Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This study examines the effects of blasting on waste dumps at open pit mining operations. Of specific concern were mining operations at the base of a five hundred foot high waste dump such as the operation at the South Pit of the Smoky-River Coal Ltd. property near Grande Cache, Alberta. An assessment of waste dump stability including factors such as quasi-static deformation behaviour, historical dump deformation behaviours and potential blasting effects was undertaken. It is concluded that safe blasting may be carried out in proximity to waste dumps, but monitoring of dump behaviour is recommended to ensure operational safety. 22 refs., 4 apps.

Science.gov (United States)

Subsurface conditions at sites in the coastal plains region of South Carolina were investigated using standard penetration and mechanical quasi-static cone penetration tests. The penetration test results are compared with measured static axial pile capacity. The cone penetration test results are compared with stratigraphy and soil types encountered at each site. Results show that with certain limitations, cone penetration test results can be used to assess general stratigraphy and soil type and predict static axial pile capacity with reasonable accuracy.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Experimental and computational investigations were performed in order to better understand the mechanical response of rigid targets with various geometries to the detonation of shallow buried explosives. The motion of the targets was measured by use of high-speed digital video photography. This work involved flat targets, targets that were downwardly convex, and targets that were downwardly concave with explosive charges located at various positions beneath the targets. It was observed that, in general, angled hulls - whether downwardly concave or convex - tended to reduce the amount of momentum imparted to the center of mass of the targets. Computations were performed by use of an arbitrary Langrangian-Eulerian treatment in a nonlinear finite element code. A model based on quasi-static te...

Science.gov (United States)

Polymer matrix composites are presently used in many fields due to their excellent mechanical properties such as high specific strength and stiffness. However, not much is known of these composites' response to impact loading, which usually occurs at strain rates much higher than the strain rates used to measure the quasi-static mechanical properties of materials. The use of static properties in the study of structures that undergo dynamic loading can produce excessive design weight or cause unexplained and untimely failure. The studies included in this dissertation provide the results of Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar experiments to determine the ultimate compressive strength and strain of composites at high strain rates. Most researchers are using specimens with different dimensions and geometry. For this reason, it is difficult to compare results of tests done by different people. Herein, the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar ...

Science.gov (United States)

This study is a contribution to the growing body of work on the influence of changes in the composition of an acrylic bone cement on various properties of the curing and cured material. The focus is on one commercially-available acrylic bone cement brand, Surgical Simplex P, and three variants of it and a series of properties, namely, setting time, maximum exotherm temperature, activation energy and frequency factor for the polymerization reaction, diffusion coefficient for the uptake of phosphate buffered saline, at 37 degrees C, ultimate compressive strength (UCS), plane-strain fracture toughness, fatigue life (under fully-reversed tension-compression stress), hardness (H) and elastic modulus (both determined using quasi-static nanoindentation), and the variation of the storage and loss moduli with frequency of the applied force in a dynamic nanoindentation test. It was found that (a) a 68% reduction in the volume of the activator, N,N dimethyl-4-toluidine, ...

Science.gov (United States)

This paper presents results of solid-liquid phase change, driven by volumetric energy generation, in a vertical cylinder. We show excellent agreement between a quasi-static, approximate analytical solution valid for Stefan numbers less than one, and a computational model solved using the CFD code FLUENT®. A computational study also shows the effect that the volumetric energy generation has on both the mushy zone thickness and convection in the melt during phase change.

CERN Document Server

The General Spectral Modeling (GSM) code employs the quasi-static approximation, a standard, low-density methodology that assumes the ionization balance is separable from a determination of the excited-state populations that give rise to the spectra. GSM also allows for some states to be treated only as contributions to effective rates. While these two approximations are known to be valid at low densities, this work investigates using such methods to model high-density, non-LTE emission spectra and determines at what point the approximations break down by comparing to spectra produced by the LANL code ATOMIC which makes no such approximations. As both approximations are used by other astrophysical and low-density modeling codes, the results should be of broad interest. He-like K$\\alpha$ emission spectra are presented for Ni, Fe, and Ca, in order to gauge the effect of both approximations employed in GSM. This work confirms that at and above the temperature of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Metastable austenitic steels show excellent mechanical properties, such as high strength combined with excellent ductility and toughness due to martensitic transformation under mechanical loading (transformation induced plasticity effect). A good energy consumption, and, in the case of high-alloyed metastable austenitic steels, a high corrosion resistance, increase the potential of these materials for diverse applications, also in regard of safety requirements. Up to now, numerous wrought alloys were investigated concerning mechanical behaviour, TRIP-effect, martensitic transformation behaviour and modelling of transformation kinetics or stress-strain behaviour. New high alloyed cast CrMnNi-steels, developed at Technical University Bergakademie Freiberg, provide the chance to reduce processing steps, production time and costs. In order to understand the ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

We investigate two routes to obtain negative group velocity bands in two-dimensional phononic crystal structures. The negative dispersion originates from the resonances of sub-wavelength building blocks and as such, the system should be regarded as acoustic metamaterials. The first kind of acoustic metamaterial exhibits effectively negative bulk modulus and negative mass density simultaneously. Monopolar and dipolar Mie resonances are combined to achieve an effective medium with negative refractive index. In particular, we present a double negative metamaterial for airborne sonic waves. We then show that we can obtain negative group velocity from quadrupole resonances, and the result is explained using the quasi-static approximation. The negative dispersion in quadrupole bands cannot be de...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Using a quasi-static approach valid for Stefan numbers less than one, we derive approximate equations governing the movement of a phase change front for materials which generate internal heat. These models are applied for both constant surface temperature and constant surface heat flux boundary conditions, in cylindrical, spherical, plane wall and semi-infinite geometries. Exact solutions with the constant surface temperature condition are obtained for the steady-state solidification thickness using the cylinder, sphere, and plane wall geometries which show that the thickness depends on the inverse square root of the internal heat generation. Under constant surface heat flux conditions, closed form equations can be obtained for the three geometries. In the case of the semi-infinite wall, we show that for constant temperature and constant heat flux out of the wall conditions, the solidification layer grows then remelts. (orig.)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The present paper considers the evaluation of timber structures with the focus on robustness due to connection ductility. The robustness analysis is based on the structural reliability framework applied to a simplified mechanical system. The structural timber system is depicted as a parallel system. An evaluation method of the ductile behaviour is introduced. For different ductile behaviours, the system reliability is estimated based on Monte Carlo simulation. A correlation between the strength of the structural elements is introduced. The results indicate that the reliability of a structural timber system can be significantly increased due to the ductile behavior.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In view of the importance of the material Alloy 800 in high-temperature reactor plants (HTR), a material data bank was established which is used for statistical evaluation of mechanical and physical material behaviour. Based on investigations on the interconnection between the mechanical properties at high temperatures and the metallurgical parameters, different types of Alloy 800 were specified in compliance with the component requirements. In addition, aspects of corrosion and toughness behaviour were taken into consideration. The specifications and strength characteristics for the different variants of Alloy 800 were incorporated into draft DIN standards after discussion and approval in expert committees. Further important characteristics of the mechanical and physical material behaviour were summarized in HTR material data sheets so as to furnish an improved ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

High temperature deformation behaviour of an experimental Beta-titanium alloy Ti-10V has been studied in the temperature range 800 to 945 degree C by using the method of crosshead speed cycling. Although subgrain formation was observed but the alloy did not exhibit superplastic behaviour in the entire temperature range studied. A very large initial grain size and elongation of grains during the deformation are considered the main factors responsible for absence of superplastic behaviour. The activation energy values for regions II and III of the ln sigma vs. ln small epsilon plots are close to the lower of the two activation energy values proposed together to describe self diffusion in beta-phase suggesting that the rate controlling mechanism is that for lattice diffusion rather then grain boundary diffusion. (author)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The load-carrying capacity and ultimate deformation capacity of timber-concrete composite systems can be significantly influenced by the ductility of the connection between the two materials. The use of more ductile connections can increase the load-carrying capacity of the composite system as well as its ultimate deformation capacity. In this work, the potential increase that might be expected for these two parameters due to the use of ductile connections will be assessed through numerical simulations, taking the non-linear behaviour of the connections into account. Furthermore, the connection ductility required to achieve the maximum load capacity depends on the mechanical properties of the connection as well as on the geometric and mechanical properties of the composite system. There ar...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

When backward time travel through wormholes is taken into account, classical physics loses its determinism and allows simulation of some quantum behaviours. We show how it is possible to simulate a non-local wavefunction reduction-type effect, i.e. we present a mechanical analogy for the collapse of the wavefunction of an entangled state of two removed particles. This situation can be seen as the simplest EPR situation, i.e. the situation where there is just one direction to measure along the spin (or the correlated properties). We present no rigorous results here, just a different point of view about something that is generally thought to be impossible: modelling a quantum indeterministic and non-local behaviour with a mechanical system.

Science.gov (United States)

Data are presented on the insulating properties and capacitance-voltage (CV) characteristics of metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) device-thickness (below approx. 100 nm) native oxides formed by wet thermal oxidation of thin InAlP epilayers lattice matched to GaAs. Low leakage current densities of J=1.4 x 10-9 A/cm2 and J=8.7 x 10-11 A/cm2 are observed at an applied field of 1 MV/cm for MOS capacitors fabricated with 17 nm and 48 nm oxides, respectively. TEM images show that the In-rich interfacial particles which exist in 110 nm oxides are absent in 17 nm oxide films. Quasi-static capacitance-voltage measurements of MOS capacitors fabricated on both n-type and p-type GaAs show that the InAlP oxide-GaAs interface is sufficiently free of traps to support inversion, indicating an unpinned Fermi level. These data suggest that InAlP native oxides may be a viable insulator for GaAs MOS device applications.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The relationships of hydrogen alloyed #beta#-titanium alloy deformation behaviour to its microstructure and texture are investigated. It is shown that plasticity increases and strain induced texture changes at low hydrogen contents (0.1-0.2 mass %). Possible mechanisms responsible for specific features of #beta#-Ti alloy deformation are discussed. The study is made using alloy VT35 doped with hydrogen

