Introduction. Resonance frequencies of the longitudinal oscillations are investigated for a system consisting of diverse geometrical and physical elements - piezoceramic, elastic, and acoustic ones. The results are compared in COMSOL and ACELAN packages. The dependence of the first eigenfrequency value on the geometric parameters is evaluated. The dynamic viscosity effect on the longitudinal oscillations FRF is studied. Materials and Methods. The system of elastic and acoustic elements which allows describing the operation of an ultrasonic cutting device is selected for the study. The oscillator is a piezoelectric transducer which oscillates in thickness. An oscillation concentrator and a rod element are specified as elastic elements. They are made from stainless steel. The cutting element simulator is acoustic fluid. Modal and harmonic analysis of a complex system consisting of diverse physical elements is carried out. Research Results . Axisymmetric and three-dimensional finite-element models of the investigated system are constructed. Various types of curvature and thickness of the link with changeable surface shape are proposed for the oscillation concentrator. The first eigenfrequencies of the longitudinal vibrations of the rod element contacting with the acoustic liquid are obtained. Good agreement with the results of the ACELAN finite-element package is established. The amplitude-frequency characteristics of the end oscillations near the first resonance frequency are obtained. It is notable that the acoustic medium viscosity has little effect on the oscillation amplitude of the elastic rod, and does not affect the resonance frequency at all. Discussion and Conclusions . Harmonic and modal analysis has shown that the high-frequency longitudinal vibrations of the rod element depend significantly on the dissipation factor of the elastic elements, and depend weakly on the viscosity of the contacting acoustic medium. The results obtained may be of interest under designing ultrasonic cutting medical devices.

Introduction. The complete set of all ten electro-elastic moduli of the polarized ceramics essential for the analysis of piezoceramic sensing elements of various devices under the numerical solution to boundary value problems by the finite element method is considered. The work objective is to develop a new technique for determining constants of piezoelectric materials based on measuring the resonance frequencies and the first low-cycle antiresonance frequencies on one ring-like sample only. Materials and Methods. A new method of determining the full set of elastic, piezoelectric, and dielectric moduli of the polarized piezoelectric ceramics is proposed. Therewith, one sample only is used. This method is based on measuring the resonance frequencies and the first underfrequency antiresonance for an element in the form of an axial polarization ring. The first seven constants, apart from shear ones, are measured for the ring with electrodes on the ends. Shear moduli are measured on the same ring but with new electrodes on the lateral cylindrical surfaces. Old electrodes on the ends are removed. The ANSYS program implementing the finite element technique is used to validate the methodology. Research Results. For PZT4 piezoelectric ceramics, the complete set of constants defined by a new method - using only one sample - is given. The accuracy of determining the constants, as a rule, does not exceed 1%. Discussion and Conclusions. The paper presents the research results of a new valid numerical method and algorithm for determining the full set of compatible material constants of the piezoelectric ceramics on a single ring-like sample with different electrodes. The primary advantage of this method is that only one sample is used to determine the complete set of piezoceramic moduli, whereas in other methods, the measured piezoelectric moduli are not compatible since the frequencies of the resonances and antiresonances are measured at three samples different in geometry and degree of polarization.

Introduction. In a large body of research, problems of the cutting process dynamics are considered in the uniformity of the static stability in the moving coordinate system defined by the trajectories of the machine executive elements, and also of the attracting sets properties generated in the vicinity of the balance point. In contrast to these investigations, the given paper discusses the problem of forming attracting sets that are generated in the dynamic cutting system in which the movement trajectories of the machine executive elements are perturbed periodic vibration displacements of the spindle group. These perturbations are largely determined by the spindle group wavering. The latter causes periodic oscillation displacements of the tool relating to the work-in-process, and, combined with the dynamic system properties, leads to different dynamic effects. First, due to the parametric self-excitation, the instability of the steady-state stationary trajectories of the periodic deformation displacements may occur. Secondly, depending on the frequency and amplitude of the spindle group spatial beats, the formation of attracting sets of the limit cycle type and invariant tori, as well as their degeneration may happen. Finally, with the variations of frequency, the oscillation flip bifurcations, and, consequently, the formation of chaotic attractors occur. Moreover, their generation is extremely sensitive both to the parameters interacted through the cutting process of subsystems on the side of the tool and the work-in-process, and to the parameters of the dynamic link generated by the cutting process. Materials and Methods. The properties of the attracting sets and the laws of their formation are studied on the digital simulation basis. For this, a mathematical model of the perturbed system is given, as well as the results of studying the formation of attracting sets in a dynamic cutting system using the example of the turning process. Research Results. The examples of beats effect on the system attracting sets are provided including the system bifurcations depending on the parameters perturbations.

