Sharif Digital Repository

We introduce a new robust simulation optimization method in which the probability of occurrence of uncertain parameters is considered. It is assumed that the probability distributions are unknown but historical data are on hand and using φ-divergence functionality the uncertainty region for the uncertain probability vector is defined. We propose two approaches to formulate the robust counterpart problem for the objective function estimated by Kriging. The first method is a minimax problem and the second method is based on the chance constraint definition. To illustrate the methods and assess their performance, numerical experiments are conducted. Results show that the second method obtains... 

In this article, a new algorithm for rather expensive simulation problems is presented, which consists of two phases. In the first phase, as a model-based algorithm, the simulation output is used directly in the optimization stage. In the second phase, the simulation model is replaced by a valid metamodel. In addition, a new optimization algorithm is presented. To evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm, it is applied to the (s,S) inventory problem as well as to five test functions. Numerical results show that the proposed algorithm leads to better solutions with less computational time than the corresponding metamodel-based algorithm. © 2017 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC  

Platinum extraction from spent reforming catalysts in iodine solutions under atmospheric pressure and at temperatures up to 95°C was previously investigated in our group. In this system, platinum is oxidized from the spent catalyst with tri-iodide. In some of the experiments, it was observed that platinum extraction peaked and then decreased. This indicates that a precipitation reaction slowly occurs that removes the dissolved Pt ions from the solution. Power-law rate equation for the Pt extraction to PtI6 2- and the precipitation of the dissolved platinum to PtI 4(s) was implemented to model the experimental Pt extraction data. The activation energies for the platinum dissolution reaction... 

This paper presents the results of an experimental and analytical study on the improvements gained in the axial compressive behavior of confined concrete. Among several parameters affecting compressive ductility of confined concrete, including confinement mechanical volumetric ratio, shape and size effect, number of confinement layers, strength of plain concrete and ductility of confining material, the latter was found to play the most important role in determining the ultimate strain and post peak behavior of concrete. Axial compressive tests were performed on small-scale circular or square section concrete columns, which were retrofitted either by CFRP jacket or by two types of... 

This paper presents the results of an experimental study on the application of pre-stressed high strength metal strips in retrofit of RC columns. Six 2/3 scale were deliberately designated with insufficient transverse reinforcement details and tested under constant axial and cyclic lateral load reversals. The level of axial load and the pattern of strengthening were parameters of this study. It was observed that the technique has been capable to enhance the lateral behavior of columns significantly, in terms of ductility. Very ductile behavior was obtained. The height-wise variations of lateral strain on confining strips are studied. The analysis of the fiber-based model of tested columns... 

ZnO nanopowder has been successfully synthesized by a microwave-assisted solution approach using Zn(CH3CO2)2·2H2O and NaOH. The results obtained from X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transition electron microscope (TEM) show that the mean particle size is 30 nm. SEM and TEM micrographs of ZnO nanopowder also reveal that nanoparticles have spherical shape. Catalytic activity of ZnO nanopowder for O-acylation of alcohol and phenol has been investigated. The results show that the reaction time by using ZnO nanopowder has been reduced by almost 24 times with higher yield than ZnO bulk. © 2007  

Basic silica gel (NaOH/SiO2) was found to be a very efficient media for the dehydrosulfenylation of sulfoxides in solvent-free condition under microwave irradiation  

Various diesters successfully undergo a double Fries rearrangement to afford the corresponding bis o-hydroxylaryl ketones, in the presence of AlCl3 under microwave irradiation. © 2006 Bentham Science Publishers Ltd  

A practical optimization method is applied to design nonlinear truss-like structures subjected to seismic excitation. To achieve minimum weight design, inefficient material is gradually shifted from strong parts to weak parts of a structure until a state of uniform deformation prevails. By considering different truss structures, effects of seismic excitation, target ductility and buckling of the compression members on optimum topology are investigated. It is shown that the proposed method could lead to 60% less structural weight compared to optimization methods based on elastic behavior and equivalent static loads, and is efficient at controlling performance parameters under a design... 

Tabriz has experienced several large destructive historical earthquakes in the past. Due to the absence of ground motion records in this area, a simulation of future events based on a regional seismicity information and ground motion model is necessary. Based on a maximum likelihood method, earthquake magnitude is estimated for a 10% probability of exceedance within 50 years (475-year return period) and its corresponding strong ground motions have been simulated using stochastic finite fault modeling. Using different stress parameters, suites of ground motions have been simulated for a return period of £75 years and their spectral accelerations have been compared with the corresponding... 

