Recent developments on applications of sequential loop closing and diagonal dominance control schemes to industrial multivariable system

With a focus on an industrial multivariable system, two subsystems including the flow and the level outputs are analysed and controlled, which have applicability in both real and academic environments. In such a case, at first, each subsystem is distinctively represented by its model, since the outcomes point out that the chosen models have the same behavior as corresponding ones. Then, the industrial multivariable system and its presentation are achieved in line with the integration of these subsystems, since the interaction between them can not actually be ignored. To analyze the interaction presented, the Gershgorin bands need to be acquired, where the results are used to modify the system parameters to appropriate values. Subsequently, in the view of modeling results, the control concept in two different techniques including sequential loop closing control （SLCC） scheme and diagonal dominance control （DDC） schemes is proposed to implement on the system through the Profibus network, as long as the OPC （OLE for process control） server is utilized to communicate between the control schemes presented and the multivariable system. The real test scenarios are carried out and the corresponding outcomes in their present forms are acquired. In the same way, the proposed control schemes results are compared with each other, where the real consequences verify the validity of them in the field of the presented industrial multivariable system control.     

A new hybrid algorithm for global optimization and slope stability evaluation

A new hybrid optimization algorithm was presented by integrating the gravitational search algorithm （GSA） with the sequential quadratic programming （SQP）, namely GSA-SQP, for solving global optimization problems and minimization of factor of safety in slope stability analysis. The new algorithm combines the global exploration ability of the GSA to converge rapidly to a near optimum solution. In addition, it uses the accurate local exploitation ability of the SQP to accelerate the search process and find an accurate solution. A set of five well-known benchmark optimization problems was used to validate the performance of the GSA-SQP as a global optimization algorithm and facilitate comparison with the classical GSA. In addition, the effectiveness of the proposed method for slope stability analysis was investigated using three ease studies of slope stability problems from the literature. The factor of safety of earth slopes was evaluated using the Morgenstern-Price method. The numerical experiments demonstrate that the hybrid algorithm converges faster to a significantly more accurate final solution for a variety of benchmark test functions and slope stability problems.     

Feasibility of using lysozyme to reduce excess sludge in activated sludge process

Lysozyme reaction was developed as a novel technique for minimizing the amount of excess sludge in the sequential batch reactor （SBR）.In the present work,excess sludge taken from a SBR system was treated by lysozyme reaction and then returned to the reactor.The quality of the effluent water and characteristics of the activated sludge in the SBR were analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the reduction process.The results show that excess sludge production could be reduced to almost 100％ in the first 30 d of operation and could be reduced to further by 40％ in the succeeding 20 d or so.In these time periods,the average removal efficiencies of the chemical oxygen demand and total nitrogen are 87.38％ and 52.78％,respectively,whereas the average total phosphorous in the effluent is nearly 17.18％ greater than that of the effluent of the reference system.After 50 d of operation,the sludge floc size is in the range of 20 to 80 μm,which was smaller than the size prior to the start of the hydrolysis and the ratio of mixed liquor volatile suspended solids/mixed liquor suspended solids increases from 86％ to 90％.     

Thermal-hydro-mechanical coupling damage model of brittle rock简

Based on fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and damage mechanics, thermal-hydro-mechanical （THM） coupling damage model of brittle rock is established by analyzing THM coupling mechanism, where THM coupling damage variable DTHM is dominated by TH coupling damage variable DTH, TM coupling damage variable DTM and HM coupling damage variable DHM, and DTH is firstly expressed in term of dimensionless total thermal conductivity of the water Nu. Permeability test, uni-axial compression test and THM coupling test are conducted to measure the permeability, elastic modulus and THM coupling stress-strain curves of brittle rock. The tested values of THM coupling elastic modulus E＇HM are in good agreement with the predicted values of THM coupling elastic modulus ETHM, which can verify the newly established THM coupling damage model.     

