We investigated the effects of additives to the etching solution of 1 M hydrochloric acid on the electrochemical etching behavior for aluminum electrolytic capacitors, using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and ACimpedancespectroscopy. For the addition of 1 M sulfuric acid or 5% ethylene glycol to the hydrochloric acid solution, the distribution of etch tunnels was more uniform with high density of etch pits compared with that without addition. The highest specific surface area was obtained from the electrolyte with 5% ethylene glycol additive. The correlation of internal morphologies of etched foils with impedance parameters was interpreted by impedance techniques.
New lithium ion composite electrolyte, LiI?Li2S?La2O2Sm (m=1, 2) was synthesized from the binary Li2S?LaOI system through solid state reaction. The lithium ion conductive property was investigated by ACimpedancespectroscopy. And the highest conductivity of the obtained electrolyte at room temperature was found to be 3.0?10?6?S cm?1. The notable ionic conduction was attributed to the in situ formed amorphous LiI.
In this work, a new class of thiadiazole derivatives, namely 3,5-bis(2-thienyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole (2-TTH) and 3,5-bis(3-thienyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole (3-TTH), have been studied as possible corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in molar hydrochloric acid (1M HCl). Polarisation curves and ACimpedance methods have been used. These studies have shown that the thiadiazole derivatives were very good inhibitors for mild steel in 1M HCl. Comparison of results showed that 3-TTH was the best inhibitor. The potential of zero charge (PZC) of mild steel was studied by acimpedance method, and the mechanism of adsorption has been predicted. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy surface analysis with thiadiazole derivatives shows that it chemisorbed at the mild steel/HCl interface. The adsorption of these inhibitors followed Langmuir's adsorption isotherm. The electronic properties of 2-TTH and ...
The objective of this work was to investigate the efficiency of imidazole derivatives for corrosion inhibition of copper in 0.5 M hydrochloric acid. Corrosion inhibition was studied using impedancespectroscopy. Imidazole and its derivatives 4-methylimida-zole, 4-methyl-5-hydroxymethylimidazole, 1-phenyl-4-methylimidazole, 1-(p-tolyl)-4-methylimidazole were investigated. These studies have shown that 1-(p-tolyl)-4-methylimidazole is the best inhibitor in this series and that it acts as mixed inhibitor. The nature of the chemical interaction between these molecules and the copper surface was investigated by Cu exposed to solutions having two very different pH values: 0.5 M HCl and unbuffered purified water. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and secondary ion mass spectrometry were used to explore the nature of the interaction. Possible mechanisms of corrosion inhibition for these molecules are discussed.
This study compares two series of solvents for application in aluminum electrolytic capacitors: ethylene glycol (EG) and water mixtures, and ethylene glycol and 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMI.BF4) ionic liquid (IL) mixtures. Electrochemical impedancespectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry were carried out with a previously anodized aluminum disk electrode. Comparative measurements of solution resistance, polarization resistance, AC capacitance, and passive current were made. The results show that EG?IL mixtures with low amounts of IL (10% IL?90% EG v/v) have a low solution resistance. Low values of solution resistance, high values of polarization resistance, small passive current, and uniform capacitance of anodized aluminum in EG?IL mixtures are favorable properties of ...
Impedance Noise Identification is an in-situ method of measuring battery impedance as a function of frequency using a random small signal noise excitation source. Through a series of auto- and cross-correlations and Fast Fourier Transforms, the battery complex impedance as a function of frequency can be determined. The results are similar to those measured under a lab-scale electrochemical impedancespectroscopy measurement. The lab-scale measurements have been shown to correlate well with resistance and power data that are typically used to ascertain the remaining life of a battery. To this end, the Impedance Noise Identification system is designed to acquire the same type of data as an on-board tool. A prototype system is now under development, and results are being compared to standardized measurement techniques such as electrochemical ...
For the protection of buried steel pipeline, it is common practice to coat the pipelines with highly insulating coating and apply a cathodic current to insulate the pipe from the aggressive environment. Cathodic current protects holidays or damaged area of coating which required less current than would be needed for an uncoated pipe, but because of the cathodic reactions evolution will be taken H{sub 2} and OH{sup -} on holidays which exposed metal to the environment place. This effect is to cause loss bond of coating around the holidays called cathodic dis-bonding. In this paper we measured cathodic dis-bonding of three types of coatings at - 1.5 V(Cu/CuSO{sub 4}) according to ASTM G8. We studied on cathodic dis-bonding resistance of petroleum-base, coal tar-base and polyethylene plastic tape coatings. After 30 days immersion in electrolyte it was found that the cathodic disbanding resistance of polyethylene plastic tape coating is lower than others and high cathodic dis-bonding ...
The effect of temperature (60-280{sup o}C) on the properties of the oxide films formed on Alloy 800 in 0.1 M NaCl and 0.1 M Na{sub 2}SO{sub 4} aqueous solutions was studied by in situ ACimpedancespectroscopy and polarization in the Fe(CN{sub 6}){sup -3}/Fe(CN){sub 6}{sup -4} redox system. The anodic behavior under the same experimental conditions was examined by potentiodynamic polarization techniques. In both solutions the passive film was found to become more porous, and hence less protective, with increasing temperature. However, at temperatures above 150{sup o}C, the loss of film protectiveness is more pronounced in chloride solutions, in which pitting occurs. Pitting morphology was found to be strongly temperature dependent: isolated and deep pits were found up to 200{sup o}C whereas at higher temperatures a broad, shallow and more generalized type of attack was detected. No effect of temperature on the defect ...
In this study, perovskite type oxide YAlO_3 has been doped with different amounts of the divalent cation Ca to synthesize Y_1_-_xCa_xAlO_3_-_#delta# (x = 0-0.21) compositions. The effect of dopant concentration on the crystal structure and electrical properties of YAlO_3 synthesized by citrate gel route has been investigated. The phase purity of the samples has been carried out using X-ray diffraction. The microstructural evaluation of the samples has been conducted by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrum analysis. Thermal analysis has been conducted to monitor the decomposition of the intermediate products. The electrical conductivity studies have been performed using a.c. impedancespectroscopy as a function of temperature in the range 200-800 "oC in air. The Y_0_._9_4Ca_0_._0_6AlO_3_-_#delta# composition exhibits a total conductivity of 2.5 mS/cm at 800 "oC.
A series of cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and electrochemical impedance experiments have been carried out in order to investigate the effect of cathode composition and porosity on the electrochemical characteristics of strontium-doped lanthanum, praseodymium and gadolinium cobaltite cathodes. The impedance responses at different electrode potentials of the half cell and symmetric single cell setups are compared and analyzed by the equivalent circuit modeling method. The deconvolution of impedance spectra for single cell cathode and anode reactions contributions based on the results of simultaneous analysis of half cells and symmetric single cells has been made by differential impedance real part vs. ac frequency plot analysis method. Noticeable influence of cathode chemical composition, meso-porosity and macro-porosity on the electrochemical activity of the oxygen ...
In this paper we develop an analytical framework for the study of electrochemical impedance of mixed ionic and electronic conductors (MIEC). The framework is based on first-principles and it features the coupling of electrochemical reactions, surface transport and bulk transport processes. We utilize this work to analyze two dimensional systems relevant for fuel cell science via finite element method (FEM). Alternate current ImpedanceSpectroscopy (IS) of a ceria symmetric cell is simulated near equilibrium condition (zero bias) for a wide array of working conditions including variations of temperature and $H_2$ partial pressure on a two dimensional fuel cell sample with patterned metal electrodes. The model shows agreement of IS curves with the experimental literature with the relative error on the impedance being consistently below 2%. Important two-dimensional effects such the effects of thickness ...
The behaviour of hydrogen adsorption on palladium has been investigated by a.c. impedance measurements in 0.1 M NaOH solution of pH 13 at 298 K. The electrode impedance has been measured by superimposing an a.c. voltage of 5 mV amplitude ranging between 10{sup -1} and 10{sup 4} Hz on a d.c. potential range from -0.76 to 0.44 V (standard hydrogen electrode (SHE)). The equivalent circuit representing the hydrogen adsorption reaction is proposed from the analysis of the frequency dependence of electrode admittance. The capacitance, arising from the adsorbed hydrogen, has been determined as a function of applied potential by complex non-linear least-squares curve fitting method based on the proposed equivalent circuit. As the cathodic applied potential increased from -0.36 to -0.76 V (SHE), the adsorption capacitance considerably increased owing to the enhanced coverage of hydrogen adsorbed on the palladium ...
Equivalent circuit and electrical parameters for H-doped NH_4UO_2PO_4.3H_2O self supported membranes have been determined by impedancespectroscopy. The measurements were carried out with a dry membrane, at different temperatures, and a wet membrane in contact with different electrolyte solutions. Resistance values for the dry membrane decrease with temperature increase, which agrees with the weak protonic character of the H-doped ammonium uranylphosphate. On the other hand, differences in the electrical parameters, depending on the electrolyte considered were also obtained and are attributed to different conduction mechanisms. (Author).
Three kinds of surface modifications were carried out on LiNi{sub 1/2}Mn{sub 3/2}O{sub 4} thin-films to improve the charge and discharge characteristics of LiNi{sub 1/2}Mn{sub 3/2}O{sub 4} positive electrodes. Among them, Zr(OBu){sub 4}/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-treated LiNi{sub 1/2}Mn{sub 3/2}O{sub 4} thin-film electrodes showed charge and discharge efficiency of 80-84% in the first cycle, which was much higher than that for an untreated LiNi{sub 1/2}Mn{sub 3/2}O{sub 4} thin-film electrode (73%). The values of the charge and discharge efficiency were still higher than that for an untreated electrode after the 30th cycle. The charge and discharge curves gave two plateaus at around 4.72 and 4.76 V, which were very similar to those for the untreated electrode. Acimpedancespectroscopy revealed that the surface film resistance should not increase by Zr(OBu){sub 4}/PMMA treatment. XPS measurements suggest that a ...
The passive films formed on iron metal, alloys or stainless steel are extremely thin oxides or hydroxides and possess the properties of high chemical stability in the environment. These films show characteristics interested both electrical as well as electrochemical point of view due to the thin thickness of the films. Auger Electron Spectroscopy, X-ray Photoelectron spectroscopy and so on which are the conventional electrochemical measurement methods or the surface analysis methods are used for the analysis and evaluation of these films, however, at present, the application of research technique focusing the superconductor characteristics of the films are tried. Although, the potential modulation reflection spectroscopy method has merits like possibility of in-situ measurement, high precision, possibility of stable analysis even for extremely thin film and so forth, it has also demerits like difficulty to response the ...
Type 440C stainless steel is a high-C, high-Cr martensitic steel used in applications requiring high hardness and wear resistance in combination with moderate corrosion resistance. Typical applications include precision aerospace bearings and critical components in computer disk drives. The properties of passive films formed on 440C steel were investigated using advanced electrochemical techniques with a view to establishing a method to measure film stability directly in the passivation baths. Electrochemical measurements were sensitive to the passive film properties and were able to quantify the effect of cooling rate on passive film stability. The techniques used included linear polarization, ACimpedance, small amplitude cyclic voltammetry, and coulostatic transient measurements. These provided results that exhibited excellent agreement with the ACimpedance technique providing the most information ...
Repassivation resulting from the bared metal surface is a critical process for judging whether or not material suffers from corroding or immunizing. Nickel based alloys with high chromium content were developed to increase the corrosion resistant to sulphur compounds. Active humps resulting from active dissolution of nickel were obtained by creating the bared metal surfaces in thiosulphate solutions. The lower the Cr content the higher is the dissolution rate. The passive films formed on the bared metal surface were examined by acimpedance. Results suggest the formation of multi-layers oxide which were affected by active dissolution reactions during repassivation. (author).
The feasibility of the anodic protection of titanium evaporators in Al[sub 2](SO[sub 4])[sub 3] solution was studied by the measurement of polarization curves, weight loss, solubility of passive film and ACimpedance. The protection parameters and efficiency were determined. In addition, the practical technology of anodic protection was studied by screening reference electrodes and auxiliary cathodes. Throwing power was also measured. Four rows of tube-type evaporators of titanium have been anodically protected in situ. Field tests lasting more than one year shows satisfactory results. (orig.)
The properties of the passive films formed on Alloy 600 at different applied potentials in 10% NaOH solution at 315 .deg. C was studied using in situ ACimpedance and polarization measurements. The results were correlated with the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior obtained from the C-ring tests in the same conditions. The change of the semiconductive property and the peak of relaxation time were observed at 0.2 V where the SCC rate showed a maximum. These results were also consistent with the prediction parameter for SCC obtained from fast and slow polarization scans.
Electronic trap densities at the indium tin oxide (ITO)/hole transport layer (HTL) interface in operating organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are characterized in situ using impedancespectroscopy. For OLEDs with a high density of active trap states, negative values of the frequency derivative of resistance are clearly observable for frequencies on the order of 10 kHz, whereas positive values are observed when the trap density is low With this technique, it is revealed that the trap density is minimized via the introduction of a TPD-Si{sub 2} (4,4'-bis[(p-trichlorosilylpropylphenyl) phenylamino]-biphenyl) passivation layer at the ITO/HTL interface or by the application of large electric fields during device operation. Furthermore, impedancespectroscopy illustrates that the ITO/HTL interface is not a simple series resistance when traps are present since they are shown not to contribute to ...
Equivalent circuit and electrical parameters for H-doped NH{sub 4}UO{sub 2}PO{sub 4}.3H{sub 2}O self supported membranes have been determined by impedancespectroscopy. The measurements were carried out with a dry membrane, at different temperatures, and a wet membrane in contact with different electrolyte solutions. Resistance values for the dry membrane decrease with temperature increase, which agrees with the weak protonic character of the H-doped ammonium uranylphosphate. On the other hand, differences in the electrical parameters, depending on the electrolyte considered were also obtained and are attributed to different conduction mechanisms. (Author).
The comprehension of passivity and its protective character against corrosion is closely connected with the electronic properties of passive films. Passive films formed anodically on carbon steel in borate/boric acid solution, pH 9.2, have been characterised by electrochemical impedancespectroscopy (EIS). Mott-Schottky plots and impedance measurements were made on films formed at different potentials and times. The investigation allowed the determination of the semiconductive properties of the films. The results of the capacitance response indicate that the passive films behave like highly doped n-type semiconductors, showing that the passive film properties are dominated by iron. The value of donors density (N {sub D}) for the passive film is of the order of 10{sup 21} cm{sup -3} and decreases with increasing formation time and potential, indicating that defects decrease with increasing film thickness. Based on the ...
The comprehension of passivity and its protective character against corrosion is closely connected with the electronic properties of passive films. Passive films formed anodically on carbon steel in borate/boric acid solution, pH 9.2, have been characterised by electrochemical impedancespectroscopy (EIS). Mott-Schottky plots and impedance measurements were made on films formed at different potentials and times. The investigation allowed the determination of the semiconductive properties of the films. The results of the capacitance response indicate that the passive films behave like highly doped n-type semiconductors, showing that the passive film properties are dominated by iron. The value of donors density (N _D) for the passive film is of the order of 10"2"1 cm"-"3 and decreases with increasing formation time and potential, indicating that defects decrease with increasing film thickness. Based on the information about ...
Evolution of the passive films formed on AISI 304L and duplex stainless steel SAF 2205 in NaOH 0.1 M was investigated using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedancespectroscopy (EIS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Special attention is paid to the effect of Mo in the generation of the films. Results point out to the stabilising effect of the molybdates on the surface of the film, enhancing the formation of a thin layer on the SAF 2205 with a higher Cr/Fe ratio.
Surface oxide films were grown on 99.99% copper and brass (copper-zinc alloy, Cu77Zn21Al2) in 0.1 mol L{sup -1} borax solution at open circuit potential and were characterized using various experimental techniques. The composition of the passive films formed in situ on the different materials was studied using differential reflectance spectroscopy. The thickness of the oxide layers on copper and brass was compared by chronopotentiometric curves and potentiodynamic reductions. The electrical properties of each oxide were analyzed by means of electrochemical impedancespectroscopy. Their influence on the oxygen reduction reaction was also investigated using voltammetry hydrodynamic tools such as the rotating disk electrode. The results show that the incorporation of Zn to Cu in brass changes the composition and the thickness of the surface film. The films grown on brass tend to be thicker but less resistive and Zn compounds ...
The electrode kinetics for oxygen reduction on conducting metal oxides, including lithiated NiO (formed in situ) and Sb-doped SnO/sub 2/, have been investigated. Kinetic measurements were carried out by using acimpedance and coulostatic relaxation methods. The ac behavior on the oxide electrodes was analyzed on the basis of a modified Randles-Ershler type equivalent circuit which takes into account the effect of non-faradaic components due to the semiconducting oxide films. The kinetic parameters (the charge transfer resistance and Warburg coefficient) and the interfacial parameters (the double layer capacity, film capacity and film resistance) were obtained by a least squares curve fitting method under P/sub O2//P/sub CO2/=0.9/0.1 atmosphere. The exchange current density was found to be 10 to 20 mA cm/sup -2/ at the oxide electrodes, assuming n=2. The coulostatic relaxation experiments supported the magnitude of the i/sub ...
The aim of this work is the comparative study of the properties of the natural graphite/liquid organic electrolyte interface by impedancespectroscopy with respect to different lithium salts (LiX with X = ClO{sub 4}{sup -}, BF{sub 4}{sup -}, CF{sub 3}SO{sub 3}{sup -}, N(CF{sub 3}SO{sub 2}){sub 2}{sup -}, PF{sub 6}{sup -}). The evolution of the interface properties during the first electrochemical reduction suggests different mechanisms of formation of passivation films. A more stable, thin and homogenous film seems to develop when the LiN(CF{sub 3}SO{sub 2}){sub 2} or LiPF{sub 6} lithium salts are used. The chemical diffusion coefficient of lithium in graphite has been determined by impedancespectroscopy. (J.S.) 16 refs.
Semiconductor properties of passive films formed on the Fe-18Cr alloy in a borate buffer solution (pH = 8.4) and 0.1 M H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} solution were examined using a photoelectrochemical spectroscopy and an electrochemical impedancespectroscopy. Photo current reveals two photo action spectra that derived from outer hydroxide and inner oxide layers. A typical n-type semiconductor behaviour is observed by both photo current and impedance for the passive films formed in the borate buffer solution. On the other hand, a negative photo current generated, the absolute value of which decreased as applied potential increased in the sulfuric acid solution. This indicates that the passive film behaves as a p-type semiconductor. However, Mott-Schottky plot revealed the typical n-type semiconductor property. It is concluded that the passive film on the Fe-18Cr alloy formed in the borate buffer solution is ...
Semiconductor properties of passive films formed on the Fe-18Cr alloy in a borate buffer solution (pH = 8.4) and 0.1 M H_2SO_4 solution were examined using a photoelectrochemical spectroscopy and an electrochemical impedancespectroscopy. Photo current reveals two photo action spectra that derived from outer hydroxide and inner oxide layers. A typical n-type semiconductor behaviour is observed by both photo current and impedance for the passive films formed in the borate buffer solution. On the other hand, a negative photo current generated, the absolute value of which decreased as applied potential increased in the sulfuric acid solution. This indicates that the passive film behaves as a p-type semiconductor. However, Mott-Schottky plot revealed the typical n-type semiconductor property. It is concluded that the passive film on the Fe-18Cr alloy formed in the borate buffer solution is composed of both ...
The composite of doped lanthanum gallate (La_0_._9Sr_0_._1Ga_0_._8Mg_0_._2O_2_._8_5, LSGM) and doped ceria (Ce_0_._8Sm_0_._2O_1_._9, CSO) was investigated as an electrolyte for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). The LSGM-CSO composite was examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and impedancespectroscopy. It was found that the sintered LSGM-CSO composite contains mainly fluorite CeO_2 phase and a minority impurity phase, Sm_3Ga_5O_1_2. The LSGM-CSO composite electrolyte shows a small grain boundary response in the impedancespectroscopy as compared to LSGM and CSO pellets. The composite electrolyte exhibits the highest conductivity in the temperature range of 250-600 "oC, compared to LSGM and CSO. The LSGM-CSO composite can be expected to be an attractive intermediate temperature electrolyte material for solid oxide fuel cells.
Capacitance dispersion on the fractal carbon electrode with edge and basal orientations was investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and a.c.-impedancespectroscopy. For this purpose, four types of as-received pyrolytic graphite electrode, as-received, mechanically polished, and as-activated glassy carbon electrodes were prepared with different surface irregularities and amounts of edge orientations. The apparent self-similar fractal dimensions of the carbon electrodes were determined from the analyses of AFM images based upon triangulation method. The amounts of edge orientations on the surface of the carbon electrodes were qualitatively estimated from the XPS analysis of surface acidic functional groups that were preferably formed on the edge planes by the heat treatment of the carbon electrodes. The values of the constant phase element exponent {alpha} determined from the ...
In this paper, an environmentally friendly metal corrosion inhibitor, phytic acid, was assembled into the walls of silica nanoparticles via layer-by-layer self-assembly technique (LbL) with poly(allylamine hydrochloride). Such functionalized nanoparticles were uniformly distributed into sol-gel films for metal anticorrosion. The films showed very pronounced and lasting protective efficiency in concentrated salt aqueous solutions as indicated by electrochemical impedancespectroscopy (EIS) measurement. These results may provide a new route for the preparation of environment-friendly anticorrosion coatings.
Nanosized CaSnO{sub 3} is synthesized by a hydrothermal process and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM observation shows the sample has a porous flowerlike morphology. The electrochemical results exhibit that the stable and reversible capacity of 547 mAh g{sup -1} is obtained after 50 cycles at 60 mA g{sup -1} (0.1 C) and the corresponding charge capacity is determined to be 316 mAh g{sup -1} at the current density of 2.5 C. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedancespectroscopy data are analyzed to complement the galvanostatic results. The observed excellent performance is attributed to the porous structure and large surface area of flowerlike CaSnO{sub 3}.
Flue gas desulfurization systems (FGDs) are operated in severely corrosive environments that cause sulfuric acid dew-point corrosion. The corrosion behavior of low-alloy steels was tested using electrochemical techniques (electrochemical impedancespectroscopy, potentiodynamic tests, potentiostatic tests), and the corrosion products were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrochemical results showed that alloying W with small amounts of Sb, Cu, and Co improves the corrosion resistance of steels. The results of surface analyses showed that the surface of the steels alloyed with W consisted of W oxides and higher amounts of Sb and Cu oxides. This suggests that the addition of W promotes the formation of a protective WO3 film, in addition to ...
A study of the stability of conducting fabrics of polyester (PES) coated with polypyrrole/PW12O40^3^- (organic/inorganic hybrid material) in different pH solutions (1, 7, 13) has been done. Washing tests were also done in views of its possible application in electronic textiles such as antistatic clothing. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies have been done to quantify the amount of counter ion that remains in the polymer matrix and determine the doping ratio (N^+/N) after the different tests. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also used to observe morphological differences after the different tests. Surface resistivity changes were measured by means of electrochemical impedancespectroscopy (EIS). Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) was employed to measure changes in ...
We present a theoretical study of the resonant interaction between dynamical localized states (discrete breathers) and linear electromagnetic excitations (EE's) in Josephson junction ladders. By making use of direct numerical simulations we find that such an interaction manifests itself by resonant steps and various sharp switchings (voltage jumps) in the current-voltage characteristics. Moreover, the power of ac oscillations away from the breather center (the breather tail) displays singularities as the externally applied dc bias decreases. All these features may be mapped to the spectrum of EE's that has been derived analytically and numerically. Using an improved analysis of the breather tail, a spectroscopy of the EE's is developed, The nature of breather instability driven by localized EE's is established.
Hybrid organic-inorganic coatings with phosphonate functionalities have been synthesized and evaluated as prospective surface treatments for magnesium materials. These coatings have been processed via a sol-gel route by hydrolysis and condensation of a mixture of diethylphosphonatoethyltriethoxy-silane and tetraethoxy-silane with variable molar ratios. The coatings morphology and the surface chemistry at the coating/substrate interface have been characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, "3"1P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. The corrosion protection performance of the coatings deposited on magnesium alloy AZ31B has been examined by a group of electrochemical techniques including potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedancespectroscopy. In addition, a scanning Kelvin probe technique has ...
The project has been developing Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ)-Alumina Composites as an electrolyte of a self-support type planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) from the following points of view: a path of alumina particles with high thermal conductivity can be designed as an electrolyte sheet; there are some possibilities that the electrolyte can be enhanced in mechanical strength. As previously reported, these composite materials have higher mechanical strength and better thermal shock resistance than those of YSZ. These composites containing 0-30 wt% of Al[sub 2]O[sub 3] were measured by ACimpedance method at temperatures of 250-1,000[degree]C. Electrical conductivities of 8YSZ without Al[sub 2]O[sub 3] and a composite consisting of 80 wt% YSZ and 20 wt%Al[sub 2]O[sub 3] as sintered samples were 1.2 x 10[sup -1]S/cm and 1.0 x 10[sup -1]S/cm respectively at 1,000[degree]C. The composite containing 20 wt% of Al[sub 2]O[sub 3] is the most ...
Li{sub 1.3}Al{sub 0.3}Ti{sub 1.7}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} thin films were successfully prepared by the solution deposition using lithium acetate, aluminum nitrate, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate and titanium butoxide as starting materials. The structure, surface morphology, electrochemical window, and ionic conductivity of the films were studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry and ACimpedance. The results showed that Li{sub 1.3}Al{sub 0.3}Ti{sub 1.7}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} thin films annealed between 750 deg. C and 900 deg. C prepared by this method were well crystallized, homogenous and crack-free. The electrochemical window was beyond 2.4 V and the ionic conductivity was approximately 1.57x10{sup -5} S/cm at room temperature for the film annealed at 800 deg. C for 30 min.
Li_1_._3Al_0_._3Ti_1_._7(PO_4)_3 thin films were successfully prepared by the solution deposition using lithium acetate, aluminum nitrate, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate and titanium butoxide as starting materials. The structure, surface morphology, electrochemical window, and ionic conductivity of the films were studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry and ACimpedance. The results showed that Li_1_._3Al_0_._3Ti_1_._7(PO_4)_3 thin films annealed between 750 deg. C and 900 deg. C prepared by this method were well crystallized, homogenous and crack-free. The electrochemical window was beyond 2.4 V and the ionic conductivity was approximately 1.57x10"-"5 S/cm at room temperature for the film annealed at 800 deg. C for 30 min.
Piezoelectric ceramics for acoustic applications have been prepared by mixing the piezoelectric phase Pb{sub 1-1.5x}La{sub x}{open_square}{sub x/2}(Ti{sub 1-y}Zr{sub y})O{sub 3} (PLZT) with variable fractions of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}. The samples are in form of pellets and polarized at high temperature. After thermal treatment, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy have been used to determine the phase and morphological modifications. The morphotropic PLZT initial phase disproportionates into modified PLZT and ZrO{sub 2} phases. Using electrical impedancespectroscopy, the resonance frequencies of the composite system have been determined and analyzed. As the Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} volume fractions increase, the resonance frequency and the amplitude of the electrical response both decrease. An interpretation of the role of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} additions is proposed in terms of phase and microstructure modifications. Using LRC electrical ...
Electronic properties of passive films formed on Fe at various applied potentials in pH 8.5 buffer solution were examined through the photocurrent measurement and impedancespectroscopy. Passive film formed on Fe at relatively low potentials was found to be r-FeOOH layer and internal r-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} layer. However, the r-FeOOH layer became unstable and disappeared at potentials below 400mV and hence may be an adsorbed layer. An electronic band structure model for the passive film of Fe was suggested on the basis of the spinel band model with involving two types of electronic excitation processes, i. e., the p-d and the d-d transition together. The effects of applied potential on the photocurrent behaviors of the passive film on Fe were explained appropriately by separating the photocurrent spectra depending on the transition type. The Mott-Schottky behavior for the passive film on Fe and the photocurrent variation with applied potential ...
Railways and electrical traction systems require high power rates to achieve their operating performances. Systems of power supply based on super-capacitors should offer high power density along with good energy efficiency and expected operating safety. We investigate general behaviours of super-capacitors with two powerful methods of analysis. The first is constant charge/discharge current at high level value (500 A), the second is impedancespectroscopy which leads to the acquisition of a set of parameters that are considered sufficient to describe general properties of super-capacitor, in particular the state of health and the available energy in any operating conditions. An electrical circuit model is defined for super-capacitors based on activated carbon and organic electrolyte. It takes into account the dependence of super-capacitor to voltage and current. The mixture of data of the two methods permits to obtain a representative model for ...
Hybridization and thermal evolution of the Ni+C{sub 60} composites, deposited on Si(001) at room temperature, were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy, {mu}-Raman spectroscopy and Rutherford Backscattering. As-deposited, the hybrid films exhibited a granular nano-structure with Ni nano-particles encapsulated in C{sub 60} polymerized rinds. The Ni and C (C{sub 60}) distributions in a top layer were found homogeneous with a stable Ni/C (C{sub 60}) ratio; in the larger depth the distributions were inhomogeneous and their ratio dramatically varied. At elevated temperatures, all structural parameters were changed. In the subsurface layer Ni- and C (C{sub 60})-rich zones were formed (due to the induced phase separation), C{sub 60}-molecules decayed and their fragments were transformed into amorphous carbon (a-C). The free volume distribution of the stressed hybrid matter was analyzed by the Hg marker that (in a form of vapors) in-diffused in ...
Self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of histidine (His) was prepared on copper surface at various pH values. The effect of KI additives on corrosion protection efficiency of His SAM was also studied. The protection abilities of these films against copper corrosion in 0.5 M HCl aqueous solution were investigated using electrochemical impedancespectroscopy and polarization techniques. The results show that the film formed on the electrode is more stable at pH = 10 than that at other pH values. When the iodide ions were added into the His self-assembly solution (pH = 10), protection efficiency was further improved. The inhibition mechanism has been discussed by quantum chemical calculations.
The effect of heat treatment on the corrosion behavior of reactive plasma sprayed TiN coatings in simulated seawater was investigated by electrochemical methods such as the corrosion potential-time curve (Ecorr-t), potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedancespectroscopy (EIS) and SEM, etc. The results showed that the corrosion potential of TiN coatings increased after heat treatment; the corrosion current of the TiN coatings after heat treatment (be hereafter referred to as HT-TiN) was 13.3% of the untreated coatings (be hereafter referred to as UT-TiN), and the polarization resistance of HT-TiN was 20 times of UT-TiN, which indicated that the heat treatment had significantly increased the corrosion resistance of the coatings. The corrosion behavior of the coatings was mainly ...
Steel structures immersed in seawater are protected from corrosion using cathodic protection systems (sacrificial anodes or impressed current), by paint coatings or by duplex systems in which cathodic protection hinders corrosion at coating's failure sites. The main problem related to those duplex systems is how to avoid cathodic delamination due to the alkalinity generated at cathodic sites. The present paper analyses the effectiveness of red mud suspensions as pre-treatment to avoid cathodic delamination. The study was conducted using mainly electrochemical impedancespectroscopy (EIS). The evolution of the electrode potential with immersion time was also recorded because it concerns the practical aspect of current density necessary to reach the protection potential. The study shows that red mud pre-treatments are effective in avoiding coating's delamination. (author)
LiNi{sub 0.8}Co{sub 0.2}O{sub 2} particles from high-power lithium-ion cells were examined to determine material changes that result from accelerated aging tests. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) data indicated a Li{sub x}Ni{sub 1-x}O-type layer on the particle surfaces. The greater thickness on particles from high-power fade cells indicate that these surface layers are a significant contributor to cathode impedance rise observed during cell tests.
