Dynamics is what characterizes virtually all phenomenae we face in the real world, and processes that proceed in practically all kinds of inanimate and animate systems, notably social systems. For our purposes dynamics is viewed as time evolution of some characteristic features of the phenomenae or processes under consideration. It is obvious that in virtually all non-trivial problems dynamics can not be neglected, and should be taken into account in the analyses to, first, get insight into the problem consider, and second, to be able to obtain meaningful results.

A convenient tool to deal with dynamics and its related evolution over time is to use the concept of a dynamic system which, for the purposes of this volume can be characterized by the input (control), state and output spaces, and a state transition equation. Then, starting from an initial state, we can find a sequence of consecutive states (outputs) under consecutive inputs (controls). That is, we obtain a trajectory. The state transition equation may be given in various forms, exemplified by differential and difference equations, linear or nonlinear, deterministic or stochastic, or even fuzzy (imprecisely specified), fully or partially known, etc. These features can give rise to various problems the analysts may encounter like numerical difficulties, instability, strange forms of behavior (e.g. chaotic), etc.

This volume is concerned with some modern tools and techniques which can be useful for the modeling of dynamics. We focus our attention on two important areas which play a key role nowadays, namely automation and robotics, and biological systems. We also add some new applications which can greatly benefit from the availability of effective and efficient tools for modeling dynamics, exemplified by some applications in security systems.

Solid-Liquid Thermal Energy Storage: Modeling and Applications provides a comprehensive overview of solid-liquid phase change thermal storage. Chapters are written by specialists from both academia and industry. Using recent studies on the improvement, modeling, and new applications of these systems, the book discusses innovative solutions for any potential drawbacks. This book: Discusses experimental studies in the field of solid-liquid phase change thermal storage Reviews recent research on phase change materials Covers various innovative applications of phase change materials (PCM) on the use of sustainable and renewable energy sources Presents recent developments on the theoretical modeling of these systems Explains advanced methods for enhancement of heat transfer in PCM This book is a reference for engineers and industry professionals involved in the use of renewable energy systems, energy storage, heating systems for buildings, sustainability design, etc. It can also benefit graduate students taking courses in heat transfer, energy engineering, advanced materials, and heating systems.

Renewable energy has never been more important than it is today, as climate change becomes arguably the world's most essential problem to be solved. Solving this problem is proving difficult and complex - none more so than for emerging economies that are undergoing rapid economic development with increasing use of fossil fuels. There are many challenges for these countries that are making efforts to promote renewable energy use, with limited resources. Good government policies and corporate strategies are essential to support these efforts as a part of the global climate change crisis. This important book addresses the very latest developments in renewable energy management plus the key challenges and risks. Potential new policies and strategies for the further growth of renewable energies in emerging economies, together with high-level business case examples of renewable management in emerging economies, are addressed. This book is essential reading for policy makers, government employees, business executives, professionals, researchers and academics looking to improve global renewable energy policies, investments and management.

Smartwatch? Fitness tracker? Portable ECG? Smartphone? Posture monitor? Hearing aid? MP3 player? E-reader? Wireless headset? Hiking watch? Gaming headset? Sleep monitor? Laptop computer? Tablet? Indeed, a dizzying array of portable and wearable electronic devices is available to the modern consumer. Not surprisingly, as the number of devices an individual chooses to wear or carry increases so does the energy required to power those devices. Judging by the increasing popularity of portable power banks, waiting to recharge many of these devices using standard wall outlets is no longer a standard practice. Wearable Solar Cell Systems looks at the possibilities for supporting the energy demand of these devices without the need to return to the dreaded wall outlet for recharging. While crystalline silicon dominates world markets, second- or third-generation solar cell technologies may be more suitable to wearable systems. Array size, architecture, and management must also be chosen to best serve portable and wearable devices and harvest light energy from different light sources under a broad range of input conditions. This book is intended to serve a wide audience from students who desire a basic introduction to solar (photovoltaic) cell technology to professionals seeking a holistic picture of wearable solar cells and systems.

