Half-bridge inverter using 4H-SiC gate turn-off thyristors

This paper reports on the first demonstration of a half-bridge power inverter constructed from silicon carbide gate turn-off thyristors (GTOs) operated in the conventional GTO mode. This circuit was characterized with input bus voltages of up to 600 VDC and 2 A (peak current density of 540 A/cm²) with resistive loads using a pulse-width modulated switching frequency of 2 kHz. We discuss the implications of the thyristor's electrical characteristics and the circuit topology on the overall operation of the half-bridge circuit. This work has determined the conservative critical rate of rise value of the off-state voltage to be 200 V/μs in these devices     

Contents

This article explains the basic issues that are facing the global community regarding the emission of carbon dioxide (CO/sub 2/) gas that is degrading our environment and, most significantly, the environment of generations to come. This article deals with the current state of a potential international agreement to curtail greenhouse gases and the subsequent underlying issues. A theory suggests that apparent reluctance to agree to an international treaty by the United States is directly tied to the process of electric utility reforms. The proposed Kyoto Treaty is explained as well as the consequences of its implementation. The current facts surrounding electric utility generation and CO/sub 2/ gas emissions are explained, as are some mitigation efforts.     

Performance and modeling of advanced Ti:LiNbO3 digitaloptical switches

High-performance Y-branch digital optical switches realized in Ti:LiNbO₃ are presented. Their switching response functions have been optimized in terms of switch voltage and crosstalk ratio. The optimization is based on analyzing different types of waveguide shaping and switching arrangements using coupled mode theory and computer simulations. Excellent switching characteristics are achieved with devices exploiting a specially shaped waveguide branch in a dilated switch arrangement. Demonstrated performances include switching voltage as low as 9 V with crosstalk suppression better than 45 dB and fiber-to-fiber losses as low as 4 dB. Polarization independence with crosstalk suppression better than 40 dB over a 1520- to 1570-nm wavelength range is achieved for any applied switch voltage greater than 18 V. These optimized digital optical switches have further demonstrated the capability to reshape electrical input signals at switching rates of several hundred megahertz     

Three-phase flash and distillation

A mixed K-value model allows existing computer programs for the simulation of vapor-liquid equilibrium stages to be used for three-phase vapor-liquid-liquid systems. The mixed K-value model has been implemented with a minimum effort into the Badger General Material Balance flow-sheeting program. Good convergence has been obtained with the mixed K-value model for a number of systems. A comparison is made with published literature [1, 2], showing excellent results with this generally applicable and easy-to-use method.     

The contact of elastic regular wavy surfaces

A complete solution in closed form to the elastic contact of a one-dimensional sinusoidal surface with a flat surface was presented by Westergaard in 1939. This paper is concerned with the elastic contact of a two-dimensional sinusoidal surface with a flat. In this case the stress distribution within the elastic solids is three-dimensional. As the load is increased the contact areas change in shape from being circular to square and finally leave a circular region of no contact when the waves are almost squashed flat. The problem is solved in general using a numerical method due to Kalker, but asymptotic solutions in closed form have been found for light loads and also for heavy loads at which contact is almost complete. The variation of the mean separation with load, which determines the volume of the space trapped between the two surfaces, is also found.     

The effect of a solid additive on rolling fatigue life

Behaviour of a series of lubricant oils and the effect of a non stoichiometric inorganic compound, as solid extreme pressure additive, on rolling fatigue life are studied using the rolling four-ball accelerated service simulation test proposed by Barwell and Scott. The results show, in all tested cases, the remarkable efficacy of this type of additive. The Total Acidity Number (tan) was found to increase with performance time for the case of the base lubricant, while for the oils with additives, it remained at its constant low value. This led to a proposal of a possible mechanism of the additive performance in the rolling process.     

A short recipe for seashell synthesis

Several artistic examples of seashell-like forms produced on a graphics supercomputer are provided. The shapes were created using a simple graphics primitive and rendered using lighting and shading facilities of 3-D extensions to X Windows or the PHIGS+ proposed standard. It is expected that the techniques, equations, and systems will provide useful tools and stimulate future studies in the graphics characterization of morphologically rich spiral shapes produced by relatively simple generating formulas