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Article
Publication date: 1 April 2019

Michel Leseure, Dawn Robins, Graham Wall and Dylan Jones

Offshore renewable energy technologies provide many new opportunities for coastal regions around the world, and although the energy policy literature has documented the success…

Abstract

Purpose

Offshore renewable energy technologies provide many new opportunities for coastal regions around the world, and although the energy policy literature has documented the success stories of many “first mover” regions, there is little guidance for “second mover” or “follower” regions. This paper aims to investigate the strategic challenges faced by coastal regions in the Channel area that are not first movers.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a multiple case study approach to analyse the behaviour of regional stakeholders when planning and assessing their participation in the renewable energy sector.

Findings

The paper reveals the tendency of regional planners to idealise investments in renewable energy. The negative consequences of idealisation are inadequate strategic visions.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are only relevant in the context of the regions that are part of the case study.

Practical implications

The paper illustrates how idealisation of technology or strategy is created and how it impacts strategic decision-making. It also discusses how to address idealisation.

Social implications

Although much of the energy policy literature discusses the challenge of social acceptance, this paper documents an opposite phenomenon, idealisation. There is a need in the energy sector to find a middle ground between these two extremes.

Originality/value

The paper provides evidence and a theoretical analysis of a decision-making bias, idealisation, which is not discussed in the literature.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 13 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 August 2014

Odeh Dababneh and Altan Kayran

In modeling an aircraft wing, structural idealizations are often employed in hand calculations to simplify the structural analysis. In real applications of structural design…

Abstract

Purpose

In modeling an aircraft wing, structural idealizations are often employed in hand calculations to simplify the structural analysis. In real applications of structural design, analysis and optimization, finite element methods are used because of the complexity of the geometry, combined and complex loading conditions. The purpose of this paper is to give a comprehensive study on the effect of using different structural idealizations on the design, analysis and optimization of thin walled semi-monocoque wing structures in the preliminary design phase.

Design/methodology/approach

In the design part of the paper, wing structures are designed by employing two different structural idealizations that are typically used in the preliminary design phase. In the structural analysis part, finite element analysis of one of the designed wing configurations is performed using six different one and two dimensional finite element pairs which are typically used to model the sub-elements of semi-monocoque wing structures. Finally in the optimization part, wing structure is optimized for minimum weight by using finite element models which have the same six different finite element pairs used in the analysis phase.

Findings

Based on the results presented in the paper, it is concluded that with the simplified methods, preliminary sizing of the wing configurations can be performed with enough confidence as long as the simplified method based designs are also optimized iteratively, which is what is practiced in the design phase of this study.

Originality/value

This research aims at investigating the effect of using different one and two dimensional element pairs on the final analyzed and optimized configurations of the wing structure, and conclusions are inferred with regard to the sensitivity of the optimized wing configurations with respect to the choice of different element types in the finite element model.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 5 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 June 2015

Ross P. D. Johnston, Mohammed Sonebi, James B. P. Lim, Cecil G. Armstrong, Andrzej M. Wrzesien, Gasser Abdelal and Ying Hu

This paper describes the results of non-linear elasto-plastic implicit dynamic finite element analyses that are used to predict the collapse behaviour of cold-formed steel portal…

Abstract

This paper describes the results of non-linear elasto-plastic implicit dynamic finite element analyses that are used to predict the collapse behaviour of cold-formed steel portal frames at elevated temperatures. The collapse behaviour of a simple rigid-jointed beam idealisation and a more accurate semi-rigid jointed shell element idealisation are compared for two different fire scenarios. For the case of the shell element idealisation, the semi-rigidity of the cold-formed steel joints is explicitly taken into account through modelling of the bolt-hole elongation stiffness. In addition, the shell element idealisation is able to capture buckling of the cold-formed steel sections in the vicinity of the joints. The shell element idealisation is validated at ambient temperature against the results of full-scale tests reported in the literature. The behaviour at elevated temperatures is then considered for both the semi-rigid jointed shell and rigid-jointed beam idealisations. The inclusion of accurate joint rigidity and geometric non-linearity (second order analysis) are shown to affect the collapse behaviour at elevated temperatures. For each fire scenario considered, the importance of base fixity in preventing an undesirable outwards collapse mechanism is demonstrated. The results demonstrate that joint rigidity and varying fire scenarios should be considered in order to allow for conservative design.

Details

Journal of Structural Fire Engineering, vol. 6 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-2317

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 January 2015

Laszlo Hetey, James Campbell and Rade Vignjevic

This paper aims to describe the development of an advisory system that helps building sound finite element (FE) models from computer-aided design data, with actual uncertainty…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the development of an advisory system that helps building sound finite element (FE) models from computer-aided design data, with actual uncertainty levels expressed by error values in per cent, as today there is no widely accepted tool for FE idealisation error control.

Design/methodology/approach

The goal is to provide a computer-aided engineering (CAE) environment which assists the FE modelling phase. A demonstration program has been developed that leads the user through a step-by-step process and helps to detect idealisation errors. Uncertainties are identified and analysed following the procedure. An example illustrates the methodology on the collapse analysis of aerospace stiffened panels.

Findings

The design shows how a knowledge-based system can be used to aid a safe virtual product development.

Research limitations/implications

The extension of current CAE environments is difficult, as the programs do not provide sufficient flexibility, changeability and FE solver independence. New developments can take the presented concept as a starting point.

Practical implications

The application of error control strategies increases the FE modelling fidelity and can prevent incorrect design decisions. The practical conversion of FE idealisation support depends on the ambitions of CAE software providers.

