Friday, 31 May 2019

Materials Characterisation 2019 - Post Conference Report

9th International Conference on Computational Methods and Experiments in Material and Contact Characterisation

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22–24 May 2019
Lisbon, Portugal

Overview

MATERIALS CHARACTERISATION 2019
The 9th International Conference on Computational Methods and Experiments in Material and Contact Characterisation took place in Lisbon, Portugal from 22nd to 24th May 2019. The Conference was organised by the Wessex Institute, UK, represented by Santiago Hernandez, Lisbon University, Portugal, represented by Rui Vilar, the University of Windsor, Canada, represented by Derek Northwood and the University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
The conference is a result of a series of meetings that started as early as 1993 in Southampton on contact mechanics and previous meetings on the wider field of material characterisation, dating from the 2003 conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It is well-established and always attracts a wide international spread of delegates. The aim of the conference is to facilitate interaction between the research and industrial community and discuss the latest developments in this rapidly advancing field. The meeting responds to the demand for high quality production for both industry and consumer, which has led to rapid developments in materials science and engineering. This requires the characterisation of the properties of materials.

Opening of the Conference

The conference was opened by Santiago Hernandez who welcomed the delegates to the conference, before paying tribute to the founder of the Wessex Institute, the late Prof Carlos A Brebbia.
Professor Hernandez then mentioned that the main object of WIT is the dissemination of knowledge, with particular emphasis on science and engineering. Another way in which this is achieved is by the publication of papers from conferences and Journals, through its publishing arm, WIT Press.
Professor Rui Vilar of Lisbon University, Conference Co-Chair, welcomed the attendants to Lisboa and wished to them a successful conference.
Professor Derek Northwood of the University of Windsor, Canada, Conference Co-Chair, welcomed the delegates to the conference. The conference venue, the Tryp Lisboa Oriente, is in the area of Lisbon called the Parque das Nações, a redeveloped area of Lisbon on the Tagus River, which was made in preparation for the Expo ‘98.
He then gave his Keynote presentation entitled “The effect of current mode on the plasma discharge, microstructure and corrosion resistance of oxide coatings produced on 1100 aluminum alloy by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO)”.

Invited Presentations

There were a series of invited lectures on advanced topics of research and applications, as follows:
  • “The Influence of humidity-temperature variation and high-salt-particles on the degradation of Cr, Cu and Mn based alloy steel”, by Dr Adil Saeed, Bournemouth University, United Kingdom.
  • “The effect of Mg concentration and layer thickness on the adhesion of ZnMg-Zn bilayered pvd coatings”, by Dr Yutao Pei, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
  • “Flexural properties of flax sliver reinforced green composite by molding pressure and chitosan fiber addition” by Dr Hideaki Katogi, Jissen Women’s University, Tokyo, Japan.
  • “Influence of silane treatment on water absorption and mechanical properties of PLA/short bamboo fiber-reinforced green composites”, by Professor Hitoshi Takagi, Tokushima University , Japan
  • “Interfacial shear strength of CFRPP using uneven carbon fiber under hot-wet environment for long term “, by Professor Kenichi Takemura, Kanagawa University, Japan.
  • “Electrochemical method of fretting corrosion testing in modular hip prostheses “, by Dr Ieda Caminha, National Institute of Technology, Brazil.
  • “A novel technique for testing osteointegration in load-bearing conditions” by Professor Cristina Bignardi, Polytechnic University of Turin, Italy.
  • “Numerical modeling and simulation of vehicular impacts on tire-mounted cable barriers”, by Professor Howie Fang, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, United States.

Conference Sessions

The papers presented during the conference were classified under the following headings:
  • Experimental methods
  • Recycled materials
  • Metallic materials
  • Mechanical properties
  • Mechanical and thermal properties
  • Composite materials
  • Materials for bioengineering applications
  • Experimental approaches
  • Performance based design materials
  • Numerical models
There were numerous occasions for holding informal discussions during the coffee breaks and the complimentary lunches provided.

