Restoring boundary conditions in the solidification of pure metals

The scope of the paper is an algorithm reconstructing the boundary conditions (heat flux and heat transfer coefficient) in the solidification of pure metals on the grounds of temperature measurements. For the verification of the algorithm experimental data derived in the course of the solidification of aluminum were used. An example of the application of the algorithm for designating the cooling conditions in continuous casting is provided, when the values of temperature at selected points on the boundary of the casting are known.     

A note on optimization in deteriorating systems using scheduling problems with the aging effect and resource allocation models

This paper concerns scheduling problems with the aging effect and additional resource allocation. A measurable result of the aging phenomenon is that the time required to perform a job increases whereas the additional resource allocation allows one to decrease it. As an example of a deteriorating system that can be described and optimized by the application of the models and algorithms considered, we choose the pickling process, where cleaning of metal items decreases the efficiency of the pickling (cleaning) bath (i.e., one containing an active substance), whereas heating it up can improve the efficiency. In particular, we focus on the optimization problems for such systems and model them as single-machine scheduling problems with job processing times dependent on the fatigue of a machine and on the allocation of additional resources. The objectives considered are the minimization of time criteria (the maximum completion time and the maximum lateness) under a given resource consumption as well as the minimization of the resource consumption under given time criteria. The computational complexity of the problems is determined and solution properties are proved. On the basis of these, we construct optimal polynomial time algorithms for some cases of the problems considered.     

Determination of the impact indicators of electromagnetic interferences on computer information systems

The present article covers an influence of the impact of electromagnetic interferences on computer information systems whose purpose is to control transport supervision systems. The primary objective of transport supervision systems is to detect hazards to human life and health that occur in the process of transport: traveling of people and/or cargos. This process needs to be characterized by a high level of reliability and safety. The measure of the transport safety is the confidence that the elements of a transport process will remain intact during its realization with the exception of those changes that are the result of the natural processes of aging and wear. The railway environment is one of the most difficult environments concerning the provision of electromagnetic compatibility. Those electromagnetic interferences that are intended and not intended being generated in a rail area have an impact on the operation process of a transport supervision system.     

Simulations of ionization in a hot cavity surface ion source

A new numerical Monte Carlo method based model of a hot cavity surface ionization ion source is presented in this paper. The model, intended to support the studies on ionization phenomena in a widely used class of ion sources, takes into account geometry of the ion source and extraction system, ionizer temperature and other features. The results of ion source efficiency calculations for various configurations of the extraction field are reviewed. The dominant role of the ionizer region near the extraction opening is described. Simulated dependences of ionization efficiency on the working parameters like ionizer length and temperature, ionization potential of the substance, and extraction voltage are discussed. A good agreement of the experimental data (e.g., influence of ionizer temperature, current-voltage curve) and the predictions of the model is found. It is also shown that the contribution to the ionization yield from impact of thermionic electrons accelerated by the extraction field may be significant, especially for the substances of small surface ionization coefficient. The simulation results are compared to the predictions of different theoretical models of the ion source--the obtained simulation data are in accordance both with a well-known Kirchner formula and the so called spherical ionizer model.     

Adsorption of natural organic matter oxidized with ClO2 on granular activated carbon

The paper describes the influence of the oxidation of natural organic matter (NOM) molecules with chlorine dioxide (ClO2) on granulated activated carbon (GAC) adsorption. In order to determinate the influence of ClO2 dosage on the NOM adsorption on GAC two parallel pilot scale experiments were performed. The raw water was treated respectively with 0.2 and 0.4 mg ClO2 L(-1) followed by the adsorption on GAC filters. Experiments were total organic carbon (TOC) measurements and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) controlled. The molecular weight distribution of NOM in the filtration bed outlet demonstrates that the low molecular weight molecules are less retained than the higher molecular weight components of NOM. It is shown that low molecular weight NOM causes less ClO2 demand. The oxidation of NOM molecules and very high capacity of GAC filter bed for NOM components can be used to control high ClO2 demand.     

