Degradation Processes in Reliability

In this book, the authors present in detail several recent methodologies and algorithms that we have developed during the last fifteen years. The deterministic methods account for uncertainties through empirical safety factors, which implies that the actual uncertainties in materials, geometry and loading are not truly considered. This problem becomes much more complicated when considering biomechanical applications where a number of uncertainties are encountered in the design of prosthesis systems. This book implements improved numerical strategies and algorithms that can be applied only in biomechanical studies.

In this work the authors draw upon their expertise in geophysical and astrophysical MHD to explore the motion of electrically conducting fluids, the so-called dynamo effect, and describe the similarities and differences between different magnetized objects. They also explain why magnetic fields are crucial to the formation of the stars, and discuss promising experiments currently being designed to investigate some of the relevant physics in the laboratory. This interdisciplinary approach will appeal to a wide audience in physics, astrophysics and geophysics. This second edition covers such additional topics as small-scale dynamos, while also presenting the latest results and experiments.

This book provide a series of designs, materials, characterization and modeling, that will help create safer and stronger structures in coastal areas. The authors take a look at the different materials (porous, heterogeneous, concrete…), the moisture transfers in construction materials as well as the degradation caused by external attacks and put forth systems to monitor the structures or evaluate the performance reliability as well as degradation scenarios of coastal protection systems

The first book to provdie a comprehensive look at bioenergetics, the energy flow in living systems, by studying ion exchange and electron transfer processes in biological membranes and artificial bio-films, and how these processes contribute to developing modern biosensor and ion-sensor technology, as well as biofuel cells. The book: Discusses the ion fluxes and electron transfer processes in biological membranes and artificial bio-films Provides an in-depth description of the processes at the interface between the membrane/film and substrate electrode Is the first of its kind to provide a comprehensive look at how these processes are understood in biology of living cells Addresses how these processes contribute to developing modern biosensor and ion-sensor technology, as well as biofuel cells

The Novartis Foundation Series is a popular collection of the proceedings from Novartis Foundation Symposia, in which groups of leading scientists from a range of topics across biology, chemistry and medicine assembled to present papers and discuss results. The Novartis Foundation, originally known as the Ciba Foundation, is well known to scientists and clinicians around the world.

Introducing a groundbreaking companion book to a bestselling reliability text Reliability is one of the most important characteristics defining the quality of a product or system, both for the manufacturer and the purchaser. One achieves high reliability through careful monitoring of design, materials and other input, production, quality assurance efforts, ongoing maintenance, and a variety of related decisions and activities. All of these factors must be considered in determining the costs of production, purchase, and ownership of a product. Case Studies in Reliability and Maintenance serves as a valuable addition to the current literature on the subject of reliability by bridging the gap between theory and application. Conceived during the preparation of the editors' earlier work, Reliability: Modeling, Prediction, and Optimization (Wiley, 2000), this new volume features twenty-six actual case studies written by top experts in their fields, each illustrating exactly how reliability models are applied. A valuable companion book to Reliability: Modeling, Prediction, and Optimization, or any other textbook on the subject, the book features: Case studies from fields such as aerospace, automotive, mining, electronics, power plants, dikes, computer software, weapons, photocopiers, industrial furnaces, granite building cladding, chemistry, and aircraft engines A logical organization according to the life cycle of a product or system A unified format of discussion enhanced by tools, techniques, and models for drawing one's own conclusions Pertinent exercises for reinforcement of ideas Of equal value to both students of reliability theory as well as professionals in industry, Case Studies in Reliability and Maintenance should be required reading for anyone seeking to understand how reliability and maintenance issues can be addressed and resolved in the real world.

Risk and reliability analysis is an area of growing importance in geotechnical engineering, where many variables have to be considered. Statistics, reliability modeling and engineering judgement are employed together to develop risk and decision analyses for civil engineering systems. The resulting engineering models are used to make probabilistic predictions, which are applied to geotechnical problems. Reliability & Statistics in Geotechnical Engineering comprehensively covers the subject of risk and reliability in both practical and research terms * Includes extensive use of case studies * Presents topics not covered elsewhere–spatial variability and stochastic properties of geological materials * No comparable texts available Practicing engineers will find this an essential resource as will graduates in geotechnical engineering programmes.

