Showing papers by "National Technical University of Athens published in 2005"

The Method of Proper Orthogonal Decomposition for Dynamical Characterization and Order Reduction of Mechanical Systems: An Overview

Abstract: Modal analysis is used extensively for understanding the dynamic behavior of structures. However, a major concern for structural dynamicists is that its validity is limited to linear structures. New developments have been proposed in order to examine nonlinear systems, among which the theory based on nonlinear normal modes is indubitably the most appealing. In this paper, a different approach is adopted, and proper orthogonal decomposition is considered. The modes extracted from the decomposition may serve two purposes, namely order reduction by projecting high-dimensional data into a lower-dimensional space and feature extraction by revealing relevant but unexpected structure hidden in the data. The utility of the method for dynamic characterization and order reduction of linear and nonlinear mechanical systems is demonstrated in this study.

Optimized and meta-optimized neural networks for short-term traffic flow prediction: A genetic approach

Abstract: Short-term forecasting of traffic parameters such as flow and occupancy is an essential element of modern Intelligent Transportation Systems research and practice. Although many different methodologies have been used for short-term predictions, literature suggests neural networks as one of the best alternatives for modeling and predicting traffic parameters. However, because of limited knowledge regarding a network’s optimal structure given a specific dataset, researchers have to rely on time consuming and questionably efficient rules-of-thumb when developing them. This paper extends past research by providing an advanced, genetic algorithm based, multilayered structural optimization strategy that can assist both in the proper representation of traffic flow data with temporal and spatial characteristics as well as in the selection of the appropriate neural network structure. Further, it evaluates the performance of the developed network by applying it to both univariate and multivariate traffic flow data from an urban signalized arterial. The results show that the capabilities of a simple static neural network, with genetically optimized step size, momentum and number of hidden units, are very satisfactory when modeling both univariate and multivariate traffic data.

Finite element modeling of single-walled carbon nanotubes

Abstract: A three-dimensional finite element (FE) model for armchair, zigzag and chiral single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is proposed. The model development is based on the assumption that carbon nanotubes, when subjected to loading, behave like space-frame structures. The bonds between carbon atoms are considered as connecting load-carrying members, while the carbon atoms as joints of the members. To create the FE models, nodes are placed at the locations of carbon atoms and the bonds between them are modeled using three-dimensional elastic beam elements. The elastic moduli of beam elements are determined by using a linkage between molecular and continuum mechanics. In order to evaluate the FE model and demonstrate its performance, the influence of tube wall thickness, diameter and chirality on the elastic moduli (Young's modulus and shear modulus) of SWCNTs is investigated. The investigation includes armchair, zigzag and chiral SWCNTs. It is found that the choice of wall thickness significantly affects the calculation of Young's modulus. For the values of wall thickness used in the literature, the obtained values of Young's modulus agree very well with the corresponding theoretical results and many experimental measurements. Dependence of elastic moduli to diameter and chirality of the nanotubes is also obtained. With increased tube diameter, the elastic moduli of the SWCNTs increase. The Young's modulus of chiral SWCNTs is found to be larger than that of armchair and zigzag SWCNTs. The presented results demonstrate that the proposed FE model may provide a valuable tool for studying the mechanical behavior of carbon nanotubes and their integration in nano-composites.

A string metric for ontology alignment

Abstract: Ontologies are today a key part of every knowledge based system. They provide a source of shared and precisely defined terms, resulting in system interoperability by knowledge sharing and reuse. Unfortunately, the variety of ways that a domain can be conceptualized results in the creation of different ontologies with contradicting or overlapping parts. For this reason ontologies need to be brought into mutual agreement (aligned). One important method for ontology alignment is the comparison of class and property names of ontologies using string-distance metrics. Today quite a lot of such metrics exist in literature. But all of them have been initially developed for different applications and fields, resulting in poor performance when applied in this new domain. In the current paper we present a new string metric for the comparison of names which performs better on the process of ontology alignment as well as to many other field matching problems.

