Influence of Arctic cloud thermodynamic phase on surface shortwave flux

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

Lubin, D.; Vogelmann, A.

2010-03-15

As part of the Indirect and Semi-Direct Aerosol Campaign (ISDAC) an Analytical Spectral Devices (ASD, Inc.) spectroradiometer was deployed at the Barrow NSA site during April and May of 2008, and in April-October of 2009. This instrument recorded one-minute averages of surface downwelling spectral flux in the wavelength interval 350-2200 nm, thus sampling the two major near infrared windows (1.6 and 2.2 microns) in which the flux is influenced by cloud microphysical properties including thermodynamic phase and effective particle size. Aircraft in situ measurements of cloud properties show mostly mixed-phase clouds over Barrow during the campaign, but with wide variabilitymore » in relative liquid versus ice water content. At fixed total optical depth, this variability in phase composition can yield of order 5-10 Watts per square meter in surface flux variability, with greater cloud attenuation of the surface flux usually occurring under higher ice water content. Thus our data show that changes in cloud phase properties, even within the 'mixed-phase' category, can affect the surface energy balance at the same order of magnitude as greenhouse gas increases. Analysis of this spectral radiometric data provides suggestions for testing new mixed-phase parameterizations in climate models.« less

Effects of low urea concentrations on protein-water interactions.

PubMed

Ferreira, Luisa A; Povarova, Olga I; Stepanenko, Olga V; Sulatskaya, Anna I; Madeira, Pedro P; Kuznetsova, Irina M; Turoverov, Konstantin K; Uversky, Vladimir N; Zaslavsky, Boris Y

2017-01-01

Solvent properties of aqueous media (dipolarity/polarizability, hydrogen bond donor acidity, and hydrogen bond acceptor basicity) were measured in the coexisting phases of Dextran-PEG aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) containing .5 and 2.0 M urea. The differences between the electrostatic and hydrophobic properties of the phases in the ATPSs were quantified by analysis of partitioning of the homologous series of sodium salts of dinitrophenylated amino acids with aliphatic alkyl side chains. Furthermore, partitioning of eleven different proteins in the ATPSs was studied. The analysis of protein partition behavior in a set of ATPSs with protective osmolytes (sorbitol, sucrose, trehalose, and TMAO) at the concentration of .5 M, in osmolyte-free ATPS, and in ATPSs with .5 or 2.0 M urea in terms of the solvent properties of the phases was performed. The results show unambiguously that even at the urea concentration of .5 M, this denaturant affects partitioning of all proteins (except concanavalin A) through direct urea-protein interactions and via its effect on the solvent properties of the media. The direct urea-protein interactions seem to prevail over the urea effects on the solvent properties of water at the concentration of .5 M urea and appear to be completely dominant at 2.0 M urea concentration.

Characterization of a cold-rolled 2101 lean duplex stainless steel.

PubMed

Bassani, Paola; Breda, Marco; Brunelli, Katya; Mészáros, Istvan; Passaretti, Francesca; Zanellato, Michela; Calliari, Irene

2013-08-01

Duplex stainless steels (DSS) may be defined as a category of steels with a two-phase ferritic-austenitic microstructure, which combines good mechanical and corrosion properties. However, these steels can undergo significant microstructural modification as a consequence of either thermo-mechanical treatments (ferrite decomposition, which causes σ- and χ-phase formation and nitride precipitation) or plastic deformation at room temperature [austenite transformation into strain-induced martensite (SIM)]. These secondary phases noticeably affect the properties of DSS, and therefore are of huge industrial interest. In the present work, SIM formation was investigated in a 2101 lean DSS. The material was subjected to cold rolling at various degrees of deformation (from 10 to 80% thickness reduction) and the microstructure developed after plastic deformation was investigated by electron backscattered diffraction, X-ray diffraction measurements, and hardness and magnetic tests. It was observed that SIM formed as a consequence of deformations higher than ~20% and residual austenite was still observed at 80% of thickness reduction. Furthermore, a direct relationship was found between microstructure and magnetic properties.

Retrieval of Aerosol Phase Function and Polarized Phase Function from Polarization of Skylight for Different Observation Geometries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, L.; Qie, L. L.; Xu, H.; Li, Z. Q.

2018-04-01

The phase function and polarized phase function are important optical parameters, which describe scattering properties of atmospheric aerosol particles. Polarization of skylight induced by the scattering processes is sensitive to the scattering properties of aerosols. The Stokes parameters I, Q, U and the polarized radiance Lp of skylight measured by the CIMEL dual-polar sun-sky radiometer CE318- DP can be use to retrieve the phase function and polarized phase function, respectively. Two different observation geometries (i.e., the principal plane and almucantar) are preformed by the CE318-DP to detect skylight polarization. Polarization of skylight depends on the illumination and observation geometries. For the same solar zenith angle, retrievals of the phase function and the polarized phase function are still affected by the observation geometry. The performance of the retrieval algorithm for the principal plane and almucantar observation geometries was assessed by the numerical experiments at two typical high and low sun's positions (i.e. solar zenith angles are equal to 45° and 65°). Comparing the results for the principal plane and almucantar geometries, it is recommended to utilize the principal plane observations to retrieve the phase function when the solar zenith angle is small. The Stokes parameter U and the polarized radiance Lp from the almucantar observations are suggested to retrieve the polarized phase function, especially for short wavelength channels (e.g., 440 and 500 nm).

Gas holdup and flow regime transition in spider-sparger bubble column: effect of liquid phase properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Besagni, G.; Inzoli, F.; De Guido, G.; Pellegrini, L. A.

2017-01-01

This paper discusses the effects of the liquid velocity and the liquid phase properties on the gas holdup and the flow regime transition in a large-diameter and large-scale counter-current two-phase bubble column. In particular, we compared and analysed the experimental data obtained in our previous experimental studies. The bubble column is 5.3 m in height, has an inner diameter of 0.24 m, it was operated with gas superficial velocities in the range of 0.004-0.20 m/s and, in the counter-current mode, the liquid was recirculated up to a superficial velocity of -0.09 m/s. Air was used as the dispersed phase and various fluids (tap water, aqueous solutions of sodium chloride, ethanol and monoethylene glycol) were employed as liquid phases. The experimental dataset consist in gas holdup measurements and was used to investigate the global fluid dynamics and the flow regime transition between the homogeneous flow regime and the transition flow regime. We found that the liquid velocity and the liquid phase properties significantly affect the gas holdup and the flow regime transition. In this respect, a possible relationship (based on the lift force) between the flow regime transition and the gas holdup was proposed.

Experimental evidence of new tetragonal polymorphs of silicon formed through ultrafast laser-induced confined microexplosion

DOE PAGES

Rapp, L.; Haberl, B.; Pickard, C. J.; ...

