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Study of work of heating equipment is an actual issue because it allows determining optimal regimes to reach highest efficiency. At that it is very helpful to use computer simulation to predict how different heating modes influence the effectiveness of the heating process and wear of heating equipment. Computer simulation provides results whose accuracy is proven by many studies and requires costs and time less than real experiments. In terms of present research, computer simulation of heating of air tuyere of blast furnace was realized with the help of FEM software. Background studies revealed possibility to simulate it as a flat, axisymmetric problem and DEFORM-2D software was used for simulation. Geometry, necessary for simulation, was designed with the help of SolidWorks, saved in .dxf format. Then it was exported to DEFORM-2D pre-processor and positioned. Preliminary and boundary conditions were set up. Several modes of operating regimes were under analysis. In order to demonstrate influence of eah of the modes and for better visualization point tracking option of the DEFORM-2D post-processor was applied. Influence of thermal insulation box plugged into blow channel, with and without air gap, and thermal coating on air tuyere’s temperature field was investigated. Simulation data demonstrated significant effect of thermal insulation box on air tuyere’s temperature field. Designed model allowed to simulate tuyere’s burnout as a result of interaction with liquid iron. Conducted researches have demonstrated DEFORM-2D effectiveness while using it for simulation of heat transfer and heating processes. DEFORM-2D is about to be used in further studies dedicated to more complex process connected with temperature field of blast furnace’s air tuyere.

We consider “predator – prey” model taking into account the competition of prey, predator for different from the prey resources, and their interaction described by the second type Holling trophic function. An analysis of the attractors is carried out depending on the coefficient of competition of predators. In the deterministic case, this model demonstrates the complex behavior associated with the local (Andronov –Hopf and saddlenode) and global (birth of a cycle from a separatrix loop) bifurcations. An important feature of this model is the disappearance of a stable cycle due to a saddle-node bifurcation. As a result of the presence of competition in both populations, parametric zones of mono- and bistability are observed. In parametric zones of bistability the system has either coexisting two equilibria or a cycle and equilibrium. Here, we investigate the geometrical arrangement of attractors and separatrices, which is the boundary of basins of attraction. Such a study is an important component in understanding of stochastic phenomena. In this model, the combination of the nonlinearity and random perturbations leads to the appearance of new phenomena with no analogues in the deterministic case, such as noise-induced transitions through the separatrix, stochastic excitability, and generation of mixed-mode oscillations. For the parametric study of these phenomena, we use the stochastic sensitivity function technique and the confidence domain method. In the bistability zones, we study the deformations of the equilibrium or oscillation regimes under stochastic perturbation. The geometric criterion for the occurrence of such qualitative changes is the intersection of confidence domains and the separatrix of the deterministic model. In the zone of monostability, we evolve the phenomena of explosive change in the size of population as well as extinction of one or both populations with minor changes in external conditions. With the help of the confidence domains method, we solve the problem of estimating the proximity of a stochastic population to dangerous boundaries, upon reaching which the coexistence of populations is destroyed and their extinction is observed.

The paper uses methods of mathematical modeling to estimate a zooplankton influence on the dynamics of phytoplankton abundance. We propose a three-component model of the “phytoplankton–zooplankton” community with discrete time, considering a heterogeneity of zooplankton according to the developmental stage and type of feeding; the model takes into account cannibalism in zooplankton community, during which mature individuals of some of its species consume juvenile ones. Survival rates at the early stages of zooplankton life cycle depend explicitly on the interaction between zooplankton and phytoplankton. Loss of phytoplankton biomass because of zooplankton consumption is explicitly considered. We use the Holling functional response of type II to describe saturation during biomass consumption. The dynamics of the phytoplankton community is represented by the Ricker model, which allows to take into account the restriction of phytoplankton biomass growth by the availability of external resources (mineral nutrition, oxygen, light, etc.) implicitly.

