Virtual experiments, physical validation: dental morphology at the intersection of experiment and theory

PubMed Central

Anderson, P. S. L.; Rayfield, E. J.

2012-01-01

Computational models such as finite-element analysis offer biologists a means of exploring the structural mechanics of biological systems that cannot be directly observed. Validated against experimental data, a model can be manipulated to perform virtual experiments, testing variables that are hard to control in physical experiments. The relationship between tooth form and the ability to break down prey is key to understanding the evolution of dentition. Recent experimental work has quantified how tooth shape promotes fracture in biological materials. We present a validated finite-element model derived from physical compression experiments. The model shows close agreement with strain patterns observed in photoelastic test materials and reaction forces measured during these experiments. We use the model to measure strain energy within the test material when different tooth shapes are used. Results show that notched blades deform materials for less strain energy cost than straight blades, giving insights into the energetic relationship between tooth form and prey materials. We identify a hypothetical ‘optimal’ blade angle that minimizes strain energy costs and test alternative prey materials via virtual experiments. Using experimental data and computational models offers an integrative approach to understand the mechanics of tooth morphology. PMID:22399789

In vitro validation of a novel mechanical model for testing the anchorage capacity of pedicle screws using physiological load application.

PubMed

Liebsch, Christian; Zimmermann, Julia; Graf, Nicolas; Schilling, Christoph; Wilke, Hans-Joachim; Kienle, Annette

2018-01-01

Biomechanical in vitro tests analysing screw loosening often include high standard deviations caused by high variabilities in bone mineral density and pedicle geometry, whereas standardized mechanical models made of PU foam often do not integrate anatomical or physiological boundary conditions. The purpose of this study was to develop a most realistic mechanical model for the standardized and reproducible testing of pedicle screws regarding the resistance against screw loosening and the holding force as well as to validate this model by in vitro experiments. The novel mechanical testing model represents all anatomical structures of a human vertebra and is consisting of PU foam to simulate cancellous bone, as well as a novel pedicle model made of short carbon fibre filled epoxy. Six monoaxial cannulated pedicle screws (Ø6.5 × 45mm) were tested using the mechanical testing model as well as human vertebra specimens by applying complex physiological cyclic loading (shear, tension, and bending; 5Hz testing frequency; sinusoidal pulsating forces) in a dynamic materials testing machine with stepwise increasing load after each 50.000 cycles (100.0N shear force + 20.0N per step, 51.0N tension force + 10.2N per step, 4.2Nm bending moment + 0.8Nm per step) until screw loosening was detected. The pedicle screw head was fixed on a firmly clamped rod while the load was applied in the vertebral body. For the in vitro experiments, six human lumbar vertebrae (L1-3, BMD 75.4 ± 4.0mg/cc HA, pedicle width 9.8 ± 0.6mm) were tested after implanting pedicle screws under X-ray control. Relative motions of pedicle screw, specimen fixture, and rod fixture were detected using an optical motion tracking system. Translational motions of the mechanical testing model experiments in the point of load introduction (0.9-2.2mm at 240N shear force) were reproducible within the variation range of the in vitro experiments (0.6-3.5mm at 240N shear force). Screw loosening occurred continuously in each case between 140N and 280N, while abrupt failures of the specimen were observed only in vitro. In the mechanical testing model, no translational motion was detected in the screw entry point, while in vitro, translational motions of up to 2.5mm in inferior direction were found, leading to a slight shift of the centre of rotation towards the screw tip. Translational motions of the screw tip of about 5mm in superior direction were observed both in vitro and in the mechanical testing model, while they were continuous in the mechanical testing model and rapidly increasing after screw loosening initiation in vitro. The overall pedicle screw loosening characteristics were qualitatively and quantitatively similar between the mechanical testing model and the human vertebral specimens as long as there was no translation of the screw at the screw entrance point. Therefore, the novel mechanical testing model represents a promising method for the standardized testing of pedicle screws regarding screw loosening for cases where the screw rotates around a point close to the screw entry point. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Assessment of mechanical rock alteration caused by CO 2 -water mixtures using indentation and scratch experiments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sun, Yuhao; Aman, Michael; Espinoza, D. Nicolas

CO2 injection into geological formations disturbs the geochemical equilibrium between water and minerals. Thus, some mineral phases are prone to dissolution and precipitation with ensuing changes of petrophysical and geomechanical properties of the host formations. Chemically-assisted degradation of mechanical properties can endanger the structural integrity of the storage formation and must be carefully studied and considered to guarantee safe long-term trapping. Few experimental data sets involving CO2 alteration and mechanical testing of rock samples are available since these experiments are length, expensive, and require specialized equipment and personnel. Autoclave experiments are easier to perform and control but result in amore » limited 'skin depth' of chemically-altered zone near the surface of the sample. This article presents the validation of micro-indentation and micro-scratch tests as efficient tools to assess the alteration of mechanical properties of rocks geochemically altered by CO2-water mixtures. Results from tests on sandstone and siltstone from Crystal Geyser, Utah naturally altered by CO2-acidified water show that mechanical parameters measured with indentation (indentation hardness, Young's modulus and contact creep compliance rate) and scratching (scratch hardness and fracture toughness) consistently indicated weakening of the rock after CO2-induced alteration. Decreases of measured parameters vary from 14% to 87%. Experimental results and analyses show that micromechanical tests are potentially quick and reliable tools to determine the change of mechanical properties of rocks subject to exposure to CO2-acidified water, particularly in well-controlled autoclave experiments. Measured parameters are not intended to provide inputs for coupled reservoir simulation with geomechanics but rather to inform the execution of larger scale tests investigating the susceptibility of rock facies to chemical alteration by CO2-water mixtures. Recognizing this susceptibility of rock facies of CO2 geological storage target formations is critical to controlling undesired emergent behavior associated with CO2 sequestration.« less

Quantum interactive learning tutorial on the double-slit experiment to improve student understanding of quantum mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sayer, Ryan; Maries, Alexandru; Singh, Chandralekha

2017-06-01

Learning quantum mechanics is challenging, even for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students. Research-validated interactive tutorials that build on students' prior knowledge can be useful tools to enhance student learning. We have been investigating student difficulties with quantum mechanics pertaining to the double-slit experiment in various situations that appear to be counterintuitive and contradict classical notions of particles and waves. For example, if we send single electrons through the slits, they may behave as a "wave" in part of the experiment and as a "particle" in another part of the same experiment. Here we discuss the development and evaluation of a research-validated Quantum Interactive Learning Tutorial (QuILT) which makes use of an interactive simulation to improve student understanding of the double-slit experiment and strives to help students develop a good grasp of foundational issues in quantum mechanics. We discuss common student difficulties identified during the development and evaluation of the QuILT and analyze the data from the pretest and post test administered to the upper-level undergraduate and first-year physics graduate students before and after they worked on the QuILT to assess its effectiveness. These data suggest that on average, the QuILT was effective in helping students develop a more robust understanding of foundational concepts in quantum mechanics that defy classical intuition using the context of the double-slit experiment. Moreover, upper-level undergraduates outperformed physics graduate students on the post test. One possible reason for this difference in performance may be the level of student engagement with the QuILT due to the grade incentive. In the undergraduate course, the post test was graded for correctness while in the graduate course, it was only graded for completeness.

Experiences of CNES and SEP on space mechanisms rotating at low speed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Atlas, G.; Thomin, G.

1987-01-01

Some aspects of knowledge acquired in the field of space mechanisms by Societe Europeenne de Propulsion and Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales in International and French National space programs are described. The experience described centers on the development of these programs: The MEGS (Mechanisme d'Etrainement du Generateur Solaire), and the MOGS (Mechanisme d'Orientation de Generateur Solaire), both solar array drive mechanisms. Key design areas and the mechanism performance obtained are highlighted. Some test problems with the MEGS sliprings are discussed.

Development of a Novel Synthetic Drug for Osteoporosis and Fracture Healing

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-11-01

Four-point bending setup for mechanical testing. (C & D) X-ray images of the fractured tibiae. Of note, a stainless steel rod was inserted in the...respectively. Figure 15. Mechanical strength 4 weeks after fracture induction for experiment 1. (A) Force- displacement relationship for the hydrogel...University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA Keywords: bone fracture , tibia, salubrinal, hydrogel, mechanical test Running

Students' Understanding of Stern Gerlach Experiment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhu Guangtian; Singh, Chandralekha

2009-11-05

The Stern Gerlach experiment has played a central role in the discovery of spin angular momentum and it has also played a pivotal role in elucidating foundational issues in quantum mechanics. Here, we discuss investigation of students' difficulties related to the Stern Gerlach experiment by giving written tests and interviewing advanced undergraduate and graduate students in quantum mechanics. We also discuss preliminary data that suggest that the Quantum Interactive Learning Tutorial (QuILT) related to the Stern Gerlach experiment is helpful in improving students' understanding of these concepts.

Local mechanical properties of LFT injection molded parts: Numerical simulations versus experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desplentere, F.; Soete, K.; Bonte, H.; Debrabandere, E.

2014-05-01

In predictive engineering for polymer processes, the proper prediction of material microstructure from known processing conditions and constituent material properties is a critical step forward properly predicting bulk properties in the finished composite. Operating within the context of long-fiber thermoplastics (LFT, length < 15mm) this investigation concentrates on the prediction of the local mechanical properties of an injection molded part. To realize this, the Autodesk Simulation Moldflow Insight 2014 software has been used. In this software, a fiber breakage algorithm for the polymer flow inside the mold is available. Using well known micro mechanic formulas allow to combine the local fiber length with the local orientation into local mechanical properties. Different experiments were performed using a commercially available glass fiber filled compound to compare the measured data with the numerical simulation results. In this investigation, tensile tests and 3 point bending tests are considered. To characterize the fiber length distribution of the polymer melt entering the mold (necessary for the numerical simulations), air shots were performed. For those air shots, similar homogenization conditions were used as during the injection molding tests. The fiber length distribution is characterized using automated optical method on samples for which the matrix material is burned away. Using the appropriate settings for the different experiments, good predictions of the local mechanical properties are obtained.

Micron Accuracy Deployment Experiment (MADE), phase A. Volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peterson, Lee D.; Lake, Mark S.

1995-01-01

This report documents a Phase A In-STEP flight experiment development effort. The objective of the experiment is to deploy a portion of a segmented reflector on the Shuttle and study its micron-level mechanics. Ground test data are presented which projects that the on-orbit precision of the test article should be approximately 5 microns. Extensive hardware configuration development information is also provided.

Mechanism for detecting NAPL using electrical resistivity imaging.

PubMed

Halihan, Todd; Sefa, Valina; Sale, Tom; Lyverse, Mark

2017-10-01

The detection of non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) related impacts in freshwater environments by electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) has been clearly demonstrated in field conditions, but the mechanism generating the resistive signature is poorly understood. An electrical barrier mechanism which allows for detecting NAPLs with ERI is tested by developing a theoretical basis for the mechanism, testing the mechanism in a two-dimensional sand tank with ERI, and performing forward modeling of the laboratory experiment. The NAPL barrier theory assumes at low bulk soil NAPL concentrations, thin saturated NAPL barriers can block pore throats and generate a detectable electrically resistive signal. The sand tank experiment utilized a photographic technique to quantify petroleum saturation, and to help determine whether ERI can detect and quantify NAPL across the water table. This experiment demonstrates electrical imaging methods can detect small quantities of NAPL of sufficient thickness in formations. The bulk volume of NAPL is not the controlling variable for the amount of resistivity signal generated. The resistivity signal is primarily due to a zone of high resistivity separate phase liquid blocking current flow through the fully NAPL saturated pores spaces. For the conditions in this tank experiment, NAPL thicknesses of 3.3cm and higher in the formation was the threshold for detectable changes in resistivity of 3% and greater. The maximum change in resistivity due to the presence of NAPL was an increase of 37%. Forward resistivity models of the experiment confirm the barrier mechanism theory for the tank experiment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Testing Plastic Deformations of Materials in the Introductory Undergraduate Mechanics Laboratory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Romo-Kroger, C. M.

2012-01-01

Normally, a mechanics laboratory at the undergraduate level includes an experiment to verify compliance with Hooke's law in materials, such as a steel spring and an elastic rubber band. Stress-strain curves are found for these elements. Compression in elastic bands is practically impossible to achieve due to flaccidity. A typical experiment for…

Mariner 9 celestial mechanics experiment - A status report.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lorell, J.; Shapiro, I. I.

1973-01-01

There are two basic efforts in the Mariner 9 celestial mechanics experiment: the determination of the gravity field of Mars and the performance of a very precise test of the theory of general relativity. In addition, there are a number of astrodynamic constants that are being determined. All the analyses are based on the Mariner 9 radio tracking data.

Mechanism-Based Causal Reasoning in Young Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buchanan, David W.; Sobel, David M.

2011-01-01

The hypothesis that children develop an understanding of causal mechanisms was tested across 3 experiments. In Experiment 1 (N = 48), preschoolers had to choose as efficacious either a cause that had worked in the past, but was now disconnected from its effect, or a cause that had failed to work previously, but was now connected. Four-year-olds…

Experimental test of state-independent quantum contextuality of an indivisible quantum system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Meng; Huang, Yun-Feng; Cao, Dong-Yang; Zhang, Chao; Zhang, Yong-Sheng; Liu, Bi-Heng; Li, Chuan-Feng; Guo, Guang-Can

2014-05-01

Since the quantum mechanics was born, quantum mechanics was argued among scientists because the differences between quantum mechanics and the classical physics. Because of this, some people give hidden variable theory. One of the hidden variable theory is non-contextual hidden variable theory, and KS inequalities are famous in non-contextual hidden variable theory. But the original KS inequalities have 117 directions to measure, so it is almost impossible to test the KS inequalities in experiment. However bout two years ago, Sixia Yu and C.H. Oh point out that for a single qutrit, we only need to measure 13 directions, then we can test the KS inequalities. This makes it possible to test the KS inequalities in experiment. We use the polarization and the path of single photon to construct a qutrit, and we use the half-wave plates, the beam displacers and polar beam splitters to prepare the quantum state and finish the measurement. And the result prove that quantum mechanics is right and non-contextual hidden variable theory is wrong.

Laminated thermoplastic composite material from recycled high density polyethylene

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Ping; Waskom, Tommy L.

1994-01-01

The design of a materials-science, educational experiment is presented. The student should understand the fundamentals of polymer processing and mechanical property testing of materials. The ability to use American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards is also necessary for designing material test specimens and testing procedures. The objectives of the experiment are (1) to understand the concept of laminated composite materials, processing, testing, and quality assurance of thermoplastic composites and (2) to observe an application example of recycled plastics.

DOD Space Test Program (STP)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Llwyn

1995-01-01

This paper describes the Space Test Program (STP) which provides access to space for the DOD-wide space research and development (R&D) community. STP matches a ranked list of sanctioned experiments with available budgets and searches for the most cost effective mechanisms to get the experiments into space. The program has successfully flown over 350 experiments, using dedicated freeflyer spacecraft, secondary space on the Space Shuttle, and various host satellites.

Mechanisms of the dimming and brightening aftereffects

PubMed Central

Bosten, Jenny M.; MacLeod, Donald I. A.

2013-01-01

Abstract Dimming and brightening aftereffects occur after exposure to a temporal luminance sawtooth stimulus: A subsequently presented steady test field appears to become progressively dimmer or brighter, depending on the polarity of the adapting sawtooth. Although described as “dimming” and “brightening,” it is plausible that a component of the aftereffects is based on contrast changes rather than on luminance changes. We conducted two experiments to reveal any contrast component. In the first we investigated whether the aftereffects result from the same mechanism that causes a polarity-selective loss in contrast sensitivity following luminance sawtooth adaptation. We manipulated test contrast: If a component of the aftereffect results from a polarity selective loss of contrast sensitivity we would expect that the aftereffects would differ in magnitude depending on the contrast polarity of the test fields. We found no effect of test-field polarity. In the second experiment we used an adapting sawtooth with a polarity consistent in contrast but alternating in luminance in order to induce a potential equivalent aftereffect of contrast. Again, we found no evidence that the aftereffects result from contrast adaptation. In a third experiment, we used S-cone isolating stimuli to discover whether there are S-cone dimming and brightening aftereffects. We found no aftereffects. However, in a fourth experiment we replicated Krauskopf and Zaidi's (1986) finding that adaptation to S-cone sawtooth stimuli affects thresholds for increment and decrement detection. The mechanism underlying the dimming and brightening aftereffects thus seems to be independent of the mechanism underlying the concurrent polarity selective reductions in contrast sensitivity. PMID:23695534

Failure of the Porcine Ascending Aorta: Multidirectional Experiments and a Unifying Microstructural Model

PubMed Central

Witzenburg, Colleen M.; Dhume, Rohit Y.; Shah, Sachin B.; Korenczuk, Christopher E.; Wagner, Hallie P.; Alford, Patrick W.; Barocas, Victor H.

2017-01-01

The ascending thoracic aorta is poorly understood mechanically, especially its risk of dissection. To make better predictions of dissection risk, more information about the multidimensional failure behavior of the tissue is needed, and this information must be incorporated into an appropriate theoretical/computational model. Toward the creation of such a model, uniaxial, equibiaxial, peel, and shear lap tests were performed on healthy porcine ascending aorta samples. Uniaxial and equibiaxial tests showed anisotropy with greater stiffness and strength in the circumferential direction. Shear lap tests showed catastrophic failure at shear stresses (150–200 kPa) much lower than uniaxial tests (750–2500 kPa), consistent with the low peel tension (∼60 mN/mm). A novel multiscale computational model, including both prefailure and failure mechanics of the aorta, was developed. The microstructural part of the model included contributions from a collagen-reinforced elastin sheet and interlamellar connections representing fibrillin and smooth muscle. Components were represented as nonlinear fibers that failed at a critical stretch. Multiscale simulations of the different experiments were performed, and the model, appropriately specified, agreed well with all experimental data, representing a uniquely complete structure-based description of aorta mechanics. In addition, our experiments and model demonstrate the very low strength of the aorta in radial shear, suggesting an important possible mechanism for aortic dissection. PMID:27893044

Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) Test Cell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

A test cell for Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiment is shown approximately 20 and 60 minutes after the start of an experiment on STS-89. Sand and soil grains have faces that can cause friction as they roll and slide against each other, or even cause sticking and form small voids between grains. This complex behavior can cause soil to behave like a liquid under certain conditions such as earthquakes or when powders are handled in industrial processes. Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiments aboard the Space Shuttle use the microgravity of space to simulate this behavior under conditons that carnot be achieved in laboratory tests on Earth. MGM is shedding light on the behavior of fine-grain materials under low effective stresses. Applications include earthquake engineering, granular flow technologies (such as powder feed systems for pharmaceuticals and fertilizers), and terrestrial and planetary geology. Nine MGM specimens have flown on two Space Shuttle flights. Another three are scheduled to fly on STS-107. The principal investigator is Stein Sture of the University of Colorado at Boulder. Credit: NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)

Testing Quantum Mechanics and Bell's Inequality with Astronomical Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Friedman, Andrew S.; Kaiser, David I.; Gallicchio, Jason; Team 1: University of Vienna, InstituteQuantum Optics and Quantum Information; Team 2: UC San Diego Cosmology Group; Team 3: NASA/JPL/Caltech

2016-06-01

We report on an in progress "Cosmic Bell" experiment that will leverage cosmology to test quantum mechanics and Bell's inequality using astronomical observations. Different iterations of our experiment will send polarization-entangled photons through the open air to detectors ~1-100 kilometers apart, whose settings would be rapidly chosen using real-time telescopic observations of Milky Way stars, and eventually distant, causally disconnected, cosmological sources - such as pairs of quasars or patches of the cosmic microwave background - all while the entangled pair is still in flight. This would, for the first time, attempt to fully close the so-called "setting independence" or "free will" loophole in experimental tests of Bell's inequality, whereby an alternative theory could mimic the quantum predictions if the experimental settings choices shared even a small correlation with unknown, local, causal influences a mere few milliseconds prior to the experiment. A full Cosmic Bell test would push any such influence all the way back to the hot big bang, since the end of any period of inflation, 13.8 billion years ago, an improvement of 20 orders of magnitude compared to the best previous experiments. Redshift z > 3.65 quasars observed at optical wavelengths are the optimal candidate source pairs using present technology. Our experiment is partially funded by the NSF INSPIRE program, in collaboration with MIT, UC San Diego, Harvey Mudd College, NASA/JPL/Caltech, and the University of Vienna. Such an experiment has implications for our understanding of nature at the deepest level. By testing quantum mechanics in a regime never before explored, we would at the very least extend our confidence in quantum theory, while at the same time severely constraining large classes of alternative theories. If the experiment were to uncover discrepancies from the quantum predictions, there could be crucial implications for early-universe cosmology, the security of quantum encryption, and even new theoretical physics, including quantum gravity.

Integration and Testing Challenges of Small, Multiple Satellite Missions: Experiences From The Space Technology 5 Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sauerwein, Timothy A.; Gostomski, Thomas

2007-01-01

This brief presentation describes the mechanical and electrical integration activities and environmental testing challenges of the Space Technology 5 (ST5) Project. Lessons learned during this process are highlighted, including performing mechanical activities serially to gain efficiency through repetition and performing electrical activities based on the level of subsystem expertise available.

Chemical and mechanical aspects of HMR primer in relationship to wood bonding

Treesearch

Alfred W. Christiansen

2005-01-01

The mechanism by which hydroxymethylated resorcinol (HMR) primer improves the durability of various adhesives to wood has been hypothesized as covalent chemical links between the adhesive and primer and possibly between the primer and wood. The present work presents experiments to test this hypothesis. In the first test, some resorcinol was displaced by 2- methylres-...

Mechanical changes caused by CO2-driven cement dissolution in the Morrow B Sandstone at reservoir conditions: Experimental observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Z.; Luhmann, A. J.; Rinehart, A. J.; Mozley, P.; Dewers, T. A.

2017-12-01

Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) in transmissive reservoirs is a proposed mechanism in reducing CO2 emissions. Injection of CO2 perturbs reservoir chemistry, and can modify porosity and permeability and alter mineralogy. However, little work has been done on the coupling of rock alteration by CO2 injection and the mechanical integrity of the reservoir. In this study, we perform flow-through experiments on calcite- and dolomite-cemented Pennsylvanian Morrow B Sandstone (West Texas, USA) cores. We hypothesize that poikilotopic calcite cement has a larger impact on chemo-mechanical alteration than disseminated dolomite cement given similar CO2 exposure. With one control brine flow-through experiment and two CO2-plus-brine flow-through experiments for each cement composition, flow rates of 0.1 and 0.01 ml/min were applied under 4200 psi pore fluid pressure and 5000 psi confining pressure at 71 °C. Fluid chemistry and permeability data enable monitoring of mineral dissolution. Ultrasonic velocities were measured pre-test using 1.2 MHz source-receiver pairs at 0.5 MPa axial load and show calcite-cemented samples with higher dynamic elastic moduli than dolomite-cemented samples. Velocities measured post-experiment will identify changes from fluid-rock interaction. We plan to conduct cylinder-splitting destructive mechanical test (Brazil test) to measure the pristine and altered tensile strength of different cemented sandstones. The experiments will identify extents to which cement composition and texture control chemo-mechanical degradation of CCUS reservoirs. Funding for this project is provided by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) through the Southwest Regional Partnership on Carbon Sequestration (SWP) under Award No. DE-FC26-05NT42591. Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc. for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA0003525.

Mechanical Testing of MLCCs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Teverovsky, Alexander A.

2016-01-01

Cracking of multilayer ceramic capacitors, MLCCs, remains a serious problem for space systems. This problem increases substantially for large size capacitors and in cases when manual soldering is involved or the system experiences mechanical shock or vibration. In any case, a fracture occurs when the sum of external and internal mechanical stresses exceeds the strength of the part. To reduce the probability of cracking, the level of stress should be reduced, e.g. by optimizing the assembly workmanship and rules for board design, and the strength of the parts increased by selecting the most mechanically robust capacitors. The latter might possibly be achieved by selecting MLCCs based on the in-situ measurements of mechanical characteristics using four types of tests: flexural strength, hardness, fracture toughness, and flex bend testing. Note that military specifications MIL-PRF-123 and MIL-PRF-55681 do not have requirements for mechanical testing of the parts. However, specifications for automotive industry components employ two types of mechanical tests: beam load (break strength) test per AEC-Q200-003 and board flex test per AEC-Q200-005. A recent military specification for thin dielectric capacitors, MIL-PRF-32535, has one mechanical test, board flex testing, that is similar to AEC-Q200-005. The purpose of this report was assessment of the efficiency of different mechanical tests for selection robust capacitors and comparison of mechanical characteristics of Base Metal Electrode (BME) and Precious Metal Electrode (PME) capacitors. The report has three parts related to the first three mechanical tests mentioned above.

Social transfer of pain in mice

PubMed Central

Smith, Monique L.; Hostetler, Caroline M.; Heinricher, Mary M.; Ryabinin, Andrey E.

2016-01-01

A complex relationship exists between the psychosocial environment and the perception and experience of pain, and the mechanisms of the social communication of pain have yet to be elucidated. The present study examined the social communication of pain and demonstrates that “bystander” mice housed and tested in the same room as mice subjected to inflammatory pain or withdrawal from morphine or alcohol develop corresponding hyperalgesia. Olfactory cues mediate the transfer of hyperalgesia to the bystander mice, which can be measured using mechanical, thermal, and chemical tests. Hyperalgesia in bystanders does not co-occur with anxiety or changes in corticosterone and cannot be explained by visually dependent emotional contagion or stress-induced hyperalgesia. These experiments reveal the multifaceted relationship between the social environment and pain behavior and support the use of mice as a model system for investigating these factors. In addition, these experiments highlight the need for proper consideration of how experimental animals are housed and tested. PMID:27774512

A Proposal for Testing Local Realism Without Using Assumptions Related to Hidden Variable States

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ryff, Luiz Carlos

1996-01-01

A feasible experiment is discussed which allows us to prove a Bell's theorem for two particles without using an inequality. The experiment could be used to test local realism against quantum mechanics without the introduction of additional assumptions related to hidden variables states. Only assumptions based on direct experimental observation are needed.

Mineback Stimulation Research Experiments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Warpinski, N.R.

The objective of the Mineback Stimulation Research Experiments is to improve hydraulic fracture stimulation technology by providing an in situ laboratory where basic processes and mechanisms that control and influence fracture propagation can be observed, measured and understood. While previous tests have been instrumental in providing an understanding of the mechanisms controlling fracture height, current experiments are focused on fluid flow through the created fracture and the associated pressure drops and crack widths. Work performed, accomplishments and future plans are presented. 7 refs., 2 figs.

Mechanical testing and finite element analysis of orthodontic teardrop loop.

PubMed

Coimbra, Maria Elisa Rodrigues; Penedo, Norman Duque; de Gouvêa, Jayme Pereira; Elias, Carlos Nelson; de Souza Araújo, Mônica Tirre; Coelho, Paulo Guilherme

2008-02-01

Understanding how teeth move in response to mechanical loads is an important aspect of orthodontic treatment. Treatment planning should include consideration of the appliances that will meet the desired loading of the teeth to result in optimized treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of computer simulation to predict the force and the torsion obtained after the activation of tear drop loops of 3 heights. Seventy-five retraction loops were divided into 3 groups according to height (6, 7, and 8 mm). The loops were subjected to tensile load through displacements of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mm, and the resulting forces and torques were recorded. The loops were designed in AutoCAD software(2005; Autodesk Systems, Alpharetta, GA), and finite element analysis was performed with Ansys software(version 7.0; Swanson Analysis System, Canonsburg, PA). Statistical analysis of the mechanical experiment results was obtained by ANOVA and the Tukey post-hoc test (P < .01). The correlation test and the paired t test (P < .05) were used to compare the computer simulation with the mechanical experiment. The computer simulation accurately predicted the experimentally determined mechanical behavior of tear drop loops of different heights and should be considered an alternative for designing orthodontic appliances before treatment.

Experiential Learning in Rodents: Past Experience Enables Rapid Learning and Localized Encoding in Hippocampus

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cox, Conor D.; Palmer, Linda C.; Pham, Danielle T.; Trieu, Brian H.; Gall, Christine M.; Lynch, Gary

2017-01-01

Humans routinely use past experience with complexity to deal with novel, challenging circumstances. This fundamental aspect of real-world behavior has received surprisingly little attention in animal studies, and the underlying brain mechanisms are unknown. The present experiments tested for transfer from past experience in rats and then used…

EXPERIMENTATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MORE EFFECTIVE METHODS OF TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGES BY MAKING EXTENSIVE USE OF ELECTRO-MECHANICAL AIDS.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

LEWIS, EARL N.

AN EXPERIMENT WAS DESIGNED TO TEST THE HYPOTHESIS THAT PROPER USE OF ELECTRO-MECHANICAL AIDS CAN RELIEVE THE TEACHER OF A GREAT DEAL OF THE ROUTINE WORK OF TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGES. HE WOULD THUS BE ALLOWED TO EXTEND HIMSELF EITHER QUANTITATIVELY OR QUALITATIVELY IN HIS WORK. THIS EXPERIMENT USES THE QUALITATIVE APPROACH. THREE GROUPS OF…

Why two heads apart are better than two heads together: multiple mechanisms underlie the collaborative inhibition effect in memory.

PubMed

Barber, Sarah J; Harris, Celia B; Rajaram, Suparna

2015-03-01

Although a group of people working together remembers more than any one individual, they recall less than their predicted potential. This finding is known as collaborative inhibition and is generally thought to arise due to retrieval disruption. However, there is growing evidence that is inconsistent with the retrieval disruption account, suggesting that additional mechanisms also contribute to collaborative inhibition. In the current studies, we examined 2 alternate mechanisms: retrieval inhibition and retrieval blocking. To identify the contributions of retrieval disruption, retrieval inhibition, and retrieval blocking, we tested how collaborative recall of entirely unshared information influences subsequent individual recall and individual recognition memory. If collaborative inhibition is due solely to retrieval disruption, then there should be a release from the negative effects of collaboration on subsequent individual recall and recognition tests. If it is due to retrieval inhibition, then the negative effects of collaboration should persist on both individual recall and recognition memory tests. Finally, if it is due to retrieval blocking, then the impairment should persist on subsequent individual free recall, but not recognition, tests. Novel to the current study, results suggest that retrieval inhibition plays a role in the collaborative inhibition effect. The negative effects of collaboration persisted on a subsequent, always-individual, free-recall test (Experiment 1) and also on a subsequent, always-individual, recognition test (Experiment 2). However, consistent with the retrieval disruption account, this deficit was attenuated (Experiment 1). Together, these results suggest that, in addition to retrieval disruption, multiple mechanisms play a role in collaborative inhibition. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

Characterization of fine abrasive particles for optical fabrication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Funkenbusch, Paul D.; Zhou, Y. Y.; Takahashi, Toshio; Quesnel, David J.; Lambropoulos, John C.

1995-08-01

Material removal during fine grinding operations is accomplished primarily by the action of individual abrasive particles on the glass surface. The mechanical properties of the abrasive are therefore important. Unfortunately it is difficult to directly measure the mechanical response of abrasives once they reach the scale of approximately 10 microns. As a result mechanical properties of fine abrasives are sometimes characterized in terms of an empirical `friability', based on the response of the abrasive to crushing by a metal ball in a vial. In this paper we report on modeling/experiments designed to more precisely quantify the mechanical properties of fine abrasives and ultimately to relate them to the conditions experienced by bound particles during grinding. Experiments have been performed on various types and sizes of diamond abrasives. The response of the particles is a strong function of the loading conditions and can be tracked by changing the testing parameters. Diamond size is also found to play a critical role, with finer diamonds less susceptible to fracture. A micromechanical model from the literature is employed estimate the forces likely to be seen during testing. We are also developing dynamic models to better predict the forces experienced during `friability' testing as a function of the testing parameters.

Engineering study for pallet adapting the Apollo laser altimeter and photographic camera system for the Lidar Test Experiment on orbital flight tests 2 and 4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kuebert, E. J.

1977-01-01

A Laser Altimeter and Mapping Camera System was included in the Apollo Lunar Orbital Experiment Missions. The backup system, never used in the Apollo Program, is available for use in the Lidar Test Experiments on the STS Orbital Flight Tests 2 and 4. Studies were performed to assess the problem associated with installation and operation of the Mapping Camera System in the STS. They were conducted on the photographic capabilities of the Mapping Camera System, its mechanical and electrical interface with the STS, documentation, operation and survivability in the expected environments, ground support equipment, test and field support.

A "TEST OF CONCEPT" COMPARISON OF AERODYNAMIC AND MECHANICAL RESUSPENSION MECHANISMS FOR PARTICLES DEPOSITED ON FIELD RYE GRASS (SECALE CERCELE). PART I. RELATIVE PARTICLE FLUX RATES

EPA Science Inventory

Resuspension of uniform latex micro spheres deposited on a single seed pod of field rye grass stalk and head was investigated experimentally in a wind tunnel. The experiment was designed to distinguish aerodynamic (viscous and turbulent) mechanisms from mechanical resuspension re...

New Insights on the Rheology of Olivine Deformed under Lithospheric Temperature Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cordier, P.; Demouchy, S. A.; Mussi, A.; Tommasi, A.

2014-12-01

Rheology of mantle rocks at lithospheric temperatures remains poorly constrained, since most experimental studies on creep mechanisms of olivine single crystals ((MgFe)2SiO4, Pbnm) and polycrystalline olivine aggregates were performed at high-temperatures (T >> 1200oC). In this study, we report results from deformation experiments on oriented single crystals of San Carlos olivine and polycrystalline olivine aggregate at temperatures relevant of the uppermost mantle (ranging from 800o to 1090oC) in tri-axial compression. The experiments were carried out at a confining pressure of 300 MPa in a high-resolution gas-medium mechanical testing apparatus at various constant strain rates (from 7 x 10-6 s-1 to 1 x 10-4 s-1). Mechanical tests show that mantle lithosphere is actually weaker than previously inferred from the extrapolation of high-temperature experiments. In this study, we present characterization of dislocation microstructures based on transmission electron microscopy and electron tomography. It is shown that below 1000°C, dislocation activity is restricted to [001] glide with a strong predominance of {110} as glide planes. We observe recovery mechanisms which suggest that the mechanical properties observed in laboratory experiments represent an upper bound for the actual behavior of olivine under lithospheric mantle conditions. Moreover, the drastic reduction in slip system activity observed questions the ability of deforming olivine aggregates in the ductile regime at such temperatures. We show that ductility is preserved thanks to the activation of alternative deformation mechanisms in grain boundaries involving disclinations.

LDEF mechanical systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spear, Steve; Dursch, Harry

1991-01-01

Following the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF), the Systems Special Investigation Group (SIG) was involved in a considerable amount of testing of mechanical hardware flown on the LDEF. The primary objectives were to determine the effects of the long term exposure on: (1) mechanisms employed both on the LDEF or as part of individual experiments; (2) structural components; and (3) fasteners. Results of testing the following LDEF hardware are presented: LDEF structure, fasteners, trunnions, end support beam, environment exposure control cannisters, motors, and lubricants. A limited discussion of PI test results is included. The lessons learned are discussed along with the future activities of the System SIG.

Brine Migration in Heated Salt: Lessons Learned from Field Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuhlman, K. L.; Matteo, E. N.; Mills, M.

2017-12-01

We summarize several interesting brine migration related phenomena hinted at in field experiments from field testing related to salt radioactive waste repositories in Germany and the US. Past heater tests in salt have shown 1) thermal-hydrological-mechanical coupling is quite strong during both heating and cooling; 2) chemical composition of brine evolves during heating, and comprises a mix of several water sources; and 3) acid gas (HCl) generation has been observed during past heater tests and may have multiple mechanisms for formation. We present a heated brine migration test design, formulated with these complexities in mind. Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc. for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA0003525.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rutqvist, Jonny; Blanco Martin, Laura; Mukhopadhyay, Sumit

The modeling efforts in support of the field test planning conducted at LBNL leverage on recent developments of tools for modeling coupled thermal-hydrological-mechanical-chemical (THMC) processes in salt and their effect on brine migration at high temperatures. This work includes development related to, and implementation of, essential capabilities, as well as testing the model against relevant information and published experimental data related to the fate and transport of water. These are modeling capabilities that will be suitable for assisting in the design of field experiment, especially related to multiphase flow processes coupled with mechanical deformations, at high temperature. In this report,more » we first examine previous generic repository modeling results, focusing on the first 20 years to investigate the expected evolution of the different processes that could be monitored in a full-scale heater experiment, and then present new results from ongoing modeling of the Thermal Simulation for Drift Emplacement (TSDE) experiment, a heater experiment on the in-drift emplacement concept at the Asse Mine, Germany, and provide an update on the ongoing model developments for modeling brine migration. LBNL also supported field test planning activities via contributions to and technical review of framework documents and test plans, as well as participation in workshops associated with field test planning.« less

The role of orientation experiments in discovering mechanisms.

PubMed

Gervais, Raoul; Weber, Erik

2015-12-01

Many types of experiments have been recognized in the literature. One important type we discuss in this article is the orientation experiment. While orientation experiments are like other types of experiments in that they are tests for causal relevance, they also have other qualities. One important (but not the only) goal of these experiments is to offer a rough, qualitative characterization of the mechanism responsible for a capacity of interest, effectively constraining future research. This makes them particularly useful during the early stages of investigation, when an explanandum-phenomenon has just been identified and several (often competing) hypotheses as to the qualitative character of the mechanism responsible for it are proposed. We illustrate our claims, and explicate a number of additional aims that orientation experiments can sometimes serve, by considering three case studies from different era's, namely the discovery of the mechanisms responsible for i) the capacity of eels to produce numbing sensations (17th and 18th century), ii) puerperal fever in Semmelweis' Vienna Maternity Hospital (19th century), and iii) the capacity of pigeons to home (20th century). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Results from Mechanical Testing of Silicon Carbide for Space Applications: Non-Destructive Evalution Samples and MISSE-6 Experiment Samples

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-07

the materials properties of silicon carbide plates”, S. Kenderian et al., 2009 SPIE Proceedings, vol. 7425 • Materials – 10” x 16” SiC plates...CONFERENCE PROCEEDING 3. DATES COVERED (From - To) 2008-2010 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Results from Mechanical Testing of Silicon Carbide for Space...for silicon carbide optical systems that covers material verification through system development. Recent laboratory results for testing of materials

Detecting cheaters without thinking: testing the automaticity of the cheater detection module.

PubMed

Van Lier, Jens; Revlin, Russell; De Neys, Wim

2013-01-01

Evolutionary psychologists have suggested that our brain is composed of evolved mechanisms. One extensively studied mechanism is the cheater detection module. This module would make people very good at detecting cheaters in a social exchange. A vast amount of research has illustrated performance facilitation on social contract selection tasks. This facilitation is attributed to the alleged automatic and isolated operation of the module (i.e., independent of general cognitive capacity). This study, using the selection task, tested the critical automaticity assumption in three experiments. Experiments 1 and 2 established that performance on social contract versions did not depend on cognitive capacity or age. Experiment 3 showed that experimentally burdening cognitive resources with a secondary task had no impact on performance on the social contract version. However, in all experiments, performance on a non-social contract version did depend on available cognitive capacity. Overall, findings validate the automatic and effortless nature of social exchange reasoning.

Engagement of Metal Debris into a Gear Mesh

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Handschuh, Robert F.; Krantz, Timothy L.

2009-01-01

A series of bench top experiments was conducted to determine the effects of metallic debris being dragged through meshing gear teeth. A test rig that is typically used to conduct contact fatigue experiments was used for these tests. Several sizes of drill material, shim stock, and pieces of gear teeth were introduced and then driven through the meshing region. The level of torque required to drive the "chip" through the gear mesh was measured. From the data gathered, chip size sufficient to jam the mechanism can be determined. INTRODUCTION In some space mechanisms the loading can be so high that there is some possibility that a gear chip might be liberated while in operation of the mechanism [1-5]. Also, due to the closely packed nature of some space mechanisms and the fact that a space grease is used for lubrication, chips that are released can then be introduced to other gear meshes within this mechanism. In this instance, it is desirable to know the consequences of a gear chip entering in between meshing gear teeth. To help provide some understanding, a series of bench-top experiments was conducted to engage chips of simulated and gear material fragments into a meshing gear pair. One purpose of the experiments was to determine the relationship of chip size to the torque required to rotate the gear set through the mesh cycle. The second purpose was to determine the condition of the gear chip material after engagement by the meshing gears, primarily to determine if the chip would break into pieces and to observe the motion of the chip as the engagement was completed. This document also presents preliminary testing done with metal debris other than chips from gears, namely steel shim stock and drill bits of various sizes and diameters.

Development of a shock wave adhesion test for composite bonds by laser pulsed and mechanical impacts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ecault, Romain; Boustie, Michel; Touchard, Fabienne; Arrigoni, Michel; Berthe, Laurent; CNRS Collaboration

2013-06-01

Evaluating the bonding quality of composite material is becoming one of the main challenges faced by aeronautic industries. This work aims the development of a technique using shock wave, which would enable to quantify the bonding mechanical quality. Laser shock experiments were carried out. This technique enables high tensile stress generation in the thickness of composite bond without any mechanical contact. The resulting damage has been quantified using different method such as confocal microscopy, ultrasound and cross section observation. The discrimination between a correct bond and a weak bond was possible thanks to these experiments. Nevertheless, laser sources are not well adapted for optimization of such a test since it has often fixed parameters. That is why mechanical impacts bonded composites were also performed in this work. By changing the thickness of aluminum projectiles, the tensile stresses generated by the shock wave propagation were moved toward the composite/bond interface. The observations made prove that the optimization of the technique is possible. The key parameters for the development of a bonding test using shock wave have been identified.

Species coexistence through simultaneous fluctuation-dependent mechanisms.

PubMed

Letten, Andrew D; Dhami, Manpreet K; Ke, Po-Ju; Fukami, Tadashi

2018-06-12

Understanding the origins and maintenance of biodiversity remains one of biology's grand challenges. From theory and observational evidence, we know that variability in environmental conditions through time is likely critical to the coexistence of competing species. Nevertheless, experimental tests of fluctuation-driven coexistence are rare and have typically focused on just one of two potential mechanisms, the temporal storage effect, to the neglect of the theoretically equally plausible mechanism known as relative nonlinearity of competition. We combined experiments and simulations in a system of nectar yeasts to quantify the relative contribution of the two mechanisms to coexistence. Resource competition models parameterized from single-species assays predicted the outcomes of mixed-culture competition experiments with 83% accuracy. Model simulations revealed that both mechanisms have measurable effects on coexistence and that relative nonlinearity can be equal or greater in magnitude to the temporal storage effect. In addition, we show that their effect on coexistence can be both antagonistic and complementary. These results falsify the common assumption that relative nonlinearity is of negligible importance, and in doing so reveal the importance of testing coexistence mechanisms in combination.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Reaugh, J. E.

HE ignition caused by shear localization is the principal concern for safety analyses of postulated mechanical insults to explosive assemblies. Although prompt detonation from shock is certainly a concern, insults that lead to prompt detonation are associated with high velocity, and correspondingly rare. For high-density HMX assemblies, an impact speed (by a steel object) of 400 m/s is needed to develop a detonation in a run distance less than 30 mm. To achieve a steady plane shock, which results in the shortest run distance to detonation for a given peak pressure, the impactor diameter must exceed 60 mm, and thicknessmore » approach 20 mm. Thinner plates and/or smaller diameter ones require even higher impact velocity. Ignitions from shear localization, however, have been observed from impacts less than 50 m/s in Steven tests, less than 30 m/s from spigot impact tests, and less than 10 m/s from various drop tests. This lower velocity range is much frequent in postulated mechanical insults. Preliminary computer simulations and analyses of a variety of such tests have suggested that although each is accompanied by shear localization, there are differing detailed mechanisms at work that cause the ignitions. We identify those mechanisms that may be at work in a variety of such tests, and suggest how models of shear ignition, such as HERMES, may be revised and calibrated to conform to experiment. We suggest combining additional experiments with computer simulations and model development to begin confirm or uncover mechanisms that may be at work in a specific postulated event.« less

Subcritical fracture propagation in rocks: An examination using the methods of fracture mechanics and non-destructive testing. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Swanson, P. L.

1984-01-01

An experimental investigation of tensile rock fracture is presented with an emphasis on characterizing time dependent crack growth using the methods of fracture mechanics. Subcritical fracture experiments were performed in moist air on glass and five different rock types at crack velocities using the double torsion technique. The experimental results suggest that subcritical fracture resistance in polycrystals is dominated by microstructural effects. Evidence for gross violations of the assumptions of linear elastic fracture mechanics and double torsion theory was found in the tests on rocks. In an effort to obtain a better understanding of the physical breakdown processes associated with rock fracture, a series of nondestructive evaluation tests were performed during subcritical fracture experiments on glass and granite. Comparison of the observed process zone shape with that expected on the basis of a critical normal principal tensile stress criterion shows that the zone is much more elongated in the crack propagation direction than predicted by the continuum based microcracking model alone.

Experimental Results for Titan Aerobot Thermo-Mechanical Subsystem Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hall, Jeffrey L.; Jones, J. A.; Kerzhanovich, V. V.; Lachenmeier, T.; Mahr, P.; Pauken, M.; Plett, G. A.; Smith, L.; VanLuvender, M. L.; Yavrouian, A. H.

2006-01-01

This paper describes experimental results from a development program focused in maturing Titan aerobot technology in the areas of mechanical and thermal subsystems. Results from four key activities are described: first, a cryogenic balloon materials development program involving coupon and cylinder tests and culminating in the fabrication and testing of an inflated 4.6 m long prototype blimp at 93 K; second, a combined lab experiment and numerical simulation effort to assess potential problems resulting from radioisotope thermal generator waste heat generation near an inflated blimp; third, an aerial deployment and inflation development program consisting of laboratory and helicopter drop tests on a near full scale (11 m long) prototype blimp; and fourth, a proof of concept experiment demonstrating the viability of using a mechanically steerable high gain antenna on a floating blimp to perform direct to Earth telecommunications from Titan. The paper provides details on all of these successful activities and discusses their impact on the overall effort to produce mature systems technology for future Titan aerobot missions.

Installing Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) Experiment Test Cell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

Astronaut Carl Walz installs Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) test cell on STS-79. Sand and soil grains have faces that can cause friction as they roll and slide against each other, or even cause sticking and form small voids between grains. This complex behavior can cause soil to behave like a liquid under certain conditions such as earthquakes or when powders are handled in industrial processes. Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiments aboard the Space Shuttle use the microgravity of space to simulate this behavior under conditons that carnot be achieved in laboratory tests on Earth. MGM is shedding light on the behavior of fine-grain materials under low effective stresses. Applications include earthquake engineering, granular flow technologies (such as powder feed systems for pharmaceuticals and fertilizers), and terrestrial and planetary geology. Nine MGM specimens have flown on two Space Shuttle flights. Another three are scheduled to fly on STS-107. The principal investigator is Stein Sture of the University of Colorado at Boulder. Credit: NASA/John Space Center

A universal test for gravitational decoherence

PubMed Central

Pfister, C.; Kaniewski, J.; Tomamichel, M.; Mantri, A.; Schmucker, R.; McMahon, N.; Milburn, G.; Wehner, S.

2016-01-01

Quantum mechanics and the theory of gravity are presently not compatible. A particular question is whether gravity causes decoherence. Several models for gravitational decoherence have been proposed, not all of which can be described quantum mechanically. Since quantum mechanics may need to be modified, one may question the use of quantum mechanics as a calculational tool to draw conclusions from the data of experiments concerning gravity. Here we propose a general method to estimate gravitational decoherence in an experiment that allows us to draw conclusions in any physical theory where the no-signalling principle holds, even if quantum mechanics needs to be modified. As an example, we propose a concrete experiment using optomechanics. Our work raises the interesting question whether other properties of nature could similarly be established from experimental observations alone—that is, without already having a rather well-formed theory of nature to make sense of experimental data. PMID:27694976

Mountain bicycle frame testing as an example of practical implementation of hybrid simulation using RTFEM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mucha, Waldemar; Kuś, Wacław

2018-01-01

The paper presents a practical implementation of hybrid simulation using Real Time Finite Element Method (RTFEM). Hybrid simulation is a technique for investigating dynamic material and structural properties of mechanical systems by performing numerical analysis and experiment at the same time. It applies to mechanical systems with elements too difficult or impossible to model numerically. These elements are tested experimentally, while the rest of the system is simulated numerically. Data between the experiment and numerical simulation are exchanged in real time. Authors use Finite Element Method to perform the numerical simulation. The following paper presents the general algorithm for hybrid simulation using RTFEM and possible improvements of the algorithm for computation time reduction developed by the authors. The paper focuses on practical implementation of presented methods, which involves testing of a mountain bicycle frame, where the shock absorber is tested experimentally while the rest of the frame is simulated numerically.

The electron Echo 6 mechanical deployment systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyers, S. C.; Steffen, J. E.; Malcolm, P. R.; Winckler, J. R.

1984-01-01

The Echo 6 sounding rocket payload was flown on a Terrier boosted Black Brant vehicle on March 30, 1983. The experiment requirements resulted in the new design of a rocket propelled Throw Away Detector System (TADS) with onboard Doppler radar, a free-flyer forward experiment designated the Plasma Diagnostic Package (PDP), and numerous other basic systems. The design, developmental testing, and flight preparations of the payload and the mechanical deployment systems are described.

Work stressors and partner social undermining: Comparing negative affect and psychological detachment as mechanisms.

PubMed

Meier, Laurenz L; Cho, Eunae

2018-05-14

With the mounting evidence that employees' work experiences spill over into the family domain and cross over to family members, it is important to understand the underlying mechanism through which work experiences affect the family domain and what factors may alleviate the adverse impact of work stress. Expanding previous research that mainly focused on the affect-based mechanism (negative affect), the present research investigated a resource-based mechanism (psychological detachment from work) in the relationship linking two work stressors (high workload and workplace incivility) with social undermining toward the partner at home. We also explored the relative strength of the mediating effects of the two mechanisms. In addition, we tested whether relationship satisfaction moderates the proposed effect of detachment on partner undermining. We tested these research questions using two studies with differing designs: a five-wave longitudinal study (N = 470) and a multisource study (N = 131). The results suggest that stressful work experiences affect the family domain via lack of detachment as well as negative affect, that the two pathways have comparable strength, and that high relationship satisfaction mitigates the negative effect of lack of detachment on partner undermining. In sum, this research extends the spillover-crossover model by establishing that poor psychological detachment from work during leisure time is an additional mechanism that links work and family. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Stressed Stability Techniques for Adjuvant Formulations.

PubMed

Hasija, Manvi; Sheung, Anthony; Rahman, Nausheen; Ausar, Salvador F

2017-01-01

Stressed stability testing is crucial to the understanding of mechanisms of degradation and the effects of external stress factors on adjuvant stability. These studies vastly help the development of stability indicating tests and the selection of stabilizing conditions for long term storage. In this chapter, we provide detailed protocols for the execution of forced degradation experiments that evaluate the robustness of adjuvant formulations against thermal, mechanical, freeze-thawing, and photo stresses.

Structure-phase state and mechanical properties of surface layers in titanium nikelide single crystals after shock mechanical treatment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Surikova, N., E-mail: surikova@ispms.tsc.ru; Panin, V., E-mail: paninve@ispms.tsc.ru; Vlasov, I.

2015-10-27

The influence of ultrasonic shock surface treatment (USST) on refine structure and mechanical characteristics of surface layers and deformation behaviour of volume samples of TiNi(Fe, Mo) shape memory effect alloy single crystals is studied using optical and transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, nanoindentation, mechanical attrition testing and experiments on uniaxial tension.

Structure-phase state and mechanical properties of surface layers in titanium nikelide single crystals after shock mechanical treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Surikova, N.; Panin, V.; Vlasov, I.; Narkevich, N.; Surikov, N.; Tolmachev, A.

2015-10-01

The influence of ultrasonic shock surface treatment (USST) on refine structure and mechanical characteristics of surface layers and deformation behaviour of volume samples of TiNi(Fe, Mo) shape memory effect alloy single crystals is studied using optical and transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, nanoindentation, mechanical attrition testing and experiments on uniaxial tension.

ATS-6 engineering performance report. Volume:Program and systems summaries: Mechanical and thermal details

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wales, R. O. (Editor)

1981-01-01

The overall mission and spacecraft systems, testing, and operations are summarized. The mechanical subsystems are reviewed, encompassing mechanical design requirements; separation and deployment mechanisms; design and performance evaluation; and the television camera reflector monitor. Thermal control and contamination are discussed in terms of thermal control subsystems, design validation, subsystems performance, the advanced flight experiment, and the quartz-crystal microbalance contamination monitor.

Is hefting to perceive the affordance for throwing a smart perceptual mechanism?

PubMed

Zhu, Qin; Bingham, Geoffrey P

2008-08-01

G. P. Bingham, R. C. Schmidt, and L. D. Rosenblum (1989) found that, by hefting objects of different sizes and weights, people could choose the optimal weight in each size for throwing to a maximum distance. In Experiment 1, the authors replicated this result. G. P. Bingham et al. hypothesized that hefting is a smart mechanism that allows objects to be perceived in the context of throwing dynamics. This hypothesis entails 2 assumptions. First, hefting by hand is required for information about throwing by hand. The authors tested and confirmed this in Experiments 2 and 3. Second, optimal objects are determined by the dynamics of throwing. In Experiment 4, the authors tested this by measuring throwing release angles and using them with mean thrown distances from Experiment 1 and object sizes and weights to simulate projectile motion and recover release velocities. The results showed that only weight, not size, affects throwing. This failed to provide evidence supporting the particular smart mechanism hypothesis of G. P. Bingham et al. Because the affordance relation is determined in part by the dynamics of projectile motion, the results imply that the affordance is learned from knowledge of results of throwing.

Determination of the long-term release of metal(loid)s from construction materials using DGTs.

PubMed

Schmukat, A; Duester, L; Ecker, D; Heininger, P; Ternes, T A

2013-09-15

Long-term leaching experiments are crucial to estimate the potential release of dangerous substances from construction materials. The application of Diffuse Gradients in Thin film (DGT) in static-batch experiments was tested to study the long-term release of metal(loid)s from construction materials for hydraulic engineering, for half a year. Long-term release experiments are essential to improve calculations of the life-time release for this materials. DGTs in batch experiments were found to be a space and labour efficient application, which enabled (i) to study, in a non-invasive manner, the total release of nine metal(loid)s for half a year, (ii) to differentiate between release mechanisms and (iii) to study mechanisms which were contrary to the release or caused experimental artefacts in the batch experiments. For copper slag (test material) it was found that eight metal(loid)s were released over the whole time period of 184 d. Cu, Ni and Pb were found to be released, predominantly caused by (the) weathering of sulphide minerals. Only for Zn a surface depletion mechanism was identified. The results from the long-term batch experiments deliver new information on the release of metal(loid)s during the life cycle of construction materials with regard to river basin management objectives. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mechanical Characterization and Corrosion Testing of X608 Al Alloy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Prabhakaran, Ramprashad; Choi, Jung-Pyung; Stephens, Elizabeth V.

2016-02-07

This paper describes the mechanical characterization and corrosion testing of X608 Al alloy that is being considered for A-pillar covers for heavy-duty truck applications. Recently, PNNL developed a thermo-mechanical process to stamp A-pillar covers at room temperature using this alloy, and the full-size prototype was successfully stamped by a tier-1 supplier. This study was conducted to obtain additional important information related to the newly developed forming process, and to further improve its mechanical properties. The solutionization temperature, pre-strain and paint-bake heat-treatment were found to influence the alloy’s fabricability and mechanical properties. Natural aging effect on the formability was investigated bymore » limiting dome height (LDH) tests. Preliminary corrosion experiments showed that the employed thermo-mechanical treatments did not significantly affect the corrosion behavior of Al X608.« less

Experience with proactive interference diminishes its effects: mechanisms of change.

PubMed

Wahlheim, Christopher N; Jacoby, Larry L

2011-02-01

In three experiments, we examined the mechanisms by which prior experience with proactive interference (PI) diminished its effects. Cued recall tasks conforming to an A-B, A-D paradigm were used to induce PI effects. Experiment 1 showed that reduced PI was not due to a reduction in attention to the source of PI. Experiment 2 revealed that participants' awareness of PI effects on memory performance increased with experience, resulting in a shift in encoding processes. Experiment 3 demonstrated that changes in encoding provided additional support for recollection that further enhanced participants' ability to constrain their retrieval processing to the appropriate source of information at the time of test. These results can be interpreted as showing that experience with PI enhances awareness of its effects and allows individuals to adjust their learning and retrieval strategies to compensate for such effects.

Effect of geometric size on mechanical properties of dielectric elastomers based on an improved visco-hyperelastic film model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Mengzhou; Wang, Zhenqing; Tong, Liyong; Liang, Wenyan

2017-03-01

Dielectric polymers show complex mechanical behaviors with different boundary conditions, geometry size and pre-stress. A viscoelastic model suitable for inhomogeneous deformation is presented integrating the Kelvin-Voigt model in a new form in this work. For different types of uniaxial tensile test loading along the length direction of sample, single-step-relaxation tests, loading-unloading tests and tensile-creep-relaxation tests the improved model provides a quite favorable comparison with the experiment results. Moreover, The mechanical properties of test sample with several length-width ratios under different boundary conditions are also invested. The influences of the different boundary conditions are calculated with a stress applied on the boundary point and the result show that the fixed boundary will increase the stress compare with homogeneous deformation. In modeling the effect of pre-stress in the shear test, three pre-stressed mode are discussed. The model validation on the general mechanical behavior shows excellent predictive capability.

ORNL Pre-test Analyses of A Large-scale Experiment in STYLE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Williams, Paul T; Yin, Shengjun; Klasky, Hilda B

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is conducting a series of numerical analyses to simulate a large scale mock-up experiment planned within the European Network for Structural Integrity for Lifetime Management non-RPV Components (STYLE). STYLE is a European cooperative effort to assess the structural integrity of (non-reactor pressure vessel) reactor coolant pressure boundary components relevant to ageing and life-time management and to integrate the knowledge created in the project into mainstream nuclear industry assessment codes. ORNL contributes work-in-kind support to STYLE Work Package 2 (Numerical Analysis/Advanced Tools) and Work Package 3 (Engineering Assessment Methods/LBB Analyses). This paper summarizes the current statusmore » of ORNL analyses of the STYLE Mock-Up3 large-scale experiment to simulate and evaluate crack growth in a cladded ferritic pipe. The analyses are being performed in two parts. In the first part, advanced fracture mechanics models are being developed and performed to evaluate several experiment designs taking into account the capabilities of the test facility while satisfying the test objectives. Then these advanced fracture mechanics models will be utilized to simulate the crack growth in the large scale mock-up test. For the second part, the recently developed ORNL SIAM-PFM open-source, cross-platform, probabilistic computational tool will be used to generate an alternative assessment for comparison with the advanced fracture mechanics model results. The SIAM-PFM probabilistic analysis of the Mock-Up3 experiment will utilize fracture modules that are installed into a general probabilistic framework. The probabilistic results of the Mock-Up3 experiment obtained from SIAM-PFM will be compared to those results generated using the deterministic 3D nonlinear finite-element modeling approach. The objective of the probabilistic analysis is to provide uncertainty bounds that will assist in assessing the more detailed 3D finite-element solutions and to also assess the level of confidence that can be placed in the best-estimate finiteelement solutions.« less

What Types of Visual Recognition Tasks Are Mediated by the Neural Subsystem that Subserves Face Recognition?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brooks, Brian E.; Cooper, Eric E.

2006-01-01

Three divided visual field experiments tested current hypotheses about the types of visual shape representation tasks that recruit the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying face recognition. Experiment 1 found a right hemisphere advantage for subordinate but not basic-level face recognition. Experiment 2 found a right hemisphere advantage for…

Boiling Experiment Facility for Heat Transfer Studies in Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Delombard, Richard; McQuillen, John; Chao, David

2008-01-01

Pool boiling in microgravity is an area of both scientific and practical interest. By conducting tests in microgravity, it is possible to assess the effect of buoyancy on the overall boiling process and assess the relative magnitude of effects with regards to other "forces" and phenomena such as Marangoni forces, liquid momentum forces, and microlayer evaporation. The Boiling eXperiment Facility is now being built for the Microgravity Science Glovebox that will use normal perfluorohexane as a test fluid to extend the range of test conditions to include longer test durations and less liquid subcooling. Two experiments, the Microheater Array Boiling Experiment and the Nucleate Pool Boiling eXperiment will use the Boiling eXperiment Facility. The objectives of these studies are to determine the differences in local boiling heat transfer mechanisms in microgravity and normal gravity from nucleate boiling, through critical heat flux and into the transition boiling regime and to examine the bubble nucleation, growth, departure and coalescence processes. Custom-designed heaters will be utilized to achieve these objectives.

