First-principles study on the thermal expansion of Ni-X binary alloys based on the quasi-harmonic Debye model

In this study, we use the quasi-harmonic Debye model to predict the coefficient of thermal expansion of Ni- X binary alloys. The method bridges between the macroscopic elastic behavior and thermodynamic properties of materials without an expensive calculation of the volume dependence of the phonon density of states. Furthermore, the Grüneisen parameter is derived from the volume dependence of the Debye temperature, which is calculated from the first-principles elastic stiffness constants. The experimental coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of pure nickel is well reproduced, especially in the low temperature region. Among the few alloying elements tested, Al is predicted to slightly decrease the CTE whereas Mo and W are more effective in reducing the CTE. For the cases of Ni-X binary alloy systems, where the variation in the CTE is relatively small, the method used here appears to perform better than certain other formulations that rely entirely on the energy vs. volume relationship.     

Cloud Based Software Computing as a Service in Hybrid Evolution Algorithm with Feedback Assistance

This paper develops cloud based software computing as a service (SCaaS) in the hybrid evolution algorithm with feedback assistance to solve the data optimal NP-complete problems such as travel salesman problems and job shop scheduling problems. Suitable steps, methods, or procedures of the genetic algorithm can be adopted from various evolution procedures or methods of the genetic algorithms based on the fitness evaluation results and survival ratio of different crossover methods in the current generation. The proposed system can dynamically emphasize the corresponding methods or procedures for the better performance in optimal solution searching. In addition, according to the proposed XML format, system users can upload only the coding of chromosomes without implementing the genetic algorithm program. Furthermore, by using the feedback assistance, the convergence time of the optimal solution can be enhanced.     

Discriminative subgraphs for discovering family photos

Computational Visual Media - We propose to use discriminative subgraphs to discover family photos from group photos in an efficient and effective way. Group photos are represented as face graphs by...     

Heat transfer of bio-oil in a direct contact heat exchanger during condensation

Rapid quenching of volatiles in fast pyrolysis is important for achieving high yield and quality of the bio-oil product, but few studies have examined the condensation of volatiles and their related heat exchangers. Accordingly, we have studied the condensation characteristics of volatiles by varying heat transfer conditions in a direct contact heat exchanger. As the mass flow rate ratio of quenching oil to pyrolysis gas increased, the heat transfer rate and yield of bio-oil increased. The heat transfer rate and yield of bio-oil reached a maximum value at an intermediate air-to-quenching oil mass flow rate ratio. Additionally, the heat transfer rate and yield of bio-oil decreased as the temperature of the quenching oil increased. Experiments were also conducted to derive an empirical relationship for the volumetric heat transfer coefficient for direct contact heat exchangers.     

Non-immersive Ultrasound Scanning and Inspection of Internal Defects Using a Water Droplet Coupling Device

This paper investigates a method for conducting conventional ultrasound image scanning (C-scan) in a non-immersive manner. An ultrasound coupling device is developed to couple a focusing ultrasound transducer with a sample under test through a water droplet. The transducer is immersed in a chamber filled with water. A hole-opening at the chamber’s bottom surface and a polymer film sealing the hole allow focused ultrasound to pass and reach the sample through a water droplet. An ultrasound scanning system is constructed and used for carrying out C-scan on two different samples containing pre-fabricated internal defects. By comparing the images obtained from using both conventional water immersion method and the proposed water-droplet coupling method, we demonstrate the feasibility and capability of this new type of non-immersive ultrasound image scanning method.     

Effects of different fertilization treatments on the physicochemical and noodle-making properties of Korean winter wheat cultivars

Changes in the quality of white salted noodles prepared with different types of Korean winter wheat were examined. Crude protein and amylose contents of various wheat cultivars ranged from 7.17 to 9.97 and 24.78 to 29.37%, respectively. The water holding capacities of Jokyung with base N-fertilizer (NF) and Keumkang with 40% increased NF compared with NF at the supplementary manuring (SM) were 95.70 and 70.69%, respectively. The dry gluten content of the Keumkang with 20% increased NF compared with SM at the panicle initiation stage (PS) was 12.5%, and the final viscosities of several cultivars with NF, PS, and SM did not differ. PS treatment increased the thickness of the noodle sheet, and the hardnesses of cooked noodles prepared using Goso, Baekjoong, Younbaek, and Keumkang wheat with PS or SM treatment were increased. The thickness was strongly positively correlated with dry gluten content (DG) and water binding in wet gluten. In order to improve the quality of fresh noodles, wheat flour prepared using Hojung, Goso, and Baekjoong cultivars under PS cultivation condition or wheat flour with higher protein content, DG contents, and WBG should be used.