The geological strength index: applications and limitations

Abstract: The geological strength index (GSI) is a system of rock-mass characterization that has been developed in engineering rock mechanics to meet the need for reliable input data, particularly those related to rock-mass properties required as inputs into numerical analysis or closed form solutions for designing tunnels, slopes or foundations in rocks. The geological character of rock material, together with the visual assessment of the mass it forms, is used as a direct input to the selection of parameters relevant for the prediction of rock-mass strength and deformability. This approach enables a rock mass to be considered as a mechanical continuum without losing the influence geology has on its mechanical properties. It also provides a field method for characterizing difficult-to-describe rock masses. After a decade of application of the GSI and its variations in quantitative characterization of rock mass, this paper attempts to answer questions that have been raised by the users about the appropriate selection of the index for a range of rock masses under various conditions. Recommendations on the use of GSI are given and, in addition, cases where the GSI is not applicable are discussed. More particularly, a discussion and suggestions are presented on issues such as the size of the rock mass to be considered, its anisotropy, the influence of great depth, the presence of ground water, the aperture and the infilling of discontinuities and the properties of weathered rock masses and soft rocks.

A benchmark low voltage microgrid network

Abstract: The increasing penetration of distributed generation resources to the low voltage (LV) grids, such as photovoltaics, CHP micro-turbines, small wind turbines in certain areas and possibly fuel cells in the near future, alters the traditional operating principle of the grids. A particularly promising aspect, related to the proliferation of small-scale decentralized generation, is the possibility for parts of the network comprising sufficient generating resources to operate in isolation from the main grid, in a deliberate and controlled way. These are called Microgrids and the study and development of technology to permit their efficient operation has recently started with a great momentum ([1,2]). Microgrids are foreseen within public distribution grids and therefore suitable study case networks are required to perform simulation and analysis tasks. Moreover, standardizing study case grids to provide “benchmark” networks suitable for Microgrid design would further enhance their merit and utility. The objective of this paper is to present and discuss a benchmark LV network developed within the EU project “Microgrids”, Contract ENK5-CT-2002-00610 and later adopted as a benchmark LV system by CIGRE TF C6.04.02: “Computational Tools and Techniques for Analysis, Design and Validation of Distributed Generation Systems”. The network consists of an LV feeder, while a more extended multi-feeder version is also included in the Appendix. The emphasis is placed on the network itself, rather than on the microsources connected and the control concepts applied. The benchmark network maintains the important technical characteristic of real utility grids, whereas, at the same time, it dispenses with the complexity of actual networks, to permit efficient modeling and simulation of microgrid operation.

Stabilisation of clayey soils with high calcium fly ash and cement

Abstract: The effectiveness of using high calcium fly ash and cement in stabilising fine-grained clayey soils (CL,CH) was investigated in the laboratory. Strength tests in uniaxial compression, in indirect (splitting) tension and flexure were carried out on samples to which various percentages of fly ash and cement had been added. Modulus of elasticity was determined at 90 days with different types of load application and 90-day soaked CBR values are also reported. Pavement structures incorporating subgrades improved by in situ stabilisation with fly ash and cement were analyzed for construction traffic and for operating traffic. These pavements are compared with conventional flexible pavements without improved subgrades and the results clearly show the technical benefits of stabilising clayey soils with fly ash and cement. In addition TG–SDTA and XRD tests were carried out on certain samples in order to study the hydraulic compounds, which were formed.

Composite materials in ancient structures

Abstract: Mortars and concretes employed in ancient structures concern composite materials which have exhibited excellent durability through time. They were used as lining materials in cisterns, wells, aqueducts, shafts and duct drains, as supporting materials for pavements and mosaics, as plasters on external and internal walls, as supporting materials for frescoes and as joint mortars on masonry structures. They were comprised of various binding materials (or mix of them) and natural or artificial aggregates, along with natural or artificial pozzolanic additions, primarily of volcanic origin, that improved their performance and prolonged their longevity. Moreover, various types of organic substances were employed to increase plasticity and regulate setting rates, while fibrous materials were commonly used to obtain greater strengths or to avoid cracks due to the shrinkage during setting. The comprehension of the production procedures employed and of the physico-chemical and mechanical characteristics of such composite materials can be achieved by integrating properly the results of various analyses. Data obtained from tests performed on a large number of historic composites sampled from ancient structures in the Mediterranean Basin permitted the identification of physico-chemical and mechanical characteristics of the most typical mortars encountered in ancient structures.