2015-06-29

Ordinary materials can transform into novel phases with new crystal structures at extraordinary high pressure and temperature applied under both equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions 1-6. The recently developed method of ultra-short laser-induced confined microexplosions 7-9 extends the range of possible new phases by initiating a highly non-equilibrium plasma state deep inside a bulk material 7-12. Ultra-high quenching rates can help to overcome kinetic barriers to the formation of new metastable phases, while the surrounding pristine crystal confines the affected material and preserves it for further study 10-12. Here we demonstrate that ultra-rapid pressure release from a completely disordered plasma statemore » in silicon produces several new metastable end phases quenched to ambient conditions. Their structure is determined from comparison to an ab initio random structure search which revealed six new energetically competitive potential phases, four tetragonal and two monoclinic ones. We show the presence of bt8 and st12, which have been predicted theoretically previously 13-15, but have not been observed in nature or in laboratory experiments. Additionally, the presence of the as yet unidentified silicon phase, Si-VIII and two of our other predicted tetragonal phases are highly likely within laser-affected zones. These findings pave the way for new materials with novel and exotic properties.« less

Effect of metallic silver nanoparticles on the alignment and relaxation behaviour of liquid crystalline material in smectic C* phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vimal, Tripti; Kumar Gupta, Swadesh; Katiyar, Rohit; Srivastava, Atul; Czerwinski, Michal; Krup, Katarzyna; Kumar, Sandeep; Manohar, Rajiv

2017-09-01

The influence of silver nanoparticles dispersed in a Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal (FLC) on the properties of the resultant composite system has been investigated by thermal, electro-optical, and dielectric methods. We show that the concentration of thiol capped silver nanoparticles is a critical factor in governing the alignment of nanoparticles (NPs) in the host FLC. The orientation of NPs in composite samples affects the ordering of the LC (Liquid Crystal) phase and consequently changes the various phase transition temperatures of the host LC. Formation of self-assembled 2D (two dimensional) arrays of nanoparticles is observed for high concentration of dopant in the LC, oriented perpendicular to the direction of rubbing. We propose that the molecular interaction between the thiol capped NPs and LC molecules is the key factor behind such an arrangement of NPs. Orientation of NPs has affected the relaxation behaviour and various other material parameters, significantly. A noteworthy change in DC conductivity articulates our proposed idea of the formation of 2D array of NPs perpendicular to the direction of rubbing. This comprehensive study endorses the importance of dopant concentration in modifying the properties of the host LC material.

Independent active and thermodynamic processes govern the nucleolus assembly in vivo

PubMed Central

Falahati, Hanieh; Wieschaus, Eric

2017-01-01

Membraneless organelles play a central role in the organization of protoplasm by concentrating macromolecules, which allows efficient cellular processes. Recent studies have shown that, in vitro, certain components in such organelles can assemble through phase separation. Inside the cell, however, such organelles are multicomponent, with numerous intermolecular interactions that can potentially affect the demixing properties of individual components. In addition, the organelles themselves are inherently active, and it is not clear how the active, energy-consuming processes that occur constantly within such organelles affect the phase separation behavior of the constituent macromolecules. Here, we examine the phase separation model for the formation of membraneless organelles in vivo by assessing the two features that collectively distinguish it from active assembly, namely temperature dependence and reversibility. We use a microfluidic device that allows accurate and rapid manipulation of temperature and examine the quantitative dynamics by which six different nucleolar proteins assemble into the nucleoli of Drosophila melanogaster embryos. Our results indicate that, although phase separation is the main mode of recruitment for four of the studied proteins, the assembly of the other two is irreversible and enhanced at higher temperatures, behaviors indicative of active recruitment to the nucleolus. These two subsets of components differ in their requirements for ribosomal DNA; the two actively assembling components fail to assemble in the absence of ribosomal DNA, whereas the thermodynamically driven components assemble but lose temporal and spatial precision. PMID:28115706

Powder Metallurgy Fabrication of Porous 51(at.%)Ni-Ti Shape Memory Alloys for Biomedical Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ibrahim, Mustafa K.; Hamzah, E.; Saud, Safaa N.; Nazim, E. M.

2018-05-01

The effect of time and temperature on the microwave sintering of 51(at.%)Ni-Ti shape memory alloys (SMAs) was investigated in the current research. Furthermore, the microstructure, mechanical properties, and bio-corrosion properties were analyzed based on the sintering conditions. The results revealed that the sintering condition of 700 °C for 15 min produced a part with coherent surface survey that does not exhibit gross defects. Increasing the sintering time and temperature created defects on the outer surface, while reducing the temperature to 550 °C severely affected the mechanical properties. The microstructure of these samples showed two regions of Ni-rich region and Ti-rich region between them Ti2Ni, NiTi, and Ni3Ti phases. The differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) curves of Ni-Ti samples exhibited a multi-step phase transformation B19'-R-B2 during heating and cooling. An increase in the sintering temperature from 550 to 700 °C was found to increase the fracture strength significantly and decreased the fracture strain slightly. Reducing the sintering temperature from 700 to 550 °C severely affected the corrosion behaviors of 51%Ni-Ti SMAs. This research aims to select the optimum parameters to produce Ni-Ti alloys with desired microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion behaviors for biomedical applications.

Effect of water phase transition on dynamic ruptures with thermal pressurization: Numerical simulations with changes in physical properties of water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urata, Yumi; Kuge, Keiko; Kase, Yuko

2015-02-01

Phase transitions of pore water have never been considered in dynamic rupture simulations with thermal pressurization (TP), although they may control TP. From numerical simulations of dynamic rupture propagation including TP, in the absence of any water phase transition process, we predict that frictional heating and TP are likely to change liquid pore water into supercritical water for a strike-slip fault under depth-dependent stress. This phase transition causes changes of a few orders of magnitude in viscosity, compressibility, and thermal expansion among physical properties of water, thus affecting the diffusion of pore pressure. Accordingly, we perform numerical simulations of dynamic ruptures with TP, considering physical properties that vary with the pressure and temperature of pore water on a fault. To observe the effects of the phase transition, we assume uniform initial stress and no fault-normal variations in fluid density and viscosity. The results suggest that the varying physical properties decrease the total slip in cases with high stress at depth and small shear zone thickness. When fault-normal variations in fluid density and viscosity are included in the diffusion equation, they activate TP much earlier than the phase transition. As a consequence, the total slip becomes greater than that in the case with constant physical properties, eradicating the phase transition effect. Varying physical properties do not affect the rupture velocity, irrespective of the fault-normal variations. Thus, the phase transition of pore water has little effect on dynamic ruptures. Fault-normal variations in fluid density and viscosity may play a more significant role.

