@article{HofmannLimpertMatareetal.2018, author = {Hofmann, Till and Limpert, Nicolas and Matar{\´e}, Victor and Sch{\"o}nitz, Sebastian and Niemueller, Tim and Ferrein, Alexander and Lakemeyer, Gerhard}, title = {The Carologistics RoboCup Logistics Team 2018}, year = {2018}, abstract = {The Carologistics team participates in the RoboCup Logistics League for the seventh year. The RCLL requires precise vision, manipulation and path planning, as well as complex high-level decision making and multi-robot coordination. We outline our approach with an emphasis on recent modifications to those components. The team members in 2018 are David Bosen, Christoph Gollok, Mostafa Gomaa, Daniel Habering, Till Hofmann, Nicolas Limpert, Sebastian Sch{\"o}nitz, Morian Sonnet, Carsten Stoffels, and Tarik Viehmann. This paper is based on the last year's team description.}, language = {en} } @article{Thomas2018, author = {Thomas, Axel}, title = {Technologiezentren in der Aachener Region - Retrospektiven und Perspektiven}, series = {VM Verwaltung und Management}, volume = {24}, journal = {VM Verwaltung und Management}, number = {3}, publisher = {Nomos}, address = {Baden-Baden}, issn = {0947-9856}, doi = {10.5771/0947-9856-2018-3-147}, pages = {147 -- 156}, year = {2018}, language = {de} } @article{PuppeGiulianoFrantzetal.2018, author = {Puppe, Michael and Giuliano, Stefano and Frantz, Cathy and Uhlig, Ralf and Schumacher, Ralph and Ibraheem, Wagdi and Schmalz, Stefan and Waldmann, Barbara and Guder, Christoph and Peter, Dennis and Schwager, Christian and Teixeira Boura, Cristiano Jos{\´e} and Alexopoulos, Spiros and Spiegel, Michael and Wortmann, J{\"u}rgen and Hinrichs, Matthias and Engelhard, Manfred and Aust, Michael}, title = {Techno-economic optimization of molten salt solar tower plants}, series = {AIP Conference Proceedings art.no. 040033}, volume = {2033}, journal = {AIP Conference Proceedings art.no. 040033}, number = {Issue 1}, publisher = {AIP Publishing}, address = {Melville, NY}, doi = {10.1063/1.5067069}, year = {2018}, abstract = {In this paper the results of a techno-economic analysis of improved and optimized molten salt solar tower plants (MSSTP plants) are presented. The potential improvements that were analyzed include different receiver designs, different designs of the HTF-system and plant control, increased molten salt temperatures (up to 640°C) and multi-tower systems. Detailed technological and economic models of the solar field, solar receiver and high temperature fluid system (HTF-system) were developed and used to find potential improvements compared to a reference plant based on Solar Two technology and up-to-date cost estimations. The annual yield model calculates the annual outputs and the LCOE of all variants. An improved external tubular receiver and improved HTF-system achieves a significant decrease of LCOE compared to the reference. This is caused by lower receiver cost as well as improvements of the HTF-system and plant operation strategy, significantly reducing the plant own consumption. A novel star receiver shows potential for further cost decrease. The cavity receiver concepts result in higher LCOE due to their high investment cost, despite achieving higher efficiencies. Increased molten salt temperatures seem possible with an adapted, closed loop HTF-system and achieve comparable results to the original improved system (with 565°C) under the given boundary conditions. In this analysis all multi tower systems show lower economic viability compared to single tower systems, caused by high additional cost for piping connections and higher cost of the receivers. REFERENCES}, language = {en} } @article{BerneckerKlierSternetal.2018, author = {Bernecker, Andreas and Klier, Julia and Stern, Sebastian and Thiel, Lea}, title = {Sustaining high performance beyond public-sector pilot projects.