Data input model for virtual reality-aided facility layout

An approach to automatically extract three dimensional (3D) models (that is, geometries and topologies) of physical objects in a facility is described. The rationale for this work is its repeated use in efficiently developing databases of 3D objects for applying virtual reality (VR) tools in detailed layout decision support. Obtaining 3D object models can be a challenging task. Sometimes they are available, for example, in a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) database and these can be readily imported into a VR database. But on many occasions one is not so fortunate and these object models have to be created in correlation to an existing or proposed facility, which can be an extremely tedious and time consuming task. A time efficient and economical alternative is to use video camera images, but quickly and accurately capturing the depth information from 2D camera images has so far remained elusive because the existing methodologies are too general purpose and operate at a lower level of abstraction, namely digitized images. We have developed a method for directly inputting 3D objects into VR-aided facility layout models, by integrating the strengths of previously tried and tested technological components: (i) camera calibration; (ii) image processing; (iii) stereo vision; and (iv) Delaunay triangulation. The techniques described here are embedded in a prototype architecture and toolkit called MIRRORS (Methodology for Inputting Raw Recordings into 3D Object Renderings for Stereo). The primary contribution of this paper is that it has been able to design an integrated system to build 3D object models from 2D images. The MIRRORS system has been primarily designed for objects without free-form surfaces and whose shape can be recovered from a relatively nondense set of points.     

Solid-state polymerization vis-à-vis fiber formation of step-growth polymers. I. Results from a study of nylon 66

This study is directed toward synergistic integration of processing of nylon 66 fibers with solid-state polymerization. The following two goals are sought through the incorporation of solid-state polymerization after the initial shaping operation: eliminating some of the processing problems in the production of high molecular weight, high performance industrial fibers and attainment of improved mechanical properties via high molecular weight. Successful solid-state polymerization has been achieved with as-spun fibers of nylon 66 and molecular weights up to 280,000 g/mol have been obtained from a starting molecular weight of 40,000 g/mol. It is shown that much of the ductility of the starting fiber can be retained, or even enhanced, with solid-state polymerization. Simulated drawing experiments using a thermal deformation analysis technique show an increase in the drawing potential of the solid-state polymerized fiber as compared to the starting material. This has important implications regarding the ultimate properties that can be achieved in fibers of condensation polymers. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Surface Oxidation as a Cause of High Open‐Circuit Voltage in CdSe ETA Solar Cells

TiO₂/CdSe/CuSCN extremely thin absorber (ETA) solar cells are found to give relatively high values of open‐circuit voltage (>0.8 V) but low currents upon annealing the cadmium selenide (CdSe) in air (500 ºC). Annealing in N₂ produces much lower photovoltages and slightly lower photocurrents. Band structure measurements show differences between the two annealing regimes that, however, appear to favor the N₂‐annealed CdSe. On the other hand, chemically resolved electrical measurements (CREM) of the cells reveal marked differences in photo‐induced charge trapping, in particular at absorber grain boundaries of the air versus N₂‐annealed systems, correlated with the formation of Cd–O species at the CdSe surface. Using transient absorption and photovoltage decay, pronounced lifetime differences are also observed, in agreement with the strong suppression of charge recombination. The results point to a multiple role of grain surface‐oxidation, which both impedes electron injection from the CdSe to the TiO_2, but, much more significantly, enhances hole injection to the CuSCN via passivation of hole traps that act as efficient recombination centers.     

Evaluation of numerical schemes using different simulation methods for the continuous phase modeling of cyclone separators

The steady and unsteady state simulations of Stairmand cyclone separator were carried out to investigate the performance of different interpolation schemes for discretization of pressure gradient and advection terms. The RSM turbulence model was revisited to explore its simulation capability of PVC phenomenon and fluctuating velocity profiles of cyclone separators. The combination of Presto, SO, standard and BFW schemes for discretization of pressure gradient and FOU, power law, SOU, QUICK and MUSCL schemes for discretization of advection terms were studied. The double precision solver of Fluent 6.3.26 and modified RSM turbulence model constants of Jiao et al. (Chem. Eng. Technol. 30 (2007) 15–20) were also verified for simulation of cyclone separators. The predicted mean and fluctuating velocity profiles and pressure drop inside the cyclone separator with steady and unsteady simulations have been compared to experimental results available in literature.The steady state simulation failed to predict velocity profiles and pressure drop inside cyclone separator accurately, whereas the unsteady state simulation predicted velocity profiles, pressure drop and PVC phenomenon close to experimental values. The prediction of fluctuating velocity profile was better than previously reported work in the core region compared to the off core region. The present study revealed that the SOU scheme for discretization of advection terms of momentum, kinetic energy and its dissipation rate equations and the FOU scheme for Reynolds stresses together with the Presto scheme for discretization of pressure gradient with unsteady simulation are the optimum choice for simulation of cyclone separators.     