Aqueous two-phase partition applied to the isolation of plasma membranes and Golgi apparatus from cultured mammalian cells.

PubMed

Morré, D M; Morre, D J

2000-06-23

Partitioning in dextran-poly(ethylene)glycol (PEG) aqueous-aqueous phase systems represents a mature technology with many applications to separations of cells and to the preparation of membranes from mammalian cells. Most applications to membrane isolation and purification have focused on plasma membranes, plasma membrane domains and separation of right side-out and inside-out plasma membrane vesicles. The method exploits a combination of membrane properties, including charge and hydrophobicity. Purification is based upon differential distributions of the constituents in a sample between the two principal compartments of the two phases (upper and lower) and at the interface. The order of affinity of animal cell membranes for the upper phase is: endoplasmic reticulum

Aqueous two-phase partition applied to the isolation of plasma membranes and Golgi apparatus from cultured mammalian cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morre, D. M.; Morre, D. J.

2000-01-01

Partitioning in dextran-poly(ethylene)glycol (PEG) aqueous-aqueous phase systems represents a mature technology with many applications to separations of cells and to the preparation of membranes from mammalian cells. Most applications to membrane isolation and purification have focused on plasma membranes, plasma membrane domains and separation of right side-out and inside-out plasma membrane vesicles. The method exploits a combination of membrane properties, including charge and hydrophobicity. Purification is based upon differential distributions of the constituents in a sample between the two principal compartments of the two phases (upper and lower) and at the interface. The order of affinity of animal cell membranes for the upper phase is: endoplasmic reticulum

Mechanical properties of nickel-titanium archwire used in the final treatment phase of Tip-Edge Plus technique: an in vitro study.

PubMed

Shen, Xiao; Sun, Xin-hua; Tian, Hua; Zhang, Chun-bo; Yan, Kuo; Guo, Yong-liang

2013-01-01

As the only active component in final treatment phase of Tip-Edge Plus technique, the activation of nickel-titanium orthodontic archwires is one of the factors that affect the torque expression. It is necessary to evaluate the mechanical properties of the nickel-titanium wire used in the final treatment phase in simulated oral environments to forecast the treatment outcomes. The mechanical properties of 171 thermal nickel-titanium wires of 0.35 mm (0.014-in) in diameters with different deflection of 40 mm in length were investigated with three-point bending test. The samples were divided into 2 groups: as-received and bended groups. In the bended group, samples were divided into 7 subgroups according to the amounts of deflection and named by the canine angulations (-25°, -19°, -13°, -7°, -1°, +5°, +11°). The deflection of wires was made by inserting the wires into the deep tunnel of Tip-Edge Plus brackets positioned in plaster casts with different canine angulations to mimic the use of nickel-titanium wires in the final treatment phase. Immersed the bended group in artificial saliva (pH 6.8) and preserved at 37.0°C. Eight durations of incubation were tested: 1 to 8 weeks. Three analogous samples of each group and subgroups were tested per week. Stiffness (YS:E) and the load-deflection characteristics of unloading plateau section were obtained. Significant changes in specific mechanical properties were observed in long-term immersed and large deflected wires compared with as-received groups. Both immersion time and deflection affected the mechanical properties of wires in the simulated oral environment, and the two factors had synergistic effect. In groups -25°, -19° and -13°, stiffness (YS:E) increased then decreased and average plateau force and ratio of variance decreased then increased correspondingly at specific time. In the final treatment phase of Tip-Edge Plus technique, the mechanical properties of nickel-titanium wire are associated with the using time and amounts of deflection and it may affect treatment outcomes. As the main reason for wire deflection, canine crown angulation plays an important role in the wire performance. It may be wise to focus on the canine crown angulations and using time in clinic with Tip-Edge Plus technique and make proper adjustment to help to make sure the treatment outcomes.

Numerical Simulation of Electrical Properties of Carbonate Reservoir Rocks Using µCT Images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Colgin, J.; Niu, Q.; Zhang, C.; Zhang, F.

2017-12-01

Digital rock physics involves the modern microscopic imaging of geomaterials, digitalization of the microstructure, and numerical simulation of physical properties of rocks. This physics-based approach can give important insight into understanding properties of reservoir rocks, and help reveal the link between intrinsic rock properties and macroscopic geophysical responses. The focus of this study is the simulation of the complex conductivity of carbonate reservoir rocks using reconstructed 3D rock structures from high-resolution X-ray micro computed tomography (µCT). Carbonate core samples with varying lithofacies and pore structures from the Cambro-Ordovician Arbuckle Group and the Upper Pennsylvanian Lansing-Kansas City Group in Kansas are used in this study. The wide variations in pore geometry and connectivity of these samples were imaged using µCT. A two-phase segmentation method was used to reconstruct a digital rock of solid particles and pores. We then calculate the effective electrical conductivity of the digital rock volume using a pore-scale numerical approach. The complex conductivity of geomaterials is influenced by the electrical properties and geometry of each phase, i.e., the solid and fluid phases. In addition, the electrical double layer that forms between the solid and fluid phases can also affect the effective conductivity of the material. In the numerical modeling, the influence of the electrical double layer is quantified by a complex surface conductance and converted to an apparent volumetric complex conductivity of either solid particles or pore fluid. The effective complex conductivity resulting from numerical simulations based on µCT images will be compared to results from laboratory experiments on equivalent rock samples. The imaging and digital segmentation method, assumptions in the numerical simulation, and trends as compared to laboratory results will be discussed. This study will help us understand how microscale physics affects macroscale electrical conductivity in porous media.

Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Two-Phase Alloys Based on NbCr(2)

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

Cady, C.M.; Chen, K.C.; Kotula, P.G.

A two-phase, Nb-Cr-Ti alloy (bee+ C15 Laves phase) has been developed using several alloy design methodologies. In effort to understand processing-microstructure-property relationships, diffment processing routes were employed. The resulting microstructure and mechanical properties are discussed and compared. Plasma arc-melted samples served to establish baseline, . . . as-cast properties. In addition, a novel processing technique, involving decomposition of a supersaturated and metastable precursor phase during hot isostatic pressing (HIP), was used to produce a refined, equilibrium two-phase microstructure. Quasi-static compression tests as a ~ function of temperature were performed on both alloy types. Different deformation mechanisms were encountered based uponmore » temperature and microstructure.« less

Effect of point defects and disorder on structural phase transitions

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

Toulouse, J.

