Semi-analytical solution for time-fractional diffusion equation based on finite difference method of lines (MOL)

In this article, we apply the method of lines (MOL) for solving the time-fractional diffusion equations (TFDEs). The use of MOL yields a system of fractional differential equations with the initial value. The solution of this system could be obtained in the form of Mittag–Leffler matrix function. A direct method which computes the Mittag–Leffler matrix by applying its eigenvalues and eigenvectors analytically has been discussed. The direct approach has been applied on one-, two-, and three-dimensional TFDEs with Dirichlet, Neumann, and periodic boundary conditions as well.

     

Optimization of tag reading performance in generation-2 RFID protocol

Radio frequency identification (RFID) provides a non-line-of-sight (NLOS) and contactless approach for object identification. But if there are multiple tags in the range of an RFID reader, tag collision can take place due to radio signal interference and therefore an anti-collision algorithm is required to resolve collisions. Recently, EPCglobal RFID generation-2 (Gen-2) protocol [EPCglobal Specification, EPCTM radio-frequency identity protocols class-1 generation-2 UHF RFID protocol for communications at 860 MHz–960 MHz, version 1.0.9, January 2005. Available from: <http://www.epcglobalinc.org>] is proposed for ultra-high frequency (UHF) passive tags and is being deployed. Gen-2 designs a slotted random anti-collision algorithm, especially, an adaptive slot-counter (Q) selection algorithm. The integer-valued parameter Q in Gen-2 plays a critical role in tag collision resolution. This adaptive algorithm dynamically adjusts the value of Q based on the type of replies from tags. In this paper, we propose an optimal Q algorithm that determines the optimal values of Q according to the number of remaining tags and in turn to optimize tag identification speed (TIS) and query success rate (QSR), respectively. It’s been demonstrated through extensive simulations that the proposed algorithm achieves higher TIS than Gen-2 adaptive Q algorithm.     

High speed ant colony optimization CMOS chip

Ant colony optimization (ACO) is an optimization computation inspired by the study of the ant colonies’ behavior. This paper presents design and CMOS implementation of the ant colony optimization based algorithm for solving the TSP problem. In order to implement ant colony optimization algorithm in CMOS, we will present a new algorithm. This algorithm is based on the original ant colony optimization but it can be implemented in CMOS. Briefly, pheromone matrix is transformed on the chip area and ants move up-down through the pheromone matrix and they make their decisions. Finally ants select a global path. In previous researches only pheromone values is used, but select the next city in this paper is based on heuristics value and pheromone value. In definition of problem, we use heuristics value as a matrix. Previous researches could not be used for wide type of optimization problem but our chip gives heuristics value initially and we can change initial value of heuristics value according to the optimization problem so this capability increases the flexibility of ACO chip. Simple circuit is used in blocks of our chip to increase the speed of convergence of ACO chip. We use Linear Feedback Shift Register (LSFR) circuit for random number generator in ACO chip. ACO chip has capability of solving the big TSP problem. ACO chip is simulated by HSPICE software and simulation results show the good performance of final chip.     

Control of morphology and optical properties of PbS nanostructured thin films by deposition parameters: study of mechanism

PbS thin films were grown on glass substrates by chemical bath deposition (CBD) using lead nitrate, thiourea and sodium hydroxide in aqueous solutions at three different temperatures (22, 36 and 50?°C). The microstructure and morphology evolution of the films were investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Optical properties were studied using UV–Vis–IR spectroscopy. The results indicate that temperature plays an important role in controlling the morphology and optical properties of nanostructured PbS thin films through changing deposition mechanism. The active deposition mechanism changed from cluster to ion-by-ion mechanism with an increase in deposition temperature from 22 to 50?°C, and consequently, film properties such as morphology, optical absorption and preferred orientation changed completely.     

Simulation modelling and analysis of scheduling in robotic flexible assembly cells using Taguchi method

Due to increasing competition in the developing global economy, today’s companies are facing greater challenges than ever to employ flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) capable of dealing with unexpected events and meeting customers’ requirements. One such system is robotic flexible assembly cells (RFACs). There has been relatively little work on the scheduling of RFACs, even though overall scheduling problems of FMS have attracted significant attention. This paper presents Taguchi optimisation method in conjunction with simulation modelling in a new application for dynamic scheduling problems in RFACs, in order to minimise total tardiness and number of tardy jobs (N_T). This is the first study to address these particular problems. In this study, Taguchi method has been used to reduce the minimum number of experiments required for scheduling RFACs. These experiments are based on an L9 orthogonal array with each trial implemented under different levels of scheduling factors. Four factors are considered simultaneously: sequencing rule, dispatching rule, cell utilisation and due date tightness. The experimental results are analysed using an analysis of mean to find the best combination of scheduling factors and an analysis of variance to determine the most significant factors that influence the system’s performance. The resulting analysis shows that this proposed methodology enhances the system’s scheduling policy.     