Volatility of crude oil prices, depleting reservoirs and environmental concerns have stimulated worldwide research for alternative and sustainable sources of raw materials for chemicals and fuels. The idea of using single-carbon atom molecules as chemical building blocks is not new, and many such compounds have been techno-economically studied as raw materials for fuels. Nevertheless, unifying the scientific and technical issues under the topic of C1 chemistry is not as easy as it may appear. C1 Chemistry: Principles and Processes provides a comprehensive understanding of the chemical transformation from molecular to commercial plant scales and reviews the sources of C1 molecules, their conversion processes and the most recent achievements and research needs. This book: Describes the latest processes developments and introduces commercial technologies Covers a wide range of feedstocks, including greenhouse gases and organic wastes Details chemistry, thermodynamics, catalysis, kinetics and reactors for respective conversions Includes preparation and purification of C1 feedstocks, C1 molecule coupling reactions and process technologies for each C1 conversion reaction Considers environmental impacts and sustainability This book will be of interest to a wide range of researchers, academics, professionals and advanced students working in the chemical, environmental and energy sectors and offers readers insights into the challenges and opportunities in the active field of C1 chemistry.

Many dynamical systems are described by differential equations that can be separated into one part, containing linear terms with constant coefficients, and a second part, relatively small compared with the first, containing nonlinear terms. Such a system is said to be weakly nonlinear. The small terms rendering the system nonlinear are referred to as perturbations. A weakly nonlinear system is called quasi-linear and is governed by quasi-linear differential equations. We will be interested in systems that reduce to harmonic oscillators in the absence of perturbations. This book is devoted primarily to applied asymptotic methods in nonlinear oscillations which are associated with the names of N. M. Krylov, N. N. Bogoli ubov and Yu. A. Mitropolskii. The advantages of the present methods are their simplicity, especially for computing higher approximations, and their applicability to a large class of quasi-linear problems. In this book, we confine ourselves basi cally to the scheme proposed by Krylov, Bogoliubov as stated in the monographs 6,211. We use these methods, and also develop and improve them for solving new problems and new classes of nonlinear differential equations. Although these methods have many applications in Mechanics, Physics and Technique, we will illustrate them only with examples which clearly show their strength and which are themselves of great interest. A certain amount of more advanced material has also been included, making the book suitable for a senior elective or a beginning graduate course on nonlinear oscillations."

This book presents theoretical and experimental investigations of mechanical behavior of solids under shock loading and highlights a multi-scale exchange process of energy and momentum between meso and macroscopic hierarchy. It also widely covers experimental approaches for the multi-scale response of solids to impacts including uniaxial strain conditions and high-velocity penetration processes. The content comprises two parts. The first part overviews modeling and theory of dynamically deformed solids from the multi-scale point of view. The second part describes experimental characterization of shock-induced solids and experimental probing of mesostructured and mesoscale dynamic processes in solids. The theory presented in the first part is then verified as it is compared with i) experiments of shock loading into different kinds of solids and ii) probed microstructure of post-shocked specimens by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and optical microscopy. The text is written on the basis of author's lectures at universities and thus is concisely described for postgraduate students. It is also useful for researchers who work on the theory of multi-scale mechanics of solids and engineers who work on testing materials under dynamic loading.

In petroleum refineries, although there are sets of standard operating procedures to operate the plants, unique problems often arise, which need to be tackled with engineering knowledge and experience without much loss of energy and time. This process is termed 'troubleshooting', and it saves production loss, leading to profitability and sustainability of the refinery operation. This book covers the ins and outs of troubleshooting in petroleum refineries, with an analysis of the problems faced, the fundamentals behind them and logical reasoning and illustrations to solve the problems, along with lessons learnt. This is the first such book on the market since the publication of one by Norman P. Lieberman about 30 years ago, and there has been a massive change in technology since then. This book will not only enlighten practicing engineers in refineries and postgraduate students but also facilitate the creation of a knowledge bank on troubleshooting case studies, helping share engineering knowledge and experiences.

