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At least 1,297 records · Page 72

Local Synthesis and Tooth Contact Analysis of Face-Milled Spiral Bevel Gears

Computerized simulation of meshing and bearing contact for spiral bevel gears and hypoid gears is a significant achievement that could substantially improve the technology and the quality of the gears. An approach to the synthesis of face-milled spiral bevel gears and their tooth contact analysis is presented. The proposed approach is based on the following ideas: application of the principle of local synthesis that provides optimal conditions of meshing and contact at the mean contact point, M, and in the neighborhood of M; and application of relations between principle directions and curvatures for surfaces being in line contact or in point contact. The developed local synthesis of gears provides the following: (1) the required gear ratio at M; (2) a localized bearing contact with the desired direction of the tangent to the contact path on gear tooth surface and the desired length of the major axis of contact ellipse at M; (3) a predesigned parabolic function of a controlled level for transmission errors which enables absorption of linear functions of transmission errors caused by misalignment and reduces the level of vibrations. The proposed approach does not require either the tilt of the head-cutter for the process of generation or modified roll for the pinion generation. Improved conditions of meshing and contact of the gears can be achieved without the above mentioned parameters. A computer program for determination of basic machine-tool settings and tooth contact analysis for the designed gears is presented. The approach is illustrated with a numerical example.

Litvin, Faydor L.↗

Design and performance of an analysis-by-synthesis class of predictive speech coders

The performance of a broad class of analysis-by-synthesis linear predictive speech coders is quantified experimentally. The class of coders includes a number of well-known techniques as well as a very large number of speech coders which have not been named or studied. A general formulation for deriving the parametric representation used in all of the coders in the class is presented. A new coder, named the self-excited vocoder, is discussed because of its good performance with low complexity, and because of the insight this coder gives to analysis-by-synthesis coders in general. The results of a study comparing the performances of different members of this class are presented. The study takes the form of a series of formal subjective and objective speech quality tests performed on selected coders. The results of this study lead to some interesting and important observations concerning the controlling parameters for analysis-by-synthesis speech coders.

Rose, Richard C.↗

Catalytic RNA and synthesis of the peptide bond

We are studying whether the L-19 IVS ribozyme from Tetrahymena thermophila can catalyze the formation of the peptide bond when it is supplied with synthetic aminoacyl oligonucleotides. If this reaction works, it could give us some insight into the mechanism of peptide bond formation and the origin of coded protein synthesis. Two short oligoribonucleotides, CCCCC and a protected form of CCCCU were prepared; the former was made by the controlled hydrolysis of Poly(C), and the later by multistep chemical synthesis from the protected monomers. The homopentamer was then aminocylated using C-14 labelled Boc-protected glycine imidazolide. This aminoacylated oligo-nucleotide has now been shown to enter the active site of the L-19 IVS, and aminoacyl transfer, and peptide bond formation reactions are being sought. Our synthesis of CCCCU made us aware of the inadequacy of many of the 2'- hydroxyl protecting groups that are in use today and we therefore designed a new 2'- protecting group that is presently being tested.

Usher, D. A.↗

A new multirate sampled-data control law structure and synthesis algorithm

A new multirate sampled-data control law structure is defined and a new parameter-optimization-based synthesis algorithm for that structure is introduced. The synthesis algorithm can be applied to multirate, multiple-input multiple-output, sampled-data control laws having a prescribed dynamic order and structure, and a priori specified sampling/update rates for all sensors, processor states, and control inputs. The synthesis algorithm is applied to design two-input, two-output tip position controllers of various dynamic orders for a sixth-order, two-link robot arm model.

Berg, Martin C.↗

A pattern synthesis technique for array feeds to improve radiation performance of large distorted reflector antennas

Technologies exist for construction of antennas with adaptive surfaces that can compensate for many of the larger distortions caused by thermal and gravitational forces. However, as the frequency and size of the reflectors increase, the subtle surface errors become significant and degrade the overall electromagnetic performance. Electronic compensation through an adaptive feed array offers a means for mitigation of surface distortion effects. A pattern synthesis approach for electromagnetic compensation of surface error is presented. The pattern synthesis approach uses a localized algorithm in which pattern corrections are directed toward specific portions of the pattern requiring improvement. The pattern synthesis technique uses radiation pattern data to perform the compensation.

Smith, William T.↗

New multirate sampled-data control law structure and synthesis algorithm

A new multirate sampled-data control law structure is defined and a new parameter-optimization-based synthesis algorithm for that structure is introduced. The synthesis algorithm can be applied to multirate, multiple-input/multiple-output, sampled-data control laws having a prescribed dynamic order and structure, and a priori specified sampling/update rates for all sensors, processor states, and control inputs. The synthesis algorithm is applied to design two-input, two-output tip position controllers of various dynamic orders for a sixth-order, two-link robot arm model.

