Group Decision Making by Using Incomplete Fuzzy Preference Relations Based on T‐Consistency and the Order Consistency

The existing group decision making techniques may not satisfy the order consistency for aggregation in some cases. The algorithm proposed in this paper overcomes the weaknesses of the existing techniques. The method determines the unknown preferences for group decision making in such a manner that the resulting matrix is T‐consistent and order consistent simultaneously.     

Investigation of structural,optical, electrical,and magnetic properties of Fe-doped La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 manganites

In this work, the physical properties of nanocrystalline samples of La_0.7Sr_0.3Mn_1−xFe_xO₃ (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.20) perovskite manganites synthesized by the reverse micelle (RM) technique were explored in detail. The phase purity, crystal structure, and crystallite size of the samples were determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. All the samples had rhombohedral crystal structure and crystallite size increased with increase in Fe content in La_0.7Sr_0.3MnO₃. The scanning electron micrographs (SEMs) exhibited smooth surface morphology and nonuniform shape of the particles. The optical properties studied using UV-visible absorption spectroscopy revealed a decrease in the absorbance and optical band gap with an increase in Fe content in La_0.7Sr_0.3MnO₃ compound. The temperature-dependent resistivity measurements revealed semiconducting nature of x = 0 and 0.1 samples up to the studied temperature range, while a metal-to-insulator transition was observed at higher Fe doping. Magnetic studies revealed weak ferromagnetism in all the samples and a reduction in the maximum magnetization with an increase in Fe content. A close correlation between electrical transport and magnetic properties was observed with the doping of Fe ion in La_0.7Sr_0.3MnO₃ at Mn site. These results advocate strong interactions associated with the double exchange mechanism among Fe³⁺ and Mn³⁺ ions.     

Role of Nd-Ni on structural,spectral and dielectric properties of strontium-barium based nano-sized X-type ferrites

The influence of neodymium and nickel substitution on structural and dielectric parameters was investigated in strontium-barium X-type hexagonal ferrites having composition SrBaCu_2?xNi_xNd_yFe_28?yO₄₆ (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1 and y = 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.1). Sol-gel method was employed for synthesizing these hexagonal ferrites. The XRD plots of all studied materials which were annealed at 1250 °C show single phase characteristics. Lattice parameter ‘c’ increased as a consequence of larger radius of rare earth ion (Nd³⁺) as compared to (Fe³⁺), while lattice parameter ‘a’ showed very small variation. The cell volume was obtained in the range 2508.32–2523.75 (ų). The inclusion of Nd-Ni also affected X-ray density, bulk density and porosity. The FTIR spectroscopy indicated the particular absorption peaks of hexagonal ferrites and it was performed in the range of 500–700 cm^?1. On account of Nd-Ni doping, the dielectric constant, dielectric loss and AC-conductivity showed decreasing trend. The occupancy of Nd³⁺ ions at octahedral site impedes the valence alternation of Fe³⁺; therefore there was decrease in dielectric permittivity. Ac conductivity has been decreased from 9.14 to 6.49 (Ω cm)^?1 at frequency of 2.7 GHz. The Cole-Cole plots of synthesized materials noticeably revealed grain boundary contribution. The appearance of single semi-circle in impedance Cole-Cole graphs confirms the exceptional role of grain boundaries in the conduction process. The considerably lower dielectric parameters of investigated nano X-type ferrites propose their feasibility for high-frequency applications (phase shifters, dielectric resonators, stealth technology etc).     

Electrical Insulation Characteristics of Silicone and EPDM Polymeric Blends. I

The typical parts of a polymeric insulator are core, metal end fittings and polymeric housing material. The housing is intended to protect the fibre glass rod from the environment and electrical surface discharges. Since the housing materials are made of organic polymeric material, its insulation characteristics need to be studied. Amongst the many different polymers available, this work focuses on silicone rubber and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). Blends of EPDM and silicone rubber are prepared in a two roll mixing mill. Dicumyl peroxide is used as vulcanizing agent. The blends consisting of various proportions of component polymers are prepared, compression moulded into sheets, and post cured. The blends are tested for their insulation characteristics as per IEC and ASTM standards. Volume and surface resistivity, dielectric strength, dielectric constant, tan delta, tracking resistance, arc resistance, comparative tracking index, tensile strength, and percentage elongation at break of the blends are studied and discussed. The test results show that the increasing proportion of silicone enhances the electrical insulation properties whereas increasing weight percentage of EPDM improves the mechanical strength of the blends.     

Mixed formulation of nonlinear beam on foundation elements

This paper presents an inelastic element for the analysis of beams on foundations. The element is derived from a two-field mixed formulation with independent approximation of forces and displacements. The state determination algorithm for the implementation of the element in a general purpose nonlinear finite element analysis program is presented and its stability characteristics are discussed. Numerical studies are performed to compare the model with the classical displacement formulation. The studies confirm the superiority of the proposed model in describing the inelastic behavior of beams on foundations.     

Product mix determination in the presence of alternate process plans and stochastic demand

The product mix problem in the presence of alternate process plans under uncertain demand is formulated as a non-linear programming model. A heuristic solution procedure based on lagrangean relaxation technique is also presented.     

A visual tool for computer supported learning: The robot motion planning example

We introduce an effective computer aided learning visual tool (CALVT) to teach graph-based applications. We present the robot motion planning problem as an example of such applications. The proposed tool can be used to simulate and/or further to implement practical systems in different areas of computer science such as graphics, computational geometry, robotics and networking. In the robot motion planning example, CALVT enables users to setup the working environment by creating obstacles and a robot of different shapes, specifying starting and goal positions, and setting other path or environment parameters from a user-friendly interface. The path planning system involves several phases. Each of these modules is complex and therefore we provide the possibility of visualizing graphically the output of each phase. Based on our experience, this tool has been an effective one in classroom teaching. It not only cuts down, significantly, on the instructor’s time and effort but also motivates senior/graduate students to pursue work in this specific area of research.