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The present dissertation investigates the management of RFID implementations in retail trade. Our work contributes to this by investigating important aspects that have so far received little attention in scientific literature. We therefore perform three studies about three important aspects of managing RFID implementations. We evaluate in our first study customer acceptance of pervasive retail systems using privacy calculus theory. The results of our study reveal the most important aspects a retailer has to consider when implementing pervasive retail systems. In our second study we analyze RFID-enabled robotic inventory taking with the help of a simulation model. The results show that retailers should implement robotic inventory taking if the accuracy rates of the robots are as high as the robots’ manufacturers claim. In our third and last study we evaluate the potentials of RFID data for supporting managerial decision making. We propose three novel methods in order to extract useful information from RFID data and propose a generic information extraction process. Our work is geared towards practitioners who want to improve their RFID-enabled processes and towards scientists conducting RFID-based research.
In this thesis two main projects are presented, both aiming at the overall goal
of particle detector development. In the first part of the thesis detailed shielding
studies are discussed, focused on the shielding section of the planned New Small
Wheel as part of the ATLAS detector upgrade. Those studies supported the discussions
within the upgrade community and decisions made on the final design of
the New Small Wheel. The second part of the thesis covers the design, construction
and functional demonstration of a test facility for gaseous detectors at the
University of Würzburg. Additional studies on the trigger system of the facility are
presented. Especially the precision and reliability of reference timing signals were
investigated.
In this PhD thesis, we study the heteroepitaxial crystal growth by means of Monte Carlo simulations. Of particular interest in this work is the influence of the lattice mismatch of the adsorbates relative to the substrate on surface structures. In the framework of an off-lattice model, we consider one monolayer of adsorbate and investigate the emerging nanopatterns in equilibrium and their formation during growth. In chapter 1, a brief introduction is given, which describes the role of computer simulations in the field of the physics of condensed matter. Chapter 2 is devoted to some technical basics of experimental methods of molecular beam epitaxy and the theoretical description. Before a model for the simulation can be designed, it is necessary to make some considerations of the single processes which occur during epitaxial growth. For that purpose we look at an experimental setup and extract the main microscopic processes. Afterwards a brief overview of different theoretical concepts describing that physical procedures is given. In chapter 3, the model used in the simulations is presented. The aim is to investigate the growth of an fcc crystal in the [111] direction. In order to keep the simulation times within a feasible limit a simple pair potential, the Lennard-Jones potential, with continuous particle positions is used, which are necessary to describe effects resulting from the atomic mismatch in the crystal. Furthermore the detailed algorithm is introduced which is based on the idea to calculate the barrier of each diffusion event and to use the barriers in a rejection-free method. Chapter 4 is attended to the simulation of equilibrium. The influence of different parameters on the emerging structures in the first monolayer upon the surface, which is completely covered with two adsorbate materials, is studied. Especially the competition between binding energy and strain leads to very interesting pattern formations like islands or stripes. In chapter 5 the results of growth simulations are presented. At first, we introduce a model in order to realize off-lattice Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations. Since the costs in simulation time are enormous, some simplifications in the calculation of diffusion barriers are necessary and therefore the previous model is supplemented with some elements from the so-called ball and spring model. The next point is devoted to the calculation of energy barriers followed by the presentation of the growth simulations. Binary systems with only one sort of adsorbate are investigated as well as ternary systems with two different adsorbates. Finally, a comparison to the equilibrium simulations is drawn. Chapter 6 contains some concluding remarks and gives an outlook to possible further investigations.
We consider a multi-species gas mixture described by a kinetic model. More precisely, we are interested in models with BGK interaction operators. Several extensions to the standard BGK model are studied.
Firstly, we allow the collision frequency to vary not only in time and space but also with the microscopic velocity. In the standard BGK model, the dependence on the microscopic velocity is neglected for reasons of simplicity. We allow for a more physical description by reintroducing this dependence. But even though the structure of the equations remains the same, the so-called target functions in the relaxation term become more sophisticated being defined by a variational procedure.
Secondly, we include quantum effects (for constant collision frequencies). This approach influences again the resulting target functions in the relaxation term depending on the respective type of quantum particles.
In this thesis, we present a numerical method for simulating such models. We use implicit-explicit time discretizations in order to take care of the stiff relaxation part due to possibly large collision frequencies. The key new ingredient is an implicit solver which minimizes a certain potential function. This procedure mimics the theoretical derivation in the models. We prove that theoretical properties of the model are preserved at the discrete level such as conservation of mass, total momentum and total energy, positivity of distribution functions and a proper entropy behavior. We provide an array of numerical tests illustrating the numerical scheme as well as its usefulness and effectiveness.
