The book presents eight well-known and often used algorithms besides nine newly developed algorithms by the first author and his students in a practical implementation framework. Matlab codes and some benchmark structural optimization problems are provided. The aim is to provide an efficient context for experienced researchers or readers not familiar with theory, applications and computational developments of the considered metaheuristics. The information will also be of interest to readers interested in application of metaheuristics for hard optimization, comparing conceptually different metaheuristics and designing new metaheuristics.

The volume contains more than 70 papers covering the important topics and issues in metallurgy today including papers as follows: keynote papers covering a tribute to David Robertson, workforce skills needed in the profession going forward, copper smelting, ladle metallurgy, process metallurgy and resource efficiency, new flash iron making technology, ferro-alloy electric furnace smelting and on the role of bubbles in metallurgical processing operations. Topics covered in detail in this volume include ferro-alloys, non-ferrous metallurgy, iron and steel, modeling, education, and fundamentals.

This book covers various molecular, metal-organic, dynamic covalent, polymer and other gels, focusing on their driving interactions, structures and properties. It consists of six chapters demonstrating interesting examples of these gels, classified by the type of driving interaction, and also discusses the effect of these interactions on the gels' structures and properties. The book offers an interesting and useful guide for a broad readership in various fields of chemical and materials science.

Interest in the area of control of systems defined by partial differential Equations has increased strongly in recent years. A major reason has been the requirement of these systems for sensible continuum mechanical modelling and optimization or control techniques which account for typical physical phenomena. Particular examples of problems on which substantial progress has been made are the control and stabilization of mechatronic structures, the control of growth of thin films and crystals, the control of Laser and semi-conductor devices, and shape optimization problems for turbomachine blades, shells, smart materials and microdiffractive optics. This volume contains original articles by world reknowned experts in the fields of optimal control of partial differential equations, shape optimization, numerical methods for partial differential equations and fluid dynamics, all of whom have contributed to the analysis and solution of many of the problems discussed. The collection provides a state-of-the-art overview of the most challenging and exciting recent developments in the field. It is geared towards postgraduate students and researchers dealing with the theoretical and practical aspects of a wide variety of high technology problems in applied mathematics, fluid control, optimal design, and computer modelling.

This book analyzes the updated principles and applications of nonlinear approaches to solve engineering and physics problems. The knowledge on nonlinearity and the comprehension of nonlinear approaches are inevitable to future engineers and scientists, making this an ideal book for engineers, engineering students, and researchers in engineering, physics, and mathematics. Chapters are of specific interest to readers who seek expertise in optimization, nonlinear analysis, mathematical modeling of complex forms, and non-classical engineering problems. The book covers methodologies and applications from diverse areas such as vehicle dynamics, surgery simulation, path planning, mobile robots, contact and scratch analysis at the micro and nano scale, sub-structuring techniques, ballistic projectiles, and many more.

This book introduces a number of recent developments on connectivity of communication networks, ranging from connectivity of large static networks and connectivity of highly dynamic networks to connectivity of small to medium sized networks. This book also introduces some applications of connectivity studies in network optimization, in network localization, and in estimating distances between nodes. The book starts with an overview of the fundamental concepts, models, tools, and methodologies used for connectivity studies. The rest of the chapters are divided into four parts: connectivity of large static networks, connectivity of highly dynamic networks, connectivity of small to medium sized networks, and applications of connectivity studies.

This book investigates collisions occurring in the motion of solids, in the motion of fluids but also in the motion of pedestrians in crowds. The duration of these presented collisions is short compared to the whole duration of the motion: they are assumed instantaneous. The innovative concept demonstrated in this book is that a system made of two solids, is deformable because their relative position changes. The definition of the velocities of deformation of the system introduced in the classical developments of mechanics, the principle of the virtual work and the laws of thermodynamics, allows a large range of applications such as crowd motions, debris flow motions, and shape memory alloys motions. The set of the applications is even larger: social sciences and mechanics are unified to predict the motion of crowds with application to transport management and to evacuation of theaters management.

This book discusses recent trends and developments in the microbial conversion process, which serves as an important route for biofuel production, with particular attention to bioreactors. It combines microbial conversion with multiphase flow and mass transfer, providing an alternative perspective for the understanding of microbial biomass and energy production process as well as enhancement strategy. This book is relevant to students and researchers who work in the fields of renewable energy, engineering and biotechnology. Policymakers, economists and industry engineers also benefit from this book, as it can be used as a resource for the implementation of renewable energy technologies.

