This book presents the comprehensive results of experimental and numerical investigations of glass facade breakage behavior under fire conditions. First of all, full-scale frame and point-supported glass facades, incorporating single, double and coated glazing, were tested under pool fire conductions. The results determined the effects of different glass frames, types of glass, and thermal shocks on breakage behavior. Small-scale tests, using the Material Testing System (MTS) 810, Netzsch Dilatometer and FE-SEM, were also performed at different temperatures to determine the basic mechanical properties of glazing. In addition, a three-dimensional dynamic model was developed to predict stress distribution, crack initiation and propagation, and has since been employed to identify the breakage mechanisms of different types of glass facade. The numerical results showed very good agreement with the experimental results and verified the model's ability to accurately predict breakage. Lastly, a theoretical model based on incident heat flux was developed to predict the breakage time and heat transfer in glazing, which served to reveal the nature of interactions between fire and glass.

This book introduces a number of new sampling plans, such as time truncated life tests, skip sampling plans, resubmitted plans, mixed sampling plans, sampling plans based on the process capability index and plans for big data, which can be used for testing and inspecting products, from the raw-materials stage to the final product, in every industry using statistical process control techniques. It also presents the statistical theory, methodology and applications of acceptance sampling from truncated life tests. Further, it discusses the latest reliability, quality and risk analysis methods based on acceptance sampling from truncated life, which engineering and statisticians require in order to make decisions, and which are also useful for researchers in the areas of quality control, lifetime analysis, censored data analysis, goodness-of-fit and statistical software applications. In its nine chapters, the book addresses a wide range of testing/inspection sampling schemes for discrete and continuous data collected in various production processes. It includes a chapter on sampling plans for big data and offers several illustrative examples of the procedures presented. Requiring a basic knowledge of probability distributions, inference and estimation, and lifetime and quality analysis, it is a valuable resource for graduate and senior undergraduate engineering students, and practicing engineers, more specifically it is useful for quality engineers, reliability engineers, consultants, black belts, master black belts, students and researchers interested in applying reliability and risk and quality methods.

This book presents essential methods and tools for research into the reliability of energy systems. It describes in detail the content setting, formalisation, and use of algorithms for assessing the reliability of modern, large, and complex electric power systems. The book uses a wealth of tables and illustrations to represent results and source information in a clear manner. It discusses the main operating conditions which affect the reliability of electric power systems, and describes corresponding computing tools which can help solve issues as they arise. Further, all methodologies presented here are demonstrated in numerical examples. Though primarily intended for researchers and practitioners in the field of electric power systems, the book will also benefit general readers interested in this area.

This volume collects the papers from the World Conference on Acoustic Emission 2017 (WCAE-2017) in Xi'an, China. The latest research and applications of acoustic emission (AE) are explored, with a particular emphasis on detecting and processing AE signals, the development of AE instrument and testing standards, AE of materials, engineering structures and systems, including the processing of collected data and analytical techniques. Numerous case studies are also included. This proceedings volume will appeal to students, professors and researchers working in these fields as physicists and/or engineers.

This book provides a step-by-step guidance on how to implement analytical methods in project risk management. The text focuses on engineering design and construction projects and as such is suitable for graduate students in engineering, construction, or project management, as well as practitioners aiming to develop, improve, and/or simplify corporate project management processes. The book places emphasis on building data-driven models for additive-incremental risks, where data can be collected on project sites, assembled from queries of corporate databases, and/or generated using procedures for eliciting experts' judgments. While the presented models are mathematically inspired, they are nothing beyond what an engineering graduate is expected to know: some algebra, a little calculus, a little statistics, and, especially, undergraduate-level understanding of the probability theory. The book is organized in three parts and fourteen chapters. In Part I the authors provide the general introduction to risk and uncertainty analysis applied to engineering construction projects. The basic formulations and the methods for risk assessment used during project planning phase are discussed in Part II, while in Part III the authors present the methods for monitoring and (re)assessment of risks during project execution.