Numerical and theoretical verification of modified cam-clay model and discussion on its problems

Isotropic consolidation test and consolidated-undrained triaxial test were first undertaken to obtain the parameters of the modified cam-clay （MCC） model and the behavior of natural clayey soil. Then, for the first time, numerical simulation of the two tests was performed by three-dimensional finite element method （FEM） using ABAQUS program. The consolidated-drained triaxial test was also simulated by FEM and compared with theoretical results of MCC model. Especially, the behaviors of MCC model during unloading and reloading were analyzed in detail by FEM. The analysis and comparison indicate that the MCC model is able to accurately describe many features of the mechanical behavior of the soil in isotropic consolidation test and consolidated-drained triaxial test. And the MCC model can well describe the variation of excess pore water pressure with the development of axial strain in consolidated-undrained triaxial test, but its ability to predict the relationship between axial strain and shear stress is relatively poor. The comparison also shows that FEM solutions of the MCC model are basically identical to the theoretical ones. In addition, Mandel-Cryer effect unable to be discovered by the conventional triaxial test in laboratories was disclosed by FEM. The analysis of unloading-reloading by FEM demonstrates that the MCC model disobeys the law of energy conservation under the cyclic loading condition if the elastic shear modulus is linearly pressure-dependent.     

Preparation and visible-light photocatalytic property of nanostructu- red Fe-doped TiO2 from titanium containing electric furnace molten slag

Nanostructured Fe-doped titanium dioxide was synthesized from titanium containing electric furnace molten slag （TCEFMS） by using an alkali fusion, followed by a hydrolyzation-acidolysis-cMcination route. The effects of Mkali/slag mass ratio, calcinating temperature, calcinating time, and water/slag mass ratio on the extraction efficiency and purity of products were systematically studied in this paper. It is indicated that the best extraction efficiency of nanostructured Fe- doped titanium dioxide is 99.35%, when the molten slag is calcinated at 700℃ for 1 h with the mass ratio of alkali/molten slag of 1.5：1. The influence of alkali/slag mass ratio on the photocatalytic activity of final products was evaluated by the photodegradation of methyl blue under visible light irradiation. A maximum photodegradation efficiency of 88.12% over 30 min was achieved under the optimum conditions.     

Martensitic transformation and magnetic properties of aged Ni-Fe-Ga-Ti shape memory alloy

This article reports the effect of ageing on the microstructure, martensitic transformation, magnetic properties, and mechanical properties of Ni51FelsGa27Ti4 shape memory alloy. There are five specimens of this alloy aged at 573 up to 973 K for 3 h per each. This range of ageing temperature greatly affects the microstructure of the alloy. As the ageing temperature increased from 573 up to 973 K, the microstructure of Ni51FelsGa27Ti4 alloy gradually changed from the entirely martensitic matrix at 573 K to the fully austenitic microstructure at 973 K. The volume fraction of precipi- tated Ni3Ti particles increased with the ageing temperature increasing from 573 to 773 K. Further increasing the ageing temperature to 973 K decreased the content of Ni3Ti in the microstructure. The martensitic transformation tempera- ture was decreased steadily by increasing the ageing temperature. The magnetization saturation, remnant magnetization, and coercivity increased with the ageing temperature increasing up to 773 K. A further increase in ageing temperature decreased these raagnetic properties. Moreover, the hardness values were gradually increased at first by increasing the ageing temperature to 773 K, and then dramatically decreased to the lowest value at 973 K.     

Microstructural and mechanical properties of A1-4.5wt% Cu rein- forced with alumina nanoparticles by stir casting method

The microstructure and mechanical properties of A1-4.5wt% Cu Mloy reinforced with different volume fractions （1.5vo1%, 3vo1%, and 5vo1%） of alumina nanoparticles, fabricated using stir casting method, were investigated. CMculated amounts of alumina nanoparticles （about ~50 nm in size） were ball-milled with aluminum powders in a planetary ball mill for 5 h, and then the packets of milled powders were incorporated into molten Al-4.5wt% Cu alloy. Microstructural studies of the nanocomposites reveal a uniform distribution of alumina nanoparticles in the A1-4.5wt% Cu matrix. The results indicate an outstanding improvement in compression strength and hardness due to the effect of nanoparticle addition. The aging behavior of the composite is also evaluated, indicating that the addition of alumina nanoparticles can accelerate the aging process of the Mloy, resulting in higher peak hardness values.     