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Although there is service experience of Alloy 800 as tubing for superheaters in conventional and nuclear (HTR) power stations and in PWR heat exchangers, there is no corresponding service experience in sodium-cooled fast reactor steam generators. However, some limited experimental studies have been made of corrosion behaviour, and of possible structure modifications and effects on mechanical properties which occur during exposure of this material to a high temperature sodium environment, and these are summarised in the paper. It is concluded that further work needs to be done before Alloy 800 can be confidently endorsed for use as tubing in fast reactor steam generators. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The results of the thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) study of the FEBEX bentonite performed during FEBEX II are presented. The laboratory test program continued in part with the works carried out during FEBEX I, particularly in activities related to tests aimed to the calibration of the models, the acquisition of parameters by back-analysis and the improvement of the knowledge on the behaviour of expansive clays. But the program has also included tests on new areas: investigations about the influence of the microstructure changes in bentonite, of temperature and of the solute concentration on the behaviour of clay. Besides, several tests were proposed in order to understand the unexpected behaviour observed in the mock-up test, towards the end of year 2. Temperature effects on water retention curves in confined and unconfined conditions were determined, and swelling pressure, hydraulic conductivity and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The sliding friction and wear behaviour of different steel qualities were investigated with and without lubrication conditions. Steel qualities tested are normally used in the overhead conveyor system of many industrial fields, like the automotive sector. Sliding wear tests have been conducted by means of a pin-on-disk machine. A 100Cr6 steel similar to that used within the overhead conveyor trolleys has been employed as a pin. Friction coefficient values obtained under lubrication conditions were three times smaller than those obtained without lubrication. The mechanism that controls wear behaviour under lubrication conditions is an abrasive one and the wear values obtained are almost worthless. On the other hand, mechanism controlling wear during non lubrication tests, was a combination of abrasion and adhesion. (Author) 20 refs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The PERMCAT process chosen for the final clean-up stage of the Tokamak Exhaust Processing system of the ITER tritium plant combines in a single component a catalytic reactor and a permeator using Pd/Ag membranes. This study covers the mechanical behaviour of a Pd/Ag membrane under different operating conditions. The consequences of hydrogen uptake by the membrane during nominal operation but also during off-normal events are presented. Depending on the operating conditions, expansions around 2% and significant deformations are observed. Different mechanical designs of PERMCAT reactors are then discussed. The first generation comprises finger-type membranes and two new mechanical designs use either additional edge welded bellows or a special corrugated Pd/Ag membrane. These upgraded designs improve the robustness and simplify the geometry of the component. The experimental validation of these new units ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The goal of this lecture is to give an overview of important concepts connected to organisational factors and to provide an understanding of mechanisms by which they can contribute to safe or unsafe behaviour of people. The lecture gives examples of ways to organise work, organisational deficiencies and good practices applied in safety oriented organisations. The lecture also gives an introduction to international work and Finnish national regulation connected to organisation and management. (orig.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A thesis is presented on improving the understanding of the fatigue properties of wood and fatigue failure mechanisms in the design of wind turbine blades. Three main areas were researched: the effect of R ratio on fatigue life, the effect of moisture on fatigue life and the development of cumulative damage laws. Tests were carried out on mainly four-ply laminates. Recommendations to future work are outlined. (U.K.).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Titanium base 'alpha'-alloys (Pt-7M, RK-20 and Ti-5Al-2Zr-1.5V) are considered for their behaviour under neutron irradiation. The role of alloying elements in radiation hardening is discussed depending of neutron fluence and irradiation temperature. For PK-20 alloy three stages of change in mechanical properties are revealed which are following: incubation period and weak hardening, intense radiation hardening, radiation hardening attenuation. Irradiation temperature rise results in an increase of incubation period and threshold neutron fluence. A special attention is paid to hydrogen absorption in #alpha#-titanium alloys under irradiation. It is concluded that titanium base 'alpha'-alloys are serviceable as structural materials in nuclear plants with allowance made for peculiar features of their radiation behaviour. 4 refs.; 7 figs.; 1 tab.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

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 impedance spectroscopy (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...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Samples of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and nylon 66, of grades suitable for use in medical prostheses, were subjected to irradiation using a /sup 60/Co source. The effects of a 10 Mrad dose on percentage crystallinity, tensile behaviour and dynamic mechanical response were established 3 days after irradiation at intervals over a one year period. Crystallinity in UHMWPE was found to increase progressively during this period with consequent changes in mechanical behaviour. It is proposed that the observed ageing process arises from the breakdown of metastable groups in the polymer, which are formed on irradiation, with consequent release of long inter-lamella tie chains. This removes an inhibition to crystal perfection processes, which can occur at room temperature in polyethylene. Infra-red spectroscopic evidence supports the proposal that the metastable species is peroxy or ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A self-optimizing pole-shifting control algorithm has been developed for an adaptive power system stabilizer (APSS) to improve its dynamic performance and autonomous operation. The proposed algorithm deals with the system frequency and time domain characteristics simultaneously to guarantee stability and to enhance the performance of the closed-loop system. The mechanism of discrete control system control limits influencing the closed loop system behaviour is studied. Short-term behaviour is studied by introducing the concept of a short-term behaviour index. With the introduction of dynamic control limits, an effective discrete control system design method is proposed. A PSS oriented power system dynamics simulation package (PSDSP) has been developed. Using the PSDSP, simulation studies were performed with the proposed APSS applied to a single machine and a multi machine power system. The performance of ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In the present work, bulk amorphous and nanocrystalline Al83Fe17 alloys were obtained by consolidation of mechanically alloyed powders. Mechanical alloying of Al-17% Fe powder mixture yielded powder with an amorphous structure. Thermal behaviour of the milling product was examined using differential scanning calorimetry. This investigation revealed that the amorphous phase crystallised above 380^oC. The amorphous powder was compacted under a pressure of 7.7GPa in different conditions: at 380^oC for 600s and at 1000^oC for 180s. Structural investigations of the bulk material revealed that the amorphous structure was retained after consolidation process applied at 380^oC. Compaction under high pressure at 1000^oC caused crystallisation of the amorphous phase and appearance of metastable nano...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Four classrooms of two secondary schools located around Lyon in France have been monitored. The objectives are to analyse the quality of the indoor air and the thermal comfort and also the behaviour of the occupants towards opening of the windows. This paper briefly describes the context and the nature of the monitoring campaign, and presents the results of the measurements with direct interpretation of the ventilation needs. Results from this study show that allowable CO{sub 2} levels are overpassed several times in a school day. The presence of a mechanical ventilation system leads to lower peaks but the fresh airflow is too small to prevent an indoor confining, that is also revealed by the aerobiological analysis. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The differences are highlighted of various aspects of behaviour of the luminescence signal from feldspar when stimulated by green light and when stimulated by infrared radiation. In respect of bleaching, a comparison is made of the influence of white light (daylight) on the two stimulated luminescence signals, as well as a comparison of the influence of infrared exposure on the green-stimulated signal with the influence of green exposure on the infrared-stimulated signal. The influence of preheating on the two stimulated signals is also compared. Light-emitting diode systems were used for both green and infrared stimulation. The observations are considered in relation to the mechanism relevant to green- and infrared-stimulated luminescence from feldspar. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The A dependence of cumulative pion production yield cross sections on the basis of the comparison of the data on relative pion yields on Be,C,Al,Ti,Mo and W nuclei at the 159 deg angle laboratory system for the incident proton energy E_0 from 25 to 62 GeV is considered. The regular A dependence on cumulative variable X is noted. The results are compared with the data at E_0< 10 GeV. A possible interpretation of the observed behaviour on the basis of the hypothesis of the flucton mechanism of the pion production in the cumulative region is discussed. 15 refs.; 4 figs.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In situ composites based on poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalate) (PEN) and a thermotropic liquid crystal polymer (Vectra A950) were prepared by melt blending under different processing conditions. Thermal behaviour, mechanical and physical properties and morphology of the blends were investigated. The DSC analysis indicates that, as expected, Vectra enhances the crystallization process of PEN. Moreover, mechanical and thermal tests evidence the significant role of 20wt% Vectra on increasing the material performances; tensile properties, coupled with SEM, show that strength and modulus of PEN are significantly improved when Vectra domains are long and continuous fibrils. The overall results can be attributed to the compatibilisation of the system induced by the mixing conditions that affect the e...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In many drug dispensing devices, such as syringes and inhalers, an elatomeric gasket is used to prevent the formulation from leaking from the chamber. During device actuation, the seal is subjected to friction, which in turn causes its deformation and can cause unintentional leakage, thus dose variability. Additionally, friction of seal is responsible for a host of potential problems such undue effort required for actuation and potential wear. The mechanism of friction generation in the seal conjunction is complex, arising from adhesion of rubber in contact with the moving interface, viscous action of a thin film of fluid and deformation of seal asperities. Therefore, the first step in understanding the conjunctional behaviour of rubber seals is a fundamental study of mechanisms of frictio...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This paper deals with steel fiber reinforced concrete mechanical static behaviour and with its classification with respect to fibers content and mix-design variations. A number of experimental tests were conducted to investigate uniaxial compressive strength and tensile strength. Different mixtures were prepared varying both mix-design and fiber length. Fibers content in volume was of 1% and 2%. Mechanical characterization was performed by means of uniaxial compression tests with the aim of deriving the ultimate compressive strength of fiber concrete. Four-point bending tests on notched specimens were carried out to derive the first crack strength and the ductility indexes. The tensile strength of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) was obtained both from an experimental procedure and b...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Short communication. 3 refs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sulfate attack of cement-based materials remains an important problem for the durability assessment of containers and disposal engineering barriers dedicated to the long-term storage of radioactive wastes since underground water which may reach these elements contains small quantities of sulfates (7-31 mmol/1). This work contributes to the study of sulfate-induced damage mechanisms, to their understanding and modelling. The experimental phases of this study aimed at the understanding of the different physico-chemical phenomena involved during an external sulfate attack at following their evolution and their impact on the transport and mechanical properties of the material. Leaching experiments in pure water and in a solution of sodium sulfate (with a sulfate content of 15 mmol/1), have been performed simultaneously on OPC paste (w/c 0,4)in order to allow a comparison of test results. The frequent analysis of the leachant has shown a consumption ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The suitability of the turbulent combustion flamelets model in order to predict the index of NO{sub x} production in turbulent flames of hydrogen diffusion is analyzed. In the flamelet approach, the turbulent flame is equivalent to a group of laminar flames submitted to a mechanical stretching which generates a chemical disequilibrium. This effect can be described by the stretching or by the scalar dissipation ratio. A numerical modeling is performed in order to evaluate the advantages of both approaches and to compare the behaviour of the NO{sub x} emission index with the experiments of Chen and Driscoll. This study shows that predictions of NO{sub x} emission indexes have a correct behaviour with respect to the Damkoehler number only when the scalar dissipation ratio is used as a parameter to describe the chemical state outside equilibrium. Predictions of the flamelet models are improving when the Damkoehler number ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The pozzolanic behaviour of compound-activated red mud-coal gangue has been investigated through TG, DTA, XRD, FTIR and 27Al MAS NMR. From viewpoint of reaction kinetics, it is found that the pozzolanic reaction mechanism of the compound-activated red mud-coal gangue - lime system is clearly consistent with diffusion control up to 14 days, and the reaction rate constant calculated from Jander equation decreases with the increase of CaO addition in the system. The hydration products formed in the red mud-coal gangue - lime systems at ambient temperature are essentially aluminous C-S-H and Ca3Al2O6.xH2O. From TG analysis results, it is thought that the high amount of Ca(OH)2 in the pastes of studied system is not conducive to the continual increase of non-evaporable water content of the hydration products. Of particular interest, 27Al MAS NMR proved to be an effective technique to obtain valuable information of Al[4] in C-S-H and Al[6] in ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The open circuit potential (OCP) of stainless steels immersed in natural waters generally increases with time. This phenomenon is strongly linked to the formation of a bio-film on the surface. Several studies have proved that the bio-film modifies the reaction of reduction of dissolved oxygen and that it acts mainly on the cathodic processes. One of the hypotheses explaining the action of the bio-film involves certain bacteria which use dissolved oxygen and extracellular enzymes to produce reactive oxygen species. Among this kind of metabolites is hydrogen peroxide H{sub 2}O{sub 2}. This compound interacts with the passive layer of stainless steels and affects their electrochemical behaviour, even when the chloride concentration is low. The aim of this work is to study the influence of an enzymatic reaction (of the oxidoreductase type) on anodic and cathodic processes on AISI 316L stainless steel. Experiments are carried out in two artificial electrolytes ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Internal combustion engines with mechanically driven superchargers are known for good performance at low engine speeds and fast response times under fluctuating loads. Application engineers can choose between superchargers with and without internal compression - the familiar roots (blower) type or true compressors - for supercharging an internal combustion engine. This article by DaimlerChrysler describes two options for improving the partial load behaviour of mechanically supercharged internal combustion engines with compressors. (orig.) [German] Die Aufladung mit mechanisch angetriebenen Verdraengerladern zeichnet sich durch guten Druckaufbau bei niedrigen Drehzahlen und gute Dynamik bei Lastwechseln aus. Fuer die Applikation am Verbrennungsmotor koennen Maschinen ohne innere Verdichtung - wie die bekannten Roots-Geblaese - oder Maschinen mit innerer Verdichtung - Kompressoren im eigentlichen Sinne - zum Einsatz kommen. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A thermodynamic analysis of the behaviour of Alloy 800 in helium based atmospheres relevant to the High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor indicates that, depending upon the precise gas composition, oxidation and carburisation, or carburisation alone may be expected. The prime influence appears to be the moisture level. The morphology and structure of the reaction products are discussed. It is shown that the 'reactive' elements chromium, manganese, titanium and silicon are concentrated in the oxide scale which is normally duplex in structure. Aluminium oxide is formed at grain boundaries and in an internal oxidation zone together with titanium and sometimes silicon. In carburising conditions, mixed titanium-chromium carbides are formed. When this occurs, intergranular penetration is maximised. Weight gain data are assessed and briefly described and a tentative model for the mechanism of corrosion of Alloy 800 in HTR helium is proposed. Areas for ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Several compatibilising systems were added to high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyamide 6 (PA6) blends in the presence of an organically modified montmorillonite (OMM). All the blends were prepared by using a co-rotating twin-screw extruder and characterized by SEM, TEM and XRD analyses. In addition, the rheological behaviour and the mechanical properties - tensile and impact - were evaluated. The presence of OMM affects the dimensions of the polymeric phases in the blend but not their mutual adhesion, granted only by the compatibilisers. TEM, SEM and XRD analyses indicated that there is a strict correlation between the compatibilisation level and the final interlayer distance achieved by OMM. Even if some filled compatibilised blends showed a fairly good morphology - in terms of phas...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

