Monte Carlo simulations of magnetic particle suspensions with a simple assessment method for the particle overlap between magnetic spheroids

We have developed a simple assessment method for the overlap between spheroidal particles, which neither requires the complex manipulation of vectors and matrices that is indispensable in the ordinary methods, nor is based on a model potential. Moreover, we have developed an evaluation method for the interaction energy arising from the overlap of the steric layer coating spheroidal particles. This is based on a sphere-connected particle model, but some modifications are introduced in order to express an appropriate repulsive interaction energy at the deepest overlapping position. We have investigated the phase change in a magnetic spheroidal particle suspension for a two-dimensional system by means of Monte Carlo simulations. In the case of no external magnetic field, if the magnetic particle-particle interaction is sufficiently strong to favour cluster formation, long raft-like clusters tend to be formed in a dilute situation. With decreasing values of area fraction, a chain-like structure in a dense situation transforms into a raft-like structure within a narrow range of the particle area fraction. Similarly, the raft-like clusters are preferred in a weak applied magnetic field, but an increase in the field strength induces a phase change from a raft-like into a chain-like structure.

Highlights of the present paper:

1. A simple assessment method has been proposed for the overlap between two spheroidal particles.

2. The particle overlap assessment is free from a complex mathematical manipulation regarding vectors and matrices.

3. A modified sphere-connected model has been proposed in order to more accurately evaluate a repulsive interaction due to the overlap of the steric layers coating spheroidal particles.

4. 2D Monte Carlo simulations have been performed to elucidate the phenomenon of a phase change by magnetic spheroidal particles on a material plane surface.

5. A phase change between a raft-like and a chain-like aggregate structure is able to be controlled by the area fraction of particles and an external magnetic field.

     

Development of low concentrated solar photovoltaic system with lead acid battery as storage device

Energy storage system powered by renewable energies is a viable option to meet energy requirement without addition of carbon footprints to the environment. This study involves development of theoretical and computational models for a solar photovoltaic (PV) system coupled with a lead acid battery. The study commenced with selection of most appropriate lead acid battery and PV system for installation in a representative location in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Various technical and economic parameters were assessed and calculated by computational approach. The optimized lead acid battery was integrated with low concentration solar PV panels (CPV) followed by a feasibility study. Theoretical model was developed for the integrated system to calculate various parameters of the CPV and lead acid battery. Technical and economic assessment of this coupled unit was calculated using a theoretical approach. The developed model was then subjected to computational approach for verification and validation analysis of the integrated system. The detailed assessment of batteries and integrated system show the applicability of this system in Riyadh region. The research will be extended to develop energy storage systems for remote areas using lead acid batteries.     

The Occurrence of Pesticides in Groundwater—Results of Case-studies

Abstract

A comparative review of pesticide survey endosing 16 waterworks in the FRG tries to increase the understanding about interferences of pesticide utilization and pesticide occurrence in ground- and drinkingwater, which includes characterization of sampling points, subsurface situation, land use and pesticide application. Between 1986 and 1991, 5772 samples were measured and led to 219094 data about the occurrence of various pesticides. 5% of these analyses showed pesticide or metabolite concentrations above the particular detection limits. This result does not vary in large extent considering groups of different characterized sampling points like groundwater dominated or surface water sampling points. As the herbicide atrazine and its metabolite desethylatrazine as well as the herbicide simazine were detected most often in all samples independent whether considering groundwater und surface water samples, this fact confirms the FRG-application ban for atrazine as well as the application restriction for simazine.     

Synthesis,structural features and biochemical activity assessment of N,N′‐bis‐(2‐mercaptophenylimine)‐2,5‐thiophenedicarboxaldehyde Schiff base and its Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes

The tetradentate Schiff base ligand (SB), N,N′‐bis‐(2‐mercaptophenylimine)‐2,5‐thiophenedicarboxaldehyde was prepared via condensation of 2,5‐thiophene‐dicarboxaldehyde with 2‐aminothiophenol in a 1:2 molar ratio by conventional method. Additionally, its Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes have been synthesized and fully characterized by elemental analysis, FT‐IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, UV–Vis, ESR, ESI‐mass, conductivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements. Spectral studies suggested that, the Schiff base coordinate metal ions through the azomethine N‐ and deprotonated thiol S‐ atoms. Based on UV–Vis absorption and magnetic susceptibility data, tetrahedral geometry was assigned for both Co(II) and Zn(II) complexes, whereas on the other hand, square planar geometry for both Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes. The Schiff base and its metal complexes were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activity by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. Free radical scavenging activity of the novel compounds was determined by elimination of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. In addition, the interactions of the free ligand and its complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) were explored using absorption, emission and viscosity measurements techniques.     

Differential equation dynamical system based assessment model in GNSS interoperability

With the development of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS),the idea of GNSS interoperability is born and has become the focus of study in the field of satellite navigation.The popularity for GNSS to augment the interoperability with the existing ones necessitates the study of the assessment algorithm of this idea.In this paper,an assessment algorithm for interoperability comprehensive benefits based on the differential equation dynamical system is discussed.There are two important aspects in GNSS tha...     