1997-06-01

Since the beginning in 1986, the object of this project has been Structural Phase Transitions (SPT) in real as opposed to ideal materials. The first stage of the study has been centered around the role of Point Defects in SPT`s. Our intent was to use the previous knowledge we had acquired in the study of point defects in non-transforming insulators and apply it to the study of point defects in insulators undergoing phase transitions. In non-transforming insulators, point defects, in low concentrations, marginally affect the bulk properties of the host. It is nevertheless possible by resonance or relaxation methods tomore » study the point defects themselves via their local motion. In transforming solids, however, close to a phase transition, atomic motions become correlated over very large distances; there, even point defects far removed from one another can undergo correlated motions which may strongly affect the transition behavior of the host. Near a structural transition, the elastic properties win be most strongly affected so as to either raise or decrease the transition temperature, prevent the transition from taking place altogether, or simply modify its nature and the microstructure or domain structure of the resulting phase. One of the well known practical examples is calcium-stabilized zirconia in which the high temperature cubic phase is stabilized at room temperature with greatly improved mechanical properties.« less

Parametric study of the effect of phase anisotropy on the micromechanical behaviour of dentin–adhesive interfaces

PubMed Central

Misra, Anil; Spencer, Paulette; Marangos, Orestes; Wang, Yong; Katz, J. Lawrence

2005-01-01

A finite element (FE) model has been developed based upon the recently measured micro-scale morphological, chemical and mechanical properties of dentin–adhesive (d–a) interfaces using confocal Raman microspectroscopy and scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM). The results computed from this FE model indicated that the stress distributions and concentrations are affected by the micro-scale elastic properties of various phases composing the d–a interface. However, these computations were performed assuming isotropic material properties for the d–a interface. The d–a interface components, such as the peritubular and intertubular dentin, the partially demineralized dentin and the so-called ‘hybrid layer’ adhesive-collagen composite, are probably anisotropic. In this paper, the FE model is extended to account for the probable anisotropic properties of these d–a interface phases. A parametric study is performed to study the effect of anisotropy on the micromechanical stress distributions in the hybrid layer and the peritubular dentin phases of the d–a interface. It is found that the anisotropy of the phases affects the region and extent of stress concentration as well as the location of the maximum stress concentrations. Thus, the anisotropy of the phases could effect the probable location of failure initiation, whether in the peritubular region or in the hybrid layer. PMID:16849175

Effect of microstructural parameters on the mechanical behavior of TiAlNb(Cr,Mo) alloys with γ+σ microstructure at ambient temperature

DOE PAGES

Kesler, Michael S.; Goyel, Sonalika; Ebrahimi, Fereshteh; ...

2016-11-15

The mechanical properties of novel alloys with two-phase γ-TiAl + σ-Nb 2Al microstructures were evaluated under compression at room temperature. Microstructures of varying scales were developed through solutionizing and aging heat treatments and the volume fraction of phases were varied with changes in composition. Ultra-fine, aged γ+σ microstructures were achieved for the alloys which affectively retained high volume fractions of the parent β-phase upon quenching from the solutionizing temperature. The yield strength and compressive strain to failure of these alloys show a strong dependence on the relative scale and volume fraction of phases. Surprisingly, the hard brittle σ-phase particles weremore » not found to control fracture in the refined microstructures.« less

Effects of carotenoids on lipid bilayers.

PubMed

Johnson, Quentin R; Mostofian, Barmak; Fuente Gomez, Gabriel; Smith, Jeremy C; Cheng, Xiaolin

2018-01-31

Carotenoids have been found to be important in improving the integrity of biomembranes in eukaryotes. However, the molecular details of how carotenoids modulate the physical properties of biomembranes are unknown. To this end, we have conducted a series of molecular dynamics simulations of different biologically-relevant membranes in the presence of carotenoids. The carotenoid effect on the membrane was found to be specific to the identity of the carotenoid and the composition of the membrane itself. Therefore, different classes of carotenoids produce a different effect on the membrane, and different membrane phases are affected differently by carotenoids. It is apparent from our data that carotenoids do trigger the bilayer to become thinner. The mechanism by which this occurs depends on two competing factors, the ability of the lipid tails of opposing monolayers to either (1) compress or (2) interdigitate as the bilayer condenses. Indeed, carotenoids directly influence the physical properties via these two mechanisms, thus compacting the bilayer. However, the degree to which these competing mechanisms are utilized depends on the bilayer phase and the carotenoid identity.

Aerosol Particle Interfacial Thermodynamics and Phase Partitioning Measurements Using Biphasic Microfluidics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dutcher, Cari; Metcalf, Andrew

2015-03-01

Secondary organic aerosol particles are nearly ubiquitous in the atmosphere and yet there remain large uncertainties in their formation processes and ambient properties. These particles are complex microenvironments, which can contain multiple interfaces due to internal aqueous-organic phase partitioning and to the external liquid-vapor surface. Interfacial properties affect the ambient aerosol morphology, or internal structure of the particle, which in turn can affect the way a particle interacts with an environment of condensable clusters and organic vapors. To improve our ability to accurately predict ambient aerosol morphology, we must improve our knowledge of aerosol interfaces and their interactions with the ambient environment. Unfortunately, many techniques employed to measure interfacial properties do so in bulk solutions or in the presence of a ternary (e.g. solid) phase. In this talk, a novel method using biphasic microscale flows will be introduced for generating, trapping, and perturbing complex interfaces at atmospherically relevant conditions. These microfluidic experiments utilize high-speed imaging to monitor interfacial phenomena at the microscale and are performed with phase contrast and fluorescence microscopy on a temperature-controlled inverted microscope stage. From these experiments, interfacial thermodynamic properties such as surface or interfacial tension, rheological properties such as interfacial moduli, and kinetic properties such as mass transfer coefficients can be measured or inferred.

Microstructure Evolution and Related Magnetic Properties of Cu-Zr-Al-Gd Phase-Separating Metallic Glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Sang Jun; Kim, Jinwoo; Park, Eun Soo

2018-04-01

We carefully investigated the correlation between microstructures and magnetic properties of Cu-Zr-Al-Gd phase-separating metallic glasses (PSMGs). The saturation magnetizations of the PSMGs were determined by total Gd contents of the alloys, while their coercivity exhibits a large deviation by the occurrence of phase separation due to the boundary pinning effect of hierarchically separated amorphous phases. Especially, the PSMGs containing Gd-rich amorphous nanoparticles show the highest coercivity which can be attributed to the size effect of the ferromagnetic amorphous phase. Furthermore, the selective crystallization of ferromagnetic amorphous phases can affect the magnetization behavior of the PSMGs. Our results could provide a novel strategy for tailoring unique soft magnetic properties of metallic glasses by introducing hierarchically separated amorphous phases and controlling their crystallinity.

