Experimental procedure dynamic mechanical testing

Laboratory simulations of aqueous-phase chemical systems are necessary to 1) verify reaction mechanisms and 2) assign a value and an uncertainty to transformation rates. A dynamic cloud chemistry simulation chamber has been characterized to obtain these rates and their uncertainties. Initial experimental results exhibited large uncertainties, with a 26% variability in cloud liquid water as the major contributor to measurement uncertainty. Uncertainties in transformation rates were as high as factor of ten. Standard operating procedures and computer control of the simulation chamber decreased the variability in the observed liquid water content, experiment duration and final temperature from 0.65 to 0.10 g nr3, 180 to 5.3 s and 1.73 to 0.27°C respectively. The consequences of this improved control over the experimental variables with respect to cloud chemistry were tested for the aqueous transformation of SO2 using a cloud-physics and chemistry model of this system. These results were compared to measurements made prior to the institution of standard operating procedures and computer control to quantify the reduction in reaction rate uncertainty resulting from those controls. 

The dynamic behavior of L-shaped cantilever walls was explored by means of 1-g shaking table testing. The aim of the experimental investigation is to better understand the soil-wall dynamic interaction problem, the relationship between design parameters, stability safety factors and failure mechanisms, and the validation of the seismic Rankine theoretical model. The test series were conducted to the Bristol Laboratory for Advanced Dynamics Engineering (BLADE), University of Bristol, UK. Details on the experimental hardware, materials, configurations and procedure are provided in the ensuing. 

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