Low-dimensional modelling of dynamics via computer algebra

I describe a method, particularly suitable to implementation by computer algebra, for the derivation of low-dimensional models of dynamical systems. The method is systematic and is based upon centre manifold theory. Computer code for the algorithm is relatively simple, robust and flexible. The method is applied to two examples: one a straightforward pitchwork bifurcation, and one being the dynamics of thin fluid films.     

The performance of a low cost clay solar cooker

This paper reports the development of a low cost clay solar cooker. The main features of this cooker are that it is made from cheap, locally available materials, and needs no skilled labour. One of the new design features of the solar cooker is the replacement of the absorber plate with locally available black sontes. The effects of using the black stones instead of the abrosber plate resulted in solar cooker capable of storing solar energy, hence making late cooking possible.     

Investigation of the production properties of filled fluoropolymers

Translated from Khimicheskoe i Neftyanoe Mashinostroenie, No. 4, pp. 32–33, April, 1991.     

Numerical evaluation of dyadic diffraction coefficients andbistatic radar cross sections for a perfectly conducting semi-infiniteelliptic cone

In this paper, the scattering of electromagnetic waves by a perfectly conducting semi-infinite elliptic cone is treated. The exact solution of this boundary value problem in problem-adapted spheroconal coordinates in the form of a spherical multipole expansion is of poor convergence if both the source point and the field point are far away from the cone's tip. Therefore, an appropriate sequence transformation of these series expansions (we apply the Shanks transformation) is necessary to numerically determine the dyadic diffraction coefficients and bistatic radar cross sections (RCS) for an arbitrary elliptic cone. Our far-field data for an elliptic cone, a circular cone, and a plane angular sector are compared with some other results obtained with the aid of quite different methods     

Randomization in individual choice behavior.

There is ample evidence that people cannot generate random series when instructed to do so. Rather, they produce sequences with too few symmetries and long runs and too many alternations among events. The authors propose a psychological theory to account for these findings, which assumes that subjects generate nonrandom sequences that locally represent theoretical random series subject to a constraint on their short-term memory. Closed-form expressions are then derived for the major statistics that have been used to test for deviations from randomness. Results from 3 experiments with 2 and 3 equiprobable alternatives support the model on both the individual and group levels. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Analytic physics-based expressions for the empirical parameters ofthe Statz-Pucel MESFET model

The authors present a novel approach to the evaluation of the DC parameters of a semiempirical MESFET model: starting from the analytical expression of the drain current derived from a previously proposed physics-based model, they provide a method to calculate the empirical DC parameters of the so-called Raytheon model. The comparison between computed and measured DC characteristics is quite satisfactory on GaAs microwave FETs of 1 μm or more gate length. By adding to the results obtained in this work an adequate model of the stray capacitances, the circuit performance can be optimized using the technological characteristics of active devices     

Comparative experimental investigations of low-discharge centrifugal compressors with different diffusers

Translated from Khimicheskoe i Neftyanoe Mashinostroenie, No. 8, pp. 7–8, August, 1992.     

Modeling of multilevel converters

In this paper, the imbricated cells multilevel converters are studied and modeled from a control viewpoint. These converters make use of several switches connected in a series, which allows using switches with reduced voltage ratings; these low voltage switches have lower conduction losses and can switch at higher frequency. In addition to this feature common to all converters using series connected switches, the control signals of multilevel converters can be phase shifted to increase the apparent switching frequency and improve the dynamic performances of the whole converter. It is shown that a multilevel inverter leg, composed of p pairs of switches and p-1 capacitors, forms a multivariable nonlinear system that cannot be properly modeled by standard methods such as state-space averaging. The transient behavior of this system depends on the current harmonics and their phase shift with the different control signals. A specific model is detailed, studied, and used to illustrate the properties of these converters. In particular, the natural balancing of the voltage across the switches is demonstrated and the time constants involved in this process are determined