Microstructure Evolution and Related Magnetic Properties of Cu-Zr-Al-Gd Phase-Separating Metallic Glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Sang Jun; Kim, Jinwoo; Park, Eun Soo

2018-06-01

We carefully investigated the correlation between microstructures and magnetic properties of Cu-Zr-Al-Gd phase-separating metallic glasses (PSMGs). The saturation magnetizations of the PSMGs were determined by total Gd contents of the alloys, while their coercivity exhibits a large deviation by the occurrence of phase separation due to the boundary pinning effect of hierarchically separated amorphous phases. Especially, the PSMGs containing Gd-rich amorphous nanoparticles show the highest coercivity which can be attributed to the size effect of the ferromagnetic amorphous phase. Furthermore, the selective crystallization of ferromagnetic amorphous phases can affect the magnetization behavior of the PSMGs. Our results could provide a novel strategy for tailoring unique soft magnetic properties of metallic glasses by introducing hierarchically separated amorphous phases and controlling their crystallinity.

The Quantum Phase-Dynamical Properties of the Squeezed Vacuum State Intensity-Couple Interacting with the Atom

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fan, An-Fu; Sun, Nian-Chun; Zhou, Xin

1996-01-01

The Phase-dynamical properties of the squeezed vacuum state intensity-couple interacting with the two-level atom in an ideal cavity are studied using the Hermitian phase operator formalism. Exact general expressions for the phase distribution and the associated expectation value and variance of the phase operator have been derived. we have also obtained the analytic results of the phase variance for two special cases-weakly and strongly squeezed vacuum. The results calculated numerically show that squeezing has a significant effect on the phase properties of squeezed vacuum.

A Critical Interpersonal Distance Switches between Two Coordination Modes in Kendo Matches

PubMed Central

Okumura, Motoki; Kijima, Akifumi; Kadota, Koji; Yokoyama, Keiko; Suzuki, Hiroo; Yamamoto, Yuji

2012-01-01

In many competitive sports, players need to quickly and continuously execute movements that co-adapt to various movements executed by their opponents and physical objects. In a martial art such as kendo, players must be able to skillfully change interpersonal distance in order to win. However, very little information about the task and expertise properties of the maneuvers affecting interpersonal distance is available. This study investigated behavioral dynamics underlying opponent tasks by analyzing changes in interpersonal distance made by expert players in kendo matches. Analysis of preferred interpersonal distances indicated that players tended to step toward and away from their opponents based on two distances. The most preferred distance enabled the players to execute both striking and defensive movements immediately. The relative phase analysis of the velocities at which players executed steps toward and away revealed that players developed anti-phase synchronizations at near distances to maintain safe distances from their opponents. Alternatively, players shifted to in-phase synchronization to approach their opponents from far distances. This abrupt phase-transition phenomenon constitutes a characteristic bifurcation dynamics that regularly and instantaneously occurs between in- and anti-phase synchronizations at a critical interpersonal distance. These dynamics are profoundly affected by the task constraints of kendo and the physical constraints of the players. Thus, the current study identifies the clear behavioral dynamics that emerge in a sport setting. PMID:23284799

Effect of thermal treatments on the wear behaviour of duplex stainless steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fargas, G.; Mestra, A.; Anglada, M.; Mateo, A.

2009-09-01

Duplex stainless steel (DSS) is a family of steels characterized by two-phase microstructure with similar percentages of ferrite (α) and austenite (γ).Their attractive combination of mechanical properties and corrosion resistance has increased its use in last decades in the marine and petrochemical industries. Nevertheless, an inappropriate heat treatment can induce the precipitation of secondary phases which affect directly their mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. There are few works dealing with the influence of heat treatments on wear behaviour of these steels in the literature. For instances, this paper aims to determine wear kinetic and sliding wear volume developed as a function of heat treatment conditions. Therefore, the samples were heat treated from 850 °C to 975 °C before sliding wear tests. These wear tests were carried out using ball on disk technique at constant sliding velocity and different sliding distances. Two methodologies were used to calculate the wear volume: weight loss and area measurement using a simplified contact model. Microstructural observations showed the presence of sigma phase for all studied conditions. The formation kinetics of this phase is faster at 875 °C and decrease at higher temperatures. Results related to wear showed that the hardness introduced due to the presence of sigma phase plays an important role on wear behaviour for this steel. It was observed also that wear rates decreased when increasing the percentage of sigma phase on the microstructure.

Intrinsic Cellular Properties and Connectivity Density Determine Variable Clustering Patterns in Randomly Connected Inhibitory Neural Networks

PubMed Central

Rich, Scott; Booth, Victoria; Zochowski, Michal

2016-01-01

The plethora of inhibitory interneurons in the hippocampus and cortex play a pivotal role in generating rhythmic activity by clustering and synchronizing cell firing. Results of our simulations demonstrate that both the intrinsic cellular properties of neurons and the degree of network connectivity affect the characteristics of clustered dynamics exhibited in randomly connected, heterogeneous inhibitory networks. We quantify intrinsic cellular properties by the neuron's current-frequency relation (IF curve) and Phase Response Curve (PRC), a measure of how perturbations given at various phases of a neurons firing cycle affect subsequent spike timing. We analyze network bursting properties of networks of neurons with Type I or Type II properties in both excitability and PRC profile; Type I PRCs strictly show phase advances and IF curves that exhibit frequencies arbitrarily close to zero at firing threshold while Type II PRCs display both phase advances and delays and IF curves that have a non-zero frequency at threshold. Type II neurons whose properties arise with or without an M-type adaptation current are considered. We analyze network dynamics under different levels of cellular heterogeneity and as intrinsic cellular firing frequency and the time scale of decay of synaptic inhibition are varied. Many of the dynamics exhibited by these networks diverge from the predictions of the interneuron network gamma (ING) mechanism, as well as from results in all-to-all connected networks. Our results show that randomly connected networks of Type I neurons synchronize into a single cluster of active neurons while networks of Type II neurons organize into two mutually exclusive clusters segregated by the cells' intrinsic firing frequencies. Networks of Type II neurons containing the adaptation current behave similarly to networks of either Type I or Type II neurons depending on network parameters; however, the adaptation current creates differences in the cluster dynamics compared to those in networks of Type I or Type II neurons. To understand these results, we compute neuronal PRCs calculated with a perturbation matching the profile of the synaptic current in our networks. Differences in profiles of these PRCs across the different neuron types reveal mechanisms underlying the divergent network dynamics. PMID:27812323

Experimental study of phase equilibria and thermodynamic optimization of the Fe-Zn-O system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Degterov, Sergei A.; Pelton, Arthur D.; Jak, Evgueni; Hayes, Peter C.

