The design and evaluation of an end-to-end handoff management protocol

We introduce an efficient protocol for end-to-end handoff management in heterogeneous wireless IP-based networks. The protocol is based on the stream control transmission protocol (SCTP), and employs a soft-handoff mechanism that uses end-to-end semantics for signaling handoffs and for transmitting control messages. The design goal of this protocol is twofold—first, to reduce the home registration delay, and, second, to eliminate the tunnelling cost which exists in current proposals, such as Mobile IP and its derivatives. Furthermore, we propose successive enhancements to the initial mobility management framework for achieving better scalability. We present strong analytical and simulation-based results that show performance improvements over existing approaches. Antonios Argyriou is a Ph.D. candidate in the school of electrical and computer engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology. He received his M.S. degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2003, and the diploma from Democritus University of Thrace in 2001, both in electrical and computer engineering. His research interests spawn in all aspects of computer networking while specific interests include wireless networks and multimedia communications. He is a student member of IEEE and ACM. Vijay Madisetti is a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He splits his time among teaching, research and entrepreneurship. His interests are design, prototyping, and packaging of electronic systems, virtual prototyping, embedded software systems, and computer networks. He obtained his Ph.D. in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of California at Berkeley. He is a member of the IEEE and the Computer Society.     

A Novel End-to-End Architecture for H.264 Video Streaming over the Internet

In this paper we propose a novel end-to-end architecture for H.264 unicast video streaming over the Internet. The proposed video streaming architecture is based primarily on a new transport layer protocol, the stream control transmission protocol (SCTP). We show that the network-friendly specification of H.264, and the novel technical characteristics of SCTP, when coupled together are able to provide a highly adaptive and flexible system for unicast video streaming. More specifically, we develop algorithms that handle at the transport layer the following functions concerning video packet transmission: retransmission policy, packet prioritization, implicit receiver feedback. We combine the above algorithms with an R-D optimization strategy at the encoder, that provides more options when adapting to bandwidth variations. This combined optimization strategy leads to more options concerning the streaming parameters. Finally, with simulation results we prove that our system is capable of maintaining good perceptual quality and TCP-friendliness under various loss conditions. An early version of this paper appeared in CCNC 2004.     

Using modern RF tools to detect chaotic behaviour of electronic circuits and systems

In this paper, a new approach in identifying chaotic behaviour of nonlinear circuits is presented. This approach could be very useful to circuit designers, whether they pursue a chaotic behaviour or not. Simulation tools used for radio-frequency circuit design (Cadence SpectreRF), initially developed to characterise harmonic oscillators, are now utilised to detect chaotic behaviour, as well as routes to chaotic mode of operation. Specifically, Periodic Steady State Convergence Norm is used for the first time for chaos detection in circuits. The advantages of this method (especially in terms of simulation time) are presented, together with an example of detection of chaotic route to chaos in the case of a chaotic-operating Colpitts oscillator.     

A study of forward error correction for mobile multicast

3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has standardized the use of forward error correction (FEC) for the provision of reliable data transmission in the mobile multicast framework. This error control method inevitably adds a constant overhead in the transmitted data. However, it is so simple as to meet a prime objective for mobile multicast services; that is scalability to applications with thousands of receivers. In this paper, we present a study on the impact of application layer FEC on mobile multicast transmissions. We examine whether it is beneficial or not, how the optimal code dimension varies based on network conditions, which parameters affect the optimal code selection, and how this can be done. Additionally, we focus on one of the most critical aspects in mobile multicast transmission, which is power control. The evaluation is performed with the aid of a novel scheme that incorporates the properties of an evolved mobile network, as they are specified by the 3GPP. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synergism of Toughening Mechanisms in Whisker-Reinforced Ceramic-Matrix Composites

The improved fracture resistance of whisker-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites involves more than one energy-absorbing mechanism. The possible mechanisms are reviewed and a micromechanical model evaluating the relative contributions to the overall toughness is presented. The mechanisms involve microcracking, load transfer, bridging, and crack deflection. The synergism of these mechanisms is examined using an energy release rate balance equation. The basic assumption of the proposed model is that the load transfer between the matrix and the whiskers is due to Coulomb friction. The model has been applied to an Al₂O₃/SiC whisker composite and shows reasonable agreement with reported experimental results. The role of the thermal residual stresses is also examined in light of the frictional load transfer assumption.     

Nonlinear viscoelastic modeling of soft polymers

A one‐dimensional phenomenological constitutive model, representing the nonlinear viscoelastic behavior of polymers is developed in this study. The proposed model is based on a modification of the well‐known three element standard solid model. The linear dashpot is replaced by an Eyring type one, while the nonlinearity is enhanced by a nonlinear, strain dependent spring constant. The new constitutive model was proved to be capable of capturing the main aspects of nonlinear viscoelastic response, namely, monotonic and cyclic loading, creep and stress relaxation, with the same parameter values. Model validation was tested on the experimental results at various modes of deformation for two elastomeric type materials, performed elsewhere. A very good agreement between model simulations and experimental data was obtained in all cases. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42141.     

Influence of the Nonsingular Stress Terms on Small-Scale Supercritical Transformation Toughness

In the present paper we examine the influence of the secondorder term of the asympotic stress solution for mode-I, steady-state, plane-strain, quasi-static crack growth in a supercritically trasforming material. It was found that the second-order term can affect the toughness, not always in a positive way. The second-order term includes the effects of the loading, of the overall geometry, and of the crack length. The findings can be used for the evaluation of the purely material resistance curves of small-scale transforming ceramics, as well as for the toughness predictions of these materials. The results may be useful for unifying different test results, and for a better understanding of the strength-toughness relation.     

Comparison of various modeling methods for analysis of powder compaction in roller press

Recently used models relating basic properties of the feed material, roller press design and its operating parameters are reviewed. In particular, we discuss the rolling theory for granular solids proposed by J.R. Johanson in the 1960s, later trials utilizing slab method and newly developed final element models. These methods are compared in terms of efficiency and accuracy of predicting the course of basic process variables like nip angle, pressure distribution in roll nip region, neutral angle, roll torque and roll force.

The finite element method offers the most versatile approach because it incorporates adequate information about powder behavior, geometry and frictional conditions. This enables to perform realistic computer experiments minimizing costs, time and resources needed for process and equipment optimization.