Introduction. Currently, the introduction of modern methods and means of laser interferometry opens up new possibilities in solving various practical problems under studying properties and processes of defect formation in new materials (laminated, polymeric, composite), and diagnosing the state of structural materials of the product power components at all stages of their life cycle. One of the ways to improve the measurement results quality can be the introduction of new software for the outcome analysis of the intensities of the optical fields of interference patterns uniquely associated with the metered small displacements of control objects surfaces. The work objective is to develop new software for processing data of measuring intensities of the optical fields of interference patterns generated by the optical instrumentation of small linear and angular displacements of the control objects surfaces. The solution is based on the two-way laser interferometer with combined branches that allows increasing the measurement results quality. Materials and Methods. To achieve this purpose, modern software is applied, and the data obtained with new measuring instruments based on new optical interference methods is used. Research Results. New software is developed for processing the measurement results of the intensities of the optical fields of interference patterns generated by the optical instrumentation of small linear and angular displacements of the control objects surfaces based on the proposed two-pass laser interferometer with combined branches. New software allows improving the measurement data quality. It is protected by certificates of the Russian Federation on the state registration of computer programs. Discussion and Conclusions. The proposed software can be used successfully for simulating measurements of small linear and angular displacements of the control objects surfaces in order to create new methods of treatment of the intensities of the optical fields of interference patterns generated by the optical instrumentation based on laser interferometers of various types. The described software and technical solutions received approval at the International scientific conferences in 2016-2017, and they were also presented at the International innovation salons “Inventions Geneva 2017” and “Euroinvent 2017”.

Introduction. The paper discusses the problem of an uneven flow of the grain mass to the threshing which leads to the increased grain loss under the grain-harvesting process. The study purpose is to identify patterns of the effect of changing the second flow threshing both on the length of the drum, and on its width. This is resulting in the possibility of obtaining graphs of the optimal slice profile of the conveying device which ensures an even flow of the grain mass at the initial stages of threshing. Materials and Methods. Our research is aimed at obtaining high qualitative indicators of the threshing process by the separating device. Studies on the equal-dimensional distribution of the grain mass under the threshing process by the tangential-axial separating device in the zones depending on the change in the second feed value are provided. Obtaining qualitative indicators of the thrashing was achieved through the slice profile optimization. The experimental data whose processing gave the opportunity to determine the optimal slice profile were used. Research Results. The experimental results have provided background for graph plotting of the transporter cut profile on a variety of quantities of the used feed (4-12 kg/s). The resulting equations of these lines are obtained. The averaged slice profile for the entire group of curves on the grain mass feed value is developed. Discussion and Conclusions. The studies of the transporter slice profiles on the second feed value have led to the derivation of the cut curve equation for the uniform grain mass flow to the threshing. The validity approximation coefficient has shown high levels of the approximation accuracy.

