New algorithms for power transformer inter-turn fault protection

In the paper new algorithms for detection of internal inter-turn faults in power transformers are described. Such faults are extremely difficult to detect since they induce negligible increase of the currents at the transformer terminals, although the currents flowing at the fault place are very high and dangerous for the transformer to be protected. The algorithms developed are based on the differential equation of the equivalent circuit of the transformer. In one version additional information from a CT installed inside of the triangle of delta side windings is used, which brings very promising results. Theoretical investigations are supported and illustrated with simulation studies performed both with MATLAB and EMTP-ATP programs.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Pyridine Compounds for Amperometric Measurements of Leukocyte Esterase

We introduce a new class of substrates (compounds I – III ) for leukocyte esterase (LE) that react with LE yielding anodic current in direct proportion to LE activity. The kinetic constants K_m and k_cat for the enzymatic reactions were determined by amperometry at a glassy carbon electrode. The binding affinity of I – III for LE was two orders of magnitude better than that of existing optical LE substrates. The specificity constant k_cat/K_m was equal to 2.7, 3.8, and 5.8×10⁵ m ^?1 s^?1 for compounds containing the pyridine ( I ), methoxypyridine ( II ), and (methoxycarbonyl)pyridine ( III ), respectively, thus showing an increase in catalytic efficiency in this order. Compound III had the lowest octanol/water partition coefficient (log p=0.33) along with the highest topological surface area (tPSA=222 Ų) and the best aqueous solubility (4.0 mg mL^?1). The average enzymatic activity of LE released from a single leukocyte was equal to 4.5 nU when measured with compound III .     

Influence of Molybdenum Silicide Additions on High-Temperature Oxidation Resistance of Silicon Nitride Materials

The influence of additions of molybdenum disilicide (MoSi₂) on the microstructure and the mechanical properties of a silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) material, with neodymium oxide (Nd₂O₃) and aluminum nitride (AIN) as sintering aids, was studied. The composites, containing 5, 10, and 17.6 wt% MoSi₂, were fabricated by hot pressing. All materials exhibited a similar phase composition, detected by X-ray diffractometry. Up to MoSi₂ additions of 10 wt%, mechanical properties such as strength, fracture toughness, or creep at 1400°C were not affected significantly, in comparison to that of monolithic Si₃N₄. The oxidation resistance of the composites, in terms of weight gain, degraded. After 1000 h of oxidation at 1400° and 1450°C in air, a greater weight gain (by a factor of approximately three) was obtained, in comparison to that of the material without MoSi₂. Nevertheless, after 1000 h of oxidation, the degradation in strength of the composites was considerably less severe than that of the material without MoSi₂. An additional layer was formed, caused by processes at the surface of the Si₃N₄ material, preventing the formation of pores, cracks, or glassy-phase-rich areas, which are common features of oxidation damage in Si₃N₄ materials. This surface layer, containing Mo₅Si₃ and silicon oxynitride (Si₂ON₂), was the result of reactions between MoSi₂, Si₃N₄, and the oxygen penetrating by diffusion into the material during the hightemperature treatment.     

Effect of the sintering temperature on microstructure and properties of Al2O3–Cu–Ni hybrid composites obtained by PPS

In the present research, the influence of sintering temperature on the microstructure and properties of Al₂O₃–Cu–Ni hybrid composites prepared by the Pulse Plasma Sintering (PPS) technique were described. In this research, three temperatures have been selected: 1250°C, 1300°C, and 1350°C. SEM observations were carried out to determine the distribution of the metallic phase in the composite depending on the sintering temperature. The conducted experiments and microscopic observations enabled a better understanding of the phenomena occurring between the ceramic matrix and metallic phase in the obtained materials. The mechanical properties like a hardness and fracture toughness were measured. The technology applied allowed us to obtain ceramic-metal composites with a homogeneous microstructure. It was found that the sintering temperature influences the selected physical and mechanical properties of the composites produced. It was found that samples produced at 1300°C are characterized by the highest relative density and the mechanical properties.     

Adaptive dynamic cohesive fracture simulation using nodal perturbation and edge‐swap operators

Dependence on mesh orientation impacts adversely the quality of computational solutions generated by cohesive zone models. For instance, when considering crack propagation along interfaces between finite elements of 4k structured meshes, both extension of crack length and crack angle are biased according to the mesh configuration. To address mesh orientation dependence in 4k structured meshes and to avoid undesirable crack patterns, we propose the use of nodal perturbation (NP) and edge‐swap (ES) topological operation. To this effect, the topological data structure TopS (Int. J. Numer. Meth. Engng 2005; 64 : 1529–1556), based on topological entities (node, element, vertex, edge and facet), is utilized so that it is possible to access adjacency information and to manage a consistent data structure in time proportional to the number of retrieved entities. In particular, the data structure allows the ES operation to be done in constant time. Three representative dynamic fracture examples using ES and NP operators are provided: crack propagation in the compact compression specimen, local branching instability, and fragmentation. These examples illustrate the features of the present computational framework in simulating a range of physical phenomena associated with cracking. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A methodology for systemic‐structural analysis and design of manual‐based manufacturing operations

The main objective of this study was to develop a method for systemic‐structural analysis and design of manufacturing assembly operations based on the activity theory. The “activity” was defined as behavior distinctively specific to workers, associated with mobilizations and realization of conscious manufacturing goals. The fundamental units of analysis of activity are actions that are both motor and mental. Activity is considered as a complicated structure of actions that are logically ordered in space and time. Each action is comprised of different operations. The building blocks of motor actions are motions. The building blocks of cognitive actions are mental operations. Activity integrates not merely cognitive and behavioral components, but the energy components as well. The proposed methodology is illustrated using an example of two manufacturing assembly operations. © 2001 John Wiley and Sons, Inc.     

Human perception of robot safe speed and idle time

Operators and users of robotic systems perform tasks which require close proximity to dangerous moving parts. Two experiments were performed to assess human perception of safe robot arm speed and idling times. Experiment 1 was designed to determine the maximum safe speed of robots. Subjects were asked to adjust the robot speeds. Perceived safe speeds were indicated for two different types of robots. Experiment 2 was designed to determine safe programmed idle time of robots. Subjects were asked to enter the robot work envelope when a programmed idle was perceived to be caused by a malfunction. Safe idle times were reported for two different robot speeds during operational cycles.     

Electronic storage of LC/ESI‐MS total ion current profiles of total lipid extracts and multidimensional lipidomic analysis of plasma lipoproteins

We have utilized the Hewlett‐Packard LC/ESI‐MS technology to store electronic records of total ion current profiles of molecular species of various natural and peroxidized phospholipids of native and auto‐oxidized plasma lipoproteins before and after digestion with secretory phospholipase A₂ (sPLA₂). The present report illustrates the successful utilization of the stored data in several originally un‐intended applications, including chemical, physico‐chemical and enzymatic alterations of the lipoprotein lipids. The inclusion of lipid samples from enzyme and control incubations adds a dynamic aspect to multidimensional lipidomic analysis of plasma lipoproteins.