The efficiency of noise barriers largely depends on their geometry. In this paper, the performance of noise barriers was simulated using the numerical Boundary Element Method (BEM). Traffic noise was particularly considered with its standardized noise spectrum adapted to human hearing. The cross-section of the barriers was varied with the goal of finding the optimum shape in comparison to class...

Through a process of photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, we demonstrated an effective strategy for engineering the barrier height of a heterogeneous semiconductor interface by piezoelectric polarization, known as the piezotronic effect. A consistent enhancement or reduction of photocurrent was observed when tensile or compressive strains were applied to the ZnO anode, respectively. The ...

Criteria containing a barrier function i.e., an unbounded function at the boundary of the feasible solution domain are frequently encountered in the optimization framework, in particular in interior point methods for constrained optimization. Barrier function has to be carefully handled in the optimization algorithm. When an iterative descent method is used for the minimization, a search along ...

Flexible PV modules are manufactured using roll to roll (R2R) technology. These modules require a flexible barrier material to prevent water vapor ingress. The basic methodology to produce such barriers is to combine oxide layer (e.g. AlOx) coating with suitable polymer substrates. However, micro and nano scale defects can appear at any stage of the coating process thus affecting the module eff...

Dye sensitized solar cells were fabricated with free standing TiO2 nanotube (TNT) array films, which were prepared by template assisted atomic layer deposition (ALD) with precise wall thickness control. Efforts to improve the photovoltaic performance were made by using Al2O3 barrier layer coating in conjunction with TiCl4 surface modification. An Al2O3 thin layer was deposited on the TNT electr...

In recent years, single dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) plasma actuators have gained great interest among all the active flow control devices typically employed in aerospace and turbomachinery applications [1,2]. Compared with the macro SDBDs, the micro single dielectric barrier discharge (MSDBD) actuators showed a higher efficiency in conversion of input electrical power to delivered mecha...

there have been increasing interests in finding new and innovative solution for removal of contaminants from soils recently. in the present investigation, electro kinetic (ek) process coupled with activated carbon barrier to remove nickel from kaolinite clayey soil is investigated. laboratory tests were performed by applying a constant voltage to nominal electric field strength of 1 and 1.25 v/...

This paper reports on the recent work carried out as part of the EU funded NanoMend project. The project seeks to develop integrated process inspection, cleaning, repair and control systems for thin films on flexible PV films. based on CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide CuInxGa (1-x)Se2). These films are fabricated on polymer film by the repeated deposition, and patterning, of thin layer mate...

A deeper understanding of the mechanisms of tumor cell extravasation is essential in creating therapies that target this crucial step in cancer metastasis. Here, we use a microfluidic platform to study tumor cell extravasation from in vitro microvascular networks formed via vasculogenesis. We demonstrate tight endothelial cell-cell junctions, basement membrane deposition and physiological value...