Surface probing simulator for the evaluation of CMM probe radius correction software

Scanning coordinate metrology is largely based on recording the position of a spherical tip which is maintained in contact with the surface to be measured. The coordinate measuring machine (CMM) software converts these tip coordinates into coordinates of points on the measured surface, a process called probe radius correction. In order to investigate the probe radius correction accuracy of specific CMM software in scanning measurements, a surface probing simulator is developed. It calculates the coordinates of probe tip center points (virtual indicated measured points) as raw measurement data by numerically probing a known virtual surface. An iterative solution based on geometric criteria is used to achieve the necessary tangential contact conditions. Various sculptured surface profiles, probe radii, and scanning increments can then be simulated. These raw data are then fed to the CMM software where the probe radius correction is performed. The CMM results are then compared with the known surface to evaluate the probe radius correction accuracy of the CMM built-in algorithm. The simulator allows a rapid CMM software capability check for a variety of situations and may pinpoint shortfalls that may be avoided through alternative measurement procedures. It may also be used to motivate the development of new probe radius correction techniques and assist in their evaluation. Tests were conducted on a Zeiss and a Mitutoyo CMM to demonstrate the usefulness of the simulator.     

Comparative evaluation of different power management strategies of a stand-alone PV/Wind/PEMFC hybrid power system

This study presents different power management strategies of a stand-alone hybrid power system. The system consists of three power generation systems, photovoltaic (PV) panels, a wind turbine and a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). PV and wind turbine is the main supply for the system, and the fuel cell performs as a backup power source. Therefore, continuous energy supply needs energy storing devices. In this proposed hybrid system, gel batteries are used. The state of charge (SOC), charge-discharge currents are affecting the battery energy efficiency. In this study, the battery energy efficiency is evaluated with three different power management strategies. The control algorithm is using Matlab-Simulink®.     

A Simple Schmitt Trigger Circuit with Grounded Passive Elements and Its Application to Square/Triangular Wave Generator

This paper introduces a new simple Schmitt trigger circuit using a plus-type differential voltage-current conveyor (DVCC+) and only two grounded resistors. The proposed circuit is very simple and enjoys adjustable lower and higher threshold voltages as well as the output saturation levels. The application of the proposed Schmitt trigger circuit to the square/triangular wave generator is also given. Moreover, a current feedback operational amplifier (CFOA)-based square/triangular wave generator is derived from the proposed DVCC+-based circuit. Simulation and experimental results are presented to exhibit the performance of the proposed circuits.     

A simple CMOS-based inductor simulator and frequency performance improvement techniques

In this paper, a new CMOS grounded positive tunable inductor simulator based on using two simple CMOS transconductors and an inverting amplifier is presented. The introduced inductor simulator uses a grounded capacitor; accordingly, it is suitable for integrated circuit (IC) fabrication. In addition a CMOS circuit for realizing negative tunable resistor which can be used for parasitic cancellation in inductor simulators and consequently enhancing their frequency performances is developed. A novel method for providing high-frequency performance improvement of simulated inductors is also introduced. Simulation and experimental results are given to demonstrate the performance of the developed inductor simulator and validity of the proposed frequency performance improvement method.     

The use of thyme and laurel essential oil treatments to extend the shelf life of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) during storage in ice

The objective of this investigation was to study the effect of thyme and laurel essential oil treatments on the quality of bluefish during storage in ice for 13?days. The quality of bluefish during storage time was evaluated by sensory, chemical, physical, physicochemical and microbiological analysis. According to the sensory evaluation results, shelf life of control and treated bluefish samples stored in ice were 9 and 11?days, respectively. Total volatile base nitrogen and trimethylamine values gave acceptable results for up to 9?days for the control groups samples and 13?days for treated groups. Free fatty acid, peroxide and thiobarbituric acid values for treated samples were lower than the control. Microbial growth during storage in ice for control samples was higher than treated samples. The results obtained from this study showed that the shelf life of stored bluefish in ice has extended by 3?C4?days compare to the control samples.     

A long-term view of worldwide fossil fuel prices

This paper reviews a long-term trend of worldwide fossil fuel prices in the future by introducing a new method to forecast oil, natural gas and coal prices. The first section of this study analyses the global fossil fuel market and the historical trend of real and nominal fossil fuel prices from 1950 to 2008. Historical fossil fuel price analysis shows that coal prices are decreasing, while natural gas prices are increasing. The second section reviews previously available price modelling techniques and proposes a new comprehensive version of the long-term trend reverting jump and dip diffusion model. The third section uses the new model to forecast fossil fuel prices in nominal and real terms from 2009 to 2018. The new model follows the extrapolation of the historical sinusoidal trend of nominal and real fossil fuel prices. The historical trends show an increase in nominal/real oil and natural gas prices plus nominal coal prices, as well as a decrease in real coal prices. Furthermore, the new model forecasts that oil, natural gas and coal will stay in jump for the next couple of years and after that they will revert back to the long-term trend until 2018.