An efficient edge based data structure for the compressible Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations on hybrid unstructured meshes

An efficient edge based data structure has been developed in order to implement an unstructured vertex based finite volume algorithm for the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations on hybrid meshes. In the present approach, the data structure is tailored to meet the requirements of the vertex based algorithm by considering data access patterns and cache efficiency. The required data are packed and allocated in a way that they are close to each other in the physical memory. Therefore, the proposed data structure increases cache performance and improves computation time. As a result, the explicit flow solver indicates a significant speed up compared to other open-source solvers in terms of CPU time. A fully implicit version has also been implemented based on the PETSc library in order to improve the robustness of the algorithm. The resulting algebraic equations due to the compressible Navier–Stokes and the one equation Spalart–Allmaras turbulence equations are solved in a monolithic manner using the restricted additive Schwarz preconditioner combined with the FGMRES Krylov subspace algorithm. In order to further improve the computational accuracy, the multiscale metric based anisotropic mesh refinement library PyAMG is used for mesh adaptation. The numerical algorithm is validated for the classical benchmark problems such as the transonic turbulent flow around a supercritical RAE2822 airfoil and DLR-F6 wing-body-nacelle-pylon configuration. The efficiency of the data structure is demonstrated by achieving up to an order of magnitude speed up in CPU times.     

QEPAS系统中石英音叉模态仿真计算与研究

对石英音叉增强型光声光谱(QEPAS)系统中常用的石英音叉进行了有限元模态计算，获得石英音叉前6阶振型与模态频率，认知了第4阶对称摆动振型为有效振动，利用单因素法分析了石英音叉的音臂长度l₁、音臂宽度w₁、音臂厚度t、音臂切角θ、音臂圆孔直径d及音臂圆孔高度h对低阶有效共振频率(Fre)的影响，敏感度依次为： l₁> w₁>d>θ>t>h，考虑实际设计情形，筛选出了l₁，w₁，d与h四个石英音叉设计变量，采用Box-Behnken实验设计方案与RSM(response surface methodology)方法，以Fre为函数目标，建立l₁，w₁，d与h的二次回归响应面模型，得到了参数之间的交互作用，利用Design-Expert软件对响应面模型进行设计参数反求，结果表明，在15 000 Hz≤Fre≤25 000 Hz计算区域内误差较小，基本满足QEPAS系统的计算需求，所提出的研究与设计方法具有一定通用性，可为QEPAS系统中石英音叉结构参数设计提供参考。     

Preliminary Contribution to the Quantification of HMF in Honey by Electrochemical Biosensor Chips

Several hydroximethylfurfural (HMF) microbiosensors, based on a microelectrode configuration built by photolithographic techniques, have been developed. Two different biosensors based on the aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) enzyme coupling with NADH oxidase (NOD) or diaphorase (Diaph) are described. Experimental variables were optimized using experimental design methodology, by central composite designs, taking the intensity registered for a given HMF solution as response. Given the reproducibility (residual standard deviation (RSD), 7.20%), repeatability (RSD=3%) and limit of detection (LOD)=1.68×10^?4 mol dm^?3 (α=β=0.05 and a replicate) reached by the ALDH‐Diaph microbiosensor under the optimum conditions, the analysis of HMF in honey was successfully accomplished.     

Students’ conceptual understanding of a function and its derivative in an experimental calculus course

Calculus has been witnessing fundamental changes in its curriculum, with an increased emphasis on visualization. This mode for representing mathematical concepts is gaining more strength due to the advances in computer technology and the development of dynamical mathematical software. This paper focuses on the understanding of the function and its derivative as viewed by students of a reformed Calculus 1 course offered in two experimental sections at the Lebanese American University in Beirut, Lebanon. Results have shown that the general approach adopted in the course proved to be unpopular for a great majority of the students, but rewarding for others. Interviews conducted with some students and a study of their performance on very specific exam questions reveal that for most students, the algebraic representation of a function still dominated their thinking; however, these students showed an almost complete understanding of the derivative, particularly the idea of the instantaneous rate of change and/or the slope of a curve at a given point. Furthermore, very few of these students referred to the mechanical methods for finding derivatives.     

混合位级正交试验设计的极差分析方法

本文指出，在混合位级的正交试验设计中，以往的极差分析方法存在着不足。本文给出了极差的修正方法，并用大量实例做了数值验证，说明这个修正确实很有效     

涡旋柔性弹簧及组件性能实验研究

本文利用TSL系列弹簧刚度实验仪对用于斯特林制冷机中的单片柔性弹簧及柔性弹簧组件进行了实验研究。测试了四种不同尺寸弹簧刚度的动态特性,研究了单片弹簧的轴向刚度、径向刚度以及力矩特性,然后对柔性弹簧组件进行了实验研究,指出了不同组合方法下的刚度及弯矩特性,得到的数据可以作为斯特林制冷机设计的参考。     

双预脉冲驱动X射线激光实验研究

 在“星光-Ⅱ”激光装置上进行了双预脉冲驱动类氖铬X射线激光实验，介绍了实验方法和实验结果，并对结果进行了简短讨论。由于目前“星光”装置输出能量较低，所进行的双预脉冲驱动未能显著提高X射线激光强度，改变预脉冲幅度时X射线激光强度也未有显著变化。利用MED103程序进行了模拟计算，其结果与实验结果一致。     

How to assess and report the performance of a stochastic algorithm on a benchmark problem: mean or best result on a number of runs?

Some authors claim that reporting the best result obtained by a stochastic algorithm in a number of runs is more meaningful than reporting some central statistic. In this short note, we analyze and refute the main argument brought in favor of this statement.     

Testing deviations from the inverse square law with a freely falling gravity gradiometer at balloon altitudes

Summary We discuss a null experiment to search for the fifth force at ranges around 10 km. It is proposed to use a three-axis gravity gradiometer to measure the trace of the Earth gravity tensor from a freely falling elevator dropped by a balloon. The main error sources are considered to some extent. Paper presented at the V Cosmic Physics National Conference, S. Miniato, November 27–30, 1990.     

On the role of heterogeneous and imperfect information in a laboratory financial market

In this paper, we analyze the behavior of a group of heterogeneously informed investors in an laboratory asset market. Our experimental setting is inspired by Huber et al. (On the benefit of information in markets with heterogeneously informed traders: an experimental study, 2004). However, instead of their system of cumulative and exogenously given information structure, we introduce an information market where the traders can buy an imperfect prediction of the future value of the dividend with a maximum anticipation of four periods. The accuracy of the prediction decreases with the chosen time horizon, whereas its price remains constant. Our results confirm a non-strictly monotonic increasing value of the information.