Bounds on the response time under control constraints

We consider the problem of transferring the output of a linear system from one equilibrium value to another under control amplitude constraint. It is possible to give a simple lower bound on the time required, expressed in the longest time constant, the gain of the system, the change in y and the control bound. This theoretical bound appears to be useful as a practical lower bound of the rise time.     

On application of differential geometry to computational mechanics

Developments in the fields of computational science—the finite element method—and mathematical foundations of continuum mechanics result in many new algorithms which give solutions to very complicated, complex, large scaled engineering problems. Recently, the differential geometry, a modern tool of mathematics, has been used more widely in the domain of the finite element method. Its advantage in defining geometry of elements [13–15] or modeling mechanical features of engineering problems under consideration [4–7] is its global character which includes also insight into a local behavior. This fact comes from the nature of a manifold and its bundle structure, which is the main element of the differential geometry.

Manifolds are generalized spaces, topological spaces. By attaching a fiber structure to each base point of a manifold, it locally resembles the usual real vector spaces; e.g. ³. The properties of a differential manifold M are independent of a chosen coordinate system. It is equivalent to say, that there exists smooth or C^r differentiable atlases which are compatible.

In this paper a short survey of applications of differential geometry to engineering problems in the domain of the finite element method is presented together with a few new ideas.

The properties of geodesic curves have been used by Yuan et al. [13–15], in defining distortion measures and inverse mappings for isoparametric quadrilateral hybrid stress four- and eight-node elements in ². The notion of plane or space curves is one of the elementary ones in the theory of differential geometry, because the concept of a manifold comes from the generalization of a curve or a surface in ³.

Further, the real global nature of differential geometry, has been used by Simo et al. [4,6,7]. A geometrically exact beam finite strain formulation is defined. The mechanical basis of such a nonlinear model can be found in the mathematical foundation of elasticity [18]. An abstract infinite dimensional manifold of mappings, a configuration space, is constructed which permits an exact linearization of algorithms, locally. A similar approach is used by Pacoste [5] for beam elements in instability problems.

Special attention is focused on quadrilateral hybrid stress membrane elements with curved boundaries which belong to a series of isoparametric elements developed by Yuan et al. [14]. The distortion measures are redefined for eight-node isoparametric elements in ² for which geodesic coordinates are used as local coordinates.     

Statistical shape modeling in virtual assembly using PCA-technique

The use of virtual assembly tools is one way to understand and improve the geometric product tolerance setting and the conditions for successful manufacturing. Recent developments enable consideration to be given to the deformability of parts (single components or subassemblies) when joined. In order to produce reliable results, the geometric deviations of the mating surfaces must be correctly assumed. In this paper, statistical shape models built on the Principal Component Analysis-technique (PCA) are proposed to be used to describe the part variation. A generalized model is presented and the underlying intentions and implications are discussed. It is demonstrated how the PCA-technique can be applied on bigger structures. The method is exemplified using the software RD&T. In the presented case, a non-rigid sheet metal assembly is modeled and distorted to create a set of sample shapes from which a statistical model is built. In the result, the statistic representation bears a good resemblance to the distorted nominal model when the two are compared.     

Experimental evaluation of strains in the tension–compression using a new tool geometry, X-Die

Sheet-metal forming involves a complex distribution of strains throughout the part. The strains occur due to tension, compression and a mix of both. A geometry has been developed, the X-Die, in order to gain insight into the strain behavior of different materials. The X-Die enables strain paths far into the tension–compression region, thus creating the possibility to extend the experimental base both for definition and for further extrapolation of the forming limit curve (FLC) in the tension–compression region, as well as to evaluate FE-simulation results for the same region.

The experimental results show that the strain signature is impacted by material quality. In qualities such as extra high strength steel (EHSS) and aluminum the strains do not reach as far into the tension–compression region as the strains do in e.g. mild steel. This is due to failure in plane strain tension. Strain paths in materials such as mild steel and high strength steel (HSS) reach far into the tension–compression region before failure. Use of the X-Die provides possibilities to reach farther into the tension–compression region compared with traditional test methods for creating a forming limit diagram (FLD).

Use of the X-Die yields well-defined strain signatures. These clearly defined strain signatures are favorable for comparison with numerical simulations, especially for strain signatures in the tension–compression region.

Furthermore, the experiments using the X-Die indicate that a possible additional forming limit curve, which intersects the original forming limit curve (shear failure), exists so far into the tension–compression region that it is not applicable.

