Measurement System For Characterization Research Articles

Performance Measurement System Design for Integrated Thinking: Evidence from Japanese Electric Utility Providers

Asian companies are increasingly practicing integrated reporting to create long-term economic, environmental, and social value for investors and other stakeholders. To accomplish such value creation, far-reaching changes in strategies, management control systems, and governance are required, which is achieved through a management approach called integrated thinking. However, findings from previous studies indicate barriers in designing performance measurement systems, leading to misalignment between strategies and managers' decision-making. Therefore, this research study aims to expand existing knowledge on integrated reporting by (1) developing a conceptual framework for the characteristics of performance measurement systems to support integrated thinking and (2) analyzing the current status of performance measurement systems used by Japanese electric utility providers. To support integrated thinking, performance measurement systems should contain multidimensional and connected key performance indicators with quantitative target values and action plans that are integrated into the management reward system. By utilizing primary data, the most recent integrated reports of all 11 Japanese electric utility providers were analyzed trough a manual content analysis and percentage analysis. On average, the requirements of performance measurement system design are fulfilled to a degree of 56 %, while the lowest degree being 39 % and the highest degree being 75 %. In most cases, companies use multidimensional key performance indicators with incomplete target values and vaguely defined action plans. Key performance indicators are insufficiently connected and integrated with rewards systems, indicating the outside-in approach of integrated reporting. Larger companies that explicitly refer to the <IR> Framework tend to use more sophisticated performance measurement systems. The findings suggest several areas for improvement, such as connectivity between KPIs as well as further integrating non-financial KPIs with the rewards system.

Full-field measurement of residual stress in single-crystal diamond substrates based on Mueller matrix microscopy

In this work, a method has been proposed for fast-measuring full-field residual stress of diamond substrates based on Mueller Matrix (MM) microscopy. The measurement system features a polarization camera and a fixed compensator at 45° orientation, and real-time birefringence imaging can be performed. The magnitude and orientation of residual stress have been characterized by the stress-optical law. Optical-grade synthetic diamond substrates after laser-cutting and grinding have been measured. After laser-cutting samples exhibit a central region where stress orientation is shifted by −90° from the x-axis. After double-sided fine grinding, the average stress value is relatively low at 0.094 GPa, while single-sided fine grinding yields average stress of 0.142 Gpa, whereas double-sided rough grinding leads to 0.157 Gpa. Full-field stress distributions obtained from Raman images show consistent patterns. The research indicates that the MM-based method is a promising technique for detecting diamond substrate birefringence and characterizing its stress variation during fabrication.

Processing characteristics correction of measuring systems by means a differintegral of variable order

The paper presents new methods for correcting the processing characteristics of measurement systems based on a modified Grünwald-Letnikov fractional calculus definition. The presented methods are based on the determination of the fractional order as an estimation factor. Two methods are presented: a fractional order array and a fractional order function. Both methods can be used in DSP systems as methods to correct the processing characteristics of systems with measuring transducers and measurement systems in general.

Development of a measurement system for the radiation characteristics of the human voice

Development of a measurement system for the radiation characteristics of the human voice

FeCoNiMnCr high-entropy alloys (HEAs): Synthesis, structural, magnetic and nuclear radiation absorption properties

We report the synthesis and structural, magnetic and Radiation shielding properties of High Entropy Alloy (HEA) produced through mechanical alloying method. Using an X-Ray Diffractometer (PanalyticalEmpryan) with CuK radiation at 45 kV and 40 mA, the phase identification starting elements and as-milled powders are identified. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), morphological and microstructural investigations were conducted (FEI Quanta FEG 450). EDX and elemental mapping analyses are conducted to assess the purity and elemental distributions of the synthesized alloys. Using the Quantum Design Physical Characteristics Measurement System (PPMS) with vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and a magnetic field of 30 kOe at room temperature, magnetic properties are examined. Using 137Cs radioisotope and mathematical methods, gamma-ray and neutron shielding properties of HEA are investigated in a conventional transmission setup using experimental and theoretical approaches. In the presence of a 3 T applied field, the sample exhibits a low magnetization of 5.30 emu/g at 300 K. Moreover, Ms is raised to 22 emu/g at 10 K owing to decreased thermal effects. The temperature dependence of the magnetization is recorded in the presence of a 1 T applied field. HEA exhibits superior neutron attenuation properties than conventional absorption materials such as B4C, graphite, and water. Our results showed that the synthesized HEA has superiority over other alloys and conventional neutron absorption materials. It can be concluded that the proposed novel HEA might be investigated further in terms of broadening its characterization and clarifying its other crucial properties to extend the scope of the current investigation.

