The main aim of the present study is to optimize steel moment frames in the framework of performance-based design and to assess the seismic collapse capacity of the optimal structures. In the first phase of this study, four well-known metaheuristic algorithms are employed to achieve the optimization task. In the second phase, the seismic collapse safety of the obtained optimal designs is evalua...

The transverse compression and shear collapse mechanisms of a second order, hierarchical corrugated truss structure have been analyzed. The two competing collapse modes of a first order corrugated truss are elastic buckling or plastic yielding of the truss members. In second order trusses, elastic buckling and yielding of the larger and smaller struts, shear buckling of the larger struts, and w...

We emphasize that standard quantum theory (SQT) is incomplete because it doesn’t describe what is experimentally observed, namely events, nor does it satisfactorily define the circumstances under which events may occur. Simple models are given (all of which have the same density matrix evolution) to illustrate schemes which claim to complete SQT. It is shown how the model based upon the Continu...

The stability of structures microfabricated in soft elastomeric polymers is an important concern in most applications that use these structures. Although relevant for several applications, the collapse to the ground of high aspect ratio structures (ground collapse) is still poorly understood. The stability of soft microfabricated high aspect ratio structures versus ground collapse was experimen...

Freeze-drying, or lyophilization, has shown great promise in addressing many of the logistical challenges of storing and preserving red blood cells (RBCs). A crucial part of any RBC lyophilization protocol is the primary drying temperature, which affects the sample drying rate and the dried cake's ability to form a stable glassy solid. Primary drying is most efficient just below the temperature...

Hydrophobic collapse is commonly considered as a process of significance for protein folding. Many models have been applied for description of this event. A model introducing an external force field mimicking the hydrophobic environment and simultaneously the driving force for the folding process is presented in this paper. Bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) was taken as a test protein....

Physics based collapse simulations of moment resisting steel frame buildings are presented with an emphasis on the development of energy flow relationships. It is proposed that energy flow during progressive collapse can be used in evaluation of moment resisting, steel frame building behavior and specifically, localized failure. If a collapsing structure is capable of attaining a stable energy ...