Research highlights: ? Reports a high protection system for the alloy in corrosive environment. ? Describes an interfacial process with self-healing properties. ? Reports the influence of substrate pre-treatment in the coating performance. - Abstract: In this paper the interface of poly(vinylidene fluoride) coatings prepared by the dip coating method and HF-treated AZ31 magnesium alloy was evaluated. The best performance of this system in corrosion tests compared to ground, as-received and acetic acid cleaned substrates is related to an acid-base interaction at the interface and to interfacial reactions which resulted in a self-healing process. The protectiveness of the samples was investigated using impedance and immersion tests while the coating morphology and interface stability were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and adhesion tests.
To study the effect of CuO on the electrochemical properties of MgNi alloy, the MgNi-xCuO (x = 3, 5 and 10 wt%) composites were prepared by ball-milling method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that the structures of the composites were amorphous. The cycle stability of the composites was improved compared to pure MgNi alloy due to the enhancement of the anti-corrosion property in the alkaline electrolyte, and the composite with 5 wt% CuO ball-milled for 15 h exhibited the best performance. Electrochemical impedancespectroscopy (EIS) and potential-step measurements indicated that the electrochemical kinetics of the composites was improved.
The effect of phosphonate anion (PHOS) on the corrosion of ordinary steel in simulated cooling water has been studied using weight loss, polarization curves and electrochemical impedancespectroscopy measurements. PHOS was studied in the concentration range from 7.5x10^-^5 to 10^-^3M. The results obtained reveal that PHOS perform excellently as corrosion inhibitor for ordinary steel in simulated cooling water. The inhibition efficiency of PHOS was increased with increasing both its concentration and water circulation velocity. These two factors seem to promote the adsorption of phosphorus and oxygen ions on the metal surface, leading to the formation of a protective layer with a greater charge transfer resistance and lower permeability. The inhibition efficiency decreased slightly with tem...
The effect of sodium gluconate anion (SG) on the corrosion and scale inhibition of ordinary steel in simulated cooling water has been studied using weight loss, polarisation curves, electrochemical impedancespectroscopy (EIS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. SG was studied in concentration from 10{sup -4} M to 10{sup -1} M. Results obtained reveal that SG perform excellently as corrosion and scaling inhibitor for ordinary steel in simulated cooling water. An increase of SG concentration leads to the increase of the corrosion potential towards the positive direction. The inhibition efficiency was a low temperature dependence. The inhibitor mechanism was treated as an adsorption process according to Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The SEM/EDAX data show that was a corrosion and scale inhibitor.
The effect of sodium gluconate anion (SG) on the corrosion and scale inhibition of ordinary steel in simulated cooling water has been studied using weight loss, polarisation curves, electrochemical impedancespectroscopy (EIS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. SG was studied in concentration from 10-4M to 10-1M. Results obtained reveal that SG perform excellently as corrosion and scaling inhibitor for ordinary steel in simulated cooling water. An increase of SG concentration leads to the increase of the corrosion potential towards the positive direction. The inhibition efficiency was a low temperature dependence. The inhibitor mechanism was treated as an adsorption process according to Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The SEM/EDAX data show that was a corrosion and scale inhi...
Red mud suspensions are studied as passivating agents for iron in alkaline chloride media. Red mud particles in alkaline media are negatively charged, and can absorb considerable amounts of protons without significant changes in pH. These particles adhere easily to an iron surface forming aggregates of heterogeneous shape, smaller than 10 #mu#mx10 #mu#m. These adhered particles recrystallise on potential cycling, and hinder metal dissolution and magnetite formation. Carbon steel samples passivated in red mud suspensions become resistant to corrosion in alkaline chloride media. Corrosion potential versus time records and impedancespectroscopy measurements allow formulating some hypotheses about the inhibiting mechanism.
Red mud suspensions are studied as passivating agents for iron in alkaline chloride media. Red mud particles in alkaline media are negatively charged, and can absorb considerable amounts of protons without significant changes in pH. These particles adhere easily to an iron surface forming aggregates of heterogeneous shape, smaller than 10 {mu}mx10 {mu}m. These adhered particles recrystallise on potential cycling, and hinder metal dissolution and magnetite formation. Carbon steel samples passivated in red mud suspensions become resistant to corrosion in alkaline chloride media. Corrosion potential versus time records and impedancespectroscopy measurements allow formulating some hypotheses about the inhibiting mechanism.
This paper presents the corrosion inhibition performance of soluble self-doped copolymers of aniline and 4-amino-3-hydroxy-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization method. The corrosion inhibition behaviour of the copolymers in 1.0M HCl has been evaluated using Tafel Extrapolation method and electrochemical impedancespectroscopy (EIS) which was also used to propose the mechanism besides surface morphology. The results showed that the copolymer film exhibited the significant shifting in the corrosion potential and greater charge transfer resistance. The corrosion inhibition efficiency was found to increase from 50% to 90% by increasing the concentration of copolymer from 10 to 70mg/l in HCl medium. Moreover, the copolymer showed the larger degree of surf...
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) need long-lived high-power batteries as energy storage devices. Batteries based on lithium-ion technology can meet the high-power goals but have been unable to meet HEV calendar-life requirements. As part of the US Department of Energy's Advanced Technology Development (ATD) Program, diagnostic studies are being conducted on 18650-type lithium-ion cells that were subjected to accelerated aging tests at temperatures ranging from 40 to 70 C. This article summarizes data obtained by gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, electron microscopy, X-ray spectroscopy and electrochemical techniques, and identifies cell components that are responsible for the observed impedance rise and power fade.
An impingement jet system was used to study flow-assisted corrosion (FAC) of 3003 aluminum (Al) alloy in ethylene glycol-water solutions that simulates the automotive coolant by corrosion potential and electrochemical impedancespectroscopy (EIS) measurements as well as computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. The effects of solution pH and fluid impact angle on Al FAC were determined. An increase of solution pH enhances the activity of Al due to dissolution of Al oxide film in alkaline environment. Moreover, Al activity decreases with the increasing fluid impact angle to the specimen. A CFD simulation shows that, with the increase of impact angle, the electrode area under high-velocity flow field decreases and that under low-velocity flow field increases. Consequently, the shear str...
In this work, effects of coolant chemistry, including concentrations of chloride ions and ethylene glycol and addition of various ions, on corrosion of 3003 Al alloy were investigated by electrochemical impedancespectroscopy measurements and scanning electron microscopy characterization. In chloride-free, ethylene glycol-water solution, a layer of Al-alcohol film is proposed to form on the electrode surface. With the increase of ethylene glycol concentration, more Al-alcohol film is formed, resulting in the increase in film resistance and charge-transfer resistance. In the presence of Cl- ions, they would be involved in the film formation, decreasing the stability of the film. In 50% ethylene glycol-water solution, the threshold value of Cl- concentration for pitting initiation is within ...
The deterioration of AA2024, AA6061 and AA7475 anodised in an environmentally-compliant tartaric acid/sulphuric acid electrolyte has been examined as a function of the immersion time in the electrolyte after termination of anodising. By transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, degradation of the porous oxide film was qualitatively observed on AA2024. Electrochemical impedancespectroscopy revealed that AA2024 and AA7075 were more sensitive to prolonged immersion in the anodising electrolyte compared with AA6061, due to increased barrier layer thinning rates and increased susceptibility to localized corrosion. Salt spray tests confirmed the previous, indicating decay of anticorrosion performance for AA2024 and AA7075.
A study of the ordinary mild steel/cooling water interface, with and without inhibitor, was carried out using electrochemical impedancespectroscopy (EIS). EIS spectra in uninhibited medium reveal that a layer of corrosion and scale products is formed naturally and evolves with the immersion time. Monosaccharides derivatives were used as corrosion inhibitors. Most of them exhibit good behaviour against corrosion of ordinary steel in simulated water systems. Their inhibiting efficiency increases with concentration rise and depends on molecular structure especially -OH groups' position on two adjacent carbons and their number. In addition, the effect of MoO4^2^- on the corrosion inhibition in the presence of the best inhibitor was also studied by EIS. The addition of MoO4^2^- enhanced the in...
An electrochemical biosensor for determination of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was fabricated, based on the electrostatic immobilization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) with one-dimensional gold nanowires (Au NWs) and TiO2 nanoparticles (nano-TiO2) on a gold electrode. The nano-TiO2 can give a biocompatible microenvironment and compact film, and the Au NWs can provide fast electron transferring rate and greatly add the amount of HRP molecules immobilized on the electrode surface. Au NWs were characterized by ultraviolet?visible spectra and transmission electron microscope. The electrode modification process was probed by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedancespectroscopy. Chronoamperometry was used to study the electrochemical performance of the resulting biosensor. Under optimal co...
Side-chain liquid crystalline ionomer (SLCI) containing sulfonic acid groups with a polymethylhydrosiloxane main-chain was used in the blends of polypropylene (PP) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) as a compatibilizer. The crystalline behavior, morphological, and mechanical properties of the blends were investigated in detail by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarizing optical microscope (POM), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Revealed by the shift of Tm in DSC thermogram and the shift of the absorbed peak in FTIR spectra, specific interaction led to stronger interfacial adhesion between these phases, which resulted in much finer dispersion of the minor PBT phase in PP matrix. The SLCI containing sulfonate acid groups ac...
Sols of silver nanoparticles in toluene were studied by broadband dielectric spectroscopy (10?3?105 Hz). The frequency dependences of the specific alternating current (ac) conductivity and the complex electric modulus were used to estimate the temperature/frequency intervals of long- and short-range charge transfer occurs, respectively. A considerable increase (by more than 30 ?C) in the Vogel temperature T 0 and the glass transition temperature T g in sols compared with the pure solvent was found. It can be hypothesized that these cooperative effects reflect the initial stage of the superlattice formation. Although the dielectric characteristics of sols are generally controlled by the conductivity relaxation, the dielectric response was observed in the high-frequency range (1?103 Hz) at l...
Samarium cobaltite ceramic perovskites, with and without platinum particles dispersion, are possible candidates as electrode for electrochemical conversion of hydrocarbon and for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (ITSOFC). In this work, samarium cobaltites were synthesized by the combustion method using cobalt, and samarium nitrates as cation precursors and urea as fuel. For containing-platinum compositions Pt (II) acetyl acetonate was also employed as precursor. The effect of Sr on the phase formation and its electrical behavior is also studied. Specific surface area (BET), SEM-EDX, TEM and XRD analysis are used to characterize the powders obtained. Powders were pressed into pellets and sintered in air in the temperature range of 1200 -1400 C. Electrical impedancespectroscopy studies (EIS) are performed on sintered samples. The as-prepared powders showed an amorphous structure and by TEM a very small particle size ...
Patient monitoring during mechanotherapy based on electrocutaneous impedance measurement is discussed. Methods implemented by the Alpharhythmica computer-assisted system are described. Mechanotherapy modifies electrocutaneous impedance as compared to other parameters: heart rate, arterial pressure, and body temperature. Real time criteria of mechanotherapy efficacy based on electrocutaneous impedance measurement are suggested. Results of electrocutaneous impedance monitoring are presented.
Complimentary spectroscopic, microscopic and electrochemical studies were performed to characterise the barrier properties as well as the interface structure of model iron substrates covered with thin plasma polymer films. Cathodic plasma polymers were deposited which show high barrier properties. The metal surface was pre-treated by a reducing or oxidising plasma. This allowed the adjustment of the oxidation state of the interface layer. The interface structure was characterised by means of X-ray photoelectron sputter profiles, infrared spectroscopy and the application of a Kelvin probe. The investigations show that the measured Voltapotential on the plasma polymer surface can be correlated with the oxidation state of the interface. Reducing plasmas lead to an almost oxide free surface. After deposition of the plasma polymer, this reduced state of the oxide is sensitive to re-oxidation of the interface by oxygen that diffuses through the plasma polymer. It could ...
The first derivative thoracic impedance cardiogram, phonocardiogram, and electrocardiogram were recorded in three groups of 22 subjects each. In Group 1 (control), simultaneous impedance cardiogram,...Full Text Available
Charged particle beams in circular accelerators couple with their surroundings through induced electromagnetic fields. This interaction can be described by so-called coupling impedances. In the frequency domain the impedance in connection with the bunch spectrum allows for stability analysis and estimates. However, for simulation codes one usually needs the wakefunction, the equivalent of the impedance in time domain. Recently the transverse impedance of a cylindrical pipe with arbitrary surface impedance was given by L. Vos. An expression for the wakefunction of this transverse resistive wall impedance with inductive bypass is derived here.
Alloy 600 is used as a material for steam generator tubing in pressurized water reactors(PWR) due to its high corrosion resistance under PWR environment. In spite of its corrosion resistance, stress corrosion cracking(SCC) has occurred on the primary side as well as the secondary side of the tubing. Oxide on steel surfaces in aqueous solution above 100 .deg. C is composed of duplex film structure. Inner layer of the oxide is dense and less porous, which is formed by growth of oxide layer on metal surface. Outer layer of the oxide is loose adhesive, which is formed by dissolution precipitation mechanism. Growth processes occur at the metal/oxide and oxide/electrolyte interfaces and are controlled by transport of the layer forming species through the layer, i.e. by the inward diffusion of oxygen including electrolyte species and the outward diffusion of metal cations. Understanding of basic electrochemical behaviors about anodic dissolution and passivation of bare surface of metals and ...
Alloy 600 is commonly used in the primary systems of PWR plants because of its excellent resistance to a stress corrosion cracking and pitting. But a stress corrosion cracking and pitting corrosion are occasionally observed under PWR conditions, which may be correlated with the passive film on the Alloy 600 surface. There is little information on the composition of films growing on the surface of Alloy 600 at high temperature. Therefore, an understanding of the basic electrochemical behaviors about an anodic dissolution and the passivation of the bare surface of metals and alloys provides important information about localized corrosions like a SCC and pitting. Oxide on the steel surfaces in an aqueous solution above 100 .deg. C is composed of a duplex film structure. The inner layer of the oxide is dense and less porous, which is formed by a growth of the oxide layer on the metal surface. Outer layer of the oxide is less adhesive, which is formed by a dissolution precipitation ...
Alloy 600 is commonly used in the primary systems of PWR plants because of its excellent resistance to a stress corrosion cracking and pitting. But a stress corrosion cracking and pitting corrosion are occasionally observed under PWR conditions, which may be correlated with the passive film on the Alloy 600 surface. There is little information on the composition of films growing on the surface of Alloy 600 at high temperature. Therefore, an understanding of the basic electrochemical behaviors about an anodic dissolution and the passivation of the bare surface of metals and alloys provides important information about localized corrosions like a SCC and pitting. Oxide on the steel surfaces in an aqueous solution above 100 .deg. C is composed of a duplex film structure. The inner layer of the oxide is dense and less porous, which is formed by a growth of the oxide layer on the metal surface. Outer layer of the oxide is less adhesive, which is formed by a dissolution precipitation ...
Spherical {beta}-Ni(OH){sub 2} was modified by a low-cost method of normal ball milling (NBM), and the physical properties of both ball-milled and un-milled Ni(OH){sub 2} were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, specific surface area, particle size distribution and X-ray diffraction. It was found that NBM could obviously increase the surface area, decrease the particle and crystallite size, and reduce the crystallinity of {beta}-Ni(OH){sub 2}, which were advantageous to the improvement of the electrochemical activity of Ni(OH){sub 2}. NBM also lowered the packing density and flowability of Ni(OH){sub 2}, as revealed by the measurements of tapping density and angle of repose. Electrochemical performances of pasted nickel electrodes with an addition of ball-milled Ni(OH){sub 2} to spherical Ni(OH){sub 2} as the active material were investigated, and were compared with those of the pure spherical Ni(OH){sub 2} electrodes. Charge/discharge tests showed that ball-milled ...
AC/DC voltage standards based entirely on solid-state references used as secondary, working, or transfer standards is widespread, although metrological performance is typically defined only via comparison with a higher level standard. The present report shows the improvements of the output metrological characteristics of an ac/dc calibrator by establishing three internal hierarchical levels of dc voltage references and by constant calibration of ac measuring circuits.
Red mud (RM) is the main by-product of the Bayer process for alumina extraction from bauxite, and grey slurries (GS) are generated during the granite rocks transformation processes. the huge volume of those wastes generated every year suppose a serious environmental problem. Recent works by our group demonstrate the efficiency of both types of muds as corrosion inhibitors for iron and steel in alkaline media containing chlorides. The elemental analysis of these slurried shows that Al"3+ is the main common element. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to study the effect of the soluble Al"3+ in the electrochemical behaviour of iron in alkaline media, in presence and absence of chlorides. The electrochemical study using Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Electrochemical ImpedanceSpectroscopy (EIS) together with surface analysis techniques allowed to conclude that Al"3+ blocks the surface of steel in alkaline media chloride increasing the steel ...
Research highlights: #-># The Y-intermetallic can accelerate corrosion and Y can increase the protectiveness of the surface layer. #-># In 0.1 M NaCl, the corrosion rate of Mg-Y alloys increased with increasing Y due to the Y intermetallic. #-># In 0.1 M NaCl, there was filiform corrosion. #-># In 0.1 M Na_2SO_4, the corrosion rate of Mg-Y alloys decreased with increasing Y in the range 3-7%Y. #-># Hydrogen evolution was observed from particular parts of the alloy surface. - Abstract: Corrosion of Mg-Y alloys was studied using electrochemical evaluations, immersion tests and direct observations. There were two important effects. In 0.1 M NaCl, the corrosion rate increased with increasing Y content due to increasing amounts of the Y-containing intermetallic. In 0.1 M Na_2SO_4, the corrosion rate decreased with increasing Y content above 3%, attributed to a more protective surface film, despite the intermetallic. The corrosion rate evaluated by electrochemical ...
For the first time, rheological phase method, a simple and effective route, is applied to synthesize novel cathode material LiCoPO{sub 4}. X-ray diffraction spectrometer (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and electrochemical impedancespectroscopy (EIS) are taken to investigate this material, respectively. XRD figure shows that the rheological sample is better crystallized than the solid-state one. XPS result of the rheological sample exhibits that the valence of Co is 2+. TEM images show that better dispersed particles with smaller size can be formed by rheological method comparing to the solid-state route. Charge-discharge test is carried out in the range of 3.0-5.0 V at 0.2 mA cm{sup -2}. The initial discharge capacity for rheological phase and solid-state powder is 71.5 and 30.9 mAh g{sup -1}, respectively. The better electrochemical property should be ascribed to the better crystallized ...
For the first time, rheological phase method, a simple and effective route, is applied to synthesize novel cathode material LiCoPO4. X-ray diffraction spectrometer (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and electrochemical impedancespectroscopy (EIS) are taken to investigate this material, respectively. XRD figure shows that the rheological sample is better crystallized than the solid-state one. XPS result of the rheological sample exhibits that the valence of Co is 2+. TEM images show that better dispersed particles with smaller size can be formed by rheological method comparing to the solid-state route. Charge-discharge test is carried out in the range of 3.0-5.0 V at 0.2 mA cm-2. The initial discharge capacity for rheological phase and solid-state powder is 71.5 and 30.9 mAh g-1, respectively. The better electrochemical property should be ascribed to the better crystallized rheological phase ...
In this study a modified solid state synthesis (auto-ignition method) is used to form nanosized spinel type material LiMg{sub 0.05}Ni{sub 0.45}Mn{sub 1.5}O{sub 4}. This material presents a high voltage plateau at 4.75 V vs. Li/Li{sup +}. Structural and electrochemical characterisations have been performed using a wide range of techniques (TEM, neutron diffraction, galvanostatic measurements, and impedancespectroscopy). Besides, in situ XAS has been performed to monitor the evolution of Ni and Mn oxidation state during Li intercalation. The material presents an ordered cubic spinel structure, good capacity retention upon cycling (131 mAh g{sup -1} at C/10 and 117 mAh g{sup -1} at 1C) and good electronic conductivity (10{sup -6} S cm{sup -1} at RT). The simultaneous presence of Mn{sup 3+}/Mn{sup 4+} in the structure has been investigated and explained by inclusion of disordered nanodomains in the structure. (author)
ABO{sub 3} perovskite-type oxides having vacancies in the A-sites of their structure are interesting candidates for solid electrolytes when their A-sites are occupied by Li{sup +} ions having a high mobility. This is the case with the [Li{sub 3x}La{sub 2/3-x}]TiO{sub 3} solid solution compound which has a 10{sup -3} S cm{sup -1} ionic conductivity at ambient temperature. Electrochemical intercalation in this material is possible thanks to the presence of Ti{sup 4+} but the small amount of vacancies (0.33 maximum) leads to a low intercalation rate. In order to solve this problem, the LiLaNb{sub 2}O{sub 7} material which has a greater amount of vacancies has been studied and the results relative to the electrochemical intercalation of lithium in this perovskite are presented. The thermodynamical and kinetics properties of the lithium intercalation reaction have been studied by intermittent galvano-static discharges and impedancespectroscopy in ...
The temperature effect on corrosion behaviors of PbCaSnCe alloy in 4.5 M H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} solution was investigated by using potentiodynamic curve, electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS), Mott-Schottky plot and photocurrent response methods. It was found that PbCaSnCe alloy was in passive state in sulfuric acid solution, a passive film can be formed on alloy surface. The compositions of passive films formed at 0.9 V for 2 h under different temperatures were detected by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that the film resistance and the transfer resistance decreased with the increment of the solution temperature. Mott-Schottky analysis and the photocurrent response revealed that the passive film exhibited n-type semi-conductive character, the donor density of the passive film decreased with increasing the solution temperature. Photocurrent response revealed that the photocurrent increased with increasing temperature. ...
The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was studied on bare brass (B), nickel coated brass (B/Ni), nickel-zinc alloy coated brass (B/NiZn, leached Zn), nickel (under layer)/nickel-zinc alloy coated (top layer) brass electrodes (B/Ni/NiZn, leached Zn) in 1 M NaOH solution using electrolysis, cathodic polarization and electrochemical impedancespectroscopy (EIS) techniques. Long term tests were performed in order to evaluate the electrocatalytic activity and corrosion performance of the prepared electrodes with operation time. The results showed that leached electrodes, especially B/Ni/NiZn electrode, have a smaller overpotential than the others and a good electrocatalytic activity for the HER. Its electrocatalytic activity is also stable over electrolysis time. Contrary to the HER performance, B/NiZn cannot provide an adequate corrosion protection. However, when a thin Ni layer was coated under the NiZn alloy coating (B/Ni/NiZn), a greater ...
Nanowires of copolymers film based on aniline and 1-amino-2-naphthol-4-sulphonic acid were electrochemically synthesized on the iron electrode by cyclic voltammetry using oxalic acid as a supporting electrolyte. Protective properties of copolymer film on the iron surface in 1.0 M HCl solution was investigated by chronoamperometry, potentiodynamic polarization technique and electrochemical impedancespectroscopy (EIS). The results showed that the copolymer film showed the significant shifting in the corrosion potential and greater charge transfer resistance. Moreover, the copolymer showed the larger degree of surface coverage onto the iron surface, reflecting the higher protection for corrosion of the iron in acidic medium. In addition, the film constitutes a physical as well as a chemical barrier layer due to the presence of -OH and -NH groups in ANSA unit, which provides passivity protection in polymer coatings. The mechanism of corrosion ...
In this study, Cu{sub 2}O/Cu composite particles were synthesized using an innovative chemical reduction method without any template and surfactant. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that the product mainly consisted of Cu{sub 2}O phase coexisting with a Cu phase. FE-SEM images showed that the octahedral shaped particles were Cu{sub 2}O. The electrochemical performance of the Cu{sub 2}O/Cu particles was investigated with regards to the working electrode material in alkaline solution. The particles had a maximum discharge capacity of 222.9 mAh/g at a discharge current density of 60 mA/g and a high value of 109.1 mAh/g after 50 charge-discharge cycles. Cyclic voltammetry revealed that the reaction between Cu{sub 2}O and Cu is the major electrochemical reaction during the charging and discharging process. Electrochemical impedancespectroscopy revealed that the formation of Cu{sub 2}O on the surface of Cu particles increased the contact ...
Red mud (Rm) is the main by-product of the Bayer process for alumina extraction from bauxite, and grey slurries (GS) are generated during the granite rocks transformation processes. the huge volume of those wastes generated every year suppose a serious environmental problem. Recent works by our group demonstrate the efficiency of both types of muds as corrosion inhibitors for iron and steel in alkaline media containing chlorides. The elemental analysis of these slurried shows that Al{sup 3}+ is the main common element. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to study the effect of the soluble Al{sup 3}+ in the electrochemical behaviour of iron in alkaline media, in presence and absence of chlorides. The electrochemical study using Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Electrochemical ImpedanceSpectroscopy (EIS) together with surface analysis techniques allowed to conclude that Al{sup 3}+ blocks the surface of steel in alkaline media chloride increasing the ...
The industrial standard process for the purification of natural gas is to remove acid gases, mainly hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide, by the absorption and reaction of these gases with alkanolamines. The natural gas industry requires vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE) data to develop more energy efficient amine mixtures. Some energy reductions have been realized in the past decade by applying such amine systems as hindered amines, methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), and MDEA based amine mixtures. However, the lack of reliable and accurate VLE data impedes the commercial application of these more efficient alkanolamine systems. The first objective of this project is to improve the accuracy of vapor-liquid equilibrium measurements at low hydrogen sulfide concentrations. The second objective is to make VLE measurements for amine mixtures. By improving the accuracy of the VLE data on MDEA and other amines, energy savings can be implemented in the many existing absorption units ...
The industrial standard process for the purification of natural gas is to remove acid gases, mainly hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide, by the absorption and reaction of these gases with alkanolamines. Inadequate data for vapor -- liquid equilibrium (VLE) hinder the industry from converting operations to more energy efficient amine mixtures and conserving energy. Some energy reductions have been realized in the past decade by applying such amine systems as ``hindered`` amines, methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), and MDEA based amine mixtures. However, the lack of reliable and accurate fundamental VLE data impedes the commercial application of these more efficient alkanolamine systems. The first project objective is to improve the accuracy of vapor -- liquid equilibrium measurements at low hydrogen sulfide concentrations. The second project objective is to measure the VLE for amine mixtures. By improving the accuracy of the VLE measurements on MDEA and mixtures with other ...
The industrial standard process for the purification of natural gas is to remove acid gases, mainly hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide, by the absorption and reaction of these gases with alkanolamines. Inadequate data for vapor -- liquid equilibrium (VLE) hinder the industry from converting operations to more energy efficient amine mixtures and conserving energy. Some energy reductions have been realized in the past decade by applying such amine systems as hindered'' amines, methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), and MDEA based amine mixtures. However, the lack of reliable and accurate fundamental VLE data impedes the commercial application of these more efficient alkanolamine systems. The first project objective is to improve the accuracy of vapor -- liquid equilibrium measurements at low hydrogen sulfide concentrations. The second project objective is to measure the VLE for amine mixtures. By improving the accuracy of the VLE measurements on MDEA and ...
Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was chemically modified using cyanuric chloride (CC) as a linking agent onto a carbon felt (CF), which is a microelectrode ensemble of micro carbon fiber (>7mm, diameter) with a random three-dimensional structure. The resulting HRP-modified CF (HRP-ccCF) exhibited well-defined redox waves based on the HRP heme Fe^I^I^I/Fe^I^I redox couple at -0.23V vs. Ag/AgCl (at pH 7.0), while the HRP-adsorbed CF (HRP-CF) showed no apparent redox couple in the same potential range, indicating that the chemical modification of HRP via CC facilitated the direct electron transfer (DET) between HRP and CF. The apparent heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant ks was estimated to be 35s^-^1. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedancespectroscopy revealed that the inter...
Acrylonitrile electropolymerization (in an aprotic and anhydrous medium) has been used as a way to build thin, homogeneous and covering polyacrylonitrile layers grafted on the surface of usual metals and specially on copper-based shape memory alloy: Cu-Zn-Al. The results of the study first confirm the possibility of grafting thin and covering polyacrylonitrile layers on Cu-Zn-Al surface. The morphology of the films however is influenced by the geometry of the polycristalline structure of the alloy and its superficial defects. Samples obtained after grafting polyacrylonitrile films were submitted to corrosion tests based on Electrochemical ImpedanceSpectroscopy (EIS) measurements in a NaCl/H{sub 2}O medium. Results show that some post-treatments of the grafted films are necessary to improve their protective role, while preserving the strong interfacial bondings. Actually, thermal and mechanical cycling of the shape memory alloy covered by ...
Permalloy (Ni{sub 80}Fe{sub 20})/Cu multilayered nanowires (NWs) were electrodeposited using a template directed method from sulfate baths via pulse potential technique. Microstructures and compositions of the nanowires were characterized using various microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. To synthesize compositionally uniform nanowires with high efficiency, new sulfate baths with a high content of Ni{sup 2+} were developed. The effects of deposition potential and concentration of metal ions were optimized to reduce composition inhomogeneity and incorporation of copper in the permalloy layers. Composition of the NiFe layers was found to be close to 20 at% Fe with a maximum of 5 at% Cu. TEM analysis indicated that individual nanowires exhibit distinct and coherent layering structure with rough and wavy interfaces. A synthesized single nanowire was also AC dielectrophoretically assembled across the microfabricated gold electrodes for subsequent ...
Chromium containing amorphous hydrogenated carbon films (a-C : H/Cr) have been prepared by simultaneous rf plasma activated chemical vapour deposition of methane and magnetron sputtering of a chromium target. During deposition the substrates were heated (up to 300C) and DC biased (-200 and -600 V) in order to obtain films with high chemical stability. Constant temperature tests were performed at 250C in air with coatings deposited on silicon substrates. The degradation of the coatings was monitored by Raman spectroscopy and reflectance and transmission measurements. The main degradation mechanisms are discussed and the relevant parameters which improve the durability of the coatings are presented. Furthermore, the durability of solar selective, multilayered coatings which were deposited on copper sheets was investigated. Based on accelerated aging tests at different temperature loads in air (at 220C, 250C and 300C) and in a humid environment ...
This report discusses the following topics: impedance and bunch lengthening; single bunch stability in the ESRF; a longitudinal mode-coupling instability model for bunch lengthening; high-frequency behavior of longitudinal coupling impedance; beam-induced energy spreads at beam-pipe transitions; on the calculation of wake functions using MAFIA-T3 code; preliminary measurements of the bunch length and the impedance of LEP; measurements and simulations of collective effects in the CERN SPS; bunch lengthening in the SLC damping rings; and status of impedance measurements for the spring-8 storage ring.
Novel CdS hollow microspheres have been successfully synthesized via a facile template-free solution-phase reaction from cadmium nitrate and thioacetamide precursors. The morphology of CdS hollow microspheres depends strongly on the ratio between the precursors, cadmium nitrate to thioacetamide ratio. The physical properties of the hollow microspheres have systematically been studied by different characterization methods. The stoichiometry of the hollow microspheres studied by the energy dispersive X-ray diffraction spectroscopy confirmed that the synthesized CdS hollow microspheres are nearly stoichiometric bulk like CdS. The morphology of the hollow microspheres studied by high resolution scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy observations showed that the CdS hollow microspheres of the size of 2.5 ?m have hollow structure and are constructed by several nanoparticles of the size between 30 and 40 nm. The UV-visible diffuse reflectance ...