Even though the experiments indicate compression strains >100% (material DX56D), the experiments show potential for an experimentally determined extrapolation of the FLC up to 75% compression strain. The results of the experiments indicate that the X-Die geometry is suitable as a supplementary tool in identifying the strain behavior of different materials far into the tension–compression region and is also a good tool for verification of numerical results in the tension–compression region.     

Supporting Scientists' Everyday Work: Automating Scientific Workflows

An action research project involving scientists from the National Research Council Canada and the Institute for Ocean Technology analyzed difficulties in using software to collect data and manage processes. The project identified three requirements for increasing research productivity: ease of use for end users, managing scientific workflows, and facilitating software interoperability. On the basis of these requirements, the researchers developed Sweet, a software framework, to help automate scientific workflows.     

LANDSAT test of diffuse reflectance models for aquatic suspended solids measurement

LANDSAT radiance data were used to test mathematical models relating diffuse reflectance to aquatic suspended solids concentration. Digital CCT data for LANDSAT passes over the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia were analyzed on a General Electric Co. Image 100 multispectral analysis system. Three data sets were studied separately and together in all combinations with and without solar angle correction. Statistical analysis and chromaticity analysis show that a nonlinear relationship between LANDSAT radiance and suspended solids concentration is better at curve-fitting than a linear relationship. In particular, the quasi-single-scattering diffuse reflectance model developed by Gordon and coworkers is corroborated. The Gordon model applied to 33 points of MSS 5 data combined from three dates produced r = 0.98.     

Determination of halogenated organic compounds and mutagenicity testing of spent bleach liquors.

The content of organohalogenated compounds in spent bleach liquor from different bleaching stages in a sulphate and a sulphite plant has been determined by a combination of glass capillary gas chromatography, gas-liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and neutron activation analysis. Several compounds which have not been reported before have been identified including halogenated derivatives of dimethyl-propylnaphthalenes and alkylated catechols. The unconcentrated effluents, non-polar and total extracts were tested for mutagenic activity with Ames' Salmonella test. Spent bleach liquors from most bleaching stages as well as the total effluents contained mutagenic compounds. Addition of liver microsomes for metabolic activation reduced the mutagenic activity in all stages except for the first chlorination stage in the sulphate plant. Two isomers of chloro-, bromo-, and dichloro-p-cymene previously determined in effluents from bleaching plants were synthesized from the parent molecule. Both bromo- and dichloro-p-cymene exhibited weak mutagenic activity in the Salmonella test system. Liver microsomes reduced the effect slightly. The chlorinated cymenes were found to account for up to 18% of the total organically-bound chlorine in the non-polar extracts.     

Atmospheric corrosion of historical organ pipes: The influence of environment and materials

The corrosion of lead-rich pipes in historical organs in different parts of Europe has been investigated. The influence of the environment and the composition and microstructure of the pipe metal was studied. Pipe corrosion was documented by visual inspection (boroscope). The corrosion attack and the composition and microstructure of the metal were characterized by OM, SEM, XRD, IC and FAAS. It is shown that the degree of corrosion of the pipes is correlated to the concentration of gaseous acetic and formic acid in the organ. The organic acids are emitted by the wood from which the wind system is built. It is also shown that pipe corrosion decreases with increasing tin content in the range 0-4% (wt). Possible conservation strategies are discussed.     

IKONOS全数字摄影测量1：5000地形图精度试验研究

当前,卫星摄影测量己经成为地形图测绘的主要手段之一,利用IKONOS立体测图的数学模型对于卫星摄影测量理论的研究及西部测图的实施工作都有着十分重要的意义。本文通过JX4CDPS全数字摄影测量工作站对IKONOS立体像对进行1：5000地形图立体采集的生产作业试验,验证西部荒漠地区的DLG平面精度及DEM高程精度的正确性,为边境地区和边远地区测图项目的实施提供可行性技术支持。     

Gekoppelte Simulation zur Spezifikation von Heiz‐ und Kühlkörpern

Combined thermal building simulation for advanced heating and cooling specification. Modern concepts of buildings and rooms require a rethinking concerning conventional solutions for heating or cooling of buildings. But often it is not possible to quantify, whether a new idea is worthwhile because of missing sharpness of simple assessments. Therefore a programming system for combined thermal building simulation and indoor air flow calculation, mainly developed and successfully applied by the authors is extended by a highly resolved model for heating and cooling devices. In that way it is possible to model the specification of radiators in a test chamber or under operating conditions. In addition, the effect of cooling by radiators can be investigated. The approaches for modelling will be explained in short and some selected results are presented and discussed.