Preparation of CaO-Al2O3-SiO2 system glass from molten blast furnace slag

To use the potential heat of molten blast furnace slag completely, a CaO-Al2O3-SiO2 system glass （MSG） was prepared from the molten industrial slag. The corresponding method proposed in this study utilized both slag and its potential heat, improving the production rate and avoiding the environmental pollution. Using appropriate techniques, an MSG with uniform color and superior performances was produced. Based on the experimental results and phase diagram, the chemical composition of MSG by mass is obtained as follows：CaO 27%-33%, SiO2 42%-51%, Al2O3 11%-14%, MgO 6%-8%, and Na2O＋K2O 1%-4%. Thermodynamic processes of MSG preparation were analyzed, and the phases and microstructures of MSG were investigated by X-ray diffraction （XRD） and scanning electron microscopy （SEM）. The results show that alkali metal oxides serve as the fluxes, calcium oxide serves as the stabilizer, and alumina reinforces the Si-O network. XRD and SEM analyses show that, the prepared MSG displays the glass-feature patterns, the melting process is more complete, and the melt viscosity is lowered with an increase in calcium oxide content;however, a continuous increase in slag content induces the crystalli-zation of glass, leading to the formation of glass subphase. The optimum content of molten slag in MSG is 67.37wt%. With respect to bend-ing strength and acid/alkali resistance, the performance of MSG is better than that of ordinary marble.     

Vacuum preloading combined electroosmotic strengthening of ultra-soft soil

To assess the effectiveness of vacuum preloading combined electroosmotic strengthening of ultra-soft soil and study the mechanism of the process, a comprehensive experimental investigation was performed. A laboratory test cell was designed and applied to evaluate the vacuum preloading combined electroosmosis. Several factors were taken into consideration, including the directions of the electroosmotic current and water induced by vacuum preloading and the replenishment of groundwater from the surrounding area. The results indicate that electroosmosis together with vacuum preloading improve the soil strength greatly, with an increase of approximately 60%, and reduce the water content of the soil on the basis of consolidation of vacuum preloading, howeve~ further settlement is not obvious with only 1.7 mm. The reinforcement effect of vacuum preloading combined electroosmosis is better than that of electroosmosis after vacuum preloading. Elemental analysis using X-ray fluorescence proves that the soil strengthening during electroosmotic period in this work is mainly caused by electroosmosis-induced electrochemical reactions, the concentrations of Al2O3 in the VPCEO region increase by 2.2%, 1.5%, and 0.9% at the anode, the midpoint between the electrodes, and the cathode, respectively.     

Effect of some operational variables on bubble size in a pilot-scale mechanical flotation machine简

This work aims to provide a relationship of how the key operational variables of frother type and impeller speed affect the size of bubble （D32）. The study was performed using pilot-scale equipment （0.8 m^3） that is up to two orders of magnitude larger than equipment used for studies performed to date by others, and incorporated the key process variables of frother type and impeller speed. The results show that each frother family exhibits a unique CCC95-HLB relationship dependent on n （number of C-atoms in alkyl group） and m （number of propylene oxide group）. Empirical models were developed to predict CCC95 from HLB associated with other two parameters a and ft. The impeller speed-bubble size tests show that D32 is unaffected by increased impeller tip speed across the range of 4.6 to 9.2 m/s （representing the industrial operating range）, although D32 starts to increase below 4.6 m/s. The finding is valid for both coalescing and non-coalescing conditions. The results suggest that the bubble size and bubble size distribution （BSD） being created do not change with increasing impeller speed in the quiescent zone of the flotation.     

Feasibility of developing composite action between concrete and cold-formed steel beam

Cold-formed steel structures are steel structure products constructed from sheets or coils using cold rolling, press brake or bending brake method. These structures are extensively employed in building construction industry due to their light mass, ductility by economic cold forming operations, favorable strength-to-mass ratio and other factors. The utilization of cold formed steel sections with concrete as composite can hugely reduce the construction cost. However, the use of cold formed steel members in composite concrete beams has been very limited. A comprehensive review of developments in composite beam with cold formed steel sections was introduced. It was revealed that employing cold-formed steel channel section to replace reinforcement bars in conventional reinforced concrete beam results in a significant cost reduction without reducing strength capacity. The use of composite beam consisting of cold-formed steel open or close box and filled concrete could also reduce construction cost. Lighter composite girder for bridges with cold-formed steel of U section was introduced. Moreover, types of shear connectors to provide composite action between cold-formed steel beam and concrete slab were presented. However, further studies to investigate the effects of metal decking on the behavior of composite beam with cold-formed steel section and introduction of ductile shear connectors were recommended.     

