Experimental and Numerical Studies of the Wave-Induced Responses of a River-to-Sea Ship

The ship motions and wave-induced loads of a new type of river-to-sea ship are investigated experimentally and numerically. A river-to-sea ship is an unconventional type of container ship characterized by high breadth to draft ratio and low length to breadth ratio, which makes it more prone to hydroelasticity than conventional ships of the same size. A segmented model was tested under two loading conditions, namely, ballast and loaded conditions, to determine the vertical motions and wave-induced loads under each condition. Results are compared with numerical simulations in the frequency domain. The wave-induced responses are calculated by a nonlinear time domain code at each time step. The response amplitude operators of vertical ship responses in regular waves are analyzed, and the wave-induced responses are consistent with the experimental results.

An integrated biomarker response index for the mussel Mytilus edulis based on laboratory exposure to anthracene and field transplantation experiments

Organic pollution is a serious environmental problem in coastal areas and it is important to establish quantitative methods for monitoring this pollution. This study screened a series of sensitive biomarkers to construct an integrated biomarker response （IBR） index using Mytilus edulis. Mussels were exposed to the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon anthracene trader controlled laboratory conditions and the activities of components of the glutathione antioxidant system, and the concentrations of oxidative-damage markers, were measured in the gills and digestive glands. Anthracene exposure resulted in increased levels of malondialdehyde （MDA） and superoxide radicals （O2-·）, indicating that oxidative damage had occurred. Correspondingly, anthracene exposure induced increased activities of glutathione S-transferase （GST）, glutathione peroxidase （GPx） and reduced glutathione （GSH） in digestive glands, and GPx and glutathione reductase （GR） in gills, consistent with stimulation of the antioxidant system. A field experiment was set up, in which mussels from a relatively clean area were transplanted to a contaminated site. One month later, the activities of GST, GPx and GR had increased in several tissues, particularly in the digestive glands. Based on the laboratory experiment, an IBR, which showed a positive relationship with anthracene exposure, was constructed. The IBR is suggested to be a potentially useful tool for assessing anthracene pollution.

Simultaneous Optimization of Incomplete Multi-Response Experiments

This article attempts to develop a simultaneous optimization procedure of several response variables from incomplete multi-response experiments. In incomplete multi-response experiments all the responses (p) are not recorded from all the experimental units (n). Two situations of multi-response experiments considered are (i) on units all the responses are recorded while on units a subset of responses is recorded and (ii) on units all the responses (p) are recorded, on units a subset of responses is recorded and on units the remaining subset of responses is recorded. The procedure of estimation of parameters from linear multi-response models for incomplete multi-response experiments has been developed for both the situations. It has been shown that the parameter estimates are consistent and asymptotically unbiased. Using these parameter estimates, simultaneous optimization of incomplete multi-response experiments is attempted following the generalized distance criterion [1]. For the implementation of these procedures, SAS codes have been developed for both complete (k ≤ 5, p = 5) and incomplete (k ≤ 5, p1 = 2, 3 and p2 = 2, 3, where k is the number of factors) multi-response experiments. The procedure developed is illustrated with the help of a real data set.

The Experimental Simulation of Rocks on Load/Unload Response Ratio for Earthquake Prediction

The load/unload experiments on rock failure under pressure have been carried out in Material Test System (MTS) in the Laboratory for Non-linear Mechanics of Continuous Media (LNM), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and load/unload response ratio (LURR) values with strain as response (i.e. inverse elastic constant as response rate) have been obtained. The experimental results are in accordance with theoretical results and those in real earthquakes: LURR rises just before rock failure. So LURR can be used as the precursor of rock failure and earthquake prediction.

Structural Design and Experiment of Narrow-Band Response GaAlAs Photocathodes

To obtain the peak response at 532nm, narrow-band response GaA1As photocathodes with two GaAIAs ac- tive layers of different aluminum compositions are designed in consideration of the maximum absorptivity and quantum efficiency. The transmission-mode and the corresponding reflective-mode photocathodes are grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. The results indicate that the peak response and the cut-off wavelength occur at 532nm for the two kinds of photocathodes respectively. The response of the reflection-mode photoeath- ode is an order of magnitude higher than that of the transmission-mode photocathode, whereas the better growth quality and the thicker second GaAIAs active layer can improve the transmission-mode response.

