limit. The goal is to find optimum operating parameters that can assure safe heating and cooling processes [1-5]. The optimum parameters should guarantee that the allowable stresses are not exceeded and the entire process is conducted in the shortest time. In this work new numerical method for determining optimum working parameters is presented. Based on these parameters heating operations were conducted. Stresses were monitored during the entire processes. The results obtained were compared with the German boiler regulations - Technische Regeln für Dampfkessel 301.

The Copper-SiC composite was investigated with the help of FEM. The authors modeled and analyzed the effect of relaxation of thermal stresses due to seasoning at room temperature after the manufacturing process together with the effect of thermal stresses induced by reheating the material to a service temperature. Especially, hypothetical fracture at interface was of interest. It was shown that, for a fixed temperature, a single crack emanating at 0° or 45° azimuth would develop only along a portion of fiber perimeter, and a further growth would require stress increase in the fiber surrounding.

Modern supercritical power plants operate at very high temperatures and pressures. Thus the construction elements are subjected to both high thermal and mechanical loads. As a result high stresses in those components are created. In order to operate safely, it is important to monitor stresses, especially during start-up and shut-down processes. The maximum stresses in the construction elements should not exceed the allowable stresses that are defined according to boiler regulations. It is important to find optimum operating parameters, that can assure safe heating and cooling processes. The optimum parameters define temperature and pressure histories that can keep the highest stresses within allowable limit and reduce operation time as much as possible. In this paper a new numerical method for determining optimum working fluid parameters is presented. In this method, properties of steel can be assumed as constant or temperature dependent. The constant value is taken usually at the average temperature of the operation cycle. For both cases optimal parameters are determined. Based on these parameters start-up operations for both cases are conducted. During entire processes stresses in the heated element are monitored. The results obtained are compared with German boiler regulations - Technische Regeln fur Dampfkessel 301.

Metallographic investigations and a computer simulation of stresses in a gravity die-casting bushing were performed. Simulation of the casting process, solidification of the thick-walled bushing and calculations of the stress was performed using MAGMA5.3 software. The size variability of phases κIIaffecting the formation of phase stresses σf, depending on the location of the metallographic test area, was identified. The distribution of thermal σtand shrinkage stresses σs, depending on the location of the control point SC in the bushing's volume, was estimated. Probably the nature of these stresses will change slightly even after machining. This can cause variations in operating characteristics (friction coefficient, wear). Due to the strong inhomogeneity of the stress distribution in the bushing's casting, it is necessary to perform further tests of the possibility to conduct thermal treatment guaranteeing homogenization of the internal stresses in the casting, as well as to introduce changes in the bushing's construction and the casting technology. The paper presents the continuation of the results of research aimed at identifying the causes of defects in the thick-walled bushing, die-casting made of CuAl10Fe5Ni5Cr aluminium bronze.

Twist extrusion is a processing method involving the extrusion of a sample with a prismatic cross-section using a tool composed of four prismatic parts bisected by a screw component. A beneficial change in mechanical durability is one of the main factors enabling the use of highly durable Al-Mg-Mn-Sc-Zr alloys to construct functional components of non-stationary robots. As part of the present research, ANSYS® software was used to simulate a twist extrusion process. An analysis of a sample entering and passing through the entire twisting area was performed, up to the point of full twisting of the base of the sample. The stress conditions in the sample were analysed as it passed through the twisting area. The highest stress values (reaching up to 600 MPa) were detected at the tips of the sample face as the sample exited the twisting area. The lowest stress values, at around 170 MPa, were detected at the side edges of the sample.

The volume changes caused by coupled temperature and moisture variations in early-age concrete elements lead to formation of stresses. If a restraint exists along the contact surface of mature concrete against which a new concrete element has been cast, generated stresses are mostly of a restraint origin. In engineering practice a wide range of externally restrained concrete elements can be distinguished such as tank walls or bridge abutments cast against an old set foundation, in which early-age cracking may endanger their durability or functionality. Therefore, for years methods were being developed to predict early-age stresses and cracking risk of externally restrained concrete elements subjected to early-age thermal-moisture effects. The paper presents the comparative study of the most recognised analytical approaches: the method proposed in EC2, the method proposed by ACI Committee 207 and the method developed at the Luleå University of Technology.

A thermoelastic boundary value problem of a hollow circular disc made of functionally graded materials with arbitrary gradient is analysed. The steady-state temperature distribution is assumed to be the function of the radial coordinate with prescribed temperature at the inner and outer cylindrical boundary surfaces. The material properties are assumed to be arbitrary smooth functions of the radial coordinate. A coupled system of ordinary differential equations containing the radial displacement and stress function is derived and used to get the distribution of thermal stresses and radial displacements caused by axisymmetric mechanical and thermal loads. General analytical solutions of functionally graded disc with thermal loads are not available. The results obtained by the presented numerical method are verified by an analytical solution. The considered analytical solution is valid if the material properties, except the Poisson ratio, are expressed as power functions of the radial coordinate.

We talk to Dr. Emilia Rejmak-Kozicka from the PAS Institute of Experimental Biology about how our bodies respond to chronic stress.

First psychological research at Arctowski station were conducted in 1979. In the nineties the American team under direction of prof. L. Palinkas conducted research in order to determine the patterns of multicultural psychosocial adaptation. The author discusses stress as a result of isolation and extreme conditions.