Sharif Digital Repository

An artificial neural network model, using a back-propagation learning algorithm is utilized, to predict the yield stress, elongation, ultimate tension stress, over(R, -) and {divides}ΔR{divides} during hot rolling, cold rolling and annealing of AA3004 aluminum alloy. Input nodes were chosen as the ratio of initial to final thicknesses, reduction, preheating time and temperature, finish rolling temperature and the final annealing temperature. The maximum error for predicted values was 6.35%, the average of absolute relative error was 0.57% and the RMS was 0.00998. It was found that the mechanical properties and anisotropy of AA3004 alloy sheets can be predicted by this approach. © 2006... 

In this paper, a new spreading technique for intensity modulation direct detection fiber-optic code-division multiple-access (FO-CDMA) communication systems is proposed. This new spreading technique is based on generalized optical orthogonal codes (OOC) with large cardinality and minimal degradation in performance when compared with a more optimum system, namely, an optical CDMA system using OOC with autocorrelation and cross-correlation value bounded by one, i.e., OOC (λ = 1). To obtain the performance of such systems, we use a recently introduced communication scheme, namely, frame time-hopping (FTH)-CDMA with random coding. It is discussed that systems with generalized OOC patterns and... 

In [Scholtz (1993)], an ultra-wide bandwidth time-hopping spread-spectrum code division multiple-access system employing a binary PPM signaling has been introduced, and its performance was obtained based on a Gaussian distribution assumption for the multiple-access interference. In this paper, we begin first by proposing to use a practical low-rate error correcting code in the system without any further required bandwidth expansion. We then present a more precise performance analysis of the system for both coded and uncoded schemes. Our analysis shows that the Gaussian assumption is not accurate for predicting bit error rates at high data transmission rates for the uncoded scheme.... 

In this paper, we propose to use a practical low rate error-correcting code in a time-hopping spread spectrum multiple access system employing a binary PPM signaling. To this end, superorthogonal codes, which are near optimal and have relatively low implementation complexity, are considered. The performance analysis shows that the proposed coded scheme outperforms the uncoded scheme significantly, or more importantly, at a given bit error rate the proposed scheme increases the number of users by a factor which is logarithmic in the number of pulses used in time hopping spread spectrum system  

In [1], an ultra-wide bandwidth time-hopping spread-spectrum code division multiple access system employing a binary PPM signaling has been introduced, and its performance was obtained based on a Gaussian distribution assumption for the multiple access interference. A coded scheme of this system has been proposed in [2], which shows much better performance in comparison to the uncoded scheme under the above Gaussian assumption. In this paper, we present a more precise performance analysis of the system for both coded and uncoded schemes. Our analysis shows that the Gaussian assumption is not accurate for predicting bit error rates at high data transmission rates  

A class of generalized optical orthogonal codes (OOCs), namely, frame time-hopping (FTH) patterns with an extremely large cardinality, are studied for implementing multirate and multiservice (MR/MS) optical CDMA (OCDMA) networks. Conventional MR/MS methods, namely variable spreading rate and parallel mapping, are considered. Using FTH patterns, the problem of low OOC code cardinality in conventional MR/MS schemes is removed. Moreover, several new multicode methods, using subcode concatenation scheme, are proposed for MR/MS OCDMA. The proposed multicode schemes present flexibility for supporting MR/MS applications such as lower implementation complexity and cost, less need for service... 

Free vibration of laminated micro-plates with arbitrary geometry and boundary conditions consisting of several micro-layers with free sliding/frictional sliding/perfect interfaces is of interest. The inter-layer bond in the direction normal to the interfaces is perfect, and thus the corresponding displacement component is continuous across the interfaces. The mentioned in-plane interface conditions may be realized by varying the stiffness of the sliding inter-layer spring of vanishing thickness. For free sliding and perfect interface conditions the stiffness→0 and a, respectively. Couple stress theory as a useful higher order continuum theory is utilized to formulate the problem.... 

As computer simulation increasingly supports engineering design, the requirement for a computer software environment providing an integration platform for computational engineering software increases. A key component of an integrated environment is the use of computational engineering to assist and support solutions for complex design. In the present paper, an integrated software environment is demonstrated for multi-disciplinary computational modeling of structural and geotechnical problems. The SUT-DAM is designed in both popularity and functionality with the development of user-friendly pre- and post-processing software. Pre-processing software is used to create the model, generate an... 

In this paper, the influence of powder-tool friction on the mechanical properties of the final product is investigated in pressing metal powders. A computational algorithm is presented for simulation of frictional contact in the compaction process of powder. The large deformation finite element (FE) formulation is characterized by the use of penalty approach in which a plasticity theory of friction is incorporated to simulate sliding resistance at the powder-tool interface. The constitutive relations for friction are derived from a Coulomb friction law. A double-surface cap plasticity model is employed together with the nonlinear contact friction behavior in numerical simulation of powder... 

