OPTIMIZATION OF TRANSIENT FEEDING TO PARALLEL-PLATE TRANSMISSION LINES FROM COAXIAL LINE

The transient feeding to parallel-plate transmission lines from coaxial line is optimized by using the Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method and a simple FDTD feed model. Observing the reflected voltages, this letter presents the optimal feeding position and ratio of width to height for a given input impedance of the coaxial line.

An MPI parallel DEM-IMB-LBM framework for simulating fluid-solid interaction problems

The high-resolution DEM-IMB-LBM model can accurately describe pore-scale fluid-solid interactions,but its potential for use in geotechnical engineering analysis has not been fully unleashed due to its prohibitive computational costs.To overcome this limitation,a message passing interface(MPI)parallel DEM-IMB-LBM framework is proposed aimed at enhancing computation efficiency.This framework utilises a static domain decomposition scheme,with the entire computation domain being decomposed into multiple subdomains according to predefined processors.A detailed parallel strategy is employed for both contact detection and hydrodynamic force calculation.In particular,a particle ID re-numbering scheme is proposed to handle particle transitions across sub-domain interfaces.Two benchmarks are conducted to validate the accuracy and overall performance of the proposed framework.Subsequently,the framework is applied to simulate scenarios involving multi-particle sedimentation and submarine landslides.The numerical examples effectively demonstrate the robustness and applicability of the MPI parallel DEM-IMB-LBM framework.

Coaxial electrohydrodynamic printing of core–shell microfibrous scaffolds with layer-specific growth factors release for enthesis regeneration

The rotator cuff tear has emerged as a significant global health concern.However,existing therapies fail to fully restore the intricate bone-to-tendon gradients,resulting in compromised biomechanical functionalities of the reconstructed enthesis tissues.Herein,a tri-layered core–shell microfibrous scaffold with layer-specific growth factors(GFs)release is developed using coaxial electrohydrodynamic(EHD)printing for in situ cell recruitment and differentiation to facilitate gradient enthesis tissue repair.Stromal cell-derived factor-1(SDF-1)is loaded in the shell,while basic fibroblast GF,transforming GF-beta,and bone morphogenetic protein-2 are loaded in the core of the EHD-printed microfibrous scaffolds in a layer-specific manner.Correspondingly,the tri-layered microfibrous scaffolds have a core–shell fiber size of(25.7±5.1)μm,with a pore size sequentially increasing from(81.5±4.6)μm to(173.3±6.9)μm,and to(388.9±6.9μm)for the tenogenic,chondrogenic,and osteogenic instructive layers.A rapid release of embedded GFs is observed within the first 2 d,followed by a faster release of SDF-1 and a slightly slower release of differentiation GFs for approximately four weeks.The coaxial EHD-printed microfibrous scaffolds significantly promote stem cell recruitment and direct their differentiation toward tenocyte,chondrocyte,and osteocyte phenotypes in vitro.When implanted in vivo,the tri-layered core–shell microfibrous scaffolds rapidly restored the biomechanical functions and promoted enthesis tissue regeneration with native-like bone-to-tendon gradients.Our findings suggest that the microfibrous scaffolds with layer-specific GFs release may offer a promising clinical solution for enthesis regeneration.

Experimental study on temperature fluctuations on plate surface induced by coaxial-jet flow

In nuclear reactors,temperature fluctuations of fluids may cause fatigue damage to adjacent structures;this is referred to as thermal striping.Research on thermal striping in the upper plenum has mainly focused on fluid fields.Few experimental studies have been reported on solid structures in a fluid field with a coaxial jet.This study entailed an experimental study of the temperature fluctuations in the fluid and on a plate surface caused by a coaxial jet.The temperature fluctuations of the fluid and plate surfaces located at different heights were analyzed.The cause of the temperature fluctuation was analyzed using a transient temperature distribution.The results show that the mixing of the hot and cold fluids gradually becomes uniform in the positive axial direction.The average surface temperatures tended to be consistent.When the jet reaches the plate surface,the swing of the jet center,contraction and expansion of the cold jet,and changes in the jet shape result in temperature fluctuations.The intensity of the temperature fluctuation was affected by the position.More attention should be paid when the plate is located at a lower height,and between the hot and cold-fluid nozzles.