Conceived as a series of more or less autonomous essays, the present book critically exposes the initial developments of continuum thermo-mechanics in a post Newtonian period extending from the creative works of the Bernoullis to the First World war, i.e., roughly during first the "Age of reason" and next the "Birth of the modern world". The emphasis is rightly placed on the original contributions from the "Continental" scientists (the Bernoulli family, Euler, d'Alembert, Lagrange, Cauchy, Piola, Duhamel, Neumann, Clebsch, Kirchhoff, Helmholtz, Saint-Venant, Boussinesq, the Cosserat brothers, Caratheodory) in competition with their British peers (Green, Kelvin, Stokes, Maxwell, Rayleigh, Love,..). It underlines the main breakthroughs as well as the secondary ones. It highlights the role of scientists who left essential prints in this history of scientific ideas. The book shows how the formidable developments that blossomed in the twentieth century (and perused in a previous book of the author in the same Springer Series: "Continuum Mechanics through the Twentieth Century", Springer 2013) found rich compost in the constructive foundational achievements of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The pre-WWI situation is well summarized by a thorough analysis of treatises (Appell, Hellinger) published at that time. English translations by the author of most critical texts in French or German are given to the benefit of the readers.

This volume brings together 18 experts with diverse backgrounds and expertise from around the globe to tackle climate change from multiple angles. A comprehensive exposition of the interconnection between ocean, weather, and climate variability is a pre-requisite for understanding the challenge. The solution approach encompasses a better appreciation of the roof, refined solar energy estimation, heightened heat exchange effectiveness, improved understanding of photovoltaic operation in the Arctic, and integration of thermoelectric with photovoltaic. Adaptation is an essential and immediate remedy that every individual must take part in, understanding that men and women respond to the thermal environment differently. Imagine future buildings made from appetizing materials, closing a sustainable design process with self-sufficient communities. Would hydrogen become a crucial part of the mitigation?

Adopting an interdisciplinary social science approach, this book examines community reactions to wind farms to form a new understanding of what facilitates social acceptance. Based on empirical research, Wind Power and Public Engagement investigates opposition to wind energy and considers the advantages as well as the limits of the co-operative model of wind farm community ownership. Giuseppe Pellegrini-Masini compares the role of co-operative schemes with community benefits schemes in increasing acceptability, and also sheds light on the impact of social factors including pro-environmental attitudes, perceived benefits and costs, place attachment, trust, as well as individuals' resources such as information and income. Five research cases are investigated in England and Scotland, including the first local, community-owned wind farm co-operative in the UK. Critically reviewing existing social research theories, the book offers a new viewpoint, integrating rational choice and environmental attitudinal theories, from which to assess and understand the social acceptability of wind energy. It also highlights new opportunities for raising consensus in communities around locally proposed wind farms. The book will be of great interest to students and scholars of renewable energy, energy policy, environmental sociology, environmental psychology, environmental planning and sustainability in general, as well as policymakers.

Taking a comparative case study approach between Canada and Germany, this book investigates the contrasting response of governments to anti-wind movements. Environmental social movements have been critical players for encouraging the shift towards increased use of renewable energy. However, social movements mobilizing against the installation of wind turbines have now become a major obstacle to their increased deployment. Andrea Bues draws on a cross-Atlantic comparative analysis to investigate the different contexts of contentious energy policy. Focusing on two sub-national forerunner regions in installed wind power capacity - Brandenburg and Ontario - Bues draws on social movement theory to explore the concept of discursive energy space and propose explanations as to why governments respond differently to social movements. Overall, Social Movements against Wind Power in Canada and Germany offers a novel conceptualization of discursive-institutional contexts of contentious energy politics and helps better understand protest against renewable energy policy. This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of renewable energy policy, sustainability and climate change politics, social movement studies and environmental sociology.

Nonlinear Mechanics for Composite Heterogeneous Structures applies both classical and multi-scale finite element analysis to the non-linear, failure response of composite structures. These traditional and modern computational approaches are holistically presented, providing insight into a range of non-linear structural analysis problems. The classical methods include geometric and material non-linearity, plasticity, damage and contact mechanics. The cutting-edge formulations include cohesive zone models, the Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM), multi-scale computational homogenization, localization of damage, neural networks and data-driven techniques. This presentation is simple but efficient, enabling the reader to understand, select and apply appropriate methods through programming code or commercial finite element software. The book is suitable for undergraduate studies as a final year textbook and for MSc and PhD studies in structural, mechanical, aerospace engineering and material science, among others. Professionals in these fields will also be strongly benefited. An accompanying website provides MATLAB codes for two-dimensional finite element problems with contact, multi-scale (FE2) and non-linear XFEM analysis, data-driven and machine learning simulations.