Oscillations in a half-empty bottle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bourges, Andréane; Chardac, Amélie; Caussarieu, Aude; Plihon, Nicolas; Taberlet, Nicolas

2018-02-01

When a half-empty bottle of water is pushed to roll on a flat surface, the oscillations of the fluid inside the bottle induce an overall jerky motion. These velocity fluctuations of the bottle are studied through simple laboratory experiments accessible to undergraduate students and can help them to grasp fundamental concepts in mechanics and hydrodynamics. We first demonstrate through an astute experiment that the rotation of the fluid and the bottle is decoupled. The equations of motion are then derived using a mechanical approach, while the hydrodynamics of the fluid motion is explained. Finally, the theory is tested against two benchmark experiments.

Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) Test Cell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

Test cells comprise specimen sand contained in a latex membrane (with a grid pattern for CCD cameras) between metal end plates and housed in a water-filled Lexan jacket. Experiment flown on STS-79 and STS-89. Principal Investigator: Dr. Stein Sture.

Detecting Cheaters without Thinking: Testing the Automaticity of the Cheater Detection Module

PubMed Central

Van Lier, Jens; Revlin, Russell; De Neys, Wim

2013-01-01

Evolutionary psychologists have suggested that our brain is composed of evolved mechanisms. One extensively studied mechanism is the cheater detection module. This module would make people very good at detecting cheaters in a social exchange. A vast amount of research has illustrated performance facilitation on social contract selection tasks. This facilitation is attributed to the alleged automatic and isolated operation of the module (i.e., independent of general cognitive capacity). This study, using the selection task, tested the critical automaticity assumption in three experiments. Experiments 1 and 2 established that performance on social contract versions did not depend on cognitive capacity or age. Experiment 3 showed that experimentally burdening cognitive resources with a secondary task had no impact on performance on the social contract version. However, in all experiments, performance on a non-social contract version did depend on available cognitive capacity. Overall, findings validate the automatic and effortless nature of social exchange reasoning. PMID:23342012

Is frictional heating needed to cause dramatic weakening of nanoparticle gouge during seismic slip? Insights from friction experiments with variable thermal evolutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Lu; Ma, Shengli; Niemeijer, André R.; Shimamoto, Toshihiko; Platt, John D.

2016-07-01

To examine whether faults can be lubricated by preexisting and newly formed nanoparticles, we perform high-velocity friction experiments on periclase (MgO) nanoparticles and on bare surfaces of Carrara marble cylinders/slices, respectively. Variable temperature conditions were simulated by using host blocks of different thermal conductivities. When temperature rises are relatively low, we observe high friction in nano-MgO tests and unexpected slip strengthening following initial weakening in marble slice tests, suggesting that the dominant weakening mechanisms are of thermal origin. Solely the rolling of nanoparticles without significant temperature rise is insufficient to cause dynamic fault weakening. For nano-MgO experiments, comprehensive investigations suggest that flash heating is the most likely weakening mechanism. In marble experiments, flash heating controls the unique evolutions of friction, and the competition between bulk temperature rise and wear-induced changes of asperity contact numbers seems to strongly affect the efficiency of flash heating.

Mechanisms of renewal after the extinction of instrumental behavior

PubMed Central

Todd, Travis P.

2013-01-01

Four experiments with rats examined renewal of extinguished instrumental behavior when the reinforcement histories of the contexts were equated by giving complementary training and extinction of a different response (lever press and chain pull) in each context. In Experiments 1–3, renewal occurred when the response was tested in the acquisition context (ABA) or outside the extinction context (AAB and ABC). Further, in Experiments 1–3, when both responses were simultaneously available there was a clear preference for the response that was not in its extinction context. In Experiment 4, renewal was not reduced when testing occurred in a context that had been associated with extinction of the other instrumental response. The experimental designs rule out differential context-reinforcer associations being the only contributing mechanism of renewal, and also raise questions about configural and occasion-setting accounts. The results are consistent with the idea that during extinction an inhibitory association is formed between the context and the response. PMID:23627796

Overview of the Systems Special Investigation Group investigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mason, James B.; Dursch, Harry; Edelman, Joel

1993-01-01

The Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) carried a remarkable variety of electrical, mechanical, thermal, and optical systems, subsystems, and components. Nineteen of the fifty-seven experiments flown on LDEF contained functional systems that were active on-orbit. Almost all of the other experiments possessed at least a few specific components of interest to the Systems Special Investigation Group (Systems SIG), such as adhesives, seals, fasteners, optical components, and thermal blankets. Almost all top level functional testing of the active LDEF and experiment systems has been completed. Failure analysis of both LDEF hardware and individual experiments that failed to perform as designed has also been completed. Testing of system components and experimenter hardware of interest to the Systems SIG is ongoing. All available testing and analysis results were collected and integrated by the Systems SIG. An overview of our findings is provided. An LDEF Optical Experiment Database containing information for all 29 optical related experiments is also discussed.

Empirical retrocausality: Testing physics hypotheses with parapsychological experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dobyns, York

2017-05-01

In 2011, Daryl Bem published a report of nine parapsychological experiments showing evidence of retrocausal information transfer. Earlier in 2016, the team of Bem, Tressoldi, Rabeyron, and Duggan published the results of a meta-analysis containing 81 independent replications of the original Bem experiments (total of 90 with the originals).[1] This much larger database continues to show positive results of generally comparable effect size, thus demonstrating that the effects claimed by Bem can be replicated by independent researchers and greatly strengthening the case for empirically observed retrocausation. Earlier (2011) work by this author showed how a modification of one of Bem's original experiments could be used to test the mechanism implicitly proposed by Echeverria, Klinkhammer, and Thorne to explain how retrocausal phenomena can exist without any risk of self-contradictory event sequences (time paradoxes). In light of the new publication and new evidence, the current work generalizes the previous analysis which was restricted to only one of Bem's experimental genres (precognitive approach and avoidance). The current analysis shows how minor modifications can be made in Bem's other experimental genres of retroactive priming, retroactive habituation, and retroactive facilitation of recall to test the EKT anti-paradox mechanism. If the EKT hypothesis is correct, the modified experiments, while continuing to show replicable retrocausal phenomena, will also show a characteristic pattern of distortion in the statistics of the random selections used to drive the experiments.

Measurement of fracture toughness of metallic materials produced by additive manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quénard, O.; Dorival, O.; Guy, Ph.; Votié, A.; Brethome, K.

2018-04-01

This study focuses on the microstructure and mechanical properties of metallic materials produced by additive layer manufacturing (ALM), especially the laser beam melting process. The influence of the specimen orientation during the ALM process and that of two post-build thermal treatments were investigated. The identified metal powder is Ti-6Al-4V (titanium base). Metallographic analysis shows their effects on the microstructure of the metals. Mechanical experiments involving tensile tests as well as toughness tests were performed according to ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) norms. The results show that the main influence is that of the thermal treatments; however the manufacturing stacking direction may lead to some anisotropy in the mechanical properties.

Observed physical processes in mechanical tests of PBX9501 and recomendations for experiments to explore a possible plasticity/damage threshold

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Buechler, Miles A.

2012-05-02

This memo discusses observations that have been made in regards to a series of monotonic and cyclic uniaxial experiments performed on PBX9501 by Darla Thompson under Enhanced Surveilance Campaign support. These observations discussed in Section Cyclic compression observations strongly suggest the presence of viscoelastic, plastic, and damage phenomena in the mechanical response of the material. In Secton Uniaxial data analysis and observations methods are discussed for separating out the viscoelastic effects. A crude application of those methods suggests the possibility of a critical stress below which plasticity and damage may be negligible. The threshold should be explored because if itmore » exists it will be an important feature of any constitutive model. Additionally, if the threshold exists then modifications of experimental methods may be feasible which could potentially simplify future experiments or provide higher quality data from those experiments. A set of experiments to explore the threshold stress are proposed in Section Exploratory tests program for identifying threshold stress.« less

Which Mechanical Invariants Are Associated With the Perception of Length and Heaviness of a Nonvisible Handheld Rod? Testing the Inertia Tensor Hypothesis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kingma, Idsart; van de Langenberg, Rolf; Beek, Peter J.

2004-01-01

It has been suggested that the inertia tensor governs many instances of haptic perception. However, the evidence is inconclusive because other candidate mechanical parameters (i.e., invariants) were not or were insufficiently controlled for in pertinent experiments. By independently varying all candidate mechanical parameters, the authors were…

Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) Test Cell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

A test cell for Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiment is tested for long-term storage with water in the system as plarned for STS-107. This view shows the compressed sand column with the protective water jacket removed. Sand and soil grains have faces that can cause friction as they roll and slide against each other, or even cause sticking and form small voids between grains. This complex behavior can cause soil to behave like a liquid under certain conditions such as earthquakes or when powders are handled in industrial processes. Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiments aboard the Space Shuttle use the microgravity of space to simulate this behavior under conditons that cannot be achieved in laboratory tests on Earth. MGM is shedding light on the behavior of fine-grain materials under low effective stresses. Applications include earthquake engineering, granular flow technologies (such as powder feed systems for pharmaceuticals and fertilizers), and terrestrial and planetary geology. Nine MGM specimens have flown on two Space Shuttle flights. Another three are scheduled to fly on STS-107. The principal investigator is Stein Sture of the University of Colorado at Boulder. Credit: University of Colorado at Boulder

Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) Test Cell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

A test cell for Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiment is tested for long-term storage with water in the system as plarned for STS-107. This view shows the top of the sand column with the metal platten removed. Sand and soil grains have faces that can cause friction as they roll and slide against each other, or even cause sticking and form small voids between grains. This complex behavior can cause soil to behave like a liquid under certain conditions such as earthquakes or when powders are handled in industrial processes. Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiments aboard the Space Shuttle use the microgravity of space to simulate this behavior under conditons that cannot be achieved in laboratory tests on Earth. MGM is shedding light on the behavior of fine-grain materials under low effective stresses. Applications include earthquake engineering, granular flow technologies (such as powder feed systems for pharmaceuticals and fertilizers), and terrestrial and planetary geology. Nine MGM specimens have flown on two Space Shuttle flights. Another three are scheduled to fly on STS-107. The principal investigator is Stein Sture of the University of Colorado at Boulder. Credit: University of Colorado at Boulder

Deformation and fracture of aluminum-lithium alloys: The effect of dissolved hydrogen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rivet, F. C.; Swanson, R. E.

1990-01-01

The effects of dissolved hydrogen on the mechanical properties of 2090 and 2219 alloys are studied. The work done during this semi-annual period consists of the hydrogen charging study and some preliminary mechanical tests. Prior to SIMS analysis, several potentiostatic and galvanostatic experiments were performed for various times (going from 10 minutes to several hours) in the cathodic zone, and for the two aqueous solutions: 0.04N of HCl and 0.1N NaOH both combined with a small amount of As2O3. A study of the surface damage was conducted in parallel with the charging experiments. Those tests were performed to choose the best charging conditions without surface damage. Disk rupture tests and tensile tests are part of the study designed to investigate the effect of temperature, surface roughness, strain rate, and environment on the fracture behavior. The importance of the roughness and environment were shown using the disk rupture test as well as the importance of the strain rate under hydrogen environment. The tensile tests, without hydrogen effects, have not shown significant differences between low and room temperature.

Intelligent structures technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crawley, Edward F.

1991-07-01

Viewgraphs on intelligent structures technology are presented. Topics covered include: embedding electronics; electrical and mechanical compatibility; integrated circuit chip packaged for embedding; embedding devices within composite structures; test of embedded circuit in G/E coupon; temperature/humidity/bias test; single-chip microcomputer control experiment; and structural shape determination.

Intelligent structures technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crawley, Edward F.

1991-01-01

Viewgraphs on intelligent structures technology are presented. Topics covered include: embedding electronics; electrical and mechanical compatibility; integrated circuit chip packaged for embedding; embedding devices within composite structures; test of embedded circuit in G/E coupon; temperature/humidity/bias test; single-chip microcomputer control experiment; and structural shape determination.

Ongoing research experiments at the former Soviet nuclear test site in eastern Kazakhstan

USGS Publications Warehouse

Leith, William S.; Kluchko, Luke J.; Konovalov, Vladimir; Vouille, Gerard

2002-01-01

Degelen mountain, located in EasternKazakhstan near the city of Semipalatinsk, was once the Soviets most active underground nuclear test site. Two hundred fifteen nuclear tests were conducted in 181 tunnels driven horizontally into its many ridges--almost twice the number of tests as at any other Soviet underground nuclear test site. It was also the site of the first Soviet underground nuclear test--a 1-kiloton device detonated on October 11, 1961. Until recently, the details of testing at Degelen were kept secret and have been the subject of considerable speculation. However, in 1991, the Semipalatinsk test site became part of the newly independent Republic of Kazakhstan; and in 1995, the Kazakhstani government concluded an agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense to eliminate the nuclear testing infrastructure in Kazakhstan. This agreement, which calls for the "demilitarization of the infrastructure directly associated with the nuclear weapons test tunnels," has been implemented as the "Degelen Mountain Tunnel Closure Program." The U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency, in partnership with the Department of Energy, has permitted the use of the tunnel closure project at the former nuclear test site as a foundation on which to support cost-effective, research-and-development-funded experiments. These experiments are principally designed to improve U.S. capabilities to monitor and verify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), but have provided a new source of information on the effects of nuclear and chemical explosions on hard, fractured rock environments. These new data extends and confirms the results of recent Russian publications on the rock environment at the site and the mechanical effects of large-scale chemical and nuclear testing. In 1998, a large-scale tunnel closure experiment, Omega-1, was conducted in Tunnel 214 at Degelen mountain. In this experiment, a 100-ton chemical explosive blast was used to test technologies for monitoring the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, and to calibrate a portion of the CTBT's International Monitoring System. This experiment has also provided important benchmark data on the mechanical behavior of hard, dense, fractured rock, and has demonstrated the feasibility of fielding large-scale calibration explosions, which are specified as a "confidence-building measure" in the CTBT Protocol. Two other large-scale explosion experiments, Omega-2 and Omega-3, are planned for the summer of 1999 and 2000. Like the Tunnel 214 test, the 1999 experiment will include close-in monitoring of near-source effects, as well as contributing to the calibration of key seismic stations for the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. The Omega-3 test will examine the effect of multiple blasts on the fractured rock environment.

High energy flux thermo-mechanical test of 1D-carbon-carbon fibre composite prototypes for the SPIDER diagnostic calorimeter

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

De Muri, M., E-mail: michela.demuri@igi.cnr.it; Pasqualotto, R.; Dalla Palma, M.

2014-02-15

Operation of the thermonuclear fusion experiment ITER requires additional heating via injection of neutral beams from accelerated negative ions. In the SPIDER test facility, under construction in Padova, the production of negative ions will be studied and optimised. STRIKE (Short-Time Retractable Instrumented Kalorimeter Experiment) is a diagnostic used to characterise the SPIDER beam during short pulse operation (several seconds) to verify if the beam meets the ITER requirements about the maximum allowed beam non-uniformity (below ±10%). The major components of STRIKE are 16 1D-CFC (Carbon-Carbon Fibre Composite) tiles, observed at the rear side by a thermal camera. This contribution givesmore » an overview of some tests under high energy particle flux, aimed at verifying the thermo-mechanical behaviour of several CFC prototype tiles. The tests were performed in the GLADIS facility at IPP (Max-Plank-Institut für Plasmaphysik), Garching. Dedicated linear and nonlinear simulations were carried out to interpret the experiments and a comparison of the experimental data with the simulation results is presented. The results of some morphological and structural studies on the material after exposure to the GLADIS beam are also given.« less

Mechanical-Electrochemical-Thermal Simulation of Lithium-Ion Cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Santhanagopalan, Shriram; Zhang, Chao; Sprague, Michael A.

2016-06-01

Models capture the force response for single-cell and cell-string levels to within 15%-20% accuracy and predict the location for the origin of failure based on the deformation data from the experiments. At the module level, there is some discrepancy due to poor mechanical characterization of the packaging material between the cells. The thermal response (location and value of maximum temperature) agrees qualitatively with experimental data. In general, the X-plane results agree with model predictions to within 20% (pending faulty thermocouples, etc.); the Z-plane results show a bigger variability both between the models and test-results, as well as among multiple repeatsmore » of the tests. The models are able to capture the timing and sequence in voltage drop observed in the multi-cell experiments; the shapes of the current and temperature profiles need more work to better characterize propagation. The cells within packaging experience about 60% less force under identical impact test conditions, so the packaging on the test articles is robust. However, under slow-crush simulations, the maximum deformation of the cell strings with packaging is about twice that of cell strings without packaging.« less

Resource Letter SPE-1: Single-Photon Experiments in the Undergraduate Laboratory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galvez, Enrique J.

2014-11-01

This Resource Letter lists undergraduate-laboratory adaptations of landmark optical experiments on the fundamentals of quantum physics. Journal articles and websites give technical details of the adaptations, which offer students unique hands-on access to testing fundamental concepts and predictions of quantum mechanics. A selection of the original research articles that led to the implementations is included. These developments have motivated a rethinking of the way quantum mechanics is taught, so this Resource Letter also lists textbooks that provide these new approaches.

Hollow Cylinder Tests on Boom Clay: Modelling of Strain Localization in the Anisotropic Excavation Damaged Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

François, Bertrand; Labiouse, Vincent; Dizier, Arnaud; Marinelli, Ferdinando; Charlier, Robert; Collin, Frédéric

2014-01-01

Boom Clay is extensively studied as a potential candidate to host underground nuclear waste disposal in Belgium. To guarantee the safety of such a disposal, the mechanical behaviour of the clay during gallery excavation must be properly predicted. In that purpose, a hollow cylinder experiment on Boom Clay has been designed to reproduce, in a small-scale test, the Excavation Damaged Zone (EDZ) as experienced during the excavation of a disposal gallery in the underground. In this article, the focus is made on the hydro-mechanical constitutive interpretation of the displacement (experimentally obtained by medium resolution X-ray tomography scanning). The coupled hydro-mechanical response of Boom Clay in this experiment is addressed through finite element computations with a constitutive model including strain hardening/softening, elastic and plastic cross-anisotropy and a regularization method for the modelling of strain localization processes. The obtained results evidence the directional dependency of the mechanical response of the clay. The softening behaviour induces transient strain localization processes, addressed through a hydro-mechanical second grade model. The shape of the obtained damaged zone is clearly affected by the anisotropy of the materials, evidencing an eye-shaped EDZ. The modelling results agree with experiments not only qualitatively (in terms of the shape of the induced damaged zone), but also quantitatively (for the obtained displacement in three particular radial directions).

Experiments and kinematics analysis of a hand rehabilitation exoskeleton with circuitous joints.

PubMed

Zhang, Fuhai; Fu, Yili; Zhang, Qinchao; Wang, Shuguo

2015-01-01

Aiming at the hand rehabilitation of stroke patients, a wearable hand exoskeleton with circuitous joint is proposed. The circuitous joint adopts the symmetric pinion and rack mechanism (SPRM) with the parallel mechanism. The exoskeleton finger is a serial mechanism composed of three closed-chain SPRM joints in series. The kinematic equations of the open chain of the finger and the closed chains of the SPRM joints were built to analyze the kinematics of the hand rehabilitation exoskeleton. The experimental setup of the hand rehabilitation exoskeleton was built and the continuous passive motion (CPM) rehabilitation experiment and the test of human-robot interaction force measurement were conducted. Experiment results show that the mechanical design of the hand rehabilitation robot is reasonable and that the kinematic analysis is correct, thus the exoskeleton can be used for the hand rehabilitation of stroke patients.

Effects of a Pseudophysiological Environment on the Elastic and Viscoelastic Properties of Collagen Gels

PubMed Central

Meghezi, Sébastien; Couet, Frédéric; Chevallier, Pascale; Mantovani, Diego

2012-01-01

Vascular tissue engineering focuses on the replacement of diseased small-diameter blood vessels with a diameter less than 6 mm for which adequate substitutes still do not exist. One approach to vascular tissue engineering is to culture vascular cells on a scaffold in a bioreactor. The bioreactor establishes pseudophysiological conditions for culture (medium culture, 37°C, mechanical stimulation). Collagen gels are widely used as scaffolds for tissue regeneration due to their biological properties; however, they exhibit low mechanical properties. Mechanical characterization of these scaffolds requires establishing the conditions of testing in regard to the conditions set in the bioreactor. The effects of different parameters used during mechanical testing on the collagen gels were evaluated in terms of mechanical and viscoelastic properties. Thus, a factorial experiment was adopted, and three relevant factors were considered: temperature (23°C or 37°C), hydration (aqueous saline solution or air), and mechanical preconditioning (with or without). Statistical analyses showed significant effects of these factors on the mechanical properties which were assessed by tensile tests as well as stress relaxation tests. The last tests provide a more consistent understanding of the gels' viscoelastic properties. Therefore, performing mechanical analyses on hydrogels requires setting an adequate environment in terms of temperature and aqueous saline solution as well as choosing the adequate test. PMID:22844285

Opto-mechanical design of vacuum laser resonator for the OSQAR experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hošek, Jan; Macúchová, Karolina; Nemcová, Šárka; Kunc, Štěpán.; Šulc, Miroslav

2015-01-01

This paper gives short overview of laser-based experiment OSQAR at CERN which is focused on search of axions and axion-like particles. The OSQAR experiment uses two experimental methods for axion search - measurement of the ultra-fine vacuum magnetic birefringence and a method based on the "Light shining through the wall" experiment. Because both experimental methods have reached its attainable limits of sensitivity we have focused on designing a vacuum laser resonator. The resonator will increase the number of convertible photons and their endurance time within the magnetic field. This paper presents an opto-mechanical design of a two component transportable vacuum laser resonator. Developed optical resonator mechanical design allows to be used as a 0.8 meter long prototype laser resonator for laboratory testing and after transportation and replacement of the mirrors it can be mounted on the LHC magnet in CERN to form a 20 meter long vacuum laser resonator.

Process Demands of Rejection Mechanisms of Recognition Memory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Odegard, Timothy N.; Koen, Joshua D.; Gama, Jorge M.

2008-01-01

A surge of research has been conducted to examine memory editing mechanisms that help distinguish accurate from inaccurate memories. In the present experiment, the authors examined the ability of participants to use novelty detection, recollection rejection, and plausibility judgments to reject lures presented on a recognition memory test.…

Free Recall Test Experience Potentiates Strategy-Driven Effects of Value on Memory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cohen, Michael S.; Rissman, Jesse; Hovhannisyan, Mariam; Castel, Alan D.; Knowlton, Barbara J.

2017-01-01

People tend to show better memory for information that is deemed valuable or important. By one mechanism, individuals selectively engage deeper, semantic encoding strategies for high value items (Cohen, Rissman, Suthana, Castel, & Knowlton, 2014). By another mechanism, information paired with value or reward is automatically strengthened in…

Mechanics of Granular Materials Test Cell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

A test cell for Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiment is shown from all three sides by its video camera during STS-89. Sand and soil grains have faces that can cause friction as they roll and slide against each other, or even cause sticking and form small voids between grains. This complex behavior can cause soil to behave like a liquid under certain conditions such as earthquakes or when powders are handled in industrial processes. Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiments aboard the Space Shuttle use the microgravity of space to simulate this behavior under conditons that carnot be achieved in laboratory tests on Earth. MGM is shedding light on the behavior of fine-grain materials under low effective stresses. Applications include earthquake engineering, granular flow technologies (such as powder feed systems for pharmaceuticals and fertilizers), and terrestrial and planetary geology. Nine MGM specimens have flown on two Space Shuttle flights. Another three are scheduled to fly on STS-107. The principal investigator is Stein Sture of the University of Colorado at Boulder. Credit: NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)

Development of a shock wave adhesion test for composite bonds by pulsed laser and mechanical impacts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ecault, R.; Boustie, M.; Touchard, F.; Arrigoni, M.; Berthe, L.

2014-05-01

Evaluating the bonding quality of composite material is becoming one of the main challenges faced by aeronautic industries. This work aims to the development of a technique using shock wave, which would enable to quantify the bonding mechanical quality. Laser shock experiments were carried out. This technique enables high tensile stress generation in the thickness of composite bonds. The resulting damage has been quantified using different methods such as confocal microscopy, ultrasound and cross section observation. The discrimination between a correct bond and a weak bond was possible thanks to these experiments. Nevertheless, laser sources are not well adapted for optimization of such a test because of often fixed settings. That is why mechanical impacts on bonded composites were also performed in this work. By changing the thickness of aluminum projectiles, the generated tensile stresses by the shock wave propagation were moved toward the composite/bond interface. The made observations prove that the technique optimization is possible. The key parameters for the development of a bonding test using shock waves have been identified.

The safety and reliability of the S and A mechanism designed for the NASA/LSPE program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Montesi, L. J.

1973-01-01

Under contract to the Manned Spacecraft Center, NASA/Houston, NOL developed a number of explosive charges for use in studying the surface of the moon during Apollo 17 activities. The charges were part of the Lunar Seismic Profiling Experiment (LSPE). When the Safety and Arming Device used in the previous ALSEP experiments was found unsuitable for use with the new explosive packages, NOL also designed the Safety and Arming Mechanism, and the safety and reliability tests conducted are described. The results of the test program indicate that the detonation transfer probability between the armed explosive components exceeds 0.9999, and is less than 0.0001 when the explosive components are in the safe position.

Mechanical efficiency of two commercial lever-propulsion mechanisms for manual wheelchair locomotion.

PubMed

Lui, Jordon; MacGillivray, Megan K; Sheel, A William; Jeyasurya, Jeswin; Sadeghi, Mahsa; Sawatzky, Bonita Jean

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study was to (1) evaluate the mechanical efficiency (ME) of two commercially available lever-propulsion mechanisms for wheelchairs and (2) compare the ME of lever propulsion with hand rim propulsion within the same wheelchair. Of the two mechanisms, one contained a torsion spring while the other used a roller clutch design. We hypothesized that the torsion spring mechanism would increase the ME of propulsion due to a passive recovery stroke enabled by the mechanism. Ten nondisabled male participants with no prior manual wheeling experience performed submaximal exercise tests using both lever-propulsion mechanisms and hand rim propulsion on two different wheelchairs. Cardiopulmonary parameters including oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate (HR), and energy expenditure (En) were determined. Total external power (Pext) was measured using a drag test protocol. ME was determined by the ratio of Pext to En. Results indicated no significant effect of lever-propulsion mechanism for all physiological measures tested. This suggests that the torsion spring did not result in a physiological benefit compared with the roller clutch mechanism. However, both lever-propulsion mechanisms showed decreased VO2 and HR and increased ME (as a function of slope) compared with hand rim propulsion (p < 0.001). This indicates that both lever-propulsion mechanisms tested are more mechanically efficient than conventional hand rim propulsion, especially when slopes are encountered.

Analysis on weathering characteristics of volcanic rocks in Dokdo, Korea based on accelerated weatehring experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woo, Ik; Song, Won-Kyong; Kim, Bok-Chul; Kang, Jinseok

2010-05-01

Dokdo consists of small volcanic islands located in the southern part of the East Sea. Accelerated weathering tests was performed to examine the physico-mechanical characteristics of volcanic rocks in Dokdo. Rock core specimens of trachyandesite, andesitic dyke and ash tuff were prepared, and double soxhlet extractors(DSE) and peristatic pumps were used for accelerating the weathering processes. The DSE was designed to perform cyclic leaching tests for rock core specimen using distilled water at seventy degrees centigrade. The core specimens which are classified according to pre-test weathering grades placed in the lower part of the DSE, and periodically exposed to hot distilled water at every ninety minutes. On the other hand the peristatic pumps were utilized to induce leaching by distilled or brine water at normal temperature. The physico-mechanical property changes including rock surface appearance, microscopic structure and rock strength were analyzed with the results obtained from both experiments performed for 120 days. The conducted research in this study have shown that the methodologies of artificial weathering experiments have strong capability to understand the weathering characteristics of the rocks effectively.

Behavioural development of conspecific odour preferences in bank voles, Clethrionomys glareolus.

PubMed

Kruczek, Malgorzata; Golas, Aniela

2003-08-29

Biological odours of conspecifics are known to have strong influences on behavioural interaction in bank voles Clethrionomys glareolus. This experiment tested two hypotheses. (1) Olfactory cues from familiar and unfamiliar mature opposite-sex conspecifics differ in their attractiveness to males and females, and their behavioural reactions change with age. (2) A genetically based mechanism is involved in female recognition of kin.In a two-choice preference test, prepubertal males and females were more attracted to familiar than to unfamiliar odours of opposite-sex conspecifics, as manifested by more time spent sniffing familiar voles. As the young reached sexual maturity they shifted their odour preferences. Mature males and females preferred the novel odour of unrelated opposite-sex conspecifics to that of relatives. The results of experiments testing the second hypothesis indicate that females use a genetically based mechanism to recognise their kin. Young and mature females were able to recognise the odour of their biological but socially unknown fathers, and showed the same pattern of behaviour as females in previous experiments.The possible biological functions of kin recognition in bank voles are discussed.

Microcellular nanocomposite injection molding process

Treesearch

Mingjun Yuan; Lih-Sheng Turng; Rick Spindler; Daniel Caulfield; Chris Hunt

2003-01-01

This study aims to explore the processing benefits and property improvements of combining nanocomposites with microcellular injection molding. The molded parts produced based on the Design of Experiments (DOE) matrices were subjected to tensile testing, impact testing, and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Dynamic Mechanical...

Experimental Study of Grit Particle Enhancement in Non-Shock Ignition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Browning, Richard V.; Peterson, Paul D.; Roemer, Edward L.; Oldenborg, Michael R.; Thompson, Darla G.; Deluca, Racci

2006-07-01

The drop weight impact test is the most commonly used configuration for evaluating sensitivity of explosives to non-shock ignition. Although developed 60 years ago and widely used both as a material compression test and as a test bed for understanding the ignition process itself, little is known about the flow mechanisms or involvement of grit particles as sensitizing agents. In this paper, we present the results of a series of experiments designed to study the flow mechanisms and events leading up to ignition. The experimental configuration used involves two pellet sizes, 3 and 5 mm in diameter, tested with three conditions: (1) smooth steel anvils, (2) standard flint sandpaper, and (3) shed grit particles loaded between the steel anvils and the pellet faces. Diagnostics include optical micrographs, and scanning electron micrographs. Un-reacted samples show a variety of morphologies, including what appear to be quenched reaction sites, even at very low drop heights. Quasi-static crushing experiments were also done to quantify load-time histories.

Experimental Study of Grit Particle Enhancement in Non-Shock Ignition of PBX 9501

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peterson, Paul

2005-07-01

The drop weight impact test is the most commonly used configuration for evaluating sensitivity of explosives to non-shock ignition. Although developed 60 years ago and widely used both as a material compression test and as a test bed for understanding the ignition process itself, little is known about the flow mechanisms or involvement of grit particles as sensitizing agents. In this paper we present the results of a series of experiments designed to study the flow mechanisms and events leading up to ignition. The experimental configuration used involves two pellet sizes, 3 and 5 mm in diameter, tested in three conditions, (1) with smooth steel anvils, (2) with standard flint sandpaper, and (3) with shed grit particles loaded between the steel anvils and the pellet faces. Diagnostics include optical micrographs, and scanning electron micrographs. Un-reacted samples show a variety of morphologies, including what appear to be quenched reaction sites, even at very low drop heights. Quasi-static crushing experiments were also done to quantify load-time histories.

ATLS-stowage and deployment testing of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gosbee, John; Benz, Darren; Lloyd, Charles W.; Bueker, Richard; Orsak, Debra

1991-01-01

The objective is to evaluate stowage and deployment methods for the Health Maintenance Facility (HMF) during microgravity. The specific objectives of this experiment are: (1) to evaluate the stowage and deployment mechanisms for the medical supplies; and (2) to evaluate the procedures for performing medical scenarios. To accomplish these objectives, the HMF test mini-racks will contain medical equipment mounted in the racks; and self-contained drawers with various mechanisms for stowing and deploying items. The medical supplies and pharmaceuticals will be destowed, handled, and restowed. The in-flight test procedures and other aspects of the KC-135 parabolic flight test to simulate weightlessness are presented.

Deflagration to Detonation Transition (DDT) Simulations of HMX Powder Using the HERMES Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, Bradley; Reaugh, John; Tringe, Joseph

2017-06-01

We performed computer simulations of DDT experiments with Class I HMX powder using the HERMES model (High Explosive Response to MEchanical Stimulus) in ALE3D. Parameters for the model were fitted to the limited available mechanical property data of the low-density powder, and to the Shock to Detonation Transition (SDT) test results. The DDT tests were carried out in steel-capped polycarbonate tubes. This arrangement permits direct observation of the event using both flash X-ray radiography and high speed camera imaging, and provides a stringent test of the model. We found the calculated detonation transition to be qualitatively similar to experiment. Through simulation we also explored the effects of confinement strength, the HMX particle size distribution and porosity on the computed detonation transition location. This work was performed under the auspices of the US DOE by LLNL under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Preschoolers’ Development of Theory of Mind: The Contribution of Understanding Psychological Causality in Stories

PubMed Central

Sanefuji, Wakako; Haryu, Etsuko

2018-01-01

This study investigated the relationship between children’s abilities to understand causal sequences and another’s false belief. In Experiment 1, we tested 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old children (n = 28, 28, 27, and 27, respectively) using false belief and picture sequencing tasks involving mechanical, behavioral, and psychological causality. Understanding causal sequences in mechanical, behavioral, and psychological stories was related to understanding other’s false beliefs. In Experiment 2, children who failed the initial false belief task (n = 50) were reassessed 5 months later. High scorers in the sequencing of the psychological stories in Experiment 1 were more likely to pass the standard false belief task than were the low scorers. Conversely, understanding causal sequences in the mechanical and behavioral stories in Experiment 1 did not predict passing the false belief task in Experiment 2. Thus, children may understand psychological causality before they are able to use it to understand false beliefs.

Learning and Consolidation of Novel Spoken Words

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davis, Matthew H.; Di Betta, Anna Maria; Macdonald, Mark J. E.; Gaskell, Gareth

2009-01-01

Two experiments explored the neural mechanisms underlying the learning and consolidation of novel spoken words. In Experiment 1, participants learned two sets of novel words on successive days. A subsequent recognition test revealed high levels of familiarity for both sets. However, a lexical decision task showed that only novel words learned on…

Body Image Distortion and Exposure to Extreme Body Types: Contingent Adaptation and Cross Adaptation for Self and Other

PubMed Central

Brooks, Kevin R.; Mond, Jonathan M.; Stevenson, Richard J.; Stephen, Ian D.

2016-01-01

Body size misperception is common amongst the general public and is a core component of eating disorders and related conditions. While perennial media exposure to the “thin ideal” has been blamed for this misperception, relatively little research has examined visual adaptation as a potential mechanism. We examined the extent to which the bodies of “self” and “other” are processed by common or separate mechanisms in young women. Using a contingent adaptation paradigm, experiment 1 gave participants prolonged exposure to images both of the self and of another female that had been distorted in opposite directions (e.g., expanded other/contracted self), and assessed the aftereffects using test images both of the self and other. The directions of the resulting perceptual biases were contingent on the test stimulus, establishing at least some separation between the mechanisms encoding these body types. Experiment 2 used a cross adaptation paradigm to further investigate the extent to which these mechanisms are independent. Participants were adapted either to expanded or to contracted images of their own body or that of another female. While adaptation effects were largest when adapting and testing with the same body type, confirming the separation of mechanisms reported in experiment 1, substantial misperceptions were also demonstrated for cross adaptation conditions, demonstrating a degree of overlap in the encoding of self and other. In addition, the evidence of misperception of one's own body following exposure to “thin” and to “fat” others demonstrates the viability of visual adaptation as a model of body image disturbance both for those who underestimate and those who overestimate their own size. PMID:27471447

Body Image Distortion and Exposure to Extreme Body Types: Contingent Adaptation and Cross Adaptation for Self and Other.

PubMed

Brooks, Kevin R; Mond, Jonathan M; Stevenson, Richard J; Stephen, Ian D

2016-01-01

Body size misperception is common amongst the general public and is a core component of eating disorders and related conditions. While perennial media exposure to the "thin ideal" has been blamed for this misperception, relatively little research has examined visual adaptation as a potential mechanism. We examined the extent to which the bodies of "self" and "other" are processed by common or separate mechanisms in young women. Using a contingent adaptation paradigm, experiment 1 gave participants prolonged exposure to images both of the self and of another female that had been distorted in opposite directions (e.g., expanded other/contracted self), and assessed the aftereffects using test images both of the self and other. The directions of the resulting perceptual biases were contingent on the test stimulus, establishing at least some separation between the mechanisms encoding these body types. Experiment 2 used a cross adaptation paradigm to further investigate the extent to which these mechanisms are independent. Participants were adapted either to expanded or to contracted images of their own body or that of another female. While adaptation effects were largest when adapting and testing with the same body type, confirming the separation of mechanisms reported in experiment 1, substantial misperceptions were also demonstrated for cross adaptation conditions, demonstrating a degree of overlap in the encoding of self and other. In addition, the evidence of misperception of one's own body following exposure to "thin" and to "fat" others demonstrates the viability of visual adaptation as a model of body image disturbance both for those who underestimate and those who overestimate their own size.

Transpiring Cooling of a Scram-Jet Engine Combustion Chamber

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choi, Sang H.; Scotti, Stephen J.; Song, Kyo D.; Ries,Heidi

1997-01-01

The peak cold-wall heating rate generated in a combustion chamber of a scram-jet engine can exceed 2000 Btu/sq ft sec (approx. 2344 W/sq cm). Therefore, a very effective heat dissipation mechanism is required to sustain such a high heating load. This research focused on the transpiration cooling mechanism that appears to be a promising approach to remove a large amount of heat from the engine wall. The transpiration cooling mechanism has two aspects. First, initial computations suggest that there is a reduction, as much as 75%, in the heat flux incident on the combustion chamber wall due to the transpirant modifying the combustor boundary layer. Secondly, the heat reaching the combustor wall is removed from the structure in a very effective manner by the transpirant. It is the second of these two mechanisms that is investigated experimentally in the subject paper. A transpiration cooling experiment using a radiant heating method, that provided a heat flux as high as 200 Btu/sq ft sec ( approx. 234 W/sq cm) on the surface of a specimen, was performed. The experiment utilized an arc-lamp facility (60-kW radiant power output) to provide a uniform heat flux to a test specimen. For safety reasons, helium gas was used as the transpirant in the experiments. The specimens were 1.9-cm diameter sintered, powdered-stainless-steel tubes of various porosities and a 2.54cm square tube with perforated multi-layered walls. A 15-cm portion of each specimen was heated. The cooling effectivenes and efficiencies by transpiration for each specimen were obtained using the experimental results. During the testing, various test specimens displayed a choking phenomenon in which the transpirant flow was limited as the heat flux was increased. The paper includes a preliminary analysis of the transpiration cooling mechanism and a scaling conversion study that translates the results from helium tests into the case when a hydrogen medium is used.

Preference for facial averageness: Evidence for a common mechanism in human and macaque infants

PubMed Central

Damon, Fabrice; Méary, David; Quinn, Paul C.; Lee, Kang; Simpson, Elizabeth A.; Paukner, Annika; Suomi, Stephen J.; Pascalis, Olivier

2017-01-01

Human adults and infants show a preference for average faces, which could stem from a general processing mechanism and may be shared among primates. However, little is known about preference for facial averageness in monkeys. We used a comparative developmental approach and eye-tracking methodology to assess visual attention in human and macaque infants to faces naturally varying in their distance from a prototypical face. In Experiment 1, we examined the preference for faces relatively close to or far from the prototype in 12-month-old human infants with human adult female faces. Infants preferred faces closer to the average than faces farther from it. In Experiment 2, we measured the looking time of 3-month-old rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) viewing macaque faces varying in their distance from the prototype. Like human infants, macaque infants looked longer to faces closer to the average. In Experiments 3 and 4, both species were presented with unfamiliar categories of faces (i.e., macaque infants tested with adult macaque faces; human infants and adults tested with infant macaque faces) and showed no prototype preferences, suggesting that the prototypicality effect is experience-dependent. Overall, the findings suggest a common processing mechanism across species, leading to averageness preferences in primates. PMID:28406237

A "TEST OF CONCEPT" COMPARISON OF AERODYNAMIC AND MECHANICAL RESUSPENSION MECHANISMS FOR PARTICLES DEPOSITED ON FIELD RYE GRASS (SECALS CERCELE). PART 2. THRESHOLD MECHANICAL ENERGIES FOR RESUSPENSION PARTICLE FLUXES

EPA Science Inventory

Kinetic energy from the oscillatory impacts of the grass stalk against a stationary object was measured with a kinetic energy measuring device. These energy inputs were measured as part of a resuspension experiment of uniform latex microspheres deposited on a single rye grass see...

Research on Equivalent Tests of Dynamics of On-orbit Soft Contact Technology Based on On-Orbit Experiment Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, F.; Dong, Z. H.; Ye, X.

2018-05-01

Currently, space robots have been become a very important means of space on-orbit maintenance and support. Many countries are taking deep research and experiment on this. Because space operation attitude is very complicated, it is difficult to model them in research lab. This paper builds up a complete equivalent experiment framework according to the requirement of proposed space soft-contact technology. Also, this paper carries out flexible multi-body dynamics parameters verification for on-orbit soft-contact mechanism, which combines on-orbit experiment data, the built soft-contact mechanism equivalent model and flexible multi-body dynamics equivalent model that is based on KANE equation. The experiment results approve the correctness of the built on-orbit soft-contact flexible multi-body dynamics.

Lunar surface engineering properties experiment definition. Volume 2: Mechanics of rolling sphere-soil slope interaction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hovland, H. J.; Mitchell, J. K.

1971-01-01

The soil deformation mode under the action of a rolling sphere (boulder) was determined, and a theory based on actual soil failure mechanism was developed which provides a remote reconnaissance technique for study of soil conditions using boulder track observations. The failure mechanism was investigated by using models and by testing an instrumented spherical wheel. The wheel was specifically designed to measure contact pressure, but it also provided information on the failure mechanism. Further tests included rolling some 200 spheres down sand slopes. Films were taken of the rolling spheres, and the tracks were measured. Implications of the results and reevaluation of the lunar boulder tracks are discussed.

Quantum cybernetics and its test in “late choice” experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grössing, Gerhard

1986-11-01

A relativistically invariant wave equation for the propagation of wave fronts S = const ( S being the action function) is derived on the basis of a cybernetic model of quantum systems involving “hidden variables”. This equation can be considered both as an expression of Huygens' principle and as a general continuity equation providing a close link between classical and quantum mechanics. Although the theory reproduces ordinary quantum mechanics, there are particular situations providing experimental predictions differing from those existing theories. Such predictions are made for so-called “late choice” experiments, which are modified versions of the familiar “delayed choice” experiments.

Testing and Feedback Effects on Front-End Control over Later Retrieval

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thomas, Ruthann C.; McDaniel, Mark A.

2013-01-01

In 2 experiments, we explored differences in cognitive control at retrieval on a final test to better understand the mechanisms underlying the powerful boost in recall of previously tested information. Memory retrieval can be enhanced by front-end control processes that regulate the scope of retrieval or by later processes that monitor retrieval…

Pairing Behavior of the Monogamous King Quail, Coturnix chinensis.

PubMed

Adkins-Regan, Elizabeth

2016-01-01

Animals with socially monogamous mating systems are valuable for discovering proximate mechanisms of prosocial behavior and close social relationships. Especially powerful are comparisons between related species that differ in monogamous tendency. Birds are the most socially monogamous vertebrates. Thus far most research on mechanisms of pairing has used zebra finches, which do not have a relative with a different mating system, however. The goal of the experiments reported here was to develop a new comparative avian system by studying the pairing behavior of a reportedly strongly monogamous quail, the king quail (Coturnix chinensis), a species in the same clade as the less monogamous Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica), the subject of much prior research. In Experiment 1 male-female pairs of king quail housed together were initially avoidant or aggressive but most rapidly progressed to allopreening and huddling. A separation-reunion paradigm reliably elicited both of these behaviors in males that had cohabited for one week. In Experiment 2 the allopreening and huddling behavior of males in cohabiting pairs was highly selective, and a majority of the males were aggressive toward a familiar female that was not the cohabitation partner. In Experiment 3 males were separated from their female cohabitation partners for 9-10 weeks and then given two-choice tests. All but one male spent more time near an unfamiliar female, which may have reflected aggression and shows recognition of and memory for the past pairing experience. Thus king quail show robust, selective and easy to measure pairing behavior that can be reliably elicited with simple separation-reunion testing procedures. Copulation is rarely seen during tests. The behavior of king quail is a striking contrast to that of Japanese quail, providing a new comparative system for discovering mechanisms of behavior related to close social relationships and monogamy.

A preliminary study of a cryogenic equivalence principle experiment on Shuttle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Everitt, C. W. F.; Worden, P. W., Jr.

1985-01-01

The Weak Equivalence Principle is the hypothesis that all test bodies fall with the same acceleration in the same gravitational field. The current limit on violations of the Weak Equivalence Principle, measured by the ratio of the difference in acceleration of two test masses to their average acceleration, is about 3 parts in one-hundred billion. It is anticipated that this can be improved in a shuttle experiment to a part in one quadrillion. Topics covered include: (1) studies of the shuttle environment, including interference with the experiment, interfacing to the experiment, and possible alternatives; (2) numerical simulations of the proposed experiment, including analytic solutions for special cases of the mass motion and preliminary estimates of sensitivity and time required; (3) error analysis of several noise sources such as thermal distortion, gas and radiation pressure effects, and mechanical distortion; and (4) development and performance tests of a laboratory version of the instrument.

Extendible-retractable electric field measurement antenna for IMP J

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Larrick, W.

1973-01-01

An antenna dispenser mechanism for the IMP J spacecraft was designed, fabricated, and tested. Upon command the mechanism deploys or retracts a conductor for use as a receiving antenna for an electric field measurement experiment. Five identical units were fabricated and tested to the IMP H & J environmental test specification. Of these, four are designated for flight on the IMP J spacecraft and one as a prototype flight spare. The testing program was successfully completed although certain design modifications were required as problems were uncovered by the testing; particularly thermal vacuum operation. The antenna mechanism functions well under the expected environmental and loading conditions. The wear life and load capability of the dry molybdenum disulphide lubricant originally used on the heavily loaded worm and gear pair were disappointing and a substitute material was applied. The lubricant finally applied performed well; although other problems were generated.

Virtual geotechnical laboratory experiments using a simulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Penumadu, Dayakar; Zhao, Rongda; Frost, David

2000-04-01

The details of a test simulator that provides a realistic environment for performing virtual laboratory experimentals in soil mechanics is presented. A computer program Geo-Sim that can be used to perform virtual experiments, and allow for real-time observations of material response is presented. The results of experiments, for a given set of input parameters, are obtained with the test simulator using well-trained artificial neural-network-based soil models for different soil types and stress paths. Multimedia capabilities are integrated in Geo-Sim, using software that links and controls a laser disc player with a real-time parallel processing ability. During the simulation of a virtual experiment, relevant portions of the video image of a previously recorded test on an actual soil specimen are dispalyed along with the graphical presentation of response from the feedforward ANN model predictions. The pilot simulator developed to date includes all aspects related to performing a triaxial test on cohesionless soil under undrained and drained conditions. The benefits of the test simulator are also presented.

Failure Engineering Study and Accelerated Stress Test Results for the Mars Global Surveyor Spacecraft's Power Shunt Assemblies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gibbel, Mark; Larson, Timothy

2000-01-01

An Engineering-of-Failure approach to designing and executing an accelerated product qualification test was performed to support a risk assessment of a "work-around" necessitated by an on-orbit failure of another piece of hardware on the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft. The proposed work-around involved exceeding the previous qualification experience both in terms of extreme cold exposure level and in terms of demonstrated low cycle fatigue life for the power shunt assemblies. An analysis was performed to identify potential failure sites, modes and associated failure mechanisms consistent with the new use conditions. A test was then designed and executed which accelerated the failure mechanisms identified by analysis. Verification of the resulting failure mechanism concluded the effort.

Abolished thermal and mechanical antinociception but retained visceral chemical antinociception induced by butorphanol in μ-opioid receptor knockout mice

PubMed Central

Ide, Soichiro; Minami, Masabumi; Ishihara, Kumatoshi; Uhl, George R.; Satoh, Masamichi; Sora, Ichiro; Ikeda, Kazutaka

2012-01-01

Butorphanol is hypothesized to induce analgesia via opioid pathways, although the precise mechanisms for its effects remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of the μ-opioid receptor (MOP) in thermal, mechanical, and visceral chemical antinociception induced by butorphanol using MOP knockout (KO) mice. Butorphanol-induced thermal antinociception, assessed by the hot-plate and tail-flick tests, was significantly reduced in heterozygous and abolished in homozygous MOP-KO mice compared with wildtype mice. The results obtained from our butorphanol-induced mechanical antinociception experiments, assessed by the Randall-Selitto test, were similar to the results obtained from the thermal antinociception experiments in these mice. Interestingly, however, butorphanol retained its ability to induce significant visceral chemical antinociception, assessed by the writhing test, in homozygous MOP-KO mice. The butorphanol-induced visceral chemical antinociception that was retained in homozygous MOP-KO mice was completely blocked by pretreatment with nor-binaltorphimine, a κ-opioid receptor (KOP) antagonist. In vitro binding and cyclic adenosine monophosphate assays also showed that butorphanol possessed higher affinity for KOPs and MOPs than for δ-opioid receptors. These results molecular pharmacologically confirmed previous studies implicating MOPs, and partially KOPs, in mediating butorphanol-induced analgesia. PMID:18417173

Joint inflight biomedical experiments performed during the ASTP spaceflight. [bacteriological experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taylor, G. R.; Rogers, T. D.; Brower, M. E.; Kropp, K.

1976-01-01

Two joint inflight biomedical experiments were conducted during the unique Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) spaceflight. One experiment evaluated rhythmicity of spore production of Streptomyces levoris. The other evaluated components of the infectious disease process by measuring alteration in: (1) the composition of the microbial population inhabiting USA and USSR crewmembers and spacecraft; (2) the ability of each crewmember's defense mechanism to resist infection; and (3) the ability of certain microorganisms to originate infections. These two experiments are described and the major results discussed.

Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) Flight Hardware

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1997-01-01

A test cell for the Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiment is shown in its on-orbit configuration in Spacehab during preparations for STS-89. The twin locker to the left contains the hydraulic system to operate the experiment. Sand and soil grains have faces that can cause friction as they roll and slide against each other, or even cause sticking and form small voids between grains. This complex behavior can cause soil to behave like a liquid under certain conditions such as earthquakes or when powders are handled in industrial processes. Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiments aboard the Space Shuttle use the microgravity of space to simulate this behavior under conditons that carnot be achieved in laboratory tests on Earth. MGM is shedding light on the behavior of fine-grain materials under low effective stresses. Applications include earthquake engineering, granular flow technologies (such as powder feed systems for pharmaceuticals and fertilizers), and terrestrial and planetary geology. Nine MGM specimens have flown on two Space Shuttle flights. Another three are scheduled to fly on STS-107. The principal investigator is Stein Sture of the University of Colorado at Boulder. Note: Because the image on the screen was muted in the original image, its brightness and contrast are boosted in this rendering to make the test cell more visible. Credit: NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)

Mechanism of Phosphorus Removal from Hanford Tank Sludge by Caustic Leaching

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lumetta, Gregg J.

Two experiments were conducted to explore the mechanism by which phosphorus is removed from Hanford tank sludge by caustic leaching. In the first experiment, a series of phosphate salts were treated with 3 M NaOH under conditions prototypic of the actual leaching process to be performed in the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP). The phosphates used were aluminum phosphate, bismuth phosphate, chromium(III) phosphate, and β-tri-calcium phosphate; all of these phases have previously been determined to exist in Hanford tank sludge. The leachate solution was sampled at selected time intervals and analyzed for the specific metal ion involved (Al, Bi,more » Ca, or Cr) and for P (total and as phosphate). The solids remaining after completion of the caustic leaching step were analyzed to determine the reaction product. In the second experiment, the dependence of P removal from bismuth phosphate was examined as a function of the hydroxide ion concentration. It was anticipated that a plot of log[phosphate] versus log[hydroxide] would provide insight into the phosphorus-removal mechanism. This report describes the test activities outlined in Section 6.3.2.1, Preliminary Investigation of Phosphate Dissolution, in Test Plan TP-RPP-WTP-467, Rev.1. The objectives, success criteria, and test conditions of Section 6.3.2.1 are summarized here.« less

Prototypes Are Key Heuristic Information in Insight Problem Solving

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yang, Wenjing; Dietrich, Arne; Liu, Peiduo; Ming, Dan; Jin, Yule; Nusbaum, Howard C.; Qiu, Jiang; Zhang, Qinglin

2016-01-01

Evidence from a range of fields indicates that inventions are often inspired by drawing a parallel to solutions found in nature. However, the cognitive mechanism of this process is not well understood. The cognitive mechanism of heuristic prototype in scientific innovation was tested with 3 experiments. First, 84 historical accounts of important…

Quasi-Static Indentation Analysis of Carbon-Fiber Laminates.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Briggs, Timothy; English, Shawn Allen; Nelson, Stacy Michelle

2015-12-01

A series of quasi - static indentation experiments are conducted on carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminates with a systematic variation of thicknesses and fixture boundary conditions. Different deformation mechanisms and their resulting damage mechanisms are activated b y changing the thickn ess and boundary conditions. The quasi - static indentation experiments have been shown to achieve damage mechanisms similar to impact and penetration, however without strain rate effects. The low rate allows for the detailed analysis on the load response. Moreover, interrupted tests allow for the incremental analysis of various damage mechanisms and pr ogressions. The experimentally tested specimens aremore » non - destructively evaluated (NDE) with optical imaging, ultrasonics and computed tomography. The load displacement responses and the NDE are then utilized in numerical simulations for the purpose of model validation and vetting. The accompanying numerical simulation work serves two purposes. First, the results further reveal the time sequence of events and the meaning behind load dro ps not clear from NDE . Second, the simulations demonstrate insufficiencies in the code and can then direct future efforts for development.« less

Nondestructive mechanical characterization of developing biological tissues using inflation testing.

PubMed

Oomen, P J A; van Kelle, M A J; Oomens, C W J; Bouten, C V C; Loerakker, S

2017-10-01

One of the hallmarks of biological soft tissues is their capacity to grow and remodel in response to changes in their environment. Although it is well-accepted that these processes occur at least partly to maintain a mechanical homeostasis, it remains unclear which mechanical constituent(s) determine(s) mechanical homeostasis. In the current study a nondestructive mechanical test and a two-step inverse analysis method were developed and validated to nondestructively estimate the mechanical properties of biological tissue during tissue culture. Nondestructive mechanical testing was achieved by performing an inflation test on tissues that were cultured inside a bioreactor, while the tissue displacement and thickness were nondestructively measured using ultrasound. The material parameters were estimated by an inverse finite element scheme, which was preceded by an analytical estimation step to rapidly obtain an initial estimate that already approximated the final solution. The efficiency and accuracy of the two-step inverse method was demonstrated on virtual experiments of several material types with known parameters. PDMS samples were used to demonstrate the method's feasibility, where it was shown that the proposed method yielded similar results to tensile testing. Finally, the method was applied to estimate the material properties of tissue-engineered constructs. Via this method, the evolution of mechanical properties during tissue growth and remodeling can now be monitored in a well-controlled system. The outcomes can be used to determine various mechanical constituents and to assess their contribution to mechanical homeostasis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Designing a Hybrid Laminar-Flow Control Experiment: The CFD-Experiment Connection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Streett, C. L.

2003-01-01

The NASA/Boeing hybrid laminar flow control (HLFC) experiment, designed during 1993-1994 and conducted in the NASA LaRC 8-foot Transonic Pressure Tunnel in 1995, utilized computational fluid dynamics and numerical simulation of complex fluid mechanics to an unprecedented extent for the design of the test article and measurement equipment. CFD was used in: the design of the test wing, which was carried from definition of desired disturbance growth characteristics, through to the final airfoil shape that would produce those growth characteristics; the design of the suction-surface perforation pattern that produced enhanced crossflow-disturbance growth: and in the design of the hot-wire traverse system that produced minimal influence on measured disturbance growth. These and other aspects of the design of the test are discussed, after the historical and technical context of the experiment is described.

Simulating Extraterrestrial Ices in the Laboratory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berisford, D. F.; Carey, E. M.; Hand, K. P.; Choukroun, M.

2017-12-01

Several ongoing experiments at JPL attempt to simulate the ice environment for various regimes associated with icy moons. The Europa Penitent Ice Experiment (EPIX) simulates the surface environment of an icy moon, to investigate the physics of ice surface morphology growth. This experiment features half-meter-scale cryogenic ice samples, cryogenic radiative sink environment, vacuum conditions, and diurnal cycling solar simulation. The experiment also includes several smaller fixed-geometry vacuum chambers for ice simulation at Earth-like and intermediate temperature and vacuum conditions for development of surface morphology growth scaling relations. Additionally, an ice cutting facility built on a similar platform provides qualitative data on the mechanical behavior of cryogenic ice with impurities under vacuum, and allows testing of ice cutting/sampling tools relevant for landing spacecraft. A larger cutting facility is under construction at JPL, which will provide more quantitative data and allow full-scale sampling tool tests. Another facility, the JPL Ice Physics Laboratory, features icy analog simulant preparation abilities that range icy solar system objects such as Mars, Ceres and the icy satellites of Saturn and Jupiter. In addition, the Ice Physics Lab has unique facilities for Icy Analog Tidal Simulation and Rheological Studies of Cryogenic Icy Slurries, as well as equipment to perform thermal and mechanical properties testing on icy analog materials and their response to sinusoidal tidal stresses.

ISS SGANT Group Level Offloading Test Mechanism

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhang, Xi-Lin

2002-01-01

The International Space Station (ISS) Space-to-Ground Antenna (SGANT) is used for ISS communication with earth through the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRSS). Due to the different speeds of travel between earth, ISS and TDRSS, a steerable SGANT was required on the ISS. The mechanical design of SGANT is an unbalanced mechanism with insufficient strength and driving torque to support and drive itself in a 1G environment. For ground testing, a specially designed offloading mechanism is required. Basically, the test mechanism must offload the SGANT in a two-axis operation, allowing the SGANT to move within a specific range, speed and acceleration; therefore the SGANT can move from elevation 0 to 90 deg and be tested at both the 0 and 90 deg positions. The load introduced by the test equipment should be less than 10.17 N-m (7.5 ft-lbf). The on-ground group level tracking test is quite challenging due to the unbalanced antenna mechanical design and tough specification requirements. This paper describes the detailed design, fabrication, and calibration of the test mechanism, and how the above requirements are met. The overall antenna is simplified to a mass model in order to facilitate the offloading mechanism design and analysis. An actual SGANT mass dummy was made to calibrate the system. This paper brings together the theoretical analysis and the industrial experience that were relied upon to meet the above-mentioned requirements for the ground test. The lessons learned during the calibration phase are extremely important for future double or multiple offloading system designs. The ISS SGANT QM and FM units passed their ground test and the SGANT/Boom fit check successfully, and the Flight Model (FM) was delivered to SSPF in April 1998. It is now installed on ISS and functioning well.

Engagement of Metal Debris into Gear Mesh

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

handschuh, Robert F.; Krantz, Timothy L.

2010-01-01

A series of bench-top experiments was conducted to determine the effects of metallic debris being dragged through meshing gear teeth. A test rig that is typically used to conduct contact fatigue experiments was used for these tests. Several sizes of drill material, shim stock and pieces of gear teeth were introduced and then driven through the meshing region. The level of torque required to drive the "chip" through the gear mesh was measured. From the data gathered, chip size sufficient to jam the mechanism can be determined.

