Optimal periodic forcing of nonlinear chemical processes for performance improvements

Unsteady-state periodic operations can improve the optimal steady-state performance of nonlinear chemical processes. To examine if the optimal periodic operation is proper and to obtain the optimal forcing functions subject to various control and state constraints it is suggested in this paper to convert the problems into a form which is suitable for constrained nonlinear programming. The adopted numerical optimization method is based on employing the control parametrization technique and is thus capable of dealing with the problem of multiple input forcings and obtaining optimal forcing functions and/or parameters while subject to general constraints. Besides, it provides information about to what extent the process performance can be improved by adopting the optimal periodic control.     

Structure and properties of nanocomposites based on poly(butylene succinate) and organically modified montmorillonite

Poly(butylene succinate) and organically modified montmorillonite nanocomposites with there different compositions were prepared via melt blending in a twin‐screw extruder. The structure of the nanocomposites was studied with X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, which revealed the formation of intercalated nanocomposites, regardless of the silicate loading. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed a substantial increase in the storage modulus of the nanocomposites over the entire temperature range investigated. The tensile property measurements showed a relative increase in the stiffness with a simultaneous decrease in the yield strength in comparison with that of neat poly(butylene succinate). The oxygen gas barrier property of neat poly(butylene succinate) improved after nanocomposite preparation with organically modified montmorillonite. The effect of the layered‐silicate loading on the melt‐state linear viscoelastic behavior of the intercalated nanocomposites was also investigated. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 777–785, 2006     

Glass Formation and Properties in the System Calcia-Gallia-Silica

The glass-formation region of the calcia-gallia-silica system was determined. The glasses within this region were measured to have a density of 3 to 4 g/cm³, a refractive index of 1.6 to 1.73, an Abbe number between 35 and 58, a thermal expansion coefficient of 6.5 × 10⁻⁷/°C to 11.5 × 10⁻⁷/°C, softening temperatures between 730° and 790°C, and a Vickers microhardness of 5.2 to 7.3 GPa. Crystalline phases were identified along the glass-formation boundary. Infrared transmission spectra were used to explain glass structures and their effect on glass properties. The results suggest that the role of calcia in the glass structure is similar to that for calcia in calcium aluminosilicate glasses.     

Three stage trade credit policy in a three-layer supply chain–a production-inventory model

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the optimal replenishment lot size of supplier and optimal production rate of manufacturer under three levels of trade credit policy for supplier–manufacturer–retailer supply chain. The supplier provides a fixed credit period to settle the accounts to the manufacturer, while the manufacturer gives a fixed credit period to settle the account to the retailer and the retailer, in turn, also offers a credit period to each of its customers to settle the accounts. We assume that the supplier supplies the raw material to the manufacturer and sends back the defective raw materials to the outside supplier after completion of inspection at one lot with a sales price. The system always produces good items in the model. Also, we consider the idle times of supplier and manufacturer. Finally, numerical examples are provided to illustrate the behaviour and application of the model with graphical simulation.     

Understanding why adult participants at the World Senior Games choose a healthy diet

Background

Identifying those seniors most likely to adopt a healthy diet, the relative importance they place on certain perceived benefits associated with a healthy diet, and whether these perceived benefits are associated with selected demographic, lifestyle, and health history variables is important for directing effective dietary health promotion programs.

Methods

Analyses are based on a cross-sectional convenience sample of 670 seniors aged 50 years and older at the 2002 World Senior Games in St. George, Utah. Data are assessed using frequencies, bivariate analysis, analysis of variance, and multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

Fruit and vegetable consumption was significantly higher in individuals aged 70–79, in women, in those not overweight or obese, and in those with excellent overall health. Dietary fiber consumption was significantly higher in former or never smokers, current and previous alcohol drinkers, in those not overweight or obese, and in those with excellent health. The strongest motivating factors identified for adopting a healthy diet were to improve the quality of life, to increase longevity, and to prevent disease. Of intermediate importance were the need to feel a sense of control and to satisfy likes or dislikes. Least important were the desire to experience a higher level of spirituality, social reasons, and peer acceptance.

