A fast multichannel SAR raw data simulator of clutter and moving targets

Accessibility of a fast and accurate multichannel synthetic aperture radar raw data generator of stationary clutter and moving targets has high importance, especially in the application of ground moving target indication. In this paper, a fast four-stage algorithm for generating the raw data of each channel stationary clutter and moving targets, has been proposed respectively in the frequency and the hybrid time–frequency domain. Using this simulator, in different conditions in terms of target motion speed, acceleration and direction, for each of the channels, after generating the raw data, its final image has been extracted by the range-Doppler algorithm. Then, using clutter suppression techniques such as DPCA, ATI and hybrid DPCA–ATI, the multichannel SAR final image has been obtained in ideal and nonideal conditions. Finally, the obtained images of the first channel have been studied using the extracted formulas for predicting the effects of target motion parameters on the SAR images as well as analyzing the multichannel SAR final image. The results show that the proposed algorithm for generating the raw data of each channel stationary clutter and moving targets has better performance in terms of speed and accuracy than the other existing simulators and the proposed multichannel SAR simulation method has high quality.     

A novel application of stand-alone photovoltaic system in agriculture: solar-powered Microner sprayer

In this paper, a stand-alone photovoltaic (SAPV) power supply system for Microner sprayer is identified and proposed. The designed system was composed of three main parts: sprayer, solar power supply and control system. Initially, the control board and data acquisition system were designed and simulated by the Proteus software and then implemented using an AVR microcontroller and tested via LabVIEW in the laboratory. Next, a prototype system was fabricated for evaluation purposes. A PV panel size of 88.5?cm², positioned horizontally above operator's head that generates 26.4?Wh/day was used as a solar energy source. A small 2?Ah (12?V) battery is installed in the system as a stabiliser. This sprayer can work seven to nine hours daily. It is calculated that the average loss of collected energy due to non-application of maximum power point tracker was approximately 25%.     

Synthesis of CuAl2O4 nanoparticles by mixed chelates thermolysis and homogeneous precipitation using solubility difference reactions; Taguchi optimization and photocatalytic application

In the present study two novel methods are reported for preparation of nano crystalline copper aluminate (CuAl₂O₄).The first one is based on the pyrolysis of mixed Aluminum and Copper chelates of cupferron. The nanoparticles prepared by the first method were spherical with high specific surface area and smaller size in respect to the particles of second method. The nano crystals of CuAl₂O₄ at optimum conditions were spherical, with average particle size of 15.2 nm. In the second method the CuAl₂O₄ nano spindles with high purity were synthesized by a novel homogeneous solubility difference reactions using magnesium hydroxide as initial material. The Taguchi L₈ statistical design was employed for procedure optimization of the chelates thermolysis method. The structure and morphological properties of products have been investigated using X-ray diffraction, Thermogravimetric Analysis, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, fourier transform infra-red, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, Dynamic laser light scattering and elemental micro analysis. The photocatalytic activity of nanocrystalline CuAl₂O₄ obtained by first procedure was investigated for degradation of crystal violet (C₂₅N₃H₃₀Cl) as a model pollutant and UV lamp as energy source. The results revealed that about 98 % degradation of crystal violet could be achieved at 120 min.     

Thermomechanical Characterization of Mg-9Al-1Zn Alloy Using Power Dissipation Maps

A processing map is developed on the basis of the Dynamic Material Model for Mg-9Al-1Zn. The model considers the work piece as a dissipator of power and power loss variation with temperature and strain rate constitutes the power dissipation map. To this end, the thermomechanical (i.e., hot compression) characteristics of a Mg-9Al-1Zn alloy was studied in the temperature range of 250-425 °C and strain rates of 0.001-1 s^?1. The strain rate sensitivity (m), power dissipation efficiency (η), and instability parameter (ξ) are computed based on the experimental hot compression data. The deformation mechanisms of different regions in the maps are analyzed and corresponding microstructures are investigated. The processing map of Mg-9Al-1Zn alloy exhibits five workability domains. Dynamic recrystallization (DRX) was observed in three of the domains, while in the two other domains grain boundary sliding, twining, and precipitation are the dominant mechanisms. The optimum hot working conditions of Mg-9Al-1Zn alloy are located in the two domains where DRX takes place. They correspond to 375 °C/0.001 s^?1 and 380 °C/1 s^?1 with peak efficiency of 42 and 36%, respectively.     

A miniaturized system for spike-triggered intracortical microstimulation in an ambulatory rat

This paper reports on a miniaturized system for spike-triggered intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) in an ambulatory rat. The head-mounted microdevice comprises a previously developed application-specific integrated circuit fabricated in 0.35-μm two-poly four-metal complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor technology, which is assembled and packaged on a miniature rigid-flex substrate together with a few external components for programming, supply regulation, and wireless operation. The microdevice operates autonomously from a single 1.55-V battery, measures 3.6 cm × 1.3 cm × 0.6 cm, weighs 1.7 g (including the battery), and is capable of stimulating as well as recording the neural response to ICMS in biological experiments with anesthetized laboratory rats. Moreover, it has been interfaced with silicon microelectrodes chronically implanted in the cerebral cortex of an ambulatory rat and successfully delivers electrical stimuli to the second somatosensory area when triggered by neural activity from the rostral forelimb area with a user-adjustable spike-stimulus time delay. The spike-triggered ICMS is further shown to modulate the neuronal firing rate, indicating that it is physiologically effective.     

