The history of method and theory in the study of prehistoric puebloan pottery style in the American Southwest

The history of Americanist archaeology can be profitably approached through an examination of ceramic design studies in the puebloan region of the American Southwest. An intellectual tradition is represented throughout these studies, grounded in the assumption that ceramic design variation can be reflected, among other things, in prehistoric social groupings. Within this tradition, a number of differences in method, theory, and application can be distinguished, including (1) the classificatory systems employed, (2) the spatial and temporal scales at which ceramic design variation was studied, and (3) the potential functional role of stylistic attributes on pottery. The debates, both intellectual and social, surrounding the development of method and theory in the New Archaeology are clarified by this historical review, as are the transitions to Culture History and from the New Archaeology in the American Southwest.     

High-temperature performance of two-layered ceramics and the implications for Roman crucibles

Roman metalworking crucibles are frequently characterized by an extra outer layer of clay, applied to a pre-formed vessel. Three-point bending and standardized dead-weight loading tests were conducted to determine the advantages offered by the extra outer layer. Deformation and fracture behaviour, at temperatures up to 1100°C, of two-layer, monolithic and tempered-monolithic briquettes were compared. Measurements indicated that the two-layer briquettes were more resistant to fracture at high temperatures: > 850°C they showed more extensive plastically deformed regions than monolithic briquettes. The influence of temper was consistent with previous results: tempering caused quasi-stable fracture and reduced fracture strength. The results suggest extra outer layers assisted in preventing catastrophic failure.     

故宫灵沼轩残损分析及结构性能研究

故宫灵沼轩是我国最早建造的钢铁-砌体组合结构之一,目前损坏较为严重。为更好地保护和修缮该建筑,残损分析和结构性能研究是其修缮保护的科学基础。首先通过现场调研,对该建筑的残损状况进行分析,找出其显见的病害;然后通过精确测绘、材料检测及有限元模拟分析其结构性能,找出其隐在的病害;最后综合残损分析及结构性能分析结果,提出相应的保护措施建议。