Sharif Digital Repository

Standard mathematical-programming-based models have attracted considerable attention for optimizing distribution system planning and operation due to their salient advantages. More specifically, mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) has proven very effective in modeling such problems. The availability of optimization software for efficiently solving MILP problems with guaranteed convergence to optimality while providing a measure of the distance to the optimal solution has made MILP models more popular. Although a plethora of efficient MILP formulations have been proposed for planning and operating studies of distribution grids, incorporating reliability into such models is still... 

By applying shortest path analysis in stochastic networks, we introduce a new approach to obtain the reliability function of time-dependent systems. We assume that not all elements of the system are set to function from the beginning. Upon the failure of each element of the active path in the reliability graph, the system switches to the next path. Then, the corresponding elements are activated, and consequently, the connection between the input and the output is established. It is also assumed that each element exhibits a constant hazard rate and its lifetime is a random variable with exponential distribution. To evaluate the system reliability, we construct a directed stochastic network... 

This paper is concerned with the reliability assessment of a fixed platform operating in intermediate water depth under extreme environmental conditions. The structure is modelled by two-dimensional frame structure and subjected to quasi-static loads. Extreme wave loads acting on the platform in the unidirectioal mode are estimated together with their probabilistic characteristics. Fully plastic capacities of the members are also treated as random variables. The structure is modelled as a plane truss by using beam-column models and the plastic collapse of the structure is evaluated by using a linearized plasticity condition of the section under effect of axial force to generate the safety... 

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the between-days reliability of electromyographic (EMG) measurement of 6 bilateral trunk muscles and also the torque output in 3 planes during isometric right and left axial rotation at different exertion levels. Methods: Ten healthy subjects performed isometric right and left axial rotation at 100, 70, 50 and 30% maximum voluntary contractions in two testing sessions at least 7 days apart. EMG amplitude and frequency analyses of the recorded surface EMG signals were performed for rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, latissimus dorsi, iliocostalis lumborum and multifidus bilaterally. The primary torque in the... 

The time-varying structural reliability of an aeroelastic launch vehicle subjected to stochastic parameters is investigated. The launch vehicle structure is under the combined action of several stochastic loads that include aerodynamics, thrust as well as internal combustion pressure. The launch vehicle's main body structural flexibility is modeled via the normal mode shapes of a free-free Euler beam, where the aerodynamic loadings on the vehicle are due to force on each incremental section of the vehicle. The rigid and elastic coupled nonlinear equations of motion are derived following the Lagrangian approach that results in a complete aeroelastic simulation for the prediction of the... 

Contact wires are critical components of railway overhead infrastructure which provide power for trains. This paper proposes an innovative method to determine the service life of worn contact wires under three failure modes: tension, fatigue, and attrition. The tensile stress, fatigue damage, and cross-section loss of contact wire have been modelled as stochastic processes following lognormal distribution. The first-passage probability method is then used to determine the time-dependent failure probability for contact wires under each failure mode. The service life of the contact wire is determined through system reliability analysis. This method has then been applied to a case study to... 

Ray tracing has been widely accepted as a versatile and reliable method for indoor propagation modeling. Several published articles have addressed the computational efficiency and reliability as the most challenging problems of ray tracing and have presented various solutions. Such challenges are discussed in this paper and some possible solutions are presented  

A reliability improvement program (such as an upgrade action) can be seen as an investment by a dealer to restore a second-hand product to a better operational state. Due to the nature of the actions performed, the item's reliability at the end of this program is usually uncertain. This article develops a stochastic cost-benefit model for investment made in reliability improvement programs for second-hand items sold with failure-free warranty. Depending on the product's lifetime modeling approach, two modifications of the model are considered and are solved for the optimal improvement level. A real case application of the model is presented to validate the proposed approach  

In this paper, the Markov models, eigenvectors and eigenvalue concepts are used to propose a methodology for analyzing the transient reliability of a system with identical components and identical repairmen. The components of the systems under consideration can have two distinct configurations, namely; they can be arranged in series or in parallel. A third case is also considered, in which the system is up (good) if k-out-of-n components are good. For all three cases, a procedure is proposed for calculating the transient probability of the system availability and the duration of the system to reach the steady state. © Sharif University of Technology, February 2007  

The probability of failure estimation of composite structures under applied loads is an inevitable requirement given the uncertainties related to the material properties, loads, and boundary conditions. The properties of composite materials have more scatter due to non-homogeneity and anisotropic characteristics, and manufacturing defects. In this paper, the reliability of S2-Glass/Epoxy laminate composite materials containing a central circular hole under static tensile load is presented. Failure in fiber-reinforced plastic structures, since individual faults in each ply cannot be traced, is a random process due to the scatter caused by the behavior of the material. According to the... 

