A novel two-stage genetic algorithm for a mixed-model U-line balancing problem with duplicated tasks

A widespread supposition on mixed-model assembly line-balancing problems assigns a task, which is shared between two or more models to a single station. Bukchin and Rabinowitch (European Journal of Operational Research, 174:492–508, 2006) relaxed the restriction for mixed-model straight-line assembly line problems and allowed tasks common to multiple models to be assigned to different stations, called task duplication. In this paper, considering the same relaxation but for mixed-model U-shaped assembly lines, a novel genetic algorithm (GA) approach for solving large-scale problems is developed. Although superiorities of U-shaped assembly lines over straight lines have been discussed in several articles, this paper makes the advantage more tangible by providing a quantitative example. This paper also presents a novel two-stage genetic algorithm which is fittingly devised for solving the new proposed model. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the GA, one small-scale and one medium-scale problem are solved using both the proposed GA and Lingo 8.0 software, and the obtained outcomes are compared. The computational results indicate that the GA is capable of providing high-quality solutions for small- and medium-scale problems in negligible central processing unit (CPU) times. It is worth mentioning that, for large-scale problems, such as Kim and Arcus test problems, no analogous results for those obtained by our proposed GA exist. To conclude, it can be said that the proposed GA performs well and is able to solve large-scale problems within acceptable CPU times.     

Effect of ionic strength on the reactivity ratios of acrylamide/acrylic acid (sodium acrylate) copolymerization

The ionic strength (IS) of polyelectrolyte solutions plays an important role in influencing reaction kinetics. The largely unstudied effect of IS on monomer reactivity ratios and copolymerization rates of acrylamide (AAm) and acrylic acid (AAc), in the form of sodium acrylate (NaAc), is investigated. Salt addition affects the nature of overall charges of the polyelectrolyte solution and diminishes the electrostatic repulsions between reacting chains. Therefore, changing the IS of the solution by incorporating salts affect not only the point estimates of the monomer reactivity ratios but also the overall behavior of the copolymerization (with a transition to azeotropic behavior). Experimental results on copolymerization rates confirm the observed trends in reactivity ratio behavior. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40949.     

Direct power control of DFIG based on discrete space vector modulation

This paper presents a new direct power control (DPC) strategy for a double fed induction generator (DFIG) based wind energy generation system. Switching vectors for rotor side converter were selected from the optimal switching table using the estimated stator flux position and the errors of the active and reactive power. A few number of voltage vectors may cause undesired power and stator current ripple. In this paper the increased number of voltage vectors with application of the Discrete Space Vector Modulation (DSVM) will be presented. Then a new switching table in supersynchronous and subsynchronous frames will be proposed. Simulation results of a 2 MW DFIG system demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed control strategy during variations of active and reactive power, machine parameters, and wind speed.     

Synthesis of Clay/Poly (styrene/2-ethylhexyl acrylate) Nanocomposite Latexes via Emulsion Polymerization

Silicon - In this research, nanocomposite latex based on polystyrene-co-2-ethylhexyl acrylate with layered silicate was synthesized by emulsion polymerization procedure. For increasing...     

Effects of GNP on the mechanical properties and sliding wear of WC-10wt%Co cemented carbide

WC-10Co cemented carbides reinforced with 0, 0.5, 1, and 2 wt% graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) were fabricated by ball milling and spark plasma sintering (SPS). The microstructure, structural and phase analysis, hardness, and fracture toughness of WC-10Co/GNP composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and Vickers indenter. Tribological behaviors of the fabricated composites against an alumina counterface were studied using a pin on disk configuration. It was found that GNP refined the microstructure, increased the fracture toughness, and postponed the stable-to-unstable friction transition. While transgranular fracture and crack deflection were observed in the base composite, crack bridging, micro-crack formation, and crack deflection were the major toughening mechanisms in GNP-reinforced cemented carbides. The addition of 1 wt% GNP resulted in the highest hardness and wear resistance. However, at higher GNP contents, both hardness and wear resistance decreased due to the agglomeration of GNPs. Widespread abrasive grooving and Co binder extrusion were characterized as the main controlling mechanisms of wear in GNP-free cemented carbides. The wear of GNP-reinforced cemented carbides was dominated by the formation of a lubricating surface layer and its cracking or fragmentation. Plastic flow is much less likely to occur in the presence of GNPs.     

Direct Power Control of Dfig by Using Nonlinear Model Predictive Controller

This paper proposes a nonlinear model predictive direct power control (PDPC) strategy for a double fed induction generator (DFIG)‐based wind energy generation system. Active and reactive power variations of DFIG are calculated based on machine rules, and a nonlinear model of DFIG is given. A nonlinear model predictive controller (NMPC) is presented based on the useful cost function and constraint that it results in more proximity between simulations and reality. The power and current ripples are reduced and the optimal rotor voltage is generated based on an objective function and the constraints. The rotor voltage vector is calculated in the synchronous reference frame and transferred into the rotor reference frame. Simulation results of a 2 MW DFIG system show good performance of the proposed method during variation of active and reactive powers, machine parameters, and wind speed. Also, the transient responses of active and reactive powers are within a few milliseconds.     

Synthesis and characterization of maleylated cellulose-<Emphasis Type="Italic">g</Emphasis>-polyacrylamide hydrogel using TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanoparticles under sunlight

Graft polymerization onto the cellulose is one way to produce semisynthetic copolymers and semiconductors were hardly used as initiators. Maleylated cellulose (MC) with different degree of carboxyl groups was synthesized and degree of carboxyl groups was determined using titration method. Then the graft copolymers of acrylamide (AM) on MC were synthesized by titanium dioxide semiconductor photoinitiator in aqueous suspension under sunlight. The effect of different parameters, such as the degree of carboxyl groups, degassing of atmosphere, reactor type, light source, MC/AM ratio, and initiator concentration, was evaluated in the synthesis of graft copolymers. MC with a high degree of carboxyl groups about 2.8 mmol g^?1 was selected for graft photopolymerization. Maximum monomer conversion (55%) for Maleylated cellulose-g-polyacrylamide (MC-g-PAM) was achieved with 0.5 mg TiO₂, MC/AM = 0.056, argon atmosphere, sunlight source, and double quartz tube reactor. The maximum amount of equilibrium swelling (41 g g^?1) was achieved for MC-g-PAM with 34% monomer conversion. The resulting graft copolymers were characterized by FT-IR, SEM, and TGA. Synthesis of MC-g-PAM using TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) as the initiator was done successfully that shows the TiO₂ NPs are useable in graft polymerization of acrylamide monomers onto the MC under sunlight.