Fracture propagation during fluid injection experiments in shale at elevated confining pressures.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandler, Mike; Mecklenburgh, Julian; Rutter, Ernest; Fauchille, Anne-Laure; Taylor, Rochelle; Lee, Peter

2017-04-01

The use of hydraulic fracturing to recover shale-gas has focused attention upon the fundamental fracture properties of gas-bearing shales. Fracture propagation trajectories in these materials depend on the interaction between the anisotropic mechanical properties of the shale and the anisotropic in-situ stress field. However, there is a general paucity of available experimental data on their anisotropic mechanical, physical and fluid-flow properties, especially at elevated confining pressures. Here we report the results of laboratory-scale fluid injection experiments, for Whitby mudstone and Mancos shale (an interbedded silt and mudstone), as well as Pennant sandstone (a tight sandstone with permeability similar to shales), which is used an isotropic baseline and tight-gas sandstone analogue. Our injection experiments involved the pressurisation of a blind-ending central hole in an initially dry cylindrical sample. Pressurisation was conducted under constant volume-rate control, using silicone oils of various viscosities. The dependence of breakdown pressure on confining pressure was seen to be dependent on the rock strength, with the significantly stronger Pennant sandstone exhibiting much lower confining-pressure dependence of breakdown pressure than the weaker shales. In most experiments, a small drop in the injection pressure record was observed at what is taken to be fracture initiation, and in the Pennant sandstone this was accompanied by a small burst of acoustic energy. Breakdown was found to be rapid and uncontrollable after initiation if injection is continued, but can be limited to a slower (but still uncontrolled) rate by ceasing the injection of fluid after the breakdown initiation in experiments where it could be identified. A simplified 2-dimensional model for explaining these observations is presented in terms of the stress intensities at the tip of a pressurised crack. Additionally, we present a suite of supporting mechanical, flow and elastic measurements. Mechanical experiments include standard triaxial tests, pressure-dependent permeability experiments and fracture toughness determined using the double-torsion test. Elastic characterisation was determined through ultrasonic velocities determined using a cross-correlation method.

Pyro shock simulation: Experience with the MIPS simulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dwyer, Thomas J.; Moul, David S.

1988-01-01

The Mechanical Impulse Pyro Shock (MIPS) Simulator at GE Astro Space Division is one version of a design that is in limited use throughout the aerospace industry, and is typically used for component shock testing at levels up to 10,000 response g's. Modifications to the force imput, table and component boundary conditions have allowed a range of test conditions to be achieved. Twelve different designs of components with weights up to 23 Kg are in the process or have completed qualification testing in the Dynamic Simulation Lab at GE in Valley Forge, Pa. A summary of the experience gained through the use of this simulator is presented as well as examples of shock experiments that can be readily simulated at the GE Astro MIPS facility.

Testing the Fracture Behaviour of Chocolate

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parsons, L. B.; Goodall, R.

2011-01-01

In teaching the materials science aspects of physics, mechanical behaviour is important due to its relevance to many practical applications. This article presents a method for experimentally examining the toughness of chocolate, including a design for a simple test rig, and a number of experiments that can be performed in the classroom. Typical…

Understanding the Process of Stereotype Threat: A Review of Mediational Variables and New Performance Goal Directions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Jessi L.

2004-01-01

Stereotype threat is a situational experience in which an individual feels vulnerable and pressured by the possibility of confirming or being judged by a stereotype. This threatening experience leads to performance decrements, even among highly skilled individuals. This article chronicles empirically tested mechanisms for how stereotype threat…

Mechanics of Granular Materials-3 (MGM-3)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sture, Stein; Alshibi, Khalid; Guynes, Buddy (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Scientists are going to space to understand how earthquakes and other forces disturb grains of soil and sand. They will examine how the particle arrangement and structure of soils, grains and powders are changed by external forces and gain knowledge about the strength, stiffness and volume changes properties of granular materials at low pressures. The Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiment uses the microgravity of orbit to test sand columns under conditions that cannot be obtained in experiments on Earth. Research can only go so far on Earth because gravity-induced stresses complicate the analysis and change loads too quickly for detailed analysis. This new knowledge will be applied to improving foundations for buildings, managing undeveloped land, and handling powdered and granular materials in chemical, agricultural, and other industries. NASA wants to understand the way soil behaves under different gravity levels so that crews can safely build habitats on Mars and the Moon. Future MGM experiments will benefit from extended tests aboard the International Space Station, including experiments under simulated lunar and Martian gravity in the science centrifuge.

Rotational fluid flow experiment: WPI/MITRE advanced space design GASCAN 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daly, Walter F.; Harr, Lee; Paduano, Rocco; Yee, Tony; Eubbani, Eddy; Delprado, Jaime; Khanna, Ajay

1991-01-01

The design and implementation is examined of an electro-mechanical system for studying vortex behavior in a microgravity environment. Most of the existing equipment was revised and redesigned as necessary. Emphasis was placed on the documentation and integration of the mechanical and electrical subsystems. Project results include the reconfiguration and thorough testing of all the hardware subsystems, the implementation of an infrared gas entrainment detector, new signal processing circuitry for the ultrasonic fluid circulation device, improved prototype interface circuits, and software for overall control of experiment design operation.

3D Printing in Zero-G Experiment, In Space Manufacturing (LPS, 4)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bean, Quincy; Cooper, Ken; Werkheiser, Niki

2015-01-01

The 3D Printing in Zero-G Experiment has been an ongoing effort for several years. In June 2014 the technology demonstration 3D printer was launched to the International Space Station. In November 2014 the first 21 parts were manufactured in orbit marking the beginning of a paradigm shift that will allow astronauts to be more self-sufficient and pave the way to larger scale orbital manufacturing. Prior to launch the 21 parts were built on the ground with the flight unit with the same feedstock. These ground control samples are to be tested alongside the flight samples in order to determine if there is a measurable difference between parts built on the ground vs. parts built in space. As of this writing, testing has not yet commenced. Tests to be performed are structured light scanning for volume and geometric discrepancies, CT scanning for density measurement, destructive testing of mechanical samples, and SEM analysis for inter-laminar adhesion discrepancies. Additionally, an ABS material characterization was performed on mechanical samples built from the same CAD files as the flight and ground samples on different machine / feedstock combinations. The purpose of this testing was twofold: first to obtain mechanical data in order to have a baseline comparison for the flight and ground samples and second to ascertain if there is a measurable difference between machines and feedstock.

The EMIR experience in the use of software control simulators to speed up the time to telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopez Ramos, Pablo; López-Ruiz, J. C.; Moreno Arce, Heidy; Rosich, Josefina; Perez Menor, José Maria

2012-09-01

One of the main problems facing development teams working on instrument control systems consists on the need to access mechanisms which are not available until well into the integration phase. The need to work with real hardware creates additional problems like, among others: certain faults cannot be tested due to the possibility of hardware damage, taking the system to the limit may shorten its operational lifespan and the full system may not be available during some periods due to maintenance and/or testing of individual components. These problems can be treated with the use of simulators and by applying software/hardware standards. Since information on the construction and performance of electro-mechanical systems is available at relatively early stages of the project, simulators are developed in advance (before the existence of the mechanism) or, if conventions and standards have been correctly followed, a previously developed simulator might be used. This article describes our experience in building software simulators and the main advantages we have identified, which are: the control software can be developed even in the absence of real hardware, critical tests can be prepared using the simulated systems, test system behavior for hardware failure situations that represent a risk of the real system, and the speed up of in house integration of the entire instrument. The use of simulators allows us to reduce development, testing and integration time.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mitchell K Meyer

Blister–threshold testing of fuel plates is a standard method through which the safety margin for operation of plate-type in research and test reactors is assessed. The blister-threshold temperature is indicative of the ability of fuel to operate at high temperatures for short periods of time (transient conditions) without failure. This method of testing was applied to the newly developed U-Mo monolithic fuel system. Blister annealing studies on the U-Mo monolithic fuel plates began in 2007, with the Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactors (RERTR)-6 experiment, and they have continued as the U-Mo fuel system has evolved through the researchmore » and development process. Blister anneal threshold temperatures from early irradiation experiments (RERTR-6 through RERTR-10) ranged from 400 to 500°C. These temperatures were projected to be acceptable for NRC-licensed research reactors and the high-power Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) and the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) based on current safety-analysis reports (SARs). Initial blister testing results from the RERTR-12 experiment capsules X1 and X2 showed a decrease in the blister-threshold temperatures. Blister threshold temperatures from this experiment ranged from 300 to 400°C. Selected plates from the AFIP-4 experiment, which was fabricated using a process similar to that used to fabricate the RERTR-12 experiment, also underwent blister testing to determine whether results would be similar. The measured blister-threshold temperatures from the AFIP-4 plates fell within the same blister-threshold temperature range measured in the RERTR-12 plates. Investigation of the cause of this decrease in bister threshold temperature is being conducted under the guidance of Idaho National Laboratory PLN-4155, “Analysis of Low Blister Threshold Temperatures in the RERTR-12 and AFIP-4 Experiments,” and is driven by hypotheses. The main focus of the investigation is in the following areas: 1. Fabrication variables 2. Pre-irradiation characterization 3. Irradiation conditions 4. Post-irradiation examination 5. Additional blister testing 6. Mechanical modeling This report documents the preliminary results of this investigation. Several hypotheses can be dismissed as a result of this investigation. Two primary categories of causes remain. The most prominent theory, supported by the data, is that low blister-threshold temperature is the result of mechanical energy imparted on the samples during the fabrication process (hot and cold rolling) without adequate post processing (annealing). The mechanisms are not clearly understood and require further investigation, but can be divided into two categories: • Residual Stress • Undesirable interaction boundary and/or U-Mo microstructure change A secondary theory that cannot be dismissed with the information that is currently available is that a change in the test conditions has resulted in a statistically significant downward shift of measured blister temperature. This report outlines the results of the forensic investigations conducted to date. The data and conclusions presented in this report are preliminary. Definitive cause and effect relationships will be established by future experimental programs.« less

Robotic joint experiments under ultravacuum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Borrien, A.; Petitjean, L.

1988-01-01

First, various aspects of a robotic joint development program, including gearbox technology, electromechanical components, lubrication, and test results, are discussed. Secondly, a test prototype of the joint allowing simulation of robotic arm dynamic effects is presented. This prototype is tested under vacuum with different types of motors and sensors to characterize the functional parameters: angular position error, mechanical backlash, gearbox efficiency, and lifetime.

Genesis of Karl Popper's EPR-like experiment and its resonance amongst the physics community in the 1980s

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Del Santo, Flavio

2018-05-01

I present the reconstruction of the involvement of Karl Popper in the community of physicists concerned with foundations of quantum mechanics, in the 1980s. At that time Popper gave active contribution to the research in physics, of which the most significant is a new version of the EPR thought experiment, alleged to test different interpretations of quantum mechanics. The genesis of such an experiment is reconstructed in detail, and an unpublished letter by Popper is reproduced in the present paper to show that he formulated his thought experiment already two years before its first publication in 1982. The debate stimulated by the proposed experiment as well as Popper's role in the physics community throughout 1980s is here analysed in detail by means of personal correspondence and publications.

Ageing under mechanical stress: first experiments for a silver based multilayer mirror

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lalo, Arnaud; Ravel, Guillaume; Ignat, Michel; Cousin, Bernard; Swain, Michael V.

2017-11-01

Improving materials and devices reliability is a major concern to the spatial industry. Results are reported for satellite mirrors-like specimens consisting in oxide-protected metal systems. Optical coatings were deposited by electron beam evaporation. Mechanical stress fields in multi-layered materials play an important role. The stress state can have far-reaching implications both in kinetics and thermodynamics. Therefore an integrated apparatus with four-point bending equipment was designed. The technique allowed us to exert stress into a film or a system of films on a substrate concurrently with thermal treatment. In order to achieve the first tests performed with the help of the apparatus, various preliminary characterizations were required. The article reports the preliminary micro-mechanical testing of the materials (ultra micro-indentation to evaluate the elastic modulus of the samples materials and wafer curvature technique to determine the specimen residual stress) and the first ageing experiment. Experimental evidence of accelerated ageing under stress is successfully reported.

Experimental Research Regarding The Motion Capacity Of A Robotic Arm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dumitru, Violeta Cristina

2015-09-01

This paper refers to the development of necessary experiments which obtained dynamic parameters (force, displacement) for a modular mechanism with multiple vertebrae. This mechanism performs functions of inspection and intervention in small spaces. Mechanical structure allows functional parameters to achieve precise movements to an imposed target. Will be analyzed the dynamic of the mechanisms using simulation instruments DimamicaRobot.tst under TestPoint programming environment and the elasticity of the tension cables. It will be changes on the mechanism so that spatial movement of the robotic arm is optimal.

Measurements of entanglement over a kilometric distance to test superluminal models of Quantum Mechanics: preliminary results.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cocciaro, B.; Faetti, S.; Fronzoni, L.

2017-08-01

As shown in the EPR paper (Einstein, Podolsky e Rosen, 1935), Quantum Mechanics is a non-local Theory. The Bell theorem and the successive experiments ruled out the possibility of explaining quantum correlations using only local hidden variables models. Some authors suggested that quantum correlations could be due to superluminal communications that propagate isotropically with velocity vt > c in a preferred reference frame. For finite values of vt and in some special cases, Quantum Mechanics and superluminal models lead to different predictions. So far, no deviations from the predictions of Quantum Mechanics have been detected and only lower bounds for the superluminal velocities vt have been established. Here we describe a new experiment that increases the maximum detectable superluminal velocities and we give some preliminary results.

Final Science Reports of the US Experiments Flown on the Russian Biosatellite Cosmos 2229

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Connolly, James P. (Editor); Skidmore, Michael G. (Editor); Helwig, Denice A. (Editor)

1997-01-01

Cosmos 2229 was launched on December 29, 1992, containing a biological payload including two young male rhesus monkeys, insects, amphibians, and cell cultures. The biosatellite was launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia for a mission duration of 11.5 days. The major research objectives were: (1) Study of adaptive response mechanisms of mammals during flight; and (2) Study of physiological mechanisms underlying vestibular, motor system and brain function in primates during early and later adaptation phases. American scientists and their Russian collaborators conducted 11 experiments on this mission which included extensive preflight and postflight studies with rhesus monkeys. Biosamples and data were subsequently transferred to the United States. The U.S. responsibilities for this flight included the development of experiment protocols, the fabrication of some flight instrumentation and experiment-specific ground-based hardware, the conducting of preflight and postflight testing and the analysis of biospecimens and data for the U.S. experiments. A description of the Cosmos 2229 mission is presented in this report including preflight, on-orbit and postflight activities. The flight and ground-based bioinstrumentation which was developed by the U.S. and Russia is also described, along with the associated preflight testing ot the U.S. hardware. Final Science Reports for the experiments are also included.

The cradle of causal reasoning: newborns' preference for physical causality.

PubMed

Mascalzoni, Elena; Regolin, Lucia; Vallortigara, Giorgio; Simion, Francesca

2013-05-01

Perception of mechanical (i.e. physical) causality, in terms of a cause-effect relationship between two motion events, appears to be a powerful mechanism in our daily experience. In spite of a growing interest in the earliest causal representations, the role of experience in the origin of this sensitivity is still a matter of dispute. Here, we asked the question about the innate origin of causal perception, never tested before at birth. Three experiments were carried out to investigate sensitivity at birth to some visual spatiotemporal cues present in a launching event. Newborn babies, only a few hours old, showed that they significantly preferred a physical causality event (i.e. Michotte's Launching effect) when matched to a delay event (i.e. a delayed launching; Experiment 1) or to a non-causal event completely identical to the causal one except for the order of the displacements of the two objects involved which was swapped temporally (Experiment 3). This preference for the launching event, moreover, also depended on the continuity of the trajectory between the objects involved in the event (Experiment 2). These results support the hypothesis that the human system possesses an early available, possibly innate basic mechanism to compute causality, such a mechanism being sensitive to the additive effect of certain well-defined spatiotemporal cues present in the causal event independently of any prior visual experience. © 2013 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Fluoxetine Alleviates Behavioral Depression while Decreasing Acetylcholine Release in the Nucleus Accumbens Shell

PubMed Central

Chau, David T; Rada, Pedro V; Kim, Kay; Kosloff, Rebecca A; Hoebel, Bartley G

2011-01-01

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine, have demonstrated the ability to alleviate behavioral depression in the forced swim test; however, the sites and mechanisms of their actions remain to be further elucidated. Previous studies have suggested that behavioral depression in the swim test is mediated in part by acetylcholine (ACh) stimulating the cholinergic M1 receptors in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell. The current study tested whether acute, local, and chronic, subcutaneous fluoxetine treatments increase escape motivation during the swim test while simultaneously lowering extracellular ACh in the NAc shell. Experiment 1: Fluoxetine (1.0 mM) infused unilaterally in the NAc shell for 40 min reduced extracellular ACh while simultaneously increasing swimming time. Experiment 2: Fluoxetine (0.2, 0.5, and 0.75 mM) infused bilaterally in the NAc shell on day 3 dose-dependently decreased immobility and increased the total escape attempts (swimming and climbing) compared with Ringer given on day 2. Experiment 3: Fluoxetine (0.5 mM) infused bilaterally in the NAc for 40 min did not affect activities in an open field. Experiment 4: Chronic systemic fluoxetine treatment decreased immobility scores and increased total escape attempt scores compared with control saline treatment. In all, 14 days after the initial swim test, basal extracellular ACh in the shell was still elevated in the saline-treated group, but not in the fluoxetine-treated group. In summary, these data suggest that one of the potential mechanisms by which fluoxetine alleviates behavioral depression in the forced swim test may be to suppress cholinergic activities in the NAc shell. PMID:21525864

Dyspnea on exertion in obese women: association with an increased oxygen cost of breathing.

PubMed

Babb, Tony G; Ranasinghe, Kamalini G; Comeau, Laurie A; Semon, Trisha L; Schwartz, Belinda

2008-07-15

Although exertional dyspnea in obesity is an important and prolific clinical concern, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. To investigate whether dyspnea on exertion in otherwise healthy obese women was associated with an increase in the oxygen cost of breathing or cardiovascular deconditioning. Obese women with and without dyspnea on exertion participated in two independent experiments (n = 16 and n = 14). All participants underwent pulmonary function testing, hydrostatic weighing, ratings of perceived breathlessness during cycling at 60 W, and determination of the oxygen cost of breathing during eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea at 40 and 60 L/min. Cardiovascular exercise capacity, fat distribution, and respiratory mechanics were determined in 14 women in experiment 2. Data were analyzed between groups by independent t test, and the relationship between the variables was determined by regression analysis. In both experiments, breathlessness during 60 W cycling was markedly increased in over 37% of the obese women (P < 0.01). Age, height, weight, lung function, and %body fat were not different between the groups in either experiment. In contrast, the oxygen cost of breathing was significantly (P < 0.01) and markedly (38-70%) greater in the obese women with dyspnea on exertion. The oxygen cost of breathing was significantly (P < 0.001) correlated with the rating of perceived breathlessness obtained during the 60 W exercise in experiment 1 (r(2) = 0.57) and experiment 2 (r(2) = 0.72). Peak cardiovascular exercise capacity, fat distribution, and respiratory mechanics were not different between groups in experiment 2. Dyspnea on exertion is prevalent in otherwise healthy obese women, which seems to be strongly associated with an increased oxygen cost of breathing. Exercise capacity is not reduced in obese women with dyspnea on exertion.

Probing noncommutative theories with quantum optical experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dey, Sanjib; Bhat, Anha; Momeni, Davood; Faizal, Mir; Ali, Ahmed Farag; Dey, Tarun Kumar; Rehman, Atikur

2017-11-01

One of the major difficulties of modern science underlies at the unification of general relativity and quantum mechanics. Different approaches towards such theory have been proposed. Noncommutative theories serve as the root of almost all such approaches. However, the identification of the appropriate passage to quantum gravity is suffering from the inadequacy of experimental techniques. It is beyond our ability to test the effects of quantum gravity thorough the available scattering experiments, as it is unattainable to probe such high energy scale at which the effects of quantum gravity appear. Here we propose an elegant alternative scheme to test such theories by detecting the deformations emerging from the noncommutative structures. Our protocol relies on the novelty of an opto-mechanical experimental setup where the information of the noncommutative oscillator is exchanged via the interaction with an optical pulse inside an optical cavity. We also demonstrate that our proposal is within the reach of current technology and, thus, it could uncover a feasible route towards the realization of quantum gravitational phenomena thorough a simple table-top experiment.

First experience with carbon stripping foils for the 160 MeV H- injection into the CERN PSB

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weterings, Wim; Bracco, Chiara; Jorat, Louise; Noulibos, Remy; van Trappen, Pieter

2018-05-01

160 MeV H- beam will be delivered from the new CERN linear accelerator (Linac4) to the Proton Synchrotron Booster (PSB), using a H- charge-exchange injection system. A 200 µg/cm2 carbon stripping foil will convert H- into protons by stripping off the electrons. The H- charge-exchange injection principle will be used for the first time in the CERN accelerator complex and involves many challenges. In order to gain experience with the foil changing mechanism and the very fragile foils, in 2016, prior to the installation in the PSB, a stripping foil test stand has been installed in the Linac4 transfer line. In addition, parts of the future PSB injection equipment are also temporarily installed in the Linac4 transfer line for tests with a 160 MeV H- commissioning proton beam. This paper describes the foil changing mechanism and control system, summarizes the practical experience of gluing and handling these foils and reports on the first results with beam.

When Public Acts Like Private: The Failure of Estonia's School Choice Mechanism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Poder, Kaire; Lauri, Triin

2014-01-01

This article aims to show the segregating effect of the market-like matching of students and schools at the basic school level. The natural experiment case is Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. The current school choice mechanism applied in this case is based on entrance tests. There are increasingly over-subscribed intra-catchment area public…

In situ MEMS testing: correlation of high-resolution X-ray diffraction with mechanical experiments and finite element analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schifferle, Andreas; Dommann, Alex; Neels, Antonia

2017-12-01

New methods are needed in microsystems technology for evaluating microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) because of their reduced size. The assessment and characterization of mechanical and structural relations of MEMS are essential to assure the long-term functioning of devices, and have a significant impact on design and fabrication.

In-flight friction and wear mechanism

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Devine, E. J.; Evans, H. E.

1975-01-01

A unique mechanism developed for conducting friction and wear experiments in orbit is described. The device is capable of testing twelve material samples simultaneously. Parameters considered critical include: power, weight, volume, mounting, cleanliness, and thermal designs. The device performed flawlessly in orbit over an eighteen month period and demonstrated the usefulness of this design for future unmanned spacecraft or shuttle applications.

Finite-Element Analysis of a Mach-8 Flight Test Article Using Nonlinear Contact Elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richards, W. Lance

1997-01-01

A flight test article, called a glove, is required for a Mach-8 boundary-layer experiment to be conducted on a flight mission of the air-launched Pegasus(reg) space booster. The glove is required to provide a smooth, three-dimensional, structurally stable, aerodynamic surface and includes instrumentation to determine when and where boundary-layer transition occurs during the hypersonic flight trajectory. A restraint mechanism has been invented to attach the glove to the wing of the space booster. The restraint mechanism securely attaches the glove to the wing in directions normal to the wing/glove interface surface, but allows the glove to thermally expand and contract to alleviate stresses in directions parallel to the interface surface. A finite-element analysis has been performed using nonlinear contact elements to model the complex behavior of the sliding restraint mechanism. This paper provides an overview of the glove design and presents details of the analysis that were essential to demonstrate the flight worthiness of the wing-glove test article. Results show that all glove components are well within the allowable stress and deformation requirements to satisfy the objectives of the flight research experiment.

Facilities. [for Skylab environment simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Battaglia, H. F.; Burgett, F. A.; Casey, L. O.; Correale, J. V.; Dunaway, J. Q.; Glover, W. G.; Hinners, A. H., Jr.; Leblanc, J. C.; Leech, T. B.; Mays, J. D.

1973-01-01

Detailed descriptions are provided for mechanical devices, life support systems, and data handling and communications instrumentation that are connected with the altitude chamber in which the Skylab medical experiments altitude tests were performed.

Mechanical characterization of atherosclerotic arteries using finite-element modeling: feasibility study on mock arteries.

PubMed

Pazos, Valérie; Mongrain, Rosaire; Tardif, Jean-Claude

2010-06-01

Clinical studies on lipid-lowering therapy have shown that changing the composition of lipid pools reduced significantly the risk of cardiac events associated with plaque rupture. It has been shown also that changing the composition of the lipid pool affects its mechanical properties. However, knowledge about the mechanical properties of human atherosclerotic lesions remains limited due to the difficulty of the experiments. This paper aims to assess the feasibility of characterizing a lipid pool embedded in the wall of a pressurized vessel using finite-element simulations and an optimization algorithm. Finite-element simulations of inflation experiments were used together with nonlinear least squares algorithm to estimate the material model parameters of the wall and of the inclusion. An optimal fit of the simulated experiment and the real experiment was sought with the parameter estimation algorithm. The method was first tested on a single-layer polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cryogel stenotic vessel, and then, applied on a double-layered PVA cryogel stenotic vessel with a lipid inclusion.

Exploring the boundaries of quantum mechanics: advances in satellite quantum communications.

PubMed

Agnesi, Costantino; Vedovato, Francesco; Schiavon, Matteo; Dequal, Daniele; Calderaro, Luca; Tomasin, Marco; Marangon, Davide G; Stanco, Andrea; Luceri, Vincenza; Bianco, Giuseppe; Vallone, Giuseppe; Villoresi, Paolo

2018-07-13

Recent interest in quantum communications has stimulated great technological progress in satellite quantum technologies. These advances have rendered the aforesaid technologies mature enough to support the realization of experiments that test the foundations of quantum theory at unprecedented scales and in the unexplored space environment. Such experiments, in fact, could explore the boundaries of quantum theory and may provide new insights to investigate phenomena where gravity affects quantum objects. Here, we review recent results in satellite quantum communications and discuss possible phenomena that could be observable with current technologies. Furthermore, stressing the fact that space represents an incredible resource to realize new experiments aimed at highlighting some physical effects, we challenge the community to propose new experiments that unveil the interplay between quantum mechanics and gravity that could be realizable in the near future.This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Foundations of quantum mechanics and their impact on contemporary society'. © 2018 The Author(s).

Understanding Others' Regret: A fMRI Study

PubMed Central

Canessa, Nicola; Motterlini, Matteo; Di Dio, Cinzia; Perani, Daniela; Scifo, Paola; Cappa, Stefano F.; Rizzolatti, Giacomo

2009-01-01

Previous studies showed that the understanding of others' basic emotional experiences is based on a “resonant” mechanism, i.e., on the reactivation, in the observer's brain, of the cerebral areas associated with those experiences. The present study aimed to investigate whether the same neural mechanism is activated both when experiencing and attending complex, cognitively-generated, emotions. A gambling task and functional-Magnetic-Resonance-Imaging (fMRI) were used to test this hypothesis using regret, the negative cognitively-based emotion resulting from an unfavorable counterfactual comparison between the outcomes of chosen and discarded options. Do the same brain structures that mediate the experience of regret become active in the observation of situations eliciting regret in another individual? Here we show that observing the regretful outcomes of someone else's choices activates the same regions that are activated during a first-person experience of regret, i.e. the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex and hippocampus. These results extend the possible role of a mirror-like mechanism beyond basic emotions. PMID:19826471

Phenomenological study of a cellular material behaviour under dynamic loadings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouix, R.; Viot, Ph.; Lataillade, J.-L.

2006-08-01

Polypropylene foams are cellular materials, which are often use to fill structures subjected to crash or violent impacts. Therefore, it is necessary to know and to characterise in experiments their mechanical behaviour in compression at high strain rates. So, several apparatus have been used in order to highlight the influence of strain rate, material density and also temperature. A split Hopkinson Pressure Bar has been used for impact tests, a fly wheel to test theses materials at medium strain rate and an electro-mechanical testing machine associated to a climatic chamber for temperature tests. Then, a rheological model has been used in order to describe the material behaviour. The mechanical response to compression of these foams presents three typical domains: a linear elastic step, a wide collapse plateau stress, which leads to a densification, which are related to a standard rheological model.

Mechanical strength of an ITER coil insulation system under static and dynamic load after reactor irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bittner-Rohrhofer, K.; Humer, K.; Weber, H. W.; Hamada, K.; Sugimoto, M.; Okuno, K.

2002-12-01

The insulation system proposed by the Japanese Home Team for the ITER Toroidal Field coil (TF coil) is a T-glass-fiber/Kapton reinforced epoxy prepreg system. In order to assess the material performance under the actual operating conditions of the coils, the insulation system was irradiated in the TRIGA reactor (Vienna) to a fast neutron fluence of 2×10 22 m -2 ( E>0.1 MeV). After measurements of swelling, all mechanical tests were carried out at 77 K. Tensile and short-beam-shear (SBS) tests were performed under static loading conditions. In addition, tension-tension fatigue experiments up to about 10 6 cycles were made. The laminate swells in the through-thickness direction by 0.86% at the highest dose level. The fatigue tests as well as the static tests do not show significant influences of the irradiation on the mechanical behavior of this composite.

The Neural Mechanisms Underlying the Decision to Rest in the Presence of Fatigue: A Magnetoencephalography Study

PubMed Central

Ishii, Akira; Tanaka, Masaaki; Watanabe, Yasuyoshi

2014-01-01

Adequate rest is essential to avoid fatigue and disruption of homeostasis. However, the neural mechanisms underlying the decision to rest are not well understood. In the present study, we aimed to clarify the neural mechanisms of this decision-making process using magnetoencephalography. Fifteen healthy volunteers participated in decision and control experiments performed in a cross-over fashion. In the decision experiment, participants performed 1,200 reverse Stroop test trials and were intermittently asked to decide whether they wanted to take a rest or continue. In the control experiments, participants performed 1,200 reverse Stroop test trials and were instructed to press a response button intermittently without making any decision. Changes in oscillatory brain activity were assessed using a narrow-band adaptive spatial filtering method. The levels of decrease in theta (4–8 Hz) band power in left Brodmann's area (BA) 31, alpha (8–13 Hz) band power in left BA 10 and BA 9, and beta (13–25 Hz) band power in right BA 46 and left BA 10 were greater in trials when the participant opted to rest (rest trials) than those in control trials. The decrease in theta band power in BA 31 in the rest trials was positively correlated with the subjective level of fatigue after the decision experiment. These results demonstrated that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, frontal pole, and posterior cingulate cortex play a role in the decision to rest in the presence of fatigue. These findings may help clarify the neural mechanisms underlying fatigue and fatigue-related problems. PMID:25303465

Oculomotor capture during real-world scene viewing depends on cognitive load.

PubMed

Matsukura, Michi; Brockmole, James R; Boot, Walter R; Henderson, John M

2011-03-25

It has been claimed that gaze control during scene viewing is largely governed by stimulus-driven, bottom-up selection mechanisms. Recent research, however, has strongly suggested that observers' top-down control plays a dominant role in attentional prioritization in scenes. A notable exception to this strong top-down control is oculomotor capture, where visual transients in a scene draw the eyes. One way to test whether oculomotor capture during scene viewing is independent of an observer's top-down goal setting is to reduce observers' cognitive resource availability. In the present study, we examined whether increasing observers' cognitive load influences the frequency and speed of oculomotor capture during scene viewing. In Experiment 1, we tested whether increasing observers' cognitive load modulates the degree of oculomotor capture by a new object suddenly appeared in a scene. Similarly, in Experiment 2, we tested whether increasing observers' cognitive load modulates the degree of oculomotor capture by an object's color change. In both experiments, the degree of oculomotor capture decreased as observers' cognitive resources were reduced. These results suggest that oculomotor capture during scene viewing is dependent on observers' top-down selection mechanisms. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mechanical Characterization of Bone: State of the Art in Experimental Approaches-What Types of Experiments Do People Do and How Does One Interpret the Results?

PubMed

Bailey, Stacyann; Vashishth, Deepak

2018-06-18

The mechanical integrity of bone is determined by the direct measurement of bone mechanical properties. This article presents an overview of the current, most common, and new and upcoming experimental approaches for the mechanical characterization of bone. The key outcome variables of mechanical testing, as well as interpretations of the results in the context of bone structure and biology are also discussed. Quasi-static tests are the most commonly used for determining the resistance to structural failure by a single load at the organ (whole bone) level. The resistance to crack initiation or growth by fracture toughness testing and fatigue loading offers additional and more direct characterization of tissue material properties. Non-traditional indentation techniques and in situ testing are being increasingly used to probe the material properties of bone ultrastructure. Destructive ex vivo testing or clinical surrogate measures are considered to be the gold standard for estimating fracture risk. The type of mechanical test used for a particular investigation depends on the length scale of interest, where the outcome variables are influenced by the interrelationship between bone structure and composition. Advancement in the sensitivity of mechanical characterization techniques to detect changes in bone at the levels subjected to modifications by aging, disease, and/or pharmaceutical treatment is required. As such, a number of techniques are now available to aid our understanding of the factors that contribute to fracture risk.

Cool in the Kitchen: Radiation, Conduction, and the Newton "Hot Block" Experiment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Silverman, Mark P.; Silverman, Christopher R.

2000-01-01

Discusses the history of the development of Newton's Law of Cooling. Describes an experiment conducted in the kitchen that is designed to test the rate of cooling of a hot block of iron. Finds that Newton's law does not represent very well the mechanism of heat loss. (Contains over 10 references.) (WRM)

Dispersion Interactions between Rare Gas Atoms: Testing the London Equation Using ab Initio Methods

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Halpern, Arthur M.

2011-01-01

A computational chemistry experiment is described in which students can use advanced ab initio quantum mechanical methods to test the ability of the London equation to account quantitatively for the attractive (dispersion) interactions between rare gas atoms. Using readily available electronic structure applications, students can calculate the…

Fabrication and Mechanical Characterization of Hydrogel Infused Network Silk Scaffolds

PubMed Central

Kundanati, Lakshminath; Singh, Saket K.; Mandal, Biman B.; Murthy, Tejas G.; Gundiah, Namrata; Pugno, Nicola M.

2016-01-01

Development and characterization of porous scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is of great importance. In recent times, silk scaffolds were developed and successfully tested in tissue engineering and drug release applications. We developed a novel composite scaffold by mechanical infusion of silk hydrogel matrix into a highly porous network silk scaffold. The mechanical behaviour of these scaffolds was thoroughly examined for their possible use in load bearing applications. Firstly, unconfined compression experiments show that the denser composite scaffolds displayed significant enhancement in the elastic modulus as compared to either of the components. This effect was examined and further explained with the help of foam mechanics principles. Secondly, results from confined compression experiments that resemble loading of cartilage in confinement, showed nonlinear material responses for all scaffolds. Finally, the confined creep experiments were performed to calculate the hydraulic permeability of the scaffolds using soil mechanics principles. Our results show that composite scaffolds with some modifications can be a potential candidate for use of cartilage like applications. We hope such approaches help in developing novel scaffolds for tissue engineering by providing an understanding of the mechanics and can further be used to develop graded scaffolds by targeted infusion in specific regions. PMID:27681725

nonlinMIP contribution to CMIP6: model intercomparison project for non-linear mechanisms: physical basis, experimental design and analysis principles (v1.0)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Good, Peter; Andrews, Timothy; Chadwick, Robin; Dufresne, Jean-Louis; Gregory, Jonathan M.; Lowe, Jason A.; Schaller, Nathalie; Shiogama, Hideo

2016-11-01

nonlinMIP provides experiments that account for state-dependent regional and global climate responses. The experiments have two main applications: (1) to focus understanding of responses to CO2 forcing on states relevant to specific policy or scientific questions (e.g. change under low-forcing scenarios, the benefits of mitigation, or from past cold climates to the present day), or (2) to understand the state dependence (non-linearity) of climate change - i.e. why doubling the forcing may not double the response. State dependence (non-linearity) of responses can be large at regional scales, with important implications for understanding mechanisms and for general circulation model (GCM) emulation techniques (e.g. energy balance models and pattern-scaling methods). However, these processes are hard to explore using traditional experiments, which explains why they have had so little attention in previous studies. Some single model studies have established novel analysis principles and some physical mechanisms. There is now a need to explore robustness and uncertainty in such mechanisms across a range of models (point 2 above), and, more broadly, to focus work on understanding the response to CO2 on climate states relevant to specific policy/science questions (point 1). nonlinMIP addresses this using a simple, small set of CO2-forced experiments that are able to separate linear and non-linear mechanisms cleanly, with a good signal-to-noise ratio - while being demonstrably traceable to realistic transient scenarios. The design builds on the CMIP5 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5) and CMIP6 DECK (Diagnostic, Evaluation and Characterization of Klima) protocols, and is centred around a suite of instantaneous atmospheric CO2 change experiments, with a ramp-up-ramp-down experiment to test traceability to gradual forcing scenarios. In all cases the models are intended to be used with CO2 concentrations rather than CO2 emissions as the input. The understanding gained will help interpret the spread in policy-relevant scenario projections. Here we outline the basic physical principles behind nonlinMIP, and the method of establishing traceability from abruptCO2 to gradual forcing experiments, before detailing the experimental design, and finally some analysis principles. The test of traceability from abruptCO2 to transient experiments is recommended as a standard analysis within the CMIP5 and CMIP6 DECK protocols.

Accurate forced-choice recognition without awareness of memory retrieval.

PubMed

Voss, Joel L; Baym, Carol L; Paller, Ken A

2008-06-01

Recognition confidence and the explicit awareness of memory retrieval commonly accompany accurate responding in recognition tests. Memory performance in recognition tests is widely assumed to measure explicit memory, but the generality of this assumption is questionable. Indeed, whether recognition in nonhumans is always supported by explicit memory is highly controversial. Here we identified circumstances wherein highly accurate recognition was unaccompanied by hallmark features of explicit memory. When memory for kaleidoscopes was tested using a two-alternative forced-choice recognition test with similar foils, recognition was enhanced by an attentional manipulation at encoding known to degrade explicit memory. Moreover, explicit recognition was most accurate when the awareness of retrieval was absent. These dissociations between accuracy and phenomenological features of explicit memory are consistent with the notion that correct responding resulted from experience-dependent enhancements of perceptual fluency with specific stimuli--the putative mechanism for perceptual priming effects in implicit memory tests. This mechanism may contribute to recognition performance in a variety of frequently-employed testing circumstances. Our results thus argue for a novel view of recognition, in that analyses of its neurocognitive foundations must take into account the potential for both (1) recognition mechanisms allied with implicit memory and (2) recognition mechanisms allied with explicit memory.

New experiments call for a continuous absorption alternative to the photon model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reiter, Eric S.

2015-09-01

A famous beam-split coincidence test of the photon model is described herein using gamma-rays instead of the usual visible light. A similar a new test was performed using alpha-rays. In both tests, coincidence rates greatly exceed chance, leading to an unquantum effect. In contradiction to quantum theory and the photon model, these new results are strong evidence of the long abandoned accumulation hypothesis, also known as the loading theory. Attention is drawn to assumptions applied to past key-experiments that led to quantum mechanics. The history of the loading theory is outlined, and a few equations for famous experiments are derived, now free of wave-particle duality. Quantum theory usually works because there is a subtle difference between quantized and thresholded absorption.

Test bed experiments for various telerobotic system characteristics and configurations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duffie, Neil A.; Wiker, Steven F.; Zik, John J.

1990-01-01

Dexterous manipulation and grasping in telerobotic systems depends on the integration of high-performance sensors, displays, actuators and controls into systems in which careful consideration has been given to human perception and tolerance. Research underway at the Wisconsin Center for Space Automation and Robotics (WCSAR) has the objective of enhancing the performance of these systems and their components, and quantifying the effects of the many electrical, mechanical, control, and human factors that affect their performance. This will lead to a fundamental understanding of performance issues which will in turn allow designers to evaluate sensor, actuator, display, and control technologies with respect to generic measures of dexterous performance. As part of this effort, an experimental test bed was developed which has telerobotic components with exceptionally high fidelity in master/slave operation. A Telerobotic Performance Analysis System has also been developed which allows performance to be determined for various system configurations and electro-mechanical characteristics. Both this performance analysis system and test bed experiments are described.

Impact of the Test Device on the Behavior of the Acoustic Emission Signals: Contribution of the Numerical Modeling to Signal Processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Issiaka Traore, Oumar; Cristini, Paul; Favretto-Cristini, Nathalie; Pantera, Laurent; Viguier-Pla, Sylvie

2018-01-01

In a context of nuclear safety experiment monitoring with the non destructive testing method of acoustic emission, we study the impact of the test device on the interpretation of the recorded physical signals by using spectral finite element modeling. The numerical results are validated by comparison with real acoustic emission data obtained from previous experiments. The results show that several parameters can have significant impacts on acoustic wave propagation and then on the interpretation of the physical signals. The potential position of the source mechanism, the positions of the receivers and the nature of the coolant fluid have to be taken into account in the definition a pre-processing strategy of the real acoustic emission signals. In order to show the relevance of such an approach, we use the results to propose an optimization of the positions of the acoustic emission sensors in order to reduce the estimation bias of the time-delay and then improve the localization of the source mechanisms.

Installing Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiment Test Cell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

Astronaut Jay Apt installs Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM0 test cell on STS-79. Sand and soil grains have faces that can cause friction as they roll and slide against each other, or even cause sticking and form small voids between grains. This complex behavior can cause soil to behave like a liquid under certain conditions such as earthquakes or when powders are handled in industrial processes. MGM experiments aboard the Space Shuttle use the microgravity of space to simulate this behavior under conditions that carnot be achieved in laboratory tests on Earth. MGM is shedding light on the behavior of fine-grain materials under low effective stresses. Applications include earthquake engineering, granular flow technologies (such as powder feed systems for pharmaceuticals and fertilizers), and terrestrial and planetary geology. Nine MGM specimens have flown on two Space Shuttle flights. Another three are scheduled to fly on STS-107. The principal investigator is Stein Sture of the University of Colorado at Boulder. (Credit: NASA/John Space Center).

The Neural Mechanisms of Re-Experiencing Mental Fatigue Sensation: A Magnetoencephalography Study

PubMed Central

Ishii, Akira; Karasuyama, Takuma; Kikuchi, Taiki; Tanaka, Masaaki; Yamano, Emi; Watanabe, Yasuyoshi

2015-01-01

There have been several studies which have tried to clarify the neural mechanisms of fatigue sensation; however fatigue sensation has multiple aspects. We hypothesized that past experience related to fatigue sensation is an important factor which contributes to future formation of fatigue sensation through the transfer to memories that are located within specific brain structures. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the neural mechanisms of fatigue sensation related to memory. In the present study, we investigated the neural activity caused by re-experiencing the fatigue sensation that had been experienced during a fatigue-inducing session. Thirteen healthy volunteers participated in fatigue and non-fatigue experiments in a crossover fashion. In the fatigue experiment, they performed a 2-back test session for 40 min to induce fatigue sensation, a rest session for 15 min to recover from fatigue, and a magnetoencephalography (MEG) session in which they were asked to re-experience the state of their body with fatigue that they had experienced in the 2-back test session. In the non-fatigue experiment, the participants performed a free session for 15 min, a rest session for 15 min, and an MEG session in which they were asked to re-experience the state of their body without fatigue that they had experienced in the free session. Spatial filtering analyses of oscillatory brain activity showed that the delta band power in the left Brodmann’s area (BA) 39, alpha band power in the right pulvinar nucleus and the left BA 40, and beta band power in the left BA 40 were lower when they re-experienced the fatigue sensation than when they re-experienced the fatigue-free sensation, indicating that these brain regions are related to re-experiencing the fatigue sensation. Our findings may help clarify the neural mechanisms underlying fatigue sensation. PMID:25826300

Proposal for New Experimental Tests of the Bose-Einstein Condensation Mechanism for Low-Energy Nuclear Reaction and Transmutation Processes in Deuterium Loaded - and Nano-Scale Cavities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Yeong E.; Koltick, David S.; Reifenberger, Ronald G.; Zubarev, Alexander L.

2006-02-01

Most of experimental results of low-energy nuclear reaction (LENR) reported so far cannot be reproduced on demand. There have been persistent experimental results indicating that the LENR and transmutation processes in condensed matters (LENRTPCM) are surface phenomena rather than bulk phenomena. Recently proposed Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) mechanism may provide a suitable theoretical description of the surface phenomena. New experiments are proposed and described for testing the BEC mechanism for LENR and transmutation processes in micro- and nano-scale traps. (1) We propose the use of micro- or nano-porous conducting materials as a cathode in electrolysis experiments with heavy water with or without Li in order to stabilize the active surface spots and to enhance the effect for the purpose of improving the reproducibility of excess heat generation and nuclear emission. (2) We propose new experimental tests of the BEC mechanism by measuring the pressure and temperature dependence of LENR events using deuterium gas and these deuterated metals with or without Li. If the LENRTPCM are surface phenomena, the proposed use of micro-/nano-scale porous materials is expected to enhance and scale up the LENRTPCM effects by many order of magnitude, and thus may lead to better reproductivity and theoretical understanding of the phenomena.

CO 2-induced chemo-mechanical alteration in reservoir rocks assessed via batch reaction experiments and scratch testing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Aman, Michael; Espinoza, D. Nicolas; Ilgen, Anastasia G.

Here, the injection of carbon dioxide (CO 2) into geological formations results in a chemical re-equilibration between the mineral assemblage and the pore fluid, with ensuing mineral dissolution and re-precipitation. Hence, target rock formations may exhibit changes of mechanical and petrophysical properties due to CO 2 exposure. We conducted batch reaction experiments with Entrada Sandstone and Summerville Siltstone exposed to de-ionized water and synthetic brine under reservoir pressure (9–10 MPa) and temperature (80°C) for up to four weeks. Samples originate from the Crystal Geyser field site, where a naturally occurring CO 2 seepage alters portions of these geologic formations. Wemore » conducted micro-scratch tests on rock samples without alteration, altered under laboratory conditions, and naturally altered over geologic time. Scratch toughness and hardness decrease as a function of exposure time and water salinity up to 52% in the case of Entrada and 87% in the case of Summerville after CO 2-induced alteration in the laboratory. Imaging of altered cores with SEM-EDS and X-ray microCT methods show dissolution of carbonate and silica cements and matrix accompanied by minor dissolution of Fe-oxides, clays, and other silicates. Parallel experiments using powdered samples confirm that dissolution of carbonate and silica are the primary reactions. The batch reaction experiments in the autoclave utilize a high fluid to rock volume ratio and represent an end member of possible alteration associated with CO 2 storage systems. These types of tests serve as a pre-screening tool to identify the susceptibility of rock facies to CO 2-related chemical-mechanical alteration during long-term CO 2 storage.« less

CO 2-induced chemo-mechanical alteration in reservoir rocks assessed via batch reaction experiments and scratch testing

DOE PAGES

Aman, Michael; Espinoza, D. Nicolas; Ilgen, Anastasia G.; ...

2017-09-22

Here, the injection of carbon dioxide (CO 2) into geological formations results in a chemical re-equilibration between the mineral assemblage and the pore fluid, with ensuing mineral dissolution and re-precipitation. Hence, target rock formations may exhibit changes of mechanical and petrophysical properties due to CO 2 exposure. We conducted batch reaction experiments with Entrada Sandstone and Summerville Siltstone exposed to de-ionized water and synthetic brine under reservoir pressure (9–10 MPa) and temperature (80°C) for up to four weeks. Samples originate from the Crystal Geyser field site, where a naturally occurring CO 2 seepage alters portions of these geologic formations. Wemore » conducted micro-scratch tests on rock samples without alteration, altered under laboratory conditions, and naturally altered over geologic time. Scratch toughness and hardness decrease as a function of exposure time and water salinity up to 52% in the case of Entrada and 87% in the case of Summerville after CO 2-induced alteration in the laboratory. Imaging of altered cores with SEM-EDS and X-ray microCT methods show dissolution of carbonate and silica cements and matrix accompanied by minor dissolution of Fe-oxides, clays, and other silicates. Parallel experiments using powdered samples confirm that dissolution of carbonate and silica are the primary reactions. The batch reaction experiments in the autoclave utilize a high fluid to rock volume ratio and represent an end member of possible alteration associated with CO 2 storage systems. These types of tests serve as a pre-screening tool to identify the susceptibility of rock facies to CO 2-related chemical-mechanical alteration during long-term CO 2 storage.« less

Ecological Interventionist Causal Models in Psychosis: Targeting Psychological Mechanisms in Daily Life

PubMed Central

Reininghaus, Ulrich; Depp, Colin A.; Myin-Germeys, Inez

2016-01-01

Integrated models of psychotic disorders have posited a number of putative psychological mechanisms that may contribute to the development of psychotic symptoms, but it is only recently that a modest amount of experience sampling research has provided evidence on their role in daily life, outside the research laboratory. A number of methodological challenges remain in evaluating specificity of potential causal links between a given psychological mechanism and psychosis outcomes in a systematic fashion, capitalizing on longitudinal data to investigate temporal ordering. In this article, we argue for testing ecological interventionist causal models that draw on real world and real-time delivered, ecological momentary interventions for generating evidence on several causal criteria (association, time order, and direction/sole plausibility) under real-world conditions, while maximizing generalizability to social contexts and experiences in heterogeneous populations. Specifically, this approach tests whether ecological momentary interventions can (1) modify a putative mechanism and (2) produce changes in the mechanism that lead to sustainable changes in intended psychosis outcomes in individuals’ daily lives. Future research using this approach will provide translational evidence on the active ingredients of mobile health and in-person interventions that promote sustained effectiveness of ecological momentary interventions and, thereby, contribute to ongoing efforts that seek to enhance effectiveness of psychological interventions under real-world conditions. PMID:26707864

Influence of stimulus size on revealing non-cardinal color mechanisms.

PubMed

Gunther, Karen L; Downey, Colin O

2016-10-01

Multiple studies have shown that performance of subjects on a number of visual tasks is worse for non-cardinal than cardinal colors, especially in the red-green/luminance (RG/LUM) and tritan/luminance (TRIT/LUM) color planes. Inspired by neurophysiological evidence that suppressive surround input to receptive fields is particularly sensitive to luminance, we hypothesized that non-cardinal mechanisms in the RG/LUM and TRIT/LUM planes would be more sensitive to stimulus size than are isoluminant non-cardinal mechanisms. In Experiment 1 we tested 9-10 color-normal subjects in each of the three color planes (RG/TRIT, RG/LUM, and TRIT/LUM) on visual search at four bull's-eye dot sizes (0.5°/1°, 1°/2°, 2°/4°, and 3°/6° center/annulus dot diameter). This study yielded a significant main effect of dot size in each of the three color planes. In Experiment 2 we tested the same hypothesis using noise masking, at three stimulus sizes (3°, 6° and 9° diameter Gabors), again in all three color planes (5 subjects per color plane). This experiment yielded, in the RG/TRIT plane, a significant main effect of stimulus size; in the RG/LUM plane, significant evidence for non-cardinal mechanisms only for the 9° stimulus; but in the TRIT/LUM plane no evidence for non-cardinal mechanisms at any stimulus size. These results suggest that non-cardinal mechanisms, particularly in the RG/LUM color plane, are more sensitive to stimulus size than are non-cardinals in the RG/TRIT plane, supporting our hypothesis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Design and operating experience on the US Department of Energy experimental Mod-0 100-kW wind turbine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glasgow, J. C.; Birchenough, A. G.

1978-01-01

The experimental wind turbine was designed and fabricated to assess technology requirements and engineering problems of large wind turbines. The machine has demonstrated successful operation in all of its design modes and served as a prototype developmental test bed for the Mod-0A operational wind turbines which are currently used on utility networks. The mechanical and control system are described as they evolved in operational tests and some of the experience with various systems in the downwind rotor configurations are elaborated.

Engagement of Metal Debris into a Gear Mesh

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Handschuh, Robert F.; Krantz, Timothy L.

2010-01-01

A series of bench top experiments was conducted to determine the effects of metallic debris being dragged through meshing gear teeth. A test rig that is typically used to conduct contact fatigue experiments was used for these tests. Several sizes of drill material, shim stock, and pieces of gear teeth were introduced and then driven through the meshing region. The level of torque required to drive the "chip" through the gear mesh was measured. From the data gathered, chip size sufficient to jam the mechanism can be determined.

Controlling the net charge on a nanoparticle optically levitated in vacuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frimmer, Martin; Luszcz, Karol; Ferreiro, Sandra; Jain, Vijay; Hebestreit, Erik; Novotny, Lukas

2017-06-01

Optically levitated nanoparticles in vacuum are a promising model system to test physics beyond our current understanding of quantum mechanics. Such experimental tests require extreme control over the dephasing of the levitated particle's motion. If the nanoparticle carries a finite net charge, it experiences a random Coulomb force due to fluctuating electric fields. This dephasing mechanism can be fully excluded by discharging the levitated particle. Here, we present a simple and reliable technique to control the charge on an optically levitated nanoparticle in vacuum. Our method is based on the generation of charges in an electric discharge and does not require additional optics or mechanics close to the optical trap.

Multiphysics processes in partially saturated fractured rock: Experiments and models from Yucca Mountain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rutqvist, Jonny; Tsang, Chin-Fu

2012-09-01

The site investigations at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, have provided us with an outstanding data set, one that has significantly advanced our knowledge of multiphysics processes in partially saturated fractured geological media. Such advancement was made possible, foremost, by substantial investments in multiyear field experiments that enabled the study of thermally driven multiphysics and testing of numerical models at a large spatial scale. The development of coupled-process models within the project have resulted in a number of new, advanced multiphysics numerical models that are today applied over a wide range of geoscientific research and geoengineering applications. Using such models, the potential impact of thermal-hydrological-mechanical (THM) multiphysics processes over the long-term (e.g., 10,000 years) could be predicted and bounded with some degree of confidence. The fact that the rock mass at Yucca Mountain is intensively fractured enabled continuum models to be used, although discontinuum models were also applied and are better suited for analyzing some issues, especially those related to predictions of rockfall within open excavations. The work showed that in situ tests (rather than small-scale laboratory experiments alone) are essential for determining appropriate input parameters for multiphysics models of fractured rocks, especially related to parameters defining how permeability might evolve under changing stress and temperature. A significant laboratory test program at Yucca Mountain also made important contributions to the field of rock mechanics, showing a unique relation between porosity and mechanical properties, a time dependency of strength that is significant for long-term excavation stability, a decreasing rock strength with sample size using very large core experiments, and a strong temperature dependency of the thermal expansion coefficient for temperatures up to 200°C. The analysis of in situ heater experiments showed that fracture closure/opening caused by changes in normal stress across fractures was the dominant mechanism for thermally induced changes in intrinsic fracture permeability during rock mass heating/cooling and that fracture shear dilation appears to be less significant. Significant effort was devoted to predicting the long-term stability of underground excavations under (mechanical) strength degradation and seismic loading, perhaps one of the most challenging tasks within the project. We note that such long-term strength degradation is actually an example of a chemically mediated process governed by underlying (microscopic) stress corrosion and chemical diffusion processes. In the Yucca Mountain Project, such chemically mediated mechanical changes were considered implicitly through model calibrations against laboratory and in situ heater experiments at temperatures anticipated to be experienced by the rock. A possible future research direction would be to simulate such processes mechanistically in a complete coupled THMC framework where C denotes chemical processes.

A study of the micro- and nanoscale deformation behavior of individual austenitic dendrites in a FeCrMoVC cast alloy using micro- and nanoindentation experiments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zeisig, J., E-mail: j.zeisig@ifw-dresden.de; Hufenbach, J.; Wendrock, H.

2016-04-04

Micro- and nanoindentation experiments were conducted to investigate the deformation mechanisms in a Fe79.4Cr13Mo5V1C1.6 (wt. %) cast alloy. This alloy consists of an as cast microstructure mainly composed of austenite, martensite, and a complex carbide network. During microhardness testing, metastable austenite transforms partially into martensite confirmed by electron backscatter diffraction. For nanoindentation tests, two different indenter geometries were applied (Berkovich and cube corner type). Load-displacement curves of nanoindentation in austenitic dendrites depicted pop-ins after transition into plastic deformation for both nanoindenters. Characterizations of the region beneath a nanoindent by transmission electron microscopy revealed a martensitic transformation as an activated deformationmore » mechanism and suggest a correlation with the pop-in phenomena of the load-displacement curves. Furthermore, due to an inhomogeneous chemical composition within the austenitic dendrites, more stabilized regions deform by mechanical twinning. This additional deformation mechanism was only observed for the cube corner indenter with the sharper geometry since higher shear stresses are induced beneath the contact area.« less

Effect of space exposure of some epoxy matrix composites on their thermal expansion and mechanical properties (AO 138-8)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jabs, Heinrich

1991-01-01

The experiment objectives are: to detect a variation of the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of composite samples; to detect an evolution of mechanical properties; to compare the behavior of two epoxy resins. The CTE is measured by interferometric method in a vacuum chamber. The following mechanical tests are achieved on the samples: interlaminar shear strength; flexural strength; flatwise tensile strength. The results are reported.

How schizophrenia develops: cognitive and brain mechanisms underlying onset of psychosis

PubMed Central

Cannon, Tyrone D.

2015-01-01

Identifying cognitive and neural mechanisms involved in the development of schizophrenia requires longitudinal observation of individuals prior to onset. Here recent studies of prodromal individuals who progress to full psychosis are briefly reviewed in relation to models of schizophrenia pathophysiology. Together, this body of work suggests that disruption in brain connectivity, driven primarily by a progressive reduction in dendritic spines on cortical pyramidal neurons, may represent a key triggering mechanism. The earliest disruptions appear to be in circuits involved in referencing experiences according to time, place, and agency, which may result in a failure to recognize particular cognitions as self-generated or to constrain interpretations of the meaning of events based on prior experiences, providing the scaffolding for faulty reality testing. PMID:26493362

Mechanical testing of bones: the positive synergy of finite-element models and in vitro experiments.

PubMed

Cristofolini, Luca; Schileo, Enrico; Juszczyk, Mateusz; Taddei, Fulvia; Martelli, Saulo; Viceconti, Marco

2010-06-13

Bone biomechanics have been extensively investigated in the past both with in vitro experiments and numerical models. In most cases either approach is chosen, without exploiting synergies. Both experiments and numerical models suffer from limitations relative to their accuracy and their respective fields of application. In vitro experiments can improve numerical models by: (i) preliminarily identifying the most relevant failure scenarios; (ii) improving the model identification with experimentally measured material properties; (iii) improving the model identification with accurately measured actual boundary conditions; and (iv) providing quantitative validation based on mechanical properties (strain, displacements) directly measured from physical specimens being tested in parallel with the modelling activity. Likewise, numerical models can improve in vitro experiments by: (i) identifying the most relevant loading configurations among a number of motor tasks that cannot be replicated in vitro; (ii) identifying acceptable simplifications for the in vitro simulation; (iii) optimizing the use of transducers to minimize errors and provide measurements at the most relevant locations; and (iv) exploring a variety of different conditions (material properties, interface, etc.) that would require enormous experimental effort. By reporting an example of successful investigation of the femur, we show how a combination of numerical modelling and controlled experiments within the same research team can be designed to create a virtuous circle where models are used to improve experiments, experiments are used to improve models and their combination synergistically provides more detailed and more reliable results than can be achieved with either approach singularly.

Design of load-to-failure tests of high-voltage insulation breaks for ITER's cryogenic network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Langeslag, S. A. E.; Rodriguez Castro, E.; Aviles Santillana, I.; Sgobba, S.; Foussat, A.

2015-12-01

The development of new generation superconducting magnets for fusion research, such as the ITER experiment, is largely based on coils wound with so-called cable-in-conduit conductors. The concept of the cable-in-conduit conductor is based on a direct cooling principle, by supercritical helium, flowing through the central region of the conductor, in close contact with the superconducting strands. Consequently, a direct connection exists between the electrically grounded helium coolant supply line and the highly energised magnet windings. Various insulated regions, constructed out of high-voltage insulation breaks, are put in place to isolate sectors with different electrical potential. In addition to high voltages and significant internal helium pressure, the insulation breaks will experience various mechanical forces resulting from differential thermal contraction phenomena and electro-magnetic loads. Special test equipment was designed, prepared and employed to assess the mechanical reliability of the insulation breaks. A binary test setup is proposed, where mechanical failure is assumed when leak rate of gaseous helium exceeds 10-9·Pa·m3/s. The test consists of a load-to-failure insulation break charging, in tension, while immersed in liquid nitrogen at the temperature of 77 K. Leak tightness during the test is monitored by measuring the leak rate of the gaseous helium, directly surrounding the insulation break, with respect to the existing vacuum inside the insulation break. The experimental setup is proven effective, and various insulation breaks performed beyond expectations.

