An analytical approximation for the excess noise factor ofavalanche photodiodes with dead space

Approximate analytical expressions are derived for the mean gain and the excess noise factor of avalanche photodiodes including the effect of dead space. The analysis is based on undertaking a characteristic-equation approach to obtain an approximate analytical solution to the existing system of recurrence equations which characterize the statistics of the random multiplication gain. The analytical expressions for the excess noise factor and the mean gain are shown to be in good agreement with the exact results obtained from numerical solutions of the recurrence equations for values of the dead space reaching up to 20% of the width of the multiplication region     

An experimental study on the effect of thinning band on the sheet formability in negative incremental forming

In negative incremental forming, a characteristic thinning band occurs on the parts when wall angles approach the maximum obtainable [D. Young, J. Jeswiet, Wall thickness variations in single point incremental forming, Proceedings of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, Part B, Journal of Engineering Manufacture 218 (2004) 1453–1459]. The effect of this ultra-thin band on the fracture occurrence of part was studied in the current investigation. It was found that the occurrence of a thinning band on the test specimen of a formability test does not mean an effect on the test result. A reduction in the formability due to the occurrence of the thinning band occurs only if the specimen fractures in the flange area. In order to evaluate the real forming limit of a sheet metal, a condition regarding the occurrence of part fracture is proposed.     

The study of MIG weldability of heat-treated aluminum alloys

In this article, Metal Inert Gas (MIG) weldability of commercially received and aged samples of 6061-T₆ and 7075-T₆₅₁ aluminum alloys was investigated. The welding joints were prepared in ten different combinations. Microstructure, microhardness, EDX, energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were used in order to evaluate the effect of aged heat treatment on the performance of welded joints. In addition, the mechanical properties of welding joints were characterized using the tensile and microhardness tests. In conclusion, it was shown that prewelding aging heat treatment improves the mechanical properties of welding joints.     

Effects of slip and heat transfer on the peristaltic flow of a third order fluid in an inclined asymmetric channel

The present investigation is concerned with the peristaltic flow of an incompressible and magnetohydrodynamic MHD third order fluid in an inclined asymmetric channel. Both thermal and velocity slip conditions have been taken into account. The channel walls are maintained at different temperatures. The governing differential systems subjected to their boundary conditions have been solved for small Deborah number. In the derived solution expressions, the long wavelength and low Reynolds number assumptions are utilized. Graphical results are presented for the pressure rise, longitudinal velocity and temperature. Comparison with the previous published work regarding viscous fluid and no-slip case is performed. Pumping and trapping phenomena are displayed graphically just to examine the various interesting aspects of the present work.     

Effects of slip conditions on stretching flow with ohmic dissipation and thermal radiation

The present work addresses the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow and heat transfer over a permeable stretching sheet. Analysis has been carried out in the presence of thermal radiation and ohmic dissipation. The velocity and thermal slip effects are given main attention. The Rosseland approximation is used to describe the radiative heat flux in the energy equation. The non‐linear partial differential equations are reduced to a set of non‐linear ordinary differential equations which are solved analytically by the homotopy analysis method (HAM). The effects of emerging physical parameters on the velocity and temperature profiles are interpreted. Numerical data for skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number have been tabulated for various values of the parameters. The results have been compared with the known exact solution from the literature in a limiting sense. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library ( wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj ). DOI 10.1002/htj.20367     

The impact of the Internet on the social lives of users: A representative sample from 13 countries

One of the most vociferous criticisms of the Internet has always been that it contributes to loneliness among its users. This study analyses results from the World Internet Project, comprised of representative samples from 13 countries (22,002 participants). Thus creating an exceptional international representative sample. In analyzing those results, we argue that in order to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the Internet’s influence over individuals’ social lives; it is essential to consider the different types of social connections that might be influenced by the Internet. We assess the influence of Internet use over social interactions in separate life domains (e.g. with family members; friends; colleagues). Our analysis confirms that Internet usage can actually enhance the social lives of its users. Qualifications to the research are discussed while highlighting the different life domains in which we found significant correlations between Internet usage and increased social interactions.     

