This book focuses on nanocarbons (carbon nanotubes, graphene, nanoporous carbon, and carbon black) and related materials for energy conversion, including fuel cells (predominately proton exchange membrane fuel cells [PEMFC]), Li-ion batteries, and supercapacitors. Written by a group of internationally recognized researchers, it offers an in-depth review of the structure, properties, and functions of nanocarbons, and summarizes recent advances in the design, fabrication and characterization of nanocarbon-based catalysts for energy applications. As such, it is an invaluable resource for graduate students, academics and industrial scientists interested in the areas of nanocarbons, energy materials for fuel cells, batteries and supercapacitors as well as materials design, and supramolecular science.

This book presents the proceedings of the 3rd Brazilian Technology Symposium (BTSym), which is a multi/trans/interdisciplinary event offering an excellent forum for presentations and discussions of the latest scientific and technological developments in various areas of research, with an emphasis on smart design and future technologies. It brings together researchers, students and professionals from the industrial and academic sectors to discuss current technological issues. Among the main topics covered in this book, we can highlight Artificial Neural Networks, Computational Vision, Security Applications, Web Tool, Cloud Environment, Network Functions Virtualization, Software-Defined Networks, IoT, Residential Automation, Data Acquisition, Industry 4.0, Cyber-Physical Systems, Digital Image Processing, Infrared Images, Patters Recognition, Digital Video Processing, Precoding, Embedded Systems, Machine Learning, Remote Sensing, Wireless Sensor Network, Heterogeneous Networks, Unmanned Ground Vehicle, Unmanned Aerial System, Security, Surveillance, Traffic Analysis, Digital Television, 5G, Image Filter, Partial Differential Equation, Smoothing Filters, Voltage Controlled Ring Oscillator, Difference Amplifier, Photocatalysis, Photodegradation, Cosmic Radiation Effects, Radiation Hardening Techniques, Surface Electromyography, Sickle cell disease methodology, MicroRNAs, Image Processing Venipuncture, Cognitive Ergonomics, Ecosystem services, Environmental, Power Generation, Ecosystem services valuation, Solid Waste and University Extension.

The book comprises the fundamentals of the numerical simulation of fluid flows as well as the modelling of a power plant and plant components. The fundamental equations for heat and mass transfer will be prepared for the application in the numerical simulation. Selected numerical methods will be discussed in detail. The book will deal with the gas as well as with the water/steam flow. Regulation and controller, simplified models and hybrid models as well as the validation of measurement data are also included in the book.

This book opens with an explanation of the vibrations of a single degree-of-freedom (dof) system for all beginners. Subsequently, vibration analysis of multi-dof systems is explained by modal analysis. Mode synthesis modeling is then introduced for system reduction, which aids understanding in a simplified manner of how complicated rotors behave. Rotor balancing techniques are offered for rigid and flexible rotors through several examples. Consideration of gyroscopic influences on the rotordynamics is then provided and vibration evaluation of a rotor-bearing system is emphasized in terms of forward and backward whirl rotor motions through eigenvalue (natural frequency and damping ratio) analysis. In addition to these rotordynamics concerning rotating shaft vibration measured in a stationary reference frame, blade vibrations are analyzed with Coriolis forces expressed in a rotating reference frame. Other phenomena that may be assessed in stationary and rotating reference frames include stability characteristics due to rotor internal damping and instabilities due to asymmetric shaft stiffness and thermal unbalance behavior.

This book is devoted to the analysis and applications of energy, exergy, and environmental issues in all sectors of the economy, including industrial processes, transportation, buildings, and services. Energy sources and technologies considered are hydrocarbons, wind and solar energy, fuel cells, as well as thermal and electrical storage. This book provides theoretical insights, along with state-of-the-art case studies and examples and will appeal to the academic community, but also to energy and environmental professionals and decision makers.

A student-friendly introduction to core mechanical engineering topics. This book introduces mechanical principles and technology through examples and applications, enabling students to develop a sound understanding of both engineering principles and their use in practice. These theoretical concepts are supported by 400 fully worked problems, 700 further problems with answers, and 300 multiple-choice questions, all of which add up to give the reader a firm grounding on each topic. Two new chapters are included, covering the basic principles of matrix algebra and the matrix displacement method. The latter will also include guidance on software that can be used via SmartPhones, tablets or laptops. The new edition is up to date with the latest BTEC National specifications and can also be used on undergraduate courses in mechanical, civil, structural, aeronautical and marine engineering, and naval architecture. A companion website contains the fully worked solutions to the problems and revision tests, practical demonstration videos, as well as a glossary and information on the famous engineers mentioned in the text.

