Wind characterization analysis incorporating genetic algorithm: A case study in Taiwan Strait

In this paper, the genetic algorithm (GA) is originally applied to compute the Weibull parameters for wind characterization analysis, in which an objective function required in GA for searching optimization solution has been first defined as well. Wind data analyzed are observed at a wind farm in the Taiwan Strait from 2006 to 2008. To accurately describe wind speed distribution three kinds of probability density functions are compared, i.e. the Weibull, logistic and lognormal functions. Statistical parameters including the max error in the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, root mean square error, Chi-square error and relative error of wind power density are considered as judgment criterions. The results show that GA is a useful method, there is about 33% time saving when compared with conventional iteration method. Weibull function describes best the wind distribution, regardless of time periods. Accordingly, wind power density, availability factor and electrical energy output from an ideal turbine are assessed using the Weibull parameters; utilization rate of wind energy for the currently used turbine is discussed. Further the wind energy compensates very well with solar energy; when solar radiation is down in winter and spring, the wind power becomes greater; energy ratios for each month are calculated lastly.     

The role of functionalized carbon nanotubes in a PA6/LCP blend

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were carboxyl-functionalized in order to improve their dispersion in a polymer matrix. The carboxyl-functionalized MWCNTs (i.e., MWCNT-COOH) were added into a blend matrix consisting of polyamide 6 (PA6) and liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) (PA6:LCP = 80:20 in weight) to make ternary composites. The effects of MWCNT-COOH on the rheological, physical, morphological, thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties of the ternary composites have been examined systematically. The dispersion of MWCNTs in the polymer matrix and their interactions with the polymers (i.e., PA6 and LCP) were found to be the most important factors affecting all properties. The functionalization of MWCNTs resulted in the significant improvement in their dispersion in the polymer matrix and largely enhanced the interactions of MWCNTs with the polymer matrix. The functionalized MWCNTs acted not only as reinforcement fillers but also as a compatibilizer that could enhance the interfacial adhesion between PA6 and LCP. Interestingly, the packing density of the polymer matrix was greatly increased by adding MWCNT-COOH.     

Structural and electrical properties of La2−xBaxMo2O9−x/2 (x = 0-0.18)

La_2−xBa_xMo₂O_9−x/2 (x ≤ 0.18) have been prepared by solid state reaction method. The lattice parameter of La_2−xBa_xMo₂O_9−x/2 (x ≤ 0.18) determined by XRD data refinement shows a linear dependence on the dopant Ba content x. For the specimen with a La/Ba molar ratio of 0.18-0.2, additional reflection of secondary phase exists in the XRD pattern, so the value of solubility limit for Ba in La₂Mo₂O₉ is defined in range of 0.18 < x < 0.2. As the replacement degree of La³⁺ by Ba²⁺ increases, the bulk conductivity of La_2−xBa_xMo₂O_9−x/2 (x ≤ 0.18) decreases initially and then increases, a minimum value at La_1.9Ba_0.1Mo₂O_8.95 exists. Hebb-Wagner studies in argon atmosphere, which use an oxide-ion blocking electrode, show that La_2−xBa_xMo₂O_9−x/2 (x ≤ 0.18) are predominantly oxide-ion conducting in the temperature ranging from 773 to 1173 K. The average thermal expansion coefficient of La_1.84Ba_0.16Mo₂O_8.92 determined by high-temperature XRD was deduced as great as 17.5 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ between 298 and 1173 K.     

Characterisation of Indentation‐Induced Pattern Using Full‐Field Strain Measurement

Abstract: In this study, digital image correlation (DIC)‐based strain analysis software was successfully developed. Its strain resolution lies in the order of 2.3 × 10^?4–3.1 × 10^?4. Full‐strain field measurement was used to study indentation‐induced plastic patterns around the spherical indenter for a polycrystal and a single crystal of pure aluminium. During indentation, the pure aluminium specimen of the single crystal revealed a symmetric indentation pattern of von Mises strain. The piling‐up around the residual impression was successfully and directly characterised by examining the sign of strain ?_X and ?_Y in the X and Y directions. However, the inward, out‐of‐plane movement results in an error in calculating in‐plane strain referred to as a ‘distortion strain’ using two‐dimensional DIC.     

