Performance evaluation of TCP connections in ideal and non-ideal network environments

In this paper, we study the performance of TCP in both ideal and non-ideal network environments. For the ideal environments, we develop a simple analytical model for the throughput and transfer time of TCP as a function of the file size and TCP parameters. Our simulation measurements demonstrate that this model can accurately predict the throughput for ideal TCP connections characterized by no packet loss due to congestion or bit errors. If these ideal conditions are not met, the model gives an upper bound for throughput and lower bound for transfer time. For the non-ideal environments, we concentrate on wireless links. While our ideal model provides an easy to use tool to calculate bounds on the performance of all TCP implementations in such environments, we also show through simulation the relative performance of four well-known TCP implementations. We also present simulation results that demonstrate the dominant factors affecting the performance of wireless TCP.     

Selection of regression models for predicting strength and deformability properties of rocks using GA

Recently, many regression models have been presented for prediction of mechanical parameters of rocks regarding to rock index properties. Although statistical analysis is a common method for developing regression models, but still selection of suitable transformation of the independent variables in a regression model is difficult. In this paper, a genetic algorithm (GA) has been employed as a heuristic search method for selection of best transformation of the independent variables (some index properties of rocks) in regression models for prediction of uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and modulus of elasticity (E). Firstly, multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis was performed on a data set to establish predictive models. Then, two GA models were developed in which root mean squared error (RMSE) was defined as fitness function. Results have shown that GA models are more precise than MLR models and are able to explain the relation between the intrinsic strength/elasticity properties and index properties of rocks by simple formulation and accepted accuracy.     

Four degree of freedom liquid dispenser for direct write capillary self-assembly with sub-nanoliter precision

Capillary forces provide a ubiquitous means of organizing micro- and nanoscale structures on substrates. In order to investigate the mechanism of capillary self-assembly and to fabricate complex ordered structures, precise control of the meniscus shape is needed. We present a precision instrument that enables deposition of liquid droplets spanning from 2 nl to 300 μl, in concert with mechanical manipulation of the liquid-substrate interface with four degrees of freedom. The substrate has sub-100 nm positioning resolution in three axes of translation, and its temperature is controlled using thermoelectric modules. The capillary tip can rotate about the vertical axis while simultaneously dispensing liquid onto the substrate. Liquid is displaced using a custom bidirectional diaphragm pump, in which an elastic membrane is hydraulically actuated by a stainless steel syringe. The syringe is driven by a piezoelectric actuator, enabling nanoliter volume and rate control. A quantitative model of the liquid dispenser is verified experimentally, and suggests that compressibility in the hydraulic line deamplifies the syringe stroke, enabling sub-nanoliter resolution control of liquid displacement at the capillary tip. We use this system to contact-print water and oil droplets by mechanical manipulation of a liquid bridge between the capillary and the substrate. Finally, we study the effect of droplet volume and substrate temperature on the evaporative self-assembly of monodisperse polymer microspheres from sessile droplets, and demonstrate the formation of 3D chiral assemblies of micro-rods by rotation of the capillary tip during evaporative assembly.     

Introducing a proper hydrogen liquefaction concept for using wasted heat of thermal power plants-case study: Parand gas power plant

A hydrogen liquefaction concept with an innovative configuration and a capacity of 4 kg·s^-1 (345.6 t·d^-1) is developed. The concept involves an ammonia absorption refrigeration system for the pre-cooling of hydrogen and MR streams from 25 ℃ to -30 ℃. The ammonia absorption refrigeration system is fed by exhaust gases of the Parand gas power plant that are normally dissipated to the environment with a temperature of 546 ℃. The simulation is performed by Aspen HYSYS V9.0, using two separate equations of state for simulating hydrogen and MR streams to gain more accurate results especially for ortho-para conversion. Results show that conversion enthalpy estimated by Aspen HYSYS, fits very well to the experimental data. Determining the important independent variables and composition of MRs are done using trial and error procedure, a functional and straightforward method for complicated systems. The minimum temperature limit in the cooling section is lowered, and an ortho-para converter is implemented in this section. The proposed concept performs well from energy aspects and leads to COP and SEC equal to 0.271 and 4.54 kW·h·kg^-1, respectively. The main advantage of this study is in the low SEC, eliminating the losses of the distribution network, and improving the ability of the hydrogen liquefaction for energy storage in off-peak times.     