Conference Publication

Papers presented at this conference will appear in Vol. 124 of the WIT Transactions on Engineering Sciences (ISSN: 1743-3533). Papers presented at the meeting will be available Open Access in the eLibrary of the Wessex Institute (https://www.witpress.com/elibrary) from where they can be freely downloaded by any interested parties.
A few papers were selected for publication in the International Journal of Computational Methods and Experimental Measurements. This journal reviews the latest work in computational methods and experimental measurements, with a view to achieving harmonious development and interaction between the two. Other suitable papers were selected instead for inclusion in the International Journal of Safety and Security Engineering. This Journal aims to provide a forum for the publication of papers on the most recent developments in the theoretical and practical aspects of these important fields.

ISAC Dinner

The meeting of the International Scientific Advisory Committee (ISAC) of the Conference took place over dinner in a private room at the Hotel Lisboa Oriente where the participants enjoyed a meal while discussing the evolution of the conference. Members of the committee were also encouraged to inform WIT of any suggestions for new topics to the conference.

Conference Dinner

The Conference dinner took place at the Restaurante Casa do Leão which is in a truly stunning location. The Castelo de S. Jorge, conquered by King Afonso Henriques from the Moors is the castle which looks over the whole of Lisbon. Casa do Leão offers a spectacular view over Lisbon which can be enjoyed during lunch or dinner, in a historic environment providing the best of traditional Portuguese cuisine. Following a starter of cream of mushroom soup, the main course of tender confit of duck was enjoyed by all, with a delicious cheesecake to conclude and coffee afterwards. The evening included a walk around the old parts of Lisbon where the narrow, steep cobbled streets were particularly challenging. The whole evening was appreciated by the participants.

Closing of the Conference

The conference was closed by Professor Santiago Hernandez and Co Chair Professor Derek Northwood, who thanked the delegates for attending and hoped that they would consider attending the next conference in the series which is due to be reconvened in 2021.

Related Conferences

HPSM/OPTI 2020, 3 – 5 June 2020

View Materials Characterisation 2019 Photos

Wednesday, 29 May 2019

Multiphase Flow 2019 - Post Conference Report

10th International Conference on Computational & Experimental Methods in Multiphase & Complex Flow

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21–23 May 2019
Lisbon, Portugal

Overview

Multiphase Flow 2019
The 10th International Conference on Computational & Experimental Methods in Multiphase & Complex Flow took place in Lisbon, Portugal from 21st to 23rd May 2019. The Conference was organised by the Wessex Institute, UK, represented by Santiago Hernandez, and the University of New Mexico, represented by Professor Peter Vorobieff.
The conference, which started in Orlando Florida, USA in 2001, is well-established and always attracts a wide international spread of delegates. The overall focus of this conference series is on using synergies between experimental and computational techniques to gain a better understanding of all classes of multiphase and complex flow. The meeting aims to facilitate the exchange of ideas and experiences directly and interactively, thereby promoting the development of knowledge in this increasingly important field.

Opening of the Conference

The conference was opened by Santiago Hernandez who welcomed the delegates to the conference, before paying tribute to the founder of the Wessex Institute, the late Prof Carlos A Brebbia.
Professor Hernandez then mentioned that the main object of WIT is the dissemination of knowledge, with particular emphasis on science and engineering. Another way in which this is achieved is by the publication of papers from conferences and Journals, through its publishing arm, WIT Press.
Professor Peter Vorobieff of the University of New Mexico, Conference Co-Chair, welcomed the delegates to the Hotel Tryp Lisboa Oriente. The conference hotel itself is in the area of Lisbon called the Parque das Nações, a redeveloped area of Lisbon on the Tagus River, which was built in preparation for the Expo ‘98.
He then gave his Keynote presentation entitled “Formation of a falling particle curtain”.

