A low cost calibration conditioner for dynamic strain gauge measurements

A conditioner for dynamic strain measurements that allows for a series of calibration signals with periodic and predefined time occurrence, during the whole period in which the measurements have to be carried out, is presented in this work. The calibration signals, having suitable size ratios between them, allow one to evaluate the linearity of the entire measurement chain.     

Convolution profiles for right inversion of multivariable non-minimum phase discrete-time systems

The problem of the non-causal inversion of linear multivariable discrete-time systems is analyzed in the geometric approach framework and is solved through the computation of convolution profiles which guarantee perfect tracking under the assumption of infinite-length preaction and postaction time intervals. It is shown how the shape of the convolution profiles is related to both the relative degree and the invariant zeros of the plant. A computational setting for the convolution profiles is derived by means of the standard geometric approach tools. Feasibility constraints are also taken into account. A possible implementation scheme, based on a finite impulse response system acting on a stabilized control loop, is provided.     

Global adaptive output feedback controllers with application to non‐linear friction compensation

In this paper, we consider a class of non‐linear systems in which a set of constant parameters is unknown and some state variables are not available for measurement. For such systems we provide a constructive procedure for the solution of the global adaptive tracking problem with dynamic partial state feedback. We illustrate an application of the control strategy to the adaptive non‐linear friction compensation of a DC motor servomechanism. We improve previous results in tow directions: we allow for a subset of the unmeasurable states to enter in a system non‐linearly; we consider systems which are linearly parametrized with respect to a set of unknown constant parameters. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Vacuum-u.v. circular dichroism of optically active isotactic poly-α-olefins

Summary Circular dichroism of isotactic samples of poly-(S)-4-methyl-1-hexene and poly-(R)-3,7-dimethyl-1-octene, have been measured in the vacuum ultraviolet spectral region (200-140 nm). The c.d. band at about 160. nm accounts for the optical activity in the visible region and reflects the presence of one screw sense helical conformation of the sample examined.The authors thank Prof. W.C. Johnson, Jr., Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, for allowing them to use the vacuum u.v. spectrometer. This work has been partially supported by a N.A.T.O. grant, and by Ministero Pubblica Istruzione (MPI), Roma — Italy.     

Stability analysis of an adaptive packet access scheme for mobile communication systems with high propagation delays

In this paper, we investigate a packet access scheme that is able to support mixed traffics in the presence of high propagation delays. Referring to a Time‐Code Division Multiple Access air interface, we propose a Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol based on a random access scheme. A successful attempt grants the use of a slot‐code resource. This protocol is named Adaptive Time Code‐Packet Reservation Multiple Access (ATC‐PRMA), since the access parameters are changed, depending on the traffic load conditions, so as to fulfil Quality of Service requirements. Numerical examples are carried out for the Low Earth Orbit (LEO)‐Mobile Satellite System (MSS) scenario, but all these considerations could be applied to High‐Altitude Platform Stations (HAPSs) as well. In both cases, high propagation delays prevent an immediate feedback to users. An analytical approach is proposed to study the stability of our MAC scheme. Accordingly, we define a criterion for optimizing system performance. The predicted ATC‐PRMA behaviour is supported by simulation results. Finally, we show the performance improvement of ATC‐PRMA with respect to a MAC protocol not employing adaptive parameters. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The effect of support morphology on the reaction of oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane to ethylene at short contact times

The oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane is carried out in short contact time reactors over Pt and LaMnO₃ based catalysts supported on a large number of different ceramic substrates (45, 60 and 80 ppi foam monoliths and 200, 400, 600, 900 and 1200 cpsi honeycomb monoliths). Experimental results, obtained under the same conditions at varying the C₂H₆/O₂ ratio, showed that the highest performance in terms of ethylene selectivity and yield is always attained on LaMnO₃ catalysts. Furthermore, the results are significantly influenced by the morphology and cell density of the support, with 45 and 60 ppi foams and 400 and 600 cpsi honeycombs giving the best performance. The experimental results are explained by means of geometrical and fluid dynamic considerations on the support, and by means of a 2D mathematical model, which clearly indicates an optimal intermediate cell density for maximising ethylene selectivity and yield.     

利用新型合成仪器解决系统级测试难题

当今世界电子元件及产品正在加速发展，在大多数商业应用中，从设计到生产的周期现已缩短为只有六个月。而且，设备的内容及拓朴结构已经从单一功能元件迁移到多功能元件，进而还会迁移到整个子系统和系统中，在迁移时通常采用单个组件方案的形式（例如，用于智能电话和iPhone之类的设备）。现在，对于多载波功率放大器（MCPA）和软件定义的无线电（SDR）而言，直接软件控制和设备配置已司空见惯。例如RFIC之类的设备只能在混合信号环境中及实时条件下操作和测试。     

Relation between microstructure, properties and spark plasma sintering (SPS) parameters of pure ultrafine WC powder

A combined experimental/numerical methodology is developed to fully consolidate pure ultrafine WC powder under a current-control mode. Three applied currents, 1900, 2100 and 2700 A, and a constant pressure of 20 MPa were employed as process conditions. The developed spark plasma sintering (SPS) finite-element model includes a moving-mesh technique to account for the contact resistance change due to sintering shrinkage and punch sliding. The effects of the heating rate on the microstructure and hardness were investigated in detail along the sample radius from both experimental and modeling points of view. The maximum hardness (2700 HV10) was achieved for a current of 1900 A at the core sample, while the maximum densification was achieved for 2100 and 2700 A. A direct relationship between the compact microstructure and both the sintering temperature and the heating rate was established.     

Assessing pre- and post-deformation in the southern Arava Valley segment of the Dead Sea Transform, Israel by differential interferometry

Differential radar interferometry, using archived ERS data over the region of the Dead Sea Transform, allows to detect ground movement (subsidence or uplift) in playas within the southern Arava Valley segment of the Dead Sea Rift. These measurements are consistent with a mean displacement rate of about 0.4 cm/month, in the direction of the radar beam, during the 8-month period preceding the Nuweiba earthquake of 22 November 1995. In the 3 years following the earthquake, the measured rate was smaller by a factor of 10. These movements are not related to salt diapirs or water pumping activities in the area. The exact location, along faults, suggests a possible correlation with pre-seismic and post-seismic fault deformation.A simple fault model consistent with the observed phenomena associates the observed subsidence/uplift to right and left stepping en-echelon fault patterns related to inter-seismic tensional accumulation along the faults. Further observations are necessary on this site and similar fault areas to corroborate the correlation between seismic activity and the observed phenomena. Monitoring of these sites should continue with differential Global positioning system (GPS) measurements and radar interferometric analysis using Envisat and Radarsat as well as archived data (including J-ERS).