Reliability of complex chemical engineering processes

This paper presents a stochastic performance modelling approach that can be used to optimise design and operational reliability of complex chemical engineering processes. The framework can be applied to processes comprising multiple units, including the cases where closed form process performance functions are unavailable or difficult to derive from first principles, which is often the case in practice. An interface that facilitates automated two-way communication between Matlab^® and process simulation environment is used to generate large process responses. The resulting constrained optimisation problem is solved using both Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) and First Order Reliability Method (FORM); providing a wide range of stochastic process performance measures. Adding such capabilities to traditional deterministic process simulators provides a more informed basis for selecting optimum design factors; giving a simple way of enhancing overall process reliability and cost-efficiency. Two case study systems are considered to highlight the applicability and benefits of the approach.     

上保护层开采底板破坏深度和应力分析研究

上保护层开采导致的底板变形、应力释放会使被保护层内高瓦斯沿着上覆岩层内形成的空隙裂隙结构向上运移，很容易造成所采工作面采空区内瓦斯增加，造成工作面瓦斯超限。以峰峰集团以黄沙矿为研究实例，针对其主采的2号煤层利用FLAC^3D模拟软件进行上保护层开采底板应力研究，揭示了上保护层开采底板应力的规律特性，对于保护层开采工作瓦斯治理具有一定的指导意义。     

An integrated approach to analysing the cost efficiency of postal networks

An integrated approach to measure the cost efficiency of the postal network of Universal Service Provider is proposed. An integrated approach enables the measurement of cost efficiency for delivery and non-delivery postal network units. The proposed approach is verified and tested on the postal network of the selected provider and the results were derived by using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The results show that the main sources of inefficiency are inadequate allocation of resources relative to the network units. In addition, the study indicates that economies of scale have a positive impact on the efficiency of postal network units.     

Prediction and sensitivity analysis of CNTs-modified asphalt’s adhesion force using a radial basis neural network model

Abstract

The expected longer service life of modified asphalt can be jeopardized by different environmental factors, such as moisture, oxidation, etc. which affect the desired properties by altering the adhesive property. An insight into knowledge of the adhesive property of the asphalt can help in providing more durable asphalt pavement. The study attempted to develop different models of adhesive properties of polymers and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) modified asphalt binders. The polymer-CNT modified asphalt is processed to prepare different types of samples, by simulating the damage due to moisture and oxidization, following the corresponding standard method. An Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) was employed to assess the nanoscale adhesion force of the tested samples following the existing functional group in asphalt. Finally, the study has developed Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFNN) as a function of different parameters including; asphalt chemistry (i.e. AFM tip type and constant), type and percentages of polymers and CNTs and different environmental exposures (oxidation, moisture, etc.) to predict the nano adhesion force of asphalt. It is observed that the adhesive property of the Styrene–Butadiene modified asphalt is more consistent compared to the Styrene–Butadiene–Styrene modified asphalt, while the presence of Single-Wall Nanotubes (SWNT) is observed to affect the adhesive properties of asphalt significantly as compared to Multi-Wall Nanotubes (MWNT). The higher accuracy level of RBFNN model also indicates that the functional group (tip-type) adding with the percentages and types of polymers and CNTs significantly affect the adhesive properties of asphalt.     

Crack initiation and propagation in braided SiC/SiC composite tubes: Effect of braiding angle

Crack initiation and propagation in three braided SiC/SiC composite tubes with different braiding angles are investigated by in situ tensile tests with synchrotron micro-computed tomography. Crack networks are precisely detected after an image subtraction procedure based on Digital Volume Correlation. FFT based simulations are performed on the full-resolution 3D images to assess elastic stress/strain fields. Quantitative measurements of the crack geometries are performed using a novel method based on grey levels. The results show that braiding angle has no obvious effect on the location of crack onsets (initiation always occurs at tow interfaces), whereas it significantly affects the paths of crack propagation. This work provides an explicit demonstration of the crack propagation scenarios with respect to the mesoscopic fibre architectures.     

Simultaneous synthesis of a heat exchanger network with multiple utilities using utility substages

Heat exchanger network synthesis (HENS) has progressed by using mathematical programming-based simultaneous methodology. Although various considerations such as non-isothermal mixing and bypass streams are applied to consider real world alternatives in modeling phase, many challenges are faced because of its properties within non-convex mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP). We propose a modified superstructure, which contains a utility substage for use in considering multiple utilities in a simultaneous MINLP model. To improve model size and convergence, fixed utility locations according to temperature and series connections between utilities are suggested. The numbers of constraints, discrete, and continuous variables show that overall model size decreases compared with previous research. Thus, it is possible to expand the feasible search area for reaching the nearest global solution. The model's effectiveness and applications are exemplified by several literature problems, where it is used to deduce a network superior to that of any other reported methodology.     

CAN-BUS系统应用一例

CAN-BUS系统自问世以来,已将近30年,当代各品牌车辆纷纷采用,但大部分技术人员对CAN总线系统既熟悉又陌生。经常能听到,但具体操作又显得有些力不从心。本文通过对奇瑞A3品牌轿车CAN总线的巧妙应用,引导大家进一步理解和应用CAN总线。     

Fully coupled LES-DEM of particle interaction and agglomeration in a turbulent channel flow

Coupled large eddy simulation and the discrete element method are applied to study turbulent particle–laden flows, including particle dispersion and agglomeration, in a channel. The particle–particle interaction model is based on the Hertz–Mindlin approach with Johnson–Kendall–Roberts cohesion to allow the simulation of van der Waals forces in a dry air flow. The influence of different particle surface energies, and the impact of fluid turbulence, on agglomeration behaviour are investigated. The agglomeration rate is found to be strongly influenced by the particle surface energy, with a positive relationship observed between the two. Particle agglomeration is found to be enhanced in two separate regions within the channel. First, in the near-wall region due to the high particle concentration there driven by turbophoresis, and secondly in the buffer region where the high turbulence intensity enhances particle–particle interactions.     

多晶硅锭中硬质点分析及控制研究

以多晶硅锭中硬质点为研究对象,通过实验研究和数值模拟的方法,对多晶硅锭中硬质点进行形貌和成分分析,并提出改善控制方法。研究结果表明硅锭中部的硬质点较细小,主要由SiC组成;硅锭头部的硬质点较粗大,主要由SiC和Si3N4组成,还有少量O的存在。进一步研究发现多晶硅定向凝固铸锭炉的热场结构对于多晶硅锭硬质点形成有直接影响,通过改进热场结构,优化晶体生长界面,显著减少了铸锭中硬质点的数量。