Capacity-approaching bandwidth-efficient coded modulation schemes based on low-density parity-check codes

We design multilevel coding (MLC) and bit-interleaved coded modulation (BICM) schemes based on low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes. The analysis and optimization of the LDPC component codes for the MLC and BICM schemes are complicated because, in general, the equivalent binary-input component channels are not necessarily symmetric. To overcome this obstacle, we deploy two different approaches: one based on independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) channel adapters and the other based on coset codes. By incorporating i.i.d. channel adapters, we can force the symmetry of each binary-input component channel. By considering coset codes, we extend the concentration theorem based on previous work by Richardson et al. ( see ibid., vol.47, p.599-618, Feb. 2001) and Kavc/spl caron/ic/spl acute/ et al.(see ibid., vol.49, p.1636-52, July 2003) We also discuss the relation between the systems based on the two approaches and show that they indeed have the same expected decoder behavior. Next, we jointly optimize the code rates and degree distribution pairs of the LDPC component codes for the MLC scheme. The optimized irregular LDPC codes at each level of MLC with multistage decoding (MSD) are able to perform well at signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) very close to the capacity of the additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel. We also show that the optimized BICM scheme can approach the parallel independent decoding (PID) capacity as closely as does the MLC/PID scheme. Simulations with very large codeword length verify the accuracy of the analytical results. Finally, we compare the simulated performance of these coded modulation schemes at finite codeword lengths, and consider the results from the perspective of a random coding exponent analysis.     

Frictional contact of flexible and rigid bodies

 This paper is about planar frictional contact problems of both flexible and rigid bodies. For the flexible case a nonlinear finite element formulation is presented, which is based on a modified Coulomb friction law. Stick-slip motion is incorporated into the formulation through a radial return mapping scheme. Linearly interpolating four node elements and three node contact elements are utilized for the finite element discretization. The corresponding tangent stiffness matrices and residual vectors of the equations of motion are presented. In the rigid body case the contact problem is divided into impact and continual contact, which are mathematically described by linear complementarity problems. The impact in normal direction is modeled by a modified Poisson hypothesis, which is adapted to allow multiple impacts. The formulation of the tangential impact is grounded on Coulombs law of friction. The normal contact forces of the continual contact are such that colliding bodies are prevented from penetration and the corresponding tangential forces are expressed by Coulombs law of friction. Examples and comparisions between the different methods are presented. Received: 10 January 2001     

Composition-microstructure-property relationships in ceramic monofilaments resulting from the pyrolysis of a polycarbosilane precursor at 800 to 400 °C

A 15 m monofilament was extruded from a Yajima's type molten polycarbosilane, stabilized by addition of oxygen and heat-treated at 800 to 1400 °C under an argon atmosphere. Two important phenomena occur during pyrolysis. At 500 to 750 °C, an organic-inorganic state transition takes place with a first weight loss. It yields an amorphous material stable up to about 1100 °C. At this temperature, its composition is close to Si₄C₅O₂. It can be described as a continuum of SiC₄ and/or SiC_4–x O_x tetrahedral species (and possibly contains free carbon), with a homogeneity domain size less than 1 nm. The amorphous filament exhibits a high strength and semi-conducting properties. Above 1200 °C, a thermal decomposition of the amorphous material takes place with an evolution of gaseous species thought to be mainly SiO and CO, an important cross-section shrinkage and the formation of 7 to 20 nm SiC crystals which are surrounded with a poorly organized turbostratic carbon. The amorphous-crystalline state transition results in a drop in the tensile failure strength and an increase, by four orders of magnitude, in the electrical conductivity which becomes temperature independent. The former effect is due to the crystallization of the filament and the latter to a percolation phenomenon related to the intergranular carbon. The low stiffness is also due to the presence of carbon. It is anticipated that this transition is mainly related to the decomposition of the silicon oxycarbide species. Finally, a 40 to 50 nm layer of turbostratic carbon is formed at the filament surface at 1200 to 1400 °C whose origin remains uncertain. It is thought to be mainly responsible for the formation of the carbon interphase in the high-temperature processing of ceramic matrix composites.     

Monochromatic heterodyne fiber-optic profile sensor for spatially resolved velocity measurements with frequency division multiplexing

Investigating shear flows is important in technical applications as well as in fundamental research. Velocity measurements with high spatial resolution are necessary. Laser Doppler anemometry allows nonintrusive precise measurements, but the spatial resolution is limited by the size of the measurement volume to approximately 50 microm. A new laser Doppler profile sensor is proposed, enabling determination of the velocity profile inside the measurement volume. Two fringe systems with contrary fringe spacing gradients are generated to determine the position as well as the velocity of passing tracer particles. Physically discriminating between the two measuring channels is done by a frequency-division-multiplexing technique with acousto-optic modulators. A frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser and a fiber-optic measuring head were employed, resulting in a portable and flexible sensor. In the center of the measurement volume of approximately 1-mm length, a spatial resolution of approximately 5 microm was obtained. Spatially resolved measurements of the Blasius velocity profile are presented. Small velocities as low as 3 cm/s are measured. The sensor is applied in a wind tunnel to determine the wall shear stress of a boundary layer flow. All measurement results show good agreement with the theoretical prediction.     

Pestizide polymere, 3. Bewitterung pestizid ausgerüsteter EVA-folien

Mixtures of ethylene/vinyl acetate (EVA)-copolymeres and some selected pesticides were extruded into sheets for agricultural use. The migration of pesticides and their chemical behaviour in the polymer matrix under atmospheric conditions were investigated. The relative decrease of concentrations of the active agents in a field exposition of 13 days could be approximately correlated with their vapour pressures. In some pesticides photochemical reactions caused by sunlight led to decomposition or isomerization. The addition of two light stabilizers (UV-absorber and quencher) had no significant effect on photodecomposition. The results indicate the aptitude of pesticides from different chemical types (esters of phosphoric acids, chlorinated hydrocarbons, derivatives of triazines and methylurea) for sheet application.