Biological and Mechanical Effects of Micro-Nanostructured Titanium Surface on an Osteoblastic Cell Line In vitro and Osteointegration In vivo.

PubMed

Hao, Jingzu; Li, Ying; Li, Baoe; Wang, Xiaolin; Li, Haipeng; Liu, Shimin; Liang, Chunyong; Wang, Hongshui

2017-09-01

Hybrid micro-nanostructure implant surface was produced on titanium (Ti) surface by acid etching and anodic oxidation to improve the biological and mechanical properties. The biological properties of the micro-nanostructure were investigated by simulated body fluid (SBF) soaking test and MC3T3-E1 cell co-culture experiment. The cell proliferation, spreading, and bone sialoprotein (BSP) gene expression were examined by MTT, SEM, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. In addition, the mechanical properties were evaluated by instrumented nanoindentation test and friction-wear test. Furthermore, the effect of the micro-nanostructure surface on implant osteointegration was examined by in vivo experiment. The results showed that the formation of bone-like apatite was accelerated on the micro-nanostructured Ti surface after immersion in simulated body fluid, and the proliferation, spreading, and BSP gene expression of the MC3T3-E1 cells were also upregulated on the modified surface. The micro-nanostructured Ti surface displayed decreased friction coefficient, stiffness value, and Young's modulus which were much closer to those of the cortical bone, compared to the polished Ti surface. This suggested much better mechanical match to the surrounding bone tissue of the micro-nanostructured Ti surface. Furthermore, the in vivo animal experiment showed that after implantation in the rat femora, the micro-nanostructure surface displayed higher bonding strength between bone tissues and implant; hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining suggested that much compact osteoid tissue was observed at the interface of Micro-nano-Ti-bone than polished Ti-bone interface after implantation. Based on these results mentioned above, it was concluded that the improved biological and mechanical properties of the micro-nanostructure endowed Ti surface with good biocompatibility and better osteointegration, implying the enlarged application of the micro-nanostructure surface Ti implants in future.

Mechanical Behavior of Microelectromechanical Microshutters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burns, Devin Edward; Jones, Justin Scott; Li, Mary J.

2014-01-01

A custom micro-mechanical test system was constructed using off-the-shelf components to characterize the mechanical properties of microshutters. Microshutters are rectangular microelectromechanical apertures which open and close about a narrow torsion bar hinge. Displacement measurements were verified using both capacitive and digital image correlation techniques. Repeatable experiments on Si3N4 cantilever beams verified that the test system operates consistently. Using beam theory, the modulus of elasticity of the low stress Si3N4 was approximately 150 GPa, though significant uncertainty exists for this measurement due primarily to imprecise knowledge of the cantilever thickness. Tests conducted on microshutter arrays concluded that reducing the Si3N4 thickness from 250 nm to 500 nm reduces the torsional stiffness by a factor of approximately four. This is in good agreement with analytical and finite element models of the microshutters.

Testing and Analysis of Composite Skin/Stringer Debonding Under Multi-Axial Loading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krueger, Ronald; Cvitkovich, Michael K.; O'Brien, T. Kevin; Minguet, Pierre J.

2000-01-01

A consistent step-wise approach is presented to investigate the damage mechanism in composite bonded skin/stringer constructions under uniaxial and biaxial (in-plane/out-of-plane) loading conditions. The approach uses experiments to detect the failure mechanism, computational stress analysis to determine the location of first matrix cracking and computational fracture mechanics to investigate the potential for delamination growth. In a first step, tests were performed on specimens, which consisted of a tapered composite flange, representing a stringer or frame, bonded onto a composite skin. Tests were performed under monotonic loading conditions in tension, three-point bending, and combined tension/bending to evaluate the debonding mechanisms between the skin and the bonded stringer. For combined tension/bending testing, a unique servohydraulic load frame was used that was capable of applying both in-plane tension and out-of-plane bending loads simultaneously. Specimen edges were examined on the microscope to document the damage occurrence and to identify typical damage patterns. For all three load cases, observed failure initiated in the flange, near the flange tip, causing the flange to almost fully debond from skin. In a second step, a two dimensional plane-strain finite element model was developed to analyze the different test cases using a geometrically nonlinear solution. For all three loading conditions, computed principal stresses exceeded the transverse strength of the material in those areas of the flange where the matrix cracks had developed during the tests. In a third step, delaminations of various lengths were simulated in two locations where delaminations were observed during the tests. The analyses showed that at the loads corresponding to matrix ply crack initiation computed strain energy release rates exceeded the values obtained from a mixed mode failure criterion in one location, Hence. Unstable delamination propagation is likely to occur as observed in the experiments.

Testing and Analysis of Composite Skin/Stringer Debonding under Multi-Axial Loading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krueger, Ronald; Cvitkovich, Michael; OBrien, Kevin; Minguet, Pierre J.

2000-01-01

A consistent step-wise approach is presented to investigate the damage mechanism in composite bonded skin/stringer constructions under uniaxial and biaxial (in-plane/out-of-plane) loading conditions. The approach uses experiments to detect the failure mechanism, computational stress analysis to determine the location of first matrix cracking and computational fracture mechanics to investigate the potential for delamination growth. In a first step, tests were performed on specimens, which consisted of a tapered composite flange, representing a stringer or frame, bonded onto a composite skin. Tests were performed under monotonic loading conditions in tension, three-point bending, and combined tension/bending to evaluate the debonding mechanisms between the skin and the bonded stringer. For combined tension/bending testing, a unique servohydraulic load frame was used that was capable of applying both in-plane tension and out-of-plane bending loads simultaneously. Specimen edges were examined on the microscope to document the damage occurrence and to identify typical damage patterns. For all three load cases, observed failure initiated in the flange, near the flange tip, causing the flange to almost fully debond from the skin. In a second step, a two-dimensional plane-strain finite element model was developed to analyze the different test cases using a geometrically nonlinear solution. For all three loading conditions, computed principal stresses exceeded the transverse strength of the material in those areas of the flange where the matrix cracks had developed during the tests. In a third step, delaminations of various lengths were simulated in two locations where delaminations were observed during the tests. The analyses showed that at the loads corresponding to matrix ply crack initiation computed strain energy release rates exceeded the values obtained from a mixed mode failure criterion in one location. Hence, unstable delamination propagation is likely to occur as observed in the experiments.

Contribution of computational model for assessment of heart tissue local stress caused by suture in LVAD implantation.

PubMed

Chalon, A; Favre, J; Piotrowski, B; Landmann, V; Grandmougin, D; Maureira, J-P; Laheurte, P; Tran, N

2018-06-01

Implantation of a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) may produce both excessive local tissue stress and resulting strain-induced tissue rupture that are potential iatrogenic factors influencing the success of the surgical attachment of the LVAD into the myocardium. By using a computational simulation compared to mechanical tests, we sought to investigate the characteristics of stress-induced suture material on porcine myocardium. Tensile strength experiments (n = 8) were performed on bulk left myocardium to establish a hyperelastic reduced polynomial constitutive law. Simultaneously, suture strength tests on left myocardium (n = 6) were performed with a standard tensile test setup. Experiments were made on bulk ventricular wall with a single U-suture (polypropylene 3-0) and a PTFE pledget. Then, a Finite Element simulation of a LVAD suture case was performed. Strength versus displacement behavior was compared between mechanical and numerical experiments. Local stress fields in the model were thus analyzed. A strong correlation between the experimental and the numerical responses was observed, validating the relevance of the numerical model. A secure damage limit of 100 kPa on heart tissue was defined from mechanical suture testing and used to describe numerical results. The impact of suture on heart tissue could be accurately determined through new parameters of numerical data (stress diffusion, triaxiality stress). Finally, an ideal spacing between sutures of 2 mm was proposed. Our computational model showed a reliable ability to provide and predict various local tissue stresses created by suture penetration into the myocardium. In addition, this model contributed to providing valuable information useful to design less traumatic sutures for LVAD implantation. Therefore, our computational model is a promising tool to predict and optimize LVAD myocardial suture. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

24-month-olds’ sensitivity to the prior inaccuracy of the source: Possible mechanisms

PubMed Central

Koenig, Melissa A.; Woodward, Amanda L.

2013-01-01

Three studies examined 24-month-olds’ sensitivity to the prior accuracy of the source and the way in which young children modify their word learning from inaccurate sources. In Experiments 1A, 2 and 3, toddlers interacted with an accurate or inaccurate speaker who trained and tested children's comprehension of a new word-object link. In Experiment 1, children performed less systematically in response to an inaccurate than to the accurate source. In Experiments 2 and 3, after toddlers’ comprehension of the new word-object links was tested by the original source, a second speaker requested the target objects. In Experiment 2, children responded randomly in response to the second speaker's requests when novel words were previously presented by an inaccurate source. In Experiment 3, toddlers responded randomly in response to both speakers in the inaccurate condition when their memory for words was taxed by a brief delay period. Taken together, these findings suggest that toddlers attend to accuracy information, treat inaccuracy as a feature of a particular individual and that the word-object representations formed as a result may be fragile and short-lived. Findings are discussed in terms of possible mechanisms by which children adjust their word-learning from problematic speakers. PMID:20604604

A method for the production of large volumes of WAF and CEWAF for dosing mesocosms to understand marine oil snow formation.

PubMed

Wade, Terry L; Morales-McDevitt, Maya; Bera, Gopal; Shi, Dawai; Sweet, Stephen; Wang, Binbin; Gold-Bouchot, Gerado; Quigg, Antonietta; Knap, Anthony H

2017-10-01

Marine oil snow (MOS) formation is a mechanism to transport oil from the ocean surface to sediments. We describe here the use of 110L mesocosms designed to mimic oceanic parameters during an oil spill including the use of chemical dispersants in order to understand the processes controlling MOS formation. These experiments were not designed to be toxicity tests but rather to illustrate mechanisms. This paper focuses on the development of protocols needed to conduct experiments under environmentally relevant conditions to examine marine snow and MOS. The experiments required the production of over 500 liters of water accommodated fraction (WAF), chemically enhanced water accommodated fraction of oil (CEWAF) as well as diluted CEWAF (DCEWAF). A redesigned baffled (170 L) recirculating tank (BRT) system was used. Two mesocosm experiments (M1 and M2) were run for several days each. In both M1 and M2, marine snow and MOS was formed in controls and all treatments respectively. Estimated oil equivalent (EOE) concentrations of CEWAF were in the high range of concentrations reported during spills and field tests, while WAF and DCEWAF concentrations were within the range of concentrations reported during oil spills. EOE decreased rapidly within days in agreement with historic data and experiments.

Transmissivity Changes and Microseismicity Induced by Small-Scale Hydraulic Fracturing Tests in Crystalline Rock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jalali, Mohammadreza; Gischig, Valentin; Doetsch, Joseph; Näf, Rico; Krietsch, Hannes; Klepikova, Maria; Amann, Florian; Giardini, Domenico

2018-03-01

Multiple meter-scale hydraulic fracturing (HF) experiments were executed in the crystalline rock at the Grimsel Test Site, Switzerland. The effect of the HF on the rock transmissivity has been quantified with hydraulic tests before and after each HF experiment. We observe transmissivity enhancement of 2 to 3 orders of magnitude and a change in the dominant flow regime after most of the HF tests. From microseismicity induced by the HF, we do not observe a systematic correlation between transmissivity enhancement and event numbers, frequency-magnitude distribution, or maximum magnitude. However, the radii of hydraulic fractures inferred independently from seismicity clouds and hydraulic responses coincide, implying that slip along fractures is the common underlying mechanism for transmissivity increase and seismicity.

How Cannabis Causes Paranoia: Using the Intravenous Administration of ∆9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to Identify Key Cognitive Mechanisms Leading to Paranoia

PubMed Central

Freeman, Daniel; Dunn, Graham; Murray, Robin M.; Evans, Nicole; Lister, Rachel; Antley, Angus; Slater, Mel; Godlewska, Beata; Cornish, Robert; Williams, Jonathan; Di Simplicio, Martina; Igoumenou, Artemis; Brenneisen, Rudolf; Tunbridge, Elizabeth M.; Harrison, Paul J.; Harmer, Catherine J.; Cowen, Philip; Morrison, Paul D.

2015-01-01

Paranoia is receiving increasing attention in its own right, since it is a central experience of psychotic disorders and a marker of the health of a society. Paranoia is associated with use of the most commonly taken illicit drug, cannabis. The objective was to determine whether the principal psychoactive ingredient of cannabis—∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—causes paranoia and to use the drug as a probe to identify key cognitive mechanisms underlying paranoia. A randomized, placebo-controlled, between-groups test of the effects of intravenous THC was conducted. A total of 121 individuals with paranoid ideation were randomized to receive placebo, THC, or THC preceded by a cognitive awareness condition. Paranoia was assessed extensively via a real social situation, an immersive virtual reality experiment, and standard self-report and interviewer measures. Putative causal factors were assessed. Principal components analysis was used to create a composite paranoia score and composite causal variables to be tested in a mediation analysis. THC significantly increased paranoia, negative affect (anxiety, worry, depression, negative thoughts about the self), and a range of anomalous experiences, and reduced working memory capacity. The increase in negative affect and in anomalous experiences fully accounted for the increase in paranoia. Working memory changes did not lead to paranoia. Making participants aware of the effects of THC had little impact. In this largest study of intravenous THC, it was definitively demonstrated that the drug triggers paranoid thoughts in vulnerable individuals. The most likely mechanism of action causing paranoia was the generation of negative affect and anomalous experiences. PMID:25031222

Computer-aided analysis for the Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parker, Joey K.

1986-01-01

The Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) program is planned to provide experimental determinations of the mechanics of granular materials under very low gravity conditions. The initial experiments will use small glass beads as the granular material, and a precise tracking of individual beads during the test is desired. Real-time video images of the experimental specimen were taken with a television camera, and subsequently digitized by a frame grabber installed in a microcomputer. Easily identified red tracer beads were randomly scattered throughout the test specimen. A set of Pascal programs was written for processing and analyzing the digitized images. Filtering the image with Laplacian, dilation, and blurring filters when using a threshold function produced a binary (black on white) image which clearly identified the red beads. The centroids and areas for each bead were then determined. Analyzing a series of the images determined individual red bead displacements throughout the experiment. The system can provide displacement accuracies on the order of 0.5 to 1 pixel is the image is taken directly from the video camera. Digitizing an image from a video cassette recorder introduces an additional repeatability error of 0.5 to 1 pixel. Other programs were written to provide hardcopy prints of the digitized images on a dot-matrix printer.

ARCADE small-scale docking mechanism for micro-satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boesso, A.; Francesconi, A.

2013-05-01

The development of on-orbit autonomous rendezvous and docking (ARD) capabilities represents a key point for a number of appealing mission scenarios that include activities of on-orbit servicing, automated assembly of modular structures and active debris removal. As of today, especially in the field of micro-satellites ARD, many fundamental technologies are still missing or require further developments and micro-gravity testing. In this framework, the University of Padova, Centre of Studies and Activities for Space (CISAS), developed the Autonomous Rendezvous Control and Docking Experiment (ARCADE), a technology demonstrator intended to fly aboard a BEXUS stratospheric balloon. The goal was to design, build and test, in critical environment conditions, a proximity relative navigation system, a custom-made reaction wheel and a small-size docking mechanism. The ARCADE docking mechanism was designed against a comprehensive set of requirements and it can be classified as small-scale, central, gender mating and unpressurized. The large use of commercial components makes it low-cost and simple to be manufactured. Last, it features a good tolerance to off-nominal docking conditions and a by-design soft docking capability. The final design was extensively verified to be compliant with its requirements by means of numerical simulations and physical testing. In detail, the dynamic behaviour of the mechanism in both nominal and off-nominal conditions was assessed with the multibody dynamics analysis software MD ADAMS 2010 and functional tests were carried out within the fully integrated ARCADE experiment to ensure the docking system efficacy and to highlight possible issues. The most relevant results of the study will be presented and discussed in conclusion to this paper.

Predict-share-observe-explain learning activity for the Torricelli's tank experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panich, Charunya; Puttharugsa, Chokchai; Khemmani, Supitch

2018-01-01

The purpose of this research was to study the students' scientific concept and achievement on fluid mechanics before and after the predict-share-observe-explain (PSOE) learning activity for the Torricelli's tank experiment. The 24 participants, who were selected by purposive sampling, were students at grade 12 at Nannakorn School, Nan province. A one group pre-test/post-test design was employed in the study. The research instruments were 1) the lesson plans using the PSOE learning activity and 2) two-tier multiple choice question and subjective tests. The results indicated that students had better scientific concept about Torricelli's tank experiment and the post-test mean score was significantly higher than the pre-test mean score at a 0.05 level of significance. Moreover, the students had retention of knowledge after the PSOE learning activity for 4 weeks at a 0.05 level of significance. The study showed that the PSOE learning activity is suitable for developing students' scientific concept and achievement.

Multiple Marking of English Compositions: An Account of an Experiment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Britton, J. N.; And Others

An experiment was conducted to find a better method of marking English composition than that which is in general use. The method tested was one in which each composition was assessed independently by three markers who judged the general impression of the writing, and by a fourth marker who applied a code of penalties for mechanical errors. Brief…

Shock Testing the SEAWOLF Submarine, Final Environmental Impact Statement

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-05-01

relevant experience. Phil Barfield. Operational requirements. B.S. Mechanical Engineering. 14 years relevant experience. James Craig . Appendix D. B.S...Atlantic Biodiversity Center Nassau, Delaware Russell DeConti Center for Coastal Studies Provincetown, Massachusetts Robert Deegan Sierra Club...either area. C-9 APPENDIX D PHYSICAL IMPACTS OF EXPLOSIONS ON MARINE MAMMALS AND TURTLES James C. Craig Christian W. Hearn Naval Surface Warfare

Spruce-fir forest changes during a 30-year nitrogen saturation experiment

Treesearch

Steven G. McNulty; Johnny L. Boggs; John D. Aber; Lindsey E. Rustad

2017-01-01

A field experiment was established in a high elevation red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) – balsam fir (Abies balsamea) forest on Mount Ascutney Vermont, USA in 1988 to test the nitrogen (N) saturation hypothesis, and to better understand the mechanisms causing forest decline at the time. The study established replicate control, lowand high dose nitrogen addition plots (i...

Investigation of Hall Effect Thruster Channel Wall Erosion Mechanisms

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-08-02

pretest height and laser image, c, d) post - test height and laser image. On all the pre-roughened samples, a cell-pattern developed from the random...7.8: Pre and post - test sample microscopy: Fused silica sample SA6 (loaded), 20x, center of exposed surface, a, b) pretest height and laser image, c, d...stress on the surface features developed during plasma erosion. The experiment is also designed specifically to test the SRH. A test fixture is

Testing Microgravity Flight Hardware Concepts on the NASA KC-135

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Motil, Susan M.; Harrivel, Angela R.; Zimmerli, Gregory A.

2001-01-01

This paper provides an overview of utilizing the NASA KC-135 Reduced Gravity Aircraft for the Foam Optics and Mechanics (FOAM) microgravity flight project. The FOAM science requirements are summarized, and the KC-135 test-rig used to test hardware concepts designed to meet the requirements are described. Preliminary results regarding foam dispensing, foam/surface slip tests, and dynamic light scattering data are discussed in support of the flight hardware development for the FOAM experiment.

Proprioceptive isokinetic exercise test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dempster, P. T.; Bernauer, E. M.; Bond, M.; Greenleaf, J. E.

1993-01-01

Proprioception, the reception of stimuli within the body that indicates position, is an important mechanism for optimal human performance. People exposed to prolonged bed rest, microgravity, or other deconditioning situations usually experience reduced proprioceptor and kinesthetic stimuli that compromise body balance, posture, and equilibrium. A new proprioceptive test is described that utilizes the computer-driven LIDO isokinetic ergometer. An overview of the computer logic, software, and testing procedure for this proprioceptive test, which can be performed with the arms or legs, is described.

Density-dependent effects on physical condition and reproduction in North American elk: an experimental test.

Treesearch

Kelley M. Stewart; R. Terry Bowyer; Brian L. Dick; Bruce K. Johnson; John G. Kie

2005-01-01

Density dependence plays a key role in life-history characteristics and population ecology of large, herbivorous mammals. We designed a manipulative experiment to test hypotheses relating effects of density-dependent mechanisms on physical condition and fecundity of North American elk (Cervus elaphus) by creating populations at low and high density...

The effect of the pore-fluid factor on strength and failure mechanism of Wilkeson sandstone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kätker, A. K.; Rempe, M.; Renner, J.

2016-12-01

The effective stress law, σn,eff = σn - αpf, is a central tool in analysing phenomena related to hydromechanical coupling, such as fluid-induced seismicity or aftershock activity. The effective-stress coefficient α assumes different values for specific physical properties and may deviate from 1. The limited number of studies suggest that brittle compressive strength obeys an effective-stress law when effective drainage is achieved. Yet, open questions remain regarding, e.g., the role of the loading path. We performed suites of triaxial compression tests on samples of Wilkeson sandstone at a range of pore-fluid pressures but identical effective confining pressure (60, 100, and 120 MPa) maintaining the pore-fluid factor λ = pf / pc constant (0.05, 0.2, 0.4, 0.55) during the isostatic loading stage to ensure uniform loading paths. Samples were shortened with a strain rate of 4×10-7 s-1 yielding drained conditions. All tests were terminated at a total axial strain of 4.5% for comparability of microstructures. The tests also included continuous permeability determination and ultrasonic p-wave-velocity measurements to monitor microstructural evolution. Results from experiments conducted at peff = 100 MPa show that dry samples exhibit a higher peak strength and brittle failure while water-saturated samples tend to deform at lower stress by cataclastic flow indicating physico-chemical weakening. Regardless of pore-fluid factor, the saturated experiments exhibit similar peak and residual strength. Differences in failure mechanism (degree of macroscopic localization) and volumetric strain evolution are however noticed, albeit without systematic relation to pore-fluid factor. Microstructure analyses by optical and scanning electron microscopy revealed an evolution from localized shear zones in dry experiments and experiments with a low pore-fluid factor to rather distributed cataclastic flow for experiments with high pore fluid factors. Yet, mechanical and structural differences observed so far may result from sample-to-sample variability and the proximity of the experimental conditions to the brittle-ductile transition.

A Biaxial-Bending Test to Observe the Growth of Interacting Delaminations in a Composite Laminate Plate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McElroy, Mark; Jackson, Wade; Pankow, Mark

2016-01-01

It is not easy to isolate the damage mechanisms associated with low-velocity impact in composites using traditional experiments. In this work, a new experiment is presented with the goal of generating data representative of progressive damage processes caused by low-velocity impact in composite materials. Carbon fiber reinforced polymer test specimens were indented quasi-statically such that a biaxial-bending state of deformation was achieved. As a result, a three-dimensional damage process, involving delamination and delamination-migration, was observed and documented using ultrasonic and x-ray computed tomography. Results from two different layups are presented in this paper. Delaminations occurred at up to three different interfaces and interacted with one another via transverse matrix cracks. Although this damage pattern is much less complex than that of low-velocity impact on a plate, it is more complex than that of a standard delamination coupon test and provides a way to generate delamination, matrix cracking, and delamination-migration in a controlled manner. By limiting the damage process in the experiment to three delaminations, the same damage mechanisms seen during impact could be observed but in a simplified manner. This type of data is useful in stages of model development and validation when the model is capable of simulating simple tests, but not yet capable of simulating more complex and realistic damage scenarios.

Mechanical and wear characteristics of epoxy composites filled with industrial wastes: A comparative study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Purohit, A.; Satapathy, A.

2017-02-01

Use of industrial wastes, such as slag and sludge particles, as filler in polymers is not very common in the field of composite research. Therefore in this paper, a comparison of mechanical characteristics of epoxy based composites filled with LD sludge, BF slag and LD slag (wastes generated in iron and steel industries) were presented. A comparative study among these composites in regard to their dry sliding wear characteristics under similar test conditions was also included. Composites with different weight proportions (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt.%) of LD sludge were fabricated by solution casting technique. Mechanical properties were evaluated as per ASTM test standards and sliding wear test was performed following a design of experiment approach based on Taguchi’s orthogonal array. The test results for epoxy-LD sludge composites were compared with those of epoxy-BF slag and epoxy-LD slag composites reported by previous investigators. The comparison reveals that epoxy filled with LD sludge exhibits superior mechanical and wear characteristics among the three types of composites considered in this study.

Mechanical behavior of carbon-carbon composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rozak, G. A.

1984-01-01

A general background, test plan, and some results of preliminary examinations of a carbon-carbon composite material are presented with emphasis on mechanical testing and inspection techniques. Experience with testing and evaluation was gained through tests of a low modulus carbon-carbon material, K-Karb C. The properties examined are the density - 1.55 g/cc; four point flexure strength in the warp - 137 MPa (19,800 psi) and the fill - 95.1 MPa (13,800 psi,) directions; and the warp interlaminar shear strength - 14.5 MPa (2100 psi). Radiographic evaluation revealed thickness variations and the thinner areas of the composite were scrapped. The ultrasonic C-scan showed attenuation variations, but these did not correspond to any of the physical and mechanical properties measured. Based on these initial tests and a survey of the literature, a plan has been devised to examine the effect of stress on the oxidation behavior, and the strength degradation of coated carbon-carbon composites. This plan will focus on static fatigue tests in the four point flexure mode in an elevated temperature, oxidizing environment.

Fault-free behavior of reliable multiprocessor systems: FTMP experiments in AIRLAB

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clune, E.; Segall, Z.; Siewiorek, D.

1985-01-01

This report describes a set of experiments which were implemented on the Fault tolerant Multi-Processor (FTMP) at NASA/Langley's AIRLAB facility. These experiments are part of an effort to formulate and evaluate validation methodologies for fault-tolerant computers. This report deals with the measurement of single parameters (baselines) of a fault free system. The initial set of baseline experiments lead to the following conclusions: (1) The system clock is constant and independent of workload in the tested cases; (2) the instruction execution times are constant; (3) the R4 frame size is 40mS with some variation; (4) the frame stretching mechanism has some flaws in its implementation that allow the possibility of an infinite stretching of frame duration. Future experiments are planned. Some will broaden the results of these initial experiments. Others will measure the system more dynamically. The implementation of a synthetic workload generation mechanism for FTMP is planned to enhance the experimental environment of the system.

Effects of die quench forming on sheet thinning and 3-point bend testing of AA7075-T6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Samuel; Omer, Kaab; Rahmaan, Taamjeed; Butcher, Clifford; Worswick, Michael

2017-10-01

Lab-scaled AA7075 aluminum side impact beams were manufactured using the die quenching technique in which the sheet was solutionized and then quenched in-die during forming to a super saturated solid state. Sheet thinning measurements were taken at various locations throughout the length of the part and the effect of lubricant on surface scoring and material pick-up on the die was evaluated. The as-formed beams were subjected to a T6 aging treatment and then tested in three-point bending. Simulations were performed of the forming and mechanical testing experiments using the LS-DYNA finite element code. The thinning and mechanical response was predicted well.

Deficits in object-in-place but not relative recency performance in the APPswe/PS1dE9 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease: Implications for object recognition.

PubMed

Bonardi, Charlotte; Pardon, Marie-Christine; Armstrong, Paul

2016-10-15

Performance was examined on three variants of the spontaneous object recognition (SOR) task, in 5-month old APPswe/PS1dE9 mice and wild-type littermate controls. A deficit was observed in an object-in-place (OIP) task, in which mice are preexposed to four different objects in specific locations, and then at test two of the objects swap locations (Experiment 2). Typically more exploration is seen of the objects which have switched location, which is taken as evidence of a retrieval-generated priming mechanism. However, no significant transgenic deficit was found in a relative recency (RR) task (Experiment 1), in which mice are exposed to two different objects in two separate sample phases, and then tested with both objects. Typically more exploration of the first-presented object is observed, which is taken as evidence of a self-generated priming mechanism. Nor was there any impairment in the simplest variant, the spontaneous object recognition (SOR) task, in which mice are preexposed to one object and then tested with the familiar and a novel object. This was true regardless of whether the sample-test interval was 5min (Experiment 1) or 24h (Experiments 1 and 2). It is argued that SOR performance depends on retrieval-generated priming as well as self-generated priming, and our preliminary evidence suggests that the retrieval-generated priming process is especially impaired in these young transgenic animals. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Illustrating idiographic methods for translation research: moderation effects, natural clinical experiments, and complex treatment-by-subgroup interactions.

PubMed

Ridenour, Ty A; Wittenborn, Andrea K; Raiff, Bethany R; Benedict, Neal; Kane-Gill, Sandra

2016-03-01

A critical juncture in translation research involves the preliminary studies of intervention tools, provider training programs, policies, and other mechanisms used to leverage knowledge garnered at one translation stage into another stage. Potentially useful for such studies are rigorous techniques for conducting within-subject clinical trials, which have advanced incrementally over the last decade. However, these methods have largely not been utilized within prevention or translation contexts. The purpose of this manuscript is to demonstrate the flexibility, wide applicability, and rigor of idiographic clinical trials for preliminary testing of intervention mechanisms. Specifically demonstrated are novel uses of state-space modeling for testing intervention mechanisms of short-term outcomes, identifying heterogeneity in and moderation of within-person treatment mechanisms, a horizontal line plot to refine sampling design during the course of a clinic-based experimental study, and the need to test a treatment's efficacy as treatment is administered along with (e.g., traditional 12-month outcomes).

Mechanical Characteristics of Submerged Arc Weldment in API Gas Pipeline Steel of Grade X65

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hashemi, S. H.; Mohammadyani, D.

The mechanical properties of submerged arc weldment (SAW) in gas transportation pipeline steel of grade API X65 (65 ksi yield strength) were investigated. This steel is produced by thermo mechanical control rolled (TMC), and is largely used in Iran gas piping systems and networks. The results from laboratory study on three different regions; i.e. base metal (BM), fusion zone (FZ) and heat affected zone (HAZ) were used to compare weldment mechanical characteristics with those specified by API 5L (revision 2004) standard code. Different laboratory experiments were conducted on test specimens taken from 48 inch outside diameter and 14.3 mm wallmore » thickness gas pipeline. The test results showed a gradient of microstructure and Vickers hardness data from the centerline of FZ towards the unaffected MB. Similarly, lower Charpy absorbed energy (compared to BM) was observed in the FZ impact specimens. Despite this, the API specifications were fulfilled in three tested zones, ensuring pipeline structural integrity under working conditions.« less

Thermal control surfaces on the MSFC LDEF experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilkes, Donald R.; Whitaker, Ann F.; Zwiener, James M.; Linton, Roger C.; Shular, David; Peters, Palmer N.; Gregory, John C.

1992-01-01

There were five Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) experiments on the LDEF. Each of those experiments carried thermal control surfaces either as test samples or as operational surfaces. These materials experienced varying degrees of mechanical and optical damage. Some materials were virtually unchanged by the extended exposure while others suffered extensive degradation. The synergistic effects due to the constituents of the space environment are evident in the diversity of these material changes. The sample complement for the MSFC experiments is described along with results of the continuing analyses efforts.

A Study of Soil and Duricrust Models for Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bishop, J. L.

2001-03-01

Analysis of soil and duricrust formation mechanisms on Mars. Soil analog mixtures have been prepared, characterized and tested through wet/dry cycling experiments; results are compared with Mars Pathfinder soil data (spectral, chemical and magnetic).

Pricing decisions from experience: the roles of information-acquisition and response modes.

PubMed

Golan, Hagai; Ert, Eyal

2015-03-01

While pricing decisions that are based on experience are quite common, e.g., setting a selling price for a used car, this type of decision has been surprisingly overlooked in psychology and decision research. Previous studies have focused on either choice decisions from experience, or pricing decisions from description. Those studies revealed that pricing involves cognitive mechanisms other than choice, while experience-based decisions involve mechanisms that differ from description-based ones. Thus, the mutual effect of pricing and experience on decision-making remains unclear. To test this effect, we experimentally compared real-money pricing decisions from experience with those from description, and with choices from experience. The results show that the mode of acquiring information affects pricing: the tendency to underprice high-probability prospects and overprice low-probability ones is diminished when pricing is based on experience rather than description. The findings further reveal attenuation of the tendency to underweight rare events, which underlies choices from experience, in pricing decisions from experience. The difference occurs because the response mode affects the search effort and decision strategy in decisions from experience. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Serial and parallel power equipment with high-temperature superconducting elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bencze, Laszlo; Goebl, Nandor; Palotas, Bela; Vajda, Istvan

1995-01-01

One of the prospective, practical applications of high-temperature superconductors is the fault-current limitation in electrical energy networks. The development and testing of experimental HTSC serial current limiters have been reported in the literature. A Hungarian electric power company has proposed the development of a parallel equipment for arc suppressing both in the industrial and customers' networks. On the basis of the company's proposal the authors have outlined the scheme of a compound circuit that can be applied both for current limitation and arc suppressing. In this paper the design principles and methods of the shunt equipment are presented. These principles involve the electrical, mechanical and cryogenic aspects with the special view on the electrical and mechanical connection between the HTSC material and the current lead. Preliminary experiments and tests have been carried out to demonstrate the validity of the design principles developed. The results of the experiments and of the technological investigations are presented.

Proceedings of the Joint IAEA/CSNI Specialists` Meeting on Fracture Mechanics Verification by Large-Scale Testing held at Pollard Auditorium, Oak Ridge, Tennessee

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pugh, C.E.; Bass, B.R.; Keeney, J.A.

This report contains 40 papers that were presented at the Joint IAEA/CSNI Specialists` Meeting Fracture Mechanics Verification by Large-Scale Testing held at the Pollard Auditorium, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, during the week of October 26--29, 1992. The papers are printed in the order of their presentation in each session and describe recent large-scale fracture (brittle and/or ductile) experiments, analyses of these experiments, and comparisons between predictions and experimental results. The goal of the meeting was to allow international experts to examine the fracture behavior of various materials and structures under conditions relevant to nuclear reactor components and operating environments. The emphasismore » was on the ability of various fracture models and analysis methods to predict the wide range of experimental data now available. The individual papers have been cataloged separately.« less

Influence of dissolved hydrogen on aluminum-lithium alloy fracture behavior

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rivet, F. C.; Swanson, R. E.

1989-01-01

The objective of this work is to study the effects of dissolved hydrogen on the mechanical properties of 2090 and 2219 alloys. Prior to mechanical testing, potentiostatic and potentiodynamic tests were performed using NaCl/HCl solutions varying in pH from 1.5 to 7.5 (3.5 pct NaCl in deionized water). After analysis of the potentiodynamic curve for each solution, several potentiostatic experiments were conducted for various times (from 10 minutes to several hours) with a cathodic overpotential of 300 mV. These experiments were performed to select charging conditions. It is shown that the fracture of L-S and T-S orientations proceeds via slipping of layers in the S-T direction. The T-S and L-S orientations fractured with substantially higher propagation energy that the L-T and T-L orientations, due in large part to the extensive delamination propagation of the fracture.

Dynamic Crushing Response of Closed-cell Aluminium Foam at Variable Strain Rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Islam, M. A.; Kader, M. A.; Escobedo, J. P.; Hazell, P. J.; Appleby-Thomas, G. J.; Quadir, M. Z.

2015-06-01

The impact response of aluminium foams is essential for assessing their crashworthiness and energy absorption capacity for potential applications. The dynamic compactions of closed-cell aluminium foams (CYMAT) have been tested at variable strain rates. Microstructural characterization has also been carried out. The low strain rate impact test has been carried out using drop weight experiments while the high strain compaction test has been carried out via plate impact experiments. The post impacted samples have been examined using optical and electron microscopy to observe the microstructural changes during dynamic loading. This combination of dynamic deformation during impact and post impact microstructural analysis helped to evaluate the pore collapse mechanism and impact energy absorption characteristics.

Hydrocarbon-fuel/combustion-chamber-liner materials compatibility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gage, Mark L.

1990-01-01

Results of material compatibility experiments using hydrocarbon fuels in contact with copper-based combustion chamber liner materials are presented. Mil-Spec RP-1, n- dodecane, propane, and methane fuels were tested in contact with OFHC, NASA-Z, and ZrCu coppers. Two distinct test methods were employed. Static tests, in which copper coupons were exposed to fuel for long durations at constant temperature and pressure, provided compatibility data in a precisely controlled environment. Dynamic tests, using the Aerojet Carbothermal Test Facility, provided fuel and copper compatibility data under realistic booster engine service conditions. Tests were conducted using very pure grades of each fuel and fuels to which a contaminant, e.g., ethylene or methyl mercaptan, was added to define the role played by fuel impurities. Conclusions are reached as to degradation mechanisms and effects, methods for the elimination of these mechanisms, selection of copper alloy combustion chamber liners, and hydrocarbon fuel purchase specifications.

Validation of fault-free behavior of a reliable multiprocessor system - FTMP: A case study. [Fault-Tolerant Multi-Processor avionics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clune, E.; Segall, Z.; Siewiorek, D.

1984-01-01

A program of experiments has been conducted at NASA-Langley to test the fault-free performance of a Fault-Tolerant Multiprocessor (FTMP) avionics system for next-generation aircraft. Baseline measurements of an operating FTMP system were obtained with respect to the following parameters: instruction execution time, frame size, and the variation of clock ticks. The mechanisms of frame stretching were also investigated. The experimental results are summarized in a table. Areas of interest for future tests are identified, with emphasis given to the implementation of a synthetic workload generation mechanism on FTMP.

Experiments with linear compressors for phase shifting in pulse tube crycoolers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lewis, Michael; Bradley, Peter; Radebaugh, Ray

2012-06-01

For the past year NIST has been investigating the use of mechanical phase shifters as warm expanders for pulse tube cryocoolers. Unlike inertance tubes, which have a limited phase shifting ability at low acoustic powers, mechanical phase shifters have the ability to provide nearly any phase angle between the mass flow and the pressure. We discuss our results with experiments and modeling on a commercially available miniature linear compressor operating as an expander on the warm-end of a 4 K pulse tube, whose temperature is nominally about 35 K. We also present results on experiments with a linear compressor operating at room temperature but coupled to the 4 K stage through secondary regenerators and secondary pulse tubes. Experiments on a small pulse tube test apparatus with both 4He and 3He showed improved efficiency when using the mechanical expander over that of inertance tubes. Phase locking techniques using function generators and power amplifiers for control of phase angle are detailed. The use of expanders demonstrates flexible control in optimizing phase angles for improved cryocooler performance.

Informational primacy of visual dimensions: specialized roles for luminance and chromaticity in figure-ground perception.

PubMed

Yamagishi, N; Melara, R D

2001-07-01

Three experiments were conducted to examine the distinct contributions of two visual dimensions to figure-ground segregation. In each experiment, pattern identification was assessed by asking observers to judge whether a near-threshold test pattern was the same or different in shape to a high-contrast comparison pattern. A test pattern could differ from its background along one dimension, either luminance (luminance tasks) or chromaticity (chromaticity tasks). In each task, performance in a baseline condition, in which the test pattern was intact, was compared with performance in each of several degradation conditions, in which either the contour or the surface of the figure was degraded, using either partial occlusion (Experiment 1) or ramping (Experiments 2 and 3) of figure-ground differences. In each experiment, performance in luminance tasks was worst when the contour was degraded, whereas performance in chromaticity tasks was worst when the surface was degraded. This interaction was found even when spatial frequencies were fixed across test patterns by low-pass filtering. The results are consistent with a late (postfiltering) dual-mechanism system that processes luminance information to extract boundary representations and chromaticity information to extract surface representations.

Development of a quartz tuning-fork-based force sensor for measurements in the tens of nanoNewton force range during nanomanipulation experiments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Oiko, V. T. A., E-mail: oiko@ifi.unicamp.br; Rodrigues, V.; Ugarte, D.

2014-03-15

Understanding the mechanical properties of nanoscale systems requires new experimental and theoretical tools. In particular, force sensors compatible with nanomechanical testing experiments and with sensitivity in the nN range are required. Here, we report the development and testing of a tuning-fork-based force sensor for in situ nanomanipulation experiments inside a scanning electron microscope. The sensor uses a very simple design for the electronics and it allows the direct and quantitative force measurement in the 1–100 nN force range. The sensor response is initially calibrated against a nN range force standard, as, for example, a calibrated Atomic Force Microscopy cantilever; subsequently,more » applied force values can be directly derived using only the electric signals generated by the tuning fork. Using a homemade nanomanipulator, the quantitative force sensor has been used to analyze the mechanical deformation of multi-walled carbon nanotube bundles, where we analyzed forces in the 5–40 nN range, measured with an error bar of a few nN.« less

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-01-25

A test cell for Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiment is shown approximately 20 and 60 minutes after the start of an experiment on STS-89. Sand and soil grains have faces that can cause friction as they roll and slide against each other, or even cause sticking and form small voids between grains. This complex behavior can cause soil to behave like a liquid under certain conditions such as earthquakes or when powders are handled in industrial processes. Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiments aboard the Space Shuttle use the microgravity of space to simulate this behavior under conditons that carnot be achieved in laboratory tests on Earth. MGM is shedding light on the behavior of fine-grain materials under low effective stresses. Applications include earthquake engineering, granular flow technologies (such as powder feed systems for pharmaceuticals and fertilizers), and terrestrial and planetary geology. Nine MGM specimens have flown on two Space Shuttle flights. Another three are scheduled to fly on STS-107. The principal investigator is Stein Sture of the University of Colorado at Boulder. Credit: NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)

Development of the Lens Antenna Deployment Demonstration (LADD) shuttle-attached flight experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hill, H.; Johnston, D.; Frauenberger, H.

1986-01-01

The primary objective of the LADD Program is to develop a technology demonstration test article that can be used for both ground and flight tests to demonstrate the structural and mechanical feasibility and reliability of the single-axis roll-out space based radar (SBR) approach. As designed, the LADD will essentially be a generic strucutural experiment which incorporates all critical technology elements of the operational satellite and is applicable to a number of future antenna systems. However, to fully determine its design integrity for meeting the lens flatness and constant geometry requirements in a zero g environment under extreme thermal conditions, the LADD must be space flight tested. By accurately surveying the structure under varying conditions the membrane tolerance-holding capabilities of the structure will be demonstrated. The flight test will provide data to verify analytical tools used to predict thermal and structural behavior. Most important, the experiment will provide an initial indication of structural damping in a zero g vacuum environment. The recently completed Solar Array Flight Experiment (SAFE) showed orbital damping greater than that experienced during ground testing. From the experience and the information obtained from LADD it is hoped that designs can be confidently extrapolated to operational satellites with apertures in the 20 m by 60 m size range.

Mechanical properties experimental investigation of HTPB propellant after thermal accelerated aging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Xiaohong; Sun, Chaoxiang; Zhang, Junfa; Xu, Jinsheng; Tan, Bingdong

2017-04-01

To get accurate aging mechanical properties of aged HTPB propellant, the thermal accelerated aging experiment method is utilized and the uniaxial tensile experiments were conducted to obtain the mechanical data of aged HTPB propellants, and the maximum tensile strength, σm, maximum tensile strain, ɛm, and the fracture tensile strain, ɛb, of HTPB propellant with different aging time and various aging temperatures,were obtained, using universal material testing machine. The experimental results show that the σm of HTPB propellant initially increases, subsequently decreases and finally increases with aging time. The ɛm and ɛb generally decrease with increasing aging time, what's more, the decrease rate of both ɛm and ɛb reduce with the aging time. What's more, the postcure effect and oxidation reaction occurred inside HTPB matrix, including the chain degradation reaction and oxidation-induced crosslinking, were discussed to explain the mechanical aging rule of HTPB propellant.

Quantitative evaluation of the mechanical strength of titanium/composite bonding using laser-generated shock waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ducousso, M.; Bardy, S.; Rouchausse, Y.; Bergara, T.; Jenson, F.; Berthe, L.; Videau, L.; Cuvillier, N.

2018-03-01

Intense acoustic shock waves were applied to evaluate the mechanical strength of structural epoxy bonds between a TA6V4 titanium alloy and a 3D woven carbon/epoxy composite material. Two bond types with different mechanical strengths were obtained from two different adhesive reticulations, at 50% and 90% of conversion, resulting in longitudinal static strengths of 10 and 39 MPa and transverse strengths of 15 and 35 MPa, respectively. The GPa shock waves were generated using ns-scale intense laser pulses and reaction principles to a confined plasma expansion. Simulations taking into account the laser-matter interaction, plasma relaxation, and non-linear shock wave propagation were conducted to aid interpretation of the experiments. Good correlations were obtained between the experiments and the simulation and between different measurement methods of the mechanical strength (normalized tests vs laser-generated shock waves). Such results open the door toward certification of structural bonding.

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-09-09

A test cell for the Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiment is shown in its on-orbit configuration in Spacehab during preparations for STS-89. The twin locker to the left contains the hydraulic system to operate the experiment. Sand and soil grains have faces that can cause friction as they roll and slide against each other, or even cause sticking and form small voids between grains. This complex behavior can cause soil to behave like a liquid under certain conditions such as earthquakes or when powders are handled in industrial processes. Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiments aboard the Space Shuttle use the microgravity of space to simulate this behavior under conditons that carnot be achieved in laboratory tests on Earth. MGM is shedding light on the behavior of fine-grain materials under low effective stresses. Applications include earthquake engineering, granular flow technologies (such as powder feed systems for pharmaceuticals and fertilizers), and terrestrial and planetary geology. Nine MGM specimens have flown on two Space Shuttle flights. Another three are scheduled to fly on STS-107. The principal investigator is Stein Sture of the University of Colorado at Boulder. Note: Because the image on the screen was muted in the original image, its brightness and contrast are boosted in this rendering to make the test cell more visible. Credit: NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)

Why does selective attention to parts fail in face processing?

PubMed

Richler, Jennifer J; Tanaka, James W; Brown, Danielle D; Gauthier, Isabel

2008-11-01

One hallmark of holistic face processing is an inability to selectively attend to 1 face part while ignoring information in another part. In 3 sequential matching experiments, the authors tested perceptual and decisional accounts of holistic processing by measuring congruency effects between cued and uncued composite face halves shown in spatially aligned or disjointed configurations. The authors found congruency effects when the top and bottom halves of the study face were spatially aligned, misaligned (Experiment 1), or adjacent to one another (Experiment 2). However, at test, congruency effects were reduced by misalignment and abolished for adjacent configurations. This suggests that manipulations at test are more influential than manipulations at study, consistent with a decisional account of holistic processing. When encoding demands for study and test faces were equated (Experiment 3), the authors observed effects of study configuration suggesting that, consistent with a perceptual explanation, encoding does influence the magnitude of holistic processing. Together, these results cannot be accounted for by current perceptual or decisional accounts of holistic processing and suggest the existence of an attention-dependent mechanism that can integrate spatially separated face parts.

Landsat 7 Solar Array Testing Experiences

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Helfrich, Daniel

2000-01-01

This paper covers the extensive Landsat 7 solar array flight qualification testing effort. Details of the mechanical design of the solar array and its retention/release system are presented. A testing chronology is provided beginning with the onset of problems encountered at the subsystem level and carrying through the third and final powered-spacecraft ground deployment test. Design fixes and other changes are explained in the same order as they became necessary to flight-qualify the array. Some interesting lessons learned are included along with key references.

The Electrophysiologic Mechanisms of Halogenated Alkane Arrhythmogenesis.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-03-01

recording of normal parameters (Fig. 19), the animal was tested with several con- centrations of isoproterenol to determine an arrhythmogenic dose...agent to control these seizures, several compounds were tested . Valium at a dose of 10 mg per animal or 20 mg per animal of Rompun did not induce the... animals tested in the following experiments were pretreated with this dose (15 mg/kg) of phenobarbital. Table 16 summarizes the results of 10 dogs breathing

Novel scanning electron microscope bulge test technique integrated with loading function

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Chuanwei; Xie, Huimin, E-mail: liuzw@bit.edu.cn, E-mail: xiehm@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn; Liu, Zhanwei, E-mail: liuzw@bit.edu.cn, E-mail: xiehm@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn

2014-10-15

Membranes and film-on-substrate structures are critical elements for some devices in electronics industry and for Micro Electro Mechanical Systems devices. These structures are normally at the scale of micrometer or even nanometer. Thus, the measurement for the mechanical property of these membranes poses a challenge over the conventional measurements at macro-scales. In this study, a novel bulge test method is presented for the evaluation of mechanical property of micro thin membranes. Three aspects are discussed in the study: (a) A novel bulge test with a Scanning Electron Microscope system realizing the function of loading and measuring simultaneously; (b) a simplifiedmore » Digital Image Correlation method for a height measurement; and (c) an imaging distortion correction by the introduction of a scanning Moiré method. Combined with the above techniques, biaxial modulus as well as Young's modulus of the polyimide film can be determined. Besides, a standard tensile test is conducted as an auxiliary experiment to validate the feasibility of the proposed method.« less

Words, Shape, Visual Search and Visual Working Memory in 3-Year-Old Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vales, Catarina; Smith, Linda B.

2015-01-01

Do words cue children's visual attention, and if so, what are the relevant mechanisms? Across four experiments, 3-year-old children (N = 163) were tested in visual search tasks in which targets were cued with only a visual preview versus a visual preview and a spoken name. The experiments were designed to determine whether labels facilitated…

On the identifiability of the Hill-1948 model with one uniaxial tensile test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bertin, Morgan; Hild, François; Roux, Stéphane

2017-06-01

A uniaxial experiment is performed on an ultra-thin specimen made of 17-7 precipitation hardened stainless steel. An anti-wrinkling setup allows for the characterization of the mechanical behavior with Integrated Digital Image Correlation (IDIC). The result shows that a single uniaxial experiment investigated via IDIC possesses enough data (and even more) to characterize a complete anisotropic elastoplastic model.

Progressive Damage and Failure Analysis of Composite Laminates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joseph, Ashith P. K.

Composite materials are widely used in various industries for making structural parts due to higher strength to weight ratio, better fatigue life, corrosion resistance and material property tailorability. To fully exploit the capability of composites, it is required to know the load carrying capacity of the parts made of them. Unlike metals, composites are orthotropic in nature and fails in a complex manner under various loading conditions which makes it a hard problem to analyze. Lack of reliable and efficient failure analysis tools for composites have led industries to rely more on coupon and component level testing to estimate the design space. Due to the complex failure mechanisms, composite materials require a very large number of coupon level tests to fully characterize the behavior. This makes the entire testing process very time consuming and costly. The alternative is to use virtual testing tools which can predict the complex failure mechanisms accurately. This reduces the cost only to it's associated computational expenses making significant savings. Some of the most desired features in a virtual testing tool are - (1) Accurate representation of failure mechanism: Failure progression predicted by the virtual tool must be same as those observed in experiments. A tool has to be assessed based on the mechanisms it can capture. (2) Computational efficiency: The greatest advantages of a virtual tools are the savings in time and money and hence computational efficiency is one of the most needed features. (3) Applicability to a wide range of problems: Structural parts are subjected to a variety of loading conditions including static, dynamic and fatigue conditions. A good virtual testing tool should be able to make good predictions for all these different loading conditions. The aim of this PhD thesis is to develop a computational tool which can model the progressive failure of composite laminates under different quasi-static loading conditions. The analysis tool is validated by comparing the simulations against experiments for a selected number of quasi-static loading cases.

The Aharonov-Bohm effect and Tonomura et al. experiments: Rigorous results

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ballesteros, Miguel; Weder, Ricardo

The Aharonov-Bohm effect is a fundamental issue in physics. It describes the physically important electromagnetic quantities in quantum mechanics. Its experimental verification constitutes a test of the theory of quantum mechanics itself. The remarkable experiments of Tonomura et al. ['Observation of Aharonov-Bohm effect by electron holography', Phys. Rev. Lett 48, 1443 (1982) and 'Evidence for Aharonov-Bohm effect with magnetic field completely shielded from electron wave', Phys. Rev. Lett 56, 792 (1986)] are widely considered as the only experimental evidence of the physical existence of the Aharonov-Bohm effect. Here we give the first rigorous proof that the classical ansatz of Aharonovmore » and Bohm of 1959 ['Significance of electromagnetic potentials in the quantum theory', Phys. Rev. 115, 485 (1959)], that was tested by Tonomura et al., is a good approximation to the exact solution to the Schroedinger equation. This also proves that the electron, that is, represented by the exact solution, is not accelerated, in agreement with the recent experiment of Caprez et al. in 2007 ['Macroscopic test of the Aharonov-Bohm effect', Phys. Rev. Lett. 99, 210401 (2007)], that shows that the results of the Tonomura et al. experiments can not be explained by the action of a force. Under the assumption that the incoming free electron is a Gaussian wave packet, we estimate the exact solution to the Schroedinger equation for all times. We provide a rigorous, quantitative error bound for the difference in norm between the exact solution and the Aharonov-Bohm Ansatz. Our bound is uniform in time. We also prove that on the Gaussian asymptotic state the scattering operator is given by a constant phase shift, up to a quantitative error bound that we provide. Our results show that for intermediate size electron wave packets, smaller than the ones used in the Tonomura et al. experiments, quantum mechanics predicts the results observed by Tonomura et al. with an error bound smaller than 10{sup -99}. It would be quite interesting to perform experiments with electron wave packets of intermediate size. Furthermore, we provide a physical interpretation of our error bound.« less

Improved Noninterferometric Test of Collapse Models Using Ultracold Cantilevers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vinante, A.; Mezzena, R.; Falferi, P.; Carlesso, M.; Bassi, A.

2017-09-01

Spontaneous collapse models predict that a weak force noise acts on any mechanical system, as a consequence of the collapse of the wave function. Significant upper limits on the collapse rate have been recently inferred from precision mechanical experiments, such as ultracold cantilevers and the space mission LISA Pathfinder. Here, we report new results from an experiment based on a high-Q cantilever cooled to millikelvin temperatures, which is potentially able to improve the current bounds on the continuous spontaneous localization (CSL) model by 1 order of magnitude. High accuracy measurements of the cantilever thermal fluctuations reveal a nonthermal force noise of unknown origin. This excess noise is compatible with the CSL heating predicted by Adler. Several physical mechanisms able to explain the observed noise have been ruled out.

Effects of age and loading rate on equine cortical bone failure.

PubMed

Kulin, Robb M; Jiang, Fengchun; Vecchio, Kenneth S

2011-01-01

Although clinical bone fractures occur predominantly under impact loading (as occurs during sporting accidents, falls, high-speed impacts or other catastrophic events), experimentally validated studies on the dynamic fracture behavior of bone, at the loading rates associated with such events, remain limited. In this study, a series of tests were performed on femoral specimens obtained post-mortem from equine donors ranging in age from 6 months to 28 years. Fracture toughness and compressive tests were performed under both quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions in order to determine the effects of loading rate and age on the mechanical behavior of the cortical bone. Fracture toughness experiments were performed using a four-point bending geometry on single and double-notch specimens in order to measure fracture toughness, as well as observe differences in crack initiation between dynamic and quasi-static experiments. Compressive properties were measured on bone loaded parallel and transverse to the osteonal growth direction. Fracture propagation was then analyzed using scanning electron and scanning confocal microscopy to observe the effects of microstructural toughening mechanisms at different strain rates. Specimens from each horse were also analyzed for dry, wet and mineral densities, as well as weight percent mineral, in order to investigate possible influences of composition on mechanical behavior. Results indicate that bone has a higher compressive strength, but lower fracture toughness when tested dynamically as compared to quasi-static experiments. Fracture toughness also tends to decrease with age when measured quasi-statically, but shows little change with age under dynamic loading conditions, where brittle "cleavage-like" fracture behavior dominates. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Droplet combustion experiment drop tower tests using models of the space flight apparatus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haggard, J. B.; Brace, M. H.; Kropp, J. L.; Dryer, F. L.

1989-01-01

The Droplet Combustion Experiment (DCE) is an experiment that is being developed to ultimately operate in the shuttle environment (middeck or Spacelab). The current experiment implementation is for use in the 2.2 or 5 sec drop towers at NASA Lewis Research Center. Initial results were reported in the 1986 symposium of this meeting. Since then significant progress was made in drop tower instrumentation. The 2.2 sec drop tower apparatus, a conceptual level model, was improved to give more reproducible performance as well as operate over a wider range of test conditions. Some very low velocity deployments of ignited droplets were observed. An engineering model was built at TRW. This model will be used in the 5 sec drop tower operation to obtain science data. In addition, it was built using the flight design except for changes to accommodate the drop tower requirements. The mechanical and electrical assemblies have the same level of complexity as they will have in flight. The model was tested for functional operation and then delivered to NASA Lewis. The model was then integrated into the 5 sec drop tower. The model is currently undergoing initial operational tests prior to starting the science tests.

Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM0 Flight Hardware in Bench Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

Engineering bench system hardware for the Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiment is tested on a lab bench at the University of Colorado in Boulder. This is done in a horizontal arrangement to reduce pressure differences so the tests more closely resemble behavior in the microgravity of space. Sand and soil grains have faces that can cause friction as they roll and slide against each other, or even cause sticking and form small voids between grains. This complex behavior can cause soil to behave like a liquid under certain conditions such as earthquakes or when powders are handled in industrial processes. MGM experiments aboard the Space Shuttle use the microgravity of space to simulate this behavior under conditions that carnot be achieved in laboratory tests on Earth. MGM is shedding light on the behavior of fine-grain materials under low effective stresses. Applications include earthquake engineering, granular flow technologies (such as powder feed systems for pharmaceuticals and fertilizers), and terrestrial and planetary geology. Nine MGM specimens have flown on two Space Shuttle flights. Another three are scheduled to fly on STS-107. The principal investigator is Stein Sture of the University of Colorado at Boulder. (Credit: University of Colorado at Boulder).

Item-method directed forgetting: Effects at retrieval?

PubMed

Taylor, Tracy L; Cutmore, Laura; Pries, Lotta

2018-02-01

In an item-method directed forgetting paradigm, words are presented one at a time, each followed by an instruction to Remember or Forget; a directed forgetting effect is measured as better subsequent memory for Remember words than Forget words. The dominant view is that the directed forgetting effect arises during encoding due to selective rehearsal of Remember over Forget items. In three experiments we attempted to falsify a strong view that directed forgetting effects in recognition are due only to encoding mechanisms when an item method is used. Across 3 experiments we tested for retrieval-based processes by colour-coding the recognition test items. Black colour provided no information; green colour cued a potential Remember item; and, red colour cued a potential Forget item. Recognition cues were mixed within-blocks in Experiment 1 and between-blocks in Experiments 2 and 3; Experiment 3 added explicit feedback on the accuracy of the recognition decision. Although overall recognition improved with cuing when explicit test performance feedback was added in Experiment 3, in no case was the magnitude of the directed forgetting effect influenced by recognition cueing. Our results argue against a role for retrieval-based strategies that limit recognition of Forget items at test and posit a role for encoding intentions only. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automatic guidance of attention during real-world visual search.

PubMed

Seidl-Rathkopf, Katharina N; Turk-Browne, Nicholas B; Kastner, Sabine

2015-08-01

Looking for objects in cluttered natural environments is a frequent task in everyday life. This process can be difficult, because the features, locations, and times of appearance of relevant objects often are not known in advance. Thus, a mechanism by which attention is automatically biased toward information that is potentially relevant may be helpful. We tested for such a mechanism across five experiments by engaging participants in real-world visual search and then assessing attentional capture for information that was related to the search set but was otherwise irrelevant. Isolated objects captured attention while preparing to search for objects from the same category embedded in a scene, as revealed by lower detection performance (Experiment 1A). This capture effect was driven by a central processing bottleneck rather than the withdrawal of spatial attention (Experiment 1B), occurred automatically even in a secondary task (Experiment 2A), and reflected enhancement of matching information rather than suppression of nonmatching information (Experiment 2B). Finally, attentional capture extended to objects that were semantically associated with the target category (Experiment 3). We conclude that attention is efficiently drawn towards a wide range of information that may be relevant for an upcoming real-world visual search. This mechanism may be adaptive, allowing us to find information useful for our behavioral goals in the face of uncertainty.