Statistical algorithm for nonuniformity correction in focal-plane arrays.

A statistical algorithm has been developed to compensate for the fixed-pattern noise associated with spatial nonuniformity and temporal drift in the response of focal-plane array infrared imaging systems. The algorithm uses initial scene data to generate initial estimates of the gain, the offset, and the variance of the additive electronic noise of each detector element. The algorithm then updates these parameters by use of subsequent frames and uses the updated parameters to restore the true image by use of a least-mean-square error finite-impulse-response filter. The algorithm is applied to infrared data, and the restored images compare favorably with those restored by use of a multiple-point calibration technique.     

Prediction of short fatigue crack growth of Ti‐6Al‐4V

It is observed that the short fatigue cracks grow faster than long fatigue cracks at the same nominal driving force and even grow at stress intensity factor range below the threshold value for long cracks in titanium alloy materials. The anomalous behaviours of short cracks have a great influence on the accurate fatigue life prediction of submersible pressure hulls. Based on the unified fatigue life prediction method developed in the authors' group, a modified model for short crack propagation is proposed in this paper. The elastic–plastic behaviour of short cracks in the vicinity of crack tips is considered in the modified model. The model shows that the rate of crack propagation for very short cracks is determined by the range of cyclic stress rather than the range of the stress intensity factor controlling the long crack propagation and the threshold stress intensity factor range of short fatigue cracks is a function of crack length. The proposed model is used to calculate short crack propagation rate of different titanium alloys. The short crack propagation rates of Ti‐6Al‐4V and its corresponding fatigue lives are predicted under different stress ratios and different stress levels. The model is validated by comparing model prediction results with the experimental data.     

The effects of the welding current on heat input,nugget geometry,and the mechanical and fractural properties of resistance spot welding on Mg/Al dissimilar materials

Investigating the joining capability of magnesium AZ31 alloy sheets and aluminium 1350 alloy sheets with the application of resistance spot welding was the objective of this study. The weld current values used in the welding process of Al–Mg sheets were 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, and 33 kA. The studies examined the nugget geometries of joined specimens, recorded the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the welded zone and the fracture surface, and recorded the energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS, semi-quantitative) analyses. The results of the experiment confirmed that nugget geometry was different for the Al and Mg sides. Tensile shear tests carried out on the welded joints determined their strength and failure mode. The increase in the weld current and duration resulted in an increase in the nugget size and the weld strength. According to observations, the tensile load bearing capacity (TLBC) increased up to 29 kA of the weld current value. It was also found that tearing during fracture occurred in two different ways.     

A mathematical simulation of unsteady MHD Casson nanofluid flow subject to the influence of chemical reaction over a stretching surface: Buongiorno's model

In this study, unsteady boundary layer flow with Casson nanofluid within the sight of chemical reaction toward a stretching sheet has been analyzed mathematically. The fundamental motivation behind the present examination is to research the influence of different fluid parameters, in particular, Casson fluid $\beta (0.2\le \beta \le 0.4)$, thermophoresis $Nt(0.5\le Nt\le 1.5)$, magnetohydrodynamic $M(3.0\le M\le 5.0)$, Brownian movement $Nb(0.5\le Nb\le 2.0)$, Prandtl numberty, unsteadiness parameter $A(0.10\le A\le 0.25)$, chemical reaction parameter $\gamma (0.1\le \gamma \le 0.8)$, and Schmidt number $Sc(1.0\le Sc\le 3.0)$ on nanoparticle concentration, temperature, and velocity distribution. The shooting procedure has been adopted to solve transformed equations with the assistance of Runge–Kutta Fehlberg technique. The impact of different controlling fluid parameters on flow, heat, and mass transportation are depicted in tabular form and are shown graphically. Additionally, values of skin friction coefficient, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number are depicted via tables. Present consequences of the investigation for Nusselt number are related with existing results in writing by taking $Nb=0$ and $Nt=0$ where results are finding by utilization of MATLAB programming. Findings of current research help in controlling the rate of heat and mass aspects to make the desired quality of final product aiding manufacturing companies and industrial areas.