2001-08-01

The Fe-Zn-O phase diagram in air was studied over the temperature range from 900 °C to 1500 °C. The compositions of the phases in quenched samples were obtained by electron probe X-ray microanalysis (EPMA). This experimental technique is not affected by zinc losses resulting from vaporization of zinc at high temperatures. The model for the spinel solid solution was developed within the framework of the compound-energy formalism (CEF). The choice of parameters of the CEF and the sequence of their optimization can have a major influence on the predictions in multicomponent phases. These choices can only be made rationally by reference to the specific model being represented in the CEF. This is discussed for the case of the two-sublattice spinel model. In the limiting case, the proposed model reduces to the model by O’Neill and Navrotsky for spinels. When the CEF is used in combination with the equation of Hillert and Jarl to describe the magnetic contribution to thermodynamic functions of a solution, it is necessary to assign certain values of magnetic properties to all pseudocomponents and to magnetic interaction parameters to obtain the most reasonable approximation of the magnetic properties of a solution. It was shown how this can be done based on very limited experimental data. The same equations can be used when the Murnaghan or the Birch-Murnaghan equation is combined with the CEF to describe the pressure dependence of thermodynamic functions. The polynomial model was used to describe the properties of wustite and zincite, and the modified quasichemical model was used for the liquid slag. All thermodynamic and phase-equilibria data on the Fe-O and Fe-Zn-O systems were critically evaluated, and parameters of the models were optimized to give a self-consistent set of thermodynamic functions of the phases in these systems. All experimental data are reproduced within experimental error limits. These include the thermodynamic properties of phases (such as specific heat, heat content, entropy, enthalpy, and Gibbs energy); the cation distribution between octahedral and tetrahedral sites in spinel; the oxygen partial pressure over single-phase, two-phase, and three-phase regions; the phase boundaries (liquidus, solidus, and subsolidus); and the tie-lines.

Synthesis, characterization and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sensing properties of WO3 nano-particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Subhash; Majumder, S. B.

2018-05-01

Metal oxide sensors, such as ZnO, SnO2, and WO3 etc. have been utilized for several decades for low-costd etection of combustible and toxic gases. In the present work tungsten oxide (WO3) nanoparticles have been prepared by using an economic wet chemical synthesis route. To understand the phase formation behavior of the synthesized powders, X-ray diffraction analysis has been performed. The microstructure evolution of the synthesized powders was characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The calcined phase pure WO3 nanoparticles are investigated in terms of LPG gas sensing properties. The gas sensing measurements has been done in two different mode of operation (namely static and dynamic measurements). The degree of oxygen deficiency in the WO3 sensor also affected the sensor properties and the optimum oxygen content of WO3 was necessary to get high sensitivity for LPG. The WO3 sensor shows the excellent sensor properties for LPG at the operating temperature of 250°C.

A lattice Boltzmann investigation of steady-state fluid distribution, capillary pressure and relative permeability of a porous medium: Effects of fluid and geometrical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Zi; Galindo-Torres, Sergio; Yan, Guanxi; Scheuermann, Alexander; Li, Ling

2018-06-01

Simulations of simultaneous steady-state two-phase flow in the capillary force-dominated regime were conducted using the state-of-the-art Shan-Chen multi-component lattice Boltzmann model (SCMC-LBM) based on two-dimensional porous media. We focused on analyzing the fluid distribution (i.e., WP fluid-solid, NP fluid-solid and fluid-fluid interfacial areas) as well as the capillary pressure versus saturation curve which was affected by fluid and geometrical properties (i.e., wettability, adhesive strength, pore size distribution and specific surface area). How these properties influenced the relative permeability versus saturation relation through apparent effective permeability and threshold pressure gradient was also explored. The SCMC-LBM simulations showed that, a thin WP fluid film formed around the solid surface due to the adhesive fluid-solid interaction, resulting in discrete WP fluid distributions and reduction of the WP fluid mobility. Also, the adhesive interaction provided another source of capillary pressure in addition to capillary force, which, however, did not affect the mobility of the NP fluid. The film fluid effect could be enhanced by large adhesive strength and fine pores in heterogeneous porous media. In the steady-state infiltration, not only the NP fluid but also the WP fluid were subjected to the capillary resistance. The capillary pressure effect could be alleviated by decreased wettability, large average pore radius and improved fluid connectivity in heterogeneous porous media. The present work based on the SCMC-LBM investigations elucidated the role of film fluid as well as capillary pressure in the two-phase flow system. The findings have implications for ways to improve the macroscopic flow equation based on balance of force for the steady-state infiltration.

Ice cream structural elements that affect melting rate and hardness.

PubMed

Muse, M R; Hartel, R W

2004-01-01

Statistical models were developed to reveal which structural elements of ice cream affect melting rate and hardness. Ice creams were frozen in a batch freezer with three types of sweetener, three levels of the emulsifier polysorbate 80, and two different draw temperatures to produce ice creams with a range of microstructures. Ice cream mixes were analyzed for viscosity, and finished ice creams were analyzed for air cell and ice crystal size, overrun, and fat destabilization. The ice phase volume of each ice cream were calculated based on the freezing point of the mix. Melting rate and hardness of each hardened ice cream was measured and correlated with the structural attributes by using analysis of variance and multiple linear regression. Fat destabilization, ice crystal size, and the consistency coefficient of the mix were found to affect the melting rate of ice cream, whereas hardness was influenced by ice phase volume, ice crystal size, overrun, fat destabilization, and the rheological properties of the mix.

Temperature anomalies of shock and isentropic waves of quark-hadron phase transition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konyukhov, A. V.; Iosilevskiy, I. L.; Levashov, P. R.; Likhachev, A. P.

2018-01-01

In this work, we consider a phenomenological equation of state, which combinesstatistical description for hadron gas and a bag-model-based approach for the quark-gluon plasma. The equation of state is based on the excluded volume method in its thermodynamically consistent variant from Satarov et al [2009 Phys. At. Nucl. 72 1390]. The characteristic shape of the Taub adiabats and isentropes in the phase diagram is affected by the anomalous pressure-temperature dependence along the curve of phase equilibrium. The adiabats have kink points at the boundary of the two-phase region, inside which the temperature decreases with compression. Thermodynamic properties of matter observed in the quark-hadron phase transition region lead to hydrodynamic anomalies (in particular, to the appearance of composite compression and rarefaction waves). On the basis of relativistic hydrodynamics equations we investigate and discuss the structure and anomalous temperature behavior in these waves.

Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of electrospun niobium oxide nanofibers

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

Qi, Shishun; Zuo, Ruzhong, E-mail: piezolab@hfut.edu.cn; Liu, Yi

2013-03-15

Graphical abstract: Different morphologies are obtained for the electrospun niobium oxide nanofibers with different phase structures. The nanofibers of the two phase structures present different band gap value and the light absorption. Hexagonal phase nanofibers show better photocatalytic activity compared with the orthorhombic nanofibers. Highlights: ► Niobium oxide nanofibers of two phase structures were fabricated by electrospinning. ► Photocatalytic properties of the niobium oxide nanofibers were first explored. ► Nanofibers of different phase structures showed different photocatalytic activities. ► Reasons for the differences in the photocatalysis were carefully discussed. - Abstract: Niobium oxide (Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5}) nanofibers have been synthesizedmore » by sol–gel based electrospinning technique. Pure hexagonal phase (H-Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5}) and orthorhombic phase (O-Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5}) nanofibers were obtained by thermally annealing the electrospun Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5}/polyvinylpyrrolidone composite fibers in air at 500 °C and 700 °C, respectively. The fibers were characterized using the X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, specific surface area analyzer and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Photocatalytic activities of the obtained nanofibers were evaluated depending on the degradation of methyl orange. The results indicate that the heat-treatment temperature, the crystalline structure and the morphology affected the physical and chemical properties of the as-prepared Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5} nanofibers. The H-Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5} nanofibers obtained at lower temperature showed better potential for the application as a promising photocatalyst.« less

PIV in the two phases of hydrodynamic cavitation in a venturi type section

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fuzier, Sylvie; Coudert, Sébastien; Coutier Delgosha, Olivier

2012-11-01

The presence of cavitation can affect the performance of turbomachinery. Attached sheet cavities on the blades induce modifications of flow dynamics and turbulence properties. This phenomenon is studied here in a configuration of 2D flow in a venturi type section. Images of the bubbles as well as of the light emitted by fluorescent particles placed in the liquid are recorded simultaneously. Velocities of the bubbles and of the liquid phase are obtained by PIV. The slip velocity is analyzed function of the number of cavitation and other physical parameters. Different levels of turbulence are correlated with different bubble structures in the dipahasic cavity.

Set size manipulations reveal the boundary conditions of perceptual ensemble learning.

PubMed

Chetverikov, Andrey; Campana, Gianluca; Kristjánsson, Árni

2017-11-01

Recent evidence suggests that observers can grasp patterns of feature variations in the environment with surprising efficiency. During visual search tasks where all distractors are randomly drawn from a certain distribution rather than all being homogeneous, observers are capable of learning highly complex statistical properties of distractor sets. After only a few trials (learning phase), the statistical properties of distributions - mean, variance and crucially, shape - can be learned, and these representations affect search during a subsequent test phase (Chetverikov, Campana, & Kristjánsson, 2016). To assess the limits of such distribution learning, we varied the information available to observers about the underlying distractor distributions by manipulating set size during the learning phase in two experiments. We found that robust distribution learning only occurred for large set sizes. We also used set size to assess whether the learning of distribution properties makes search more efficient. The results reveal how a certain minimum of information is required for learning to occur, thereby delineating the boundary conditions of learning of statistical variation in the environment. However, the benefits of distribution learning for search efficiency remain unclear. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of ball milling on atomic structure and magnetic properties of Co{sub 40}Fe{sub 22}Ta{sub 8}B{sub 30} glassy alloy

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

Taghvaei, Amir Hossein, E-mail: Amirtaghvaei@gmail.com; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Shiraz University of Technology, Shiraz; Stoica, Mihai

2014-06-01

The influence of ball milling on the atomic structure and magnetic properties of the Co{sub 40}Fe{sub 22}Ta{sub 8}B{sub 30} metallic glass with a high thermal stability and excellent soft magnetic properties has been investigated. After 14 h of milling, the obtained powders were found to consist mainly of an amorphous phase and a small fraction of the (Co,Fe){sub 21}Ta{sub 2}B{sub 6} nanocrystals. The changes in the reduced pair correlation functions suggest noticeable changes in the atomic structure of the amorphous upon ball milling. Furthermore, it has been shown that milling is accompanied by introduction of compressive and dilatational sites inmore » the glassy phase and increasing the fluctuation of the atomic-level hydrostatic stress without affecting the coordination number of the nearest neighbors. Ball milling has decreased the thermal stability and significantly affected the magnetic properties through increasing the saturation magnetization, Curie temperature of the amorphous phase and coercivity. - Highlights: • Ball milling affected the atomic structure of Co{sub 40}Fe{sub 22}Ta{sub 8}B{sub 30} metallic glass. • Mechanically-induced crystallization started after 4 h milling. • Milling increased the fluctuation of the atomic-level hydrostatic stress in glass. • Ball milling influenced the thermal stability and magnetic properties.« less

Investigation of electronic and magnetic properties of FeS: First principle and Monte Carlo simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouachraoui, Rachid; El Hachimi, Abdel Ghafour; Ziat, Younes; Bahmad, Lahoucine; Tahiri, Najim

2018-06-01

Electronic and magnetic properties of hexagonal Iron (II) Sulfide (hexagonal FeS) have been investigated by combining the Density functional theory (DFT) and Monte Carlo simulations (MCS). This compound is constituted by magnetic hexagonal lattice occupied by Fe2+ with spin state (S = 2). Based on ab initio method, we calculated the exchange coupling JFe-Fe between two magnetic atoms Fe-Fe in different directions. Also phase transitions, magnetic stability and magnetizations have been investigated in the framework of Monte Carlo simulations. Within this method, a second phase transition is observed at the Néel temperature TN = 450 K. This finding in good agreement with the reported data in the literature. The effect of the applied different parameters showed how can these parameters affect the critical temperature of this system. Moreover, we studied the density of states and found that the hexagonal FeS will be a promoting material for spintronic applications.

Investigation of acoustic metasurfaces with constituent material properties considered

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerard, Nikhil JRK; Li, Yong; Jing, Yun

2018-03-01

This paper examines the transmission behavior of two acoustic metasurfaces and their constituent structural units while including the various material properties that could affect their functionality. The unit cells and the metasurfaces are modeled numerically, and the impact of the structural interaction and thermoviscosity on sound transmission and phase modulation is studied. Each of these effects is viewed individually in order to better understand their influence. Various cases are presented, and the change in the behavior of the metasurfaces is investigated. The deviations from the ideal desired results are examined and highlighted to show that it is important to incorporate these effects to better predict the behavior of acoustic metasurfaces.

Properties of two-mode squeezed number states

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chizhov, Alexei V.; Murzakhmetov, B. K.

1994-01-01

Photon statistics and phase properties of two-mode squeezed number states are studied. It is shown that photon number distribution and Pegg-Barnett phase distribution for such states have similar (N + 1)-peak structure for nonzero value of the difference in the number of photons between modes. Exact analytical formulas for phase distributions based on different phase approaches are derived. The Pegg-Barnett phase distribution and the phase quasiprobability distribution associated with the Wigner function are close to each other, while the phase quasiprobability distribution associated with the Q function carries less phase information.

