Standard Gauges Research Articles

Bias Adjustment of Long‐Term (1961–2020) Daily Precipitation for China

AbstractThe observation errors in precipitation gauges contribute to diminished precision in precipitation data sets. To reduce the impact of these errors, the World Meteorological Organization Solid Precipitation Intercomparison Experiments recommended the Double Fence Intercomparison Reference as a reference standard for precipitation measurements. This study proposed a new rain, snow, and mixed precipitation adjustment method for national standard precipitation gauges, using DFIR‐measured precipitation as the standard values. This method was used to adjust for systematic errors, including wind‐induced errors, wetting loss, and trace precipitation, in precipitation data collected by 785 stations in China from 1961 to 2020. After bias adjustment, the annual precipitation increased by 6.1–177.9 mm (with an average of 52.7 mm), accounting for 3.3%–52.1% (8.9%) of the total precipitation. The average annual error‐adjustment amounts for wind‐induced error, wetting loss, and trace precipitation were 21.9 (3.6% of total precipitation), 26.6 (4.7%), and 4.2 mm (1.3%), respectively. The adjustment percentage in winter was higher than that in summer, with the high‐adjusted‐percentage regions predominantly located in areas with drought, high proportion of snowfall, and strong wind speeds. Additionally, the annual average error‐adjustment amounts for rain, snow, and mixed precipitation respectively accounted for 5.2%, 38.2%, and 17.1% of their corresponding total amounts, indicating the significance of bias adjustment, particularly for snow and mixed precipitation, in the northern and Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau regions. Therefore, bias adjustment is necessary to enhance the accuracy of the precipitation data set in China.

3D Shape Measurement of Aeroengine Blade Based on Fringe Projection Profilometer Improved by Multi-Layer Concentric Ring Calibration.

The precision requirements for aeroengine blade machining are exceedingly stringent. This study aims to improve the accuracy of existing aeroengine blade measurement methods while achieving comprehensive measurement. Therefore, this study proposes a new concentric ring calibration method and designs a multi-layer concentric ring calibration plate. The effectiveness of this calibration method was verified through actual testing of standard ball gauges. Compared with the checkerboard-grid calibration method, the average deviation of the multilayer concentric ring calibration method for measuring the center distance of the standard sphere is 0.02352, which improves the measurement accuracy by 3-4 times. On the basis of multi-layer concentric ring calibration, this study builds a fringe projection profiler based on the three-frequency twelve-step phase shift method. Compared with the CMM, the average deviation of the blade chord length measured by this solution is 0.064, which meets the measurement index requirements of aeroengine fan blades.

Evaluation of precipitation measurement methods using data from a precision lysimeter network

Abstract. Accurate precipitation data are essential for assessing the water balance of ecosystems. Methods for point precipitation determination are influenced by wind, precipitation type and intensity and/or technical issues. High-precision weighable lysimeters provide precipitation measurements at ground level that are less affected by wind disturbances and are assumed to be relatively close to actual precipitation. The problem in previous studies was that the biases in precipitation data introduced by different precipitation measurement methods were not comprehensively compared with and quantified on the basis of those obtained by lysimeters in different regions in Germany. The aim was to quantify measurement errors in standard precipitation gauges as compared to the lysimeter reference and to analyze the effect of precipitation correction algorithms on the gauge data quality. Both correction methods rely on empirical constants to account for known external influences on the measurements, following a generic and a site-specific approach. Reference precipitation data were obtained from high-precision weighable lysimeters of the TERrestrial ENvironmental Observatories (TERENO)-SOILCan lysimeter network. Gauge types included tipping bucket gauges (TBs), weighable gauges (WGs), acoustic sensors (ASs) and optical laser disdrometers (LDs). From 2015-2018, data were collected at three locations in Germany, and 1 h aggregated values for precipitation above a threshold of 0.1 mm h−1 were compared. The results show that all investigated measurement methods underestimated the precipitation amounts relative to the lysimeter references for long-term precipitation totals with catch ratios (CRs) of between 33 %–92 %. Data from ASs had overall biases of −0.25 to −0.07 mm h−1, while data from WGs and LDs showed the lowest measurement bias (−0.14 to −0.06 mm h−1 and −0.01 to −0.02 mm h−1). Two TBs showed systematic deviations with biases of −0.69 to −0.61 mm h−1, while other TBs were in the previously reported range with biases of −0.2 mm h−1. The site-specific and generic correction schemes reduced the hourly measurement bias by 0.13 and 0.08 mm h−1 for the TBs and by 0.09 and 0.07 mm h−1 for the WGs and increased long-term CRs by 14 % and 9 % and by 10 % and 11 %, respectively. It could be shown that the lysimeter reference operated with minor uncertainties in long-term measurements under different site and weather conditions. The results indicate that considerable precipitation measurement errors can occur even at well-maintained and professionally operated stations equipped with standard precipitation gauges. This generally leads to an underestimation of the actual precipitation amounts. The results suggest that the application of relatively simple correction schemes, manual or automated data quality checks, instrument calibrations, and/or an adequate choice of observation period can help improve the data quality of gauge-based measurements for water balance calculations, ecosystem modeling, water management, assessment of agricultural irrigation needs, or radar-based precipitation analyses.

