Some estimates pertaining to sensitivity and robust stability of input-output systems

The estimates derived in this paper strengthen the available results on sensitivity and robust stability of input-output systems. Two types of estimates are discussed: the “sensitivity type”, which establishes a bound for the output change when the system is perturbed but the input remains the same, and the “robustness type”, which gives a bound for the output change when the input changes but the perturbation does not. First, estimates for general systems over abstract extended spaces are derived; these results are then applied to (1) two frequently used control configurations, and (2) systems governed by vector integral and differential equations on the time domain [0, ∞). The applications of the estimates are illustrated by several examples. This research was supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant #DMS-9102910     

Fast algorithms for clipping lines and line segments in E2

E ² are presented. The suggested algorithms are based on a technique of coding the line direction together with the end points of the clipped line segment. They solve all cases more effectively. The algorithms are convenient for clippings lines or line segments by rectangle. Theoretical considerations and experimental results are also presented.     

Supersonic Flow Structure in the Entrance Part of a Mixing Chamber of 2D Model Ejector

The paper deals with experimental and numerical results of investigation into supersonic and transonic flow past a two-dimensional model ejector. Results of optical measurements show a flow structure and flow parameter development in the entrance part of the mixing chamber of the ejector. Numerical results are obtained by means of both the straight solution of shock waves in supersonic flow field using classical relations of parameters of shock waves and the Fluent 6 program. Results of numerical solutions are compared with experimental pictures of flow fields. Flow structure development in the mixing chamber is analysed in detail.     

Structure and properties of plasma sprayed BaTiO3 coatings: Spray parameters versus structure and photocatalytic activity

Plasma spraying enables the creation of layers with thickness in a millimeter range adhering on various substrates. This paper provides a study of phase composition, optical properties and photocatalytic activity of BaTiO₃ coatings prepared by atmospheric plasma spraying. The spraying was carried out by a direct current gas-stabilized plasma gun. BaTiO₃ was fed into the plasma jet as a feedstock powder prepared by a reactive sintering of micrometer-sized powders of BaCO₃ and TiO₂. Microstructure and phase composition are reported and discussed in connection with optical properties and photocatalytic activity. The spraying was carried out by a direct current gas-stabilized plasma gun which normally utilizes spray distance (SD) in frames from 100 to 150 mm. Besides conventional SD 100 mm also extremely high SD 190 mm was used. The color of the sprayed coating is different for each SD and also differs from sintered BaTiO₃. X-ray diffraction and also SAD mode of HR-TEM show certain content of amorphous fraction in the coating. The hydrogen content in the coating was found to be higher in the coatings than in the sintered bulk. The diffuse reflectance was measured by UV–VIS spectrophotometry and corresponding band-gap energy was estimated. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms specific stoichiometric and structural disorder observed also at bang-gap evaluation and by Raman spectroscopy. HR-TEM images for crystalline and amorphous zones are given. Photocatalytic decomposition of acetone was tested and BaTiO₃ coatings compared with a sintered bulk.     

Gold nanoparticles deposited on glass: physicochemical characterization and cytocompatibility

Properties of gold films sputtered under different conditions onto borosilicate glass substrate were studied. Mean thickness of sputtered gold film was measured by gravimetry, and film contact angle was determined by goniometry. Surface morphology was examined by atomic force microscopy, and electrical sheet resistance was determined by two-point technique. The samples were seeded with rat vascular smooth muscle cells, and their adhesion and proliferation were studied. Gold depositions lead to dramatical changes in the surface morphology and roughness in comparison to pristine substrate. For sputtered gold structures, the rapid decline of the sheet resistance appears on structures deposited for the times above 100 s. The thickness of deposited gold nanoparticles/layer is an increasing function of sputtering time and current. AFM images prove the creation of separated gold islands in the initial deposition phase and a continuous gold coverage for longer deposition times. Gold deposition has a positive effect on the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. Largest number of cells was observed on sample sputtered with gold for 20 s and at the discharge current of 40 mA. This sample exhibits lowest contact angle, low relative roughness, and only mild increase of electrical conductivity.     

Stochastic approximation on a discrete set and the multi— armed

Let R be a real funccion on a discrete set Z?R. A Robbins-Moniotype stochastic approximation procedure is considered for solving the equation R(z) = 0, or for finding the point of the minimal absolute value of R, if there is no solution of R(z) =0 in Z, The procedure is modified so as to be also asymptotically optimal as a strategy for the multi-armed bandit problem. The Kiefer-Wolfowitz-type situation and the multi-dimensional generalizations are also Considered.     

Two-stage master sintering curve applied to two-step sintering of oxide ceramics

Tetragonal (3 mol% Y₂O₃) and two cubic zirconia (8 mol% Y₂O₃) as well as alumina green bodies were used for the construction of the Master Sintering Curve (MSC) created from sets of constant-rate-of-heating (CRH) sintering experiments. The activation energies calculated according to the MSC theory were 770 kJ/mol for Al₂O₃, 1270 kJ/mol for t-ZrO₂, 620 kJ/mol and 750 kJ/mol for c-ZrO₂. These values were verified by an alternative approach based on an analysis of the densification rate in the intermediate sintering stage. The MSCs established from the Two-Step Sintering (TSS) experiments showed at high densities a significant deflection from those constructed from the CRH experiments. This deflection was explained by lower sintering activation energy in the closed porosity stage. A new two-stage MSC model was developed to reflect the change in sintering activation energy and to describe TSS. The efficiency of TSS of four materials under investigation was correlated with their activation energies during the final sintering stage.     

Wall shear rates and mass transfer in impinging jets: Comparison of circular convergent and cross-shaped orifice nozzles

This article presents a study on the wall shear rate and mass transfer of impinging jets on a flat plate. The performance of a cross-shaped orifice nozzle was compared with a reference convergent circular nozzle having similar equivalent diameter. An array of electrodiffusion micro probes inserted into the plate was used for wall shear rates measurements. Mass transfer in the impinging region was calculated from the measured wall shear rates for a Reynolds number around 5500 and over a range of streamwise distances between the nozzle and the impinging plane within 1 to 5 nozzle equivalent diameters. The obtained Sherwood number of the reference convergent nozzle is close to the one given by Chin and Tsang (1978) [5]. The most important observation in the present investigation is that the wall shear rates and the mass transfer in the impingement region of the cross-shaped orifice nozzle are up to 175% and 40%, respectively, higher than that of the convergent nozzle. The performance of the cross-shaped orifice jet is probably related to its particular vortex dynamics characteristic of the near exit region. All the results confirm that the jet passive control enhance the mass transfer.