Beyond loop bounds: comparing annotation languages for worst-case execution time analysis

Worst-case execution time (WCET) analysis is concerned with computing a precise-as-possible bound for the maximum time the execution of a program can take. This information is indispensable for developing safety-critical real-time systems, e. g., in the avionics and automotive fields. Starting with the initial works of Chen, Mok, Puschner, Shaw, and others in the mid and late 1980s, WCET analysis turned into a well-established and vibrant field of research and development in academia and industry. The increasing number and diversity of hardware and software platforms and the ongoing rapid technological advancement became drivers for the development of a wide array of distinct methods and tools for WCET analysis. The precision, generality, and efficiency of these methods and tools depend much on the expressiveness and usability of the annotation languages that are used to describe feasible and infeasible program paths. In this article we survey the annotation languages which we consider formative for the field. By investigating and comparing their individual strengths and limitations with respect to a set of pivotal criteria, we provide a coherent overview of the state of the art. Identifying open issues, we encourage further research. This way, our approach is orthogonal and complementary to a recent approach of Wilhelm et al. who provide a thorough survey of WCET analysis methods and tools that have been developed and used in academia and industry.     

An introduction to the shift realization for finite dimensional continuous time systems

A new approach is presented for the realization of continuous-time finite dimensional linear systems. Using standard results on Laplace transforms our results are also used to present a new derivation of Fuhrmann's shift realization for rational matrix functions.     

Photo-vulcanization using thiol-ene chemistry: Film formation,morphology and network characteristics of UV crosslinked rubber latices

The photo-vulcanization with versatile thiol-ene chemistry represents an innovative approach to crosslink diene-rubber materials both in latex and in solid film state. In this work, the structure of elastomer-based thiol-ene networks and the morphology after film formation are studied in detail using electron microscopic techniques, atomic force microscopy and multiple-quantum solid-state NMR spectroscopy. Additionally, film formation properties and corresponding macroscopic properties of photo-vulcanized natural rubber (NR) latex and its synthetic counterpart, isoprene rubber (IR) latex, are determined in dependence on the curing procedure (pre- and post-vulcanization). The results reveal that thiol-ene cured elastomers comprise homogenously distributed crosslinks with a low amount of short chain defects. Whilst photochemically pre-cured NR latex particles provide coherent films, the film formation and mechanical properties of IR are strongly governed by the crosslink density of the latex particles. In film state, photo-vulcanization promotes narrow crosslink distributions and excellent tensile properties of both NR and IR.     

Simultaneous Detection of Positive and Negative Ions From Single Airborne Particles by Real-time Laser Mass Spectrometry

ABSTRACT

The instrumental setup used for simultaneous bipolar ion detection in on-line single-particle analysis by laser mass spectrometry is described. Particle size calibration has been performed using aerodynamic time-of-flight techniques. Mass spectra of several hundred ambient particles with aerodynamic diameters of 0.8 μm have been evaluated for statistical classification (Principal Components Analysis [PCA]) in order to identify main chemical components of the prominent particle classes.     

Deformation Characteristics of Steel Billets with Liquid Core

To investigate the deformation characteristics of billets with liquid core during soft reduction and to clarify the correlation between internal cracks and deformation of the billet in the mushy zone, a fully coupled thermo‐mechanical Finite Element Model was developed in ABAQUS, furthermore, casting and soft reduction tests were carried out in a laboratory strand casting machine. During soft reduction the temperature distribution, the stress and strain states in the billet were calculated, the deformation characteristics of the billet during soft reduction were determined and the relation between internal cracks and equivalent plastic strain as well as maximal principal stress was analysed. The results show that tensile stresses can develop in the mushy zone during soft reduction and the equivalent strain nearby the Zero Ductility Temperature (ZDT) increases with a decreasing solid fraction. Internal cracks can be initiated when the accumulated strain exceeds the critical strain and /or the applied tensile stress exceeds the critical fracture stress during solidification. In addition, the factors (reduction efficiency and internal cracks) that should be considered to determine the optimal parameter for the soft reduction were established.     

Increased fracture toughness of ceramics by energy-dissipative mechanisms

A theoretical model for the fracture toughness of ceramics is developed which takes into account such energy-dissipative mechanisms as stress-induced microcracking or phase transformation. To establish the general fracture criterion, a Griffith-type energy balance is employed. This energy balance comprises the elastic energy, the fracture surface work consumed in the process zone at the crack tip, the energy dissipated in the dissipation zone and the energy stored by residual stresses. Stress-induced microcracking is considered in more detail. An expression for the dependence of the fracture toughness on the density of microcracks, the amount of residual stresses caused by thermal expansion mismatch between the ceramic matrix and small particles embedded in it and the volume fraction of these particles is derived. The final results are used to state conditions necessary for the fracture toughness to be increased. The theory agrees well with experimental results taken from literature (alumina with zirconia particles).