Evaluation of Switched-Reluctance Machine through Generalized Sizing Equations

With the evolution of converter fed machines (CFMs), it becomes important to evaluate the power potential of such machines of vastly different topologies with a variety of waveforms of back emf and current. It is based on the generalized sizing equations and permits the evaluation of the main dimensions with respect to the power of those machines. In this paper, a general approach is presented to extend the evaluation method of machine power density to the switched reluctance (SR) machine, and furthermore to compare the power production capability between the SR machine and the well known squirrel cage induction machine.

Optimization of Power Density for Axial-Flux Machinethrough Generalized Sizing Equations

With the cvolution of various high powerr-density machines, it beeomes important to optimize the power potential of machines of vastly different topologies with a variety of waveforms of back emf and current. The approach of tins paper is based oil the gencral-purpose sizing equations. which permit the optinlization method of machine power density to be applied to the axial-flux toroidal permanent-magnet (AFTPM) machine, and,furthermore, the power-production capabilities of the AFTPM machinc and the wen-known squirrel-cage indution machine are compared.

Evolution of Generalized Sizing for Evaluation of Converter Fed Machines

Based on the concept of the converter fed machines (CFMs), an optimal machine design can be considered as the best match of the machine topology, the power electronic converter and the performance specifications. To evaluate power production potentials of machines with various topologies with different waveforms of back emf and current, the generalized sizing equations and the power density equation are needed to evaluate the main dimensions and the power of such machines. In this paper. a general approach is presented to develop and to discuss these equations. Sample applications of the generalized sizing and power density equations are utilized to evaluate the induction machine and the double-salient permanent magnet (DSPM) machine.

Improved finite difference method for pressure distribution of aerostatic bearing

An improved finite difference method （FDM）is described to solve existing problems such as low efficiency and poor convergence performance in the traditional method adopted to derive the pressure distribution of aerostatic bearings. A detailed theoretical analysis of the pressure distribution of the orifice-compensated aerostatic journal bearing is presented. The nonlinear dimensionless Reynolds equation of the aerostatic journal bearing is solved by the finite difference method. Based on the principle of flow equilibrium, a new iterative algorithm named the variable step size successive approximation method is presented to adjust the pressure at the orifice in the iterative process and enhance the efficiency and convergence performance of the algorithm. A general program is developed to analyze the pressure distribution of the aerostatic journal bearing by Matlab tool. The results show that the improved finite difference method is highly effective, reliable, stable, and convergent. Even when very thin gas film thicknesses （less than 2 Win）are considered, the improved calculation method still yields a result and converges fast.

Discussion on the Hillert Theory of Normal Grain Growthwith a Modified Monte Carlo Simulation

On the basis of analyzing some limitations in the existing algorithm, a modified Monte Carlo methodwas proposed to simulate two-dimensional normal grain growth. With the modified method. the simulated time exponent of grain growth attained n=0.49±0.01, which is very close to the theoretical value of the steady graingrowth n=0.5, indicating the possibility to investigate the total process of normal grain growth. The relationbetween the Hillert and the von Neumann equations were studied and identified, the Hillert's basic equation hasbeen found to hold during the normal grain growth. The grain size distribution was found to van continuouslyand slowly with the simulated time in the total growth process, the lognormal and the Hillert functions may betwo types of the expression forms during its transition, and the later seemingly corresponds at the distribution ofthe steady stage were n≈0.50.

An improved theoretical procedure for the pore-size analysis of activated carbon by gas adsorption