This is the first textbook to address quantified risk assessment (QRA) as specifically applied to offshore installations and operations. As the first part of the two-volume updated and expanded fourth edition, it adds a new focus on the EU Offshore Safety Directive, and discusses the new perspective on risk from the Norwegian Petroleum Safety Authority, followed by new and updated international standards. New safety statistics for the Norwegian sectors are presented, as well as new case studies on international offshore accidents, such as the explosion on FPSO Sao Mateus in 2015, which involved 9 fatalities. Separate chapters analyse the main hazards for offshore structures: fire, explosion, collision, and falling objects, as well as structural and marine hazards. Risk mitigation and control are discussed, as well as how the results of quantitative risk assessment studies should be presented. The fourth edition presents updated hydrocarbon release statistics, together with new methods for modelling the risk from ignited hydrocarbon releases. There have been recent advances in the modelling of collision risk from passing and attending vessels, based on extensive research; these advances are described in detail, in addition to new developments in the safety of Dynamic Positioning vessels. In closing, the book provides updated statistics and lessons learned from accidents involving offshore helicopter transportation of personnel. The book offers a comprehensive reference guide for academics and students of marine/offshore risk assessment and management. It will also be of interest to professionals in the industry, as well as contractors, suppliers, consultants and regulatory authorities.

This book explores the application of breakthrough technologies to improve transportation performance. Transportation systems represent the "blood vessels" of a society, in which people and goods travel. They also influence people's lives and affect the liveability and sustainability of our cities. The book shows how emergent technologies are able to monitor the condition of the structure in real time in order to schedule the right moment for maintenance activities an so reduce the disturbance to users. This book is a valuable resource for those involved in research and development in this field. Part I discusses the context of transportation systems, highlighting the major issues and challenges, the importance of understating human factors that could affect the maintenance operations and the main goals in terms of safety standards. Part II focuses on process-oriented innovations in transportation systems; this section stresses the importance of including design parameters in the planning, offering a comparison between risk-based and condition-based maintenance and, lastly, showing applications of emergent technologies. Part III goes on to reflect on the technical-oriented innovations, discussing the importance of studying the physical phenomena that are behind transportation system failures and problems. It then introduces the general trend of collecting and analyzing big data using real-world cases to evaluate the positive and negative aspects of adopting extensive smart sensors for gathering information on the health of the assets. The last part (IV) explores cultural and behavioural changes, and new knowledge management methods, proposing novel forms of maintenance and vocational training, and introduces the need for radical new visions in transportation for managing unexpected events. The continuous evolution of maintenance fields suggests that this compendium of "state-of-the-art" applications will not be the only one; the authors are planning a collection of cutting-edge examples of transportation systems that can assist researchers and practitioners as well as students in the process of understanding the complex and multidisciplinary environment of maintenance engineering applied to the transport sector.

This updated edition retains its introduction to applied fundamental statistics, probability, reliability, and decision theory as these pertain to problems in Civil Engineering. The new edition adds an expanded treatment of systems reliability, Bayesian methods, and spatial variabililty, along with additional example problems throughout. The book provides readers with the tools needed to determine the probability of failure, and when multiplied by the consequences of failure, illustrates how to assess the risk of civil engineering problems. Presenting methods for quantifying uncertainty that exists in engineering analysis and design, with an emphasis on fostering more accurate analysis and design, the text is ideal for students and practitioners of a range of civil engineering disciplines. Expands on the class-tested pedagogy from the first edition with more material and more examples; Broadens understanding with simulations coded both in Matlab and in R; Features new chapters on spatial variability and Bayesian methods; Emphasizes techniques for estimating the influence of uncertainty on the probability of failure

Fault Diagnosis of Dynamic Systems provides readers with a glimpse into the fundamental issues and techniques of fault diagnosis used by Automatic Control (FDI) and Artificial Intelligence (DX) research communities. The book reviews the standard techniques and approaches widely used in both communities. It also contains benchmark examples and case studies that demonstrate how the same problem can be solved using the presented approaches. The book also introduces advanced fault diagnosis approaches that are currently still being researched, including methods for non-linear, hybrid, discrete-event and software/business systems, as well as, an introduction to prognosis. Fault Diagnosis of Dynamic Systems is valuable source of information for researchers and engineers starting to work on fault diagnosis and willing to have a reference guide on the main concepts and standard approaches on fault diagnosis. Readers with experience on one of the two main communities will also find it useful to learn the fundamental concepts of the other community and the synergies between them. The book is also open to researchers or academics who are already familiar with the standard approaches, since they will find a collection of advanced approaches with more specific and advanced topics or with application to different domains. Finally, engineers and researchers looking for transferable fault diagnosis methods will also find useful insights in the book.

This book presents a comprehensive approach to address the need to improve the design of tailings dams, their management and the regulation of tailings management facilities to reduce, and eventually eliminate, the risk of such facilities failing. The scope of the challenge is well documented in the report by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and GRID Arendal entitled "Mine Tailings Storage: Safety Is No Accident," which was released in October 2017. The report recommends that "Regulators, industry and communities should adopt a shared, zero-failure objective to tailings storage facilities..." and identifies several areas where further improvements are required. In this context, the application of cutting-edge risk-assessment methodologies and risk-management practices can contribute to a significant reduction and eventual elimination of dam failures through Risk Informed Decision Making. As such, the book focuses on identifying and describing the risk-assessment approaches and risk-management practices that need to be implemented in order to develop a way forward to achieve socially acceptable levels of tailings dam risk.