Quantitative assessment of rhodamine spectra

With the development of single-molecule detection and super-resolution fluorescence imaging, rhodamine dyes gain new life. Through the modification of the N-substituents and the replacement of the oxygen atom in xanthene, the wavelength and brightness can be effectively changed. However, the spectra of rhodamine, especially due to the balance between ring-closed non-fluorescent lactone and ring-opened fluorescent zwitterion/cation, are sensitive to interference from various environmental factors. In this way, the spectral data of various rhodamines reported by different research groups under different test conditions lacked comparability, sometimes even lacked accuracy. In order to meet the requirements for the accuracy and uniformity of spectral data in the research of single molecule imaging and dye structure-fluorescence relationship study, we have tested the spectra of fifteen rhodamine dyes that cover the visible and near-infrared regions under exactly the same conditions. By studying the dependence of the spectra on dye concentrations, it was confirmed that 1 μmol/L was ideal for detection less from the interference of dye molecule aggregation. We provide comprehensive and reliable spectral data of these fifteen dyes, which are expected to be used as references for future research. And the direct comparison of different rhodamine spectra would help to understand the structure-fluorescence relationship of rhodamines.     

基于实测荷载的铁路钢桁梁桥疲劳可靠性评估

为了对钢桁梁桥疲劳进行评估,引入可靠性理论,提出了基于实测荷载的桥梁疲劳可靠性评估方法。根据某铁路钢桁梁桥实测车辆荷载数据,建立了随机车辆荷载模型。并在考虑车辆荷载随机性的基础上,结合Monte-Carlo法与有限元,分析了钢桁梁桥构件疲劳应力谱,计算了构件疲劳可靠性随时间的变化,并探讨了车辆荷载及荷载效应变异性对构件疲劳可靠性的影响,最后采用β约界法与静力分析法对钢桁梁桥系统疲劳可靠性进行了研究。结果表明,基于随机车辆荷载的构件疲劳应力谱呈现单峰分布;构件疲劳可靠性随运营时间的增加而减小;车辆荷载的增长及荷载效应变异性的增加对构件疲劳可靠性影响较大,当车辆荷载增长率和等效应力变异系数分别增加到5%时,构件疲劳寿命大幅减小;β约界法结合静力分析法可快速确定钢桁梁桥失效模式,桥梁系统疲劳寿命小于构件疲劳寿命。总的来看,基于实测荷载的钢桁梁桥疲劳可靠性评估方法能有效地利用监测数据,对桥梁疲劳评估具有良好的适用性。     

A model for dependent default with hyperbolic attenuation effect and valuation of credit default swap

A hyperbolic function is introduced to reflect the attenuation effect of one firm's default to its partner.If two firms are competitors(copartners),the default inten- sity of one firm will decrease(increase)abruptly when the other firm defaults.As time goes on,the impact will decrease gradually until extinct.In this model,the joint distri- bution and marginal distributions of default times are derived by employing the change of measure,and the fair swap premium of a credit default swap(CDS)can be valued.     

吊车荷载作用下钢结构吊车梁的疲劳可靠寿命评估

从Miner累积损伤的定义出发，视累积损伤为随机过程，临界损伤为随机变量，基于疲劳动态可靠性理论，提出了在役钢结构吊车梁疲劳剩余寿命的可靠寿命评估法。之后与现行《钢结构检测评定与加固技术规程》(YB9257-96)中安全期限寿命评估法进行了分析比较，说明了安全寿命评估方法的概率意义。算例分析结果表明，本文提出的可靠寿命评估方法更加合理。     

Pandemic-Driven Development of a Medical-Grade,Economic and Decentralized Applicable Polyolefin Filament for Additive Fused Filament Fabrication

A polyolefin with certified biocompatibility according to USP class VI was used by our group as feedstock for filament-based 3D printing to meet the highest medical standards in order to print personal protective equipment for our university hospital during the ongoing pandemic. Besides the chemical resistance and durability, as well as the ability to withstand steam sterilization, this polypropylene (PP) copolymer is characterized by its high purity, as achieved by highly efficient and selective catalytic polymerization. As the PP copolymer is suited to be printed with all common printers in fused filament fabrication (FFF), it offers an eco-friendly cost–benefit ratio, even for large-scale production. In addition, a digital workflow was established focusing on common desktop FFF printers in the medical sector. It comprises the simulation-based optimization of personalized print objects, considering the inherent material properties such as warping tendency, through to validation of the process chain by 3D scanning, sterilization, and biocompatibility analysis of the printed part. This combination of digital data processing and 3D printing with a sustainable and medically certified material showed great promise in establishing decentralized additive manufacturing in everyday hospital life to meet peaks in demand, supply bottlenecks, and enhanced personalized patient treatment.