In this PhD thesis, the effect of strain on heteroepitaxial growth is investigated by means of Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations. In this context the lattice misfit, arising from the different lattice constants of the adsorbate and the substrate material, is of particular interest. As a consequence, this lattice misfit leads to long-range elastic strain effects having strong influence on the entire growing crystal and its resulting surface morphology. The main focus of this work is the investigation of different strain relaxation mechanisms and their controlling parameters, revealing interesting consequences on the subsequent growth. Since epitaxial growth is carried out under conditions far away from thermodynamic equilibrium, it is strongly determined by surface kinetics. At this point the relevant kinetic microscopic processes are described, followed by theoretical considerations of heteroepitaxial growth disclosing an overview over several independent methodological streams, used to model epitaxy in different time and length scales, as well as the characterization of misfit dislocations and the classification of epitaxial growth modes based on thermodynamic considerations. The epitaxial growth is performed by means of Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations which allows for the consideration of long range effects in systems with lateral extension of few hundred atoms. By using an off-lattice simulation model the particles are able to leave their predefined lattice sites, which is an indispensable condition for simulating strain relaxation mechanisms. The main idea of our used model is calculating the activation energy of all relevant thermally activated processes by using simple pair potentials and then realizing the dynamics by performing each event according to its probability by means of a rejection-free algorithm method. In addition, the crystal relaxation procedure, the grid-based particle access method, which accelerates the simulation enormously, and the efficient implementation of the algorithm are discussed. To study the influence of long range elastic strain effects, the main part of this work was realized on the two dimensional triangular lattice, which can be treated as a cross section of the real three dimensional case. Chapter 4 deals with the formation of misfit dislocations as a strain relaxation mechanism and the resulting consequences on the subsequent heteroepitaxial growth. We can distinguish between two principally different dislocation formation mechanisms, depending strongly on the sign as well as on the magnitude of the misfit, but also the surface kinetics need to be taken into account. Additionally, the dislocations affect the lattice spacings of the crystal whose observed progression is in qualitative good agreement with experimental results. Furthermore, the dislocations influence the subsequent growth of the adsorbate film, since the potential energy of an adatom is modulated by buried dislocations. A clear correlation between the lateral positions of buried dislocations and the positions of mounds grown on the surface can be observed. In chapter 5, an alternative strain relaxation mechanism is studied: the formation of three dimensional islands enables the particles to approach their preferred lattice spacing. We demonstrate that it is possible to adjust within our simulation model each of the three epitaxial growth modes: Volmer–Weber, Frank–van der Merve or layer-by-layer, and Stranski–Krastanov growth mode. Moreover, we can show that the emerging growth mode depends in principle on two parameters: on the one hand the interaction strength of adsorbate particles with each other, compared to the interaction of adsorbate with substrate particles, and on the other hand the lattice misfit between adsorbate and substrate particles. A sensible choice of these two parameters allows the realization of each growth mode within the simulations. In conclusion, the formation of nanostructures controlled by an underlying dislocation network can be applied in the concept of self-organized pattern formation as well as by the tendency to form ordered arrays of strain-induced three dimensional grown islands. In chapter 6, we extend our model to three dimensions and investigate the effect of strain on growth on bcc(100) surfaces. We introduce an anisotropic potential yielding a stable bcc lattice structure within the off-lattice representation. We can show that the strain built up in submonolayer islands is mainly released at the island edges and the lattice misfit has strong influence on the diffusion process on the plane surface as well as on the situation at island edges with eminent consequences on the appearance of submonolayer islands.
Continuously increasing energy prices have considerably influenced the cost of living over the last decades. At the same time increasingly extreme weather conditions, drought-filled summers as well as autumns and winters with heavier rainfall and worsening storms have been reported. These are possibly the harbingers of the expected approaching global climate change. Considering the depletability of fossil energy sources and a rising distrust in nuclear power, investigations into new and innovative renewable energy sources are necessary to prepare for the coming future.
In addition to wind, hydro and biomass technologies, electricity generated by the direct conversion of incident sunlight is one of the most promising approaches. Since the syntheses and detailed studies of organic semiconducting polymers and fullerenes were intensified, a new kind of solar cell fabrication became conceivable. In addition to classical vacuum deposition techniques, organic cells were now also able to be processed from a solution, even on flexible substrates like plastic, fabric or paper.
An organic solar cell represents a complex electrical device influenced for instance by light interference for charge carrier generation. Also charge carrier recombination and transport mechanisms are important to its performance. In accordance to Coulomb interaction, this results in a specific distribution of the charge carriers and the electric field, which finally yield the measured current-voltage characteristics. Changes of certain parameters result in a complex response in the investigated device due to interactions between the physical processes. Consequently, it is necessary to find a way to generally predict the response of such a device to temperature changes for example.