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.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A survey is presented of the principles and practice of tailoring sintering liquid composition and processing cycle to enable crystallisation of intergranular phases in silicon nitride and sialon ceramics. Critical features in sialon ceramics are the O/N balance in residual glasses and post-sintering heat-treatment temperatures to enable nucleation of either intermediate phases at constant composition or oxide phases with re-partitioning of non stoichiometric components in #beta#' or #alpha#' solid solutions. Crystallisation of disilicate phases in non-sialon compositions exemplifies a problem in control of polymorphs with differing atomic volumes. Crystallisation of intergranular phases has an influence mainly on high-temperature mechanical and environmental behaviour of these ceramics. (orig.).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The facilities in the Institute for Nuclear Research at Pitesti allow the testing, handling and examination of nuclear fuel and irradiated materials. The most important facilities are the TRIGA Steady State Research and Material Test Reactor and the Post-Irradiation Examination Laboratory (PIEL). The purpose of this work is to determine by post-irradiation examination, the behavior of CANDU fuel, irradiated in 14 MW TRIGA reactor. The fuel was irradiated in power ramp conditions. The results of post-irradiation examination are: - Visual inspection and photography of the outer appearance of sheath; - Profilometry (diameter, bending, ovality) and length measuring; - Determination of axial and radial distribution of the fusion products activity by gamma scanning and tomography; - Microstructural characterization by metallographic and ceramographic analyzes; - Mechanical properties determination. The data obtained from the post-irradiation examination are used to ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The role of helium in a process of embrittlement and hardening of RAFM steels was investigated in EUROFER97 based experimental heats, ADS2, ADS3 and ADS4, that were doped with different contents of natural B and the separated 10B-isotope (0.008-0.112 wt.%). The neutron irradiation of the boron doped and the reference RAFM steels was performed in the Petten High Flux Reactor up to 16.3 dpa at different temperatures between 250 and 450 deg. C. The embrittlement behaviour and hardening was investigated by instrumented Charpy-V tests with subsize specimens. Irradiation lead to generation of 84, 432 and 5580 appm He in ADS2, ADS3 and ADS4 steels, respectively. At irradiation temperatures Tirr ? 350 deg. C the boron doped steals show progressive embrittlement and reduction of toughness with increasing helium amount. The analysis of the hardening vs. embrittlement behaviour at Tirr ? 350 deg. C reveals hardening nature of embrittlement for helium ...

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The CASTOC project addresses environmentally assisted cracking (EAC) phenomena in low alloy steels used for pressure boundary components in both Western type boiling water reactors (BWR) and Russian type pressurised water reactors (VVER). It comprises the four work packages (WP): inter-laboratory comparison test (WP1); EAC behaviour under static load (WP2), EAC behaviour under cyclic load and load transients (WP3); evaluation of the results with regard to their relevance for components in practice (WP4). The use of sophisticated test facilities and measurement techniques for the on-line detection of crack advances have provided a more detailed understanding of the mechanisms of environmentally assisted cracking and provided quantitative data of crack growth rates as a function of loading events and time, respectively. The effect of several major parameters controlling EAC was investigated with particular emphasis on the ...

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The results of the laboratory studies performed by CIEMAT with the FEBEX bentonite in the context of WP3.2 of the NF-PRO Project and of the Agreement ENRESA-CIEMAT Anexo V are presented and analysed in this report. They refer to the effect of the hydraulic gradient on the permeability of bentonite, the effect of the thermal gradient on the hydration kinetics of bentonite, and the repercussion of temperature on the hydro-mechanical properties of bentonite (swelling, permeability and water retention capacity). In all the cases the bentonite has been used compacted to densities expected in the engineered barrier of a high-level radioactive waste repository. The existence of threshold and critical hydraulic gradients has been observed, both of them dependent on bentonite density and water pressures. After more than seven years of hydration, the 40-cm high bentonite columns are far from full saturation, the thermal gradient additionally delaying the process, which is ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The effect of microalloying with carbide-forming (V,Ti,Nb) and rare-earth elements and of high-temperature thermomechanical processing (HTMP) on the structure, mechanical properties and low temperature behaviour of 38CrSi steel has been investigated. It has been shown that in the case of dissolution of carbides during heating for quench hardening, the tempering resistance of the steel increases. It has also been found that - as a result of HTMP - the susceptibility of the steel irreversible temper brittleness decreases, irrespective of the steel having been microalloyed or not. The data, originating from tensile testing and impact testing (with the help of laser interferometry) in the temperature range from +20 to -196 degC, has been explained in terms of fractographic analysis. It has been shown that microalloying and HTMP favour the occurrence of ductile microvoids in the fracture. On the other hand, HTMP and rare-earth elements changes the ...

CERN Document Server

Nonequilibrium statistical mechanics

KoreaScience (Korea)

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Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nickel-titanium alloys may coexist in more than one crystalline structure. There is a high temperature phase, austenite, and a low temperature phase, martensite. The metallurgical basis for the superelasticity and the shape memory effect relies in the ability of these alloys to transform easily from one phase to another. There are three essential factors for the orthodontist to understand nickel-titanium alloys behaviour: stress; deflection; and temperature. These three factors are related to each other by the stress-deflection, stress-temperature and deflection-temperature diagrams. This work was undertaken with the objective to analyse commercial nickel-titanium alloys for orthodontics application, using the dynamical mechanical analyser - DMA. Four NiTi 0,017 X 0,025'' archwires were studied. The archwires were Copper NiTi 35 deg C (Ormco), Neo Sentalloy F200 (GAC), Nitinol Superelastic (Unitek) and NiTi (GAC). The ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Natural cooling conditions of the nuclear fuel in the channel type reactor after its shut down are commonly determined with relatively high uncertainty. This is not only to he lack of adequate measurements of thermal parameters i.e. the residual power generation, the coolant flow and temperatures, but also due to indeterminate model of convection mechanism. The numerical simulation of natural convection in multitube fuel assembly in the fuel channel leads to various convection modes including evidently chaotic behaviour. To determine the real cooling conditions in the MARIA research reactor a series of experiments has been performed with fuel assembly equipped with a set of thermocouples. After some forced cooling period (the shortest was half an hour after the reactor shut down) the reactor was left with the only natural convection. Two completely different cooling modes have been observed. The MARIA core consists of series of individual fuel ...

Science.gov (United States)

The mantis shrimp Squilla mantis shows a graded series of avoidance/escape responses to visual and mechanical (vibration and touch) rostral stimuli. A low-threshold response is mediated by the simultaneous protraction of the thoracic walking legs and abdominal swimmerets and telson, producing a backwards 'lurch' or jump that can displace the animal by up to one-third of its body length, but leaves it facing in the same direction. A stronger response starts with similar limb protraction, but is followed by partial abdominal flexion. The maximal response also consists of limb protraction followed by abdominal flexion, but in this case the abdominal flexion is sufficiently vigorous to pull the animal into a tight vertical loop, which leaves it inverted and facing away from the stimulus. The animal then swims forward (away from the stimulus) and rights itself by executing a half-roll. A bilaterally paired, large-diameter, rapidly conducting axon in the dorsal region of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Slurry aluminizing is one method of protecting titanium alloys and intermetallics at temperatures at which oxidation would otherwise significantly degrade mechanical properties. The technique produces a continuous layer of alumina-forming TiAl_3 on exposed surfaces. The influence of composition, film thickness, and diffusion temperature upon the oxidation resistance of these slurry aluminides was studied in cyclic tests to 816degC (1500deg F). Degradation of slurry aluminized #beta#-titanium alloy and #alpha#-Z titanium aluminide intermetallic occurs by localized oxidation at cracks in the coating layer. These cracks are probably due to mismatch of coefficients of thermal expansion between the coatings and substrates. Addition of silicon to the slurry modifies the oxidation behaviour around a crack by introducing a continuous layer of titanium silicide at the boundary of the aluminide coating and substrate, thereby enhancing oxidation ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Under typical conditions found in Pressurized Fluidized Bed Combustion (PFBC), the calcination reaction of limestones is thermodynamically inhibited, and the sorbent reacts with SO{sub 2} by a direct mechanism. Direct sulfation reactivity of different Spanish sorbents was studied by high-pressure thermogravimetric analysis. It was found that the physical structure of the surface of the particles influence the sulfation behaviour of the sorbents. Total pore volume and pore surface area correlated well with the reactivity of the sorbents. Temperatures between 800 and 925{degree}C, and pressure between 12 and 25 bar, promoted an increase in reactivity, while the gas composition had no effect when changed from 15% CO{sub 2}, 3% O{sub 2}, 0.5% SO{sub 2}, balance N{sub 2} to 12% CO{sub 2}, 7% O{sub 2}, 0.5% SO{sub 2}, balance N{sub 2}. It was found that the unreacted shrinking core model could not satisfactorily describe the sulfation reaction under ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The results of these investigations can be summarised as follows: At simulated operating stress most naturally occuring faults in welded- and cast iron parts develop cracks and can be assessed for reliability under fatigue-,creep- and creep fatigue behaviour according to the laws of fracture mechanics. The empirically determined correlation between the real fault size and the ultrasonic inspection results (height of echo, echo dynamics, sound weakening) lead to better assessment of real fault extension in turbine components. It is very important to adapt the method of inspection and assessment to the type of possible fault.(orig.) [German] Die bei diesen Untersuchungen ermittelten Ergebnisse lassen sich wie folgt zusammenfassen: - Die Mehrzahl der untersuchten natuerlichen Fehlstellen in den Schmiede- und Gussstuecken verhalten sich unter den simulierten Betriebsbeanspruchungen rissartig und sind damit mittels den bruchmechanischen Gesetzen in ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The nature of the electrolyte strongly influences the electrode kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and electrochemical ozone production (EOP) mainly by affecting the degree of coverage by the intermediates of both processes. The anomalous behaviour of the Tafel coefficient, b, as a function of temperature was attributed to surface adsorption of the electrolyte species, and the competition between them, as well as gas bubble adherence. Comparison of the current efficiencies of the EOP, PHI_E_O_P, determined for different temperatures and supporting electrolyte compositions, showed the presence of fluorinated anions increases PHI_E_O_P. The influence of the anion nature on PHI_E_O_P, when analysed in the light of the proposed electrode mechanism, reveals introduction into the electrolyte of anions having a high electronegativity changes the double layer structure resulting in an increase of surface concentration of the active centres ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

