A brain-spinal interface (BSI) system-on-chip (SoC) for closed-loop cortically-controlled intraspinal microstimulation

This paper presents a novel microstrip quad-channel diplexer based on stub loaded U-shape resonators, which are coupled to the step impedance feed lines. The stubs are loaded inside the U-shape cells creating extra channels without increasing the size of diplexer. The proposed diplexer is miniaturized with an overall size of 0.029 λ _g ² . It operates at 1.67, 2.54, 3.45 and 4.57 GHz for GPS, wireless and WiMAX applications. Due to its narrowband channels, it is appropriate for the modern long-range communication systems, which are widely accepted by the industry. The proposed diplexer has high performance in terms of low insertion and return losses and wide stopband. The insertion losses at the resonance frequencies are 0.5, 0.38, 0.53 and 0.58 while the common port return losses are better than ? 20 dB at all channels. In order to verify the simulation results, we fabricated and measured the designed diplexer. A good agreement between both results is obtained.     

Information schema constructs for instantiation and composition of system manifestation features

Complementing our previous publications, this paper presents the information schema constructs (ISCs) that underpin the programming of specific system manifestation feature (SMF) orientated information management and composing system models. First, we briefly present (1) the general process of pre-embodiment design with SMFs, (2) the procedures of creating genotypes and phenotypes of SMFs, (3) the specific procedure of instantiation of phenotypes of SMFs, and (4) the procedure of system model management and processing. Then, the chunks of information needed for instantiation of phenotypes of SMFs are discussed, and the ISCs designed for instantiation presented. Afterwards, the information management aspects of system modeling are addressed. Methodologically, system modeling involves (1) placement of phenotypes of SMF in the modeling space, (2) combining them towards the desired architecture and operation, (3) assigning values to the parameters and checking the satisfaction of constraints, and (4) storing the system model in the SMFs-based warehouse database. The final objective of the reported research is to develop an SMFs-based toolbox to support modeling of cyber-physical systems (CPSs).     

Coupled modification of natural frequencies and buckling loads of composite cylindrical panels

This paper proposes a new method for performing predefined simultaneous modification of natural frequencies and buckling loads of composite cylindrical panels. The method is based on the fact that both natural frequencies and buckling loads are eigenvalues of an algebraic system of simultaneous equations. First- and second-order derivatives of these eigenvalues are calculated and the first two terms in Taylor expansion are used for developing a modification procedure that is defined as an inverse eigenvalue problem. A four-layered composite cylindrical panel with an arbitrary angle-ply stacking sequence is considered as a case study and several simultaneous modifications for natural frequencies and buckling loads are carried out. It is shown that the proposed method can perform the predefined modification with an acceptable accuracy even for large perturbations in objective functions.     

A review of heat exchanger tube bundle vibrations in two-phase cross-flow

Flow-induced vibration is an important concern to the designers of heat exchangers subjected to high flows of gases or liquids. Two-phase cross-flow occurs in industrial heat exchangers, such as nuclear steam generators, condensers, and boilers, etc. Under certain flow regimes and fluid velocities, the fluid forces result in tube vibration and damage due to fretting and fatigue. Prediction of these forces requires an understanding of the flow regimes found in heat exchanger tube bundles. Excessive vibrations under normal operating conditions can lead to tube failure.

Relatively little information exists on two-phase vibration. This is not surprising as single-phase flow induced vibration; a simpler topic is not yet fully understood. Vibration in two-phase is much more complex because it depends upon two-phase flow regime, i.e. characteristics of two-phase mixture and involves an important consideration, which is the void fraction. The effect of characteristics of two-phase mixture on flow-induced vibration is still largely unknown. Two-phase flow experiments are much more expensive and difficult to carry out as they usually require pressurized loops with the ability to produce two-phase mixtures. Although convenient from an experimental point of view, air–water mixture if used as a simulation fluid, is quite different from high-pressure steam–water. A reasonable compromise between experimental convenience and simulation of steam–water two-phase flow is desired.

This paper reviews known models and experimental research on two-phase cross-flow induced vibration in tube bundles. Despite the considerable differences in the models, there is some agreement in the general conclusions. The effect of tube bundle geometry, random turbulence excitations, hydrodynamic mass and damping ratio on tube response has also been reviewed. Fluid–structure interaction, void fraction modeling/measurements and finally Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers Association (TEMA) considerations have also been highlighted.     

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND DRYING RATE OF ECHINACEA ROOT

Echinacea angustifolia or the purple coneflower is an important medicinal plant that boosts the immune system. It is believed that the active ingredients are predominantly located in the root. Physical characteristics and drying rates of the root of E. angustifolia from a farm in Saskatchewan, Canada were studied. Root consisted of a main (central) root and secondary root branches. Cleaned roots exhibited wide variations in mass ranging from 15 to 95 g. The central root diameter varied from 9 to 20 mm with an average of 14 mm. The average initial moisture content of the fresh root was 57% (wb). The specific densities of the fresh and completely dried root were 1040 and 1370 kg/m³, respectively; and the corresponding bulk densities of loosely piled roots were 305 and 410 kg/m³. Roots were dried in a convection oven at temperatures of 23, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70°C. Equations for estimating drying rates, drying constants, and equilibrium moisture content were developed. Increased drying temperatures reduced echinacosides but did not affect alkamides 1 and 2 which are known to be also responsible for medicinal value of E. Angustifolia.     

Conflict-free scheduling and routing of automated guided vehicles in mesh topologies

Many storing and manufacturing systems tend to use automated guided vehicles (AGV) for speed, quality and safety as transporting objects. In this paper an integrated algorithm for scheduling and routing of AGVs in mesh-like systems is presented. The main characteristics of the scheduling algorithm are as follows: (1) prediction and prevention of conflicts, (2) arbitrary choice for AGVs to traverse shortest path from source to destination, (3) effect of priority policies to the scheduling result, and (4) no theoretical limitation on the number of participated AGVs. The proposed greedy algorithm for routing reduces the average number of conflicts and is closely related to the scheduling algorithm. We will also present mathematical and statistical models for the analysis of the algorithms.     

Theoretical evaluation of PdAg membrane reactor performance during biomass steam gasification for hydrogen production using CFD method

In recent years, biomass has been introduced as a promising solution for environmental crisis. Biomass steam gasification is a valuable process for hydrogen production. Main problem of this process is low conversion and low partial pressure of hydrogen in product stream. PdAg membrane reactor (MR) can be used in biomass steam gasification to improve the process efficiency. Hence, Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) method was used in this study for a detail modeling and analyzing the biomass steam gasification in a two-dimensional PdAg MR. After good agreement of CFD model results with literature experimental data, simulation results was indicated that the PdAg MR has better efficiency compared with traditional reactor (TR). Biomass conversion of near 100%, CO selectivity in the range 0–14 and H₂ recovery of 70% in the best condition were achieved. In addition, different flow patterns (cocurrent and counter-current modules) were compared for MR and overall efficiency (biomass conversion) of counter-current model was obtained higher than co-current model. In summary, for all operating conditions and modules, PdAg MR was showed better efficiency compared with TR.