This book presents a technical approach to promoting the development of disaster and climate change risk financing and transfer strategies, and discusses several practical issues, chiefly focusing on Latin America and the Caribbean. Innovative risk financing and insurance mechanisms are vital for governments around the world, in order to provide financial protection and reduce the economic costs and social and developmental impacts of natural disasters and climate change. The book's main content is complemented by a wealth of graphics, diagrams and tables that illustrate the concepts discussed and make the text accessible for practitioners and non-practitioners alike. The book offers proven, creative and innovative ideas on how to tackle risk financing and management for natural disasters and climate change. Strategic topics such as sovereign disaster risk financing, property catastrophe risk insurance, and agricultural insurance are also discussed.

This book discusses the main quality management (QM) programs and their possible integration into systematic industrial maintenance (SIM). Unlike traditional engineering maintenance books, it not only explains the theory but also provides practical examples of the integration of QM and SIM programs. It also includes reference sources, making it useful for readers wanting to explore specific areas in more depth. Chapter 1 introduces various aspects of the main quality management (QM) programs, including total quality management (TQM), just-in-time (JIT) and lean manufacturing (Lean). Subsequently, it examines the relation of quality and maintenance. Chapter 2 reviews the concepts of systematic industrial maintenance (SIM) and the application of quality control (QC) tools. Chapter 3 offers an overview, historical perspective and trends in industrial maintenance techniques. Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 focus on topics related to schedule-based maintenance, condition-based maintenance, reliability-based maintenance, computerized-based maintenance, risk-based maintenance and total productive maintenance. Covering the theory of each of these types of SIM, the chapters also explain their real-world application in QM and highlight their merits and weaknesses in the context of supporting QM.

Practical Approaches to Reliability Theory in Cutting-Edge Applications

"Probabilistic Reliability Models "helps readers understand and properly use statistical methods

and optimal resource allocation to solve engineering problems.

The author supplies engineers with a deeper understanding of mathematical models while also

equipping mathematically oriented readers with a fundamental knowledge of the engineeringrelated

applications at the center of model building. The book showcases the use of probability

theory and mathematical statistics to solve common, real-world reliability problems. Following

an introduction to the topic, subsequent chapters explore key systems and models including:

- Unrecoverable objects and recoverable systems

- Methods of direct enumeration

- Markov models and heuristic models

- Performance effectiveness

- Time redundancy

- System survivability

- Aging units and their related systems

- Multistate systems

Detailed case studies illustrate the relevance of the discussed methods to real-world technical

projects including software failure avalanches, gas pipelines with underground storage, and

intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) control systems. Numerical examples and detailed

explanations accompany each topic, and exercises throughout allow readers to test their

comprehension of the presented material.

"Probabilistic Reliability Models "is an excellent book for statistics, engineering, and operations

research courses on applied probability at the upper-undergraduate and graduate levels. The

book is also a valuable reference for professionals and researchers working in industry who

would like a mathematical review of reliability models and the relevant applications.

This textbook explores probability and stochastic processes at a level that does not require any prior knowledge except basic calculus. It presents the fundamental concepts in a step-by-step manner, and offers remarks and warnings for deeper insights. The chapters include basic examples, which are revisited as the new concepts are introduced. To aid learning, figures and diagrams are used to help readers grasp the concepts, and the solutions to the exercises and problems. Further, a table format is also used where relevant for better comparison of the ideas and formulae. The first part of the book introduces readers to the essentials of probability, including combinatorial analysis, conditional probability, and discrete and continuous random variable. The second part then covers fundamental stochastic processes, including point, counting, renewal and regenerative processes, the Poisson process, Markov chains, queuing models and reliability theory. Primarily intended for undergraduate engineering students, it is also useful for graduate-level students wanting to refresh their knowledge of the basics of probability and stochastic processes.

This book helps professionals to turn their own Six Sigma projects into reality. Using a sample project, the book guides readers through all aspects of Six Sigma, from identifying and defining a suitable project topic, to sustainably managing its success in the control phase. By demonstrating all the necessary steps supported by a DMAIC software guide, it makes the application of the sequentially linked DMAIC tools easy to understand and directly transferable to typical Six Sigma business projects. Further, each chapter provides numerous questions and answers, tasks and the framework for an environmental standard project. This book is an essential part of the author's teaching material on the topic, which also includes the software 'sigmaGuide', a template for project documentation and several hours of video content featuring course materials on edX Learning Community.