Invited Presentations

There were a series of invited lectures on advanced topics of research and applications, as follows:
  • “Drag of shock-accelerated microparticles”, by Dr Katherine Prestridge, Los Alamos National Laboratory, United States.
  • “Experimental study of the interfacial waves produced in upward vertical annular flows when varying the liquid-phase surface tension”, by Professor Jose Luis Munoz-Cobo, Polytechnic University of Valencia, Spain.
  • “Influence of the orifice shape on mass flow measurements of an air-water mixture”, by Professor Mariusz Rzasa, Opole University, Poland.
  • “Mass transfer through free surfaces boundary layers using a statistical approach” by Professor Harry E Schulz, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
  • “First wholly-analytical gas volume fraction model for virtual multiphase flow metering petroleum industry applications” by Dr Anand Nagoo, Nagoo Associates, United States.
  • “CFD and experimental studies on capture of fine particles by liquid droplets in open spray towers”, by Dr Nabil Rafidi, G E Power, Sweden
  •  “Swelling during pyrolysis of fiber-resin composites when heated above normal operating temperatures” by Dr Brent Houchens, Sandia National Laboratories, United States
  •  “Validation and application for planing craft GPPH”, by Dr Minyee Jiang, US Navy, United States.

Conference Sessions

The papers presented during the conference were classified under the following headings:
  • Experimental Measurements (two sessions)
  • Numerical Methods (two sessions)
  • Multiphase Flows (three sessions)
  • Flow Structures
  • Mixed experimental and numerical approaches
  • Flows in porous media
There were numerous occasions for holding informal discussions during the coffee breaks and the complimentary lunches provided.

Conference Publication

Papers presented at this conference will appear in Vol. 123 of the WIT Transactions on Engineering Sciences (ISSN: 1743-3533). Papers presented at the meeting will be available Open Access in the eLibrary of the Wessex Institute (https://www.witpress.com/elibrary) from where they can be freely downloaded by any interested parties.
A few papers were selected for publication in the International Journal of Computational Methods and Experimental Measurements. This journal reviews the latest work in computational methods and experimental measurements, with a view to achieving harmonious development and interaction between the two. Other suitable papers were selected instead for inclusion in the International Journal of Energy Production and Management. This Journal act as an interdisciplinary forum for researchers and practitioners from around the globe working on a wide variety of topics related to the future of energy production and management in a changing world.

ISAC Dinner

The meeting of the International Scientific Advisory Committee (ISAC) of the Conference took place over dinner in a private room at the Hotel Lisboa Oriente where the participants enjoyed a meal while discussing the evolution of the conference. Members of the committee were also encouraged to inform WIT of any suggestions for new topics to the conference.

Conference Dinner

The Conference dinner took place at the Restaurante Casa do Leão which is in a truly stunning location. The Castelo de S. Jorge, conquered by King Afonso Henriques from the Moors is the castle which looks over the whole of Lisbon. Casa do Leão offers a spectacular view over Lisbon which can be enjoyed during lunch or dinner, in a historic environment providing the best of traditional Portuguese cuisine. Following a starter of cream of mushroom soup, the main course of tender confit of duck was enjoyed by all, with a delicious cheesecake to conclude and coffee afterwards. The evening included a walk around the old parts of Lisbon where the narrow, steep cobbled streets were particularly challenging. The whole evening was appreciated by the participants.

Closing of the Conference

The conference was closed by Professor Santiago Hernandez and Co Chair Professor Peter Vorobieff who thanked the delegates for attending and hoped that they would consider attending the next conference in the series which is due to be reconvened in 2021.

Related Conferences

AFM 2020, 2 – 4 June 2020

View Multiphase Flow 2019 Photos

Monday, 20 May 2019

River Basin Management 2019 - Post Conference Report

10th International conference on river basin management including all aspects of hydrology, ecology, environmental management, flood plains and wetlands

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8–10 May 2019
Alicante, Spain

Overview

River Basin Management 2019
The 10th International Conference on River Basin Management Including all aspects of Hydrology, Ecology, Environmental Management, Flood Plains and Wetlands took place in Alicante, Spain. The Conference was organised by the Wessex Institute, UK, represented by Professor Stefano Mambretti, and the University of Alicante, Spain, represented by Professor Joaquin Melgarejo Moreno.
The conference, which started in Cardiff, UK in 2001, is well-established and always attracts a wide international spread of delegates. The variety of topics covered by the conference reflects the increasing pressure on the world’s riverine systems due to anthropological and natural causes. Prominent amongst the problems affecting them is water scarcity and quality, which requires the development of improved methods for better river management.