Numerical Simulation of Droplet Generation in Coaxial Microchannels

In this study,numerical simulations of the pinching-off phenomena displayed by the dispersed phase in a continuous phase have been conducted using COMSOL Multiphysics(level-set method).Four flow patterns,namely“drop flow”,“jet flow”,“squeeze flow”,and“co-flow”,have been obtained for different flow velocity ratios,channel diameter ratios,density ratios,viscosity ratios,and surface tension.The flow pattern map of two-phase flow in coaxial microchannels has been obtained accordingly,and the associated droplet generation process has been critically discussed considering the related frequency,diameter,and pinch-off length.In particular,it is shown that the larger the flow velocity ratio,the smaller the diameter of generated droplets and the shorter the pinch-off length.The pinch-off length of a droplet is influenced by the channel diameter ratio and density ratio.The changes in viscosity ratio have a negligible influence on the droplet generation pinching frequency.With an increase in surface tension,the frequency of generation and pinch-off length of droplets decrease,but for small surface tension the generation diameter of droplet increases.

Coaxial Wet Spinning of Boron Nitride Nanosheet‑Based Composite Fibers with Enhanced Thermal Conductivity and Mechanical Strength

Hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets(BNNSs)exhibit remarkable thermal and dielectric properties.However,their self-assembly and alignment in macroscopic forms remain challenging due to the chemical inertness of boron nitride,thereby limiting their performance in applications such as thermal management.In this study,we present a coaxial wet spinning approach for the fabrication of BNNSs/polymer composite fibers with high nanosheet orientation.The composite fibers were prepared using a superacid-based solvent system and showed a layered structure comprising an aramid core and an aramid/BNNSs sheath.Notably,the coaxial fibers exhibited significantly higher BNNSs alignment compared to uniaxial aramid/BNNSs fibers,primarily due to the additional compressive forces exerted at the core-sheath interface during the hot drawing process.With a BNNSs loading of 60 wt%,the resulting coaxial fibers showed exceptional properties,including an ultrahigh Herman orientation parameter of 0.81,thermal conductivity of 17.2 W m^(-1)K^(-1),and tensile strength of 192.5 MPa.These results surpassed those of uniaxial fibers and previously reported BNNSs composite fibers,making them highly suitable for applications such as wearable thermal management textiles.Our findings present a promising strategy for fabricating high-performance composite fibers based on BNNSs.

Study of plasma parameters of coaxial plasma source using triple Langmuir probe and Faraday cup diagnostics

Coaxial plasma guns are a type of plasma source that produces plasma which propagates radially and axially controlled by the shape of the ground electrode, which has attracted much interest in several applications. In this work, a 120° opening angle of CPG nozzle is used as a plasma gun configuration that operates at the energy of 150 J. The ionization of polyethylene insulator between the electrodes of the gun produces a cloud of hydrogen and carbon plasma.The triple Langmuir probe and Faraday cup are used to measure plasma density and plasma temperature. These methods are used to measure the on-axis and off-axis plasma divergence of the coaxial plasma gun. The peak values of ion densities measured at a distance of 25 mm on-axis from the plasma gun are(1.6±0.5)×10^(19)m^(-3)and(2.8±0.6)×10^(19)m^(-3)for hydrogen and carbon plasma respectively and the peak temperature is 3.02±0.5 eV. The mean propagation velocity of plasma is calculated using the transit times of plasma at different distances from the plasma gun and is found to be 4.54±0.25 cm/μs and 1.81±0.18 cm/μs for hydrogen and carbon plasma respectively. The Debye radius is obtained from the measured experimental data that satisfies the thin sheath approximation. The shot-to-shot stability of plasma parameters facilitates the use of plasma guns in laboratory experiments. These types of plasma sources can be used in many applications like plasma opening switches, plasma devices, and as plasma sources.

