Application of fractional scaling analysis (FSA) to loss of coolant accidents (LOCA): Methodology development

A quantitative methodology is developed to

(a) scale time-dependent evolution processes involving an aggregate of interacting modules and processes (such as a NPP) and

(b) integrate and organize information and data of interest to NPP design and safety analyses.

The methodology is based on two concepts: fractional scaling and hierarchy. Fractional scaling is used to provide a synthesis of experimental data to generate quantitative criteria for assessing the effects of various design and operating parameters on thermo-hydraulic processes in a NPP. The synthesis via fractional scaling is carried out at three hierarchical levels: process, component and system. The methodology is demonstrated by applying it to a LOCA.The fractional scaling analysis (FSA) identifies dominant processes, ranks them quantitatively according to their importance and provides thereby an objective basis for establishing phenomena identification and ranking tables (PIRT) as well as a basis for conducting uncertainty analyses.The paper also discusses the benefits to be realized by applying the methodology to presently operating NPP as well as to future design of NPP.     

Serviceorientierte Produktplattform für das Energiemanagementsystem der Zukunft

Almost all core processes in energy supply companies are currently affected by dramatic changes of the basic parameters in the utilities sector. Future challenges are discussed by the example of energy management which forms a main business task in the energy supply industry. The concept of a new energy management system (EMS) with a service-oriented architecture is presented. Within the solution, requirements of both time-critical product development and long-term research on new functional components are taken into account. A key factor is standardization of the communication between the solution components via a service-bus based on web services and the IEC norm family around CIM, the ‘common information model’ for utilities.     

On the 45° -Region and the uniform asymptotic stability of classes of second order parameter-varying and switched systems

In this paper we present sufficient conditions for the stability of a number of classes of time-varying systems. These results are of interest for two reasons. Firstly, the conditions presented take the form of matrix pencil eigenvalue criteria, and are therefore co-ordinate independent and easily verifiable. Secondly, we show a direct relationship between the form of our criteria, and the choice of Lyapunov function used to demonstrate stability (quadratic or unic). These results indicate the importance of the region of the complex plane known as the 45°-Region.     

Interactive approach to optical tweezers control

We have developed software with an interactive user interface that can be used to generate phase holograms for use with spatial light modulators. The program utilizes different hologram design techniques, allowing the user to select an appropriate algorithm. The program can be used to generate multiple beams and can be used for beam steering. We see a major application of the program to be in optical tweezers to control the position, number, and type of optical traps.     

Marketing advantages via new manufacturing technologies

Computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) is generally seen as the manufacturing technology of the future. Within the scope of discussion concerning the chances and risks of CIM it is always pointed out that a company can also strengthen its market position by the improvements following the implementation of CIM at the factory floor. These competitive advantages do not arise automatically. It rather requires an effective marketing orientation to transform those technological innovations into competitive advantages.     

A study of light-initiated currents in Limulus lateral eye retinular cells

In a series of 18 patients with focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver characteristic histological changes were found in the lesion of 5 patients receiving female reproductive steroids, e.g, four women taking oral contraceptives for several years, and one man treated with synthetic estrogenic compound for carcinoma of the prostate. These lesions contained young, connective tissue septa with abundant proliferation of bile ducts, piecemeal necroses and lymphocytic infiltration. Much less or no activity, was found in the lesion of 11 women and 2 men without hormone treatment. Possible mechanisms for this activity are discussed, and it is proposed that focal nodular hyperplasia represents a congenital malformation, possibly a hamartoma, the liver cells of which may suffer from enzymatic defects, which may render them especially vulnerable to female sex hormones.     

Characterization and Chemical Modification of Amylose Complexes

Complexes of amylose with various organic guest molecules have been studied by means of c. d. spectroscopy and microcalorimetry in aqueous solution. From the results the structure of the complexes and the mechanism of their formation are deduced. It is concluded that amylose can adjust its helix conformation to the shape and structure of the guest molecule included. Investigations about intramolecular and intermolecular crosslinking of amylose indicate that the complexing behaviour of amylose can be manipulated specifically.