The study analyzed scenarios of the transition from stationary dynamics to fluctuations in the size of phytoand zooplankton for various values of intrapopulation parameters determining the nature of the dynamics of the species constituting the community, and the parameters of their interaction. The focus is on exploring the complex modes of community dynamics. In the framework of the model used for describing dynamics of phytoplankton in the absence of interspecific interaction, phytoplankton dynamics undergoes a series of perioddoubling bifurcations. At the same time, with zooplankton appearance, the cascade of period-doubling bifurcations in phytoplankton and the community as a whole is realized earlier (at lower reproduction rates of phytoplankton cells) than in the case when phytoplankton develops in isolation. Furthermore, the variation in the cannibalism level in zooplankton can significantly change both the existing dynamics in the community and its bifurcation; e.g., with a certain structure of zooplankton food relationships the realization of Neimark–Sacker bifurcation scenario in the community is possible. Considering the cannibalism level in zooplankton can change due to the natural maturation processes and achievement of the carnivorous stage by some individuals, one can expect pronounced changes in the dynamic mode of the community, i.e. abrupt transitions from regular to quasiperiodic dynamics (according to Neimark–Sacker scenario) and further cycles with a short period (the implementation of period halving bifurcation).

One of problems in developing the gas condensate fields lies on the fact that the condensed hydrocarbons in the gas-bearing layer can get stuck in the pores of the formation and hence cannot be extracted. In this regard, research is underway to increase the recoverability of hydrocarbons in such fields. This research includes a wide range of studies on mathematical simulations of the passage of gas condensate mixtures through a porous medium under various conditions.

In the present work, within the classical approach based on the Darcy law and the law of continuity of flows, we formulate an initial-boundary value problem for a system of nonlinear differential equations that describes a depletion of a multicomponent gas-condensate mixture in porous reservoir. A computational scheme is developed on the basis of the finite-difference approximation and the fourth order Runge .Kutta method. The scheme can be used for simulations both in the spatially one-dimensional case, corresponding to the conditions of the laboratory experiment, and in the two-dimensional case, when it comes to modeling a flat gas-bearing formation with circular symmetry.

The computer implementation is based on the combination of C++ and Maple tools, using the MPI parallel programming technique to speed up the calculations. The calculations were performed on the HybriLIT cluster of the Multifunctional Information and Computing Complex of the Laboratory of Information Technologies of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research.

Numerical results are compared with the experimental data on the pressure dependence of output of a ninecomponent hydrocarbon mixture obtained at a laboratory facility (VNIIGAZ, Ukhta). The calculations were performed for two types of porous filler in the laboratory model of the formation: terrigenous filler at 25 .„R and carbonate one at 60 .„R. It is shown that the approach developed ensures an agreement of the numerical results with experimental data. By fitting of numerical results to experimental data on the depletion of the laboratory reservoir, we obtained the values of the parameters that determine the inter-phase transition coefficient for the simulated system. Using the same parameters, a computer simulation of the depletion of a thin gas-bearing layer in the circular symmetry approximation was carried out.

Industrial imaging or “machine vision” is currently a key technology in many industries as it can be used to optimize various processes. The purpose of this work is to create a software and hardware complex for measuring the overall and weight characteristics of cargo based on an intelligent system using neural network identification methods that allow one to overcome the technological limitations of similar complexes implemented on ultrasonic and infrared measuring sensors. The complex to be developed will measure cargo without restrictions on the volume and weight characteristics of cargo to be tariffed and sorted within the framework of the warehouse complexes. The system will include an intelligent computer program that determines the volume and weight characteristics of cargo using the machine vision technology and an experimental sample of the stand for measuring the volume and weight of cargo.

We analyzed the solutions to similar problems. We noted that the disadvantages of the studied methods are very high requirements for the location of the camera, as well as the need for manual operations when calculating the dimensions, which cannot be automated without significant modifications. In the course of the work, we investigated various methods of object recognition in images to carry out subject filtering by the presence of cargo and measure its overall dimensions. We obtained satisfactory results when using cameras that combine both an optical method of image capture and infrared sensors. As a result of the work, we developed a computer program allowing one to capture a continuous stream from Intel RealSense video cameras with subsequent extraction of a three-dimensional object from the designated area and to calculate the overall dimensions of the object. At this stage, we analyzed computer vision techniques; developed an algorithm to implement the task of automatic measurement of goods using special cameras and the software allowing one to obtain the overall dimensions of objects in automatic mode.

Upon completion of the work, this development can be used as a ready-made solution for transport companies, logistics centers, warehouses of large industrial and commercial enterprises.

