Adaptive Filtering Technique and DSP Based Implementation for High-Speed Distance Protection

The paper presents an adaptive Fourier filtering technique and a relaying scheme based on a combination of a digital band-pass filter along with a three-sample algorithm, for applications in high-speed numerical distance protection. To enhance the performance of above-mentioned technique, a high-speed fault detector has been used. MATLAB based simulation studies show that the adaptive Fourier filtering technique provides fast tripping for near faults and security for farther faults. The digital relaying scheme based on a combination of digital band-pass filter along with three-sample data window algorithm also provides accurate and high-speed detection of faults. The paper also proposes a high performance 16-bit fixed point DSP (Texas Instruments TMS320LF2407A) processor based hardware scheme suitable for implementation of the above techniques. To evaluate the performance of the proposed relaying scheme under steady state and transient conditions, PC based menu driven relay test procedures are developed using National Instruments LabVIEW software. The test signals are generated in real time using LabVIEW compatible analog output modules. The results obtained from the simulation studies as well as hardware implementations are also presented.

Transient electric field distribution within the working volume of an NEMP simulator

Nuclear electro-magnetic pulse (NEMP) simulators which are used in the simulation of transient electromagnetic fields due to a high altitude nuclear detonation are generally excited with a double exponential high voltage pulse. This results in a current distribution on the wires of the simulator and hence a transient electric field in the working volume of the simulator where the test object is kept. It is found that for the simulator under study, the current distribution is non-uniform and so is the field distribution along the width of the simulator in the working volume. To make the current distribution uniform, several methods have been suggested and the results of these methods are analyzed and suitable conclusions are arrived at from those results.

Particle dynamics in the channel flow of a turbulent particle-gas suspension at high Stokes number. Part 2. Comparison of fluctuating force simulations and experiments

The particle and fluid velocity fluctuations in a turbulent gas-particle suspension are studied experimentally using two-dimensional particle image velocimetry with the objective of comparing the experiments with the predictions of fluctuating force simulations. Since the fluctuating force simulations employ force distributions which do not incorporate the modification of fluid turbulence due to the particles, it is of importance to quantify the turbulence modification in the experiments. For experiments carried out at a low volume fraction of 9.15 x 10(-5) (mass loading is 0.19), where the viscous relaxation time is small compared with the time between collisions, it is found that the gas-phase turbulence is not significantly modified by the presence of particles. Owing to this, quantitative agreement is obtained between the results of experiments and fluctuating force simulations for the mean velocity and the root mean square of the fluctuating velocity, provided that the polydispersity in the particle size is incorporated in the simulations. This is because the polydispersity results in a variation in the terminal velocity of the particles which could induce collisions and generate fluctuations; this mechanism is absent if all of the particles are of equal size. It is found that there is some variation in the particle mean velocity very close to the wall depending on the wall-collision model used in the simulations, and agreement with experiments is obtained only when the tangential wall-particle coefficient of restitution is 0.7. The mean particle velocity is in quantitative agreement for locations more than 10 wall units from the wall of the channel. However, there are systematic differences between the simulations and theory for the particle concentrations, possibly due to inadequate control over the particle feeding at the entrance. The particle velocity distributions are compared both at the centre of the channel and near the wall, and the shape of the distribution function near the wall obtained in experiments is accurately predicted by the simulations. At the centre, there is some discrepancy between simulations and experiment for the distribution of the fluctuating velocity in the flow direction, where the simulations predict a bi-modal distribution whereas only a single maximum is observed in the experiments, although both distributions are skewed towards negative fluctuating velocities. At a much higher particle mass loading of 1.7, where the time between collisions is smaller than the viscous relaxation time, there is a significant increase in the turbulent velocity fluctuations by similar to 1-2 orders of magnitude. Therefore, it becomes necessary to incorporate the modified fluid-phase intensity in the fluctuating force simulation; with this modification, the mean and mean-square fluctuating velocities are within 20-30% of the experimental values.