This book presents guidelines on quantitative and qualitative measures of the geometric features and imperfections of welds to ensure that it meets the fatigue strength requirements laid out in the recommendations of the IIW (International Institute of Welding). Welds that satisfy these quality criteria can be assessed in accordance with existing IIW recommendations based on nominal stress, structural stress, notch stress or linear fracture mechanics. Further, the book defines more restrictive acceptance criteria based on weld geometry features and imperfections with increased fatigue strength. Fatigue strength for these welds is defined as S-N curves expressed in terms of nominal applied stress or hot spot stress. Where appropriate, reference is made to existing quality systems for welds.In addition to the acceptance criteria and fatigue assessment curves, the book also provides guidance on their inspection and quality control. The successful implementation of these methods depends on adequate training for operators and inspectors alike. As such, the publication of the present IIW Recommendations is intended to encourage the production of appropriate training aids and guidelines for educating, training and certifying operators and inspectors.

Textile Fibre Composites in Civil Engineering provides a state-of-the-art review from leading experts on recent developments, the use of textile fiber composites in civil engineering, and a focus on both new and existing structures. Textile-based composites are new materials for civil engineers. Recent developments have demonstrated their potential in the prefabrication of concrete structures and as a tool for both strengthening and seismic retrofitting of existing concrete and masonry structures, including those of a historical value. The book reviews materials, production technologies, fundamental properties, testing, design aspects, applications, and directions for future research and developments. Following the opening introductory chapter, Part One covers materials, production technologies, and the manufacturing of textile fiber composites for structural and civil engineering. Part Two moves on to review testing, mechanical behavior, and durability aspects of textile fiber composites used in structural and civil engineering. Chapters here cover topics such as the durability of structural elements and bond aspects in textile fiber composites. Part Three analyzes the structural behavior and design of textile reinforced concrete. This section includes a number of case studies providing thorough coverage of the topic. The final section of the volume details the strengthening and seismic retrofitting of existing structures. Chapters investigate concrete and masonry structures, in addition to providing information and insights on future directions in the field. The book is a key volume for researchers, academics, practitioners, and students working in civil and structural engineering and those working with advanced construction materials.

This book provides a state-of-the art overview of a highly interesting emerging research field in solid state physics/nanomaterials science, topological structures in ferroic materials. Topological structures in ferroic materials have received strongly increasing attention in the last few years. Such structures include domain walls, skyrmions and vortices, which can form in ferroelectric, magnetic, ferroelastic or multiferroic materials. These topological structures can have completely different properties from the bulk material they form in. They also can be controlled by external fields (electrical, magnetic, strain) or currents, which makes them interesting from a fundamental research point of view as well as for potential novel nanomaterials applications. To provide a comprehensive overview, international leading researches in these fields contributed review-like chapters about their own work and the work of other researchers to provide a current view of this highly interesting topic.

This book is intended to help management and other interested parties such as engineers, to understand the state of the art when it comes to the intersection between AI and Industry 4.0 and get them to realise the huge possibilities which can be unleashed by the intersection of these two fields. We have heard a lot about Industry 4.0, but most of the time, it focuses mainly on automation. In this book, the authors are going a step further by exploring advanced applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, ranging from the use of deep learning algorithms in order to make predictions, up to an implementation of a full-blown Digital Triplet system. The scope of the book is to showcase what is currently brewing in the labs with the hope of migrating these technologies towards the factory floors. Chairpersons and CEOs must read these papers if they want to stay at the forefront of the game, ahead of their competition, while also saving huge sums of money in the process.

Updating the Artech House bestseller, "Fundamentals and Applications of Microfluidics", this newly revised second edition provides electrical and mechanical engineers with complete and current coverage of microfluidics - an emerging field involving fluid flow and devices in microscale and nanoscale. The second edition offers a greatly expanded treatment of nanotechnology, electrokinetics and flow theory. The book shows engineers how to take advantage of the performance benefits of microfluidics and serves as an instant reference for state-of-the-art microfluidics technology and applications. The wide range of applications discussed includes fluid control devices, gas and fluid measurement devices, medical testing equipment, and implantable drug pumps. Professionals learn how to choose the best fabrication and enabling technology for a specific microfluidic application.