This book examines material composites used in connection with brake friction, their design and safety. To aid in understanding, the essentials of friction are explained. This second edition was extended to include friction material composites without copper, as they offer an environmentally friendlier option. The second edition is intended to support beginners by offering insights into the essentials of friction material composites, helping them to develop a broader understanding of brake friction materials. Friction materials find wide-ranging applications in household and industrial appliances, brake pads for automotive applications, rail brake friction pads and composition brake blocks. This second edition is an introductory volume to a set of related books, and is based on the author's experience and expertise with various material manufacturers, brake manufacturers, vehicle manufacturers, researchers and testing labs around the world with which the author has been associated for the past 28 years.

- Covers the state-of-the-art in hybrid power cycles for power generation with lower emission - Discusses ongoing research & development activities, challenges, constraints, and opportunities in both theoretical as well as application aspects of several hybrid technologies for power generation - Presents new energy storage technique - Contains exergoeconomic and environmental analysis for several hybrid configurations - Presents SOFC integrated blade cooled gas turbine hybrid power cycles

Details the use of advanced AFMs and addresses all types of functional AFMs First book to focus on application of AFM for energy research Enables readers to operate an AFM successfully and to understand the data obtained Covers new achievements in AFM instruments, including higher speed and resolution, automatic and deep learning AFM, and how AFM is being combined with other new methods like IR and Raman microscopy

This volume provides valuable insight into diverse topics related to mechanical engineering and presents state-of-the-art work on sustainable development being carried out throughout the world by budding researchers and scientists. Divided into three sections, the volume covers machine design, materials and manufacturing, and thermal engineering. It presents innovative research work on machine design that is of relevance to such varied fields as the automotive industry, agriculture, and human anatomy. The second section addresses materials characterization, an important tool in assessing proper materials for application-oriented jobs, and emerging unconventional machining processes that are important in design engineering for new products and tools. The section on thermal engineering broadly covers the use of viable alternate fuels, such as HHO, biodiesel, etc., with the objective of reducing the burden on petroleum reserves and the environment.

This title includes a number of Open Access chapters. The practice of converting corn to ethanol is controversial, with debates currently being raged in both public policy and science. While biofuels from corn have important implications in alleviating some of the global energy crisis, critics argue that it takes away from vital agricultural products needed to feed the world's growing population. The current volume maintains there is a third way, a method of producing biofuel that only uses biomass that is left behind after all agricultural and nutritional products have been harvested from corn. This biomass is referred to as corn stover. The book serves as an important introduction to this method of producing biofuels from agricultural waste. Edited by a professor from the State University of New York, Geneseo, this reference is important not only for research scientists, but for students and public policy makers who wish to learn more about this alternative method of producing ethanol from corn. The sections found in Fuel Production from Non-Food Biomass: Corn Stover describe the following topics: An overview of why corn stover is a good alternative use of power The technology that makes this process possible on various scales Considerations for policy formation, including economic, land-use, and environmental arguments for and against using corn stover as a biofuel Although controversy still exists about the use of corn stover-with some critics saying that it will cause food shortages, particularly for developing nations-the research in this book focuses on using corn's already existing, non-food biomass and argues that food and biofuel could potentially be produced from the same fields.

This title includes a number of Open Access chapters. As the world's energy hunger grows ever larger, fossil fuel reserves are diminishing-and concerns about climate change remind us that our love affair with fossil fuels cannot continue much longer. This has inspired intense research into sustainable energy sources. Biofuels seemed initially promising, but the world soon realized that food-based biofuel has its own dangers. Second-generation biofuels, however, use biomass from crops' inedible parts-such as the stalks and leaves of sugarcane-offering a far more practical, sustainable, and commercially viable solution. In this book, researchers from around the world review some of the most important and timely topics related to using sugarcane feedstock for biofuel. After a basic overview, topics such as these are included: Pretreatment methods The use of various microbial technologies, including bacteria and yeast, to enhance biofuel production Environmental impacts Economic feasibility The viability of electricity being produced side by side with biofuel Essential reading for graduate students and research scientists investigating second-generation biofuels, this book is also recommended for environmentalists, environmental engineers, and microbiologists.

