Quasi-non-linear fracture mechanics analysis of splitting failure in simply supported beams loaded perpendicular to grain by dowel joints

A quasi-non-linear fracture mechanics model based on beam on elastic foundation theory is applied for analysis of the splitting failure of dowel joints loaded perpendicular to grain. Simply supported beams symmetrically loaded by two dowels are considered, and the effects of edge distance, dowel spacing, and distance between dowels and supports are accounted for. The foundation modulus used in the beam on elastic foundation model is chosen so that the perpendicular-to-grain tensile strength and fracture energy properties of the wood are correctly represented. This ensures that a conventional stress analysis and failure criterion lead to the same solution as the compliance method of fracture mechanics. A semiempirical efficiency factor is proposed to account for the influence of the total beam depth, which does not enter the beam on elastic foundation model, but the effect of which is evident from tests. It is shown that the so-called Van der Put/Leijten model, which recently has been adopted in Eurocode 5, appears as a special case of the model presented. Tests on simply supported beams with a single dowel joint at midspan are compared with the theoretical predictions. Various edge distances, beam depths, and spans were tested.     

Finding best exotic breed proportion in crossbred lactating sheep kept under farmers’ conditions in Ethiopia determined by use of nested Legendre polynomials with limited data

ABSTRACT

The present study was conducted to estimate milk production performance and fit lactation curves for groups of ewes of Local and of Awassi crosses, with a variable blood level, reared under farmer’s environment. The Weigh-Suckle-Weigh method plus hand milking was used to estimate milk yield for ewes. A total of 466 observations from 115 ewes were used. Estimated least-squares adjusted means for the milk production over 120 days were 0.56?kg day^?1 (Local), 0.67 (<30% Awassi), 0.86 (30–50% Awassi), and 0.96 (>50% Awassi). Groups with 30–50% Awassi and >50% Awassi ewes produced significantly (p?<?0.05) more milk than Local ewes. Significant differences were observed between <30% Awassi and >50% Awassi crossbred groups. The best crosses (>50% Awassi) produced over 70% more milk than the local ewes which demonstrates the potential that exists in increasing milk production through the initiated crossbreeding programme with sheep in Ethiopia.     

Effects of three short-term pasture allocation methods on milk production,methane emission and grazing behaviour by dairy cows

Two short-term grazing experiments were conducted with Norwegian Red cows. In Exp 1, 24 cows were randomly assigned to one of the following three pasture allocation methods (PAM): weekly pasture allowance (7RG), grazing 1/7 of 7RG each day (1SG), or grazing as 1SG but had access to grazed part of the paddock within one week (1FG). In Exp 2, 7RG was shortened to 5 days (5RG). We hypothesized that PAM will affect sward quality, quantity, intake and production differently. Pasture chemical composition changed with advancing grazing days but were not different between treatments. Pasture intake, milk yield, and methane emission were not affected by PAM. In Exp 1, 7RG cows spent less time on grazing, whereas in Exp 2, 1FG cows spent longer on grazing than others. Patterns observed in sward quality, and behavioural and physiological adaptations of cows to short-term changes in nutrient supply may explain the observed effects.     

接种茄病镰刀菌(Fusarium solani f.sp.glycines)对不同基因型大豆植株和须根的影响

摘要：茄病镰刀菌（Fusarium solani f．sp．glydne）是一种土生细菌,通过侵染大豆根系引发猝死综合症。利用温室盆栽试验和须根培养试验研究了接种茄孢镰刀菌对13个不同基因型大豆的影响。结果表明：接种后所有盆栽大豆主根都有明显深褐色的侵染病斑;移植后21d测定了盆栽植株叶部发病程度,Peking表现最为严重,然后依次为Spencer,Ripley,P3981,Williams82,Essex,Forrest,Iroquois,PI520733,Hartwig,PI567650B,Jack,和PI567374。叶部发病程度与冠高（r=-0．422,P=0．0018）、冠重（r=-0．857,P〈0．0001）和根重（r=-0．732,P〈0．0001）呈显著负相关。主根病斑长度与叶部发病程度没有相关性,表明大豆对病原菌的抗性不能仅通过根系得到充分控制。对培养的大豆须根接种茄病镰刀菌菌丝体10d后,不同基因型大豆的菌落直径的变化范围为17—40mm,差异显著（P=0．05）,其中Spencer和Peking须根上的菌落直径显著（P=0．05）大于PI567374和PI520733。对Spencer和PI567374的须根接种10灿茄病镰刀菌常量成分悬浮液,10d后菌落直径分别为50和38mm,差异显著（P=0．05）。通常,不同基因型大豆间茄病镰刀菌在培养须根上的生长与整株的症状间有一定的相关性,但不总是这样,这是因为即使根系对毒素产生抗性来减少叶部病害症状,但并不是所有的大豆都表现出明显的根系抗性。