This paper presents a review of the existing models for the estimation of explosion-induced crushed and cracked zones. The control of these zones is of utmost importance in the rock explosion design, since it aims at optimizing the fragmentation and, as a result, minimizing the fine grain production and recovery cycle. Moreover, this optimization can reduce the damage beyond the set border and align the excavation plan with the geometric design. The models are categorized into three groups based on the approach, i.e., analytical, numerical, and experimental approaches, and for each group, the relevant studies are classified and presented in a comprehensive manner. More specifically, in the... 

By applying shortest path analysis in stochastic networks, we introduce a new approach to obtain the reliability function of time-dependent systems with standby redundancy. We assume that not all elements of the system are set to function from the beginning. Upon the failure of each element of the active path in the reliability graph, the system switches to the next path. Then, the corresponding elements are activated and consequently the connection between the input and the output is established. It is also assumed each element exhibits a constant hazard rate and its lifetime is a random variable with exponential distribution. To evaluate the system reliability, we construct a directed... 

The probability of failure estimation of composite structures under applied loads is an inevitable requirement given the uncertainties related to the material properties, loads, and boundary conditions. The properties of composite materials have more scatter due to non-homogeneity and anisotropic characteristics, and manufacturing defects. In this paper, the reliability of S2-Glass/Epoxy laminate composite materials containing a central circular hole under static tensile load is presented. Failure in fiber-reinforced plastic structures, since individual faults in each ply cannot be traced, is a random process due to the scatter caused by the behavior of the material. According to the... 

Distribution automation (DA) application for fault management in the electricity distribution networks is one of the main potential remedial actions to reduce customers' outage times and hence improve service reliability. As a result, various automation schemes have been developed and introduced in different countries and by different venders. The impacts of implementing a specific automation scheme on reliability indices of a given distribution system can be different from other available automation schemes. For this reason, when comparing the available automation schemes with each other or with the other reliability improvement measures, it is necessary to perform a course of reliability... 

Distribution automation (DA) application for fault management in the electricity distribution networks is one of the main potential remedial actions to reduce customers' outage times and hence improve service reliability. As a result, various automation schemes have been developed and introduced in different countries and by different venders. The impacts of implementing a specific automation scheme on reliability indices of a given distribution system can be different from other available automation schemes. For this reason, when comparing the available automation schemes with each other or with the other reliability improvement measures, it is necessary to perform a course of reliability... 

This paper proposes a stochastic mixed-integer programming (SMIP) model for the reliability-constrained unit commitment (RCUC) problem. The major objective of the paper is to examine both features of accuracy and efficiency of the proposed SMIP model of RCUC. The spinning reserve of generating units is considered as the only available reserve provision resource; however, the proposed formulation can be readily extended to comprise the other kind of reserve facilities. Expected load not served (ELNS) and loss of load probability (LOLP) are accommodated as the reliability constraints. Binding either or both reliability indices ensures the security of operation incorporating the stochastic... 

Distribution automation application for fault management in the electricity distribution networks is one of the main potential remedial actions to reduce customers' outage times and hence improve service reliability. For this purpose, various automation schemes have been developed and introduced in different countries and by different venders. However, the challenge for electric utilities, especially in today's competitive electricity market, is to identify and evaluate potential reliability reinforcement schemes. Accordingly, appropriate schemes must be determined and prioritized for implementation. In this context, reliability cost/worth assessment plays an important role. A comprehensive... 

Implementation of Distribution Automation (DA) in electric power distribution systems can result in customer satisfaction with improved reliability, consistent quality and high-tech services. Loop Restoration Strategy (LRS) is a special DA method in the feeder level which is used by electric utilities to improve distribution system reliability. The effects of the implemented LRS on the reliability indices of a given distribution system mainly depend on its Automatic Control System (ACS). Selecting the type of ACS of LRS by electric utilities relies on the level of improvement required at load points and system oriented reliability indices. A step by step evaluation procedure is proposed in...