Introduction. Issues of increasing the reliability of investigating the coolant’s organic impurities behavior and the operational control of their concentrations at TPPs and CHPs are considered. Possible causes of the organics occurrence in the boiler feedwater and in the steam of the power plants are analyzed. The behavior of typical impurities in the liquid and vapor phases at high temperatures is studied. Materials and Methods. The analysis of the existing methods and devices for the organic impurities control in the coolant of the TPP and CHP circuits is conducted. Research Results. Taking into account the advantages and disadvantages of the existing techniques and monitoring devices, methods of their improvement are proposed. When monitoring the thermolysis process of the potentially acidic organic impurities in the liquid and vapor phases, it is recommended to use the installation of the All-Russian Technological Institute improved by the authors. In this case, the conductometric control of the thermolysis process in the vapor phase at different temperatures on the concurrent boilers should be carried out according to the readings of the conductometric cooled sensor placed in the controlled steam. A technique for the simultaneous measurement of the specific electric conductivity of water and steam condensate in the coolable conductivity sensor is proposed to simplify the study of the transition of organic impurities from boiling water to saturated steam. All this will allow obtaining the objective information about the organic impurities behavior in the water-steam circuit of the power units, the thermolysis process, and the sources of hazardous impurities flow into the boiler. Besides, taking into account the results of this work, the researchability of the behavior of potentially acidic substances and monitoring of their content in water and steam can be enhanced. Discussion and Conclusions. The advanced control devices can be used as a supplement to the existing ones for joint operation in the chemical and technological monitoring systems of the power plants. A method for improving the operating modes control systems of the evaporator plants under the thermal treatment of water from organic impurities, mainly to reduce the content of potentially acidic substances in steam and condensate of the plants, is proposed. For this purpose, it is recommended to use the control sensors previously developed by the authors.

Introduction. The method and results of the aerodynamic research of the vertical axis wind power plants (WPP) with an axisymmetric stator are considered. The work objective is to show the application perspectiveness of vertical axis wind-power plants of the specified type for the national economy. Materials and Methods. The technique of virtual aerodynamic blasting and the corresponding design optimization at the specified criterion are used to perform the tasks. Within the framework of this technique, numerical aerodynamic analysis of a single rotor of the given type, and of the “rotor + socket” system before and after the optimization at the specified parameters of the freestream and rotor spinning is performed. When comparing the power of the obtained optimized WPP design with analogs, other things being equal, the aerodynamic similarity method is used. Research Results. Representative patterns of the aerodynamic flow around the investigated WPP type are obtained before and after the optimization. The distinctive distributions of the scalar and vector fields at the given parameters of the freestream and rotor spinning are studied. Dependent graphs are plotted against the linear freestream velocity for the projections of the rotor shaft moment (with WPP standard and optimized forms), as well as for the corresponding useful and side powers. A comparison of the power of the optimized WPP under consideration, and analogues, other factors being equal, is made. Discussion and Conclusions. The application perspectiveness of the vertical axis wind turbines with an axisymmetric stator designed to create useful interference with the rotor in order to increase useful shaft power is shown. Such wind power plants meet and exceed, at any rate upon the average, the corresponding classical vertical axis structures.

Introduction. Pneumatic drives are abundantly used for mechanization and automation of technological processes because of the known advantages. But considerable inertia of the output link of the pneumatic drive and compressibility of the operating environment affect the drive performance and a shock-free stop block. This feature has caused existence of a large number of ways of braking of the output link of the pneumatic drive. The counterpressure braking technique is of interest from the point of view of the pressed air energy recuperation under braking into an additional volume. The work objective is to identify the dependence between the initial parameters of the additional volume and energy high-speed characteristics of the pneumatic drive under the counterpressure braking. Materials and Methods. A computing two-factor experiment is planned and conducted. The initial pressure and geometrical volume of the additional volume were accepted as independent factors. The factors varied at three levels. The speed was assessed on transfer time, and power consumption - on the assigned dimensionless criterion. For the description of dependence of factors and criteria, regression equations were worked out and solved. Research Results. Functional and graphic dependences of the energy high-speed characteristics of the pneumatic drive on parameters of the additional volume are received and presented; and their rational values are defined. It is established that: 1. The maximum speed of the pneumatic drive is achieved at the initial parameters of the additional volume: р_ак=5×10⁵Pa and V_ак=42×10^-6m³. 2. The following initial settings of the additional volume correspond to minimum energy cost in the pneumatic drive: р_ак=2 ×10⁵Pa and V_ак=210×10^-6m³. Discussion and Conclusions. Variation of the initial parameters of the additional volume affects the energy-speed characteristics of the pneumatic drive under the counterpressure braking.