}, number = {September 2018}, organization = {McKinsey\&Company}, year = {2018}, language = {en} } @article{DigelWehlitzKayseretal.2018, author = {Digel, Ilya and Wehlitz, V. and Kayser, Peter and Figiel-Lange, A. and Bassam, R. and Rundstedt, F. von}, title = {Suspension depletion approach for exemption of infected Solanum jasminoides cells from pospiviroids}, series = {Plant Pathology}, volume = {67}, journal = {Plant Pathology}, number = {2}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {1365-3059}, doi = {10.1111/ppa.12750}, pages = {358 -- 365}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Despite numerous studies, viroid elimination from infected plants remains a very challenging task. This study introduces for the first time a novel 'suspension depletion' approach for exemption of Solanum jasminoides plants from viroids. The proposed method implies initial establishment of suspension cultures of the infected plant cells. The suspended cells were then physically treated (mild thermotherapy, 33 °C), which presumably delayed the replication of the viroid. The viroid concentration in the treated biomass was monitored weekly using pospiviroid-specific PCR. After 10-12 weeks of continuous treatment, a sufficient decrease in viroid concentration was observed such that the infection became undetectable by PCR. The treated single cells then gave rise to microcolonies on a solid culture medium and the obtained viroid-negative clones were further promoted to regenerate into viroid-free plants. Three years of accumulated experimental data suggests feasibility, broad applicability, and good efficacy of the proposed approach.}, language = {en} } @article{BhattaraiJabbariAndingetal.2018, author = {Bhattarai, Aroj and Jabbari, Medisa and Anding, Ralf and Staat, Manfred}, title = {Surgical treatment of vaginal vault prolapse using different prosthetic mesh implants: a finite element analysis}, series = {tm - Technisches Messen}, volume = {85}, journal = {tm - Technisches Messen}, number = {5}, publisher = {De Gruyter}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {2196-7113}, doi = {10.1515/teme-2017-0115}, pages = {331 -- 342}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Particularly multiparous elderly women may suffer from vaginal vault prolapse after hysterectomy due to weak support from lax apical ligaments. A decreased amount of estrogen and progesterone in older age is assumed to remodel the collagen thereby reducing tissue stiffness. Sacrocolpopexy is either performed as open or laparoscopic surgery using prosthetic mesh implants to substitute lax ligaments. Y-shaped mesh models (DynaMesh, Gynemesh, and Ultrapro) are implanted in a 3D female pelvic floor finite element model in the extraperitoneal space from the vaginal cuff to the first sacral (S1) bone below promontory. Numerical simulations are conducted during Valsalva maneuver with weakened tissues modeled by reduced tissue stiffness. Tissues are modeled as incompressible, isotropic hyperelastic materials whereas the meshes are modeled either as orthotropic linear elastic or as isotropic hyperlastic materials. The positions of the vaginal cuff and the bladder base are calculated from the pubococcygeal line for female pelvic floor at rest, for prolapse and after repair using the three meshes. Due to mesh mechanics and mesh pore deformation along the loaded direction, the DynaMesh with regular rectangular mesh pores is found to provide better mechanical support to the organs than the Gynemesh and the Ultrapro with irregular hexagonal mesh pores. Insbesondere {\"a}ltere, mehrgeb{\"a}hrende Frauen leiden h{\"a}ufiger an einem Scheidenvorfall nach einer Hysterektomie aufgrund der schwachen Unterst{\"u}tzung durch laxe apikale B{\"a}nder. Es wird angenommen, dass eine verringerte Menge an {\"O}strogen und Progesteron im h{\"o}heren Alter das Kollagen umformt, wodurch die Gewebesteifigkeit reduziert wird. Die Sakrokolpopexie ist eine offene oder laparoskopische Operation, die mit prothetischen Netzimplantaten durchgef{\"u}hrt wird, um laxe B{\"a}nder zu ersetzen. Y-f{\"o}rmige Netzmodelle (DynaMesh, Gynemesh und Ultrapro) werden in einem 3D-Modell des weiblichen Beckenbodens im extraperitonealen Raum vom Vaginalstumpf bis zum Promontorium implantiert. Numerische Simulationen werden w{\"a}hrend des Valsalva-Man{\"o}vers mit geschw{\"a}chtem Gewebe durchgef{\"u}hrt, das durch eine reduzierte Gewebesteifigkeit modelliert wird. Die Gewebe werden als inkompressible, isotrop hyperelastische Materialien modelliert, w{\"a}hrend die Netze entweder als orthotrope linear elastische oder als isotrope hyperlastische Materialien modelliert werden. Die Positionen des Vaginalstumpfs, der Blase und der Harnr{\"o}hrenachse werden anhand der Pubococcygeallinie aus der Ruhelage, f{\"u}r den Prolaps und nach der Reparatur unter Verwendung der drei Netze berechnet. Aufgrund der Netzmechanik und der Netzporenverformung bietet das DynaMesh mit regelm{\"a}ßigen rechteckigen Netzporen eine bessere mechanische Unterst{\"u}tzung und eine Neupositionierung des Scheidengew{\"o}lbes, der Blase und der Urethraachse als Gynemesh und Ultrapro mit unregelm{\"a}ßigen hexagonalen Netzporen.