Wellbore Stability Analysis: From Linear Elasticity to Postbifurcation Modeling

This paper reviews some of the progress made on wellbore stability modeling during the last two decades. First we demonstrate the improvement made on mud-pressure predictions by moving from analytic elastic solutions to finite element elastoplastic modeling. We show this progress, presenting a finite element model based on a generalized plane strain formulation for analyzing efficiently the three-dimensional problem of stability in deviated wellbores. On a more research oriented work, we present results from two advanced theories capable of modeling localization of deformation in shear bands, which causes borehole breakouts. The first theory is based on a more established approach, the Cosserat continuum. The second theory, called gradient elastoplasticity, is being developed to resolve some of the drawbacks of gradient plasticity theories. Gradient elastoplasticity is a unified theory where both elastic and plastic parts are of gradient type. We demonstrate that both theories, in addition to localization, can also model the scale effect observed in thick-walled cylinder tests.     

On the evaluation of illumination compensation algorithms

This paper presents a comparison framework for algorithms that can diminish the effects of illumination in images. Its main objective is to reveal the positive and negative characteristics of such algorithms, allowing researchers to select the most appropriate one for their target application. The proposed framework utilizes artificial illumination degradations on real images, which are then processed by the tested algorithms. The results are evaluated by an ensemble of performance metrics, highlighting the various characteristics of the algorithms across a range of different image attributes. The proposed framework represents a useful tool for the selection of illumination compensation algorithms due to a) its quantitative nature, b) its multifaceted analysis and c) its easy reproducibility. The validity of the proposed framework is tested by applying it to the enhancement results of four illumination compensation algorithms, which are used as preprocessing in two classic computer vision applications. The improvements brought about by the algorithms are in accordance with the predictions of the proposed framework.     

Efficient aimpoint tracking using target range profiles of a wideband FMCW seeker

International Journal of Control, Automation and Systems - This paper proposes an efficient aimpoint tracking filter for high-range resolution FMCW radar seekers. A modified probabilistic data...     

Control and optimization of multiscale process systems

In this work, we present an overview of recently developed methods for control and optimization of complex process systems described by multiscale models. We primarily discuss methods developed in the context of our previous research work and use examples of thin film growth processes to motivate the development of these methods and illustrate their application.     

Support effects on structure and activity of molybdenum oxide catalysts for the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane

The structural and catalytic properties of MoO₃ catalysts supported on ZrO₂, Al₂O₃, TiO₂ and SiO₂ with Mo surface densities, n_s, in the range of 0.5–18.5 Mo/nm² were studied for the oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of ethane by in situ Raman spectroscopy and catalytic activity measurements at temperatures of 400–540 °C. The molecular structure of the dispersed surface species evolves from isolated monomolybdates (MoO₄ and MoO₅, depending on the support) at low loadings to associated MoO_x units in polymolybdate chains at high loadings and ultimately to bulk crystalline phases for loadings exceeding the monolayer coverage of the supports used. The nature of the oxide support material and of the Mo–O–support bond has a significant influence on the catalytic behaviour of the molybdena catalysts with monolayer coverage. The dependence of reactivity on the support follows the order ZrO₂ > Al₂O₃ > TiO₂ > SiO₂. The oxygen site involved in the anchoring Mo–O–support is of relevance for the catalytic activity.     

Security policy verification for multi-domains in cloud systems

The cloud is a modern computing paradigm with the ability to support a business model by providing multi-tenancy, scalability, elasticity, pay as you go and self-provisioning of resources by using broad network access. Yet, cloud systems are mostly bounded to single domains, and collaboration among different cloud systems is an active area of research. Over time, such collaboration schemas are becoming of vital importance since they allow companies to diversify their services on multiple cloud systems to increase both uptime and usage of services. The existence of an efficient management process for the enforcement of security policies among the participating cloud systems would facilitate the adoption of multi-domain cloud systems. An important issue in collaborative environments is secure inter-operation. Stemmed from the absence of relevant work in the area of cloud computing, we define a model checking technique that can be used as a management service/tool for the verification of multi-domain cloud policies. Our proposal is based on NIST’s (National Institute of Standards and Technology) generic model checking technique and has been enriched with RBAC reasoning. Current approaches, in Grid systems, are capable of verifying and detect only conflicts and redundancies between two policies. However, the latter cannot overcome the risk of privileged user access in multi-domain cloud systems. In this paper, we provide the formal definition of the proposed technique and security properties that have to be verified in multi-domain cloud systems. Furthermore, an evaluation of the technique through a series of performance tests is provided.