An Agent-Based Model of Behavior in “Beauty Contest” Games

Recently, computer simulation, particularly agent-based modeling, has grown in popularity as a method to uncover macro patterns and developments that emerge from simple micro behavior. The present paper combines both techniques by using protocol analysis to uncover player strategies in an experiment and encoding those strategies in an agent-based computer simulation. In particular, Keynes’ (1936) beauty contest analogy is simulated in a number-guessing context. Several researchers have conducted experiments asking subjects to play “p-beauty contest games” in order to compare the experimental results with those predicted by the game-theoretic, deductive reasoning concept of iterated dominance. Our results are compared with those found experimentally in order to demonstrate the usefulness of a combining agent-based modeling with protocol analysis.Agent-Based modeling; Beauty contest games

Rate Dependence of Tensile Properties and Stress-Strain Behavior of an Oxide/Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composite at Elevated Temperature and the Effects of Low-Magnitude Sustained Loading on Composite Microstructure

Advanced aerospace structures and components require materials that exhibit high strength at high operating temperatures. Nextel ™ 720/Alumina (N720/A) is an oxide/oxide, porous-matrix ceramic-matrix composite developed for load bearing applications at elevated temperatures. The current research investigates the rate dependence of tensile properties of the N720/A CMC at 1200°C as well as the creep behavior of this composite under applied stresses in the 1-25 MPa range. In addition, influence of prior loading rate on the creep response of N720/A under applied stresses above 50 MPa was evaluated at 1200°C. Tensile tests conducted at loading rate of 0.0025 and 25 MPa/s revealed a strong influence of rate on the ultimate tensile strength, elastic modulus and failure strain. Several samples subjected to additional heat-treatments were tested to ascertain whether the stress-strain behavior observed in the 0-30 MPa stress range in tests conducted at 0.0025 MPa/s was an artifact of incomplete processing of fibers in the as-received material. Additional heat treatment had no effect on stress-strain behavior at 0.0025 MPa/s. Negative creep (i. e. decrease in strain under constant stress) was observed in creep tests conducted with the applied stresses \u3c 30 MPa. Microstructural investigation using scanning electron microscope together with the results of mercury porosimetry suggest that a decrease in matrix porosity and matrix densification may be taking place in the N720/A CMC exposed to loads \u3c30 MPa for prolonged periods of time. Prior loading rate was found to have no appreciable effect on creep behavior at stresses \u3e50 MPa

Affordable St. Norbert

SNC Parents Editor discusses college affordability in Spring 2016

The concept of quasi-3D monitoring of seepage and erosion processes and deformations in dams and dikes, considering in particular linear measurement sensors

The primary purpose of this article is to present the concept of quasi-spatial monitoring of seepage and erosion processes and phenomena in the area of georisk, using invasive instrumental measurement methods, including, in particular, linear or quasi-linear measurement sensors. Along with the risk of water overflow over the crest of earth damming hydraulic structures, these processes and phenomena pose the main threats for their safety and are the main causes of their repairs. The proposed solutions seem to be valuable ones and have a high application potential. Taking into account the development of measurement methods and the field of the automatic control of the condition of a structure, they will probably be used increasingly frequently in the damming hydro-engineering constructions

Impulse response function analysis model application to the thermical seepage monitoring in the earth dams

Internal erosion, linked with the leakage presence, is a well known menace for the dams and the dikes safety. In the paper we present a method called Impulse Response Function Thermic Analysis (IRFTA) and its application to earths dams monitoring. IRFTA model allows precisely describe the coupled heat and water transport in dams body and in consequence recognizing even minimal seepage appearance and changing. Application of IRFTA model to analyze the temperature measurements realized with fiber optic for two earth dams are presented in the article

Impulse response function analysis of pore pressure in earthdams

Effective control of dam safety requires that the measured pore-pressure data be interpreted in the shortest possible time following the readings. Direct resolution based on partial differential equations are not appropriate. We present a relevant formalism for analysing pore-pressure monitoring data: the Impulse Response Function Analysis (IRFA) method. The model based on approximations for the impulse response of the dam gives the variations in the pore-pressure measurement resulting from changes in the reservoir levels. An expression for the explicit estimation of in situ hydraulic diffusivity is derived. The model were applied to the analysis of monitoring data obtained at a zoned earthdam. Obtained results proved that essential aspects of the observed phenomenon in most cells data can be described in this linear framework, and that they are taking into account