Implementable L ∞ penalty-function method for semi-infinite optimization

This paper considers general non-linear semi-infinite programming problems and presents an implementable method which employs an exact L _∞ penalty function. Since the L _∞ penalty function is continuous even if the number of representative constraints changes, trust-region techniques may effectively be adopted to obtain global convergence. Numerical results are given to show the efficiency of the proposed algorithm.     

Crystallization and Transformation of Distorted Tetragonal YNbO4

Distorted tetragonal YNbO₄ crystallizes from an amorphous material prepared by the simultaneous hydrolysis of yttrium and niobium alkoxides. It can be preserved at room temperature by quenching and has a unit cell with α=0.5164 nm and c= I,0864 nm. The structure contains tetrahedral NbO⁴ groups.     

Applicability of Crack Propagation Data to Failure Prediction in Porcelain

Failure probability of porcelain was measured as a function of time under constant stresses in various environments. The experimental results were compared with the theoretical predictions derived from the measured distribution of fracture stress and subcritical crack growth data. The experimental and theoretical results nearly agreed for the short-term lifetime (less than ∼1000 s), after which failure probability was less than predicted. The applicability of crack propagation data to failure prediction was studied and the very slow crack-growth data near the fatigue limit were determined to be necessary for predicting the long-term lifetime of porcelain structures.     

Preparation of High-Strength Calcium Phosphate Glass-Ceramics by Unidirectional Crystallization

Unidirectionally crystallized CaO-P₂O₅ glass-ceramics were produced by reheating glass rods between 450° and 580°C (glass transition temperature ∼500°C) under a temperature gradient of 30°C/cm. These glass-ceramics exhibit high bending strength (∼650MN/m²) and toughness. Sample preparation is described and compared with conventional unidirectional solidification of melts. The characteristic mechanical properties are discussed in terms of the texture of the glass-ceramics.     

Surface modification of calcium metaphosphate fibers

-calcium metaphosphate fibers having high aspect ratios of 10–120 with diameters of 2–10 m show high strength and good biocompatibility. When the fibers are soaked in simulated body fluid at 37 °C, however, no calcium phosphate phase is newly formed on the fibers. In the present work, by treating the fibers at 70 °C with dilute NaOH aqueous solution, the surface phase was converted successfully into the orthophosphate phase that was in fine sizes and was adhered. After soaking the treated fibers in simulated body fluid at 37 °C for 30 days, a new calcium phosphate phase was precipitated. This was attributed to the surface phase modified using dilute NaOH. The treated fibers are expected to show bone-bonding ability, i.e. bioactivity. ©2000 Kluwer Academic Publishers     

Experimental Services of Energy Management for Energy Users in Business Region on Miyakojima City All‐Islands EMS Demonstration Project

Smart grid and demand response (DR) had been attracting attention and evaluated in several demonstration projects. Many DR experimental results for residential and large‐scale buildings had been evaluated, while evaluation for small size buildings seems to be not enough. In this paper, a new energy service combined EMS method is proposed for small size buildings. Then results of its application to Miyako Island All‐Islands EMS Demonstration Project are introduced. The experimental services include not only DRs but also peak cutting recommendations and energy analysis reports. The results show combination of services can realize more effects than individual service. Especially the peak cutting recommendations and energy analysis reports help energy consumers to learn and understand how to save and manage energy usages that lead to effective DR potentials. Also the experimental system developed for energy data measurement and DR management as an island community EMS is intrduced.     

Development of Multiresonant ZVS High‐Frequency Inverter

A novel multiresonant zero‐voltage switching (ZVS) high‐frequency inverter has been developed. This inverter is capable of supplying a current of large amplitude to a load as a result of suppression of the main switch current. The principle of the ratio of the main switch current to the load current is theoretically demonstrated using the capacitance ratio. High‐frequency operation with ZVS is verified experimentally.     

Design Method for Improving Motor Efficiency of Switched Reluctance Motor

The motor efficiencies of switched reluctance motors (SRMs) are inferior to those of permanent magnet synchronous motors. This paper describes a design procedure for an SRM to obtain a higher motor efficiency. The first step in the design procedure makes clear the principle for improving the motor efficiency. The cross‐sectional and axial shapes of the rotor and stator cores are designed by magnetic field analysis with the two‐dimensional (2D) and 3D finite element method. A high‐efficiency SRM with 12 stator poles and eight rotor poles is designed. The designed SRM was produced experimentally, and was tested to verify its performance. The motor efficiency was improved in comparison to the standard SRM with six stator poles and four rotor poles.     

ISOLATION OF INTACT TYPE V COLLAGEN FROM FISH INTRAMUSCULAR CONNECTIVE TISSUE

A purification method for intact type V collagen from fish intramuscular connective tissue was developed. Collagens were extracted with 0.5 M acetic acid from fish intramuscular connective tissue. Intact type V collagen could not be isolated by conventional salt fractionation which has been used for isolation of pepsinized collagens. Isolation was achieved by ion-exchange chromatography in the presence of 5 M urea. This is the first report on isolation of intact type V collagen from muscle tissue.