Effects of Wind-Induced Error on the Climatology and Trends of Observed Precipitation in China from 1960 to 2018

Abstract Since the 1950s, precipitation has been measured at national weather stations in China using national standard precipitation gauges. Gauges without a wind fence can significantly underestimate precipitation amounts, while this undercatch bias is closely related to surface wind speed and precipitation type. The observed surface wind speed across China has substantially declined during the past decades. Therefore, this study investigated the wind-induced error of the observed precipitation and its impact on regional and national mean trends in precipitation over China due to the reduction in surface wind speed. It was found that the wind-induced error for the mean annual precipitation nationwide was 29.28 mm yr−1, accounting for 3.92% of total precipitation amount. The variation of precipitation at the regional scale was large but the trends were both positive and negative, approximately cancelling at the national level and resulting in a small national mean trend. The raw observation data showed that the national mean precipitation increased at a rate of 1.85 mm yr−1 (10 a)−1 from 1960 to 2018, which was reduced to 0.33 mm yr−1 (10 a)−1 after correction, demonstrating that the correction of wind-induced error had an important impact on the trend of annual precipitation. Meanwhile, the reduction of surface wind speed was consistent at both the regional and national levels. On average, the wind-induced errors decreased at rates of −1.52, −1.34, and −0.14 mm yr−1 (10 a)−1 for total precipitation, rainfall, and snowfall, respectively. It illustrates that the decreases of the wind-induced error result in the increasing precipitation of raw observation.

Intercomparison measurements from commonly used precipitation gauges in the Qilian Mountains

Precipitation data is vital fundamental data for climate change. However, obtaining precise gauge-measured precipitation in high-altitude mountains is challenging, and the precipitation obtained from various gauge types at the same station may vary. To understand the differences in precipitation observations among the three commonly used gauges in China (Chinese Standard Precipitation Gauges (CSPG), Total Rain weighing Sensor (TRwS), and Geonor T-200B (T200B)) in high-altitude mountains and to recommend a stable and cost-effective weighing gauge, a precipitation intercomparison experiment was conducted at Hulu-1 station in the Qilian Mountains. The wind-induced error in measurement was corrected with the ‘universal’ transfer function recommended by the Word Meteorological Organization. The comparison results, adjusted for systematic errors, showed that the rain, snow and mixed precipitation of CSPG and TRwS equipped with the same octagonal vertical double fence shields (CSPGDF and TRwSDF) and single-Alter shields (CSPGs and TRwSs) were close, while the precipitation of Tretyakov-shielded T200B was notably higher than that of CSPGs and TRwSs. The average differences in annual and daily precipitation between CSPGDF and TRwSDF from 2017 to 2021 were 12.9 mm and 0.10 mm, respectively. The daily precipitation difference between CSPGs and TRwSs from April 2019–December 2021 was 0.10 mm, while the differences between T200Bs and CSPGs and TRwSs was 0.28 mm and 0.38 mm, respectively. The wind shield performance of Alter and Tretyakov was not much different at Hulu-1 site with low wind speed, thus the measurement principle of T200Bs was the primary cause of the high observations. Taking the corrected CSPGDF measurement as the standard, the dynamic loss of CSPGs was 17.6%, while that of CSPGUn was 55.6%, indicating that the single-Alter shield could effectively reduce the impact of wind on precipitation measurement. Considering the comparison results and the price difference of the instruments, it was recommended to use a single-Alter shielded TRwS gauge for precipitation observation in high-altitude mountains.

