Computational battery dynamics (CBD)—electrochemical/thermal coupled modeling and multi-scale modeling

This paper reviews the development of first-principles based mathematical models for batteries developed on a framework parallel to computation fluid dynamics (CFD), herein termed computational battery dynamics (CBD). This general-purpose framework makes use of the similarity in the equations governing different battery systems, and has resulted in the development of robust models in a relatively short time. Here we review this framework, in the context of applications to the coupled modeling of the thermal and electrochemical behavior of cells, and to the modeling at three different scales, namely pore-level, cell-level and stack-level. The similarity and differences of our approach with other research groups are exemplified. Significant results from each of these advanced applications of modeling are highlighted with emphasis on the insights that can be gained from a first-principles model. In addition, we also demonstrate the usefulness of a combined experimental-modeling approach in describing cells. The models reviewed here are expected to be useful in predicting the behavior of advanced batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).     

Innovative Applications of Post-Tension for Restoration and Rehabilitation of Bridges and Structures--Case Studies in India

This paper deals with new and innovative case studies of application of post-tensioning for restoration of structures for buildings, bridges and rock stabilization in India. In earlier situations for these types of cases conventional method of repair and rehabilitation has been used. These innovative approaches for restoration have led to enormous saving of cost and time. The advantages of post tensioning are well known in the civil industry and are being used for the last 40 to 50 years. Post tensioning is one of the best methods to induce stresses in the concrete before application of live load and this technique can also be widely used for restoration and rehabilitation of structures. Unlike the use of post-tensioning in new structures there are no definite methods or codes for application in restoration and rehabilitation of structures. For restoration and rehabilitation of structures, PT （post tensioned） technique can be applied in combination with other techniques and materials available. Bridge lifting is a tricky and risky job especially when the superstructure is displaced appreciably by a natural calamity, etc.. Not only the present state of structure needs proper study before commencement of restoration and rehabilitation but also calls for careful execution. This paper deals with case studies of innovative applications of post tensioning in restoration and rehabilitation of structures and restoration of bridge structure in Andaman ＆ Nicobar Island, India affected by Sumatra quake.     

GOX-functionalized nanodiamond films for electrochemical biosensor

The importance of nanodiamond in biological and technological applications has been recognized recently, and applied in drug delivery, biochip, sensors and biosensors. Under this investigation, nanodiamond (ND) and nitrogen doped nanodiamond (NND) were deposited on n-type silicon films, and later functionalized with enzyme Glucose oxidase (GOX). The GOX functionalized doped and undoped ND films were characterized using combination of several techniques; i.e. FTIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and electrochemical techniques. ND/GOX and NND/GOX thin films on n-type silicon have been found to provide sensitive glucose sensor. GOX has been chosen as a model enzyme system to functionalize with ND at molecular level to understand the glucose biosensor.     

Analog Circuit Fault Detection Using Location of Poles

A method for detection of parametric faults occurring in linear analog circuits based on location of poles of the Circuit Under Test (CUT) is proposed. In the proposed method, the value of each component of the CUT is varied within its tolerance limit using monte carlo simulation. The upper and lower bounds of magnitude, phase angle, real part and imaginary part of all poles of the CUT are obtained. While testing, the locations of poles are obtained. If any one or more of the poles lies outside the tolerance limit then the CUT is declared faulty. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated through two benchmark circuits like second order sallenkey band pass filter and fourth order leapfrog low pass filter.     

Emission and performance study emulsified orange peel oil biodiesel in an aspirated research engine

This study paves the way on reducing smoke emission and NO_x emissions of research diesel engine by detailing the effect of water addition in biodiesel. Fuel samples were prepared with different concentrations of water in orange peel oil biodiesel (94% waste orange peel oil biodiesel + 4% water + 2% Span 80 (WOPOBDE1) and 90% waste orange peel oil biodiesel + 8% water + 2% Span 80 (WOPOBDE2). Span 80 was employed as a nonionic surfactant, which emulsifies water in biodiesel. Experimental results revealed that the nitrogen oxides and smoke emission of orange peel oil biodiesel emulsion were reduced by 11%–19% and 3%–21%, respectively, compared to that of neat orange peel oil biodiesel (WOPOBD). In addition, the introduction of orange peel oil–water emulsions in the diesel engine considerably reduced the emissions of unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. The overall hydrocarbon emission of WOPOBDE2 was 12.2% lower than that of WOPOBD and 16.3% lower than that of diesel. The overall CO emission of WOPOBDE2 was 17% lower than that of base fuel (WOPOBD) and 21.8% lower than that of diesel. Experimental results revealed that modified fuel had higher brake thermal efficiency and lower brake specific fuel consumption than that of base fuel at all engine brake power levels.     

Deep Learning Techniques for Flaw Characterization in Weld Pieces from Ultrasonic Signals

Russian Journal of Nondestructive Testing - Computer aided Interpretation of Ultrasonic signals depicting flaws in weld pieces is depicted in this work. In this work, feasibility of Long Short Term...     

DVDs: Much Needed “Shot in the Arm” for Video Servers

The release of DVD-ROMs (Digital Versatile Disk—Read Only Memory), capable of storing an entire 133 minute MPEG-2 movie, coupled with the gradual deployment of high speed networks will give a much needed impetus to Video-on-Demand systems, especially movie-on-demand services. Various memory components such as DVD-ROMs, magnetic RAID towers, and RAM are available, each with different storage and bandwidth capabilities, and each with different costs. To design a video server, we need to optimize the cost factor, yet meet the massive storage, high bandwidth and continuity requirements of video stream delivery.In the first part of this paper we compare DVD-ROM and RAID systems on the basis of two factors—a storage factor and a bandwidth factor. We work out relations to calculate capacity requirements and costs, of these systems given the demands of video delivery. We then propose an architecture for a video server where we deploy three layers of memory functioning as video pumps: DVD-ROM towers, RAID towers, and RAM. We then work out expressions to determine the migration strategy of a movie between these layers of storage so as to optimize on the cost of storage while satisfying the performance requirements. We then show the method by which the amount of storage required for each type of memory in the three layers can be fixed, knowing the usage pattern.In the second part of the paper, we discuss the implementation of a video pump where there is a need to integrate scheduling, admission control, VBR stream management, and handling of VCR-like requests such as fast-forward, fast-reverse and pause. We first work out general relations for calculation of the service time of a request knowing the seek overheads and playback rates. We then show that, surprisingly, the C-SCAN algorithm, which incurs the least amount of seek overhead and therefore has a lesser cycle time, is twice as efficient as SCAN in terms of buffer space requirements. We then propose a full-load admission control and scheduling algorithm that operates on a constant cycle time basis. We test the validity of this scheme though a the simulator which we have built based on our disk model and use it to extract parameters such as disk bandwidth utilization factor and buffer sizes needed for a VBR load scenario.