This book mainly introduces some basic phenomena and laws of highly ductile materials during elastoplastic deformation, and their engineering applications, such as the transfer and relief of stress concentration in the notch root, the mitigation of possible brittle fracture, the ductile deformation and damage, fatigue, energy absorption, plastic buckling, thermal stress problems, etc. It shows a number of revolutions in modern applications and design, which are beneficial to the safety of modern equipment, and improve applicability. In addition, the first three chapters of this book also briefly introduce the basic knowledge of elastoplastic deformation and analysis as a preliminary knowledge. This book can be used as a textbook for advanced undergraduate students and postgraduate in non-mechanics majors such as mechanical engineering, power, material or civil engineering, as well as scholars and engineers in related fields.

Reliability theory is a multidisciplinary science aimed at developing complex systems that are resistant to failures. Reliability engineering has emerged as a main field not only for scientists and researchers, but also for engineers and industrial managers. This book covers the recent developments in reliability engineering. It presents new theoretical issues that were not previously published, as well as the solutions of practical problems and case studies illustrating the applications methodology. This book is written by a number of leading scientists, analysts, mathematicians, statisticians, and engineers who have been working on the front end of reliability science and engineering. Reliability Engineering: Theory and Applications covers the recent developments in reliability engineering. It presents new theoretical issues that were not previously presented in the literature, as well as the solutions of important practical problems and case studies illustrating the applications methodology. Features Covers applications to reliability engineering practice Discusses current advances and developments Introduces current achievements in the field Considers and analyses case studies along with real world examples Presents numerous examples to illustrate the theoretical results

This book consists of two parts, the first of which focuses on combustible solids, and the second on the industrial position concerning these materials. It includes practical data and information on all biomass sources, from woodchips to sewage sludge, as well as mixtures. Biomass materials are rapidly becoming a fundamental energy source, and their consumption will surpass that of fossil fuels in the near future. The risk of explosion of biomass dust materials can lead to massive economic and human losses worldwide, and applies to every facility that produces, processes or handles these materials. A better understanding of the risk could help reduce the number of accidents; until now, however, no book has been published on the subject. This book is the first to gather the latest information, both from the authors and from other researchers, while also providing explanations and clarifications of how to correctly determine the most relevant parameters and use them to ensure safer environments. It was written in clear, straightforward language to make it accessible for a broad range of readers, from students to senior researchers.

This book discusses a major issue in the food contact materials industry: non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), and their impact on PET-bottled water. NIAS are chemical compounds that are present in food contact materials but have not been added for technical reasons during the production process, and consumers are usually unaware of their presence. NIAS can include decomposition or degradation products, impurities in the raw materials, unwanted by-products or contaminants from recycling processes, and they pose a challenge for packaging manufacturers. In Europe, the EU Regulations No. 1935/2004 and 10/2011 set out, respectively, the general principles of safety and inertness for all packaging materials, and rules on the composition of plastic food-contact materials. Among the plastics commonly used for bottled water and other non-alcoholic refreshment beverages, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the most favoured thanks to its chemical and physical stability, its transparency, low weight and good recyclability. Further, very few additives are used for its manufacture. Nonetheless, due to the complex formulations of polymers, processes and storage, NIAS can also be found in PET-bottled water, with potential cancerogenic or toxic effects. This book provides an overview of the European regulation of NIAS in plastic packaging materials, offering insights into their chemical composition in PET-bottled water. Lastly, it provides a useful discussion on NIAS and their toxicity.

This book explores the major differences between the kinds of risk encountered in different sectors of industry - production (including agriculture) and services - and identifies the main features of accidents within different industries. Because of these differences, unique risk-mitigation measures will need to be implemented in one industry that cannot be implemented in another, leading to large managerial differences between these broad economic sectors. Based on the analysis of more than 500 disasters, accidents and incidents - around 230 cases from the production sector and around 280 cases from the service sector - the authors compare the risk response actions appropriate within different sectors, and establish when and how it is possible to generalize the experience of dealing with risks in any given industry to a wider field of economic activity. This book is mainly intended for executives, strategists, senior risk managers of enterprise-wide organizations and risk management experts engaged in academic or consulting work. By setting out clearly the sector differences in risk management, the authors aim to improve the practice of general risk assessment with regard to identifying and prioritizing risks, and of risk control with regard to planning appropriate mitigation measures.

