Microscopic Analysis of Cementitious Sand and Gravel Damming Materia

The mechanical properties of cementitious sand and gravel damming material have been experimentally determined by means of microscopic SEM(Scanning Electron Microscopy)image analysis.The results show that the combination of fly ash and water can fill the voids in cemented sand and gravel test blocks because of the presence of hydrated calcium silicate and other substances;thereby,the compactness and mechanical properties of these materials can be greatly improved.For every 10 kg/m^(3) increase in the amount of cementitious material,the density increases by about 2%,and the water content decreases by 0.2%.The amount of cementitious material used in the sand and gravel in these tests was 80-110 kg/m^(3),the water-binder ratio was 1-1.50.Moreover,the splitting tensile strength was 1/10 of the compressive strength,and the maximum strength was 7.42 MPa at 90 d.The optimal mix ratio has been found to be 50 kg of cement,60 kg of fly ash and 120 kg of water(C50F60W120).The related dry density was 2.6 g/cm^(3),the water content was 6%,and the water-binder ratio was 1.09.

A novel 3-layer mixed cultural evolutionary optimization framework for optimal operation of syngas production in a Texaco coal-water slurry gasifier

Optimizing operational parameters for syngas production of Texaco coal-water slurry gasifier studied in this paper is a complicated nonlinear constrained problem concerning 3 BP(Error Back Propagation) neural networks. To solve this model, a new 3-layer cultural evolving algorithm framework which has a population space, a medium space and a belief space is firstly conceived. Standard differential evolution algorithm(DE), genetic algorithm(GA), and particle swarm optimization algorithm(PSO) are embedded in this framework to build 3-layer mixed cultural DE/GA/PSO(3LM-CDE, 3LM-CGA, and 3LM-CPSO) algorithms. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed hybrid algorithms are firstly tested in 20 benchmark nonlinear constrained functions. Then, the operational optimization model for syngas production in a Texaco coal-water slurry gasifier of a real-world chemical plant is solved effectively. The simulation results are encouraging that the 3-layer cultural algorithm evolving framework suggests ways in which the performance of DE, GA, PSO and other population-based evolutionary algorithms(EAs) can be improved,and the optimal operational parameters based on 3LM-CDE algorithm of the syngas production in the Texaco coalwater slurry gasifier shows outstanding computing results than actual industry use and other algorithms.

Fly Ash and Slag as Partial Replacement of Cement for the Synthesis of Low Carbon Cementitious Materials

Tailings known as solid waste are generated by the mining industry.The development of tailings as wet shotcrete aggregates has significant economic and environmental benefits.The fine particle size of the tailings results in a large consumption of traditional cement as a cementitious material and insignificant improvement in strength.Therefore,a composite cementitious system of cement and solid waste resources(fly ash and slag powder)is explored for this study.In this paper,the response surface methodology(RSM)is used to optimize the experimental design and a multivariate nonlinear response model with cement,fly ash and slag powder contents as variables are constructed,which can investigate the effect of the composite cementitious system on the strength of tailing wet shotcrete(TWSC).In addition,the information entropy(IE)is introduced and combined with the RSM to evaluate the composite cementitious system.Finally,the desirability function(DF)combined with RSM is used to optimize the composite cementitious system.The results show that the response model constructed in this paper has R^(2)=0.96 and P-value<0.01(the test result of the model is P-value<0.01),which indicates that the model has high reliability.The higher the content of slag powder and cement in the composite cementitious system,the higher the strength and comprehensive score of the TWSC.There is a critical value of fly ash content,which makes the maximum cementation of the composite cementing system.The optimal mix proportion of the composite cementitious system is obtained based on RSM-DF,which leads to the strength of TWSC at different curing time to achieve the expected index.

Multi-objective modeling and optimization for scheduling of cracking furnace systems

Cracking furnace is the core device for ethylene production. In practice, multiple ethylene furnaces are usually run in parallel. The scheduling of the entire cracking furnace system has great significance when multiple feeds are simultaneously processed in multiple cracking furnaces with the changing of operating cost and yield of product. In this paper, given the requirements of both profit and energy saving in actual production process, a multi-objective optimization model contains two objectives, maximizing the average benefits and minimizing the average coking amount was proposed. The model can be abstracted as a multi-objective mixed integer non- linear programming problem. Considering the mixed integer decision variables of this multi-objective problem, an improved hybrid encoding non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm with mixed discrete variables （MDNSGA-II） is used to solve the Pareto optimal front of this model, the algorithm adopted crossover and muta- tion strategy with multi-operators, which overcomes the deficiency that normal genetic algorithm cannot handle the optimization problem with mixed variables. Finally, using an ethylene plant with multiple cracking furnaces as an example to illustrate the effectiveness of the scheduling results by comparing the optimization results of multi-objective and single objective model.

