Digital Steam Bending is a design and fabrication research project that investigates the historically relevant, regionally significant technique of steam bending using advanced parametric software modeling, STAAD structural analysis, and computer numerical control (CNC) fabrication methods to reenvision the nearly forgotten technique of wood steam bending developed by Michael Thonet in the 19th century. In doing so, Digital Steam Bending performs several operations: it reclaims a forgotten technique of fabrication and reframes it through the lens of contemporary digital craft, it claims new ground in the traditional periphery of architectural practice through shifting scales, and it confronts the difficulties of digital design and digital form generation through applied material practices. It also gestures toward the possibilities that regional resources and craft may leverage against high-carbon globalized manufacturing.Digital Steam Bending was conducted as a series of interconnected feedback loops in which material resistance, formal manipulation, and digital tools were each allowed to influence the others. Material testing on various wood species began simultaneously with the development of formal digital models, where built-up aggregations of unique but similar individual parts were parametrically modified to derive possible means of tectonic connection and overall form in search of spatial, architecturally scaled assemblies and structures. Locally harvested, FSC-certified, air-dried white oak evolved as the optimal material due to its high density, consistency of grain, natural durability, and local abundance. Several base components were designed, tested, and refined before ultimately arriving at full-scale fabrication. The assemblies were then installed and documented as an exhibition at the University of Michigan's Taubman Gallery and a full-scale gateway structure at Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, MI, during Art Prize 2010.
directly derived from the surrounding spatial conditions-one, for instance, being the ceiling height.The structure was designed by the students taking part in an elective course, "The Fragile Structure," under the professorship of Gramazio and Kohler, which also investigated the self-collision and the positioning of the fabrication unit, in addition to the operational range of the robot arm (Figure 13).These are systemically used and simulated on the software side. Through a collaborative process in figure 27
Carbon steel pressure vessels may require post weld heat treatment (PWHT) for stress relief in accordance with global pressure vessel safety codes. When stress relieved, most of these vessels receive a full volumetric exam, such as radiography or ultrasound. Many supplementary design specifications require the volumetric exam take place after PWHT; however, when a volumetric exam after PWHT is required, vessel fabricators commonly perform an additional examination before PWHT to mitigate the risk of a second PWHT cycle. The increased cost associated with performing two full volumetric exams is passed on to the end-user of the pressure vessel. This investigation examines the need for a volumetric exam after PWHT on a carbon steel pressure vessel. Following a literature review and after analysis of radiography results from vessel fabricators in the United States, there is little evidence supporting a volumetric examination requirement after PWHT. PWHT does not cause sub-surface flaw development or sub-surface flaw propagation. A surface examination after PWHT is still recommended to confirm flaws have not developed near the surface during PWHT; however, a full volumetric examination on a carbon steel vessel after PWHT may be unnecessary.
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