Magneto-optical disk drive technology using multiple fiber-coupled flying optical heads. Part II. Laser noise considerations

A magneto-optical data storage system utilizing single-mode fiber is capable of providing high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) recording if laser noise sources are properly managed. In particular, mode partition noise (MPN) associated with use of a Fabry-Perot laser diode can be a significant problem in a fiber-based system. The various mechanisms leading to MPN as well as to laser phase noise are discussed in the context of a system constructed with polarization-maintaining fiber. The primary noise mechanisms include spurious fiber-endface reflections and errors in the quarter-wave plate on the recording head. An understanding of these effects is essential for fabrication of a fiber-based recording system with suitable SNR performance.     

Extinction and the optical theorem. Part I. Single particles

We study the extinction caused by a single particle and present a conceptual phase-based explanation for the related optical theorem. Simulations of the energy flow caused by a particle's presence in a collimated beam of light demonstrate how the extinction process occurs. It is shown that extinction does not necessarily cause a reduction of the energy flow along the exact forward direction. Implications regarding the measurement of the single-particle extinction cross section are discussed. This work is extended to noninteracting and interacting multiparticle groups in Part II [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A25, pp. 1514 (2008)].     

Systems design of high performance stainless steels I. Conceptual and computational design

Application of a systems approach to the computational materials design led to the development of a high performance stainless steel. The systems approach highlighted the integration of processing/structure/property/ performance relations with mechanistic models to achieve desired quantitative property objectives. The mechanistic models applied to the martensitic transformation behavior included the Olson–Cohen model for heterogeneous nucleation and the Ghosh–Olson solid-solution strengthening model for interfacial mobility. Strengthening theory employed modeling of the coherent M₂C precipitation in a BCC matrix, which is initially in a paraequilibrium with cementite condition. The calibration of the M₂C coherency used available small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) data to determine a composition-dependent strain energy and a composition-independent interfacial energy. Multicomponent pH-potential diagrams provided an effective tool for evaluating oxide stability. Constrained equilibrium calculations correlated oxide stability to Cr enrichment in the metastable spinel film, allowing more efficient use of alloy Cr content. The composition constraints acquired from multicomponent solidification simulations improved castability. Then integration of the models, using multicomponent thermodynamic and diffusion software programs, enabled the design of a carburizable, secondary-hardening martensitic stainless steel for advanced bearing applications. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Complex assembly variant design in agile manufacturing. Part I: System architecture and assembly modeling methodology

In the distributed and horizontally integrated manufacturing environment found in agile manufacturing, there is a great demand for new product development methods that are capable of generating new customized assembly designs based on mature component designs that might be dispersed at geographically distributed partner sites. To cater for this demand, this paper addresses the methodology for complex assembly variant design in agile manufacturing. It consists in fundamental research in two parts: (i) assembly modeling; and (ii) assembly variant design methodology. This paper, the first of a two-part series, presents the assembly variant design system architecture and the assembly modeling methodology. First, a complementary assembly modeling concept is proposed with two kinds of assembly models, the hierarchical assembly model and the relational assembly model. The first explicitly captures the hierarchical and functional relationships between constituent components whereas the second explicitly captures the mating relationships at the form-feature-level. These models are complementary in the sense that each of them models only a specific aspect of assembly-related information but together they include the required assembly-related information. They are further specialized to accommodate the features of assembly variant design. As a result, two kinds of assembly models, the assembly variants model and the assembly mating graph are generated. These assembly models serve as the basis for assembly variant design which is discussed in the companion paper.     

High-frequency ultrasound annular-array imaging. Part I: array design and fabrication

This is Part I of a series of two papers describing the development of a digital high-frequency, annular-array, ultrasonic imaging system. In this paper, the design and fabrication of a high-frequency annular array as well as its performance will be reported. A six-element, 50 MHz array, which incorporated an acoustic lens to provide an initial focal point, was designed and fabricated. A submicron size grain lead titanate piezoelectric ceramic was used to both reduce lateral coupling and keep the electrical impedance matched close to the 50 ohm receive electronics. The array elements were isolated using laser micromachining to fully separate the annuli, and electrical interconnection was achieved by directly soldering thin wires to the elements. The resulting array attained an average impulse response that exhibited a 43 MHz center frequency, 30% relative bandwidth, and an average insertion loss of 31 dB at 45 MHz. Maximum next-element crosstalk was -27 dB in water.     