Oxide ionic conductivities of (CeO_2)_x(Sc_2O_3)_(_0_._1_1_-_x_)(ZrO_2)_0_._8_9 (x = 0.01-0.10) electrolytes were optimized for the application in intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell (IT-SOFC). Powders with different contents of CeO_2 and Sc_2O_3 were prepared via a co-precipitation method. The obtained powders and pellets were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and impedancespectroscopy. Among all the compositions, (CeO_2)_0_._0_4(Sc_2O_3)_0_._0_7(ZrO_2)_0_._8_9(4Ce7ScZr) gives the highest ionic conductivity of 0.065 S cm"-"1 at 800 "oC. The effects on densification and electrical properties of different sintering additives, such as SiO_2, MgO, Co_3O_4, MoO_3 and Bi_2O_3, were studied and different conducting behavior with these additives were observed. The densification temperatures of CeO_2 and Sc_2O_3 co-doped electrolytes can be ...
Cold plasma nitriding treatment was performed to improve the corrosion resistance of C38 carbon steel. Nitriding process was conducted using a radiofrequency nitrogen plasma discharge for different times of treatment on non-heated substrates. The modification of the corrosion resistance characteristic of the C38 steel due to the treatment in acid medium (1 M HCl) were investigated by gravimetric and electrochemical tests such as potentiodynamic polarisation curves and electrochemical impedancespectroscopy (EIS). It was shown that the plasma nitriding treatment improves the corrosion resistance. Indeed, in the gravimetric tests, nitrided samples showed lower weight loss and lower corrosion rate in comparison to untreated one. In the Tafel polarisation tests, the nitrided samples showed greatly reduced corrosion current densities, anodic dissolution and also retarded the hydrogen evolution reaction. Using EIS method, an adequate structural model ...
Passivity of aluminum (Al) alloy 3003 in air and in aqueous solutions without and with chloride ions was characterized by electrochemical measurements, including cyclic polarization, electrochemical impedancespectroscopy (EIS), localized EIS and potential of zero charge, Mott-Schottky analysis and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) technique. Stability, pitting susceptibility and repassivation ability of Al alloy 3003 under various film-forming conditions were determined. Results demonstrated that passive films formed on 3003 Al alloy in air and in Na2SO4 solution without and with NaCl addition show an n-type semiconductor in nature. The passive film formed in chloride-free solution is most stable, and that formed in chloride-containing solution is most unstable, with the film formed in air in between. Pitting of Al alloy 3003 passivated both in air and in aqueous solutions is inevitable in the presence of chloride ...
After being pre-plated a zinc layer, an amorphous Al-Mn alloy coating was applied onto the surface of AZ31B magnesium alloy with a bath of molten salts. Then the corrosion performance of the coated magnesium alloy was examined in 3.5% NaCl solution by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedancespectroscopy (EIS). The results showed that the single Zn layer was active in the test solution with a high corrosion rate while the Al-Mn alloy coating could effectively protect AZ31B magnesium alloy from corrosion in the solution. The high corrosion resistance of Al-Mn alloy coating was ascribed to an intact and stable passive film formed on the coating. The performances of the passive film on Al-Mn alloy were further investigated by Mott-Schottky curve and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. It was confirmed that the passive film exhibited n-type semiconducting behavior in 3.5% NaCl solution with a ...
The dry desulfurization, denitrification and air toxics removal process using activated coke (AC) has been commercially adapted for flue gas clean up of a power plant, an oil refinery plant, an iron ore sintering plant, and a refuse incinerator. This process can achieve 100% removal of SO{sub x}, over 80% removal of NO{sub x} and effective removal of air toxics such as Hg, HCL, dioxines, etc., by contacting flue gas with AC and injecting NH{sub 3} for DeNO{sub x} at temperature range of about 100-200{degrees}C. For flue gas treatment, AC has several functions, which basically depends on the chemical surface group on AC inner surface. As adsorbent, AC can adsorb SO{sub x} at the relatively basic oxygen group site, where the adsorbed SO{sub x} is stored as sulfuric acid into micropore structure of AC. As catalyst, AC can decompose NO{sub x} ...
A critical element of a retinal prosthesis is the stimulating electrode array, which is placed in close proximity to the retina. It is via this retinal-electrode interface that a retinal prosthesis electrically stimulates nerve cells to produce the perception of light. The impedance load seen by the current driver consists of the tissue resistance and the complex electrode impedance. The results in this paper show that the tissue resistance of the retina is significantly greater than that of the vitreous humor in the eye. Circuit models of the electrode-retina interface are used to parameterize the different contributors to the overall impedance.
An energy saving dc-dc converter circuit is disclosed having two energy efficient means which operate in tandem, an energy conserving means and a voltage doubling means. These energy efficient means are applied in combination with elements commonly found in dc-dc converter circuits, namely an ac voltage generator, a transformer for stepping up the generated ac voltage, and means for storing the converted dc voltage. The energy conserving means is connected to the dc voltage storage means. It comprises a resettable inhibit circuit which cuts off the provision of dc voltage for conversion for a predetermined interval when the output of the converter exceeds a predetermined level. The voltage doubling means is reponsive to outputs of the inhibit circuit of the energy conserving means and the ac voltage generator. It provides a phase inverted waveform of the generated ac voltage on one of two leads to the ...
This dissertation is concerned with the development, experimental diagnostics and mathematical modelling and simulation of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC). The central themes throughout this thesis are the closely interlinked phenomena of mass and charge transfer. In the face of developing a PEFC system for vehicle propulsion these phenomena are scrutinized on a broad range of relevant scales. Starting from the material related level of the membrane and the gas diffusion layer (GDL) we turn to length scales, where structural features of the cell additionally come into play. These are the scale of flow channels and ribs, the single cell and the cell stack followed by the cell, stack, and system development for an automotive power train. In Chapter 3 selected fundamental material models and properties, respectively, are explored that are crucial for the mathematical modelling and simulation of PEFC, as needed in some succeeding parts of this work. First, established mathematical ...
In order to overcome the inherent disadvantages of Ti-V-based hydrogen storage alloys, such as poor activation behavior and low high-rate dischargeability, the novel composites Ti{sub 0.17}Zr{sub 0.08}V{sub 0.35}Cr{sub 0.1}Ni{sub 0.3}-x wt.% La{sub 0.7}Mg{sub 0.3}Ni{sub 2.75}Co{sub 0.75} (x = 0, 5, 10 and 20) were successfully synthesized by ball milling method in the present study. And the structure and overall electrochemical properties of as-prepared composites are investigated systemically. The electrochemical studies show that the maximum discharge capacity of the composite electrodes displays no variation with the increase of La{sub 0.7}Mg{sub 0.3}Ni{sub 2.75}Co{sub 0.75} content, whereas the high-rate dischargeability (HRD) and the activation behavior are distinctly improved with increasing x. The electrochemical hydrogen kinetics of composite electrodes is also studied by means of electrochemical impedancespectroscopy (EIS), linear ...
The dissolution of NiO cathodes during cell operation is a limiting factor to the successful commercialization of molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs). Lithium cobalt oxide coating onto the porous nickel electrode has been adopted to modify the conventional MCFC cathode which is believed to increase the stability of the cathodes in the carbonate melt. The material used for surface modification should possess thermodynamic stability in the molten carbonate and also should be electro catalytically active for MCFC reactions. Two approaches have been adopted to get a stable cathode material. First approach is the use of LiNi{sub 0.8}Co{sub 0.2}O{sub 2}, a commercially available lithium battery cathode material and the second is the use of tape cast electrodes prepared from cobalt coated nickel powders. The morphology and the structure of LiNi{sub 0.8}Co{sub 0.2}O{sub 2} and tape cast Co coated nickel powder electrodes were studied using scanning electron microscopy and X-Ray diffraction ...
Proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells, incorporating BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.2O3-? (BZCY) electrolyte, NiO-BZCY anode, and Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3-?-Ce0.8Sm0.2O2-? (SSC-SDC) cathode, were successfully fabricated by a combined co-pressing and printing technique after a one-step co-firing process at 1100, 1150, or 1200 oC. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) results revealed that the co-firing temperature significantly affected not only the density of the electrolyte membrane but the grain size and porosity of the electrodes. Influences of the co-firing temperature on the electrochemical performances of the single cells were also studied in detail. Using wet hydrogen (2% H2O) as the fuel and static air as the oxidant, the cell co-fired at 1150 oC showed the highest maximum power density (PDmax) of 552 and 370 mW cm-2 at 700 and 650 oC, respectively, while the one co-fired at 1100 oC showed the highest PDmax of 276 and 170 mWcm-2 at 600 and 550 oC, respectively. The Arrhenius equation was proposed to ...
In the present work, a new kind of myoglobin (Mb)/Au nanoparticles composite film was fabricated on pyrolytic graphite (PG) electrodes. Oppositely charged chitosan (CS) and silica (SiO(2)) nanoparticles were alternately adsorbed on the PG surface by the electrostatic interaction between them, forming {CS/SiO(2)}(5) layer-by-layer films. Mb and HAuCl(4) in solution were then simultaneously loaded into {CS/SiO(2)}(5) films. The loaded Au(III) in the films were electrochemically reduced into Au nanoparticles, forming nanocomposite films, designated as {CS/SiO(2)}(5)-Mb-Au. Various techniques such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SWV), quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), electrochemical impedancespectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis were used to characterize the films. Compared with {CS/SiO(2)}(5)-Mb films without Au nanoparticles inside, the {CS/SiO(2)}(5)-Mb-Au films ...
Makrofol-De 1-1 CC Polycarbonate is a class of polymeric solid state nuclear track detectors which has many applications in various industrial fields. A study of the modification possibility of the dielectric properties of Makrofol polymer using laser irradiation has been carried out. In tbe present work, Makrofol samples were irradiated using different fluences between 0.47 and 10.4 J/cm"2 of 5 watt infrared pulsated laser. The mollifications in the laser irradiated Makrofol samples have been studied as a function of fluence using dielectric constant #epsilon#', dielectric loss #epsilon#"and AC conductivity #sigma#_AC measurements. Tbe frequency dependencies (100 Hz-5 MHz) of #epsilon#', #epsilon#"and #sigma#_AC at 35 degree c were investigated. The dielectric constant #epsilon#', dielectric loss #epsilon#"and AC conductivity #sigma#_AC were found to increase at heating up to 100 ...
The application of HVDC system to the trunk power supply system requires the transmission of DC power as much as possible to improve the stability of the whole AC/DC system. To meet this requirement, continued pulse system, which keeps sending a DC current even when an AC voltage lowers remarkably, has been used. The stability is much more improved by adding damping control which modulates converter active and/or reactive power. In order to make full use of such control effects, it is important that the HVDC system maintains stable operation during faults and reclosing of the AC system. In particular, it is necessary to prevent a repetitive commutation failure following the unbalanced AC transmission line faults. In this paper, the cause of the repetitive commutation failure is discussed by using the AC-DC power system simulator developed by CRIEPI. Based on the analytical result, a ...
A critical element of a retinal prosthesis is the stimulating electrode array, which is placed in close proximity to the retina. It is via this retinal-electrode interface that a retinal prosthesis electrically stimulates nerve cells to produce the perception of light. The impedance load seen by the current driver consists of the tissue resistance and the complex electrode impedance. The results in this paper show that the tissue resistance of the retina is significantly greater than that of the vitreous humor in the eye. Circuit models of the electrode-retina interface are used to parameterize the different contributors to the overall impedance. PMID:17325413
This paper described the application of an AC surface probe, similar to presently used eddy current probes, to the measurement of DC transport critical currents and critical state dissipation in high {Tc} superconductors. It has been shown that the probe can provide quantitative measurement of the full field penetration in superconducting samples by measuring the response of AC induced screening currents for superconducting materials in the form of tapes with overlayers of silver. In this manner, the AC probe can be used to replace the contact DC probe for determining critical currents in a noncontacting and local manner suitable for scanning over or along the sample.
This paper described the application of an AC surface probe, similar to presently used eddy current probes, to the measurement of DC transport critical currents and critical state dissipation in high T_c superconductors. It has been shown that the probe can provide quantitative measurement of the full field penetration in superconducting samples by measuring the response of AC induced screening currents for superconducting materials in the form of tapes with overlayers of silver. In this manner, the AC probe can be used to replace the contact DC probe for determining critical currents in a noncontacting and local manner suitable for scanning over or along the sample.
This paper described the application of an AC surface probe, similar to presently used eddy current probes, to the measurement of DC transport critical currents and critical state dissipation in high [Tc] superconductors. It has been shown that the probe can provide quantitative measurement of the full field penetration in superconducting samples by measuring the response of AC induced screening currents for superconducting materials in the form of tapes with overlayers of silver. In this manner, the AC probe can be used to replace the contact DC probe for determining critical currents in a noncontacting and local manner suitable for scanning over or along the sample.
NO{sub x} compounds, specifically NO and NO{sub 2}, are pollutants and potent greenhouse gases. Compact and inexpensive NO{sub x} sensors are necessary in the next generation of diesel (CIDI) automobiles to meet government emission requirements and enable the more rapid introduction of more efficient, higher fuel economy CIDI vehicles. Because the need for a NO{sub x} sensor is recent and the performance requirements are extremely challenging, most are still in the development phase. Currently, there is only one type of NO{sub x} sensor that is sold commercially, and it seems unlikely to meet more stringent future emission requirements. Automotive exhaust sensor development has focused on solid-state electrochemical technology, which has proven to be robust for in-situ operation in harsh, high-temperature environments (e.g., the oxygen stoichiometric sensor). Solid-state sensors typically rely on yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) as the oxygen-ion conducting electrolyte and then target ...
May 11, 2011 ... The Particle Environment Monitor (PEM) on NASA's Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) measures the type, amount, energy, and ...
Active Activator (Ac) elements undergo mutations to become nonautonomous Dissociation (Ds) elements at a low frequency. To understand...Full Text Available
... Advances in Complex Systems ( ACS) 413 (413) 2001-2011 Springer Advances in Data Analysis and Classification 59 (59) 2008-2011 Advances in Management Advances In Management ...
Aims To study the effect of fish consumption on the risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in healthy subjects. Methods and results This Danish follow-up study included 57 053 men and women between 50 and 64 years. Intake of lean and fatty fish was estimated from a detailed and validated food frequency questionnaire. Potential cases of ACS were identified through nationwide medical databases. A total of 1122 cases of ACS were verified during a mean follow-up period of 7.6 years. Among men, intake of fatty fish was associated with a lower risk of ACS. For men in the highest quintile of fish intake compared with the lowest quintile, the hazard ratio was 0.67 (95% confidence interval: 0.53-0.85). The inverse association was observed for intakes >6 g of fatty fish per day with no obvious additi...
A red basil cell line (T2b) rich in rosmarinic acid (RA) was selected for the stable production of anthocyanins (ACs) in the dark. Cell suspension cultures were subjected to mechanical stress through increased agitation (switch from 90 to 150rpm) to determine the relationship between AC and RA accumulation. Cell extracts were analyzed by HPLC and LC-MS, and the resulting data were processed with multivariate statistical analysis. MS and MS/MS spectra facilitated the putative annotation of several complex cyanidin-based ACs, which were esterified with coumaric acid and, in some cases, also with malonic acid. It was also possible to identify various RA-related molecules, some caffeic and coumaric acid derivatives and some flavanones. Mechanical stress increased the total AC and RA contents, ...
Two polymeric biosorbents were prepared from cotton stalk (CS) and wheat straw (WS) by the epichlorohydrin-diethylenetriamine-trimethylamine method. Amine-crosslinked cotton stalk (AC-CS) and wheat stalk (AC-WS) were used for the adsorption of phosphate, and their physicochemical properties as well as biosorption properties for phosphate were discussed intensively. Results indicated that the contents of holocellulose in CS and WS corresponded to the distinct phosphate adsorption capacities between AC-CS and AC-WS. Zeta potential and Raman spectra analysis illustrated the electrostatic attraction between phosphate ions and biosorbents. The adsorption of phosphate was not strongly pH dependent when the pH was about 4.0-9.0. The Langmuir isotherm provided the better fit and the maximum adsorp...
The development of colorimetry and spectroscopy in the nineteenth century is described. An account is given of the application of their techniques to biological chemistry during that period.
Since 1985 the operating sections of the 1200 kV AC Ekibastuz-Urals transmission system were used for a variety of field studies on a wide range of technological problems associated to high voltage transmission lines. The tests performed confirmed correctness of the main engineering and design decision made at development stage and demonstrated that such transmission lines are reliable and efficient. 3 figs.
Long-term heat acclimation (AC, 30d/34°C) is a phenotypic adaptation leading to increased thermotolerance during heat stress (HS, 2 h 41°C). AC also renders protection against...Full Text Available
The use of an SCR-controlled power system on an offshore drilling rig has lead to an increased acceptance of high technology equipment. Such equipment increases drilling productivity, reduces maintenance, and improves reliability. Most new rigs now have AC squirrel cage motors, brushless AC generators, silicon controlled rectifiers, DC motors, and swtichgear and motor starters. Several opportunities for cost reductions in SCR systems, such as improving the power factor, are studied in this paper.
We have previously shown that budded viruses of Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) enter the cell cytoplasm but do not migrate into the nuclei of non-permissive Sf9 cells that support a high titer of Autographa californica multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) multiplication. Here we show, using the syncytium formation assay, that low-pH-triggered membrane fusion of BmNPV GP64 protein (Bm-GP64) is significantly lower than that of AcMNPV GP64 protein (Ac-GP64). Mutational analyses of GP64 proteins revealed that a single amino acid substitution between Ac-GP64 H155 and Bm-GP64 Y153 can have significant positive or negative effects on membrane fusion activity. Studies using bacmid-based GP64 recombinant AcMNPV harboring point-mutated ac-gp64 and bm-gp64 genes showed that Ac-GP64 H155Y and Bm-GP64 Y153H substitutions decreased and ...
A non-invasive, wide-band electromagnetic (EM) impedance difference system for shallow subsurface electrical structure characterization in environmental and engineering problems has been developed at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Electrical parameters of interest are electrical conductivity and dielectric permittivity that are deduced from the impedance difference data. The prototype system includes a magnetic loop transmitter, which operates between 0.1 MHz and 100 MHz, an electrical dipole antenna for observing the electric field, and a loop antenna for measuring the magnetic field.All antennas are mounted on a cart made of non-metallic material for easy movement of the whole array for profiling. Surface EM impedance difference is obtained by taking the difference of the ratios of the electric fields to the magnetic fields at selected frequencies at two different levels. Numerical simulations will be ...
The latest electronic circuit technology that can be used for the electric railway traction system fed by an AC/DC dual power line was developed. This system consists of reverse conducting GTO thyristors, microprocessors, and DSP`s. In the AC power supply line section, the line converter is controlled by PWM technology to secure a high power factor and reduce the higher harmonic generation of an input current as far as possible. The line converter and motor converter use reverse conducting GTO thyristors. Since these converters are cooled using a heat pipe cooler, they are reduced in size and weight. The electric grounding point of the main power circuit is set to the negative side of the DC line for AC and DC line sections. Therefore, the AC/DC selector switch was simplified in structure. Moreover, the DC input for the auxiliary power supply can be obtained from multiple line converters using diodes. ...
This research aims to investigate the effects of chemical blowing agent (CBA) contents and particle sizes on the properties of foamed poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/rice hull (RH) composites. Fine particles of azodicarbonamide (AC) at 5, 8, 11 and 22mm were modified with 20% by weight of ZnO and used at 0-3.0% by weight. The average cell size and density of the PVC/RH foamed profiles were reduced as the content of modified azodicarbonamide (mAC) increased. Larger mAC particles lowered the density more effectively. Maximum reduction of density by 46% was achieved when mAC 22mm was applied at 2.0% by weight. Larger blowing particles led to PVC/RH foam with greater flexural modulus and strength. Greater impact strength, observed when 5mm mAC was applied, resulted from the rather thick cell wall c...
Summary.? Measuring von Willebrand factor (VWF) activity is essential to the diagnosis of von Willebrand disease (VWD). The VWF activity is usually assessed based on measurement of the ristocetin cofactor (VWF:RCo). However, that test is technically challenging and has high intra- and inter-assay variabilities. The HemosIL VWF activity (VWF:AC) is a fully automated assay, recently proposed as a good alternative to VWF:RCo for VWD diagnosis. This study was undertaken to assess this new method. First, the analytical performance of VWF:AC on an automated coagulo-meter (ACLTop) was determined, and then this new method was compared with VWF:RCo and the platelet function analyzer (PFA100) for 160 patients referred for VWD screening. The VWF:AC achieved acceptable precision with within-run and between-run coefficients of variation ranging from 2.3% to 14.1%, and linearity from 10% to 100%. Despite some marked differences between ...
Photoaffinity labeling analogs of the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin (PF) have been synthesized, purified and tested for their effect on preparations of membrane-bound, Lubrol solubilized and forskolin affinity-purified adenylate cyclase (AC). All analogs of forskolin significantly activated AC. However, in the presence of 0.1 to 0.3 microM forskolin, the less active forskolin photoaffinity probes at 100 microM caused inhibition. This inhibition was dose-dependent for PF, suggesting that PF may complete with F for the same binding site(s). After cross-linking (125I)PF-M to either membrane or Lubrol-solubilized AC preparations by photolysis, a radiolabeled 100-110 kDa protein band was observed after autoradiography following SDS-PAGE. F at 100 microM blocked the photoradiolabeling of this protein. Radioiodination of forskolin-affinity purified AC showed several protein bands on autoradiogram, ...
In this report an isolated PWM DC-AC SICAM with an active capacitive voltage clamp is presented. AC-DC power supply is implemented in its simplest form: diode rectifier followed by a medium-size charge-storage capacitors and possibly with an EMC filter on the mains entrance. Isolation from the AC mains is achieved using a high frequency (HF) transformer, whose voltages are not audio-modulated. The latter simplifies the design and is expected to have many advantages over the approach where the transformer voltages are modulated in regards to the audio signal reference. Input stage is built as a DC-AC inverter (push-pull, half-bridge or a full-bridge) and operated with 50% duty cycle, with all the challenges to avoid transformer saturation and obtain symmetrical operation. On the secondary side the output section is implemented as rectifier+inverter AC-AC stage, i.e. a true ...
This project proposes to design and develop a new class of power converters (direct DC to AC) to drastically improve performance and optimize the cost, size, weight and volume of the DC to AC converter in SOFC systems. The proposed topologies employ a high frequency link; direct DC to AC conversion approach. The direct DC to AC conversion approach is more efficient and operates without an intermediate dc-link stage. The absence of the dc-link, results in the elimination of bulky, aluminum electrolytic capacitors, which in turn leads to a reduction in the cost, volume, size and weight of the power electronic converter. The feasibility of two direct DC to AC converter topologies and their suitability to meet SECA objectives will be investigated. Laboratory proto-type converters (3-5kW) will be designed and tested in Phase-1. A detailed design trade-off study along with the test ...
Premature Failure of a Riata Defibrillator Lead. A 63-year-old woman with a St. Jude Medical Riata 1570 right ventricular lead complained of intermittent hiccups 2 months after implant. Interrogation revealed elevated pacing threshold and diaphragmatic stimulation. Pacing and shock lead impedances remained stable. No inappropriate sensing was noted. Fluoroscopic examination of the lead revealed a thin radio-opaque wire seen between the 2 defibrillator coils away from the main body of the lead. After extraction, a tear in the insulation of the lead was noted allowing the inner wire to protrude. This case illustrates a novel mechanism of insulation failure without inappropriate sensing or impedance change.-(J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 22, pp. 1070-1072, September 2011)
In this article we derive longitudinal impedance and wake function for an undulator setup with arbitrary undulator parameter, taking into account a finite transverse size of the electron bunch. Earlier studies considered a line density-distribution of electrons instead. We focus our attention on the long-wavelength asymptote (compared with resonance wavelength), at large distance of the electron bunch from the undulator entrance compared to the overtaking length, and for large vacuum-chamber size compared to the typical transverse size of the field. These restrictions define a parameter region of interest for practical applications. We calculate a closed expression for impedance and wake function that may be evaluated numerically in the most general case. Such expression allows us to deriv...
This paper studies the electrical characteristics of hydrogenated amorphous silicon thin-film transistors (a-Si:H TFTs) under flat and bending situations after AC/DC stress at different temperatures. Stress temperature was varied from 77K to 400K, and threshold voltage shifts were extracted to analyze degradation mechanisms. It was found that high temperature and mechanical bending played important roles under AC stress, with an enhanced stress effect resulting in a more serious degradation. This study also discusses the dependence between the accumulated sum of bias rising and falling time and the threshold voltage shifts under AC stress.
Summary Fruit vinegar can be obtained biologically from the fermentation of fruit wine using species of the genera Acetobacter. However, the productivity of vinegar is generally low because of the inhibition by substrate ethanol and product acetic acid. In this research, the yield of acetic acid, as well as the cell growth, in hawthorn vinegar fermentation was enhanced using beer for seed preparation. The higher yield of acetic acid of AC2005 was because of the higher alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase activities caused by using beer for seed preparation. Furthermore, Acetobacter pasteurianus AC2005 showed acid stability during the fed batch fermentation of hawthorn vinegar.
The CO2 adsorption capacity of the low-cost solid sorbents of waste tire char (TC) and chicken waste char (CW) was compared with commercial active carbon (AC) and 5?? zeolite (ZA) using thermogravimetric analysis (TG), pressurized TG, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The sorbents were degassed in a TG up to 150??C to release all gases on the surface of the sample, then cooled down to the designed temperature for adsorption. TG results indicated that the CO2 adsorption capacity of TC was higher than that of CW, but lower than those of AC and ZA. The maximum adsorption rate of TC at 50??C was 0.61% min?1, lower than that of AC, but higher than that of CW, 0.44% min?1. The maximum adsorption rate of ZA at 50??C was 3.1% min?1. When the pressure was over 4?bar, the adsorption rate ...
In this paper, a comparison is done between two different techniques in measuring the AC voltage. The first technique is the single junction thermal voltage converters (SJTVC) which consist of one thermal element (TE) which its output e.m.f. in the range of 7-12mV and the other is the new designed thermal voltage converters which consist of a number of TEs connected in parallel, series and series/parallel to increase their output e.m.f. (becomes in the range of 35-51mV). The effect of increasing the output e.m.f. is studied in this paper through evaluating the uncertainty budget and proved that its increase has a great effect on the accuracy and the uncertainty of the AC voltage measurement.
In this study, we examined the relationship between trait-like communication apprehension (CA) and resting alpha range asymmetry in the anterior cortex (AC). Although theory and research in cognitive neuroscience suggest that asymmetry in the AC constitutes a relatively stable, inborn, substrate of emotion, some studies indicate that asymmetry can be increased by experimentally induced transitory anxiety. Transitory anxiety produced by interaction with strangers covaries with trait-like CA, raising questions regarding whether asymmetrical electrical activity in the AC during data collection represents resting levels as assumed in the literature or transitory reactions to dyadic interaction with the experimenter. Because the question if unanswered poses issues for theory and approaches to r...
Uranium and thorium ores are the source of natural radionuclides. Briefly described are the original and current methods of long-lived nuclide separation ("2"3"8U, "2"3"5U, "2"2"6Ra, "2"3"0Th, "2"3"1Pa, "2"2"7Ac, "2"3"2Th, "2"2"8Ra+"2"2"8Ac, "2"2"8Th), some short-lived nuclides ("2"3"4Th and "2"2"8Ac), radon, short-lived radon daughter products and long-lived radon daughter products ("2"1"0Pb, "2"1"0Bi, "2"1"0Po). Some nuclides, such as "2"1"0Po or "2"3"1Pa can more easily be producedin reactors. (Ha).
This report discusses the following topics on superconductivity: nonlinearities in hard superconductors such as surface impedance of a type II superconductimg half space and harmonic generation and intermodulation due to alternating transport currents; and nonlinearities in superconducting weak links such as harmonic generation by a long Josephson Junction in a superconducting slab.
Chemoprevention, especially through the use of naturally occurring phytochemicals capable of impeding the process of carcinogenesis at one or more steps, is an ideal approach for cancer management....Full Text Available
In this article we derive longitudinal impedance and wake function for an undulator setup with arbitrary undulator parameter, taking into account a finite transverse size of the electron bunch. Earlier studies considered a line density-distribution of electrons instead. We focus our attention on the long-wavelength asymptote (compared with resonance wavelength), at large distance of the electron bunch from the undulator entrance compared to the overtaking length, and for large vacuumchamber size compared to the typical transverse size of the field. These restrictions define a parameter region of interest for practical applications. We calculate a closed expression for impedance and wake function that may be evaluated numerically in the most general case. Such expression allows us to derive an analytical solution for a Gaussian transverse and longitudinal bunch shape. Finally, we study the feasibility of current-enhanced SASE schemes (ESASE) ...
In this article we derive longitudinal impedance and wake function for an undulator setup with arbitrary undulator parameter, taking into account a finite transverse size of the electron bunch. Earlier studies considered a line density-distribution of electrons instead. We focus our attention on the long-wavelength asymptote (compared with resonance wavelength), at large distance of the electron bunch from the undulator entrance compared to the overtaking length, and for large vacuum-chamber size compared to the typical transverse size of the field. These restrictions define a parameter region of interest for practical applications. We calculate a closed expression for impedance and wake function that may be evaluated numerically in the most general case. Such expression allows us to derive an analytical solution for a Gaussian transverse and longitudinal bunch shape. Finally, we study the feasibility of current-enhanced SASE schemes (ESASE) ...
Mineral scale formation in water distribution piping impedes flow, resulting in pressure and volume reduction and increasing operational costs. Chemical cleaning is both costly and time consuming, and there are health concerns when chemically cleaning pot...
Like other halophytic chenopods, sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) can accumulate high betaine levels in shoots and roots. N,N,N-trimethylglycine impedes sucrose crystallization...Full Text Available
Original holdings are now kept by the World Data Centre C1 at RAL: http://wdcc1. bnsc.rl.ac.uk MODS DOY = 246 ADID_REF Not applicable LOGICAL_FILE_ID ...
At least implicitly, most clinical decisions represent an integration of disease and treatment-based risk assessments. Often, as is the case with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), these decisions need...Full Text Available
the Advanced Distillation Curve, Energy & Fuels, Vol. 22, No. 2, pp. 11041114. http://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/ef700562c. Lemmon, E. W., Huber, M. L., ...
Antiplatelet agents are the cornerstone of treatment for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Clopidogrel, when added to aspirin, has demonstrated...Full Text Available
The synthesis of an extracellular ribbon of cellulose in the bacterium Acetobacter xylinum takes place from linearly arranged, membrane-localized, cellulose-synthesizing and extrusion complexes that...Full Text Available
BackgroundAdhesive Capsulitis (AC) affects patient of all ages, and stretching protocols are commonly prescribed for this condition. Dynamic splinting has been shown effective in...Full Text Available
Platelet reactivity plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of ischemic adverse events during and after acute coronary syndromes (ACS), and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Glycoprotein (GP)...Full Text Available
This report covers the test methods and equipment for testing aircraft armor both hard and soft. The hard armor are the typical ceramic type while the soft armor are various types of layered composite materials. 10 figs. (JEF)
This paper describes a signal simulator which is designed to calibrate eddy current probes. By using simultaneously an excitation coil and an electrically conducting plane, the simulator can emulate signals which correspond to spot welds with different flaws. The presence of a conducting plane allows a wide variation of the amplitude and phase of the excitation coil voltage during the calibration of a probe. A mathematical model for the simulator is derived and used to study the variation of the impedance change upon the parameters of the probe. Numerical computation shows that the impedance change depends in an important way on the frequency of the excitation coil current.
