Measurement technique for the on-line detection of fines in a fluidized bed

In many industrial applications knowledge of the particle size distribution in a fluidized bed and in particular knowledge of the proportion of fines, is extremely important in order to maintain good fluidization quality in the bed, and to prevent too many particles from leaving the cyclones in the gas stream. A common method of monitoring particle size in a laboratory situation is to take a sample of particles from the fluidized bed and use equipment such as a laser diffraction device to analyze the sample, which can be a cumbersome procedure. The objective of this study was to develop an online tool to monitor the proportion of fines in a fluidized bed. A novel online measurement technique for the detection of fines in fluidized beds was developed, which includes a correlation that relates the triboelectric signal to the proportion of fines in the bed.     

Identifying the time of step change in binary profiles

Control charts are intended to aid quality practitioners in monitoring whether a change has occurred in a process. When a control chart indicates an out-of-control signal, it means that the process has changed. However, control chart signals do not indicate the real time of process changes; so estimators are applied to indicate the time when a change in the process takes place, which is referred to as the change point. This paper provides a maximum likelihood estimator to identify the real time of a step change in phase II monitoring of binary profiles, in which the quality of a process is characterized by a logistic regression between the response and predictor variables. Simulation studies are provided to evaluate the effectiveness of the change point estimator.     

Three-dimensional automated nanoparticle tracking using Mie scattering in an optical microscope

The forward scattering of light in a conventional inverted optical microscope by nanoparticles ranging in diameter from 10 to 50nm has been used to automatically and quantitatively identify and track their location in three-dimensions with a temporal resolution of 200ms. The standard deviation of the location of nominally stationary 50-nm-diameter nanoparticles was found to be about 50nm along the light path and about 5nm in the plane perpendicular to the light path. The method is based on oscillating the microscope objective along the light path using a piezo actuator and acquiring images with the condenser aperture closed to a minimum to enhance the effects of diffraction. Data processing in the time and spatial domains allowed the location of particles to be obtained automatically so that the technique has potential applications both in the processing of nanoparticles and in their use in a variety of fields including nanobiotechnology, pharmaceuticals and food processing where a simple optical microscope maybe preferred for a variety of reasons.     

Reinforcement learning algorithms for robotic navigation in dynamic environments

The purpose of this study was to examine improvements to reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms in order to successfully interact within dynamic environments. The scope of the research was that of RL algorithms as applied to robotic navigation. Proposed improvements include: addition of a forgetting mechanism, use of feature based state inputs, and hierarchical structuring of an RL agent. Simulations were performed to evaluate the individual merits and flaws of each proposal, to compare proposed methods to prior established methods, and to compare proposed methods to theoretically optimal solutions. Incorporation of a forgetting mechanism did considerably improve the learning times of RL agents in a dynamic environment. However, direct implementation of a feature-based RL agent did not result in any performance enhancements, as pure feature-based navigation results in a lack of positional awareness, and the inability of the agent to determine the location of the goal state. Inclusion of a hierarchical structure in an RL agent resulted in significantly improved performance, specifically when one layer of the hierarchy included a feature-based agent for obstacle avoidance, and a standard RL agent for global navigation. In summary, the inclusion of a forgetting mechanism, and the use of a hierarchically structured RL agent offer substantially increased performance when compared to traditional RL agents navigating in a dynamic environment.     

函数展开法及高分子材料胶层的应力分析

以函数展开法并运用虚余功原理完成数学模型的建立过程,然后通过计算机运算指出高分子胶粘剂的一些重要使用性质－其在使用中所具有的力学性能,如应力、强度等。文中给出了计算实例,并得到了更合理的结果。     

斗轮堆取料机运行故障分析及处理

斗轮堆取料机输煤带式输送机配重量的不足导致胶带运行中不能及时张紧,使胶带有悬空段,其摆动产生附加张力使张紧装置受力失衡而发生撞击事故。     

Practical phase identification by convergent beam electron diffraction

The purpose of this article is to present a practical guide to the identification of phases in the analytical electron microscope with the aid of convergent beam electron diffraction. There is included a step-by-step approach to phase analysis, from the possible choices of the form of the specimen through how to explore reciprocal space in order to perform a full phase identification, either by symmetry analysis or by simple comparison of a pattern observed in the microscope with a previously recorded pattern (fingerprinting). There is a strong emphasis on practical hints and useful shortcuts.     