Strategic mining options optimization:Open pit mining, underground mining or both

Near-surface deposits that extend to considerable depths are often amenable to both open pit mining and/or underground mining. This paper investigates the strategy of mining options for an orebody using a Mixed Integer Linear Programming(MILP) optimization framework. The MILP formulation maximizes the Net Present Value(NPV) of the reserve when extracted with(i) open pit mining,(ii) underground mining, and(iii) concurrent open pit and underground mining. Comparatively, implementing open pit mining generates a higher NPV than underground mining. However considering the investment required for these mining options, underground mining generates a better return on investment than open pit mining. Also, in the concurrent open pit and underground mining scenario, the optimizer prefers extracting blocks using open pit mining. Although the underground mine could access ore sooner, the mining cost differential for open pit mining is more than compensated for by the discounting benefits associated with earlier underground mining.

A new mixed scheme based on variation of constants for Sobolev equation with nonlinear convection term

A new mixed scheme which combines the variation of constants and the H1-Galerkin mixed finite element method is constructed for nonlinear Sobolev equation with nonlinear con- vection term. Optimal error estimates are derived for both semidiscrete and fully discrete schemes. Finally, some numerical results are given to confirm the theoretical analysis of the proposed method.

OPTIMIZING PRODUCT MIX AND BOOSTING COMPETITIVE POWER

Since the decision of the State Council in 1985 on expanding the export of electromechanical products, China’s exports of electrome-chanical products has freed itself from long fluctuation and realized fast growth. According to statistics from the Customs Office, China’s exports of electro-mechanical products in 1995 reached US$43.86 billion, increasing 25 times in 10 years, and becoming China’s first pillar products for export. While achieving fast growth in exports, product mix has also seen sig-

Mixed L_1/H-infinity control for uncertain linear singular systems

The mixed L1/H-infinity control problem for a class of uncertain linear singular systems is considered using a matrix inequality approach. The purpose is to design a state feedback control law such that the resultant closed-loop system is regular, impulse-free, stable and satisfies some given mixed L1/H-infinity performance. A sufficient condition for the existence of such control law is given in terms of a set of matrix inequalities by the introduction of inescapable set and ＊-norm. When these matrix inequalities are feasible, an explicit expression of the desired state feedback control law is given. A numerical example is used to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed approach.

Approximation methods of mixed l_1/H_2 optimization problems for MIMO discrete-time systems

The mixed l1/H2 optimization problem for MIMO (multiple input-multiple output) discrete-time systems is considered. This problem is formulated as minimizing the l1-norm of a closed-loop transfer matrix while maintaining the H2-norm of another closed-loop transfer matrix at prescribed level. The continuity property of the optimal value in respect to changes in the H2-norm constraint is studied. The existence of the optimal solutions of mixed l1/H2 problem is proved. Because the solution of the mixed l1/H2 problem is based on the scaled-Q method, it avoids the zero interpolation difficulties. The convergent upper and lower bounds can be obtained by solving a sequence of finite dimensional nonlinear programming for which many efficient numerical optimization algorithms exist.

Optimizing Export Commodities Mix and Developing Complete Equipment Export

Founded in 1978, the Zhejiang Machinery Equipment Import & Export Corporation is an industrial and trading company engaged in the import and export business of machinery, electronics and instruments. Since 1980, when is was granted self-operational rights, the company has increased year by year in terms of export volume, with its management improving and economic returns steadily rising. In 1995, its import and export volume hit US$119.

Theoretical search for solutions to minimize negative influence of segregation in mixing of particulate solids

The objective of this study is to examine several optimization problems in the batch mixing of segregating particulate solids that can be set up and solved using Markov chain models. To improve the adequacy of such models and exclude some physical contradictions that arise in the linear form, a non-linear Markov chain model for the mixing of segregating components is proposed. Optimal solutions are obtained by controlling the particle flow outside the mixing operating volume while the components are being loaded, modifying particle circulation inside the mixing zone during the process, and by structuring the load in the mixing zone. Solutions are found that not only reduce the negative influence of segregation, but also exclude it altogether. The gain resulting from optimization grows with the rate of segregation. The optimal solutions presented here can be used to improve the design of mixers.