X-ray line profile analysis is an effective and non-destructive method for the characterization of the microstructure in crystalline materials. Supporting research in the area of x-ray line profile analysis is necessary in promoting further developments in this field. X-Ray Line Profile Analysis in Materials Science aims to synthesize the existing knowledge of the theory, methodology, and applications of x-ray line profile analysis in real-world settings. This publication presents both the theoretical background and practical implementation of x-ray line profile analysis and serves as a reference source for engineers in various disciplines as well as scholars and upper-level students.

Cotton fiber is the most important natural fiber used in the textile industry. The physical structure and chemical compositions of cotton fibers have been extensively studied. Newer high speed spinning instruments are being deployed around the world that demand longer, stronger and finer fibers. Consequently, genetic improvement in fiber quality has been stressed. With improvement in fiber quality has come the realization that further fiber improvement will require a better understanding of fiber development and biology. As a consequence, cotton fiber developmental biology, genetics and genomics have become focal points in the cotton research community. As the longest single-celled plant hair, cotton fiber has been used as an experiment model to study trichome initiation and elongation in plants. This book provides a comprehensive update on cotton fiber physics, chemistry and biology that form the three sections of the book. In the physics section, the physical structure of cotton fiber is first illustrated in great detail. Then a suite of fiber properties and their measuring methods are described. The pros and cons of each method are outlined. New methods to measure physical properties of single fiber and young developing fibers are included. In the chemistry section, the chemical compositions of cotton fibers are described in detail. This knowledge is necessary for efficient modification of cotton fibers for better and broader utilization. The advancement in cotton fiber modification using chemical and enzymatic methods opened new ways to utilize cotton fibers. In the biology section, the book first introduces the utilization of naturally occurring color cottons. Color cottons possess unique attributes such as better fire retardant ability. Advancement in understanding fiber color genetics and biochemical pathways and new utilization of color cottons are discussed. Recent technological advancements in molecular biology and genomics have enabled us to study fiber development in great depth. Many genes and quantitative trait loci related to fiber quality attributes have been identified and genetically mapped. Some of these genes and QTLs are being used in breeding. Progresses in cotton fiber improvement using breeding and biotechnology are discussed in the last chapter. This book serves as a reference for researchers, students, processors, and regulators who either conduct research in cotton fiber improvement or utilize cotton fibers.

This unique volume imparts practical information on the operation, maintenance, and modernization of heavy performance machines such as lignite mine machines, bucket wheel excavators, and spreaders. Problems of large scale machines (mega machines) are highly specific and not well recognized in the common mechanical engineering environment. Prof. Rusinski and his co-authors identify solutions that increase the durability of these machines as well as discuss methods of failure analysis and technical condition assessment procedures. "Surface Mining Machines: Problems in Maintenance and Modernization" stands as a much-needed guidebook for engineers facing the particular challenges of heavy performance machines and offers a distinct and interesting demonstration of scale-up issues for researchers and scientists from across the fields of machine design and mechanical engineering.

This book provides detailed calculated values for the thermal radiative and thermodynamic functions of black-body radiation in finite spectral ranges. The results are presented in tabular form. The areas of thermal power generation, infrared medical diagnostics, solar power and nuclear generation, and astrophysics are included. A range of the thermal radiative and thermodynamic functions are calculated by the authors in the finite frequency/wavenumber/wavelength intervals at different temperatures. This book also contains the tables of the chromaticity coordinates and RGB parameters calculated for different color spaces (Rec.709 (HDTV), sRGB, Adobe RGB). A number of the optimization problems is formulated and solved for various thermal black-body radiative and thermodynamic functions in a finite range of frequencies.