Optimizing Bucket Elevator Performance through a Blend of Discrete Element Method, Response Surface Methodology, and Firefly Algorithm Approaches

This research introduces a novel approach to enhancing bucket elevator design and operation through the integration of discrete element method(DEM)simulation,design of experiments(DOE),and metaheuristic optimization algorithms.Specifically,the study employs the firefly algorithm(FA),a metaheuristic optimization technique,to optimize bucket elevator parameters for maximizing transport mass and mass flow rate discharge of granular materials under specified working conditions.The experimental methodology involves several key steps:screening experiments to identify significant factors affecting bucket elevator operation,central composite design(CCD)experiments to further explore these factors,and response surface methodology(RSM)to create predictive models for transport mass and mass flow rate discharge.The FA algorithm is then applied to optimize these models,and the results are validated through simulation and empirical experiments.The study validates the optimized parameters through simulation and empirical experiments,comparing results with DEM simulation.The outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of the FA algorithm in identifying optimal bucket parameters,showcasing less than 10%and 15%deviation for transport mass and mass flow rate discharge,respectively,between predicted and actual values.Overall,this research provides insights into the critical factors influencing bucket elevator operation and offers a systematic methodology for optimizing bucket parameters,contributing to more efficient material handling in various industrial applications.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Consumers’ Reaction: An Experiment

Companies differ in their motivation to corporate social responsibility(CSR)practices,with some compa­nies taking a genuine,altruistic approach and others preferring an opportunistic approach(and attempting to mimic the former).If consumers can distinguish them,they will eventually reward the altruistic(being willing to pay more)and penalize the opportunistic ones.This paper performs an experimental study to assess whether differences in consumers’willingness to pay are statistically significant for different classifications of CSR activities:(i)proactive or reactive,(ii)environment,employees,or social,(iii)involving more or less expensive products,(iv)being performed by firms facing competition or not.Results show that consumers are willing to reward CSR initiatives that follow a reactive approach;consumers’decisions are more moderate when rewarding initiatives associated with more expensive products;the rewards provided depend on the CSR dimension;a relationship between market structure and consumers’reaction to CSR was not found.

Foreign Object Damage to Fan Rotor Blades of Aeroengine Part I:Experimental Study of Bird Impact

The conditions of experiment for bird impact to blades have been improved. The experiment of bird impact to the fan rotor blades of an aeroengine is carried out. Through analyzing the transient state response of blades impacted by bird and the change of blade profile before and after the impact, the anti-bird impact performance of blades in the first fan rotor is verified. The basis of anti-foreign object damage design for the fan rotor blades of an aeroengine is provided.

Device Robust-Design by Using Response Surface Methodology

Device robust-design is inherently a multiple-objective optimization problem.Using design of experiments (DoE) combined with response surface methodology (RSM) can satisfy the great incentive to reduce the number of technology CAD(TCAD) simulations that need to be performed.However,the errors of RSM models might be large enough to diminish the validity of the results for some nonlinear problems.To find the feasible design space,a new method with objectives-oriented design in generations that takes the errors of RSM model into account is presented.After the augment design of experiments in promising space according to the results of RSM model in current generation,the feasible space will be emerging as the model errors deceasing.The results on FIBMOS examples show that the methodology is efficient.

Experimental Research of Reinforced Concrete Buildings Struck by Debris Flow in Mountain Areas of Western China

It＇s very important to simulate impact load of debris flow effectively and to investigate dynamic response of architectures under dynamic impact of debris flow, which are necessary to design disaster mitigation construction. Firstly, reinforced concrete domestic architectures in mountain areas of western China had been chosen as main architecture style. The bearing load style and the destructed shape of reinforced flamed construction impacted by discontinuous viscous debris flow were studied systematically. Secondly, Jiangjia Ravine debris flow valley in Yunnan Province, China had been chosen as research region. Utilizing based data from fieldwork and practical survey, the authors simulated and calculated theoretically impact force of discontinuous viscous debris flow. Thirdly, an impact data collecting system （IMHE IDCS） was designed and developed to fulfill designed simulation experiments. Finally, a series of impact test of researched structure models had been fulfilled. During experiment, the destructed shape and course of models were observed and the dynamic displacement data and main natural frequency data of models were collected and analyzed.

Experimental Study on Free Spanning Submarine Pipeline Under Dynamic Excitation

Seismic load has a significant effect on the response of a free spanning submarine pipeline when the pipeline is constructed in a seismically active region. The model experiment is performed on an underwater shaking table to simulate the response of submarine pipelines under dynamic input. In consideration of the effects of the terrestrial and submarine pipeline, water depth, support condition, distance from seabed, empty and full pipeline, and span on dynamic response, 120 groups of experiments are conducted. Affecting factors are analyzed and conclusions are drawn for reference. For the control of dynamic response, the span of a submarine pipeline is by far more important than the other factors. Meanwhile, the rosponse difference between a submarine pipeline under sine excitation and that under random excitation exists in experiments.