Berg, Martin C.↗

BETA: Behavioral testability analyzer and its application to high-level test generation and synthesis for testability

In this thesis, a behavioral-level testability analysis approach is presented. This approach is based on analyzing the circuit behavioral description (similar to a C program) to estimate its testability by identifying controllable and observable circuit nodes. This information can be used by a test generator to gain better access to internal circuit nodes and to reduce its search space. The results of the testability analyzer can also be used to select test points or partial scan flip-flops in the early design phase. Based on selection criteria, a novel Synthesis for Testability approach call Test Statement Insertion (TSI) is proposed, which modifies the circuit behavioral description directly. Test Statement Insertion can also be used to modify circuit structural description to improve its testability. As a result, Synthesis for Testability methodology can be combined with an existing behavioral synthesis tool to produce more testable circuits.

Chen, Chung-Hsing↗

Hydrothermal organic synthesis experiments

Ways in which heat is useful in organic synthesis experiments are described, and experiments on the hydrothermal destruction and synthesis of organic compounds are discussed. It is pointed out that, if heat can overcome kinetic barriers to the formation of metastable states from reduced or oxidized starting materials, abiotic synthesis under hydrothermal conditions is a distinct possibility. However, carefully controlled experiments which replicate the descriptive variables of natural hydrothermal systems have not yet been conducted with the aim of testing the hypothesis of hydrothermal organic systems.

Shock, Everett L.↗

Effects of dietary amino acids, carbohydrates, and choline on neurotransmitter synthesis

The ability of a meal to increase or decrease brain neurotransmitter synthesis has been studied. It is concluded that brain serotonin synthesis is directly controlled by the proportions of carbohydrate to protein in meals and snacks that increase or decrease brain tryptophan levels, thereby changing the substrate saturation of tryptophan hydroxylase and the rate of serotonin synthesis. The ability of serotoninergic neurons to have their output coupled to dietary macronutrients enables them to function as sensors of peripheral metabolism, and to subserve an important role in the control of appetite. The robust and selective responses of catecholaminergic and cholinergic neurons to supplemental tyrosine and choline suggest that these compounds may become useful as a new type of drug for treating deseases or conditions in which adequate quantities of the transmitter would otherwise be unavailable.

Wurtman, Richard J.↗

Combustion synthesis of advanced materials

The combustion synthesis of ceramic-metal composites using an in-situ liquid infiltration technique is described. The effect of varying the reactants and their stoichiometry to provide a range of reactant and product species i.e. solids, liquids and gases, with varying physical properties e.g. thermal conductivity, on the microstructure and morphology of synthesized products is also described. Alternatively, conducting the combustion synthesis reaction in a reactive gas environment is also discussed, in which advantages can be gained from the synergistic effects of combustion synthesis and vapor phase transport. In each case, the effect of the presence or absence of gravity (density) driven fluid flow and vapor transport is discussed as is the potential for producing new and perhaps unique materials by conducting these SHS reactions under microgravity conditions.

Moore, J. J.↗

Nonenzymatic template-directed synthesis on hairpin oligonucleotides. III - Incorporation of adenosine and uridine residues

Nonenzymatic template-directed incorporation of adenosine and uridine residues into template sequences was obtained using nucleoside-5-prime phosphoro (2-methyl)imidazolides as substrates and hairpin oligonucleotides as templates. The reactions are regiospecific, producing mainly 3-prime-5-prime phosphodiester bonds. Limited synthesis of CA and AC sequences was observed along with some synthesis of the AA sequences on templates containing TG and GT sequences, along wilth some synthesis of the AA sequences on templates containing TT sequences.

Wu, Taifeng↗

Microgravity isolation system design: A modern control synthesis framework

Manned orbiters will require active vibration isolation for acceleration-sensitive microgravity science experiments. Since umbilicals are highly desirable or even indispensable for many experiments, and since their presence greatly affects the complexity of the isolation problem, they should be considered in control synthesis. In this paper a general framework is presented for applying extended H2 synthesis methods to the three-dimensional microgravity isolation problem. The methodology integrates control and state frequency weighting and input and output disturbance accommodation techniques into the basic H2 synthesis approach. The various system models needed for design and analysis are also presented. The paper concludes with a discussion of a general design philosophy for the microgravity vibration isolation problem.

Hampton, R. D.↗

Microgravity isolation system design: A modern control synthesis framework

Manned orbiters will require active vibration isolation for acceleration-sensitive microgravity science experiments. Since umbilicals are highly desirable or even indispensable for many experiments, and since their presence greatly affects the complexity of the isolation problem, they should be considered in control synthesis. A general framework is presented for applying extended H2 synthesis methods to the three-dimensional microgravity isolation problem. The methodology integrates control and state frequency weighting and input and output disturbance accommodation techniques into the basic H2 synthesis approach. The various system models needed for design and analysis are also presented. The paper concludes with a discussion of a general design philosophy for the microgravity vibration isolation problem.

Hampton, R. D.↗

The synthesis of glutamic acid in the absence of enzymes: Implications for biogenesis

This paper reports on the non-enzymatic aqueous phase synthesis of amino acids from keto acids, ammonia and reducing agents. The facile synthesis of key metabolic intermediates, particularly in the glycolytic pathway, the citric acid cycle, and the first step of amino acid synthesis, lead to new ways of looking at the problem of biogenesis.

