A multi-start central force optimization for global optimization

Central force optimization (CFO) is an efficient and powerful population-based intelligence algorithm for optimization problems. CFO is deterministic in nature, unlike the most widely used metaheuristics. CFO, however, is not completely free from the problems of premature convergence. One way to overcome local optimality is to utilize the multi-start strategy. By combining the respective advantages of CFO and the multi-start strategy, a multi-start central force optimization (MCFO) algorithm is proposed in this paper. The performance of the MCFO approach is evaluated on a comprehensive set of benchmark functions. The experimental results demonstrate that MCFO not only saves the computational cost, but also performs better than some state-of-the-art CFO algorithms. MCFO is also compared with representative evolutionary algorithms. The results show that MCFO is highly competitive, achieving promising performance.     

Formation of a protective layer against corrosion on Mg alloy via alkali pretreatment followed by vanillic acid treatment

Although Mg alloy possesses high specific strength, low density, and good biocompatibility, poor corrosion resistance hinders its further applications. In the present study, an innovative protective layer against corrosion was prepared on the AZ31 Mg alloy via alkali pretreatment followed by vanillic acid treatment. The alkali pretreatment supplied –OH for the AZ31 Mg alloy surface to react with vanillic acid. The vanillic acid treatment played a crucial role in enhancing the corrosion resistance due to the excellent ability to act as a barrier and retard aqueous solution penetration, which effectively isolated the underlying Mg alloy from the corrosive environment. The corrosion current density of alkali and vanillic acid-treated Mg alloy (AZ31V) almost showed two orders of magnitude lower values in comparison with that of the AZ31 Mg alloy, and the corrosion potential of AZ31V Mg alloy increased from −1.41 to −1.25 V. The immersion tests proved that there was no occurrence of severe corrosion. Hence, the alkali pretreatment and vanillic acid treatment may represent a promising method to improve the corrosion resistance of Mg alloy.     

HA/β-TCP plasma sprayed coatings on Ti substrate for biomedical applications

The present work focuses on the fabrication of βTCP (β-tricalcium phosphate) and HA/βTCP (hydroxyapatite/β-tricalcium phosphate) composite coatings by plasma spraying. The starting powders were produced via solid-state method using 2 wt% MgO to stabilize βTCP phase. The synthesized powders were preliminarily granulated to be used by the plasma spray process. Coatings obtained on titanium substrates are uniform and well adherent but due to the high temperature and cooling rate typical for plasma spraying process, βTCP phase is almost totally transformed into the α allotrope. Thermal treatment at 800 °C allows the reconversion of the phase αTCP→ βTCP. It is therefore possible to produce coatings with tuneable dissolution properties by selecting the proper initial powder mixture and the specific thermal treatment.     

基于量子效应的微型推进器设计

微/纳机电系统(MEMS/NEMS)技术的发展,大大促进了航空航天领域飞行器的微型化。依据量子理论,有效提取真空中的零点能,并以此作为驱动能源,可以解决微型飞行器由于必须携带燃料而增加重量等问题。从理论上阐述了真空零点能及Casimir力的产生机理,研究了真空中两平行平板和矩形腔等结构设计依据,提出并建立了以Casimir力作为驱动力的微型推进器设计模型。     

Synthesis and characterization of biocompatible hydroxyapatite coated ferrite

Ferrite particles coated with biocompatible phases can be used for hyperthermia treatment of cancer. We have synthesized substituted calcium hexaferrite, which is not stable on its own but is stabilized with small substitution of La. Hexaferrite of chemical composition (CaO)_0.75(La₂0₃)_0.20(Fe₂O₃)₆ was prepared using citrate gel method. Hydroxyapatite was prepared by precipitating it from aqueous solution of Ca(NO₃)₂ and (NH₄)₂HPO₄ maintaining pH above 11. Four different methods were used for coating of hydroxyapatite on ferrite particles. SEM with EDX and X-ray diffraction analysis shows clear evidence of coating of hydroxyapatite on ferrite particles. These coated ferrite particles exhibited coercive field up to 2 kOe, which could be made useful for hysteresis heating in hyperthermia. Studies by culturing BHK-21 cells and WBC over the samples show evidence of biocompatibility. SEM micrographs and cell counts give clear indication of cell growth on the surface of the sample. Finally coated ferrite particle was implanted in Kasaulli mouse to test its biocompatibility. The magnetic properties and biocompatibility studies show that these hydroxyapatite coated ferrites could be useful for hyperthermia.     