To improve organic electronic applications, knowledge about microscopic mechanisms determining the charge carrier mobilities is pivotal. 9,10-Diphenylanthracene (DPA) has been identified as model system to study those correlations due to its high electron and hole mobilities at room temperature and its complex structural phase behaviour. We demonstrate our temperature dependent Time-Of-Flight data on single crystals grown by vapor phase transport (VPT) and by Bridgman growth technique. Both preparation techniques revealed crystals of different morphologies resulting in significant variations of the related bipolar mobilities. As a key result, the charge carrier mobility of {proportional_to}1 cm{sup 2}/Vs at room temperature along the (111)-direction of Bridgman crystals exceeds that along the (001)-direction of VPT grown crystals by about one order of magnitude. The observed differences in the mobility data are discussed in the context of the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wind power is an increasingly significant renewable energy resource, producing no environmentally damaging C0{sub 2} emissions. The efficient production of electricity by wind turbines relies on aerodynamics: aerodynamics of wind turbines provides the fundamental solutions to efficient wind turbine design. Following a historical introduction, Part 1 of Aerodynamics of Wind Turbines is concerned with basic rotor aerodynamics, while Part 2 deals with structural aspects of the wind turbine and calculation of the loads on it. Topics covered include increasing mass flow through the turbine, performance at low and high wind speeds, assessment of the extreme conditions under which the turbine will perform and the theory for calculating the lifetime of the turbine. The classical Blade Element Momentum method is also covered, as are eigenmodes and the dynamic behaviour of a turbine. Aerodynamics of Wind Turbines is an essential reference for both engineering students and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Deposition of hard coatings may influence the mechanical properties of the bulk material and its corrosion resistance. In this work we study the hardness of the coated and the back side of 100Cr6 steel plates. Electrochemical corrosion tests were performed in O{sub 2}-saturated acetate buffer of pH 5.6 at 25degC. Chromium nitride and titanium nitride coatings prepared by different physical vapour deposition processes, such as arc, thermionic arc evaporation, magnetron sputtering and ion-beam-assisted deposition (IBAD) were compared. The results show that, for sufficient corrosion protection, chromium nitride layers have to be thicker than 500 nm. An increased nitrogen partial pressure in the evaporation chamber of the IBAD process improves the corrosion resistance significantly. The hardness of the substrates was reduced in the case of thermoionic arc evaporation only, indicating a deposition temperature of more than 250degC. For this process, however, we obtained ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundTo determine male outpatient attenders' sexual behaviours, expectations and experience of talking about their sexuality and sexual health needs with a doctor.MethodsA...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Given the high prevalence of overweight and low levels of physical activity among children, a better understanding of physical activity behaviour is an important step in intervention planning. This...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Comparative sociogenomics has the potential to provide important insights into how social behaviour evolved. We examined brain gene expression profiles of the primitively eusocial wasp Polistes...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

With the frequent load changes to which a hard coal power station is subjected in the middle and peak load range, great demands are linked with the transient behaviour of the steam generator. Due to the serial connection of the crusher and boiler, the strongly delaying transient behaviour of the crusher compounds entirely with the transient behaviour of the steam generator. Therefore, a suggestion is to be made here as to the improvement of the dynamics of the crusher.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We show that the chaotic dynamical behaviour displayed by diagonal Bianchi type IX metrics in general relativity does not occur on approach to the singularity in higher-order lagrangian theories of gravity. However, chaotic behaviour does occur in the more general non-diagonal type IX models in these theories. An interpretation of these results in terms of the hamiltonian potential picture of the type IX evolution is given. (orig.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The interdiffusion behaviour of MCrAlY-coats on polycrystalline and single-crystalline materials of a similar composition (IN 738 LC/SC 16)shows similar interdiffusion characteristics. TCF-tests, where stress is generated by temperature and sample geometry at the edges of a disk-shaped sample, show that it is possible to differentiate betwee crack resistance of coated and uncoated samples. This method is also suitable for screening tests with different coat thicknesses. Coating of the edge area must, however, be done with great diligence in order to prevent coat thickness variation as results would then not be reproducable. Contrary to TCF (thermal cycle fatigue) TMF-tests (thermal mechanical fatigue)allow to set the stress states that one wishes to test. This method is therefore well suited for testing under operating conditions.(orig.) [German] Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wurde gezeigt, dass das Interdiffusionsverhalten von MCrAlY-Schichten auf ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Literature on examples of phytoremediation techniques used in the in-situ remediation of soils contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons is reviewed. The review includes discussion of the key mechanisms involved in each case, benefits, limitations and costs compared to alternative approaches, including natural attenuation, engineering and bioremediation. Review of the literature led to the conclusion that phytoremediation is an effective method for degrading and containing petroleum hydrocarbons in soil, and confirmed the ability of plants to transfer volatile petroleum hydrocarbons, such as napthalene, from the soil to the atmosphere via transpiration. The primary loss mechanism for the degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons appears to be microorganisms in the rhizosphere of plants. The available information also suggests that plants may degrade petroleum hydrocarbons directly, although the indirect role played by plants is far more common. These ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The atmospheric chemical behaviour of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (CF{sub 3}CFH{sub 2}, HFC-134a) with respect to its rate and mechanism of degradation in the troposphere has been investigated. The rate coefficient for the reaction of (1a) CF{sub 3}CFH{sub 2}+OH{yields}CF{sub 3}CFH+H{sub 2}O has been determined in direct time-resolved experiments using laser-pulse initiation and laser long-path absorption. A value of k{sub 1a}=(4.6{+-}0.5).10{sup -15} cm{sup 3}/s at T=295 K has been found. The ratio of the rate coefficients for the reactions of the CF{sub 3}CFHO-radical with O{sub 2}, (4) CF{sub 3}CFHO+O{sub 2}{yields}CF{sub 3}CFO+HO{sub 2}, and C-C bond fission, (5) CF{sub 3}CFHO+M{yields}CFHO+CF{sub 3}+M, for T=295 K and p{sub total}=50 mbar (O{sub 2}) has been obtained to be k{sub 4}/(k{sub 5}[M])=1.5.10{sup -19} cm{sup 3}, with the individual values being k{sub 4}=2.7.10{sup -15} cm{sup 3}/s and k{sub 5}[M]=1.8.10{sup 4} s{sup -1}. The ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The second international conference on containment design and operation included sessions on the following topics: performance and regulatory requirements; radionuclide behaviour; severe accident design and analysis; operation, maintenance, leaking and aging of containment systems; thermal hydraulic behaviour of containment systems; hydrogen mixing and mitigation; design methods and concepts; code validation; structural analysis and response tests; passive safety systems; aerosol behaviour; containment reliability, integrity, and risk assessment; hydrogen deflagration and detonation. Due prominence was given to CANDU and other PHWR reactors. The individual papers have been abstracted separately.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

... calcium 47 combustion dry ashing high temperature labelled compounds lead

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The author discusses the formulation and application of the theory of quasi-catastrophes for the behaviour and properties of tachyons. This approach assists in the interpretation of experiments where tachyons may be involved. (W.D.L.).

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Securing the co-operation of persons supplying information required for medical statistics is essentially a problem in human relations, and an understanding of the motivations, attitudes, and behaviour...Full Text Available