This paper reports the development of a relay coordination package specially designed as a teaching aid. Fault studies required for relay coordination has been performed by using a newly developed loop impedance matrix. This new method of forming loop impedance matrix is particularly suitable for multiple fault studies environment as required in relay coordination. A simple topology searching technique has been used to find all loops of the network. This package simultaneously serves the purpose of teaching relay coordination, loop analysis technique and the method of topology searching.
The usefulness of radioiodination via demetallation of aryltrimethylsilanes was demonstrated. The radioiodination reaction was found to be very rapid and the regiospecific incorporation of radioiodine could be carried out with high radiochemical yields and high radiospecific activity. {sup 125}I-Labeled dimethylaminoethyl iodophenoxyacetate derivatives (5a-e), dimethylaminoethyl iodophenoxyacetamide derivatives (7a-c), iodophenoxyethyl ethylenediamine derivatives (9,14) and an iodophenoxyethylpiperazine derivative (18) were efficiently synthesized from the corresponding aryltrimethylsilyl intermediates (4a-e, 6a-c, 8, 13, 17) by this method. (author).
The usefulness of radioiodination via demetallation of aryltrimethylsilanes was demonstrated. The radioiodination reaction was found to be very rapid and the regiospecific incorporation of radioiodine could be carried out with high radiochemical yields and high radiospecific activity. "1"2"5I-Labeled dimethylaminoethyl iodophenoxyacetate derivatives (5a-e), dimethylaminoethyl iodophenoxyacetamide derivatives (7a-c), iodophenoxyethyl ethylenediamine derivatives (9,14) and an iodophenoxyethylpiperazine derivative (18) were efficiently synthesized from the corresponding aryltrimethylsilyl intermediates (4a-e, 6a-c, 8, 13, 17) by this method. (author).
... John Cannaday and Ken Weddle present the framework for a Product Design Engineering project (http://engineering.dartmouth.edu/~teps/images/ProductDesign.pdf) for high school students which may have relevance at a more advanced level. David Price has created a Mechanical Engineering Design (http://www.soton.ac.uk/~cds/) site containing engineering design notes. The Virtual Reality Engineering Library Home Page at the University of Bristol (http://www.dig.bris.ac.uk/virtual_lib/) is a library ...
The influences of temperature and duration of tempering on hardness and microstructure were investigated at high-temperature martensitic and low-carbon steels with 9% chrome and the further alloying elements molybdenium, vanadium, niobium and partially tungsten. After austenitizing and subsequent air cooling the steels were tempered at temperatures below, at and above Ac{sub 1b} for different times and finally a hardness test was performed. Making use of the temperature dependence of the hardness tempering diagrams were constructed and the Hollomon-Jaffe-Parameter on the three steels was determined within its application limits. Micrographs of the structure shows the formation of the carbides and the martensite. At tempering temperatures below Ac{sub 1b} a decrease of hardness occurs, above Ac{sub 1b}, a hardness rise due to the partial austenitizing was obtained. While hardening below Ac{sub 1b}, the ...
The baseline design for the SSC High Energy Booster (HEB) has dipole bending magnets with a 50 mm aperture. An analysis of the cryogenic heat load due to A.C. losses generated in the HEB ramp cycle are reported for this magnet. Included in this analysis are losses from superconductor hysteresis, yoke hysteresis, strand eddy currents, and cable eddy currents. The A.C. loss impact of 2.5 {mu}m vs. 6 {mu}m filament conductor is presented. A 60 mm aperture design is also investigated. 8 refs., 3 tabs.
The HVDC link across the English Channel, which was brought into service in 1986, has several innovative features. Techniques used in its construction together with recent developments have consolidated the viability of HVDC links for a variety of applications. Outlines the main features of the scheme, including the benefits of interconnecting the British and French 400 kV AC power systems; integration of the UK converter system to the 400 kV AC grid; the DC submarine cables; convertor equipment (particularly the UK installation); and future HVDC developments. 6 refs.
There is a requirement for a noninvasive technique to monitor stem cell differentiation. Several candidates based on optical spectroscopy are discussed in this review: Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)...Full Text Available
At the occasion of the OECS conference in Madrid, we give a succinct account of some recent predictions in the spectroscopy of a quantum dot in a microcavity that remain to be observed experimentally, sometimes within the reach of the current state of the art.
With the improvements accomplished during the past 15 years in detection techniques and instrumentation and with the opening of space exploration, molecular spectroscopy has become a very efficient way to probe planetary atmospheres.
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a fully quantitative technology for imaging metabolic pathways and dynamic processes in vivo. Attenuation correction of raw PET data is a prerequisite for quantification and is typically based on separate transmission measurements. In PET/CT attenuation correction, however, is performed routinely based on the available CT transmission data. Recently, combined PET/magnetic resonance (MR) has been proposed as a viable alternative to PET/CT. Current concepts of PET/MRI do not include CT-like transmission sources and, therefore, alternative methods of PET attenuation correction must be found. This article reviews existing approaches to MR-based attenuation correction (MR-AC). Most groups have proposed MR-AC algorithms for brain PET studies and more recently also for torso PET/MR imaging. Most MR-AC strategies require the use of complementary MR and transmission images, or morphology ...
This study was designed to identify abnormalities in the hepatic-arterial/portal-venous scintiangiogram (SA) in alcoholic hepatitis (AH). SA's were performed in 35 patients with acute alcoholic hepatitis (AAH), 8; acute alcoholic hepatitis superimposed on cirrhosis (A/C), 14; and cirrhosis (C), 13. Posterior flows were done with a bolus of 10 mCi Tc-99m sulfur colloid with computer time-activity curves over the liver and left kidney. Curves were analyzed for per cent of hepatic arterial (HA) and portal venous contribution using the slope ratio method. Hepatic arterialization was estimated from the angle of the HA component of the curve. Reversal of the relative contribution of the hepatic and portal components of total flow were seen in all groups. Although quite severe in AH, the degree of reversal could not be used to differentiate among the groups. The average HA angle in AAH was 48.3 +- 8.1, in A/C 41.5 +- 10.6, and in C 30.4 +- ...
This study was designed to identify abnormalities in the hepatic-arterial/portal-venous scintiangiogram (SA) in alcoholic hepatitis (AH). SA's were performed in 35 patients with acute alcoholic hepatitis (AAH), 8; acute alcoholic hepatitis superimposed on cirrhosis (A/C), 14; and cirrhosis (C), 13. Posterior flows were done with a bolus of 10 mCi Tc-99m sulfur colloid with computer time-activity curves over the liver and left kidney. Curves were analyzed for per cent of hepatic arterial (HA) and portal venous contribution using the slope ratio method. Hepatic arterialization was estimated from the angle of the HA component of the curve. Reversal of the relative contribution of the hepatic and portal components of total flow were seen in all groups. Although quite severe in AH, the degree of reversal could not be used to differentiate among the groups. The average HA angle in AAH was 48.3 +- 8.1, in A/C 41.5 +- 10.6, and in C 30.4 +- 12.1. In ...
Research and development activities are reported on absorption spectroscopy, calorimetry, electrolysis, emission spectroscopy, fluorimetry gas chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, liquid chromatography, liquid scintillation counting, mass spectroscopy, microscopy, radiometric analysis, and thermal analysis. A group of miscellaneous projects are also described.
Major advances in 'Energy and Materials Cycles' have been achieved in the removal of heavy metals from the solid residues of municipal waste incineration. It has been conclusively shown that the oxidation/reduction conditions established during the thermal treatment of filter ash have a decisive influence on the evaporation of groups of heavy metals. With respect to biomass gasification, studies have been carried out with respect to the best way of extracting pure hydrogen from the low calorific value gas that is typically obtained from a biomass gasifier. The overarching goal of the laboratory 'High Temperature Solar Technology' is the use of solar energy for the production of solar fuels, or for the reduction of CO{sub 2} emissions in large scale industrial processes that are conventionally carried out with the use of fossil fuels. In a short-term project targeted at the solar production of lime, highly encouraging results (98% degree of ...
In this article we derive longitudinal impedance and wake function for an undulator setup with arbitrary undulator parameter, taking into account a finite transverse size of the electron bunch. Earlier studies considered a line density-distribution of electrons instead. We focus our attention on the long-wavelength asymptote (compared with resonance wavelength), at large distance of the electron bunch from the undulator entrance compared to the overtaking length, and for large vacuum-chamber size compared to the typical transverse size of the field. These restrictions define a parameter region of interest for practical applications. We calculate a closed expression for impedance and wake function that may be evaluated numerically in the most general case. Such expression allows us to derive an analytical solution for a Gaussian transverse and longitudinal bunch shape. Finally, we study the feasibility of current-enhanced SASE schemes (ESASE) ...
Sufficient passing sight distance is an important control for two-lane rural highway design to minimize the possibility of a head-on collision between passing and opposing vehicles. Traditionally, passing zones are marked by checking passing sight distance that is potentially restricted by static sight obstructions. Such obstructions include crest curves, overpasses, and lateral objects along highways. This paper proposes a new concept of dynamic sight-distance assessment, which involves restricted passing sight distances due to the impeding vehicles that are traveling in the same direction. Using a finite-element model, the dynamic passing sight-distance problem was evaluated, and the writers analyzed the relationships between the available passing sight distance and other factors such as the horizontal curve radius, impeding vehicle dimensions, and a driver s following distance. It was found that the impeding vehicles may ...
This report discusses the development of transition metal oxide semiconductors for photoelectrolysis of water. More specifically, it involves preparation of TiO/sub 2/ films by sputtering and evaluating their physicochemical characteristics primarily as they relate to the behaviour of the films as photoanodes. Impedance, photoelectrochemical, and photoconduction properties of TiO/sub 2/ films sputtered in pure O/sub 2/ onto heated substrates have been determined as a function of O/sub 2/ pressure during sputtering, film thickness, Pt overcoating, and cathodic treatment. The capacitance data before cathodic treatment are of the form expected. The capacitance is essentially independent of potential, while for potentials increasingly cathodic of this value, the capacitance increases very rapidly. Cathodic treatment alters the impedance characteristics of the films but leads to either no detectible change in their photoelectrochemical properties or ...
Model construction of the laboratory scale superconducting fault current limiter circuit (SFCL) has been performed. The SFCL is fault current limiter and used as electric network security. It mainly consists of a copper coil, a superconducting ring and an iron core that are concentrically arranged. The SFCL circuit is essentially a transformer where the secondary windings are being replaced by the ring of YBa_2Cu_3O_7_-_x superconductor (HTS). The ring has critical transition temperature Tc = 92 K and critical current Ic = 3.61 A. Characterization of the SFCL circuit is simulated by ANSYS version 5.4 software. The SFCL circuit consists of load and transformer impedances. The results show that the inductions of magnet field flux in the iron core of primer windings and ring disappear to one other before fault state. It means that impedance of the transformer is zero. After the condition a superconductivity behavior of the ring is disappear so ...
AIM:Learn more about the origin of shells and dust in early type galaxies. METHOD: V-I colours of shells and underlying galaxies are derived, using HST Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) data. A galaxy model is made locally in wedges and subtracted to determine shell profiles and colours. We applied Voronoi binning to our data to get smoothed colour maps of the galaxies. Comparison with N-body simulations from the literature gives more insight to the origin of the shell features. Shell positions and dust characteristics are inferred from model galaxy subtracted images. RESULT: The ACS images reveal shells well within the effective radius in some galaxies (at 1.7 kpc in the case of NGC 5982). In some cases, strong nuclear dust patches prevent detection of inner shells. Most shells have colours which are similar to the underlying galaxy. Some inner shells are redder than the galaxy. All six shell galaxies show out of dynamical equilibrium dust ...
Previous research utilizing the AcB/BcA recombinant congenic strains (RCS) of mice mapped provisional quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for the psychostimulant effects of nicotine to multiple regions on chromosomes 7, 11, 12, 14, 16, and 17. The current study was designed to confirm these QTLs in an A/J (A)??C57Bl/6J (B6) F2 cross and a panel of B6.A chromosome substitution strains (CSS). The panel of B6.A CSS consists of 21 strains, each carrying a different A/J chromosome on a B6 background. The A??B6 F2, CSS, A, and B6 mice were tested for sensitivity to the effects of nicotine on locomotor activity using a computerized open-field apparatus. In A??B6 F2 mice two QTLs were identified which confirm those previously observed in the AcB/BcA RCS. Significant differences in the expression of ...
For the purpose of proposing it to ISO, the R and D were conducted of a new evaluation method of thermal properties of polymer materials. The FY 1999 results were summarized. In this fiscal year, the development of the ac Joule heating equipment was proceeded with based on the study at the technical committee, and the measuring device was installed. In the comparative measurement with conventional methods, study was proceeded with of the laser flash method, AC calorimetry method and specific heat measurement. In the technical survey, the developmental state of the ac method, especially, was examined as a testing method of thermal properties of polymer materials. It is in the stage of the basic research by keyword selection, and the search for literature is to be made in full scale. As to the needs in the industrial circle, as a result of the questionnaire survey made, it was found out that there were a wide variety of the ...
Various main circuit equipment with large capacity GTO thyristors are outlined for AC and DC electric cars. The configuration of a PWM converter system is presented for the AC main motor drive system of the Shinkansen trains, and its following features are described: the high power factor control capable of keeping a power factor 100% constantly, energy saving by power regenerative braking, the small triple structure with large capacity reverse-conducting GTO thyristors of 4,500V/3,000A, and the reduction of equivalent interfering current and harmonic current by three phase-triple phase difference operation. Furthermore, a control logic equipment with 16 bit MPU and a main transformer are outlined, and the verification test results of the control logic equipment by an analog model simulation and the combinational test results of the commercial equipment are reported. Prototype VVVF inverter system for DC electric cars is also presented. 6 ...
Considers fundamental problems involved in the precise location of faults on high-voltage transmission lines. The influence of pre-fault load on the distance-to-fault measurement problem is analysed and a new method of accounting for load effects is presented. Two of the algorithms considered are precise, containing no simplifyng assumptions and their overall accuracy is limited only by the accuracy of digital impedance relays at both ends of the protected circuit. A third algorithm presents a new approach to the fault location problem, which requires digital impedance relays at one end only of a transmission line. The procedures described are applicable to any system arrangement and are suitable for a wide range of fault resistance values.
It is well known that a protective film is formed on the graphite negative electrode in ethylene carbonate (EC) electrolyte solution. This film is lithium-ion conductive and protects the decomposition of the electrolyte solution. In the present paper, the electrode/electrolyte interfaces in lithium-ion rechargeable batteries were characterized by three-dimensional complex impedance plots, whose axes are real, imaginary parts and time. The film resistance R {sub sei} and charge transfer resistance R {sub ct} were determined for negative electrodes in EC/ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) electrolyte solution, and the formation mechanisms of the interfacial film were discussed. Furthermore, the contributions of vinylene carbonate and ethylene sulfite, which are added into the electrolyte solution for the film formation, were investigated.
It is well known that a protective film is formed on the graphite negative electrode in ethylene carbonate (EC) electrolyte solution. This film is lithium-ion conductive and protects the decomposition of the electrolyte solution. In the present paper, the electrode/electrolyte interfaces in lithium-ion rechargeable batteries were characterized by three-dimensional complex impedance plots, whose axes are real, imaginary parts and time. The film resistance R _s_e_i and charge transfer resistance R _c_t were determined for negative electrodes in EC/ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) electrolyte solution, and the formation mechanisms of the interfacial film were discussed. Furthermore, the contributions of vinylene carbonate and ethylene sulfite, which are added into the electrolyte solution for the film formation, were investigated.
We describe a fully automated bead puller system which uses stepping motors to position the bead, and an HP-8510 network analyzer to measure the resulting frequency shifts, both devices being under computer control. Longitudinal motion of the bead is used for measurement of cavity shunt impedance. In addition, azimuthal scans at fixed longitudinal position aid in determining the multipole character of higher-order modes. High sensitivity/accuracy is made possible by measuring phase shifts at the unperturbed resonant frequencies (rather than frequency shifts themselves), thereby permitting averaging factors of > 500 with only modest increases in data acquisition time. Sample measurements will be presented. A comprehensive analysis of the experimental results is presented in an accompanying paper.
A non-resonant RF cavity loaded with amorphous alloy cores has been designed and tested. The cavity has a re-entrant structure loaded with 8 amorphous alloy toroidal core and its characteristic impedance is designed as 450 Omega . The RF power is fed by 1 kW solid state amplifier using a step-up transformer with 1:9 impedance ratio. In the high power test, an accelerating gap voltage of more than 900 V was measured with input power of 1 kW in the frequency range of 1 to 10 MHz. The voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) was less than 2.0. The results prove that the cavity may be used successfully within a compact proton synchrotron for a cancer therapy facility. (3 refs).
Objectives Clinical PET/MR requires the use of patient positioning aids to immobilize and support patients for the duration of the combined examination. Ancillary immobilization devices contribute to overall attenuation of the PET signal, but are not detected with conventional MR sequences and, hence, are ignored in standard MR-based attenuation correction (MR-AC). We report on the quantitative effect of not accounting for the attenuation of patient positioning aids in combined PET/MR imaging. Methods We used phantom and patient data acquired with positioning aids on a PET/CT scanner (Biograph 16, HI-REZ) to mimic PET/MR imaging conditions. Reference CT-based attenuation maps were generated from measured (original) CT transmission images (origCT-AC). We also created MR-like attenuation map...
The auroras on Jupiter and Saturn can be studied with a high sensitivity and resolution by the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) ultraviolet (UV) and far-ultraviolet (FUV) Space Telescope spectrograph (STIS) and Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) instruments. We present results of automatic detection and segmentation of Jupiter's auroral emissions as observed by HST ACS instrument with VOronoi Image SEgmentation (VOISE). VOISE is a dynamic algorithm for partitioning the underlying pixel grid of an image into regions according to a prescribed homogeneity criterion. The algorithm consists of an iterative procedure that dynamically constructs a tessellation of the image plane based on a Voronoi Diagram, until the intensity of the underlying image within each region is classified as homogeneous. The computed tessellations allow the extraction of quantitative information about the auroral features such as mean intensity, latitudinal and longitudinal ...
Increasing environmental awareness and new legislation in Europe and, in particular, America have accelerated the development of marketable electric cars which satisfy customer demands in terms of performance, range capability, safety and comfort. Tomorrow's electric cars will therefore require powerful heating and cooling systems for the passenger compartment which meet the conditions specific to this particular mode of transport and which do not overly affect the range capability of such vehicles. At Behr GmbH suitable system concepts were developed at a very early stage which were based on a high proportion of recirculated air, the use of the A/C unit as a heat pump, and heat recovery. This paper will examine two typical A/C systems which combine good heating and cooling characteristics with the low electric power requirement of only 1,5-2 kW. (orig.).
A concept of direct energy recovery system applying an alternating or rotating magnetic field is proposed for a negative-ion-based neutral beam injection system (NNB) to heat a plasma and/or drive a plasma current in a fusion reactor. Nearly same amounts of residual positive and negative hydrogen-isotope ion beams with beam energy of {approx}1 MeV are produced in an NNB using a gas neutralizing cell. Consequently, a recovered energy is obtained directly in the form of ac electric power, if these positive- and negative-ion beams are alternated or rotated and introduced to two or more recovery electrodes in turn by an alternating or rotating magnetic field. This concept will greatly reduce a technological difficulty in regeneration of a recovered electric energy with such a very high voltage. (author).
The thermal properties (thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, thermoelectric power, thermal dilatation, etc.) and the mechanical properties (Young's modulus, strength, hardness, fracture toughness, etc.) have been measured at low temperatures (4-300K) and under a high magnetic field (0-10T) for about 50 REBaCuO bulks (RE=Y, Gd, Nd, Sm, Dy, etc.). We have constructed the database of these properties and opened it on the Web site (thermal properties: http://ikebehp.mat.iwate-u.ac.jp/database.html and mechanical properties: http://paris.mech.iwate-u.ac.jp/sc-bulk/database.html). The influence of the species of RE ions, the content, size and dispersion of the RE211 (or Nd422) phase and Ag particles and the defects distribution on these properties is characterized.
An introduction to time-of-flight neutron spectroscopy is presented in the context of the study of magnetic materials. Examples are taken from the class of rare earth and actinide magnetic materials known as `strongly correlated electron` systems. (author) 11 figs., 24 refs.
A combination of degenerate four-wave mixing spectroscopy and a low-pressure sampling technique has been studied for isotopic analysis in an air-acetylene flame. Hyperfine spectra of D lines of sodium and several mixtures of lithium isotopes obtained in this way are presented.
Quantitative probing of heterogeneous regions in muscle is feasible with phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy because of the differentiation of metabolic patterns of glycolytic and oxidative...Full Text Available
The Electronic REference To access In vivo Concentrations (ERETIC) method was applied to 1H HR-MAS spectroscopy. The accuracy, precision, and stability of ERETIC as a quantitative...Full Text Available
For many centuries paper was the main material for recording cultural achievements all over the world. Paper is mostly made from cellulose with small amounts of organic and inorganic additives, which allow its identification and characterization and may also contribute to its degradation. Prior to 1850, paper was made entirely from rags, using hemp, flax and cotton fibres. After this period, due to the enormous increase in demand, wood pulp began to be commonly used as raw material, resulting in rapid degradation of paper. Spectroscopic techniques represent one of the most powerful tools to investigate the constituents of paper documents in order to establish its identification and its state of degradation. This review describes the application of selected spectroscopic techniques used for paper characterization and conservation. The spectroscopic techniques that have been used and will be reviewed include: Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy, Raman ...
In nuclear fuel with a burn-up of 33 kg/t U and 52 kg/t U 15 transuranium nuclides /sup 237/Np to /sup 246/Cm have been determined by alpha and gamma spectroscopy after radiochemical separation.
The authors present differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and in situ Moessbauer spectroscopy results for Metglas ribbons, to which different heat treatments were made. The Curie temperature of the amorphous phase is determined and the evolution of the magnetic field of this phase is studied as a function of temperature
Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were functionalized with a photosensitizer, rosebengal (RB), and folicacid (FA), an anti-cancer drug simultaneously and individually, which was characterized with various analytical instruments like Fourier Transform Iinfrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV?Vis spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). FTIR spectra confirmed the chemical modification of MWCNT. The chemical functionalization of MWCNT with RB was further supported by UV?Vis and PL spectra.
In the last two decades, due to increased inspection demands, eddy current instrumentation has advanced from single-frequency, single-output instruments to multifrequency, computer-aided systems. This has significantly increased the scope of eddy current testing, but, unfortunately, it has also increased the cost and complexity of inspections. In addition, this approach has not always improved defect detectability or signal-to-noise. Most eddy current testing applications are still performed with impedance probes, which have well known limitations. However, recent research at AECL has led to improved eddy current inspections through the design and development of transmit-receive (T/R) probes. T/R eddy current probes, with laterally displaced transmit and receive coils, present a number of advantages over impedance probes. They have improved signal-to-noise ratio in the presence of variable lift-off compared to impedance ...
The design of beam position monitor (BPM) stripline detectors has been enhanced by using the finite element code ANSYS[sup TM]. Available from Swanson Engineering, ANSYS[sup TM] was developed to solve Poisson's equation in stress and thermal analysis applications. The code is readily adaptable to solving electrostatic problems. The designs of several beam detectors were iterated by calculating electrode capacitances and characteristic impedances to better than 1% accuracy.
An optical voltage reference for providing an alternative to a battery source. The optical reference apparatus provides a temperature stable, high precision, isolated voltage reference through the use of optical isolation techniques to eliminate current and impedance coupling errors. Pulse rate frequency modulation is employed to eliminate errors in the optical transmission link while phase-lock feedback is employed to stabilize the frequency to voltage transfer function.
To determine the transient response of linear and time-invariant transmission systems which are only described for discret frequencies, it is possible to find a good functional approximation by means of the generalized impulse method, combined with the most important natural spline-interpolation functions of the first and the third degree. This procedure has been applied to calculate the step response of the transient behaviour of the zero-sequence impedance system of the high voltage transmission line.
The study by impedance and photoelectrochemical measurements of passive films formed on an AISI 304 type stainless steel shows that important parameters of the electronic structure of these films are modified under ..cap alpha.. irradiation, namely: width of the space charge region, donors concentration and diffusion length for minority carriers. The consequences of ..cap alpha.. irradiation on localized corrosion processes are discussed.
The study by impedance and photoelectrochemical measurements of passive films formed on an AISI 304 type stainless steel shows that important parameters of the electronic structure of these films are modified under #alpha# irradiation, namely: width of the space charge region, donors concentration and diffusion length for minority carriers. The consequences of #alpha# irradiation on localized corrosion processes are discussed.
The study examined the possibility for fuel ignition by spark discharge caused by induction effects under high voltage transmission lines. Theoretical background information on capacitive spark discharges and fuel ignition processes is given. Laboratory experiments were conducted to test the dependence of fuel ignition on three parameters: impedance in discharge path, multiple discharges, and larger electrode shapes. The results of these tests are discussed in terms of fuel ignition possibilities under high voltage transmission lines.
The properties of capacitors are reviewed in general, including dielectrics, induced polarization, and permanent polarization. Then capacitance characteristics are discussed and modelled. These include temperature range, voltage, equivalent series resistance, capacitive reactance, impedance, dissipation factor, humidity and frequency effects, storage temperature and time, and lifetime. Applications of energy storage capacitors are then discussed. (LEW)
Image representations have gained wide acceptance in displaying data collected during optical, ultrasonic, radiographic, and thermographic inspections. Applying imaging techniques to eddy current testing is explored in this article. The authors show that flaw interpretation and characterization are made considerably simpler when images are used to visualize the impedance changes in eddy current probes.
By the methods of the angular distribution of photon annihilation, time distribution of photon annihilation, photoluminescence spectroscopy, Fourier IR-spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy the detail information on relation of the structural and physical properties of the porous nano-structures is obtained. Study of pores sizes in a different nano-porous materials, such as the porous silicon, porous anode aluminium oxide, porous solids exposed to light atoms ion implantation (hydrogen, deuterium, helium) is carried out.
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In a three-phase tri-axial cable, the magnetic interaction between the phases makes the loss measurement by an electromagnetic method very complex. We developed the theoretical background showing that three-phase AC loss measurements by the electromagnetic method are, in principle, possible. We then implemented this theory in practical measurements on a 3 m long, tri-axial cable fabricated from RABiTS (rolling-assisted biaxially textured substrate) coated conductor. Initially, the proposed measurement technique was implemented in the simpler cases when the three cable phases are 180"0 out of phase, i.e. (0"0, 180"0, 360"0) or (0"0, 360"0, 180"0) rather than (0"0, 120"0, 240"0) as in a traditional three-phase system. For these cases, the currents in the phases are either in phase (360"0 phase difference) or anti-phase (180"0 phase difference). These are essentially single-phase measurements with only one transport current used as the supply for all three phases. ...
Organic molecules are a significant and highly varied component of atmospheric aerosols. Measurement of aerosol composition and improvements in our understanding of the complex chemistry involved in their formation and aging are being aided by innovations in soft ionization aerosol MS. (To listen to a podcast about this feature, please go to the Analytical Chemistry multimedia page at pubs.acs.org/page/ancham/audio/index.html.). PMID:21275431
BackgroundTroponin is the preferred biomarker for risk stratification in non-ST-elevation ACS. The incremental prognostic utility of the initial magnitude of troponin...Full Text Available
In this first quarterly technical report for DOE Contract No. DE-AC22-87PC79654, a description of the background, technology, and application is provided. The design and fabrication of advanced combustion chambers were completed during this period. Initial testing on both the bare metal and refractory lined advanced chambers were initiated. The units were tested initially with gas but primarily with coal. A Pittsburgh No. 8 pulverized coal was used for these test activities. Both advanced chambers pulsed well.
Maintaining uniformity of properties over long distances is one of the fabrication problems encountered with the new high {Tc} superconductors. Uniform properties are crucial in long tapes or wires with high critical current since local nonuniformities can limit the current carrying capacity of the whole piece. Transport critical currents in high {Tc} superconductors are conventionally measured with the contact 4-point probe DC current-voltage technique. This technique requires contact with the sample and and spatially averages over the region between the two voltage contacts. Two techniques have been used to infer the critical state model. The first uses the net magnetization of a suitably shaped sample in an external magnetic field. The second combines a DC magnetic field with AC induced currents to infer spatial flux profiles. The AC magnetization technique offers an advantage in that it is noncontacting; however, it also averages the ...
Background:Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) can occur in patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). In the Gulf Registry of acute coronary events (Gulf RACE), we identified...Full Text Available
Conventional methods for calculating electricity losses in pipe-type cable systems rely heavily on data measured in lower-voltage systems in the 1950s. With the new technique developed in this study, engineers can compute power losses more precisely for cables of various configurations and voltage ratings.
DescriptionCEH - Quest CCMAP see http://quest.bris.ac.uk/research/themes/CCMAP.html CCMAP (Climate-carbon modelling, assimilation and prediction) Leader: Dr. Eleanor Blyth (CEH, Wallingford) Overview and Goals CCMAP is one of QUEST's Theme 1 projects and is about to be commissioned to the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology at Wallingford. The Principal Investigator will be Dr. Eleanor Blyth, with subcontracts to the Universities of Bristol (Dr. Wolfgang Knorr, Earth Sciences and QUEST; Andy Ridgw [continued...
... Further information For more detailed information on available accommodation, refer to our housing guide At home with us, visit Residential Services, or contact : T +44 (0)1273 678220 E housing@sussex.ac.uk Davidrsquo;s perspective lsquo;When my wife and I decided to study at Sussex, we applied for University accommodation. We were delighted with the lovely self-contained flat on Clifton Road in Brighton that we got via the Housing Office. ...
During the last several years, audible noise produced by high voltage transmission lines in corona has emerged as an important design consideration. In this same time frame a number of different methods for calculating audible noise levels have been proposed. The methods currently available, for both ac and dc lines, are described in this paper and are compared through application to practical line geometries for which data from long-term measurements are available.
Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) has been proposed several years ago as an approach for quantitative analysis of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy spectra. Recently developed refinement of the spectral processing method is described in the present work. Accurate quantitative results have been demonstrated for several metallic alloys. However, the degree of accuracy that can be achieved with Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy analysis of generic samples still needs to be thoroughly investigated. The authors have undertaken a systematic study of errors and biasing factors affecting the calculation in the Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy spectra processing. These factors may be classified in three main groups: 1) experi...
The seismic analysis of nuclear island of Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) was just in accordance with the approaches in RCC-G standard for the model M310 in France, in which the simplified impedance matrix method was employed for the consideration of soil's function. In this paper the more sophisticated 3D half-space continuum impedance method based on the Green functions is used to analyze the function of soil. In addition, multi-group of input time histories was used in the seismic response analysis in the existing design and their average of responses for each group was taken as the design basis. The same multi-group of input time histories was used in the seismic response analysis in this study, but the average and enveloped value of responses for each case are calculated respectively to account for the uncertainty of input motions. Focused on the above two issues, the seismic responses of the reactor building are calculated and the ...