In this work, a numerical, one-dimensional simulation has been developed based on the drift-diffusion equations for electrons, holes and excitons. The generation and recombination rates of the single species are defined according to a detailed balance approach. The Coulomb interaction between the single charge carriers is considered through the Poisson equation. An analytically non-solvable differential equation system is consequently set-up. With numerical approaches, valid solutions describing the macroscopic processes in organic solar cells can be found. An additional optical simulation is used to determine the spatially resolved charge carrier generation rates due to interference.
Concepts regarding organic semiconductors and solar cells are introduced in the first part of this work. All chapters are based on previous ones and logically outline the basic physics, device architectures, models of charge carrier generation and recombination as well as the mathematic and numerical approaches to obtain valid simulation results.
In the second part, the simulation is used to elaborate issues of current interest in organic solar cell research. This includes a basic understanding of how the open circuit voltage is generated and which processes limit its value. S-shaped current-voltage characteristics are explained assigning finite surface recombination velocities at metal electrodes piling-up local space charges. The power conversion efficiency is identified as a trade-off between charge carrier accumulation and charge extraction. This leads to an optimum of the power conversion efficiency at moderate to high charge carrier mobilities. Differences between recombination rates determined by different interpretations of identical experimental results are assigned to a spatially inhomogeneous recombination, relevant for almost all low mobility semiconductor devices.
In this PhD thesis, we develop models for the numerical simulation of epitaxial crystal growth, as realized, e.g., in molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). The basic idea is to use a discrete lattice gas representation of the crystal structure, and to apply kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulations for the description of the growth dynamics. The main advantage of the KMC approach is the possibility to account for atomistic details and at the same time cover MBE relevant time scales in the simulation. In chapter 1, we describe the principles of MBE, pointing out relevant physical processes and the influence of experimental control parameters. We discuss various methods used in the theoretical description of epitaxial growth. Subsequently, the underlying concepts of the KMC method and the lattice gas approach are presented. Important aspects concerning the design of a lattice gas model are considered, e.g. the solid-on-solid approximation or the choice of an appropriate lattice topology. A key element of any KMC simulation is the selection of allowed events and the evaluation of Arrhenius rates for thermally activated processes. We discuss simplifying schemes that are used to approximate the corresponding energy barriers if detailed knowledge about the barriers is not available. Finally, the efficient implementation of the MC kinetics using a rejection-free algorithm is described. In chapter 2, we present a solid-on-solid lattice gas model which aims at the description of II-VI(001) semiconductor surfaces like CdTe(001). The model accounts for the zincblende structure and the relevant surface reconstructions of Cd- and Te-terminated surfaces. Particles at the surface interact via anisotropic nearest and next nearest neighbor interactions, whereas interactions in the bulk are isotropic. The anisotropic surface interactions reflect known properties of CdTe(001) like the small energy difference between the c(2x2) and (2x1) vacancy structures of Cd-terminated surfaces. A key element of the model is the presence of additional Te atoms in a weakly bound Te* state, which is motivated by experimental observations of Te coverages exceeding one monolayer at low temperatures and high Te fluxes. The true mechanism of binding excess Te to the surface is still unclear. Here, we use a mean-field approach assuming a Te* reservoir with limited occupation. In chapter 3, we perform KMC simulations of atomic layer epitaxy (ALE) of CdTe(001). We study the self-regulation of the ALE growth rate and demonstrate how the interplay of the Te* reservoir occupation with the surface kinetics results in two different regimes: at high temperatures the growth rate is limited to one half layer of CdTe per ALE cycle, whereas at low enough temperatures each cycle adds a complete layer. The temperature where the transition between the two regimes occurs depends mainly on the particle fluxes. The temperature dependence of the growth rate and the flux dependence of the transition temperature are in good qualitative agreement with experimental results. Comparing the macroscopic activation energy for Te* desorption in our model with experimental values we find semiquantitative agreement. In chapter 4, we study the formation of nanostructures with alternating stripes during submonolayer heteroepitaxy of two different adsorbate species on a given substrate. We evaluate the influence of two mechanisms: kinetic segregation due to chemically induced diffusion barriers, and strain relaxation by alternating arrangement of the adsorbate species. KMC simulations of a simple cubic lattice gas with weak inter-species binding energy show that kinetic effects are sufficient to account for stripe formation during growth. The dependence of the stripe width on control parameters is investigated. We find an Arrhenius temperature dependence, in agreement with experimental investigations of phase separation in binary or ternary material systems. Canonical MC simulations show that the observed stripes are not stable under equilibrium conditions: the adsorbate species separate into very large domains. Off-lattice simulations which account for the lattice misfit of the involved particle species show that, under equilibrium conditions, the competition between binding and strain energy results in regular stripe patterns with a well-defined width depending on both misfit and binding energies. In KMC simulations, the stripe-formation and the experimentally reported ramification of adsorbate islands are reproduced. To clarify the origin of the island ramification, we investigate an enhanced lattice gas model whose parameters are fitted to match characteristic off-lattice diffusion barriers. The simulation results show that a satisfactory explanation of experimental observations within the lattice gas framework requires a detailed incorporation of long-range elastic interactions. In the appendix we discuss supplementary topics related to the lattice gas simulations in chapter 4.