Modeling combat operations is an urgent scientific and practical task aimed at providing commanders and staffs with quantitative grounds for making decisions. The authors proposed the function of victory in combat and military operations, based on the function of the conflict by G. Tullock and taking into account the scale of combat (military) operations. On a sufficient volume of military statistics, the scale parameter was assessed and its values were found for the tactical, operational and strategic levels. The game-theoretic models «offensive – defense», in which the sides solve the immediate and subsequent tasks, having the formation of troops in one or several echelons, have been investigated. At the first stage of modeling, the solution of the immediate task is found — the breakthrough (holding) of defense points, at the second — the solution of the subsequent task — the defeat of the enemy in the depth of the defense (counterattack and restoration of defense). For the tactical level, using the Nash equilibrium, solutions were found for the closest problem (distribution of the forces of the sides by points of defense) in an antagonistic game according to three criteria: a) breakthrough of the weakest point, b) breakthrough of at least one point, and c) weighted average probability. It is shown that it is advisable for the attacking side to use the criterion of «breaking through at least one point», in which, all other things being equal, the maximum probability of breaking through the points of defense is ensured. At the second stage of modeling for a particular case (the sides are guided by the criterion of breaking through the weakest point when breaking through and holding defense points), the problem of distributing forces and facilities between tactical tasks (echelons) was solved according to two criteria: a) maximizing the probability of breaking through the defense point and the probability of defeating the enemy in depth defense, b) maximizing the minimum value of the named probabilities (the criterion of the guaranteed result). Awareness is an important aspect of combat operations. Several examples of reflexive games (games characterized by complex mutual awareness) and information management are considered. It is shown under what conditions information control increases the player’s payoff, and the optimal information control is found.

In this article we consider min-min type of problems or minimization by two groups of variables. In some way it is similar to classic min-max saddle point problem. Although, saddle point problems are usually more difficult in some way. Min-min problems may occur in case if some groups of variables in convex optimization have different dimensions or if these groups have different domains. Such problem structure gives us an ability to split the main task to subproblems, and allows to tackle it with mixed oracles. However existing articles on this topic cover only zeroth and first order oracles, in our work we consider high-order tensor methods to solve inner problem and fast gradient method to solve outer problem.

We assume, that outer problem is constrained to some convex compact set, and for the inner problem we consider both unconstrained case and being constrained to some convex compact set. By definition, tensor methods use high-order derivatives, so the time per single iteration of the method depends a lot on the dimensionality of the problem it solves. Therefore, we suggest, that the dimension of the inner problem variable is not greater than 1000. Additionally, we need some specific assumptions to be able to use mixed oracles. Firstly, we assume, that the objective is convex in both groups of variables and its gradient by both variables is Lipschitz continuous. Secondly, we assume the inner problem is strongly convex and its gradient is Lipschitz continuous. Also, since we are going to use tensor methods for inner problem, we need it to be p-th order Lipschitz continuous ($p > 1$). Finally, we assume strong convexity of the outer problem to be able to use fast gradient method for strongly convex functions.

We need to emphasize, that we use superfast tensor method to tackle inner subproblem in unconstrained case. And when we solve inner problem on compact set, we use accelerated high-order composite proximal method.

Additionally, in the end of the article we compare the theoretical complexity of obtained methods with regular gradient method, which solves the mentioned problem as regular convex optimization problem and doesn’t take into account its structure (Remarks 1 and 2).

Industrial robots have made it possible for robotics to become a worldwide discipline both in economy and in science. However, their capabilities are limited, especially regarding contact tasks where it is required to regulate or at least limit contact forces. At one point, it was noticed that elasticity in the joint transmission, which was treated as a drawback previously, is actually helpful in this regard. This observation led to the introduction of elastic joint robots that are well-suited to contact tasks and cooperative behavior in particular, so they become more and more widespread nowadays. Many researchers try to implement such devices not with trivial series elastic actuators (SEA) but with more sophisticated variable stiffness actuators (VSA) that can regulate their own mechanical stiffness. All elastic actuators demonstrate shock robustness and safe interaction with external objects to some extent, but when stiffness may be varied, it provides additional benefits, e. g., in terms of energy efficiency and task adaptability. Here, we present a novel variable stiffness actuator with a magnetic coupler as an elastic element. Magnetic transmission is contactless and thus advantageous in terms of robustness to misalignment. In addition, the friction model of the transmission becomes less complex. It also has milder stiffness characteristic than typical mechanical nonlinear springs, moreover, the stiffness curve has a maximum after which it descends. Therefore, when this maximum torque is achieved, the coupler slips, and a new pair of poles defines the equilibrium position. As a result, the risk of damage is smaller for this design solution. The design of the joint is thoroughly described, along with its mathematical model. Finally, the control system is also proposed, and simulation tests confirm the design ideas.