THE NONLINEAR STABILITY OF PLANE PARALLEL SHEAR FLOWS WITH RESPECT TO TILTED PERTURBATIONS

The nonlinear stability of plane parallel shear flows with respect to tilted perturbations is studied by energy methods.Tilted perturbation refers to the fact that perturbations form an angleθ∈(0,π/2)with the direction of the basic flows.By defining an energy functional,it is proven that plane parallel shear flows are unconditionally nonlinearly exponentially stable for tilted streamwise perturbation when the Reynolds number is below a certain critical value and the boundary conditions are either rigid or stress-free.In the case of stress-free boundaries,by taking advantage of the poloidal-toroidal decomposition of a solenoidal field to define energy functionals,it can be even shown that plane parallel shear flows are unconditionally nonlinearly exponentially stable for all Reynolds numbers,where the tilted perturbation can be either spanwise or streamwise.

Percutaneous ultrasound-guided coaxial core needle biopsy for the diagnosis of multiple splenic lesions: A case report

BACKGROUND The overlap of imaging manifestations among distinct splenic lesions gives rise to a diagnostic dilemma.Consequently,a definitive diagnosis primarily relies on his-tological results.The ultrasound(US)-guided coaxial core needle biopsy(CNB)not only procures sufficient tissue to help clarify the diagnosis,but reduces the incidence of puncture-related complications.CASE SUMMARY A 41-year-old female,with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis,was admitted to our hospital with multiple indeterminate splenic lesions.Gray-scale ultrasono-graphy demonstrated splenomegaly with numerous well-defined hypoechoic ma-sses.Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CT)showed an en-larged spleen with multiple irregular-shaped,peripherally enhancing,hypodense lesions.Positron emission CT revealed numerous abnormal hyperglycemia foci.These imaging findings strongly indicated the possibility of infectious disease as the primary concern,with neoplastic lesions requiring exclusion.To obtain the precise pathological diagnosis,the US-guided coaxial CNB of the spleen was ca-rried out.The patient did not express any discomfort during the procedure.CONCLUSION Percutaneous US-guided coaxial CNB is an excellent and safe option for obtaining precise splenic tissue samples,as it significantly enhances sample yield for exact pathological analysis with minimum trauma to the spleen parenchyma and sur-rounding tissue.

Improved multi-scale inverse bottleneck residual network based on triplet parallel attention for apple leaf disease identification

Accurate diagnosis of apple leaf diseases is crucial for improving the quality of apple production and promoting the development of the apple industry. However, apple leaf diseases do not differ significantly from image texture and structural information. The difficulties in disease feature extraction in complex backgrounds slow the related research progress. To address the problems, this paper proposes an improved multi-scale inverse bottleneck residual network model based on a triplet parallel attention mechanism, which is built upon ResNet-50, while improving and combining the inception module and ResNext inverse bottleneck blocks, to recognize seven types of apple leaf(including six diseases of alternaria leaf spot, brown spot, grey spot, mosaic, rust, scab, and one healthy). First, the 3×3 convolutions in some of the residual modules are replaced by multi-scale residual convolutions, the convolution kernels of different sizes contained in each branch of the multi-scale convolution are applied to extract feature maps of different sizes, and the outputs of these branches are multi-scale fused by summing to enrich the output features of the images. Second, the global layer-wise dynamic coordinated inverse bottleneck structure is used to reduce the network feature loss. The inverse bottleneck structure makes the image information less lossy when transforming from different dimensional feature spaces. The fusion of multi-scale and layer-wise dynamic coordinated inverse bottlenecks makes the model effectively balances computational efficiency and feature representation capability, and more robust with a combination of horizontal and vertical features in the fine identification of apple leaf diseases. Finally, after each improved module, a triplet parallel attention module is integrated with cross-dimensional interactions among channels through rotations and residual transformations, which improves the parallel search efficiency of important features and the recognition rate of the network with relatively small computational costs while the dimensional dependencies are improved. To verify the validity of the model in this paper, we uniformly enhance apple leaf disease images screened from the public data sets of Plant Village, Baidu Flying Paddle, and the Internet. The final processed image count is 14,000. The ablation study, pre-processing comparison, and method comparison are conducted on the processed datasets. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method reaches 98.73% accuracy on the adopted datasets, which is 1.82% higher than the classical ResNet-50 model, and 0.29% better than the apple leaf disease datasets before preprocessing. It also achieves competitive results in apple leaf disease identification compared to some state-ofthe-art methods.

