Simplified model of transient radiative cooling of spherical body

The cooling of a spherical body in case when radiation is the only heat transfer mechanism between the body surface and the environment has been considered. A mathematical process model employing an own approximate kinetic equation of heat conduction has been worked out. Thus, the process has been described by an ordinary differential equation combined with an algebraic one. The proposed simplified model has been compared with the exact solution and with approximate relations presented by Su [4]. It has been found that the proposed model is accurate and employable for both long and short times as well as for any relations between outer and inner heat transfer resistances.     

Estimation of earthworks execution time cost by means of artificial neural networks

The paper presents a methodology for determining earthworks execution time and cost. The accurate determination of the productivity of machines working in sets is a major problem in earthworks execution planning. Earthworks are conducted in random condition and so the parameter values achieved during their realization have a random character. Using an existing database based on measurements carried out on a construction site, an artificial neural network was built. The latter was used to predict productivity for selected sets of machines and to calculate the task execution time and cost. The obtained set of results allows one to select the machinery set optimum with regard to earthworks execution cost or time.     

Broadband magic‐Ts with the use of coupled‐line directional couplers and left‐handed transmission line sections

The problem of broadband magic‐T realization with the use of coupled‐line directional couplers and left‐handed (LH) transmission‐line sections has been comprehensively investigated. Broadband amplitude characteristics of the proposed networks are ensured with the use of coupled‐line couplers, whereas the required phase characteristics have been achieved by the appropriate selection of right‐ and left‐handed transmission line sections. To analyze the properties of the proposed networks, a model of an ideal left‐handed transmission line has been utilized. The presented concept has been verified by two designs of broadband magic‐Ts operating in 2.5–3.5 GHz and 0.8–2.3 GHz, respectively. The obtained results proved that the proposed magic‐T networks allows one to obtain broadband amplitude and phase responses together with its compact structure. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE 24:513–521, 2014.     

Algebraic connectivity metric for spare capacity allocation problem in survivable networks

For studying survivability of telecommunication networks, one should be able to differentiate topologies of networks by means of a robust numerical measure that can characterize the degree of immunity of a given network to possible failures of its elements. An ideal metric should be also sensitive to such topological features as the existence of nodes or links whose failures are catastrophic in that they lead to disintegration of a given network structure. In this paper, we show that the algebraic connectivity, adopted from spectral graph theory, namely the second smallest eigenvalue of the Laplacian matrix of the network topology, is a numerical index that characterizes a network’s survivability better than the average node degree that has been traditionally used for this purpose. This proposition is validated by extensive studies involving solutions of the spare capacity allocation problem for a variety of networks.     

Stable Triple Cation Perovskite Precursor for Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells Enabled by Interaction with 18C6 Stabilizer

Triple cation perovskites (Cs_0.05(MA_0.17FA_0.83)_0.95Pb(I_0.83Br_0.17)₃) have received lots of attention owing to the excellent stability and photovoltaic performance. However, the development toward efficient solar cells has been significantly impeded by its intrinsic precursor instability, as well as defective crystal surface. Herein, a strategy for introducing the additive of 1,4,7,10,13,16‐hexaoxacyclooctadecane (18C6) in the precursor solution, rendering an excellent stability of more than one month, and the defect passivation effect on the crystal surface are demonstrated. In those perovskite solar cells, a power conversion efficiency of 20.73% has been achieved with a substantially improved open‐circuit voltage and fill factor. As evidenced by the density functional theory calculations, the fundamental reason relating to the enhanced performance is found to be the interaction effect between the 18C6 and cations, and in particular the formation of the 18C6/Pb complex. This finding represents an alternative strategy for achieving a stable precursor solution and efficient perovskite solar cells.     

Influence of Sedimentation of Atoms on Structural and Thermoelectric Properties of Bi-Sb Alloys

Functionally graded thermoelectric materials (FGTMs) have been prepared by sedimentation of atoms under a strong gravitational field. Starting samples of Bi _x Sb_1?x alloys with different composition x were synthesized by melting of metals and subsequent annealing of quenched samples. The thermoelectric properties (Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity) of the starting materials were characterized over the temperature range from 300 K to 525 K. Strong gravity experiments were performed in a unique ultracentrifuge apparatus under acceleration of over 0.5 × 10⁶ G at temperatures of 538 K and 623 K. Changes of the microstructure and chemical composition were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analysis. The distribution of the Seebeck coefficient of the Bi-Sb alloys was characterized by scanning thermoelectric microprobe. As a result of sedimentation, large changes in chemical composition (x = 0.45 to 1) were obtained. It was found that the changes in chemical composition were correlated with alterations of the Seebeck coefficient. The obtained experimental data allowed the development of a semiempirical model for the selection of optimal processing parameters for preparation of Bi-Sb alloys with required thermoelectric properties.