An Inverse Method for Policy-Iteration Based Algorithms

We present an extension of two policy-iteration based algorithms on weighted graphs (viz., Markov Decision Problems and Max-Plus Algebras). This extension allows us to solve the following inverse problem: considering the weights of the graph to be unknown constants or parameters, we suppose that a reference instantiation of those weights is given, and we aim at computing a constraint on the parameters under which an optimal policy for the reference instantiation is still optimal. The original algorithm is thus guaranteed to behave well around the reference instantiation, which provides us with some criteria of robustness. We present an application of both methods to simple examples. A prototype implementation has been done

Modeling of niobium precipitates effect on the Ni 47Ti 44Nb 9 Shape Memory Alloy behavior

Commercial Ni 47Ti 44Nb9 Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) is generally adopted for tightening applications thanks to its wide transformation hysteresis, compared with classical NiTi. Its sensibility to thermo-mechanical treatments allows it to be either martensitic or austenitic in a wide range of temperature, between -60 °C and 80 °C. A modeling of niobium precipitates effects on Ni 47Ti 44Nb9 SMA behavior is proposed. For this object, a two phase thermo-mechanical model is developed. It describes the global effective behavior of an elastoplastic inclusion (niobium precipitates) embedded within an SMA matrix. The constitutive law developed by Peultier et al. (2006) and improved by Chemisky et al. (2011) is adopted to model the matrix shape memory behavior. The elastoplastic constitutive law for inclusion is the one proposed by Wilkins with Simo and Hughes's radial return algorithm. The Mori-Tanaka scale transition scheme is considered for the determination of the effective constitutive equations. Obtained results highlight the effect of niobium precipitates on the thermomechanical behavior of Ni47Ti 44Nb9, and particularly on the corresponding hysteresis size. It appears that the niobium plasticity increases this hysteresis size. The developed constitutive law has been implemented in the ABAQUS Finite Element code and considered for the numerical prediction of the tightening pressure in a connection applicatio

A finite-element based numerical tool for Ni47Ti44Nb9 SMA structures design application to tightening rings

This paper deals with the design of Ni47Ti44Nb9 Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) tightening components. The tightening of an SMA ring on an elastic pipe is analyzed using the finite element code ABAQUS® and a UMAT subroutine developed in our group to model the specific behavior of Ni47Ti44Nb9 SMA. Main features of the thermomechanical model implemented in this UMAT routine are briefly recalled. Numerical predictions are validated using experimental tightening pressures obtained on a test bed developed in this work. The validation strategy is documented and the results for different ring thicknesses are presented. This finite element tool is then applied to a parametric study of the influence of ridges on the tightening pressure. Eventually, geometrical defects like out of roundness are considered

A coherent optical link through the turbulent atmosphere

We describe the realization of a 5 km free space coherent optical link through the turbulent atmosphere between a telescope and a ground target. We present the phase noise of the link, limited mainly by atmospheric turbulence and mechanical vibrations of the telescope and the target. We discuss the implications of our results for applications, with particular emphasis on optical Doppler ranging to satellites and long distance frequency transfer.Comment: version 2, modified following comments from colleagues and reviewer