Self-adaptive differential evolution algorithm using population size reduction and three strategies

Many real-world optimization problems are large-scale in nature. In order to solve these problems, an optimization algorithm is required that is able to apply a global search regardless of the problems’ particularities. This paper proposes a self-adaptive differential evolution algorithm, called jDElscop, for solving large-scale optimization problems with continuous variables. The proposed algorithm employs three strategies and a population size reduction mechanism. The performance of the jDElscop algorithm is evaluated on a set of benchmark problems provided for the Special Issue on the Scalability of Evolutionary Algorithms and other Metaheuristics for Large Scale Continuous Optimization Problems. Non-parametric statistical procedures were performed for multiple comparisons between the proposed algorithm and three well-known algorithms from literature. The results show that the jDElscop algorithm can deal with large-scale continuous optimization effectively. It also behaves significantly better than other three algorithms used in the comparison, in most cases.     

Mathematical modeling of melting rate in twin-wire welding

The paper treats four mathematical models for calculation of melting rate in arc fusion welding with a wire in coil form. The mathematical models permit calculation of melting rate in direct current welding with single-wire and double-wire electrodes (both polarities).

For single-wire welding the models treated have been improved with regard to the ones published in the literature, for twin-wire welding, these are the first models for calculation of melting rate. The mathematical models have already been tested in practice and the results obtained show that they are very accurate, simple and applicable to practice.     

Mercury,selenium, PCBs and fatty acids in fresh and canned fish available on the Slovenian market

In order to contribute to the general understanding of the risks and benefits of consuming fish and fish products, total mercury (THg), monomethylmercury (MeHg), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), selenium (Se), n-3 and n-6 fatty acids were determined in fresh and canned fish on the Slovenian market. Furthermore, the mercury exposure of pregnant women in Slovenia was assessed by determining total mercury (THg) in hair, and through fresh and canned fish consumption obtained by a food frequency questionnaire. Based on the frequency of fish consumption and levels of MeHg, THg and PCBs determined in the present study, it can be concluded that fish available on the Slovenian market do not represent a health risk. It was also confirmed that fish are important sources of selenium and n-3 fatty acids.     

A chamber for biomechanical,electrochemical and electrophysiological measurements in functional segments of peripheral nerves

The aim of the work was to develop the chamber to be used in biomechanical, electrochemical and electrophysiological measurements in functional segments of peripheral nerves, when electrical stimulating pulses are selectively applied to preselected locations along the nerve and neural responses are measured.     

The influence of incident angle, object colour and distance on CNC laser scanning

This article examines the influence of incident angle, object colour and measurement distance on the computer numerically controlled laser scanning process. To determine the physical background of these influences, the operation of the triangulation sensor, the surface reflection and the colour properties of the measured object were analysed. The various influences and their physical background are explained by using a test-measurement setup, which makes it possible to investigate a specific influencing factor. The article concludes with several guidelines that should be followed in order to obtain better measurement results.     

Influence of the substrate on the phase composition and electrical properties of 0.65PMN–0.35PT thick films

Thick films with the nominal composition 0.65Pb(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃–0.35PbTiO₃ (0.65PMN–0.35PT) were produced by screen-printing and firing paste prepared from an organic vehicle and pre-reacted powder. The films were fired for 2 h at 950 °C on alumina (Al₂O₃), platinum (Pt), aluminium nitride (AlN) and 0.65PMN–0.35PT substrates. The films were then characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and dielectric constant measurements. The X-ray analysis did not detect the presence of any undesirable pyrochlore phase, and the differences in the phase compositions were determined with a Rietveld refinement. The variations of the cell parameters vs. the temperature for the monoclinic and tetragonal phases were calculated. It was demonstrated that under similar processing conditions the microstructures, phase compositions and dielectric properties strongly depended on the stress in the thick films due to the different temperature expansion coefficients of the thick films and the substrates. The 0.65PMN–0.35PT thick films under compressive stresses (for the case of the Al₂O₃ and Pt substrates) exhibited a tetragonal phase in addition to the monoclinic one. The films were sintered to a high density and with a coarse microstructure. These microstructures favour a high dielectric constant. In contrast, for the films under a tensile stress, like the films on AlN substrates, the films were sintered to a lower density and the microstructure consisted of smaller grains. The X-ray analysis showed mainly a monoclinic phase, while the tetragonal phase was not detected. These results indicate the importance of the stresses in 0.65PMN–0.35PT thick films and their influence on the structural and electrical characteristics of the films.     

Residual stress state after the laser surface remelting process

Residual stresses are a result of elasto-plastic deformations induced in the workpiece material during the heat treatment process. The extent and magnitude of internal stresses depend on temperature conditions in heating and cooling and physical properties of the workpiece material. This contribution discusses the extent and distribution of residual stresses after laser remelting a thin surface layer on ductile iron 80-55-06 (ASTM specification) or Gr 500-7 according to ISO. Residual stresses are not only induced by temperature differences but also result from stresses due to microstructural changes between the surface and the core of the specimen subsequent to cooling to the ambient temperature. The distribution and extent of residual stresses in the remelted thin surface layer depend mostly on melt composition and cooling conditions. Different rates of solidification and subsequent cooling of the remelted layer are reflected in the volume proportions of the created cementite, residual austenite, and martensite in the microstructure. The rate of heating and cooling of the thin surface layer is a function of laser power, beam diameter on the workpiece surface, and interaction time. In addition, the number of passes of the laser beam over the workpiece surface and different degrees of laser trace overlapping were increased to see how these can affect the thermal conditions in the workpiece. To determine the residual stresses, the relaxation method was used. This is based on measuring the specimen strain during electrochemical material removal.