Creating geometrically robust designs for highly sensitive problems using topology optimization

Resonance and wave-propagation problems are known to be highly sensitive towards parameter variations. This paper discusses topology optimization formulations for creating designs that perform robustly under spatial variations for acoustic cavity problems. For several structural problems, robust topology optimization methods have already proven their worth. However, it is shown that direct application of such methods is not suitable for the acoustic problem under consideration. A new double filter approach is suggested which makes robust optimization for spatial variations possible. Its effect and limitations are discussed. In addition, a known explicit penalization approach is considered for comparison. For near-uniform spatial variations it is shown that highly robust designs can be obtained using the double filter approach. It is finally demonstrated that taking non-uniform variations into account further improves the robustness of the designs.     

Design of Barrages with Genetic Algorithm Based Embedded Simulation Optimization Approach

Barrages are hydraulic structures constructed across rivers to divert flow into irrigation canals or power generation channels. The most of these structures are founded on permeable foundation. The optimum cost of these structures is nonlinear function of factors that cause the seepage forces under the structure. There is, however, no procedure to ascertain the basic barrage parameters such as depth of sheet piles or cutoffs and the length and thickness of floor in a cost–effective manner. In this paper, a nonlinear optimization formulation (NLOF), which consists of an objective function of minimizing total cost, is solved using genetic algorithm (GA). The mathematical model that represents the subsurface flow is embedded in the NLOF. The applicability of the approach has been illustrated with a typical example of barrage profile. The results obtained in this study shows drastic cost savings when the proposed NLOF is solved using GA than that of using classical optimization technique and conventional method. A parametric analysis has also been performed to study the effect of varying soil and hydrological conditions on design parameters and on over all cost.     

Drought Severity Assessment Based on Bivariate Probability Analysis

Conventionally drought severity is assessed based on drought indices. Recently the Reconnaissance Drought Index (RDI) was proposed to assess drought severity based on the precipitation to potential evapotranspiration ratio (P/PET). In this paper RDI is studied as a bivariate index under a set of assumptions and simplifications. The paper presents a simple computational procedure for estimating the P/PET ratio for selected reference periods varying from 3 to 12 months, for any return period of drought. Alternatively, based on this procedure, the severity of any drought episode is rationally assessed. A bivariate probability analysis is employed based on the assumption that P and PET values are normally distributed and often negatively correlated. Examples for the application of the proposed procedure are presented using data from several meteorological stations in Greece. It is shown that the assumption of normality of both P and PET holds for long periods at all examined stations.     

,,Location-based Services“ – Personalisierung mobiler Dienste durch Verortung

Zusammenfassung Im Zeitalter der Informationsgesellschaft, so wurde postuliert, spielten r?umliche Distanzen keine Rolle mehr und unsere r?umliche Mobilit?t n?hme ab. Die Mobilit?t in den letzten Jahren, speziell die Freizeitmobilit?t, hat hingegen zugenommen. Die Bereitstellung ortsbezogener Dienste – ,,Location-based Services“ – unterstützt und f?rdert dieses Verhalten.     

Parallel Lagrange interpolation on <Emphasis Type="Italic">k</Emphasis>-ary <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-cubes with maximum channel utilization

This paper proposes an efficient parallel algorithm for computing Lagrange interpolation on k-ary n-cube networks. This is done using the fact that a k-ary n-cube can be decomposed into n link-disjoint Hamiltonian cycles. Using these n link-disjoint cycles, we interpolate Lagrange polynomial using full bandwidth of the employed network. Communication in the main phase of the algorithm is based on an all-to-all broadcast algorithm on the n link-disjoint Hamiltonian cycles exploiting all network channels, and thus, resulting in high-efficiency in using network resources. A performance evaluation of the proposed algorithm reveals an optimum speedup for a typical range of system parameters used in current state-of-the-art implementations.

Optimal infinite scheduling for multi-priced timed automata

This paper is concerned with the derivation of infinite schedules for timed automata that are in some sense optimal. To cover a wide class of optimality criteria we start out by introducing an extension of the (priced) timed automata model that includes both costs and rewards as separate modelling features. A precise definition is then given of what constitutes optimal infinite behaviours for this class of models. We subsequently show that the derivation of optimal non-terminating schedules for such double-priced timed automata is computable. This is done by a reduction of the problem to the determination of optimal mean-cycles in finite graphs with weighted edges. This reduction is obtained by introducing the so-called corner-point abstraction, a powerful abstraction technique of which we show that it preserves optimal schedules. This work has been mostly done while visiting CISS at Aalborg University in Denmark and has been supported by CISS and by ACI Cortos, a program of the French Ministry of Research.     

The Basic Constructive Logic for Negation-Consistency

In this paper, consistency is understood in the standard way, i.e. as the absence of a contradiction. The basic constructive logic B_Kc4, which is adequate to this sense of consistency in the ternary relational semantics without a set of designated points, is defined. Then, it is shown how to define a series of logics by extending B_Kc4 up to minimal intuitionistic logic. All logics defined in this paper are paraconsistent logics.     

Continuous State Dynamic Programming via Nonexpansive Approximation

This paper studies fitted value iteration for continuous state numerical dynamic programming using nonexpansive function approximators. A number of approximation schemes are discussed. The main contribution is to provide error bounds for approximate optimal policies generated by the value iteration algorithm.      

Peristaltic micropump system with piezoelectric actuators

This work presents a driving system for a peristaltic micropump that is based on piezoelectric actuation. The effects of the actuation sequence on pump performance are also considered. A valveless peristaltic micropump based on piezoelectric actuation is designed and fabricated using microelectromechanical system technology. The pump has three parts––silicon, Pyrex glass and commercially available bulk PZT (lead zirconate titanate) chips. The peristaltic micropump actuated by PZT chips comprises three chambers that are in series. The driving system consists of an ATmega 8535 microprocessor, a high voltage power supply, three differential amplifiers, a phase controller, an A/D converter, a 555 oscillator and an LCD module. It is supplied via a 110 Vrms 60-Hz AC line and is programmable. The system can produce step-function signals with voltages of up to 100 V_pp and frequencies ranging from 10 Hz to 1 kHz, as the inputs for the pump. Fluid pumping with air is successfully demonstrated. Additionally, 3-, 4- and 6-phase actuation sequences for the pump are designed and used to study the effects on pump performance, as revealed by the flow rate and the displacement of a pump diaphragm. The experimental results show that the flow rate and the displacement of the diaphragm actuated by the 4-phase sequence exceed those actuated by the 3- and 6-phase sequences. A flow rate of 17.6 μl min⁻¹ and a displacement of 2.91 μm (peak-to-peak) in 4-phase peristaltic motion are achieved at 100 Hz and 100 V_pp. The results demonstrate that the pump actuated in the 4-phase sequence is the most efficient. Consequently, the actuation sequences can affect the pump performance.     

Direct microscale imprinting of Al at room temperature with Si inserts

For direct imprinting of metals, hard materials such as diamond and SiC have been used to construct mold inserts in preference to Si, despite the ease in fabricating Si-based micro-/nano- scale structures. In this communication, we demonstrate that micron scale Al structures can be replicated with good fidelity at room temperature by compression molding with Si inserts without incurring insert damage. We further report on results of a finite element analysis of the mechanics of the molding process. The finite element results provide some understanding of the observed lack of damage to the Si inserts.