Uncertainty visualization using HDR volume rendering

In this paper, we explore a novel idea of using high dynamic range (HDR) technology for uncertainty visualization. We focus on scalar volumetric data sets where every data point is associated with scalar uncertainty. We design a transfer function that maps each data point to a color in HDR space. The luminance component of the color is exploited to capture uncertainty. We modify existing tone mapping techniques and suitably integrate them with volume ray casting to obtain a low dynamic range (LDR) image. The resulting image is displayed on a conventional 8-bits-per-channel display device. The usage of HDR mapping reveals fine details in uncertainty distribution and enables the users to interactively study the data in the context of corresponding uncertainty information. We demonstrate the utility of our method and evaluate the results using data sets from ocean modeling.

High resolution multiple excitation spot optical microscopy

We propose fundamental improvements in three-dimensional (3D) resolution of multiple excitation spot optical microscopy. The excitation point spread function (PSF) is generated by two interfering counter-propagating depth-of-focus beams along the optical axis. Detection PSF is obtained by coherently interfering the emitted fluorescent light (collected by both the objectives) at the detector. System PSF shows upto 14-fold reduction in focal volume as compared to confocal, and almost 2-fold improvement in lateral resolution. Proposed PSF has the ability to simultaneously excite multiple 3D-spots of sub-femtoliter volume. Potential applications are in fluorescence microscopy and nanobioimaging. Copyright 2011 Author(s). This article is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. [doi:10.1063/1.3598413]

Thermo-physical and structural studies of sodium zinc borovanadate glasses in the region of high concentration of modifier oxides

This paper reports investigation of Na2O and ZnO modified borovanadate glasses in the highly modified regime of compositions. These glasses have been prepared by microwave route. Ultraviolet (UV) and visible, infrared (IR), Magic Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (MAS NMR) and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopies have been used to characterize the speciation in the glasses. Together with the variation of properties such as molar volume and glass transition temperatures, spectroscopic data indicate that at high levels of modification, ZnO tends to behave like network former. It is proposed that the observed variation of all the properties can be reasonably well understood with a structural model. The model considers that the modification and speciation in glasses are strongly determined by the hierarchy of group electronegativities. Further, it is proposed that the width of the transitions of glasses obtained under same condition reflects the fragility of the glasses. An empirical expression has been suggested to quantify fragility on the basis of width of the transition regions. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

High-pressure synchrotron x-ray diffraction study of RMnO3 (R=Eu, Gd, Tb and Dy) upto 50 GPa

We have carried out synchrotron based high-pressure x-ray diffraction study of orthorhombic EuMnO3, GdMnO3, TbMnO3 and DyMnO3 up to 54.4, 41.6, 47.0 and 50.2 GPa, respectively. The diffraction peaks of all the four manganites shift monotonically to higher diffraction angles and the crystals retain the orthorhombic structure till the highest pressure. We have fitted the observed volume versus pressure data with the Birch-Murnaghan equation of state and determined the bulk modulus to be 185 +/- 6 GPa, 190 +/- 16 GPa, 188 +/- 9 GPa and 192 +/- 8 GPa for EuMnO3, GdMnO3, TbMnO3 and DyMnO3, respectively. The bulk modulus of EuMnO3 is comparable to other manganites, in contrast to theoretical predictions.

A method for measurement of planar liquid volume fraction in dense sprays

A methodology for measurement of planar liquid volume fraction in dense sprays using a combination of Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) and Particle/Droplet Imaging Analysis (PDIA) is presented in this work. The PLIF images are corrected for loss of signal intensity due to laser sheet scattering, absorption and auto-absorption. The key aspect of this work pertains to simultaneously solving the equations involving the corrected PLIF signal and liquid volume fraction. From this, a quantitative estimate of the planar liquid volume fraction is obtained. The corrected PLIF signal and the corrected planar Mie scattering can be also used together to obtain the Sauter Mean Diameter (SMD) distribution by using data from the PDIA technique at a particular location for calibration. This methodology is applied to non-evaporating sprays of diesel and a more viscous pure plant oil at an injection pressure of 1000 bar and a gas pressure of 30 bar in a high pressure chamber. These two fuels are selected since their viscosity values are very different with a consequently very different spray structure. The spatial distribution of liquid volume fraction and SMD is obtained for two fuels. The proposed method is validated by comparing liquid volume fraction obtained by the current method with data from PDIA technique. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Nanoindentation behavior of nanotwinned Cu: Influence of indenter angle on hardness, strain rate sensitivity and activation volume

