A new empirical distribution for the uncertainty analysis of the top event of a fault tree

A new empirical statistical distribution is reported, which describes the probability distribution of the unavailability Q_TOP for the top event of a fault tree. The distribution can be fitted using linear regression analysis. Investigations into the fit of the new distribution are reported, and as specific examples, two fault trees described in Reactor Safety Study are studied. The proposed distribution fits very well in both the cases, as shown by the χ² test. For comparison, Johnson's S_L and S_B distributions, the log-normal distribution and the hybrid log-normal distribution are fitted to the same fault trees using the exact regression analysis method. Johnson's S_B distribution cannot be fitted in the case of one of the fault trees as the necessary iterative process does not converge. For the other fault tree, the S_B distribution fits very well. Johnson's S_L distribution, the log-normal distribution and the hybrid log-normal distribution do not fit as well as the distribution proposed here and the χ² test failed. Also, Johnson's distributions require the use of either an approximate method, involving a number of trials and errors, or non-linear regression analysis for fitting. The proposed distribution can, on the other hand, be fitted exactly using linear regression analysis and is, therefore, no more difficult to fit than the log-normal distribution. It is therefore concluded that the proposed distribution is most suited to describe the probability distribution of the unavailability for the top event of fault tree. Its suitability as a substitute for Johnson's distributions is also investigated. As specific examples, two statistical distributions in a text-book, for which fitting of Johnson's distributions has been suggested, are studied. The proposed distribution fits very well, as shown by the χ² test. The proposed distribution is thus a good substitute for Johnson's S_B distribution.     

Road Oriented Traffic Information System for Vehicular Ad hoc Networks

Over the last few years, vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) have gained popularity for their interesting applications. To make efficient routing decisions, VANET routing protocols require road traffic density information for which they use density estimation schemes. This paper presents a distributed mechanism for road vehicular density estimation that considers multiple road factors, such as road length and junctions. Extensive simulations are carried out to analyze the effectiveness of the proposed technique. Simulation results suggested that, the proposed technique is more accurate compared to the existing technique. Moreover, it facilitate VANET routing protocols to increase packet delivery ratio and reduce end-to-end delay.     

Prediction of short fatigue crack growth of Ti‐6Al‐4V

It is observed that the short fatigue cracks grow faster than long fatigue cracks at the same nominal driving force and even grow at stress intensity factor range below the threshold value for long cracks in titanium alloy materials. The anomalous behaviours of short cracks have a great influence on the accurate fatigue life prediction of submersible pressure hulls. Based on the unified fatigue life prediction method developed in the authors' group, a modified model for short crack propagation is proposed in this paper. The elastic–plastic behaviour of short cracks in the vicinity of crack tips is considered in the modified model. The model shows that the rate of crack propagation for very short cracks is determined by the range of cyclic stress rather than the range of the stress intensity factor controlling the long crack propagation and the threshold stress intensity factor range of short fatigue cracks is a function of crack length. The proposed model is used to calculate short crack propagation rate of different titanium alloys. The short crack propagation rates of Ti‐6Al‐4V and its corresponding fatigue lives are predicted under different stress ratios and different stress levels. The model is validated by comparing model prediction results with the experimental data.     

The effects of the welding current on heat input,nugget geometry,and the mechanical and fractural properties of resistance spot welding on Mg/Al dissimilar materials

Investigating the joining capability of magnesium AZ31 alloy sheets and aluminium 1350 alloy sheets with the application of resistance spot welding was the objective of this study. The weld current values used in the welding process of Al–Mg sheets were 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, and 33 kA. The studies examined the nugget geometries of joined specimens, recorded the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the welded zone and the fracture surface, and recorded the energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS, semi-quantitative) analyses. The results of the experiment confirmed that nugget geometry was different for the Al and Mg sides. Tensile shear tests carried out on the welded joints determined their strength and failure mode. The increase in the weld current and duration resulted in an increase in the nugget size and the weld strength. According to observations, the tensile load bearing capacity (TLBC) increased up to 29 kA of the weld current value. It was also found that tearing during fracture occurred in two different ways.     

A mathematical simulation of unsteady MHD Casson nanofluid flow subject to the influence of chemical reaction over a stretching surface: Buongiorno's model

In this study, unsteady boundary layer flow with Casson nanofluid within the sight of chemical reaction toward a stretching sheet has been analyzed mathematically. The fundamental motivation behind the present examination is to research the influence of different fluid parameters, in particular, Casson fluid $\beta (0.2\le \beta \le 0.4)$, thermophoresis $Nt(0.5\le Nt\le 1.5)$, magnetohydrodynamic $M(3.0\le M\le 5.0)$, Brownian movement $Nb(0.5\le Nb\le 2.0)$, Prandtl numberty, unsteadiness parameter $A(0.10\le A\le 0.25)$, chemical reaction parameter $\gamma (0.1\le \gamma \le 0.8)$, and Schmidt number $Sc(1.0\le Sc\le 3.0)$ on nanoparticle concentration, temperature, and velocity distribution. The shooting procedure has been adopted to solve transformed equations with the assistance of Runge–Kutta Fehlberg technique. The impact of different controlling fluid parameters on flow, heat, and mass transportation are depicted in tabular form and are shown graphically. Additionally, values of skin friction coefficient, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number are depicted via tables. Present consequences of the investigation for Nusselt number are related with existing results in writing by taking $Nb=0$ and $Nt=0$ where results are finding by utilization of MATLAB programming. Findings of current research help in controlling the rate of heat and mass aspects to make the desired quality of final product aiding manufacturing companies and industrial areas.     