Self-organization of molecules on a solid surface is one of the promising directions for materials generation with unique magnetic, electrical, and optical properties. They can be widely used in fields such as electronics, optoelectronics, catalysis, and biology. However, the structure and physicochemical properties of adsorbed molecules are influenced by many parameters that must be taken into account when studying the self-organization of molecules. Therefore, the experimental study of such materials is expensive, and quite often it is difficult for various reasons. In such situations, it is advisable to use the mathematical modeling. One of the parameters in the considered adsorption systems is the multiparticle interaction, which is often not taken into account in simulations due to the complexity of the calculations. In this paper, we evaluated the influence of multiparticle interactions on the total energy of the system using the transfer-matrix method and the Materials Studio software package. The model of monocentric adsorption with nearest interactions on a triangular lattice was taken as the basis. Phase diagrams in the ground state were constructed and a number of thermodynamic characteristics (coverage $\theta$, entropy $S$, susceptibility $\xi$) were calculated at nonzero temperatures. The formation of all four ordered structures (lattice gas with $\theta=0$, $(\sqrt{3} \times \sqrt{3}) R30^{\circ}$ with $\theta = \frac{1}{3}$, $(\sqrt{3} \times \sqrt{3})R^{*}30^{\circ}$ with $\theta = \frac{2}{3}$ and densest phase with $\theta = 1$) in a system with only pairwise interactions, and the absence of the phase  $(\sqrt{3}\times \sqrt{3}) R30^\circ$ when only three-body interactions are taken into account, were found. Using the example of an atomistic model of the trimesic acid adsorption layer by quantum mechanical methods we determined that in such a system the contribution of multiparticle interactions is 11.44% of the pair interactions energy. There are only quantitative differences at such values. The transition region from the  $(\sqrt{3} \times \sqrt{3}) R^{*}30^\circ$ to the densest phase shifts to the right by 38.25% at $\frac{\varepsilon}{RT} = 4$ and to the left by 23.46% at $\frac{\varepsilon}{RT} = −2$.

When determining therapeutic absorbed doses in the process of radioiodine therapy, the method of individual dosimetric planning is increasingly used in Russian medicine. However, for the successful implementation of this method, it is necessary to have appropriate software that allows modeling the pharmacokinetics of radioiodine in the patient’s body and calculate the necessary therapeutic activity of a radiopharmaceutical drug to achieve the planned therapeutic absorbed dose in the thyroid gland.

Purpose of the work: development of a software package for pharmacokinetic modeling and calculation of individual absorbed doses in radioiodine therapy based on a five-chamber model of radioiodine kinetics using two mathematical optimization methods. The work is based on the principles and methods of RFLP pharmacokinetics (chamber modeling). To find the minimum of the residual functional in identifying the values of the transport constants of the model, the Hook – Jeeves method and the simulated annealing method were used. Calculation of dosimetric characteristics and administered therapeutic activity is based on the method of calculating absorbed doses using the functions of radioiodine activity in the chambers found during modeling. To identify the parameters of the model, the results of radiometry of the thyroid gland and urine of patients with radioiodine introduced into the body were used.

A software package for modeling the kinetics of radioiodine during its oral intake has been developed. For patients with diffuse toxic goiter, the transport constants of the model were identified and individual pharmacokinetic and dosimetric characteristics (elimination half-lives, maximum thyroid activity and time to reach it, absorbed doses to critical organs and tissues, administered therapeutic activity) were calculated. The activity-time relationships for all cameras in the model are obtained and analyzed. A comparative analysis of the calculated pharmacokinetic and dosimetric characteristics calculated using two mathematical optimization methods was performed. Evaluation completed the stunning-effect and its contribution to the errors in calculating absorbed doses. From a comparative analysis of the pharmacokinetic and dosimetric characteristics calculated in the framework of two optimization methods, it follows that the use of a more complex mathematical method for simulating annealing in a software package does not lead to significant changes in the values of the characteristics compared to the simple Hook – Jeeves method. Errors in calculating absorbed doses in the framework of these mathematical optimization methods do not exceed the spread of absorbed dose values from the stunning-effect.