Introduction The problem of tight joint of pipelines and high pressure hoses (HPH) applied in various fields of human livelihood is considered. Special aspects of the high-pressure pipelines operation in the equipment of the oil and gas complex is as follows. At ambient temperatures below minus 50ºC, it is needed to transmit thousands of tons of stratum fluids heated up to 200-250ºC and containing aggressive media, abrasive and highly mineralized water. Materials and Methods. Various designs of metal seals applied in high pressure pipe connections are considered. Joints widely used for pipelines do not withstand pressures higher than 20-60 MPa. With that, in pipelines of the oil-industry equipment, pressure may exceed 100 MPa. A key feature of applying joints in question is to reduce their strength with increasing the diameter. These detriments confine the scope of use of the above-mentioned sealing schemes. It makes field repair of such joints, for example, during operation of oil and gas equipment, practically impossible. In this case, the use of quick connectors (Q/C) is required, for disassembling of which it is ample to have the keys. Research Results. For the solution to the specified problems, a principally new scheme of connection sealing for pipelines and HPH is developed and patented. The key element of the patented device is a stepped bushing which reliably seals the connection of pipelines and HPH. The stepped bushing (sealant) should be made of high-alloy steel by analogy with the joint in the flange couplings, and it can be hardened which will allow for increasing the strength of the connections in question and using them under low temperature conditions. Discussion and Conclusions. The comparative analysis of the sealing elements designs shows advantages of the proposed sealant. For its practical application, it is needed to optimize the shape and dimensions of the stepped bush in order to provide for leaktightness at given pressures, and, besides, to determine the required thread pull force to ensure safe performance of the unit.

Introduction. Chemical decorative treatment of steel consists in painting steel products and applying oxide films to the surface to create an attractive appearance and prevent the product from rust. Staining copper organic compounds with aqueous solutions has the following feature: the coating color varies depending on the resistance time in solution, which is associated with changing in thickness of the forming oxide layer where interference phenomena occur. For a wide application of this method, studies are needed to investigate the relationship between the staining modes and the resulting coating color. The work objective is to establish relationship between the coating staining obtained from alkaline copper-containing solutions and their quantitative and qualitative phase composition. Materials and Methods. The phase composition of the coatings obtained was studied by the method of local electrochemical analysis (LEA) based on the cathodic reduction of the oxide phases of the coatings in the galvanopulse mode using a clamp sensor. From the obtained impulse chronopotentiograms, the potential values at the pause moment were considered, and then these values were compared to the standard potentials of various redox pairs of copper oxides. Research Results. The analyzed coatings were formed during different time of holding the sample in solution and had a different color. The data of the redox pair correspond to: [[Сu(OH)₄]^2-/Cu - adsorption layer of hydroxocuprate-anions on the surface of electrodeposited copper steel; Cu(OH)₂/Cu - adsorption layer of copper hydroxide on the surface of electrodeposited copper; Cu₂О/Cu - oxide film of copper oxide (I) on copper. This equates to conclude about the colored coatings composition on the samples studied. Brown, violet and blue films formed during the initial period of exposure of the copper coating in solution contain adsorbed hydroxocuprate and copper hydroxide. Blue, yellow and lilac films formed over a longer period of time contain, in addition to these phases, copper oxide (I). Discussion and Conclusions. From the data obtained, it follows that the management of the color change time required in various technological applications can be carried out through changing the concentration of copper sulfate, as well as an organic reducing agent. The mechanism of coating coloration is affected by the adsorption layers formed on the steel surface. By varying the aging time of the sample in the electrolyte, it is possible to control the phase composition of the adsorption layers, and, consequently, influence the coating colorability.

