Optimal Allocation of DGs and Reconfiguration of Radial Distribution Systems Using an Intelligent Search-based TLBO

This paper addresses an application of Teaching-Learning-Based Optimization method for the optimal allocation of Distributed Generations (DGs) in radial distribution systems. The problem is formulated to maximize annual energy loss reduction while maintaining better node voltage profiles using penalty function approach. A piecewise linear multi-level load pattern is considered, and the distribution network is reconfigured after optimal placement of DGs in the distribution network. A probability-based heuristic intelligent search (IS) is suggested to enhance the accuracy and convergence of the optimization techniques. IS directs optimization techniques to efficiently scan the problem search space in such a way that a fair candidature is available to all decision variables of the problem. It virtually squeezes the search space while maintaining adequate diversity in population. The proposed method is investigated on the benchmark IEEE 33-bus, 69-bus test distribution systems, and 83-bus real distribution system. The application results show that the proposed optimization methodology provides substantial improvement in convergence characteristics and quality of solutions.     

Analysis of Frequent Failure of Oil Well Tubings Due to Formation of Longitudinal Slit

In an onshore oil field, many premature tubing failures were observed in wells operating on sucker rod pump. Failures were in the form of longitudinal crack/vertical slit. During last three to four years, the failure frequency had increased and in one well, new tubing vertically cracked in 8 months only. In the internal surface of the tubing, a longitudinal grooving was observed. The shape of the groove resembled the sucker rod and the crack was along the groove. Observation of grooved region under SEM revealed abrasion features typical of mechanical wear. Small corrosion pits were also observed on some portion of grooved region. As the well was vertical, so chance of contact between tubing and sucker rod was low. But tubing was freely suspended in the well, i.e., there was no tubing anchor which made it vulnerable for the buckling. Analytical studies showed that the failed tubing was in buckling region. On comparison of hardness, it was observed that tubing material was softer than the sucker rod. Buckling of the tubing resulted in rubbing of sucker rod against tubing wall due to which tubing had worn out in the form of groove. Wear-oxidation and oxidation-wear of tubing surface at grooved region and corrosive agents of produced water accelerated this material removal process and when the wall thickness of the tubing at groove region reduced to a point where it was not enough to withstand the hoop stresses, a longitudinal crack formed in the grooved region and tubing failed.     

Acoustic Detection of Phase Transitions at the Nanoscale

Materials near structural phase transitions find applications in a wide range of devices. Typically, phase transitions are determined macroscopically through measurements of relevant order parameters and related property coefficients. Here, a method for understanding electric field induced phase transitions in ferroelectrically active materials at the nanometer scale via acoustic detection with band‐excitation piezoresponse force microscopy (BE‐PFM) is introduced. Specifically, the field‐induced rhombohedral (R) to tetragonal (T) phase transition in single crystal 0.72PbMg_1/3Nb_2/3O₃‐0.28PbTiO₃ (PMN‐PT) is mapped. It is shown that due to sample heterogeneity, some regions are more prone to the R–T transition, and display signatures in the acquired piezoresponse loops, as well as pronounced softening in the elastic modulus (monitored via the resonant frequency and calibrated with models of cantilever dynamics) that occurs just prior to phase switching. Landau–Devonshire thermodynamic theory confirms the stability of the tetragonal phase under applied fields in PMN‐PT, while phase‐field modeling suggests that the transition evolves smoothly in the probed volume of the tip, both in agreement with the BE‐PFM results. These results confirm the validity and utility of utilizing acoustic changes at phase transitions to detect their onset in nanoscale probed volumes, allowing spatial mapping of their onset with unprecedented resolution.     

