On the transfer matrix of a neutral system: Characterizations of exponential stability in input—output terms

This paper investigates the stability of linear autonomous multivariable neutral systems from an input—output viewpoint. Several frequency-domain and input—output characterizations for exponential stability of neutral systems are given. We provide two examples which illustrate that the behaviour of neutral systems may be quite different from that of retarded systems. Moreover we give necessary and sufficient conditions for the transfer functions of a neutral system to belong to certain algebras of meromorphic functions introduced in this paper.     

Petri net modules in the transformation-based component framework

Component-based software engineering needs to be backed by thorough formal concepts and modeling techniques. This paper combines two concepts introduced independently by the two authors in previous papers. On one hand, the concept of Petri net modules introduced at IDPT 2002 in Padberg [J. Padberg, Petri net modules, Journal on Integrated Design and Process Technology 6 (4) (2002) 105–120], and on the other hand a generic component framework for system modeling introduced at FASE 2002 in Ehrig et al. [H. Ehrig, F. Orejas, B. Braatz, M. Klein, M. Piirainen, A generic component concept for system modeling, in: Proceedings of FASE ’02, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol. 2306, Springer, 2002]. First we develop a categorical formalization of the transformation based approach to components that is based on pushouts. This is the frame in which we show that Petri net modules can be considered as an instantiation of the generic component framework. This allows applying the transformation based semantics and compositionality result of the generic framework to Petri net modules. In addition to general Petri net modules we introduce Petri net modules preserving safety properties which can be considered as another instantiation of pushout based formalization of the generic framework.     

Adaptive QoS for Mobile Web Services through Cross-Layer Communication

Web services providers can use the WS-QoS framework to achieve QoS differentiation by integrating various aspects of distinct communication layers. An architecture based on the framework supports resource-constrained mobile devices, which will generate a large percentage of Web service requests in the future     

Attributed graph transformation with node type inheritance

The aim of this paper is to integrate typed attributed graph transformation with node type inheritance. Borrowing concepts from object oriented systems, the main idea is to enrich the attributed type graph with an inheritance relation and a set of abstract nodes. In this way, a node type inherits the attributes and edges of all its ancestors. Based on these concepts, it is possible to define abstract productions, containing abstract nodes. These productions are equivalent to a number of concrete productions, resulting from the substitution of the abstract node types by the node types in their inheritance clan. Therefore, productions become more compact and suitable for their use in combination with meta-modelling. The main results of this paper show that attributed graph transformation with node type inheritance is fully compatible with the existing concept of typed attributed graph transformation.     

Improved corrosion protection of the cut edge of coil coated sheet

Coil coating is a process to apply organic coatings to sheet metal directly after the rolling process and before any further subsequent processing. Coil coated sheet metal has found a broad variety of applications in certain areas of the sheet metal industry, e.g. for household article casings or façade planking of buildings. However, the use of these materials is limited for a large extent of applications by its liability to corrosion of the bare cut edge which is not covered and thereby not protected by paint. A possible approach to this problem is to develop a procedure that can improve corrosion protection by the cutting process. By letting some of the surface coating flow into the cutting clearance and cover the bare cut edge, corrosion resistance can be enhanced. A different approach is to apply a corrosion inhibiting medium, e.g. UV-curing lacquer, onto the cut edge corrosion resistance can be significantly improved. To minimize process steps, this application can be integrated into the cutting process.     

Quenchants for Induction Hardening for the Automotive Industry, Choice and Maintenance

The different types of quenchants for induction hardening - mainly for shower quenching - but also for immersion will be described in regard to their properties, film-formation, remaining residues, how to handle these etc..Furtheron the maintenance of such quench fluids will be desribed in detail regarding concentration control, control of growth of micro-organism, contamination and maintenance.     

Reproducibility of electron microscope magnifications with digital display of individual lens currents

Quantitative measurements on electron micrographs with less than 10% error require precise calibration of all lenses contributing to the final image magnification. Calibration of the magnification to approximately 1.5% is easily attained by using simple statistical methods and a digital display milliampere meter capable of measuring the objective, intermediate and projector lens currents independently. The method detailed, readily adaptable to other electron microscopes, requires the projector lens current be held constant, with the magnification determined by varying the intermediate lens current and corrections made on the basis of calibrated objective lens current effect. The errors of magnification, approximately 1.5%, are the same range as the test grid variation which appears to be the limiting factor. Even with this limitation, magnifications have been determined reproducible to within less than 0.2% in daily use over a 6 month period.     

Polypropylene/poly(lactic acid)/carbon nanotube semi-biodegradable nanocomposites: The effect of sequential mixing approach and compatibilization on morphology,rheology and electrical conductivity

Semi-biodegradable polypropylene (PP)/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) (50:50 vol%) blend loaded with 0.6 vol% of pristine carbon nanotube (CNT) were prepared by melt compounding the components using different sequential mixing strategies: (i) all components together (PP/PLA/CNT); (ii) PP first mixed with CNT (PP@CNT/EVA) and (iii) EVA first mixed with CNT (EVA@CNT/PP). The composites presented co-continuous structure and the CNT selectively localized inside the PP phase or at the interface, regardless the order of the CNT addition into the mixing. These features were confirmed by selective extraction experiments and morphological studies: optical, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopy. However, the preferential localization at the interface was predicted from wetting coefficient, determined from interfacial energy. Higher electrical conductivity values were achieved by using the one-step mixing approach, were all components were mixed together, whose value of around 10⁻⁴ S/m was achieved by adding 0.6 vol% of CNT to the blend. The compatibilization with polypropylene-g-maleic anhydride increased the melt viscosity of the blend and composite but did not affect the conductivity or the tensile properties of the CNT-based composite.     

Toughened epoxy-liquid polybutadiene networks cured with anhydride with outstanding thermal and mechanical properties

Toughened epoxy systems cured with anhydride-based hardener were successfully prepared by incorporating nonpolar liquid polybutadiene (PB) previously functionalized with isocyanate groups (PBNCO). The NCO groups in PBNCO react with the hydroxyl and/or epoxy groups of the matrix forming a ER-PB-ER triblock copolymer. The block copolymer is evidenced by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In fact the modified epoxy resin (ER) networks presented domains with cocontinuous-like morphology, composed by PB and ER phases in nanomeric dimensions. The effect of PBNCO on the curing process of ER was studied by rheometry. Also the resulting networks were characterized by mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties, differential scanning calorimetry, and TEM. By adding an amount of rubber as high as 20 phr, a great improvement of toughness (around 140%) and impact resistance as well as a good transparency were achieved without significantly affecting the modulus and stiffness. Also the glass transition temperature (Tg) increased around 10°C with the presence of 5 phr of PBNCO. Even with the addition of 20 phr of rubber, the Tg of the system was superior than that found for the neat epoxy network. The outstanding physic-mechanical performance is attributed to the peculiar morphology.