Recent developments in visual quality monitoring by key performance indicators

In addition to traditional Quality of Service (QoS), Quality of Experience (QoE) poses a real challenge for Internet service providers, audio-visual services, broadcasters and new Over-The-Top (OTT) services. Therefore, objective audio-visual metrics are frequently being dedicated in order to monitor, troubleshoot, investigate and set benchmarks of content applications working in real-time or off-line. The concept proposed here, Monitoring of Audio Visual Quality by Key Performance Indicators (MOAVI), is able to isolate and focus investigation, set-up algorithms, increase the monitoring period and guarantee better prediction of perceptual quality. MOAVI artefacts Key Performance Indicators (KPI) are classified into four categories, based on their origin: capturing, processing, transmission, and display. In the paper, we present experiments carried out over several steps with four experimental set-ups for concept verification. The methodology takes into the account annoyance visibility threshold. The experimental methodology is adapted from International Telecommunication Union – Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) Recommendations: P.800, P.910 and P.930. We also present the results of KPI verification tests. Finally, we also describe the first implementation of MOAVI KPI in a commercial product: the NET-MOZAIC probe. Net Research, LLC, currently offers the probe as a part of NET-xTVMS Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and Cable Television (CATV) monitoring system.     

Stability of ZnO nanofibers in processing liquid agents

The aim of the research was to determine the impact of developers, removers and solvents on the stability of ZnO nanofibers. Surface imaging of nanofiber morphology was studied using Scanning Electron Microscope. From the obtained results a set of factors which have the least influence on the etching of ZnO nanofibers during device processing was selected. The dependence of the grains size on the fibers robustness in the liquid solutions was investigated. It was found that the nanofibers calcinated at higher temperatures were more stable. This was due to the grain size of the fiber as the fibers calcinated at higher temperatures revealed larger grain size. The studies have shown that smaller grains were dissolved much faster, leaving the porous core of the ZnO nanofiber.     

The effect of copper ions on interaction of UV radiation with methacrylic matrix – EPR study

The role of metal ions introduced to polymer matrix in the photochemical degradation of material is not fully understood. In this paper, we considered the effect of copper ions on the photochemical changes in Methafilcon A after UV-irradiation. The presence of methacrylic acid in the structure of Methafilcon A increases the loading capacity of these ions. In result, there is observed the production much more radicals after UV-irradiation than in pure matrix, without copper ions. When the time of UV-exposure increases, the EPR signal of trapped Cu(II) ions in the material decreases. This proves the transformation of Cu(II) to a diamagnetic state of stable Cu(I)-intermediates or copper oxides. Simultaneously, in the first 5-min of UV-irradiation there is observed a rapid increase in intensity of the radical signal, which disappears when the exposure time is extended. This mechanism of radical generating is quite different than for Methafilcon A matrix without copper ions.     

Friction welding of ductile iron with stainless steel

The study of mechanical properties and microstructure of friction welded coupe of ductile iron with stainless steel are presented. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for investigation of the fracture morphology and phase transformations taking place during friction welding process. It was concluded that in case of bainitic ductile iron (BDI) the fracture precedes mainly trough the cleavage planes. Moreover, the distribution of selected elements on both side of the joining interface was studied using EDS line and maps spectrometry. The EDS spectrometry showed some enrichment of ductile iron with Cr and Ni atoms close to the joint. The depth of Cr atoms penetration reached 50 μm. The heat generated locally by friction increased the temperature in the area close to the interface even over the melting point of ductile iron. This was confirmed by metallography which revealed the carbide eutectic enriched with Cr in ductile iron.     

Effect of time and polarization on kinetics of the oxygen electrode reaction at an Au∣YSZ interface

The oxygen electrode reaction at the interface gold∣yttria stabilized zirconia was investigate using microelectrodes by chronoamperometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, with emphasis put on effect of prolonged polarization of the electrode. Two interesting phenomena were observed: (a) generally, the long-lasting negative polarization resulted in a slow monotonous decrease of the current flowing through the electrode, (b) the reaction mechanism was less complicated for the polarized then unpolarized electrodes, which resulted in a relatively simply equivalent circuit used for modelling the former ones. On the basis of the data obtained, the apparent exchange currents normalized vs. the three phase boundary length and Tafel slopes were determined. The methods of determining the three phase boundary length were discussed. The reconnaissance data obtained for the Pt microelectrode are also reported.