An efficient method for the preparation of 2,3,5-trisubstituted thiophenes in a one-pot synthesis from thiomorpholides via the thio-Claisen rearrangement was developed. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved  

N-benzyl-DABCO tribromide, a stable, crystalline organic ammonium tribromide (OATB), have been used as an alternative electrophilic bromine source for the efficient oxidative cyclization of thiobenzanilides to the corresponding benzothiazoles under mild conditions. © Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart  

An efficient one-step method for the synthesis of fully substituted thiophenes, from thiomorpholides and α-halo ketones, was developed. A mechanism has also been proposed for the course of reaction. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved  

Structures with inappropriate distributions of strength and stiffness have performed poorly in recent earthquakes, and most of the observed collapses have been related to some extent to configuration problems or a wrong conceptual design. Shear building models of multi-story structures are considered in this study and are subjected to a group of severe earthquakes. It is shown that the strength distribution patterns suggested by the seismic codes do not lead to a uniform distribution and minimum amount of ductility, drift, and damage. A new pattern is proposed that is a function of the period of the structure and the target ductility. An iterative approach is also developed to determine the... 

Holding companies are one of the most important structures that fulfil goals related to stable economic development. Managerial processes are among the most important functions of a holding company's headquarters. The aim of this study is to present a comprehensive framework for management technologies in holding companies. The presence of an appropriate framework can assist holding companies confronted with existing complexities in various supporting tools of managerial processes which are continuously expanding. The presented framework can be an initial stage for formulating a management technology strategy in holding companies. This framework has been applied in the processes of... 

Management Technologies Strategy formulation (MTS formulation) in holding companies is carried out with the aim of achieving competitive advantages in the market and fulfilment of strategic goals of the corporation. This paper presents a modified technology strategy formulation model for MTS in holding companies. Prior to present an integrated model of MTS formulation, a number of technology strategy formulation models are analysed and their suitability for the headquarter of a holding company is discussed. Through a case study research method, the paper documents how MTS formulation was implemented in an Iranian conglomerate tasked with managing diversified subsidiaries. We concluded that... 

ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles have been successfully prepared through a controlled microwave-assisted co-precipitation. X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) were used for the structural, morphological and magnetic investigation of the product. SEM micrographs of ZnFe2O4 nanopowder also reveal that nanoparticles have spherical shape. Average particle size was obtained as 12 nm from XRD. Catalytic activity of ZnFe2O4 nanopowder for O-acylation of alcohol and phenol has been investigated. A trace amount of ZnFe2O4 has been effectively used as a nanocatalyst for the acylation of alcohol and... 

An efficient route for the synthesis of 3-substituted coumarins via Knoevenagel condensation, using ZrOCl2.8H2O (10 mol %) as the. catalyst under microwave heating and solvent-free conditions, is described. This procedure offers several advantages, including the low loading of catalysts, high yields, clean reactions, short reaction times and the. use of various substrates, which make it a useful and attractive strategy for the. synthesis of 3-substituted coumarins. © Sharif University of Technology, June 2009  

An algorithm has been developed to investigate the effect of asphaltene precipitation on calculation of minimum miscibility pressure (MMP), which is one of the key design parameters of any gas injection projects. In fact, this algorithm is the extension of procedure suggested by Jaubert et al. for prediction of MMP whatever the displacement mechanism. The vapor-liquid equilibrium calculation and then liquid-liquid equilibrium calculation are required to be taken account to estimate the amount of asphaltene precipitation. The association equation of state (AEOS) has been applied to determine the phase behavior of asphaltene. The algorithm has been used for the MMP prediction of Weyburn... 

Cloud manufacturing (CMfg) is a new service-oriented manufacturing paradigm that enables distributed collaboration between manufacturers. As logistics between geographically dispersed manufacturers is indispensable in CMfg environment, and the responsibility for the whole lifecycle of products becomes more important for manufacturers, we have taken into account both forward and reverse logistics services in CMfg. Unlike most of the research in the field, this paper not only addresses the special needs of CMfg system from reverse logistics perspective but also considers the transportation of returned products. For this purpose, an agent-based architecture for tackling reverse flows in CMfg is...