Sensitivity analysis of an optimized bar-spring model with hill-top branching

Summary Characteristics of optimal solutions under nonlinear buckling constraints are investigated by using a bar-spring model. It is demonstrated that optimization under buckling constraints of a symmetric system often leads to a structure with hill-top branching, where a limit point and bifurcation points coincide. A general formulation is derived for imperfection sensitivity of the critical load factor corresponding to a hill-top branching point. It is shown that the critical load is not imperfection-sensitive even for the case where an asymmetric bifurcation point exists at the limit point.     

On-column injection onto capillary columns. Part 2: Study of sampling conditions; practical recommendations

During one year continuous use of on-column injection, the typical advantages described in our first report have fully been confirmed. In addition the analysis of large sample volumes has proved promising. Only minor modifications have been applied to the on-column injector device. Broad evidence has been gathered showing that full separation efficiency of the capillary columns after on-column injection is attained only when cold trapping or the solvent effect, as band shortening mechanisms, are working- While, under the conditions of on-column injection, cold trapping is less efficient than with other injection techniques, the opposite holds true for the solvent effect. Compared with splitless injection, the danger of excessive solvent condensation on the column is increased. A working rule is presented for establishing the optimal chromatographic conditions for handling large sample volumes while ensuring full separation efficiency yet avoiding harm to the column.     

Structural optimization with parameter-transfer finite element

A mathematical method to solve structural problems, using parameter-transfer finite elements (P-TFE) was recently proposed by the authors [1] [2] [3]. The proposed transfer finite element approach is able to create a mathematical model of a structure, taking into account directly the whole behaviour of the structure under dynamic, aerodynamic, and thermal actions, and not by assembling, in a separate fashion, the stiffness and the mass matrix on one side and the external load vector as performed by the classical finite element procedure.The purpose of this paper is to apply the above methodology to optimization problems, in particular to obtain the minimum structural weight for a beam, under primary constraints on buckling load or natural frequencies.The use of P-TFE in the field of structural optimization overcomes most difficulties of the usual techniques of solution and the element is particularly useful in the evaluation of the sensitivity matrix.The formulation of the optimization problem based on P-TFE is presented and some applications are studied. The numerical results obtained are compared with other existing methodologies and briefly discussed.

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Sommario Gli autori hanno già proposto un metodo per studiare problemi strutturali [1] [2] [3], introducendo una nuova metodologia di discretizzazione, basata sull'impiego di elementi finiti di trasferimento, funzioni esplicite di un parametro, indicati come P-TFE. Tali elementi sono in grado di rappresentare, in similitudine alla funzione di trasferimento, il comportamento completo dell'elemento strutturale in esame, soggetto ad azioni dinamiche, aerodinamiche e termiche; sono parimenti in grado di produrre, in similitudine al metodo degli elementi finiti, un modello matematico discreto di un continuo.Scopo del presente lavoro è di applicare detta metodologia a problemi di ottimizzazione, in particolare alla ricerca del minimo peso per una trave che mantenga inalterate le sue caratteristiche di carico critico o le frequenze naturali di vibrazione.Vengono quindi presentati alcuni risultati numerici dei casi esaminati e confrontati con quelli ottenuti da altri autori con l'impiego di altre metodologie.

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List of Symbols {B} _m vector of the generalized state variables - {C} _m vector of integration constants - [I] unit matrix - EI bending stiffness - A cross-sectional area - u adimensional thickness - l beam length - M,M bending moment - [N] _m shape function ofm-th order - [N*] shape function atx ₀ - P axial load - [R] _i transfer matrix of thei-th element - T,T shear force - w transverse displacement - x adimensional independent variable - x ₀ value ofx at the left of the element - {Y} vector of state variables - {Y*} imposed condition atx ₀ - _0m Kronecker delta with the first pedix always set equal to zero - normalized eigenfrequency - normalized buckling load - mass density     

The determination of starting conditions for modifier optimization in reversed-phase HPLC

Summary After a brief introduction of the subject, the paper focusses on the first step in any optimization procedure: the delineation of the parameter space, wherein the global optimum is to be found. For organic modifier optimization in reversed-phase liquid chromatography it is shown that the necessary information can be derived from a single water-methanol gradient. It first yields an estimate of the total number of solutes in the sample, which is vital to define the peak capacity needed to achieve separation at a certain confidence level. Next, the gradient allows the prediction of suitable isocratic methanol binary solvents, and transfer rules formulate the iso-eluotropic composition of the common binary solvents (tetrahydrofuran and acetonitrile). Because all predictions are based on a statistical analysis of a limited data base, attention is given to the practical situation where an actual sample deviates from the average solute behaviour. Such deviations are revealed in the first isocratic run and can be used to arrive at a better estimate of solute retention.     

