Delft University of Technology

About: Delft University of Technology is a education organization based out in Delft, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Computer science & Catalysis. The organization has 37681 authors who have published 94404 publications receiving 2741710 citations. The organization is also known as: TU-Delft & Technische Hogeschool Delft.

Science and technology of catalytic diesel particulate filters

Abstract: During the last few decades, concerns have grown on the negative effects that diesel particulate matter has on health. Because of this, particulate emissions were subjected to restrictions and various emission-reduction technologies were developed. It is ironic that some of these technologies led to reductions in the legislated total particulate mass while neglecting the number of particles. Focusing on the mass is not necessarily correct, because it might well be that not the mass but the number of particles and the characteristics of them (size, composition) have a higher impact on health. To eliminate the threat of diesel particulate matter, essentially absolute filtration in combination with the oxidation of all emitted hydrocarbons is what will be required. After two decades of development, the first filters will soon be introduced on a large scale. Many different problems had to be overcome; it was especially important that the filter was robust and its regeneration was controllable. The key technol...

On Improved Network Models for Rubber Elasticity and Their Applications to Orientation Hardening in Glassy Polymers

Abstract: T hree-dimensional molecular network theories are studied which use a non-Gaussian statistical mechanics model for the large strain extension of molecules. Invoking an affine deformation assumption, the evolution of the network — consisting of a large number of molecular chains per unit volume, which are initially randomly oriented in space — is shown to be governed by a balance equation in orientation space. Eulerian and Lagrangian type formulations of these balance equations are given, and the closed-form analytical solution for the so-called Chain Orientation Distribution Function is derived. This full network model is then used to describe the large strain inelastic behaviour of rubber-like materials. Detailed comparisons with experimental results and with two approximate models, namely the classical three-chain model and a very recently proposed eight-chain model, are provided for different types of deformation and rubbers. Finally, the network model is applied to describe the orientational hardening in amorphous glassy polymers, and confronted with experimental data for polycarbonate. The inherent physical limitations of the network theory for both applications are discussed.

A review of the applicability of robots in education

Abstract: Robots are becoming an integral component of our society and have great potential in being utilized as an educational technology. To promote a deeper understanding of the area, we present a review of the field of robots in education. Several prior ventures in the area are discussed (post-2000) with the help of classification criteria. The dissecting criteria include domain of the learning activity, location of the activity, the role of the robot, types of robots and types of robotic behaviour. Our overview shows that robots are primarily used to provide language, science or technology education and that a robot can take on the role of a tutor, tool or peer in the learning activity. We also present open questions and challenges in the field that emerged from the overview. The results from our overview are of interest to not only researchers in the field of human–robot interaction but also administration in educational institutes who wish to understand the wider implications of adopting robots in education.

An analysis of the causes and circumstances of flood disaster deaths.

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to investigate and to improve understanding of the causes and circumstances of flood disaster deaths. A standardised method of classifying flood deaths is proposed and the difficulties associated with comparing and assessing existing information on flood deaths are discussed. Thirteen flood cases from Europe and the United States, resulting in 247 flood disaster fatalities, were analysed and taken as indicative of flood disaster deaths. Approximately two-thirds of the deaths occurred through drowning. Thus, a substantial number of flood disaster fatalities are not related to drowning. Furthermore, males are highly vulnerable to dying in floods and unnecessary risk-taking behaviour contributes significantly to flood disaster deaths. Based on these results, recommendations are made to prevent loss of life in floods. To provide a more solid basis for the formulation of prevention strategies, better systematic recording of flood fatalities is suggested, especially those caused by different types of floods in all countries.