An explicit construction of ruled surfaces

The main goal of this paper is to give a general algorithm to compute, via computer-algebra systems, an explicit set of generators of the ideals of the projective embeddings of ruled surfaces, i.e. projectivizations of rank two vector bundles over curves, such that the fibers are embedded as smooth rational curves. There are two different applications of our algorithm. Firstly, given a very ample linear system on an abstract ruled Surface, our algorithm allows computing the ideal of the embedded surface, all the syzygies, and all the algebraic invariants which are computable from its ideal as, for instance, the k-regularity. Secondly, it is possible to prove the existence of new embeddings of ruled surfaces, The method can be implemented over any computer-algebra system able to deal with commutative algebra and Grobner-basis computations. An implementation of our algorithms for the computer-algebra system Macaulay2 (cf. [Daniel R. Grayson, Michael E. Stillman, Macaulay 2, a software system for research in algebraic geometry, 1993. Available at http://www.math.uiuc.edu/Macaulay2/]) and explicit examples are enclosed

Test and Theory of Electrodynamic Bearings Coupled to Active Magnetic Dampers

Electrodynamic bearings (EDBs) are passive magnetic bearings that exploit the interaction between eddy currents developed in a rotating conductor and a static magnetic field to generate forces. Similar to other types of magnetic suspensions, EDBs provide contactless support, thus avoiding problems with lubrication, friction and wear. Electrodynamic bearings have also drawbacks such as the difficulty in insuring a stable levitation in a wide speed range. The paper presents a solution where the EDBs are coupled with active magnetic dampers (AMDs) to guarantee a stable levitation

Non-dimensional design approach for electrodynamic bearings

Electrodynamic bearings (EDBs) are passive magnetic bearings that exploit the interaction between eddy currents developed in a rotating conductor and a static magnetic field to generate forces. Similar to other types of magnetic suspensions, EDBs provide contactless support, thus avoiding problems with lubrication, friction and wear. The most interesting aspect of EDBs is that levitation can be obtained by passive means, hence, no electronic equipment, such as power electronics or sensors, are necessary. Despite their promising characteristics, rotors running on EDBs are still lacking a design procedure; furthermore, at present the static behavior of a bearing can only be defined by means of finite element analyses. The aim of the present paper is to present a methodology that allows performing a first approximation design without resorting to detailed FE analyses. The methodology is based on the use of non-dimensional parameters, similar to the analysis of fluid bearings (Sommerfeld number). The non-dimensional quantities are derived using dimensional analysis, and contain the main geometrical and physical parameters determining the EDBs' performance. The relation between the non-dimensional quantities characterizing the static performance of the EDB is derived using FE simulations and is presented in the form of graphs

Stability of a 4 degree of freedom rotor on electrodynamic passive magnetic bearings

Electrodynamic bearings exploit repulsive forces due to eddy currents to produce positive stiffness by passive means without violating the Earnshaw stability criterion. This remarkable characteristic makes this type of bearing a suitable alternative to active magnetic bearings in fields such as kinetic energy storage flywheels, turbo pumps, high speed compressors, among others. However, the suspension can become unstable due to rotating damping. To obtain deeper understanding of this instability phenomenon this paper presents the analysis of stability of a four degree of freedom (4dof) rotor supported by electrodynamic bearings. The 4dof rotor model is coupled to the dynamic model of the eddy current forces generated by the electrodynamic bearing and the stability of the complete system is analyzed. This model is used to study the stability of both cylindrical and conical whirling motion of the rotor. In addition to the well known cylindrical whirl instability the possible occurrence of conical instability is demonstrated. Finally the effects of two stabilization strategies are analyze

Model and Design of a Power Driver for Piezoelectric Stack Actuators

A power driver has been developed to control piezoelectric stack actuators used in automotive application. An FEM model of the actuator has been implemented starting from experimental characterization of the stack and mechanical and piezoelectric parameters. Experimental results are reported to show a correct piezoelectric actuator driving method and the possibility to obtain a sensorless positioning control

Effects of Eucalyptus pulp refining on the performance and durability of fibre-cement composites

Although Eucalyptus pulp has been widely used in the paper industry, there is limited information concerning its use as reinforcement in fibre-cement composites. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of mechanical treatment (refining) of the Eucalyptus pulp on fibre properties as well as performance and microstructure of fibre-cement composites. The composites were evaluated before and after accelerated ageing cycles. The refining increased the capacity of Eucalyptus fibres to capture mineral particles, improving the adherence of the fibres with the matrix. This improved fibre-matrix interface led to better mechanical properties at 28 days of cure but higher mineralisation of fibres and consequently increased brittleness of composites after accelerated ageing (soak and dry) cycles. Unrefined fibres maintained the toughness of composites after ageing cycles. This indicates that refining may weaken the fibres thus affecting the mechanical performance (mainly decreasing modulus of rupture and toughness) of composites after ageing cycles. These results are useful for understanding effects of refined fibre conditions (morphology, mechanical strength and surface properties) on mechanisms of fibre-matrix adherence, fibre mineralisation and degradation of fibre-cement composites.FAPESP (05/59072-4, 07/05299-3)FAPEMIGCAPESCNP

Open mirror symmetry for Pfaffian Calabi-Yau 3-folds

We investigate the open mirror symmetry of certain non-complete intersection Calabi- Yau 3-folds, so called pfaffian Calabi-Yau. We perform the prediction of the number of disk invariants of several examples by using the direct integration method proposed recently and the open mirror symmetry. We treat several pfaffian Calabi-Yau 3-folds in $\mathbb{P}^6$ and branes with two discrete vacua. Some models have the two special points in its moduli space, around both of which we can consider different A-model mirror partners. We compute disc invariants for both cases. This study is the first application of the open mirror symmetry to the compact non-complete intersections in toric variety.Comment: 64 pages; v2: typos corrected, minor changes, references added; v3: published version, minor corrections and improvement