Thermodynamic degradation science is a new and exciting discipline. This book merges the science of physics of failure with thermodynamics and shows how degradation modeling is improved and enhanced when using thermodynamic principles. The author also goes beyond the traditional physics of failure methods and highlights the importance of having new tools such as “Mesoscopic” noise degradation measurements for prognostics of complex systems, and a conjugate work approach to solving physics of failure problems with accelerated testing applications. Key features: • Demonstrates how the thermodynamics energy approach uncovers key degradation models and their application to accelerated testing. • Demonstrates how thermodynamic degradation models accounts for cumulative stress environments, effect statistical reliability distributions, and are key for reliability test planning. • Provides coverage of the four types of Physics of Failure processes describing aging: Thermal Activation Processes, Forced Aging, Diffusion, and complex combinations of these. • Coverage of numerous key topics including: aging laws; Cumulative Accelerated Stress Test (CAST) Plans; cumulative entropy fatigue damage; reliability statistics and environmental degradation and pollution. Thermodynamic Degradation Science: Physics of Failure, Accelerated Testing, Fatigue and Reliability Applications is essential reading for reliability, cumulative fatigue, and physics of failure engineers as well as students on courses which include thermodynamic engineering and/or physics of failure coverage.

Provides a comprehensive introduction to ion exchange for beginners and in-depth coverage of the latest advances for those already in the field As environmental and energy related regulations have grown, ion exchange has assumed a dominant role in offering solutions to many concurrent problems both in the developed and the developing world. Written by an internationally acknowledged leader in ion exchange research and innovation, Ion Exchange: in Environmental Processes is both a comprehensive introduction to the science behind ion exchange and an expert assessment of the latest ion exchange technologies. Its purpose is to provide a valuable reference and learning tool for virtually anyone working in ion exchange or interested in becoming involved in that incredibly fertile field. Written for beginners as well as those already working the in the field, Dr. SenGupta provides stepwise coverage, advancing from ion exchange fundamentals to trace ion exchange through the emerging area of hybrid ion exchange nanotechnology (or polymeric/inorganic ion exchangers). Other topics covered include ion exchange kinetics, sorption and desorption of metals and ligands, solid-phase and gas-phase ion exchange, and more. Connects state-of-the-art innovations in such a way as to help researchers and process scientists get a clear picture of how ion exchange fundamentals can lead to new applications Covers the design of selective or smart ion exchangers for targeted applications—an area of increasing importance—including solid and gas phase ion exchange processes Provides in-depth discussion on intraparticle diffusion controlled kinetics for selective ion exchange Features a chapter devoted to exciting developments in the areas of hybrid ion exchange nanotechnology or polymeric/inorganic ion exchangers Written for those just entering the field of ion exchange as well as those involved in developing the “next big thing” in ion exchange systems, Ion Exchange in Environmental Processes is a valuable resource for students, process engineers, and chemists working in an array of industries, including mining, microelectronics, pharmaceuticals, energy, and wastewater treatment, to name just a few.

For the first time the problems of voice services self-similarity are discussed systematically and in detail with specific examples and illustrations. Self-Similar Processes in Telecommunications considers the self-similar (fractal and multifractal) models of telecommunication traffic and efficiency based on the assumption that its traffic has fractal or multifractal properties (is self-similar). The theoretical aspects of the most well-known traffic models demonstrating self-similar properties are discussed in detail and the comparative analysis of the different models’ efficiency for self-similar traffic is presented. This book demonstrates how to use self-similar processes for designing new telecommunications systems and optimizing existing networks so as to achieve maximum efficiency and serviceability. The approach is rooted in theory, describing the algorithms (the logical arithmetical or computational procedures that define how a task is performed) for modeling these self-similar processes. However, the language and ideas are essentially accessible for those who have a general knowledge of the subject area and the advice is highly practical: all models, problems and solutions are illustrated throughout using numerous real-world examples. Adopts a detailed, theoretical, yet broad-based and practical mathematical approach for designing and operating numerous types of telecommunications systems and networks so as to achieve maximum efficiency Places the subject in context, describing the current algorithms that make up the fractal or self-similar processes while pointing to the future development of the technology Offers a comparative analysis of the different types of self-similar process usage within the context of local area networks, wide area networks and in the modeling of video traffic and mobile communications networks Describes how mathematical models are used as a basis for building numerous types of network, including voice, audio, data, video, multimedia services and IP (Internet Protocol) telephony The book will appeal to the wide range of specialists dealing with the design and exploitation of telecommunication systems. It will be useful for the post-graduate students, lecturers and researchers connected with communication networks disciplines.