Realization of Fully Controllable Negative Inductance with Single Operational Transresistance Amplifier

A grounded negative inductance emulator is proposed with full independent control on both the inductance value and the condition. It uses a single operational transresistance amplifier (OTRA), a capacitor, and five resistors, two of which are for independent control. Experimental results, which confirm the theoretical analysis, are presented.     

Novel first-order differential class-AB log-domain allpass filters

The first-order differential class-AB log-domain filters are proposed. They are systematically derived using the state–space synthesis procedure. It is also demonstrated that the present second filter cannot be realized without using differential class-AB type. To the best knowledge of the authors, the filters are the first log-domain first-order allpass filters in the literature. PSPICE simulations are performed using both, bipolar junction transistors (BJT) and ideal devices to confirm the theoretical analysis. Tolerable differences are observed due to BJT non-idealities such as finite-beta, non-zero ohmic junction resistances and early voltages.     

Investigation of maximum lifetime and minimum delay trade‐off in underwater sensor networks

Underwater acoustic sensor networks (UASNs) are subjected to harsh characteristics of underwater acoustic channel such as severe path losses, noise, and high propagation delays. Among these constraints, propagation delay (more generally, end‐to‐end delay) is the most dominating limitation especially for time‐critical UASN applications. Although the minimization of end‐to‐end delay can be achieved by using the minimum hop routing, this solution cannot lead prolonged lifetimes since nodes consume excessive energy for transmission over long links. On the other hand, the maximization of network lifetime is possible by using energy efficient paths, which consist of relatively short links but high number of hops. However, this solution results in long end‐to‐end delays. Hence, there is a trade‐off between maximizing the network lifetime and minimizing the end‐to‐end delay in UASNs. In this work, we develop a novel multi‐objective–optimization (MOO) model that jointly maximizes the network lifetime while minimizing the end‐to‐end delay. We systematically analyze the effects of limiting the end‐to‐end delay on UASN lifetime. Our results reveal that the minimum end‐to‐end delay routing solution results in at most 72.93% reduction in maximum network lifetimes obtained without any restrictions on the end‐to‐end delay. Nevertheless, relaxing the minimum end‐to‐end delay constraint at least by 30.91% yields negligible reductions in maximum network lifetimes.     

Monolithic Perovskite/Silicon Tandems with >28% Efficiency: Role of Silicon-Surface Texture on Perovskite Properties

Textured silicon wafers used in silicon solar cell manufacturing offer superior light trapping, which is a critical enabler for high-performance photovoltaics. A similar optical benefit can be obtained in monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells, enhancing the current output of the silicon bottom cell. Yet, such complex silicon surfaces may affect the structural and optoelectronic properties of the overlying perovskite films. Here, through extensive characterization based on optical and microstructural spectroscopy, it is found that the main effect of such substrate morphology lies in an altering of the photoluminescence response of the perovskite, which is associated with thickness variations of the perovskite, rather than lattice strain or compositional changes. With this understanding, the design of high-performance perovskite/silicon tandems is rationalized, yielding certified power conversion efficiencies of >28%.     

A new 5th-order differential type class-AB log-domain elliptic lowpass filter for video frequency applications

This paper proposes a new current-mode 5th-order differential type class-AB log-domain elliptic lowpass filter for video frequency applications. The design is based on the state-space synthesis method. The proposed filter has 5.75 MHz cut-off frequency with maximum 0.177 dB passband ripple and attenuation greater than 40 dB at 7.88 MHz. Only BJTs and grounded capacitors were used, and operated with single power supply of 2.5 V. Since the parameters of proposed filter are tunable, it is easy to control of cut-off frequency. This adjustment is accomplished by changing external currents. SPICE simulations are given to confirm the theoretical analysis. For this purpose, the filter is simulated by using both idealized BJT models and AT&T CBIC-U2 type transistors.     

Short‐Fluorinated iCVD Coatings for Nonwetting Fabrics

Water repellency is often generated by taking advantage of surface textures and low surface energy coatings such as the one afforded by long perfluorinated side‐chains polymers. However, new regulations are phasing out these polymers because of their related health and safety hazard concerns. This is a particular challenge for water‐repellent fabrics as consumers expect safer products with stable performance and new functionalities. In this work, an approach is developed that allows for iCVD deposition of durable, conformal short fluorinated polymers stabilized with a crosslinking agent. As a result, high hydrophobicity and low liquid adhesion are achieved simultaneously while maintaining initial substrate breathability. It is explained why this polymeric coating—1H,1H‐perfluorooctyl methacrylate co divinylbenzene—exhibits remarkable hydrophobic properties amidst a wide range of other possible candidates. In order to further enhance the dynamic water repellency performance, the chemical treatment is combined with physical texturing—obtained through microsandblasting, a process particularly suitable for fabrics—thus making this combined approach a suitable candidate to meet the industrial needs. This work paves the way for the development of environmentally friendly, highly repellent coatings for large volume production and the application of roll‐to‐roll coating techniques, and multifunctionalization of fabrics and wearable devices.     

