A strategic planning model for natural gas transmission networks

The design and development of natural gas transmission pipeline networks are multidisciplinary problems that require various engineering knowledge. In this problem, the type, location, and installation schedule of major physical components of a network including pipelines and compressor stations are decided upon over a planning horizon with least cost goal and subject to network constraints. Practically, this problem has been viewed as a conceptual design case and not as an optimization problem that tries to select the best design option among a set of possible solutions. Consequently, conceptual design approaches are usually suboptimal and work only for short-run development planning. We propose an integrated nonlinear optimization model for this problem. This model provides the best development plans for an existing network over a long-run planning horizon with least discounted operating and capital costs. A heuristic random search optimization method is also developed to solve the model. We show the application of the model through a simple case study and discuss how non-economic objectives may also be incorporated into model.     

Luminescence properties of monoclinic Cu4I4(Piperidine)4

A new modification of Cu₄I₄Pip₄ has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. X-ray crystallography revealed that this compound crystallized in the monoclinic system and consists of a tetrahedral core with composition Cu₄I₄, in which each Cu atom is coordinated by a piperidine molecule via the N atom. In contrast to a previously reported modification of Cu₄I₄Pip₄, the present modification shows luminescent properties when exposed to UV-light. In addition, we have used time-dependent density functional theory calculations to characterize both compounds in term of both absorption and emission.     

Deconstructing the Effects of Matrix Elasticity and Geometry in Mesenchymal Stem Cell Lineage Commitment

A wide variety of environmental factors including physical and biochemical signals are responsible for stem cell behavior and function. In particular, matrix elasticity and cell shape have been shown to determine stem cell function, yet little is known about the interplay between how these physical cues control cell differentiation. For the first time, by using ultraviolet (UV) lithography to pattern poly(ethylene) glycol (PEG) hydrogels, it is possible to manufacture microenvironments capable of parsing the effects of matrix elasticity, cell shape, and cell size in order to explore the relationship between matrix elasticity and cell shape in mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) lineage commitment. These data show that cells cultured on 1000 μm² circles, squares, and rectangles are primarily adipogenic lineage regardless of matrix elasticity, while cells cultured on 2500 and 5000 μm² shapes more heavily depend on shape and elasticity for lineage specification. It is further characterized how modifying the cell cytoskeleton through pharmacological inhibitors can modify cell behavior. By showing MSC lineage commitment relationships due to physical signals, this study highlights the importance of cell shape and matrix elasticity in further understanding stem cell behavior for future tissue engineering strategies.     

Estimation of flame parameters for flame bending process

In this paper a new analytical solution is applied to study heat transfer during forming of plates by flame bending process. Produced heat flux with flame, is modeled with normal Gaussian distribution, which moves along predefined paths on plate. Mild steel with constant thermal properties is as selected material. Results of the thermal analyses by this method show good agreement in comparison with experimental data. This method is properly applicable to estimate of flame parameters that are input parameters for thermo-mechanical simulation of the process. Reasonable accuracy of the results and diminishing of model dependency and CPU time required for thermal analyses are the advantages of this solution for the process study.     

Dielectric coefficient and density of subcooled liquid hydrogen

Here we present precision dielectric coefficient measurements of subcooled equilibrium liquid hydrogen in the temperature range from 15 to 23 K and under pressures up to 1 MPa. The measurements were performed using a three-terminal flat plate capacitor and a single-frequency, ultra-precision capacitance bridge. These results are combined with the previously published data to express the dielectric coefficient in the form of the Clausius-Mossotti relation with a new correlation. The results reported in this paper are expected to be especially useful for capacitance-based measurements involving fluid hydrogen such as liquid level, mass gauging and void fraction measurements in two phase flow. Also, a new equation of state gives the density as a function of pressure and temperature for the subcooled liquid phase.     

Quantitative automated inspection of standard parts using machine vision

On line automated visual inspection for quality and process control is becoming a very important requirement in an automated manufacturing environment. This paper examines the possibility of real-time inspection of standard part using machine vision.     

Upper Bounds on the Partial Correlation of PN Sequences

Upper bounds on the worst case autocorrelation and the worst case cross correlation of linear PN sequences of the same period are obtained. The value of the worst case correlation curve at some specific points is found and using interpolation methods a smooth curve fitting to the correlation curve is formulated.     

Finite element modelling the mechanical performance of pressure garments produced from elastic weft knitted fabrics

Compression garments mainly produced from elastic knitted fabrics have attracted many attentions due to their medical care performances. Components’ characteristics of the pressure garments such as yarn and fabric structure affect significantly the pressure applied on the human body. In this paper, it is aimed to simulate the effect of yarn’s mechanical properties as well as fabric structure on mechanical performance of the compression garment. For this purpose, a precise geometrical model for fabric structure is needed by which the pressure applied to the body could be predicted. Accordingly, double jersey knitted fabrics containing elastane weft yarns were produced on an electronic flat knitting machine and the fabric tensile properties were measured in course direction. Using equations governing the fabric structural unit-cell, a real geometric model was created in a finite element software environment. Considering the linear visco-elastic properties for elastane weft yarn, stress-strain curve was extracted. The results obtained from numerical simulation were compared with the experimental data in order to validate the proposed geometrical model. The findings demonstrate a good agreement between experimental and simulation results.     

Physical Analysis of Silver Thin Films Deposited by Electron Beam Technique

Protection of Metals and Physical Chemistry of Surfaces - The effect of annealing temperature on the properties of silver thin films has been investigated. Ag thin films have been deposited on...     

Effect of phytic acid–modified layered double hydroxide on flammability and mechanical properties of intumescent flame retardant polypropylene system

Phytic acid–modified layered double hydroxide (Ph‐LDH) was synthesized via coprecipitation method and subsequently was used in polypropylene (PP) by combining with an ammonium polyphosphate (APP) via melt compounding method. The synergistic effect between APP and Ph‐LDH on the thermal stability, flammability, and mechanical properties of the resultant PP composites was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, limiting oxygen index, vertical burning test (UL‐94), cone calorimeter tests, tensile test, and impact test. Morphologies of the chars obtained from the samples after the cone calorimeter tests were studied by scanning electron microscopy. The combination of APP and Ph‐LDH slightly influenced the impact and tensile properties of PP. Also, the synergistic effect between APP and Ph‐LDH occurred in the cone calorimeter test. Moreover, the combination of APP and Ph‐LDH produced better quality char that effectively suppressed the spread of the flame and volatile and finally extinguished the fire.