Observations and simulations of the meteotsunami generated by the Tonga eruption on 15 January 2022 in the Mediterranean Sea

SUMMARYThe 15 January 2022 eruption of the Hunga–Tunga volcano generated a Lamb pressure wave propagating all over the globe and triggering a tsunami throughout the planet. A first atmospheric wave arrived 16 hr after the eruption on the French Mediterranean coasts and propagated southward. A second one originating from Africa was observed 4 hr later with an attenuated amplitude. The first wave can be roughly defined either by a N wave or a sinusoid signal with a period close to 50 min and an amplitude of 130 Pa. In the Mediterranean Sea, the tsunami was recorded by almost all standard coastal tide gauges or pressure gauges. The French tide gauge stations recorded water waves with amplitudes ranging from a few centimetres to 10 cm and with periods ranging from 10 min to 1 hr. Numerical simulation of the tsunami is performed by the operational code Taitoko for different atmospheric sources. Non-linear shallow water equations are solved by a finite-difference method, using the nested multigrid approach. The tsunami is generated by calculating analytically the atmospheric pressure gradient in the momentum equations. Comparisons of time-series between numerical solutions and records are satisfactory for most tide-gauges along the French Mediterranean coast. Sensitivity analysis on the atmospheric source and on the resolution is performed. For most tide-gauge stations, numerical results show that the wave forms depend first on local resonance phenomena.

The Prospect of Using the Dual Gauge Line for the Ukraine–Hungary Railway Connection

There are several international transport corridors in Hungary. Záhony railway station is one of the largest hubs in Europe, providing a railway connection between Ukraine and the European Union. Two different railway tracks meet and come together here, such as the standard (1435 mm) and broad (1520 mm) gauges. The availability of a developed infrastructure of the dual gauge on the territory of Hungary presupposes the corresponding development of the railway connection by Ukraine. In order to effectively use the dual gauge line and solve problems of special design, it is necessary to ensure the appropriate train flows. This research aims to provide scientific support for express analysis of the railway routes' competitiveness between Ukraine and the European Union to define the determining factors. The application of such approaches provides a tool for establishing the prospects for the development of existing railway lines, considering their features. Scientific approaches to creating methods for determining the priority areas of railway transport have been further developed. Apart from involving such essential indices as average speed and traffic volumes, the authors added the possibility of considering the presence of lines with such design features as single-track sections, non-electrified, dual gauge, etc., on the route. The theoretical background is applied as a tool for rapid calculations for increasing the competitiveness of the Chop–Záhony dual gauge line.

Geogrid stabilisation application – review of strain measurement methods, research and implications on design approaches

Geogrids have been used in the construction industry for stabilisation applications for decades, however, there is still a lot of conflicting information relating to the mechanical properties required to achieve this stabilisation function. Many designers adopt traditional tensile strength against tensile strain approaches that reflect membrane effect and ignore the actual mechanism of interlock and confinement. Recent ISO 10318-1:2015 defines geogrid stabilisation function by means of aggregate interlock and confinement, whereas tensile strength is seen as a function of reinforcement. Researchers across the globe have attempted to quantify the strain developed in geogrid used in a stabilising function exposed to heavy loads. Instruments used for monitoring typically comprise of standard wire strains gauges, fibre optics or foil strain gauges. Considering the harsh construction environment where the geogrids, and hence the strain gauges are exposed to damage or penetration by sharp aggregate edges, installation of sophisticated and sensitive monitoring systems can be challenging. There are several issues that can affect monitoring results such as the size of the monitoring instrument or the ability to achieve an adequate bond to the grid. Monitoring results have a major influence on geotechnical design and how practitioners perceive stabilisation mechanism in geogrids. Whilst the mechanisms of interlock and increased confinement have been studied, there still exists few design tools to provide designers with a straightforward analysis. This paper reviews research on the methods for in-situ strain measurement of geogrid installed in a stabilisation function, summarises results obtained by researchers and provides a summary of how these are reflected in geotechnical design approaches for geogrid stabilised soil.

Validation and comparison between two warfarin dosing clinical algorithms and warfarin fixed dosing in specialized heart center: cross-sectional study.