Prediction and optimization of process parameter of friction stir welded AA5083-H111 aluminum alloy using response surface methodology

A systematic approach was presented to develop the empirical model for predicting the ultimate tensile strength of AA5083-H111 aluminum alloy which is widely used in ship building industry by incorporating friction stir welding(FSW) process parameters such as tool rotational speed,welding speed,and axial force.FSW was carried out considering three-factor five-level central composite rotatable design with full replications technique.Response surface methodology(RSM) was applied to developing linear regression model for establishing the relationship between the FSW process parameters and ultimate tensile strength.Analysis of variance(ANOVA) technique was used to check the adequacy of the developed model.The FSW process parameters were also optimized using response surface methodology(RSM) to maximize the ultimate tensile strength.The joint welded at a tool rotational speed of 1 000 r/min,a welding speed of 69 mm/min and an axial force of 1.33 t exhibits higher tensile strength compared with other joints.

Experimental Study on Hydrodynamic Characteristics of Vertical-Axis Floating Tidal Current Energy Power Generation Device

To study the characteristics of attenuation, hydrostatic towage and wave response of the vertical-axis floating tidal current energy power generation device （VAFTCEPGD）, a prototype is designed and experiment is carried out in the towing tank. Free decay is conducted to obtain attenuation characteristics of the VAFTCEPGD, and characteristics of mooring forces and motion response, floating condition, especially the lateral displacement of the VAFTCEPGD are obtained from the towing in still water. Tension response of the #1 mooring line and vibration characteristics of the VAFTCEPGD in regular waves as well as in level 4 irregular wave sea state with the current velocity of 0.6 m/s. The results can be reference for theoretical study and engineering applications related to VAFTCEPGD.

Optimization of Rooting Medium for Tissue Culture Seedlings of Dendrobium officinale by Response Surface Methodology

[Objectives] To increase the survival rate of tissue culture seedlings of Dendrobium officinale,and optimize the conditions of rooting medium by the response surface methodology( RSM). [Methods]The effects of 6-BA concentration,NAA concentration,potato amount and the amount of mashed banana on the growth of seedlings were determined by single factor experiment and were analyzed by Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology. [Results]The optimal culture conditions: rooting medium 1/2 MS + 6-BA 0. 24 mg/L + mashed banana 87. 63 g/L + potato 89. 30 g/L + NAA 0. 52 mg/L + sucrose 20. 0 g/L + activated carbon 4. 0 g/L + agar 7. 0 g/L,p H 5. 8,and light intensity 2 000 Lx. [Conclusions]The model established by response surface methodology has a good predictability and could be used to optimize the conditions of tissue culture and rooting medium of D. officinale.

Investigation of Hydroelastic Ship Responses of An ULOC in Head Seas

Investigation of hydroelastic ship responses has been brought to the attention of the scientific and engineering world for several decades. There are two kinds of high-frequency vibrations in general ship responses to a large ocean-going ship in its shipping line, so-called springing and whipping, which are important for the determination of design wave load and fatigue damage as well. Because of the huge scale of an ultra large ore cartier （ULOC）, it will suffer seldom slamming events in the ocean. The resonance vibration with high frequency is springing, which is caused by continuous wave excitation. In this paper, the wave-induced vibrations of the ULOC are addressed by experimental and numerical methods according to 2D and 3D hydroelasticity theories and an elastic model under full-load and ballast conditions. The influence of loading conditions on high-frequency vibration is studied both by numerical and experimental results. Wave-induced vibrations are higher under ballast condition including the wave frequency part, the multiple frequencies part, the 2-node and the 3-node vertical bending parts of the hydroelastic responses. The predicted results from the 2D method have less accuracy than the 3D method especially under ballast condition because of the slender-body assumption in the former method. The applicability of the 2D method and the further development of nonlinear effects to 3D method in the prediction of hydroelastic responses of the ULOC are discussed.

Estimation of Springing Response for 550 000 DWT Ore Carrier

The desire to benefit from economy of scale is one of the major driving forces behind the continuous growth in ship sizes. However, models of new large ships need to be thoroughly investigated to determine the carrier's response in waves. In this work, experimental and numerical assessments of the motion and load response of a 550,000 DWT ore carrier are performed using prototype ships with softer stiffness, and towing tank tests are conducted using a segmented model with two schemes of softer stiffness. Numerical analyses are performed employing both rigid body and linear hydroelasticity theories using an in-house program and a comparison is then made between experimental and numerical results to establish the influence of stiffness on the ore carrier's springing response. Results show that softer stiffness models can be used when studying the springing response of ships in waves.