A model for investigation of optimal hydrogen pathway,and evaluation of environmental impacts of hydrogen supply system

In order to achieve a hydrogen economy, developing widespread hydrogen supply systems are vitally important. A large number of technological options exist and are still in development for hydrogen production, storage, distribution…, which cause various pathways for supplying hydrogen. Besides the technical factors, there are other effective parameters such as cost, operability, reliability, environmental impacts, safety and social implications that should be considered when assessing the different pathways as optimal and viable long-term alternatives. To aid this decision-making process, we have developed a generic optimization-based model for the long-range energy planning and design of future hydrogen supply systems. By applying Linear Dynamic Programming techniques, the model is capable of identifying optimal investment strategies and integrated supply system configurations from the many alternatives. Also, the environmental impacts of hydrogen supply system can be evaluated through scenario analysis. The features and capabilities of the model are illustrated through application to Iran as a case study.     

An analytical solution for air dehumidification by liquid desiccant in a packed column

This paper presents a new analytical solution of heat and mass transfer processes in a packed bed liquid desiccant dehumidifier based on the equilibrium humidity on the interface is assumed to be constant. In order to maintain the partial pressure difference on the interface, a high liquid desiccant flow rate is often applied in the practical absorber. Therefore, for a narrow range of operating conditions for practical dehumidification process, we can assume that the equilibrium humidity ratio on the interface is constant. The assumption of constant humidity ratio is applied in this paper for derivation of the analytical solution. The model and the analytical solution predictions were compared against a reliable set of experimental data available in the literature, with very good agreement. According to the Lewis definition in this present study, the Lewis number obtains 0.9. The effects of variables such as air and liquid desiccant flow rate, air temperature and humidity, desiccant temperature and concentration have been investigated on the condensation rate. The results present that design variables such as desiccant concentration, desiccant temperature, air flow rate, and air humidity ratio have the greatest impact on the performance of the dehumidifier. The liquid flow rate and the air temperature have not a significant effect. Furthermore, the effects of air and liquid desiccant flow rate have been reported on the humidity effectiveness of the column.     

Structural evolution of thermal sprayed bismuth sodium titanate piezoelectric ceramic coatings

The structural evolution of lead-free piezoelectric bismuth sodium titanate (BNT) coatings with excess Bi derived from thermal spray process was investigated with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Bi-rich composition was identified as the nucleation agent of the BNT perovskite phase, and fine-grained microstructure was obtained with more excess Bi. The Bi-rich composition of the perovskite phase crystallized from melt was Bi_xNa_yTiO₃ (0.5 ≤ X ≤ 0.55, 0.46 ≤ y ≤ 0.5). The crystallization of the Bi-rich BNT perovskite phase first from liquid precursor phase would result in continuous depletion of Bi composition in the residual amorphous phase, and thus Ti-rich amorphous phase in the as-deposited coating and sodium titanate secondary phase in the heat-treated coating formed in the composition without enough access Bi. The results and analyses suggest only appropriate compensation with adequate amount of excess Bi can realize single perovskite phase in thermal sprayed BNT-based coatings and hence the superior piezoelectric performance property.     

Nonlocal,strain gradient and surface effects on vibration and instability of nanotubes conveying nanoflow

ABSTRACT

In this paper, the size-dependent vibration and instability of nanoflow-conveying nanotubes with surface effects using nonlocal strain gradient theory (NSGT) are examined. Hence, based on Gurtin-Murdoch theory, the nonclassical governing equations are derived by extended Hamilton's principle. To study the small-size effects on the flow field, the Knudsen number is applied. Applying Galerkin's approach, the partial differential equations converted to ordinary differential equations. The effects of the main parameters like nonlocal and strain gradient parameters, length to diameter ratio, thickness, surface effects, Knudsen number and different boundary conditions on the eigenvalue and critical fluid velocity of the nanotube are explained.     

Localization of emergency acoustic sources by micro aerial vehicles

For micro aerial vehicles (MAVs) involved in search and rescue missions, the ability to locate the source of a distress sound signal is significantly important and allows fast localization of victims and rescuers during nighttime, through foliage and in dust, fog, and smoke. Most emergency sound sources, such as safety whistles and personal alarms, generate a narrowband signal that is difficult to localize by human listeners or with the common localization methods suitable for broadband sounds. In this paper, we present three methods for MAV‐based emergency sound localization system. The first method involves designing a new emergency source for immediate localization by the MAV using a common localization method. The other two novel methods allow localizing the currently available emergency sources, or other narrowband sounds in general, that are difficult to localize due to the periodicity in the sequence of sound samples. The second method exploits the Doppler shift in the sound frequency, caused due to the motion of the MAV and the dynamics of the MAV to assist with the localization. The third method involves active control of the robot's attitude and fusing acoustic and attitude measurements for achieving accurate and robust estimates. We evaluate our methods in real‐world experiments with real flying robots.