Opening of the Conference

The conference was opened by Stefano Mambretti who welcomed the delegates to the conference, before paying tribute to the founder of the Wessex Institute, the late Prof Carlos A Brebbia.
Professor Stefano Mambretti then mentioned that the main object of WIT is the dissemination of knowledge, with particular emphasis on science and engineering. Another way in which this is achieved is by the publication of papers from conferences and Journals, through its publishing arm, WIT Press.
Patricia Fernandez-Aracil of the University of Alicante gave a presentation welcoming the delegates to the University.

Invited Presentations

There were invited lectures on advanced topics of research and applications, as follows:
  • “Sediment transport at river contractions”, by Giuseppe Oliveto, University of Basilicata, Italy.
  • “The impact of agriculture on the waters of the Idaho portion of the Snake River Basin, USA”, by Robert Mahler, University of Idaho, USA.

Conference Sessions

The papers presented during the conference were classified under the following headings:
  • Erosion and sediment transport
  • Hydrological modelling
  • River restoration and rehabilitation
  • Water governance and policies
  • Hydraulics
  • Flood risk management
There were numerous occasions for holding informal discussions during the coffee breaks and the complimentary lunches provided.

Technical Excursion

The delegates visited two locations, La Marjal Floodable Park and the University of Alicante Desalination Plant.
La Marjal is one of the flood prevention strategies created by the local council of Alicante. The park is 36,000 m2 and can hold up to 45,000 m3 of storm water. La Marjal acts as a reservoir, collecting and storing rainwater so that it can be reused. Both the local population and tourists can visit La Marjal Floodable Park outside of the rain periods and enjoy the gardens.
The University of Alicante's Reverse Osmosis Desalination Plant was built in 1996 and started its operation in January 1997. Since its starting, the water produced has been earmarked for the irrigation of the on-campus green areas. At the same time, the Plant is involved in the training of postgraduates, technicians, etc. and is visited by different university and external groups.

Conference Publication

Papers presented at this conference will appear in Vol. 234 of the WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment (ISSN 1743-3541). Papers presented at the meeting will be available Open Access in the eLibrary of the Wessex Institute (https://www.witpress.com/elibrary) from where they can be freely downloaded by any interested parties.
A few papers were selected for publication in the International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning. This Journal covers the subjects of environmental design and planning, environmental management, spatial planning, environmental planning, environmental management and sustainable development in an integrated way as well as in accordance with the principles of sustainability.

Conference Dinner

The Conference dinner took place at Darsena Restaurante, where the participants could enjoy local dishes, including an exceptional range of fresh fish and shellfish purchased daily from the nearby fish market. The evening was particularly appreciated by the participants.

Closing of the Conference

The conference was closed by Professor Stefano Mambretti, who thanked the delegates for attending and hoped that they would consider attending the next conference in the series which is due to be reconvened in 2021.

Related Conferences

Coastal Cities 2019, 11 - 13 September 2019
Sustainable City 2019, 1 - 3 October 2019
Water and Society 2019, 2 - 4 October 2019
Sustainable Development and Planning 2020, 6 - 8 May 2020
FRIAR 2020, 11 - 13 May 2020
Water Pollution 2020, 13 - 15 May 2020
Environmental Impact 2020, 10 – 12 June 2020

View River Basin Management 2019 Photos

Thursday, 16 May 2019

Water Resources Management 2019 - Post Conference Report

10th International Conference on Sustainable Water Resources Management

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7–9 May 2019
Alicante, Spain

Overview

Water Resources Management 2019
The 10th International Conference on Sustainable Water Resources Management took place in Alicante, Spain. The Conference was organised by the Wessex Institute, UK, represented by Professor Stefano Mambretti, and the University of Alicante, Spain, represented by Professor Joaquin Melgarejo Moreno.
The conference, which started in Halkidiki, Greece in 2001, is well-established and always attracts a wide international spread of delegates. The variety of topics covered by the conference reflects the complex interaction of water resources management while considering economic constraints and the effects on the community.