In a positive polarity induction adder each of the induction cavities is a cathode, which emits electrons at a unique potential. These broad spectrum electrons strongly affect Magnetically Insulated Transmission Line (MITL) behavior. Electron flow decreases the cavity-to-MITL coupling efficiency, and reduces the power transport efficiency along the system. Also, the operating impedance of the MITL is lowered, reducing the diode impedance required for good coupling and good total system power efficiency. It is therefore imperative to understand the details of MITL electron flow. In previous work, measurement of MITL electron flow for a twenty-stage linear induction adder (Hermes III), operated in positive polarity, was compared with simulations. There was qualitative agreement, but some differences were noted. For example, measured electron flow in the first cavities was greater than in the simulations. The authors have extended the work on this ...
Location of transmission line faults are traditionally estimated by measuring the apparent impedance from a line terminal to the fault and converting the reactive component of the impedance to line length. None of the methods proposed to date address adequately the problems of fault location on distribution systems that have single or multiphase laterals and/or tapped loads. The research for this dissertation resulted in the development of a technique that estimates the location of a shunt fault on a radial distribution system that has several single and/or multiphase laterals. The technique takes into account load taps and non-homogeneity of the system, and has been tested for its ability to handle single-phase-to-ground, two-phase-to-ground, phase-to-phase and balanced three-phase faults. Computer simulations indicate that the technique is more accurate than the reactive component method. Results from a prototype of the technique was tested ...
Computer programs have been developed for modelling impedance and transmit-receive eddy current probes in two-dimensional axis-symmetric configurations. These programs, which are based on analytic equations, simulate bobbin probes in infinitely long tubes and surface probes on plates. They calculate probe signal due to uniform variations in conductor thickness, resistivity and permeability. These signals depend on probe design and frequency. A finite element numerical program has been procured to calculate magnetic permeability in non-linear ferromagnetic materials. Permeability values from these calculations can be incorporated into the above analytic programs to predict signals from eddy current probes with permanent magnets in ferromagnetic tubes. These programs were used to test various probe designs for new testing applications. Measurements of magnetic permeability in magnetically biased ferromagnetic materials have been performed by superimposing ...
A multi-stage, multi-disk type seismic source was developed as a downhole seismic source. The seismic source is an improved version of the downhole seismic source of a system in which an elastic wave is generated by a weight accelerated by restitutive force of a spring striking the upper part of a laminated structure consisted of metal disks and elastic bodies installed in water in a well. Enhancing the vibration exciting efficiency requires impedance radiated from the disks to be increased. The multi-disk structure was adopted because of restrictions on the disk area under the limiting condition of being inside the well. Further limitation has still existed, which led to finally structuring the multi-disk type to a multi-stage construction to increase the radiated impedance. In order to increase average velocity on the radiation surface, mass relationship between the hammer and the anvil was sought so that the maximum velocity is achieved at ...
Daya Bay NPP has been operating safely and stably over 10 years since 1994, and its' seismic analysis of nuclear island was in accordance with the approaches in RCC-G standard for the model M310, in which the Simplified Impedance Matrix Method (SIMM) was employed for the consideration of SSI. Thanks to the rapid progress being made in upgrading the evaluation technology and the capability of data processing systems, methods and software tools for the SSI analysis have experienced significant development all over the world. Focused on the model of reactor building of the Daya Bay NPP, in his paper the more sophisticated 3D half-space continuum impedance method based on the Green functions is used to analyze the functions of the soil, and then the seismic responses of the coupled SSI system are calculated and compared with the corresponding design values. It demonstrates that the design method provides a set of conservatively safe results. The ...
This work concerns the development of a methodology the objective of which is to characterize and diagnose two-phase flow regime transitions. The approach is based on the fundamental assumption that a transition flow is less stationary than a flow with an established regime. During the first time, the efforts focused on: (1) the design and construction of an experimental loop, allowing to reproduce the main horizontal two-phase flow patterns, in a stable and controlled way; (2) the design and construction of an electrical impedance probe, providing an imaged information of the spatial phase distribution in the pipe; and (3) the systematic study of the joint time-frequency and time-scale analysis methods, which permitted to define an adequate parameter quantifying the unstationarity degree. During the second time, in order to verify the fundamental assumption, a series of experiments were conducted, the objective of which was to demonstrate the correlation between ...
This work concerns the development of a methodology the objective of which is to characterize and diagnose two-phase flow regime transitions. The approach is based on the fundamental assumption that a transition flow is less stationary than a flow with an established regime. During the first time, the efforts focused on: (1) the design and construction of an experimental loop, allowing to reproduce the main horizontal two-phase flow patterns, in a stable and controlled way; (2) the design and construction of an electrical impedance probe, providing an imaged information of the spatial phase distribution in the pipe; and (3) the systematic study of the joint time-frequency and time-scale analysis methods, which permitted to define an adequate parameter quantifying the unstationarity degree. During the second time, in order to verify the fundamental assumption, a series of experiments were conducted, the objective of which was to demonstrate the correlation between ...
A developed flue gas desulfurization and dust removal process with a cross-flow moving bed filled with activated coke (AC) was tested on a pilot scale with the gas treatment capacity of 1000 mg x h(-t). The results show that a easy-operating and stable-running pilot-scale testing equipment can be reached, and under the conditions of testing space velocity, the feed gas temperature of 120 degrees C, SO2 concentrations of 3232-6006 mg x m(-3) and dust concentration of 89.3-1599.7 mg x m(-3), the high efficiency of flue gas desulfurization and dust removal is reached with the purity of dust less than 50 mg x m(-3). In the technology, the spent AC was regenerated by heating, and the SO2 concentration in the desorption gas is about 40.1%, which can be efficiently recovered as a sulfur resource. Favorable economy benefit can be reached by using the process. PMID:16850821
This paper reports the result obtained during fiscal 1994 on a demonstration research on photovoltaic power generating systems. Solar cells with an output of 750 kW, storage battery facilities with an output of 3,058 kWh, three DC-AC converters with a rating of 250 kW, and a diesel generator with an output of 300 kW having been installed up to the previous fiscal year were combined to perform comprehensive adjustments and tests such as battery charge/discharge tests and AC parallel operation tests. The battery charge/discharge tests revealed that the 10 hour rate discharge capacity meets the specifications, and the batteries are free of deterioration after a demonstration operation of about 4.5 months. Difference between the power generation record and the planned value is thought due to the following reasons: the array output data in a power line connected system come about 90% of the simulation result due to correction coefficient for the ...
NFAT involvement in adipocyte physiological processes was examined by treatment with CsA and/or GSK3{beta} inhibitors (Li{sup +} or TZDZ-8), which prevent or increase NFAT nuclear translocation, respectively. CsA treatment reduced basal and TNF{alpha}-induced rates of lipolysis by 50%. Adipocytes preincubated with Li{sup +} or TZDZ-8 prior to CsA and/or TNF{alpha}, exhibited enhanced basal rates of lipolysis and complete inhibition of CsA-mediated decreased rates of lipolysis. CsA treatment dramatically reduced the mRNA levels of adipocyte-specific genes (aP2, HSL, PPAR{gamma}, ACS and Adn), compared with control or TNF{alpha}-treatment, whereas Li{sup +} pretreatment blocked the inhibitory effects of CsA, and mRNA levels of aP2, HSL, PPAR{gamma}, and ACS were found at or above control levels. NFAT nuclear localization, assessed by EMSA, confirmed that CsA or Li{sup +} treatments inhibited or increased NFAT nuclear translocation, respectively. ...
The level structure and configurations of "2"1"6At have been studied by observing the alpha decay of "2"2"0Fr, which is in secular equilibrium with "2"2"4Ac. Six of the 16 observed states are tentatively assigned to the configuration #pi#(h_9_/_2)"3#upsilon#(g_9_/_2)"5, and four to the mixed configuration #pi#(h_9_/_2)"3#upsilon#(g_9_/_2)"4(i_1_1_/_2)+#pi#(h_9_/_2)"2(f _7_/_2)#upsilon#(g_9_/_2)"5. These two configurations in "2"1"6At are compared with the corresponding configurations in "2"1"2Bi and "2"1"0Bi. The shape transitions are traced from the quadrupole-octupole deformed "2"2"4Ac through "2"2"0Fr and "2"1"6At, to "2"1"2Bi, described by the spherical shell model, using the alpha decay sequence beginning with "2"2"8Pa. copyright 1996 The American Physical Society.
Two types of switched electrode electronics beam position monitors are in use at Jefferson Lab. Together they provide accurate beam position to the control system for beam intensities between 50 nA and 2 mA. One version, called the linac style, has a switching frequency of 125 kHz. The other, called the transport type, has a switching frequency of 7 kHz. The basic system provides information to the control system at a 1 Hz update rate. The systems are regularly used to measure the AC component of beam position and energy as well as suppress this motion as part of a fast feedback system. Position data produced by the system are also acquired on an event by event basis as part of the nuclear physics program in two of the experimental halls. This paper will focus on the AC characteristics of the system. These characteristics are affected by analog filter frequencies and a time delay between the measurement of the positive electrode signal and the ...
The objective of the program is to develop a domestic cooktop with low-NOx emissions and high efficiency. During the first two phases of the program, three design concepts were developed, and two versions of developmental prototypes using the IR-Jet approach were fabricated and tested. The third phase was initiated to address the design issues of burner turndown and modulation and to conduct the field test of a prototype with one IR-Jet and three conventional burners. Two prototypes containing one IR-Jet and three conventional burners and utilizing blower speed control for air/gas modulation were fabricated. One unit employed a brushless dc motor and the other a 2-pole ac motor. The ac motor prototype was field tested. Field testing showed the need for a mechanical air/gas valve for modulation and for a 1500 Btu/hr simmer setting. A 4-inch-diameter stepped-tile configuration provided input rates from 1500 to 8000 Btu/hr. A manufacturer, Copreci ...
The US Department of Energy`s Pittsburgh Energy Technology Center (PETC) is actively pursuing the development and testing of coal-fired combustion systems for residential, commercial, and industrial market sectors. In response, MTCI initiated the development of a new combustor technology based on the principle of pulse combustion under the sponsorship of PETC (Contract No. AC22-83PC60419). The initial pulse combustor development program was conducted in three phases (MTCI, Development of a Pulsed Coal Combustor Fired with CWM, Phase III Final Report, DOE Contract No. AC22-83PC60419, November 1986). Phase I included a review of the prior art in the area of pulse combustion and the development of pulse combustor design concepts. It led to the conclusion that pulse combustors offer technical and base-of-operation advantages over conventional burners and also indicated favorable economics for replacement of oil- and gas-fired equipment.
The US Department of Energy's Pittsburgh Energy Technology Center (PETC) is actively pursuing the development and testing of coal-fired combustion systems for residential, commercial, and industrial market sectors. In response, MTCI initiated the development of a new combustor technology based on the principle of pulse combustion under the sponsorship of PETC (Contract No. AC22-83PC60419). The initial pulse combustor development program was conducted in three phases (MTCI, Development of a Pulsed Coal Combustor Fired with CWM, Phase III Final Report, DOE Contract No. AC22-83PC60419, November 1986). Phase I included a review of the prior art in the area of pulse combustion and the development of pulse combustor design concepts. It led to the conclusion that pulse combustors offer technical and base-of-operation advantages over conventional burners and also indicated favorable economics for replacement of oil- and gas-fired equipment.
Abstract Visible blue cathodoluminescence (CL), photoluminescence (PL), x-ray excited optical luminescence (XEOL) and electroluminescence (EL) via Zf free excitonic emission have been obtained from CuBr thin films deposited on glass, Cr coated glass, GaAs and Si substrates. In addition to the Zf emission several peaks corresponding to Cu+ emissions via 3d94s - d10 transitions were observed on the AC EL spectrum at 2.10, 2.7, 3.03, 3.07 and 3.80 eV. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements confirmed that the vacuum evaporated CuBr thin films grow preferentially with a (111) orientation irrespective of the substrate. While the AC voltage source was found to have no detrimental effects on CuBr thin films, cathodic deposition of Cu metal via electrolytic decomposition was observed under steady sta...
Using electromatic field theory, a new method is developed for calculating alternating current in power cables installed in pipes of carbon steel (magnetic pipes). The technique for evaluating these losses is based on the method of images which replaces complicated distribution of currents in the system with a sequence of thin conductors. The method not only gives a mathematical framework for the solution of alternating current losses, but it also gives the underlying physical picture of effects contributing to these losses. Skin effect, proximity effect and losses due to the pipe are calculated separately. For the first time, the increase of losses in the conductors, when the cables are placed in a magetic pipe, are analyzed mathematically. Good agreement is obtained between the result of calculations and the experimentally determined ac-dc resistance ratios for pipe-type cables with concentric stranded copper conductors and also for cables with aluminum or copper ...
In this paper, an improved soft switched two cell interleaved boost AC/DC converter with high power factor is proposed and investigated. A new auxiliary circuit is designed and added to two cell interleaved boost converter to reduce the switching losses. The proposed auxiliary circuit is implemented using only one auxiliary switch and a minimum number of passive components without an important increase in the cost and complexity of the converter. The main advantage of this auxiliary circuit is that it not only provides zero-voltage-transition (ZVT) for the main switches but also provides soft switching for the auxiliary switch and diodes. Though all semiconductor devices operate under soft switching, they do not have any additional voltage and current stresses. The proposed converter operates successfully in soft switching operation mode for a wide range of input voltage level and the load. In addition, it has advantages such as fewer structure complications, lower ...
Tests have recently been performed at Fermilab in order to measure the energy losses due to eddy currents and iron and superconductor magnetization. These measurements were performed on six 1.5m long model magnets and eight 15m long full scale collider dipole magnets. AC losses were measured as a function of ramp rate using sawtooth ramps from 500, to 5000 Amps for both types of magnets, while bipolar studies were additionally performed on some of the short magnets. The measured magnet voltage and current for a complete cycle are digitally integrated to yield the energy loss per cycle. Measurement reproducibility is typically 5%, with good agreement between long magnet measurements and extrapolations from short magnet measurement results. Magnetization loss measurements among similar magnet types agree to within experimental error, while eddy current losses correlate strongly with the observed dependence of quench current on ramp rate.
Abstract in english We consider the three dimensional electromagnetic inverse scattering problem of determining information about a buried coated object from a knowledge of the electric and magnetic fields measured on the surface of the earth corresponding to time harmonic electric dipoles as incident fields. We assume that the buried object is a perfect conductor that is (possibly) partially coated by a thin dielectric layer. No a priori assumption is made on the extent of the coating, i.e. (more) the object can be fully coated, partially coated or not coated at all. We present an algorithm based on the linear sampling method and reciprocity gap functional for reconstructing the shape of the scattering obstacle together with an estimate of the surface impedance of the coating.
The structural integrity of the Fuel Test Loop(FTL) in a Korean experimental reactor is evaluated when the FTL, submerged in a water environment, is subjected to a postulated pipe rupture. The analyses are performed under static and dynamic conditions, imposing the thrust force history at each postulated pipe rupture section. Through analysis the following results are found: 1) A double ended guillotine can not be expected based on the toughness of the material, 2) the structural integrity of the chimney surrounding the FTL would not impede the structural integrity by the pipe whip. All analyses are performed by finite element methods.
The mechanism of abrupt increase of the giant magneto impedance (GMI) ratio in the ion irradiated Co-based amorphous ribbon has been investigated. The grazing incident X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope were used to characterize the samples before and after ion irradiation. The GMI-ratio considerably increased in the ion irradiated samples and the GMI response showed strong dependence on the driving frequencies. The Barkhausen noise (BN) signals are increased for the Ar ion irradiated sample with dose of 1x10^1^7 ion/cm^2. The results are interpreted in terms of GMI variation associated with domain wall dynamics.
In a study of initiations caused by reflected shock from a high-impedance boundary, attempts to establish sufficient conditions for initiative are described. Shock polar analysis is used to discover the ranges of various flow regimes, general shock structures and pressure estimates of states behind the reflected wave. Using this knowledge, wave structure growth rates from hydrocode simulations are estimated and standard-shock initiation criteria are used; experiments are designed in which the initiation from a reflected-shock wave structure appears likely. Two experiments are described in which a reflected-shock wave from a uranium surface initiated PBX 9502. The experimental evidence is in good agreement with the assumptions and results of the analysis.
Purpose: To prevent evaporization stills against corrosion due to radioactive liquid wastes. Constitution: Microwaves are supplied from a microwave generator by way of a wave guide tube and through a microwave permeation window to the inside of an evaporatization still. A matching device is attached to the wave guide tube for transmitting the microwaves in order to match the impedance. When the microwaves are supplied to the inside of the evaporization still, radioactive liquid wastes supplied from a liquid feed port by way of a spray tower to the inside of the evaporization still is heated and evaporated by the induction heating of the microwaves. (Seki, T.).
The effects of {alpha} particle irradiation on a passive film formed on a 304 type stainless steel are studied in situ. The experimental arrangement minimizes the radiolysis effects due to the electrolyte. Under irradiation, a modification of the electronic structure of the oxide layers is revealed by photo-electrochemistry and impedance measurements. The influence of irradiation on the corrosion resistance of the passive film is investigated. Comparing the rest potential and the breakdown potential respectively under and without irradiation, a drop in the passivity range under irradiation is shown. this is interpreted as a decrease in the corrosion resistance. (author).
The effects of #alpha# particle irradiation on a passive film formed on a 304 type stainless steel are studied in situ. The experimental arrangement minimizes the radiolysis effects due to the electrolyte. Under irradiation, a modification of the electronic structure of the oxide layers is revealed by photo-electrochemistry and impedance measurements. The influence of irradiation on the corrosion resistance of the passive film is investigated. Comparing the rest potential and the breakdown potential respectively under and without irradiation, a drop in the passivity range under irradiation is shown. this is interpreted as a decrease in the corrosion resistance. (author).
The influence of microalloying vanadium or titanium on improving the corrosion resistance of mild steel in saturated calcium hydroxide solution was investigated. Potential-time, potentiodynamic polarization, and impedance measurement techniques were employed. The corrosion products have been examined by infrared and X-ray diffraction analysis and by scanning electron microscopy. It has been shown that the grain refining, due to microalloying, plays an important role in enhancing the corrosion resistance of steel. Scales of calcite and iron oxides on top of a protective oxide are formed on the investigated steels.
The results of finite element calculations detailing the interactions of eddy currents with fine collinear slots in nonferromagnetic and ferromagnetic conductors are presented. These are applicable to both remote field eddy current inspection tools and conventional reflected impedance eddy current probes. The calculations show that, while fine slots have little interaction with collinear induced currents in nonferromagnetic conductors, there are much larger effects in ferromagnetic conductors. This is due to magnetic field interactions. The term eddy current inspection' is therefore somewhat restrictive and the much broader term electromagnetic inspection' is proposed.
The adsorption and corrosion inhibition behavior of three selected thiosemicarbazone derivatives, namely 3-pyridinecarboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (META), isonicotinaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (PARA) and 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (ORTHO) at the nickel surface were studied electrochemically by Tafel and impedance methods and computationally by carrying out Monte Carlo searches of configurational space on nickel/thiosemicarbazone derivative system. Electrochemical measurements showed that the inhibition efficiency of these compounds increased with increase in their concentration. The recorded inhibition efficiencies of the three tested thiosemicarbazone increase in the order: META>PARA>ORTHO. Polarization studies showed that these compounds act as mixed-type inhibitors for n...
The establishment of workable collaborative relations with indigenous elites formed a vital part of the maintenance of the British Empire. This was especially so in the Malay States, where the Malay rulers enjoyed considerable local prestige as religious leaders and as the organising principle of Malay society itself. As the case of Sultan Ibrahim of Johore demonstrates, nevertheless, indigenous collaborators were no mere puppets and enjoyed considerable freedom of action to frustrate and impede the policies of their imperial overlords. Sultan Ibrahim presents a particularly interesting case study as his 64-year reign more or less spanned the entire period of formal British rule in Malaya.
This work is concentrated on growth, spectroscopy and laser performance of thulium-doped vanadate crystals. At the beginning the growth techniques are analyzed and then the matrix of vanadates crystal, its structure and physicochemical properties are explained together with the rare earth activators influence. Detailed spectroscopy of the thulium-doped vanadate crystals then follows. On the background of this theoretical analysis and state of the art of the subject the description of thulium vanadate lasers (especially Tm:YVO"4, Tm:GdVO"4, and Tm:LuVO"4) together with their generated output radiation characteristics are presented.
The main features and advantages of a new low energy nuclear spectroscopic method, the in-beam spectroscopy are described. Results of in-beam spectroscopic experiments performed at the Institute of Nuclear Research (ATOMKI, Debrecen, Hungary) are summarized. Gamma spectra of in-beam produced odd-odd nuclei were measured, gamma-energies were determined. Measurement of gamma-gamma coincidences led to the construction of energy level schemes of the investigated nuclei. Internal conversion electron spectroscopy was used to determine the multipolarities of transitions. A few spectra and level schemes are presented to illustrate the review. Theoretical interpretation of experimental results are briefly summarized. (D.Gy.).
With the development of an array of highly-segmented germanium detectors, it now becomes possible to perform in-flight #gamma#-ray spectroscopy experiments on intermediate energy beams with unprecedented #gamma#-ray energy resolution. Presented in this report are examples of two techniques in which SeGA, the most highly-segmented operational germanium array for in-flight spectroscopy with fast beams, was used for the detection of #gamma# rays. SeGA used in conjunction with a high-resolution magnetic spectrograph (S800) to detect the reaction residues in coincidence represents a powerful combination for in-beam #gamma#-ray studies.
There have been many recent explosive advances in both IR and Raman spectroscopy which have developed in response to industrial problems of increasing complexity. Probably the biggest factor in these advances has been computerization, which has contributed not only to substantial improvements in data handling but to enormous gains in sensitivities of analyses as well. In this paper numerous examples of Raman and IR applications in industry are given using many of these recent advances, including in-situ techniques, microprobe analyses, unusual combinations of instruments - i.e., hyphenated methods - and new sample handling techniques. The bright future of FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy is also briefly discussed.
Through the use of a variety of post-labeling techniques, the nucleotide sequence of a major species of leucine tRNA from bovine liver was determined to be pG-G-U-A-G-C-G-U-G-m-G-C-ac-C-G-A-G-C-G-G-D-C-psi-A-A-G-G-C-m-G-C-U-G-G-A-psim-...Full Text Available
The principle of conservation and transferability of chemical bonds explains the recent discovery by extended x-ray absorption fine-structure measurements of two unequal anion-cation bond lengths R/sub A/C and R/sub B/C in A/sub x/B/sub 1-x/C zinc-blende semiconductor alloys despite the close adherence of the lattice constant to the average value (Vegard rule). This bond alternation, manifested as a structural distortion to a local chalcopyrite coordination around the anions, explains also most of the observed optical bowing in semiconductor alloys.
The principle of conservation and transferability of chemical bonds explains the recent discovery by extended x-ray absorption fine-structure measurements of two unequal anion-cation bond lengths R/sub A/C and R/sub B/C in A/sub x/B/sub 1-x/C zinc-blende semiconductor alloys despite the close adherence of the lattice constant to the average value (Vegard rule). This bond alternation, manifested as a structural distortion to a local chalcopyrite coordination around the anions, explains also most of the observed optical bowing in semiconductor alloys.
The excess energy of several III-V and II-VI strained-layer semiconductor superlattices (AC)_p(BC)_p is studied as a function of the repeat period p and orientation G=[001], [110], [111], and [201], using first-principles calculations. We discover a number of universal features, including the predicted instability for nearly all p's and G's with respect to bulk disproportionation, the identification of chalcopyrite as a metastable ordered structure, and the stability of all thin epitaxial [110] and [201] and most common-anion [001] superlattices relative to coherent phase separation.
As contamination flashover is in Mexico the second cause of transmission line faults, the Mexican Electrical Research Institute carried out a project to determine pollution patterns for the Republic of Mexico to be used for the design of external insulation. Results from the project are presented: the modelling, based on the field data of 23 experimental sites, of long term variations of pollution patterns as a function of environmental variables, insulator shape and position, as well as other important field results. 32 refs, 2 figs, 4 tabs
The accuracy of the carbon 14 dating method is dependent on the fluctuations of carbon 14 in the atmosphere over long periods of time. Fossil corals that are dated by both carbon 14 and uranium-thorium methods allows the setting of calibration curves for the carbon 14 method for the last 50.000 years. The uranium-thorium method is based on the measurement of the ratio of 2 isotopes: thorium 230 and uranium 234 that are both present in the decay chain of uranium 238. (A.C.)
Audible noise from corona discharge had been identified as one of the most important factors in the design of conductor configurations for high-voltage transmission lines. 500 kV and above. Therefore this paper describes audible noise characteristics of 6 X 480 mm{sup 2} conductor bundle in KEPRI 765 kV Test Line and Corona Cage. Prediction formula for audible(corona) noise on a 765 kV Transmission Line was developed using this results. (author). 4 refs., 4 figs., 4 tabs.
We present the low-temperature physical properties of the polycrystalline perovskite systems La2/3A1/3Mn1-xCoxO3, A=Ca, Sr (0.5x1) including electrical resistance, magnetization, ac and dc susceptibilities. The experimental data suggest the presence of correlated ferromagnetic clusters embedded in some non-ferromagnetic matrix. The systems show semiconducting behavior and negative magnetoresistance.
Probability distributions of partial discharge (PD) and dielectric breakdown voltage were investigated for the typical components of oil-filled transformer insulation. The equi-probabilistic PD and BD V-t characteristics were obtained from experimental results in the time range from several ..mu..sec to 10 hours. The authors point out that there is a close relationship between the scattering of PD voltage and the inclination of V-t characteristics in a long term region for ac voltage.
Electrostatic torsional micro-mirrors have wide spread use in different industries for diverse purposes. This paper investigates the development of superharmonics and chaotic responses in electrostatic torsional micro-mirrors near the pull-in condition. Appearance of nonlinear phenomena is investigated in models accounting for and disregarding the coupling of torsional and flexural deflections. Analysis of the system response to step and harmonic excitation reveals the appearance of DC and AC symmetry breaking. Increasing the amplitude of harmonic excitation, the response in the form of distinct superharmonics changes to a broad band response, where there is loss of periodicity and the response becomes chaotic. Accounting for flexural deflections in coupled model reduces the voltage thresh...
The a.c. susceptibility and high field magnetization of TbRh{sub 2-x}Pd{sub x}Si{sub 2} and TbRu{sub 2-x}Pd{sub x}Si{sub 2} compounds were investigated up to 140 kOe. The (T, x) magnetic phase diagrams were determined. For both systems, an increase in the Pd content causes a decrease in the Neel temperature and changes the magnetization curves. (orig.)
On the basis of the analytic continuations of semisimple Lie algebras discovered recently by us we construct manifestly quasiconformal infinite-dimensional algebras AC(so(4, 1)) and PAC(so(3, 2)) extending the conformal algebras in three-dimensional euclidean and Minkowski space-time like the Virasoro algebra extends so(2, 1). Their higher spin generalizations are also constructed. A counterpart of the central extension for D > 2 and possible appplications in exactly solvable conformal quantum field models in D > 2 are discussed. (orig.).
The #pi#g_9_/_2 band structure in "1"2"1Cs is obtained. The experiment was performed at the HI-13 MV tandem accelerator of China Institute of Atomic Energy. The excited states of "1"2"1Cs were populated via the reaction "1"1"2Sn("1"2C, p2n). The #gamma#-#gamma# coincidence data were taken with five BGO-AC HpGe detectors at beam energy of 60 Mev. The energy-level schemes of "1"2"1Cs is presented.
Two thirds of the neutrinos produced in the sun are not detected. In the last decade several experiments have allowed to give a limit to the neutrino mass and in some cases a negative value of the square of the mass was proposed. A negative value is inconsistent theoretically except in the case of tachyons which are particles allowed to travel faster than light. Consider neutrinos as tachyons could be a solution to find the answers to some of the riddles set by neutrinos. (A.C.)
In this first quarterly technical report for DOE Contract No. DE-AC22-87PC79654, a description of the background, technology, and application is provided. The design and fabrication of advanced combustion chambers were completed during this period. Initial testing on both the bare metal and refractory lined advanced chambers were initiated. The units were tested initially with gas but primarily with coal. A Pittsburgh No. 8 pulverized coal was used for these test activities. Both advanced chambers pulsed well.
...CanCom Dermatology Image Bank Dermatology Online Atlas Introduction to Skin Cancer Malignant Melanoma Skin Cancer (Not Melanoma) Comments: bubl@bubl.ac.... Covers anatomy, melanoma, infections, and dermatological disorders in AIDS. Author: University of Utah ...994 Resource type: document Malignant Melanoma This leaflet on malignant melanoma covers early detection, causes, clinical signs and symptoms, and provides ...9 Resource type: document Skin Cancer (Not Melanoma) Information on basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers. Author: ...
...com: Christianity: General All-in-One Biblical Resources Search Anno Domini: Jesus Through the Centuries Bible and Homosexuality Bible Reading Fellowship Bible Society Bible ...of the New Testament Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words Virtual Christianity: Bibles Whole Bible Comments: bubl@bubl.ac.uk About....com: Christianity: General Offers original articles and features about Christianity in general plus annotated links to selected relevant Internet resources, compiled by ... Also includes a gallery of Christian images such as The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci. Author: About....
This study investigated the association between differences in litter size in Boer does, with genetic polymorphisms in the inhibin alpha gene. Our preliminary (n=209) results found 12 SNPs, including the non-synonymous polymorphisms 911T/C and 946A/C, resulting in corresponding 299V/A and 311T/P amino acid polymorphisms. Of the SNPs, 651A/G was preliminarily suggested as a useful marker for litter size of the second parity in the population studied, showing an overdominance effect. Polymorphisms, sequence, and genotype distributions were also characterized.
The authors draw the story of the concept of infinity in sciences from the ancient Greek civilization to modern times, from the Greek idea of atom to quantum physics and cosmology. It is shown how what was considered as limits in ancient times, have been progressively seen as unknown worlds, and are now being investigated with the use of big machines like particle accelerators. This book is composed of 3 main chapters: 1) the quest for the infinitely big, 2) the quest for the infinitely small, and 3) the big-bang theory that appears as the meeting point of the 2 infinites. (A.C.)
Conventional eddy current bobbin probes are known to be ineffectual in detecting circumferential cracks in tubing. Multi-pancake and/or rotating pancake probes are required to detect circumferential cracks. It has recently been demonstrated in CANDU steam generator tubes, with deformation, ferromagnetic deposits, and copper deposits, that multi-channel probes with transmit-receive (T/R) coils are superior to those using surface impedance coils. Unlike rotating probes, the design of a new probe denoted as C3 permits fast, single-scan inspection of a full-length tube at inspection speeds comparable to conventional bobbin probes. Since 1992, the probe has been used routinely for steam generator in-service inspection at 4 CANDU plants. Defective tubes have been plugged and the units returned to service, and they continue to operate without leaks. This paper describes the basic features of T/R surface probes. Two-dimensional voltage diagrams showing computer-derived ...