On mobility and relative freedoms in multiloop linkages and structures

Recent advances in the understanding and determination of the relative freedom between a particular pair of members in a multiloop linkage are shown to be capable of wider utilisation. The definition of linkage mobility is placed in perspective as secondary to a study of internal freedoms. The non-rigidity of a structure is directly related to instantaneous motion capability of a linkage, and is seen to be amenable to the same algorithm. The exposition is presented largely through the use of examples.     

Application of Petri Nets and a Genetic Algorithm to Multi-Mode Multi-Resource Constrained Project Scheduling

Multi-mode and multi-resource constrained scheduling of a project is a complex task. This paper addresses the use of a Petri net as a modelling and scheduling tool in this context. The benefits of Petri nets in project scheduling are discussed. We propose extensions to Petri nets to suit scheduling of activities in a decision CPM. We also propose the use of a P-matrix for token movements in Petri nets. A genetic algorithm is used to find a better solution. Petri-net-aided software including genetic-algorithm-based search and heuristics is described to deal with a multi-mode, multi-constrained scheduling problem with pre-emption of activities.     

Detection of minute signs of a small fault in a periodic or a quasi-periodic signal by the harmonic wavelet transform

If a machine in operation has a fault, signs of the fault appear in the monitored signal and are usually synchronised with the operating speed. The signs are very small when the fault is at an early stage. The fast Fourier transform (FFT) is often utilised to detect these signs, but it is very difficult to detect minute signs. In this paper, harmonic wavelet transform is utilised to detect the minute signs of small faults in a monitored signal. The monitored signal of a machine element, in ordinary operation, is regarded as periodic or quasi-periodic. It is important for the effectual detection of the minute signs to reduce the obstructive noise and the end effects in the signal. The end effect is a peculiar phenomenon to wavelet transform and hampers effective detection. Useful methods to reduce the obstructive noise and the end effects are devised herein by the authors. Even if no visible information pertaining to a fault appears in the monitored waveform, the present method is able to detect a minute sign of a small fault. It is demonstrated that the present method is capable of detecting minute signs arising from slight collisions caused by a loose coupling and a fatigue crack.     

Design of a Low-Cost Thermal Dispersion Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor

There is a need for a low-cost sensor to be used in many practical applications, such as the control of the air–fuel ratio in combustion burners, which measures the mass flow rate of fluid. This paper focuses on the design, calibration, and testing of a mass flow sensor operating on the principle of thermal dispersion. The developed sensor implements a digital proportional-integral controller which regulates the body temperature of a heated element, recognized as a thermistor, located in the stream of the fluid flow to a constant difference with respect to the ambient air temperature. The power dissipated by this heated element was referenced to known mass flow rates of air to determine the relationship between the dissipated power and ambient temperature to the measured mass flow rate. The inclusion of air flow conditioners, which filtered unwanted debris and delivered a more laminar air flow, was imperative to the success of the design. The designed sensor was proven to measure the incoming mass air flow through a duct, in the presence of moderate disturbances in the intake air pipe and for a wide range of ambient air temperatures, with a maximum full-scale error of 5.5% and a range up to 80 kg/h.     