Warfarin is well known as a narrow therapeutic index that has prodigious variability in response which challenges dosing adjustment for the maintenance of therapeutic international normalized ratio. However, an appreciated population not on new oral anticoagulants may still need to be stabilized with warfarin dosing. The current study's main objective was to validate and compare two models of warfarin clinical algorithm models namely the Gage and the International Warfarin Pharmacogenetics Consortium (IWPC) with warfarin 5 mg fixed standard dosing strategy in a sample of Sudanese subjects. We have conducted a cross-sectional study recruited from the out-patient clinic at a tertiary specialized heart center. We included subjects with unchanged warfarin dose (stabilized), and with therapeutic international normalized ratio. The predicted doses of warfarin in the two models were calculated by three different methods (accuracy, clinical practicality, and the clinical safety of the clinical algorithms). The primary outcomes were the measurements of the clinical (accuracy, practicality, and safety) in each of the two clinical algorithms models compared to warfarin 5 mg fixed standard dose strategy. We have enrolled 71 Sudanese subjects with mean age (51.7 ± 14 years), of which (49, 69.0%) were females. There was no significant difference between the warfarin 5 mg fixed standard dose strategy and the predicted doses of the two clinical algorithm models (MAE 1.44, 1.45, and 1.49 mg/day [P =0.4]) respectively. In the clinical practicality, all of the three models had a high percent of subjects (95.0%, 51.9%, and 66.7%) in the ideal dose range in middle dose group (3-7 mg/ day) for warfarin 5 mg fixed standard dosing strategy, Gage, and IWPC clinical algorithm models respectively. However, a small percent of subjects was exhibited in the warfarin low dose group ≤ 3 mg/day (0.0%, 15.0%, and 10.0%) and warfarin high dose group ≥ 7 mg/day (0.0%, 33.3%, and 33.3%) for warfarin 5 mg fixed standard dosing strategy, Gage, and IWPC clinical algorithms respectively. In terms of clinical safety, the percent of subjects with severely over-prediction were 28.2%, 22.5%, and 22.5% for warfarin 5 mg fixed standard dosing, Gage, and IWPC, respectively. While the percent of severely under-prediction was 12.7%, 7.0%, and 5.6% for the warfarin 5 mg fixed standard dosing, Gage, and IWPC, respectively. The Gage and IWPC clinical algorithm models were accurate, more clinically practical, and clinically safe than warfarin 5 mg standard dosing in the study population. The cardiologist can use either models (Gage and IWPC) to stratify subjects for accurate, practical, and clinically safe warfarin dosing..

Toward background field independence within the Gribov horizon

We introduce a background gauge akin to the Landau-DeWitt gauge but deformed by the presence of a gauge parameter for the quantization of Euclidean Yang-Mills theories. In the limit where the background field vanishes, standard linear covariant gauges are recovered. This gauge allows for an explicit investigation of the effects of infinitesimal Gribov copies and their impact to background and gauge parameter dependence of physical correlators. Similarly to linear covariant gauges, the introduction of gauge-invariant dressed fields is essential to restore the Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST) symmetry. Hence, we construct a BRST symmetric action in linear covariant background gauges which eliminates regular infinitesimal Gribov copies in analogy to the recently introduced BRST invariant (refined) Gribov-Zwanziger action. The issue of background dependence and its relation to gauge parameter dependence is discussed in the light of nonperturbative effects driven by the elimination of Gribov copies.

Calibration of piezoresistive shape-memory alloy strain sensors

Continuous strain measurement on fibre-reinforced structures demands mechanical sensors with superior fatigue resistance. Shape-memory alloy wires are predestined for strain sensors utilising their strong piezo-resistance. Calibration of these sensors is necessary in order to extract mechanical data. Therefore, four-point bending of glass-fibre reinforced plastic specimens with applied strain sensors and an optical reference measuring system is used to calibrate and compare shape-memory alloy sensors and standard strain gauges. The gauge factor and its standard deviation is successfully measured by this calibration method. Shape-memory alloy sensors show strain-dependent gauge factor whilst standard strain gauges show a constant strain sensitivity, both with a narrow stochastic distribution. Shape-memory alloy mechanical sensors are reliable to determine strain of fibre-reinforced structures. This offers the possibility to use them in structural health monitoring applications of such structures. Consequently, the four-point bending calibration using glass-fibre reinforced specimens represents a suitable possibility for calibration of strain sensors exposed to higher strain amplitudes.