Conventional eddy current bobbin probes are known to be ineffectual in detecting circumferential cracks in tubing. Multi-pancake and/or rotating pancake probes are required to detect circumferential cracks. It has recently been demonstrated in CANDU steam generator tubes, with deformation, ferromagnetic deposits, and copper deposits, that multi-channel probes with transmit-receive (T/R) coils are superior to those using surface impedance coils. Unlike rotating probes, the design of a new probe denoted as C3 permits fast, single-scan inspection of a full-length tube at inspection speeds comparable to conventional bobbin probes. Since 1992, the probe has been used routinely for steam generator in-service inspection at 4 CANDU plants. Defective tubes have been plugged and the units returned to service, and they continue to operate without leaks. This paper describes the basic features of T/R surface probes. Two-dimensional voltage diagrams showing computer-derived ...
Light composite sandwich panels are increasingly used in automobiles, ships and aircraft, because of the advantages they offer of high strength-to-weight ratios. However, the acoustical properties of these light and stiff structures can be less desirable than those of equivalent metal panels. These undesirable properties can lead to high interior noise levels. A number of researchers have studied the acoustical properties of honeycomb and foam sandwich panels. Not much work, however, has been carried out on foam-filled honeycomb sandwich panels. In this dissertation, governing equations for the forced vibration of asymmetric sandwich panels are developed. An analytical expression for modal densities of symmetric sandwich panels is derived from a sixth-order governing equation. A boundary element analysis model for the sound transmission loss of symmetric sandwich panels is proposed. Measurements of the modal density, total loss factor, radiation loss factor, and sound transmission loss ...
... and high-quality photospheric-phase Type II SN spectra to constrain core- collapse SN explosions, massive star evolution, and distances in the Universe ...
The energy level schemes of tin isotopes produced in the heavy ion reactions are presented. The using of #gamma# spectroscopy technique is also described. 4 refs, 12 figs.
This paper investigates regional and age-related changes in metabolite ratios using image-localized H-1 MR spectroscopy in children. Twenty-seven children referred for MR imaging of the brain underwent localized H-1 MR spectroscopy with a Siemens 1.5-T whole-body imager. Localization to 2 x 2 x 2-cm volumes of interest was achieved with a stimulated-echo or spin-echo technique. Repetition times of 1,600 and 5,000 msec were used, with echo times varying between 68 and 270 msec. Total combined imaging and spectroscopy times were 90-120 minutes.
Thermally stable materials with low dielectric constant (k<3.9) are being hotly pursued. They are essential as interlayer dielectrics/intermetal dielectrics in integrated circuit technology, which reduces parasitic capacitance and decreases the RC time constant. Most of the currently employed materials are based on silicon. Low k films based on organic polymers are supposed to be a viable alternative as they are easily processable and can be synthesized with simpler techniques. It is known that the employment of ac/rf plasma polymerization yields good quality organic thin films, which are homogenous, pinhole free and thermally stable. These polymer thin films are potential candidates for fabricating Schottky devices, storage batteries, LEDs, sensors, super capacitors and for EMI shielding. Recently, great efforts have been made in finding alternative methods to prepare low dielectric constant thin films in place of silicon-based materials. Polyaniline thin films ...
Activated carbons (ACs) were prepared from chicken waste (CW) and coal (E-coal) blended at the ratios of 100:0, 80:20, 50:50, 20:80, and 0:100. The process included carbonization in flowing gaseous nitrogen (300 mL min{sup -1}) at ca. 430{sup o}C for 60 min and successive steam activation (0.1 mL min{sup -1} water injection with a flow of N{sub 2} at 100 mL min{sup -1}) at 650{sup o}C for 30 min. Chicken waste is low in sulfur content but is high in volatile matter (about 55 wt %), and ACs with higher specific surface area were more successfully obtained by mixing with coal. The specific surface area of the CW/Coal blend AC can be estimated by SSA{sub BET} = -65.8x{sup 2} + 158x + 168, where SSA{sub BET} is the specific surface area in m{sup 2} g{sup -1} as determined by the BET method using CO{sub 2} as the adsorbent, where x is the coal fraction by weight in the CW/coal blend ranging from 0.0 to 1.0 (e.g., x = 0.0 ...
Surface-sensitive UV photoelectron yield spectroscopy was employed to study electron acceptor levels at surfaces of chalcopyrite structure Cu-In-Se thin films. Surface Fermi level pinning was observed for Cu-rich films. Shallow acceptor levels ascribable to defects Cu_I_n and V_C_u were observed for near-stoichiometric and In-rich films respectively. (orig.).
Tunneling spectroscopy of normal-insulator-superconductor junction is investigated theoretically. In anisotropic superconductors, differently from the case of isotropic superconductor, the effective pair potentials felt by quasiparticles depend on the direction of their motion. By taking this effect into account, it is shown that the conductance spectra strongly depend on the crystal orientation. Using Green`s function method, local density of states (LDOS) in superconductor is also calculated. The close relation between conductance spectra and LDOS is presented. The calculation is compared with experimental spectra of high-{Tc} superconductors.
In this study, bone mineral density (BMD) of normal (CON), ovariectomized (OVX) and partially nephrectomized (NFR) rats was measured by 31P NMR spectroscopy; bone matrix density was...Full Text Available
Brief summaries are given of research carried out in the following areas: absorption spectroscopy of titanium, niobium, and molybdenum in uranium alloys; atomic absorption spectroscopy of selenium in stainless steel, computer program improvements for spectrophotometer control, and detection of beryllium in stack gases; electrolysis for inactivation of bacteria in cooling-tower water; improved solvent analysis by gas chromatography; sequential radionuclide separation for various sample matrices; progress on an electron microprobe analyzer; and miscellaneous projects.
Projectilelike fragments following the 80 MeV /sup 16/O+/sup 27/Al reaction have been detected using a Bragg-curve spectroscopy ionization chamber (BCS-IC). The atomic number is deduced from the Bragg-peak amplitude. Nitrogen isotopes are clearly resolved using either range or energy loss data. This is the first application of the BCS method for complete ion identification in a heavy-ion-induced reaction.
Projectilelike fragments following the 80 MeV "1"6O+"2"7Al reaction have been detected using a Bragg-curve spectroscopy ionization chamber (BCS-IC). The atomic number is deduced from the Bragg-peak amplitude. Nitrogen isotopes are clearly resolved using either range or energy loss data. This is the first application of the BCS method for complete ion identification in a heavy-ion-induced reaction.
Levels in "7"2Se were observed via in-beam gamma spectroscopy following the "5"8Ni("1"6O,2p) reaction. Spectra and partial energy level schemes are shown. (3 figures) (U.S.).
A two-beam spectroscopy (TBS) system is evaluated theoretically and experimentally. This new spectroscopic technique uses correlations between components of emitted light separated by a small difference in angle of propagation. It is thus a non-perturbing plasma diagnostic which is shown to provide local (as opposed to line-of-sight averaged) information about fluctuations in the density of light sources within a plasma - information not obtainable by the usual spectroscopic methods. The present design is an improvement on earlier systems proposed in a thesis by Rostler.
The isomeric composition of bicyclo(3.3.1)nonadienes was investigated by GLC and PMR spectroscopy with silver-lanthanide shift reagents. The absence of stereospecificity in the hydrogenation of 3,7-dimethylenebicyclo(3.3.1)nonane by hydrogen adsorbed on Raney nickel was demonstrated. This is explained by the sequence of the isomerization and then hydrogenation processes.
This paper describes the application of the instrumental analytical methods: neutron activation techniques, atomic absorption spectroscopy and flame emission spectroscopy, used to analyse some home-made teas, determining Na, K and Cl and comparing the results. This study verify whether the home-made teas used for rehydration of the children reach the composition recommended by WHO (World Health Organization). (author). 6 refs., 6 tabs.
Ionization counters employing Bragg curve spectroscopy have been constructed for use in a 4? geometry. These detectors compare very favorably in terms of both energy and charge resolution with small solid angle devices. These detectors have a large dynamic range because they are backed by scintillation detectors, and are thus capable of detecting and identifying particles with energies from 1 MeV/nucleon up to 200 MeV/nucleon.
Ionization counters employing Bragg curve spectroscopy have been constructed for use in a 4{pi} geometry. These detectors compare very favorably in terms of both energy and charge resolution with small solid angle devices. These detectors have a large dynamic range because they are backed by scintillation detectors, and are thus capable of detecting and identifying particles with energies from 1 MeV/nucleon up to 200 MeV/nucleon. (orig.).
Ionization counters employing Bragg curve spectroscopy have been constructed for use in a 4#pi# geometry. These detectors compare very favorably in terms of both energy and charge resolution with small solid angle devices. These detectors have a large dynamic range because they are backed by scintillation detectors, and are thus capable of detecting and identifying particles with energies from 1 MeV/nucleon up to 200 MeV/nucleon. (orig.).
The operation principle, construction and characteristics of the Bragg curve spectroscopy detector (BCS detector) are described. The electric field of the BCS detector is parallel to the particle trajectories. The detector was tested by 8.78 MeV and 6.02 MeV #alpha# particles from a ThC-ThC's source. The energy resolutions are 1.5% and 2.6% respectively for two groups of #alpha# particles, and the charge resolution is 2.7%. Further test experiments with heavy ions will be arranged.
A new method named 'Bragg curve spectroscopy', based on the Bragg curve of the heavy ion being stopped in a gaseous ionization chamber, has been developed for identifying the particle and measuring its energy. The design of such a chamber and the experience obtained with chamber using various kinds of fast heavy ions are described. In conclusion, several problems to be solved in this method are pointed out.
A new method named 'Bragg curve spectroscopy', based on the Bragg curve of the heavy ion being stopped in a gaseous ionization chamber, has been developed for identifying the particle and measuring its energy. The design of such a chamber and the experience obtained with chamber using various kinds of fast heavy ions are described. In conclusion, several problems to be solved in this method are pointed out. (orig.).
In nuclear fuel with a burn-up of 33 kg/t U and 52 kg/t U 15 transuranium nuclides "2"3"7Np to "2"4"6Cm have been determined by alpha and gamma spectroscopy after radiochemical separation. (author).
The quantitative determination of oxide concentration by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy is relevant in various fields of applications (e.g.: analysis of ores, concrete, slag). Calibration free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and the multivariate calibration are among the methods employed for quantitative concentration analysis of complex materials. We measured the intensity of neutral and ionized atomic emission lines of oxide materials by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and we modified the calibration free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy method to increase the accuracy. The concentration of oxides was obtained by using stoichiometric relations. Sample materials were prepared from oxide powder (Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}, MgO, CaO) by mixing and pressing. The concentration was 9.8-33.3 wt.% Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}, 7.6-33.3 wt.% MgO and 33.3-81.2 wt.% CaO for different samples. Nd:YAG laser ...
We have previously reported that FSH stimulates flux of 45Ca2+ into cultured Sertoli cells from immature rats via voltage-sensitive and voltage-independent calcium channels. In the present study, we show that this effect of FSH does not require cholera toxin (CT)- or pertussis toxin (PT)-sensitive guanine nucleotide binding (G) protein or activation of adenylate cyclase (AC). Significant stimulation of 45Ca2+ influx was observed within 1 min, and maximal response (3.2-fold over basal levels) was achieved within 2 min after exposure to FSH. FSH-stimulated elevations in cellular cAMP paralleled increases in 45Ca2+ uptake, suggesting a possible coupling of AC activation to 45Ca2+ influx. (Bu)2cAMP, however, was not able to enhance 45Ca2+ uptake over basal levels at a final concentration of 1000 microM, although a concentration-related increase in androstenedione conversion to estradiol was evident. Exposure of Sertoli cells to CT (10 ng/ml) ...
Two analytical methods were proposed in this research, coupled electro-thermal finite element (FE) analysis and thermal-mechanical FE analysis, to analyze the mechanical behavior of bonding wire of power module under cyclic power loads, and the International Electrotechnical Commission standard is adopted in conducting a power cycling test. The exterior temperature distribution was measured by an infrared thermometer. Moreover, the junction temperature is calculated from the given thermal impedance of the semiconductor chip, chip power loss, and case temperature. Subsequently, the simulated temperature distribution via electro-thermal FE analysis is compared with experimental results to validate the methodology used in the aforementioned analysis. The analysis shows compressive stress at t...
Nano- and microstructured surfaces are known to impact on the binding and differentiation of cells, but the detailed basic understanding of the underlying regulatory mechanisms is still scarce, which impedes the rational design of smart biomaterials. Towards a comprehensive analysis of the interplay between topographical parameters such as feature design and lateral and vertical dimensions we here report on a combinatorial screening approach, BioSurface Structure Array (BSSA) of test squares each with a distinct topography. Using such BSSA libraries of 504 topographically distinct surface structures, we have identified combinations of size, gap and height of structures which enhance mineralization as well as the expression of osteogenic markers of a preosteoblastic murine cell line. This g...
Moss-Schottky plots and photoelectrochemical measurements were made on films formed at different potentials on AISI 304 stainless steel in a borate/boric acid solution, pH 9.2. The results allowed the determination of the semiconductive properties and band structure of the films, which account for the existence of two kinds of films depending on the formation potential. For potentials below 0 V (SCE), the results point out for a film with an inverse spinel structure constituted by Cr-substituted magnetite with two donor levels. Above 0 V only one donor level is detected, which should be Fe{sup 2 +} on tetrahedral sites.
Moss-Schottky plots and photoelectrochemical measurements were made on films formed at different potentials on AISI 304 stainless steel in a borate/boric acid solution, pH 9.2. The results allowed the determination of the semiconductive properties and band structure of the films, which account for the existence of two kinds of films depending on the formation potential. For potentials below 0 V (SCE), the results point out for a film with an inverse spinel structure constituted by Cr-substituted magnetite with two donor levels. Above 0 V only one donor level is detected, which should be Fe"2 "+ on tetrahedral sites.
18a(H)-, 18b(H)-oleanane and lupane are angiosperm-derived biomarkers that are used as age indicators for the Late Cretaceous onwards when the first proliferation of angiosperms occurred. In addition, the 18a(H)-/18b(H)-oleanane ratio is employed as a thermal maturity parameter of crude oil. However, evidence has shown that accurate quantification of these compounds has been impeded by inadequate chromatographic separation by traditional one-dimensional gas chromatography. In this study, we present the separation of 18a(H)-, 18b(H)-oleanane and lupane with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC). Furthermore, it was observed that 18b(H)-oleanane elutes earlier than 18a(H)-oleanane in second dimension (polarity) which we attribute to steric hindrance effects. Two GC conditi...
A protective film has been developed on the surface of carbon steel in low chloride aqueous environment using a synergistic mixture of an environmentally friendly phosphonic acid, N,N-bis(phosphonomethyl) glycine (BPMG), and zinc ions. Impedance studies of the metal/solution interface indicated that the surface film is highly protective against the corrosion of carbon steel in the chosen environment. Potentiodynamic polarization studies showed that the inhibitor is a mixed inhibitor. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis (XPS) of the film showed the presence of the elements iron, phosphorus, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon, and zinc. Deconvolution spectra of these elements in the surface film showed the presence of oxides/hydroxides of iron(III), Zn(OH)2, and [Zn(II)-BPMG] complex. This infe...
This study correlates the post start cell performance and impedance with the cold start process in the subzero environment. The sequential failed cold starts are deliberately conducted as well as the start at small current density. Here the failed cold start means the cell voltage drops to or below zero within very short time during the start process. It is found that there are reversible performance losses for the sequential failed cold starts, while not obvious degradation and no recovery happen for the start at small current density. Using the thin film and agglomerate model, it is confirmed that this is due to the water blocking effect. Comparing the results from different start processes, a model with respect to the shifting of reactive region within the catalyst layer is applied to e...
Passive films, formed on annealed and cold worked AISI 304 stainless steel in hot chloride media, were examined using polarization resistance and impedance measurements. The obtained results show the influence of cold work on film conductivity, which can be correlated to conditions of susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking. Capacitance measurements, using the Mott-Schottky approach, revealed that a change from n to p type semi-conductivity is associated to susceptible conditions with an increase in the doping density estimated for cold worked samples in the presence of chloride. It is assumed that p-type semi-conductivity of the passive film together with the position of the flat band potential has a strong influence on the dissolution processes at the corrosion potential. Based on this analysis the influence of plastic deformation, at the dislocation scale, is discussed. (authors)
We present the design, analysis, and results of the high brightness electron beam experiments currently under investigation at Sandia National Laboratories. The anticipated beam parameters are the following: energy 12 MeV, current 35 endash 40 kA, rms radius 0.5 mm, and pulse duration 40 ns full width at half-maximum. The accelerator is SABRE, a pulsed linear inductive voltage adder modified to higher impedance, and the electron source is a magnetically immersed foilless electron diode. 20 endash 30 T solenoidal magnets are required to insulate the diode and contain the beam to its extremely small-sized (1 mm) envelope. These experiments are designed to push the technology to produce the highest possible electron current in a submillimeter radius beam. Design, numerical simulations, and experimental results are presented. copyright 1997 American Institute of Physics.
Low power rf measurements, S11, of electro-discharge machined (EDM) diffusion bonded mm-wave traveling wave rf cavities were not in satisfactory agreement with electromagnetic simulations. During subsequent mechanical inspection, the cell-to-cell iris were found to be distorted. This led to a series of systematic experiments to study the mechanical properties of oxygen free high conductivity Copper (OFHC) and Glidcop AL-15. Results of these studies which include cell-to-cell iris distortion, EDM machining accuracies, surface quality, and the results of different bonding techniques are presented. The results of our mechanical studies are used to develop a set of mechanical design constraints for a second series of constant impedance W-Band structures that also used wire EDM and high temperature bonding for their manufacture.
This paper introduces a novel three-phase power flow approach for unbalanced radial distribution systems. The proposed approach is developed based on the loop frame of reference, rather than the traditional bus frame of reference. On the basis of the loop frame of reference, a simple direct iterative method in impedance form is applied. Basic graph theory and injection current technique are also applied in the proposed approach. The clear theoretical foundation and the simple topology of the radial distribution network make the proposed method efficient and reliable. To demonstrate the better convergence performance and the efficiency of the proposed approach, four three-phase IEEE test feeders are used for comparisons. The test results show that the proposed method has robust convergence characteristics and high performance, especially for large-scale radial distribution systems. (author)
Isolation of functional and intact mitochondria from solid tissue is crucial for studies that focus on the elucidation of normal mitochondrial physiology and/or mitochondrial dysfunction in conditions such as aging, diabetes, and cancer. There is growing recognition of the importance of mitochondria both as targets for drug development and as off-target mediators of drug side effects. Unfortunately, mitochondrial isolation from tissue is generally carried out using homogenizer-based methods that require extensive operator experience to obtain reproducible high-quality preparations. These methods limit dissemination, impede scale-up, and contribute to difficulties in reproducing experimental results over time and across laboratories. Here we describe semiautomated methods to disrupt tissue ...
Eddy current testing is one of the most widely used methods in non-destructive testing for the inspection of conductive materials. Numerical modelling of eddy current testing has emerged as an important approach alongside experimental studies. This paper investigates an application of numerical modelling and experimental study as a means of the quantitative non-destructive evaluation (QNDE) of defects in conductive samples. There are two methods of measuring eddy current response, more commonly by measuring the change in impedance of the eddy current probe coil, or as used in this work, by measuring the change in magnetic field directly using magnetic field sensors such as superconducting quantum interference devices, giant magneto resistance, or as in this case Hall sensors. Specifically,...
Knowledge is a success factor for globally acting company networks as a. o. the aim-oriented knowledge transfer between partners is an essential condition for a successful cooperation. Several network specific problems impede however an efficient and effective knowledge management; e.g. the transfer of competition relevant data is a high sensitive theme. The authors describe how a relevant method can be selected, adapted and implemented to the application-specific boundary conditions. They integrate existing attempts processes and methods to establish an effective knowledge development and an efficient knowledge transfer in the network and take into account ''hard'' (IT-technical-oriented solution approaches) as also ''soft'' factors (e.g. cultural and personal aspects). So the authors present unified instruments for an integrated knowledge management in networks. (GL)
Nano structured carbon nitride thin films were deposited at different RF powers in the range of 50 W to 225 W and constant gas ratio of (argon: nitrogen) Ar:N_2 by RF magnetron sputtering. The atomic percentage of Nitrogen: Carbon (N/C) content and impedance of the films increased from 14.36% to 22.31% and 9 x 10"-"1 #OMEGA# to 7 x 10"5 #OMEGA# respectively with increase in RF power. The hardness of the deposited films increased from 3.12 GPa to 13.12 GPa. The increase in sp"3 hybridized C-N sites and decrease of grain size with increase in RF power is responsible for such variation of observed mechanical and electrical properties.
Data are presented on the continuous-wave (cw), room-temperature (300 K) operation of stripe-geometry In{sub 0.5}(Al{sub {ital x}}Ga{sub 1{minus}{ital x}}){sub 0.5}P quantum-well heterostructure lasers defined via hydrogenation. Passivation of the Zn acceptors in the cap and upper confining layer provides gain guiding, and elimination of the current-blocking oxide reduces the thermal impedance. The resultant device is capable of better performance than conventional oxide-stripe diodes fabricated on the same material.
Data are presented on the continuous-wave (cw), room-temperature (300 K) operation of stripe-geometry In{sub 0.5}(Al{sub {ital x}}Ga{sub 1{minus}{ital x}}){sub 0.5}P quantum-well heterostructure lasers defined via hydrogenation. Passivation of the Zn acceptors in the cap and upper confining layer provides gain guiding, and elimination of the current-blocking oxide reduces the thermal impedance. The resultant device is capable of better performance than conventional oxide-stripe diodes fabricated on the same material.
The problem of electrical parameters identification in complex systems, and in particular in electric railway traction systems, is considered. Parameters are determined by an indirect approach: only the terminal variables (voltages and currents and, impedance and admittance, which can be readily calculated) are measured and the per-unit-length electrical parameters are determined using a multiconductor transmission line model of the track section under test. It will be shown that some parameters cannot be measured directly, that they are not constant with frequency and that they may depend on other external conditions. An indirect method for parameters identification is proposed through an adaptive algorithm (AA), so that the calculated terminal variables match the measured ones. The AA is...
A series of Model Tests of Embedment Effect on Reactor Buildings has been carried out by the Nuclear Power Engineering Corporation (NUPEC), under the sponsorship of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) of Japan. Sinusoidal forced vibration tests were carried out on three types of large-scale models to study the embedment effect on dynamic soil-structure interaction. The differences in the resonance curves and the impedance functions were discussed in relation to the vibration characteristics of the respective structures. The embedment effects on the structural responses vary according to the stiffness of the structure. The responses of the structures can be evaluated by the Axisymmetric FEM analyses. (author)
The kinetics of the electropolymerization of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole on a brass substrate in alkaline solution containing methanol was investigated using cyclic polarization, chronoamperometry, electrochemical impedance techniques and scanning electronic microscopy. The polymeric film was prepared by successive cycles of potential of a 60Cu-Zn electrode between 0 and 1.6 V. During the second cycle, the oxidation peak of the monomer disappears indicating the formation of the insulating film. We have also shown that the monomer oxidation reaction is essentially irreversible and controlled by a diffusion process. The protective effect of the film formed on brass has been studied in a 3%NaCl and 3%NaCl + S{sup 2-} solution. The results showed important inhibition efficiency, about 96% for 4 h of testing time.
The kinetics of the electropolymerization of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole on a brass substrate in alkaline solution containing methanol was investigated using cyclic polarization, chronoamperometry, electrochemical impedance techniques and scanning electronic microscopy. The polymeric film was prepared by successive cycles of potential of a 60Cu-Zn electrode between 0 and 1.6V. During the second cycle, the oxidation peak of the monomer disappears indicating the formation of the insulating film. We have also shown that the monomer oxidation reaction is essentially irreversible and controlled by a diffusion process. The protective effect of the film formed on brass has been studied in a 3%NaCl and 3%NaCl+S2- solution. The results showed important inhibition efficiency, about 96% for 4h of testing ...
This research deals with in the study of the use of innovating magnetic sensors in eddy current non destructive inspection. The author reports an analysis survey of magnetic sensor performances. This survey enables the selection of magnetic sensor technologies used in non destructive inspection. He presents the state-of-the-art of eddy current probes exploiting the qualities of innovating magnetic sensors, and describes the methods enabling the use of these magnetic sensors in non destructive testing. Two main applications of innovating magnetic sensors are identified: the detection of very small defects by means of magneto-resistive sensors, and the detection of deep defects by means of giant magneto-impedances. Based on the use of modelling, optimization, signal processing tools, probes are manufactured for these both applications.
This paper presents a new application in dynamic voltage control based on an older method of voltage regulation. The resulting method is suitable for adoption inn multi-unit pumped storage plants. Inherent operation characteristics of pumped storage plants in the pumping mode can created visible load rejection overvoltages on the transmission and the nearby distribution networks and cause customer complaints. This paper proposes a method in which the on-line units' excitation system impedance compensators are utilized to reduce the magnitude of these overvoltages. This paper presents the theoretical background, computer simulation results, and the field test results at the Pacific Gas and Electric Company's Helms Pumped Storage Plant. This paper should be of interest in the areas of power system planning as well as power system operation.
A new magnet power supply system for J-PARC 50GeV Synchrotron is proposed as solutions both in the power capacity and in the precision at the same time. The developed 10MW class magnet power supply consists of the advanced self-commutated current-source type converter (ACSC) using the new device IEGT rated at 4500V-2100A and the ''hybrid filter'' including the variable impedance filter with the equivalent 16 kHz switching. With 1/16 scale-model system using a prototype bending magnet, the experimental results showed the current ripple less than 1 x 10"-"6 and the tracking error less than #+-#0.5 x 10"-"4. (author)
A program under the sponsorship of the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission was intiated at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in late 1977. The program, Advanced Instrumentation for Reflood Studies (AIRS), is charged with developing instrumentation for measurement of in-vessel fluid phenomena in pressurized water reactor reflood facilities. The goal of the ORNL program is to develop techniques and systems for measuring fluid flow in-core, deentrainment in the upper plenum and liquid fallback from the upper plenum into the core. A large portion of the development at ORNL is devoted to the impedance probes for measurement of two-phase flow velocities and void fractions. Film probe development at ORNL is limited to adapting the present techniques to the environment of a reflood facility. As the development progresses on all the measurement techniques, ORNL will fabricate and supply instrument systems to the reflood facilities included in the 2D/3D ...
The acid corrosion inhibition process of mild steel in 1M HCl by 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chlorides (BMIC) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate ([BMIM]HSO4) has been investigated using electrochemical impedance, potentiodynamic polarization and weight loss measurements. Potentiodynamic polarization studies indicate the studied inhibitors are mixed type inhibitors. For both inhibitors, the inhibition efficiency increased with increase in the concentration of the inhibitor and the effectiveness of the two inhibitors are in the order [BMIM]HSO4>BMIC. The adsorption of the inhibitors on mild steel surface obeyed the Langmuirs adsorption isotherm. The effect of temperature on the corrosion behavior in the presence of 5x10-3M of inhibitors was studied in the temperature range of 3...
In the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of Texas, cotton regrows and produces fruit from undestroyed stalks throughout the winter, and in spring weevils from such locations become a serious threat. The success of the boll weevil eradication program, which was reintroduced in the LRGV in 2005, will be dependent on thorough stalk destruction following harvest. However, adverse weather conditions and conservation tillage often impede immediate and complete stalk destruction using typical tool implements, and alternative stalk control methods are needed. This study provides an examination of the efficacy for cotton stalk destruction of different herbicides (thifensulfuron-methyl + tribenuron-methyl, dicamba-diolamine, 2,4-D-dimethylammonium, flumioxazin, 2,4-DB-dimethylammonium and carfentrazone...
Research and bioethical policies are increasingly seen to facilitate, rather than to impede, scientific progress. Bioethical structures, nonetheless, often fail to account for or to shape the specific social surrounds in which scientific research is conducted. In Taiwan, a perceived shortage in human biological donations threatens to hamper stem cell research progress. This paper considers the stalled national biobank project and the lack of a reliable embryo supply for stem cell research, and suggests that one must look beyond regulatory structures in seeking explanations for such shortages. Specific aspects of Taiwan's democratization and social changes combine with problematic relations between patients and physicians to shape the terrain upon which human biologicals are given or withhe...
In this work passive films formed in AISI 304 stainless steel were envisaged as semiconductors and studied by means of photoelectrochemistry and Mott-Schottky plots. The passive films were potentiostatically formed at different potentials (0.2-0.8V) in a basic borate/boric acid solution without and with addition of NaCl (0.5 and 1g/l) and at various temperatures in the range 8-60"oC. The influence of these parameters on the photocurrent, quantum efficiency, bandgap energy and density of charge carriers was determined. The results show that the experimental conditions at which the films are formed influence the semiconductive properties of the film, which seem to be related to the higher or lower stability of the film. An Arrhenius type of relationship was also found between the density of charge carriers and temperature, leading to the determination of an activation energy. (author) 13 refs., 7 figs.
It has been shown that two-dimensional arrays of rigid or fluidlike cylinders in a fluid or a gas define, in the limit of large wavelengths, a class of acoustic metamaterials whose effective parameters (sound velocity and density) can be tailored up to a certain limit. This work goes a step further by considering arrays of solid cylinders in which the elastic properties of cylinders are taken into account. We have also treated mixtures of two different elastic cylinders. It is shown that both effects broaden the range of acoustic parameters available for designing metamaterials. For example, it is predicted that metamaterials with perfect matching of impedance with air are now possible by using aerogel and rigid cylinders equally distributed in a square lattice. As a potential application of the proposed metamaterial, we present a gradient index lens for airborne sound (i.e. a sonic Wood lens) whose functionality is demonstrated by multiple scattering simulations.
Self-excited oscillations of a distributed medium can be investigated in terms of discrete physical models described by multidimensional systems of nonlinear equations which transform into equations of self-oscillating distributed media as the number of dimensions goes to infinity. Differential equations of such a self-oscillating system are set up and investigated. Coupling between elements of the medium, conditions under which the system constitutes an open system, internal impedance between the energy source and the system elements, and boundary conditions defining open and closed systems are discussed. The Gunn effect, eolian noise, self-oscillations of DNA molecules and of cardiac muscle, and wave processes in the cerebral cortex are mentioned as examples of self-oscillatory processes in question.
A new method for kinetic experiments with neutrons is described. This method combines the conventional triple-axis neutron spectroscopy with relaxation-type experiments. Whereas the former method yields information about the microscopic dynamics of solids, the latter provides macroscopic relaxation times. The combination of both methods allows to determine the microscopic mechanism of relaxation processes. The time-resolved triple-axis spectroscopy is limited to reversible processes and to time scales from 10"-"3 to 10"4 s. Typical applications are the kinetics of phase transformations (structural and dynamical changes), kinetics of domain distributions, kinetics of (spinodal) decomposition, reversible solid state reactions, time-dependent occupation of phonon states or phonon lifetimes. (orig.).
Spatial Fluorescence Cross Correlation Spectroscopy is a rarely investigated version of Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy, in which the fluorescence signals from differ-ent observation volumes are cross-correlated. In the reported experiments, two observation volumes, typically shifted by a few $\\mu$m, are produced, with a Spatial Light Modulator and two adjustable pinholes. We illustrated the feasibility and potentiality of this technique by: i) measuring molecular flows, in the range 0.2 - 1.5 $\\mu$m/ms, of solutions seeded with fluorescent nanobeads or rhodamine molecules (simulating active transport phenomenons); ii) investigating the perme-ability of phospholipidic membrane of Giant Unilamellar Vesicles versus hydrophilic or hydrophobic molecules (in that case the laser spots were set on both sides of the mem-brane). Theoretical descriptions are proposed together with a discussion about FCS based, alternative methods.