Originality/value

This research shows how a previously paper-and-pencil-based error control procedure can be transformed to an easy-to-use tool in modern software.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, vol. 87 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1968

G. Sander

THE idea of a dual analysis in finite elements of a given structure was put forward in Ref. 4. The first analysis should be of the displacement type, using conforming displacement…

Abstract

THE idea of a dual analysis in finite elements of a given structure was put forward in Ref. 4. The first analysis should be of the displacement type, using conforming displacement models of the finite elements. This results in a continuous, piecewise differcntiable displacement field in the whole structure, for which linear elasticity theory predicts lower bounds to the local static influence coefficients. The second analysis should be based on equilibrium models of the finite elements. The stress field within the structure is then continuously transmitted across the interfaces and satisfies detailed equilibrium conditions in the interior of each element. This property furnishes upper bounds to the influence coefficients.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 40 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1992

Felix Geyer

Takes a general systems approach to reconceptualize and interconnect existing theories of alienation in community and in society. Alienation is viewed as a generic term for…

Abstract

Takes a general systems approach to reconceptualize and interconnect existing theories of alienation in community and in society. Alienation is viewed as a generic term for different types of information processing disturbances of human individuals, conceived as autoietic, self‐steering and self‐referential systems. In considering the possible relationships between alienation and the community‐society continuum, regarded as a controversial and complex one, a third element, complexity itself, which exerts its influence, is introduced. The main focus is on the different kinds of alienated response that may be evoked by relatively simple versus relatively complex environments. Discusses the idealized concept of the community and describes the negative effects of idealization. Finally, addresses the question of what type of community is still feasible in the highly complex society.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 21 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 October 2017

Lee D. Parker and Samantha Warren

The purpose of this paper is to explore the intersection of professional values and career roles in accountants’ presentations of their professional identity, in the face of…

2913

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the intersection of professional values and career roles in accountants’ presentations of their professional identity, in the face of enduring stereotyping of the accounting role.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents a qualitative investigation of accountants’ construction of their professional identities and imagery using a Goffmanian dramaturgical perspective. Viewing professional identity construction as a presentational matter of impression management, the investigation employs a reflexive photo-interviewing methodology.

Findings

Accountants use a variety of workplace dramatisation, idealisation and mystification strategies inside and outside the workplace to counter the traditional accounting stereotype. They also attempt to develop a professional identity that is a subset of their overall life values.

Research limitations/implications

Their professional orientation is found to embrace role reconstruction and revised image mystification while not necessarily aiming for upward professional mobility. This has implications for understanding the career trajectories of contemporary accountants with associated implications for continuing professional development and education.

Originality/value

The paper focusses on professional role, identity, values and image at the individual accountant level, while most prior research has focussed upon these issues at the macro association-wide level. In offering the first use of reflexive photo-interviewing method in the accounting research literature, it brings the prospect of having elicited different and possibly more reflective observations, reflections and understandings from actors not otherwise possible from more conventional methods.

Details

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, vol. 30 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3574

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 September 2010

Thomas J. Farrell

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to discuss certain key issues involved in the science wars; second, to review William Rehg's Cogent Science in Context: The Science

119

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to discuss certain key issues involved in the science wars; second, to review William Rehg's Cogent Science in Context: The Science Wars, Argumentation Theory, and Habermas (Massachusetts Institute of Technology Press, Cambridge, 2009).

Design/methodology/approach

In accord with the genre of a review paper, the author sets the larger intellectual context of Rehg's book, and then highlights Rehg's book.

Findings

The findings suggest that Rehg has done an excellent job of explaining and expanding Habermas's argumentation theory, thereby working out a nonrelativist and nonskeptical framework for science studies (e.g. science and technology studies, studies in the sociology of scientific knowledge, and ethnomethodological studies of scientific work). However, the present author's findings also suggest that Rehg has not addressed the concerns of Protestant fundamentalists in the science wars as strongly as those concerns can be addressed. In addition, the present author's findings show that Rehg is silent about those academic critics in the science wars who criticize scientism in the pejorative sense of the term.

Originality/value

In the final analysis, Rehg's use of Habermas's argumentation theory is credited with offering rich implications for taking the science wars to a new level of sophistication.

Details

On the Horizon, vol. 18 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1074-8121

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1997

Cleaver Symons and Alan Morris

Confidence in airframe structure integrity must never be compromised, particularly where the structure is safety critical. There are, however, increasing pressures, cost being one…

1248

Abstract

Confidence in airframe structure integrity must never be compromised, particularly where the structure is safety critical. There are, however, increasing pressures, cost being one of the most significant, to reduce or eliminate customized testing of airframes. Certification of airframes by analysis is, therefore, desirable. The question to be answered is ‐ is it possible? Provides an overview of five years’ work in producing a methodology and best practice for structural analysis, which provides a concrete procedure for answering this question.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 69 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1959

J.H. Argyris and S. Kelsey

A DSIR Sponsored Research Programme on the Development and Application of the Matrix Force Method and the Digital Computer. This work presents a rational method for the structural…

Abstract

A DSIR Sponsored Research Programme on the Development and Application of the Matrix Force Method and the Digital Computer. This work presents a rational method for the structural analysis of stressed skin fuselages for application in conjunction with the digital computer. The theory is a development of the matrix force method which permits a close integration of the analysis and the programming for a computer operating with a matrix interpretive scheme. The structural geometry covered by the analysis is sufficiently arbitrary to include most cases encountered in practice, and allows for non‐conical taper, double‐cell cross‐sections and doubly connected rings. An attempt has been made to produce a highly standardized procedure requiring as input information only the simplest geometrical and elastic data. An essential feature is the use of the elimination and modification technique subsequent to the main analysis of the regularized structure in which all cutouts have been filled in. Current Summary A critical historical appraisal of previous work in the Western World on fuselage analysis is given in the present issue together with an outline of the ideas underlying the new theory.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 31 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

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