Multiagent cooperation for solving global optimization problems: an extendible framework with example cooperation strategies

This paper proposes the use of multiagent cooperation for solving global optimization problems through the introduction of a new multiagent environment, MANGO. The strength of the environment lays in itsflexible structure based on communicating software agents that attempt to solve a problem cooperatively. This structure allows the execution of a wide range of global optimization algorithms described as a set of interacting operations. At one extreme, MANGO welcomes an individual non-cooperating agent, which is basically the traditional way of solving a global optimization problem. At the other extreme, autonomous agents existing in the environment cooperate as they see fit during run time. We explain the development and communication tools provided in the environment as well as examples of agent realizations and cooperation scenarios. We also show how the multiagent structure is more effective than having a single nonlinear optimization algorithm with randomly selected initial points

Hydrophobic and Anti-Icing Behavior of UV-Laser-Treated Polyester Resin-Based Gelcoats

Ice accumulation on wind turbine blades due to the impact of supercooled water droplets can be reduced by the application of surfaces with anti-icing properties. Hydrophobic surfaces are considered as a promising solution because of their water repellent behavior. In recent years, short-pulsed laser technologies have been developed as an efficient technique to modify the surface properties of materials. However, the anti-icing properties of such surfaces have not yet been validated. In this work, a hybrid modification of polyester resin-based gelcoats was adopted. Laser patterning (LP) was used to produce periodic surface structures on modified unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) substrates. One of the innovations of this research is the utilization of novel purpose-made chemical modifiers for gelcoats. The implementation of linear polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS) as a building block is a key improvement in terms of durability and functionality of the coating, since there is an option of introducing not only groups bonding in the polyester into one molecule, but also groups that increase hydrophobicity. The other novelty is a successfully conducted experiment combining such chemical modification with laser texturization of the surface. The influence of the laser energy, pattern shape, and spatial periods on the topographical characteristics and hydrophobicity as well as the anti-icing properties of the produced surfaces were investigated. To characterize the surface topography of the produced structures, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and profilometer were utilized. Measurements of the wettability parameters (static contact angle and contact angle hysteresis) on the treated surfaces allowed the identification of the influence of wetting behavior and laser parameters on the investigated materials. Anti-icing properties were characterized by ice adhesion (IA) and freezing delay time (FDT) tests. It was found that hybrid modification of unsaturated polyester resin by chemical modifiers and laser treatment increased the hydrophobic and anti-icing properties of polyester gelcoats.This research was funded by National Centre for Research and Development (NCBiR), grant number LIDER/16/0068/L-9/17/NCBR/2018.Peer reviewe