Papers by Author: Angelo Mazzù

Abstract: In many developing countries wood is the main energy source, and its exploitation is accelerating deforestation and desertification. In order to reduce wood consumption, an innovative biomass press was designed, aimed at providing alternative fuel by compacting dry waste biomass. The machine is based only on mechanisms, and can work by animal power, in order that it can be used in places where there is not electric power. The main machine element is a cam, designed according to the criterion of making manual running possible, on the basis of an experimental biomass behaviour law. The whole machine design was conceived with the aim of allowing construction in the developing countries. A prototype for research was realised, equipped with an electric motor and electronic control system. Biomass compaction tests were carried out, from which the machine characteristics were derived, and the validity of the biomass behaviour model was confirmed. Pilot plants, both manual and electric, were realised in Burundi and Chad, obtaining encouraging results as far as the appropriateness of this technology to developing countries is concerned.

Abstract: Wear and rolling contact fatigue interaction in rolling/sliding contact is an important topic in the research on structural integrity of rails and railway wheels. Wear is in competition with rolling contact fatigue, as it removes surface material layers, reducing cracks length and hindering their propagation. Cracks nucleate by accumulation of cyclic unidirectional plastic strain (ratcheting). In this paper a model for ratcheting assessment is discussed and applied to the UIC 900A steel, after a calibration based on experimental results. The experimental tests allow also a characterization of the crack formation condition for this material. By this model, a computer program is developed in order to simulate in a very short time the effect of a large number of load cycles, providing a tool for predicting crack formation and propagation rates.