Investigation on energetic optimization problems of stochastic thermodynamics with iterative dynamic programming

The energetic optimization problem, e.g., searching for the optimal switch- ing protocol of certain system parameters to minimize the input work, has been extensively studied by stochastic thermodynamics. In current work, we study this problem numerically with iterative dynamic programming. The model systems under investigation are toy actuators consisting of spring-linked beads with loading force imposed on both ending beads. For the simplest case, i.e., a one-spring actuator driven by tuning the stiffness of the spring, we compare the optimal control protocol of the stiffness for both the overdamped and the underdamped situations, and discuss how inertial effects alter the irreversibility of the driven process and thus modify the optimal protocol. Then, we study the systems with multiple degrees of freedom by constructing oligomer actuators, in which the harmonic interaction between the two ending beads is tuned externally. With the same rated output work, actuators of different constructions demand different minimal input work, reflecting the influence of the internal degrees of freedom on the performance of the actuators.Comment: 14 pages, 7 figures, communications in computational physics, in pres

Market Economy Model of Chinese Management -Case of Haier-

To explore a new style of Chinese management by the case study of Haier is the objective of this paper. Haier is the largest consumer electronics company in China. Wages of workers are only based on piece rate and determined by the rightly done jobs and the defects in their jobs. The evaluation of workers for wages is individualistic, instantaneous, quantitative, monetary, competitive and open. There is practically no room for discretional evaluation by supervisors and managers. Engineers who want to become the heads of new product development projects apply for the position with new product development plans (open competitive bidding). The salary of project managers and their subordinate engineers is determined by the market performance of new products such as the sales, the quality claims from customers and the costs of new products. Haier's management is based on the market principles of economics. It is the market economy model of management. And it is spreading among growing Chinese companies. We may say that they are more capitalistic than Japanese companies and even American companies.