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Fitness, (biometric measurements, reproduction) and behaviour that are ecologically relevant biomarkers in assessing the quality of estuarine sediments were studied by comparing the responses of the polychaete worm Nereis diversicolor - a key species in estuaries - along a pollution gradient. Intersite differences were shown for all the measured parameters: size-weight relationships, energy reserves as glycogen and lipids, sexual maturation patterns, total number of oocytes per female, total and relative fecundity, burrowing behaviour. The physiological and behavioural status of N. diversicolor was consistently disturbed in the larger, most contaminated estuaries (Loire and Seine, Fr.) compared to reference sites (Bay of Bourgneuf, Goyen estuary, Fr.). Many classes of potentially toxic che...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Maternal stress during pregnancy, particularly that combined with low socioeconomic status (SES), has been linked to an increased risk for impaired behavioural and emotional development and affective disorders in children. In animal models, acute periods of prenatal stress have profound effects on hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) function and behaviour. However, few studies have determined the impact of chronic exposure to stress in animal models. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of chronic maternal stress (CMS) during the 2nd half of pregnancy and nursing on growth, locomotor behaviour and HPA axis function in juvenile guinea pig offspring. Pregnant guinea pigs were exposed to a random combination of variable stressors every other day over the 2nd half of gestat...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This thesis presents an experimental study performed on compacted loose and natural dense expansive soils using osmotic odometers. Several successive cycles were applied under three different low constant vertical net stresses. The loose soil presents a significant shrinkage accumulation while the dense one produces the swelling accumulation during the suction cycles. The suction cycles induced an equilibrium stage which indicates an elastic behaviour of the samples. At the end of suction cycles, a loading/unloading test was performed at the constant suctions for both materials. The mechanical parameters, i.e. the virgin compression index lambda(s), the apparent pre-consolidation stress p0(s) and the elastic compression index values lambda are completely dependent on the followed stress paths. The whole experimental results made it possible to define the yielding surfaces: suction limit between micro and macrostructure (Lm/M), loading collapse ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Under the current design philosophy, reactor structures are to be designed to withstand large inelastic deformation caused by strong and severe ground motion. The design of the main structural elements and their connections are to be such that they always fail in ductile mode. This will ensure large energy absorption capacity of the structures under seismic excitation and avoid sudden and brittle failure of the structure. Over the years, a number of experimental investigations have been carried out on RC beam- column joints to study their behaviour and strength. However, these studies mostly pertain to small scale joints of moment resisting frame of residential buildings and commercial complexes. Information on full scale joints existing in NPP structures are scanty. Therefore, experimental programme was planned in the laboratory to construct identical large sized joints with the same reinforcement percentage and detail as that of the existing joints in NPP ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Proposals for use of Alloy 800 as a H.T.R. boiler material have prompted studies of its creep and high temperature fatigue properties in impure helium with comparative tests in air. In impure helium, as expected in a H.T.R., reactions of potential importance are selective oxidation (of chromium, aluminium and titanium) and possibly carburisation from carbon monoxide or methane. In air, general oxidation will occur, possibly accompanied by nitridation. The effects of these reactions will depend on specimen geometry and the nature of the deformation. Two important possibilities are: (i) that environment affects the structure and properties of a surface zone of material undegoing uniform deformation (this may modify creep rate and crack nucleation); and (ii) that environment affects behaviour of a small region (e.g. at the root of a notch or ahead of a crack) in a specimen undergoing non-uniform deformation (this will modify crack growth and hence rupture life or ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dynamic recrystallization (DRX) is the main softening mechanism of magnesium alloy AZ31B in hot deformation. Theoretically, in the flow rule the atomic diffusibility and the driving force of dislocation migration are dependent on the temperature, and the dislocation density and the cumulation of grain boundary energy are dependent on the strain rate. The peak stress will appear when the flow driving force and resistance force reach a balance, after which the stress descending will take place due to recrystallization fraction. Since the DRX is a thermally activated process, the recrystallized volume fraction can be regarded as the function of strain through Avrami equation. Based on this idea, the paper proposes a new constitutive model characterizing dynamic recrystallization for magnesium alloy AZ31B. The model is described by a peak stress and a strain softening rate, in which the peak stress depends only on Zener-Hollomon parameter and is determined through ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ruthenium is one of the fission products in the reprocessing of irradiated fuels that requires a specific processing management. Its elimination, upstream by the PUREX process, has been considered. A process, called electro-volatilization, which take advantage of the RuO{sub 4} volatility, has been optimised in the present study. It consists in a continuous electrolysis of ruthenium solutions in order to generate RuO{sub 4} species that is volatilized and easily trapped. This process goes to satisfying ruthenium elimination yields with RuNO(NO{sub 3}){sub 3}(H{sub 2}O){sub 2} synthetic solutions but not with fuel dissolution solutions. Consequently, this work consisted in the speciation studies of dissolved ruthenium species were carried out by simulating fuel solutions produced by hot acid attack of several ruthenium compounds (Ru(0), RuO{sub 2},xH{sub 2}O, polymetallic alloy). In parallel with dissolution kinetic studies, the determination of dissolved species was performed using ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this study, deformation modes and precipitations have been characterized in test pieces made of alloy 800, grade 2 hyper-hardened state and age-conditioned for 3000 h at 550/sup 0/C, used for steam generator tubes of the Super Phenix Reactor, after continuous fatigue and fatigue-relaxation tests in the oligocyclic range. This microstructural study has provided an interpretation of the fatigue behaviour of the material.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This study presents the results of an 18-year long investigation of pipe deterioration in cyclone slag slurry transport. The goal was to study pipe behaviour in this extremely abrasive service and select an optimum piping material. Comparisons are given for high quality alloy cast steel pipes and pipes lined with cast basalt rings marketed under the name Abresist. Based on the results, thoughts are offered on the broader meanings of certain findings.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This book contains 10 lectures with the following subjects: On the effect of thermal pretreatment on the structure and creep behaviour of the alloy 800 H (V. Guttmann, J. Timm); Material properties of heat resistant ferritic and austenitic steels after cold forming (W. Bendick, H. Weber); Investigations for judging the working behaviour of components made of alloy 800 and alloy 617 under creep stress (H.J. Penkalla, F. Schubert); Creep behaviour of gas turbine materials in hot gas (K.H. Kloos et al.); Effect of small cold forming on the creep beahviour of gas turbine blades made of Nimonic 90 (K.H. Keienburg et al.); Investigations on creep fatigue alternating load strength of nickel alloys (G. Raule); Change of structure, creep fatigue behaviour and life of X20 Cr Mo V 12 1 (by G. Eggeler et al.); Investigations on thermal fatigue behaviour (K.H. Mayer et al.); Creep ...

CERN Document Server

In this paper, we intend to formulate a new metaheuristic algorithm, called Cuckoo Search (CS), for solving optimization problems. This algorithm is based on the obligate brood parasitic behaviour of some cuckoo species in combination with the Levy flight behaviour of some birds and fruit flies. We validate the proposed algorithm against test functions and then compare its performance with those of genetic algorithms and particle swarm optimization. Finally, we discuss the implication of the results and suggestion for further research.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fitness, (biometric measurements, reproduction) and behaviour that are ecologically relevant biomarkers in assessing the quality of estuarine sediments were studied by comparing the responses of the polychaete worm Nereis diversicolor - a key species in estuaries - along a pollution gradient. Intersite differences were shown for all the measured parameters: size-weight relationships, energy reserves as glycogen and lipids, sexual maturation patterns, total number of oocytes per female, total and relative fecundity, burrowing behaviour. The physiological and behavioural status of N. diversicolor was consistently disturbed in the larger, most contaminated estuaries (Loire and Seine, Fr.) compared to reference sites (Bay of Bourgneuf, Goyen estuary, Fr.). Many classes of potentially toxic chemicals present in these estuaries most likely contribute to these impairments but food availability may act as a confounding factor, ...

Science.gov (United States)

Studies of the effectiveness of operant, relaxation, cognitive, and multimodal behavioural approaches to the treatment of chronic benign pain other than headache were evaluated. In general, the quality of the studies was poor, and most investigations lacked appropriate and adequate control conditions, outcome measures, and/or follow-ups. While outcome reports for all four behavioural treatments have been mainly positive, few data were found which conclusively demonstrate that any of the approaches are effective or that they are the treatment of choice. The data do, however, imply that behavioural approaches may help patients lead more normal and productive lives. Specifically, the literature suggests that: (1) the operant method leads to increased activity levels and decreased pain and drug intake, (2) the relaxation approach results in decreased EMG levels and some pain reductions, (3) the cognitive techniques are ...

International Science & Technology Center (ISTC)

Investigation of Destruction Mechanisms in Reactor Steels and Alloys under Cycling Deformation

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Executive summary 1. Few studies have to date explained consumer attitudes and purchase decisions with regard to genetically engineered food products. However, the increased marketing of genetically engineered food products and the considerable concern that consumers seem to express with regard to the technology call for the development of a theoretical basis for research into these issues. 2. The aim of the paper is to present three models which we have developed to explain consumer attitudes, buying behaviour and attitude change with regard to genetically engineered food products. All three models build on established consumer behaviour theory and on existing and comparable research in the field. 3. Consumer attitudes toward genetic engineering in food products are explained in an attitude model that builds on Fishbein's multiattribute attitude model. The model deviates from Fishbein's model in a number of ways: there is an explicit ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The aim of the presented investigation was to gain information about the behaviour of the initiation and growth of intercrystalline creep cracks during creep deformation from the evaluation of metallographic micrographs. The austenitic steel X10 NiCrAlTi 32 20 HT (Alloy 800 HT) was investigated by carrying out creep tests at 800 and 900 C with different nominal stresses until fracture. Additional tests are carried out on certain creep strains in the late tertiary creep stage. The creep tests are followed by a metallographic investigation of the crept specimens. The statistical distribution of the microcrack lengths was used to estimate the rate of crack initiation and crack growth. It is found that the rate of growth of the intercrystalline creep cracks in Alloy 800 HT is dependent on the applied stress and the creep strain reached. The rate of growth of long cracks was only slightly higher than that of short cracks and was lower than predictions based on fracture ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The present paper describes the investigation of the static and dynamic behaviour of an 20 kW pressure electrolyser. The suitability for a coupled operating regime with a wind power plant has been investigated. At first the static behaviour has been analysed. The share of oxygen in hydrogen gas is lower than 0.5 Vol%. But reaching the temperature limit of 80 deg C leads to a switch off of the electrolyser, accompanied by an increase of the oxygen share in hydrogen gas up to 1.3 Vol%. Therefore, an improvement of the cooling system is necessary. Secondly, the electrolyser was excited by different step signals for load changing and finally, the electrolyser has been controlled by the power output signal of the windmill. The investigation shows that the development of a direct coupled wind-hydrogen system will be only a small step. 3 refs.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Emeraldine base (EB) polymer?ZnO nanoparticles composite films has been synthesized by solution casting technique on ITO-coated glass substrate and characterized by XRD, FTIR and TEM for their structure and morphology. Dielectric behaviour of these composite films has been investigated in the very low frequency region to medium frequency region (1?kHz?1?MHz). The dielectric constant of the composite with 30% nanoparticles is almost one-tenth of the pure EB. The dielectric value becomes constant in the frequency region greater than 400?kHz. The change in dielectric behaviour of the composite is explained on the basis of multilayered interface formed between the ZnO nanoparticles and emeraldine chains. Nanoparticles have high energy surface which is responsible for the decrease of free volum...

Science.gov (United States)

Kinetic reaction mechanisms have a hierarchical smacture with mechanisms for complex fuels built up on sub-mechanisms for simple fuel molecules ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

SummarySurvival requires the selection of appropriate behavioural responses in the face of danger. With respect to the threat of predation, both the decision to escape and the underlying...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Analysis of results of an investigation into the structure of lithium salt aqueous solutions is presented. An anomaly in lithium ion behaviour in solutions at the structural level is noted. 40 refs., 3 tabs.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Solid molecular orthohydrogen exhibits orientational order at low temperatures. The orthohydrogen molecules, which are quadrupoles, order in the Pa3 structure. We have simulated this ordering, and explored the behaviour under dilution by spherical parahydrogen molecules.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

It has been predicted that geometrically similar animals would swim at the same speed with stroke frequency scaling with mass^−1/3. In the present study, morphological and behavioural...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundHealthcare professionals can play a crucial role in optimizing the health status of patients with cardiovascular risk factors (abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, low...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Mutations in SPTBN2, the gene encoding β-III spectrin, cause spinocerebellar ataxia type 5 in humans (SCA5), a neurodegenerative disorder resulting in loss of motor...Full Text Available

Environmental Research Database

ObjectivesThe main objectives of this project are: 1. To determine whether nest-drifting behaviour allows helpers to maximise their indirect fitness in the paper wasp Polistes canadensis. Specifically, I will test a) whether nest-drifters apportion helping effort in relation to the productivity benefits of different nests (hypothesis 1a), and b) whether nest-drifters can adjust their investment in response to changes in the productivity payoffs of different nests (hypothesis 1b). 2. To determine [continued...]DescriptionDarwin's theory of natural selection predicts that organisms should act selfishly in order to pass on as many of their genes to the next generation as possible. The evolution of social behaviour is a paradox because it requires that some individuals forgo reproduction in order to help raise the offspring of others. Explaining the evolution of helping behaviour in animal societies has been a major focus for ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Most superconductors are quite sensitive to irradiation defects. Critical temperatures may be depressed, critical currents may be increased, by irradiation, but other behaviours may be encountered. In compounds, the sublattice in which defects are created is of significant importance. 24 refs.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

