Practical algorithms for image compression and surface estimation

Practical Algorithms for Image Compression and Surface Estimation describes three algorithms for image compression and one algorithm for surface estimation that incorporates kriging and parametric cubic splines. Two of the image compression algorithms are innovative extensions of the Run Length Encoding image compression algorithm and the third is an image compression technique based on kriging. In general the modified Run Length Encoding algorithms yield a better compression ratio by a factor of two while retaining fast decompression of the image. The algorithm based on kriging achieves a compression ratio up to 250:1 and is unique in that the compressed image can be viewed directly and resembles a scaled version of the original image; Neither kriging nor parametric cubic splines are the theory has existed for many years. The union of the two techniques, however, is unique. The fundamentals of kriging are outlined, three dimensional parametric cubic splines are derived, and finally the union of the two ideas is discussed

Phase-change devices for simultaneous optical-electrical applications

This is the final version of the article. Available from the publisher via the DOI in this record.We present a viable pathway to the design and characterization of phase-change devices operating in a mixed-mode optical-electrical, or optoelectronic, manner. Such devices have potential applications ranging from novel displays to optically-gated switches to reconfigurable metamaterials-based devices. With this in mind, a purpose-built optoelectronics probe station capable of simultaneous optical-electrical excitation and simultaneous optical-electrical response measurement has been designed and constructed. Two prototype phase-change devices that might exploit simultaneous optical and electrical effects and/or require simultaneous optical and electrical characterisation, namely a mixed-mode cross-bar type structure and a microheater-based structure, have been designed, fabricated and characterized. The microheater-based approach was shown to be capable of successful thermally-induced cycling, between amorphous and crystalline states, of large-area phase-change devices, making it attractive for practicable pixel fabrication in phase-change display applications.The authors would like to acknowledge funding via the EPSRC ChAMP and WAFT grants (EP/M015130/1 and EP/M015173/1). Y-YA and CDW would also like to acknowledge funding via US Naval Research Laboratories ONRG programme (#N62909-16-1-2174

Numerical modelling of prestresssing steel tendons under fire and post-fire conditions

The behaviour of prestressing steel tendons under fire and post-fire conditions is investigated numerically employing the ABAQUS package and its user-defined material subroutine UMAT which allows comprehensive constitutive relationships to be implemented. Based on an existing thermal creep model, a new set of parameters are proposed and calibrated against available test results in the literature. The proposed numerical model is versatile in predicting thermal creep, isothermal response and transient thermal relaxation of prestressing steel tendons. Moreover, parametric studies are conducted to investigate the effects of heating rate, heated length ratio, initial stress and various boundary conditions on the thermal relaxation of prestressing steel tendons. Besides, transient state analyses are carried out with constant heating rate and initial stress to investigate the rupture properties of prestressing steel tendons.postprin

Split-Plot Central Composite Designs Robust to a Pair of Missing Observations

This study constructs robust split-plot central composite designs against missing pairs of observations. Split-plot central composite designs (CCD) consist of factorial (f), whole-plot axial (α), subplot axial (β), and center (c) points. A loss function in terms of determinant (D) criterion was formulated based on two different configurations of the factorial and axial parts; losses due to missing pairs of observations of these different categories of points were investigated. Robust split-plot central composite designs against missing pairs of observations were then developed under each of the two configurations. It was observed that the losses, Lff, Lββ, and Lfβ, due respectively, to missing pairs of observations of the factorial, subplot axial, and, factorial and subplot axial points, were higher than the losses due to missing pairs of observations of the whole-plot axial and center points given by Lαα and Lcc respectively. Thus the factorial (f) and the subplot axial (β) points were found to be the most influential points in these designs while the whole-plot axial (α) and the center (c) points were less influential. This work has therefore identified and properly classified the losses due to missing design points in the split-plot CCD portions. In this way, the practitioner can avoid the experimental points having less influence from the full CCD experiments and this could lead to a possible increase in design efficiency.Keywords: Robustness, Split-plot Central Composite Designs, Missing observations, loss functio

Geoid undulations and gravity anomalies over the Aral Sea, the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea from a combined GEOS-3/SEASAT/GEOSAT altimeter data set

Satellite-based altimetric data taken by GOES-3, SEASAT, and GEOSAT over the Aral Sea, the Black Sea, and the Caspian Sea are analyzed and a least squares collocation technique is used to predict the geoid undulations on a 0.25x0.25 deg. grid and to transform these geoid undulations to free air gravity anomalies. Rapp's 180x180 geopotential model is used as the reference surface for the collocation procedure. The result of geoid to gravity transformation is, however, sensitive to the information content of the reference geopotential model used. For example, considerable detailed surface gravity data were incorporated into the reference model over the Black Sea, resulting in a reference model with significant information content at short wavelengths. Thus, estimation of short wavelength gravity anomalies from gridded geoid heights is generally reliable over regions such as the Black Sea, using the conventional collocation technique with local empirical covariance functions. Over regions such as the Caspian Sea, where detailed surface data are generally not incorporated into the reference model, unconventional techniques are needed to obtain reliable gravity anomalies. Based on the predicted gravity anomalies over these inland seas, speculative tectonic structures are identified and geophysical processes are inferred