Assessment of Stress Corrosion Cracking Resistance of Activated Tungsten Inert Gas-Welded Duplex Stainless Steel Joints

The stress corrosion cracking behavior of duplex stainless steel (DSS) weld joint largely depends on the ferrite-austenite phase microstructure balance. This phase balance is decided by the welding process used, heat input, welding conditions and the weld metal chemistry. In this investigation, the influence of activated tungsten inert gas (ATIG) and tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding processes on the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) resistance of DSS joints was evaluated and compared. Boiling magnesium chloride (45 wt.%) environment maintained at 155 °C was used. The microstructure and ferrite content of different weld zones are correlated with the outcome of sustained load, SCC test. Irrespective of the welding processes used, SCC resistance of weld joints was inferior to that of the base metal. However, ATIG weld joint exhibited superior resistance to SCC than the TIG weld joint. The crack initiation and final failure were in the weld metal for the ATIG weld joint; they were in the heat-affected zone for the TIG weld joint.     

Detection of adulteration by caprine body fat and mixtures of caprine body fat and groundnut oil in bovine and buffalo ghee using differential scanning calorimetry

Differential scanning calorimetry was used to detect adulteration of pure ghee with caprine body fat when added singly (at 5, 10 and 15%) and in combination with groundnut oil (GNO) (at 5, 10 and 15%). Samples were analysed for transition behaviour in terms of crystallising and melting curves. When compared to pure ghee, adulterated ghee samples showed a shift in the midrange temperature of thermal curves, indicating the presence of foreign fats. The results revealed that the detection of adulteration was possible at the lowest level of the study (5%), irrespective of the nature of the adulterants.     

Metal hydrides for energy applications – classification,PCI characterisation and simulation

This short review discusses the classification, pressure concentration isotherm (PCI) characterisation and applications of metal hydrides. Special attention is paid to describe the design criterion and fabrication of Sievert's apparatus and PCI characterisation methods of metal hydrides. Different classes of metal hydrides and their properties are broadly discussed. Also, some of the important applications of metal hydrides are presented. The absorption and desorption PCIs of four Lanthanum based alloys namely La_0.9Ce_0.1Ni₅, La_0.8Ce_0.2Ni₅, LaNi_4.7Al_0.3 and LaNi_4.6Al_0.4 are measured using volumetric method in the temperature range of 20 to 80 °C. Later, different PCI simulation models are compared, and Zhou's model is used to simulate the experimentally measured PCIs at different temperatures. It is found that the simulation results are in good agreement with the experimentally measured results. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Nanotechnology for Neuroscience: Promising Approaches for Diagnostics,Therapeutics and Brain Activity Mapping

Unlocking the secrets of the brain is a task fraught with complexity and challenge – not least due to the intricacy of the circuits involved. With advancements in the scale and precision of scientific technologies, we are increasingly equipped to explore how these components interact to produce a vast range of outputs that constitute function and disease. Here, an insight is offered into key areas in which the marriage of neuroscience and nanotechnology has revolutionized the industry. The evolution of ever more sophisticated nanomaterials culminates in network‐operant functionalized agents. In turn, these materials contribute to novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, including drug delivery, neuroprotection, neural regeneration, neuroimaging and neurosurgery. Further, the entrance of nanotechnology into future research arenas including optogenetics, molecular/ion sensing and monitoring, and piezoelectric effects is discussed. Finally, considerations in nanoneurotoxicity, the main barrier to clinical translation, are reviewed, and direction for future perspectives is provided.     

Ionomeric modification of a metallocene‐based polyolefinic elastomer and its influence on the physicomechanical properties: Effects of the crystallinity and pendent chain length

A new class of ionomer was developed through the grafting of acrylic acid onto a metallocene‐based poly(ethylene octene) elastomer, followed by its neutralization with zinc acetate. The ionomeric product was characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, and transmission electron microscopy studies. The effect of the crystallinity and pendent chain length on the ionomeric modification was also studied through the variation of the level and nature of comonomer, respectively. The impact of these ionomeric modifications on various physicomechanical properties was thoroughly investigated with differential scanning calorimetry and mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and thermogravimetric analysis, and the resulting properties were correlated with the structure of the modified elastomers. The ionomerization of the base elastomers caused a significant improvement in the mechanical and thermal properties compared to the corresponding pristine elastomer. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009