MULTIPLE REGRESSION AND COMMITTEE NEURAL NETWORK FORCE PREDICTION MODELS IN MILLING FRP

This work utilizes the mechanistic modeling approach for predicting cutting forces and simulating the milling process of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) with a straight cutting edge. Specific energy functions were developed by multiple regression analysis (MR) and committee neural network approximation (CN) of milling force data and a cutting model was developed based on these energies and the cutting geometry. It is shown that both MR and CN models are capable of predicting the cutting forces in milling of unidirectional and multidirectional composites. Model predictions were compared with experimental data and were found to be in good agreement over the entire range of fiber orientations from 0 to 180°. Furthermore, CN model predictions were found to greatly outperform MR model predictions.     

A framework for rapid computational prototyping of manufacturing entities

A framework for enhancement of conceptual tools for rapid computational prototyping of manufacturing entities is presented. A typical manufacturing entity (i.e. manufacturing system and/or individual part) is hierarchically represented in a computer and coupled with applications by dividing its information content into three computational elements: data, drawing and user interface. The information content is divided in this way because each of the above elements has a sufficiently distinct requirement for an efficient computer implementation. Although independent advances have taken place in computer data representation by highly efficient and focused data structures, in drawing representation by sophisticated computer graphics, as well as in user interface by a variety of interface media, these advances cannot be directly utilized in the design of a manufacturing entity unless they are efficiently integrated by relatively small programming effort as is deseribed in this rapid prototyping framework. The framework is implemented in object-oriented programming. A breadth of application areas for the framework is illustrated, and specific details are illustrated with reference to depth in one application area.     

Eu（Ⅲ） Indirect Probe to Investigate Interaction of DOPA （3, 4, Di-Hydroxyphenylalanine） and Dopamine （3, 4-Dihydroxy Phenyl Ethyl Amine） Using Electrochemical Methods

Eu（ Ⅲ ） can be utilized as an indirect electrochemical probe to investigate the interaction of bio-molecules such as DOPA and Dopamine with Ca（ Ⅱ ） in vitro. The interaction of DOPA and Dopamine with Eu（ Ⅲ ）-Eu（ Ⅱ ） redox pair was investigated by electrochemical techniques. Both the neurotransmitters are structurally related and undergo interaction with Eu （Ⅲ ）. Eu （ Ⅲ ） coordinates with DOPA and Dopamine through five-member chelate tings via carboxylic oxygen and amino nitrogen. The electrode kinetic parameters viz, transfer coefficient （αna）, diffusion coefficient （D）, forward heterogeneous rate constant （ k^0 fh） were evaluated for Eu（ Ⅲ ）-DOPA/Eu（ Ⅲ ）-Dopamine. The results obtained were used to investigate the nature of interaction of Eu （Ⅲ） with muhi-donor biomolecules. The possible mechanism was also proposed.     

When employees strike back: Investigating mediating mechanisms between psychological contract breach and workplace deviance.

In this article, psychological contract breach, revenge, and workplace deviance are brought together to identify the cognitive, affective, and motivational underpinnings of workplace deviance. On the basis of S. L. Robinson and R. J. Bennett's (1997) model of workplace deviance, the authors proposed that breach (a cognitive appraisal) and violation (an affective response) initiate revenge seeking. Motivated by revenge, employees then engage in workplace deviance. Three studies tested these ideas. All of the studies supported the hypothesized relationships. In addition, self-control was found to be a moderator of the relationship between revenge cognitions and deviant acts; the relationship was weaker for people high in self-control. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)