A Hybrid Parallel Strategy for Isogeometric Topology Optimization via CPU/GPU Heterogeneous Computing

This paper aims to solve large-scale and complex isogeometric topology optimization problems that consumesignificant computational resources. A novel isogeometric topology optimization method with a hybrid parallelstrategy of CPU/GPU is proposed, while the hybrid parallel strategies for stiffness matrix assembly, equationsolving, sensitivity analysis, and design variable update are discussed in detail. To ensure the high efficiency ofCPU/GPU computing, a workload balancing strategy is presented for optimally distributing the workload betweenCPU and GPU. To illustrate the advantages of the proposedmethod, three benchmark examples are tested to verifythe hybrid parallel strategy in this paper. The results show that the efficiency of the hybrid method is faster thanserial CPU and parallel GPU, while the speedups can be up to two orders of magnitude.

Accelerating Large-Scale Sorting through Parallel Algorithms

This study explores the application of parallel algorithms to enhance large-scale sorting, focusing on the QuickSort method. Implemented in both sequential and parallel forms, the paper provides a detailed comparison of their performance. This study investigates the efficacy of both techniques through the lens of array generation and pivot selection to manage datasets of varying sizes. This study meticulously documents the performance metrics, recording 16,499.2 milliseconds for the serial implementation and 16,339 milliseconds for the parallel implementation when sorting an array by using C++ chrono library. These results suggest that while the performance gains of the parallel approach over its serial counterpart are not immediately pronounced for smaller datasets, the benefits are expected to be more substantial as the dataset size increases.

Utilizing Iso-Value Field Curves in Lieu of Magnetic Field Lines Amid Infinite and Parallel Electrical Wires

Building on a new model proposed recently for calculating constant electro-magnetic field values, the present article explores the electro-magnetic field configuration generated by parallel electrical wires. This imposes a reevaluation of the drawing procedure for constructing field curves with a constant field values around multiple parallel electrical conducting wires. To achieve this, we employ methods akin to those used for creating contours on topographical maps, ensuring a consistent numerical field value along the entire length of the field curves. Subsequent calculations will be conducted for scenarios where wires are not parallel.

Dynamical Modeling and Dynamic Characteristics Analysisof a Coaxial Dual-Rotor System

The dual-rotor structure serves as the primary source of vibration in aero-engines. Understanding itsdynamical model and analyzing dynamic characteristics, such as critical speed and unbalanced response, arecrucial for rotor system dynamics. Previous work introduced a coaxial dual-rotor-support scheme for aeroengines,and a physical model featuring a high-speed flexible inner rotor with a substantial length-to-diameter ratiowas designed. Then a finite element (FE) dynamic model based on the Timoshenko beam elements and rigid bodykinematics of the dual-rotor system is modeled, with the Newmark method and Newton–Raphson method used forthe numerical calculation to study the dynamic characteristics of the system. Three different simulation models,including beam-based FE (1D) model, solid-based FE (3D) model, and transfer matrix model, were designed tostudy the characteristics of mode and the critical speed characteristic of the dual-rotor system. The unbalancedresponse of the dual-rotor system was analyzed to study the influence of mass unbalance on the rotor system. Theeffect of different disk unbalance phases and different speed ratios on the dynamic characteristics of the dual-rotorsystem was investigated in detail. The experimental result shows that the beam-based FE model is effective andsuitable for studying the dual-rotor system.