1. Interactions of pyrazole and ethanol were studied in three laboratory test procedures. They included sleeping time in mice, rotor rod balance in rats and lever pressing behaviour of rats. 2....Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Objectives:Despite its impact on health policy, the relationship between geographical proximity and health care seeking has received scant attention in the medical literature. This...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Many animals use the spectral distribution of light to guide behaviour, but whether they have colour vision has been debated for over a century. Our strong subjective experience of colour and the fact...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The EMS effect is explained in the flucton model as a consequence of scale invariance violation. Nontrivial behaviour of the ratio between structural functions and production cross sections for lepton pairs for different nuclei at x > 1 is predicted.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundIt has been assumed that the unusual tail club of ankylosaurid dinosaurs was used actively as a weapon, but the biological feasibility of this behaviour has not been examined...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Energetically costly behaviours, such as flight, push physiological systems to their limits requiring metabolic rates (MR) that are highly elevated above the resting MR (RMR). Both RMR and MR during...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundManagement of nightlife in UK cities focuses on creating safe places for individuals to drink. Little is known about intoxication levels as measuring total alcohol consumption...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

A simulation is developed that qualitatively describes the small-zone-gel-filtration behaviour of a reversibly associating protein. The results reflect the dependence of the apparent molecular weight...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundEvent-related potentials (ERPs) may be used as a highly sensitive way of detecting subtle degrees of cognitive dysfunction. On the other hand, impairment of cognitive skills...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An introduction to the properties and behaviour of tachyons is presented. The extension of special relativity to include superluminal frames is discussed and the generalized Lorentz transformation is considered. The consequences of the existence of tachyous for general relativity and astrophysics are also summarised. (W.D.L.).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Advanced structural ceramics are presently used in several tribological applications, such as precision instrument bearings, automotive engine parts and cutting tools inserts. Design and selection of advanced ceramics for these applications require reliable data on the effects of temperature, load and environment on the tribological behaviour of these materials. In the present work, the friction and wear behaviour of colloidally processed and pressureless sintered sialon ceramics with phase (#alpha#) have been studied, aiming at increasing #alpha#-sialon in industrial applications as cutting tools. The friction and wear behaviour of sialon ceramics against steel DIN-Ck45K were investigated using a pin-on-disk tribometer under dry sliding conditions at room temperature, in order to eliminate the contribution of lubricant. The experiments were performed with a constant sliding velocity of 0.5 m/s and a contact stress of 2.85 ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The thermal degradation and crystallisation behaviours of polyamide12/isotactic polypropylene (PA12/PP) blends were studied. Effects of blend ratio and compatibiliser concentration on the thermal degradation properties of the blends were analysed. The activation energy for degradation in compatibilised and uncompatibilised blends computed using Horowitz-Metzger equation was reported. The blend ratio as well as the presence of compatibiliser has significant effect on the thermal stability of the blends. Phase morphology was found to be one of the decisive factors that affected the thermal stability of both uncompatibilised and compatibilised blends. Melting and crystallisation behaviours of the blends in the presence and absence of compatibiliser were evaluated. It was observed that blendin...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The DC magnetic susceptibility of the REBa_2F_7 compounds was measured by a SQUID magnetometer in the temperature range 5-300 K. Except for Eu, the other compounds show either Curie law or Curie-Weiss law with relatively small values of paramagnetic Curie temperature, #theta#_p, with effective magnetic moments in the range expected of electronic ground state of the trivalent rare earth ion with appropriate J value. The behaviour of Eu is complex. (orig.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this paper we studied the behavior of commercially pure niobium immersed in molten aluminum. The experiments were carried out 800 and 900 deg C during 2 to 128 hours. Chemical and metallographic analyses, as well as microhardness measurements of the niobium specimens were accomplished. An increase of niobium content in the aluminum bath with time was observed. Metallographic observations revealed the formation of Nb Al{sub 3} external intermetallic compound. During dissolution, fragments of this compound settled at the bottom of the crucible. This behaviour was also observed at 900 deg C, nevertheless with higher intensity. (author) 10 refs., 5 figs., 3 tabs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The decontamination factor is studied as a function of laser fluence for three kinds of clad surfaces viz., plain zircaloy, autoclaved zircaloy and SS with cesium as the test contamination. It has been found that the decontamination factor exhibits a maximal behaviour with the laser fluence and its maximum value occurs at different laser fluences in the three cases. The maximal behaviour is attributed to reduced coupling of energy from the laser beam to the substrate due to the initiation of surface-assisted optical breakdown. The results obtained in the experiment carried out in helium environment qualitatively support this explanation (author)

Science.gov (United States)

In this project the influence of residual compression stresses on the stress corrosion cracking behaviour of the turbine disc steel 26 NiCrMoV 14 5 (Rp(sub 0.2) = 850 N/mm(sup 2)) was investigated. The residual compression stresses were produced by shot p...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

One of the main problems related to optical thin film materials used in high power laser environments is the catastrophic damage caused to them due to laser irradiation. While the influence of ion bombardment on the optical properties of oxide thin films is now a well understood subject, the morphology and crystalline behaviour of these films under ion incidence is not so well studied. Hence, it is of great importance to investigate the effects of ion bombardment during growth on the microstructure and crystalline behaviour of oxide materials.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

No abstract prepared.

Science.gov (United States)

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KoreaScience (Korea)

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Science.gov (United States)

... MECHANICAL PROPERTIES, *COPOLYMERS, *SOFT TISSUES, *GELS, *BIOMIMETICS, ISOPRENE, WOUND BALLISTICS, STYRENE PLASTICS ...

Science.gov (United States)

... Accession Number : ADA136144. Title : Characteristics of the Mechanical Properties and the Fractures of an Alpha Beta Titanium Alloy,. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The experimental effect investigation programme on Zircaloy-4/air oxidation was pursued and expanded to isothermal specimen exposure and the comparison of the oxidation between the atmospheres Ar/O{sub 2} and air. In close connection with the EC project OPSA, which is meanwhile terminated, the investigation concerned specimen exposure in a thermobalance to flowing atmospheres, namely dry Ar/O{sub 2} of composition 80/20 or synthetic air, respectively. As test parameters the linear heat-up rate was varied in the range 5 to 40 K/min and the ramp or holding temperature between 800 and 1500 C. Mass increase and reaction rate were continuously recorded or evaluated in temperature/time dependence. The oxide scale growth was found to be accompanied by colour changes, crack formation and spalling of layers, as well as by dimensional substrate growth, which are the reasons for the observed kinetic results. The microstructural investigation confirms nitrogen to be essentially responsible for the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The further optimisation and improvement of the efficiency of internal combustion engines require the realisation of new technologies leading to a distinctively faster warm-up behaviour of the coolant and lubricants as well as of the engine components after a cold start. In order to achieve reduced fuel consumption and exhaust gas emissions with the help of heat management, the design criteria of innovative cooling systems need to be reflected and adapted to future requirements. The use of intelligent components within the cooling system, such as the 'Stand Alone Rotary Valve' as a thermostat's substitute or the use of coolant pumps with a rotary valve integrated into the pump's inlet chamber, offer new ways to realise in a decisively quicker and more flexible way the appropriate heating up and cooling down procedures at varying driving conditions. A description of both of the intelligent components for the cooling system is ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The investigated hybrid nanocomposite consists of a porous silicon template with electrochemically embedded Ni or Co nanostructures and offers magnetic characteristics which can be tailored by the electrochemical process parameters during fabrication. A twofold magnetic behaviour can be observed, a first one due to the spinmagnetism at magnetic fields below the saturation magnetization of the deposited metals and a second non-saturating term at higher fields (>1 T up to 7 T) above the saturation magnetization. In case of Ni deposited within the pores this non-saturating term shows a paramagnetic characteristic and follows exactly the Curie-Weiss law, whereas for Co/porous silicon samples the temperature dependent magnetization shows some deviations from the Curie Weiss law. In this high field region a difference in the temperature dependence between Ni and Co is observed whereas the non-saturating term does not depend on the geometry of the embedded ...

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

OBJECTIVES: The authors examine the rationale and efficacy of pre-travel hepatitis B immunization strategies based on itinerary and presumed on-travel risk behaviour. METHODS: A large survey among 26,640 Danes survey provided data on journey lengths and destinations, immunization coverage, risk behaviour and knowledge. RESULTS: The estimated cumulative lifetime stay in endemic areas outside Europe is 4.3 months. The majority of risk situations are involuntary and unforeseeable. The majority of risk situations occur on short-term journeys. 5% nonimmune and 5% short-term travellers experienced at least one risk situation such as injections/operations/tattoos on their journey. The level of knowledge of hepatitis A and B is low. CONCLUSIONS: The rationale and efficacy of current immunization strategies are challenged. Based on the results presented here and the availability of vaccines with long-lasting coverage, the authors find that ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The electrochemical behaviour of passive films formed on one austenitic stainless steel (AISI 304) and one ferritic stainless steel (AISI 446) in solutions with pH between 0.6 and 8.4 was studied by capacitance measurements and photocurrent spectroscopy. Compositional characterization of the passive films was done by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The capacitance increases with decreasing pH. Doping densities evaluated from Mott-Schottky plots are in the range 2-6 x 10{sup 20} cm{sup -3} and increased with the pH in the neutral/alkaline range while in pH 0.6, values above 10{sup 21} cm{sup -3} were found. The bandgap energy indicates two transitions, at 2.5-2.8 and 3.2 eV. The analytical data reveal that, as the pH increased, the films become enriched in Fe(II) and Fe(III), whereas the Cr(III) gradually decreases. The films formed at very low pH had a behaviour that contrasts with that of the films formed in the neutral/alkaline media. The ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Genetic effects on mechanical properties have been demonstrated in rodents, but not confirmed in primates. Our aim was to quantify the proportion of variation in vertebral trabecular bone mechanical...Full Text Available

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In order to provide pigs a comfortable sleeping area in hot weather, a floor cooling system was designed and applied to production buildings. Experiments were conducted to compare the floor temperatures and to observe the lying behaviour of pigs in the sleeping area of the buildings with and without floor cooling system. The results showed that, without the floor cooling system, the floor temperature was nearly the same as the air temperature in the open pig house. With the floor cooling system, the floor temperature of the sleeping area was controlled at 22-26degreeC, even though the air temperature was as high as 34degreeC, which improved the comfort of the pigs in the sleeping area. The pig lying behaviour was greatly affected by the floor temperature. More than 85% of the pigs were lyi...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Glass ceramics are commonly used as sealing materials for planar solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The major requirements of stack and module builders for these materials are the stability of the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), excellent bonding (sticking) behaviour and the absence of volatile ingredients, which can lead to changes of the material properties and the sealing ability. SCHOTT Electronic Packaging has developed special glasses and glass-ceramics for various solid oxide fuel cell designs and operating temperatures. The glass compositions are based on the system MgO-Al2O3-BaO-SiO2-B2O3. In this study the evaluation of the developed materials was done by high temperature aging tests for up to 1000h, high temperature XRD-studies and Rietveld calculations, combined with scann...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the thermal hydraulics codes developed for fire safety analysis and for containment thermal hydraulic analysis, junctions in the multi-compartment geometries is often modeled as uni-directional junctions. However, ceiling junctions are known to depict unstable/oscillatory bi-directional flow behavior. Detailed investigations have been carried out to understand the unstable flow behaviour of a junction by analyzing an earlier reported experiment and its subsequent two dimensional numerical RANS based study of fire in an enclosure. The authors attempt more realistic and desired three dimensional and inherently transient large eddy simulations using a computer code Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS). The paper presents the details of the analysis, the results obtained and further studies required to be conducted so that the findings can be applied to the fire/containment thermal hydraulics analysis codes successfully. (orig.)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