Prediction of Acid Mine Drainage: Importance of Mineralogy and the Test Protocols for Static and Kinetic Tests

Static tests, which compare the acid-generating potential and acid-neutralizing potential for a given mine waste (tailings or waste rocks), are characterized by a wide uncertainty zone in which it is impossible to accurately predict the acid-generating potential (AGP). Then, to better assess long-term AGP, kinetic tests are usually performed to provide more information about the reaction rates of the acid-generating and acid-neutralizing minerals. The present work compares the classic Sobek static test with three mineralogical static tests to assess the importance of sample mineralogy in acid mine drainage (AMD) prediction. We also investigated how experimental procedures related to static tests can influence prediction results. We used three synthetic tailings samples made by mixing well-characterized pure minerals in calibrated proportions. Although basically different in their principles and procedures, the modified Sobek and mineralogical static tests gave similar results. These AGP predictions were then validated by the use of a kinetic test. The kinetic test protocol was also modified in this study and the results obtained correlated well with the static test results, in contrast to the standard kinetic test protocol. The present work highlights the limitations of static and kinetic test procedures, and provides recommendations for a better use of these tests for more reliable AMD prediction.     

Thermal degradation behavior and kinetic studies of polyacrylamide gel in TiO2 nanoparticles synthesis

Polyacrylamide gel (PAMG) method is a simple, fast and cheap method used for the synthesis of a wide variety of nanopowders. However, no adequate results have been reported on the thermal degradation behavior of PAMG which can be very effective on the final product properties. In this work, thermal degradation behavior of PAMG in the presence of TiCl₄ as a precursor salt for synthesis of TiO₂ nanoparticles was examined in comparison with linear polyacrylamide (LPAM) and pure PAMG by thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis. Their thermal degradation kinetics was investigated, as well. The results showed that thermal degradation of all samples occurred in two stages at different onset temperatures. Despite the high thermal stability of pure PAMG compared to LPAM, the presence of TiCl₄ as a mineral material in PAMG structure decreases the thermal degradation onset temperature, considerably. Furthermore for LPAM and PAMG, majority of weight loss occurs in the second stage, but in PAMG with TiCl₄ the weight loss occurs mainly at the first stage. For more detailed investigation, residual materials were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques, attributing this trend to the presence of mineral materials in PAMG structure. XRD and transmission electron microscopy were also applied to confirm anatase crystalline structure and nanoscale distribution of the TiO₂ particles synthesized via PAMG method.     

冷加工和时效处理顺序对6061铝合金力学性能的影响(英文)

研究不同的析出硬化和冷加工组合对6061铝合金拉伸性能的影响。结果表明,在不同的热处理过程中,在180℃单时效4h能提高合金的强度和伸长率。然而,双时效处理不能改善其力学性能。另外,预时效对随后的析出硬化有负面影响。合金力学性能的变化归因于析出硬化、应变硬化和加工软化的竞争而引起的显微组织演变。     

Neutronic design investigation of a liquid injection-based second shutdown system for a typical research reactor using MCNPX

Safety systems, built on state-of-the-art technology, are essential for achieving acceptable levels of plant safety to minimize hazards to the reactor and the general public. The second shutdown system(SSS) as an engineered safety feature and a part of the reactor protection system(RPS) is a means for rapidly shutting down a nuclear reactor, keeping it in a subcritical state and serving as a backup to the first shutdown system(FSS). In this research, one SSS with two types of optimum chamber designs is proposed that take into account the main current characteristic features of the Tehran research reactor with improvements over earlier designs. They are based on a liquid neutron absorber injection that is preferably different, diverse, and independent from the FSS based on the rod drop mechanism. The major design characteristics of this SSS with two different chambers were investigated using MCNPX 2.6.0 code. The performed calculations showed that the designed SSS is a reliable shutdown system, assuring an appropriate shutdown margin and injection time, with no significant effects on the effective delayed neutron fraction while causing minimal variations to the core structure. Further, the reasonable financial cost and the prolongation of the operation cycle are additional advantages of this design.