}, language = {en} } @article{BalakirskiKotliarPaulyetal.2018, author = {Balakirski, Galina and Kotliar, Konstantin and Pauly, Karolin J. and Krings, Laura K. and R{\"u}bben, Albert and Baron, Jens M. and Schmitt, Laurenz}, title = {Surgical Site Infections After Dermatologic Surgery in Immunocompromised Patients: A Single-Center Experience}, series = {Dermatologic Surgery}, journal = {Dermatologic Surgery}, number = {44 (12)}, publisher = {Wolters Kluwer}, doi = {10.1097/DSS.0000000000001615}, pages = {1525 -- 1536}, year = {2018}, abstract = {BACKGROUND Immunosuppression is often considered as an indication for antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent surgical site infections (SSI) while performing skin surgery. However, the data on the risk of developing SSI after dermatologic surgery in immunosuppressed patients are limited. PATIENTS AND METHODS All patients of the Department of Dermatology and Allergology at the University Hospital of RWTH Aachen in Aachen, Germany, who underwent hospitalization for a dermatologic surgery between June 2016 and January 2017 (6 months), were followed up after surgery until completion of the wound healing process. The follow-up addressed the occurrence of SSI and the need for systemic antibiotics after the operative procedure. Immunocompromised patients were compared with immunocompetent patients. The investigation was conducted as a retrospective analysis of patient records. RESULTS The authors performed 284 dermatologic surgeries in 177 patients. Nineteen percent (54/284) of the skin surgery was performed on immunocompromised patients. The most common indications for surgical treatment were nonmelanoma skin cancer and malignant melanomas. Surgical site infections occurred in 6.7\% (19/284) of the cases. In 95\% (18/19), systemic antibiotic treatment was needed. Twenty-one percent of all SSI (4/19) were seen in immunosuppressed patients. CONCLUSION According to the authors' data, immunosuppression does not represent a significant risk factor for SSI after dermatologic surgery. However, larger prospective studies are needed to make specific recommendations on the use of antibiotic prophylaxis while performing skin surgery in these patients. The available data on complications after dermatologic surgery have improved over the past years. Particularly, additional risk factors have been identified for surgical site infections (SSI). Purulent surgical sites, older age, involvement of head, neck, and acral regions, and also the involvement of less experienced surgeons have been reported to increase the risk of the SSI after dermatologic surgeries.1 In general, the incidence of SSI after skin surgery is considered to be low.1,2 However, antibiotics in dermatologic surgeries, especially in the perioperative setting, seem to be overused,3,4 particularly regarding developing antibiotic resistances and side effects. Immunosuppression has been recommended to be taken into consideration as an additional indication for antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent SSI after skin surgery in special cases.5,6 However, these recommendations do not specify the exact dermatologic surgeries, and were not specifically developed for dermatologic surgery patients and treatments, but adopted from other surgical fields.6 According to the survey conducted on American College of Mohs Surgery members in 2012, 13\% to 29\% of the surgeons administered antibiotic prophylaxis to immunocompromised patients to prevent SSI while performing dermatologic surgery on noninfected skin,3 although this was not recommended by Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Advisory Statement. Indeed, the data on the risk of developing SSI after dermatologic surgery in immunosuppressed patients are limited. However, it is possible that due to the insufficient evidence on the risk of SSI occurrence in this patient group, dermatologic surgeons tend to overuse perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis. To make specific recommendations on the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in immunosuppressed patients in the field of skin surgery, more information about the incidence of SSI after dermatologic surgery in these patients is needed. The aim of this study was to fill this data gap by investigating whether there is an increased risk of SSI after skin surgery in immunocompromised patients compared with immunocompetent patients.