Synthesis and Evaluation of Blends Formed by Polymeric Crown Ethers and a Fullerene-Containing Primary Ammonium Salt in Organic Thin Films

The synthesis of a series of polymers and cyclopolymers bearing crown ethers of differing structure and affinities towards primary ammonium ions is discussed. These polymers have been tested in their efficiency to form structurally homogeneous thin films when blended with an amphiphilic C₆₀ compound containing a primary ammonium ion functional group. The X-ray reflectivity characterization of the films revealed that the polymer bearing the crown ether with the least affinity for primary ammonium ions, but having the highest degree of polymerization, is the most effective in forming structurally homogeneous thin films.     

A genetic algorithm for the optimisation of assembly sequences

This paper describes a Genetic Algorithm (GA) designed to optimise the Assembly Sequence Planning Problem (ASPP), an extremely diverse, large scale and highly constrained combinatorial problem. The modelling of the ASPP problem, which has to be able to encode any industrial-size product with realistic constraints, and the GA have been designed to accommodate any type of assembly plan and component. A number of specific modelling issues necessary for understanding the manner in which the algorithm works and how it relates to real-life problems, are succinctly presented, as they have to be taken into account/adapted/solved prior to Solving and Optimising (S/O) the problem. The GA has a classical structure but modified genetic operators, to avoid the combinatorial explosion. It works only with feasible assembly sequences and has the ability to search the entire solution space of full-scale, unabridged problems of industrial size. A case study illustrates the application of the proposed GA for a 25-components product.     

Simulation model building of traffic intersections

Designers of traffic systems might take advantage of the simulation-before-construction approach that allows them to study the behavior of a new or existing system by use of simulation models. Nevertheless, the use of simulation models is often hindered by the fact that the model building activity is a critical, time consuming and error prone activity if performed by use of experience and intuition only. Moreover, traffic designers do not usually have the necessary skills to effectively carry out system simulation. This paper overcomes such problems by introducing a model building method, thus enabling traffic designers to seamlessly introduce simulation-before-construction into their best practices. The method is applied to the building of simulation models of traffic intersections, with an example application to a real-world intersection.     

Effect of microwave sintering on the microstructure and electrical properties of low-voltage ZnO varistors

Coarse-grained ZnO varistors for low-voltage applications were prepared by microwave sintering technique under different soaking times of 5–150?min. For comparison, a low-voltage ZnO varistor was also prepared through a conventional sintering process. Microwave sintering remarkably enhanced the grain growth rate of ZnO varistors. Average grain size of the sample prepared by microwave sintering in 15?min was about 20?µm, which is similar to the grain size of sample prepared conventionally in 150?min time. In addition to grain growth, an increase in microwave sintering time led to precipitation of zinc titanate (Zn₂TiO₄) on the top surface of samples which sintered for long dwell times. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy results from different points of the samples declared that precipitation of Zn₂TiO₄ phase is due to the high rate of bismuth evaporation of Bi-rich liquid from top surface and the reaction between remaining titanium ions on the surface with ZnO. The results showed that increasing sintering time from 5 to 150?min increased the grain size from 14 to 33?µm, consequently, the breakdown field decreased from 90 to 27?V/mm, respectively. These changes led to a switch in the varistor application, from low to very low voltage.     

Accurate robotic belt grinding of workpieces with complex geometries using relative calibration techniques

Robotic belt grinding operations are performed by mounting a workpiece to the end effector and commanding it to move along a trajectory while maintaining contact with the belt grinding wheel. A constant contact force throughout the grinding process is necessary to provide a smooth finish on the workpiece, but it is difficult to maintain this force due to a multitude of installation, manipulation, and calibration errors. The following describes a novel methodology for robotic belt grinding, which primarily focuses on system calibration and force control to improve grinding performance. The overall theory is described and experimental results of turbine blade grinding for each step of the methodology are shown.     

OCRSpell: an interactive spelling correction system for OCR errors in text

In this paper, we describe a spelling correction system designed specifically for OCR-generated text that selects candidate words through the use of information gathered from multiple knowledge sources. This system for text correction is based on static and dynamic device mappings, approximate string matching, and n-gram analysis. Our statistically based, Bayesian system incorporates a learning feature that collects confusion information at the collection and document levels. An evaluation of the new system is presented as well. Received August 16, 2000 / Revised October 6, 2000     

Optimization of oval–round pass design using genetic algorithm

The primary purpose of this paper is to propose a computer aided optimal design system to support a generalized oval–round pass design, which is widely used as both intermediate and final passes in the process of rod rolling. This system, which is based on a hybrid model and the genetic algorithm, is developed to improve the efficiency, to reduce the manufacturing errors, as well as to extend the useful life of rolls through uniform wear design. Generalized parametric equations are established for geometrical modeling, graphic plotting of oval–round passes, as well as calculation of the cross section area, contact area and the lengths of contact arcs along the cross section of round groove in the MATLAB programming environment. Moreover, these equations can also realize the parametric transformation between roll profile and mathematical models for the oval–round pass design and optimization. The genetic algorithm is employed for the optimal design of oval–round passes in this paper. The objective functions are formulated for minimization of power consumption in the rolling process, variances between ideal dimensions and design dimensions, as well as variances between the lengths of contact arcs. To reduce the complexity and computational burden of the system, some reliable empirical formulas for the calculations of contact area and contact arc length are applied. Finally, the proposed approach is applied to an oval–round pass design. Through simulation and comparison of results against experimental data acquired from literature, it is found that this system is reliable, effective and easier to use.