High temperature swelling of coal/tetralin mixtures in a high pressure microdilatometer

High pressure microdilatometer experiments were performed on a subbituminous (Wyodak) and a bituminous (Illinois no. 6) coal in helium and hydrogen atmospheres with and without added tetralin. Wyodak coal samples showed no swelling but contractions ranging between 24 and 40 vol% upon heating at 20 and 100 °C min^{− 1} under helium or hydrogen pressures between 150 and 1000 psig (˜1.0–6.9 MPa). Under the same conditions, Illinois no. 6 coals displayed contractions (25–60 vol%) prior to swelling up to 117 vol%. Upon tetralin addition (at 35–190 wt% of the coal), Wyodak coal samples did not swell but showed an increasing contraction with increasing helium or hydrogen pressure due to a slight softening and fusion of the coal particles. In contrast, addition of tetralin at much lower concentrations (5–35 wt%) had a marked effect on the contraction and swelling behaviour of Illinois no. 6. A maximum swelling of 200 vol% was obtained at a tetralin addition of 30 wt%. The increased swelling results from more extensive softening and fusion of coal particles in the presence of tetralin. Both coals showed a decreasing char yield with increasing tetralin concentration. The substantially lower extent of interaction observed between Wyodak coal samples and tetralin compared to Illinois no. 6 coal can be attributed to the differences in pore structure and/or chemical constitution of the two coal samples. Examination of the resultant solids by optical microscopy revealed the microstructural changes produced by thermal treatment in dilatometer experiments.     

A framework for reviewing domain specific conceptual models

Conceptual models are used in understanding and communicating the domain of interest during analysis phase of system development. As they are used in early phases, errors and omissions may propagate to later phases and may be very costly to correct. This paper proposes a framework for evaluating conceptual models when represented in a domain specific language based on UML constructs. The framework describes the main aspects to be considered when conceptual models are represented in a domain specific language, presents a classification of semantic issues and some evaluation indicators. The indicators can, in principle, identify situations in the models where inconsistencies or incompleteness might occur. Whether these are real concerns might depend on domain semantics, hence these are semantic, not syntactic checks. The use of the proposed review framework is illustrated in the context of two conceptual models in a domain specific notation, KAMA. With reviews based on the framework, it is possible to spot semantic issues which are not noticed by case tools and help the analyst to identify more information about the domain.     

Use of center of gravity with the common vector approach in isolated word recognition

In this paper, the subspace based classifier, common vector approach (CVA), with the center of gravity (COG) method is used for isolated word recognition. Since the CVA classifier is sensitive to shifts through the time axis, endpoint detection becomes extremely important for the recognition of isolated words. The COG method eliminates the need for endpoint detection. The effects of the COG method and a classical endpoint detection algorithm on the recognition rates of isolated words are investigated. The experimental results show that the COG method yields slightly higher recognition rates than the endpoint detection method in the TI-digit database when CVA is used.     

The effect of combined use of chitosan and PIPS on push-out bond strength of root canal filling materials

Adhesion of root canal filling materials to root dentin is important for the long-term success of the treatment. Push-out bond strength test is used to evaluate the adhesion capacity of root canal filling materials to root canal walls. The aim of the present study is to compare the bond strength of root canal filling materials to root dentin after irrigation with EDTA, chitosan and the combination of chitosan and PIPS irridation using push-out bond strength test. Forty-eight extracted teeth were resected until 13-mm long roots were obtained. Root canals were prepared with a size-25 OneShape instrument. Samples were divided into three groups each including 15 roots. Group 1: Canals were rinsed with 0.2% chitosan and subjected to laser irridation with PIPS at the same time. Group 2: Canals were rinsed with 0.2% chitosan. Group 3: Canals were rinsed with EDTA. All canals were filled with .06 tapered gutta-percha and AH-plus sealer. One-mm thick slices were taken from coronal, middle and apical one-thirds of the roots. Push-out bond strength was determined using a Universal Testing Machine. One root from each group was observed under SEM to evaluate the degree of smear removal. Statistical analysis was performed with Kruskall-Wallis test. Results showed that bond strength values were statistically similar in overall evaluation for all groups (p > .05). In segmental evaluation, group 1 revealed the highest bond strength in apical one-third compared to other groups (p < .05).     