FORMATION OF TEST IMPACTS FOR THE FIRST LEVEL OF THE INFORMATION AND MEASUREMENT SYSTEM

The issue of increasing the efficiency of coffee grinding systems thanks to non-dismantling test control of metrological characteristics of information and measurement systems remains relevant today, despite the fact that both domestic and foreign scientists continue to deal with this issue. Test control methods are widely used in various industries, and grinding systems are no exception. In addition to the factors affecting the coffee grinding process, it is necessary to take into account the change in the metrological characteristics of both the individual components of the equipment and the information and measurement system as a whole. Since the grinding process is dynamic, it is necessary to carry out test control of the equipment without stopping work. There is a need for non-dismantling test control by forming additive and multiplicative test effects at the first level of the information and measurement system. The difficulty is that when building a mathematical model of the process, it is practically impossible to take into account dynamic changes on the object, which can be both linear and non-linear. The specified feature of the grinding process makes it necessary to move to the creation of a situational system with fuzzy logic, which can help in determining the optimal relationship between the characteristics of the technological equipment to ensure the minimum value of the dynamic error. The Mamdani fuzzy inference construction method was chosen in the work to create a situational system with fuzzy logic. This algorithm is most common when it is necessary to help a metrological engineer in making a decision. With the help of a graphical user interface, a situational system with fuzzy logic was built for the first level of the information and measurement system, which is able to determine such parameters that will ensure the minimum value of the dynamic error of the grinding system when working out the action of additive and multiplicative test effects. The use of the presented approach can be extended to the class of problems of determining the optimal ratio between disparate parameters to obtain the best result.

Construction of Characteristic Measurement System for Ordinary Road Friction

Construction of Characteristic Measurement System for Ordinary Road Friction

Unmanned aerial vehicle based tree canopy characteristics measurement for precision spray applications

The critical components for applying the correct amount of agrochemicals are fruit tree characteristics such as canopy height, canopy volume, and canopy coverage. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based tree canopy characteristics measurement system was developed using image processing approaches. The UAV captured images using a high-resolution red-green-blue (RGB) camera. A digital surface model (DSM) and a digital terrain model (DTM) were generated from the captured images. A tree canopy height map was generated from the subtraction of DSM and DTM. A total of 24 apple trees were randomly targeted to measure the canopy characteristics. Region of interest (ROI) was generated across the boundary of each targeted tree. The height of all pixels within each ROI was computed separately. The pixel with maximum height was considered as the height of the respective tree. For computing canopy volume, the sum of all pixel heights from individual ROI was multiplied by the square of ground sample distance (GSD) of 5.69 mm·pixel−1. A segmentation method was employed to calculate the canopy coverage of the individual trees. The segmented canopy pixel area was divided by the total pixel area within the ROI. The results showed an average relative error of 0.2 m(6.64%) while comparing automatically measured tree height with ground measurements. For tree canopy volume, a mean absolute error of 0.25 m3 and a root mean square error of 0.33 m3 were achieved. The study estimated the possible agrochemical requirement for spraying the fruit trees, ranging from 0.1 to 0.32 l based on tree canopy volumes. The overall investigations suggest that the UAV-based tree canopy characteristics measurements could be a potential tool to calculate the pesticide requirement for precision spraying applications in tree fruit orchards.

Asphalt Interface Based on Abaqus Asphalt Pavement Temperature Field and Aggregate Morphological Characteristics Measurement System

To reveal the adhesion behavior of the aggregate - asphalt interface under water-temperature coupling, the temperature field of the asphalt pavement was simulated and analyzed based on Abaqus, and the morphology of the aggregate was analyzed using the Aggregate Morphological Characteristic Measurement System (AIMS II) to investigate the adhesion behavior of the asphalt interface under water-temperature coupling. The Abaqus software was used to study the temperature distribution pattern of the pavement structure of the dependent project and to construct a regional characteristic distribution model for Zhejiang Province. On this basis, aggregate texture shaping equipment was developed, aggregate morphological characteristics were tested with the aid of the Aggregate Morphological Characteristics Inspection System (AIMS II), the water immersion weighing method was used to evaluate the aggregate - asphalt interface adhesion, and the relationship between aggregate morphological characteristics and macroscopic adhesion was established. The study shows that there is a linear negative correlation between sphericity and mass loss rate, a linear positive correlation between gradient angles and mass loss rate, and an optimum value for aggregate surface texture. Using a modified 'sandwich' pulling test, four lithologies of limestone, basalt, granite and sandstone were selected to investigate the effect of environmental factors such as water and temperature on the adhesion of the aggregate to the asphalt interface. The results showed that the interfacial bonding performance of the aggregate and asphalt increased as the heating temperature of the aggregate increased, while the interfacial bonding performance of the aggregate and asphalt weakened as the water immersion time increased. The research results have certain theoretical guidance significance for enhancing the water damage resistance of asphalt mixes.