The effect of thinking style on dynamic systems performance: The mediating role of stock-flow understanding

Dynamism is an important characteristic of many systems, including those of an economic nature. These systems include stocks (i.e., accumulations) and flows (i.e., inflows and outflows) that change the stock's level. Previous studies show that rational thinking positively influences decision making and performance in dynamic systems. This paper reports on two studies designed to examine whether rational thinking improves performance in dynamic systems both directly and indirectly through stock-flow understanding. An inventory management task known as the near-beer game measures dynamic systems performance. The first study uses two standard gauges of rational thinking: the Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT) and Rational-Experiential Inventory (REI-40). The results of this study support the hypothesis that rational thinking has a significant positive direct effect on performance, as well as a significant indirect effect through stock-flow understanding. The second study uses a one-factor experimental design with three levels for thinking mode manipulation, including rational thinking, intuitive thinking, and control conditions. The results support only an indirect effect in which rational thinking improves stock-flow understanding and, in turn, dynamic systems performance. Taken together, the two studies indicate that rational thinking in chronic and situational forms improves stock-flow understanding and performance in dynamic systems.

Precise water level measurements using low-cost GNSS antenna arrays

Abstract. We have developed a ground-based Global Navigation Satellite System Reflectometry (GNSS-R) technique for monitoring water levels with a comparable precision to standard tide gauges (e.g. pressure transducers) but at a fraction of the cost and using commercial products that are straightforward to assemble. As opposed to using geodetic-standard antennas that have been used in previous GNSS-R literature, we use multiple co-located low-cost antennas to retrieve water levels via inverse modelling of signal-to-noise ratio data. The low-cost antennas are advantageous over geodetic-standard antennas not only because they are much less expensive (even when using multiple antennas in the same location) but also because they can be used for GNSS-R analysis over a greater range of satellite elevation angles. We validate our technique using arrays of four antennas at three test sites with variable tidal forcing and co-located operational tide gauges. The root mean square error between the GNSS-R and tide gauge measurements ranges from 0.69–1.16 cm when using all four antennas at each site. We find that using four antennas instead of a single antenna improves the precision by 30 %–50 % and preliminary analysis suggests that four appears to be the optimum number of co-located antennas. In order to obtain precise measurements, we find that it is important for the antennas to track GPS, GLONASS and Galileo satellites over a wide range of azimuth angles (at least 140∘) and elevation angles (at least 30∘). We also provide software for analysing low-cost GNSS data and obtaining GNSS-R water level measurements.

Impact of Internets of Things (IOT) in retail sector

The Internet of Things is an increasingly important scientific, social and economic topic. Combined with the internet connectedness and the robust data analysis capabilities promising to change the way we operate, live, and play is consumer products, durable goods, automobiles and vehicles, manufacturing and service components, sensors, and other everyday items. IoT's Internet and economic impact projections are remarkable. The Internet of Things (IoT) promotes growth and new opportunities in the computer domain by bringing every protest, shopper, and activity. In the meantime, pushing organizations, by summarizing each delegate, implement comparable changes within their companies. Furthermore, manage administration. The expansion and choice of standard gauges of associated gadgets combined with improved, cheaper innovation steps only extend IoT-competent skills across companies.

Creep adjustment of strain gauges based on granular NiCr-carbon thin films

Abstract. An important property of high-precision mechanical sensors such as force transducers or torque sensors is the so-called creep error. It is defined as the signal deviation over time at a constant load. Since this signal deviation results in a reduced accuracy of the sensor, it is beneficial to minimize the creep error. Many of these sensors consist of a metallic spring element and strain gauges. In order to realize a sensor with a creep error of almost zero, it is necessary to compensate for the creep behavior of the metallic spring element. This can be achieved by creep adjustment of the used strain gauges. Unlike standard metal foil strain gauges with a gauge factor of 2, a type of strain gauges based on sputter-deposited NiCr-carbon thin films on polymer substrates offers the advantage of an improved gauge factor of about 10. However, for this type of strain gauge, creep adjustment by customary methods is not possible. In order to remedy this disadvantage, a thorough creep analysis is carried out. Five major influences on the creep error of force transducers equipped with NiCr-carbon thin-film strain gauges are examined, namely, the material creep of the metallic spring element (1), the creep (relaxation) of the polymer substrate (2), the composition of the thin film (3), the strain transfer to the thin film (4), and the kind of strain field on the surface of the transducer (5). Consequently, we present two applicable methods for creep adjustment of NiCr-carbon thin- film strain gauges. The first method addresses the intrinsic creep behavior of the thin film by a modification of the film composition. With increasing Cr content (at the expense of Ni, the intrinsic negative creep error can be shifted towards zero. The second method is not based on the thin film itself but rather on a modification of the strain transfer from the polyimide carrier to the thin film. This is achieved by controlled cutting of well-defined deep trenches into the polymer substrate via a picosecond laser.