Amorphous carbon materials play a vital role in adsorbed natural gas(ANG) storage. One of the key issues in the more prevalent use of ANG is the limited adsorption capacity, which is primarily determined by the porosity and surface characteristics of porous materials. To identify suitable adsorbents, we need a reliable computational tool for pore characterization and, subsequently, quantitative prediction of the adsorption behavior. Within the framework of adsorption integral equation(AIE), the pore-size distribution(PSD) is sensitive to the adopted theoretical models and numerical algorithms through isotherm fitting. In recent years, the classical density functional theory(DFT) has emerged as a common choice to describe adsorption isotherms for AIE kernel construction. However,rarely considered is the accuracy of the mean-field approximation(MFA) commonly used in commercial software. In this work, we calibrate four versions of DFT methods with grand canonical Monte Carlo(GCMC) molecular simulation for the adsorption of CH_4 and CO_2 gas in slit pores at 298 K with the pore width varying from 0.65 to 5.00 nm and pressure from 0.2 to 2.0 MPa. It is found that a weighted-density approximation proposed by Yu(WDA-Yu) is more accurate than MFA and other non-local DFT methods. In combination with the trapezoid discretization of AIE, the WDA-Yu method provides a faithful representation of experimental data, with the accuracy and stability improved by 90.0% and 91.2%, respectively, in comparison with the corresponding results from MFA for fitting CO_2 isotherms. In particular, those distributions in the feature pore width range(FPWR)are proved more representative for the pore-size analysis. The new theoretical procedure for pore characterization has also been tested with the methane adsorption capacity in seven activated carbon samples.

Modeling for mean ion activity coefficient of strong electrolyte system with new boundary conditions and ion-size parameters

A rigorous approach is proposed to model the mean ion activity coefficient for strong electrolyte systems using the Poisson-Boltzmann equation. An effective screening radius similar to the Debye decay length is introduced to define the local composition and new boundary conditions for the central ion. The crystallographic ion size is also considered in the activity coefficient expressions derived and non-electrostatic contributions are neglected. The model is presented for aqueous strong electrolytes and compared with the classical Debye-Hfickel （DH） limiting law for dilute solutions. The radial distribution function is compared with the DH and Monte Carlo studies. The mean ion activity coefficients are calculated for 1：1 aqueous solutions containing strong electrolytes composed of alkali halides. The individual ion activity coefficients and mean ion activity coefficients in mixed sol- vents are predicted with the new equations.

Unified semiclassical approach to electronic transport from diffusive to ballistic regimes

We show that by integrating out the electric field and incorporating proper boundary conditions,a Boltzmann equation can describe electron transport properties,continuously from the diffusive to ballistic regimes.General analytical formulas of the conductance in D = 1,2,3 dimensions are obtained,which recover the Boltzmann–Drude formula and Landauer–B ¨uttiker formula in the diffusive and ballistic limits,respectively.This intuitive and efficient approach can be applied to investigate the interplay of system size and impurity scattering in various charge and spin transport phenomena,when the quantum interference effect is not important.

Improving the Reliability of a Domestic Refrigerator Compressor Subjected to Repetitive Loading

As a reliability quantitative specification, parametric accelerated life testing was used to assess the reliability of a newly designed compressor of a commercial refrigerator subjected to repetitive stresses. A generalized life-stress failure model and new sample size equation with a new load concept were derived starting with the basic refrigeration cycle. The sample size equation with the acceleration factor also enabled the parametric accelerated life testing to quickly evaluate the expected lifetime. The design of this testing should help an engineer uncover the design parameters affecting reliability during the design process of the compressor system. Consequently, it should help companies improve product reliability and avoid recalls due to the product failures in the field. A newly designed compressor in a commercial refrigerator was used as a test case.

Reliability Design of Ice-Maker System Subjected to Repetitive Loading

Parametric Accelerated Life Testing (ALT) was used to improve the reliability of ice-maker system with a fractured helix upper dispenser in field. By using bond graphs and state equations, a variety of mechanical loads in the assembly were analyzed. The acceleration factor was derived from a generalized life-stress failure model with a new load concept. To reproduce the failure modes and mechanisms causing the fracture, new sample size equation was derived. The sample size equation with the acceleration factor also enabled the parametric accelerated life testing to quickly reproduce early failure in field. Consequently, the failure modes and mechanisms found were identical with those of the failed sample. The design of this testing should help an engineer uncover the design parameters affecting the reliability of fractured helix upper dispenser in field. By eliminating the design flaws, gaps and weldline, the B1 life of the redesign of helix upper dispenser is now guaranteed to be over 10 years with a yearly failure rate of 0.1% that is the reliability quantitative test specifications (RQ).