Probabilistic interval reliability of structural systems

The probabilistic reliability approach is the most widely used method for reliability analysis. The recent research shows that the reliabilities of structural systems strongly depend on the parameters of the probability model. It is possible that the little error in the estimation of the parameters may lead to the remarkable error of the resulting probability. In this study, we introduce the interval approach into the conventional reliability theory. We present a novel approach which allows us to obtain the system failure probability interval from the statistical parameter intervals of the basic variables. This approach is a combination of the two techniques, namely the classical reliability theory and the interval analysis. In the end of this paper, we show the feasibility of the proposed approach through two examples of the truss systems.     

Polychromatic polarization singularities

Elliptical polarization can appear in only monochromatic optical fields. In polychromatic vector fields the polarization is a Lissajous figure, but in only commensurate fields do the figures have well-defined shapes; in other fields the shapes are undefined. Nonetheless, I show that a given paraxial polychromatic vector field has a coherency ellipse field associated with it that contains polarization singularities and stationary points that are surrogates for the corresponding critical points of the parent optical field.     

An experimental test of alternative models of bidding in ascending auctions

The theory and behavior of the clock version of the ascending auction has been well understood for at least 20 years. The more widely used oral outcry version of the ascending auction that allows bidders to submit their own bids has been the subject of some recent controversy mostly in regard to whether or not jump bidding, i.e. bidders submitting bids higher than required by the auctioneer, should be allowed. Isaac, Salmon & Zillante (2005) shows that the standard equilibrium for the clock auction does not apply to the non-clock format and constructs an equilibrium bid function intended to match with field data on ascending auctions. In this study, we will use economic experiments to provide a direct empirical test of that model while simultaneously providing empirical evidence to resolve the policy disputes centered around the place of jump bidding in ascending auctions.Received: March 2005The authors would like to thank Florida State University for providing the funding for the experiments in this paper and Bradley Andrews for programming assistance.     

Band limited functions on quantum graphs

The notion of band limited functions is introduced on a quantum graph. The main results of the paper are a uniqueness theorem and a reconstruction algorithm of such functions from discrete sets of values. It turns out that some of our band limited functions can have compact supports and their frequencies can be localized on the ``time" side. It opens an opportunity to consider signals of a variable band width and to develop a sampling theory with variable rate of sampling.

     

Nearly smooth granular gases

Hydrodynamic equations for nearly smooth granular gases are derived from the pertinent Boltzmann equation. The angular velocity distribution field needs to be included in the set of hydrodynamic fields. The angular velocity distribution is strongly non-Maxwellian for the homogeneous cooling state and any homogeneous steady state. In the case of steady wall-bounded shear flows the average spin (created at the boundaries) has a finite penetration length into the bulk.     

Energy modelling platforms for policy and strategy support

The energy field has been dominated by ‘hard’ modelling approaches advocated by researchers from engineering and economics disciplines. The recent trend towards a more liberalised environment moves away from central planning to market-based resource allocation, leading to the creation and use of strategic tools, with much ‘softer’ specifications, in the ‘systems-thinking’ tradition. This paper presents the use of system dynamics in a generalised way, to provide a platform for integrated energy analysis. Issues of modularity and policy evolution are important in the design of the modelling platform to facilitate its use, and reuse. Hence the concept of a platform, rather than a model, has to be implemented in a coherent way if it is to provide sustained value for ongoing support to both government policy and corporate strategy.     

Conformation of polystyrene with special emphasis to the near all-trans extended-chain model relevant in polystyrene gels

In light of novel and problematic diffraction patterns arising through the thermoreversible gelation of isotactic polystyrene, the conformational possibilities were examined with particular reference to other conformational works published recently on this polymer. The specific objective was to ascertain whether highly extended, helical backbone geometries such as are required by the new x-ray patterns are possible or not with a purely isotactic arrangement of side groups. The first realization was that the recently announced low-energy, near-trans conformations are not relevant to the present issue as they do not provide the required extended geometry. Further, specific sampling of the conformational energy map revealed that the required high chain extension may be energetically feasible, contrary to traditional conceptions and to recent conformational calculations elsewhere. The divergences as regards the latter were traced to the specific choice of nonbonded atomic radii—all within generally accepted limits—which accordingly has a crucial effect even to the extent whether specific conformation types are forbidden or energetically stable. The implications this has for conformational analysis in general are being pointed out. While the novel crystal structure has not been solved, the present study at least eliminates the previously believed categoric objections to it being associated with isotactic chains and, beyond this, opens up new perspectives as regards conformational possibilities in polyolefins. The more general problems concerning the nature and origin of the gelation phenomenon nevertheless remain.