Evaluation on Configuration Stiffness of Overconstrained 2R1T Parallel Mechanisms

Currently,two rotations and one translation(2R1T)three-degree-of-freedom(DOF)parallel mechanisms(PMs)are widely applied in five-DOF hybrid machining robots.However,there is a lack of an effective method to evaluate the configuration stiffness of mechanisms during the mechanism design stage.It is a challenge to select appropriate 2R1T PMs with excellent stiffness performance during the design stage.Considering the operational status of 2R1T PMs,the bending and torsional stiffness are considered as indices to evaluate PMs'configuration stiffness.Subsequently,a specific method is proposed to calculate these stiffness indices.Initially,the various types of structural and driving stiffness for each branch are assessed and their specific values defined.Subsequently,a rigid-flexible coupled force model for the over-constrained 2R1T PM is established,and the proposed evaluation method is used to analyze the configuration stiffness of the five 2R1T PMs in the entire workspace.Finally,the driving force and constraint force of each branch in the whole working space are calculated to further elucidate the stiffness evaluating results by using the proposed method above.The obtained results demonstrate that the bending and torsional stiffness of the 2RPU/UPR/RPR mechanism along the x and y-directions are larger than the other four mechanisms.

Configuration and Kinematics of a 3-DOF Generalized Spherical Parallel Mechanism for Ankle Rehabilitation

The kinematic equivalent model of an existing ankle-rehabilitation robot is inconsistent with the anatomical structure of the human ankle,which influences the rehabilitation effect.Therefore,this study equates the human ankle to the UR model and proposes a novel three degrees of freedom(3-DOF)generalized spherical parallel mechanism for ankle rehabilitation.The parallel mechanism has two spherical centers corresponding to the rotation centers of tibiotalar and subtalar joints.Using screw theory,the mobility of the parallel mechanism,which meets the requirements of the human ankle,is analyzed.The inverse kinematics are presented,and singularities are identified based on the Jacobian matrix.The workspaces of the parallel mechanism are obtained through the search method and compared with the motion range of the human ankle,which shows that the parallel mechanism can meet the motion demand of ankle rehabilitation.Additionally,based on the motion-force transmissibility,the performance atlases are plotted in the parameter optimal design space,and the optimum parameter is obtained according to the demands of practical applications.The results show that the parallel mechanism can meet the motion requirements of ankle rehabilitation and has excellent kinematic performance in its rehabilitation range,which provides a theoretical basis for the prototype design and experimental verification.

An efficient parallel algorithm of variational nodal method for heterogeneous neutron transport problems

The heterogeneous variational nodal method(HVNM)has emerged as a potential approach for solving high-fidelity neutron transport problems.However,achieving accurate results with HVNM in large-scale problems using high-fidelity models has been challenging due to the prohibitive computational costs.This paper presents an efficient parallel algorithm tailored for HVNM based on the Message Passing Interface standard.The algorithm evenly distributes the response matrix sets among processors during the matrix formation process,thus enabling independent construction without communication.Once the formation tasks are completed,a collective operation merges and shares the matrix sets among the processors.For the solution process,the problem domain is decomposed into subdomains assigned to specific processors,and the red-black Gauss-Seidel iteration is employed within each subdomain to solve the response matrix equation.Point-to-point communication is conducted between adjacent subdomains to exchange data along the boundaries.The accuracy and efficiency of the parallel algorithm are verified using the KAIST and JRR-3 test cases.Numerical results obtained with multiple processors agree well with those obtained from Monte Carlo calculations.The parallelization of HVNM results in eigenvalue errors of 31 pcm/-90 pcm and fission rate RMS errors of 1.22%/0.66%,respectively,for the 3D KAIST problem and the 3D JRR-3 problem.In addition,the parallel algorithm significantly reduces computation time,with an efficiency of 68.51% using 36 processors in the KAIST problem and 77.14% using 144 processors in the JRR-3 problem.