Effects of Sr2＋ substitution on the structural,dielectric, and piezoelectric properties of PZT-PMN ceramics

This study described the structural, dielectric, and piezoelectric behavior of Pb1-xSrx[（Zr0.52Ti0.48）0.95（Mn1/3Nb2/3）0.05]O3 ceramics （PSZT-PMN, x=0, 0.025, 0.050, and 0.075）, prepared by a semi-wet route. X-ray diffraction, dielectric, and piezoelectric investigations were carried out to analyze the crystal structure. The relative dielectric constant and dielectric loss were both calculated as the functions of temperature. The room-temperature dielectric constant reaches a maximum for a Sr2＋-modified PZT-PMN ceramic with an x value of 0.050, which corresponds to the morphotropic phase boundary （MPB）. Raman spectroscopy studies also confirm the existence of this MPB for x=0.050. The piezoelectric strain coefficients （d33） value shows a maximum response for this composition. In addition, the phase transition temperature decreases significantly when the Sr2＋concentration increases in the PZT-PMN ceramics.     

Pyrolysis characteristics of rubber compositions in medical waste

Thermogravimetric study of rubber compositions （operating glove and catheter） in medical waste was carried out using the thermogravimetric analyser （TGA）,at the heating rate of 20 ℃/min in a stream of N2.The results indicate that the decomposition process of operating glove appears an obvious mass loss stage at 250-485 ℃,while catheter has two obvious stages at 240-510 ℃ and 655-800 ℃,respectively; both samples present endothermic pyrolysis reaction; the decomposition of operating glove and the first mass loss stage of catheter are in agreement with natural rubber pyrolysis; the second mass loss stage of catheter corresponds to CaCO3 decomposition.Based on the experimental results,a novel two-step four-reaction model was established to simulate the whole continuous processes,which could more satisfactorily describe and predict the pyrolysis processes of rubber compositions,being more mechanistic and conveniently serving for the engineering.     

Low temperature sintering and dielectric properties of Ca-Ba-Al-B-Si-O glass/Al2O3 composites for LTCC applications

The effects of various SiO2 contents on both the microstructures and properties of Ca-Ba- A1-B-Si-O glass/Al2O3 cotrtposites were investigated by FTIR, DSC, XRD and SEM. The experimental results show that increasing SiO2 content in the glass leads to the increase of [SIO4] units, increases the continuity of glass network, and decreases the trend to crystallization of composites. The shrinkage of samples rises rapid around the glass softening temperature and the final shrinkage of samples decreases with increasing SiO2 content in the glass. Borosilicate glass/Al2O3 composites with 60wt% SiO2 sintered at 875 ℃ for 15 min show better properties： a bulk density of 3.10 g,cm-3, a porosity of 0.23 %, a er value of 7.55 and a tan 8 value of 0.00053 （measured at 10 MHz） and a well matching with Ag electrodes.     

Interfacial intermetallic compound growth and shear strength of low-silver SnAgCuBiNi//Cu lead-free solder joints

The growth rule of the interfacial intermetallic compound （IMC） and the degradation of shear strength of Sn-0.SAg-0.5Cu-2.0Bi-0.05Ni （SACBN）/Cu solder joints were investigated in comparison with Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu （SAC305）/ Cu solder joints aging at 373, 403, and 438 K. The results show that （Cul-x,Nix）6Sn5 phase forms between the SACBN solder and Cu substrate during soldering. The interracial IMC thickens constantly with the aging time increasing, and the higher the aging temperature, the faster the IMC layer grows. Compared with the SAC305/Cu couple, the SACBN/Cu couple exhibits a lower layer growth coefficient. The activation energies of IMC growth for SACBN/Cu and SAC305/Cu couples are 111.70 and 82.35 kJ/mol, respectively. In general, the shear strength of aged solder joints declines continuously. However, SACBN/Cu solder joints exhibit a better shear strength than SAC305/Cu solder joints.     

