On the (Un)Reliability of TCP Connections: The Return of the End-to-End Argument

This paper discusses the dangers of relying solely on TCP reliability when implementing dependable computing systems, even when those systems are designed to work over a LAN environment. The discussion includes a real-life example from our recent experiences in developing such a system.     

Andreev Spectroscopy for Superconducting Phase Qubits

We propose a new method to measure the coherence time ofsuperconducting phase qubits based on the analysis of themagnetic-field dependent dc nonlinear Andreev current across ahigh-resistance tunnel contact between the qubit and a dirtymetal wire and derive a quantitative relation between thesubgap I–V characteristic and the internal correlationfunction of the qubit.     

Revisiting analysis of phthalate plasticizers concentration in poly(vinyl chloride)

The method of the efficient analysis of di(2‐diethylhexyl) phthalate, tri(2‐ethylhexyl) trimellitate, di(2‐ethylhexyl) terephthalate, and other phthalate plasticizers concentrations in plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) was developed. The method is based on quantitative dissolution of the PVC sample in methyl ethyl ketone with the consequent precipitation of PVC with hexane and concentration of phthalate in an organic layer. A capillary column‐based gas chromatographic technique for phthalates separation and quantification was developed and used in conjunction with the PVC and phthalates dissolution technique. The developed method of phthalate plasticizers analysis proved to be relatively fast, reproducible, and straightforward. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 21:197–204, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Dual-templating of macroporous multicomponent MoVTeNbO x catalysts for propane ammoxidation to acrylonitrile

Thermally stable ordered porous MoVTeNbO _x phases displaying both macroporous and mesoporous structures were prepared for the first time by a dual-templating approach employing colloidal arrays of polystyrene spheres and non-ionic surfactants. The MoVTeNbO _x phases possessing such dual porosity were obtained after polystyrene spheres and non-ionic surfactants were removed in a low temperature calcination step. These hierarchical MoVTeNbO _x phases displaying bimodal pore structure transformed into macroporous rutile phase possessing nanocrystalline inorganic walls at high temperature. These MoVTeNbO _x rutile phases possessed high surface areas (70 m²/g), desirable pore architectures, robust nanocrystalline inorganic walls, and enhanced thermal stability (up to 600 °C). Although these macroporous MoVTeNbO _x rutile catalysts displayed lower activity in propane ammoxidation and lower acrylonitrile selectivity in propane ammoxidation as compared to the active and selective M1 phase, the novel synthesis method reported in these studies represents a promising general approach to design novel complex mixed metal oxides for a wide range of applications in selective oxidation catalysis.     

Lewis number effect on the propagation of premixed flames in narrow adiabatic channels: Symmetric and non-symmetric flames and their linear stability analysis

The propagation of premixed flames with different Lewis numbers in a planar channel subject to a Poiseuille flow is considered within the diffusive-thermal model for steady and time-dependent cases. It was found that, depending on the Lewis number and the flow rate, symmetric and non-symmetric flames are possible. The existence of multiple steady solutions in cases of the low Lewis number is demonstrated. The time-dependent simulations carried out for high Lewis number flames also showed the symmetric and non-symmetric oscillatory solutions.Linear stability analysis of two-dimensional steady-states was performed using a practical method developed in the paper and applied to calculate the main eigenvalue. It was shown that for symmetric flames with a low Lewis number the increase in the flow rate leads to a loss of stability with subsequent formation of non-symmetric solutions. For flames with a high Lewis number the Poiseuille flow produces a stabilization effect. The results of the stability analysis were successfully compared with the results of direct numerical simulations.     

Initial bond formation in thermosonic gold ball bonding on aluminium metallization pads

The morphological features of lift-off footprints on the aluminium metallization pads were investigated to gain an understanding of the effects of bonding parameters on formation of initial bonds during thermosonic gold ball bonding. The obtained results showed that metallurgical bonding initiated at the peripheral areas of the contact area situated along the direction of ultrasonic vibration. Those areas extended inwards with an increase in ultrasonic power. Both the external bonded area and central non-bonded area increased with increasing bonding force. Based on the evolution of footprints, the bonding models were proposed, and the effects of the bonding parameters on the formation of initial bonds were discussed.     

Sodalites as ultramicroporous frameworks for hydrogen separation at elevated temperatures: thermal stability, template removal, and hydrogen accessibility

Sodalite (SOD) is a highly promising porous structure for hydrogen separation from larger gas molecules due to the presence of small (～2.8 Å) six-membered ring openings of the sodalite cages. Thermal stability, template removal, and the release of encapsulated hydrogen were studied for low-silica (Si/Al = 1), high-silica (Si/Al = 5) and pure-silica (Si/Al = ∞) sodalites. The release of encapsulated hydrogen from sodalite cages was observed at 380, 550, and 480 °C for low-silica, high-silica and pure-silica sodalites, respectively, suggesting the operating temperatures for hydrogen separation employing these sodalite structures.     

Influence of turbulent mixing on fast polymerization reactions

Investigations on development of a macrokinetics approach were generalized to the analysis of fast chemical reactions, mainly using cationic polymerization of isobutylene as an example, which is a new class of liquid‐phase processes. The removal of diffusional constraints on polymer synthesis, by intensification of turbulent mixing in the reaction zone, makes it possible to calculate the kinetic parameters of polymerization and polymer‐analogous reactions, to optimize the molecular characteristics of polymeric products obtained, and to control the character of the process as a whole. The laws pertaining to the progression of fast processes are considered for the synthesis of separate polymers, in particular stereoregular polydienes, ethylene–propylene copolymers, and chlorobutyl rubber. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 613–624, 2004     

Applications of Markov Chains in Particulate Process Engineering: A Review

Processes involving particles, are known to exhibit extremely unpredictable behaviour, mainly due to the mesoscopic nature of granular media. Understanding particulate processes, not only for intellectual satisfaction, but also for process design and operation, basically requires a systems approach in modelling. Because they combine simplicity and flexibility, the stochastic models based on the Markov chain theory are very valuable mathematical tools to this respect. However, they are still largely ignored by the whole core of chemical engineering researchers. This motivates the existence of this review paper, in which we examine the three traditional issues: mixing and transport, separation and transformation.     

Large deformation of thermally bonded random fibrous networks: microstructural changes and damage

A mechanical behaviour of random fibrous networks is predominantly governed by their microstructure. This study examines the effect of microstructure on macroscopic deformation and failure behaviour of random fibrous networks and its practical implication for optimisation of its structure by using finite-element simulations. A subroutine-based parametric modelling approach—a tool to develop and characterise random fibrous networks—is also presented. Here, a thermally bonded polypropylene nonwoven fabric is used as a model system. Its microstructure is incorporated into the model by explicit introduction of fibres according to their orientation distribution in the fabric. The model accounts for main deformation and damage mechanisms experimentally observed and provides the meso- and macro-level responses of the fabric. The suggested microstructure-based approach identifies and quantifies the spread of stresses and strains in fibres of the network as well as its structural evolution during deformation and damage. Its simulations also predict a continuous shift in the distribution of stresses due to structural evolution and progressive failure of fibres.