The influence of strain on the mechanical properties and deformation kinetic parameters of nanotwinned (at) copper is investigated by a series of nanoindentation experiments, which were performed by employing sharp indenters with five varying centerline-to-face angles (psi). Comparison experiments were also conducted on (1 1 0) single crystalline Cu. Experimental results indicate that, unlike coarsegrained materials, nt-Cu is prone to plastic flow softening with large material pile-up around the indentation impression at high levels of strains. Localized detwinning becomes more significant with decreasing psi, concomitant with reduced strain-rate sensitivity (m) and enhanced activation volume (V*). The m of nt-Cu is found to depend sensitively on psi with a variation of more than a factor of 3, whereas V* exhibits a much less sensitive trend. This paper discusses the validation of the experimental techniques and the implications of various deformation kinetic parameters on the underlying deformation mechanisms of nt-Ca. 2013 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Polymer Template Assisted Synthesis of Porous Li1.2Mn0.53Ni0.13Co0.13O2 as a High Capacity and High Rate Capability Positive Electrode Material

A porous layered composite of Li2MnO3 and LiMn1/3Co1/3Ni1/3O2 (composition: Li1.2Mn0.53Ni0.13Co0.13O2) is prepared by reverse microemulsion method employing a soft polymer template and studied as a positive electrode material. The precursor is heated at several temperatures between 500 and 900 degrees C. The product samples possess mesoporosity with broadly distributed pores of about 30 nm diameters. There is a decrease in pore volume as well as in surface area by increasing the temperature of preparation. Nevertheless, the electrochemical activity of the composite increases with an increase in temperature. The discharge capacity values of the samples prepared at 800 and 900 degrees C are about 250 mAh g(-1) at a specific current of 40 mA g(-1) with an excellent cycling stability. A value of 225 mAh g(-1) is obtained at the end of 30 charge-discharge cycles. Both these composite samples possess high rate capability, but the 800 degrees C sample is marginally superior to the 900 degrees C sample. A discharge capacity of 100 mAh g(-1) is obtained at a specific current of 1000 mA g(-1). The high rate capability is attributed to porous nature of the composite samples. (C) 2013 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.

Enhancing the high temperature plasticity of a Cu-containing austenitic stainless steel through grain boundary strengthening

The addition of 3 wt% Cu to heat-resistant SUS 304H austenitic steel enhances its high temperature mechanical properties. To further improve the properties, particularly the creep resistance and ductility at high temperatures, a post-solutionizing heat-treatment method that involves an intermediated annealing either at 700 or 800 degrees C after solutionizing for durations up to 180 min was employed. The purpose this heat-treatment is to precipitate planar Cr23C6 at the grain boundaries, which results in the boundaries getting serrated. Detailed microstructural analyses of these `grain boundary engineered' alloys was conducted and their mechanical performance, both at room temperature and at 750 degrees C, was evaluated. While the grain size and texture are unaffected due to the high temperature hold, the volume fraction of Sigma 3 twin boundaries was found to increase significantly. While the strength enhancement was only marginal, the ductility was found to increase significantly, especially at high temperature. A marked increase in the creep resistance was also noted, which is attributed to the reduction of the grain boundary sliding by the grain boundary serrations and the suppression of grain boundary cavitation through the optimization of the volume fraction and spacing of the Cr23C6 precipitates. The special heat-treatment performed with holding time of 3 h at 700 degrees C resulted in the optimum combination of strength, ductility and creep resistance at high temperature. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In-situ Stabilization of Tin Nanoparticles in Porous Carbon Matrix derived from Metal Organic Framework: High Capacity and High Rate Capability Anodes for Lithium-ion Batteries

It is a formidable challenge to arrange tin nanoparticles in a porous matrix for the achievement of high specific capacity and current rate capability anode for lithium-ion batteries. This article discusses a simple and novel synthesis of arranging tin nanoparticles with carbon in a porous configuration for application as anode in lithium-ion batteries. Direct carbonization of synthesized three-dimensional Sn-based MOF: K2Sn2(1,4-bdc)(3)](H2O) (1) (bdc = benzenedicarboxylate) resulted in stabilization of tin nanoparticles in a porous carbon matrix (abbreviated as Sn@C). Sn@C exhibited remarkably high electrochemical lithium stability (tested over 100 charge and discharge cycles) and high specific capacities over a wide range of operating currents (0.2-5 Ag-1). The novel synthesis strategy to obtain Sn@C from a single precursor as discussed herein provides an optimal combination of particle size and dispersion for buffering severe volume changes due to Li-Sn alloying reaction and provides fast pathways for lithium and electron transport.

