Simulation and optimization of tool-life in manufacturing centers

This paper presents the development of an optimization and a computer-simulation model to evaluate the process plans of a manufacturing center by analyzing the effect of tool failure on system performance. The GPSS/PC simulation program that is used in this study has been built with variables, functions and matrices so that many experiments could be conducted with the model. Sensitivity analysis is presented and the developed model has proven to be useful in determining optimum sequencing of parts for various operating policies.     

Multiple cluster beamspace and resolution-enhanced ESPRIT

This paper addresses approaches to enhancement of the resolution of one or more clusters of closely spaced emitters. The TLS-ESPRIT algorithm is considered, as applied in beamspace and in element space, in conjunction with resolution enhancement. Beamspace (BS)-ESPRIT employs a matrix beamformer as a preprocessor to map the sensor space into a lower dimensional beamspace. Resolution enhanced (RE)ESPRIT employs a matrix beamformer as a left weighting of the signal subspace eigenvector matrix for enhancing the resolution of ESPRIT. This paper specifically discusses several types of these beamformer matrices, which differ in the way that they treat source clusters other than of interest. Our objective is to clearly define approaches and identify their relative merits, through discussion and illustrative simulation, so as to provide an understanding of how to proceed in designing an ESPRIT algorithm     

Polyaniline-multiwalled carbon nanotube composites: Characterization by WAXS and TGA

Polyaniline/carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotube (PAni/c-MWNT) nanocomposites have been synthesized by micellar aided emulsion polymerization with various c-MWNTs compositions, viz., 0.5, 1, 5, and 10 wt %. The microcrystalline parameters such as the nanocrystal size (〈N〉), lattice strain (g), interplanar distance (d_hkl), width of the crystallite size distribution, surface weighted crystal size (D_s), and volume of the ordered regions were calculated from the X-ray data by using two mathematical models, namely the Exponential distribution and Reinhold distribution methods. The effects of heat ageing on the microcrystalline parameters of the PAni/c-MWNT nanocomposites were also studied and the results are correlated. The thermal stability and electrical resistivity of the PAni/c-MWNT nanocomposites were examined with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and a conventional two-probe method. The TGA data indicate that the thermal stability of the nanocomposites improved after the incorporation of c-MWNTs. The influence of temperature on the resistivity of the nanocomposites was also measured. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008     

Thermal Performance Analysis of Highly Reflective Coating on Residences in Hot and Arid Climates

A 1-D transient model (RESHEAT), developed by the writers, was used to study the thermal performance of a highly reflective paint applied sequentially to the outer walls and roof of a simulated residence in a hot and arid region of the southwestern United States. The model uses climatological inputs from a file that includes hourly data on ambient temperatures, insolation, cloud cover, and so on, at the particular location. The model focuses particularly on the potential cooling load reduction due to the reduced heat pickup from the inside attic surfaces to the outer surfaces of the supply duct. This simulation showed that a reduction of 33.6% (cooling load) on the average is achieved over the base case where no reflective paint is used when the outer surface of the roof and walls are painted. Alternatively, only a 11% reduction would be achieved if the reflective paint is applied only to the roof. Savings of $42 per month are conservatively estimated from calculations made when applying this technology to a typical residence (roof and walls) equipped with a 4 ton refrigeration unit in the Southwest.     

Colorimetric evaluation of thermooxidative degradation of nylon 6 fibers

Nylon 6 fibers were annealed in air at 160°C for periods ranging from 1 to 10 h. Their spectral reflectance values were measured. Color parameters, including luminance factor, dominant wavelength, purity, and the color difference between annealed nylon 6 fiber samples and unheated ones were calculated. The observed variations in the colors of samples were assumed due to the thermal and oxidation degradations. The behavior of the color parameters with heating duration was compared with the general kinetic curve of thermooxidative degradation of polymers and the match between them is discussed. The color difference ΔE values is recommended for monitoring the thermooxidative degradation of nylon 6 fibers. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Ingenious golden section search MPPT algorithm for PEM fuel cell power system

Neural Computing and Applications - Among several types of fuel cells available in the market, proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is characterized by low operating temperature, high...     

Favorable influence of ssDNA-functionalized SWCNT on the navigation pattern of C. elegans

Microsystem Technologies - Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs) are widely used as potential carriers in drug delivery systems. The objective of this work was to observe the effects of pristine,...     

An Eco-Friendly Approach to the Control of Pathogenic Microbes and Anopheles stephensi Malarial Vector Using Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles (Mg-NPs) Fabricated by Penicillium chrysogenum

The discovery of eco-friendly, rapid, and cost-effective compounds to control diseases caused by microbes and insects are the main challenges. Herein, the magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) are successfully fabricated by harnessing the metabolites secreted by Penicillium chrysogenum. The fabricated MgO-NPs were characterized using UV-Vis, XRD, TEM, DLS, EDX, FT-IR, and XPS analyses. Data showed the successful formation of crystallographic, spherical, well-dispersed MgO-NPs with sizes of 7–40 nm at a maximum wavelength of 250 nm. The EDX analysis confirms the presence of Mg and O ions as the main components with weight percentages of 13.62% and 7.76%, respectively. The activity of MgO-NPs as an antimicrobial agent was investigated against pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans, and exhibited zone of inhibitions of 12.0 ± 0.0, 12.7 ± 0.9, 23.3 ± 0.8, 17.7 ± 1.6, and 14.7 ± 0.6 mm respectively, at 200 µg mL⁻¹. The activity is decreased by decreasing the MgO-NPs concentration. The biogenic MgO-NPs exhibit high efficacy against different larvae instar and pupa of Anopheles stephensi, with LC50 values of 12.5–15.5 ppm for I–IV larvae instar and 16.5 ppm for the pupa. Additionally, 5 mg/cm² of MgO-NPs showed the highest protection percentages against adults of Anopheles stephensi, with values of 100% for 150 min and 67.6% ± 1.4% for 210 min.