Semantic annotation of images and videos for multimedia analysis

Abstract: Annotations of multimedia documents typically have been pursued in two different directions. Either previous approaches have focused on low level descriptors, such as dominant color, or they have focused on the content dimension and corresponding annotations, such as person or vehicle. In this paper, we present a software environment to bridge between the two directions. M-OntoMat-Annotizer allows for linking low level MPEG-7 visual descriptions to conventional Semantic Web ontologies and annotations. We use M-OntoMat-Annotizer in order to construct ontologies that include prototypical instances of high-level domain concepts together with a formal specification of corresponding visual descriptors. Thus, we formalize the interrelationship of high- and low-level multimedia concept descriptions allowing for new kinds of multimedia content analysis and reasoning.

Developing efficient scalar and vector intensity measures for IDA capacity estimation by incorporating elastic spectral shape information

Abstract: SUMMARY Scalar and vector Intensity Measures are developed for the efficient estimation of limit-state capacities through Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA) by exploiting the elastic spectral shape of individual records. IDA is a powerful analysis method that involves subjecting a structural model to several ground motion records, each scaled to multiple levels of intensity (measured by the Intensity Measure or IM ), thus producing curves of structural response parameterized by the IM on top of which limit-states can be defined and corresponding capacities can be calculated. When traditional IM s are used, such as the peak ground acceleration or the first-mode spectral acceleration, the IM -values of the capacities can display large record-to-record variability, forcing the use of many records to achieve reliable results. By using single optimal spectral values as well as vectors and scalar combinations of them on three multistory buildings significant dispersion reductions are realized. Furthermore, IDA is extended to vector IM s, resulting in intricate fractile IDA surfaces. The results reveal the most influential spectral regions/periods for each limit-state and building, illustrating the evolution of such periods as the seismic intensity and the structural response increase towards global collapse. The ordinates of the elastic spectrum and the spectral shape of each individual record are found to significantly influence the seismic performance and they are shown to provide promising candidates for highly efficient IM s. Copyright c ∞ 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Experimental study of non-linear energy pumping occurring at a single fast frequency

Abstract: Experimental verification of passive non-linear energy pumping in a two-degree-of-freedom system comprising a damped linear oscillator coupled to an essentially non-linear attachment is carried out. In the experiments presented the non-linear attachment interacts with a single linear mode and, hence, energy pumping occurs at a single ‘fast’ frequency in the neighborhood of the eigenfrequency of the linear mode. Good agreement between simulated and experimental results was observed, in spite of the strongly (essentially) non-linear and transient nature of the dynamics of the system considered. The experiments bear out earlier predictions that a significant fraction of the energy introduced directly to a linear structure by an external impulsive (broadband) load can be transferred (pumped) to an essentially non-linear attachment, and dissipated there locally without spreading back to the system. In addition, the reported experimental results confirm that (a) non-linear energy pumping in systems of coupled oscillators can occur only above a certain threshold of the input energy, and (b) there is an optimal value of the energy input at which a maximum portion of the energy is absorbed and dissipated at the NES.

Optimizing ETL processes in data warehouses

Abstract: Extraction-transformation-loading (ETL) tools are pieces of software responsible for the extraction of data from several sources, their cleansing, customization and insertion into a data warehouse. Usually, these processes must be completed in a certain time window; thus, it is necessary to optimize their execution time. In this paper, we delve into the logical optimization of ETL processes, modeling it as a state-space search problem. We consider each ETL workflow as a state and fabricate the state space through a set of correct state transitions. Moreover, we provide algorithms towards the minimization of the execution cost of an ETL workflow.

Transferable potentials for phase equilibria. 7. primary, secondary, and tertiary amines, nitroalkanes and nitrobenzene, nitriles, amides, pyridine, and pyrimidine

Abstract: The transferable potentials for phase equilibria (TraPPE) force fields are extended to amine, nitro, nitrile, and amide functionalities and to pyridine and pyrimidine. In many cases, the same parameters for a functional group are used for both united-atom and explicit-hydrogen representations of alkyl tails. Following the TraPPE philosophy, the nonbonded interaction parameters were fitted to the vapor-liquid coexistence curves for selected one-component systems. Coupled-decoupled configurational-bias Monte Carlo simulations in the Gibbs ensemble were applied to neat (methyl-, dimethyl-, trimethyl-, ethyl-, diethyl-, or triethyl-)amine, nitromethane, nitroethane, nitrobenzene, acetonitrile, propionitrile, acetamide, propanamide, butanamide, pyridine, and pyrimidine. Excellent agreement with experimental results was found, with the mean unsigned errors being less than 1% for both the critical temperature and the normal boiling temperature. Similarly, the liquid densities at low reduced temperatures are reproduced to within 1%, and the deviation for the critical densities is about 4%. Additional simulations were performed for the binary mixtures of methylamine + n-hexane, diethyl ether + acetonitrile, 1-propanol + acetonitrile, and nitroethane + ethanol. With the exception of the methylamine/n-hexane mixture for which the separation factor is substantially overestimated, agreement with experiment for the other three mixtures is very satisfactory.