Study on the Transient Characteristic Measurement System of DC Current Transformer

Nowadays, thirteen ultra-high voltage direct current (UHVDC) transmission projects have commissioned in China, including Jinping-Sunan, Fulong-Fengxian, Yibin-Jinhua project, and so forth. Meanwhile, another two UHVDC transmission projects are under construction. The highest UHVDC voltage level is ±1100kV. The HVDC transmission is superior in high capacity and long transmission distance, and its control response put forward higher requirements for the transient characteristics of DC current transformer. At present, there is no test method and equipment for testing the transient characteristics of the DC current transformer. Therefore, mastering the transient response characteristics of operating DC current transformer remains to be a challenge. In this paper, a transient test system of DC current transformer is developed, which includes a step current output unit, a high precision acquisition unit and a calibrator algorithm. The system was used to test the rising time, maximum overshoot and transient delay of the DC current transformers installed on the pole line and valve outlet. This study can clarify the influence factors of the transient characteristics of DC transformer on the control and protection system of UHVDC, and can define the principle of selecting the transformer parameters to meet the requirements of the control and protection system of UHVDC. The results of this study have great significance to improve the performance of UHVDC control and protection system.

Aging Monitoring Method of Bond Wires-Based on Phase-Frequency Characteristics of Differential Mode Conducted Interference Signal for IGBT Module

This paper presents an on-line monitoring method of IGBT module bond wires aging based on the phase-frequency characteristics (PFCs) of differential mode (DM) interference signal. Firstly, the collector current variation during IGBT chip switching is analyzed, and the relationship between the aging degree of bond wires and the PFCs of DM interference signal is studied; Secondly, a phase angle characteristic measurement system of DM interference signal is built and used to online monitor the aging of bond wires in IGBT module; Finally, taking the buck converter composed of IGBT module as the equipment under tested, the interference signal is extracted by the RF current probe and processed by the low-pass filter and signal amplifier, then the phase angle characteristics are measured by the oscilloscope board to realize the on-line monitoring of the bond wires aging of IGBT module. The experimental results show that compared with buck converter with healthy IGBT module, the phase angle of DM interference signal in Buck Converter with aging IGBT module is reduced. The proposed method does not need expensive equipment such as spectrum analyzer, and only needs to monitor the aging state of bond wires in IGBT module online through oscilloscope board. Besides, the research method in this paper provides an approximate linear monitoring method for bonding wire lift-off.

High-Precision Surface Scattering Measurement System and Uncertainty Analysis Applied in Laser Protective Materials Diagnostics

The current measurement system of surface scattering rate applied in laser protective materials has the defects of low accuracy, discontinuous diagnosis region and narrow infrared measuring waveband. In order to make up for these shortcomings, a high-precision material-surface-scattering-rate measurement system based on a three-hole integrating sphere is proposed, which can realize the high-precision quantitative measurement on any region of coating surface from near-infrared to far-infrared band. Firstly, a new quantitative relationship between the luminous flux received by detector and the surface scattering rate of coating is obtained by modifying the existing integrating sphere scattering model. Secondly, a high-precision scattering characteristic measurement system based on a three-hole integrating sphere is designed and achieved. The influence of the main design parameters of the integrating sphere on the expected measuring accuracy of the system is investigated by using a TracePro simulation. Accordingly, the optimal design parameters of the system are given. Then, the main sources of the relative measurement uncertainty for the scattering rate are investigated experimentally, and four main relative uncertainty factors are evaluated quantitatively. Finally, according to the error propagation theory, the total experimental relative measurement uncertainty of the system is obtained, which is ±2.22% and 26–56% higher than the current measuring accuracy. The new coating-scattering-rate measurement system proposed in this paper can provide an effective experimental detection means for high-precision quantitative measurement and a performance evaluation for laser-protective-coating surface-scattering rate.