Extreme Toughening of Soft Materials with Liquid Metal

Soft and tough materials are critical for engineering applications in medical devices, stretchable and wearable electronics, and soft robotics. Toughness in synthetic materials is mostly accomplished by increasing energy dissipation near the crack tip with various energy dissipation techniques. However, bio‐materials exhibit extreme toughness by combining multi‐scale energy dissipation with the ability to deflect and blunt an advancing crack tip. Here, we demonstrate a synthetic materials architecture that also exhibits multi‐modal toughening, whereby embedding a suspension of micron sized and highly deformable liquid metal (LM) droplets inside a soft elastomer, the fracture energy dramatically increases by up to 50x (from 250 ± 50 J m^‐2 to 11,900 ± 2600 J m^‐2) over an unfilled polymer. For some LM‐embedded elastomer (LMEE) compositions, the toughness is measured to be 33,500 ± 4300 J m^‐2, which far exceeds the highest value previously reported for a soft elastic material. This extreme toughening is achieved by (i) increasing energy dissipation, (ii) adaptive crack movement, and (iii) effective elimination of the crack tip. Such properties arise from the deformability of the LM inclusions during loading, providing a new mechanism to not only prevent crack initiation, but also resist the propagation of existing tears for ultra tough, soft materials.     

Assessment of three preconditioning schemes for solution of the two‐dimensional Euler equations at low Mach number flows

Three preconditioners proposed by Eriksson, Choi and Merkel, and Turkel are implemented in a 2D upwind Euler flow solver on unstructured meshes. The mathematical formulations of these preconditioning schemes for different sets of primitive variables are drawn, and their eigenvalues and eigenvectors are compared with each other. For this purpose, these preconditioning schemes are expressed in a unified formulation. A cell‐centered finite volume Roe's method is used for the discretization of the preconditioned Euler equations. The accuracy and performance of these preconditioning schemes are examined by computing steady low Mach number flows over a NACA0012 airfoil and a two‐element NACA4412–4415 airfoil for different conditions. The study shows that these preconditioning schemes greatly enhance the accuracy and convergence rate of the solution of low Mach number flows. The study indicates that the preconditioning methods implemented provide nearly the same results in accuracy; however, they give different performances in convergence rate. It is demonstrated that although the convergence rate of steady solutions is almost independent of the choice of primitive variables and the structure of eigenvectors and their orthogonality, the condition number of the system of equations plays an important role, and it determines the convergence characteristics of solutions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Feasibility study for Tehran Research Reactor power upgrading

The present work is concerned with a power upgrading study of Tehran Research Reactor (TRR). The upgrading study is aimed at investigating the possibility of raising power of the TRR from the current level of 5 MW_th to a higher level without violating the original thermal-hydraulic safety criteria. The existing core, comprising 22 standard fuel elements and five control fuel elements, is used for the analyses. Different reactor thermal powers (5–11 MW) and different core coolant flow rates (500–921 m³/h) are considered. It is shown that, for the present core, this goal could be achieved safely by gradually opening the butterfly control valve until the desired coolant flow rate is reached. The TRR power could be upgraded up to around 7.5 MW_th with the total power peaking factor maintained at less than or equal to 3.0.     

Micro and macro analysis of a thermonuclear fusion plant for reliability and performance

The Next European Torus (NET) must be operated with appropriate reliability and availability levels if it is to attain its targets. A basic simulation model, the principles and potentials of which had been previously demonstrated, has been considerably extended to provide a more accurate representation of the operations of NET and to facilitate its study under various operating and reliability considerations. The latest simulation model of NET incorporates the physics phase as well as the technology phase. It encompasses complex features such as time and event dependent failure rates and independent failures. For ease of manipulating the uncertainties associated with the reliability data, the model has been furnished with the normal, exponential, lognormal and Weibull distribution modules. The level of subsystem breakdown is easily adjustable to match the needs of the design that is growing in detail. A goal-seeking procedure has been developed for use in conjunction with the simulation model. The application of this procedure culminates in operating and reliability strategies which will enable NET to achieve its intended targets. This paper describes the operating and reliability features of NET together with the ways in which they have been captured by the NET simulation model. The underlying philosophy and application of the goal seeking procedure is also demonstrated through illustrative results.