A study of slope stability prediction using neural networks

Abstract: The determination of the non-linear behaviour of multivariate dynamic systems often presents a challenging and demanding problem. Slope stability estimation is an engineering problem that involves several parameters. The impact of these parameters on the stability of slopes is investigated through the use of computational tools called neural networks. A number of networks of threshold logic unit were tested, with adjustable weights. The computational method for the training process was a back-propagation learning algorithm. In this paper, the input data for slope stability estimation consist of values of geotechnical and geometrical input parameters. As an output, the network estimates the factor of safety (FS) that can be modelled as a function approximation problem, or the stability status (S) that can be modelled either as a function approximation problem or as a classification model. The performance of the network is measured and the results are compared to those obtained by means of standard analytical methods. Furthermore, the relative importance of the parameters is studied using the method of the partitioning of weights and compared to the results obtained through the use of Index Information Theory.

Portland-limestone cements. Their properties and hydration compared to those of other composite cements

Abstract: The new European Standard EN 197-1 emphasizes the development of composite cements. In Greece a variety of pozzolanic and/or hydraulic materials are used as cement main constituents. Until now, limestone could be used only as a filler (up to 3% w/w), but since 2001 (application of EN 197-1) it can also be used as a main cement constituent. In this work a comparison between limestone and some of the materials that are already used in Greece is presented. An ordinary Portland cement and three Portland-composite cements containing limestone, natural pozzolana or fly ash were produced. The grinding process was designed in order to produce cements of the same 28 day compressive strength. The mechanical and physical properties of the cements were measured and hydrated products, formed after 1–28 days, were identified by means of XRD. The composite cements present significant differences as far as the clinker fineness, the development of the strength, the water demand and the hydration rate is concerned. The production of Portland-limestone cements seems to be very challenging, due to the satisfactory properties of the limestone cements as well as the low cost and the high availability of limestone in Greece.

Irreversible Passive Energy Transfer in Coupled Oscillators with Essential Nonlinearity

Abstract: We study numerically and analytically the dynamics of passive energy transfer from a damped linear oscillator to an essentially nonlinear end attachment. This transfer is caused by either fundamental or subharmonic resonance capture, and in some cases is initiated by nonlinear beat phenomena. It is shown that, due to the essential nonlinearity, the end attachment is capable of passively absorbing broadband energy at both high and low frequencies, acting, in essence, as a passive broadband boundary controller. Complicated transitions in the damped dynamics can be interpreted based on the topological structure and bifurcations of the periodic solutions of the underlying undamped system. Moreover, complex resonance capture cascades are numerically encountered when we increase the number of degrees of freedom of the system. The ungrounded essentially nonlinear end attachment discussed in this work can find application in numerous practical settings, including vibration and shock isolation of structures, seism...

Photon events with missing energy in e(+)e(-) collisions at root s=130 to 209 GeV

Abstract: The production of single- and multi-photon events has been studied in the reaction e+e- -> gamma (gamma) + invisible particles. The data collected with the DELPHI detector during the years 1999 and 2000 at centre-of-mass energies between 191 GeV and 209 GeV was combined with earlier data to search for phenomena beyond the Standard Model. The measured number of light neutrino families was consistent with three and the absence of an excess of events beyond that predicted by the Standard Model processes was used to set limits on new physics. Both model-independent searches and searches for new processes predicted by supersymmetric and extra-dimensional models have been made. Limits on new non-standard model interactions between neutrinos and electrons were also determined.