Development and preliminary application of a minimum axle-distance triaxial measurement system for the acoustic characteristics of marine sediments

The seabed sediments have different original stress states. It is of great significance to study the acoustic characteristics of sediments in different stress states. By adding an acoustic device into the geotechnical Global Digital Systems (GDS) stress path triaxial system, a minimum axle-distance triaxial measurement system for the acoustic properties of seabed sediments is developed. The GDS triaxial system is used to simulate the in-situ stress state of sediments, and the acoustic measurement system is used to measure the sound attenuation and sound velocity of them. The reliability of the developed measurement system is verified by the pure water calibration test. Then, the sound attenuation and sound velocity of triaxial specimens of the sandy sediments in Hangzhou Bay, China, are tested with different effective stresses and excitation frequencies. Test results are consistent with the existing acoustic theory of marine sediments, which verifies the effectiveness of the developed measurement system. It indicates that the developed measurement system can be applied to study the acoustic properties of seabed sediments in different original seabed stress states.

Development of a gravimetric fuel measurement system for the evaluation of engine performance physical parameters

This paper presents the implementation and design features of a gravimetric-based fuel consumption system. The proposed system comprises a gravimetric balance with serial output, a fuel pump, and a control valve that are integrated into a complete engine test bench via Arduino UNO®. The study implements an instrumentation methodology to minimize measurement disturbance and error propagation, which represents a major concern in engine experimental testing. Moreover, an interactive virtual environment is developed to reinforce user interaction via LabView™. Results demonstrated that the proposed measurement system features robust and reliable operation while maintaining negligible disturbance and overall uncertainty ranging from 0.010-0.23 g/s. Additionally, it was evidenced that the measurement system allows the analysis of key parameters to evaluate engine performance. The study of the fuels blends shows that the ethanol content causes a 6.8% increase in brake specific fuel consumption and a 4% decrease in the brake thermal efficiency. Due to the low cost of the developed measurement system can be easily adapted to test bench laboratories to promote a better learning process and in industrial sectors for better energy management.

Comparative Experimental Investigation on Optimal Parametric Array Types.

As a sound transmitting device that relies on the nonlinearity of a medium, a parametric array (PA) can generate high-directivity low-frequency signals using a small aperture transducer and high-frequency signals. Despite their relatively low source level, the PA is frequently used to measure the acoustic properties of materials in low-frequency regions owing to their high directivity in confined acoustic water tanks. Therefore, methods for improving the source level of secondary signals are of interest. Currently, there are two driving methods for PA: the dual-frequency PA and the broadband PA with amplitude modulation. In this study, we share the results of an elaborate and comparative experimental investigation of these two driving methods. Comparisons are made and discussed in terms of the intensity of the generated secondary signal and its characteristics in the frequency domain. Based on these factors, we confirmed that the broadband PA was more suitable as the sound source of the low-frequency characteristic measurement system of acoustic materials.

The characteristics of nonprofit performance measurement systems

The last ten years have seen a plethora of organisational studies related to nonprofit organisations (NPOs). Regarding performance measures, the initial approach of NPOs is to adapt models and processes developed in a for-profit context. The NPO performance measurement literature suggests that these models fail in addressing the unique characteristics of NPOs relating to their dynamic and complex environments. The research presented in this paper focus is on organisational performance related studies, and it covers private companies’ foundations, technological and professional institutes, and public or government agencies and departments. Ten cases were studied, and the results could not be generalised for NPOs but could be understood in the three different contexts and organisations studied. Foundations are strongly connected to their private supporter, and they are responsible for actions in terms of social responsibility and accountability. Independent institutes are project-oriented organisations that serve specific purposes that are defined by multiple stakeholders, and strongly influenced by the context in which they operate. Public service and government institutions have their operations ruled by an office term period institutional planning framework that deploys government programs and produces performance reports as they have high demands for transparency and accountability.

Characteristics of supplier performance measurement systems in collaborative innovation projects: the role of the purchasing department

PurposeIn the wake of the growing popularity of the open innovation approach, leveraging suppliers as external sources of innovation has attracted increasing interest from scholars and practitioners. Successful supplier involvement largely depends on an effective performance measurement process, but both supply chain management and innovation management literature have paid limited attention to this aspect. This paper aims to fill this gap by illustrating how companies measure the performance of the suppliers involved in their innovation projects and what role is played by the purchasing department.Design/methodology/approachThis study interviews project stakeholders from nine different organizations acting as focal companies in the supply chains of various industries. This paper complements this on-field information with a vast amount of data collected from secondary project documents. Structured data coding and analysis allow us to discuss how companies redesign their performance measurement systems to ease the collaboration with suppliers in innovation and what factors underly these decisions.FindingsThe findings show that, in many cases, supplier performance measurement systems deviate from their typical characteristics to support collaboration in innovation projects. They integrate quantitative and qualitative measures, include contributions from different project stakeholders and are oriented toward high visibility and transparency with suppliers. A more substantial redesign of these systems is favored when purchasing is assigned to strategic project responsibilities and possesses higher absorptive capacity.Originality/valueThe results complement the knowledge for the supply chain management field, where supplier performance measurement systems have been discussed in the context of traditional buyer-supplier relationships, but not comprehensively in innovation projects and not considering the role of purchasing. Findings also contribute to the innovation management literature, which has mostly focused on what aspects need to be measured for innovation partners, rather than how to manage the performance measurement process in practice.