Introduction. When solving problems that require processing of a large amount of data, the problem of obtaining a solution in an acceptable time arises. One of the ways to implement a time-resource constraint is to split the entire amount of computing between several data centers. Therefore, to develop methods to improve the speed of computing systems and the effectiveness of their use is an important task. The paper deals with the development of a distributed computing system to provide solutions to inverse problems in the field of fracture mechanics. The work objectives are the design, and calculation and experimental justification of the system for solving an ad-hoc type of tasks. Such software packages as ANSYS, COMSOL, and FlexPDE are used in the work. Materials and Methods. A methodology is proposed that allows for the use of ordinary PCs as processing centers, rather than specialized machines with preinstalled hardware. The system does not impose any special requirements on the hardware. For the system operation, the communication between PCs is necessary. The availability of the high-quality high-speed network is desirable. This simplifies the process of the system deployment, and increases the productivity of the computing process. A finite element model with a large set of parameters is calculated. Research Results. New software is developed to provide solutions to inverse problems in the field of fracture mechanics. The opportunity to use the system for solving a wider range of tasks is realized. Special features of similar software are taken into account in order to increase resiliency and reduce costs not related to the problem solution. The system executing module performs calculations in a multithreaded mode. Therefore, the hardware capabilities of computing tools are used with maximum efficiency. Simplicity in organizing the format of data storage and transferring them over the network made it possible to achieve the most optimal utilization of the available resources. Discussion and Conclusions. The developed system of distributed computations is used in performing finite element modeling of the ultrasonic wave propagation in the wall of a tube with a thin outer coating. The system provides a backup of data. This made it possible to reduce the possible losses of design data when some components of the system fail.

Introduction. The solution to the problem of television images identification under the creation of autonomous robots, vision systems, and noisy image analysis systems is considered. The question is, for example, on severe observing conditions hindering the registration process, and null aprior information on the type of background noise. The work objective is to develop and evaluate the efficiency of the method for image edge detection (two-dimensional signal) against the background of pulse noise using the mathematical apparatus of cubic B-splines. Materials and Methods. Involving intense background noise, spline-approximation of discrete values of signals and images is usually unproductive and leads to raw errors. In this case, the method of differentiating the image line against the noise background allows calculating the signal derivative with sufficient accuracy. Taking into account the information on the behavior of the first derivative, local maxima in the image line against the noise background are defined. The task of television image edge detection is solved by a new technique of spline-differentiation. For this, the image matrix is divided into lines and columns; the differentiation is performed; and then the edge extraction operators are calculated. Unlike the known approaches, the differentiation takes into account data on the intensity in the whole image line. This minimizes the noise effect. Image edges are defined using an intensity gradient. The resulting spline-differentiation algorithm is used for mathematical modeling. Research Results. The authors of the paper for the first time propose a high-precision method of digital differentiation of two-dimensional signals. This approach allows calculating values of the two-dimensional signal derivative and its gradient with sufficiently high accuracy. With that, there is no need to use standard numerical differentiation procedures which are incorrect in themselves. Lena test image distorted by pulse noises of “dead pixels” and “salt-pepper” is processed by the Sobel operator and the spline-differentiation method. Values of е_ско , SNR and SNRF are tabulated and analyzed. For the Lena test image, the gain in decibels was as follows: according to the MSD (mean-square deviation) - 1.6 ÷ 2.7; relative to peak signal/ SNR noise ratio - 8 ÷ 9.4; relative to peak signal/ MSD noise of SNRF background - 11 ÷ 12. Discussion and Conclusions. Under the conditions of rapid development of microtechnology, the problems solved with the help of vision systems take a new way of application. This proves the relevance of research in the field of increasing the efficiency and stability of methods and algorithms for digital processing of two-dimensional signals. The experiments show that the presented technique has considerably higher noise immunity than algorithms based on standard differentiation procedures.