Opening of the Conference

The conference was opened by Stefano Mambretti who welcomed the delegates to the conference, before paying tribute to the founder of the Wessex Institute, the late Prof Carlos A Brebbia.
Professor Stefano Mambretti then mentioned that the main object of WIT is the dissemination of knowledge, with particular emphasis on science and engineering. Another way in which this is achieved is by the publication of papers from conferences and Journals, through its publishing arm, WIT Press.
Patricia Fernandez-Aracil of the University of Alicante gave a presentation welcoming the delegates to the University.

Invited Presentations

There were a series of invited lectures on advanced topics of research and applications, as follows:
  • “Priority water uses from 1998 to 2017 for urban, suburban and rural residents of the Pacific Northwest, USA”, by Robert Mahler, University of Idaho, USA.
  • “An integrated model to manage water scarcity in highly complex systems of south-east Spain”, by Patricia Fernandez-Aracil, University of Alicante, Spain.
  • “Constructed wetlands and their implementation on private and public land in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal”, by Zuzana Boukalova, VODNÍ ZDROJE, a.s., Czech Republic.

Conference Sessions

The papers presented during the conference were classified under the following headings:
  • Water management and planning
  • Water quality and pollutant control
  • Wastewater treatment
  • Climate change
  • Water and the community
There were numerous occasions for holding informal discussions during the coffee breaks and the complimentary lunches provided.

Technical Excursion

The delegates visited two locations, La Marjal Floodable Park and the University of Alicante Desalination Plant. La Marjal is one of the flood prevention strategies created by the local council of Alicante. The park is 36,000 m2 and can hold up to 45,000 m3 of storm water. La Marjal acts as a reservoir, collecting and storing rainwater so that it can be reused. Both the local population and tourists can visit La Marjal Floodable Park outside of the rain periods and enjoy the gardens. The University of Alicante's Reverse Osmosis Desalination Plant was built in 1996 and started its operation in January 1997. Since its starting, the water produced has been earmarked for the irrigation of the on-campus green areas. At the same time, the Plant is involved in the training of postgraduates, technicians, etc. and is visited by different university and external groups.

Conference Publication

Papers presented at this conference will appear in Vol. 229 of the WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment (ISSN 1743-3541). Papers presented at the meeting will be available Open Access in the eLibrary of the Wessex Institute (https://www.witpress.com/elibrary) from where they can be freely downloaded by any interested parties. A few papers were selected for publication in the International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning. This Journal covers the subjects of environmental design and planning, environmental management, spatial planning, environmental planning, environmental management and sustainable development in an integrated way as well as in accordance with the principles of sustainability.

ISAC Meeting

The meeting of the International Scientific Advisory Committee (ISAC) of the Conference took place following the first day of conference sessions. At the meeting, members of the committee were encouraged to inform WIT of any suggestions for new topics to the conference and also discussed the evolution of the conference.

Conference Dinner

The Conference dinner took place at Darsena Restaurante, where the participants could enjoy local dishes, including an exceptional range of fresh fish and shellfish purchased daily from the nearby fish market. The evening was particularly appreciated by the participants.

Closing of the Conference

The conference was closed by Professor Stefano Mambretti, who thanked the delegates for attending and hoped that they would consider attending the next conference in the series which is due to be reconvened in 2021.

Related Conferences

Coastal Cities 2019, 11 - 13 September 2019
Sustainable City 2019, 1 - 3 October 2019
Water and Society 2019, 2 - 4 October 2019
Sustainable Development and Planning 2020, 6 - 8 May 2020
FRIAR 2020, 11 - 13 May 2020
Water Pollution 2020, 13 - 15 May 2020
Environmental Impact 2020, 10 – 12 June 2020

View Water Resources Management 2019 Photos