Energy and environmental policies in China and Taiwan

Given the environmental problems, especially in developing countries, as well as new environmental laws limiting the use of fossil fuels, governments seek to replace fossil fuels with clean energies like renewable energies. The purpose of this study was to assess the development of renewable energy as well as reviewing the laws and policies of China and Taiwan in this regard. We also constructed different scenarios based on national sources, in consideration of a significant increase in the electrical power generation and a reduction in the CO₂ emission. Focus is placed on the renewable energy development and a significant reduction in the CO₂ emission. The results showed that the photovoltaic solar systems have the greatest benefits in energy production and CO₂ emission reduction in China and Taiwan. However, due to economic consideration and technical problems, there is still a long way to go.     

Development of a Single Chain Variable Fragment Antibody and Application as Amatoxin Recognition Molecule in Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensors

A phage display library of single chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies was constructed to screen specific scFv antibodies against amatoxins. One recombinant scFv antibody with high specificity for amatoxins, termed scFv-A4, was isolated from the library by biopanning. SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the soluble scFv-A4 protein was expressed successfully, and the protein posed relatively good specificity with an IC₅₀ of 77.48 ng/mL and IC₁₅ of 1.91 ng/mL using indirect competitive ELISA (ic-ELISA). On the basis of the expressed scFv-A4 protein, a rapid and simple new immunoassay using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor for the detection of amatoxins was developed. The IC₅₀ and IC₁₅ of new immunoassay were 7.66 and 0.17 ng/mL. The sensitivity of immunoassay using SPR sensor was about 10 times that of ic-ELISA. These results showed the potential usefulness and advantages of new immunoassay using SPR sensor for the detection of toxins.     

C490CL高强车轮用钢的开发与生产实践

在C380CL车轮用钢化学成分的基础上,添加铌、钛微合金元素,针对其化学成分制定控轧控冷生产工艺,开发了高强度汽车车轮用C490CL钢。经检验C490CL热轧卷板的力学性能、冷弯性能完全满足相关标准要求;显微组织为P+F、P约占10%,晶粒度、带状组织、夹杂物控制良好,已交付车轮生产厂家使用,用户反馈产品的各项性能良好。     

600MPa级钛微合金轻量化汽车厢体钢的研制

承钢从自身钒钛资源优势出发,采用钛作为微合金化元素,通过合理的成分设计及工艺控制,成功开发出600 MPa级汽车箱体钢,其综合性能优良,满足用户轻量化需求。     

Generalized finite difference method for solving two-dimensional non-linear obstacle problems

In this study, the obstacle problems, also known as the non-linear free boundary problems, are analyzed by the generalized finite difference method (GFDM) and the fictitious time integration method (FTIM). The GFDM, one of the newly-developed domain-type meshless methods, is adopted in this study for spatial discretization. Using GFDM can avoid the tasks of mesh generation and numerical integration and also retain the high accuracy of numerical results. The obstacle problem is extremely difficult to be solved by any numerical scheme, since two different types of governing equations are imposed on the computational domain and the interfaces between these two regions are unknown. The obstacle problem will be mathematically formulated as the non-linear complementarity problems (NCPs) and then a system of non-linear algebraic equations (NAEs) will be formed by using the GFDM and the Fischer–Burmeister NCP-function. Then, the FTIM, a simple and powerful solver for NAEs, is used solve the system of NAEs. The FTIM is free from calculating the inverse of Jacobian matrix. Three numerical examples are provided to validate the simplicity and accuracy of the proposed meshless numerical scheme for dealing with two-dimensional obstacle problems.