ПРОЕКТИРОВАНИЕ КАЛИБРА-СКОБЫ ДЛЯ КОНТРОЛЯ ДИАМЕТРА ПРОМЕЖУТОЧНОГО ВАЛА ПРИ РЕМОНТЕ ДВИГАТЕЛЕЙ ЗМЗ

Two goals can be achieved in repair production when controlling linear dimensions, depending on the task at hand. First, measurement is taken to determine the size of the controlled part in absolute terms. Then, the size of the controlled part is determined within the prescribed maximum deviations. According to the measurement results, the part is classifi ed as suitable or rejected. The second goal is achieved with the help of calibers, which signifi cantly increases the speed and reduces the labor intensity of control. But standard gauges are not available for repair dimensions and tolerances, so an individual approach is required. The authors off er a snap-gauge project including staples for serial repair production to control the diameter of the front journal of the countershaft of ZMZ engines during repairs. The technology includes grinding for a sleeve of the repair size and ensuring the quality of fi t in the joint of 48.8 mm. The tolerance for the production of the go and no-go sides equals 7 microns. To provide a margin for wear, the shift into the tolerance fi eld by the go side of the snap-gauge should amount to 6 microns. The calculated limiting wear value equals +5 microns. To control the dimensions of the working snap-gauge during operation, it is necessary to use a control gauge. The authors determined the tolerance for the dimensions of the control gauge that equals 2.5 microns and established the limiting dimensions of the gauge. Taking into account the obtained values, the authors have constructed a diagram of the tolerance fi elds of the snap-gauge for controlling the shaft size of 48.8 mm with upper and lower deviations of –0.041 mm and –0.016 mm, respectively, and made a sketch of the developed measuring instrument.

Design and Construction of an Instrumentation System to Capture the Response of Advanced Materials Impacted by Intense Proton Pulses

In recent years, significant efforts were taken at CERN and other high‐energy physics laboratories to study and predict the consequences of particle beam impacts on devices such as collimators, targets, and dumps. The quasi‐instantaneous beam impact raises complex dynamic phenomena which may be simulated resorting to implicit codes, for what concerns the elastic or elastoplastic solid regime. However, when the velocity of the produced stress waves surpasses the speed of sound and we enter into the shock regime, highly nonlinear numerical tools, called Hydrocodes, are usually necessary. Such codes, adopting very extensive equations of state, are also able to well reproduce events such as changes of phase, spallation, and explosion of the target. In order to derive or validate constitutive numerical models, experiments were performed in the past years at CERN HiRadMat facility. This work describes the acquisition system appositely developed for such experiments, whose main goal is to verify, mostly in real time, the response of matter when impacted by highly energetic proton beams. Specific focus is given to one of the most comprehensive testing campaigns, named “HRMT‐14.” In this experiment, energy densities with peaks up to 20 kJ/cm3 were achieved on targets of different materials (metallic alloys, graphite, and diamond composites), by means of power pulses with a population up to 3 × 1013 p at 450 GeV. The acquisition relied on embarked instrumentation (strain gauges, temperature probes, and vacuum sensors) and on remote acquisition devices (laser Doppler vibrometer and high‐speed camera). Several studies have been performed to verify the dynamic behaviour of the standard strain gauges and the related cabling in the chosen range of acquisition frequency (few MHz). The strain gauge measurements were complemented by velocity measurements performed using a customised long‐range laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) operating in the amplitude range of 24 m/s; the LDV, together with the high‐speed video camera (HSVC), has been placed at a distance of 40 m from the target to minimize radiation damage. In addition, due to the large number of measuring points, a radiation‐hard multiplexer switch has been used during the experiment: this system was designed to fulfil the multiple requirements in terms of bandwidth, contact resistances, high channel reduction, and radiation resistance. Shockwave measurements and intense proton pulse effects on the instrumentation are described, and a brief overlook of the comparison of the results of the acquisition devices with simulations, performed with the finite element tool Autodyn, is given. Generally, the main goal of such experiments is to benchmark and improve material models adopted on the tested materials in explicit simulations of particle beam impact, a design scenario in particle accelerators, performed by means of Autodyn. Simulations based on simplified strain‐dependent models, such as Johnson–Cook, are run prior to the experiment. The model parameters are then updated in order to fit the experimental response, under a number of load cases to ensure repeatability of the model. This paper, on the other hand, mostly focuses on the development of the DAQ for HiRadMat experiments, and in particular for HRMT‐14. Such development, together with the test design and run, as well as postmortem examination, spanned over two years, and its fundamental results, mostly in terms of dedicated instrumentation, have been used in all successive HiRadMat experiments as of 2014. This experimental method can also find applications for materials undergoing similarly high strain rates and temperature changes (up to 106 s‐1 and 10.000 K, respectively), for example, in the case of experiments involving fast and intense loadings on materials and structures.