Reflected BSDEs with Random Default Time and Related Mixed Optimal Stopping-control Problems

In this paper we study the one-dimensional reflected backward stochastic differential equations which are driven by Brownian motion as well as a mutually independent martingale appearing in a defaultable setting. Using a penalization method, we prove the existence and uniqueness of the solutions to these equations. As an application, we show that under proper assumptions the solution of the reflected equation is the value of the related mixed optimal stopping-control problem.

Performance Optimization of Dispersion-Managed WDM Systems Based on Four-Wave Mixing

We systemically investigate the interchannel four-wave mixing (FWM) in dispersion-managed WDM systems with arbitrary launch position. We optimize the number of fiber sections, and the dispersion ratio for the system performance.

Optimization of polyurethane-bonded thin overlay mixture designation for airport pavement

This research explored the application potential of PUM thin-overlay technology on airport rapid maintenance.The rapid curing process of polyurethane binder determines the limited time window for mixing and construction of polyurethane-bonded mixture(PUM),which presents significant difference with hot-mix asphalt(HMA)technology.Therefore,this research investigated and optimized the mix design of PUM for airport thin-overlay technology based on its thermosetting characteristics.First,limestone and basalt were comprehensively compared as an aggregate for PUM.Then,the effects of molding and curing conditions were studied in terms of mixing time,molding method,molding parameters and curing temperature.Statistical analysis was also conducted to evaluate the effects of gradation and particle size on PUM performances based on gray relational analysis(GRA),thus determining the key particle size to control PUM performances.Finally,the internal structural details of PUM were captured by X-ray CT scan test.The results demonstrated that it only took 12 hours to reach 75%of maximum strength at a curing temperature of 50°C,indicating an efficient curing process and in turn allowing short traffic delay.The internal structural details of PUM presented distribution of tiny pores with few connective voids,guaranteeing waterproof property and high strength.

Aeration optimization through operation at low dissolved oxygen concentrations:Evaluation of oxygen mass transfer dynamics in different activated sludge systems

In wastewater treatment plants（WWTPs）using the activated sludge process,two methods are widely used to improve aeration efficiency — use of high-efficiency aeration devices and optimizing the aeration control strategy. Aeration efficiency is closely linked to sludge characteristics（such as concentrations of mixed liquor suspended solids（MLSS）and microbial communities）and operating conditions（such as air flow rate and operational dissolved oxygen（DO）concentrations）. Moreover,operational DO is closely linked to effluent quality. This study,which is in reference to WWTP discharge class A Chinese standard effluent criteria,determined the growth kinetics parameters of nitrifiers at different DO levels in small-scale tests. Results showed that the activated sludge system could meet effluent criteria when DO was as low as 0.3 mg/L,and that nitrifier communities cultivated under low DO conditions had higher oxygen affinity than those cultivated under high DO conditions,as indicated by the oxygen half-saturation constant and nitrification ability. Based on nitrifier growth kinetics and on the oxygen mass transfer dynamic model（determined using different air flow rate（Q′air）and mixed liquor volatile suspended solids（MLVSS）values）,theoretical analysis indicated limited potential for energy saving by improving aeration diffuser performance when the activated sludge system had low oxygen consumption; however,operating at low DO and low MLVSS could significantly reduce energy consumption. Finally,a control strategy coupling sludge retention time and MLVSS to minimize the DO level was discussed,which is critical to appropriate setting of the oxygen point and to the operation of low DO treatment technology.

End-to-end energy-efficient resource allocation in device-to-device communication underlaying cellular networks

A proposed resource allocation （RA） scheme is given to device-to-device （D2D） communication underlaying cellular networks from an end-to-end energy-efficient perspective, in which, the end-to-end energy consumptions were taken into account. Furthermore, to match the practical situations and maximize the energy-efficiency （EE）, the resource units （RUs） were used in a complete-shared pattern. Then the energy-efficient RA problem was formulated as a mixed integer and non-convex optimization problem, extremely difficult to be solved. To obtain a desirable solution with a reasonable computation cost, this problem was dealt with two steps. Step 1, the RU allocation policy was obtained via a greedy search method. Step 2, after obtaining the RU allocation, the power allocation strategy was developed through quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization （QPSO）. Finally, simulation was presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed RA scheme.