In this thesis a new and powerful approach for modeling laser cavity eigenmodes is presented. This approach is based on an eigenvalue problem for singularly perturbed partial differential operators with complex coefficients; such operators have not been investigated in detail until now. The eigenvalue problem is discretized by finite elements, and convergence of the approximate solution is proved by using an abstract convergence theory also developed in this dissertation. This theory for the convergence of an approximate solution of a (quadratic) eigenvalue problem, which particularly can be applied to a finite element discretization, is interesting on its own, since the ideas can conceivably be used to handle equations with a more complex nonlinearity. The discretized eigenvalue problem essentially is solved by preconditioned GMRES, where the preconditioner is constructed according to the underlying physics of the problem. The power and correctness of the new approach for computing laser cavity eigenmodes is clearly demonstrated by successfully simulating a variety of different cavity configurations. The thesis is organized as follows: Chapter 1 contains a short overview on solving the so-called Helmholtz equation with the help of finite elements. The main part of Chapter 2 is dedicated to the analysis of a one-dimensional model problem containing the main idea of a new model for laser cavity eigenmodes which is derived in detail in Chapter 3. Chapter 4 comprises a convergence theory for the approximate solution of quadratic eigenvalue problems. In Chapter 5, a stabilized finite element discretization of the new model is described and its convergence is proved by applying the theory of Chapter 4. Chapter 6 contains computational aspects of solving the resulting system of equations and, finally, Chapter 7 presents numerical results for various configurations, demonstrating the practical relevance of our new approach.
This thesis analyzes the 2001-2006 labor market reforms in Germany. The aim of this work is twofold. First, an overview of the most important reform measures and the intended effects is given. Second, two specific and very fundamental amendments, namely the merging of unemployment assistance and social benefits, as well as changes in the duration of unemployment insurance benefits, are analyzed in detail to evaluate their effects on individuals and the entire economy. Using a matching model with optimal search intensity and Semi-Markov methods, the effects of these two amendments on the duration of unemployment, optimal search intensity and unemployment are analyzed.
Development, Simulation and Evaluation of Mobile Wireless Networks in Industrial Applications
(2023)
Manyindustrialautomationsolutionsusewirelesscommunicationandrelyontheavail-
ability and quality of the wireless channel. At the same time the wireless medium is
highly congested and guaranteeing the availability of wireless channels is becoming
increasingly difficult. In this work we show, that ad-hoc networking solutions can be
used to provide new communication channels and improve the performance of mobile
automation systems. These ad-hoc networking solutions describe different communi-
cation strategies, but avoid relying on network infrastructure by utilizing the Peer-to-
Peer (P2P) channel between communicating entities.
This work is a step towards the effective implementation of low-range communication
technologies(e.g. VisibleLightCommunication(VLC), radarcommunication, mmWave
communication) to the industrial application. Implementing infrastructure networks
with these technologies is unrealistic, since the low communication range would neces-
sitate a high number of Access Points (APs) to yield full coverage. However, ad-hoc
networks do not require any network infrastructure. In this work different ad-hoc net-
working solutions for the industrial use case are presented and tools and models for
their examination are proposed.
The main use case investigated in this work are Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
for industrial applications. These mobile devices drive throughout the factory trans-
porting crates, goods or tools or assisting workers. In most implementations they must
exchange data with a Central Control Unit (CCU) and between one another. Predicting
if a certain communication technology is suitable for an application is very challenging
since the applications and the resulting requirements are very heterogeneous.
The proposed models and simulation tools enable the simulation of the complex inter-
action of mobile robotic clients and a wireless communication network. The goal is to
predict the characteristics of a networked AGV fleet.
Theproposedtoolswereusedtoimplement, testandexaminedifferentad-hocnetwork-
ing solutions for industrial applications using AGVs. These communication solutions
handle time-critical and delay-tolerant communication. Additionally a control method
for the AGVs is proposed, which optimizes the communication and in turn increases the
transport performance of the AGV fleet. Therefore, this work provides not only tools
for the further research of industrial ad-hoc system, but also first implementations of
ad-hoc systems which address many of the most pressing issues in industrial applica-
tions.