Experimental and numerical analysis of the influence of cable tray arrangements on the resulting mass loss rate and fire spreading

In the context of industrial buildings and power plants, electrical installations and cable trays represent a main fuel load and a potential initial fire source due to possible short circuits or comparable malfunction. Furthermore, a fire can spread from one tray to additional trays mounted above and/or horizontally on one tray. Because of the high significance of cable fires, several research projects have been carried out, investigating the fire behaviour of cables from small‐scale tests, eg, the cone calorimeter, up to large‐scale tests, analysing complete cable tray constructions. The goal of the work presented in this paper is the extension of the knowledge regarding the influence of geometrical parameters like the packing density and tray distance on the burning behaviour and fire spread of cable tray installations. The results are considered, together with test results from the literature, to quantify the main physical parameters describing the burning behaviour. In a next step, the general applicability of these parameters as input data for the parametrization of the source term of numerical simulations is shown. The test results show that the burning behaviour and the fire spreading highly depend on the cable arrangement of the cables on the cable tray, in combination with other boundary conditions. By applying the results as input for a fire simulation, the mass loss rate is considered appropriately.     

Generalized ACE Constrained Progressive Edge-Growth LDPC Code Design

In this letter, we propose a generalization of the progressive edge-growth (PEG) algorithm with the aim of designing LDPC code graphs with substantially improved approximated cycle extrinsic message degree (ACE) properties. The proposed realization of generalized PEG algorithm outperforms original PEG algorithm and its subsequent modification proposed by Xiao and Banihashemi.     

Continuously distributed phase shifts in chirped DFB lasers usingbent waveguides

The authors have implemented chirped distributed feedback (DFB) grating lasers with phase shifts [λ/8, 2λ/8 and 3λ/8] distributed continuously over various axial distances, using their recently proposed method for producing bent optical waveguides. The singlemode stability of the lasers with distributed phase shifts was found to be considerably higher than for lasers with abrupt phase shifts     

Monolithic integration of DFB laser with spot-size transformer forhighly efficient laser fibre coupling

The monolithic integration of a mushroom type InGaAs-InGaAsP MQW DFB laser with a spot-size transformer based on a two-layer lateral taper is reported. Highly efficient coupling to a butt-joined dispersion shifted singlemode fibre with a coupling loss down to 0.9 dB and large alignment tolerances was achieved, maintaining the good spectral characteristics of an isolated DFB-laser structure     

Continuously chirped DFB gratings by specially bent waveguides fortunable lasers

We have implemented and studied a new type of tunable multiple-section semiconductor distributed feedback (DFB) laser using tailored chirped DFB gratings. Arbitrarily and continuously chirped DFB gratings are defined by bent waveguides on homogeneous grating fields with ultrahigh spatial precision. The mathematical bending functions are optimized in this case to provide enlarged wavelength tuning ranges. We present the results of model calculations, the technological device realization and experimental results of the DFB laser characterization e.g. a tuning range of 5.5 nm without wavelength gaps and high side mode suppression ratio     

A tractable large-signal dynamic model-application to stronglycoupled distributed feedback lasers

The modulation characteristics of DFB semiconductor lasers have been studied using a transfer matrix method combined with an appropriate rate equation analysis. The model takes into account longitudinal mode spatial hole burning, as well as the nonuniform current injection resulting from the axially varying Fermi voltage, and can be used for the efficient simulation of static, small-signal, and large-signal dynamic properties. The program is applied to the interpretation of experimental data from a strongly coupled InGaAsP/InP DFB laser. The experimental high-frequency properties of this device are well described by the simulations     

Conditions of Liquid Steel Treatment for Near Net‐Shape Casting Processes

Slab casting for hot rolled steel and strip casting using the twin roll casting (TRC) method are compared in terms of inclusions evolution. There are differences of the processes, mainly the use of casting flux in CC of slabs, or pool shapes and sizes in terms of TRC, particularly when roll diameters vary. The inclusion evolution of alumina in a low carbon steel grade was estimated. By modelling particle growth rate, coagulation and deposition, an ‘agglomeration index’ was created to describe the probability of clogging in the SEN. Similarly the growth of secondary alumina precipitation during cooling of the melt in the pool by Stokes collision and turbulent collision was estimated in terms of forming large particles which are able to float‐up. Influences of melt superheat or caster size were taken into account.     

Modern Teaching and Training in Metallurgical Engineering

This contribution deals with advanced educational technologies needed to equip customers from higher education institutions, research and industry with efficient tools supporting their work and operating new skills‐training methods. The challenges are reducing the training costs, improving quality and increasing the number of graduates in engineering departments. The concept of a Virtual Lab based on the combination of various teaching methods and tools is presented. Principles of mathematisation in metallurgical education and training are discussed. An example of online course designed in the form of Virtual Lab is demonstrated.