The stochastic queue center problem

This paper considers the Stochastic Queue Center problem, which seeks to locate a single facility with a center-type objective in an M/G/1 queue operating environment. The objective function that we consider is to minimize a positive weighted linear function of the square of the average response time and the variance of the response time to a call. The Stochastic Queue Center problem is discussed on both a discrete and a network location topology. When potential facility locations are restricted to a finite set of discrete points, an efficient algorithm is developed to solve for the optimal facility location parametrically in the arrival rate. By exploiting convexity properties of the objective function, we develop an efficient finite-step algorithm to find the Stochastic Queue Center on a network. The major conclusion of this work is that incorporating the variance term in the objective function has a major impact on the choice of the optimal location. We illustrate the results with an example drawn from a potential application of the model for locating an emergency transport center serving different municipalities in Camden County, NJ.     

Effect of iron alloying in evolution of nanostructure and microstructural stability in nickel

Nanocrystalline materials show many interesting properties such as high strength and hardness due to nanosized grains and high density of interfaces. In this context, the present work reports the effect of Fe (iron) addition in Ni (nickel) on nanostructure retention during the annealing of Ni-Fe alloy (with 0, 18.5, 28.5 and 43 wt% Fe) at 450 °C for 16 h. Furthermore, effect of annealing on the deformation mechanism was investigated. The integral breadth method revealed the decrease in grain size with increase in wt% Fe in Ni. The strain rate sensitivity exponent which is a signature of operating deformation mechanism showed a higher value (0.10803) in case of Ni-18.5 wt% Fe during nanoindentation. However, Ni-0 wt% Fe, Ni-28.5 wt% Fe and Ni-43 wt% Fe were characterized by a relatively low strain rate sensitivity exponent (between 0.02069 and 0.10803). Results indicated the presence of Hall-Petch relationship up to 18.5 wt% Fe and inverse Hall-Petch relationship above 18.5 wt% Fe.     

EXSHOF: An artificial intelligence approach to high-order filter synthesis

A two-tier expert-system-based synthesis of high-order filters is developed. Expert-system techniques have been used for choosing a particular biquad structure and for selection of the high-order filter structure as well. The data inputs will be either filter specifications or transfer functions and the output will be a detailed filter circuit with all its element values. EXSHOF ( pert System based ynthesis of igh rder ilter) is totally menu-driven and highly interactive. It assumes little knowledge of computers or filters from the user. The complete package is implemented in Turbo PASCAL and Turbo PROLOG languages.     

Nanoscale mechanics of solid-supported multilayered lipid films by force measurement

Using atomic force microscopy and molecular force probe, we have studied the structure and nanomechanical response to nano-indentation of multilayered films of dioleoylphosphatidylcholine films prepared by solution spreading, spin-coating, and capillary methods. The influence of the film thickness on the apparent elastic (Young's) modulus is investigated. Young's moduli of samples prepared by the different methods were found to be similar for sufficiently thick films. An ostensible influence of substrate coupling on the apparent Young's modulus is observed for thinner lipid films. The results are discussed in comparison with previously reported estimates for supported lipid bilayers (membranes) and cells.     

Heat transfer and friction factor enhancement in a square channel having integral inclined discrete ribs on two opposite walls

The influence of a gap provided in integral inclined ribs on heat transfer and friction factor enhancement is investigated. Experiments are conducted to obtain heat transfer and friction factor characteristics in a square channel with two opposite in-line ribbed walls for Reynolds numbers from 5000 to 40000. The test section of square channel composed of integral inclined ribs with a gap and has a length-tohydraulic diameter ratio (L/D _h ) of 20. The rib pitch-to-height ratio (p/e) is 10, the rib height-to-hydraulic diameter ratio (e/D _h ) is 0.060 and rib attack angle (α) varies in the range of 30⁰ to 90⁰ (4 steps). The relative gap position (d/W) and relative gap width (g/e) is varied in the range of 1/5–2/3 (5 steps) and 0.5–2.0 (4 steps), respectively. The enhancement in heat transfer and friction factor of this roughened duct was compared with smooth duct and duct roughened with continuous inclined ribs (with no gap) under similar flow condition. Presence of inclined ribs with a gap yields about 4-fold enhancements in Nusselt number and about 8-fold increase in the friction factor compared with smooth duct and about 1.3 times and 1.4 times higher than the case of continuous ribs (without gaps) for the entire range of parameters investigated. Ribs with relative gap width of 1.0 at relative gap position of 1/3 and attack angle of 60° provides maximum heat transfer and friction factor enhancement.