Average-case analysis of the Modified Harmonic algorithm

In this paper we analyze the average-case performance of the Modified Harmonic algorithm for on-line bin packing. We first analyze the average-case performance for arbitrary distribution of item sizes over (0,1]. This analysis is based on the following result. Letf ₁ andf ₂ be two linear combinations of random variables {N _i } _i=1 ^k where theN _i 's have a joint multinomial distribution for eachn=σ _i=1 ^k ,N _i . LetE(f ₁) ≠ O andE(f ₂)≠ 0. Then lim_{n →}∞E(max(_{f 1},f ₂ ))/n = lim _n →∞ max(E(f ₁),E(f ₂))/n. We then consider the special case when the item sizes are uniformly distributed over (0,1]. For specific values of the parameters, the Modified Harmonic algorithm turns out to be better than the other two linear-time on-line algorithms—Next Fit and Harmonic—in both the worst case as well as the average case. We also obtain optimal values for the parameters of the algorithm from the average-case standpoint. For these values of the parameters, the average-case performance ratio is less than 1.19. This compares well with the performance ratios 1.333. and 1.2865. of the Next Fit algorithm and the Harmonic algorithm, respectively.     

Design of novel compact anti-stiction and low insertion loss RF MEMS switch

A novel torsional RF MEMS capacitive switch design on silicon substrate is presented. The optimized switch topology such as reduction in up-state capacitance results in insertion loss better than ?0.1 dB till 20 GHz. Off to on state capacitance ratio is also improved by 18 fold and isolation is better than ?43 dB at 9.5 GHz. The achieved on state return loss is ?38 dB as compared to ?21 dB at 9.5 GHz. An optimized reduction in contact area and use of floating metal layer increases the switching speed from 56 to 46 μsec. It also increases the switch reliability by alleviating the stiction.     

A novel layered Li [Li0.12NizMg0.32−zMn0.56]O2 cathode material for lithium-ion batteries

Layered Li[Li_0.12Ni_zMg_0.32−zMn_0.56]O₂ oxide cathodes containing lithium atoms in the transition metal layers were synthesized and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), galvanostatic cycling, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The Li[Li_0.12Ni_zMg_0.32−zMn_0.56]O₂ cathodes deliver a specific discharge capacity of about 190 mAh/g at room temperature and 236 mAh/g at 55 °C when cycled between 2.7 and 4.6 V versus Li/Li⁺. Excellent capacity retention and smooth potential profiles at room and elevated temperatures over extended cycles suggest that this material does not convert into a spinel structure.     

Viscosity of Porous Glasses

Viscosity of porous glasses has been derived from the elastic stress analysis, using the viscous analogy. Viscosity as a function of porosity has been estimated for spherical as well as for arbitrary pore geometry. Since the pore geometry changes during sintering, a shape factor that varies with pore geometry has been considered to predict the viscosity–porosity relationship. Viscosity as a function of porosity was measured on cordierite-type glass by isothermal sinter-forging experiments and data showed good agreement with the analysis. Experimental data from literature on viscosity as a function of porosity on two other glasses also show good agreement with the analysis.     

Mass transfer between solid particles and liquid in a three phase fluidized bed

Particle-liquid mass transfer in a co-current three-phase fluidized bed of glass beads, water and air was studied with two measurement techniques. Both techniques measured the weight loss of a few particles coated with benzoic acid in a bed of inert glass beads. The effects of liquid and gas velocities, gas distribution and surface active agents on particle-liquid mass transfer in a three-phase fluidized bed were thus determined. In the absence of surface active agents in the liquid, particle-liquid mass transfer rates in a three-phase fluidized bed were up to 30% higher than in the corresponding liquid fluidized bed. When surface active agents were added to the liquid, the particle-liquid mass transfer rate was increased by up to about 100% in the three-phase fluidized bed, relative to the liquid fluidized bed. The particle-liquid mass transfer coefficient was found to be inversely proportional to the liquid hold-up in the three-phase fluidized bed.     

Conductivity and viscosity studies of ethylene carbonate based solutions containing lithium perchlorate

Specific conductivities and viscosities of lithium perchlorate at four different concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 M) in ethylene carbonate (EC) based binary mixed solvent systems at 25°C are reported. The co-solvents chosen were tetrahydrofuran (THF), 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) and 1,3-dioxolane (DOL). Viscosity variations in all the three mixed solvent systems without electrolyte showed negative deviation from ideal behaviour thereby indicating the occurrence of a structure breaking effect in these three different binary systems. The increase in viscosity with increase in concentration of LiClO₄ is attributed to the structural enhancement through the formation of a solvated complex which occupies interstitials in the solvent mixtures. 1 M LiClO₄ solution shows maximum specific conductivity at 30 vol % EC for EC + DME and EC + DOL mixtures and at 50 vol % EC for EC + THF mixtures. Conductivity variations are explained on the basis of preferential solvation of lithium perchlorate by co-solvents (THF, DME and DOL) in their respective mixtures with ethylene carbonate.     

Direct contact heat transfer between two immiscible liquids during vaporization: Part II: Total evaporation time

A dilatometric technique was used to determine the total evaporation time of individual drops of furan, isopentane and cyclopentane as they rose in water. The values of total evaporation time were predicted reasonably well for each system by a different equation than was used to correlate the evaporative data for the initial 10% of the evaporative process as reported in Part I of this study. The total evaporation time data were also compared with the correlations given by Klipstein ⁽¹⁾, by Sideman and Taitel ⁽²⁾ and with the correlation which was found by the authors to best fit the total evaporative data for the three systems. In agreement with Klipstein ⁽¹⁾, the correlation for the overall heat transfer coefficient was found to be one of the form, q_A = Cd₁^2.0δt. The rate of rise of an evaporating drop for the conditions used in this study was found to be nearly equal to the instantaneous terminal velocity.     

Comparative characteristic and erosion behavior of NiCr coatings deposited by various high-velocity oxyfuel spray processes

The purpose of this study is to analyze and compare the mechanical properties and microstructure details at the interface of high-velocity oxyfuel (HVOF)-sprayed NiCr-coated boiler tube steels, namely ASTM-SA-210 grade A1, ASTM-SA213-T-11, and ASTM-SA213-T-22. Coatings were developed by two different techniques, and in these techniques liquefied petroleum gas was used as the fuel gas. First, the coatings were characterized by metallographic, scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive x-ray analysis, x-ray diffraction, surface roughness, and microhardness, and then were subjected to erosion testing. An attempt has been made to describe the transformations taking place during thermal spraying. It is concluded that the HVOF wire spraying process offers a technically viable and cost-effective alternative to HVOF powder spraying process for applications in an energy generation power plant with a point view of life enhancement and to minimize the tube failures because it gives a coating having better resistance to erosion.     

Bipartite coherent-state quantum key distribution with strong reference pulse

We propose an optical scheme for quantum key distribution in which bits are encoded in relative phases of four bipartite weak coherent states ${|\alpha, \alpha\rangle, |-\alpha, -\alpha\rangle, |-\alpha, \alpha\rangle}$ and ${|\alpha, -\alpha \rangle}$ , with respect to a strong reference pulse. We discuss security of the scheme against eavesdropping strategies like, photon number splitting, photon beam splitting and intercept-resend attacks. It is found that present scheme is more sensitive against these eavesdropping strategies than the two-dimensional non-orthogonal state based protocol and BB84 protocol. Our scheme is very simple, requires only passive optical elements like beam splitters, phase shifters and photon detectors, hence is at the reach of presently available technology.