At-pseudohalogen compounds with SCN"- and CN"- were synthesized at the first time using At(THETA)"+, At_0 and At"-. Investigations of the electromigration behaviour of these compounds in free electrolytes in dependence on the SCN"- and CN"- concentrations and on pH permit deductions about compound formation and hydrolysis behaviour. The formation constant for At(SCN)"2"- is 4x10_2 lxmol"-_1 at an ion strength of 0.05_2 molxl"-_1. Between pH 7 and 9 hydrolysis takes place resulting in At"-. The same result has been found in the case of the hydrolysis of AtCl"2"- and AtBr"2"-. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this paper we describe a modelling project to improve a nuclear waste management program in charge of the creation of a new system for the permanent disposal of nuclear waste. SADT (Structural Analysis and Design Technique) is used in order to provide a work-flow description of the functions to be performed by the waste management program. This description is then translated into a number of Coloured Petri Nets (CPN or CP-nets) corresponding to different program functions where additional behavioural inscriptions provide basis for simulation. Each of these CP-nets is simulated to produce timed event charts that are useful for understanding the behaviour of the program functions under different scenarios. Then all the CPN models are linked together to form a single stand-alone application that is useful for validating the interaction and cooperation between the different program functions. A technique for linking executable CPN models is ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The low-cycle fatigue behaviour of copper and a-brass CuZn30 was investigated in uniaxial and biaxial tests. Planar biaxial fatigue tests were carried out using cruciform samples with proportional stain paths with and without phase shift between the two axes. Microcharacterisation was performed by electron microscopy as well as by high-resolution X-ray line profile analysis. The biaxial cyclic stress-strain curves show good agreement with the uniaxial ones using the von Mises equivalent strain hypothesis. The dislocation densities and microhardness values of the biaxial case, however, show significantly lower values compared to the uniaxial case at equivalent von Mises stresses.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Results of numerous experiments conducted over the past 15-years by using behavioural as well as brain imaging methods have shown that musical expertise influences brain anatomy, brain functions and behaviour. The musician- brain is thus considered as a very good model of brain plasticity. Moreover, many results have demonstrated that musical expertise not only impacts on music processing but also on several aspects of speech processing including lexical pitch, sentence intonation and the metric structure of words. Conversely, recent results indicated that linguistic expertise with tone or quantity languages such as Mandarin Chinese, Thai, Finnish and Japanese, influences the processing of harmonic tones and musical intervals. We discuss possible interpretations of these findings ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The aim of the present investigation was to study the effect of weather and available protection on the behaviour of outdoor-wintered beef cattle (Bos taurus). A herd of 78-85 cattle head was studied during four winter months in the Southwest of Sweden. Protection was offered by coniferous forest situated on and around the 12ha pasture, which we divided into protection categories. During 240h we observed 10 cows and 10 heifers as focal animals (each 3h/month) during day time and adjusted observation times to the altitude of the sun. Close to the animals and at an unprotected spot of the pasture we measured temperature, wind speed and solar radiation and combined these variables to a single measure called Wind Chill Temperature (WCT). During observations the animals were in the forest in 12...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The powder particle size, D, influences the creep behaviour of Al-Cr-Zr alloys. The alloy studied in this work, Al-5Cr-2Zr (mass%), was prepared by argon atomization. Three size fractions of powder particles were selected: 24-50 #mu#m, 50-100#mu#m and 100-200 #mu#m in diameter. They were consolidated by extrusion. Independently of D, the flow behaviour of the alloy can be described by the power law equation. As test temperature increases, the stress exponent n decreases up to a value close to 5. A decrease of D causes an increase of n and delays the alloy degradation at high temperature. (Author) 11 refs.

CERN Document Server

In this report we focus on some aspects related to modeling and formal verification of embedded systems. Many models have been proposed to represent embedded systems . These models encompass a broad range of styles, characteristics, and application domains and include the extensions of finite state machines, data flow graphs, communication processes and Petri nets. In this report, we have used a PRES+ model (Petri net based Representation for Embedded Systems) as an extension of classical Petri net model that captures concurrency, timing behaviour of embedded systems; it allows systems to be representative in different levels of abstraction and improves expressiveness by allowing the token to carry information. Modeling using PRES+, as discussed above, may be convenient for specifying the input behaviour because it supports concurrency. However, there is no equivalence checking method reported in the literature for PRES+ models to the best of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The intermediate valent behaviour of YbPd_2Si_2 has been studied under pressure in the temperature range from 1.2 K to 90 K by using the 84 keV Moessbauer transition in "1"7"0Yb. At 54 kbar and 4.2 K we obtain an increase of the electric field gradient (EFG) by a factor of #approx =# 3. In addition, the EFG varies strongly with temperature, in contrast to the behaviour at ambient pressure. At 1.2 K a change of the hyperfine pattern is observed indicating a magnetic character of the Yb ion. These results provide evidence of a pressure induced change of the valence state close to 3+. (orig.).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The anodic behaviour and passivity breakdown of Alloy 800 in aqueous solutions of sodium chloride, sodium sulphate and sodium bicarbonate were studied by electrochemical techniques in the temperature range from 60 C to 280 C. The pitting resistance and pitting morphology of the alloy in chloride plus sulphate and chloride plus bicarbonate mixtures, at 60 C and 280 C, were also examined. Increasing bicarbonate or sulphate additions to chloride solutions shift the characteristic pitting potential of Alloy 800 to higher values, both at low and high temperatures. Changes in pitting morphology were observed in sulphate containing solutions while the morphology of the attack found in bicarbonate containing solutions was similar to that in pure chloride solutions. Finally, no localized or substantial generalized corrosion was detected in pure sulphate or bicarbonate solutions at any temperature. (orig.).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In order to investigate the behaviour of the turbine control system during strong pendulum motions, an analysis is carried out using a digital computer program by which the reactor, the turbine, the generator and, in a simplified way, the network can be simulated to the necessary degree. Plotter pictures can show the main physical quantities. In all cases, the turbine control system should be able to distinguish between strong pendulum amplitude with acceleration of the rotational angles and sudden release criteria. This demand can be satisfied by a simple adjustment in the Kraftwerk Union turbine control system. Only a few seconds after shut-off of a severe network failure, the turbines are back to their rated power, thus contributing to reliability of supply in this critical network situation. (orig.).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Three experiments were conducted to study the behaviour of the new horizontal steam generator construction of the PACTEL test facility. In the experiments the secondary side coolant level was reduced stepwise. The experiments were calculated with two computer codes RELAP5/MOD3.1 and APROS version 2.11. A similar nodalization scheme was used for both codes so that the results may be compared. Only the steam generator was modeled and the rest of the facility was given as a boundary condition. The results show that both codes calculate well the behaviour of the primary side of the steam generator. On the secondary side both codes calculate lower steam temperatures in the upper part of the heat exchange tube bundle than was measured in the experiments. (orig.).

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

SUMMARYHomeostatic synaptic plasticity is a negative feedback mechanism neurons use to offset excessive excitation or inhibition by adjusting their synaptic strengths. Recent...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1973. 27 p. United States Anon. American Society of Mechanical

CERN Document Server

This mechanical version was soon after changed into a hydraulic jack one (the reason being a number of serious constructional defects).

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The mechanism of hyaluronan biosynthesis in vertebrates had been proposed to occur at the reducing end of growing chains. This mechanism was questioned because a recombinant synthase appeared to add...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A comparative study by Eu-L_I_I_I X-ray absorption and "1"5"1Eu-Moessbauer spectroscopy is presented for the EuPd_2_-_xAu_x Si_2 series. Possible ways to distinguish between mixed-valent behaviour and final-state effects in the L_I_I_I-edge spectra are discussed.

Science.gov (United States)

A method is presented for calculating the thermal stability of blast furnace coke over a wide range of sizes, based on a study of the coke behaviour pattern in the blast furnace and the change in its thermo-elastic properties during reheating. Using as an example a Novolipetsk metallurgical plant, the possibility was demonstrated of using the thermal stability index calculated by the proposed method for an unambiguous assessment of the quality of blast furnace coke.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The behaviour of an elastomeric seal for vehicle brake Tandem master cylinder is measured and analyzed in temperature and brake fluids changed. Working conditions are simulated for different piston rod velocity and cylinder supply pressure, in temperature rising, brakefluid boundary and Nanoaluminum oxide brakefluid oxide brakefluid lubrication. The result shows that Nanoaluminum oxide brakefluid with its ball shape can highly reduce friction coefficient to avoid seal excessive wear and reduce slick slip in brake applications.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The author gives an account of tests with the X-phone system. The aim of the tests was to establish the reliability and behaviour of the apparatus mounted on a winning machine and to investigate the possibility of setting up a radio link, without laying an extra wire, between the foot of the tubbing-lined roadway and the winning machine on a steep face. The author describes the face and the test conditions and presents details of the satisfactory test results.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

6 mm diameter current leads made of M1, M3 copper and L62 brass are tested for extension of operation range of current leads supplying superconducting devices submerged into the cryostat. Data characterizing the effect of material purity on lead superheating are obtained. A theoretical model permitting to obtain analytical dependences for calculating the current lead maximum temperature is proposed and the possibility of its decrease by increasing current lead diameter in the hot part is considered.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Paper estimates the corrosion resistance and studies the character of dissolving of silicon-bearing austenite stainless steels in strongly oxidizing media containing phosphate and fluoride admixtures. Corrosion behaviour of the studied steels is determined to depend essentially on the content of admixture or alloying silicon, as well as, on their phase composition in many respects determined by the thermal treatment condition. Refs. 22, figs. 1, tabs. 2.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Second International Seminar on Horizontal Steam Generator Modelling was arranged to continue the international cooperation that was started during the first seminar in March 1991. The main topics of the seminar were: (1) further experimental results on horizontal steam generator behaviour, (2) resent developments in modelling, (3) results on analyses and studies on primary-to-secondary side leakages, and (4) results of the common exercise calculations.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The investigations of lignite hydroliquefaction were aimed at improving reaction control in order to minimize residue and gas portion and hence increase the oil yield. To reach this goal, the process parameters were optimized and various catalysts tested for use in sump phase hydrogenation. Detailed investigations were also carried out on the problem of calcium carbonate agglomeration and the maceral decomposition behaviour of different lignite samples under hydrogenation conditions.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

It is shown that de-noising a measured time signal by wavelet technique produces a rather good result in time domain, while it has unwanted consequences in spectrum estimation. Therefore it can be used for reconstruction of the picture of the physical process, but it should be avoided, when the aim is to reveal eigenfrequencies or transient behaviour of the spectra.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Analytical expressions for thermoluminescence (TL) dating based on the modified Zimmerman model were derived. The non-linear behaviour of TL sensitivity is reexamined and is found to be due to electron capturing competitions in both test-dose excitation and the readout stages. A curve fitting method is proposed to determine the paleodose for the additive dose dating method. The multiple activation technique is also investigated, from which the paleodose should be regarded as an upper limit.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Due to their good hydraulic characteristic semi-axial pump turbines are used in the medium head range of pumped storage plants. This paper describes model tests performed on a semiaxial pump turbine model and shows the results of these tests. The aim of the model tests was the optimization of the hydraulic water passage, the measurement of the hydraulic characteristics over the whole operating range, the investigation of the cavitation behaviour, the investigation of the hydraulic forces and torques as well as the proof of the values guaranteed to the customer.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The creep behaviour of different casts of Alloy 800, supplied by different sources, has been determined in multispecimen furnaces at 650, 750 and 800"0C and at different stress levels up to about 14,000 hs; the environment was initially helium and then air. The microstructural investigations were carried out by transmission electron microscopy. (Auth.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Interpenetrated lattices (IPL) are combinations of reticulated polymers linked together by permanent crisscross. This structure is well-adapted to combined highly incompatible pairs of polymers. The in-situ sequential method has been applied successfully to the synthesis of ethylene poly-oxides / poly-siloxanes IPLs. The results concerning the preparation of such lattices and their behaviour as solid polymer electrolytes are presented in this paper. (J.S.) 24 refs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