Autoregulation of cerebral blood circulation under orthostatic tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gayevyy, M. D.; Maltsev, V. G.; Pogorelyy, V. E.

1980-01-01

Autoregulation of cerebral blood flow (ACBF) under orthostatic tests (OT) was estimated in acute experiments on rabbits and cats under local anesthesia according to changes of perfusion pressure (PP) in carotid arteries, cerebral blood flow, pressure in the venous system of the brain, and resistance of cerebral vessels. The OT were conducted by turning a special table with the animal fastened to it from a horizontal to a vertical (head up or head down) position at 40 to 80 deg. In most experiments ACBF correlated with the changes of PP. Different variations of ACBF and its possible mechanisms are discussed.

Report on the solar physics-plasma physics workshop

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sturrock, P. A.; Baum, P. J.; Beckers, J. M.; Newman, C. E.; Priest, E. R.; Rosenberg, H.; Smith, D. F.; Wentzel, D. G.

1976-01-01

The paper summarizes discussions held between solar physicists and plasma physicists on the interface between solar and plasma physics, with emphasis placed on the question of what laboratory experiments, or computer experiments, could be pursued to test proposed mechanisms involved in solar phenomena. Major areas discussed include nonthermal plasma on the sun, spectroscopic data needed in solar plasma diagnostics, types of magnetic field structures in the sun's atmosphere, the possibility of MHD phenomena involved in solar eruptive phenomena, the role of non-MHD instabilities in energy release in solar flares, particle acceleration in solar flares, shock waves in the sun's atmosphere, and mechanisms of radio emission from the sun.

Experiment for validation of fluid-structure interaction models and algorithms.

PubMed

Hessenthaler, A; Gaddum, N R; Holub, O; Sinkus, R; Röhrle, O; Nordsletten, D

2017-09-01

In this paper a fluid-structure interaction (FSI) experiment is presented. The aim of this experiment is to provide a challenging yet easy-to-setup FSI test case that addresses the need for rigorous testing of FSI algorithms and modeling frameworks. Steady-state and periodic steady-state test cases with constant and periodic inflow were established. Focus of the experiment is on biomedical engineering applications with flow being in the laminar regime with Reynolds numbers 1283 and 651. Flow and solid domains were defined using computer-aided design (CAD) tools. The experimental design aimed at providing a straightforward boundary condition definition. Material parameters and mechanical response of a moderately viscous Newtonian fluid and a nonlinear incompressible solid were experimentally determined. A comprehensive data set was acquired by using magnetic resonance imaging to record the interaction between the fluid and the solid, quantifying flow and solid motion. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Biomedical Engineering published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Causal Networks or Causal Islands? The Representation of Mechanisms and the Transitivity of Causal Judgment.

PubMed

Johnson, Samuel G B; Ahn, Woo-kyoung

2015-09-01

Knowledge of mechanisms is critical for causal reasoning. We contrasted two possible organizations of causal knowledge—an interconnected causal network, where events are causally connected without any boundaries delineating discrete mechanisms; or a set of disparate mechanisms—causal islands—such that events in different mechanisms are not thought to be related even when they belong to the same causal chain. To distinguish these possibilities, we tested whether people make transitive judgments about causal chains by inferring, given A causes B and B causes C, that A causes C. Specifically, causal chains schematized as one chunk or mechanism in semantic memory (e.g., exercising, becoming thirsty, drinking water) led to transitive causal judgments. On the other hand, chains schematized as multiple chunks (e.g., having sex, becoming pregnant, becoming nauseous) led to intransitive judgments despite strong intermediate links ((Experiments 1-3). Normative accounts of causal intransitivity could not explain these intransitive judgments (Experiments 4 and 5). Copyright © 2015 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.

Effects of objectifying gaze on female cognitive performance: The role of flow experience and internalization of beauty ideals.

PubMed

Guizzo, Francesca; Cadinu, Mara

2017-06-01

Although previous research has demonstrated that objectification impairs female cognitive performance, no research to date has investigated the mechanisms underlying such decrement. Therefore, we tested the role of flow experience as one mechanism leading to performance decrement under sexual objectification. Gaze gender was manipulated by having male versus female experimenters take body pictures of female participants (N = 107) who then performed a Sustained Attention to Response Task. As predicted, a moderated mediation model showed that under male versus female gaze, higher internalization of beauty ideals was associated with lower flow, which in turn decreased performance. The implications of these results are discussed in relation to objectification theory and strategies to prevent sexually objectifying experiences. © 2016 The British Psychological Society.

The French thermo-helio-electricity-KW parabolic dish program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Audibert, M.; Peri, G.

1982-01-01

The testing and development of parabolic dish solar thermal power plants to produce, thermal mechanical, or electrical energy are discussed. The design, construction, and experiments of prototype collectors to prove the feasibility of such collectors is described.

Electrostatic sensors for SPIDER experiment: Design, manufacture of prototypes, and first tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brombin, M.; Spolaore, M.; Serianni, G.; Barzon, A.; Franchin, L.; Pasqualotto, R.; Pomaro, N.; Schiesko, L.; Taliercio, C.; Trevisan, L.

2014-02-01

A system of electrostatic sensors has been designed for the SPIDER (Source for the production of Ions of Deuterium Extracted from RF plasma) experiment, prototype RF source of the ITER NBI (neutral beam injection). A prototype of the sensor system was manufactured and tested at the BATMAN (BAvarian Test MAchine for Negative ions) facility, where the plasma environment is similar to that of SPIDER. Different aspects concerning the mechanical manufacturing and the signal conditioning are presented, among them the RF compensation adopted to reduce the RF effects which could lead to overestimated values of the electron temperature. The first commissioning tests provided ion saturation current values in the range assumed for the design, so the deduced plasma density estimate is consistent with the expected values.

Electrostatic sensors for SPIDER experiment: design, manufacture of prototypes, and first tests.

PubMed

Brombin, M; Spolaore, M; Serianni, G; Barzon, A; Franchin, L; Pasqualotto, R; Pomaro, N; Schiesko, L; Taliercio, C; Trevisan, L

2014-02-01

A system of electrostatic sensors has been designed for the SPIDER (Source for the production of Ions of Deuterium Extracted from RF plasma) experiment, prototype RF source of the ITER NBI (neutral beam injection). A prototype of the sensor system was manufactured and tested at the BATMAN (BAvarian Test MAchine for Negative ions) facility, where the plasma environment is similar to that of SPIDER. Different aspects concerning the mechanical manufacturing and the signal conditioning are presented, among them the RF compensation adopted to reduce the RF effects which could lead to overestimated values of the electron temperature. The first commissioning tests provided ion saturation current values in the range assumed for the design, so the deduced plasma density estimate is consistent with the expected values.

Electrostatic sensors for SPIDER experiment: Design, manufacture of prototypes, and first tests

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brombin, M., E-mail: matteo.brombin@igi.cnr.it; Spolaore, M.; Serianni, G.

2014-02-15

A system of electrostatic sensors has been designed for the SPIDER (Source for the production of Ions of Deuterium Extracted from RF plasma) experiment, prototype RF source of the ITER NBI (neutral beam injection). A prototype of the sensor system was manufactured and tested at the BATMAN (BAvarian Test MAchine for Negative ions) facility, where the plasma environment is similar to that of SPIDER. Different aspects concerning the mechanical manufacturing and the signal conditioning are presented, among them the RF compensation adopted to reduce the RF effects which could lead to overestimated values of the electron temperature. The first commissioningmore » tests provided ion saturation current values in the range assumed for the design, so the deduced plasma density estimate is consistent with the expected values.« less

Online Social Networks for Crowdsourced Multimedia-Involved Behavioral Testing: An Empirical Study

PubMed Central

Choi, Jun-Ho; Lee, Jong-Seok

2016-01-01

Online social networks have emerged as effective crowdsourcing media to recruit participants in recent days. However, issues regarding how to effectively exploit them have not been adequately addressed yet. In this paper, we investigate the reliability and effectiveness of multimedia-involved behavioral testing via social network-based crowdsourcing, especially focused on Facebook as a medium to recruit participants. We conduct a crowdsourcing-based experiment for a music recommendation problem. It is shown that different advertisement methods yield different degrees of efficiency and there exist significant differences in behavioral patterns across different genders and different age groups. In addition, we perform a comparison of our experiment with other multimedia-involved crowdsourcing experiments built on Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk), which suggests that crowdsourcing-based experiments using social networks for recruitment can achieve comparable efficiency. Based on the analysis results, advantages and disadvantages of social network-based crowdsourcing and suggestions for successful experiments are also discussed. We conclude that social networks have the potential to support multimedia-involved behavioral tests to gather in-depth data even for long-term periods. PMID:26793137

The USML-1 wire insulation flammability glovebox experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Greenberg, Paul S.; Sacksteder, Kurt R.; Kashiwagi, Takashi

1995-01-01

Flame spreading tests have been conducted using thin fuels in microgravity where buoyant convection is suppressed. In spacecraft experiments flames were ignited in quiescent atmospheres with an elevated oxygen content, demonstrating that diffusional mechanisms can be sufficient alone to sustain flame spreading. In ground-based facilities (i.e. drop towers and parabolic aircraft) low-speed convection sustains flames at much lower concentrations of atmospheric oxygen than in quiescent microgravity. Ground-based experiments are limited to very thin fuels (e.g., tissue paper); practical fuels, which are thicker, require more test time than is available. The Glovebox Facility provided for the USML 1 mission provided an opportunity to obtain flame spreading data for thicker fuel Herein we report the results from the Wire Insulation Flammability (WIF) Experiment performed in the Glovebox Facility. This experiment explored the heating, ignition and burning of 0.65 mm thick polyethylene wire insulation in low-speed flows in a reduced gravity environment. Four tests were conducted, two each in concurrent flow (WIF A and C) and opposed flow (WIF B and D), providing the first demonstration of flame spreading in controlled forced convection conducted in space.

Online Social Networks for Crowdsourced Multimedia-Involved Behavioral Testing: An Empirical Study.

PubMed

Choi, Jun-Ho; Lee, Jong-Seok

2015-01-01

Online social networks have emerged as effective crowdsourcing media to recruit participants in recent days. However, issues regarding how to effectively exploit them have not been adequately addressed yet. In this paper, we investigate the reliability and effectiveness of multimedia-involved behavioral testing via social network-based crowdsourcing, especially focused on Facebook as a medium to recruit participants. We conduct a crowdsourcing-based experiment for a music recommendation problem. It is shown that different advertisement methods yield different degrees of efficiency and there exist significant differences in behavioral patterns across different genders and different age groups. In addition, we perform a comparison of our experiment with other multimedia-involved crowdsourcing experiments built on Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk), which suggests that crowdsourcing-based experiments using social networks for recruitment can achieve comparable efficiency. Based on the analysis results, advantages and disadvantages of social network-based crowdsourcing and suggestions for successful experiments are also discussed. We conclude that social networks have the potential to support multimedia-involved behavioral tests to gather in-depth data even for long-term periods.

Direct mechanical torque sensor for model wind turbines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Hyung Suk; Meneveau, Charles

2010-10-01

A torque sensor is developed to measure the mechanical power extracted by model wind turbines. The torque is measured by mounting the model generator (a small dc motor) through ball bearings to the hub and by preventing its rotation by the deflection of a strain-gauge-instrumented plate. By multiplying the measured torque and rotor angular velocity, a direct measurement of the fluid mechanical power extracted from the flow is obtained. Such a measurement is more advantageous compared to measuring the electrical power generated by the model generator (dc motor), since the electrical power is largely affected by internal frictional, electric and magnetic losses. Calibration experiments are performed, and during testing, the torque sensor is mounted on a model wind turbine in a 3 rows × 3 columns array of wind turbines in a wind tunnel experiment. The resulting electrical and mechanical powers are quantified and compared over a range of applied loads, for three different incoming wind velocities. Also, the power coefficients are obtained as a function of the tip speed ratio. Significant differences between the electrical and mechanical powers are observed, which highlights the importance of using the direct mechanical power measurement for fluid dynamically meaningful results. A direct calibration with the measured current is also explored. The new torque sensor is expected to contribute to more accurate model wind tunnel tests which should provide added flexibility in model studies of the power that can be harvested from wind turbines and wind-turbine farms.

The use of interval ratios in consonance perception by rats (Rattus norvegicus) and humans (Homo sapiens).

PubMed

Crespo-Bojorque, Paola; Toro, Juan M

2015-02-01

Traditionally, physical features in musical chords have been proposed to be at the root of consonance perception. Alternatively, recent studies suggest that different types of experience modulate some perceptual foundations for musical sounds. The present study tested whether the mechanisms involved in the perception of consonance are present in an animal with no extensive experience with harmonic stimuli and a relatively limited vocal repertoire. In Experiment 1, rats were trained to discriminate consonant from dissonant chords and tested to explore whether they could generalize such discrimination to novel chords. In Experiment 2, we tested if rats could discriminate between chords differing only in their interval ratios and generalize them to different octaves. To contrast the observed pattern of results, human adults were tested with the same stimuli in Experiment 3. Rats successfully discriminated across chords in both experiments, but they did not generalize to novel items in either Experiment 1 or Experiment 2. On the contrary, humans not only discriminated among both consonance-dissonance categories, and among sets of interval ratios, they also generalized their responses to novel items. These results suggest that experience with harmonic sounds may be required for the construction of categories among stimuli varying in frequency ratios. However, the discriminative capacity observed in rats suggests that at least some components of auditory processing needed to distinguish chords based on their interval ratios are shared across species. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved.

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-05-05

A test cell for Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiment is tested for long-term storage with water in the system as plarned for STS-107. This view shows the top of the sand column with the metal platten removed. Sand and soil grains have faces that can cause friction as they roll and slide against each other, or even cause sticking and form small voids between grains. This complex behavior can cause soil to behave like a liquid under certain conditions such as earthquakes or when powders are handled in industrial processes. Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiments aboard the Space Shuttle use the microgravity of space to simulate this behavior under conditons that cannot be achieved in laboratory tests on Earth. MGM is shedding light on the behavior of fine-grain materials under low effective stresses. Applications include earthquake engineering, granular flow technologies (such as powder feed systems for pharmaceuticals and fertilizers), and terrestrial and planetary geology. Nine MGM specimens have flown on two Space Shuttle flights. Another three are scheduled to fly on STS-107. The principal investigator is Stein Sture of the University of Colorado at Boulder. Credit: University of Colorado at Boulder

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-05-05

A test cell for Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiment is tested for long-term storage with water in the system as plarned for STS-107. This view shows the compressed sand column with the protective water jacket removed. Sand and soil grains have faces that can cause friction as they roll and slide against each other, or even cause sticking and form small voids between grains. This complex behavior can cause soil to behave like a liquid under certain conditions such as earthquakes or when powders are handled in industrial processes. Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM) experiments aboard the Space Shuttle use the microgravity of space to simulate this behavior under conditons that cannot be achieved in laboratory tests on Earth. MGM is shedding light on the behavior of fine-grain materials under low effective stresses. Applications include earthquake engineering, granular flow technologies (such as powder feed systems for pharmaceuticals and fertilizers), and terrestrial and planetary geology. Nine MGM specimens have flown on two Space Shuttle flights. Another three are scheduled to fly on STS-107. The principal investigator is Stein Sture of the University of Colorado at Boulder. Credit: University of Colorado at Boulder

UNIX-based operating systems robustness evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chang, Yu-Ming

1996-01-01

Robust operating systems are required for reliable computing. Techniques for robustness evaluation of operating systems not only enhance the understanding of the reliability of computer systems, but also provide valuable feed- back to system designers. This thesis presents results from robustness evaluation experiments on five UNIX-based operating systems, which include Digital Equipment's OSF/l, Hewlett Packard's HP-UX, Sun Microsystems' Solaris and SunOS, and Silicon Graphics' IRIX. Three sets of experiments were performed. The methodology for evaluation tested (1) the exception handling mechanism, (2) system resource management, and (3) system capacity under high workload stress. An exception generator was used to evaluate the exception handling mechanism of the operating systems. Results included exit status of the exception generator and the system state. Resource management techniques used by individual operating systems were tested using programs designed to usurp system resources such as physical memory and process slots. Finally, the workload stress testing evaluated the effect of the workload on system performance by running a synthetic workload and recording the response time of local and remote user requests. Moderate to severe performance degradations were observed on the systems under stress.

Swelling equilibrium of dentin adhesive polymers formed on the water-adhesive phase boundary: Experiments and micromechanical model

PubMed Central

Misra, Anil; Parthasarathy, Ranganathan; Ye, Qiang; Singh, Viraj; Spencer, Paulette

2013-01-01

During their application to the wet, oral environment, dentin adhesives can experience phase separation and composition change which can compromise the quality of the hybrid layer formed at the dentin-adhesive interface. The chemical composition of polymer phases formed in the hybrid layer can be represented using a ternary water-adhesive phase diagram. In this paper, these polymer phases have been characterized using a suite of mechanical tests and swelling experiments. The experimental results were evaluated using granular micromechanics based model that incorporates poro-mechanical effects and polymer-solvent thermodynamics. The variation of the model parameters and model-predicted polymer properties has been studied as a function of composition along the phase boundary. The resulting structure-property correlations provide insight into interactions occurring at the molecular level in the saturated polymer system. These correlations can be used for modeling the mechanical behavior of hybrid layer, and are expected to aid in the design and improvement of water-compatible dentin adhesive polymers. PMID:24076070

Mechanical failure probability of glasses in Earth orbit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kinser, Donald L.; Wiedlocher, David E.

1992-01-01

Results of five years of earth-orbital exposure on mechanical properties of glasses indicate that radiation effects on mechanical properties of glasses, for the glasses examined, are less than the probable error of measurement. During the 5 year exposure, seven micrometeorite or space debris impacts occurred on the samples examined. These impacts were located in locations which were not subjected to effective mechanical testing, hence limited information on their influence upon mechanical strength was obtained. Combination of these results with micrometeorite and space debris impact frequency obtained by other experiments permits estimates of the failure probability of glasses exposed to mechanical loading under earth-orbit conditions. This probabilistic failure prediction is described and illustrated with examples.

How cannabis causes paranoia: using the intravenous administration of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to identify key cognitive mechanisms leading to paranoia.

PubMed

Freeman, Daniel; Dunn, Graham; Murray, Robin M; Evans, Nicole; Lister, Rachel; Antley, Angus; Slater, Mel; Godlewska, Beata; Cornish, Robert; Williams, Jonathan; Di Simplicio, Martina; Igoumenou, Artemis; Brenneisen, Rudolf; Tunbridge, Elizabeth M; Harrison, Paul J; Harmer, Catherine J; Cowen, Philip; Morrison, Paul D

2015-03-01

Paranoia is receiving increasing attention in its own right, since it is a central experience of psychotic disorders and a marker of the health of a society. Paranoia is associated with use of the most commonly taken illicit drug, cannabis. The objective was to determine whether the principal psychoactive ingredient of cannabis-∆(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-causes paranoia and to use the drug as a probe to identify key cognitive mechanisms underlying paranoia. A randomized, placebo-controlled, between-groups test of the effects of intravenous THC was conducted. A total of 121 individuals with paranoid ideation were randomized to receive placebo, THC, or THC preceded by a cognitive awareness condition. Paranoia was assessed extensively via a real social situation, an immersive virtual reality experiment, and standard self-report and interviewer measures. Putative causal factors were assessed. Principal components analysis was used to create a composite paranoia score and composite causal variables to be tested in a mediation analysis. THC significantly increased paranoia, negative affect (anxiety, worry, depression, negative thoughts about the self), and a range of anomalous experiences, and reduced working memory capacity. The increase in negative affect and in anomalous experiences fully accounted for the increase in paranoia. Working memory changes did not lead to paranoia. Making participants aware of the effects of THC had little impact. In this largest study of intravenous THC, it was definitively demonstrated that the drug triggers paranoid thoughts in vulnerable individuals. The most likely mechanism of action causing paranoia was the generation of negative affect and anomalous experiences. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center.

Testing the Rotation Stage in the ARIADNE Axion Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dargert, Jordan; Lohmeyer, Chloe; Harkness, Mindy; Cunningham, Mark; Fosbinder-Elkins, Harry; Geraci, Andrew; Ariadne Collaboration

2017-04-01

The Axion Resonant InterAction Detection Experiment (ARIADNE) will search for the Peccei-Quinn (PQ) axion, a hypothetical particle that is a dark matter candidate. Using a new technique based on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, this new method can probe well into the allowed PQ axion mass range. Additionally, it does not rely on cosmological assumptions, meaning that the PQ Axion would be sourced locally. Our project relies on the stability of a rotating segmented source mass and superconducting magnetic shielding. Superconducting shielding is essential for limiting magnetic noise, thus allowing a feasible level of sensitivity required for PQ Axion detection. Progress on testing the stability of the rotary mechanism will be reported, and the design for the superconducting shielding in the experiment will be discussed, along with plans for moving the experiment forward. NSF Grant PHY-1509176.

Development of a Titanium Plate for Mandibular Angle Fractures with a Bone Defect in the Lower Border: Finite Element Analysis and Mechanical Test

PubMed Central

Goulart, Douglas Rangel; Kemmoku, Daniel Takanori; Noritomi, Pedro Yoshito

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT Objectives The aim of the present study was to develop a plate to treat mandibular angle fractures using the finite element method and mechanical testing. Material and Methods A three-dimensional model of a fractured mandible was generated using Rhinoceros 4.0 software. The models were exported to ANSYS®, in which a static application of displacement (3 mm) was performed in the first molar region. Three groups were assessed according to the method of internal fixation (2 mm system): two non-locking plates; two locking plates and a new design locking plate. The computational model was transferred to an in vitro experiment with polyurethane mandibles. Each group contained five samples and was subjected to a linear loading test in a universal testing machine. Results A balanced distribution of stress was associated with the new plate design. This plate modified the mechanical behavior of the fractured region, with less displacement between the fractured segments. In the mechanical test, the group with two locking plates exhibited greater resistance to the 3 mm displacement, with a statistically significant difference when compared with the new plate group (ANOVA, P = 0.016). Conclusions The new plate exhibited a more balanced distribution of stress. However, the group with two locking plates exhibited greater mechanical resistance. PMID:26539287

Effects of food limitation and emigration on self-thinning in experimental minnow cohorts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dunham, J.B.; Dickerson, B. R.; Beever, E.; Duncan, R. D.; Vinyard, G.L.

2000-01-01

5. Most of the support for FST in mobile animals comes from observational data on mean body mass and population density. Potentially important mechanisms, including the manner in which individuals are lost or retained in populations, are usually not investigated directly. Such tests of FST can only provide equivocal support. Detailed observational study and controlled experiments are needed to understand casual mechanisms.

Acoustic emission from composite materials. [nondestructive tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Visconti, I. C.; Teti, R.

1979-01-01

The two basic areas where the acoustic emission (AE) technique can be applied are materials research and the evaluation of structural reliability. This experimental method leads to a better understanding of fracture mechanisms and is an NDT technique particularly well suited for the study of propagating cracks. Experiments are described in which acoustic emissions were unambiguously correlated with microstructural fracture mechanisms. The advantages and limitations of the AE technique are noted.

The 13th Aerospace Mechanisms Symposium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bond, A. C.

1979-01-01

Technological areas covered include propulsion, motion compensation, instrument pointing and adjustment, centrifuge testing, bearing design, vehicle braking, and cargo handling. Devices for satellite, missile, and hypersonic-wind-tunnel applications; space shuttle mechanical and thermal protection systems; and techniques for building large space structures are described. In addition, a fluid drop injector device for a Spacelab experiment, a helical grip for cable cars, and applications of rare earth permanent magnets are discussed.

Are systemizing and autistic traits related to talent and interest in mathematics and engineering? Testing some of the central claims of the empathizing-systemizing theory.

PubMed

Morsanyi, Kinga; Primi, Caterina; Handley, Simon J; Chiesi, Francesca; Galli, Silvia

2012-11-01

In two experiments, we tested some of the central claims of the empathizing-systemizing (E-S) theory. Experiment 1 showed that the systemizing quotient (SQ) was unrelated to performance on a mathematics test, although it was correlated with statistics-related attitudes, self-efficacy, and anxiety. In Experiment 2, systemizing skills, and gender differences in these skills, were more strongly related to spatial thinking styles than to SQ. In fact, when we partialled the effect of spatial thinking styles, SQ was no longer related to systemizing skills. Additionally, there was no relationship between the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and the SQ, or skills and interest in mathematics and mechanical reasoning. We discuss the implications of our findings for the E-S theory, and for understanding the autistic cognitive profile. ©2011 The British Psychological Society.

Building and Testing a Superconductivity Measurement Platform for a Helium Cryostat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rose, Heath; Ostrander, Joshua; Wu, Jim; Ramos, Roberto

2013-03-01

Superconductivity experiments using Josephson junctions are an excellent environment to study quantum mechanics and materials science. A standard electrical transport technique uses filtered four wire measurement of these superconducting devices. We report our experience as undergraduates in a liberal arts college in building and testing an experimental platform anchored on the cold-finger of a helium cryostat and designed for performing differential conductance measurements in Josephson junctions. To filter out RF, we design, build and test cryogenic filters using ceramic capacitors and inductors and thermocoax cables. We also use fixed attenuators for thermal anchoring and use miniature connectors to connect wires and coax to a sample box. We report on progress in our diagnostic measurements as well as low-temperature tunneling experiments to probe the structure of the energy gap in both single- and multi-gapped superconductors. We acknowledge the support of the National Science Foundation through NSF Grant DMR-1206561.

Behavioral mechanisms of context fear generalization in mice

PubMed Central

Huckleberry, Kylie A.; Ferguson, Laura B.

2016-01-01

There is growing interest in generalization of learned contextual fear, driven in part by the hypothesis that mood and anxiety disorders stem from impaired hippocampal mechanisms of fear generalization and discrimination. However, there has been relatively little investigation of the behavioral and procedural mechanisms that might control generalization of contextual fear. We assessed the relative contribution of different contextual features to context fear generalization and characterized how two common conditioning protocols—foreground (uncued) and background (cued) contextual fear conditioning—affected context fear generalization. In one experiment, mice were fear conditioned in context A, and then tested for contextual fear both in A and in an alternate context created by changing a subset of A's elements. The results suggest that floor configuration and odor are more salient features than chamber shape. A second experiment compared context fear generalization in background and foreground context conditioning. Although foreground conditioning produced more context fear than background conditioning, the two procedures produced equal amounts of generalized fear. Finally, results indicated that the order of context tests (original first versus alternate first) significantly modulates context fear generalization, perhaps because the original and alternate contexts are differentially sensitive to extinction. Overall, results demonstrate that context fear generalization is sensitive to procedural variations and likely reflects the operation of multiple interacting psychological and neural mechanisms. PMID:27918275

Predicting the occurrence of mixed mode failure associated with hydraulic fracturing, part 2 water saturated tests

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bauer, Stephen J.; Broome, Scott Thomas; Choens, Charles

2015-09-14

Seven water-saturated triaxial extension experiments were conducted on four sedimentary rocks. This experimental condition was hypothesized more representative of that existing for downhole hydrofracture and thus it may improve our understanding of the phenomena. In all tests the pore pressure was 10 MPa and confirming pressure was adjusted to achieve tensile and transitional failure mode conditions. Using previous work in this LDRD for comparison, the law of effective stress is demonstrated in extension using this sample geometry. In three of the four lithologies, no apparent chemo-mechanical effect of water is apparent, and in the fourth lithology test results indicate somemore » chemo-mechanical effect of water.« less

Kinematic segmentation of accretive wedges based on scaled sandbox experiments and their application to nature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lohrmann, J.; Kukowski, N.; Oncken, O.

2003-04-01

Recording the incremental displacement field of scaled analogue simulations provides detailed data on wedge kinematics and timing of internal deformation. This is a very efficient tool to develop kinematic concepts and test mechanical theories, e.g. the critical-taper theory. Such models could not be validated until now by the available geological and geophysical data, since there was no information about the incremental displacement field. Recent GPS measurements and seismological investigations at convergent margins provide well-constrained strain-rates and kinematics of short-termed processes. These data allow the kinematic models that are based on analogue simulations to be tested against field observations. We investigate convergent accretive sand wedges in scaled analogue simulations. We define three kinematic segments based on distinctive wedge taper, displacement field and timing of deformation (recorded at a slow sampling rate, which represents the geological scale). Only one of these segments is in a critical state of stress, whereas the other segments are either in a sub-critical or stable state of stress. Such a kinematic segmentation is not predicted for ideally homogeneous wedge-shaped bodies by the critical-taper theory, but can be explained by the formation of localised weak shear zones, which preferentially accommodate deformation. These weak zones are formed in granular analogue materials, and also in natural rocks, since these materials show a strain-softening phase prior to the achievement of stable mechanical conditions. Therefore we suggest that the kinematic segmentation of convergent sand wedges should also be observed in natural settings, such as accretionary wedges, foreland fold-and-thrust belts and even entire orogens. To validate this hypothesis we compare strain rates from GPS measurements and kinematics deduced from focal mechanisms with the respective data from sandbox experiments. We present a strategy to compare strain rates and kinematics recorded in nature with kinematic models based on sandbox experiments. In the sandbox experiments we use a fast sampling rate in accordance with GPS measurements. We investigate whether strain rates obtained from the GPS measurements can test mechanical concepts of long-termed geodynamic processes.

A cyber-physical approach to experimental fluid mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mackowski, Andrew Williams

This Thesis documents the design, implementation, and use of a novel type of experimental apparatus, termed Cyber-Physical Fluid Dynamics (CPFD). Unlike traditional fluid mechanics experiments, CPFD is a general-purpose technique that allows one to impose arbitrary forces on an object submerged in a fluid. By combining fluid mechanics with robotics, we can perform experiments that would otherwise be incredibly difficult or time-consuming. More generally, CPFD allows a high degree of automation and control of the experimental process, allowing for much more efficient use of experimental facilities. Examples of CPFD's capabilites include imposing a gravitational force in the horizontal direction (allowing a test object to "fall" sideways in a water channel), simulating nonlinear springs for a vibrating fluid-structure system, or allowing a self-propelled body to move forward under its own force. Because experimental parameters (including forces and even the mass of the test object) are defined in software, one can define entire ensembles of experiments to run autonomously. CPFD additionally integrates related systems such as water channel speed control, LDV flow speed measurements, and PIV flowfield measurements. The end result is a general-purpose experimental system that opens the door to a vast array of fluid-structure interaction problems. We begin by describing the design and implementation of CPFD, the heart of which is a high-performance force-feedback control system. Precise measurement of time-varying forces (including removing effects of the test object's inertia) is more critical here than in typical robotic force-feedback applications. CPFD is based on an integration of ideas from control theory, fluid dynamics, computer science, electrical engineering, and solid mechanics. We also describe experiments using the CPFD experimental apparatus to study vortex-induced vibration (VIV) and oscillating-airfoil propulsion. We show how CPFD can be used to simulate a hypothetical VIV energy harvesting device. By replacing standard linear springs with nonlinear ones, we can broaden the system's frequency response. Next, we transition from bluff bodies to unsteady airfoils, where we begin by measuring the thrust and efficiency of an airfoil pitching about its quarter-chord point. Finally, we examine how the propulsive performance of an oscillating airfoil is improved by the addition of passive dynamics.

Thermo-mechanical Modelling of Pebble Beds in Fusion Blankets and its Implementation by a Return-Mapping Algorithm

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gan, Yixiang; Kamlah, Marc

In this investigation, a thermo-mechanical model of pebble beds is adopted and developed based on experiments by Dr. Reimann at Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe (FZK). The framework of the present material model is composed of a non-linear elastic law, the Drucker-Prager-Cap theory, and a modified creep law. Furthermore, the volumetric inelastic strain dependent thermal conductivity of beryllium pebble beds is taken into account and full thermo-mechanical coupling is considered. Investigation showed that the Drucker-Prager-Cap model implemented in ABAQUS can not fulfill the requirements of both the prediction of large creep strains and the hardening behaviour caused by creep, which are of importancemore » with respect to the application of pebble beds in fusion blankets. Therefore, UMAT (user defined material's mechanical behaviour) and UMATHT (user defined material's thermal behaviour) routines are used to re-implement the present thermo-mechanical model in ABAQUS. An elastic predictor radial return mapping algorithm is used to solve the non-associated plasticity iteratively, and a proper tangent stiffness matrix is obtained for cost-efficiency in the calculation. An explicit creep mechanism is adopted for the prediction of time-dependent behaviour in order to represent large creep strains in high temperature. Finally, the thermo-mechanical interactions are implemented in a UMATHT routine for the coupled analysis. The oedometric compression tests and creep tests of pebble beds at different temperatures are simulated with the help of the present UMAT and UMATHT routines, and the comparison between the simulation and the experiments is made. (authors)« less

Mechanical stimuli differentially control stem cell behavior: morphology, proliferation, and differentiation

PubMed Central

Maul, Timothy M.; Chew, Douglas W.; Nieponice, Alejandro

2011-01-01

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has demonstrated applications in vascular regenerative medicine. Although blood vessels exist in a mechanically dynamic environment, there has been no rigorous, systematic analysis of mechanical stimulation on stem cell differentiation. We hypothesize that mechanical stimuli, relevant to the vasculature, can differentiate MSCs toward smooth muscle (SMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs). This was tested using a unique experimental platform to differentially apply various mechanical stimuli in parallel. Three forces, cyclic stretch, cyclic pressure, and laminar shear stress, were applied independently to mimic several vascular physiologic conditions. Experiments were conducted using subconfluent MSCs for 5 days and demonstrated significant effects on morphology and proliferation depending upon the type, magnitude, frequency, and duration of applied stimulation. We have defined thresholds of cyclic stretch that potentiate SMC protein expression, but did not find EC protein expression under any condition tested. However, a second set of experiments performed at confluence and aimed to elicit the temporal gene expression response of a select magnitude of each stimulus revealed that EC gene expression can be increased with cyclic pressure and shear stress in a cell-contact-dependent manner. Further, these MSCs also appear to express genes from multiple lineages simultaneously which may warrant further investigation into post-transcriptional mechanisms for controlling protein expression. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic examination of the effects of mechanical stimulation on MSCs and has implications for the understanding of stem cell biology, as well as potential bioreactor designs for tissue engineering and cell therapy applications. PMID:21253809

The Usability of Rock-Like Materials for Numerical Studies on Rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zengin, Enes; Abiddin Erguler, Zeynal

2017-04-01

The approaches of synthetic rock material and mass are widely used by many researchers for understanding the failure behavior of different rocks. In order to model the failure behavior of rock material, researchers take advantageous of different techniques and software. But, the majority of all these instruments are based on distinct element method (DEM). For modeling the failure behavior of rocks, and so to create a fundamental synthetic rock material model, it is required to perform related laboratory experiments for providing strength parameters. In modelling studies, model calibration processes are performed by using parameters of intact rocks such as porosity, grain size, modulus of elasticity and Poisson ratio. In some cases, it can be difficult or even impossible to acquire representative rock samples for laboratory experiments from heavily jointed rock masses and vuggy rocks. Considering this limitation, in this study, it was aimed to investigate the applicability of rock-like material (e.g. concrete) to understand and model the failure behavior of rock materials having complex inherent structures. For this purpose, concrete samples having a mixture of %65 cement dust and %35 water were utilized. Accordingly, intact concrete samples representing rocks were prepared in laboratory conditions and their physical properties such as porosity, pore size and density etc. were determined. In addition, to acquire the mechanical parameters of concrete samples, uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) tests were also performed by simultaneously measuring strain during testing. The measured physical and mechanical properties of these extracted concrete samples were used to create synthetic material and then uniaxial compressive tests were modeled and performed by using two dimensional discontinuum program known as Particle Flow Code (PFC2D). After modeling studies in PFC2D, approximately similar failure mechanism and testing results were achieved from both experimental and artificial simulations. The results obtained from these laboratory tests and modelling studies were compared with the other researcher's studies in respect to failure mechanism of different type of rocks. It can be concluded that there is similar failure mechanism between concrete and rock materials. Therefore, the results obtained from concrete samples that would be prepared at different porosity and pore sizes can be used in future studies in selection micro-mechanical and physical properties to constitute synthetic rock materials for understanding failure mechanism of rocks having complex inherent structures such as vuggy rocks or heavily jointed rock masses.

Using Digital Image Correlation to Characterize Local Strains on Vascular Tissue Specimens.

PubMed

Zhou, Boran; Ravindran, Suraj; Ferdous, Jahid; Kidane, Addis; Sutton, Michael A; Shazly, Tarek

2016-01-24

Characterization of the mechanical behavior of biological and engineered soft tissues is a central component of fundamental biomedical research and product development. Stress-strain relationships are typically obtained from mechanical testing data to enable comparative assessment among samples and in some cases identification of constitutive mechanical properties. However, errors may be introduced through the use of average strain measures, as significant heterogeneity in the strain field may result from geometrical non-uniformity of the sample and stress concentrations induced by mounting/gripping of soft tissues within the test system. When strain field heterogeneity is significant, accurate assessment of the sample mechanical response requires measurement of local strains. This study demonstrates a novel biomechanical testing protocol for calculating local surface strains using a mechanical testing device coupled with a high resolution camera and a digital image correlation technique. A series of sample surface images are acquired and then analyzed to quantify the local surface strain of a vascular tissue specimen subjected to ramped uniaxial loading. This approach can improve accuracy in experimental vascular biomechanics and has potential for broader use among other native soft tissues, engineered soft tissues, and soft hydrogel/polymeric materials. In the video, we demonstrate how to set up the system components and perform a complete experiment on native vascular tissue.

First implementation of burrowing motions in dual-reciprocating drilling using an integrated actuation mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pitcher, Craig; Gao, Yang

2017-03-01

The dual-reciprocating drill (DRD) is a biologically-inspired low-mass alternative to traditional drilling techniques, using backwards-facing teethed halves to grip the surrounding substrate, generating a traction force that reduces the required overhead penetration force. Previous experiments using a proof-of-concept test bench have provided evidence as to the significant role of sideways movements and lateral forces in improving drilling performance. The system is also progressing to a first system prototype concept, in which an actuation mechanism is integrated within the drill heads. To experimentally determine the effect of lateral motions, a new internal actuation mechanism was developed to allow the inclusion of controlled sideways movements, resulting in the creation of the circular and diagonal burrowing motions. This paper presents an investigation into the performance of the reciprocation and burrowing motions by testing them in a planetary regolith simulant. Analysis of force sensor measurements has shown a relationship between the penetration and traction forces and the internal friction of the mechanism and depth achieved. These tests have also experimentally demonstrated the benefit of lateral motions in drilling performance, with both the burrowing mechanisms and drilling tests performed at an angle able to penetrate further than traditional vertical reciprocation, leading to the proposition of new burrowing and diagonal drilling mechanics. From this, a new fully integrated system prototype can be developed which incorporates lateral motions that can optimise the drilling performance.

Comprehensive Study of Plasma-Wall Sheath Transport Phenomena

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-10-26

function of the applied thermo-mechanical stress. An experiment was designed to test whether and how the process of plasma erosion might depend on ...of exposed surface, a, b) pretest height and laser image, c, d) post - test height and laser image. For the following analysis, a curve fit of the...normal to the ion beam. However, even with a one -dimensional simulation, features of a similar depth and profile to the post - test surface develop

Development of a detailed chemical mechanism (MCMv3.1) for the atmospheric oxidation of aromatic hydrocarbons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bloss, C.; Wagner, V.; Jenkin, M. E.; Volkamer, R.; Bloss, W. J.; Lee, J. D.; Heard, D. E.; Wirtz, K.; Martin-Reviejo, M.; Rea, G.; Wenger, J. C.; Pilling, M. J.

2005-03-01

The Master Chemical Mechanism has been updated from MCMv3 to MCMv3.1 in order to take into account recent improvements in the understanding of aromatic photo-oxidation. Newly available kinetic and product data from the literature have been incorporated into the mechanism. In particular, the degradation mechanisms for hydroxyarenes have been revised following the observation of high yields of ring-retained products, and product studies of aromatic oxidation under relatively low NOx conditions have provided new information on the branching ratios to first generation products. Experiments have been carried out at the European Photoreactor (EUPHORE) to investigate key subsets of the toluene system. These results have been used to test our understanding of toluene oxidation, and, where possible, refine the degradation mechanisms. The evaluation of MCMv3 and MCMv3.1 using data on benzene, toluene, p-xylene and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene photosmog systems is described in a companion paper, and significant model shortcomings are identified. Ideas for additional modifications to the mechanisms, and for future experiments to further our knowledge of the details of aromatic photo-oxidation are discussed.

Development of a detailed chemical mechanism (MCMv3.1) for the atmospheric oxidation of aromatic hydrocarbons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bloss, C.; Wagner, V.; Jenkin, M. E.; Volkamer, R.; Bloss, W. J.; Lee, J. D.; Heard, D. E.; Wirtz, K.; Martin-Reviejo, M.; Rea, G.; Wenger, J. C.; Pilling, M. J.

2004-09-01

The Master Chemical Mechanism has been updated from MCMv3 to MCMv3.1 in order to take into account recent improvements in the understanding of aromatic photo-oxidation. Newly available kinetic and product data from the literature has been incorporated into the mechanism. In particular, the degradation mechanisms for hydroxyarenes have been revised following the observation of high yields of ring-retained products, and product studies of aromatic oxidation under relatively low NOx conditions have provided new information on the branching ratios to first generation products. Experiments have been carried out at the European Photoreactor (EUPHORE) to investigate key subsets of the toluene system. These results have been used to test our understanding of toluene oxidation, and where possible, refine the degradation mechanisms. The evaluation of MCMv3 and MCMv3.1 using data on benzene, toluene, p-xylene and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene photosmog systems is described in a companion paper, and significant model shortcomings are identified. Ideas for additional modifications to the mechanisms, and for future experiments to further our knowledge of the details of aromatic photo-oxidation are discussed.

Statistical Analysis Tools for Learning in Engineering Laboratories.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maher, Carolyn A.

1990-01-01

Described are engineering programs that have used automated data acquisition systems to implement data collection and analyze experiments. Applications include a biochemical engineering laboratory, heat transfer performance, engineering materials testing, mechanical system reliability, statistical control laboratory, thermo-fluid laboratory, and a…

From the Bob/Kirk effect to the Benoit/Éric effect: Testing the mechanism of name sound symbolism in two languages.

PubMed

Sidhu, David M; Pexman, Penny M; Saint-Aubin, Jean

2016-09-01

Although it is often assumed that language involves an arbitrary relationship between form and meaning, many studies have demonstrated that nonwords like maluma are associated with round shapes, while nonwords like takete are associated with sharp shapes (i.e., the Maluma/Takete effect, Köhler, 1929/1947). The majority of the research on sound symbolism has used nonwords, but Sidhu and Pexman (2015) recently extended this effect to existing labels: real English first names (i.e., the Bob/Kirk effect). In the present research we tested whether the effects of name sound symbolism generalize to French speakers (Experiment 1) and French names (Experiment 2). In addition, we assessed the underlying mechanism of name sound symbolism, investigating the roles of phonology and orthography in the effect. Results showed that name sound symbolism does generalize to French speakers and French names. Further, this robust effect remained the same when names were presented in a curved vs. angular font (Experiment 3), or when the salience of orthographic information was reduced through auditory presentation (Experiment 4). Together these results suggest that the Bob/Kirk effect is pervasive, and that it is based on fundamental features of name phonemes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evolution of Mechanical Properties and Microstructures in the Inner Accretionary Prism of the Nankai Subduction Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, S. T.; Kitamura, M.; Kitajima, H.

2016-12-01

Mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics of accretionary prism sediments can provide detailed deformation history and processes in subduction zones. The IODP Nankai Trough Seismogenic Zone Experiment (NanTroSEIZE) Expedition 348 has extended the deep riser hole down to 3058.5 meters below sea floor (mbsf) to the inner accretionary wedge at Site C0002 located 35 km landward from the trench. Here, we conducted deformation experiments on the core samples recovered from 2185 msbf at Site C0002 to understand mechanical behaviors and deformation of inner prism sediments. We deformed the siltstone samples with a porosity of 20% at 25°C or 60°C under isotropic loading path (S1=S2=S3) and triaxial compression (S1>S2=S3). In the isotropic loading test, we step-wisely increased confining pressure (Pc) from 11.5 to 194 MPa and kept pore pressure (Pp) at 10 MPa. In a series of triaxial compression loading tests, we first increased Pc to the targeting 42-78 MPa and Pp to 20 MPa, and then applied the differential load at a constant displacement rate of 0.005 μm/s while keeping Pc and Pp constant. We will analyze the microstructures of the experimentally deformed samples to understand deformation mechanism. We define yield points based on slope changes in relationships between volumetric strain and effective mean stress (p') for isotropic loading and those between differential stress (q) and axial strain for triaxial loading. The sample yields at p' of 100 MPa (q = 0 MPa) in isotropic loading test. In triaxial loading, the samples at effective pressure (Pe) of 22, 28, and 58 MPa yield at q = 30 MPa (p' = 32 MPa), q = 30 MPa (p' = 38 MPa) and q = 45 MPa (p' = 73 MPa), respectively. Upon yield, the samples deformed at Pe of 22 MPa and 28 MPa show brittle behavior with a peak q of 50 MPa and 55 MPa followed by strain weakening to reach q of 36 and 46 MPa at steady state. Both samples show single fracture planes with angles of 30° to S1. On the other hand, the sample at Pe of 58 MPa shows strain hardening after the yield and exhibits barreling. In triaxial loading experiments, all samples show an increase in volumetric strain with increasing Pe. Our experiment results at different Pe are consistent with a critical state soil mechanics theory. We will further correlate the microstructural features of the deformed samples with the mechanical data.

Examining recognition criterion rigidity during testing using a biased feedback technique: Evidence for adaptive criterion learning

PubMed Central

Han, Sanghoon; Dobbins, Ian G.

2009-01-01

Recognition models often assume that subjects use specific evidence values (decision criteria) to adaptively parse continuous memory evidence into response categories (e.g., “old” or “new”). Although explicit pre-test instructions influence criterion placement, these criteria appear extremely resistant to change once testing begins. We tested criterion sensitivity to local feedback using a novel, biased feedback technique designed to tacitly encourage certain errors by indicating they were correct choices. Experiment 1 demonstrated that fully correct feedback had little effect on criterion placement, whereas biased feedback during Experiments 2 and 3 yielded prominent, durable, and adaptive criterion shifts, with observers reporting they were unaware of the manipulation in Experiment 3. These data suggest recognition criteria can be easily modified during testing through a form of feedback learning that operates independent of stimulus characteristics and observer awareness of the nature of the manipulation. This mechanism may be fundamentally different than criterion shifts following explicit instructions and warnings, or shifts linked to manipulations of stimulus characteristics combined with feedback highlighting those manipulations. PMID:18604954

Mechanical Degradation of Graphite/PVDF Composite Electrodes: A Model-Experimental Study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Takahashi, Kenji; Higa, Kenneth; Mair, Sunil

2015-12-11

Mechanical failure modes of a graphite/polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) composite electrode for lithium-ion batteries were investigated by combining realistic stress-stain tests and mathematical model predictions. Samples of PVDF mixed with conductive additive were prepared in a similar way to graphite electrodes and tested while submerged in electrolyte solution. Young's modulus and tensile strength values of wet samples were found to be approximately one-fifth and one-half of those measured for dry samples. Simulations of graphite particles surrounded by binder layers given the measured material property values suggest that the particles are unlikely to experience mechanical damage during cycling, but that the fatemore » of the surrounding composite of PVDF and conductive additive depends completely upon the conditions under which its mechanical properties were obtained. Simulations using realistic property values produced results that were consistent with earlier experimental observations.« less

Mechanical and Microstructural Effects of Thermal Aging on Cast Duplex Stainless Steels by Experiment and Finite Element Method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schwarm, Samuel C.; Mburu, Sarah N.; Kolli, Ratna P.

Cast duplex stainless steel piping in light water nuclear reactors expe- rience thermal aging embrittlement during operational service. Interest in extending the operational life to 80 years requires an increased understanding of the microstructural evolution and corresponding changes in mechanical behavior. We analyze the evolution of the microstructure during thermal aging of cast CF-3 and CF-8 stainless steels using electron microscopy and atom probe tomography. The evolution of the mechanical properties is measured concurrently by mechanical methods such as tensile tests, Charpy V-notch tests, and instrumented nanoinden- tation. A microstructure-based finite element method model is developed and uti- lized inmore » conjunction with the characterization results in order to correlate the local stress-strain effects in the microstructure with the bulk measurements. This work is supported by the DOE Nuclear Energy University Programs (NEUP), contract number DE-NE0000724.« less

Evidence that insect herbivores are deterred by ant pheromones.

PubMed Central

Offenberg, Joachim; Nielsen, Mogens Gissel; MacIntosh, Donald J; Havanon, Sopon; Aksornkoae, Sanit

2004-01-01

It is well documented that ants can protect plants against insect herbivores, but the underlying mechanisms remain almost undocumented. We propose and test the pheromone avoidance hypothesis--an indirect mechanism where insect herbivores are repelled not only by ants but also by ant pheromones. Herbivores subjected to ant predation will experience a selective advantage if they evolve mechanisms enabling them to avoid feeding within ant territories. Such a mechanism could be based on the ability to detect and evade ant pheromones. Field observations and data from the literature showed that the ant Oecophylla smaragdina distributes persistent pheromones throughout its territory. In addition, a laboratory test showed that the beetle Rhyparida wallacei, which this ant preys on, was reluctant to feed on leaves sampled within ant territories compared with leaves sampled outside territories. Thus, this study provides an example of an ant-herbivore system conforming to the pheromone avoidance hypothesis. PMID:15801596

Biostack 3 experiment MA-107

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buecker, H.; Facius, R.; Hildebrand, D.; Horneck, G.; Reitz, G.; Scheidemann, U.; Schaefer, M.; Thomas, C.; Toth, B.; Kranz, A. R.

1976-01-01

The Biostack III experiment onboard the Apollo spacecraft during the Apollo Soyuz Test Project complemented the Biostack I and II experiments of the Apollo 16 and 17 missions. The objectives of these experiments were to study the biological effects of individual heavy cosmic particles of high energy loss (HZE) not available on earth, to study the influence of additional space flight factors, to obtain knowledge on the mechanism by which HZE particles damage biological materials, to get information on the spectrum of charge and energy of the cosmic ions in the spacecraft, and to estimate the radiation hazards to man in space.

Martins Creek S. E. S. 800-MW Units 3 and 4: design and operating experience with axial-flow FD and ID fans

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Curley, C.C.; Overas, A.J.

1976-01-01

The design and performance of the variable-pitch axial-flow forced-draft and induced-draft fans used in two 820MW generating units at the Martins Creek Power Plant are described. Information is included on fan design; silencers; mechanical and metallurgical testing; insulation; performance testing; start-up and shutdown procedures; and maintenance. (LCL)

A Nonvolume Preserving Plasticity Theory with Applications to Powder Metallurgy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cassenti, B. N.

1983-01-01

A plasticity theory has been developed to predict the mechanical response of powder metals during hot isostatic pressing. The theory parameters were obtained through an experimental program consisting of hydrostatic pressure tests, uniaxial compression and uniaxial tension tests. A nonlinear finite element code was modified to include the theory and the results of themodified code compared favorably to the results from a verification experiment.

PNIC - A near infrared camera for testing focal plane arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hereld, Mark; Harper, D. A.; Pernic, R. J.; Rauscher, Bernard J.

1990-07-01

This paper describes the design and the performance of the Astrophysical Research Consortium prototype near-infrared camera (pNIC) designed to test focal plane arrays both on and off the telescope. Special attention is given to the detector in pNIC, the mechanical and optical designs, the electronics, and the instrument interface. Experiments performed to illustrate the most salient aspects of pNIC are described.

Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Screw Fixation in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chizari, Mahmoud; Wang, Bin; Snow, Martyn; Barrett, Mel

2008-09-01

This paper reports the results of an experimental and finite element analysis of tibial screw fixation in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The mechanical properties of the bone and tendon graft are obtained from experiments using porcine bone and bovine tendon. The results of the numerical study are compared with those from mechanical testing. Analysis shows that the model may be used to establish the optimum placement of the tunnel in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by predicting mechanical parameters such as stress, strain and displacement at regions in the tunnel wall.

Take-Home Experiments in Undergraduate Fluid Mechanics Education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cimbala, John

2007-11-01

Hands-on take-home experiments, assigned as homework, are useful as supplements to traditional in-class demonstrations and laboratories. Students borrow the equipment from the department's equipment room, and perform the experiment either at home or in the student lounge or student shop work area. Advantages include: (1) easy implementation, especially for large classes, (2) low cost and easy duplication of multiple units, (3) no loss of lecture time since the take-home experiment is self-contained with all necessary instructions, and (4) negligible increase in student or teaching assistant work load since the experiment is assigned as a homework problem in place of a traditional pen and paper problem. As an example, a pump flow take-home experiment was developed, implemented, and assessed in our introductory junior-level fluid mechanics course at Penn State. The experimental apparatus consists of a bucket, tape measure, submersible aquarium pump, tubing, measuring cup, and extension cord. We put together twenty sets at a total cost of less than 20 dollars per set. Students connect the tube to the pump outlet, submerge the pump in water, and measure the volume flow rate produced at various outflow elevations. They record and plot volume flow rate as a function of outlet elevation, and compare with predictions based on the manufacturer's pump performance curve (head versus volume flow rate) and flow losses. The homework assignment includes an online pre-test and post-test to assess the change in students' understanding of the principles of pump performance. The results of the assessment support a significant learning gain following the completion of the take-home experiment.

Obtaining tight bounds on higher-order interferences with a 5-path interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kauten, Thomas; Keil, Robert; Kaufmann, Thomas; Pressl, Benedikt; Brukner, Časlav; Weihs, Gregor

2017-03-01

Within the established theoretical framework of quantum mechanics, interference always occurs between pairs of paths through an interferometer. Higher order interferences with multiple constituents are excluded by Born’s rule and can only exist in generalized probabilistic theories. Thus, high-precision experiments searching for such higher order interferences are a powerful method to distinguish between quantum mechanics and more general theories. Here, we perform such a test in an optical multi-path interferometer, which avoids crucial systematic errors, has access to the entire phase space and is more stable than previous experiments. Our results are in accordance with quantum mechanics and rule out the existence of higher order interference terms in optical interferometry to an extent that is more than four orders of magnitude smaller than the expected pairwise interference, refining previous bounds by two orders of magnitude.

LDEF mechanical systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spear, W. Steve; Dursch, Harry W.

1992-01-01

Following LDEF retrieval, a number of studies were made of mechanical hardware and structure flown on the LDEF. The primary objectives are to determine the effects of long term space exposure on (1) mechanisms either used on LDEF or as part of individual experiments; (2) LDEF structural components; and (3) fasteners. Results from examination and testing of LDEF structure, fasteners, LDEF end support beam, environment exposure control canisters, experiment tray clamps, LDEF grapple fixtures, and viscous damper are presented. The most significant finding is the absence of space exposure related cold welding. The instances of seizure or removal difficulties initially attributed to cold welding were shown to have resulted from installation galling damage or improper removal techniques. Widespread difficulties encountered with removal of stainless steel fasteners underscore the need for effective thread lubrication schemes to ensure successful application of proposed orbital replacement units onboard Space Station Freedom.

Structure Optimization of Porous Dental Implant Based on 3D Printing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Fangqiu; Zhang, Chunyu; Chen, Xianshuai

2018-03-01

In this paper, selective laser melting (SLM) technology is used to process complex structures. In combination with the theory of biomedicine, a porous implant with a porous structure is designed to induce bone cell growth. The mechanical strength advantage of SLM was discussed by observing the metallographic structure of SLM specimen with mechanical microscope and mechanical tensile test. The osseointegration of porous implants was observed and analyzed by biological experiments. By establishing a mechanical model, the mechanical properties of the bone implant combined with the jaw bone were studied by the simple mechanical analysis under static multi loading and the finite element mechanical analysis. According to the experimental observation and mechanical research, the optimization suggestions for the structure design of the implant made by SLM technology were put forward.

Individual Differences in Achievement Goals among Young Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smiley, Patricia A.; Dweck, Carol S.

1994-01-01

Tested on preschoolers a goal-confidence model for older children that predicts achievement behavior during failure. Found that individual differences in achievement goals emerge very early. Children appeared to have developed a mechanism for selecting learning opportunities prior to formal school experience. (AA)

Community Involvement in Developing Policies for Genetic Testing: Assessing the Interests and Experiences of Individuals Affected by Genetic Conditions

PubMed Central

Gollust, Sarah E.; Apse, Kira; Fuller, Barbara P.; Miller, Paul Steven; Biesecker, Barbara B.

2005-01-01

Because the introduction of genetic testing into clinical medicine and public health creates concerns for the welfare of individuals affected with genetic conditions, those individuals should have a role in policy decisions about testing. Mechanisms for promoting participation range from membership on advisory committees to community dialogues to surveys that provide evidence for supporting practice guidelines. Surveys can assess the attitudes and the experiences of members of an affected group and thus inform discussions about that community’s concerns regarding the appropriate use of a genetic test. Results of a survey of individuals affected with inherited dwarfism show how data can be used in policy and clinical-practice contexts. Future research of affected communities’ interests should be pursued so that underrepresented voices can be heard. PMID:15623855

Elucidating the mechanisms linking early pubertal timing, sexual activity, and substance use for maltreated versus nonmaltreated adolescents

PubMed Central

Negriff, Sonya; Brensilver, Matthew; Trickett, Penelope K.

2015-01-01

Purpose To test models linking pubertal timing, peer substance use, sexual behavior, and substance use for maltreated versus comparison adolescents. Three theoretical mechanisms were tested: 1) peer influence links early pubertal timing to later sexual behavior and substance use, 2) early maturers engage in substance use on their own and then select substance-using friends, or 3) early maturers initiate sexual behaviors which leads them to substance-using peers. Methods The data came from a longitudinal study of the effects of child maltreatment on adolescent development (303 maltreated and 151 comparison adolescents; age: 9–13 years at initial wave). Multiple-group structural equation models tested the hypotheses across three timepoints including variables of pubertal timing, perception of peer substance use, sexual behavior, and self-reported substance use. Results Early pubertal timing was associated with substance-using peers only for maltreated adolescents, indicating the mediation path from early pubertal timing through substance-using peers to subsequent adolescent substance use and sexual behavior only holds for maltreated adolescents. Mediation via sexual behavior was significant for both maltreated and comparison adolescents. This indicates that sexual behavior may be a more universal mechanism linking early maturation with risky friends regardless of adverse life experiences. Conclusions The findings are a step toward elucidating the developmental pathways from early puberty to risk behavior and identifying early experiences that may alter mediation effects. PMID:26003577

Investigation of Thermal High Cycle and Low Cycle Fatigue Mechanisms of Thick Thermal Barrier Coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhu, Dongming; Miller, Robert A.

1998-01-01

Thick thermal barrier coating systems in a diesel engine experience severe thermal low cycle fatigue (LCF) and high cycle fatigue (HCF) during engine operation. In this paper, the mechanisms of fatigue crack initiation and propagation in a ZrO2-8wt.% Y2O3 thermal barrier coating, under simulated engine thermal LCF and HCF conditions, are investigated using a high power CO2 laser. Experiments showed that the combined LCF/HCF tests induced more severe coating surface cracking, microspallation and accelerated crack growth, as compared to the pure LCF test. Lateral crack branching and the ceramic/bond coat interface delaminations were also facilitated by HCF thermal loads, even in the absence of severe interfacial oxidation. Fatigue damages at crack wake surfaces, due to such phenomena as asperity/debris contact induced cracking and splat pull-out bending during cycling, were observed especially for the combined LCF/HCF tests. It is found that the failure associated with LCF is closely related to coating sintering and creep at high temperatures, which induce tensile stresses in the coating after cooling. The failure associated with HCF process, however, is mainly associated with a surface wedging mechanism. The interaction between the LCF, HCF and ceramic coating creep, and the relative importance of LCF and HCF in crack propagation are also discussed based on the experimental evidence.

The development and testing of the Lens Antenna Deployment Demonstration (LADD) test article

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pugh, Mark L.; Denton, Robert J., Jr.; Strange, Timothy J.