Coherent Electron Microscopy: Designing Faster and Brighter Electron Sources, Volume 227 in the Advances in Imaging and Electron Physics series, merges two long-running serials, Advances in Electronics and Electron Physics and Advances in Optical and Electron Microscopy. Chapters in this new release cover Characterization of nanomaterials properties using FE-TEM, Cold field-emission electron sources: From higher brightness to ultrafast beams, Every electron counts: Towards the development of aberration optimized and aberration corrected electron sources, and more. The series features articles on the physics of electron devices (especially semiconductor devices), particle optics at high and low energies, microlithography, image science, digital image processing, electromagnetic wave propagation, electron microscopy and the computing methods used in all these domains.

Size Effects in Engineering Mechanics and Manufacturing provides a detailed evaluation of size effects in mechanics, manufacturing and material sciences and their effects on related physical behaviors and phenomena. Sections address the physical aspects of size effects, including tension, compression, and bending deformation in mechanics, fatigue and damage behaviors, the mechanisms behind these effects, modeling techniques for determining the behavior and phenomena of size effects, practical applications of size effects in material sciences and micro-manufacturing, how size effects influence the process performance, process outcome, properties and quality of fabricated parts and components, and future size effects. This book provides not only a reference volume on size effects but also valuable applications for engineers, scientists, academics and research students involved in materials processing, manufacturing, materials science and engineering, engineering mechanics, mechanical engineering and the management of enterprises using materials processing technologies in the mass-production of related products.

Masonry constructions are the great majority of the buildings in Europe's historic centres and the most important monuments of its architectural heritage. Given the age of these constructions, the demand for safety assessments and restoration projects is pressing and constant; still within the broad studies in the subject it is not yet recognised, in particular within the seismic area, a unitary approach to deal with Masonry structures. This successful book contributes to clarify the issues with a rigorous approach offering a comprehensive new Statics of Masonry Constructions. This third edition has been driven by some recent developments of the research in the field, and it gives the fundamentals of Statics with an original and rigorous mathematical formulation, further in-depth inquired in this new version. With many refinements and improvements, the book investigates the static behaviour of many historic monuments, such as the Gothic Cathedrals, the Mycenaean Tholoi, the Pantheon, the Colosseum, the domes of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence and St Peter's in Rome, as well as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The last chapter - the 11th - regarding the behaviour of masonry buildings under seismic actions, has been modified and integrated in order to take into account the numerous recent achievements of the research in the dynamic and seismic analysis. The focal point is that there's no dissipation of energy during the deformation of masonry structures, even if accompanied by cracks. If properly reinforced, masonry constructions have the sole resource to escape the seismic action developing the rocking without failure, under alternate seismic action. In this context, the rocking of pier walls, the main resistant components of the masonry structure, has been here thoroughly examined. Furthermore, the out of plane and the in-plane seismic strengths of masonry walls with openings has been investigated within the framework of Limit Analysis. Through an interdisciplinary approach, involving Mathematics, Engineering and Architecture, this book highlights the tight connection existing between the Statics of Masonry constructions and the principles that ruled the history of constructions, since the beginnings as far as the Seventeenth century.

This book focuses on Creep in Ceramics. The book consists of two parts. In part A general knowledge of creep in ceramics is considered, while part B specifies creep in technologically important ceramics, namely creep in oxide ceramics, carnides and nitrides. While covering all relevant information regarding raw materials and characterization of creep in ceramics, the book also summarizes most recent innovations and developments in this field as a result of extensive literature search.

This book presents the most significant contributions to the DINAME 2017 conference, covering a range of dynamic problems to provide insights into recent trends and advances in a broad variety of fields seldom found in other proceedings volumes. DINAME has been held every two years since 1986 and is internationally recognized as a central forum for discussing scientific achievements related to dynamic problems in mechanics. Unlike many other conferences, it employs a single-session format for the oral presentations of all papers, which limits the number of accepted papers to roughly 100 and makes the evaluation process extremely rigorous. The papers gathered here will be of interest to all researchers, graduate students and engineering professionals working in the fields of mechanical and mechatronics engineering and related areas around the globe.