Semantic Segmentation and Scale Recognition–Based Water-Level Monitoring Algorithm

Lin, F.; Yu, Z.; Jin, Q., and You, A., 2020. Semantic segmentation and scale recognition–based water-level monitoring algorithm. In: Hu, C. and Cai, M. (eds.), Geo-informatics and Oceanography. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 105, pp. 185–189. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.Many water-level monitoring places are equipped with standard water gauges and cameras. Measuring the water level by image processing can work automatically, much better than manual observation. Water-level monitoring sites such as river channels and irrigation canals are usually in fields, which makes it difficult to recognize the water gauge. This paper imitates the human behavior of reading the scale of the water gauge and proposes a water-gauge image monitoring algorithm based on deep learning. A semantic segmentation network DeeplabV3+ is used to locate the water gauge in the surveillance image and to crop it. Then, the water-gauge image is divided into multiple regions by binaryzation and K-means clustering algorithm, and each region is recognized by convolutional neural network based on VGG-8. Finally, the water level is calculated according to the results of segmentation and recognition. In the experiment, the accuracy of the water level measured by this method achieves the minimum error of the water gauge. This algorithm has high cost performance.

Age and gender related differences in load-strain response in C57Bl/6 mice.

We examined the changes in mechanical strain response of male and female mouse tibia and ulna, using axial compression tests, to assess age-related changes in tibiae and ulnae by a non-contact strain measurement technique called the digital image correlation (DIC) and the standard strain gage. A unique aspect of the study was to compare bones from the same animal to study variations in behavior with aging. This study was conducted using male and female C57Bl/6 mice at 6, 12 and 22 months of age (N=6-7 per age and sex) using three load levels. The DIC technique was able to detect a greater number of statistically significant differences in comparison to the strain gaging method. Male ulna showed significantly higher DIC strains compared to strains captured from strain gage at all three levels of load at 6 months and in the lowest load at 12 months. DIC measurements revealed that the ulna becomes stiffer with aging for both males and females, which resulted in 0.4 to 0.8 times reduced strains in the 22-month group compared to the 6 month group. Male tibia showed three-fold increased strains in the 22 months group at 11.5 N load compared to 6 months group (p<.05).

Follow-Up Control and Image Recognition of Neck Level for Standard Metal Gauge

An image recognition technique is proposed for determining optimal neck levels for standard metal gauges, in the process of validating pipe provers. A camera-level follow-up control system was designed to achieve automated tracking of fluid levels by a camera, thereby preventing errors from inclined viewing angles. An orange background plate was placed behind the tube to reduce background interference, and highlight scale numbers/lines and concave meniscus. A segmentation algorithm, based on edge detection and K-means clustering, was used to segment indicator tubes and scales in the acquired images. The concave meniscus reconstruction algorithm and curve-fitting algorithm were proposed to better identify the lowest point of the meniscus. A characteristic edge detection model was used to identify centimeter-scale lines corresponding to the meniscus. A binary tree multiclass support vector machine (MCSVM) classifier was then used to identify scale numbers corresponding to scale lines and determine the optimal neck level for standard metal gauges. Experimental results showed that measurement errors were within ±0.1 mm compared to a ground truth acquired manually using Vernier calipers. The recognition time, including follow-up control, was less than 10 s, which is much lower than the switching time required between measuring individual tanks. This automated measurement approach for gauge neck levels can effectively reduce measurement times, decrease manmade errors in liquid level readings, and improve the efficiency of pipe prover validation.