1993-01-01

The USAF Rome Laboratory and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, through contract to Grumman Corporation, have developed a space-qualifiable test article for the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization to demonstrate the critical structural and mechanical elements of single-axis roll-out membrane deployment for Space Based Radar (SBR) applications. The Lens Antenna Deployment Demonstration (LADD) test article, originally designed as a shuttle-attached flight experiment, is a large precision space structure which is representative of operational designs for space-fed lens antennas. Although the flight experiment was cancelled due to funding constraints and major revisions in the Strategic Defense System (SDS) architecture, development of this test article was completed in June 1989. To take full advantage of the existence of this unique structure, a series of ground tests are proposed which include static, dynamic, and thermal measurements in a simulated space environment. An equally important objective of these tests is the verification of the analytical tools used to design and develop large precision space structures.

The sixth generation robot in space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Butcher, A.; Das, A.; Reddy, Y. V.; Singh, H.

1990-01-01

The knowledge based simulator developed in the artificial intelligence laboratory has become a working test bed for experimenting with intelligent reasoning architectures. With this simulator, recently, small experiments have been done with an aim to simulate robot behavior to avoid colliding paths. An automatic extension of such experiments to intelligently planning robots in space demands advanced reasoning architectures. One such architecture for general purpose problem solving is explored. The robot, seen as a knowledge base machine, goes via predesigned abstraction mechanism for problem understanding and response generation. The three phases in one such abstraction scheme are: abstraction for representation, abstraction for evaluation, and abstraction for resolution. Such abstractions require multimodality. This multimodality requires the use of intensional variables to deal with beliefs in the system. Abstraction mechanisms help in synthesizing possible propagating lattices for such beliefs. The machine controller enters into a sixth generation paradigm.

Plant physiological responses to hydrologically mediated changes in nitrogen supply on a boreal forest floodplain: a mechanism explaining the discrepancy in nitrogen demand and supply

Treesearch

Lina Koyama; Knut Kielland

2011-01-01

A discrepancy between plant demand and soil supply of nitrogen (N) has been observed in early successional stages of riparian vegetation in interior Alaska. We hypothesized that a hydrologically mediated N supply serves as a mechanism to balance this apparent deficiency of plant N supply. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a tracer experiment and measured the...

Improving the Accessibility of Mobile OCR Apps Via Interactive Modalities.

PubMed

Cutter, Michael; Manduchi, Roberto

2017-10-01

Mobile optical character recognition (OCR) apps have come of age. Many blind individuals use them on a daily basis. The usability of such tools, however, is limited by the requirement that a good picture of the text to be read must be taken, something that is difficult to do without sight. Some mobile OCR apps already implement auto-shot and guidance mechanisms to facilitate this task. In this paper, we describe two experiments with blind participants, who tested these two interactive mechanisms on a customized iPhone implementation. These experiments bring to light a number of interesting aspects of accessing a printed document without sight, and enable a comparative analysis of the available interaction modalities.

Improving the Accessibility of Mobile OCR Apps Via Interactive Modalities

PubMed Central

Cutter, Michael; Manduchi, Roberto

2017-01-01

Mobile optical character recognition (OCR) apps have come of age. Many blind individuals use them on a daily basis. The usability of such tools, however, is limited by the requirement that a good picture of the text to be read must be taken, something that is difficult to do without sight. Some mobile OCR apps already implement auto-shot and guidance mechanisms to facilitate this task. In this paper, we describe two experiments with blind participants, who tested these two interactive mechanisms on a customized iPhone implementation. These experiments bring to light a number of interesting aspects of accessing a printed document without sight, and enable a comparative analysis of the available interaction modalities. PMID:29270243

Driving and latching of the Starlab pointing mirror doors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beaven, Herbert R., Jr.; Avina, Raymond R.

1990-01-01

The Starlab Experiment, a major SDIO technology initiative, is an attached payload which will be delivered into Earth orbit aboard NASA's Space Shuttle in 1991. Starlab will generate and aim an 80 cm diameter laser beam into space through a large opening in the structure which houses the pointing mirror. Two doors, each somewhat larger than a desktop, cover the opening when the laser optics system is nonoperational. Latch Mechanism Assemblies hold the doors shut during liftoff and ascent and, again, during Orbiter reentry. Each door is powered by a Door Drive System during the many open/close cycles between various experiments. The design, testing, and resultant failure modes of these mechanisms are examined.

Computational Investigations for Undergraduate Organic Chemistry: Predicting the Mechanism of the Ritter Reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hessley, Rita K.

2000-02-01

In an effort to engage students more deeply in their laboratory work and provide them with valuable learning experiences in the applications and limitations of computational chemistry as a research tool, students are instructed to carry out a computational pre-lab exercise. Before carrying out a laboratory experiment that investigates the mechanism for the formation of N-t-butylbenzamide, students construct and obtain heats of formation for reactants, products, postulated reaction intermediates, and one transition state structure for each proposed mechanism. This is designed as a companion to an open-ended laboratory experiment that hones skills learned early in most traditional organic chemistry courses. The incorporation of a preliminary computational exercise enables students to move beyond guessing what the outcome of the reaction will be. It challenges them to test what they believe they "know" about such fundamental concepts as stability of carbocations, or the significance and utility of thermodynamic data relative to kinetic data. On the basis of their computations and their own experimental data, students then verify or dispute their hypothesis, finally arriving at a defensible and logical conclusion about the course of the reaction mechanism. The manner of implementation of the exercise and typical computational data are described.

Large Scale Flame Spread Environmental Characterization Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clayman, Lauren K.; Olson, Sandra L.; Gokoghi, Suleyman A.; Brooker, John E.; Ferkul, Paul V.; Kacher, Henry F.

2013-01-01

Under the Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Spacecraft Fire Safety Demonstration Project (SFSDP), as a risk mitigation activity in support of the development of a large-scale fire demonstration experiment in microgravity, flame-spread tests were conducted in normal gravity on thin, cellulose-based fuels in a sealed chamber. The primary objective of the tests was to measure pressure rise in a chamber as sample material, burning direction (upward/downward), total heat release, heat release rate, and heat loss mechanisms were varied between tests. A Design of Experiments (DOE) method was imposed to produce an array of tests from a fixed set of constraints and a coupled response model was developed. Supplementary tests were run without experimental design to additionally vary select parameters such as initial chamber pressure. The starting chamber pressure for each test was set below atmospheric to prevent chamber overpressure. Bottom ignition, or upward propagating burns, produced rapid acceleratory turbulent flame spread. Pressure rise in the chamber increases as the amount of fuel burned increases mainly because of the larger amount of heat generation and, to a much smaller extent, due to the increase in gaseous number of moles. Top ignition, or downward propagating burns, produced a steady flame spread with a very small flat flame across the burning edge. Steady-state pressure is achieved during downward flame spread as the pressure rises and plateaus. This indicates that the heat generation by the flame matches the heat loss to surroundings during the longer, slower downward burns. One heat loss mechanism included mounting a heat exchanger directly above the burning sample in the path of the plume to act as a heat sink and more efficiently dissipate the heat due to the combustion event. This proved an effective means for chamber overpressure mitigation for those tests producing the most total heat release and thusly was determined to be a feasible mitigation strategy to incorporate into the microgravity experiment.

A subliminal inhibitory mechanism for the negative compatibility effect: a continuous versus threshold mechanism.

PubMed

Liu, Peng; Chen, Xuhai; Dai, Dongyang; Wang, Yongchun; Wang, Yonghui

2014-07-01

The current study investigated the mechanism underlying subliminal inhibition using the negative compatibility effect (NCE) paradigm. We hypothesized that a decrease in prime activation affects the subsequent inhibitory process, delaying onset of inhibition and reducing its strength. Two experiments tested this hypothesis using arrow stimuli as primes and targets. Two different irrelevant masks (i.e., a mask sharing no prime features) were presented in succession in each trial to not only ensure that primes were processed subliminally, but also avoid feature updating between primes and masks. Prime/target compatibility and prime background density were manipulated in Experiment 1. Results showed that under subliminal inhibitory condition, the NCE disappears when the density increases (i.e., pixel density in the prime's background of 25 %) in Experiment 1. However, when we fixed the prime's background at the density of 25 % and manipulated prime/target compatibility as well as inter-stimuli-interval (ISI) between mask and target in Experiment 2, behavioral results showed marginally significant NCEs in the 150-ms ISI condition. Electrophysiological evidence showed the lateralized readiness potential for compatible trials was significantly more positive than that for incompatible trials during the two consecutive time windows (i.e., 400-450 and 450-500 ms) in the 150-ms ISI condition. In addition, the NCE size was significant smaller in Experiment 2 than in Experiment 1. All of the results support predictions of the continuous subliminal inhibitory mechanism hypothesis which posits that decreases in prime activation strength lead to delay in inhibitory onset and decline in inhibitory strength.

Fabrication and Testing of Microfluidic Optomechanical Oscillators

PubMed Central

Han, Kewen; Kim, Kyu Hyun; Kim, Junhwan; Lee, Wonsuk; Liu, Jing; Fan, Xudong; Carmon, Tal; Bahl, Gaurav

2014-01-01

Cavity optomechanics experiments that parametrically couple the phonon modes and photon modes have been investigated in various optical systems including microresonators. However, because of the increased acoustic radiative losses during direct liquid immersion of optomechanical devices, almost all published optomechanical experiments have been performed in solid phase. This paper discusses a recently introduced hollow microfluidic optomechanical resonator. Detailed methodology is provided to fabricate these ultra-high-Q microfluidic resonators, perform optomechanical testing, and measure radiation pressure-driven breathing mode and SBS-driven whispering gallery mode parametric vibrations. By confining liquids inside the capillary resonator, high mechanical- and optical- quality factors are simultaneously maintained. PMID:24962013

Testing Bell's inequality with cosmic photons: closing the setting-independence loophole.

PubMed

Gallicchio, Jason; Friedman, Andrew S; Kaiser, David I

2014-03-21

We propose a practical scheme to use photons from causally disconnected cosmic sources to set the detectors in an experimental test of Bell's inequality. In current experiments, with settings determined by quantum random number generators, only a small amount of correlation between detector settings and local hidden variables, established less than a millisecond before each experiment, would suffice to mimic the predictions of quantum mechanics. By setting the detectors using pairs of quasars or patches of the cosmic microwave background, observed violations of Bell's inequality would require any such coordination to have existed for billions of years-an improvement of 20 orders of magnitude.

Nonlinear Inelastic Mechanical Behavior Of Epoxy Resin Polymeric Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yekani Fard, Masoud

Polymer and polymer matrix composites (PMCs) materials are being used extensively in different civil and mechanical engineering applications. The behavior of the epoxy resin polymers under different types of loading conditions has to be understood before the mechanical behavior of Polymer Matrix Composites (PMCs) can be accurately predicted. In many structural applications, PMC structures are subjected to large flexural loadings, examples include repair of structures against earthquake and engine fan cases. Therefore it is important to characterize and model the flexural mechanical behavior of epoxy resin materials. In this thesis, a comprehensive research effort was undertaken combining experiments and theoretical modeling to investigate the mechanical behavior of epoxy resins subject to different loading conditions. Epoxy resin E 863 was tested at different strain rates. Samples with dog-bone geometry were used in the tension tests. Small sized cubic, prismatic, and cylindrical samples were used in compression tests. Flexural tests were conducted on samples with different sizes and loading conditions. Strains were measured using the digital image correlation (DIC) technique, extensometers, strain gauges, and actuators. Effects of triaxiality state of stress were studied. Cubic, prismatic, and cylindrical compression samples undergo stress drop at yield, but it was found that only cubic samples experience strain hardening before failure. Characteristic points of tensile and compressive stress strain relation and load deflection curve in flexure were measured and their variations with strain rate studied. Two different stress strain models were used to investigate the effect of out-of-plane loading on the uniaxial stress strain response of the epoxy resin material. The first model is a strain softening with plastic flow for tension and compression. The influence of softening localization on material behavior was investigated using the DIC system. It was found that compression plastic flow has negligible influence on flexural behavior in epoxy resins, which are stronger in pre-peak and post-peak softening in compression than in tension. The second model was a piecewise-linear stress strain curve simplified in the post-peak response. Beams and plates with different boundary conditions were tested and analytically studied. The flexural over-strength factor for epoxy resin polymeric materials were also evaluated.

[Mechanism Study of the Smectite-OR-SH Compound for Reducing Cadmium Uptake by Plants in Contaminated Soils].

PubMed

Zeng, Yan-jun; Zhou, Zhi-jun; Zhao, Qiu-xiang

2015-06-01

Adsorption and desorption experiments, pot experiments and characterization test were performed to investigate the immobilization effect and mechanism of the smectite-OR-SH compound for reducing cadmium uptake by plants in contaminated soils. The results showed that the saturated adsorption capacity for the adsorption of Cd2+ on smectite raised distinctly after functionalized. The adsorption of Cd2+ on smectite-OR-SH compound was very stable and it was difficult for Cd2+ to be desorbed from it. Crop yields promoted differently in original soil, Cd 3 mg x kg(-1) soil and Cd 10 mg x kg(-1) soil after adding the smectite-OR-SH compound. And the cadmium content of the cabbage reduced 61.00%, 62.10% and 83.73% respectively compare with the control. Characterization test analysis showed that Cd was adsorbed by the compound successfully and ligand interaction occurred between Cd and the thiol group. Floc amount on the compound surface increased correspondingly. In addition to electrostatic adsorption, ion exchange and hydroxyl ligand adsorption, the reaction mechanism of smectite-OR-SH compound with Cd was mainly sulfhydryl ligand adsorption.

Status of Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) activities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

The current status of the JEM activities are presented in graphic form. The JEM spacecraft configuration is presented. The JEM configuration consist of the Pressurized Module, the Exposed Facility, the Experiment Logistics Module which consist of a pressurized section and an exposed section; and the Remote Manipulator System. The master schedule of the space station is given. Also the development tests of the structure and mechanism, the electrical power system, the data management system, the thermal control system, the environment control system, the experiment support system, and the remote manipulator system are listed.

Laser ignition application in a space experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liou, Larry C.; Culley, Dennis E.

1993-01-01

A laser ignition system is proposed for the Combustion Experiment Module on an orbiting spacecraft. The results of a design study are given using the scheduled 'Flame Ball Experiment' as the design guidelines. Three laser ignition mechanisms and wavelengths are evaluated. A prototype laser is chosen and its specifications are given, followed by consideration of the beam optical arrangement, the ignition power requirement, the laser ignition system weight, size, reliability, and laser cooling and power consumption. Electromagnetic interference to the onboard electronics caused by the laser ignition process is discussed. Finally, ground tests are suggested.

In silico simulation and in vitro evaluation of an elastomeric scaffold using ultrasonic shear wave imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Jiao; Nie, Erwei; Zhu, Yanying; Hong, Yi

2018-03-01

Biodegradable elastomeric scaffolds for soft tissue repair represent a growing area of biomaterials research. Mechanical strength is one of the key factors to consider in the evaluation of candidate materials and the designs for tissue scaffolds. It is desirable to develop non-invasive evaluation methods of the mechanical property of scaffolds which would provide options for monitoring temporal mechanical property changes in situ. In this paper, we conduct in silico simulation and in vitro evaluation of an elastomeric scaffold using a novel ultrasonic shear wave imaging (USWI). The scaffold is fabricated from a biodegradable elastomer, poly(carbonate urethane) urea using salt leaching method. A numerical simulation is performed to test the robustness of the developed inversion algorithm for the elasticity map reconstruction which will be implemented in the phantom experiment. The generation and propagation of shear waves in a homogeneous tissue-mimicking medium with a circular scaffold inclusion is simulated and the elasticity map is well reconstructed. A PVA phantom experiment is performed to test the ability of USWI combined with the inversion algorithm to non-invasively characterize the mechanical property of a porous, biodegradable elastomeric scaffold. The elastic properties of the tested scaffold can be easily differentiated from the surrounding medium in the reconstructed image. The ability of the developed method to identify the edge of the scaffold and characterize the elasticity distribution is demonstrated. Preliminary results in this pilot study support the idea of applying the USWI based method for non-invasive elasticity characterization of tissue scaffolds.

Production of ultrafine grained aluminum by cyclic severe plastic deformation at ambient temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bereczki, P.; Szombathelyi, V.; Krallics, G.

2014-08-01

In the present study the possibilities of grain refinement was investigated by applying large-scale of cyclic plastic deformation to aluminum at ambient temperature. The specimens are processed by multiaxial forging, which is one of the severe plastic deformation techniques. The aim of the experiments with the aluminum alloy 6082M was the determination of the equivalent stress and strain by multiaxial forging and the investigation of evolution of mechanical properties in relation with the accumulated deformation in the specimen. The mechanical properties of raw material was determined by plane strain compression test as well as by hardness measurements. The forming experiments were carried out on Gleeble 3800 physical simulator with MaxStrain System. The mechanical properties of the forged specimens were investigated by micro hardness measurements and tensile tests. A mechanical model, based on the principle of virtual velocities was developed to calculate the flow curves using the measured dimensional changes of the specimen and the measured force. With respect to the evolution of these curves, the cyclic growth of the flow stress can be observed at every characteristic points of the calculated flow curves. In accordance with this tendency, the evolution of the hardness along the middle cross section of the deformed volume has also a nonmonotonous characteristic and the magnitudes of these values are much smaller than by the specimen after plane strain compression test. This difference between the flow stresses respect to the monotonic and non-monotonic deformation can be also observed. The formed microstructure, after a 10-passes multiaxial forging process, consists of mainly equiaxial grains in the submicron grain scale.

Migration Selection, Protection, and Acculturation in Health: A Binational Perspective on Older Adults

PubMed Central

Riosmena, Fernando; Wong, Rebeca; Palloni, Alberto

2012-01-01

In this article, we test for four potential explanations of the Hispanic Health Paradox (HHP): the “salmon bias,” emigration selection, and sociocultural protection originating in either destination or sending country. To reduce biases related to attrition by return migration typical of most U.S.-based surveys, we combine data from the Mexican Health and Aging Study in Mexico and the U.S. National Health Interview Survey to compare self-reported diabetes, hypertension, current smoking, obesity, and self-rated health among Mexican-born men ages 50 and older according to their previous U.S. migration experience, and U.S.-born Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic whites. We also use height, a measure of health during childhood, to bolster some of our tests. We find an immigrant advantage relative to non-Hispanic whites in hypertension and, to a lesser extent, obesity. We find evidence consistent with emigration selection and the salmon bias in height, hypertension, and self-rated health among immigrants with less than 15 years of experience in the United States; we do not find conclusive evidence consistent with sociocultural protection mechanisms. Finally, we illustrate that although ignoring return migrants when testing for the HHP and its mechanisms, as well as for the association between U.S. experience and health, exaggerates these associations, they are not fully driven by return migration-related attrition. PMID:23192395

Assessment of acute toxicity tests and rhizotron experiments to characterize lethal and sublethal control of soil-based pests.

PubMed

Agatz, Annika; Schumann, Mario M; French, Bryan W; Brown, Colin D; Vidal, Stefan

2018-03-24

Characterizing lethal and sublethal control of soil-based pests with plant protection products is particularly challenging due to the complex and dynamic interplay of the system components. Here, we present two types of studies: acute toxcity experiments (homogenous exposure of individuals in soil) and rhizotron experiments (heterogeneous exposure of individuals in soil) to investigate their ability to strengthen our understanding of mechanisms driving the effectivness of the plant protection product. Experiments were conducted using larvae of the western corn rootworm Diabrotica virgifera LeConte and three pesticide active ingredients: clothianidin (neonicotinoid), chlorpyrifos (organophosphate) and tefluthrin (pyrethroid). The order of compound concentrations needed to invoke a specific effect intensity (EC 50 values) within the acute toxicity tests was chlorpyrifos > tefluthrin > clothianidin. This order changed for the rhizotron experiments because application type, fate and transport of the compounds in the soil profile, and sublethal effects on larvae also influence their effectiveness in controlling larval feeding on corn roots. Beyond the pure measurement of efficacy through observing relative changes in plant injury to control plants, the tests generate mechanistic understanding for drivers of efficacy apart from acute toxicity. The experiments have the potential to enhance efficacy testing and product development, and might be useful tools for assessing resistance development in the future. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Preparation, testing and analysis of zinc diffusion samples, NASA Skylab experiment M-558

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Braski, D. N.; Kobisk, E. H.; Odonnell, F. R.

1974-01-01

Transport mechanisms of zinc atoms in molten zinc were investigated by radiotracer techniques in unit and in near-zero gravity environments. Each melt in the Skylab flight experiments was maintained in a thermal gradient of 420 C to 790 C. Similar tests were performed in a unit gravity environment for comparison. After melting in the gradient furnace followed by a thermal soak period (the latter was used for flight samples only), the samples were cooled and analyzed for Zn-65 distribution. All samples melted in a unit gravity environment were found to have uniform Zn-65 distribution - no concentration gradient was observed even when the sample was brought rapidly to melting and then quenched. Space-melted samples, however, showed textbook distributions, obviously the result of diffusion. It was evident that convection phenomena were the dominant factors influencing zinc transport in unit gravity experiments, while diffusion was the dominant factor in near-zero gravity experiments.

The influence of aging on attentional refreshing and articulatory rehearsal during working memory on later episodic memory performance.

PubMed

Loaiza, Vanessa M; McCabe, David P

2013-01-01

We investigated age-related changes in two proposed mechanisms of maintenance in working memory, articulatory rehearsal, and attentional refreshing, by examining the consequences of manipulating the opportunity for each on delayed recall. Both experiments utilized modified operation span tasks to vary the opportunity for articulatory rehearsal (Experiment 1) and attentional refreshing opportunities (Experiment 2). In both experiments, episodic memory was tested for items that had been initially studied during the respective operation span task. Older adults' episodic memory benefited less from opportunities for refreshing than younger adults. In contrast, articulatory rehearsal opportunities did not influence episodic memory for either age group. The results suggest that attentional refreshing, and not articulatory rehearsal, is important during working memory in order to bind more accessible traces at later tests, which appears to be more deficient in older adults than younger adults.

3D Material Response Analysis of PICA Pyrolysis Experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oliver, A. Brandon

2017-01-01

The PICA decomposition experiments of Bessire and Minton are investigated using 3D material response analysis. The steady thermoelectric equations have been added to the CHAR code to enable analysis of the Joule-heated experiments and the DAKOTA optimization code is used to define the voltage boundary condition that yields the experimentally observed temperature response. This analysis has identified a potential spatial non-uniformity in the PICA sample temperature driven by the cooled copper electrodes and thermal radiation from the surface of the test article (Figure 1). The non-uniformity leads to a variable heating rate throughout the sample volume that has an effect on the quantitative results of the experiment. Averaging the results of integrating a kinetic reaction mechanism with the heating rates seen across the sample volume yield a shift of peak species production to lower temperatures that is more significant for higher heating rates (Figure 2) when compared to integrating the same mechanism at the reported heating rate. The analysis supporting these conclusions will be presented along with a proposed analysis procedure that permits quantitative use of the existing data. Time permitting, a status on the in-development kinetic decomposition mechanism based on this data will be presented as well.

A study of environmental characterization of conventional and advanced aluminum alloys for selection and design. Phase 1: Literature review

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sprowls, D. O.

1984-01-01

A review of the literature is presented with the objectives of identifying relationships between various accelerated stress corrosion testing techniques, and for determining the combination of test methods best suited to selection and design of high strength aluminum alloys. The following areas are reviewed: status of stress-corrosion test standards, the influence of mechanical and environmental factors on stress corrosion testing, correlation of accelerated test data with in-service experience, and procedures used to avoid stress corrosion problems in service. Promising areas for further work are identified.

Thermomechanical Multiaxial Fatigue Testing Capability Developed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

Structural components in aeronautical gas turbine engines typically experience multiaxial states of stress under nonisothermal conditions. To estimate the durability of the various components in the engine, one must characterize the cyclic deformation and fatigue behavior of the materials used under thermal and complex mechanical loading conditions. To this end, a testing protocol and associated test control software were developed at the NASA Lewis Research Center for thermomechanical axial-torsional fatigue tests. These tests are to be performed on thin-walled, tubular specimens fabricated from the cobalt-based superalloy Haynes 188. The software is written in C and runs on an MS-DOS based microcomputer.

Automatic guidance of attention during real-world visual search

PubMed Central

Seidl-Rathkopf, Katharina N.; Turk-Browne, Nicholas B.; Kastner, Sabine

2015-01-01

Looking for objects in cluttered natural environments is a frequent task in everyday life. This process can be difficult, as the features, locations, and times of appearance of relevant objects are often not known in advance. A mechanism by which attention is automatically biased toward information that is potentially relevant may thus be helpful. Here we tested for such a mechanism across five experiments by engaging participants in real-world visual search and then assessing attentional capture for information that was related to the search set but was otherwise irrelevant. Isolated objects captured attention while preparing to search for objects from the same category embedded in a scene, as revealed by lower detection performance (Experiment 1A). This capture effect was driven by a central processing bottleneck rather than the withdrawal of spatial attention (Experiment 1B), occurred automatically even in a secondary task (Experiment 2A), and reflected enhancement of matching information rather than suppression of non-matching information (Experiment 2B). Finally, attentional capture extended to objects that were semantically associated with the target category (Experiment 3). We conclude that attention is efficiently drawn towards a wide range of information that may be relevant for an upcoming real-world visual search. This mechanism may be adaptive, allowing us to find information useful for our behavioral goals in the face of uncertainty. PMID:25898897

Dopamine D1 receptors and phosphorylation of dopamine- and cyclic AMP-regulated phosphoprotein-32 in the medial preoptic area are involved in experience-induced enhancement of male sexual behavior in rats.

PubMed

McHenry, Jenna A; Bell, Genevieve A; Parrish, Bradley P; Hull, Elaine M

2012-08-01

The medial preoptic area (MPOA) is an integral site for male sexual behavior. Dopamine is released in the MPOA before and during copulation and facilitates male rat sexual behavior. Repeated sexual experience and noncopulatory exposures to an estrous female facilitate subsequent copulation. However, the neurobiological mechanisms that mediate such enhancement remain unclear. Here, we examined the role of dopamine D₁ receptors in the MPOA in experience-induced enhancement of male sexual behavior in rats. In experiment 1, microinjections of the D₁ antagonist SCH-23390 into the MPOA before each of seven daily 30-min noncopulatory exposures to a receptive female impaired copulation on a drug-free test on Day 8, compared to vehicle-treated female-exposed animals. Copulatory performance in drug-treated animals was similar to that of vehicle-treated males that had not been preexposed to females. This effect was site specific. There were no group differences in locomotor activity in an open field on the copulation test day. In experiment 2, a separate cohort of animals was used to examine phosphorylation of dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein (DARPP-32) in the MPOA of animals with acute and/or chronic sexual experience. DARPP-32 is a downstream marker of D₁ receptor signaling and substrate of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). Western immunoblot analysis revealed that p-DARPP-32 expression was greatest in the MPOA of males that received both acute and chronic sexual experience, compared to all other mated conditions and naïve controls. These data suggest that D₁ receptors in the MPOA contribute to experience-induced enhancement of male sexual behavior, perhaps through a PKA regulated mechanism.

Dopamine D1 Receptor Signaling in the Medial Preoptic Area Facilitates Experience-induced Enhancement of Mating Behavior in Male Rats

PubMed Central

McHenry, Jenna A.; Bell, Genevieve A.; Parrish, Bradley P.; Hull, Elaine M.

2012-01-01

The medial preoptic area (MPOA) is an integral site for male sexual behavior. Dopamine is released in the MPOA before and during copulation and facilitates male rat sexual behavior. Repeated sexual experience and noncopulatory exposures to an estrous female facilitate subsequent copulation. However, the neurobiological mechanisms that mediate such enhancement remain unclear. Here, we examined the role of dopamine D1 receptors in the MPOA in experience-induced enhancement of male sexual behavior in rats. In Experiment 1, microinjections of the D1 antagonist SCH-23390 into the MPOA before each of 7 daily 30-min noncopulatory exposures to a receptive female impaired copulation on a drug-free test on day 8, compared to vehicle-treated female-exposed animals. Copulatory performance in drug-treated animals was similar to vehicle-treated males that had not been pre-exposed to females. This effect was site specific. There were no group differences in locomotor activity in an open field on the copulation test day. In Experiment 2, a separate cohort of animals was used to examine phosphorylation of dopamine-and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein (DARPP-32) in the MPOA of animals with acute and/or chronic sexual experience. DARPP-32 is a downstream marker of D1 receptor signaling and substrate of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). Western immunoblot analysis revealed that p-DARPP-32 expression was greatest in the MPOA of males that received both acute and chronic sexual experience, compared to all other mated conditions and naïve controls. These data suggest that D1 receptors in the MPOA contribute to experience-induced enhancement of male sexual behavior, perhaps through a PKA regulated mechanism. PMID:22708956

Large strain cruciform biaxial testing for FLC detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Güler, Baran; Efe, Mert

2017-10-01

Selection of proper test method, specimen design and analysis method are key issues for studying formability of sheet metals and detection of their forming limit curves (FLC). Materials with complex microstructures may need an additional micro-mechanical investigation and accurate modelling. Cruciform biaxial test stands as an alternative to standard tests as it achieves frictionless, in-plane, multi-axial stress states with a single sample geometry. In this study, we introduce a small-scale (less than 10 cm) cruciform sample allowing micro-mechanical investigation at stress states ranging from plane strain to equibiaxial. With successful specimen design and surface finish, large forming limit strains are obtained at the test region of the sample. The large forming limit strains obtained by experiments are compared to the values obtained from Marciniak-Kuczynski (M-K) local necking model and Cockroft-Latham damage model. This comparison shows that the experimental limiting strains are beyond the theoretical values, approaching to the fracture strain of the two test materials: Al-6061-T6 aluminum alloy and DC-04 high formability steel.

Mechanical properties of the fiberglass prepreg system used for the National Transonic Facility replacement blade set

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, Clarence P., Jr.; Wallace, John W.

1991-01-01

The results are presented of mechanical and physical properties characterization testing for the fiber glass prepreg system used to fabricate 15 of the replacement set of 25 fan blades for the National Transonic Facility. The fan blades were fabricated to be identical to the original blade set with the exception that the 7576 style E glass cloth used for the replacement set has a different surface finish than the original 7576 cloth. The 7781 E glass cloth and resin system were unchanged. The data are presented for elevated, room, and cryogenic temperatures. The results are compared with data from the original blade set and evaluated against selected structural design criteria. Test experience is described along with recommendations for future testing of these materials if required.

Research on Inhibition for Corrosion Fatigue of High Strength Alloys

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-12-15

considered is the study of the mechanism of’inhfbitio:u by *aking use of cathodic protection as a tool to investigate the capacity if adsorbed films to prevent...and Industria t 1, ARAWRUNTUE Experiment Station, Gainesville, FL 32611 and Project # - 2306 Boeing Aerospace Group, P.O. Box 3999, Seattle, Task...Electrochemical studies , inhibitor screening tests and certain fracture toughness tests were performed at University of Florida. Initial

Impacts and Effectiveness of Third-Party Vanpooling : A Synthesis and Comparison of Findings from Four Demonstration Projects

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1983-03-01

This report presents findings from four Federally-sponsored experiments designed to test the concept of third-party vanpooling. Under this vanpool provider mechanism, some entity other than the employer or individual is responsible for promoting and ...

Centrifugal pumps for rocket engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, W. E.; Farquhar, J.

1974-01-01

The use of centrifugal pumps for rocket engines is described in terms of general requirements of operational and planned systems. Hydrodynamic and mechanical design considerations and techniques and test procedures are summarized. Some of the pump development experiences, in terms of both problems and solutions, are highlighted.

Design and testing of shape memory alloy actuation mechanism for flapping wing micro unmanned aerial vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamaruzaman, N. F.; Abdullah, E. J.

2017-12-01

Shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator offers great solution for aerospace applications with low weight being its most attractive feature. A SMA actuation mechanism for the flapping micro unmanned aerial vehicle (MAV) is proposed in this study, where SMA material is the primary system that provides the flapping motion to the wings. Based on several established design criteria, a design prototype has been fabricated to validate the design. As a proof of concept, an experiment is performed using an electrical circuit to power the SMA actuator to evaluate the flapping angle. During testing, several problems have been observed and their solutions for future development are proposed. Based on the experiment, the average recorded flapping wing angle is 14.33° for upward deflection and 12.12° for downward deflection. This meets the required design criteria and objective set forth for this design. The results prove the feasibility of employing SMA actuators in flapping wing MAV.

Thermal and Mechanical Testing of Neoprene Gloves Used in a Space Shuttle Microgravity Glove Box Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wingard, Charles Doug; Munafo, Paul M. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Neoprene gloves are used in a Space Shuttle Microgravity Glove Box (MGBX) experiment. In 1999, significant corrosion was observed in the work area and on the outer surface of the left glove ring. Analysis of the corrosion products showed that they contained chlorine. The Neoprene gloves used in this glove box were obtained in 1995, with a recommended shelf life of 3 years. After storage of these gloves in a cabinet drawer until 1999, significant signs of corrosion were also observed in the drawer. Mechanical and thermal properties were determined on samples cut from the finger and sleeve areas of the "good" and "bad" gloves. This data showed significant aging of the left-hand glove, particularly in the sleeve area. Thermal analysis data by DSC and TGA was complimentary to tensile data in showing this aging. However, this test data did not pinpoint the cause of the left-hand glove aging, or of the corrosion products.

Preferences of newborn mice for odours indicating closer genetic relatedness: is experience necessary?

PubMed

Todrank, Josephine; Busquet, Nicolas; Baudoin, Claude; Heth, Giora

2005-10-07

Evidence from studies with adult rodents indicates that individual recognition enables distinctions between familiar individuals irrespective of relatedness (but including close kin) and a separate mechanism enables discriminations based on genetic relatedness without prior familiarity. For example, adult mice could assess the extent of their genetic relatedness to unfamiliar individuals using perceptual similarities between their individual odours. The ontogeny of this genetic relatedness assessment mechanism, however, had not been investigated. Here, in two-choice tests, newborn mice differentially preferred odours of more genetically similar lactating females (paternal aunts to unrelated conspecific and conspecific to heterospecific) even without prior direct exposure to adults with the tested genotypes. The results provide a direct demonstration of genetic relatedness assessment abilities in newborns and show that experience with parental odours is not necessary for genetic relatedness distinctions. Future studies will be necessary to determine whether exposure to odours of other foetuses in the womb or littermates shortly after birth affects this genetic relatedness assessment process.

Preferences of newborn mice for odours indicating closer genetic relatedness: is experience necessary?

PubMed Central

Todrank, Josephine; Busquet, Nicolas; Baudoin, Claude; Heth, Giora

2005-01-01

Evidence from studies with adult rodents indicates that individual recognition enables distinctions between familiar individuals irrespective of relatedness (but including close kin) and a separate mechanism enables discriminations based on genetic relatedness without prior familiarity. For example, adult mice could assess the extent of their genetic relatedness to unfamiliar individuals using perceptual similarities between their individual odours. The ontogeny of this genetic relatedness assessment mechanism, however, had not been investigated. Here, in two-choice tests, newborn mice differentially preferred odours of more genetically similar lactating females (paternal aunts to unrelated conspecific and conspecific to heterospecific) even without prior direct exposure to adults with the tested genotypes. The results provide a direct demonstration of genetic relatedness assessment abilities in newborns and show that experience with parental odours is not necessary for genetic relatedness distinctions. Future studies will be necessary to determine whether exposure to odours of other foetuses in the womb or littermates shortly after birth affects this genetic relatedness assessment process. PMID:16191620

Spatial Direct Numerical Simulation of Boundary-Layer Transition Mechanisms: Validation of PSE Theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Joslin, R. D.; Streett, C. L.; Chang, C.-L.

1991-01-01

A study of instabilities in incompressible boundary-layer flow on a flat plate is conducted by spatial direct numerical simulation (DNS) of the Navier-Stokes equations. Here, the DNS results are used to critically evaluate the results obtained using parabolized stability equations (PSE) theory and to study mechanisms associated with breakdown from laminar to turbulent flow. Three test cases are considered: two-dimensional Tollmien-Schlichting wave propagation, subharmonic instability breakdown, and oblique-wave break-down. The instability modes predicted by PSE theory are in good quantitative agreement with the DNS results, except a small discrepancy is evident in the mean-flow distortion component of the 2-D test problem. This discrepancy is attributed to far-field boundary- condition differences. Both DNS and PSE theory results show several modal discrepancies when compared with the experiments of subharmonic breakdown. Computations that allow for a small adverse pressure gradient in the basic flow and a variation of the disturbance frequency result in better agreement with the experiments.

Rehearsal of to-be-remembered items is unnecessary to perform directed forgetting within working memory: Support for an active control mechanism.

PubMed

Festini, Sara B; Reuter-Lorenz, Patricia A

2017-01-01

Directed forgetting tasks instruct people to forget targeted memoranda. In the context of working memory, people attempt to forget representations that are currently held in mind. Here, we evaluated candidate mechanisms of directed forgetting within working memory, by (a) testing the influence of articulatory suppression, a rehearsal-reducing and attention-demanding secondary task, on directed forgetting efficacy, and by (b) assessing the ability of people to perform forgetting in the absence of to-be-remembered competitors to rehearse. In Experiment 1, articulatory suppression interfered with directed forgetting, increasing the proportion of false alarms to to-be-forgotten probes in the working memory phase and decreasing the magnitude of the directed forgetting effect as assessed by an incidental long-term memory recognition test. Experiment 2 replicated the effects of articulatory suppression and tested whether the simultaneous requirement to retain, and presumably rehearse, to-be-remembered items was necessary for successful forgetting. The long-term directed forgetting effect was equivalent whether or not participants had to-be-remembered items to rehearse during the working memory phase. Experiment 3 included an additional comparison condition and confirmed that articulatory suppression interfered with directed forgetting and that participants were as efficient at directed forgetting with and without competitors to remember. In combination, these experiments suggest that directed forgetting in working memory requires an active control process that is limited by articulatory suppression, and that the demand to remember a concurrent memory set is unnecessary for this control process to operate. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

Mirroring the self: testing neurophysiological correlates of disturbed self-experience in schizophrenia spectrum.

PubMed

Sestito, Mariateresa; Raballo, Andrea; Umiltà, Maria Alessandra; Leuci, Emanuela; Tonna, Matteo; Fortunati, Renata; De Paola, Giancarlo; Amore, Mario; Maggini, Carlo; Gallese, Vittorio

2015-01-01

Self-disorders (SDs) have been described as a core schizophrenia spectrum vulnerability phenotype, both in classic and contemporary psychopathological literature. However, such a core phenotype has not yet been investigated adopting a trans-domain approach that combines the phenomenological and the neurophysiological levels of analysis. The aim of this study is to investigate the relation between SDs and subtle, schizophrenia-specific impairments of emotional resonance that are supposed to reflect abnormalities in the mirror neurons mechanism. Specifically, we tested whether electromyographic response to emotional stimuli (i.e. a proxy for subtle changes in facial mimicry and related motor resonance mechanisms) would predict the occurrence of anomalous subjective experiences (i.e. SDs). Eighteen schizophrenia spectrum (SzSp) patients underwent a comprehensive psychopathological examination and were contextually tested with a multimodal paradigm, recording facial electromyographic activity of muscles in response to positive and negative emotional stimuli. Experiential anomalies were explored with the Bonn Scale for the Assessment of Basic Symptoms (BSABS) and then condensed into rational subscales mapping SzSp anomalous self-experiences. SzSp patients showed an imbalance in emotional motor resonance with a selective bias toward negative stimuli, as well as a multisensory integration impairment. Multiple regression analysis showed that electromyographic facial reactions in response to negative stimuli presented in auditory modality specifically and strongly correlated with SD subscore. The study confirms the potential of SDs as target phenotype for neurobiological research and encourages research into disturbed motor/emotional resonance as possible body-level correlate of disturbed subjective experiences in SzSp.

Changes in geometrical and biomechanical properties of immature male and female rat tibia

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zernicke, Ronald F.; Hou, Jack C.-H.; Vailas, Arthur C.; Nishimoto, Mitchell; Patel, Sanjay

1990-01-01

The differences in the geometry and mechanical properties of immature male and female rat tibiae were detailed in order to provide comparative data for spaceflight, exercise, or disease experiments that use immature rats as an animal model. The experiment focuses on the particularly rapid period of growth that occurs in the Sprague-Dawley rat between 40 and 60 d of age. Tibial length and middiaphysical cross-sectional data were analyzed for eight different groups of rats according to age and sex, and tibial mechanical properties were obtained via three-point bending tests to failure. Results indicate that, during the 15 d period of rapid growth, changes in rat tibial geometry are more important than changes in bone material properties for influencing the mechanical properties of the tibia. Male tibiae changed primarily in structural properties, while in the female rats major changes in mechanical properties of the tibia were only attributable to changes in the structural properties of the bone.

Elastography methods applicable to the eye

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, Altaf A.; Cortina, Soledad M.; Chamon, Wallace; Royston, Thomas J.

2014-02-01

Elastography is the mapping of tissues and cells by their respective mechanical properties, such as elasticity and viscosity. Our interest primarily lies in the human eye. Combining Scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometry (SLDV) with geometrically focused mechanical vibratory excitations of the cornea, it is possible to reconstruct these mechanical properties of the cornea. Experiments were conducted on phantom corneas as well as excised donor human corneas to test feasibility and derive a method of modeling. Finite element analysis was used to recreate the phantom studies and corroborate with the experimental data. Results are in close agreement. To further expand the study, lamb eyes were used in MR Elastography studies. 3D wave reconstruction was created and elastography maps were obtained. With MR Elastography, it would be possible to noninvasively measure mechanical properties of anatomical features not visible to SLDV, such as the lens and retina. Future plans include creating a more robust finite element model, improving the SLDV method for in-vivo application, and continuing experiments with MR Elastography.

Heat tracer test in an alluvial aquifer: Field experiment and inverse modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klepikova, Maria; Wildemeersch, Samuel; Hermans, Thomas; Jamin, Pierre; Orban, Philippe; Nguyen, Frédéric; Brouyère, Serge; Dassargues, Alain

2016-09-01

Using heat as an active tracer for aquifer characterization is a topic of increasing interest. In this study, we investigate the potential of using heat tracer tests for characterization of a shallow alluvial aquifer. A thermal tracer test was conducted in the alluvial aquifer of the Meuse River, Belgium. The tracing experiment consisted in simultaneously injecting heated water and a dye tracer in an injection well and monitoring the evolution of groundwater temperature and tracer concentration in the pumping well and in measurement intervals. To get insights in the 3D characteristics of the heat transport mechanisms, temperature data from a large number of observation wells closely spaced along three transects were used. Temperature breakthrough curves in observation wells are contrasted with what would be expected in an ideal layered aquifer. They reveal strongly unequal lateral and vertical components of the transport mechanisms. The observed complex behavior of the heat plume is explained by the groundwater flow gradient on the site and heterogeneities in the hydraulic conductivity field. Moreover, due to high injection temperatures during the field experiment a temperature-induced fluid density effect on heat transport occurred. By using a flow and heat transport numerical model with variable density coupled with a pilot point approach for inversion of the hydraulic conductivity field, the main preferential flow paths were delineated. The successful application of a field heat tracer test at this site suggests that heat tracer tests is a promising approach to image hydraulic conductivity field. This methodology could be applied in aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) projects for assessing future efficiency that is strongly linked to the hydraulic conductivity variability in the considered aquifer.

Mechanical Weakening during Fluid Injection in Critically Stressed Sandstones with Acoustic Monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

David, C.; Dautriat, J. D.; Sarout, J.; Macault, R.; Bertauld, D.

2014-12-01

Water weakening is a well-known phenomenon which can lead to subsidence during the production of hydrocarbon reservoirs. The example of the Ekofisk oil field in the North Sea has been well documented for years. In order to assess water weakening effects in reservoir rocks, previous studies have focused on changes in the failure envelopes derived from mechanical tests conducted on rocks saturated either with water or with inert fluids. However, little attention has been paid so far on the mechanical behaviour during the fluid injection stage, like in enhanced oil recovery operations. We studied the effect of fluid injection on the mechanical behaviour of Sherwood sandstone, a weakly-consolidated sandstone sampled at Ladram Bay in UK. In order to highlight possible weakening effects, water and inert oil have been injected into critically-loaded samples to assess their effect on strength and elastic properties and to derive the acoustic signature of the saturation front for each fluid. The specimens were instrumented with 16 ultrasonic P-wave transducers for both passive and active acoustic monitoring during fluid injection and loading. After conducting standard triaxial tests on three samples saturated with air, water and oil respectively, mechanical creep tests were conducted on dry samples loaded at 80% of the compressive strength of the dry rock. While these conditions are kept constant, a fluid is injected at the bottom end of the sample with a low back pressure (0.5 MPa) to minimize effective stress variations during injection. Both water and oil were used as the injected pore fluid in two experiments. As soon as the fluids start to flow into the samples, creep is taking place with a much higher strain rate for water injection compared to oil injection. A transition from secondary creep to tertiary creep is observed in the water injection test whereas in the oil injection test no significant creep acceleration is observed after one pore volume of oil was injected. The most remarkable difference is that water injection induces mechanical instability and failure, whereas oil injection does not. This was confirmed by the analysis of acoustic emissions activity and post-mortem sample imaging using CT scan. Contrasting evolutions of the P wave velocity during the fluid front propagation were also observed in both experiments.

Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) optical systems SIG summary and database

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bohnhoff-Hlavacek, Gail

1992-09-01

The main objectives of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) Optical Systems Special Investigative Group (SIG) Discipline are to develop a database of experimental findings on LDEF optical systems and elements hardware, and provide an optical system overview. Unlike the electrical and mechanical disciplines, the optics effort relies primarily on the testing of hardware at the various principal investigator's laboratories, since minimal testing of optical hardware was done at Boeing. This is because all space-exposed optics hardware are part of other individual experiments. At this time, all optical systems and elements testing by experiment investigator teams is not complete, and in some cases has hardly begun. Most experiment results to date, document observations and measurements that 'show what happened'. Still to come from many principal investigators is a critical analysis to explain 'why it happened' and future design implications. The original optical system related concerns and the lessons learned at a preliminary stage in the Optical Systems Investigations are summarized. The design of the Optical Experiments Database and how to acquire and use the database to review the LDEF results are described.

Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) optical systems SIG summary and database

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bohnhoff-Hlavacek, Gail

1992-01-01

The main objectives of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) Optical Systems Special Investigative Group (SIG) Discipline are to develop a database of experimental findings on LDEF optical systems and elements hardware, and provide an optical system overview. Unlike the electrical and mechanical disciplines, the optics effort relies primarily on the testing of hardware at the various principal investigator's laboratories, since minimal testing of optical hardware was done at Boeing. This is because all space-exposed optics hardware are part of other individual experiments. At this time, all optical systems and elements testing by experiment investigator teams is not complete, and in some cases has hardly begun. Most experiment results to date, document observations and measurements that 'show what happened'. Still to come from many principal investigators is a critical analysis to explain 'why it happened' and future design implications. The original optical system related concerns and the lessons learned at a preliminary stage in the Optical Systems Investigations are summarized. The design of the Optical Experiments Database and how to acquire and use the database to review the LDEF results are described.

Drag Reducing and Cavitation Resistant Coatings

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pease, Leonard F.

2016-12-28

Client, Green Building Systems (GBS), presented PNNL a coating reported to reduce drag and prevent cavitation damage on marine vessels, turbines and pumps. The composition of the coating remains proprietary but has as constituents including silicon oxides, aliphatic carbon chains, and fluorine rich particles. The coating is spray applied to surfaces. Prior GBS testing and experiments suggest reduction of both drag and cavitation on industrial scale propellers, but the underlying mechanism for these effects remains unclear. Yet, the application is compelling because even modest reductions in drag to marine vessels and cavitation to propellers and turbines present a significant economicmore » and environmental opportunity. To discern among possible mechanisms, PNNL considered possible mechanisms with the client, executed multiple experiments, and completed one theoretical analysis (see appendix). The remainder of this report first considers image analysis to gain insight into drag reduction mechanisms and then exposes the coating to cavitation to explore its response to an intensely cavitating environment. Although further efforts may be warranted to confirm mechanisms, this report presents a first investigation into these coatings within the scope and resources of the technology assistance program (TAP).« less

Compressive Properties of Open-Cell Al Hybrid Foams at Different Temperatures

PubMed Central

Liu, Jiaan; Si, Fujian; Zhu, Xianyong; Liu, Yaohui; Zhang, Jiawei; Liu, Yan; Zhang, Chengchun

2017-01-01

Hybrid Ni/Al foams were fabricated by depositing electroless Ni–P (EN) coatings on open-cell Al foam substrate to obtain enhanced mechanical properties. The microstructure, chemical components and phases of the hybrid foams were observed and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The mechanical properties of the foams were studied by compressive tests at different temperatures. The experiment results show that the coating is mainly composed of Ni and P elements. There was neither defect at the interface nor crack in the coatings, indicating that the EN coatings had fine adhesion to the Al substrate. The compressive strengths and energy absorption capacities of the as-received foam and hybrid foams decrease with the increasing testing temperatures, but the hybrid foams exhibit a lower decrement rate than the as-received foam. This might be attributed to the different failure mechanisms at different testing temperatures, which is conformed by fractography observation. PMID:28772456

Mechanical analysis and force chain determination in granular materials using digital image correlation.

PubMed

Chen, Fanxiu; Zhuang, Qi; Zhang, Huixin

2016-06-20

The mechanical behaviors of granular materials are governed by the grain properties and microstructure of the materials. We conducted experiments to study the force transmission in granular materials using plane strain tests. The large amount of nearly continuous displacement data provided by the advanced noncontact experimental technique of digital image correlation (DIC) has provided a means to quantify local displacements and strains at the particle level. The average strain of each particle could be calculated based on the DIC method, and the average stress could be obtained using Hooke's law. The relationship between the stress and particle force could be obtained based on basic Newtonian mechanics and the balance of linear momentum at the particle level. This methodology is introduced and validated. In the testing procedure, the system is tested in real 2D particle cases, and the contact forces and force chain are obtained and analyzed. The system has great potential for analyzing a real granular system and measuring the contact forces and force chain.

Advanced Nanoindentation Testing for Studying Strain-Rate Sensitivity and Activation Volume

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maier-Kiener, Verena; Durst, Karsten

2017-11-01

Nanoindentation became a versatile tool for testing local mechanical properties beyond hardness and modulus. By adapting standard nanoindentation test methods, simple protocols capable of probing thermally activated deformation processes can be accomplished. Abrupt strain-rate changes within one indentation allow determining the strain-rate dependency of hardness at various indentation depths. For probing lower strain-rates and excluding thermal drift influences, long-term creep experiments can be performed by using the dynamic contact stiffness for determining the true contact area. From both procedures hardness and strain-rate, and consequently strain-rate sensitivity and activation volume can be reliably deducted within one indentation, permitting information on the locally acting thermally activated deformation mechanism. This review will first discuss various testing protocols including possible challenges and improvements. Second, it will focus on different examples showing the direct influence of crystal structure and/or microstructure on the underlying deformation behavior in pure and highly alloyed material systems.

KSC-01pp0249

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-02-03

An overhead crane lowers the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello onto a workstand. In the SSPF, Donatello will undergo processing by the payload test team, including integrated electrical tests with other Station elements in the SSPF, leak tests, electrical and software compatibility tests with the Space Shuttle (using the Cargo Integrated Test equipment) and an Interface Verification Test once the module is installed in the Space Shuttle’s payload bay at the launch pad. The most significant mechanical task to be performed on Donatello in the SSPF is the installation and outfitting of the racks for carrying the various experiments and cargo. Donatello will be launched on mission STS-130, currently planned for September 2004

Influence of fluoride additions on biological and mechanical properties of Na2O-CaO-SiO2-P2O5 glass-ceramics.

PubMed

Li, H C; Wang, D G; Hu, J H; Chen, C Z

2014-02-01

Two series of Na2O-CaO-SiO2-P2O5 glass-ceramics doped with NH4HF2 (G-NH4HF2) or CaF2 (G-CaF2) have been prepared by sol-gel method. The glass-ceramic phase composition and morphology were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The mechanical properties and thermal expansion coefficient were measured by a microhardness tester, an electronic tensile machine and a thermal expansion coefficient tester. The structure difference between these two glass-ceramics was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the in vitro bioactivity of the glass-ceramics was determined by in vitro simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion test. The hemolysis test, in vitro cytotoxicity test, systemic toxicity test and the implanted experiment in animals were used to evaluate the biocompatibility of the glass-ceramics. The mechanical properties of sample G-NH4HF2 are lower than that of sample G-CaF2, and the bioactivity of sample G-NH4HF2 is better than that of sample G-CaF2. The thermal expansion coefficients of these two glass-ceramics are all closer to that of Ti6Al4V. After 7 days of SBF immersion, apatites were induced on glass-ceramic surface, indicating that the glass-ceramics have bioactivity. The hemolysis test, in vitro cytotoxicity test and systemic toxicity test demonstrate that the glass-ceramics do not cause hemolysis reaction, and have no toxicity to cell and living animal. The implanted experiment in animals shows that bone tissue can form a good osseointegration with the implant after implantation for two months, indicating that the glass-ceramics are safe to serve as implants. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Measuring the charged pion polarizability in the gamma gamma -> pi+pi- reaction

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lawrence, David W.; Miskimen, Rory A.; Mushkarenkov, Alexander Nikolaevich

2013-08-01

Development has begun of a new experiment to measure the charged pion polarizabilitymore » $$\\alpha_{\\pi}-\\beta_{\\pi}$$. The charged pion polarizability ranks among the most important tests of low-energy QCD presently unresolved by experiment. Analogous to precision measurements of $$\\pi^{\\circ}\\rightarrow\\gamma\\gamma$$ that test the intrinsic odd-parity (anomalous) sector of QCD, the pion polarizability tests the intrinsic even-parity sector of QCD. The measurement will be performed using the $$\\gamma\\gamma\\rightarrow\\pi^{+{}}\\pi^{-{}}$$ cross section accessed via the Primakoff mechanism on nuclear targets using the GlueX detector in Hall D at Jefferson Lab. The linearly polarized photon source in Hall-D will be utilized to separate the Primakoff cross-section from coherent $$\\rho^{\\circ}$$ production.« less

Above- and below-ground effects of plant diversity depend on species origin: an experimental test with multiple invaders.

PubMed

Kuebbing, Sara E; Classen, Aimée T; Sanders, Nathan J; Simberloff, Daniel

2015-11-01

Although many plant communities are invaded by multiple nonnative species, we have limited information on how a species' origin affects ecosystem function. We tested how differences in species richness and origin affect productivity and seedling establishment. We created phylogenetically paired native and nonnative plant communities in a glasshouse experiment to test diversity-productivity relationships and responsible mechanisms (i.e. selection or complementarity effects). Additionally, we tested how productivity and associated mechanisms influenced seedling establishment. We used diversity-interaction models to describe how species' interactions influenced diversity-productivity relationships. Communities with more species had higher total biomass than did monoculture communities, but native and nonnative communities diverged in root : shoot ratios and the mechanism responsible for increased productivity: positive selection effect in nonnative communities and positive complementarity effect in native communities. Seedling establishment was 46% lower in nonnative than in native communities and was correlated with the average selection effect. Interspecific interactions contributed to productivity patterns, but the specific types of interactions differed between native and nonnative communities. These results reinforce findings that the diversity-productivity mechanisms in native and nonnative communities differ and are the first to show that these mechanisms can influence seedling establishment and that different types of interactions influence diversity-productivity relationships. © 2015 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2015 New Phytologist Trust.

Enhanced attention amplifies face adaptation.

PubMed

Rhodes, Gillian; Jeffery, Linda; Evangelista, Emma; Ewing, Louise; Peters, Marianne; Taylor, Libby

2011-08-15

Perceptual adaptation not only produces striking perceptual aftereffects, but also enhances coding efficiency and discrimination by calibrating coding mechanisms to prevailing inputs. Attention to simple stimuli increases adaptation, potentially enhancing its functional benefits. Here we show that attention also increases adaptation to faces. In Experiment 1, face identity aftereffects increased when attention to adapting faces was increased using a change detection task. In Experiment 2, figural (distortion) face aftereffects increased when attention was increased using a snap game (detecting immediate repeats) during adaptation. Both were large effects. Contributions of low-level adaptation were reduced using free viewing (both experiments) and a size change between adapt and test faces (Experiment 2). We suggest that attention may enhance adaptation throughout the entire cortical visual pathway, with functional benefits well beyond the immediate advantages of selective processing of potentially important stimuli. These results highlight the potential to facilitate adaptive updating of face-coding mechanisms by strategic deployment of attentional resources. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Buonomano against Bell: Nonergodicity or nonlocality?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khrennikov, Andrei

The aim of this note is to attract attention of the quantum foundational community to the fact that in Bell’s arguments, one cannot distinguish two hypotheses: (a) quantum mechanics is nonlocal, (b) quantum mechanics is nonergodic. Therefore, experimental violations of Bell’s inequality can be as well interpreted as supporting the hypothesis that stochastic processes induced by quantum measurements are nonergodic. The latter hypothesis was discussed actively by Buonomano since 1980. However, in contrast to Bell’s hypothesis on nonlocality, it did not attract so much attention. The only experiment testing the hypothesis on nonergodicity was performed in neutron interferometry (by Summhammer, in 1989). This experiment can be considered as rejecting this hypothesis. However, it cannot be considered as a decisive experiment. New experiments are badly needed. We point out that a nonergodic model can be realistic, i.e. the distribution of hidden (local!) variables is well-defined. We also discuss coupling of violation of the Bell inequality with violation of the condition of weak mixing for ergodic dynamical systems.

A Unique Opportunity to Test Whether Cell Fusion is a Mechanism of Breast Cancer Metastasis

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-01

conditions for T47D and human mesenchymal stem cell populations. As a result we have been able to conduct our first co-culture experiments to determine...spontaneously and reliably with mesenchymal stem cells . We found that fusion occurs more frequently with hypoxia and that one means by which...in hypoxic conditions, we decided to investigate whether the mechanism of breast cancer cell fusion with mesenchymal stem /multipotent stromal cells

Soil mechanics results of Luna 16 and Lunokhod 1: A preliminary report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, S. W.; Carrier, W. D., III

1971-01-01

The physical and mechanical properties of the lunar soil, as determined by Luna 16 and Lunokhod 1 experiments, are discussed. Data are included for interactions between vehicle wheels and the lunar soil, compressibility, resistance to penetration, and friction characteristics of the soil. The shear strength of the returned lunar soil for various bulk densities is also examined. Several potential spacecraft materials were tested in contact with lunar soil to determine their friction and wear characteristics.

Hydromechanics in dentine: role of dentinal tubules and hydrostatic pressure on mechanical stress-strain distribution.

PubMed

Kishen, A; Vedantam, S

2007-10-01

This investigation is to understand the role of free water in the dentinal tubules on the mechanical integrity of bulk dentine. Three different experiments were conducted in this study. In experiment 1, three-dimensional models of dentine with gradient elastic modulus, homogenous elastic modulus, and with and without hydrostatic pressure were simulated using the finite element method. Static compressive loads of 15, 50 and 100 N were applied and the distribution of the principal stresses, von Mises stresses, and strains in loading direction were determined. In experiment 2, experimental compression testing of fully hydrated and partially dehydrated dentine (21 degrees C for 72 h) was conducted using a Universal testing machine. In experiment 3, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis of hydrated and partially dehydrated dentine was carried out. The finite element analysis revealed that the dentine model with simulated hydrostatic pressure displayed residual tensile stresses and strains in the inner region adjacent to the root canal. When external compressive loads were applied to the model, the residual stresses and strains counteracted the applied loads. Similarly the hydrated specimens subjected to experimental compression loads showed greater toughness when compared to the partially dehydrated specimens. The stress at fracture was significantly higher in partially dehydrated specimens (p=0.014), while the strain at fracture was significantly higher in hydrated dentine specimens (p=0.037). These experiments highlighted the distinct role of free water in the dentinal tubules and hydrostatic pressure on the stress-strain distribution within the bulk dentine.

Revisiting Theories of Humidity Transduction: A Focus on Electrophysiological Data.

