Analysis of Static Simulated Annealing Algorithms

Generalized hill climbing (GHC) algorithms provide a framework for modeling local search algorithms to address intractable discrete optimization problems. This paper introduces a measure for determining the expected number of iterations to visit a predetermined objective function level, given that an inferior objective function level has been reached in a finite number of iterations. A variation of simulated annealing (SA), termed static simulated annealing (S²A), is analyzed using this measure. S²A uses a fixed cooling schedule during the algorithm execution. Though S²A is probably nonconvergent, its finite-time performance can be assessed using the finite-time performance measure defined in this paper.     

STM/AFM studies of the evolution of morphology of electroplated Ni/W alloys

The surface morphology evolution of Ni/W alloys was studied, as a function of the alloy composition. Using the modified plating baths developed in our laboratory recently, electroplated Ni/W alloys with different W content, in the range of 7–67 atom percent (a/o), can be obtained. This was found to lead to different structures, ranging from polycrystalline fcc-Ni type structure to amorphous, followed by orthorhombic with increasing W content in the alloy. Powder XRD was studied to determine the crystal structures. Ex situ STM, AFM and SEM were used to study in detail the surface morphologies of the different alloys, and their evolution with increasing W content.

The important findings are that a mixture of two crystalline forms can give rise to an amorphous structure. Hillocks that are usually a characteristic of epitaxial growth can also exist in the amorphous alloys. Oriented scratches caused by stress can also be formed.

Up to 20 a/o of W is deposited in the alloys in crystalline form, with the fcc-Ni type structure. Between 20 and about 40 a/o an amorphous structure is observed, and above that an orthorhombic crystal structure is seen, which is characteristic of the NiW binary alloy. Careful choice of the composition of the plating bath allowed us to deposit an alloy containing 67 a/o W, which corresponds to the composition NiW₂.     

Observation of hydrogen induced intermediate borides in PrFeB based alloys by Mössbauer effect spectroscopy

In the present work, a quantitative analysis of the phase compositions by Mössbauer effect spectroscopy of solid and conventional hydrogen disproportionated Pr_13.7Fe_80.3B_6.0 and Pr_13.7Fe_63.5Co_16.7Zr_0.1B_6.0 alloys was carried out. Significant amounts of intermediate borides t-Fe₃B and Pr(Fe, Co)₁₂B₆ were detected after solid hydrogen disproportionation treatment in Pr_13.7Fe_80.3B_6.0 and Pr_13.7Fe_63.5Co_16.7Zr_0.1B_6.0 alloys, respectively. After conventional hydrogenation–disproportionation–desorption–recombination treatment these phases were not detected and in no case residual Pr₂Fe₁₄B-phase was found. It was observed that the amount of intermediate borides after disproportionation can be correlated with the degree of texture after recombination at various temperatures.     

The Effect of Boundary Conditions on Gas-phase Synthesised Silver Nanoparticles

We have prepared spherical non-agglomerated silver nanoparticles by an evaporation–condensation–dilution/cooling technique. Silver was evaporated from a crucible in a tubular flow reactor. A porous tube diluter was used to quench the carrier gas at the outlet of the reactor to enhance the formation of small particles and to suppress agglomeration and other particle growth mechanisms. The number size distribution of the prepared particles was measured with a differential mobility analyser–condensation nucleus counter combination and the size and the shape of the particles were analysed with transmission electron microscope. The system was modelled using a sectional aerosol dynamics computer code to estimate the importance of different aerosol processes. In all conditions the particles obtained were non-agglomerated and spherical. The mean particle diameter varied from 4 to 10-nm depending on boundary conditions. From the modelling studies it can be concluded that the nucleation rate is the most important parameter controlling the final particle size.     

Growth of K(DxH1 − x )2PO4 single crystals from solutions in the K2O-P2O5-(D, H)2O system

Based on the analysis of the K₂O-P₂O₅-D₂O solubility phase diagram, the optimum conditions of KD₂PO₄ crystallization—the compositions of mother solutions and the temperature range of crystallization—in the KH₂PO₄-D₂O system have been determined. The technique of K(D_xH_{1 ? x} )₂PO₄ growth is developed. The DKDP single crystals with deuterium concentration up to 88 wt % are grown on DKDP seeds from KH₂PO₄ solutions in D₂O by the method of temperature decrease.     

Stationary Mode and Binomial Moments for Networks of the Type [SM|GI|∞] r

By using methods of the Markov renewal theory, we find conditions for the existence of a stationary mode for multichannel networks with semi-Markov input stream. As a tool of stationary distribution analysis, we introduce multivariate binomial moments and investigate their asymptotic properties. For a multichannel queuing system with periodic input stream, we construct the generating function of the stationary distribution in explicit form in terms of the parameters of the system under consideration.     

On the Behavior of Some Second Order Nonlinear Differential Equations

Qualitative behavior of second order nonlinear differential equations of type y″+p(t)y+q(t)f(y)=0, is studied. It includes properties such as positivity, number of zeros, oscillating nature, boundedness and monotonicity of the solutions.