Exploring the role of structure in a time constrained decision task

The structure of the basal ganglia is remarkably similar across a number of species (often described in terms of direct, indirect and hyperdirect pathways) and is deeply involved in decision making and action selection. In this article, we are interested in exploring the role of structure when solving a decision task while avoiding to make any strong assumption regarding the actual structure. To do so, we exploit the echo state network paradigm that allows to solve complex task based on a random architecture. Considering a temporal decision task, the question is whether a specific structure allows for better performance and if so, whether this structure shares some similarity with the basal ganglia. Our results highlight the advantage of having a slow (direct) and a fast (hyperdirect) pathway that allows to deal with late information during a decision making task

Optimizacija mesta pritrditve masnih blažilnikov za boljše omejevanje drdranja pri tankostenskem rezkanju

In this paper, a method to optimize the location of tuned mass damper (TMD) for enhancing chatter stability limits of thin-walled workpiece by using numerical techniques is proposed with due consideration to mass effect of TMD. The dominant mode of workpiece is identified from the simulated and measured frequency response functions of the workpiece. Two TMDs each having single degree of freedom are designed and a finite element model to predict the response of the workpiece-damper system is developed. The effect of damper location on the chatter stability of the thin-walled workpiece is investigated. Further, the locations for TMDs are optimized for enhanced chatter stability of workpiece by using response surface methodology. Milling tests were performed on workpiece with and without TMDs. A three-fold improvement in minimum stable depth of cut is realized after incorporating the TMDs at their optimal locations on thin-walled workpiece

Napovedovanje časovne trdnosti sočelnih zvarov z napakami na več mestih

A numerical model developed using finite element software is used to determine the fatigue life of an arc-welded butt joint with weld defects: lack of penetration, lack of fusion, and undercut, which occur predominantly in welded structures. High-strength, tempered, and quenched fine grain ASTM A517 grade F structural steel, widely used in welded structures, is selected as the base material. The finite element analysis approach adopted in the present work is validated using the experimental and analytical results by performing a benchmark study. The validated numerical approach is then used to generate datasets for developing an empirical model for predicting the fatigue life of a butt joint with defects, modelled as cracks at specific locations, subjected to bending and/or membrane stresses. An experimental investigation was undertaken to validate the empirical model. The influencing parameters are ranked based on their severity on the fatigue life of butt joint

Economic and CO2 Emission Benefits of a Solar Powered Electric Vehicle Charging Station for Workplaces in the Netherlands

The paper analyses the economic and environmental benefits of charging electric vehicles (EV) at workplaces in the Netherlands using photovoltaic panels (PV). A 10kW EV-PV charging system is used to charge the electric cars directly from photovoltaic panels. The cost of using a gasoline vehicle is compared with that of an electric vehicle that is charged from the grid or from solar panels. It is found that charging EV from PV results in huge savings in fuel cost, taxes and lower CO2 emissions. A comparison is made for solar panels installed on rooftops and as a solar carport and the impact of feed-in tariffs on PV generation revenues is evaluated

Optimizacija konstrukcije prebojnega skoznjika črpalke za zanesljivost ob upoštevanju materiala in geometrijskih nelinearnosti

The roof slab of a nuclear reactor supports all the components and sub-systems. It needs to resist the seismic loads in accordance with load-carrying criteria. The static stress analysis of the reactor roof slab reveals that high-stress concentration was present in the pump penetration shell (PPS) that supports the primary sodium pump. This paper presents an assessment of collapse load and the optimization of the pump penetration shell through the reliability approach, accounting for material non-linearity, geometrical non-linearity and randomness in loading. In addition, the load-carrying capacity of PPS was determined considering two different materials: IS2062 and A48P2. The design of experiments (DoE) was formulated considering the flange angle and flange thickness as parameters. An empirical model for load function was formulated from the results of the collapse load obtained for various combinations of design parameters. The above function was used to perform the reliability-based geometry optimization of the PPS of the roof slab