Introduction. The development of error-correcting techniques in digital transmission channels is considered. This is a multiparameter problem the solution of which through the analytical methods is rather difficult. This problem is solved within the framework of an information system for evaluating the applicability of noise-immune coding schemes based on an error sequence obtained from a real communication channel. The work objective is to develop methods for selecting the means of noise-immune protection in the data transmission systems. The key problem is to modify an information system evaluating the applicability of error-correcting coding so that it can choose the most appropriate error-source model for the error flow registered in the particular channel, and coordinate error-correcting codec parameters and characteristics of the communication channel based on the simulation experiments. Note that the choice of error-correcting methods involves selecting not only an algebraic code, but also algorithms for its coding and decoding. The results of using the error-correcting methods depend on the intensity and structure of the errors acting in the transmission channel. Materials and Methods. The basis of the described information system is a specialized software package based on the noise-immune communication channels simulation. To construct such a modification, we suggest adding a new module responsible for the error-source model selection. The module involves a special algorithm for the adequate error-source model selection constructed on the basis of the hidden semi-Markov models theory methods, particularly, on the evaluation problem solution. Research Results. The result of the work is a built-in modification of the information system for assessing the applicability of noise-immune coding schemes which allows, in an automatic mode, selecting a suitable method for a particular data transmission system from a list of the available methods of the anti-jamming protection. Discussion and Conclusions . The results obtained can be applied under designing digital transmission channels. The constructed information system allows for the automation of the process of selecting algorithmic methods of the noise-proof protection in the data transmission systems.

Introduction. The solution to the problem of efficiency improvement of the infosecurity system at the enterprise through early recognition of the essential factors affecting the level of information safety is defined. The work objective is to develop a simulation model that represents the effect of various factors caused by indicators of prospects of the selected area of the organization activity on the data protection system performance effect. Materials and Methods. The simulation model is implemented using the system dynamics equipment in the form of the streaming graph. It is proposed to use generalized expert assessments of the activity prospects as source data. The model applies three system levels that determine system state variables: level of efficiency of the data protection system, organization's budget on information security tools, and the quality assessment of the potential infringers of cybersecurity. Besides, additional parameters and variables of the developed model are introduced: value of the information processed in the organization; estimated number of security incidents; current costs for the information security system; and continuous budget on the cybersecurity system. Research Results. Vensim package is selected as a simulation environment. The modeling outcome analysis has shown that characteristics of the activity field and quality of the information circulating in the information system of the organization directly determine the interest of potential intruders that leads to the need for careful budgeting and adjustment of costs for the information security system. Thus, the implementability of the developed model for the assessment of the information safety level of the enterprises which operate in any area is shown. However, the involvement of experts in order to form assessments of indicators of prospects for eligible activity sectors of a particular organization and to conduct an audit on its protection system is required. Discussion and Conclusions. Implementation of the developed model simulations under various entry conditions and entrance data allows for the definition of the dynamic patterns of IT security, and support for decision-making by security specialists when planning expenses on information security and changes in organization security policy.

Introduction. A perspective method of the livestock wastes disinfection is considered. The key point of the method is in complex physical and chemical impact of the variable magnetic field coupled with a chemical reagent. The device for implementing the proposed technique is an inductor. Electric energy intensity is selected as a parameter characterizing the energy efficiency of the of livestock wastes disinfection process. To increase the efficiency of investigating the livestock wastes disinfection process, it is proposed to use the mathematical experimental design theory. Materials and Methods. In the course of this research, the following techniques were used: instrument, direct and indirect methods of measurement, statistical processing technique, and mathematical experimental design theory. Research Results. The effect of technological factors on the energy efficiency of the livestock wastes disinfection process is experimentally investigated. On the basis of the data obtained, the strength effect ranking of the technology factors on the specific electrical energy capacity of the process is performed. A noncritical degree of impact of evaluating the pair-wise interaction coefficients is established. Their absence in the mathematical model suggests this. Discussion and Conclusions. A mathematical model of the livestock wastes disinfection process which allows evaluating the effect of the technology factors on the specific electrical energy intensity of the given process is developed.

Introduction. Issues of ensuring safe operation of cranes due to changes in the legislative - regulatory system that allow for compromise solutions in case of deviations from the industrial safety requirements are considered. Materials and Methods. An example of safety risks under the crane operation taking into account the enactment of the Federal regulations to the extent of new requirements for safety zones is given. Survey data of the site operated with deviations from the industrial safety requirements are used under operation of the frame crane. The method of expert evaluation of the adverse event frequency is applied. It makes possible to develop recommendations for risk reduction. Research Results . In safety case of a hazardous industrial facility, reasonable safety management and engineering control (security barriers) are defined including data on the technological protection, blockings, and automatic protection systems. The employee qualification requirements for the safe operation of cranes are listed. Discussion and Conclusions . The results obtained are applicable to the facilities that operate cranes in order to reduce the accident risks. The safety rationale provides a clear understanding and an objective assessment of the possible accident risks and their consequences. Taking into account the data obtained, the actual working conditions can be optimized, and the problems of further safe operation can be solved.