Discussion on calculation of the local flexibility due to the crack in a pipe

The stress intensity factor plays an important role in the calculation of the local flexibility due to the crack in a cracked structure. Many researches on the stress intensity factors in a cracked beam or rotor have been made, but there are some difficulties in calculating the stress intensity factors in a cracked pipe. Maiti et al. obtained the local flexibility due to the crack in a pipe experimentally by deflection and natural frequency methods without calculating the stress intensity factor. In this paper, the stress intensity factor in a cracked pipe can be calculated by dividing a cracked pipe into a series of thin annuli, and a method to calculate the local flexibility due to the crack in a pipe is presented. The experiment results are given to verify the effectiveness of such a method.     

Pitometry as a validation tool for water flow measurement in large diameter pipelines

Accurate measurement of water flow rates in large diameter pipelines is a challenge for water companies that need to produce, transport and distribute increasing quantities of water. To a large extent, this challenge results from the impossibility of recalibration of the flow meters within the periodicity established in the metrological regulations since the removal of a large size flow meter from its site of operation in the field and its transport to a calibration laboratory is in most cases technically and economically impracticable. Because of this scenario, this paper presents the pitometry technique as an interesting alternative to solve problems related to the validation of water flow measurements performed by flow measurement systems installed in large diameter conduits. The technique is based on the determination of the water flow rate by mapping the velocity profile of the water flow inside the pipe by means of Cole type Pitot tubes. The water flow rate is determined in a cross section of the pipe located near and in series to the flowmeter to be evaluated. Based on the results obtained in a great number of water flow measurements already performed by applying the pitometry technique in large diameter pipelines in the field, it is possible to conclude that this methodology is perfectly applicable in the validation of the performance of flow meters installed in these conduits solving satisfactorily the issues related to its operation.     

The optimization of attribute selection in decision tree-based production control systems

This study develops a learning-based production control system (PCS) to support a manufacturing system to make on-line decisions that are robust in the face of various production requirements. Selecting essential system attributes (or features) based on various production requirements to construct PCS knowledge bases is a critical issue because of the existence of a large amount of shop floor information in a manufacturing system. However, a classical decision tree (DT) learning approach to construct dynamic dispatching knowledge bases does not consider the optimal subset of system attributes in the problem domain. To resolve this problem, this study develops a hybrid genetic algorithm/decision tree (GA/DT) approach for DT-based PCS. The hybrid GA/DT approach is used to simultaneously evolve an optimal subset of system attributes and determine learning parameters of the DT from a large set of candidate manufacturing system attributes according to various performance measures. For a given feature subset and learning parameters of a DT decoded by a GA, a DT was applied to evaluate the fitness in the GA process and to generate the PCS knowledge base. The results demonstrate that the proposed GA/DT-based PCS has, according to various performance criteria, a better long term system performance than those obtained with classical DT-based PCS and the heuristic individual dispatching rules, according to various performance criteria.     

道德危机中的中国大学

世界范围内大学道德危机已是普遍现象。中国大学也不例外。在现代性道德危机的大背景下,,由于社会转型以及由此带来的大学转型等诸多原因,大学道德危机不可避免。作为一个发展中国家,中国大学同样处在“发展中”。与西方大学相比,“发展中”的中国大学在道德领域面临更加复杂的局面。由于金钱与权力的过多介入,学术与道德之间存在更多的灰色地带。在建设世界一流大学的今天,大学道德秩序的复兴至关重要。中国大学的前景与中国大学的道德前景密切相关。中国大学如果失去了对于道德危机的敏感,如果主动放弃了必要的赢得道德领袖的权利,中国就不可能建成真正意义上的世界一流大学。     

Robust scene recognition using a GA and real-world raw-image

This paper presents a new concept of scene recognition by a genetic algorithm (GA), using the 2-D gray-scale image of a working space, termed here as raw-image, and a model shaping the 2-D top-surface of a target object. In fact here, the problem of object recognition in the raw-image is changed into an optimization problem of a model-based evaluation function. We make use in this research of a GA, as a search and optimization method. This GA employs a model-based fitness function as its objective function to perform the search of a target in the raw-image. In this research, three object models, namely a frame model, a surface model, and a surface-strips model are investigated in order to determine which one is the best for scene recognition in a noisy environment. Also, in order to appraise the recognition performance of each model, a comparative study is performed by analyzing the answers to the following criteria questions: sensitivity, reliability, and speed. The effectiveness of the method has been verified through experiments using real-world raw-images, and the method has shown its robustness of object recognition with the surface-strips model, in spite of the noises in the scene.     