Performance Enhancement of XML Parsing Using Regression and Parallelism

The Extensible Markup Language(XML)files,widely used for storing and exchanging information on the web require efficient parsing mechanisms to improve the performance of the applications.With the existing Document Object Model(DOM)based parsing,the performance degrades due to sequential processing and large memory requirements,thereby requiring an efficient XML parser to mitigate these issues.In this paper,we propose a Parallel XML Tree Generator(PXTG)algorithm for accelerating the parsing of XML files and a Regression-based XML Parsing Framework(RXPF)that analyzes and predicts performance through profiling,regression,and code generation for efficient parsing.The PXTG algorithm is based on dividing the XML file into n parts and producing n trees in parallel.The profiling phase of the RXPF framework produces a dataset by measuring the performance of various parsing models including StAX,SAX,DOM,JDOM,and PXTG on different cores by using multiple file sizes.The regression phase produces the prediction model,based on which the final code for efficient parsing of XML files is produced through the code generation phase.The RXPF framework has shown a significant improvement in performance varying from 9.54%to 32.34%over other existing models used for parsing XML files.

Type Synthesis of Self-Alignment Parallel Ankle Rehabilitation Robot with Suitable Passive Degrees of Freedom

The current parallel ankle rehabilitation robot(ARR)suffers from the problem of difficult real-time alignment of the human-robot joint center of rotation,which may lead to secondary injuries to the patient.This study investigates type synthesis of a parallel self-alignment ankle rehabilitation robot(PSAARR)based on the kinematic characteristics of ankle joint rotation center drift from the perspective of introducing"suitable passive degrees of freedom(DOF)"with a suitable number and form.First,the self-alignment principle of parallel ARR was proposed by deriving conditions for transforming a human-robot closed chain(HRCC)formed by an ARR and human body into a kinematic suitable constrained system and introducing conditions of"decoupled"and"less limb".Second,the relationship between the self-alignment principle and actuation wrenches(twists)of PSAARR was analyzed with the velocity Jacobian matrix as a"bridge".Subsequently,the type synthesis conditions of PSAARR were proposed.Third,a PSAARR synthesis method was proposed based on the screw theory and type of PSAARR synthesis conducted.Finally,an HRCC kinematic model was established to verify the self-alignment capability of the PSAARR.In this study,93 types of PSAARR limb structures were synthesized and the self-alignment capability of a human-robot joint axis was verified through kinematic analysis,which provides a theoretical basis for the design of such an ARR.

MPI/OpenMP-Based Parallel Solver for Imprint Forming Simulation

In this research,we present the pure open multi-processing(OpenMP),pure message passing interface(MPI),and hybrid MPI/OpenMP parallel solvers within the dynamic explicit central difference algorithm for the coining process to address the challenge of capturing fine relief features of approximately 50 microns.Achieving such precision demands the utilization of at least 7 million tetrahedron elements,surpassing the capabilities of traditional serial programs previously developed.To mitigate data races when calculating internal forces,intermediate arrays are introduced within the OpenMP directive.This helps ensure proper synchronization and avoid conflicts during parallel execution.Additionally,in the MPI implementation,the coins are partitioned into the desired number of regions.This division allows for efficient distribution of computational tasks across multiple processes.Numerical simulation examples are conducted to compare the three solvers with serial programs,evaluating correctness,acceleration ratio,and parallel efficiency.The results reveal a relative error of approximately 0.3%in forming force among the parallel and serial solvers,while the predicted insufficient material zones align with experimental observations.Additionally,speedup ratio and parallel efficiency are assessed for the coining process simulation.The pureMPI parallel solver achieves a maximum acceleration of 9.5 on a single computer(utilizing 12 cores)and the hybrid solver exhibits a speedup ratio of 136 in a cluster(using 6 compute nodes and 12 cores per compute node),showing the strong scalability of the hybrid MPI/OpenMP programming model.This approach effectively meets the simulation requirements for commemorative coins with intricate relief patterns.