Feature-based metal stamping part and process design. Part I: stampability evaluation

It is essential to devise a representation scheme for the metal stamping part design which allows the designer to capture and reason the design information, and ultimately, to take various considerations into account and make evaluation decisions. In our research, the feature-based approach is used to represent the metal stamping part, and feature-based metal stamping part and process design has been studied and presented in a two-part paper. This is the first of a two-part paper focusing on stampability evaluation. In Part II a feature-based stamping process planning approach is investigated. This paper presents a feature- and knowledge-based stampability evaluation system. Tasks of this research include identification of the aims, criteria, and procedure of stampability evaluation, as well as the formalization of the stampability evaluation knowledge. Stampability evaluation is classified into stampability verification and stampability measurement. Stampability verification is used to determine whether a part design is stampable or not. Stampability measurement can be employed to select a best design from stampable candidate designs. Based on the stamping design feature definition, a stampability-coding scheme with incorporated knowledge has been developed to enable comprehensive stampability evaluation. Finally, a case study demonstrates the feasibility of such stampability evaluation system.     

High performance nano-titania photocatalytic paper composite. Part I: Experimental design study for TiO2 composite sheet using a natural zeolite microparticle system and its photocatalytic property

Nanosized titanium dioxide (TiO₂) photocatalytic papers were successfully prepared using a natural zeolite microparticle retention aid in papermaking. Applying a factorial experimental design, natural zeolite has been demonstrated to be the most significant and interactive factor for increasing the TiO₂ retention rate in paper stock. The photocatalysis of as-prepared sheets was evaluated with toluene as one of the representative volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Under UV irradiation, it was shown to be effective in removing gaseous toluene by photodecomposition, assisted by adsorption. It was revealed that natural zeolite plays an important role in both increasing retention rate of TiO₂ nanoparticles and enhancing photocatalytic efficiency of the paper. The photocatalytic paper can be potentially applied for environmental purification.     

Composite panels containing multiple through-the-width delaminations and subjected to compression. Part I: Analysis

An analytical and experimental investigation was performed to study the compression response of laminated composite panels containing multiple through-the-width delaminations. Both flat and cylindrical panels were considered. The major objective of the study was to develop an analytical model for simulating the deformations of the laminated panels from initial loading to final collapse. The model consists of three parts: a stress analysis, a contact analysis, and a failure analysis. A nonlinear finite element code was developed based on the model. Extensive experimental work on T300/976 composites was also conducted during the investigation to verify the model and the numerical calculations.

The results of the study will be presented in two parts: I — Analysis and II — Experiments. In this paper, the development of the analytical model, the implementation of the model into the finite element code, and comparisons between the calculations based on the model and the existing analytical and experimental results will be presented. The experiments performed during the investigation, and the comparisons between the calculations and the test data will be given in the second paper.     

A comprehensive design and rating study of evaporative coolers and condensers. Part I. Performance evaluation

The mathematical models of evaporative fluid coolers and evaporative condensers are studied in detail to perform a comprehensive design and rating analysis. The mathematical models are validated using experimental as well as numerical data reported in the literature. These models are integrated with the fouling model presented in an earlier paper, using the experimental data on tube fouling. In this paper, we use the fouling model to investigate the risk based thermal performance of these evaporative heat exchangers. It is demonstrated that thermal effectiveness of the evaporative heat exchangers degrades significantly with time indicating that, for a low risk level (p=0.01), there is about 66.7% decrease in effectiveness for the given fouling model. Furthermore, it is noted that there is about 4.7% increase in outlet process fluid temperature of the evaporative fluid cooler. Also, a parametric study is performed to evaluate the effect of elevation and mass flow rate ratio on typical performance parameters such as effectiveness for rating calculations while surface area for design calculations.     

