Calibration of the Weibull stress scale parameter, σu, using the Master Curve

This work proposes that the Weibull stress scale parameter, σ_u, increases with temperature to reflect the increasing microscale toughness of ferritic steels caused by local events that include plastic shielding of microcracks, microcrack blunting, and microcrack arrest. The Weibull modulus, m, then characterizes the temperature invariant, random distribution of microcrack sizes in the material. Direct calibration of σ_u values at temperatures over the DBT region requires extensive sets of fracture toughness values. A more practical approach developed here utilizes the so-called Master Curve standardized in ASTM Test Method E1921-02 to provide the needed temperature vs. toughness dependence for a material using a minimum number of fracture tests conducted at one temperature. The calibration procedure then selects σ_u values that force the Weibull stress model to predict the Master Curve temperature dependence of K_Jc values for the material. At temperatures in mid-to-upper transition, the process becomes more complex as fracture test specimens undergo gradual constraint loss and the idealized conditions of high-constraint, small-scale yielding assumed in E1921-02 gradually degenerate. The paper develops the σ_u calibration process to incorporate these effects in addition to consideration of threshold toughness effects and the testing of fracture specimens with varying crack-front lengths. Initial illustrations of the calibration process for simpler conditions, i.e. 1T crack-front lengths, use the temperature dependent flow properties and a range of toughness levels for an A533B pressure vessel steel. Then using the extensive fracture toughness data sets for an A508 pressure vessel steel generated recently by Faleskog et al. [Engng. Fract. Mech., in press], the paper concludes with calibrations of both m and σ_u over the DBT region and assessments of the Master Curve calibration approach developed here.     

A fuzzy constraint satisfaction approach for electronic shopping assistance

The Internet and World Wide Web offer an additional channel for consumers to find, select, and buy products. However, unlike shopping in the traditional store, consumers have no direct contact with human clerks to get the required information in the electronic store. The objective of this paper is to propose a fuzzy constraint satisfaction approach to help buyers find fully satisfactory or replacement products in electronic shopping. For the buyer who can give precise product requirements, the proposed approach can generate product-ranking lists based on the satisfaction degrees of each product to the given requirements. For the buyer who may not input accurate requirements, a similarity analysis approach is proposed to assess buyer requirements automatically during his browsing process. The proposed approach could help buyers find the preferred products on the top of the ranking list without further searching the remaining pages. The experimental results show the applicability of the proposed approach for electronic shopping assistance.     

Detecting infeasibility and generating cuts for mixed integer programming using constraint programming

We study a hybrid MIP/CP solution approach in which CP is used for detecting infeasibilities and generating cuts within a branch-and-cut algorithm for MIP. Our framework applies to MIP problems augmented by monotone constraints that can be handled by CP. We illustrate our approach on a generic multiple machine scheduling problem, and present a number of computational experiments.     

Modelling and solving English Peg Solitaire

Peg Solitaire is a well known puzzle, which can prove difficult despite its simple rules. Pegs are arranged on a board such that at least one ‘hole’ remains. By making draughts/checkers-like moves, pegs are gradually removed until no further moves are possible or some goal configuration is achieved. This paper considers the English variant, consisting of a board in a cross shape with 33 holes. Modelling Peg Solitaire via constraint or integer programming techniques presents a considerable challenge and is examined in detail. The merits of the resulting models are discussed and they are compared empirically. The sequential nature of the puzzle naturally conforms to a planning problem, hence we also present an experimental comparison with several leading AI planning systems. Other variants of the puzzle, such as ‘Fool's Solitaire’ and ‘Long-hop’ Solitaire are also considered.     

A new parametric control method for freeform mesh models

Parametric modeling technology is difficult to apply to freeform mesh models since there is no efficient way to impose geometric constraints. In this paper, we propose a novel method to control freeform mesh models parametrically. Our approach is to construct a control mesh that surrounds an object model and then impose constraints on it. The control mesh is parametrically controlled and the shape of the object model is modified by using an existing freeform deformation method. This paper is mainly concerned with automated construction of a control mesh and treatment of geometric constraints. Procedures for creating a control mesh are as follows: 1) determine the optimal orientation of the model, 2) project the model along three axes and extract contours, 3) create 2D control polygons for the contours, and 4) construct the 3D control mesh from the 2D control polygons. Geometric constraints are imposed on the edges and faces of a control mesh. Types of constraints are given by either a relative relationship between elements or an absolute displacement. A new control mesh is calculated by solving these constraints and the original model is modified accordingly. We tested our algorithms for two freeform models.     

Piecewise linear mapping functions for image registration

A new approach to determination of mapping functions for registration of digital images is presented. Given the coordinates of corresponding control points in two images of the same scene, first the images are divided into triangular regions by triangulating the control points. Then a linear mapping function is obtained by registering each pair of corresponding triangular regions in the images. The overall mapping function is then obtained by piecing together the linear mapping functions.     

基于Jack的虚拟环境中一种防止穿越的实现

在虚拟环境下虚拟人手和虚拟物体的交互中,会发生穿越现象。为了解决穿越问题,在人体模型系统Jack的虚拟环境中,根据约束Constraint对象的特点,利用Constraint对象来模拟物体对人手阻挡作用,并利用约束队列实现了对场景中Constraint对象的管理,达到防穿越的效果。     

基于UML的本体表示方法研究

研究本体表示相关技术,并且从表达和推理能力等方面对当前本体表示方法进行分析和比较,总结各种表示方法的利弊。在此基础上提出一种基于统一建模语言（UML）和对象约束语言的本体表示方法,特别研究该表示方法的推理机制,并对这种表示方法进行应用。     

Influence of sintering temperature on the shrinkage and geometrical characteristics of steel parts produced by powder metallurgy

The dimensional and geometrical characteristics of Charpy bars produced with two different steels were investigated to evaluate the effect of increasing the sintering temperature from 1120 °C (conventional sintering temperature) up to 1350 °C. The problem was approached from the Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) point of view, referring to the standard ASME Y14.5 (2009). The dimensional and geometrical characteristics were evaluated using a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM), measuring the surfaces by scanning mode. The work highlights that the increase in the sintering temperature, aimed at improving the mechanical properties, does not prevent the main benefit of this technology, i.e., the possibility of producing parts with good dimensional and geometrical precision. Moreover, a methodology establishing the measurement procedures and data processing, to be used in future work for the characterisation of more complex shapes, was defined.     

一种基于实时几何测距的船桥主动防撞方法

本文提出一种基于实时几何测距的船桥主动防撞方法.该方法对船的改动量甚微,仅需维持多项距离矩阵,通过告警逻辑矩阵进行展示与告警,能起到很好的船桥防撞提示效果.