An experimental analysis of a population based approach for global optimization

In this paper we perform a computational analysis of a population based approach for global optimization, Population Basin Hopping (PBH), which was proven to be very efficient on very challenging global optimization problems by the authors (see ). The experimental analysis aims at understanding more deeply how the approach works and why it is successful on challenging problems.     

On the summability of the formal solutions for some PDEs with irregular singularity

In this Note, we consider some classes of nonlinear partial differential equations with regular singularity with respect to t=0 and irregular one with respect to x=0. Our purpose is to establish a result which is similar to the k-summability property, known in the case of singular ordinary differential equations. We can prove that, except at most a countable set, the formal solution is Borel summable or k-summable with respect to x in all other directions. To cite this article: Z. Luo et al., C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 336 (2003).     

Second harmonic generation and polar order in thin films of polyesters

A series of optically active main chain polyesters were synthesized by high temperature polycondensation from biphenolic azo chromophores with azobenzene-4,4'-dicarbonylchloride and 1,4:3,6-dianhydro-D-sorbitol ([!]_D²⁵=+42.5°). The second harmonic generation of the polyesters is studied in thin films. The polar order in films is determined from the UV-visible absorption spectra. The variation in SHG intensity with chiral monomer concentration is explained as a function of polar order. The polymers with chiral units showed good second harmonic efficiency. The intensity of second harmonic light (532 nm) increased with angle of incidence and indicated the polar order in the plane of the film. The SH signal also showed good temporal stability.     

改革物理实验课教学,提高实验课的教学质量

根据多年的物理实验教学经验，阐明了物理实验教学改革应重视的问题，并提出了几点改进措施。     

Analysis of finite capacity discrete-time <Emphasis Type="Italic">GI</Emphasis>/<Emphasis Type="Italic">Geo</Emphasis>/1 queueing system with multiple vacations

This paper investigates a discrete-time single-server finite-buffer queueing system with multiple vacations in which arrivals occur according to a discrete-time renewal process. Service and vacation times are mutually independent and geometrically distributed. We obtain steady-state system length distributions at prearrival, arbitrary and outside observer's observation epochs under the late arrival system with delayed access and early arrival system. The analysis of actual waiting-time for both the systems has also been carried out. The model has potential application in high-speed computer network, digital communication systems and other related areas.     

Active-constraint variable ordering for faster feasibility of mixed integer linear programs

The selection of the branching variable can greatly affect the speed of the branch and bound solution of a mixed-integer or integer linear program. Traditional approaches to branching variable selection rely on estimating the effect of the candidate variables on the objective function. We present a new approach that relies on estimating the impact of the candidate variables on the active constraints in the current LP relaxation. We apply this method to the problem of finding the first feasible solution as quickly as possible. Empirical experiments demonstrate a significant improvement compared to a state-of-the art commercial MIP solver.     

A second-order accurate numerical method for a fractional wave equation

We study a generalized Crank–Nicolson scheme for the time discretization of a fractional wave equation, in combination with a space discretization by linear finite elements. The scheme uses a non-uniform grid in time to compensate for the singular behaviour of the exact solution at t = 0. With appropriate assumptions on the data and assuming that the spatial domain is convex or smooth, we show that the error is of order k ² + h ², where k and h are the parameters for the time and space meshes, respectively.     

Peritectic phase growth in directionally solidified Cu-70% Sn alloy

The growth mechanism of the peritectic η phase involving the peritectic reaction and peritectic transformation in Cu-70%Sn alloy was investigated under directional solidification. The results show that a major growth mechanism in thickening of the peritectic η-layer is not the peritectic reaction but the peritectic transformation. The transformation temperature and isothermal time play crucial roles in determining the volume fraction and the thickness of the peritectic η phase. With the increase of the temperature and isothermal time, the volume fraction of the peritectic η phase increases. The regressed data show that the relationship between the thickness of η phase (Δx) and the transformation temperature (T) meets the following equation In Δx=6.5−1673 1 / T. Additionally, there exists a relationship between the thickness of the η phase (Δx) and the isothermal time (t) at the 9 mm solidification distance below the peritectic reaction interface, Δx=0.72t ^1/2, which is consistent with the theoretical model. Supported by the National Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 50395102)     

Piezooptical optical bistability

A glass fiber piezooptical optical bistability device is reported.Basing on pho-toelastic and strain effects of single-mode fiber,we have realized piezooptical modulation andperformed experiments of optical bistability.