Methodological approaches for histamine quantification using derivatization by chloroethylnitrosourea and ELISA measurement: Part I. Optimization of derivated histamine detection with coated-plates using optimal design

Using derivatization by chloroethylnitrosourea (CENU) a new strategy was used for raising antibodies directed against hapten (< 300 Da) and the quantification of these haptens by ELISA. After raising antibodies directed against histamine, they were characterized and used for ELISA measurements. The development of a quantitative method needs an optimization of both detection and derivatization step. Experimental design methodology has been applied to optimize the conditions of the detection of the derivatized histamine. Methods and results were closely related.     

Growth evaluation of multiple interacting surface cracks. Part I: Experiments and simulation of coalesced crack

In order to develop a procedure for assessing the growth of interacting surface cracks, the relationship between the area of the crack face and fatigue crack growth behavior was investigated. Fatigue crack growth tests were conducted using stainless steel plate specimens with surface notches. Then, finite element analyses were performed to simulate the growth behavior obtained by the experiment. It was shown that the change in area can be predicted by assuming the extension of crack front based on evaluated stress intensity factor at each position along the front. Based on experimental and analysis results, it was revealed that the growth of interacting surface cracks as well as independent cracks can be represented well by change in area and showed good correlation with the driving force based on area. It was also shown that, in the case of parallel cracks, the area on the projected plane was dominant. It was concluded that, when the magnitude of the interaction is sufficiently large, by replacing the two cracks with a semi-elliptical crack of the same area on the projected plane, the growth in area can be predicted precisely.     

Study of a novel silica gel–water adsorption chiller. Part I. Design and performance prediction

A novel silica gel–water adsorption chiller is designed and its performance is predicted in this work. This adsorption chiller includes three vacuum chambers: two adsorption/desorption (or evaporation/condensation) vacuum chambers and one heat pipe working vacuum chamber as the evaporator. One adsorber, one condenser and one evaporator are housed in the same chamber to constitute an adsorption/desorption unit. The evaporators of two adsorption/desorption units are combined together by a heat-pipe heat exchanger to make continuous refrigerating capacity. In this chiller, a vacuum valve is installed between the two adsorption/desorption vacuum chambers to increase its performance especially when the chiller is driven by a low temperature heat source. The operating reliability of the chiller rises greatly because of using fewer valves. Furthermore, the performance of the chiller is predicted. The simulated results show that the refrigerating capacity is more than 10 kW under a typical working condition with hot water temperature of 85 °C, the cooling water temperature of 31 °C and the chilled water inlet temperature of 15 °C. The COP exceeds 0.5 even under a heat source temperature of 65 °C.     

Monte Carlo-based inverse model for calculating tissue optical properties. Part I: Theory and validation on synthetic phantoms

A flexible and fast Monte Carlo-based model of diffuse reflectance has been developed for the extraction of the absorption and scattering properties of turbid media, such as human tissues. This method is valid for a wide range of optical properties and is easily adaptable to existing probe geometries, provided a single phantom calibration measurement is made. A condensed Monte Carlo method was used to speed up the forward simulations. This model was validated by use of two sets of liquid-tissue phantoms containing Nigrosin or hemoglobin as absorbers and polystyrene spheres as scatterers. The phantoms had a wide range of absorption (0-20 cm(-1)) and reduced scattering coefficients (7-33 cm(-1)). Mie theory and a spectrophotometer were used to determine the absorption and reduced scattering coefficients of the phantoms. The diffuse reflectance spectra of the phantoms were measured over a wavelength range of 350-850 nm. It was found that optical properties could be extracted from the experimentally measured diffuse reflectance spectra with an average error of 3% or less for phantoms containing hemoglobin and 12% or less for phantoms containing Nigrosin.     

Knowledge base for the systematic design of wet cooling towers. Part I: Selection and tower characteristics

This paper describes part of the detailed methodology for the thermal design of wet, counterflow and crossflow types of mechanical and natural draught cooling towers. Starting with a brief introduction, an attempt is made here to present different steps of cooling tower design. The steps include: selection of a cooling tower; determination of tower characteristic ratio; computation of moist air properties; determination of the ratio of the water-to-air loading; integration procedure for the tower characteristic ratio. The design of a cooling tower needs the use of different logical decisions, empirical relations and assumptions. The choice of a proper tower and its proper design would increase its efficiency and help conserve energy.     