In this paper, an atomistic–continuum homogenization multiscale method is developed to study the nonlinear behavior of heterogeneous nanomaterials. The atomistic representative volume element (RVE) with vacancy and/or void defects are analyzed by employing the fully atomistic method, in which the nucleation, migration, and elimination of dislocation, as well as the dislocation-vacancy interaction, are captured. The coarse-scale material domain is modeled within the framework of the nonlinear finite element method, and the impression of nanoscale material defects is investigated by upscaling the stress tensor and tangent modulus from the atomistic RVE based on the Hill-Mandel principle. The... 

In this paper, a new criterion for passivity of haptic devices is obtained. This criterion creates a relationship between Coulomb friction coefficient, viscous friction coefficient, sampling rate, and the maximum simulated stiffness. The process of derivation of the passivity criterion is described in detail. This criterion is improved compared with other existing criteria and predicts passivity in haptic rendering more accurately. In particular, for speeds of less than 5 cm/s, the new passivity criterion should replace the previous criteria to avoid unwanted vibrations of stiff virtual walls. Analytical and numerical investigations are presented to validate the new criterion. A specific... 

The field emission properties of MoO2 nanostars grown on a silicon substrate and their emission performance in various vacuum gaps are reported in this article. A new structure of molybdenum oxides, named a nanostar, is grown by thermal vapor deposition with a length of ̃1 μm, a thickness of ̃50 nm, and its width in the range of 500-700 nm. The morphology, structure, composition, and chemical states of the prepared nanostars were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). According to XRD analysis, the grown nanostructures are composed of both crystalline Mo4O11 and... 

Several exoskeletons with various configurations and degrees-of-freedoms (DOFs) have been introduced in the literature, but not many have addressed the optimal selection of the mechanism's DOFs. In the proposed system a semi-passive toe joint is introduced to achieve several advantages. The performance of the proposed novel passive toe joint is evaluated experimentally. In addition, the semi-passive abduction/adduction DOFs in the hip joint and eversion/inversion DOFs in ankle joint is proposed to facilitate turning while providing more comfort during normal walking. The effect of passive DoFs existence on the user comfortability is studied with the aid of three kinematic indices. In the... 

This paper models the dielectric corona pre-ionization, capacitor transfer type of flat-plane transmission line traveling wave transverse excited atmospheric pressure nitrogen laser by a non-linear lumped RLC electric circuit. The flat-plane transmission line and the pre-ionizer dielectric are modeled by a lumped linear RLC and time-dependent non-linear RC circuit, respectively. The main discharge region is considered as a time-dependent non-linear RLC circuit where its resistance value is also depends on the radiated pre-ionization ultra violet (UV) intensity. The UV radiation is radiated by the resistance due to the surface plasma on the pre-ionizer dielectric. The theoretical predictions... 

The reliability Studies are done in order to determine the probability of functioning or availability of different engineering systems. These studies can also provide a basis for comparing different structures of a system and can be used as a tool to improve the system design. Also, reliability is an important consideration in the planning, design and operation of transit system. Since the issue of the reliability of electric vehicles has not been sufficiently and seriously evaluated yet, so in this paper, the reliability of the various types of these kinds of vehicles will be discussed and then the reliability indices of them will be compared with each other and with the conventional cars  

Considerable interest in the indoor applications of wireless local-area networks (WLANs) demands some powerful simulation methods of these systems. Proper modeling of the physical propagation channel is crucial in this context. A novel simulation method for indoor wideband multi-input multi-output (MIMO) channel at the operating frequency band of IEEE 802.11a, HIPERLAN/2, and the emerging IEEE 802.11n standards is presented in this paper which is suitable for performance analysis of MIMO techniques in these systems. The presented model is developed on the basis of a previously proposed channel representation at the same frequency band. Simulation results for MIMO channel capacity are... 

To synthesize a novel biopolymer-based superabsorbent hydrogel, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS) was grafted onto kappa-carrageenan (KC) backbones. The graft copolymerization reaction was carried out in a homogeneous medium and in the presence of ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator, N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl ethylenediamine (TMEDA) as an accelerator, and N,N'-methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinker. A proposed mechanism for KC-g-AMPS formation was suggested and the hydrogel structure was confirmed using FTIR spectroscopy. The affecting variables on swelling capacity, i.e., the initiator, the crosslinker, and the monomer concentration, as well as reaction temperature,... 

In this work, a comparative study of hybrid solar cells based on P3HT and TiO2 nanofibers was accomplished. Electrospinning, a low cost production method for large area nanofibrous films, was employed to fabricate the organic-inorganic hybrid solar cells based on poly (3-hexylthiophene) and TiO2 nanofibers. The performance of the hybrid solar cells was analyzed for four density levels of TiO2 nanofibers which resulted in the average power conversion efficiency of about 0.0134% under AM 1.5 simulated illuminations (100 mWcm-2). It is found that the higher densities of TiO2 lead to more interface area and generating exciton, so the power conversion efficiency will be increased till the active...