This title includes a number of Open Access chapters. The world needs renewable and clean forms of energy. Biofuels offer an alternative to fossil fuels, but first-generation biofuels had many challenges to be overcome. One strategy that second-generation biofuels are employing is microbial technology. This compendium volume gathers together recent investigations within this vital field of research. It offers: An overview of the topic Investigations into the varieties of microorganisms useful for this technology Pretreatment methodologies Genetic engineering research that will further this technology Internationally recognized experts contribute chapters on their individual areas of research within this vital field of study. The book offers an authoritative platform from which graduate students and scientists can build future investigations that will create still more advanced biofuels.

This title includes a number of Open Access chapters. The world's interest in reducing petroleum use has led to the rapid development of the biofuel industry over the past decade or so. However, there is increasing concern over how current food-based biofuels affect both food security and the environment. Second-generation biofuels, however, use widely available sources such as non-food lignocellulosic-based biomass and fats, oils, and greases. They make practical consideration of how land use can simultaneously support both the world's food needs and some of its energy needs. This volume consolidates some of the most recent investigations into these issues. The chapters focus on these categories of research: The problems currently connected with biofuels relating to land use and the environment Investigations into the potential for land use to be managed more effectively and sustainably Research that focuses on new and developing options for second-generation biofuels This volume is recommended for all biofuel researchers, from the PhD student to the experienced scientist. It also offers an essential foundation to anyone interested in how biofuels relate to the future of our world.

The use of mathematical modeling in engineering allows for a significant reduction of material costs associated with design, production, and operation of technical objects, but it is important for an engineer to use the available computational approaches in modeling correctly. Taking into account the level of modern computer technology, this new volume explains how an engineer should properly define the physical and mathematical problem statement, choose the computational approach, and solve the problem by proven reliable computational approach using computer and software applications during the solution of a particular problem. This work is the result of years of the authors' research and experience in the fields of power and rocket engineering where they put into practice the methods of mathematical modeling shown in this valuable volume. The examples in the book are based on two approaches. The first approach involves the use of the relatively simple mathematical system MathCad. The second one involves the solving of problems using Intel Visual Fortran compiler with IMSL Libraries. The use of other software packages (Maple, MathLab, Mathematica) or compilers ( , ++, Visual Basic) for code is equally acceptable in the solution of the problems given in the book. Intended for professors and instructors, scientific researchers, students, and industry professionals, the book will help readers to choose the most appropriate mathematical modeling method to solve engineering problems, and the authors also include methods that allow for the solving of nonmathematical problems as mathematical problems.

This title includes a number of Open Access chapters. Edited by a leading researcher in the field, this book provides an overview of waste valorization and includes the editor's research in addition to other experts and recent and relevant studies on this critical topic. It covers treatment and pretreatment technologies and methodologies, energy recovery from solid wastes, recycling and reuse, additional cutting-edge valorization methodologies. Primarily aimed at researchers and advanced students in biochemical, engineering, and environmental fields, this book should also provide a valuable reference for municipal legislators and industry practitioners.

In this valuable volume, new and original research on various topics on chemical engineering and technology is presented on modeling and simulation, material synthesis, wastewater treatment, analytical techniques, and microreactors. The research presented here can be applied to technology in food, paper and pulp, polymers, petrochemicals, surface coatings, oil technology aspects, among other uses. The book is divided into five sections: modeling and simulation environmental applications materials and applications processes and applications analytical methods Topics include: modeling and simulation of chemical processes process integration and intensification separation processes advances in unit operations and processes chemical reaction engineering fuel and energy advanced materials CFD and transport processes wastewater treatment The valuable research presented here will be of interest to researchers, scientists, industry practitioners, as well as upper-level students.

This textbook offers readers an introduction to fracture mechanics, equipping them to grasp the basic ideas of the presented approaches to modeling in applied mechanics In the first part, the book reviews and expands on the classical theory of elastic and elasto-plastic material behavior. A solid understanding of these two topics is the essential prerequisite to advancing to damage and fracture mechanics. Thus, the second part of this course provides an introduction to the treatment of damage and fractures in the context of applied mechanics Wherever possible, the one-dimensional case is first introduced and then generalized in a following step. This departs somewhat from the more classical approach, where first the most general case is derived and then simplified to special cases. In general, the required mathematics background is kept to a minimum Tutorials are included at the end of each chapter, presenting the major steps for the solution and offering valuable tips and tricks. The supplementary problems featured in the book