Measurements of Saharan dust aerosols over the Eastern Mediterranean using elastic backscatter-Raman lidar, spectrophotometric and satellite observations in the frame of the EARLINET project

Abstract: We report on the vertical distributions of Saharan dust aerosols over the N.E. Mediterranean region, which were obtained during a typical dust outbreak on August 2000, by two lidar systems located in Athens and Thessaloniki, Greece, in the frame of the European EARLINET project. MODIS and ground sun spectrophotometric data, as well as air-mass backward trajectories confirmed the existence of Saharan dust in the case examined, which was also successfully forecasted by the DREAM dust model. The lidar data analysis for the period 2000-2002 made possible, for the first time, an estimation of the vertical extent of free tropospheric dust layers [mean values of the aerosol backscatter and extinction coefficients and the extinction-to-backscatter ratio (lidar ratio, LR) at 355 nm], as well as a seasonal distribution of Saharan dust outbreaks over Greece, under cloud-free conditions. A mean value of the lidar ratio at 355 nm was obtained over Athens (53±1 sr) and over Thessaloniki (44±2 sr) during the Saharan dust outbreaks. The corresponding aerosol optical thickness (AOT) at 355 nm, in the altitude range 0-5 km, was 0.69±0.12 and 0.65±0.10 for Athens and Thessaloniki, respectively (within the dust layer the AOT was 0.23 and 0.21, respectively). Air-mass back-trajectory analysis performed in the period 2000-2002 for all Saharan dust outbreaks over the N.E. Mediterranean indicated the main pathways followed by the dust aerosols.

Exploring the world of knowledge management: agreements and disagreements in the academic/practitioner community

Abstract: Purpose – During the last 15 years, knowledge management (KM) has changed from one generation to the next through constant improvements and new perspectives. A myriad researchers have presented methodologies, frameworks, technologies and have discussed various KM theoretical and practical issues. However, KM still needs extensive development – it is in its infancy. This paper aims to explore the world of KM in a different way; to review the current status quo and analyze the main agreements and disagreements among researchers and practitioners in order to highlight the key issues which need to be further researched.Design/methodology/approach – The authors attempt to review and analyze in a coherent way the main agreements and disagreements among researchers and practitioners – in the field of KM – based on a wide range of published works, including papers, books, reports and web sites.Findings – Based on the key agreements among researchers and practitioners and having in mind the remaining disagreements...

Quality degradation kinetics of pasteurised and high pressure processed fresh Navel orange juice: Nutritional parameters and shelf life

Abstract: A kinetic study of post processing quality loss was conducted after high pressure processing (600 MPa, 40 °C, 4 min) or thermal pasteurisation (80 °C, 60 s) of fresh Navel orange juice. Selection of processing conditions was mainly based on pectin methylesterase inactivation. Ascorbic acid loss, colour, viscosity and sensory characteristics were measured during storage at different isothermal conditions (0–30 °C). Increased shelf life (based on ascorbic acid retention) was achieved for high pressurised compared to thermally pasteurised juice, ranging from 49% (storage at 15 °C) to 112% (storage at 0 °C). Activation energy values for ascorbic acid loss were 68.5 and 53.1 kJ/mol, respectively, for high pressurised and thermally treated juice. High pressure processing resulted in better retention of flavour of untreated juice and superior sensory characteristics compared to thermal pasteurisation. Colour change was linearly correlated to ascorbic acid loss for both types of processing. Slightly higher apparent viscosity values were determined for high pressurised juice. Industrial relevance Application of high hydrostatic pressure on orange juice industry. Fresh orange juice is a product of high commercial and nutritional value due to its rich vitamin C content and its desired sensory characteristics. High Hydrostatic Pressure (HHP) is an alternative non-thermal technology that has been proposed for application on orange juice. Such a treatment denaturates enzymes and eliminates microorganisms responsible for spoilage of orange juice without detrimental effects on the sensory and nutritional quality of juice. The effect of HHP on the stability of fresh orange juice has been studied by different research groups, while orange juices processed with the new technology have already been commercially available in Japan, U.S.A., Mexico and Europe. However, a systematic kinetic approach of the effect of HHP on different quality indexes (not only microbial spoilage) immediately after processing, as well as during a long term storage of the processed orange juice is needed, in order to achieve an optimal process design and a successful application of the new technology in orange juice industry. Such kinetic data for parameters related to the quality and nutritional value of fresh orange juice were gathered in the present work providing therefore industry with useful information for the HHP stabilization of orange juice and the production of a high quality product. Due to the great benefits of HHP compared to the conventional pasteurization that emerged from this work regarding the quality, shelf life and nutritional characteristics of fresh orange juice, HHP technology is an advantageous alternative process for high valued products like orange juice.