Topics in Modal Analysis & Testing, Volume 10: Proceedings of the 35th IMAC, A Conference and Exposition on Structural Dynamics, 2017, the tenth volume of ten from the Conference brings together contributions to this important area of research and engineering. The collection presents early findings and case studies on fundamental and applied aspects of Modal Analysis, including papers on: Operational Modal & Modal Analysis Applications Experimental Techniques Modal Analysis, Measurements & Parameter Estimation Modal Vectors & Modeling Basics of Modal Analysis Additive Manufacturing & Modal Testing of Printed Parts

System Assurances: Modeling and Management updates on system assurance and performance methods using advanced analytics and understanding of software reliability growth modeling from today's debugging team's point-of-view, along with information on preventive and predictive maintenance and the efficient use of testing resources. The book presents the rapidly growing application areas of systems and software modeling, including intelligent synthetic characters, human-machine interface, menu generators, user acceptance analysis, picture archiving and software systems. Students, research scholars, academicians, scientists and industry practitioners will benefit from the book as it provides better insights into modern related global trends, issues and practices.

Instabilities of fluid flows and the associated transitions between different possible flow states provide a fascinating set of problems that have attracted researchers for over a hundred years. This book addresses state-of-the-art developments in numerical techniques for computational modelling of fluid instabilities and related bifurcation structures, as well as providing comprehensive reviews of recently solved challenging problems in the field.

This book presents in detail the most important driving and engine cycles used for the certification and testing of new vehicles and engines around the world. It covers chassis and engine-dynamometer cycles for passenger cars, light-duty vans, heavy-duty engines, non-road engines and motorcycles, offering detailed historical information and critical review. The book also provides detailed examples from SI and diesel engines and vehicles operating during various cycles, with a focus on how the engine behaves during transients and how this is reflected in emitted pollutants, CO2 and after-treatment systems operation. It describes the measurement methods for the testing of new vehicles and essential information on the procedure for creating a driving cycle. Lastly, it presents detailed technical specifications on the most important chassis-dynamometer cycles around the world, together with a direct comparison of those cycles.

This monograph provides the fundamentals of dimensional analysis and illustrates the method by numerous examples for a wide spectrum of applications in engineering. The book covers thoroughly the fundamental definitions and the Buckingham theorem, as well as the choice of the system of basic units. The authors also include a presentation of model theory and similarity solutions. The target audience primarily comprises researchers and practitioners but the book may also be suitable as a textbook at university level.

VIBROACOUSTIC SIMULATION Learn to master the full range of vibroacoustic simulation using both SEA and hybrid FEM/SEA methods Vibroacoustic simulation is the discipline of modelling and predicting the acoustic waves and vibration of particular objects, systems, or structures. This is done through finite element methods (FEM) or statistical energy analysis (SEA) to cover the full frequency range. In the mid-frequency range, both methods must be combined into a hybrid FEM/SEA approach. By doing so, engineers can model full frequency vibroacoustic simulations in complex technical systems used in aircraft, trains, cars, ships, and satellites. Indeed, hybrid approaches are increasingly used in the automotive, aerospace, and rail industries. Previously covered primarily in scientific journals, Vibroacoustic Simulation provides a practical approach that helps readers master the full frequency range of vibroacoustic simulation. Through a systematic approach, the book illustrates why both FEM and SEA are necessary in acoustic engineering and how both can be used in combination through hybrid methodologies. Striking a crucial balance between complex theories and practical applications, the text provides real-world examples of vibroacoustic simulation, such as fuselage simulation, interior-noise prediction for electric and combustion vehicles, train profiles, and more, to help elucidate the concepts described within. Vibroacoustic Simulation also features: A balance of complex theories with the nuts and bolts of real-world applications Detailed worked examples of junction equations Case studies from companies like Audi and Airbus that illustrate how the methods discussed have been applied in real-world projects A companion website that provides corresponding Python codes for all examples, allowing readers to work through the examples on their own Vibroacoustic Simulation is a useful reference for acoustic and mechanical engineers working in the automotive, aerospace, defense, or rail industries, as well as researchers and graduate students studying acoustics.

This book presents recent research into developing and applying computational tools to estimate the performance and safety of hydraulic structures from the planning and construction stage to the service period. Based on the results of a close collaboration between the author and his colleagues, friends, students and field engineers, it shows how to achieve a good correlation between numerical computation and the actual in situ behavior of hydraulic structures. The book's heuristic and visualized style disseminates the philosophy and road map as well as the findings of the research. The chapters reflect the various aspects of the three typical and practical methods (the finite element method, the block element method, the composite element method) that the author has been working on and made essential contributions to since the 1980s. This book is an advanced continuation of Hydraulic Structures by the same author, published by Springer in 2015.

The book presents recently developed efficient metaheuristic optimization algorithms and their applications for solving various optimization problems in civil engineering. The concepts can also be used for optimizing problems in mechanical and electrical engineering.