Effect of rock properties on the Los Angeles abrasion and impact test characteristics of the aggregates

Aggregate is the most fundamental and widely used component of construction. It is used as an unbound material which constitutes about 100% of the volume of base courses, 95 to 93% of the volume of asphalt and about 85 to 75% of the volume of Portland cement concrete. Aggregate is exposed to a number of physical and chemically degrading forces during processing, transporting, and construction. As the main load carrying component of unbound and bituminous and Portland cement concretes, the aggregate must be clean, hard, sound, durable, resistant to abrasion, uniform in quality and free of any detrimental quantities of soft, friable, thin, elongated or laminated pieces, disintegrated material, alkali or other deleterious substance. For assesing the abrasion resistance of aggregates, the most common method is the Los Angeles abrasion and impact test (LAAI) which determines the relative competence or resistance to abrasion of the aggregates.In this study, four limestones, four travertines, three crystalline marbles and one andesite were tested to evaluate the correlations between the LAAI values and the physical properties covering bulk density, Schmidt hardness, shore hardness, P-wave velocity and mechanical properties such as uniaxial compressive strength, point load index, and indirect tensile strength of rocks. Since these properties are of great importance as a source of aggregates, tests on the rock can give an indication of the strength of the aggregates.The above rock properties were determined through standard testing methods in order to investigate the correlation between LAAI and each rock property by using regression analysis. A simple equation predicting the LAAI value based on each rock property was suggested. From the statistical tests, rock properties were found to be significant in estimating the LAAI values of rocks.     

Graphene and carbon black filled conductive nanocomposite films for heating element applications

Graphene has ultra-high electrical and thermal conductivity, which makes graphene as the most encouraging fillers for thermally conductive composites. Graphene and/or carbon black filled conductive polymer composite (CPC) films used as heating element are smarter than the traditional heating elements due to less environmental pollution, ease of application on many surfaces and possess the merits of lightweight. In this study, we investigated mainly the production, characterization and industrial application of graphene/carbon black reinforced styrene acrylic copolymer emulsion matrix composite films deposited on polyvinyl chloride for flexible heating element. After that, the films were dried at room temperature for 24 h in air. Structural and surface properties of the CPC films were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Temperature, time and voltage relation of the produced composite films were investigated. Heating and electrical properties of the CPC films were determined by using a thermal camera and 4-point probe measurement system, respectively. The electrical resistivity of the CPC films decreases from ~?10⁸ to 10¹ Ω cm with increasing the filler content or using a combination of two fillers. Graphene and carbon black filled conductive polymer composites to be considered as candidates for flexible heating element applications exhibited good electrical and heating properties thanks to synergistic effect of fillers.     

Optimization of properties of fly ash aggregates for high-strength lightweight concrete production

The optimization of properties of lightweight fly ash aggregates for suitability in high-strength lightweight fly ash concrete production was investigated using response surface methodology (RSM). Design-Expert software was used to establish the design matrix and to analyze the experimental data. The relationships between the sintering parameters (temperature, binder content and binder type) and experimentally obtained three responses (specific gravity, water absorption and crushing strength) were established. Also, the optimization capabilities in Design-Expert software were used to optimize the sintering process. Historical data design technique under RSM was performed to optimize the input parameter interactions which showed the best conditions for preparation of fly ash pellets. According to the obtained results, the developed models are statistically accurate and can be used for further analysis. The experimental values agreed with the predicted ones, thus indicating suitability of the model employed and the success of RSM in optimizing the sintering conditions.     

Simulation-Based Decision Support System for Economical Supply Chain Management of Rebar

The economics of a materials management system is defined by the size of the shipments, the scheduling strategy that allows contractors to handle uncertainty and variability in the supply chain, and the timing of the shipments, which in turn depend on the environment in which the project is taking place. This study presents a simulation-based decision support system to assist contractors in selecting the most economical rebar management system prior to the start of construction by recommending lot sizes (large, small), a scheduling strategy (optimistic, neutral, pessimistic), and buffer sizes (large, medium, small) given the conditions of the project. This model is of benefit to contractors and researchers because it generates the probable cost of inventory of 18 alternative rebar management systems ranging from just in case (JIC) to just in time (JIT) and including different variations in between. It allows contractors to select the alternative with least cost of inventory at the planning stages of a project. The simulation model was tested by using actual data obtained from a trade center project in Istanbul, Turkey. As expected, the test indicated that JIC was the most economical rebar management system in a case study conducted in a developing country, as it generated a savings of 4.8% over JIT.