Modification of NiCoCrAlY with Pt: Part I. Effect of Pt depositing location and cyclic oxidation performance

Pt layers of 5?μm in thickness were electroplated before or after depositing NiCoCrAlY coating by arc ion plating (AIP) aiming for identifying the effect of Pt enriching position on microstructure and cyclic oxidation behavior of Pt modified NiCoCrAlY coatings. Al-rich zones formed at the same position of Pt-rich zones for both modified coatings due to uphill diffusion of Al driven by Pt. Cyclic oxidation tests at 1000 and 1100?°C indicated that oxidation resistance of NiCoCrAlY was improved by Pt modification via different mechanisms: at surface, Pt-rich zone promoted selective oxidation of Al to form α-Al₂O₃, whilst at coating/substrate interface Pt-rich zone acted as effective diffusion barrier for titanium. Roles of Pt played in enhancing the oxidation performance of various Pt-modified NiCoCrAlY coating were investigated.     

Some properties of explosive mixtures containing peroxides Part I. Relative performance and detonation of mixtures with triacetone triperoxide

This study concerns mixtures of triacetone triperoxide (3,3,6,6,9,9-hexamethyl-1,2,4,5,7,8-hexoxonane, TATP) and ammonium nitrate (AN) with added water (W), as the case may be, and dry mixtures of TATP with urea nitrate (UN). Relative performances (RP) of the mixtures and their individual components, relative to TNT, were determined by means of ballistic mortar. The detonation energies, E0, and detonation velocities, D, were calculated for the mixtures studied by means of the thermodynamic code CHEETAH. Relationships have been found and are discussed between the RP and the E0 values related to unit volume of gaseous products of detonation of these mixtures. These relationships together with those between RP and oxygen balance values of the mixtures studied indicate different types of participation of AN and UN in the explosive decomposition of the respective mixtures. Dry TATP/UN mixtures exhibit lower RP than analogous mixtures TATP/AN containing up to 25% of water. Depending on the water content, the TATP/AN mixtures possess higher detonability values than the ANFO explosives. A semi-logarithmic relationship between the D values and oxygen coefficients has been derived for all the mixtures studied at the charge density of 1000 kg m(-3). Among the mixtures studied, this relationship distinguishes several samples of the type of "tertiary explosives" as well as samples that approach "high explosives" in their performances and detonation velocities.     

Internally coded time-hopping coherent ultra-short light pulse code division multiple access scheme with optical amplifier and its performance analysis using additive noise model

The internally coded time-hopping coherent ultra-short light pulse code division multiple access (CULP CDMA) scheme (recently introduced) with an optical amplifier is described and its performance in fibreoptic communication systems is analysed. In accordance with the important role of optical amplifiers in optical communication systems, a preamplifier at the input of the receiver is used in order to compensate the losses because of the spectral encoder, spectral decoder and optical fibre path. The authors evaluate the bit error rate of the system considering the effects of the multiple access interference, noise because of the optical amplifier and thermal noise using saddle point approximation, and compare the results with those of the conventional CULP CDMA system with and without an amplifier. The numerical results indicate a substantial improvement in the performance of the coded system in comparison with the uncoded one. In addition, the negative effect of amplifier noise in the proposed scheme is much less than that of the conventional CULP CDMA system.     

Penetration of light into multiple scattering media: model calculations and reflectance experiments. Part I: the axial transfer

The article presents two general equations of radiation penetration into layers of diffuse reflectors. One of the equations describes the depth origins of reflection, the other the depth profiles of absorption. The equations are evaluated within the theory of radiative transfer applying various degrees of analytical approximations and Monte Carlo simulations. The data are presented for different scattering and absorption coefficients, arbitrary layer thicknesses, collimated and diffused irradiation, and anisotropic forward scattering. The calculated mean depths of reflection are always lower than the mean depths of absorption. For nearly non-absorbing layers, the mean depths of absorption are about one third of the physical layer thickness. In contrast, penetration saturates for strong absorbers at very low depth levels. From the simulated data, methods are derived for the determination of the penetration depth from reflectance and transmittance data of thin layers or from radially diffused reflectance profiles upon spot irradiation. The methods are experimentally verified for a series of metal oxide powders with particle sizes ranging from much smaller to much larger than the wavelength of irradiation and for microcrystalline cellulose stained with different concentrations of an organic dye.