Oversampled sigma-delta LMS adaptive FIR filters

Two filter designs for adaptive least mean squares (LMS) filtering with sigma-delta modulated input signals are described. One implementation is multibit multiplier-free and operates entirely at the oversampling frequency of the sigma-delta signals, in the other design only the FIR filter operates at the oversampled frequency while the adaptive filtering algorithm is performed at the Nyquist rate. To circumvent any aliasing problems that may be caused by the downsampling process in the architecture and ensure convergence of the adaptive FIR filter. It is necessary to attenuate the high-frequency sigma-delta quantisation noise that is present. To perform this task a multiplier-free, multistage IIR filter structure is used that requires considerably fewer computations than an equivalent FIR filter. The two adaptive LMS filter designs are analysed and their performance is compared with a conventional PCM system in terms of achievable minimum MSE and adaptation speed     

Temperature Gradient Zone Melting

Under certain conditions, a molten zone can be made to move through a solid by impressing a stationary temperature gradient across the solid. This phenomenon can be utilized in fabricating semiconductive devices, growing single crystals, joining, boring fine holes in solids, measuring diffusivities in liquids, small scale alloying, and purification. Fundamentals and exemplary applications are outlined.     

Continuous Multistage Separation by Zone-Melting

A simple method of obtaining multistage batch separations by crystallization was described recently. Known as zone-refining, it comprises passing short molten zones through a long solid charge. This technique can now be used on a continuous basis by means of the zone-void method described in this paper. Feed enters, at an intermediate point, a column down which molten zones travel, and waste and product leave at the ends. Materials move in the column through the agency of voids, which are introduced at the ends and travel toward the feed inlet. The voids and molten zones are moved by external heaters in a simple manner, and the principle of reflux is utilized.     

Turbulent heat transfer to longitudinal flow through a triangular array of circular rods

Temperature distribution and heat transfer to longitudinal turbulent, fully developed flow through triangular arrays of smooth circular rods are analysed for liquids with Prandtl number 1 and 1. Nusselt number is plotted versus pitch and turbulence for constant heat flow and for constant temperature on the rod surface, and the optimum pitch is determined. The influence of Prandtl number on Nusselt number is analysed.     

Heat transfer in turbulent longitudinal flow through unbaffled assemblies of fuel rods

A numerical analysis of heat transfer in turbulent longitudinal flow through assemblies of unbaffled fuel rods is presented. The solution applies to triangular or rectangular arrays of fuel rods with fully developed velocity and temperature profiles, for fluids with Prandtl number 1 and « 1. In the case of liquid metals, the thermal resistance of the cladding and bond are considered, but the turbulent heat transport component is neglected. For common liquids the circumferential turbulent heat transfer is considered. Results are compared in the range of dimensionless rod spacing of 1.0–1.6. Theoretical predictions and experimental results of other authors dealing with the problem show relatively good agreement.     

Improvement of semiconducting devices by elastic strain

The mobilities of current carriers in germanium, silicon and other semiconductors can be changed by 50 per cent or more by elastic strain. The changes in mobility can be positive or negative, and they can be produced in selected directions in the crystal. One can, therefore, improve, or compensate against temperature change, certain electrical properties of junction devices, such as transistors, varactor diodes, tunnel diodes, solar diodes, and perhaps even thermoelectric devices. Some of these possibilities are examined in semi-quantitative fashion.     

A new description of liquid metal heat transfer in closed conduits

Heat transfer with liquid metals in conduits with fully developed flow is analyzed. Four typical regions are distinguished, for which different equations hold. The influence of Prandtl number and of relative roughness are investigated. Physical conclusions are illustrated for circular tubes and computed results compared with liquid metal heat transfer formulae currently in use. A new formula for the friction factor is proposed.