Conclusion

Seniors who have adopted a healthy diet are more likely to have chosen that behavior because of perceived health benefits than for personal and social benefits. Overweight or obese individuals and those in poor health were less likely to be engaged in healthy eating behavior and require special attention by dieticians and public health professionals.

     

Color and Selected Properties of PbO─BiO1.5─GaO1.5 Glasses

The density; molar volume; thermal expansion coefficient; dissolution rate in water, HC1, and NaOH; glass transition and crystallization temperatures; and the absorption edge in the ultraviolet-visible and infrared were measured for PbO─BiO1.5─GaO1.5 glasses. The range of compositions investigated was x PbO (100 − (x + y) )BiO_1.5. yGaO_1.5 for x between 20 and 60 cat% and y of 20, 25, 30, and 35 cat%. The glass-forming tendency increased with increased GaO_1.5 and decreased with increased PbO or BiO_1.5. The compositional dependence of these properties was consistent with the weight, size, charge, and bond strength of the cations. The Ga^{3 +} ions in these glasses are believed to act primarily as network-forming cations, whereas the majority of the Bi³⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions behave as network-modifying cations. It is suggested that a small friction of the lead ions are present as Pb⁴⁺. Depending upon melting conditions, these glasses ranged in color from brown to yellow. Various attempts, including containerless melting, were made to obtain colorless glasses, but no conditions were found which totally eliminated the color. The least color (pale yellow) was obtained when the glasses were melted in an air or nitrogen atmosphere in an alumina or gold crucible.     

Influence of untreated and novel electron‐beam‐modified surface‐coated silica filler on the thermorheological properties of ethylene–octene copolymer

We developed surface‐modified silica fillers by coating these with an acrylate monomer, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, or a silane coupling agent, triethoxyvinyl silane, followed by electron‐beam irradiation at room temperature. These were incorporated in an ethylene–octene copolymer rubber. Thermorheological studies of the unvulcanized ethylene–octene copolymer and its untreated and modified silica‐filled composites were done with a shear dynamic oscillating rheometer. Modification of the silica filler, especially via the silanization process followed by electron beam treatment, significantly reduced filler–filler networking as revealed from the log–log plots of storage modulus and complex shear viscosity, and its real component. The rheological complexity of the compositions was analyzed from a double logarithmic plot of the storage modulus and loss modulus. The results obtained from the master curves constructed on the basis of the time–temperature superposition principle and the activation energy calculated from the Arrhenius equation for the flow of above these compounds further supported these findings. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 2453–2459, 2003     

A microscopic model for catalytic surfaces—I. Catalytic wires and gauzes

A new “fuzzy wire” model of catalytic wires and gauzes is presented which is in good agreement with observed ignition, extinction, and flickering phenomena. The model predicts both simple harmonic oscillations as well as a wide variety of nonperiodic chaotic oscillations. Quantitative comparisons with data for butane oxidation and cyclohexene oxidation are quite good; however, the very long period oscillations observed for H₂ and CO oxidation are not predicted by the simplest forms of the model.     

Na_2O-TeO_2系统玻璃形成液体脆性的研究

通过测量Na2 O -TeO2 系统玻璃转化区的热容曲线 ,对该系统不同成分玻璃形成液体的热力学和动力学脆性进行研究。结果表明 :该系统玻璃形成液体从热力学和动力学综合看脆性程度介于强弱之间 ,为中性偏脆性。随着氧化钠含量的升高 ,玻璃形成液体的脆性增强。用Kissinger方程和Ritland -Bartanev方程 ,得到的在玻璃转变区的结构松弛激活能十分接近。对该系统玻璃形成液体脆性参数的计算也得到该玻璃形成液体脆性分类的相同结果