Multiresolution optical characteristics of rough sea surface in the infrared

An analytical model of sea optical properties has been developed in order to generate sea surface images, as seen by an infrared sensor. This model is based on a statistical approach and integrates the spatial variability of a wind-roughened sea surface whose variability ranges from a 1-m to a kilometer scale. It also takes into account submetric variability. A two-scale approach has been applied by superimposing small scale variability (smaller than the pixel footprint) to larger ones. Introducing multiresolution in the sensor field of view allows the requirement of any observational configuration, including nadir as well as grazing view geometry. The physical background of the methods has been tested against theoretical considerations. We also obtained a good agreement with dataset collections at our disposal and taken from the literature, such that a bias shows up at grazing angles, mainly explained by not taking into account multiple reflections. Applied to the generation of synthetic sea surface radiance images, our model leads to good quality ocean scenes, whatever the contextual conditions.     

Synergetic Effect of Discontinuous Carbon Fibers and Graphite Flakes on Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Aluminum Matrix Composites Fabricated by Solid–Liquid Phase Sintering

Metals and Materials International - Aluminum (Al) matrix composite materials reinforced with graphite flakes (GF) and pitch-based carbon fibers (CF) were fabricated by solid–liquid phase...     

Computerized PVC formulating for optimized cost/performance

The versatility of poly(vinyl chloride) is largely a result of its capability to be modified by a wide variety of formulating additives, especially plasticizers and fillers. These additives vary widely with respect to their chemical composition, and the concentrations used in PVC, which impart significant effects on costs and performance properties. Computerized formulating programs have begun to replace laboratory testing directed at developing cost effective PVC formulations. A broad data base is required to capitalize on the many cost effective options posed to the PVC formulator. The Marketing Technical Service function of Exxon Chemical Co. utilizes COPPCO, COmputerized Profit/Performance COnsulting, to evaluate the options. The coherent data base contains 34 different plasticizers ranging from 25 to 90 phr, and can accommodate filler effects over a range of zero to 100 phr. COPPCO performs the following functions: cost and performance properties are predicted for specific formulations; lowest cost formula is defined to satisfy a specified set of performance properties; cost and performance properties are predicted for blends of plasticizers in unfilled and filled PVC compositions; performance properties are graphically presented as a function of PHR of plasticizer and plasticizer blends; graphic contours define constant property values as a function of plasticizer and of filler levels; and three dimensional response surfaces reflect the coincidental variation of both plasticizer and filler levels. COPPCO utilizes SAS (Statistical Analysis System) and Telegraph graphics, combined with sophisticated mainframe programs developed specifically to provide the desired output. Unlimited cost and performance options of the PVC formulator can be evaluated in milliseconds, vs. the traditional laboratory exercises which result in limited data after one to two weeks of sample preparation and testing.