Morowitz, Harold↗

The stellar content of 30 doradus derived from spatially integrated ultraviolet spectra: A test of spectral synthesis models

Using the IUE satellite, we have obtained spatially integrated ultraviolet spectra of three areas within the giant H II region 30 Dor in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The spectra correspond to spatial reginswith sizes of 20 sec x 20 sec, 1 min x 1 min, and 3 min x 3 min, all of which are approximately centered on R136. We have performed a spectral synthesis analysis of the spectra of the two larger regions and compared the results with the known stellar content in these regions. The spectral synthesis models are sensitive to the ultraviolet continuum level, the P Cygni profile of the C Iv wavelength 1550 line, the absorption strength of the Si IV wavelength 1400 line, and the emission strength of the He II wavelength 1640 line. The intrinsic continuum levels and the profiles of these stellar wind lines provide constraints on the age and duration of the starburst episode within a region, as well as on the upper curoff mass of the initial mass function. From our analysis we find that the present-day value of the upper cutoff mass in the 1 min x 1 min and 3 min x 3 min regions has a lower limit of approximately 50 solar mass, a result which is in good agreement with several other recent determinations. The age of the starburst episode must be less than approximately 3 Myr, also in agreement with other estimates. Comparison of the observed total numbers of O and W-R stars with those predicted from the various models favors an instantaneous burst of star formation in the regions. However, the differences between the two burst scenarios we investigated (instantaneous and continuous) are small at such a young age, and distinguishing between the two is difficult. We are now confident that these spectral synthesis models can be used to determine the stellar content of more distant star-forming regions.

Vacca, William D.↗

Combustion synthesis of ceramic-metal composite materials in microgravity

Combustion synthesis, self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) or reactive synthesis provides an attractive alternative to conventional methods of producing advanced materials since this technology is based on the ability of highly exothermic reactions to be self sustaining and, therefore, energetically efficient. The exothermic SHS reaction is initiated at the ignition temperature, T(sub ig), and generates heat which is manifested in a maximum or combustion temperature, T(sub c), which can exceed 3000 K . Such high combustion temperatures are capable of melting and/or volatilizing reactant and product species and, therefore, present an opportunity for producing structure and property modification and control through liquid-solid, vapor-liquid-solid, and vapor-solid transformations.

Moore, John↗

Low Temperature Synthesis, Chemical and Electrochemical Characterization of LiNi(x)Co(1-x)O2 (0 less than x less than 1)

A new method of synthesis for the solid solution cathode materials LiNi(x)Co(1-x)O2 (0 less than x less than 1) involving enhanced reactions at temperatures less than or equal to 700 deg. C, between metal oxy-hydroxide precursors MOOH (M = Ni, Co) and Li-salts (Li2CO3, LiOH, and LiNO3) has been investigated. The effects of synthesis conditions and sources of Li, on phase purity, microstructure, and theoretical electrochemical capacity (total M(3+) content) are characterized by powder X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, chemical analysis and room temperature magnetic susceptibility. An attempt has been made to correlate the electrochemical properties with the synthesis conditions and microstructure.

Nanjundaswamy, K. S.↗

The Effect of Gravity on the Combustion Synthesis of Porous Ceramics and Metal Matrix Composites

Combustion synthesis (self propagating, high temperature synthesis-SHS) is a novel technique that is capable of producing many advanced materials. The ignition temperature (Tig) of such combustion synthesis reactions is often coincident with that of the lowest melting point reactant. The resultant liquid metal wets and spreads around the other solid reactant particles of higher melting points, thereby improving the reactant contact and kinetics, followed by formation of the required compounds. This ignition initiates a combustion propagating wave whose narrow reaction front rapidly travels through the reactants. Since this process is highly exothermic, the heat released by combustion often melts the reactant particles ahead of the combustion front and ignites the adjacent reactant layer, resulting in a self-sustaining reaction. Whenever a fluid phase (liquid or gas) is generated by the reaction system, gravity-driven phenomena can occur. Such phenomena include convective flows of fluid by conventional or unstable convection and settling of the higher density phases. A combustion process is often associated with various kinds of fluid flow. For instance, if the SHS reaction is carried out under inert or reactive gas atmospheres, or a volatile, e.g., B2O3, is deliberately introduced as a reactant, convective flows of the gas will occur due to a temperature gradient existing in the atmosphere when a combustion wave is initiated. The increased gas flow will produce a porous (or expanded) SHS product. Owing to the highly exothermic nature of many SHS reactions, liquid phase(s) can also form before, at, or after the combustion front. The huge temperature gradient at the combustion front can induce convective flows (conventional or unstable) of the liquid phase. Each of these types of convective fluid flow can change the combustion behavior of the synthesizing reaction, and, therefore, the resultant product microstructure. In addition, when two or more phases of different density are produced at or ahead of the propagating combustion front settling of the higher density phase will occur resulting in a non-uniform product microstructure and properties.

Moore, J. J.↗