}, language = {en} } @article{BaringhausGaigallThiele2018, author = {Baringhaus, Ludwig and Gaigall, Daniel and Thiele, Jan Philipp}, title = {Statistical inference for L²-distances to uniformity}, series = {Computational Statistics}, volume = {2018}, journal = {Computational Statistics}, number = {33}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {1613-9658}, doi = {10.1007/s00180-018-0820-0}, pages = {1863 -- 1896}, year = {2018}, abstract = {The paper deals with the asymptotic behaviour of estimators, statistical tests and confidence intervals for L²-distances to uniformity based on the empirical distribution function, the integrated empirical distribution function and the integrated empirical survival function. Approximations of power functions, confidence intervals for the L²-distances and statistical neighbourhood-of-uniformity validation tests are obtained as main applications. The finite sample behaviour of the procedures is illustrated by a simulation study.}, language = {en} } @article{KunkelGebhardtMpofuetal.2018, author = {Kunkel, Maximilian Hugo and Gebhardt, Andreas and Mpofu, Khumbaulani and Kallweit, Stephan}, title = {Statistical assessment of mechanical properties of selective laser melted specimens of stainless steel}, series = {The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology}, volume = {98}, journal = {The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology}, number = {5-8}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {London}, issn = {0268-3768}, doi = {10.1007/s00170-018-2040-8}, pages = {1409 -- 1431}, year = {2018}, abstract = {The rail business is challenged by long product life cycles and a broad spectrum of assembly groups and single parts. When spare part obsolescence occurs, quick solutions are needed. A reproduction of obsolete parts is often connected to long waiting times and minimum lot quantities that need to be purchased and stored. Spare part storage is therefore challenged by growing stocks, bound capital and issues of part ageing. A possible solution could be a virtual storage of spare parts which will be 3D printed through additive manufacturing technologies in case of sudden demand. As mechanical properties of additive manufactured parts are neither guaranteed by machine manufacturers nor by service providers, the utilization of this relatively young technology is impeded and research is required to address these issues. This paper presents an examination of mechanical properties of specimens manufactured from stainless steel through the selective laser melting (SLM) process. The specimens were produced in multiple batches. This paper interrogates the question if the test results follow a normal distribution pattern and if mechanical property predictions can be made. The results will be put opposite existing threshold values provided as the industrial standard. Furthermore, probability predictions will be made in order to examine the potential of the SLM process to maintain state-of-the-art mechanical property requirements.}, language = {en} } @article{ButenwegMarinkovićFehlingetal.2018, author = {Butenweg, Christoph and Marinković, Marko and Fehling, Ekkehard and Pfetzing, Thomas}, title = {Stahlbetonrahmentragwerke mit Ausfachungen aus Mauerwerk unter kombinierten seismischen Belastungen in und senkrecht zur Wandebene}, series = {Bauingenieur}, volume = {93}, journal = {Bauingenieur}, publisher = {VDI Fachmedien}, address = {D{\"u}sseldorf}, isbn = {0005-6650}, pages = {2 -- 10}, year = {2018}, language = {de} } @article{OberlaenderMayerGreeffetal.2018, author = {Oberl{\"a}nder, Jan and Mayer, Marlena and Greeff, Anton and Keusgen, Michael and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Spore-based biosensor to monitor the microbicidal efficacy of gaseous hydrogen peroxide sterilization processes}, series = {Biosensors and Bioelectronics}, volume = {104}, journal = {Biosensors and Bioelectronics}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0956-5663}, doi = {10.1016/j.bios.2017.12.045}, pages = {87 -- 94}, year = {2018}, abstract = {In this work, a spore-based biosensor is evaluated to monitor the microbicidal efficacy of sterilization processes applying gaseous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The sensor is based on interdigitated electrode structures (IDEs) that have been fabricated by means of thin-film