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In this chapter three dynamic substructuring or component mode synthesis (CMS) methods are described; The Graig-Bampton fixed-free interface method, The free-interface method with improved accuracy and the general CMS method which combines the fixed- and free- interface methods. Examples are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we present our approach for a new contact-free Human-Machine Interface (cfHMI). This cfHMI is designed for controlling applications – instruction presentation, robot control – in the so-called ″Cognitive Factory Scenario″, introduced in [1]. However, the interface can be applied in other environments and areas of application as well. Due to its generic approach, this low-cost contact-free interface can be easily adapted to several independent applications, featuring individual menu-structures, etc. In addition, the modular software architecture facilitates the upgrades and improvements of the different software modules embedded in the cfHMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polynyas and the overlying atmosphere interact through a series of feedback mechanisms which impart a distinctive polar maritime character to the boundary layer over and downwind of the open water area. Enhanced turbulent fluxes across the ice-free interface introduce heat and moisture into the otherwise cold, dry polar atmosphere, modifying clouds through plume formation and radiative exchanges between the atmosphere and underlying surface. Anthropogenic aerosols of remote origin and local biogenic emissions provide additional direct and indirect radiative forcing, which may also influence precipitation rates, cloud optical depth, and ozone concentration. These combined effects modulate the efficacy of polar regions' ability to act as a "heat sink" for the climate system, establishing a link between the regional polynya meteorology and global conditions. Models, gridded analyses, and remotely-sensed and validating measurements which describe the meteorology and feedback mechanisms in and around polynyas are discussed in this chapter, with an outlook toward future efforts and novel measurement and analytical techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the form factors of computational devices diversify, the concept of eyes-free interaction is becoming increasingly relevant: it is no longer hard to imagine use scenarios in which screens are inappropriate. However, there is currently little consensus about this term. It is regularly employed in different contexts and with different intents. One key consequence of this multiplicity of meanings is a lack of easily accessible insights into how to best build an eyes-free system. This paper seeks to address this issue by thoroughly reviewing the literature, proposing a concise definition and presenting a set of design principles. The application of these principles is then elaborated through a case study of the design of an eyes-free motion input system for a wearable device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional shortest path problems play a central role in both the design and use of communication networks and have been studied extensively. In this work, we consider a variant of the shortest path problem. The network has two kinds of edges, "actual" edges and "potential" edges. In addition, each vertex has a degree/interface constraint. We wish to compute a shortest path in the graph that maintains feasibility when we convert the potential edges on the shortest path to actual edges. The central difficulty is when a node has only one free interface, and the unconstrained shortest path chooses two potential edges incident on this node. We first show that this problem can be solved in polynomial time by reducing it to the minimum weighted perfect matching problem. The number of steps taken by this algorithm is O(E2 log E) for the single-source single-destination case. In other words, for each v we compute the shortest path Pv such that converting the potential edges on Pv to actual edges, does not violate any degree constraint. We then develop more efficient algorithms by extending Dijkstra's shortest path algorithm. The number of steps taken by the latter algorithm is O(EV), even for the single-source all destination case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently we have shown how to tune length- and timescales in demixed colloid-polymer dispersions in such a way that thermal capillary waves at the free interface between demixed fluid phases can be studied directly by means of laser scanning confocal microscopy [Aarts, Schmidt and Lekkerkerker, Science 304, 847 (2004)]. Here, we focus on several static properties of the interface. We show that the probability of fluctuations of the local interface position around its equilibrium value is Gaussian. By comparing two-point correlations of these fluctuations as a function of distance with predictions from capillary wave theory, we obtain results for the interfacial tension and the capillary length. The presented technique enables us to measure also the probability distribution of the tilt angle of the local interface normal and the vertical direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first experimental results on pure thermocapillary convection in a multiplayer system are presented. The Marangoni-Bénard instability in a symmetrical three layer system has been investigated during a six hours experiment which flew on the IML-2 mission June 1994. The system studied consisted of a silicone layer sandwiched between two identical Fluorinert layers. The thermal gradient applied perpendicular to the two free interfaces was up to five times the critical value for the onset of the Marangoni-Bénard instability in this configuration. The preliminary analysis of the experimental data, video recording and thermistor values, indicates that most of the scientific objectives have been met. The mechanical stability of a three layer system in microgravity has been achieved taking advantage of the differential wetting properties of the liquids. Valuable informations on the management of liquid/liquid interfaces in space have been gained. The critical temperature difference for the onset of convection has been estimated and is compatible with the results of a linear stability analysis. Digital image processing of some video sequences confirms the prediction of the numerical simulations showing that in this case the hot interface is driving the convective flow. The absolute amplitude of the velocity of the free interface is in good agreement with values obtained numerically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]