Model Order Selection Rules For Covariance Structure Classification

The adaptive classification of the interference covariance matrix structure for radar signal processing applications is addressed in this paper. This represents a key issue because many detection architectures are synthesized assuming a specific covariance structure which may not necessarily coincide with the actual one due to the joint action of the system and environment uncertainties. The considered classification problem is cast in terms of a multiple hypotheses test with some nested alternatives and the theory of Model Order Selection (MOS) is exploited to devise suitable decision rules. Several MOS techniques, such as the Akaike, Takeuchi, and Bayesian information criteria are adopted and the corresponding merits and drawbacks are discussed. At the analysis stage, illustrating examples for the probability of correct model selection are presented showing the effectiveness of the proposed rules

On the thermal dynamic behaviour of the helium-cooled DEMO fusion reactor

The EU-DEMO conceptual design is being conducted among research institutions and universities from 26 countries of European Union, Switzerland and Ukraine. Its mission is to realise electricity from nuclear fusion reaction by 2050. As DEMO has been conceived to deliver net electricity to the grid, the choice of the Breeding Blanket (BB) coolant plays a pivotal role in the reactor design having a strong influence on plant operation, safety and maintenance. In particular, due to the pulsed nature of the heat source, the Primary Heat Transfer System (PHTS) becomes a very important actor of the Balance of Plant (BoP) together with the Power Conversion System (PCS). Moreover, aiming to mitigate the potential negative impact of plasma pulsing on BoP equipment, for the DEMO plant is also being investigated a "heat transfer chain" option which envisages an Intermediate Heat Transfer System (IHTS) equipped with an Energy Storage System (ESS) between PHTS and PCS. Within this framework, a preliminary study has been carried out to analyse the thermal dynamic behaviour of the IHTS system for the Helium-Cooled Pebble Bed (HCPB) BB concept during pulse/dwell transition which should be still considered as the normal operating mode of a fusion power plant. Starting from preliminary thermal-hydraulic calculations made in order to size the main BoP components, the global performances of DEMO BoP have been quantitatively assessed focusing the attention on the attitude of the whole IHTS to smooth the sudden power variations which come from the plasma. The paper describes criteria and rationale followed to develop a numerical model which manages to simulate simple transient scenarios of DEMO BoP. Results of numerical simulations are presented and critically discussed in order to point out the main issues that DEMO BoP has to overcome to achieve a viable electricity power output

Parametric thermal analysis for the optimization of Double Walled Tubes layout in the Water Cooled Lithium Lead inboard blanket of DEMO fusion reactor

Within the roadmap that will lead to the nuclear fusion exploitation for electric energy generation, the construction of a DEMOnstration (DEMO) reactor is, probably, the most important milestone to be reached since it will demonstrate the technological feasibility and economic competitiveness of an industrial-scale nuclear fusion reactor. In order to reach this goal, several European universities and research centres have joined their efforts in the EUROfusion action, funded by HORIZON 2020 UE programme. Within the framework of EUROfusion research activities, ENEA and University of Palermo are involved in the design of the Water-Cooled Lithium Lead Breeding Blanket (WCLL BB), that is one of the two BB concepts under consideration to be adopted in the DEMO reactor. It is mainly characterized by a liquid lithium-lead eutectic alloy acting as breeder (lithium) and neutron multiplier (lead), as well as by subcooled pressurized water as coolant. Two separate circuits, both characterized by a pressure of 15.5 MPa and inlet/outlet temperatures of 295 °C/328 °C, are deputed to cool down the First Wall (FW) and the Breeder Zone (BZ). The former consists in a system of radial-toroidal-radial C-shaped squared channels where countercurrent water flow occurs while the latter relies in the use of bundles of poloidal-radial Double Walled Tubes (DWTs) housed within the breeder. A parametric thermal study has been carried out in order to assess the best DWTs' layout assuring that the structural material maximum temperature does not overcome the allowable limit of 550 °C and that the overall coolant thermal rise fulfils the design target value of 33 °C. The study has been performed following a theoretical-numerical approach based on the Finite Element Method (FEM) and adopting the quoted Abaqus FEM code. Main assumptions and models together with results obtained are herewith reported and critically discussed

Classification and production of polymeric foams among the systems for wound treatment

This work represents an overview on types of wounds according to their definition, classification and dressing treatments. Natural and synthetic polymeric wound dressings types have been analyzed, providing a historical overview, from ancient to modern times. Currently, there is a wide choice of materials for the treatment of wounds, such as hydrocolloids, polyure-thane and alginate patches, wafers, hydrogels and semi-permeable film dressings. These systems are often loaded with drugs such as antibiotics for the simultaneous delivery of drugs to prevent or cure infections caused by the exposition of blood vessel to open air. Among the presented tech-niques, a focus on foams has been provided, describing the most diffused branded products and their chemical, physical, biological and mechanical properties. Conventional and high-pressure methods for the production of foams for wound dressing are also analyzed in this work, with a proposed comparison in terms of process steps, efficiency and removal of solvent residue. Case studies, in vivo tests and models have been reported to identify the real applications of the produced foams

Monetary Policy and Corporate Bond Returns

We investigate the impact of monetary policy shocks (the surprise change in the Fed Funds rate (FFR)) on excess corporate bonds returns. We obtain a significant negative response of bond returns to FFR shocks. This effect is especially strong in the period before the 2007- 09 financial crisis and for bonds with longer maturity and lower rating. We show that the largest portion of this response is related to higher expected excess bond returns, especially term premia news. Therefore, the discount-rate channel represents an important mechanism through which monetary policy affects corporate bonds. However, the financial crisis has attenuated this effect

Guided wave scattering analysis around a circular delamination in a quasi-isotropic fiber-composite laminate

Carbon fiber reinforced composites are widely used in the aerospace industry, but barely visible impact damage can lead to delamination and compromise the structural integrity. The scattering of the fundamental anti-symmetric guided wave mode (A0 Lamb mode) at an artificial circular delamination in a quasi-isotropic laminate was investigated experimentally. A 5 cycle Hanning windowed wave pulse was used as the excitation signal for the experiments. Fast Fourier Transform was employed to identify the guided wave amplitude of the scattered field along various directions. The experimental wavefield was captured using a laser Doppler vibrometer. Experimental results are presented for the scattering pattern and scattering amplitude as a function of distance from the damage. The results of this study can help to improve delamination detection techniques using guided waves and to gain physical insights into the scattering of guided waves at a delamination