Optimization of alkali-alkalkine earth cation separation on weak cation-exchangers

Summary The elution behavior of alkali and earth alkaline cations has been studied on a newly synthesized weak cationexchanger (WCX). Applying this stationary phase isocratic separation of these cations is possible. The dependence of retention on competing ion concentration is described via a simple model. The influence of crown ethers as well as organic eluent additives on selectivity and peak efficiency is demonstrated. With optimized separation such cations can be determined with detection limits of about 0.5 ppm using a conductivity detector without ion suppression.     

Detecting cortical lesions in multiple sclerosis at 7 T using white matter signal attenuation

Cortical lesions have recently been a focus of multiple sclerosis (MS) MR research. In this study, we present a white matter signal attenuating sequence optimized for cortical lesion detection at 7 T. The feasibility of white matter attenuation (WHAT) for cortical lesion detection was determined by scanning eight patients (four relapsing/remitting MS, four secondary progressive MS) at 7 T. WHAT showed excellent gray matter-white matter contrast, and cortical lesions were hyperintense to the surrounding cortical gray matter, The sequence was then optimized for cortical lesion detection by determining the set of sequence parameters that produced the best gray matter-cortical lesion contrast in a 10-min scan. Despite the B1 inhomogeneities common at ultra-high field strengths, WHAT with an adiabatic inversion pulse showed good cortical lesion detection and would be a valuable component of clinical MS imaging protocols.     

单级自动复叠混合工质制冷循环的实验研究

由于压缩机压比的局限,制约着单一制冷剂的压缩回热循环发展,本系统采用单一压缩机和混合工质的自复叠制冷循环系统取得了较好的制冷效果。文中对单级自动复叠制冷系统进行了理论模拟,并设计和搭建了实验台进行分析。通过理论和实验数据的分析得出混合工质组合R600a/R23,并初步得到最优配比。     

Adopting epidemic model to optimize medication and surgical intervention of excess weight

We combined an epidemic model with an objective function to minimize the weighted sum of people with excess weight and the cost of a medication and surgical intervention in the population. The epidemic model is consisted of ordinary differential equations to describe three subpopulation groups based on weight. We introduced an intervention using medication and surgery to deal with excess weight. An objective function is constructed taking into consideration the cost of the intervention as well as the weight distribution of the population. Using empirical data, we show that fixed participation rate reduces the size of obese population but increases the size for overweight. An optimal participation rate exists and decreases with respect to time. Both theoretical analysis and empirical example confirm the existence of an optimal participation rate, $u^{?}$. Under $u^{?}$, the weighted sum of overweight (S) and obese (O) population as well as the cost of the program is minimized. This article highlights the existence of an optimal participation rate that minimizes the number of people with excess weight and the cost of the intervention. The time-varying optimal participation rate could contribute to designing future public health interventions of excess weight.     

Acoustic source localization

In this article different techniques for localizing acoustic sources are described and the advantages/disadvantages of these techniques are discussed. Some source localization techniques are restricted to isotropic structures while other methods can be applied to anisotropic structures as well. Some techniques require precise knowledge of the direction dependent velocity profiles in the anisotropic body while other techniques do not require that knowledge. Some methods require accurate values of the time of arrival of the acoustic waves at the receivers while other techniques can function without that information. Published papers introducing various techniques emphasize the advantages of the introduced techniques while ignoring and often not mentioning the limitations and weaknesses of the new techniques. What is lacking in the literature is a comprehensive review and comparison of the available techniques; this article attempts to do that. After reviewing various techniques the paper concludes which source localization technique should be most effective for what type of structure and what the current research needs are.     

物理实验教学新模式的探索与实践

提出了一种新的物理实验教学模式，论述了建立实验教学模式所遵循的基本原则和基本做法，简要介绍实施新的教学模式所取得的教学成果。