technologies. Impedimetric measurements are applied to study the effect of sterilization process on spores of Bacillus atrophaeus. This resilient microorganism is commonly used in industry to proof the sterilization efficiency. The sensor measurements are accompanied by conventional microbiological challenge tests, as well as morphological characterizations with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The sensor measurements are correlated with the microbiological test routines. In both methods, namely the sensor-based and microbiological one, a tailing effect has been observed. The results are evaluated and discussed in a three-dimensional calibration plot demonstrating the sensor's suitability to enable a rapid process decision in terms of a successfully performed sterilization.}, language = {en} } @article{RauppSchmittWalzetal.2018, author = {Raupp, Sebastian M. and Schmitt, Marcel and Walz, Anna-Lena and Diehm, Ralf and Hummel, Helga and Scharfer, Philip and Schabel, Wilhelm}, title = {Slot die stripe coating of low viscous fluids}, series = {Journal of Coatings Technology and Research}, volume = {15}, journal = {Journal of Coatings Technology and Research}, number = {5}, publisher = {Springer}, issn = {1935-3804}, doi = {10.1007/s11998-017-0039-y}, pages = {899 -- 911}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Slot die coating is applied to deposit thin and homogenous films in roll-to-roll and sheet-to-sheet applications. The critical step in operation is to choose suitable process parameters within the process window. In this work, we investigate an upper limit for stripe coatings. This maximum film thickness is characterized by stripe merging which needs to be avoided in a stable process. It is shown that the upper limit reduces the process window for stripe coatings to a major extent. As a result, stripe coatings at large coating gaps and low viscosities are only possible for relatively thick films. Explaining the upper limit, a theory of balancing the side pressure in the gap region in the cross-web direction has been developed.}, language = {en} } @article{deBloisdeZangerPaulssenetal.2018, author = {de Blois, Eric and de Zanger, Rory M. S. and Paulßen, Elisabeth and Sze Chan, Ho and Breeman, Wouter A. P.}, title = {Semi-automated system for concentrating 68Ga-eluate to obtain high molar and volume concentration of 68Ga-Radiopharmaca for preclinical applications}, series = {Nuclear Medicine and Biology}, volume = {64-65}, journal = {Nuclear Medicine and Biology}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, doi = {10.1016/j.nucmedbio.2018.06.006}, pages = {16 -- 21}, year = {2018}, abstract = {68Ga-radiopharmaceuticals are common in the field of Nuclear Medicine to visualize receptor-mediated processes. In contrast to straightforward labeling procedures for clinical applications, preclinical in vitro and in vivo applications are hampered for reasons like e.g. volume restriction, activity concentration, molar activity and osmolality. Therefore, we developed a semiautomatic system specifically to overcome these problems. A difficulty appeared unexpectedly, as intrinsic trace metals derived from eluate (Zn, Fe and Cu) are concentrated as well in amounts that influence radiochemical yield and thus lower molar activity.}, language = {en} } @article{BabilonWilbringTappertetal.2018, author = {Babilon, Katharina and Wilbring, Daniela and Tappert, Tim and Pfaff, Raphael and Enning, Manfred}, title = {Schienenfahrzeugtechnik hands on - FH Aachen IMechE Railway Challenge}, series = {Ingenieurspiegel}, journal = {Ingenieurspiegel}, number = {2}, publisher = {Public Verlag}, address = {Bingen}, issn = {1868-5919}, pages = {20 -- 22}, year = {2018}, language = {de} } @article{RittwegerAlbrachtFluecketal.2018, author = {Rittweger, J{\"o}rn and Albracht, Kirsten and Fl{\"u}ck, Martin and Ruoss, Severin and Brocca, Lorenza and Longa, Emanuela and Moriggi, Manuela and Seynnes, Olivier and Di Giulio, Irene and Tenori, Leonardo and Vignoli, Alessia and Capri, Miriam and Gelfi, Cecilia and Luchinat, Claudio and Franceschi, Claudio and Bottinelli, Roberto and Cerretelli, Paolo and Narici, Marco}, title = {Sarcolab pilot study into skeletal muscle's adaptation to longterm spaceflight}, series = {npj Microgravity}, volume = {4}, journal = {npj Microgravity}, number = {1}, publisher = {Nature Portfolio}, issn = {2373-8065}, doi = {10.1038/s41526-018-0052-1}, pages = {1 -- 9}, year = {2018}, language = {en} } @article{MichauxMatternKallweit2018, author = {Michaux, F. and Mattern, P. and Kallweit, Stephan}, title = {RoboPIV: how robotics enable PIV on a large industrial scale}, series = {Measurement Science and Technology}, volume = {29}, journal = {Measurement Science and Technology}, number = {7}, publisher = {IOP}, address = {Bristol}, issn = {1361-6501}, doi = {10.1088/1361-6501/aab5c1}, pages = {074009}, year = {2018}, abstract = {This work demonstrates how the interaction between particle image velocimetry (PIV) and robotics can massively increase measurement efficiency. The interdisciplinary approach is shown using the complex example of an automated, large scale, industrial environment: a typical automotive wind tunnel application. Both the high degree of flexibility in choosing the measurement region and the complete automation of stereo PIV measurements are presented. The setup consists of a combination of three robots, individually used as a 6D traversing unit for the laser illumination system as well as for each of the two cameras. Synchronised movements in the same reference frame are realised through a master-slave setup with a single interface to the user. By integrating the interface into the standard wind tunnel management system, a single measurement plane or a predefined sequence of several planes can be requested through a single trigger event, providing the resulting vector fields within minutes. In this paper, a brief overview on the demands of large scale industrial PIV and the existing solutions is given. Afterwards, the concept of RoboPIV is introduced as a new approach. In a first step, the usability of a selection of commercially available robot arms is analysed. The challenges of pose uncertainty and importance of absolute accuracy are demonstrated through comparative measurements, explaining the individual pros and cons of the analysed systems. Subsequently, the advantage of integrating RoboPIV directly into the existing wind tunnel management system is shown on basis of a typical measurement sequence. In a final step, a practical measurement procedure, including post-processing, is given by using real data and results. Ultimately, the benefits of high automation are demonstrated, leading to a drastic reduction in necessary measurement time compared to non-automated systems, thus massively increasing the efficiency of PIV measurements.}, language = {en} } @article{AltherrBroetzDietrichetal.2018, author = {Altherr, Lena and Br{\"o}tz, Nicolas and Dietrich, Ingo and Gally, Tristan and Geßner, Felix and Kloberdanz, Hermann and Leise, Philipp and Pelz, Peter Franz and Schlemmer, Pia and Schmitt, Andreas}, title = {Resilience in mechanical engineering - a concept for controlling uncertainty during design, production and usage phase of load-carrying structures}, series = {Applied Mechanics and Materials}, volume = {885}, journal = {Applied Mechanics and Materials}, publisher = {Trans Tech Publications}, address = {B{\"a}ch}, isbn = {1662-7482}, doi = {10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.885.187}, pages = {187 -- 198}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Resilience as a concept has found its way into different disciplines to describe the ability of an individual or system to withstand and adapt to changes in its environment. In this paper, we provide an overview of the concept in different communities and extend it to the area of mechanical engineering. Furthermore, we present metrics to measure resilience in technical systems and illustrate them by applying them to load-carrying structures. By giving application examples from the Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 805, we show how the concept of resilience can be used to control uncertainty during different stages of product life.}, language = {en} } @article{ValeroBung2018, author = {Valero, Daniel and Bung, Daniel B.