Effect of hydrogen on the yielding behavior and shear transformation zone volume in metallic glass ribbons

The effect of hydrogen (H) charging on the shear yield strength (tau(max)) and shear transformation zone volume (Omega) of Ni-Nb-Zr metallic glass ribbons, with varying Zr content, were studied through the first pop-in loads during nanoindentation. Weight gain measurements after H charging and desorption studies were utilized to identify how the total H absorbed during charging is partitioned into mobile and immobile (or trapped) parts. These, in turn, indicate the significant role of H mobility in the amorphous structure on the yielding behavior. In high-Zr alloys, tau(max) increases significantly whereas Omega decreases. In low-Zr alloys, a slight decrease in tau(max) and increase in Omega were noted. These experimental observations are rationalized in terms of the mobility of the absorbed H in the amorphous structure and the possible role of it in the shear transformation zone dynamics during deformation of the metallic glass. (C) 2014 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Porous lithium rich Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.22Fe0.04O2 prepared by microemulsion route as a high capacity and high rate capability positive electrode material

A porous layered composite of Li2MnO3 and LiMn0.35Ni0.55Fe0.1O2 (composition:Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.22Fe0.04O2) is prepared by inverse microemulsion method and studied as a positive electrode material. The precursor is heated at several temperatures between 500 and 900 degrees C. The X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy studies suggested that well crystalline submicronsized particles are obtained. The product samples possess mesoporosity with broadly distributed pores around 10 similar to 50 nm diameter. Pore volume and surface area decrease by increasing the temperature of preparation. However, the electrochemical activity of the composite samples increases with an increase in temperature. The discharge capacity values of the samples prepared at 900 degrees C are about 186 mAh g(-1) at a specific current of 25 mA g(-1) with an excellent cycling stability. The composite sample also possesses high rate capability. The high rate capability is attributed to the porous nature of the material. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

High Temperatures Result in Smaller Nurseries which Lower Reproduction of Pollinators and Parasites in a Brood Site Pollination Mutualism

In a nursery pollination mutualism, we asked whether environmental factors affected reproduction of mutualistic pollinators, non-mutualistic parasites and seed production via seasonal changes in plant traits such as inflorescence size and within-tree reproductive phenology. We examined seasonal variation in reproduction in Ficus racemosa community members that utilise enclosed inflorescences called syconia as nurseries. Temperature, relative humidity and rainfall defined four seasons: winter; hot days, cold nights; summer and wet seasons. Syconium volumes were highest in winter and lowest in summer, and affected syconium contents positively across all seasons. Greater transpiration from the nurseries was possibly responsible for smaller syconia in summer. The 3-5 degrees C increase in mean temperatures between the cooler seasons and summer reduced fig wasp reproduction and increased seed production nearly two-fold. Yet, seed and pollinator progeny production were never negatively related in any season confirming the mutualistic fig-pollinator association across seasons. Non-pollinator parasites affected seed production negatively in some seasons, but had a surprisingly positive relationship with pollinators in most seasons. While within-tree reproductive phenology did not vary across seasons, its effect on syconium inhabitants varied with season. In all seasons, within-tree reproductive asynchrony affected parasite reproduction negatively, whereas it had a positive effect on pollinator reproduction in winter and a negative effect in summer. Seasonally variable syconium volumes probably caused the differential effect of within-tree reproductive phenology on pollinator reproduction. Within-tree reproductive asynchrony itself was positively affected by intra-tree variation in syconium contents and volume, creating a unique feedback loop which varied across seasons. Therefore, nursery size affected fig wasp reproduction, seed production and within-tree reproductive phenology via the feedback cycle in this system. Climatic factors affecting plant reproductive traits cause biotic relationships between plants, mutualists and parasites to vary seasonally and must be accorded greater attention, especially in the context of climate change.