Ni-Al2O3纳米复合电镀工艺的初步研究

初步研究了复合电镀各工艺条件：电流密度、镀液pH值和温度以及搅拌方式对Al2O3纳米微粒在镍基复合镀层中含量的影响。研究表明：电流密度增大不利于提高镀层中纳米微粒的含量；pH值增大也明显使复合量降低;镀液温度升高，镀层中微粒的复合量随之略有改变；电镀时，加强搅拌或适当改变搅拌方式，可以使复合镀居中的纳米微粒含量提高。还利用扫描电镜及能谱对Ni-Al2O3镀层表面进行了观察与分析。     

Oxidation of Hastelloy-XR Alloy for Corrosion-Resistant Glass-Coating

The oxidation behavior of Hastelloy-XR alloy was investigated to obtain the optimum surface condition for corrosion-resistant glass-coatings. The surface morphology of oxide scales changed significantly with variation of temperatureand oxygen partial pressure (po2 ). The oxidation kinetics was mainly parabolic independent of oxidation conditions.The oxide scales were consisted of inner Cr2O3 and outer spinel layers. The phase component of spinel layers wereMn1.5Cr1.5O4 and (Mn,Ni)(Cr,Fe)2O4 for the oxygen partial pressures po2<10 kPa and po2>10 kPa, respectively.The optimum oxidation condition to obtain an oxide scale for well-adhered glass-coating to the substrate was 1248 Kand po2 =0.01 kPa for the oxidation time of 43 ks.     

TEM Studies of High Temperature Corrosion Behaviour of TiAl Intermetallics with Surface Modifications

The oxidation/sulphidation behaviour of a Ti‐46.7Al‐1.9W‐0.5Si alloy with a TiAl₃ diffusion coating was studied in an environment of H₂/H₂S/H₂O at 850^oC. The kinetic results demonstrate that the TiAl₃ coating significantly increased the high temperature corrosion resistance of Ti‐46.7Al‐1.9W‐0.5Si. The SEM, EDX, XRD and TEM analysis reveals that the formation of an Al₂O₃ scale on the surface of the TiAl₃‐coated sample was responsible for the enhancement of the corroison resistance. The Ti‐46.7Al‐1.9W‐0.5Si alloy was also modified by Nb ion implantation. The Nb ion implanted and as received sampels were subjected to cyclic oxidation in an open air at 800^oC. The Nb ion implantation not only increased the oxidation resistance but also substantially improved the adhesion of scale to the substrate.     

WAVE INTERACTION WITH PERFORATED CAISSON BREAKWATERS

The reflection coefficient of perforated caissons and the total horizontal forces acting on them were experimentally and numerically analyzed and discussed when wave propagates normally. To consider the viscosity effect of fluid and nonlinear action of waves on structures, the VOF (Volume Of Fluid) method combined with the k-ε turbulence model was used to simulate the interaction between waves and structures. Governing equations were solved with the finite difference method. Through 2D experimental study in the wave flume, the empirical relationship between the reflection coefficient of perforated caissons and the main affecting factors were obtained from the experimental data using the least square method. Also the correlation between the ratio of the total horizontal force acting on perforated caisson and the force acting on solid caisson and the main affecting factors were regressed from the experimental data.     

纳米ZrO2等离子涂层的结构,性能和工艺特点

采用大气等离子喷涂技术(APS)，制备了常规氧化锆和纳米结构氧化锆两种涂层．利用扫描电镜(SEM)对涂层的显微结构进行了观察．对两种涂层的沉积效率、表面粗糙度和显微硬度作了对比研究．结果表明，粉末原料的显微结构、粒度、形态、喷涂工艺参数(喷涂功率和距离)对涂层的显微结构有较大的影响．等离子喷涂造粒纳米氧化锆粉制备的涂层沉积效率高而稳定，其显微结构与喷涂功率和距离密切相关．与常规氧化锆涂层相比，纳米结构氧化锆涂层具有较高的显微硬度和较低的表面粗糙度．