Heusler films with L2_1 and B2 structure are deposited simultaneously on amorphous carbon films, Si(100) surfaces, and in situ cleaved InAs(110) surfaces by coevaporation of Ni and the alloy MnIn. Morphology, structure, and stoichiometry are investigated with transmission-electron microscopy, electron diffraction, and X-ray spectroscopy. The almost perfect lattice match supports highly oriented growth of Ni_2MnIn on InAs, which is proven by electron diffraction under grazing incidence. The electrical resistivity of thin films on Si show metallic behavior. At temperatures of liquid helium point-contact Andreev reflection spectroscopy is performed on films grown on Si(100) and in situ cleaved InAs(110) surfaces yielding spin polarizations comparable to the ones of Fe, Ni, Co, and permalloy (Ni_8_0Fe_2_0).
Photoemission-electron-microscopy (PEEM) is introduced as a tool for the characterization of organic electronic devices. PEEM-measurements are used for imaging as well as for spectroscopic analyses by illumination with light of a Hg-lamp (4.9 eV), a D2 lamp (7.3 eV), and with synchrotron radiation for resonant photoelectron spectroscopy. We determine the charge carrier concentration inside the channel region of the organic device and its lateral distribution. From resonant photoelectron spectroscopy (RPES) we deduce the electronic states which are accessible with the Hg and D2 illumination. Photoelectron-spectroscopy at selected areas ({mu}-PES) gives information on the absolute values of surface potentials in lateral resolution. We are able to perform these studies with applied voltages at the source- and drain-electrode.
Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to monitor amino acids, organic acids, and changes during ripening. Twelve Cheddar cheese samples were ripened for 73 days and samples were drawn periodically. Water-soluble fractions of samples were analyzed by gas chromatography (20 amino acids), liquid chromatography (three organic acids), and FTIR spectroscopy (4000-700 cm-1). Spectra were correlated with chromatographic data and ripening events and analyzed by multivariate statistics to develop prediction and classification models. Most models showed a good fit (correlation coefficient > or =0.89) and could predict the levels of amino acids and organic acids and age of the cheese in less than 20 min. Lactic acid, leucine, glutamic acid, asparagine, phenylalanine, and valine were ...
Two small craters (number 74, 119 microns, and number 31, 158 microns in diameter) with depth to diameter ratios of about 0.59 and 0.8, respectively, were found in Al from the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) experiment tray A11EOOF. Both craters have residues concentrated in the crater bottoms, along the walls, and on top of the overturned rims. Low voltage scanning electron electron microscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, time of flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy were used to obtain high resolution imagery and elemental analysis. Analyses indicate that the impactor for both craters was carbon-rich, as the residues contain mostly C. Silicon, S, and F in low concentrations are present on the Al surface away from the craters and may be, in part, contaminants.
An inclusion complex between imazalil (IMZ), a selected fungicide, and cyclomaltoheptaose (beta-cyclodextrin, betaCD) was obtained using supercritical fluid carbon dioxide. The best preparation conditions were determined, and the inclusion complex was investigated by means of 1H NMR spectroscopy in aqueous solution and 13C CPMAS NMR spectroscopy in the solid state. Information on the geometry of the betaCD/IMZ complex was obtained from ROESY spectroscopy, while the dynamics of the inclusion complex in the kilohertz range was obtained from the proton spin-lattice relaxation times in the rotating frame, T(1rho) (1H). PMID:14553984
GaInP solar cell interfaces were characterized by admittance spectroscopy. Admittance spectroscopy is shown to be sensitive to the band structure at the heterojunction interfaces. In particular, a correlation between activation energy of the capacitance step in a capacitance versus temperature plot and effective potential barrier for majority carriers is demonstrated, indicating a new method for the determination of potential barriers at heterointerfaces. Using this technique, the effective potential barrier for holes at the p-Al_0_._5_3In_0_._4_7P/p-GaAs interface is found to be equal to 0.6 eV. Effects of interface defects and spreading resistance in the emitter of solar cells are illustrated and discussed.
This paper presents results about the characterisation of the biomass fly ashes sourced from a thermal power plant and from a co-generation power plant located in Portugal, and the study of new cement formulations incorporated with the biomass fly ashes. The study includes a comparative analysis of the phase formation, setting and mechanical behaviour of the new cement-fly ash formulations based on these biomass fly ashes. Techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), thermal gravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and environmental scanning electron spectroscopy (ESEM) were used to determine the structure and composition of the formulations. Fly ash F1 from the t...
Spectroscopy based on the Andreev reflection (AR) process at the interface between the normal metal tip and the superconductor has become one of the very successful methods for studies in novel exotic superconductors. The method is capable to address the size, symmetry as well as multiplicity of the superconducting order parameter. The method provided one of the first evidences of the two-gap superconductivity in MgB{sub 2} with a detailed temperature dependence of the both gaps. A theory treating the Andreev reflection spectroscopy in the mixed state is missing. We analyse the AR spectra of MgB{sub 2} in the mixed state via modelling the magnetic pair-breaking by the increasing spectral broadening parameter {gamma}. As a result a non-trivial pair breaking effect in the {pi}-band is found.
Husband AC, Crawford S, McCoy LA, Pacaud D. The effectiveness of glucose, sucrose, and fructose in treating hypoglycemia in children with type 1 diabetes. Objective: There is a lack of evidence regarding the most effective treatment option for managing naturally occurring hypoglycemia in children with type 1 diabetes. The objectives of this study were (i) to determine if sucrose and fructose are equally effective as glucose in the treatment of spontaneous hypoglycemia in children with type 1 diabetes; and (ii) to determine prestudy and poststudy hypoglycemia treatment preferences. Methods: Thirty-three subjects [aged 5.4-15.5 yr and average duration of type 1 diabetes of 3.1 yr (SD = 2.3)] participated in a randomized, crossover design. The main outcome was the effectiveness of treatment a...
Electron-beam codeposition of the elements to form certain high critical temperature superconducting materials, in particular A-15 compounds, has proven to be very useful in research directed at understanding and improving their superconducting properties. This work has used the close control of three or more evaporant sources to reproducibly make specimens that permit studies across selected regions of composition and phase space. The effect of composition and phase, together with the temperature and rate of deposition, on the growth morphology and superconducting properties has been studied. The superconducting properties measured include the critical temperature, ac loss, critical current density, and tunnel junction characteristics. The particular compounds studied include Nb_3Sn, Nb_3Ge, and V_3Si.
The critical superconducting paramters of A-15 compounds are reviewed, and the trends analysed in order to predict maximum values. Experimental data on critical temperature is summarized and compared with theory. The ability to form the stoichiometric, well-ordered materials required for maximum Tsub(c) is discussed in terms of the thermodynamic stability of the A-15 phase. It is concluded that critical temperatures in excess of 25 K, in the A-15 structure, are unlikely. The upper critical field data show that, whereas the vanadium-based compounds are paramagnetically limited, the niobium-based compounds are not. The relation between critical current and microstructure is explored. Best data on critical current densities and ac losses is presented. Finally an account is given of the various methods by which actual conductors, both tapes and multifilamentary wires, are made. (author).
The condensation reaction of furfural (F) on acetone (Ac) gives a high added value product, the 4-(2-furyl)-3-buten-2-one (FAc), used as aroma in alcohol free drinks, ice, candies, gelatines and other products of current life. This synthesis valorises the residues of sugar cane treatment since furfural is obtained by hydrolysis of sugar cane bagasse followed by vapor training extraction. In the face of numerous and complex reactions involved in this synthesis, it is very complicated to define the kinetic laws from exact stoichiometry. A solution allowing to cope the problem consists in identifying an appropriate stoichiometric model. It does not attempt to represent exactly all the reaction mechanisms, but proposes a mathematical support to integrate available knowledge on the transformati...
The excess energy of several III-V and II-VI strained-layer semiconductor superlattices ({ital AC}){sub {ital p}}(BC){sub p} is studied as a function of the repeat period {ital p} and orientation {bold G}=(001), (110), (111), and (201), using first-principles calculations. We discover a number of universal features, including the predicted instability for nearly all {ital p}'s and {bold G}'s with respect to {ital bulk} disproportionation, the identification of chalcopyrite as a metastable ordered structure, and the stability of all thin {ital epitaxial} (110) and (201) and most common-anion (001) superlattices relative to coherent phase separation.
The spin relaxation processes within the pyrochlore Ho{sub 2}Ru{sub 2}O{sub 7} have been investigated by neutron scattering and bulk property techniques. A single-ion process, that is thermally activated, dominates the spin-spin relaxation spectrum above 2 K. Assuming Arrhenius behaviour, we found an activation energy {delta} = (329 {+-} 6) K and characteristic relaxation time {tau}{sub 0} (5.2 {+-} 0.3) x 10{sup -12} s in the paramagnetic state, akin to those found in the spin ice, Ho{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7}. Atlow temperature (T<95 K) the activation energy lowers and below 20 K the entropy and ac susceptibility are similar to that observed in other spin ice compounds within a 10 kOe field.
The spin relaxation processes within the pyrochlore Ho_2Ru_2O_7 have been investigated by neutron scattering and bulk property techniques. A single-ion process, that is thermally activated, dominates the spin-spin relaxation spectrum above 2 K. Assuming Arrhenius behaviour, we found an activation energy #DELTA# = (329 #+-# 6) K and characteristic relaxation time #tau#_0 (5.2 #+-# 0.3) x 10"-"1"2 s in the paramagnetic state, akin to those found in the spin ice, Ho_2Ti_2O_7. Atlow temperature (T<95 K) the activation energy lowers and below 20 K the entropy and ac susceptibility are similar to that observed in other spin ice compounds within a 10 kOe field.
In this report we present an update on the results from the Amanda-B10 detector which operated in 1997 at depths of 1500 to 2000 meters in the deep Antarctic ice. The goal of Amanda project is to search for extra-terrestrial neutrinos. As a precursor to such a search we have studied atmospheric neutrinos which act as a calibration source for the detector. The observation of atmospheric neutrinos at a rate consistent with Monte-Carlo predictions establishes Amanda-B10 as a neutrino telescope. The Amanda-B10 data has been searched for evidence of several classes of neutrinos and for magnetic monopoles. Searches for a diffuse high energy neutrino flux and for neutrinos in coincidence with gamma-ray bursts have been conducted. Preliminary data analyses show no excess of neutrinos has been found. (A.C.)
Individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) depend on technology to meet their daily needs and form relationships. Speech generating devices (SGDs) are integral components of communication systems. Reliability of SGDs is critical for effective use in everyday life. This study examined the reliability of new SGDs and found that mean time to first failure was 42.7 (SD = 41.2) weeks and at least 40% required repairs within the first year of use. The components that most frequently broke down were touch screens, wiring, main boards, batteries, memory cards, and AC adaptors. The costs of repairing SGDs were analyzed. The clinical implications of device breakdown are identified for key stakeholders, including clients, families, service providers, funding agencies, and ma...
We report on the improvement of Critical Dimension (CD) linearity on a photomask by applying the concept of process proximity correction to a laser lithographic process used for fabrication of photomasks. Rule-based Laser Process proximity Correction (LPC) was performed using an automated optical proximity correction tool and we obtained dramatic improvement of CD linearity on a photomask. A study on model-based LPC was executed using a two-Gaussian kernel function and we extracted model parameters for the laser lithographic process by fitting the model-predicted CD linearity data with measured ones. Model-predicted bias values of isolated space (I/S), Arrayed Contact (A/C) and Isolated Contact (I/C) were in good agreement with those obtained by the nonlinear curve-fitting method used for the rule-based LPC.
We report on the improvement of Critical Dimension (CD) linearity on a photomask by applying the concept of process proximity correction to a laser lithographic process used for fabrication of photomasks. Rule-based Laser Process proximity Correction (LPC) was performed using an automated optical proximity correction tool and we obtained dramatic improvement of CD linearity on a photomask. A study on model-based LPC was executed using a two-Gaussian kernel function and we extracted model parameters for the laser lithographic process by fitting the model-predicted CD linearity data with measured ones. Model-predicted bias values of isolated space (I/S), Arrayed Contact (A/C) and Isolated Contact (I/C) were in good agreement with those obtained by the nonlinear curve-fitting method used for the rule-based LPC.
The possibility of controlling the radial electric field of toroidal plasmas by injecting high energy electrons along the reversible loss cone orbit of the helical magnetic traps is investigated. It is well known that the radial electric field plays an important role in the confinement improvement scenario especially in the low collisional regime under the physics picture of neoclassical theory. For this purpose, it is made clear that the most suitable particles are transit particles, which show a transition from helically trapped orbits to blocked ones. It is also found that a parallel AC electric field launched from outside assists this transition and makes it possible for particles to penetrate deeply into the plasma. In addition we clarify that the viscosity of the plasma coupled with the helical field configuration provide a bifurcation of plasma states and its stable solution results in confinement improvement. (author)
In areas where grid connection is difficult and costly, the use of renewable energy is both economically and environmentally advantageous. Due to typically low system efficiency (10%) and intermittency of photovoltaic (PV) electricity generation, a new design of multi-level H-bridge inverter technology is considered. This multi-level technology increases DC to AC conversion efficiency and the design includes battery energy storage to enable 24/7 operation. The proposed multi-level inverter is compared and contrasted with other existing designs. The proposed cascaded inverter provides lower switching losses, simple switching techniques, modularity, and simpler charge-balancing approaches than conventional technology. A switching technique was designed for the proposed multi-level inverter t...
Boiling jet impingement cooling is currently being explored to cool power electronics components. In hybrid vehicles, inverters are used for DC-AC conversion. These inverters involve a number of insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), which are used as on/off switches. The heat dissipated in these transistors can result in heat fluxes of up to 200 W/cm{sup 2}, which makes the thermal management problem quite important. In this paper, turbulent jet impingement involving nucleate boiling is explored numerically. The framework for these computations is the CFD code FLUENT. For nucleate boiling, the Eulerian multiphase model is used. The numerical results for boiling water and R113 jets (submerged) are validated against existing experimental data in the literature. Some representative IGBT package simulations that use R134a as the cooling fluid are also presented. (author)
We describe the analysis of forward mutations induced in the tetracycline resistance gene of the plasmid pBR322 by directing the reaction of the carcinogen N-acetoxy-N-2-acetylaminofluorene (N-AcO-AAF) to a small restriction fragment (BamHI, SalI) that is located in the proximal part of the antibiotic-resistance gene. Mutant plasmids obtained both in wild type and excision repair deficient (uvrA) bacterial cells are compared. Preliminary data showing the distribution of the -AAF adducts along this restriction fragments are discussed in relation to the observed spectrum of mutations. 20 references, 4 figures.
A laser beam apparatus and method for analyzing, inter alia, the current versus voltage curve at the point of illumination on a solar cell and the open circuit voltage of a solar cell. The apparatus incorporates a lock-in amplifier, and a laser beam light chopper which permits the measurement of the AC current of the solar cell at an applied DC voltage at the position on the solar cell where the cell is illuminated and a feedback scheme which permits the direct scanning measurements of the open circuit voltage. The accuracy of the measurement is a function of the intensity and wavelength of the laser light with respect to the intensity and wavelength distribution of sunlight and the percentage the dark current is at the open circuit voltage to the short circuit current of the solar cell.
We have simulated the transient enhanced diffusion (TED) of boron fluoride (BF_2"+) implanted in crystalline and germanium amorphized silicon. Based on recently published models, the effect of fluorine on boron diffusion in silicon has been introduced and a modelling has been suggested. In order to simulate the boron experimental profiles, we have assumed that fluorine forms clusters involving interstitial boron which reduces the junction depth. Experimental results indicate that fluorine behaviour depends on amorphization energy. Moreover, even no germanium preamorphization is performed, silicon is still amorphized by fluorine species. Hence, BF_2"+ implantation leads to an amorphous/crystalline (a/c) interface near the surface. An improvement of published models is suggested taking into account fluorine effects. The simulations satisfactory reproduce the SIMS experimental profiles for a large scale of experimental conditions.
Sensitive and quick-response nonlinear inductance characteristics are found for high Tc superconducting (YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-chi/) disk cores at 77K in which soft magnetic BH hysteresis loops are observed. Various quick response magnetic devices such as modulators, amplifiers and sensors are built using these cores. The magnetizing frequency can be set to more than 20 MHz, which is difficult for conventional ferromagnetic bulk materials such as Permalloy amorphous alloys and ferrite. New quick-response fluxgate type magnetic-field sensors are made using ac and dc voltage sources. The former is used for second-harmonic type sensors, while the latter is for voltage-output multivibrator type sensors. Stable and quick-response sensor characteristics were obtained for two-core type multivibrators.
Ferrite of system, namely Ni_1_-_xZn_xFe_2O_4 with x = (0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0), have been prepared by solid state reaction to investigate the effect of gamma rays irradiations using Co"6"0 source on the cation distribution, structural and magnetic properties. The unirradiated and irradiated samples were then subjected to characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction, magnetization and AC susceptibility. The results of these characterizations are found to be different for irradiated from that of the pristine sample. The modifications in respect of irradiated samples are explained in terms of the ion-induced disorder. The important result of #gamma#-irradiation on the cation distribution, structural and magnetic properties is the change of ratio Fe"2"+/Fe"3"+. Possible reasons on the results are proposed.
Orbit correction is now routinely performed at the few-micron level in the Advanced Photon Source (APS) storage ring. Three diagnostics are presently in use to measure and control both AC and DC orbit motions: broad-band turn-by-turn rf beam position monitors (BPMs), narrow-band switched heterodyne receivers, and photoemission-style x-ray beam position monitors. Each type of diagnostic has its own set of systematic error effects that place limits on the ultimate pointing stability of x-ray beams supplied to users at the APS. Limiting sources of beam motion at present are magnet power supply noise, girder vibration, and thermal timescale vacuum chamber and girder motion. This paper will investigate the present limitations on orbit correction, and will delve into the upgrades necessary to achieve true sub-micron beam stability.
Volatile fatty acids (VFA), produced in the rumen by microbial fermentation, are the main energy source for ruminants. The VFA profile, particularly the nonglucogenic (acetate, Ac; butyrate, Bu) to glucogenic (propionate, Pr) VFA ratio (NGR), is associated with effects on methane production, milk composition, and energy balance. The aim of this study was to evaluate extant rumen VFA stoichiometry models for their ability to predict in vivo VFA molar proportions. The models were evaluated using an independent data set consisting of 101 treatments from 24 peer-reviewed publications with lactating Holstein cows. All publications contained a full diet description, rumen pH, and rumen VFA molar proportions. Stoichiometric models were evaluated based on root mean squared prediction error (RMSPE)...
In this work the DC and AC characteristics for metal-LB film-metal structures deposited by a standard Langmuir-Blodgett film deposition technique are investigated. The conduction mechanism has been studied for a thin film structure in which a calix[4]arene substituted with carboxylic acid groups has been deposited alternately with a calix[4]arene molecule substituted with amine groups. This LB film structure shows a typical insulating behaviour for low voltage values and the Schottky effect becomes dominant when the voltage increases. The conductivity at low voltage values was found to be 1.34x10^-^1^3Scm^-^1. The height of the potential barrier was determined to be 1.65eV for this alternate layer LB film system.
The aim of this work is the study of the heat transfer and of thermal behaviour of the HF (high frequency) components (in fact capacitors) of the ITER-proto-2005-FCI antenna. Preliminary results carried out with the Castem software show that it is possible to cool the hottest part of the antenna efficiently. A water flow (1 bar, 25 Celsius degrees) or an helium flow (10 bars, 50 Celsius degrees) permit to limit the maximal value of the temperature to 270 Celsius degrees. A second software Ansys has allowed the author to simulate capacitors with more complicated shapes. (A.C.)
This paper presents the results of the degree of irreversible changes of dielectric properties of vacuum circuit breakers with CuCr and CuBi contacts before and after short-circuit breaking operations. Tests of dielectric properties were performed on four different types of switching vacuum chamber with RMF electrodes in the form of a spiral disk with slots. The paper describes the configuration of measuring system for determining the dielectric properties of circuit breakers with DC, AC and pulse voltage. It also describes the measuring procedure. The results were analyzed and the experimentally obtained random variable breakdown voltage is found to belong to Weibull distribution in all cases. Based on these results it was found that for the vacuum circuit breakers with CuCr contacts and ...
BaTi_0_._9(Ni_1_/_2W_1_/_2)_0_._1O_3 ceramics were fabricated and their dielectric properties were investigated. With the sintering temperature increasing from 1250 to 1280 deg. C, the grain size abruptly increases from 1-2 to 20-40 #mu#m, accompanying significant changes in dielectric response. The samples with larger grains exhibit giant dielectric constant characteristics, which are considered to be mainly attributed to the domain boundary effect. The activation energies of the dielectric relaxation E_r_e_l_a_x=0.325 eV reveal the existence of microdomains in larger grains. The ac conductivity results also give the evidence of the domain boundary effect in the present ceramics.
This report accounts for Task 3 of DOE Contract No. AC01-81FE-05077. It reviews the developments in indirect coal liquefaction with emphasis on slurry-phase reactors and catalysis. This report also discusses topics related to indirect coal liquefaction research, such as analytical techniques in catalysis. The subjects covered in this report were selected by DOE. This report is the third and final task report of the three major tasks in this contract. The first task, ''Direct Coal Liquefaction Catalyst Development - Program Review and Research Perspectives'', was completed in November 1982. The second task, ''Review of Direct Coal Liquefaction by Slurry-Phase Catalysis'', was completed in September 1983. 47 refs., 66 figs., 50 tabs.
The development of a new configuration of chemical ionization (CI)-based ion source is presented. The ambient air containing the gaseous sample is sniffed into an enclosed ionization chamber which is of sub-ambient pressure, and is subsequently mixed with metastable species in front of the ion inlet of the mass spectrometer. Metastable helium atoms (He*) are used in this study as the primary ionizing agents and are generated from a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) source. The DBD is powered by an AC high-voltage supply and the configuration of the electrodes is in such a way that the generated plasma is confined within the discharge tube and is not extended into the ionization chamber. The construction of the ion source is simple, and volatile compounds released from the bulky sample can...
A delta connected, resonant snubber-based, soft switching, inverter circuit achieves lossless switching during dc-to-ac power conversion and power conditioning with minimum component count and size. Current is supplied to the resonant snubber branches solely by the dc supply voltage through the main inverter switches and the auxiliary switches. Component count and size are reduced by use of a single semiconductor switch in the resonant snubber branches. Component count is also reduced by maximizing the use of stray capacitances of the main switches as parallel resonant capacitors. Resonance charging and discharging of the parallel capacitances allows lossless, zero voltage switching. In one embodiment, circuit component size and count are minimized while achieving lossless, zero voltage switching within a three-phase inverter.
Manitoba Hydro's Ice Storm Management Program to reduce ice damage to overhead power lines in the voltage range of 8 kV to 115 kV is described. Overhead power lines are de-iced either by AC ice melting, which involves placing a three-phase short at a calculated point, or ice rolling, which is a process of mechanically stripping ice from conductors. Direct current heating and underground distribution systems are also accepted prevention measures. Advantages and disadvantages of each of these methods of de-icing are reviewed. Material for this paper has been extracted from a workshop manual prepared for the 1993 and 1998 Ice Storm Management workshops organized by Manitoba Hydro through the Canadian Electrical Association. 1 ref.
A new method of plasma treatment for powder particles was investigated. A glass bottle horizontally held on a rotating system was used for the treatment. The outside of the bottle was covered by the grounded metal net, and the rod electrode was provided at the center of the bottle, which was connected to an ac high voltage source. Powder particles were placed in the bottle with stainless steel beads of large diameter and the plasma was generated between two electrodes and while the bottle was rotating. Using this system, powder particles were uniformly plasma-treated without coagulation. After 40 seconds treatment with plasma of 0.55 W in Ar gas, the charge to mass ratio for polyethylene powder particles having 160 {mu}m mean diameter generated by stainless before treatment. (author)
Measurement of serum biochemical parameters in response to metal exposures can be especially useful to help identify target organs of toxicity as well as the general health status of animals. Oreochromis niloticus were exposed to 5.0?mg/L?Zn, 1.0?mg/L?Cd, and 5.0?mg/L?Zn?+?1.0?mg/L?Cd mixture for 7 and 28?days, and alterations in serum enzyme activities and ion levels were measured. Significant changes in all the biochemical parameters were found to be time dependent. Following metal exposure, alkaline phosphatase activity was elevated at both exposure periods. No changes in activities of lactate dehydrogenase and lipase were observed in response to single or combined Zn and Cd exposure at 7?days while they increased at 28?days. Fish exposed to metals showed a decrease in cholinesterase ac...
Synthetic efforts toward the homoerythrina alkaloids 1-3 are described. Two separate model systems guided the pivotal [3 + 2] azomethine ylide cycloaddition cascade to form the A-C rings of these alkaloids. The cycloaddition precursors 63 and 68, prepared in nine and ten steps, respectively, from alkyne 47, each contain an enolizable ketone, a tethered electrophile, and an electron-poor dipolarophile. Heating 63 and 68 with the stannyl amine 17 generated demethoxyschelhammeridine 65 and demethoxyschelhammericine 70, the products of intramolecular azomethine ylide cycloadditions. Subsequent attempts to install the C-3 methoxy group of 1-3 are also described. PMID:17465572
The level structure of "2"1"2Bi has been studied by observing the alpha decay of "2"1"6At which is in secular equilibrium with "2"2"0Fr and "2"2"4Ac. Eight states are observed and tentatively assigned to the configuration #pi#h_9_/_2#nu#(g_9_/_2)"3 and three to the configuration #pi#h_9_/_2#nu#(g_9_/_2)"2i_1_1_/_2. These two lowest configurations in "2"1"2Bi are compared with the corresponding configurations in "2"1"0Bi and the calculations of Warburton.
PurposeThe goal of this study was to clarify the dynamics of tumor oxygen (partial pressure of oxygen, pO2) in SCC VII murine tumors in mice after X-ray...Full Text Available
The factors determining temperature and current coefficients of lasing wavelength are investigated and discussed under monitoring CO2-gas absorption spectra. The diffusion rate of...Full Text Available
Electron microscopic analysis can be used to determine the three-dimensional structures of macromolecules at resolutions ranging between 3 and 30 A. It differs from nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy...Full Text Available
This paper deals with the characterization of passive films formed on stainless steel (26% Cr and 0 to 3%Mo). The influence of the applied passivation potential and the effect of molybdenum additions to steel upon the composition profiles of passive films formed in an aqueous NaCl solution (3.5% at pH 2.5) are studied. The technique involved is Auger electron spectroscopy combined with ion sputtering. Some electrochemical techniques have been used in conjunction. A quantitative approach of the Auger spectra during the progressive removal of the passive film is described. The peak-to-peak height of the Auger lines are treated in order to yield the atomic fraction of the various elements present in a given subsurface layer. The analytical study of the film by electron spectroscopy indicates that molybdenum plays a part at the metal-oxide interface where this element acts on the chromium diffusion process. This phenomenon, which depends on the ...
U.v.-visible-absorption and e.p.r. spectroscopy were used to study the type 2 and type 3 copper centres in the mercury derivative of laccase. After treatment with peroxide the mercury derivative of...Full Text Available
High resolution structural elucidation of macromolecular structure by solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance requires the preparation of uniformly aligned samples that are isotopically labeled. In...Full Text Available
A combined approach based on the use of ATR-FT/IR and steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy allowed to shed light on the effects of the additive methoxypolyethylene glycol (MePEG) on the hydration,...Full Text Available
The purpose of this study is to investigate the possibility of verifying depleted uranium (DU), natural uranium (NU), low enriched uranium (LEU) and high enriched uranium (HEU) by a developed digital gamma-gamma coincidence spectroscopy. The spectroscopy consists of two NaI(Tl) scintillators and XIA LLC Digital Gamma Finder (DGF)/Pixie-4 software and card package. The results demonstrate that the spectroscopy provides an effective method of "2"3"5U and "2"3"8U quantification based on the count rate of their gamma-gamma coincidence counting signatures. The main advantages of this approach over the conventional gamma spectrometry include the facts of low background continuum near coincident signatures of "2"3"5U and "2"3"8U, less interference from other radionuclides by the gamma-gamma coincidence counting, and region-of-interest (ROI) imagine analysis for uranium enrichment determination. Compared to conventional gamma ...
We report the first quantitative assessment of electrosprayed droplet/ion focusing enabled by the use of a voltage-assisted air amplifier between an electrospray ionization emitter and a hybrid...Full Text Available
We demonstrate by using low-temperature high-resolution spectroscopy that red-shifted mutants of green fluorescent protein are photo-interconverted among three conformations and are, therefore, not...Full Text Available
The ultraviolet photoelectron spectra of benzoic acid and 20 of its derivatives are presented. The low-energy regions of these spectra are deconvoluted and assigned using chemical substitution effects. 5 figures, 3 tables.
Natural abundance 13C solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to investigate the effect of the incorporation of cholesterol on the dynamics of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC)...Full Text Available
IntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions on muscle tissue oxygenation, oxygen metabolism and microvascular reactivity in...Full Text Available
In this work, coals of various ranks were dissolved in an acid melange. With the use of IR spectroscopy, it was found that the mechanism of coal dissolution consists in the grafting of polar groups to the peripheral benzene rings of graphite-like systems.
A novel approach to the Bragg curve spectroscopy is utilized to construct a charged particle detector which makes fragment elemental identification and energy measurement possible. The advantage of the construction includes good timing and spectroscopic properties with a very low energy threshold. ((orig.))
Selected derivatives of cyclophosphamide (CP) metabolites were synthesized and the solution chemistry of each was studied by "3"1P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy under a standard set of reaction conditions at physiological pH (7.4) and temperature (37"0C). Complementary "2H and "1"3C NMR spectral data was obtained using isotopically ("2G and "1"3C) enriched CP metabolites. The CP derivatives were synthesized by the ozonolysis of substituted 3-butenyl phosphorodiamidates, and were isolated as analogues of either cis and trans 4-hydroperoxy-CP or aldophosphamide (AP). The relative ratios of the tautomeric species, 4-hydroxy-CP and AP, and their half-lives (T/sub 1/2/) were measured by "3"1P NMR spectroscopy. The influence of CP metabolites on perfused U-937 cells, a CP-sensitive human lymphoma, was observed by high resolution "3"1P NMR spectroscopy. In this manner, it was possible to measure, for the first ...
the development of lithium metal batteries is hindered by the bad reversibility of the Li{sup +}/Li pair, due to dendrites formation which limits the amount of active matter and can generate short-circuits. The chemical and electrochemical phenomena which take place at the electrode/organic electrolyte interface lead to the formation of a complex passivation film which is of prime importance for the functioning of this type of batteries. The in-situ infrared reflection spectroscopy is well adapted to the chemical study of the passivation layer. Two different techniques were used: the substraction normalized interfacial transform infrared spectroscopy (SNIFTIRS) and the electro-chemically modulated infrared reflectance spectroscopy. These methods have shown that the passivation layer that develops on the surface of the lithium electrode in contact with organic solutions (propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate and ...
This paper describes a new technique that can be used to study chloroplast volume regulation in vivo. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to measure relative amounts of chloroplast water...Full Text Available
... the hydroxyl group with the benzene ring. The molar extinction coefficients for the various species at their respective absorption ... Glya Recorded by 1H-NMR Spectroscopy TABLE 2 Molar Extinction Coeff...