This book on the dynamics of rail vehicles is developed from the manuscripts for a class with the same name at TU Berlin. It is directed mainly to master students with pre-knowledge in mathematics and mechanics and engineers that want to learn more. The important phenomena of the running behaviour of rail vehicles are derived and explained. Also recent research results and experience from the operation of rail vehicles are included. One focus is the description of the complex wheel-rail contact phenomena that are essential to understand the concept of running stability and curving. A reader should in the end be able to understand the background of simulation tools that are used by the railway industry and universities today.

This book focuses on some of the most energy-consuming HVAC systems; illuminating huge opportunities for energy savings in buildings that operate with these systems. The main discussion is on, cutting-edge decision making approaches, and algorithms in: decision making under uncertainty, genetic algorithms, fuzzy logic, artificial neural networks, agent based modeling, and game theory. These methods are applied to HVAC systems, in order to help designers select the best options among the many available pathways for designing and the building of HVAC systems and applications. The discussion further evolves to depict how the buildings of the future can incorporate these advanced decision-making algorithms to become autonomous and truly 'smart'.

Coupling power generation with syngas-based chemical synthesis according to the so-called 'Polygeneration-Annex' concept offers economic and technical benefits. Clemens Forman assesses the integration of incoming streams by the Annex plant from a power plant point of view across its full load range. Analyses are done by load-dependent flowsheet simulation. The pulverized lignite combustion power plant process is covered by two generic technical states: an existing 650 MW(el) power plant and a near future 1,100 MW(el) power plant with duo block design and dry lignite co-firing. Modeling comprises both the flue gas path and the water-steam circuit. Appropriate stream interfaces are identified and determined depending on the load status. The technical feasibility of integration can be proven.

This book introduces the state-of-the-art technologies in mechatronics, robotics, and MEMS devices in order to improve their methodologies. It provides a follow-up to "Advanced Mechatronics and MEMS Devices" (2013) with an exploration of the most up-to-date technologies and their applications, shown through examples that give readers insights and lessons learned from actual projects. Researchers on mechatronics, robotics, and MEMS as well as graduate students in mechanical engineering will find chapters on: Fundamental design and working principles on MEMS accelerometers Innovative mobile technologies Force/tactile sensors development Control schemes for reconfigurable robotic systems Inertial microfluidics Piezoelectric force sensors and dynamic calibration techniques ...And more. Authors explore applications in the areas of agriculture, biomedicine, advanced manufacturing, and space. Micro-assembly for current and future industries is also considered, as well as the design and development of micro and intelligent manufacturing.

This book presents efficient metaheuristic algorithms for optimal design of structures. Many of these algorithms are developed by the author and his colleagues, consisting of Democratic Particle Swarm Optimization, Charged System Search, Magnetic Charged System Search, Field of Forces Optimization, Dolphin Echolocation Optimization, Colliding Bodies Optimization, Ray Optimization. These are presented together with algorithms which were developed by other authors and have been successfully applied to various optimization problems. These consist of Particle Swarm Optimization, Big Bang-Big Crunch Algorithm, Cuckoo Search Optimization, Imperialist Competitive Algorithm, and Chaos Embedded Metaheuristic Algorithms. Finally a multi-objective optimization method is presented to solve large-scale structural problems based on the Charged System Search algorithm. The concepts and algorithms presented in this book are not only applicable to optimization of skeletal structures and finite element models, but can equally be utilized for optimal design of other systems such as hydraulic and electrical networks. In the second edition seven new chapters are added consisting of the new developments in the field of optimization. These chapters consist of the Enhanced Colliding Bodies Optimization, Global Sensitivity Analysis, Tug of War Optimization, Water Evaporation Optimization, Vibrating Particle System Optimization and Cyclical Parthenogenesis Optimization algorithms. A chapter is also devoted to optimal design of large scale structures.

This book investigates the performance limitation issues in networked feedback systems. The fact that networked feedback systems consist of control and communication devices and systems calls for the integration of control theory and information theory. The primary contributions of this book lie in two aspects: the newly-proposed information-theoretic measures and the newly-discovered control performance limitations. We first propose a number of information notions to facilitate the analysis. Using those notions, classes of performance limitations of networked feedback systems, as well as state estimation systems, are then investigated. In general, the book presents a unique, cohesive treatment of performance limitation issues of networked feedback systems via an information-theoretic approach. This book is believed to be the first to treat the aforementioned subjects systematically and in a unified manner, offering a unique perspective differing from existing books.