It if first shown, that the effective field of uniaxial magnetic anisotropy of Fe-Cr-P-C and Fe-Ni-B-Si system amorphous alloys is reduced with an increase of the source melt isothermal exposure time. The behaviour noted is conditioned by microcoherence and relaxation processes in the nonequilibrium liquid phase after crystal-liquid phase transition.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The t<0 branch of pre-big bang cosmological scenarios is subject to a gravitational wave instability. The unstable behaviour of tensor perturbations is derived in a very simple way in Hwang's covariant and gauge-invariant formalism developed for extended theories of gravity. A simple interpretation of this instability as the effect of an ''antifriction'' is given, and it is argued that a universe must eventually enter the expanding phase. (orig.)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Experimental results are presented on the quasi-statistic polarization reversal and on the effect of high dc electric field on the behaviour of LiNH_4SO_4 and LiND_4SO_4 monocrystals, namely in the vicinity of the II-III phase transformation.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Superplasticity can be generally achieved by grain boundary sliding (GBS). The GBS in polycrystalline materials sometimes accompanies with intergranular fracture because of stress concentrations at triple points and/or GB irregularities. To develop the superplastic flow, it is necessary to suppress the intergranular cracking. In the present study, therefore, polycrystalline molybdenum with distinct GB microstructures, such as grain boundary character distribution (GBCD), has been employed to clarify the relationship between fracture behaviour and GB microstructures. Microstructures were analyzed using a FE-SEM/EBSP/OIM system prior to 4-points bending tests at 77K, thereafter, crack propagation was observed. The main results obtained are as follows. Stress fluctuations on stress - strain curves were observed for specimens with random oriented grains, whereas such behaviour rarely occurred for ones with textured grains. Difference in the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An original dc double anode plasma torch which provides a long-time and highly stable atmospheric plasma jet has been devised for the purpose of hazardous waste treatment. The arc fluctuations and dynamic behaviour of the argon and argon-nitrogen plasma jets under different operating conditions have been investigated by means of classical tools, such as the statistic method, fast Fourier transform (FFT) and correlation analysis. In our experiments, the takeover mode is identified as the fluctuation characteristic of the argon plasma jet while the restrike mode is typical in the argon-nitrogen plasma dynamic behaviour. In the case of pure argon, the FFT and correlation calculation results of electrical signals exhibit the only characteristic frequency of 150 Hz, which originates from the torch power and is independent of any change in the operating conditions. It indicates that the nature of fluctuations in an argon plasma jet is mainly induced ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The kinetic parameters, ..cap alpha.. the coupling coefficient and tau-bar the mean neutron transit time have been determined using a reactor oscillator on the coupled-core of the Queen Mary College research reactor. By using correlation techniques it has proved possible to use detectors small enough to be inserted in the fuel tanks. It is shown that the simplified Baldwin model with one-group diffusion theory is inadequate to describe the kinetic behaviour and the experimentally-determined parameters are dependent upon the positioning of the detectors.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gas turbines are used where large amounts of energy is needed, typically as engines in aircraft, ferries and power plants. From an efficiency point of view it is desirable to increase the service temperature as much as possible. One of the limiting factors is then the maximum allowable metal temperatures in the turbine stages, primarily in the blades of the first stage, that are exposed to the highest gas temperatures. Specially designed materials are used to cope with these severe conditions, such as the nickel base superalloy IN792. In order to be able to design the components for higher temperatures and tighter tolerances, a detailed understanding and computationel models of the material behaviour is needed. The models presented in this work have been developed with the objective of being physically well motivated, and with the intention of avoiding excessive numbers of parameters. The influence of the parameters should also be as easy as possible to interpret. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The early accident Sequence of the Station Blackout accident is simulated for Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant, using MELCOR code. The radioactivity of main fission products was derived after calculating the source term in containment. The data will be used for Daya Bay NPP PSA analysis

CERN Document Server

We study the high energy behaviour of Yang-Mills theory under the inclusion of gravity. In the weak-gravity limit, the running gauge coupling receives no contribution from the gravitational sector, if all symmetries are preserved. This holds true with and without cosmological constant. We also show that asymptotic freedom persists in general field-theory-based gravity scenarios including gravitational shielding as well as asymptotically safe gravity.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An interpretive theory of trace impurity transport in tokamaks is presented. It is based on an earlier phenomenological approach developed by the authors for describing tokamak plasma transport experiments. The present model is used to explain disparate phenomena observed in ALCATOR C and DITE in a unified phenomenological framework. Predictive numerical calculations are presented for DITE conditions. If experimentally confirmed, the model could be used to correlate plasma properties with trace impurity behaviour. (orig.)

KoreaScience (Korea)

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UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Thioredoxin reductase, lipoamide dehydrogenase, and glutathione reductase are members of the pyridine nucleotide–disulfide oxidoreductase family of dimeric flavoenzymes. The mechanisms and structures...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1973. 43 p. United States Anon. American Society of Mechanical

KoreaScience (Korea)

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KoreaScience (Korea)

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DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Udgivelsesdato: Dec

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

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KoreaScience (Korea)

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British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

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Science.gov (United States)

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KoreaScience (Korea)

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KoreaScience (Korea)

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Science.gov (United States)

Ceramic and Dental Enamel Wear

KoreaScience (Korea)

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KoreaScience (Korea)

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Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Full text of publication follows: General simulation objectives of any fire analysis are macroscopic in nature and deals with the grass data in respect of fire/smoke spread, structural behaviour, environmental conditions etc. However, the accuracy of predicting such macroscopic parameters is a strong function of several other microscopic parameters which govern the overall macroscopic behaviour. Some of the microscopic parameters of interesting such analysis could be buoyancy induced stable/unstable flows, relative flame behaviour, baroclinic velocity distribution etc. Only the field based fire modelling approach is capable of calculating several of these by way of detailed CFD based field modelling. One of the best known tool that could be employed for such studies is the Fire Dynamics simulator (FDS) from NIST with its popular LES based fire modelling approach. Advanced LES based fire modelling scores over the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Initially, the decision of the operator in Dortmund-Derne to select the impact-type separator concept is explained. None of the tenderers for this 52 t/h boiler could supply references for this fluidized bed steam generator concept with staged combustion in a high-expansion fluidized bed. Under the circumstances, the simple configuration of the Steinmueller fluidized bed steam generator, its compact construction, the reduced amount of refractory and the operational behaviour of the boiler resulting therefrom were decisive in the operator`s decision to select this concept. The development schedule shows the individual stages from cold and hot trials in various test rigs and pilot plants to the final design. So far, this fluidized bed steam generator concept has been realized in the plants Derne (52 t/h), commissioned in November 1989, and Brilon (100 t/h), commissioned in November 1990. The discussion on the essential design features points out to the deliberate ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Detailed chemical kinetic reaction mechanisms have been developed to describe the pyrolysis and oxidation of the n-alkanes, including n-octane (n-C{sub 8}H{sub 18}), n-nonane (n-C{sub 9}H{sub 20}), n-decane (n-C{sub 10}H{sub 22}), n-undecane (n-C{sub 11}H{sub 24}), n-dodecane (n-C{sub 12}H{sub 26}), n-tridecane (n-C{sub 13}H{sub 28}), n-tetradecane (n-C{sub 14}H{sub 30}), n-pentadecane (n-C{sub 15}H{sub 32}), and n-hexadecane (n-C{sub 16}H{sub 34}). These mechanisms include both high temperature and low temperature reaction pathways. The mechanisms are based on previous mechanisms for n-heptane, using the same reaction class mechanism construction developed initially for n-heptane. Individual reaction class rules are as simple as possible in order to focus on the parallelism between all of the n-alkane fuels included in the mechanisms, and there is an intent to ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

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 Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) together with surface analysis techniques allowed to conclude that Al"3+ blocks the surface of steel in alkaline media chloride increasing the steel resistance to chlorides ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The influence of small amounts of alloying elements (0.36% Cu and 0.47% Cr) on the semiconducting properties of passive films formed on weathering steels was investigated either in tetraborate/boric acid buffer solution (pH 9.2) or artificial atmospheric environment (SO{sub 2}-containing environment). The electrochemical behaviour was assessed by potentiodynamic polarisation, capacitance measurements and photoelectrochemistry. The chemical characterisation of the films was carried by Auger electron spectroscopy. The polarization results obtained in the buffer solution show that the addition of chromium decreases the passive current density. The capacitance results show that the films behave as an n-type semiconductor with shallow and deep donor levels situated in the forbidden gap. The presence of copper seems to affect the density of the shallow and of the deep donor levels in the forbidden gap, and as chromium, it also decreases the doping density in the case of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

LiNiO{sub 2} is one of the most promising material for positive electrodes of lithium-ion batteries. However, its behaviour during cycling and the existence of several phase transitions induced by the lithium ions de-intercalation process has not been explained so far. A transition electron microscopy study of various Li{sub x}NiO{sub 2} (0.25

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The carbothermal reduction of clay minerals in a nitrogen atmosphere is a well established method for producing #beta#'-sialon. There has been some debate within the literature concerning the role that Fe plays in the formation of the #beta#'-sialon phase. However, most workers accept that Fe is able to either catalyze or promote the formation of #beta#'-sialon although some workers have indicated that the function of the Fe is controlled by gas flow rate and there is evidence that Fe also promotes formation of additional phases. The aim of the present study was to characterize the behaviour of Fe within the #beta#'-sialon synthesis. "5"7Fe Moessbauer spectroscopy was employed for the study because this technique is specific to Fe and does not suffer interference from other elements. Moreover, both the coordination and oxidation state and the relative abundances of the various Fe-containing phases are able to be monitored. A previous Moessbauer study of Fe in ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The potential to increase the productivity of fuel straw harvest and transportation was examined. When harvesting straw for energy purposes, only the long fraction is currently collected. However, technological improvements have now rendered it possible to harvest chaff, thus increasing the amount of harvest residues and bale density. The purpose of this study was to determine how harvest yield, bale density, field-drying behaviour and combustion characteristics are affected by the simultaneous harvest of straw and chaff. Field experiments were conducted in 2009 for long- and short-stalked winter wheat crops. Combine harvesting was carried out with 2 different types of combine harvesters. A high-density baler was used to bale the crop residues. Mixing chaff in with the straw swath by combine harvesting gave a lower initial moisture content compared with straw only. The density and the weight of each bale were not affected by the treatments. However, the added chaff ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

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 impedance spectroscopy. 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 n-type outer hydroxide and inner oxide layers. On the other ...