}, title = {Reformulating self-aeration in hydraulic structures: Turbulent growth of free surface perturbations leading to air entrainment}, series = {International Journal of Multiphase Flow}, volume = {100}, journal = {International Journal of Multiphase Flow}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0301-9322}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijmultiphaseflow.2017.12.011}, pages = {127 -- 142}, year = {2018}, abstract = {A new formulation for the prediction of free surface dynamics related to the turbulence occurring nearby is proposed. This formulation, altogether with a breakup criterion, can be used to compute the inception of self-aeration in high velocity flows like those occurring in hydraulic structures. Assuming a simple perturbation geometry, a kinematic and a non-linear momentum-based dynamic equation are formulated and forces acting on a control volume are approximated. Limiting steepness is proposed as an adequate breakup criterion. Role of the velocity fluctuations normal to the free surface is shown to be the main turbulence quantity related to self-aeration and the role of the scales contained in the turbulence spectrum are depicted. Surface tension force is integrated accounting for large displacements by using differential geometry for the curvature estimation. Gravity and pressure effects are also contemplated in the proposed formulation. The obtained equations can be numerically integrated for each wavelength, hence resulting in different growth rates and allowing computation of the free surface roughness wavelength distribution. Application to a prototype scale spillway (at the Aviemore dam) revealed that most unstable wavelength was close to the Taylor lengthscale. Amplitude distributions have been also obtained observing different scaling for perturbations stabilized by gravity or surface tension. The proposed theoretical framework represents a new conceptualization of self-aeration which explains the characteristic rough surface at the non-aerated region as well as other previous experimental observations which remained unresolved for several decades.}, language = {en} } @article{BungValero2018, author = {Bung, Daniel B. and Valero, Daniel}, title = {Re-aeration on stepped spillways with special consideration of entrained and entrapped air}, series = {Geosciences}, volume = {8}, journal = {Geosciences}, number = {9}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2076-3263}, pages = {Article number 333}, year = {2018}, abstract = {As with most high-velocity free-surface flows, stepped spillway flows become self-aerated when the drop height exceeds a critical value. Due to the step-induced macro-roughness, the flow field becomes more turbulent than on a similar smooth-invert chute. For this reason, cascades are oftentimes used as re-aeration structures in wastewater treatment. However, for stepped spillways as flood release structures downstream of deoxygenated reservoirs, gas transfer is also of crucial significance to meet ecological requirements. Prediction of mass transfer velocities becomes challenging, as the flow regime differs from typical previously studied flow conditions. In this paper, detailed air-water flow measurements are conducted on stepped spillway models with different geometry, with the aim to estimate the specific air-water interface. Re-aeration performances are determined by applying the absorption method. In contrast to earlier studies, the aerated water body is considered a continuous mixture up to a level where 75\% air concentration is reached. Above this level, a homogenous surface wave field is considered, which is found to significantly affect the total air-water interface available for mass transfer. Geometrical characteristics of these surface waves are obtained from high-speed camera investigations. The results show that both the mean air concentration and the mean flow velocity have influence on the mass transfer. Finally, an empirical relationship for the mass transfer on stepped spillway models is proposed.}, language = {en} } @article{FranzenPindersPfaffetal.2018, author = {Franzen, Julius and Pinders, Erik and Pfaff, Raphael and Enning, Manfred}, title = {RailCrowd's virtual fleets: Make most of your asset data}, series = {Deine Bahn}, journal = {Deine Bahn}, number = {9}, publisher = {Bahn-Fachverlag}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {0948-7263}, pages = {11 -- 13}, year = {2018}, abstract = {For smaller railway operators or those with a diverse fleet, it can be difficult to collect sufficient data to improve maintenance programs. At the same time, new rules such as entity in charge of maintenance - ECM - regulations impose an additional workload by requiring a dedicated maintenance management system and specific reports. The RailCrowd platform sets out to facilitate compliance with ECM and similar regulations while at the same time pooling anonymised fleet data across operators to form virtual fleets, providing greater data insights.}, language = {en} }