Thermal Properties and Key Groups Evolution of Low-Temperature Oxidation for Bituminous Coal under Lean-Oxygen Environment.

To deeply explore the spontaneous combustion disaster of coal caused by air leakage and oxygen supply, low-temperature coal oxidation experiments under different oxygen concentrations (DOC) were carried out. Within the coal spontaneous combustion characteristic measurement system, a synchronous thermal analyzer (STA) and a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), the macro laws of gas and heat generation under DOC are analyzed, and the mechanism of the development of coal spontaneous combustion restricted by the lean-oxygen environment is also revealed. The results show that the change of oxygen concentration (OC) does not affect the critical temperature value and gas index change trend, but the lean-oxygen environment reduces the gas concentration and heat production rate very obviously. According to the temperature of the intersection, OC needs to be lowered to less than 5% when preventing spontaneous combustion of coal. The chain thermal reaction lags in the lean-oxygen environment, and the pyrolysis activity is significantly reduced. Meanwhile, the temperature points at T6 and T7 show significant differences. Furthermore, with increasing OC and temperature, the content of the aliphatic hydrocarbon presents an overall trend of first increasing, then decreasing, and continuously increasing after stage IV. It is concluded that •OH, aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, and carboxyl groups are the key groups for the coal spontaneous combustion evolution under DOC. To combine the spontaneous combustion reaction of coal in the DOC environment, the reaction path of the index gas in the macroscopic phenomenon and the reason for the concentration differences are revealed, the mechanism for exotherm varies caused by OC is clarified, and the microscopic inhibition affection on the chain reaction within the lean-oxygen environment is also explored. The results put forward the key groups evolution mechanism under the DOC for coal oxidation, which could provide the technical guidance for the fire prevention and control on coal mines.

Development of a special cell for optical and electrochemical measurements using 3D printing and modern electronic base

A special design of the measuring cell was proposed, which makes it possible to determine the optical and electrochemical characteristics of thin-film electrochromic electrodes simultaneously. Also, the proposed cell provides constant temperature control using a small-sized thermostating unit built on Peltier elements and digital boards of W1209 thermostats. The cell was made using 3D printing with ABS plastic by the fused deposition method (FDM), followed by a sealing stage using a solution of polymethyl methacrylate dissolved in dichloroethane. In the course of the research, the use of a green laser with a wavelength of 520 nm was substantiated. Separately, the linearity of optical readings, the dependence of the indicators of the optical characteristics measurement system on temperature, as well as the uniformity of electrolyte heating in the cell, were studied. In addition, the pattern of the electric field was determined, which was an indicator of the uniformity of the current density distribution on the measured electrode. The obtained dependences made it possible to assert that the characteristics of the cell and the measuring system as a whole are suitable for the stated research purposes. It was also shown that the cost of the cell, together with the optical measuring system and the constant temperature control system, is more than two times cheaper than simple electrochemical cells offered by manufacturers. The proposed algorithm for the development of the cell design, the approach to the selection of components, as well as the given technical details, allow us to manufacture measuring equipment for the specific goals of the researcher. In this case, the given schematic, structural, and hardware solutions can be used separately from each other

Research on Sectional Nominal Mathematical Model of Piezoelectric Pressure Measurement System Based on Quasi-static Calibration

Quasi-static calibration is an important method to obtain the working characteristics of piezoelectric pressure measurement system. However, the straight working line equation, which is obtained by fitting the amplitude of quasi-static pressure pulses, cannot reflect the different response characteristics of piezoelectric pressure measurement systems to quasi-static pressure pulses with different amplitude. In this article, a second-order differential equation with constant coefficients is used to describe the mathematical model of the piezoelectric pressure measurement system. The method to obtain the nominal sectional mathematical model of the piezoelectric pressure measurement system is given. Quasi-static calibration tests show that the response characteristics of piezoelectric pressure measurement system to quasistatic pressure pulses with different amplitude are obviously different. The static sensitivity of the piezoelectric pressure measurement system to quasistatic pressure pulses with different amplitude increases with the increase of pressure amplitude. Compared with the straight working line equation of piezoelectric pressure measurement system, sectional nominal second-order differential equation with constant coefficients can effectively reduce dynamic test errors.