Computer modeling of high-pressure leaching process of nickel laterite by design of experiments and neural networks

Due to the complex chemical composition of nickel ores, the requests for the decrease of production costs, and the increase of nickel extraction in the existing depletion of high-grade sulfide ores around the world, computer modeling of nickel ore leaching process be- came a need and a challenge. In this paper, the design of experiments （DOE） theory was used to determine the optimal experimental design plan matrix based on the D optimality criterion. In the high-pressure sulfuric acid leaching （HPSAL） process for nickel laterite in ＂Rudjinci＂ ore in Serbia, the temperature, the sulfuric acid to ore ratio, the stirring speed, and the leaching time as the predictor variables, and the degree of nickel extraction as the response have been considered. To model the process, the multiple linear regression （MLR） and response surface method （RSM）, together with the two-level and four-factor full factorial central composite design （CCD） plan, were used. The proposed re- gression models have not been proven adequate. Therefore, the artificial neural network （ANN） approach with the same experimental plan was used in order to reduce operational costs, give a better modeling accuracy, and provide a more successful process optimization. The model is based on the multi-layer neural networks with the back-propagation （BP） learning algorithm and the bipolar sigmoid activation function.

Evaluation of a Micro-scale Wind Model's Performance over Realistic Building Clusters Using Wind Tunnel Experiments

The simulation performance over complex building clusters of a wind simulation model（Wind Information Field Fast Analysis model, WIFFA） in a micro-scale air pollutant dispersion model system（Urban Microscale Air Pollution dispersion Simulation model, UMAPS） is evaluated using various wind tunnel experimental data including the CEDVAL（Compilation of Experimental Data for Validation of Micro-Scale Dispersion Models） wind tunnel experiment data and the NJU-FZ experiment data（Nanjing University-Fang Zhuang neighborhood wind tunnel experiment data）. The results show that the wind model can reproduce the vortexes triggered by urban buildings well, and the flow patterns in urban street canyons and building clusters can also be represented. Due to the complex shapes of buildings and their distributions, the simulation deviations/discrepancies from the measurements are usually caused by the simplification of the building shapes and the determination of the key zone sizes. The computational efficiencies of different cases are also discussed in this paper. The model has a high computational efficiency compared to traditional numerical models that solve the Navier–Stokes equations, and can produce very high-resolution（1–5 m） wind fields of a complex neighborhood scale urban building canopy（～ 1 km ×1km） in less than 3 min when run on a personal computer.

Ultrafast Infrared Spectroscopic Study of Microscopic Structural Dynamics in pH Stimulus-Responsive Hydrogels

Hydrogels show versatile properties and are of great interest in the fields of bioelectronics and tissue engineering.Understanding the dynamics of the water molecules trapped in the three-dimensional polymeric networks of the hydrogels is crucial to elucidate their mechanical and swelling properties at the molecular level.In this report,the poly(DMAEMA-co-AA)hydrogels were synthesized and characterized by the macroscopic swelling measurements under different pH conditions.Furthermore,the microscopic structural dynamics of pH stimulus-responsive hydrogels were studied using FTIR and ultrafast IR spectroscopies from the viewpoint of the SCN-anionic solute as the local vibrational reporter.Ultrafast IR spectroscopic measurements showed the time constants of the vibrational population decay of SCN-were increased from 14±1 ps to 20±1 ps when the pH of the hydrogels varied from2.0 to 12.0.Rotational anisotropy measurements further revealed that the rotation of SCNanionic probe was restricted by the three-dimensional network formed in the hydrogels and the rotation of SCN-anionic probe cannot decay to zero especially at the pH of 7.0.These results are expected to provide a molecular-level understanding of the microscopic structure of the cross-linked polymeric network in the pH stimulus-responsive hydrogels.

Response characteristics of sonar receiver under intense sound pulse

For anti-jamming and anti-countermeasure techniques of the sonar receiver, the response characteristics of the automatic gain control （AGC） circuit and the survivability of the prime circuit under strong interference are analyzed by simulations and experiments. An AGC simulation model based on the voltage control amplifier VCA810 prototype is proposed. Then static and dynamic simulations are realized with single frequency signal and linear frequency modulated （LFM） signal commonly used in the active sonar. Based on intense sound pulse （ISP） interference experiments, the real-time response characteristics of each module of the receiver are studied to verify the correctness of the model as well as the simulation results. Simulation and experiment results show that, under 252 dB/20 μs ISP interference, the specific sonar receiver will produce sustained cut top oscillation above 30 ms, which may affect the receiver and block the regular sonar signal.