Thermodynamics and kinetics of alumina extraction from fly ash using an ammonium hydrogen sulfate roasting method

A novel method was developed for extracting alumina （Al2O3） from fly ash using an ammonium hydrogen sulfate （NH4HSO4） roasting process, and the thermodynamics and kinetics of this method were investigated. The thermodynamic results were verified experi-mentally. Thermodynamic calculations show that mullite present in the fly ash can react with NH4HSO4 in the 298-723 K range. Process op-timization reveals that the extraction rate can reach up to 90.95% when the fly ash reacts with NH4HSO4 at a 1：8 mole ratio of Al2O3/NH4HSO4 at 673 K for 60 min. Kinetic analysis indicates that the NH4HSO4 roasting process follows the shrinking unreacted core model, and inner diffusion through the product layer is the rate-controlling step. The activation energy is calculated to be 16.627 kJ/mol;and the kinetic equation can be expressed as 1-（2/3）α-（1-α）2/3=0.0374t exp[-16627/（RT）], whereαis the extraction rate and t is the roasting temperature.     

Resistivity measurement of conductive asphalt concrete based on two-electrode method

The objective of this work is to develop a novel methodology for determining real resistivity of conductive asphalt concrete based on two-electrode method.Due to an influence of contact resistance,the measured resistivity is always not equal to the real resistivity.To determine the real resistivity,a linear relationship of the measured resistivity,contact resistance and the real resistivity was established.Then experiments for six specimens with varying graphite contents were designed and performed to validate the formulation.Results of experiments demonstrate that the slope of the line represents contact resistance,and the intercept indicates the real resistivity.The effects of graphite content on contact resistance and real resistivity are also revealed.Finally,results show that the influence of contact resistance on accuracy of resisitvity measurement becomes more serious if graphite content is beyond 3％.Hence,it is the time to choose this novel methodology to determine the real resistivity of asphalt concrete by taking account of contact resistance.     

Formability improvement and blank shape definition for deep drawing of cylindrical cup with complex curve profile from SPCC sheets using FEM简

In the current work, to predict and improve the formability of deep drawing process for steel plate cold rolled commercial grade （SPCC） sheets, three parameters including the blanking force, the die and punch comer radius were considered. The experimental plan according to Taguchi＇s orthogonal array was coupled with the finite element method （FEM） simulations. Firstly, the data from the test of stress-strain and forming limit curves were used as input into ABAQUS/Explicit finite element code to predict the failure occurrence of deep drawing process. The three parameters were then validated to establish their effects on the press formability. The optimum case found via simulation was finally confirmed through an experiment. In order to obtain the complex curve profile of cup shape after deep drawing, the anisotropic behavior of earring phenomenon was modeled and implemented into FEM. After such phenomenon was correctly predicted, an error metric compared with design curve was then measured.     

Biodesulfurization of vanadium-bearing titanomagnetite concentrates and pH control of bioleaching solution

Vanadium-bearing titanomagnetite concentrates were desulfurized with Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans （A. ferrooxidans）. The sulfur content of the concentrates was reduced from 0.69wt% to 0.14wt% after bioleaching for 15 d with a 10% pulp density at 30℃. Maintaining a stable pH value during biodesulfurization was critical because of high acid consumption, resulting from a combination of nonoxidative and oxidative dissolution of pyrrhotite in acid solution. It is discovered that the citric acid-disodium hydrogen phosphate buffer of pH 2.0 can control the solution pH value smoothly in the optimal range of 2.0-3.0 for A. ferrooxidans growth. Using the buffer in the volume fraction range of 5.0%-15.0% stimulates A. ferooxidans growth and improves the biodesulfurization efficiency. Compared with the buffer-free control case, the maximum increase of biodesulfurization rate is 29.7% using a 10.0vol% buffer. Bioleaching provides an alternative process for desulfurization of vanadium-bearing titanomagnetite ores.