Dynamic bayesian networks as a possible alternative to the ensemble kalman filter for parameter estimation in reservoir engineering

The objective of reservoir engineering is to optimize hydrocarbon recovery. One of the most common and efficient recovery processes is water injection. The water is pumped into the reservoir in injection wells in order to push the oil trapped in the porous media towards the production wells. The movement of the water front depends on the...

Performance indicator of a bridge expansion joint

In general the condition of a structure can be assessed in terms of a performance indicator. For example, this can be the strength of a structure. An asset manager is concerned with ensuring that the performance of a structure does not fall below a given minimum level. This can be achieved by inspecting or monitoring the structure. As the...

Safety philosophy for existing structures and partial factors for traffic loads on bridges

Evaluating and upgrading existing structures becomes more and more important. For a large part of the existing infrastructure and buildings the design life has been reached or will be reached in the near future. These structures need to be reassessed in order to find out whether the safety requirements are met. Not only for new structures but...

Aluminium structures exposed to fire conditions. An overview

This paper gives an overview of the structural behaviour and design of aluminium structures exposed to fire conditions. Two design approaches are elaborated: the "traditional" approach that is mainly based on conventions and the fire safety engineering approach that is more based on physics. For the traditional approach, equations for the...

Eurocodes and the structural safety of existing buildings - Considering the publication of the Dutch NEN 8700

Since 1992 there have been a number of proposals to renew calculation methods available to assess the structural safety of existing buildings. But without operational results. Upon publication of the Eurocodes NL decided to renew and to include them in the Dutch building regulations. The question was how. One decided to develop a new Dutch...

Impact and injury response of long track speed skaters

The following study presents a combined numerical-experimental investigation into the impact and injury response of long track speed skaters when impacting the protective boarding around the track. The high speeds common within the sport combined with the inherent slipperiness of the ice create a high probability for falls. When falling, racers...

Summary of European directives for explosion safety

On July 1, 2003 a transitional period has ended and two European directives became fully active: • Directive 1999/92/EC • Directive 94/9/EC These directives have an impact on companies with an explosion hazard (gas, vapor, mist, or dust explosions) and on manufacturers of equipment intended to be used in explosive atmospheres. The directives...

International standards on working postures and movements ISO 11226 and EN 1005-4

Standards organizations have given considerable attention to the problem of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The publication of international standards for evaluating working postures and movements, ISO 11226 in 2000 and EN 1005-4 in 2005, may be considered as a support for those involved in preventing and controlling these disorders. The...

Management of change: Lessons learned from staff reductions in the chemical process industry

Increasing global competition and shareholder pressure are causing major changes in the chemical industry. Over the last decade companies have been continuously improving staff efficiency. As a result, most modern chemical plants can be regarded as lean. Plans to further reduce the number of staff have come under increasing criticism by...

The use of ballistic knowledge in ammunition safety cases

Both the Royal Navy and the Royal Netherlands Navy are using the 30 mm Goalkeeper as CIWS (Close-In Weapon System) on their ships. The Goalkeeper CIWS and its ammunition are being used since the late 1980’s. Before introduction in the Royal Navy and the Royal Netherlands Navy, the Goalkeeper system and its ammunition have been studied...

Numerical prediction of seating position in car seats

Two of the main design objectives for car interiors are comfort and safety. These aspects are both determined by the seating position of the occupant. Seat manufacturers use the SAE Three-Dimensional H-Point Machine™ to measure seating positions to design, audit, and benchmark seats. The seating positions measured with the H-Point Machine form...

Enhanced FAA-hybrid III numerical dummy model in Madymo for aircraft occupant safety assessment

To improve survivability and to minimize the risk of injury to occupants in helicopter crash events, a complete Cabin Safety System concept including safety features and an enhanced FAA-Hybrid III dummy were developed within the HeliSafe project. A numerical tool was also created and validated to allow simulations of various crash scenarios. The...

Mathematical human body modelling for impact loading

Mathematical modelling of the human body is widely used for automotive crash safety research and design. Simulations have contributed to a reduction of injury numbers by optimisation of vehicle structures and restraint systems. Currently such simulations are largely performed using occupant models based on crash dummies. These models inherit the...