PubMed

Tichy, Harald; Hellwig, Maria; Kallina, Wolfgang

2017-01-01

Understanding the mechanism of humidity transduction calls for experimental data and a theory to interpret the data and design new experiments. A comprehensive theory of humidity transduction must start with agreement on what humidity parameters are measured by hygroreceptors and processed by the brain. Hygroreceptors have been found in cuticular sensilla of a broad range of insect species. Their structural features are far from uniform. Nevertheless, these sensilla always contain an antagonistic pair of a moist cell and a dry cell combined with a thermoreceptive cold cell. The strategy behind this arrangement remains unclear. Three main models of humidity transduction have been proposed. Hygroreceptors could operate as mechanical hygrometers, psychrometers or evaporation detectors. Each mode of action measures a different humidity parameter. Mechanical hygrometers measure the relative humidity, psychrometers indicate the wet-bulb temperature, and evaporimeters refer to the saturation deficit of the air. Here we assess the validity of the different functions by testing specific predictions drawn from each of the models. The effect of air temperature on the responses to humidity stimulation rules out the mechanical hygrometer function, but it supports the psychrometer function and highlights the action as evaporation rate detector. We suggest testing the effect of the flow rate of the air stream used for humidity stimulation. As the wind speed strongly affects the power of evaporation, experiments with changing saturation deficit at different flow rates would improve our knowledge on humidity transduction.

A novel piezostack-driven jetting dispenser with corner-filleted flexure hinge and high-frequency performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bu, Zhenxiang; Lin, Siying; Huang, Xiang; Li, Anlin; Wu, Dezhi; Zhao, Yang; Luo, Zhiwei; Wang, Lingyun

2018-07-01

This paper presents a new jetting dispenser which is applicable to high-frequency microelectronic packaging. In order to achieve high frequency glue jetting and improve the stability of jetting dispensers, we redesign a novel displacement amplifying mechanism, and a new on–off valve jetting dispenser driven by piezoelectric actuators is developed. Firstly, the core part of this jetting dispenser—the displacement amplifying mechanism with a corner-filleted flexure hinge—is proposed and a comparison with the previous structure is carried out; then the characteristic dimensional parameters of the amplifying mechanism are determined by theoretical calculation and finite element analysis. Secondly, a prototype of the dispenser with the displacement amplifying mechanism is fabricated based on the determined parameters. We use a laser displacement sensor to test the displacement of the needle, and a maximum amplifying displacement output of 367 µm is obtained under an applied 200 V to the piezoelectric actuator, which is consistent with the simulation result and meets the requirement of high displacement output. Thirdly, we build an integrated testing system. Mixed glycerol/ethanol is chosen as the experimental dispensing glue, and the experiment and analysis of a droplet diameter are conducted. A higher jetting frequency of 400 Hz and a smaller droplet diameter of 525 µm are achieved with the glycerol/ethanol mixture, and the characteristics of consistency and temperature influencing the droplet diameter are verified by experiments.

An investigation into the mechanism for enhanced mechanical properties in friction stir welded AA2024-T3 joints coated with cold spraying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, N.; Li, W. Y.; Yang, X. W.; Feng, Y.; Vairis, A.

2018-05-01

Using cold spraying (CS), a surface layer with a modified microstructure and enhanced mechanical properties was formed on a 3.2 mm thick friction stir welded (FSWed) AA2024-T3 joint. The combined effect of "shot peening effect (SPE)" and "heat flow effect (HFE)" during CS were used to enhance joint mechanical properties. The microstructure evolution of the FSWed AA2024-T3 joints in the surface layer following CS coatings and their effect on mechanical properties were systematically characterized with electron back-scattered diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and mechanical tests. Based on these experiments, a grain refinement, finer and more S phases, and improved amount of Guinier-Preston-Bagaryatsky (GPB) zones produced by CS treatments are proposed. The deposition of aluminum coating on the joint, lead to hardness recovery in the stir zone and the development of two low hardness zones as the density of GPB increased. The tensile properties of FSWed AA2024-T3 joints improved with the application of the aluminum coatings. Experiments and analysis of the enhanced mechanical properties mechanism indicate that SPE with a high plastic deformation and HFE with an intensive heat flow are necessary for the production of refined grains and increased numbers of GPB zones.

Mechanisms of eyewitness suggestibility: tests of the explanatory role hypothesis.

PubMed

Rindal, Eric J; Chrobak, Quin M; Zaragoza, Maria S; Weihing, Caitlin A

2017-10-01

In a recent paper, Chrobak and Zaragoza (Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 142(3), 827-844, 2013) proposed the explanatory role hypothesis, which posits that the likelihood of developing false memories for post-event suggestions is a function of the explanatory function the suggestion serves. In support of this hypothesis, they provided evidence that participant-witnesses were especially likely to develop false memories for their forced fabrications when their fabrications helped to explain outcomes they had witnessed. In three experiments, we test the generality of the explanatory role hypothesis as a mechanism of eyewitness suggestibility by assessing whether this hypothesis can predict suggestibility errors in (a) situations where the post-event suggestions are provided by the experimenter (as opposed to fabricated by the participant), and (b) across a variety of memory measures and measures of recollective experience. In support of the explanatory role hypothesis, participants were more likely to subsequently freely report (E1) and recollect the suggestions as part of the witnessed event (E2, source test) when the post-event suggestion helped to provide a causal explanation for a witnessed outcome than when it did not serve this explanatory role. Participants were also less likely to recollect the suggestions as part of the witnessed event (on measures of subjective experience) when their explanatory strength had been reduced by the presence of an alternative explanation that could explain the same outcome (E3, source test + warning). Collectively, the results provide strong evidence that the search for explanatory coherence influences people's tendency to misremember witnessing events that were only suggested to them.

Past and future implications of near-misses and their emotional consequences.

PubMed

Zhang, Qiyuan; Covey, Judith

2014-01-01

The Reflection and Evaluation Model (REM) of comparative thinking predicts that temporal perspective could moderate people's emotional reactions to close counterfactuals following near-misses (Markman & McMullen, 2003). The experiments reported in this paper tested predictions derived from this theory by examining how people's emotional reactions to a near-miss at goal during a football match (Experiment 1) or a close score in a TV game show (Experiment 2) depended on the level of perceived future possibility. In support of the theory it was found that the presence of future possibility enhanced affective assimilation (e.g., if the near-miss occurred at the beginning of the game the players who had nearly scored were hopeful of future success) whereas the absence of future possibility enhanced affective contrast (e.g., if the near-miss occurred at the end of the game the players who had nearly scored were disappointed about missing an opportunity). Furthermore the experiments built upon our theoretical understanding by exploring the mechanisms which produce assimilation and contrast effects. In Experiment 1 we examined the incidence of present-oriented or future-oriented thinking, and in Experiment 2 we examined the mediating role of counterfactual thinking in the observed effect of proximity on emotions by testing whether stronger counterfactuals (measured using counterfactual probability estimates) produce bigger contrast and assimilation effects. While the results of these investigations generally support the REM, they also highlight the necessity to consider other psychological mechanisms (e.g., social comparison), in addition to counterfactual thinking, that might contribute to the emotional consequences of near-miss outcomes.

Experimental methods for the simulation of supercritical CO2 injection at laboratory scale aimed to investigate capillary trapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trevisan, L.; Illangasekare, T. H.; Rodriguez, D.; Sakaki, T.; Cihan, A.; Birkholzer, J. T.; Zhou, Q.

2011-12-01

Geological storage of carbon dioxide in deep geologic formations is being considered as a technical option to reduce greenhouse gas loading to the atmosphere. The processes associated with the movement and stable trapping are complex in deep naturally heterogeneous formations. Three primary mechanisms contribute to trapping; capillary entrapment due to immobilization of the supercritical fluid CO2 within soil pores, liquid CO2 dissolving in the formation water and mineralization. Natural heterogeneity in the formation is expected to affect all three mechanisms. A research project is in progress with the primary goal to improve our understanding of capillary and dissolution trapping during injection and post-injection process, focusing on formation heterogeneity. It is expected that this improved knowledge will help to develop site characterization methods targeting on obtaining the most critical parameters that capture the heterogeneity to design strategies and schemes to maximize trapping. This research combines experiments at the laboratory scale with multiphase modeling to upscale relevant trapping processes to the field scale. This paper presents the results from a set of experiments that were conducted in an intermediate scale test tanks. Intermediate scale testing provides an attractive alternative to investigate these processes under controlled conditions in the laboratory. Conducting these types of experiments is highly challenging as methods have to be developed to extrapolate the data from experiments that are conducted under ambient laboratory conditions to high temperatures and pressures settings in deep geologic formations. We explored the use of a combination of surrogate fluids that have similar density, viscosity contrasts and analogous solubility and interfacial tension as supercritical CO2-brine in deep formations. The extrapolation approach involves the use of dimensionless numbers such as Capillary number (Ca) and the Bond number (Bo). A set of experiments that captures some of the complexities of the geologic heterogeneity and injection scenarios are planned in a 4.8 m long tank. To test the experimental methods and instrumentation, a set of preliminary experiments were conducted in a smaller tank with dimensions 90 cm x 60 cm. The tank was packed to represent both homogeneous and heterogeneous conditions. Using the surrogate fluids, different injection scenarios were tested. Images of the migration plume showed the critical role that heterogeneity plays in stable entrapment. Destructive sampling done at the end of the experiments provided data on the final saturation distributions. Preliminary analysis suggests the entrapment configuration is controlled by the large-scale heterogeneities as well as the pore-scale entrapment mechanisms. The data was used in modeling analysis that is presented in a companion abstract.

Chemical and Thermal Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bulluck, J. W.; Rushing, R. A.

1995-01-01

During the past six months we have conducted significant research in several domains in order to clarify and understanding the aging and chemical failure mechanism of thermoplastics (PVDF or Tefzel) for pipes. We organized numerous analytical studies with methods including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Dynamic Mechanical Analysis, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, and Stress Relaxation experiments. In addition we have reanalyzed previous thermogravimetric data concerning the rate of deplasticization of Coflon pipe. We investigated a number of aged samples of both Tefzel and Coflon that were forwarded from MERL. We conducted stress relaxation experiments of Coflon pipe at several temperatures and determined an activation energy. We also examined the dynamic mechanical response PVDF during deplasticization and during methanol plasticization. We performed numerous DSC analyses to research the changing crystalline morphology. We have noted significant changes in crystallinity upon aging for both PVDF and Tefzel. Little variation in elemental composition was noted for many of the aged Coflon and Tefzel samples tested.

The short- and long-term consequences of directed forgetting in a working memory task.

PubMed

Festini, Sara B; Reuter-Lorenz, Patricia A

2013-01-01

Directed forgetting requires the voluntary control of memory. Whereas many studies have examined directed forgetting in long-term memory (LTM), the mechanisms and effects of directed forgetting within working memory (WM) are less well understood. The current study tests how directed forgetting instructions delivered in a WM task influence veridical memory, as well as false memory, over the short and long term. In a modified item recognition task Experiment 1 tested WM only and demonstrated that directed forgetting reduces false recognition errors and semantic interference. Experiment 2 replicated these WM effects and used a surprise LTM recognition test to assess the long-term effects of directed forgetting in WM. Long-term veridical memory for to-be-remembered lists was better than memory for to-be-forgotten lists-the directed forgetting effect. Moreover, fewer false memories emerged for to-be-forgotten information than for to-be-remembered information in LTM as well. These results indicate that directed forgetting during WM reduces semantic processing of to-be-forgotten lists over the short and long term. Implications for theories of false memory and the mechanisms of directed forgetting within working memory are discussed.

Mechanical Properties of Triaxial Braided Carbon/Epoxy Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowman, C. L.; Roberts, G. D.; Braley, M. S.; Xie, M.; Booker, M. J.

2003-01-01

In an on-going effort to increase the safety and efficiency of turbine engines, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration is exploring lightweight alternatives to the metal containment structures that currently encase commercial jet engines. Epoxy reinforced with braided carbon fibers is a candidate structural material which may be suitable for an engine case. This paper reports flat-coupon mechanical-property experiments performed to compliment previously reported subcomponent impact testing and analytical simulation of containment structures. Triaxial-braid T700/5208 epoxy and triaxial-braid T700/M36 toughened epoxy composites were evaluated. Also, two triaxial-braid architectures (0 +/- 60 deg., 0 +/- 45 deg.) with the M36 resin were evaluated through tension, compression, and shear testing. Tensile behavior was compared between standard straight-sided specimens (ASTM D3039) and bowtie specimens. Both double-notch shear (ASTM D3846) and Iosepescu (ASTM D5379) tests were performed as well. The M36/0 +/- 45 deg. configuration yield the best response when measurements were made parallel to the axial tows. Conversely, the M36/0 +/- 60 deg. configuration was best when measurements were made perpendicular to the axial tows. The results were used to identify critical properties and to augment the analysis of impact experiments.

In silico experiment system for testing hypothesis on gene functions using three condition specific biological networks.

PubMed

Lee, Chai-Jin; Kang, Dongwon; Lee, Sangseon; Lee, Sunwon; Kang, Jaewoo; Kim, Sun

2018-05-25

Determining functions of a gene requires time consuming, expensive biological experiments. Scientists can speed up this experimental process if the literature information and biological networks can be adequately provided. In this paper, we present a web-based information system that can perform in silico experiments of computationally testing hypothesis on the function of a gene. A hypothesis that is specified in English by the user is converted to genes using a literature and knowledge mining system called BEST. Condition-specific TF, miRNA and PPI (protein-protein interaction) networks are automatically generated by projecting gene and miRNA expression data to template networks. Then, an in silico experiment is to test how well the target genes are connected from the knockout gene through the condition-specific networks. The test result visualizes path from the knockout gene to the target genes in the three networks. Statistical and information-theoretic scores are provided on the resulting web page to help scientists either accept or reject the hypothesis being tested. Our web-based system was extensively tested using three data sets, such as E2f1, Lrrk2, and Dicer1 knockout data sets. We were able to re-produce gene functions reported in the original research papers. In addition, we comprehensively tested with all disease names in MalaCards as hypothesis to show the effectiveness of our system. Our in silico experiment system can be very useful in suggesting biological mechanisms which can be further tested in vivo or in vitro. http://biohealth.snu.ac.kr/software/insilico/. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Development of Associative Word Learning in Monolingual and Bilingual Infants

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Byers-Heinlein, Krista; Fennell, Christopher T.; Werker, Janet F.

2013-01-01

Children growing up bilingual face a unique linguistic environment. The current study investigated whether early bilingual experience influences the developmental trajectory of associative word learning, a foundational mechanism for lexical acquisition. Monolingual and bilingual infants (N = 98) were tested on their ability to learn…

Suppression of cheatgrass by established perennial grasses: I. mechanisms

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Cheatgrass is often considered a competitive species. In a greenhouse experiment using rhizotrons, we tested the effect of established perennial grasses (Indian ricegrass, creeping wildrye, and Snake River wheatgrass) on the growth of cheatgrass. The soil was a sandy loam A horizon of a Xeric Haploc...

Literature review : simple test method for possible use in predicting the fatigue of asphaltic concrete.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1975-01-01

It has been recognized for many years that fatigue is one of many mechanisms by which asphaltic concrete pavements fail. Experience and empirical design procedures such as those developed by Marshall and Hveem have enabled engineers to design-mixture...

Advantages of the experimental animal hollow organ mechanical testing system for the rat colon rupture pressure test.

PubMed

Ji, Chengdong; Guo, Xuan; Li, Zhen; Qian, Shuwen; Zheng, Feng; Qin, Haiqing

2013-01-01

Many studies have been conducted on colorectal anastomotic leakage to reduce the incidence of anastomotic leakage. However, how to precisely determine if the bowel can withstand the pressure of a colorectal anastomosis experiment, which is called anastomotic bursting pressure, has not been determined. A task force developed the experimental animal hollow organ mechanical testing system to provide precise measurement of the maximum pressure that an anastomotic colon can withstand, and to compare it with the commonly used method such as the mercury and air bag pressure manometer in a rat colon rupture pressure test. Forty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the manual ball manometry (H) group, the tracing machine manometry pressure gauge head (MP) group, and the experimental animal hollow organ mechanical testing system (ME) group. The rats in each group were subjected to a cut colon rupture pressure test after injecting anesthesia in the tail vein. Colonic end-to-end anastomosis was performed, and the rats were rested for 1 week before anastomotic bursting pressure was determined by one of the three methods. No differences were observed between the normal colon rupture pressure and colonic anastomotic bursting pressure, which were determined using the three manometry methods. However, several advantages, such as reduction in errors, were identified in the ME group. Different types of manometry methods can be applied to the normal rat colon, but the colonic anastomotic bursting pressure test using the experimental animal hollow organ mechanical testing system is superior to traditional methods. Copyright © 2013 Surgical Associates Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Antigravity Acts on Photons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brynjolfsson, Ari

2002-04-01

Einstein's general theory of relativity assumes that photons don't change frequency as they move from Sun to Earth. This assumption is correct in classical physics. All experiments proving the general relativity are in the domain of classical physics. This include the tests by Pound et al. of the gravitational redshift of 14.4 keV photons; the rocket experiments by Vessot et al.; the Galileo solar redshift experiments by Krisher et al.; the gravitational deflection of light experiments by Riveros and Vucetich; and delay of echoes of radar signals passing close to Sun as observed by Shapiro et al. Bohr's correspondence principle assures that quantum mechanical theory of general relativity agrees with Einstein's classical theory when frequency and gravitational field gradient approach zero, or when photons cannot interact with the gravitational field. When we treat photons as quantum mechanical particles; we find that gravitational force on photons is reversed (antigravity). This modified theory contradicts the equivalence principle, but is consistent with all experiments. Solar lines and distant stars are redshifted in accordance with author's plasma redshift theory. These changes result in a beautiful consistent cosmology.

Petrology and geochemistry of the Grouse Canyon Member of the Belted Range Tuff, Rock-Mechanics Drift, U12g Tunnel, Nevada Test Site

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Connolly, J.R.; Mansker, W.L.; Hicks, R.

1983-04-01

G-Tunnel at Nevada Test Site (NTS) is the site of thermal and thermomechanical experiments examining the feasibility of emplacing heat-producing nuclear wastes in silicic tuffs. This report describes the general stratigraphy, mineralogy, and bulk chemistry of welded portions of the Grouse Canyon Member of the Belted Range Tuff, the unit in which most of these experiments will be performed. The geologic characteristics of the Grouse Canyon Member are compared with those of the Topopah Spring Member of the Paintbrush Tuff, presently the preferred horizon for an actual waste repository at Yucca Mountain, near the southwest boundary of Nevada Test Site.more » This comparison suggests that test results obtained in welded tuff from G-Tunnel are applicable, with limitations, to evaluation of the Topopah Spring Member at Yucca Mountain.« less

Development of biomimetic in vitro fatigue assessment for UHMWPE implant materials.

PubMed

Scholz, Ronja; Knyazeva, Marina; Porchetta, Dario; Wegner, Nils; Senatov, Fedor; Salimon, Alexey; Kaloshkin, Sergey; Walther, Frank

2018-05-26

An important research goal in the field of biomaterials lies in the progressive amendment of in vivo tests with suitable in vitro experiments. Such approaches are gaining more significance nowadays because of an increasing demand on life sciences and the ethical issues bound to the sacrifice of animals for the sake of scientific research. Another advantage of transferring the experiments to the in vitro field is the possibility of accurately control the boundary conditions and experimental parameters in order to reduce the need of validation tests involving animals. With the aim to reduce the amount of needed in vivo studies for this cause, a short-time in vitro test procedure using instrumented load increase tests with superimposed environmental loading has been developed at TUD to assess the mechanical long-term durability of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) under fatigue loading in a biological environment. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Photovoltaic module reliability improvement through application testing and failure analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dumas, L. N.; Shumka, A.

1982-01-01

During the first four years of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Photovoltatic Program, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory Low-Cost Solar Array (LSA) Project purchased about 400 kW of photovoltaic modules for test and experiments. In order to identify, report, and analyze test and operational problems with the Block Procurement modules, a problem/failure reporting and analysis system was implemented by the LSA Project with the main purpose of providing manufacturers with feedback from test and field experience needed for the improvement of product performance and reliability. A description of the more significant types of failures is presented, taking into account interconnects, cracked cells, dielectric breakdown, delamination, and corrosion. Current design practices and reliability evaluations are also discussed. The conducted evaluation indicates that current module designs incorporate damage-resistant and fault-tolerant features which address field failure mechanisms observed to date.

Implementation of 7e learning cycle model using technology based constructivist teaching (TBCT) approach to improve students' understanding achievment in mechanical wave material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warliani, Resti; Muslim, Setiawan, Wawan

2017-05-01

This study aims to determine the increase in the understanding achievement in senior high school students through the Learning Cycle 7E with technology based constructivist teaching approach (TBCT). This study uses a pretest-posttest control group design. The participants were 67 high school students of eleventh grade in Garut city with two class in control and experiment class. Experiment class applying the Learning Cycle 7E through TBCT approach and control class applying the 7E Learning Cycle through Constructivist Teaching approach (CT). Data collection tools from mechanical wave concept test with totally 22 questions with reability coefficient was found 0,86. The findings show the increase of the understanding achievement of the experiment class is in the amount of 0.51 was higher than the control class that is in the amount of 0.33.

Energy Efficiency Investments in Public Facilities - Developing a Pilot Mechanism for Energy Performance Contracts (EPCs) in Russia

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Evans, Meredydd; Roshchanka, Volha; Parker, Steven A.

: Russian public sector buildings tend to be very inefficient, which creates vast opportunities for savings. This report overviews the latest developments in the Russian legislation related to energy efficiency in the public sector, describes the major challenges the regulations pose, and proposes ways to overcome these challenges. Given Russia’s limited experience with energy performance contracts (EPCs), a pilot project can help test an implementation mechanism. This paper discusses how EPCs and other mechanisms can help harness energy savings opportunities in Russia in general, and thus, can be applicable to any Russian region.

ACCELEROMETERS IN FLOW FIELDS: A STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF THE CHOPPED DUMMY INPILE TUBE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Howard, T. K.; Marcum, W. R.; Latimer, G. D.

2016-06-01

Four tests characterizing the structural response of the Chopped-Dummy In-Pile tube (CDIPT) experiment design were measured in the Hydro-Mechanical Fuel Test Facility (HMFTF). Four different test configurations were tried. These configurations tested the pressure drop and flow impact of various plate configurations and flow control orifices to be used later at different reactor power levels. Accelerometers were placed on the test vehicle and flow simulation housing. A total of five accelerometers were used with one on the top and bottom of the flow simulator and vehicle, and one on the outside of the flow simulator. Data were collected at amore » series of flow rates for 5 seconds each at an acquisition rate of 2 kHz for a Nyquist frequency of 1 kHz. The data were then analyzed using a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithm. The results show very coherent vibrations of the CDIPT experiment on the order of 50 Hz in frequency and 0.01 m/s2 in magnitude. The coherent vibrations, although small in magnitude pose a potential design problem if the frequencies coincide with the natural frequency of the fueled plates or test vehicle. The accelerometer data was integrated and combined to create a 3D trace of the experiment during the test. The merits of this data as well as further anomalies and artifacts are also discussed as well as their relation to the instrumentation and experiment design.« less

Effect of Boundary Condition on the Shear Behaviour of Rock Joints in the Direct Shear Test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bahaaddini, M.

2017-05-01

The common method for determination of the mechanical properties of the rock joints is the direct shear test. This paper aims to study the effect of boundary condition on the results of direct shear tests. Experimental studies undertaken in this research showed that the peak shear strength is mostly overestimated. This problem is more pronounced for steep asperities and under high normal stresses. Investigation of the failure mode of these samples showed that tensile cracks are generated at the boundary of sample close to the specimen holders and propagated inside the intact materials. In order to discover the reason of observed failure mechanism in experiments, the direct shear test was simulated using PFC2D. Results of numerical models showed that the gap zone size between the upper and lower specimen holders has a significant effect on the shear mechanism. For the high gap size, stresses concentrate at the vicinity of the tips of specimen holders and result in generation and propagation of tensile cracks inside the intact material. However, by reducing the gap size, stresses are concentrated on asperities, and damage of specimen at its boundary is not observed. Results of this paper show that understanding the shear mechanism of rock joints is an essential step prior to interpreting the results of direct shear tests.

What dynamics can be expected for mixed states in two-slit experiments?

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Luis, Alfredo; Sanz, Ángel S., E-mail: asanz@iff.csic.es

2015-06-15

Weak-measurement-based experiments (Kocsis et al., 2011) have shown that, at least for pure states, the average evolution of independent photons in Young’s two-slit experiment is in compliance with the trajectories prescribed by the Bohmian formulation of quantum mechanics. But, what happens if the same experiment is repeated assuming that the wave function associated with each particle is different, i.e., in the case of mixed (incoherent) states? This question is investigated here by means of two alternative numerical simulations of Young’s experiment, purposely devised to be easily implemented and tested in the laboratory. Contrary to what could be expected a priori, itmore » is found that even for conditions of maximal mixedness or incoherence (total lack of interference fringes), experimental data will render a puzzling and challenging outcome: the average particle trajectories will still display features analogous to those for pure states, i.e., independently of how mixedness arises, the associated dynamics is influenced by both slits at the same time. Physically this simply means that weak measurements are not able to discriminate how mixedness arises in the experiment, since they only provide information about the averaged system dynamics. - Highlights: • The dynamics associated with mixture states in investigated by means of two simple Young’s two-slit models. • The models are prepared to be easily implemented and tested in the laboratory by means of weak measurements. • Bohmian mechanics has been generalized to encompass statistical mixtures. • Even for conditions of maximal mixedness numerical simulations show that the dynamics is strongly influenced by both slits. • Accordingly, weak measurements are unable to discriminate how mixedness arises in an experiment.« less

Material Science

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-08-06

Khalid Alshibli of Louisiana State University, project scientist for the Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM-III) experiment, explains the MGM experiment to Kristen Erickson, acting deputy associate administrator in NASA's Office of Biological and Physical Research. A training model of the test cell is at right. The activity was part of the Space Research and You education event held by NASA's Office of Biological and Physical Research on June 25, 2002, in Arlington, VA, to highlight the research that will be conducted on STS-107.

SPACESUIT DONNING AND DOFFING - ZERO-G TRAINING - DON PETERSON - STS-6

NASA Image and Video Library

1982-07-14

Spacesuit Donning and Doffing in Zero-G Training for Don Peterson of the STS-6 Crew with Astronaut Jerry Ross assisting; and, apparatus for testing the JSC Mechanically-Induced Settling Technology (MIST) Experiment. The training is being held aboard the KC-135 to simulate weightlessness. He is being assisted to don the lower torso of the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) by an ILC Technician. 1. ASTRONAUT ROSS, JERRY L. - ZERO-G SUITING 2. SHUTTLE - EXPERIMENTS (MIST)

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-04-15

The M512 Materials Processing Facility (MPF) with the M518 Multipurpose Electric Facility (MEF) tested and demonstrated a facility approach for materials process experimentation in space. It also provided a basic apparatus and a common interface for a group of metallic and nonmetallic materials experiments. The MPF consisted of a vacuum work chamber and associated mechanical and electrical controls. The M518 Multipurpose Electric Furnace (MEF) was an electric furnace system in which solidification, crystal growth, and other experiments involving phase changes were performed.

Design and application of permanent magnet flux sources for mechanical testing of magnetoactive elastomers at variable field directions.

PubMed

Hiptmair, F; Major, Z; Haßlacher, R; Hild, S

2015-08-01

Magnetoactive elastomers (MAEs) are a class of smart materials whose mechanical properties can be rapidly and reversibly changed by an external magnetic field. Due to this tunability, they are useable for actuators or in active vibration control applications. An extensive magnetomechanical characterization is necessary for MAE material development and requires experiments under cyclic loading in uniform but variable magnetic fields. MAE testing apparatus typically rely on fields of adjustable strength, but fixed (transverse) direction, often provided by electromagnets. In this work, two permanent magnet flux sources were developed as an add-on for a modular test stand, to allow for mechanical testing in uniform fields of variable direction. MAE specimens, based on a silicone matrix with isotropic and anisotropic carbonyl iron particle distributions, were subjected to dynamic mechanical analysis under different field and loading configurations. The magneto-induced increase of stiffness and energy dissipation was determined by the change of the hysteresis loop area and dynamic modulus values. A distinct influence of the composite microstructure and the loading state was observed. Due to the very soft and flexible matrix used for preparing the MAE samples, the material stiffness and damping behavior could be varied over a wide range via the applied field direction and intensity.

Identification and quantification of gases emitted during abuse tests by overcharge of a commercial Li-ion battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernandes, Y.; Bry, A.; de Persis, S.

2018-06-01

As hazardous situations can occur during the life of a Li-ion battery, it is of great importance to understand its behavior under abusive conditions (mechanical, thermal or electrical). In particular, the study of overcharge, which consists of forcing a current through the cell, can be very helpful in improving battery safety. Very few studies in the literature have focused on the chemical reaction mechanism responsible for failure during overcharge. This is, however, of great interest because a Li-ion battery can produce reactions in a sealed container and is thus a highly reactive system. Here, experimental approaches are employed to understand the reaction mechanisms that occur during overcharge testing. Experiments consist of studying the overcharge kinetics of a commercial battery at an initial state of charge of 100%. The battery is maintained in a known volume and gaseous samples are withdrawn both at the end of the test and continuously during the test. The main gaseous species are then identified and quantified by gas phase chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and FTIR spectroscopy. This experimental study is completed by a numerical investigation to determine the combustion parameters of the exhaust gases using a detailed reaction mechanism associated with a numerical code.

Test method for mechanical properties of implantable catheters according to DIN 10555-3.

PubMed

Busch, J D; Schröder, H; Sellenschloh, K; Adam, G; Ittrich, H; Huber, G

2018-06-01

To enable causal analysis of port catheter failure, this study aimed to develop an experimental setup for uniaxial tensile tests that addresses the specific requirements of highly elastic medical catheters; and to quantify parameters of the catheters' mechanical competence with respect to effects of artificial aging. Segments of 6F-polyurethane catheters were tested in their native status, after chemical and after mechanical aging. Tension experiments were performed with a rate of 220 mm/min until catheter failure. Material behavior was analyzed based on load cell measurements of the universal test system and an additional optical distance registration. The Young's modulus, the ultimate stress and the ultimate strain were determined. Chemical aging significantly decreased Young's modulus (84%; p = 0.001) and ultimate stress (83%; p < 0.001), whereas mechanical aged samples demonstrated similar results for the Young's modulus (p = 0.772) and a non-significant rise of ultimate stress (13%; p = 0.128). Ultimate strain did not differ significantly regardless of the pretreatment. The results proof reliability, reproducibility and sensitivity to quantify artificial aging induced variations and also promise to detect deviations in material features caused by long-term clinical usage of catheters. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Transition Analysis for the HIFiRE-5 Vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choudhari, Meelan M.; Chang, Chau-Lyan; Li, Fei; Berger, Karen T.; Candler, Graham V.; Kimmel, Roger

2009-01-01

The Hypersonic International Flight Research and Experimentation (HIFiRE) 5 flight experiment by Air Force Research Laboratories and Australian Defense Science and Technology Organization is designed to provide in-flight boundary-layer transition data for a canonical 3D configuration at hypersonic Mach numbers. This paper outlines the progress, to date, on boundary layer stability analysis for the HIFiRE-5 flight configuration, as well as for selected test conditions from the wind tunnel experiments supporting the flight test. At flow conditions corresponding to the end of the test window, rather large values of linear amplification factor are predicted for both second mode (N>40) and crossflow (N>20) instabilities, strongly supporting the feasibility of first in-flight measurements of natural transition on a fully three-dimensional hypersonic configuration. Additional results highlight the rich mixture of instability mechanisms relevant to a large segment of the flight trajectory, as well as the effects of angle of attack and yaw angle on the predicted transition fronts for ground facility experiments at Mach 6.

Dying to remember, remembering to survive: mortality salience and survival processing.

PubMed

Burns, Daniel J; Hart, Joshua; Kramer, Melanie E; Burns, Amy D

2014-01-01

Processing items for their relevance to survival improves recall for those items relative to numerous other deep processing encoding techniques. Perhaps related, placing individuals in a mortality salient state has also been shown to enhance retention of items encoded after the morality salience manipulation (e.g., in a pleasantness rating task), a phenomenon we dubbed the "dying-to-remember" (DTR) effect. The experiments reported here further explored the effect and tested the possibility that the DTR effect is related to survival processing. Experiment 1 replicated the effect using different encoding tasks, demonstrating that the effect is not dependent on the pleasantness task. In Experiment 2 the DTR effect was associated with increases in item-specific processing, not relational processing, according to several indices. Experiment 3 replicated the main results of Experiment 2, and tested the effects of mortality salience and survival processing within the same experiment. The DTR effect and its associated difference in item-specific processing were completely eliminated when the encoding task required survival processing. These results are consistent with the interpretation that the mechanisms responsible for survival processing and DTR effects are overlapping.

Application of Micro-ramp Flow Control Devices to an Oblique Shock Interaction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hirt, Stefanie; Anderson, Bernhard

2007-01-01

Tests are planned in the 15cm x 15cm supersonic wind tunnel at NASA Glenn to demonstrate the applicability of micro-ramp flow control to the management of shock wave boundary layer interactions. These tests will be used as a database for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) validation and Design of Experiments (DoE) design information. Micro-ramps show potential for mechanically simple and fail-safe boundary layer control.

Solid-on-solid contact in a sphere-wall collision in a viscous fluid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Birwa, Sumit Kumar; Rajalakshmi, G.; Govindarajan, Rama; Menon, Narayanan

2018-04-01

We study experimentally the collision between a sphere falling through a viscous fluid and a solid plate below. It is known that there is a well-defined threshold Stokes number above which the sphere rebounds from such a collision. Our experiment tests for direct contact between the colliding bodies and, contrary to prior theoretical predictions, shows that solid-on-solid contact occurs even for Stokes numbers just above the threshold for rebounding. The dissipation is fluid dominated, though details of the contact mechanics depend on the surface and bulk properties of the solids. Our experiments and a model calculation indicate that mechanical contact between the two colliding objects is generic and will occur for any realistic surface roughness.

Development history of the Hybrid Test Vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trummel, M. C.; Burke, A. F.

1983-01-01

Phase I of a joint Department of Energy/Jet Propulsion Laboratory Program undertook the development of the Hybrid Test Vehicle (HTV), which has subsequently progressed through design, fabrication, and testing and evaluation phases. Attention is presently given to the design and test experience gained during the HTV development program, and a discussion is presented of the design features and performance capabilities of the various 'mule' vehicles, devoted to the separate development of engine microprocessor control, vehicle structure, and mechanical components, whose elements were incorporated into the final HTV design. Computer projections of the HTV's performance are given.

Comment on "Peres experiment using photons: No test for hypercomplex (quaternionic) quantum theories"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Procopio, Lorenzo M.; Rozema, Lee A.; Dakić, Borivoje; Walther, Philip

2017-09-01

In his recent article [Phys. Rev. A 95, 060101(R) (2017), 10.1103/PhysRevA.95.060101], Adler questions the usefulness of the bound found in our experimental search for genuine effects of hypercomplex quantum mechanics [Nat. Commun. 8, 15044 (2017), 10.1038/ncomms15044]. Our experiment was performed using a black-box (instrumentalist) approach to generalized probabilistic theories; therefore, it does not assume a priori any particular underlying mechanism. From that point of view our experimental results do indeed place meaningful bounds on the possible effects of "postquantum theories," including quaternionic quantum mechanics. In his article, Adler compares our experiment to nonrelativistic and Möller formal scattering theories within quaternionic quantum mechanics. With a particular set of assumptions, he finds that quaternionic effects would likely not manifest themselves in general. Although these assumptions are justified in the nonrelativistic case, a proper calculation for relativistic particles is still missing. Here, we provide a concrete relativistic example of Klein-Gordon scattering wherein the quaternionic effects persist. We note that when the Klein-Gordon equation is formulated using a Hamiltonian formalism it displays a so-called "indefinite metric," a characteristic feature of relativistic quantum wave equations. In Adler's example this is directly forbidden by his assumptions, and therefore our present example is not in contradiction to his work. In complex quantum mechanics this problem of an indefinite metric is solved in a second quantization. Unfortunately, there is no known algorithm for canonical field quantization in quaternionic quantum mechanics.

Relating Mechanical Behavior and Microstructural Observations in Calcite Fault Gouge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carpenter, B. M.; Di Stefano, G.; Viti, C.; Collettini, C.

2013-12-01

Many important earthquakes, magnitude 5-7, nucleate and/or propagate through carbonate-dominated lithologies. Additionally, the presence of precipitated calcite in (cement) and near (vein fill) faults indicates that the mechanical behavior of carbonate-dominated material likely plays an important role in shallow- and mid-crustal faulting. We report on laboratory experiments designed to explore the mechanical behavior of calcite and relate that behavior to post experiment microstructural observations. We sheared powdered gouge of Carrara Marble, >98% CaCO3, at constant normal stresses between 1 and 50 MPa under saturated conditions at room temperature. We performed velocity-stepping tests, 0.1-1000 μm/s, to evaluate frictional stability, and slide-hold-slide tests, 1-10,000 seconds, to measure the amount of frictional healing. Small subsets of experiments were performed under different environmental conditions and shearing velocities to better elucidate physicochemical processes and their role in the mechanical behavior of calcite fault gouge. All experimental samples were collected for SEM analysis. We find that the frictional healing rate is 7X higher under saturated conditions than under nominally dry conditions. We also observe a divergence between the rates of creep relaxation (increasing) and frictional healing (decreasing) as shear velocity is increased from 1 to 3000 μm/s. Our highest healing rates are observed at our lowest normal stresses. We observe a frictional strength of μ = 0.64, consistent with previous data under similar conditions. Furthermore, although we observe velocity-weakening frictional behavior in both the saturated and dry cases, rate- and-state friction parameters are distinctly different for each case. Our combined observations of rapid healing and of velocity-weakening frictional behavior indicate that faults where calcite-dominated gouge is present are likely to be seismic and have the ability to regain their strength quickly. Furthermore, our mechanical results highlight the important role of fluids in the evolution of frictional strength and thus fault behavior.

The Disfluent Discourse: Effects of Filled Pauses on Recall

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fraundorf, Scott H.; Watson, Duane G.

2011-01-01

We investigated the mechanisms by which fillers, such as "uh" and "um", affect memory for discourse. Participants listened to and attempted to recall recorded passages adapted from "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland". The type and location of interruptions were manipulated through digital splicing. In Experiment 1, we tested a processing time…

Learning from Feedback: Spacing and the Delay-Retention Effect

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Troy A.; Kimball, Daniel R.

2010-01-01

Most modern research on the effects of feedback during learning has assumed that feedback is an error correction mechanism. Recent studies of feedback-timing effects have suggested that feedback might also strengthen initially correct responses. In an experiment involving cued recall of trivia facts, we directly tested several theories of…

Early Adversity and Learning: Implications for Typical and Atypical Behavioral Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hanson, Jamie L.; van den Bos, Wouter; Roeber, Barbara J.; Rudolph, Karen D.; Davidson, Richard J.; Pollak, Seth D.

2017-01-01

Background: Children who experience early adversity often develop emotion regulatory problems, but little is known about the mechanisms that mediate this relation. We tested whether general associative learning processes contribute to associations between adversity, in the form of child maltreatment, and negative behavioral outcomes. Methods:…

Technique development for conducting mechanical tests to study the pore formation process in case of material fracture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magomedova, D. K.; Efimov, M. A.; Murashkin, M. Yu.

2018-05-01

The main purpose of this work was the development of an experimental technique for search and analysis of pore formation in the presented material. Geometry of the samples, the procedure of experiment and processing the samples for investigation were developed.

Preschoolers Use Social Allegiances to Predict Behavior

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chalik, Lisa; Rhodes, Marjorie

2014-01-01

Developing mechanisms for predicting human action is a critical task of early conceptual development. Three studies examined whether 4-year-old children (N = 149) use social allegiances to predict behavior, by testing whether they expect the experiences of social partners to influence individual action. After being exposed to a conflict between…

Interparental Conflict and Children's Social Problems: Insecurity and Friendship Affiliation as Cascading Mediators

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davies, Patrick T.; Martin, Meredith J.; Cummings, E. Mark

2018-01-01

Although social difficulties have been identified as sequelae of children's experiences with interparental conflict and insecurity, little is known about the specific mechanisms underlying their vulnerability to social problems. Guided by emotional security theory, this study tested the hypothesis that children's emotional insecurity mediates…

A Study of Soil and Duricrust Models for Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bishop, J. L.

2001-01-01

An analysis of soil and duricrust formation mechanisms on Mars is presented. Soil analog mixtures have been prepared, characterized and tested through wet/dry cycling experiments; results are compared with Mars Pathfinder soil data (spectral, chemical and magnetic). Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Acquisition of Automatic Imitation Is Sensitive to Sensorimotor Contingency

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cook, Richard; Press, Clare; Dickinson, Anthony; Heyes, Cecilia

2010-01-01

The associative sequence learning model proposes that the development of the mirror system depends on the same mechanisms of associative learning that mediate Pavlovian and instrumental conditioning. To test this model, two experiments used the reduction of automatic imitation through incompatible sensorimotor training to assess whether mirror…

Challenges and Innovations in a Community-Based Participatory Randomized Controlled Trial

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goodkind, Jessica R.; Amer, Suha; Christian, Charlisa; Hess, Julia Meredith; Bybee, Deborah; Isakson, Brian L.; Baca, Brandon; Ndayisenga, Martin; Greene, R. Neil; Shantzek, Cece

2017-01-01

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are a long-standing and important design for conducting rigorous tests of the effectiveness of health interventions. However, many questions have been raised about the external validity of RCTs, their utility in explicating mechanisms of intervention and participants' intervention experiences, and their…

SIC mirrors polishing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodolfo, J.; Ruch, E.; Tarreau, M.; Merceron, J.-M.; Ferré, J.; Rousselet, N.; Leplan, H.; Geyl, R.; Harnisch, B.

2017-11-01

Silicon Carbide is a material of high interest in the design and manufacturing of space telescopes, thanks to its mechanical and thermal properties. Since many years, Reosc has gathered a large experience in the polishing, testing, integration and coating of large size Silicon Carbide mirrors as well as in the integration of full SiC TMAs.

A linear chromatic mechanism drives the pupillary response.

PubMed Central

Tsujimura, S.; Wolffsohn, J. S.; Gilmartin, B.

2001-01-01

Previous studies have shown that a chromatic mechanism can drive pupil responses. The aim of this research was to clarify whether a linear or nonlinear chromatic mechanism drives pupillary responses by using test stimuli of various colours that are defined in cone contrast space. The pupil and accommodation responses evoked by these test stimuli were continuously and simultaneously objectively measured by photorefraction. The results with isochromatic and isoluminant stimuli showed that the accommodative level remained approximately constant (< 0.25 D change in mean level) even when the concurrent pupillary response was large (ca. 0.30 mm). The pupillary response to an isoluminant grating was sustained, delayed (by ca. 60 ms) and larger in amplitude than that for a isochromatic uniform stimulus, which supports previous work suggesting that the chromatic mechanism contributes to the pupillary response. In a second experiment, selected chromatic test gratings were used and isoresponse contours in cone contrast space were obtained. The results showed that the isoresponse contour in cone contrast space is well described (r(2) = 0.99) by a straight line with a positive slope. The results indicate that a /L - M/ linear chromatic mechanism, whereby a signal from the long wavelength cone is subtracted from that of the middle wavelength cone and vice versa, drives pupillary responses. PMID:11674867

Transverse crack initiation under combined thermal and mechanical loading of Fibre Metal Laminates and Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van de Camp, W.; Dhallé, M. M. J.; Warnet, L.; Wessel, W. A. J.; Vos, G. S.; Akkerman, R.; ter Brake, H. J. M.

2017-02-01

The paper describes a temperature-dependent extension of the classical laminate theory (CLT) that may be used to predict the mechanical behaviour of Fibre Metal Laminates (FML) at cryogenic conditions, including crack initiation. FML are considered as a possible alternative class of structural materials for the transport and storage of liquified gasses such as LNG. Combining different constituents in a laminate opens up the possibility to enhance its functionality, e.g. offering lower specific weight and increased damage tolerance. To explore this possibility, a test programme is underway at the University of Twente to study transverse crack initiation in different material combinations under combined thermal and mechanical loading. Specifically, the samples are tested in a three-point bending experiment at temperatures ranging from 77 to 293 K. These tests will serve as a validation of the model presented in this paper which, by incorporating temperature-dependent mechanical properties and differential thermal expansion, will allow to select optimal material combinations and laminate layouts. By combining the temperature-dependent mechanical properties and the differential thermal contraction explicitly, the model allows for a more accurate estimate of the resulting thermal stresses which can then be compared to the strength of the constituent materials.

Elucidating the mechanisms linking early pubertal timing, sexual activity, and substance use for maltreated versus nonmaltreated adolescents.

PubMed

Negriff, Sonya; Brensilver, Matthew; Trickett, Penelope K

2015-06-01

To test models linking pubertal timing, peer substance use, sexual behavior, and substance use for maltreated versus comparison adolescents. Three theoretical mechanisms were tested: (1) peer influence links early pubertal timing to later sexual behavior and substance use; (2) early maturers engage in substance use on their own and then select substance-using friends; or (3) early maturers initiate sexual behaviors which lead them to substance-using peers. The data came from a longitudinal study of the effects of child maltreatment on adolescent development (303 maltreated and 151 comparison adolescents; age, 9-13 years at initial wave). Multiple-group structural equation models tested the hypotheses across three time points including variables of pubertal timing, perception of peer substance use, sexual behavior, and self-reported substance use. Early pubertal timing was associated with substance-using peers only for maltreated adolescents, indicating the mediation path from early pubertal timing through substance-using peers to subsequent adolescent substance use and sexual behavior only holds for maltreated adolescents. Mediation via sexual behavior was significant for both maltreated and comparison adolescents. This indicates that sexual behavior may be a more universal mechanism linking early maturation with risky friends regardless of adverse life experiences. The findings are a step toward elucidating the developmental pathways from early puberty to risk behavior and identifying early experiences that may alter mediation effects. Copyright © 2015 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Socially transmitted mate preferences in a monogamous bird: a non-genetic mechanism of sexual selection.

PubMed

Swaddle, John P; Cathey, Mark G; Correll, Maureen; Hodkinson, Brendan P

2005-05-22

There is increasing evidence that animals can acquire mate preferences through the use of public information, notably by observing (and copying) the mate preferences of others in the population. If females acquire preferences through social mechanisms, sexual selection could act very rapidly to spread the preference and drive elaboration of the preferred trait(s). Although there are reports of 'mate-choice copying' in polygynous species, there is no clear evidence for this process in monogamous species. Here, we investigated whether adult female zebra finches Taeniopygia guttata can socially acquire sexual preferences for individual males and, in a separate study, for a generalized trait (coloured leg bands) of males. In both studies, test females observed males in two simultaneous conditions: a ('chosen') mixed-sex situation in which a male was paired with a (model) female, and a ('unchosen') same-sex situation in which a male was paired with another male. In the first experiment, after two weeks of females observing males, test females significantly preferred individual males who had been paired with another female (i.e. chosen males). In the second experiment, test females significantly preferred novel males that were wearing the same leg band colour as the apparently chosen males. Our findings are consistent with the conclusion that female zebra finches' mate preferences are altered by public information. Our study implies that mate preferences can spread rapidly through populations by social mechanisms, affecting the strength of sexual selection in a monogamous species.

Analysis and control of the vibration of doubly fed wind turbine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Manye; Lin, Ying

2017-01-01

The fault phenomena of the violent vibration of certain doubly-fed wind turbine were researched comprehensively, and the dynamic characteristics, load and fault conditions of the system were discussed. Firstly, the structural dynamics analysis of wind turbine is made, and the dynamics mold is built. Secondly, the vibration testing of wind turbine is done with the German test and analysis systems BBM. Thirdly, signal should be analyzed and dealt with. Based on the experiment, spectrum analysis of the motor dynamic balance can be made by using signal processing toolbox of MATLAB software, and the analysis conclusions show that the vibration of wind turbine is caused by dynamic imbalance. The results show that integrating mechanical system dynamics theory with advanced test technology can solve the vibration problem more successfully, which is important in vibration diagnosis of mechanical equipment.

An Apollo compatible cloud physics experiment.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eaton, L. R.; Hollinden, A. B.; Satterblom, P. R.

1973-01-01

Consideration of the utilization of a low-gravity environment to obtain experimental information, in the area of cloud microphysics, which cannot be obtained in ground laboratories. The experiment discussed is designed to obtain quantitative answers about evaporation and breakup of salt particles from ocean spray and other sources. In addition to salt nuclei distribution mechanisms, this breakup has ecological importance in relation to the spreading of salt mists from salted highways and spreading of brine cooling tower spray from electrical power generation plants. This experiment is being submitted for consideration on the Apollo-Soyuz Test Program in 1975.

Review: mechanical behavior of metal/ceramic interfaces in nanolayered composites—experiments and modeling

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Nan; Liu, Xiang-Yang

In this study, recent experimental and modeling studies in nanolayered metal/ceramic composites are reviewed, with focus on the mechanical behaviors of metal/nitrides interfaces. The experimental and modeling studies of the slip systems in bulk TiN are reviewed first. Then, the experimental studies of interfaces, including co-deformation mechanism by micropillar compression tests, in situ TEM straining tests for the dynamic process of the co-deformation, thickness-dependent fracture behavior, and interrelationship among the interfacial bonding, microstructure, and mechanical response, are reviewed for the specific material systems of Al/TiN and Cu/TiN multilayers at nanoscale. The modeling studies reviewed cover first-principles density functional theory-based modeling,more » atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, and mesoscale modeling of nanolayered composites using discrete dislocation dynamics. The phase transformation between zinc-blende and wurtzite AlN phases in Al/AlN multilayers at nanoscale is also reviewed. Finally, a summary and perspective of possible research directions and challenges are given.« less

Review: mechanical behavior of metal/ceramic interfaces in nanolayered composites—experiments and modeling

DOE PAGES

Li, Nan; Liu, Xiang-Yang

2017-11-03

In this study, recent experimental and modeling studies in nanolayered metal/ceramic composites are reviewed, with focus on the mechanical behaviors of metal/nitrides interfaces. The experimental and modeling studies of the slip systems in bulk TiN are reviewed first. Then, the experimental studies of interfaces, including co-deformation mechanism by micropillar compression tests, in situ TEM straining tests for the dynamic process of the co-deformation, thickness-dependent fracture behavior, and interrelationship among the interfacial bonding, microstructure, and mechanical response, are reviewed for the specific material systems of Al/TiN and Cu/TiN multilayers at nanoscale. The modeling studies reviewed cover first-principles density functional theory-based modeling,more » atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, and mesoscale modeling of nanolayered composites using discrete dislocation dynamics. The phase transformation between zinc-blende and wurtzite AlN phases in Al/AlN multilayers at nanoscale is also reviewed. Finally, a summary and perspective of possible research directions and challenges are given.« less

The effect of thermal damage on the mechanical properties of polymer regrinds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kundu, Nikhil K.

1990-01-01

Reprocessed polymers are subjected to high processing temperatures that result in the breakdown of molecular chains and changes in the molecular structures. These phenomena are reflected in the mechanical properties of materials. Practically every regrind is seen as a new material. These experiments deal with the molding, regrinding, and reprocessing of test specimens for the study of their mechanical properties. The comparative test data from each recycled material would give students an insight of the molecular structures and property degradation. Three important rheological and mechanical properties such as melt flow, impact strength, and flexural strength are to be determined. These properties play key roles in the selection of engineering materials. The material selected for demonstration was Makrolon 3000L, a polycarbonate thermoplastic from Bayer AG. The thermal degradation due to repeated processing is reflected in the decrease in molecular weight and breakdown of molecular chains causing increase in melt flow. The Izod-impact resistance and the flexural strength deteriorate gradually.

Carbon Nanotubes Reinforced Composites for Biomedical Applications

PubMed Central

Wang, Wei; Zhu, Yuhe; Liao, Susan; Li, Jiajia

2014-01-01

This review paper reported carbon nanotubes reinforced composites for biomedical applications. Several studies have found enhancement in the mechanical properties of CNTs-based reinforced composites by the addition of CNTs. CNTs reinforced composites have been intensively investigated for many aspects of life, especially being made for biomedical applications. The review introduced fabrication of CNTs reinforced composites (CNTs reinforced metal matrix composites, CNTs reinforced polymer matrix composites, and CNTs reinforced ceramic matrix composites), their mechanical properties, cell experiments in vitro, and biocompatibility tests in vivo. PMID:24707488

Tests of alternative quantum theories with neutrons

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sponar, S.; Durstberger-Rennhofer, K.; Badurek, G.

2014-12-04

According to Bell’s theorem, every theory based on local realism is at variance with certain predictions of quantum mechanics. A theory that maintains realism but abandons reliance on locality, which has been proposed by Leggett, is incompatible with experimentally observable quantum correlations. In our experiment correlation measurements of spin-energy entangled single-neutrons violate a Leggett-type inequality by more than 7.6 standard deviations. The experimental data falsify the contextual realistic model and are fully in favor of quantum mechanics.

Statistical mechanics of ribbons under bending and twisting torques.

PubMed

Sinha, Supurna; Samuel, Joseph

2013-11-20

We present an analytical study of ribbons subjected to an external torque. We first describe the elastic response of a ribbon within a purely mechanical framework. We then study the role of thermal fluctuations in modifying its elastic response. We predict the moment-angle relation of bent and twisted ribbons. Such a study is expected to shed light on the role of twist in DNA looping and on bending elasticity of twisted graphene ribbons. Our quantitative predictions can be tested against future single molecule experiments.

Initial development of a high-pressure crystal growth facility: Center director's discretionary fund

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Szofran, F. R.; Lehoczky, S. L.; Cobb, S. D.; Gillies, D. C.

1993-01-01

A low-cost, flexible, high-pressure (600 psi) system for crystal growth and related thermophysical properties measurements was designed, assembled, and tested. The furnace system includes a magnetically coupled translation mechanism that eliminates the need for a high-pressure mechanical feedthru. The system is currently being used for continuing crystal growth experiments and thermophysical properties measurements on several material systems including Hg(1-x)Cd(x)Te, Hg(1-x)Zn(x)Te, and Hg(1-x)Zn(x)Se.

Carbon nanotubes reinforced composites for biomedical applications.

PubMed

Wang, Wei; Zhu, Yuhe; Liao, Susan; Li, Jiajia

2014-01-01

This review paper reported carbon nanotubes reinforced composites for biomedical applications. Several studies have found enhancement in the mechanical properties of CNTs-based reinforced composites by the addition of CNTs. CNTs reinforced composites have been intensively investigated for many aspects of life, especially being made for biomedical applications. The review introduced fabrication of CNTs reinforced composites (CNTs reinforced metal matrix composites, CNTs reinforced polymer matrix composites, and CNTs reinforced ceramic matrix composites), their mechanical properties, cell experiments in vitro, and biocompatibility tests in vivo.

Non-linear mechanical behavior of a sintered material for braking application using digital image correlation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mann, Ruddy; Magnier, Vincent; Serrano-Munoz, Itziar; Brunel, Jean-Francois; Brunel, Florent; Dufrenoy, Philippe; Henrion, Michele

2017-12-01

Friction materials for braking applications are complex composites made of many components to ensure the various performances required (friction coefficient level, low wear, mechanical strength, thermal resistance, etc.). The material is developed empirically by a trial and error approach. With the solicitation, the material evolves and probably also its properties. In the literature, the mechanical behavior of such materials is generally considered as linear elastic and independent of the loading history. This paper describes a methodology to characterize the mechanical behavior of such a heterogeneous material in order to investigate its non-linear mechanical behavior. Results from mechanical tests are implemented into material laws for numerical simulations. Thanks to the instrumentation, some links with the microstructure can also be proposed. The material is made of a metallic matrix embedding graphite and ceramic particles and is manufactured by sintering. It is used for dry friction applications such as high-energy brake for trains, cars and motorcycles. Compression tests are done with digital image correlation to measure full-filled displacement. It allows to calculate strain fields with enough resolution to identify the material heterogeneity and the role of some of the components of the formulation. A behavior model of the material with plasticity and damage is proposed to simulate the non-linear mechanical behavior and is implemented in an FEM code. Results of mechanical test simulations are compared with two types of experiments showing good agreement. This method thus makes it possible to determine mechanical properties at a virgin state but is extensible for characterizing a material having been submitted to braking solicitations.

Electronics reliability fracture mechanics. Volume 2: Fracture mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kallis, J.; Duncan, L.; Buechler, D.; Backes, P.; Sandkulla, D.

1992-05-01

This is the second of two volumes. The other volume (WL-TR-92-3015) is 'Causes of Failures of Shop Replaceable Units and Hybrid Microcircuits.' The objective of the Electronics Reliability Fracture Mechanics (ERFM) program was to develop and demonstrate a life prediction technique for electronic assemblies, when subjected to environmental stresses of vibration and thermal cycling, based upon the mechanical properties of the materials and packaging configurations which make up an electronic system. The application of fracture mechanics to microscale phenomena in electronic assemblies was a pioneering research effort. The small scale made the experiments very difficult; for example, the 1-mil-diameter bond wires in microelectronic devices are 1/3 the diameter of a human hair. A number of issues had to be resolved to determine whether a fracture mechanics modelling approach is correct for the selected failures; specifically, the following two issues had to be resolved: What fraction of the lifetime is spent in crack initiation? Are macro fracture mechanics techniques, used in large structures such as bridges, applicable to the tiny structures in electronic equipment? The following structural failure mechanisms were selected for modelling: bondwire fracture from mechanical cycling; bondwire fracture from thermal (power) cycling; plated through hole (PTH) fracture from thermal cycling. The bondwire fracture test specimens were A1-1 percent Si wires, representative of wires used in the parts in the modules selected for detailed investigation in this program (see Vol. 1 of this report); 1-mil-diameter wires were tested in this program. The PTH test specimens were sections of 14-layer printed wiring boards of the type used.

Finite element simulation of location- and time-dependent mechanical behavior of chondrocytes in unconfined compression tests.

PubMed

Wu, J Z; Herzog, W

2000-03-01

Experimental evidence suggests that cells are extremely sensitive to their mechanical environment and react directly to mechanical stimuli. At present, it is technically difficult to measure fluid pressure, stress, and strain in cells, and to determine the time-dependent deformation of chondrocytes. For this reason, there are no data in the published literature that show the dynamic behavior of chondrocytes in articular cartilage. Similarly, the dynamic chondrocyte mechanics have not been calculated using theoretical models that account for the influence of cell volumetric fraction on cartilage mechanical properties. In the present investigation, the location- and time-dependent stress-strain state and fluid pressure distribution in chondrocytes in unconfined compression tests were simulated numerically using a finite element method. The technique involved two basic steps: first, cartilage was approximated as a macroscopically homogenized material and the mechanical behavior of cartilage was obtained using the homogenized model; second, the solution of the time-dependent displacements and fluid pressure fields of the homogenized model was used as the time-dependent boundary conditions for a microscopic submodel to obtain average location- and time-dependent mechanical behavior of cells. Cells and extracellular matrix were assumed to be biphasic materials composed of a fluid phase and a hyperelastic solid phase. The hydraulic permeability was assumed to be deformation dependent and the analysis was performed using a finite deformation approach. Numerical tests were made using configurations similar to those of experiments described in the literature. Our simulations show that the mechanical response of chondrocytes to cartilage loading depends on time, fluid boundary conditions, and the locations of the cells within the specimen. The present results are the first to suggest that chondrocyte deformation in a stress-relaxation type test may exceed the imposed system deformation by a factor of 3-4, that chondrocyte deformations are highly dynamic and do not reach a steady state within about 20 min of steady compression (in an unconfined test), and that cell deformations are very much location dependent.