Structural and optoelectronic properties of sprayed Sb:SnO_2 thin films:Effects of substrate temperature and nozzle-to-substrate distance

The influence of substrate temperature and nozzle-to-substrate distance（NSD） on the structural,morphological, optical and electrical properties of Sb:SnO₂ thin films prepared by chemical spray pyrolysis has been analyzed.The structural,morphological,optical and electrical properties were characterized by using XRD,SEM, UV-visible spectrophotometry and Hall effect measurement techniques.It was seen that the films are polycrystalline, having a tetragonal crystal structure with strong orientation along the（200） reflection.The pyramidal crystallites formed due to coalescence were observed from SEM images.The values of highest conductivity,optical transmittance and figure of merit of about 1449（Ω·cm）^-1,70%and 5.2×10^-3□/Ω,respectively,were observed for a typical film deposited using optimal conditions（substrate temperature = 500℃and NSD = 30 cm）.     

Structural and optoelectronic properties of sprayed Sb:SnO2 thin films: Effects of substrate temperature and nozzle-to-substrate distance

The influence of substrate temperature and nozzle-to-substrate distance (NSD) on the structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties of Sb:SnO₂ thin films prepared by chemical spray pyrolysis has been analyzed. The structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties were characterized by using XRD, SEM, UV-visible spectrophotometry and Hall effect measurement techniques. It was seen that the films are polycrystalline, having a tetragonal crystal structure with strong orientation along the (200) reflection. The pyramidal crystallites formed due to coalescence were observed from SEM images. The values of highest conductivity, optical transmittance and figure of merit of about 1449 (Ω·cm)^-1, 70 % and 5.2 × 10^-3 □/Ω, respectively, were observed for a typical film deposited using optimal conditions (substrate temperature D 500 ℃ and NSD D 30 cm).     

Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvic floor in the postpartum patient

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to assess anatomical changes in the pelvic floor after childbirth. Six women underwent serial MRI examination within 30 hours and at 1 week, 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 6 months after delivery; 8 additional women were studied only within 30 hours of delivery. T-1 and T-2-weighted images of the pelvis in the transverse and sagittal planes with a 1.5-T MR imager were obtained. In the sagittal section we assessed the urethrovesical angle, urethral length, distance from the symphysis to the proximal and distal vagina, vaginal length, width and length of the sphincters, and the presence of sphincter defects. Axial sections were assessed for sphincter defects for the distance between the symphysis and midurethra, vagina and rectum. Only one parameter (distance between symphysis and distal vagina) changed significantly over time, without a clear trend in direction. Interobserver variation was reasonable (<15%) except for anal canal length, urethral length and distance between symphysis and anus. There were no significant correlations between birthweight and MRI parameters. There was a non-significant association (P = 0.09) between the sole combined sphincter defect and rectal injury, but not with episiotomy or parity. We concluded that it is feasible to determine multiple measurements on MR images to evaluate structures of the pelvic floor.     

Technetium-99m-MIBI myocardial SPECT: supine versus right lateral imaging and comparison with coronary arteriography

Myocardial perfusion SPECT using the prone position improves inferior wall counts and decreases motion problems as compared with the usual supine position. Nonetheless, it is not suitable for women. In addition, it is associated with artifactual anteroseptal defects and hot spots. METHODS: The right lateral (RL) position was evaluated instead of the prone position in 72 patients (26 women). RL imaging was performed immediately after the supine imaging during a routine 2-day 99mTc-sestamibi exercise protocol. The SPECT images were scored semiquantitatively by three physicians. Moreover, regional myocardial counts, as well as extent and severity of defects, were assessed by quantitative polar map analysis. RESULTS: All patients tolerated the RL position well and there was no significant patient movement in either position. Higher inferior myocardial counts per pixel were observed in the RL than in supine images. Inferior wall defects (especially mild ones) were more common in the supine than the RL images, whereas defects in other regions were not different. Quantitative analysis confirmed these findings. Analysis of 34 patients with recent coronary arteriography revealed an overall coronary artery disease (CAD) supine- and RL-imaging specificity of 50% and 75%, respectively, and the sensitivities of both were 93%. Right CAD sensitivity, specificity and normalcy rates for the supine position were 100%, 44% and 55%, whereas those of the RL position were 94%, 75% and 90%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The RL position improves CAD diagnostic accuracy, particularly right CAD, without significant artifacts in other myocardial regions. Unlike the prone position, the RL position is well tolerated by both women and men.     

A new approach for computing the bandwidth statistics of avalanchephotodiodes

A new approach for characterizing the avalanche-buildup-time-limited bandwidth of avalanche photodiodes (APD's) is introduced which relies on the direct knowledge of the statistics of the random response time. The random response time is the actual duration of the APD's finite buildup limited random impulse response function. A theory is developed characterizing the probability distribution function (PDF) of the random response time. Recurrence equations are derived and numerically solved to yield the PDF of the random response time. The PDF is then used to compute the mean and the standard deviation of the bandwidth. The dependence of the mean and the standard deviation of the bandwidth on the APD mean gain and the ionization coefficient ratio is investigated. Exact asymptotics of the tail of the PDF of the response time are also developed to aid the computation efficiency. The technique can be readily applied to multiplication models which incorporate dead space and can be extended to cases for which the carrier ionization coefficient is position dependent