The mechanism by which mechanical force regulates the kinetics of a chemical reaction is unknown. Here, we use single-molecule force–clamp spectroscopy and protein engineering to study the effect...Full Text Available
Phonological density refers to the number of words that can be generated by replacing a phoneme in a target word with another phoneme in the same position. Although the precise nature of the...Full Text Available
A quantum computer (QC) can operate in parallel on all its possible inputs at once, but the amount of information that can be extracted from the result is limited by the phenomenon of wave function...Full Text Available
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether genetically determined properties of muscle metabolism contribute to the exceptional physical endurance of world-class distance runners. ATP, phosphocreatine,...Full Text Available
Electron spin resonance spectroscopy can provide a powerful approach to the study of radiation effects in biological materials. This memorandum gives an overview of current and future research. (author).
Measurement of intrathylakoid aqueous volumes by electron spin resonance spectroscopy was used to study ionic permeability properties of thylakoid membranes isolated from Beta vulgaris...Full Text Available
The most important developments in gaseous detectors at LNL are reviewed. Some aspects of timing, pulse height and position resolutions of avalanche counters are reported. The experimental work on heavy-ion identification by Bragg curve spectroscopy is summarized.
Prostatic neoplasms are not uniformly distributed within the prostate volume. With recent developments in three-dimensional intensity-modulated and imageguided radiation therapy, it is possible to treat...Full Text Available
Work continued on the correlations of catalytic activity of metals and surface structure. Work is described in the following areas: CO oxidation on a Cu/Rh(100) Bimetallic catalysts; electronic properties of bimetallic surfaces; and reflection absorption spectroscopy of bimetallic surfaces. 5 figs. (CBS)
Bi-U mixed oxides were synthesized by two methods and characterized by X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The samples were tested for the catalytic oxidation of carbon monoxide by oxygen. A stepwise redox mechanism consistent with the kinetic results is proposed. (orig.).
Anaerobic reactions of Rhus vernicifera laccase and its type-2 copper-depleted derivatives with hexacyanoferrate(II) were investigated by absorption and e.s.r. spectroscopy. When native laccase was...Full Text Available
The research has involved the characterization of catalyst acidity, [sup 2]D NMR studies of Bronsted acid sites, and kinetic, calorimetric, and spectroscopic studies of methylamine synthesis and related reactions over acid catalysts. Approach of this work was to explore quantitative correlations between factors that control the generation, type, strength, and catalytic properties of acid sites on zeolite catalysts. Microcalorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, IR spectroscopy, and NMR spectroscopy have provided information about the nature and strength of acid sites in zeolites. This was vital in understanding the catalytic cycles involved in methylamine synthesis and related reactions over zeolite catalysts.
In order to study the effects of microwaves on chemical reactions equipment was designed to acquire in-situ vibrational spectra of sol-gel components as they are irradiated with microwaves. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy were used. A low temperature (10K) FTIR cell was used to trap samples in an argon matrix at 10{sup -7} Torr. For the liquid samples no differences were seen in spectra of irradiated and nonirradiated samples, but the argon matrix isolation technique showed dramatic differences.
Spectroscopy of antihydrogen has the potential to yield high-precision tests of the CPT theorem and shed light on the matter-antimatter imbalance in the Universe. The ALPHA antihydrogen trap at CERN's Antiproton Decelerator aims to prepare a sample of antihydrogen atoms confined in an octupole-based Ioffe trap and to measure the frequency of several atomic transitions. We describe our techniques to directly measure the antiproton temperature and a new technique to cool them to below 10 K. We also show how our unique position-sensitive annihilation detector provides us with a highly sensitive method of identifying antiproton annihilations and effectively rejecting the cosmic-ray background.
The color centers, which are generated in yttrium-aluminium perovskite (YAP):Nd(1 at.%) and YAP:Er(50 at.%) crystals under the influence of ultraviolet and #gamma#-irradiation, have been studied by absorption spectroscopy. The generated color centers are both stable and transient at room temperature. It is shown that the transient color centers are mainly responsible for the decrease of laser generation efficiency of Nd:YAP and YAP:Er irradiated crystals, although physical mechanisms leading to efficiency decrease are different in these materials. (orig.)
The results of photoemission spectroscopy using molybdenum and tantalum samples have been obtained from the new beamline 2B1 at Pohang Light Source. Beamline 2B1 is based on a spherical grating monochromator (SGM) which is equipped with five gratings. The photon energy range from 184 to 1100 eV was covered in this work using two gratings (Gratings 4 and 5). The photon energy resolution has been deduced from Ta Fermi-level spectra and 3d spectra of Mo.
We present here the preliminary design of ARIES-Devasthal Faint Object Spectrograph and Camera (ADFOSC), which is a multi-mode instrument for both imaging and spectroscopy. ADFOSC is the first-generation instrument to be mounted at the axial port of the Cassegrain focus on our new 3.6m optical telescope to be installed at Devasthal, Nainital. The main design goals of the instrument are : the instrument will have capability of broad- and narrow-band imaging, low-medium resolution spectroscopy, and imaging polarimetry. The operating wavelength range will be from 360 to 1000 nm and the instrument will have remote-control capability.
Energy level schemes are derived from gamma spectroscopy of several medium-mass deformed nuclei by studying the decay or proton and #alpha# nuclear spectroscopic data. Some new isomeric studies are established among which is the 31 y "1"7"8Hf isomeric state for which Isup(#pi#), K was determined to be 16"+, 16. A four quasi-particle configuration was assigned to this state at 2447.5 +- 2.5 KeV. Atomic masses have been calculated from various measurements and, on the basis of mass formulae extrapolated to neighboring mass regions.
The effect of pigments on the development of corrosion products between the painting system and metal surface when exposed to marine environments has been discussed. The pigments studied were: red mud zinc chromate, zinc chromate, red oxide zinc phosphate, manganese phosphate barium chromate and basic lead silico chromate. Moessbauer spectroscopy revealed that the upper rust layer in all the cases consisted of #gamma#-Fe_2O_3, #gamma#-FeOOH and #alpha#-FeOOH. The lower rust layer immediately in contact with the metal surface consisted of an asymmetrical doublet due to #gamma#-FeOOH. (Auth.).
X-ray photoemission spectroscopy has been used to measure the valence band offset {Delta}E{sub v} for the AlP/GaP (001) heterojunction interface. The heterojunction samples were prepared by molecular-beam epitaxy. A value of {triangle}E{sub v}=0.43 eV is obtained (staggered band alignment, with AlP valence band below that of GaP). 24 refs., 8 figs., 1 tab.
Silicon nitride hybrid ball bearings used in high temperature applications undergo mechanical and environmental degradation. To study the surface chemistry of silicon nitride, a CAChe{trademark} Worksystem* has been used to generate the clusters and corresponding transmission vibrational spectra of silicon nitride. In the present study, the effect of surface conditions on the surface chemistry and wear degradation of silicon nitride was evaluated. Infrared reflection spectroscopy (IRRS) used to determine molecular orientations shows a difference in reflectance spectra for fractured and as-received.
The transformation of Pd/Si to Pd{sub 2}Si/Si is investigated using depth-resolved positron annihilation, x-ray diffraction and Auger electron spectroscopy studies. The observed defect-sensitive positron S-parameter value of 1.022-1.054 indicates the existence of divacancies across the silicide/silicon interface and Si substrate region. Our experimental observation of vacancy defects is consistent with the model proposed for excess vacancy generation across the interface consequent to Si diffusion. (letter to the editor)
The electron momentum density is measured applying positron annihilation and Compton spectroscopy in order to get information about electron wave functions. Compton spectroscopic measurements of Pd-Ag and Cu-Zn alloy systems are carried out taking into account crystal structure, mixability, and order state. Three-dimensional momentum densities of silicon are determined in order to get better information about its electronic structure. The momentum density and the spin density of ferromagnetic nickel are investigated using angular correlation curves.
The Savannah River Site (SRS), one of several U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) facilities, produces nuclear materials for national defense and for other government and civilian uses. SRS ceased production of defense materials in 1988, and the site's main activities now involve waste management and environmental restoration. These programs have generated extensive effluent monitoring and environmental surveillance programs for the Environmental Monitoring Section (EMS), which performs #approx#105,000 radiological analyses on 30,000 samples a year. Gamma spectroscopy is performed on an estimated 10,000 samples annually. This report describes a program to develop and improve the EMS system.
'Objective of this project is to develop and use Electrochemical Emission Spectroscopy (EES) and other electrochemical techniques as in situ tools for exploring corrosion mechanisms of iron and carbon steel in highly alkaline solutions and for continuously monitoring corrosion on structural materials in DOE liquid waste storage system. In particular, the author will explore the fundamental aspects of the passive behavior of pure iron since breakdown of passivity leads to localized corrosion. This report summarizes work after 1 year of a 3 year project.'
With the mentioned method to analyse O-tyrosine with HPLC/fluorescence-detection, the irradiation of chicken meat can be determined in a simple and fast way. The formation of o-tyrosine is proportional to the applied dose but because it is also depending on the applied dose rate and the temperature during the irradiation, it is not possible to control the irradiation dose. Since unirradiated chicken can contain little amounts of o-tyrosine and to confirm some results, a second method is needed. Together with one of the other mentioned methods (analysis of the volatiles or esr-spectroscopy) it is possible to recognize irradiated chicken with a high security. (author).
This is the first volume in a series of books to be published by Prentice Hall on Environmental and Intelligent Manufacturing Systems. The editors have assembled an interdisciplinary collection of authors from industry, government, and academia, that provide a broad range of expertise on robotics and remote systems. Readily accessible to practicing engineers, the book provides case studies and introduces new technology applicable to remote operations in unstructured and/or hazardous environments. Chapter 1 gives an overview of the US Environmental Protection Agency's efforts to apply robotic technology to assist in the operations at hazardous waste sites. The next chapter focuses on the theory and implementation of robust impedance control for robotic manipulators. Chapter 3 presents a discussion on the integration of failure tolerance into robotic systems. The next two chapters address the issue of sensory feedback and its indispensable role in remote and/or ...
A series of Model Tests of Embedment Effect on Reactor Buildings has been carried out by the Nuclear Power Engineering Corporation (NUPEC), under the sponsorship of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) of Japan. Reactor buildings in Japan are partially embedded in general. Therefore, it is important to know how partial embedment affects the vibration characteristics of reactor buildings relating to seismic safety. Laboratory tests were conducted using a ground model made of silicone rubber (Young's modulus 2.3x10"6 Pa, Poisson's ratio 0.484, Density 1.24x 10"3 kg/m3 , Damping ratio 0.01) and a foundation model made of aluminum shown to study the effects of embedment on soil-structure interaction with different backfill types. The ground model is a cylinder, 70 cm high and 300 cm in diameter, with pit where the parallelepiped foundation model with square plan of 30 cm x 30 cm and 18 cm high was placed. Four types of backfill of silicone rubber (Young's modulus ...
The effect of phosphorus on the corrosion resistance of Al-bronzes is studied in detail in this work. A literature review showed that there are a lot of things known about the microstructure and the mechanical properties of Al-bronzes. In spite of their corrosion resistance the corrosion properties and the structure of the protective oxide films of Al-bronzes were seldom a matter of interest. Systematic studies of the influence of different alloying elements on the oxide film and the corrosion properties are rare. Therefore, it is not possible to predict the corrosion resistance of Al-bronzes, made by alloying particular elements. The high corrosion resistance of the new alloy CuAl_2_0P_1 was the reason to investigate the influence of phosphorus on the corrosion properties of Al-bronzes in more detail. A systematic study of the microstructure and the corrosion properties of Cu, CuP_x, CuAl_2_0 and CuAl_2_0P_x offers an insight into the effect of aluminium and phosphorus on the ...
Isocapnic hyperventilation with cold air (IHCA) is a reliable technique for assessing indirect bronchial hyperresponsiveness in patients with asthma. Impedance measurement of the respiratory system by the forced pseudorandom noise oscillation technique is a sensitive technique to assess changes in bronchial tone after IHCA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 6 weeks of treatment with beclomethasone dipropionate, 1,000 microg x day-1, on IHCA in asthmatic patients, measured with both forced oscillation technique and flow-volume recordings. Forty patients with mild asthma were included in this double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group study. Stratification on the basis of sex was performed to overcome differences in airway diameter. At entry and every 2 weeks during the treatment period, IHCA was performed and patient diaries were evaluated. Characteristic changes in forced oscillation parameters after IHCA were observed in all patients. After ...
This paper presents a real-time wavelet-Fuzzy combined approach for digital relaying. The algorithm for fault classification employs wavelet multi resolution analysis (MRA) to overcome the difficulties associated with conventional voltage and current based measurements due to effect of factors such as fault inception angle, fault impedance and fault distance. The proposed algorithm for fault location, different from conventional algorithms that are based on deterministic computations on a well-defined model to be protected, employs wavelet transform together with fuzzy logic. The wavelet transform captures the dynamic characteristics of the non-stationary transient fault signals using wavelet MRA coefficients. The fuzzy logic is employed to incorporate expert evaluation through fuzzy inference system (FIS) so as to extract important features from wavelet MRA coefficients for obtaining coherent conclusions regarding fault location. Computer simulations using MATLAB ...
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy was selected by NASA as part of the ChemCam instrument package for the Mars Science Laboratory rover to be launched in 2009. ChemCam's Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy instrument will ablate surface coatings from materials and measure the elemental composition of underlying rocks and soils at distances from 1 up to 10 m. The purpose of our studies is to develop an analytical methodology enabling identification and quantitative analysis of these geological materials in the context of the ChemCam's Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy instrument performance. The study presented here focuses on several terrestrial rock samples which were analyzed by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy at an intermediate stand-off distance (3 m) and in an atmosphere similar to the Martian one (9 mbar CO{sub 2}). The experimental results highlight the matrix effects ...
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy was selected by NASA as part of the ChemCam instrument package for the Mars Science Laboratory rover to be launched in 2009. ChemCam's Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy instrument will ablate surface coatings from materials and measure the elemental composition of underlying rocks and soils at distances from 1 up to 10 m. The purpose of our studies is to develop an analytical methodology enabling identification and quantitative analysis of these geological materials in the context of the ChemCam's Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy instrument performance. The study presented here focuses on several terrestrial rock samples which were analyzed by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy at an intermediate stand-off distance (3 m) and in an atmosphere similar to the Martian one (9 mbar CO2). The experimental results highlight the matrix effects and the measurement ...
Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) has been proposed several years ago as an approach for quantitative analysis of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy spectra. Recently developed refinement of the spectral processing method is described in the present work. Accurate quantitative results have been demonstrated for several metallic alloys. However, the degree of accuracy that can be achieved with Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy analysis of generic samples still needs to be thoroughly investigated. The authors have undertaken a systematic study of errors and biasing factors affecting the calculation in the Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy spectra processing. These factors may be classified in three main groups: 1) experimental aberrations (intensity fluctuations and inaccuracy in the correction for spectral efficiency of a detection ...
Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) has been proposed several years ago as an approach for quantitative analysis of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy spectra. Recently developed refinement of the spectral processing method is described in the present work. Accurate quantitative results have been demonstrated for several metallic alloys. However, the degree of accuracy that can be achieved with Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy analysis of generic samples still needs to be thoroughly investigated. The authors have undertaken a systematic study of errors and biasing factors affecting the calculation in the Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy spectra processing. These factors may be classified in three main groups: 1) experimental aberrations (intensity fluctuations and inaccuracy in the correction for spectral efficiency of a detection ...
We use deep HST/ACS observations to calculate the star formation history (SFH) of the Cetus dwarf spheroidal (dSph) galaxy. Our photometry reaches below the oldest main-sequence turnoffs, which allows us to estimate the age and duration of the main episode of star formation in Cetus. This is well approximated by a single episode that peaked roughly 12 #+-# 0.5 Gyr ago and lasted no longer than about 1.9 #+-# 0.5 Gyr (FWHM). Our solution also suggests that essentially no stars formed in Cetus during the past 8 Gyr. This makes Cetus' SFH comparable to that of the oldest Milky Way dSphs. Given the current isolation of Cetus in the outer fringes of the Local Group, the dominant old population implies that Cetus is a clear outlier in the morphology-Galactocentric distance relation that holds for the majority of the Milky Way dwarf satellites. Our results also show that Cetus continued forming stars until z#approx =# 1, long after the universe was reionized, and that ...
The purpose of the New Mexico Environmental Evaluation Group (EEG) is to conduct an independent technical evaluation of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) Project to ensure the protection of the public health and safety and the environment. The WIPP Project, located in southeastern New Mexico, is being constructed as a repository for the disposal of transuranic (TRU) radioactive wastes generated by the national defense programs. The EEG was established in 1978 with funds provided by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to the State of New Mexico. Public Law 100-456, the National Defense Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1989, Section 1433, assigned EEG to the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology and continued the original contract DE-AC04-79AL10752 through DOE contract DE-AC04-89AL58309. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994, Public Law 103-160, continues the authorization. EEG performs independent technical ...
To assess the influence of a live attenuated oral vaccine against porcine post-weaning colibacillosis (PWC) induced by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) on mucosal lymphoid cell CD45 isoforms expression, experimental group of weaned pigs (n=6) was immunized orally with F4ac+ non-ETEC strain (day 0) and challenged with F4ac+ ETEC strain 7 days latter. Non-immunized ETEC-infected pigs (n=6) served as control. All pigs were killed on post-challenge day 7. The small intestine was excised for isolation of jejunal lamina propria (JLP) and ileal Peyer's patch (IPP) lymphocytes and immunohistochemical studies. The results obtained by immunophenotyping of isolated cells show that the proportion of CD45RA+ and CD45RC+ JLP, but not IPP, cells were higher in the non-ETEC-immunized ETEC-infected pigs versus non-immunized infected. Additionally, while CD45RA+ JLP cells increased only slightly, the expression of CD45RC isoform on the JLP cells was ...
Statoil is operating an increasing number of offshore and onshore pipelines in the North Sea area and elsewhere. Cathodic protection is a significant part of the corrosion management for these lines and we have collected a significant amount of experience with respect to design and operation of the systems. This paper deals with our comprehensive program for the onshore cathodic protection systems and the various challenges in different countries with respect to technical matters, such as operating conditions and different terrain. Generally, the systems are based on automatically controlled rectifier systems with a wide range of current drainage and very comprehensive monitoring of potentials and current flowing. The use of coupons, polarisation cells and buried reference cells are essential, as well as the use of intensive measurements along the route. The use of online monitoring of selected test posts and all rectifier units is considered essential for remote areas and in a ...
Superconducting generators for high power applications have been of interest for a number of years. Superconducting generators using low temperature superconductors (LTS) have been manufactured to produce up to 20 MW of electrical power and have been configured in either synchronous alternators which have an AC output that may be subsequently rectified to produce DC and homopolar generators which produce low voltage DC. Typically these generators require scrupulous attention to vacuum integrity for cryogenic insulation at 4.2K and tend to be somewhat fragile because of extensive thermal and magnetic shields that are not required in conventional power generators. Recently, high purity aluminum composites have been developed for a high power AC generator that is cooled by cryogenic hydrogen at 21K. This aluminum generator is very compact and lightweight and is much more robust than a generator made with LTS because extensive thermal and magnetic ...
Energy conservative building design has triggered greater interests in developing flexible and sophisticated air conditioning systems capable of achieving enhanced energy-savings potential without sacrificing the desired thermal comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ). This research work greatly aimed at achieving enhanced energy conservation, good thermal comfort and better IAQ for space conditioning with the application of combined variable refrigerant volume (VRV) and variable air volume (VAV) air conditioning (A/C) systems. Experimental investigation on the proposed combined air conditioning system with the application of intelligent fuzzy logic controller was performed for summer and winter climatic conditions to substantiate the energy-savings capability. The proposed system experimentally analyzed under fixed ventilation, demand controlled ventilation (DCV) and combined DCV and economizer cycle (EC) ventilation techniques effectively conserved 44% and 63% of ...
The significant design features of a high-voltage dc (HVDC) circuit breaker based on the commutation concept were developed. Tests of components indicate the breaker is capable of interrupting a fault current of 10 kA on a 400 kV system and absorbing up to 10 MJ of system energy without generating more than 1.6 per unit (P.U.) voltage of the system. Interactions of the breaker with a three-terminal network were studied, using a system simulator. An ultrafast hydraulic actuator system was developed for this program which enables the breaker to initiate the current limiting process within 5 ms after receipt of a trip signal. A new hydraulic valve, operated by a repulsion coil, minimizes the delay before motion begins. Interruption will occur in series-connected vacuum interrupters. A 400 kV circuit breaker is estimated to require eight breaks in series. Only a single break was tested as part of this program because of the scale and cost required for multibreak tests. System energy will ...
The concept of a direct energy recovery system that applies a varying magnetic field is proposed for a negative-ion-based neutral beam injection system (NNB) to heat a plasma and/or drive a plasma current in a fusion reactor. The output beam energy and power of such an NNB will be {approximately}1 MeV and {approximately}1- MW/beam-line, respectively, and nearly the same amounts of positive- and negative-ion beams remain unneutralized in an NNB by using a gas-neutralizing cell. Therefore, the output of a beam direct convertor in an NNB is a bipolar direct current (dc) electric power with close to {plus_minus} 1 MV and several amperes if a conventional electrostatic or magnetostatic field is applied for ion beam separation. However, such high-voltage dc power is difficult to handle at the point of the regeneration of the power back to a commercial electric line because a very high voltage inverter tough enough to withstand occasional sparkdowns at recovery electrodes is required. If ...
This project is a follow-up of the first development of a 500 kV HVDC airblast circuit breaker (EPRI project 1507-3). The objective was to increase the current interrupting capability from 2200 A to 4000 A and shorten its fault clearing time. A high current 500 kV HVDC circuit breaker has been built using the passive commutation circuit. The breaker is modular in construction and can be designed for a wide variety of system conditions. More than 400 current interruptions were carried out successfully. Tests have shown that this circuit breaker is capable of interrupting more than 4000 A dc. Practical breakers with current interrupting capability of even 5500 A dc could be built. The circuit breaker operation and the fault-clearing process can be materially speeded up if the trip signal is given as soon as the fault is detected and without waiting for the current levels to come down in response to converter control action. The new dc breakers are shown to be capable of withstanding ...
This thesis deals with the analysis of dominant loss mechanisms in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) and hydrogen fed polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEFC) by means of experimental characterization and modeling work. Due to different fuels used in these two fuel cell types, the dominant loss mechanisms are different in their nature. All in-situ characterization techniques that are used in this work are based on a novel test fuel cell with embedded reference electrodes. The first part of this work presents a new concept for realizing a reference electrode configuration in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell by means of laser ablation. The laser beam is used to evaporate a small gap into the electrode surface of a catalyst coated membrane (CCM) to isolate the reference electrode from the working/counter electrode (WE/CE). This method enables the simultaneous ablation of the electrodes on both sides of the CCM because the membrane is transparent for the laser beam. ...
Given sufficient time, the extraction of heat from geothermal reservoirs formed by the hydraulic fracturing of competent rock will eventually result in the formation of thermal stress cracks in the reservoir. These cracks penetrate the rock in a manner such that the penetration-to-spacing ratio is approximately one. The penetration depends upon the extent of cooling and the square root of time. Initially then, the cracks are closely spaced and penetrate but little, so that a crazing pattern is apparent; but with increasing time some of these cracks, now more widely spaced, grow deeper. Eventually these larger cracks attain a critical aperture such that significant rates of water flow can be established within them and thus the newly created heat transfer area becomes useful for heat extraction. At the same time that cracks are forming within the main reservoir, thermal cracking also occurs in the wellbores that communicate with the reservoir. These cracks eventually convey water to and ...
The millimeter microwave source of gyrotron-traveling-wave amplifier (gyro-TWT) is capable of generating high power coherent radiation in a broad bandwidth, while its performance is severely deteriorated by the stability problems. This paper focuses on modeling and the stability analysis of the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Ka-band TE{sub 01} mode gyro-TWT based on an interaction circuit alternately loaded with lossy ceramic shells and metal rings. The propagation characteristics of the interaction circuit is analyzed first, based on which the boundary impedance method is employed to build an equivalent uniform lossy circuit. Then the stability of the interaction system is studied using linear and nonlinear theories. The analysis reveals that, due to the special waveguide structure and the dielectric loss, the propagation characteristics of the complex waveguide are similar to that of a uniform lossy circuit. The analysis of the absolute instabilities ...
The millimeter microwave source of gyrotron-traveling-wave amplifier (gyro-TWT) is capable of generating high power coherent radiation in a broad bandwidth, while its performance is severely deteriorated by the stability problems. This paper focuses on modeling and the stability analysis of the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Ka-band TE01 mode gyro-TWT based on an interaction circuit alternately loaded with lossy ceramic shells and metal rings. The propagation characteristics of the interaction circuit is analyzed first, based on which the boundary impedance method is employed to build an equivalent uniform lossy circuit. Then the stability of the interaction system is studied using linear and nonlinear theories. The analysis reveals that, due to the special waveguide structure and the dielectric loss, the propagation characteristics of the complex waveguide are similar to that of a uniform lossy circuit. The analysis of the absolute instabilities characterizes the ...
Transient experiments in a Temporal Analysis of Products (TAP) Reactor were performed to elucidate the role of surface oyxgen species in the oxidation of benzene to phenol on ZSM-5 type zeolites with nitrous oxide as a selective oxidant. It was shown by puls experiments with nitrous oxide that the mean lifetime of the generated surface oxygen species is between 0.2s at 500 C and about 4.2 s at 400 C. Afterwards the surface oxygen species desorb as molecular oxygen into the gas phase where total oxidation will take place if hydrocarbons are present. Dual puls experiments consisting of a nitrous oxide puls followed by a benzene puls allowed studying the reactivity of the surface oxygen species formed during the first puls. The observation of the phenol formation was impeded due to the strong sorption of phenol. Multipulse experiments were necessary to reach a pseudo steady state phenol yield. (orig.)
The reactions between (100) GaAs and the near-noble metals Ni, Pd, and Pt have been investigated by application of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive analysis of x rays in the scanning TEM and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. Emphasis is placed on the evolution of the phase distributions, film compositions, and interface morphologies during annealing at temperatures up to 480 /sup 0/C. The first phase in the Ni/GaAs reaction is shown to have the nominal composition Ni/sub 3/GaAs. Ternary phases of the type Pd/sub x/GaAs are also found to be the dominant products of the Pd/GaAs reaction. Conversely, only binary phases result from the Pt/GaAs reaction. These observations are used to construct isothermal sections of the M--Ga--As thin-film phase diagrams. The behavior of a thin (1--2 nm) native oxide--hydrocarbon layer during the Ni/GaAs, Pd/GaAs, and Pt/GaAs reactions is also investigated. Only the Ni/GaAs reaction is noticeably ...
Electric currents induced due to 60 Hz magnetic fields in a human body placed in a close proximity of various high voltage transmission lines are computed. A realistic model of the human body from the anatomical and electrical point of view with resolution of 1.3 cm for the body and 0.665 cm for the head is used. The computations are performed using the impedance method. Three representative configurations of high voltage transmission lines, namely 500 kV, 138 kV and 25 kV are analyzed. The results indicate that the maximum current densities of the order of 0.2 {micro}A/cm{sup 2} can be induced in a lineman working on a 500 kV line (0.5 m away from closest conductors). A good correlation can be seen between the computed magnetic field in the location of the human body and the induced current densities. The induced currents computed here and estimated from measured magnetic fields in various power line environments are compared to those for typical home and office ...
MmMg{sub 12}-Ni amorphous or nanocrystalline composites (Mm: Ce-rich mischmetal) were prepared through the ball-milling method, and their electrochemical hydrogen storage performance was investigated and compared with that of ball-milled CeMg{sub 12}-Ni composites. It was found that the ball-milled MmMg{sub 12}-Ni composites had larger initial discharge capacities and better high rate dischargeability. Analysis of electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) shows that the reaction resistance and hydrogen diffusion resistance of the ball-milled MmMg{sub 12}-Ni composites are lower as a result of the decrease in Ce content, and thus can contribute to the larger discharge capacity and better high rate dischargeability. Additionally, the cycle performance of the ball-milled MmMg{sub 12}-Ni composites is better than those of the ball-milled CeMg{sub 12}-Ni composites. This may be related to the formation of a Nd oxide or Nd(OH){sub 3} film on surface of the MmMg{sub 12} ...
Mass density of a composite is generally taken as the volume-averaged value of components' densities. Moreover, the same volume-averaged mass density is usually used to calculate the wave speed in the long-wavelength limit, i.e., where the wavelength is much larger than the size of the inhomogeneities. In this paper, we show via rigorous derivation that the dynamic mass density used in the calculation of (long-wavelength) wave speed can differ significantly from the static volume-averaged value. This recognition is shown to yield an excellent account of some recent experimental data, as well as to make possible the realization of acoustic metamaterials. Physical reason for the difference between two mass densities is attributed to the relative motion between the components. That is, the implicit assumption-that all components in a composite must move uniformly in the long-wavelength limit-can be violated in the limit of large acoustic impedance contrast ...
Relativistic electron beams are used for generating high power microwaves. These microwave sources require electron beam generators spanning significant ranges in voltage and impedance. The pulsed power technology used to generate these electron beams is presented. Electron beam generators that produce beams with pulse durations in the 10-ns to 100-ns regime consist of an energy-storage section, pulse-shaping section, and an electron beam diode. The energy-storage section is either a Marx generator or capacitor bank-pulsed transformer. The pulse shaping is done with high-voltage transmission lines. The electron beam diode is usually a cold-cathode, space-charge-limited flow device. For longer pulses (/approximately/1 ..mu..s) the energy storage and pulse chaping can be combined. Lumped-element pulse-forming networks (PFN) can be designed to produce the desired pulse shape. The Marx generator becomes one of the elements of the PFN. Alternatively, a low voltage PFN ...
Relativistic electron beams are used for generating high power microwaves. These microwave sources require electron beam generators spanning significant ranges in voltage and impedance. The pulsed power technology used to generate these electron beams is presented. Electron beam generators that produce beams with pulse durations in the 10 ns to 100 ns regime consist of an energy storage section, pulse shaping section, and an electron beam diode. The energy storage section is either a Marx generator or capacitor bank-pulsed transformer. The pulse shaping is done with high-voltage transmission lines. The electron beam diode is usually a cold-cathode, space-charge-limited flow device. For longer pulses (approx.1 ..mu..s) the energy storage and pulse shaping can be combined. Lumped-element pulsed-forming networks (PFN) can be designed to produce the desired pulse shape. The Marx generator becomes one of the elements of the PFN. Alternatively, a low voltage PFN followed ...
The magnetically controlled plasma opening switch (MCPOS) is an advanced plasma opening switch that utilizes magnetic fields to improve operation. Magnetic fields always dominate terawatt, pulsed power plasma opening switches. For that reason, the MCPOS uses controlled applied magnetic fields with magnitude comparable to the self-magnetic field of the storage inductor. One applied field holds the plasma in place while energy accumulates in the storage inductor, then another applied field pushes the plasma away from the cathode to allow energy to flow downstream. Over a ten month period, an MCPOS was designed, built, and tested on DECADE Module 2 at Physics International. The peak drive current was 1.8 MA in 250 ns. The output parameters were up to 1 MA into an electron beam load. The radiation temporal pulse width averaged 60 nanoseconds full-width at half-maximum. The peak load voltage ranged from one to two megavolts. The experiments demonstrated efficient power flow through a long, ...