Transient Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of Resilin-based Elastomeric Hydrogels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Linqing; Kiick, Kristi

2014-04-01

The outstanding high-frequency properties of emerging resilin-like polypeptides (RLPs) have motivated their development for vocal fold tissue regeneration and other applications. Recombinant RLP hydrogels show efficient gelation, tunable mechanical properties, and display excellent extensibility, but little has been reported about their transient mechanical properties. In this manuscript, we describe the transient mechanical behavior of new RLP hydrogels investigated via both sinusoidal oscillatory shear deformation and uniaxial tensile testing. Oscillatory stress relaxation and creep experiments confirm that RLP-based hydrogels display significantly reduced stress relaxation and improved strain recovery compared to PEG-based control hydrogels. Uniaxial tensile testing confirms the negligible hysteresis, reversible elasticity and superior resilience (up to 98%) of hydrated RLP hydrogels, with Young’s modulus values that compare favorably with those previously reported for resilin and that mimic the tensile properties of the vocal fold ligament at low strain (< 15%). These studies expand our understanding of the properties of these RLP materials under a variety of conditions, and confirm the unique applicability, for mechanically demanding tissue engineering applications, of a range of RLP hydrogels.

FRTL-5 experiment during ENEIDE mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meli, A.; Perrella, G.; Toller, M.; Zambito, A. M.; Spelat, R.; Moretti, M.; Ferro, F.; Curcio, F.; Ambesi-Impiombato, F. S.

2007-09-01

The FRTL-5 experiment was performed during the 10 day Italian Soyuz Mission "ENEIDE" (from April 15 to April 25, 2005) on the International Space Station. The main objectives were: 1) the validation of the FRTL5 cells as a biological system to evaluate space environment effects; 2) the investigation of the space environment-related pathophysiological mechanisms of cellular damage and/or behaviour; 3) to verify if fastgrowing cells could be differently sensitive to space environment-related effects as compared to cells in physiological standby. Because of the limited available space in the dedicated facilities and the restrictive requirements imposed by ESA, RSA and NASA, and because no pre-qualified equipment existed, all of the equipment and the procedures have been subjected to structural failure test and to severe qualification tests. Results were: 1) all the qualification procedures and tests were successful 2) Overall cell number is lower in the cultures exposed to space environment as compared to the controls reproducing the temperature conditions during the ENEIDE mission; 3) This phenomenon is most likely related to a slower growth rate in proliferative state; 4) This slow growth rate is: a) reversible, as demonstrated by the results of the growth curves, the plating and cloning efficiencies measured on the samples once they have been returned to our laboratory in Udine; b) mostly related to space effects as indicated by additional control in a clinostat. More experiments of this kind are needed to verify and validate these data and to investigate the molecular mechanisms underling the phenomenon.

Micromechanical Tests and Geochemical Modeling to Evaluate Evolution of Rock Alteration by CO2-Water Mixtures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aman, M.; Sun, Y.; Ilgen, A.; Espinoza, N.

2015-12-01

Injection of large volumes of CO2 into geologic formations can help reduce the atmospheric CO2 concentration and lower the impact of burning fossil fuels. However, the injection of CO2 into the subsurface shifts the chemical equilibrium between the mineral assemblage and the pore fluid. This shift will situationally facilitate dissolution and reprecipitation of mineral phases, in particular intergranular cements, and can potentially affect the long term mechanical stability of the host formation. The study of these coupled chemical-mechanical reservoir rock responses can help identify and control unexpected emergent behavior associated with geological CO2 storage.Experiments show that micro-mechanical methods are useful in capturing a variety of mechanical parameters, including Young's modulus, hardness and fracture toughness. In particular, micro-mechanical measurements are well-suited for examining thin altered layers on the surfaces of rock specimens, as well as capturing variability on the scale of lithofacies. We performed indentation and scratching tests on sandstone and siltstone rocks altered in natural CO2-brine environments, as well as on analogous samples altered under high pressure, temperature, and dissolved CO2 conditions in a controlled laboratory experiment. We performed geochemical modeling to support the experimental observations, in particular to gain the insight into mineral dissolution/precipitation as a result of the rock-water-CO2reactions. The comparison of scratch measurements performed on specimens both unaltered and altered by CO2 over geologic time scales results in statistically different values for fracture toughness and scratch hardness, indicating that long term exposure to CO2 caused mechanical degradation of the reservoir rock. Geochemical modeling indicates that major geochemical change caused by CO2 invasion of Entrada sandstone is dissolution of hematite cement, and its replacement with siderite and dolomite during the alteration process.

Approaches to the mechanisms of song memorization and singing provide evidence for a procedural memory.

PubMed

Hultsch, Henrike; Todt, Dietmar

2004-06-01

There is growing evidence that, during song learning, birds do not only acquire 'what to sing' (the inventory of behavior), but also 'how to sing' (the singing program), including order-features of song sequencing. Common Nightingales Luscinia megarhynchos acquire such serial information by segmenting long strings of heard songs into smaller subsets or packages, by a process reminiscent of the chunking of information as a coding mechanism in short term memory. Here we report three tutoring experiments on nightingales that examined whether such 'chunking' was susceptible to experimental cueing. The experiments tested whether (1) 'temporal phrasing' (silent intersong intervals spaced out at particular positions of a tutored string), or (2) 'stimulus novelty' (groups of novel song-types added to a basic string), or (3) 'pattern similarity' in the phonetic structure of songs (here: sharing of song initials) would induce package boundaries (or chunking) at the manipulated sequential positions. The results revealed cueing effects in experiments (1) and (2) but not in experiment (3). The finding that birds used temporal variables as cues for chunking does not require the assumption that package formation is a cognitive strategy. Rather, it points towards a mechanism of procedural memory operating in the song acquisition of birds.

Vibration reduction of pneumatic percussive rivet tools: mechanical and ergonomic re-design approaches.

PubMed

Cherng, John G; Eksioglu, Mahmut; Kizilaslan, Kemal

2009-03-01

This paper presents a systematic design approach, which is the result of years of research effort, to ergonomic re-design of rivet tools, i.e. rivet hammers and bucking bars. The investigation was carried out using both ergonomic approach and mechanical analysis of the rivet tools dynamic behavior. The optimal mechanical design parameters of the re-designed rivet tools were determined by Taguchi method. Two ergonomically re-designed rivet tools with vibration damping/isolation mechanisms were tested against two conventional rivet tools in both laboratory and field tests. Vibration characteristics of both types of tools were measured by laboratory tests using a custom-made test fixture. The subjective field evaluations of the tools were performed by six experienced riveters at an aircraft repair shop. Results indicate that the isolation spring and polymer damper are very effective in reducing the overall level of vibration under both unweighted and weighted acceleration conditions. The mass of the dolly head and the housing played a significant role in the vibration absorption of the bucking bars. Another important result was that the duct iron has better vibration reducing capability compared to steel and aluminum for bucking bars. Mathematical simulation results were also consistent with the experimental results. Overall conclusion obtained from the study was that by applying the design principles of ergonomics and by adding vibration damping/isolation mechanisms to the rivet tools, the vibration level can significantly be reduced and the tools become safer and user friendly. The details of the experience learned, design modifications, test methods, mathematical models and the results are included in the paper.

Nuclear safety. Technical progress journal, October 1996--December 1996

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

The five papers in this issue address various issues associated with the behavior of high burnup fuels, especially under reactivity initiated accident (RIA) conditions. The mechanisms and parameters that have an effect on the fuel behavior are detailed, based on tests and analyses. The ultimate goal of the research reported is the development of new regulatory criteria for high burnup fuel under design basis accident conditions. Specific topics of the papers, which are abstracted individually in the database, are: (1) regulatory assessment of test data for RIAs, (2) high burnup fuel transient behavior under RIA conditions, (3) NSRR/RIA experiments withmore » high burnup PWR fuels, (4) the Russian RIA research program, and (5) RIA simulation experiments on the intermediate and high burnup test rods. The papers are contributed from the United States, France, Japan, and Russia.« less

The limits of metrical segmentation: intonation modulates infants' extraction of embedded trochees.

PubMed

Zahner, Katharina; Schönhuber, Muna; Braun, Bettina

2016-11-01

We tested German nine-month-olds' reliance on pitch and metrical stress for segmentation. In a headturn-preference paradigm, infants were familiarized with trisyllabic words (weak-strong-weak (WSW) stress pattern) in sentence-contexts. The words were presented in one of three naturally occurring intonation conditions: one in which high pitch was aligned with the stressed syllable and two misalignment conditions (with high pitch preceding vs. following the stressed syllable). Infants were tested on the SW unit of the WSW carriers. Experiment 1 showed recognition only when the stressed syllable was high-pitched. Intonation of test items (similar vs. dissimilar to familiarization) had no influence (Experiment 2). Thus, German nine-month-olds perceive stressed syllables as word onsets only when high-pitched, although they already generalize over different pitch contours. Different mechanisms underlying this pattern of results are discussed.

Investigation of the Interplanetary Transfer of Microbes in the Tanpopo Mission at the Exposed Facility of the International Space Station.

PubMed

Kawaguchi, Yuko; Yokobori, Shin-Ichi; Hashimoto, Hirofumi; Yano, Hajime; Tabata, Makoto; Kawai, Hideyuki; Yamagishi, Akihiko

2016-05-01

The Tanpopo mission will address fundamental questions on the origin of terrestrial life. The main goal is to test the panspermia hypothesis. Panspermia is a long-standing hypothesis suggesting the interplanetary transport of microbes. Another goal is to test the possible origin of organic compounds carried from space by micrometeorites before the terrestrial origin of life. To investigate the panspermia hypothesis and the possible space origin of organic compounds, we performed space experiments at the Exposed Facility (EF) of the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) of the International Space Station (ISS). The mission was named Tanpopo, which in Japanese means dandelion. We capture any orbiting microparticles, such as micrometeorites, space debris, and terrestrial particles carrying microbes as bioaerosols, by using blocks of silica aerogel. We also test the survival of microbial species and organic compounds in the space environment for up to 3 years. The goal of this review is to introduce an overview of the Tanpopo mission with particular emphasis on the investigation of the interplanetary transfer of microbes. The Exposed Experiment Handrail Attachment Mechanism with aluminum Capture Panels (CPs) and Exposure Panels (EPs) was exposed on the EF-JEM on May 26, 2015. The first CPs and EPs will be returned to the ground in mid-2016. Possible escape of terrestrial microbes from Earth to space will be evaluated by investigating the upper limit of terrestrial microbes by the capture experiment. Possible mechanisms for transfer of microbes over the stratosphere and an investigation of the effect of the microbial cell-aggregate size on survivability in space will also be discussed. Panspermia-Astrobiology-Low-Earth orbit. Astrobiology 16, 363-376.

Experiences with integral microelectronics on smart structures for space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nye, Ted; Casteel, Scott; Navarro, Sergio A.; Kraml, Bob

1995-05-01

One feature of a smart structure implies that some computational and signal processing capability can be performed at a local level, perhaps integral to the controlled structure. This requires electronics with a minimal mechanical influence regarding structural stiffening, heat dissipation, weight, and electrical interface connectivity. The Advanced Controls Technology Experiment II (ACTEX II) space-flight experiments implemented such a local control electronics scheme by utilizing composite smart members with integral processing electronics. These microelectronics, tested to MIL-STD-883B levels, were fabricated with conventional thick film on ceramic multichip module techniques. Kovar housings and aluminum-kapton multilayer insulation was used to protect against harsh space radiation and thermal environments. Development and acceptance testing showed the electronics design was extremely robust, operating in vacuum and at temperature range with minimal gain variations occurring just above room temperatures. Four electronics modules, used for the flight hardware configuration, were connected by a RS-485 2 Mbit per second serial data bus. The data bus was controlled by Actel field programmable gate arrays arranged in a single master, four slave configuration. An Intel 80C196KD microprocessor was chosen as the digital compensator in each controller. It was used to apply a series of selectable biquad filters, implemented via Delta Transforms. Instability in any compensator was expected to appear as large amplitude oscillations in the deployed structure. Thus, over-vibration detection circuitry with automatic output isolation was incorporated into the design. This was not used however, since during experiment integration and test, intentionally induced compensator instabilities resulted in benign mechanical oscillation symptoms. Not too surprisingly, it was determined that instabilities were most detectable by large temperature increases in the electronics, typically noticeable within minutes of unstable operation.

Effects of surface chemistry on hot corrosion life: Overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Merutka, J.

1982-01-01

This program concentrates on analyzing a limited number of hot corroded components from the field and the carrying out of a series of controlled laboratory experiments to establish the effects of oxide scale and coating chemistry on hot corrosion life. This is to be determined principally from the length of the incubation period, the investigation of the mechanisms of hot corrosion attack, and the fitting of the data generated from the test exposure experiments to an empirical life prediction model.

Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alshibli, Khalid A.; Costes, Nicholas C.; Porter, Ronald F.

1996-01-01

The constitutive behavior of uncemented granular materials such as strength, stiffness, and localization of deformations are to a large extend derived from interparticle friction transmitted between solid particles and particle groups. Interparticle forces are highly dependent on gravitational body forces. At very low effective confining pressures, the true nature of the Mohr envelope, which defines the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion for soils, as well as the relative contribution of each of non-frictional components to soil's shear strength cannot be evaluated in terrestrial laboratories. Because of the impossibility of eliminating gravitational body forces on earth, the weight of soil grains develops interparticle compressive stresses which mask true soil constitutive behavior even in the smallest samples of models. Therefore the microgravity environment induced by near-earth orbits of spacecraft provides unique experimental opportunities for testing theories related to the mechanical behavior of terrestrial granular materials. Such materials may include cohesionless soils, industrial powders, crushed coal, etc. This paper will describe the microgravity experiment, 'Mechanics of Granular Materials (MGM)', scheduled to be flown on Space Shuttle-MIR missions. The paper will describe the experiment's hardware, instrumentation, specimen preparation procedures, testing procedures in flight, as well as a brief summary of the post-mission analysis. It is expected that the experimental results will significantly improve the understanding of the behavior of granular materials under very low effective stress levels.

The comparison of manual and LabVIEW-based fuzzy control on mechanical ventilation.

PubMed

Guler, Hasan; Ata, Fikret

2014-09-01

The aim of this article is to develop a knowledge-based therapy for management of rats with respiratory distress. A mechanical ventilator was designed to achieve this aim. The designed ventilator is called an intelligent mechanical ventilator since fuzzy logic was used to control the pneumatic equipment according to the rat's status. LabVIEW software was used to control all equipments in the ventilator prototype and to monitor respiratory variables in the experiment. The designed ventilator can be controlled both manually and by fuzzy logic. Eight female Wistar-Albino rats were used to test the designed ventilator and to show the effectiveness of fuzzy control over manual control on pressure control ventilation mode. The anesthetized rats were first ventilated for 20 min manually. After that time, they were ventilated for 20 min by fuzzy logic. Student's t-test for p < 0.05 was applied to the measured minimum, maximum and mean peak inspiration pressures to analyze the obtained results. The results show that there is no statistical difference in the rat's lung parameters before and after the experiments. It can be said that the designed ventilator and developed knowledge-based therapy support artificial respiration of living things successfully. © IMechE 2014.

US experiments flown on the Soviet biosatellite Cosmos 2044. Volume 1: Mission description, experiments K-7-01 - K-7-15

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Connolly, James P. (Editor); Grindeland, Richard E. (Editor); Ballard, Rodney W. (Editor)

1994-01-01

Cosmos 2044 was launched on September 15, 1989, containing radiation dosimetry experiments and a biological payload including two young male rhesus monkeys, ten adult male Wistar rats, insects, amphibians, protozoa, cell cultures, worms, plants and fish. The biosatellite was launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in the Soviet Union for a mission duration of 14 days, as planned. The major research objectives were: (1) Study adaptive response mechanisms of mammals during flight; (2) Study physiological mechanisms underlying vestibular, motor system and brain function in primates during early and later adaptation phases; (3) Study the tissue regeneration processes of mammals; (4) Study the development of single-celled organisms, cell cultures and embryos in microgravity; (5) Study radiation characteristics during the mission and investigate doses, fluxes and spectra of cosmic radiation for various types of shielding. American and Soviet specialists jointly conducted 29 experiments on this mission including extensive preflight and post flight studies with rhesus monkeys, and tissue processing and cell culturing post flight. Biosamples and data were subsequently transferred to the United States. The U.S. responsibilities for this flight included development of flight and ground-based hardware, the preparation of rat tissue sample procedures, the verification testing of hardware and experiment procedures, and the post flight analysis of biospecimens and data for the joint experiments. The U.S. investigations included four primate experiments, 24 rat experiments, and one radiation dosimetry experiment. Three scientists investigated tissue repair during flight for a subgroup of rats injured preflight by surgical intervention. A description of the Cosmos 2044 mission is presented in this report including preflight, on-orbit and post flight activities. The flight and ground-based bioinstrumentation which was developed by the U.S. and U.S.S.R. is also described, along with the associated preflight testing of the U.S. hardware.

An investigation into the mechanism of the polygonal wear of metro train wheels and its effect on the dynamic behaviour of a wheel/rail system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Xuesong; Wu, Lei; Fang, Jianying; Zhong, Shuoqiao; Ling, Liang

2012-12-01

This paper presents a detailed investigation conducted into the mechanism of the polygonal wear of metro train wheels through extensive experiments conducted at the sites. The purpose of the experimental investigation is to determine from where the resonant frequency that causes the polygonal wear of the metro train wheels originates. The experiments include the model tests of a vehicle and its parts and the tracks, the dynamic behaviour test of the vehicle in operation and the observation test of the polygonal wear development of the wheels. The tracks tested include the viaducts and the tunnel tracks. The structure model tests show that the average passing frequency of a polygonal wheel is approximately close to the first bending resonant frequency of the wheelset that is found by the wheelset model test and verified by the finite element analysis of the wheelset. Also, the dynamic behaviour test of the vehicle in operation indicates the main frequencies of the vertical acceleration vibration of the axle boxes, which are dominant in the vertical acceleration vibration of the axle boxes and close to the passing frequency of a polygonal wheel, which shows that the first bending resonant frequency of the wheelset is very exciting in the wheelset operation. The observation test of the polygonal wear development of the wheels indicates an increase in the rate of the polygonal wear of the wheels after their re-profiling. This paper also describes the dynamic models used for the metro vehicle coupled with the ballasted track and the slab track to analyse the effect of the polygonal wear of the wheels on the wheel/rail normal forces.

A high throughput mechanical screening device for cartilage tissue engineering.

PubMed

Mohanraj, Bhavana; Hou, Chieh; Meloni, Gregory R; Cosgrove, Brian D; Dodge, George R; Mauck, Robert L

2014-06-27

Articular cartilage enables efficient and near-frictionless load transmission, but suffers from poor inherent healing capacity. As such, cartilage tissue engineering strategies have focused on mimicking both compositional and mechanical properties of native tissue in order to provide effective repair materials for the treatment of damaged or degenerated joint surfaces. However, given the large number design parameters available (e.g. cell sources, scaffold designs, and growth factors), it is difficult to conduct combinatorial experiments of engineered cartilage. This is particularly exacerbated when mechanical properties are a primary outcome, given the long time required for testing of individual samples. High throughput screening is utilized widely in the pharmaceutical industry to rapidly and cost-effectively assess the effects of thousands of compounds for therapeutic discovery. Here we adapted this approach to develop a high throughput mechanical screening (HTMS) system capable of measuring the mechanical properties of up to 48 materials simultaneously. The HTMS device was validated by testing various biomaterials and engineered cartilage constructs and by comparing the HTMS results to those derived from conventional single sample compression tests. Further evaluation showed that the HTMS system was capable of distinguishing and identifying 'hits', or factors that influence the degree of tissue maturation. Future iterations of this device will focus on reducing data variability, increasing force sensitivity and range, as well as scaling-up to even larger (96-well) formats. This HTMS device provides a novel tool for cartilage tissue engineering, freeing experimental design from the limitations of mechanical testing throughput. © 2013 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Do congenital prosopagnosia and the other-race effect affect the same face recognition mechanisms?

PubMed Central

Esins, Janina; Schultz, Johannes; Wallraven, Christian; Bülthoff, Isabelle

2014-01-01

Congenital prosopagnosia (CP), an innate impairment in recognizing faces, as well as the other-race effect (ORE), a disadvantage in recognizing faces of foreign races, both affect face recognition abilities. Are the same face processing mechanisms affected in both situations? To investigate this question, we tested three groups of 21 participants: German congenital prosopagnosics, South Korean participants and German controls on three different tasks involving faces and objects. First we tested all participants on the Cambridge Face Memory Test in which they had to recognize Caucasian target faces in a 3-alternative-forced-choice task. German controls performed better than Koreans who performed better than prosopagnosics. In the second experiment, participants rated the similarity of Caucasian faces that differed parametrically in either features or second-order relations (configuration). Prosopagnosics were less sensitive to configuration changes than both other groups. In addition, while all groups were more sensitive to changes in features than in configuration, this difference was smaller in Koreans. In the third experiment, participants had to learn exemplars of artificial objects, natural objects, and faces and recognize them among distractors of the same category. Here prosopagnosics performed worse than participants in the other two groups only when they were tested on face stimuli. In sum, Koreans and prosopagnosic participants differed from German controls in different ways in all tests. This suggests that German congenital prosopagnosics perceive Caucasian faces differently than do Korean participants. Importantly, our results suggest that different processing impairments underlie the ORE and CP. PMID:25324757

A Novel Method for In Situ Electromechanical Characterization of Nanoscale Specimens

PubMed Central

Reid, Russell C.; Piqué, Alberto; Kang, Wonmo

2017-01-01

Electrically assisted deformation (EAD) is increasingly being used to improve the formability of metals during processes such as sheet metal rolling and forging. Adoption of this technique is proceeding despite disagreement concerning the underlying mechanism responsible for EAD. The experimental procedure described herein enables a more explicit study compared to previous EAD research by removing thermal effects, which are responsible for disagreement in interpreting previous EAD results. Furthermore, as the procedure described here enables EAD observation in situ and in real time in a transmission electron microscope (TEM), it is superior to existing post-mortem methods that observe EAD effects post-test. Test samples consist of a single crystal copper (SCC) foil having a free-standing tensile test section of nanoscale thickness, fabricated using a combination of laser and ion beam milling. The SCC is mounted to an etched silicon base that provides mechanical support and electrical isolation while serving as a heat sink. Using this geometry, even at high current density (~3,500 A/mm2), the test section experiences a negligible temperature increase (<0.02 °C), thus eliminating Joule heating effects. Monitoring material deformation and identifying the corresponding changes to microstructures, e.g. dislocations, are accomplished by acquiring and analyzing a series of TEM images. Our sample preparation and in situ experiment procedures are robust and versatile as they can be readily utilized to test materials with different microstructures, e.g., single and polycrystalline copper. PMID:28605394

Phantom motion after effects--evidence of detectors for the analysis of optic flow.

PubMed

Snowden, R J; Milne, A B

1997-10-01

Electrophysiological recording from the extrastriate cortex of non-human primates has revealed neurons that have large receptive fields and are sensitive to various components of object or self movement, such as translations, rotations and expansion/contractions. If these mechanisms exist in human vision, they might be susceptible to adaptation that generates motion aftereffects (MAEs). Indeed, it might be possible to adapt the mechanism in one part of the visual field and reveal what we term a 'phantom MAE' in another part. The existence of phantom MAEs was probed by adapting to a pattern that contained motion in only two non-adjacent 'quarter' segments and then testing using patterns that had elements in only the other two segments. We also tested for the more conventional 'concrete' MAE by testing in the same two segments that had adapted. The strength of each MAE was quantified by measuring the percentage of dots that had to be moved in the opposite direction to the MAE in order to nullify it. Four experiments tested rotational motion, expansion/contraction motion, translational motion and a 'rotation' that consisted simply of the two segments that contained only translational motions of opposing direction. Compared to a baseline measurement where no adaptation took place, all subjects in all experiments exhibited both concrete and phantom MAEs, with the size of the latter approximately half that of the former. Adaptation to two segments that contained upward and downward motion induced the perception of leftward and rightward motion in another part of the visual field. This strongly suggests there are mechanisms in human vision that are sensitive to complex motions such as rotations.

Orbital fatigue tester for use in Skylab experiment T032

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sandorff, P. E.

1973-01-01

A prototype fatigue test machine is described which is suitable for use by an astronaut in conducting constant amplitude materials fatigue tests aboard a Skylab or space shuttle vehicle. The machine is comparised of a mechanical tester, which would be passed through a small (7.6-inch square) airlock to be supported in the space environment on an extendible boom, and a control console, which would provide remote control from within the space vehicle.

P11, A Biomarker for Memory Retrieval: A Possible Role in Traumatic Stress

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-01

experiments based on the proposed research design . We tested memory retrieval performance with wild type and p11 knockout mice, which developed and...not different on the final day of training or probe test . We also found that corticosterone resulted in significant decreases in the time spent in...mechanism of underlying memory and p11 in stress and fill a knowledge gap in the current research on PTSD. Such knowledge may facilitate the

Probing the Higgs vacuum with general relativity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mannheim, Philip D.; Kazanas, Demosthenes

1991-01-01

It is shown that the structure of the Higgs vacuum can be revealed in gravitational experiments which probe the Schwarzschild geometry to only one order in MG/r beyond that needed for the classical tests of general relativity. The possibility that deviations from the conventional geometry are at least theoretically conceivable is explored. The deviations obtained provide a diagnostic test for searching for the existence of macroscopic scalar fields and open up the possiblity for further exploring the Higgs mechanism.

Anticipation by multi-modal association through an artificial mental imagery process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaona, Wilmer; Escobar, Esaú; Hermosillo, Jorge; Lara, Bruno

2015-01-01

Mental imagery has become a central issue in research laboratories seeking to emulate basic cognitive abilities in artificial agents. In this work, we propose a computational model to produce an anticipatory behaviour by means of a multi-modal off-line hebbian association. Unlike the current state of the art, we propose to apply hebbian learning during an internal sensorimotor simulation, emulating a process of mental imagery. We associate visual and tactile stimuli re-enacted by a long-term predictive simulation chain motivated by covert actions. As a result, we obtain a neural network which provides a robot with a mechanism to produce a visually conditioned obstacle avoidance behaviour. We developed our system in a physical Pioneer 3-DX robot and realised two experiments. In the first experiment we test our model on one individual navigating in two different mazes. In the second experiment we assess the robustness of the model by testing in a single environment five individuals trained under different conditions. We believe that our work offers an underpinning mechanism in cognitive robotics for the study of motor control strategies based on internal simulations. These strategies can be seen analogous to the mental imagery process known in humans, opening thus interesting pathways to the construction of upper-level grounded cognitive abilities.

Does the cortisol awakening response link childhood adversity to adult BMI?

PubMed

Miller, Kelly F; Arbel, Reout; Shapiro, Lauren S; Han, Sohyun C; Margolin, Gayla

2018-06-01

Childhood adversity is a risk factor for the development of obesity in adulthood. Dysregulated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) activity, which has been associated separately with both adverse childhood experiences and obesity, has been posited as a mechanism by which stressful experiences influence body mass index (BMI); however, this mechanism has not yet been tested longitudinally. The present study uses multireporter, longitudinal data across three time points to test whether the adolescent cortisol awakening response (CAR), an index of diurnal HPA activity, mediates the association between adversity in childhood and BMI in adulthood. Eighty-two youth, mothers, and fathers reported on adverse childhood experiences from middle childhood to late adolescence. During adolescence, youth provided saliva samples three times each morning across three days, which were assayed for cortisol to calculate CAR. During early adulthood, youth reported height and weight to calculate BMI. Greater adversity predicted flatter CAR and higher young adult BMI. Flatter CAR partially mediated the association between childhood adversity and young adult BMI. Stress-related alterations to HPA activity account in part for the childhood adversity-adult obesity link. Findings are consistent with theoretical models implicating HPA alterations as linking childhood adversity to metabolic and behavioral determinants of BMI in adulthood. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Researche of the Earth's crust structure with powerful vibrational controlled sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alekseev, A.; Glinsky, B.; Kovalevsky, V.

2003-04-01

The paper presents the results of experimental researches of the Earth's structure, geodynamic processes and physical phenomena carried out using vibrational sources in Institutes of Siberian Branch RAS. Powerful seismic vibrators are the large mechanical devises and are installed stationary on the vibroseismic test site near Novosibirsk (Russia). The vibro-DSS experiments were carried out on 100 km-long profile from Novosibirsk to Kuzbass region and on 620 km profile between Novosibirsk and Semipalatinsk test site. Specially developed field recording systems based on multichannel three component seismic arrays were used. It allowed us to observe the main crustal waves and waves refracted on Moho boundary. In the experiments on the 620 km profile the comparison of the seismic vibrator and special 100 tons calibration explosion wave fields was made. The possibility to detect small changes of wave velocities by vibroseismic methods were shown in the experiments on the setoff 356 and 430 km, where the relative variations of velocities of seismic waves about 10-5 - 10-6 caused by the Earth's tides deformations of the crust were defined. Some new physical phenomena connected with resonance mechanism of radiation of seismic energy in low-frequency range, the radiation of acoustic waves simultaneously with seismic waves and their interaction on long distances from vibrators were detected.

Multiple object, three-dimensional motion tracking using the Xbox Kinect sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosi, T.; Onorato, P.; Oss, S.

2017-11-01

In this article we discuss the capability of the Xbox Kinect sensor to acquire three-dimensional motion data of multiple objects. Two experiments regarding fundamental features of Newtonian mechanics are performed to test the tracking abilities of our setup. Particular attention is paid to check and visualise the conservation of linear momentum, angular momentum and energy. In both experiments, two objects are tracked while falling in the gravitational field. The obtained data is visualised in a 3D virtual environment to help students understand the physics behind the performed experiments. The proposed experiments were analysed with a group of university students who are aspirant physics and mathematics teachers. Their comments are presented in this paper.

Differences between micro-hardness affected dentin after mechanical or chemo-mechanical infected dentin disposal (laboratory experiment)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ihsani, V.; Nursasongko, B.; Djauharie, N.

2017-08-01

The concept of conserving healthy tooth structures during cavity preparation has gained popularity with chemo-mechanical caries removal. This study compared three methods of caries removal using: a chemo-mechanical caries removal papain gel; Papacarie® (these contain natural ingredients, mainly papain enzyme); and mechanical preparation with a bur rotary instrument. The purpose of this study was to compare affected dentin micro-hardness after removal of infected dentin with mechanical and chemo-mechanical techniques. Twenty-seven permanent molar teeth were randomly divided into three groups receiving removal of infected dentin. These were: Group 1: chemo-mechanical technique using papain gel; Group 2: chemo-mechanical technique using Papacarie® Group 3: mechanical technique using a bur rotary instrument. Each group was tested using Knoop Micro-hardness tester, and the data were submitted to one way ANOVA and Post-hoc Tukey test. There is a significant difference between Groups 1 and 3, and Groups 2 and 3, p = 0.000. However, there is no significant difference between Groups 1 and 2, p = 1.000. Affected dentin micro-hardness after removal of infected dentin with a bur rotary tool is higher than after use of the papain gel or Papacarie®. Affected dentin micro-hardness after removal of infected dentin with Papacarie® and papain gel give almost the same result.

Automaticity in reading and the Stroop task: testing the limits of involuntary word processing.

PubMed

Brown, Tracy L; Joneleit, Kelly; Robinson, Cathy S; Brown, Carli Rose

2002-01-01

We investigated the parameters of involuntary word reading in the Stroop task in 7 experiments. Experiments 1-4 varied response modality and the presence of congruent word trials in a test of the claim that presenting a Stroop color word with only one letter in the target color eliminates the Stroop effect. Experiments 5 and 6 addressed the roles of spatial attention and orthographic processing as possible mechanisms behind the reduction of Stroop effects with the single-letter format. Experiment 7 investigated the limits of involuntary reading under optimal conditions for selective processing of rectangular color patch targets. We found that the single-letter format reduced but never eliminated Stroop effects, spatial attention but not orthographic processing plays a role in the effect of the single-letter format, and word reading is not completely prevented even with austere presentation conditions. We conclude with a defense of the involuntariness criterion for automaticity in the Stroop task, particularly when word reading is viewed in the context of a skilled performance.

Effects of heat treatments and UV exposures on mechanical properties of 3D printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene specimens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hughes, Shawn M.; Alamir, Mohammed; Neas, Brian; Alzahrani, Naif; Asmatulu, Ramazan

2017-04-01

Over the last few years, tremendous amount of research efforts has been conducted on 3D printing materials, methods and systems. Various 3D printer materials in different size, shape and geometry can be used for advanced designs, modeling, and manufacturing for different industrial applications. In the present study, dog bone shape specimen was designed via a CATIA CAD model, and then printed by a 3D printer using a polymeric filament (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene - ABS). Some of the prepared samples were heat treated at 40 °C, 60 °C, and 80 °C for 30 minutes, while the others were exposed to the UV light in a chamber for 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 days. The surface and mechanical properties of the conditioned samples were determined using water contact angle and tensile test units, respectively. The test results indicated that the heat treatment process increased the mechanical properties; however, the UV exposure tests significantly reduced the water contact angle and properties of the samples. During these studies, undergraduate engineering students were involved in the tests, and gained a lot of hands-on research experiences.

High-velocity frictional experiments on dolerite and quartzite under controlled pore pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Togo, T.; Shimamoto, T.; Ma, S.

2013-12-01

High-velocity friction experiments on rocks with or without gouge have been conducted mostly under dry conditions and demonstrated dramatic weakening of faults at high velocities (e.g., Di Toro et al., 2011, Nature). Recent experiments under wet conditions (e.g., Ujiie and Tsutsumi, 2010, GRL; Faulkner et al., 2011, GRL) revealed very different behaviors from those of dry faults, but those experiments were done under drained conditions. Experiments with controlled pore pressure Pp are definitely needed to determine mechanical properties of faults under fluid-rich environments such as those in subduction zones. Thus we have developed a pressure vessel that can be attached to our rotary-shear low to high-velocity friction apparatus (Marui Co Ltd., MIS-233-1-76). With a current specimen holder, friction experiments can be done on hollow-cylindrical specimens of 15 and 40 mm in inner and outer diameters, respectively, at controlled Pp to 35 MPa, at effective normal stresses of 3~9 MPa, and at slip rates of 60 mm/year to 2 m/s. An effective normal stress can be applied with a 100 kN hydraulic actuator. We report an outline of the experimental system and preliminary high-velocity experiments on Shanxi dolerite and a quartzite from China that are composed of pyroxene and plagioclase and of almost pure quartz, respectively. High-velocity friction experiments were performed on hollow-cylindrical specimens of Shanxi dolerite at effective normal stresses of 0.13~1.07 MPa and at slip rates of 1, 10, 100 and 1000 mm/sec. All experiments were conducted first with the nitrogen gas filling the pressure vessel (dry tests) and then with a controlled pore-water pressure (wet tests). In the dry tests an axial force was kept at 1 kN and the nitrogen gas pressure was increased in steps to 5 MPa to change an effective normal stress. In the wet tests the specimens were soaked in distilled water in the vessel and Pp was applied by nitrogen gas in a similar manner as in the dry tests. Nitrogen gas acted as buffer to prevent an abrupt changes in the pore-water pressure during experiments. The steady-state friction coefficient (μss) of dry dolerite increased from 0.3~0.35 at 10 mm/s to 0.55~0.8 at 100 mm/s and then decreased down to 0.2~0.6 at 1000 mm/s. The results are quite similar to those of dry granite tested under similar conditions (Reches and Lockner, 2010, Nature). However, the μss of dolerite under a pore-water pressure decreased monotonically from 0.4~0.8 at 1 mm/s to 0.3~0.5 at 1000 mm/s, and the strengthening from 10 to 100 mm/s disappeared with a pore-water pressure. Two experiments were conducted on solid-cylindrical specimens of quartzite at effective normal stresses of 1.39 MPa (a dry test with CO2 gas pressure of 6.22 MPa) and of 0.99 MPa (a wet test with pore-water pressure of 6.1 MPa, also applied with pressurized CO2 gas). In dry and wet tests, the friction coefficient decreases nearly exponentially from about 0.35 at the peak friction to around 0.05 (dry) and 0.03 (wet) at the steady state. A notable difference was that wet quartzite exhibit much more rapid slip weakening with the slip weakening distance Dc of several meters than the dry specimen with Dc of about 15 m. We plan to conduct more experiments with controlled pore-water pressure and to do textural and material analysis of specimens to gain insight on the weakening mechanisms.

Study the bonding mechanism of binders on hydroxyapatite surface and mechanical properties for 3DP fabrication bone scaffolds.

PubMed

Wei, Qinghua; Wang, Yanen; Li, Xinpei; Yang, Mingming; Chai, Weihong; Wang, Kai; zhang, Yingfeng

2016-04-01

In 3DP fabricating artificial bone scaffolds process, the interaction mechanism between binder and bioceramics power determines the microstructure and macro mechanical properties of Hydroxyapatite (HA) bone scaffold. In this study, we applied Molecular Dynamics (MD) methods to investigating the bonding mechanism and essence of binders on the HA crystallographic planes for 3DP fabrication bone scaffolds. The cohesive energy densities of binders and the binding energies, PCFs g(r), mechanical properties of binder/HA interaction models were analyzed through the MD simulation. Additionally, we prepared the HA bone scaffold specimens with different glues by 3DP additive manufacturing, and tested their mechanical properties by the electronic universal testing machine. The simulation results revealed that the relationship of the binding energies between binders and HA surface is consistent with the cohesive energy densities of binders, which is PAM/HA>PVA/HA>PVP/HA. The PCFs g(r) indicated that their interfacial interactions mainly attribute to the ionic bonds and hydrogen bonds which formed between the polar atoms, functional groups in binder polymer and the Ca, -OH in HA. The results of mechanical experiments verified the relationship of Young׳s modulus for three interaction models in simulation, which is PVA/HA>PAM/HA>PVP/HA. But the trend of compressive strength is PAM/HA>PVA/HA>PVP/HA, this is consistent with the binding energies of simulation. Therefore, the Young׳s modulus of bone scaffolds are limited by the Young׳s modulus of binders, and the compressive strength is mainly decided by the viscosity of binder. Finally, the major reasons for differences in mechanical properties between simulation and experiment were found, the space among HA pellets and the incomplete infiltration of glue were the main reasons influencing the mechanical properties of 3DP fabrication HA bone scaffolds. These results provide useful information in choosing binder for 3DP fabrication bone scaffolds and understanding the interaction mechanism between binder and HA bioceramics power. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of multilayer perceptron networks for isothermal time temperature transformation prediction of U-Mo-X alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johns, Jesse M.; Burkes, Douglas

2017-07-01

In this work, a multilayered perceptron (MLP) network is used to develop predictive isothermal time-temperature-transformation (TTT) models covering a range of U-Mo binary and ternary alloys. The selected ternary alloys for model development are U-Mo-Ru, U-Mo-Nb, U-Mo-Zr, U-Mo-Cr, and U-Mo-Re. These model's ability to predict 'novel' U-Mo alloys is shown quite well despite the discrepancies between literature sources for similar alloys which likely arise from different thermal-mechanical processing conditions. These models are developed with the primary purpose of informing experimental decisions. Additional experimental insight is necessary in order to reduce the number of experiments required to isolate ideal alloys. These models allow test planners to evaluate areas of experimental interest; once initial tests are conducted, the model can be updated and further improve follow-on testing decisions. The model also improves analysis capabilities by reducing the number of data points necessary from any particular test. For example, if one or two isotherms are measured during a test, the model can construct the rest of the TTT curve over a wide range of temperature and time. This modeling capability reduces the cost of experiments while also improving the value of the results from the tests. The reduced costs could result in improved material characterization and therefore improved fundamental understanding of TTT dynamics. As additional understanding of phenomena driving TTTs is acquired, this type of MLP model can be used to populate unknowns (such as material impurity and other thermal mechanical properties) from past literature sources.

Photon-phonon-photon transfer in optomechanics

PubMed Central

Rakhubovsky, Andrey A.; Filip, Radim

2017-01-01

We consider transfer of a highly nonclassical quantum state through an optomechanical system. That is we investigate a protocol consisting of sequential upload, storage and reading out of the quantum state from a mechanical mode of an optomechanical system. We show that provided the input state is in a test-bed single-photon Fock state, the Wigner function of the recovered state can have negative values at the origin, which is a manifest of nonclassicality of the quantum state of the macroscopic mechanical mode and the overall transfer protocol itself. Moreover, we prove that the recovered state is quantum non-Gaussian for wide range of setup parameters. We verify that current electromechanical and optomechanical experiments can test this complete transfer of single photon. PMID:28436461

Experimental Results for Titan Aerobot Thermo-Mechanical Subsystem Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pauken, Michael T.; Hall, Jeffery L.

2006-01-01

This paper presents experimental results on a set of 4 thermo-mechanical research tasks aimed at Titan and Venus aerobots: 1. A cryogenic balloon materials development program culminating in the fabrication and testing of a 4.6 m long blimp prototype at 93K. 2. A combined computational and experimental thermal analysis of the effect of radioisotope power system (RPS) waste heat on the behavior of a helium filled blimp hull. 3. Aerial deployment and inflation testing using a blimp 4. A proof of concept experiment with an aerobot-mounted steerable high gain antenna These tasks were supported with JPL internal R&D funds and executed by JPL engineers with substantial industry collaboration for Task #1, the cryogenic balloon materials

Direct mechanical stimulation of tip links in hair cells through DNA tethers

PubMed Central

Basu, Aakash; Lagier, Samuel; Vologodskaia, Maria; Fabella, Brian A; Hudspeth, AJ

2016-01-01

Mechanoelectrical transduction by hair cells commences with hair-bundle deflection, which is postulated to tense filamentous tip links connected to transduction channels. Because direct mechanical stimulation of tip links has not been experimentally possible, this hypothesis has not been tested. We have engineered DNA tethers that link superparamagnetic beads to tip links and exert mechanical forces on the links when exposed to a magnetic-field gradient. By pulling directly on tip links of the bullfrog's sacculus we have evoked transduction currents from hair cells, confirming the hypothesis that tension in the tip links opens transduction channels. This demonstration of direct mechanical access to tip links additionally lays a foundation for experiments probing the mechanics of individual channels. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.16041.001 PMID:27331611

Asymmetrically dominated choice problems, the isolation hypothesis and random incentive mechanisms.

PubMed

Cox, James C; Sadiraj, Vjollca; Schmidt, Ulrich

2014-01-01

This paper presents an experimental study of the random incentive mechanisms which are a standard procedure in economic and psychological experiments. Random incentive mechanisms have several advantages but are incentive-compatible only if responses to the single tasks are independent. This is true if either the independence axiom of expected utility theory or the isolation hypothesis of prospect theory holds. We present a simple test of this in the context of choice under risk. In the baseline (one task) treatment we observe risk behavior in a given choice problem. We show that by integrating a second, asymmetrically dominated choice problem in a random incentive mechanism risk behavior can be manipulated systematically. This implies that the isolation hypothesis is violated and the random incentive mechanism does not elicit true preferences in our example.

Thermo-Mechanical Characterization of Friction Stir Spot Welded AA7050 Sheets by Means of Experimental and FEM Analyses

PubMed Central

D’Urso, Gianluca; Giardini, Claudio

2016-01-01

The present study was carried out to evaluate how the friction stir spot welding (FSSW) process parameters affect the temperature distribution in the welding region, the welding forces and the mechanical properties of the joints. The experimental study was performed by means of a CNC machine tool obtaining FSSW lap joints on AA7050 aluminum alloy plates. Three thermocouples were inserted into the samples to measure the temperatures at different distance from the joint axis during the whole FSSW process. Experiments was repeated varying the process parameters, namely rotational speed, axial feed rate and plunging depth. Axial welding forces were measured during the tests using a piezoelectric load cell, while the mechanical properties of the joints were evaluated by executing shear tests on the specimens. The correlation found between process parameters and joints properties, allowed to identify the best technological window. The data collected during the experiments were used to validate a simulation model of the FSSW process, too. The model was set up using a 2D approach for the simulation of a 3D problem, in order to guarantee a very simple and practical solution for achieving results in a very short time. A specific external routine for the calculation of the thermal energy due to friction acting between pin and sheet was developed. An index for the prediction of the joint mechanical properties using the FEM simulations was finally presented and validated. PMID:28773810

Thermo-Mechanical Characterization of Friction Stir Spot Welded AA7050 Sheets by Means of Experimental and FEM Analyses.

PubMed

D'Urso, Gianluca; Giardini, Claudio

2016-08-11

The present study was carried out to evaluate how the friction stir spot welding (FSSW) process parameters affect the temperature distribution in the welding region, the welding forces and the mechanical properties of the joints. The experimental study was performed by means of a CNC machine tool obtaining FSSW lap joints on AA7050 aluminum alloy plates. Three thermocouples were inserted into the samples to measure the temperatures at different distance from the joint axis during the whole FSSW process. Experiments was repeated varying the process parameters, namely rotational speed, axial feed rate and plunging depth. Axial welding forces were measured during the tests using a piezoelectric load cell, while the mechanical properties of the joints were evaluated by executing shear tests on the specimens. The correlation found between process parameters and joints properties, allowed to identify the best technological window. The data collected during the experiments were used to validate a simulation model of the FSSW process, too. The model was set up using a 2D approach for the simulation of a 3D problem, in order to guarantee a very simple and practical solution for achieving results in a very short time. A specific external routine for the calculation of the thermal energy due to friction acting between pin and sheet was developed. An index for the prediction of the joint mechanical properties using the FEM simulations was finally presented and validated.

Revisiting Theories of Humidity Transduction: A Focus on Electrophysiological Data

PubMed Central

Tichy, Harald; Hellwig, Maria; Kallina, Wolfgang

2017-01-01

Understanding the mechanism of humidity transduction calls for experimental data and a theory to interpret the data and design new experiments. A comprehensive theory of humidity transduction must start with agreement on what humidity parameters are measured by hygroreceptors and processed by the brain. Hygroreceptors have been found in cuticular sensilla of a broad range of insect species. Their structural features are far from uniform. Nevertheless, these sensilla always contain an antagonistic pair of a moist cell and a dry cell combined with a thermoreceptive cold cell. The strategy behind this arrangement remains unclear. Three main models of humidity transduction have been proposed. Hygroreceptors could operate as mechanical hygrometers, psychrometers or evaporation detectors. Each mode of action measures a different humidity parameter. Mechanical hygrometers measure the relative humidity, psychrometers indicate the wet-bulb temperature, and evaporimeters refer to the saturation deficit of the air. Here we assess the validity of the different functions by testing specific predictions drawn from each of the models. The effect of air temperature on the responses to humidity stimulation rules out the mechanical hygrometer function, but it supports the psychrometer function and highlights the action as evaporation rate detector. We suggest testing the effect of the flow rate of the air stream used for humidity stimulation. As the wind speed strongly affects the power of evaporation, experiments with changing saturation deficit at different flow rates would improve our knowledge on humidity transduction. PMID:28928673

Sample Manipulation System for Sample Analysis at Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mumm, Erik; Kennedy, Tom; Carlson, Lee; Roberts, Dustyn

2008-01-01

The Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument will analyze Martian samples collected by the Mars Science Laboratory Rover with a suite of spectrometers. This paper discusses the driving requirements, design, and lessons learned in the development of the Sample Manipulation System (SMS) within SAM. The SMS stores and manipulates 74 sample cups to be used for solid sample pyrolysis experiments. Focus is given to the unique mechanism architecture developed to deliver a high packing density of sample cups in a reliable, fault tolerant manner while minimizing system mass and control complexity. Lessons learned are presented on contamination control, launch restraint mechanisms for fragile sample cups, and mechanism test data.

How Does It Work? Mechanisms of Action in an In-Prison Restorative Justice Program.

PubMed

Armour, Marilyn; Sliva, Shannon

2018-02-01

Research is limited on mechanisms of action in restorative justice interventions. This multimethods study delineates the change processes underlying a successful in-prison group treatment program by (a) examining shifts in offenders' self-schemas and (b) identifying key program components that influence this movement. Researchers assigned to small groups as "co-facilitators" gathered data using participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and psychological assessments at three time points. Mechanisms of action include group norms and behaviors that contrast with prior experiences and uncover offenders' self-schemas through intrapsychic processes, which prompt them to test and act upon new possible selves through the group process.

Time-varying Entry Heating Profile Replication with a Rotating Arc Jet Test Article

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grinstead, Jay Henderson; Venkatapathy, Ethiraj; Noyes, Eric A.; Mach, Jeffrey J.; Empey, Daniel M.; White, Todd R.

2014-01-01

A new approach for arc jet testing of thermal protection materials at conditions approximating the time-varying conditions of atmospheric entry was developed and demonstrated. The approach relies upon the spatial variation of heat flux and pressure over a cylindrical test model. By slowly rotating a cylindrical arc jet test model during exposure to an arc jet stream, each point on the test model will experience constantly changing applied heat flux. The predicted temporal profile of heat flux at a point on a vehicle can be replicated by rotating the cylinder at a prescribed speed and direction. An electromechanical test model mechanism was designed, built, and operated during an arc jet test to demonstrate the technique.

A behavioural investigation of human visual short term memory for colour.

PubMed

Nemes, V A; Parry, N R A; McKeefry, D J

2010-09-01

We examined visual short term memory (VSTM) for colour using a delayed-match-to-sample paradigm. In these experiments we measured the effects of increasing inter-stimulus interval (ISI), varying between 0 and 10 s, on the ability of five colour normal human observers to make colour matches between a reference and subsequently presented test stimuli. The coloured stimuli used were defined by different chromatic axes on the isoluminant plane of DKL colour space. In preliminary experiments we used a hue scaling procedure to identify a total of 12 colour stimuli which served as reference hues in the colour memory experiments: four stimuli were exemplars of red, green, blue and yellow colour appearance categories, four were located between these categories and a further four were located on the cardinal axes that isolated the activity of the cone-opponent mechanisms. Our results demonstrate that there is a reduction in the ability of observers to make accurate colour matches with increasing ISIs and that this reduced performance was similar for all colour stimuli. However, the shifts in hue that were measured between the reference and matched test stimuli were significantly greater for the cardinal stimuli compared to those measured for the stimuli defined by the hue scaling procedure. This deterioration in the retention of hue in VSTM for stimuli that isolate cone-opponent mechanisms may be a reflection of the reorganisation of colour processing that occurs in the cortex where colour appearance mechanisms become more prominent. © 2010 The Authors, Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics © 2010 The College of Optometrists.

Experiences with the use of axisymmetric elements in cosmic NASTRAN for static analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cooper, Michael J.; Walton, William C.

1991-01-01

Discussed here are some recent finite element modeling experiences using the axisymmetric elements CONEAX, TRAPAX, and TRIAAX, from the COSMIC NASTRAN element library. These experiences were gained in the practical application of these elements to the static analysis of helicopter rotor force measuring systems for two design projects for the NASA Ames Research Center. These design projects were the Rotor Test Apparatus and the Large Rotor Test Apparatus, which are dedicated to basic helicopter research. Here, a genetic axisymmetric model is generated for illustrative purposes. Modeling considerations are discussed, and the advantages and disadvantages of using axisymmetric elements are presented. Asymmetric mechanical and thermal loads are applied to the structure, and single and multi-point constraints are addressed. An example that couples the axisymmetric model to a non-axisymmtric model is demonstrated, complete with DMAP alters. Recommendations for improving the elements and making them easier to use are offered.

Testing Unsuccessfully: A Specification of the Underlying Mechanisms Supporting Its Influence on Retention

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knight, Justin B.; Ball, B. Hunter; Brewer, Gene A.; DeWitt, Michael R.; Marsh, Richard L.

2012-01-01

Five experiments were conducted to examine how unsuccessful retrieval influences learning and subsequent memory. We used a cued-recall paradigm that produces many unsuccessful retrieval attempts (followed by feedback) and allows comparisons to be made between later memory for these trials and trials that only required reading or studying the…

Problem-Solving Test: "In Vitro" Protein Kinase A Reaction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Szeberenyi, Jozsef

2009-01-01

Phosphorylation of proteins by protein kinases is an important mechanism in the regulation of protein activity. Among hundreds of protein kinases present in human cells, PKA, the first kinase discovered, belongs to the most important and best characterized group of these enzymes. The author presents an experiment that analyzes the "in vitro"…

Enhancing Young Infants' Representations of Physical Events through Improved Retrieval (Not Encoding) of Information

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wang, Su-hua; Onishi, Kristine H.

2017-01-01

Infants' representations of physical events are surprisingly flexible. Brief exposure to one event can immediately enhance infants' representations of another event. The present experiments tested two potential mechanisms underlying this priming: enhanced encoding or improved retrieval. Five-month-olds saw a target block become hidden inside a…

Bogus Concerns about the False Prototype Enhancement Effect

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Homa, Donald; Hout, Michael C.; Milliken, Laura; Milliken, Ann Marie

2011-01-01

Two experiments addressed the mechanism responsible for the false prototype effect, the phenomenon in which a prototype gradient can be obtained in the absence of learning. Previous demonstrations of this effect have occurred solely in a single-category paradigm in which transfer patterns are assigned or not to the learning category. We tested the…

Minds-On Audio-Guided Activities (MAGA): More than Hearing and Better than Seeing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hancock, James Brian, II; Fornari, Marco

2012-01-01

Minds-On Audio-Guided Activities (MAGA) are podcast-delivered instruction designed to facilitate learning through all-body experiments. Instruction by MAGA has undergone preliminary testing in an introductory physics course at Central Michigan University. Topics are currently focused on mechanics and range from discovering the differences between…

Structural Priming as Learning: Evidence from Mandarin-Learning 5-Year-Olds

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hsu, Dong-Bo

2014-01-01

Three experiments on structural priming in Mandarin-speaking 5-year-olds were conducted to test the priming as implicit learning hypothesis. It describes a learning mechanism that acts on a shared abstract syntactic representation in response to linguistic input using an equi-biased Mandarin SVO-"ba" alternation. The first two…

xyZET: A Simulation Program for Physics Teaching.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hartel, Hermann

2000-01-01

Discusses xyZET, a simulation program that allows 3D-space in numerous experiments in basic mechanics and electricity and was developed to support physics teaching. Tests course material for 11th grade at German high schools under classroom conditions and reports on their stability and effectiveness. (Contains 15 references.) (Author/YDS)

High-Dimensional Semantic Space Accounts of Priming

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Michael N.; Kintsch, Walter; Mewhort, Douglas J. K.

2006-01-01

A broad range of priming data has been used to explore the structure of semantic memory and to test between models of word representation. In this paper, we examine the computational mechanisms required to learn distributed semantic representations for words directly from unsupervised experience with language. To best account for the variety of…

Animations Need Narrations: An Experimental Test of a Dual-Coding Hypothesis.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mayer, Richard E.; Anderson, Richard B.

1991-01-01

In two experiments, 102 mechanically naive college students viewed an animation on bicycle tire pump operation with a verbal description before or during the animation or without description. Improved performance of those receiving description during the animation supports a dual-coding hypothesis of connections between visual and verbal stimuli.…

Optimization of the Switch Mechanism in a Circuit Breaker Using MBD Based Simulation

PubMed Central

Jang, Jin-Seok; Yoon, Chang-Gyu; Ryu, Chi-Young; Kim, Hyun-Woo; Bae, Byung-Tae; Yoo, Wan-Suk

2015-01-01

A circuit breaker is widely used to protect electric power system from fault currents or system errors; in particular, the opening mechanism in a circuit breaker is important to protect current overflow in the electric system. In this paper, multibody dynamic model of a circuit breaker including switch mechanism was developed including the electromagnetic actuator system. Since the opening mechanism operates sequentially, optimization of the switch mechanism was carried out to improve the current breaking time. In the optimization process, design parameters were selected from length and shape of each latch, which changes pivot points of bearings to shorten the breaking time. To validate optimization results, computational results were compared to physical tests with a high speed camera. Opening time of the optimized mechanism was decreased by 2.3 ms, which was proved by experiments. Switch mechanism design process can be improved including contact-latch system by using this process. PMID:25918740

Mechanical degradation of fuel cell membranes under fatigue fracture tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khorasany, Ramin M. H.; Sadeghi Alavijeh, Alireza; Kjeang, Erik; Wang, G. G.; Rajapakse, R. K. N. D.

2015-01-01

The effects of cyclic stresses on the fatigue and mechanical stability of perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membranes are experimentally investigated under standard fuel cell conditions. The experiments are conducted ex-situ by subjecting membrane specimens to cyclic uniaxial tension at controlled temperature and relative humidity. The fatigue lifetime is measured in terms of the number of cycles until ultimate fracture. The results indicate that the membrane fatigue lifetime is a strong function of the applied stress, temperature, and relative humidity. The fatigue life increases exponentially with reduced stresses in all cases. The effect of temperature is found to be more significant than that of humidity, with reduced fatigue life at high temperatures. The maximum membrane strain at fracture is determined to decrease exponentially with increasing membrane lifetime. At a given fatigue life, a membrane exposed to fuel cell conditions is shown to accommodate more plastic strain before fracture than one exposed to room conditions. Overall, the proposed ex-situ membrane fatigue experiment can be utilized to benchmark the fatigue lifetime of new materials in a fraction of the time and cost associated with conventional in-situ accelerated stress testing methods.

Investigation of the Profile Control Mechanisms of Dispersed Particle Gel

PubMed Central

Zhao, Guang; Dai, Caili; Zhao, Mingwei

2014-01-01

Dispersed particle gel (DPG) particles of nano- to micron- to mm-size have been prepared successfully and will be used for profile control treatment in mature oilfields. The profile control and enhanced oil recovery mechanisms of DPG particles have been investigated using core flow tests and visual simulation experiments. Core flow test results show that DPG particles can easily be injected into deep formations and can effectively plug the high permeability zones. The high profile improvement rate improves reservoir heterogeneity and diverts fluid into the low permeability zone. Both water and oil permeability were reduced when DPG particles were injected, but the disproportionate permeability reduction effect was significant. Water permeability decreases more than the oil permeability to ensure that oil flows in its own pathways and can easily be driven out. Visual simulation experiments demonstrate that DPG particles can pass directly or by deformation through porous media and enter deep formations. By retention, adsorption, trapping and bridging, DPG particles can effectively reduce the permeability of porous media in high permeability zones and divert fluid into a low permeability zone, thus improving formation profiles and enhancing oil recovery. PMID:24950174

Aspects regarding the correlation between the physical-mechanical and tribological characteristics of composites materials reinforced with carbon fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caliman, R.

2017-08-01

The purpose of this paper is to highlight a number of factors that influence the physical-mechanical and tribological characteristics of sintered composite materials. Such factors are grouped generally in two categories: technological parameters (pressure compacting, sintering temperature, sintering duration, heat treatment) and the receipt of sintered composite materials. In this paper is presented a program of experiments developed both in composite materials sintered polymer matrix (non-metallic) and in the metal matrix (eg., Al) which was prepared in advance a methodology original production and research for this particular type of materials. The experiments have focused development and testing of a number of 14 polymer composite and 5 composite sintered Al base, in both situations armed with carbon fiber in various forms. Tribological tests followed the establishment of the coefficient of friction and wear rate of the sliding speed at the constant values (v = 7.2 mm/s) and the normal load (N = 8 daN) and for different orientations of the fibers to the direction of sliding: normal (N type), parallel (P) and antiparallel-perpendicular (AP type).

The effect of silver (Ag) addition to mechanical and electrical properties of copper alloy (Cu) casting product

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Felicia, Dian M.; Rochiem, R.; Laia, Standley M.

2018-04-01

Copper have good mechanical properties and good electrical conductivities. Therefore, copper usually used as electrical components. Silver have better electrical conductivities than copper. Female contact resistor is one of the electrical component used in circuit breaker. This study aims to analyze the effect of silver addition to hardness, strength, and electric conductivity properties of copper alloy. This study uses variation of 0; 0.035; 0.07; 0.1 wt. % Ag (silver) addition to determine the effect on mechanical properties and electrical properties of copper alloy through sand casting process. Modelling of thermal analysis and structural analysis was calculated to find the best design for the sand casting experiments. The result of Cu-Ag alloy as cast will be characterized by OES test, metallography test, Brinell hardness test, tensile test, and LCR meter test. The result of this study showed that the addition of silver increase mechanical properties of Cu-Ag. The maximum hardness value of this alloy is 83.1 HRB which is Cu-0.01 Ag and the lowest is 52.26 HRB which is pure Cu. The maximum strength value is 153.2 MPa which is Cu-0.07 Ag and the lowest is 94.6 MPa which is pure Cu. Silver addition decrease electrical properties of this alloy. The highest electric conductivity is 438.98 S/m which is pure Cu and the lowest is 52.61 S.m which is Cu-0.1 Ag.