< p=""> The book covers the domain of multi-criteria decision making, a topic which has gained significant attention of researchers and practitioners spanning a variety of disciplines for enhancing their decision making in real life situation. The topics in this volume help readers understand the techniques in the model building and analysis stage. The chapters cover a variety of techniques and their applications for interesting problems. This book will be of interest to readers in diverse disciplines such as engineering, business, management, humanities, psychology and law. ^

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to numerical modeling of size effects in metal plasticity. The main classes of strain gradient plasticity formulations are described and efficiently implemented in the context of the finite element method. A robust numerical framework is presented and employed to investigate the role of strain gradients on structural integrity assessment. The results obtained reveal the need of incorporating the influence on geometrically necessary dislocations in the modeling of various damage mechanisms. Large gradients of plastic strain increase dislocation density, promoting strain hardening and elevating crack tip stresses. This stress elevation is quantified under both infinitesimal and finite deformation theories, rationalizing the experimental observation of cleavage fracture in the presence of significant plastic flow. Gradient-enhanced modeling of crack growth resistance, hydrogen diffusion and environmentally assisted cracking highlighted the relevance of an appropriate characterization of the mechanical response at the small scales involved in crack tip deformation. Particularly promising predictions are attained in the field of hydrogen embrittlement. The research has been conducted at the Universities of Cambridge, Oviedo, Luxembourg, and the Technical University of Denmark, in a collaborative effort to understand, model and optimize the mechanical response of engineering materials.

This book gives an overview of the existing self-healing nanotextured vascular approaches. It describes the healing agents used in engineering self-healing materials as well as the fundamental physicochemical phenomena accompanying self-healing. This book also addresses the different fabrication methods used to form core-shell nanofiber mats. The fundamental theoretical aspects of fracture mechanics are outlined. A brief theoretical description of cracks in brittle elastic materials is given and the Griffith approach is introduced. The fracture toughness is described, including viscoelastic effects. Critical (catastrophic) and subcritical (fatigue) cracks and their growth are also described theoretically. The adhesion and cohesion energies are introduced as well, and the theory of the blister test for the two limiting cases of stiff and soft materials is developed. In addition, the effect of non-self-healing nanofiber mats on the toughening of ply surfaces in composites is discussed. The book also presents a brief description of the electrochemical theory of corrosion crack growth. All the above-mentioned phenomena are relevant in the context of self-healing materials.

This book provides a thorough overview of transport phenomena in complex fluids, based on the latest research results and the newest methods for their analytical prediction and numerical simulation. The respective chapters cover several topics, including: a description of the structural features of the most common complex fluids (polymer and surfactant solutions, colloidal suspensions); an introduction to the most common non-Newtonian constitutive models and their relationship with the fluid microstructure; a detailed overview of the experimental methods used to characterise the thermophysical properties, bulk rheology, and surface properties of complex fluids; a comprehensive introduction to heat, mass, and momentum transport, and to hydrodynamic instabilities in complex fluids; and an introduction to state-of-the-art numerical methods used to simulate complex fluid flows, with a focus on the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) and the Dissipative Particle Dynamics (DPD) techniques. Subsequent chapters provide in-depth descriptions of phenomena such as thermal convection, elastic turbulence, mixing of complex fluids, thermophoresis, sedimentation, and non-Newtonian drops and sprays. The book addresses research scientists and professionals, engineers, R&D managers and graduate students in the fields of engineering, chemistry, biology, medicine, and the applied and fundamental sciences.

This book presents selected papers from the international conference on advanced manufacturing and materials sciences (ICAMMS 2018). The papers reflet recent advances in manufacturing sector focusing on process optimization and give emphasis to testing and evaluation of new materials with potential use in industrial applications.

This highly informative and carefully presented textbook introduces the general principles involved in system design and optimization as applicable to thermal systems, followed by the methods to accomplish them. It introduces contemporary techniques like Genetic Algorithms, Simulated Annealing, and Bayesian Inference in the context of optimization of thermal systems. There is a separate chapter devoted to inverse problems in thermal systems. It also contains sections on Integer Programming and Multi-Objective optimization. The linear programming chapter is fortified by a detailed presentation of the Simplex method. A major highlight of the textbook is the inclusion of workable MATLAB codes for examples of key algorithms discussed in the book. Examples in each chapter clarify the concepts and methods presented and end-of-chapter problems supplement the material presented and enhance the learning process.

This book presents selected papers from the 6th International Conference on Mechanical, Manufacturing and Plant Engineering (ICMMPE 2020), held virtually via Google Meet. It highlights the latest advances in the emerging area, brings together researchers and professionals in the field and provides a valuable platform for exchanging ideas and fostering collaboration. Joining technologies could be changed to manufacturing technologies. Addressing real-world problems concerning joining technologies that are at the heart of various manufacturing sectors, the respective papers present the outcomes of the latest experimental and numerical work on problems in soldering, arc welding and solid-state joining technologies.