Optimum Structural Design (OSD) has a well established position in Structural Mechanics. Its scope being limited to the simplified computational model of a structure, OSD aims at the precise mathematical treatment of the problem. As a result, a well posed formulation is obtained, with clear conditions regarding existence and uniqueness of the solution. The latter is obtained in an algorithmic way and the required computational effort can be assessed in advance.

The electronic interface, briefly referred to in Chapter 7, will now be discussed in more detail. The role of the electronic or electro-hydraulic interface in the overall control system is indicated in the block diagrams, Fig. 7.2. Its function is to process the low power signal generated by the controller in order to provide a signal compatible with the control element input characteristics. To be able to carry out the above stated function, some ancillary electronic circuit elements may have to be included: (1)

A stabilized DC power supply.

(2)

A digitial-analogue converter.

Zusammenfassung

Die folgenden Ausführungen erfolgen aus der Sicht des praktischen Anwenders der Risikodenkweise. Seit den 60er Jahren haben wir versucht, in einem Team von Ingenieuren und Naturwissenschaftlern diese Denkweise in den verschiedensten Bereichen der Technik einzuführen. Unser Hauptanliegen war es, die entsprechenden Ansätze in der Praxis zu erproben und aufgrund der gemachten Erfahrungen weiterzuentwickeln. Als massgebendes Kriterium galt in erster Linie, ob die Risikodenkweise dazu beiträgt, den EntScheidungsprozess transparenter zu gestalten.

A pitch predictor is used in speech coding systems to remove distant-sample redundancies in speech signals due to the periodicity of voiced segments of speech. This paper describes a backward-adaptive pitch prediction algorithm which operates in conjunction with a backward-adaptive short-term predictor in a low-delay speech coding system operating at 16 kbit/s. Backward prediction in the analysis-by-synthesis environment has been introduced in [1]. The complete low-delay speech codec for which this pitch predictor was designed, Low-Delay Vector Excitation Coding (LD-VXC), will be presented in the companion paper [2]. Backward pitch prediction was been previously mentioned in the literature [3], but in a different environment than what will be discussed in this paper.

The current Gmelin Handbook “Silicon” Suppl. Vol. B 5c is devoted to the application of silicon nitride in electronics. The preparative chemistry, preparation of the various forms (powder, films, bulk, etc.), physical properties, chemical reactions, and applications in engineering ceramics of silicon nitride will be described in the forthcoming Gmelin Handbook “Silicon” Suppl. Vol. B 5a and B 5b.

The problem of the optimal distribution of the reinforcing material added to an existing column with the aim to increase its buckling load is considered in the paper. It is assumed that the stress-strain relation is nonlinear elastic. The authors employ the variational formulation to derive the sensitivity gradients with respect to variable reinforcement distribution, prestress and initial distortions. The formulation of optimal redesign allows for uni- and bimodal buckling. Numerical examples for various geometrical constraints illustrate the theory.

We exhibit a continuous-time adjustment process in cooperative games (on characteristic form) which, under broad hypothesis, is shown to converge towards core solutions. The process lends itself to a natural interpretation: While the payoff is still outside the core, at least some dissatisfied player(s) succeeds in marginally improving his lot. Exactly who will thus obtain how much is a matter of ability and willingness to complain or respond to dissatisfaction,- and this can modelled in various ways. We identify conditions which ensure convergence asymptotically (at exponential rate or not) or in finite time.