基于柔性可控气液界面的微尺度执行器

为了在微尺度范围内实现对目标对象进行柔性施力、推拉等一系列微纳操作,提出一种通过生成控制单个微尺度气泡直接与目标对象进行微纳操作的方法。当用气泡作为执行器对目标对象施力时,由于气体的可压缩性,气泡会被挤压变形,实现了柔性施力的过程。首先通过毛细管连接气泵的方式在液体环境下生成单个微尺度气泡,并定性分析气压法生成控制气泡变化的过程;随后,为了验证气泡可以作为执行器对研究对象进行施力,实验以一个微型悬臂梁作为参照物,气泡作为执行器对悬臂梁的末端施力,通过悬臂梁的形变来估算气泡的施力值。对实验数据进行分析,得出气泡作为执行器特性以及气泡的形变与其输出力之间的线性关系。     

Sheet metal formability analysis for anisotropic materials under non-proportional loading

Sheet metal formability is conventionally assessed in a two-dimensional plot of principal strains or stresses in comparison to a forming limit curve. This method of assessment implicitly assumes that the forming limit is isotropic in the plane of the sheet. While the assumption of isotropy in the forming limit is perhaps a good engineering approximation, it is intrinsically inconsistent with the use of material models that are anisotropic. Since the trend today is to utilize models with full anisotropy in order to more accurately capture the physics of material behavior, the issue of anisotropy of forming limits must also be addressed. The challenge is that the forming limit is no longer defined by a curve but requires the definition of a surface in strain or stress space, and therefore it is no longer appropriate to view these limits with the convenience of two-dimensional diagrams. Furthermore, recent developments in the characterization of sheet forming limits under non-proportional loading suggest that is advantageous to view forming limit behavior in terms of stresses rather than strains, a view that is adopted in this paper. A solution to the challenge of assessing formability for an anisotropic material is proposed that rescales the stresses by a factor so that the scaled stresses have the same relationship to a single forming limit curve in a 2D plot in stress-space, as the actual stresses have to the true anisotropic forming limit in 3D space. The rescaling enables engineers to accurately view the formability of all the elements at the same time for a given finite element analysis of an application. This paper also discusses other challenges of using stresses in the assessment of formability, focusing on an analysis of the 2-Stage Forming Benchmark highlighted in the Numisheet ’99 Conference. Stresses are found in this application to unload to non-critical values after reaching critical levels earlier in a forming process, which suggests that a full integration of the stress-based forming limit criterion with FE simulation is required to detect critical states that may temporarily occur during the forming process.     

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT USING VIBRATION ANALYSIS ON THE Z24-BRIDGE

Vibration monitoring is a useful evaluation tool in the development of a non-destructive damage-identification technique, and relies on the fact that occurrence of damage in a structural system leads to changes in its dynamic properties. It can give global information of a structure, and the location of the damage has not to be known in advance. The damage-identification technique is based on the observed shifts in eigenfrequencies and modeshapes and relate the dynamic characteristics to a damage pattern of the structure. The presented technique makes use of the calculation of modal bending moments and curvatures to derive the bending stiffness at each location. The basic assumption is that damage can be directly related to a decrease of stiffness in the structure. Damage-assessment techniques are validated on the progressively damaged prestressed concrete bridge Z24 in Switzerland, tested in the framework of the Brite Euram project SIMCES. A series of full modal surveys are carried out on the bridge before and after applying a number of damage scenarios.