Introduction. A climate pattern with marine features is typical for St. Petersburg. Vagaries of weather and climate conditions in the last decade specify the timeliness of this work, the purpose of which is to outline the expected level of the open air pollution in St. Petersburg by the “decision tree” method. Materials and Methods. Current data of weather observations carried out at station 26063 (St. Petersburg) from 2006 to 2014 are studied and processed. Within the framework of the study, the data were considered on the vertical profile of the atmosphere obtained through radiosounding the atmosphere of St. Petersburg at 00.00 and 12.00 UTC (Universal Time Coordinated) at Voeykovo station. Research Results . In the course of the investigation, the dependence of the atmospheric air pollution level on the synoptic process and the inertial factor was established which made it possible to figure a scheme for forecasting the air pollution level in the form of the decision tree by expertise. Accuracy of the predictive determination of the expected air pollution group in St. Petersburg was calculated on the dependent material and topped 90% (nighttime hours) and 91% (daytime hours) for a cold period; and - 84% (nighttime hours) and 87% (daylight hours) for a warm period of the year. This suggests that the proposed schemes allow obtaining a more efficient prediction of the atmospheric air pollution level in a cold period of the year. Discussion and Conclusions . In conclusion, basic outcomes and inferences are summarized. - Archives of baseline standard meteorological data and data of the atmosphere radiosounding, as well as synoptic situations and information on the level of atmospheric air pollution in St. Petersburg for the period from 2006 to 2014, are formed. - Groups of synoptic processes typical for St. Petersburg from 2006 to 2014 are established. - Schemes for forecasting the atmospheric air pollution level are developed using the “decision tree” method with accuracy of 84-91%. The research results are applicable for forecasting the urban air pollution level.

Introduction. Acoustic field in the allowable zone of the equipment operators, and, in particular, under ball-rod hardening of wheelpairs, is generated by the simultaneous emission of sound energy from two sources. The first one is the acoustic subsystem of “hardenable workpiece - reinforcer”. The second source includes all elements of the supporting machine system, in particular, spindle head housings, foundation slab, etc. When measuring sound pressure levels, it is practically impossible to detect the contribution from each separate source, therefore it is needed to carry out experimental studies on the distribution of vibrations throughout the entire machine carrier system both at idle speed and under the process implementation. Materials and Methods. Measurements of the vibration levels were carried out under certain technological operations. Roll surface machining was performed on a wheel-turning lathe on which ball-rod reinforcers were installed instead of cutting tools. Hard-facing of the landing surfaces of the wheelpair axles was carried out on a purpose-designed axle turning lathe on which the ball-rod reinforcers were installed in place of the cutters. Hard-facing of the wheel landing surface was carried out on a boring-and-turning lathe. In all these cases, octave vibration levels were measured at idle and under hardening. Comparison of the vibration spectra and noise spectra makes it possible to determine implicitly the contribution of the machine carrier system elements to the sound field at the operators' workplaces. Research Results. The research objectives, the results of which are given, consisted in studying the regularities in the distribution of vibration levels throughout the elements of the bearing systems of the ball-rod hardening equipment for wheelpairs. A qualitative assessment of the contribution of each source (hardenable part, reinforcer, and elements of the supporting system) can be performed on the basis of comparing the noise and vibration spectra. Measurements were carried out on three types of machines: special wheel-turning lathe on which the rolling surface is hardened; purpose-designed axle turning lathe on which the landing surface of the wheelpair axle is strengthened; and boring-and-turning lathe on which the wheel opening is reinforced. Discussion and Conclusions. The results of vibration measurements show that the intensity of sound emission of the machine carrier system elements does not cause excess over the sanitary norms of noise. Thus, the development of a noise-vibration protection system can be limited to the “hardenable workpiece - reinforcer” subsystem.