Immobilized α-amylase from Bacillus licheniformis: a potential enzymic time—temperature integrator for thermal processing

Biphasic and nth-order models were tested as to their usefulness to fit experimental inactivation data of Bacillus licheniformis α-amylase, immobilized on glass beads, and were discussed with respect to their suitability to characterize the considered enzymic system as a time—temperature integrator (TTI) to evaluate heat processes. Both isothermal and non-isothermal inactivation experiments were carried out. Model (kinetic) parameters (rate constant k, activation energy E_A and reaction order n) were estimated using a non-linear regression procedure. The results obtained, especially the activation energy of about 293 kJ mole^–1, indicated a potential use of this system as a TTI for heating processes in the temperature range of 96–108°C.     

The rate of corrosion of concrete reinforcement and possibilities of its mathematical modelling

The paper describes a method for the mathematical modelling of steel reinforcement corrosion rate. This method is based exclusively on experimental results and expression of the influence of significant corrosion factors in the form of functional relations. The method takes into account the reality of the effects of corrosion factors, their contigency and complexity, and various circumstances occurring in practice. It represents one way towards the development of methods for the prediction of service life of reinforced concrete and structures.     

Applications of the 4×4 determinant method and the POLYGON ENGINE

In the first half of the paper, various types of processing pertaining to a polygon, using the 4×4 determinant theories are explained along with a new containment test algorithm of a point in a polygon. In the latter half of the paper, a general-purpose geometric processor, the POLYGON ENGINE, is presented which can deal with various types of interference problems, such as Boolean operations in solid modelling, hidden line and surface eliminations, ray tracing and so on. It is, a successor of the TRIANGLE PROCESSOR and is also based upon the 4×4 determinant theories [4–6]. While the TRIANGLE PROCESSOR processes a triangulated polygon on a triangle-by-triangle basis, the POLYGON ENGINE can treat a polygon without triangulation. The latter is expected to be more functional, more efficient and easier to use.     

Procedures for analysis of strain transfer in the acetabular region in vitro

The failure of acetabular cups via loosening, migration or fracture is partially related to the stress distribution existing in the acetabular region. The complexity of the investigation of these stresses demands the application of a variety of model testing techniques involving combined embedded strain gauging, finite element analysis, transmission and reflective photoelasticity and crack propagation studies. The application of these procedures are described and the difficulties of obtaining representative loadings and restraints are commented upon.     

Detection of multiple cracks using frequency measurements

A method for detection of multiple open cracks in a slender Euler-Bernoulli beams is presented based on frequency measurements. The method is based on the approach given by Hu and Liang [J. Franklin Inst. 330 (5) (1993) 841], transverse vibration modelling through transfer matrix method and representation of a crack by rotational spring. The beam is virtually divided into a number of segments, which can be decided by the analyst, and each of them is considered to be associated with a damage parameter. The procedure gives a linear relationship explicitly between the changes in natural frequencies of the beam and the damage parameters. These parameters are determined from the knowledge of changes in the natural frequencies. After obtaining them, each is treated in turn to exactly pinpoint the crack location in the segment and determine its size. The forward, or natural frequency determination, problems are examined in the passing. The method is approximate, but it can handle segmented beams, any boundary conditions, intermediate spring or rigid supports, etc. It eliminates the need for any symbolic computation which is envisaged by Hu and Liang [J. Franklin Inst. 330 (5) (1993) 841] to obtain mode shapes of the corresponding uncracked beams. The proposed method gives a clear insight into the whole analysis. Case studies (numerical) are presented to demonstrate the method effectiveness for two simultaneous cracks of size 10% and more of section depth. The differences between the actual and predicted crack locations and sizes are less than 10% and 15% respectively. The numbers of segments into which the beam is virtually divided limits the maximum number of cracks that can be handled. The difference in the forward problem is less than 5%.     

A new curvature technique calculation for surface tension contribution in PLIC-VOF method

The volume of fluid (VOF) methods have been used for numerous numerical simulations. Among these techniques used to define the moving interface, the piecewise linear interface reconstruction (PLIC-VOF) is one of the most accurate. A study of the superficial tension impact on two-phase flow with free surface is presented. A new method based on direct staggered grid is developped to include surface tension in PLIC-VOF. The new numerical curvature calculation method doesn't need smoothed colour function and leads to less “spurious current”. This technique is applied to the calculus of surface tension force in the case of the rise of air bubble in viscous liquid and the fall of liquid drop in the same liquid on free surface. Droplets, thin layer and capillarity waves are observed after the free surface rupture for different Bond number. The influence of surface tension calculus is then obvioused and when the drop hit the free surface, wavelets propagate toward the virtual boundaries imposed.     

Complementary modelling of fluid separation processes

Optimal functioning of numerous technological processes depends primarily on relevant process design, properly selected column internals and sufficient understanding of the process behaviour. This can be achieved only with the help of accurate and reliable process models capable of considering process rates in a rigorous way, with respect to both transport phenomena and chemistry. In this article, a new modelling concept called complementary modelling is suggested for a large class of fluid separation processes. Since the conditions and criteria for these processes vary considerably, it is impossible to develop a unified modelling approach. Instead, a reasonable and effective combination of different modelling approaches provides solutions to many present and future tasks. The complementary modelling is discussed in detail and illustrated with several case studies.     

A simplified method for modelling the effect of blinds on window thermal performance

An approximate method is presented for predicting the effect of a louvered blind on the centre‐glass thermal performance of a fenestration. The method combines a one‐dimensional heat transfer model with data from a numerical simulation of the window and blind. Sample results for a blind mounted on the indoor surface of a window show the effect of blind slat angle on heat transmission. Both summer and winter conditions are considered. The results show that a louvered blind can improve the U‐value of a standard double‐glazed window by up to 37%. Also, the radiation heat exchange with the room can be dramatically reduced (by up to 60%), which will improve the level of occupant comfort. However, there was found to be a trade‐off between U‐value and occupant comfort; placing the blind closer to the window improves the U‐value, but increases the radiation heat exchange with the room. The predictions from the present simplified method compare well with results from a full two‐dimensional computational fluid dynamics solution of the conjugate blind/window interaction. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.