Phase Transfer Catalysis with Quaternary Ammonium Type Gemini Surfactants: <Emphasis Type="Italic">O</Emphasis>-Alkylation of Isovanillin

In this paper, O-alkylation of isovanillin with unusual phase transfer catalysts alkandiyl-α,ω-bis(dimethylalkylammonium bromide) dimeric surfactants (also known as gemini surfactants) is described. Some dimeric surfactants with simple hydrophobic alkyl chains and others with hydrophobic alkyl chains containing ester functionalities with different lengths were synthesized and characterized in our laboratory. The alkylation of isovanillin with alkyl halide was successively carried out in the presence of potassium carbonate and a phase transfer catalyst in tetrahydrofuran. The same reactions were also performed with both the traditional phase transfer catalyst tetrabutylammonium bromide and without any catalyst. The results were compared with those of dimeric surfactants. Consequently, it was expressed that alkandiyl-α,ω-bis(dimethylalkylammonium bromide) dimeric surfactants successively exhibit the character of phase transfer catalysts through environmentally friendly procedures under mild conditions. The most significant feature of this work is that dimeric surfactants have been determined to act as phase transfer agents.     

SR-30 turbojet engine real-time sensor health monitoring using neural networks,and Bayesian belief networks

This paper describes the use of artificial intelligence-based techniques for detecting and isolating sensor failures in a turbojet engine. Specifically, three artificial intelligence (AI) techniques are employed: artificial neural networks (NNs), statistical expectations, and Bayesian belief networks (BBNs). These techniques are combined into an overall system that is capable of distinguishing between sensor failure and engine failure—a critical capability in the operation of turbojet engines. The turbojet engine used in this study is an SR-30 developed by Turbine Technologies. Initially, NNs were designed and trained to recognize sensor failure in the engine. The increased random noise output from failing sensors was used as the key indicator. Next, a Bayesian statistical method was used to recognize sensor failure based on the bias error occurring in the sensors. Finally, a BBN was developed to interpret the results of the NN and statistical evaluations. The BBN determines whether single or multiple sensor failures signify engine failure, or whether sensor failures represent separate, unrelated incidences. The BBN algorithm is also used to distinguish between bias and noise errors on sensors used to monitor turbojet performance. The overall system is demonstrated to work equally well during start-up and main-stage operation of the engine. Results show that the method can efficiently detect and isolate single or multiple sensor failures within this dynamic environment.     

Weibull renewal equation solution

The existing solution methods for the Weibull Renewal Equation suffer from a lack of sufficient accuracy due to the singularity at the origin for some parameter values of the weibull density. The proposed method of solution provides accuracy to any desired degree of precision for all parameter values particularly in the singular range. The method utilizes a cubic spline approximation of the unknown renewal function and applies the Galerkin technique of integral equation solution. Gaussian quadratures are used to evaluate integrals. The singular nature of the integrand is handled by the Gauss-Jacobi quadrature. Results are compared with those obtained by simulation.     

Dynamic modeling and fuzzy logic control of vibrations of a railway vehicle for different track irregularities

Safe and comfortable transportation of passengers and goods on railways can be achieved by solving the vibration problem. In this study, the dynamic modeling of the full railway vehicle is used to perform vibration analysis in order to observe displacements and accelerations. The full railway vehicle model consists of 54 degrees of freedom which are defined by differential equations. Additionally, wheel–rail contact problem (i.e. creepage factors and hertzian spring stiffness of rails) is analyzed by finite element method. Dynamic modeling and vibration analysis are carried out using Matlab–Simulink software. Using the developed model, the car body vibrations, caused by a lateral and two vertical sinusoidal track irregularities, are controlled by fuzzy logic controllers placed between the car body and bogies. The fuzzy logic algorithm herein is used for realizing the active control of car body vibrations. The simulations of vibration analysis are obtained in time and frequency domains and compared with passive controlled status. The robustness of the designed controller is verified by simulations, carried out for the cases of car body mass variations. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.