This book provides a detailed insight into the complex dynamics of radicalization that are in play amongst contemporary society. The authors focus on understanding emerging trends and models that can be used to analyse and understand modern violent extremist and xenophobic discourse. The chapters cover multiple regions, providing a collective analysis of country-specific case studies for the formulation of best practices, recommendations and learning material. It is recommended that this book may serve as a compendium for practitioners, academics, teachers and students wishing to gain state-of-the art knowledge. Topics covered by the authors vary from hands-on practical information to tactical, operational, strategic and ethical guidance. This book provides a holistic, harmonized approach based upon European internal security strategies recognizing that internal security cannot be achieved in isolation from the rest of the world. Additionally, this material resonates with the EU's commitment to fight extremism in a rational manner, alongside promoting human rights, democracy, peace and stability within the EU Member States. Presents a comprehensive understanding of the interconnectivities and trends behind emerging radicalisation patterns; Features newest conceptual and practical knowledge to monitor, analyse and respond to radicalization around the world; Provides a comprehensive view into the methodologies for analysis, through visualizations, case studies and applications.

This book reports on the state of the art in physical ergonomics and addresses the design of products, processes, services, and work systems to ensure they are productive, safe, and enjoyable for people to use. The human body's responses to physical and physiological work demands, strain injuries from repetition, vibration, force, and posture are the most common types of issues examined, along with their design implications. The book explores a wide range of topics in physical ergonomics, including the consequences of repetitive motion, materials handling, workplace safety, the usability of portable devices, design, working postures, and the work environment. Mastering physical ergonomics and safety engineering concepts is fundamental to creating products and systems that people can safely and conveniently use, as well as avoiding stresses and minimizing the risk of accidents. Based on the AHFE 2019 Conference on Physical Ergonomics and Human Factors, held on July 24-28, 2019, in Washington D.C., USA, this book provides readers with a comprehensive perspective on the current challenges in physical ergonomics, which is a critical aspect in the design of any human-centered technological system, and for factors influencing human performance.

This book explains the role of food-oriented (or 'food-centric') quality system standards in the modern food and beverage industry. It discusses food safety schemes based on the international norm ISO 9001 and the "Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points" approach, and also introduces the new Global Standard for Food Safety (GSFS) and the International Featured Standard (IFS, 7th ed.), outlining standardization for international equivalence (while maintaining the necessary flexibility and independence - which is not always easy an easy task).Providing selected specific examples, it examines the problems of chemical additives and possible cross-contaminations between different production lines, as well as adequate reactions to and handling of intentional adulterations. In addition, it includes a chapter focusing on quality audits and technical data sheets in the food industry, and a final chapter describing the certification of food-grade lubricants in the food industry, especially with regard to allergenic substances.

This book covers a variety of topics in manufacturing, with a special emphasis on product design, production planning, and implementation of both resources and production processes. The content is based on papers presented at the 6th International Scientific Technical Conference MANUFACTURING 2019, held in Poznan, Poland on May 19-22, 2019. The main focus is on showing best practices to use tools currently available in the enterprises to effectively improving industrial processes. Knowledge and production flow management, decision-making systems, production leveling, enterprise efficiency, as well as maintenance, modeling and simulation of production processes are just some of the topics discussed in this book, which offers a timely and practice-oriented reference guide for applied researchers, product engineers and product managers.

These proceedings showcase the best papers selected from more than 500 submissions, and introduce readers to the hottest research topics and the latest developmental trends in the theory and application of MMESE. The integrated and advanced science research topic Man-Machine-Environment System Engineering (MMESE) was first established in China by Professor Shengzhao Long in 1981, with direct support from one of the greatest modern Chinese scientists, Xuesen Qian. In a letter to Long from October 22nd, 1993, Qian wrote: "You have created a very important modern science and technology in China!" MMESE primarily focuses on the relationship between Man, Machine and Environment, studying the optimum combination of man-machine-environment systems. In this system, "Man" refers to working people as the subject in the workplace (e.g. operators, decision-makers); "Machine" is the general name for any object controlled by Man (including tools, machinery, computers, systems and technologies), and "Environment" describes the specific working conditions under which Man and Machine interact (e.g. temperature, noise, vibration, hazardous gases etc.). The three main goals of optimizing man-machine-environment systems are to ensure safety, efficiency and economy. These proceedings present interdisciplinary studies on essential concepts and methods from physiology, psychology, system engineering, computer science, environmental science, management, education, and other related disciplines. As such, they offer a valuable resource for all researchers and professionals whose work involves interdisciplinary areas touching on MMESE subjects.