User's guide: Programs for processing altimeter data over inland seas

The programs described were developed to process GEODYN-formatted satellite altimeter data, and to apply the processed results to predict geoid undulations and gravity anomalies of inland sea areas. These programs are written in standard FORTRAN 77 and are designed to run on the NSESCC IBM 3081(MVS) computer. Because of the experimental nature of these programs they are tailored to the geographical area analyzed. The attached program listings are customized for processing the altimeter data over the Black Sea. Users interested in the Caspian Sea data are expected to modify each program, although the required modifications are generally minor. Program control parameters are defined in the programs via PARAMETER statements and/or DATA statements. Other auxiliary parameters, such as labels, are hard-wired into the programs. Large data files are read in or written out through different input or output units. The program listings of these programs are accompanied by sample IBM job control language (JCL) images. Familiarity with IBM JCL and the TEMPLATE graphic package is assumed

Analysis of altimetry over inland seas

Satellite-based altimetric data taken by GEOS-3 and SEASAT over the Black Sea and Caspian Sea are analyzed and a least squares collocation technique is used to predict the geoid undulation on a .25-degree by .25-degree grid and to transform these geoid undulations to free air gravity anomalies. This project entailed processing satellite altimeter data over inland seas for recovery of area mean gravity information. Gravity information in this area of the world is not readily available, so the possibility of obtaining it from the processing of altimeter observations is attractive. The principal objective was to complete and extend analyses done in a previous study, verify those results, and document the results and techniques. A secondary objective was to improve the algorithms and results, if possible. The approach used involved editing geoid height data to remove overland data; evaluating geoid height differences at crossover points; removing orbit errors from geoid heights using crossover differences; gridding geoid height data at .25-degree by .25-degree intervals; and estimating the gravity anomalies from gridded geoid heights using the collocation technique

Analysis of altimetry over the Aral Sea

Satellite based altimetric data taken by GEOS-3, SEASAT, and GEOSAT over the Aral Sea are analyzed and a least squares collocation technique is used to predict the geoid undulations on a 0.25 by 0.25 degree grid and to transform these geoid undulations to free air gravity anomalies. Rapp's 180 by 180 geopotential model is taken as the empirical model. The collocation procedure is performed with a set of local residual empirical covariance functions. For comparison, Rapp's global covariance functions and Jordan's self-consistent theoretical covariance functions based on Jordan's formulation and on locally derived parameters are also used to grid geoid undulations and to predict gravity anomalies. The sensitivity of the collocation results to the choice of covariance functions is discussed

Electric chiral magnonic resonators utilizing spin–orbit torques

This is the final version. Available on open access from AIP Publishing via the DOI in this recordData availability: The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.The recently proposed concept of electric chiral magnonic resonator (ECMR) has been extended to include usage of spin–orbit torques (SOT). Unlike the original version of ECMR which was based on voltage controlled magnetic anisotropy (VCMA), the spin wave amplification power by this new version of ECMR (pumped by SOT) no longer depends on the phase of the incident wave, which is highly desirable from an application point of view. The performance of the SOT pumped ECMR has been compared with the case of amplification by applying SOT pumping directly to a waveguide (without any ECMR involved). It is argued that at the expense of narrowing the bandwidth (i.e., slower amplifier response), the advantage of the former configuration (amplification by a SOT pumped ECMR) over the latter (amplification by direct SOT pumping the waveguide) is to offer gain, while at the same time, maintaining system stability (avoidance of auto-oscillations). Non-linear behavior of the SOT pumped ECMR has been analyzed. It is demonstrated that by cascading a SOT ECMR operating in an off-resonance mode together with a VCMA biased passive ECMR, it is possible to produce a magnonic neuron with a transmitted signal magnitude larger than the input in the firing state.Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)UKRIHorizon Europ

Determination of Dynamic Shear Modulus of Soils from Static Strength

A correlation study between the dynamic shear modulus obtained from the resonant column technique and the static strength obtained from the undrained triaxial compression test is described. The materials studied were a uniform sand, a non-active fine silty clay and a highly-active bentonite clay treated with additives to increase the range for static and dynamic shear strength of the soils. It is noted that a linear relationship exists between the dynamic shear modulus, except for those soil specimens having very low strength, independent of test parameters. Using linear regression analysis, empirical equations for predicting the maximum dynamic shear modulus from the static strength have been obtained for the three different soils