Non-classical State via Superposition of Two Opposite Coherent States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Gang; Du, Jian-ming; Yu, Hai-jun

2018-04-01

We study the non-classical properties of the states generated by superpositions of two opposite coherent states with the arbitrary relative phase factors. We show that the relative phase factors plays an important role in these superpositions. We demonstrate this result by discussing their squeezing properties, quantum statistical properties and fidelity in principle.

Stochastic analysis of multiphase flow in porous media: II. Numerical simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abin, A.; Kalurachchi, J. J.; Kemblowski, M. W.; Chang, C.-M.

1996-08-01

The first paper (Chang et al., 1995b) of this two-part series described the stochastic analysis using spectral/perturbation approach to analyze steady state two-phase (water and oil) flow in a, liquid-unsaturated, three fluid-phase porous medium. In this paper, the results between the numerical simulations and closed-form expressions obtained using the perturbation approach are compared. We present the solution to the one-dimensional, steady-state oil and water flow equations. The stochastic input processes are the spatially correlated logk where k is the intrinsic permeability and the soil retention parameter, α. These solutions are subsequently used in the numerical simulations to estimate the statistical properties of the key output processes. The comparison between the results of the perturbation analysis and numerical simulations showed a good agreement between the two methods over a wide range of logk variability with three different combinations of input stochastic processes of logk and soil parameter α. The results clearly demonstrated the importance of considering the spatial variability of key subsurface properties under a variety of physical scenarios. The variability of both capillary pressure and saturation is affected by the type of input stochastic process used to represent the spatial variability. The results also demonstrated the applicability of perturbation theory in predicting the system variability and defining effective fluid properties through the ergodic assumption.

Effect of annealing on structural and luminescence properties of Eu3+ doped NaYF4 phosphor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pathak, Trilok K.; Kumar, Ashwini; Swart, H. C.; Kroon, R. E.

2018-04-01

Eu3+ doped NaYF4 phosphors have been synthesized by the combustion method. The effect of annealing on the structural, morphological and luminescence properties has been investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the Eu3+ doped NaYF4 phosphors consisted of mixed phases: α-phase and β-phase which were affected by the annealing of the phosphor. The surface morphology showed a significant change with annealing in the Eu3+ doped NaYF4 phosphors. The elemental mapping and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy spectra proved the formation of the desired materials. The photoluminescence spectra illustrated the optical properties of Eu3+ in the as-prepared and annealed Eu3+ doped NaYF4 phosphors. The intensity of the peaks 5D0 → 7F2 and 5D0 → 7F1 varied in as-prepared and annealed samples. The lifetime of the Eu3+ luminescence at 615 nm was also weakly affected by the Eu3+ doping and annealing temperature.

Anomalous Transport Properties of Dense QCD in a Magnetic Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de la Incera, Vivian

2017-06-01

Despite recent advancements in the study and understanding of the phase diagram of strongly interacting matter, the region of high baryonic densities and low temperatures has remained difficult to reach in the lab. Things are expected to change with the planned HIC experiments at FAIR in Germany and NICA in Russia, which will open a window to the high-density-low-temperature segment of the QCD phase map, providing a unique opportunity to test the validity of model calculations that have predicted the formation of spatially inhomogeneous phases with broken chiral symmetry at intermediate-to-high densities. Such a density region is also especially relevant for the physics of neutron stars, as they have cores that can have several times the nuclear saturation density. On the other hand, strong magnetic fields, whose presence is fairly common in HIC and in neutron stars, can affect the properties of these exotic phases and lead to signatures potentially observable in these two settings. In this paper, I examine the anomalous transport properties produced by the spectral asymmetry of the lowest Landau level (LLL) in a QCD-inspired NJL model with a background magnetic field that exhibits chiral symmetry breaking at high density via the formation of a Dual Chiral Density Wave (DCDW) condensate. It turns out that in this model the electromagnetic interactions are described by the axion electrodynamics equations and there is a dissipationless Hall current.

Process property studies of melt blown thermoplastic polyurethane polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Youn Eung

The primary goal of this research was to determine optimum processing conditions to produce commercially acceptable melt blown (MB) thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) webs. The 6-inch MB line and the 20-inch wide Accurate Products MB pilot line at the Textiles and Nonwovens Development Center (TANDEC), The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, were utilized for this study. The MB TPU trials were performed in four different phases: Phase 1 focused on the envelope of the MB operating conditions for different TPU polymers; Phase 2 focused on the production of commercially acceptable MB TPU webs; Phase 3 focused on the optimization of the processing conditions of MB TPU webs, and the determination of the significant relationships between processing parameters and web properties utilizing statistical analyses; Based on the first three phases, a more extensive study of fiber and web formation in the MB TPU process was made and a multi liner regression model for the MB TPU process versus properties was also developed in Phase 4. In conclusion, the basic MB process was fundamentally valid for the MB TPU process; however, the MB process was more complicated for TPU than PP, because web structures and properties of MB TPUs are very sensitive to MB process conditions: Furthermore, different TPU grades responded very differently to MB processing and exhibited different web structure and properties. In Phase 3 and Phase 4, small fiber diameters of less than 5mum were produced from TPU237, TPU245 and TPU280 pellets, and the mechanical strengths of MB TPU webs including the tensile strength, tear strength, abrasion resistance and tensile elongation were notably good. In addition, the statistical model showed useful interaction regarding trends for processing parameters versus properties of MB TPU webs. Die and air temperature showed multicollinearity problems and fiber diameter was notably affected by air flow rate, throughput and die/air temperature. It was also shown that most of the MB TPU web properties including mechanical strength, air permeability and fiber diameters were affected by air velocity and die temperature.

Development of a Knowledge Base of Ti-Alloys From First-Principles and Thermodynamic Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marker, Cassie

An aging population with an active lifestyle requires the development of better load-bearing implants, which have high levels of biocompatibility and a low elastic modulus. Titanium alloys, in the body centered cubic phase, are great implant candidates, due to their mechanical properties and biocompatibility. The present work aims at investigating the thermodynamic and elastic properties of bcc Tialloys, using the integrated first-principles based on Density Functional Theory (DFT) and the CALculation of PHAse Diagrams (CALPHAD) method. The use of integrated first-principles calculations based on DFT and CALPHAD modeling has greatly reduced the need for trial and error metallurgy, which is ineffective and costly. The phase stability of Ti-alloys has been shown to greatly affect their elastic properties. Traditionally, CALPHAD modeling has been used to predict the equilibrium phase formation, but in the case of Ti-alloys, predicting the formation of two metastable phases o and alpha" is of great importance as these phases also drastically effect the elastic properties. To build a knowledge base of Ti-alloys, for biomedical load-bearing implants, the Ti-Mo-Nb-Sn-Ta-Zr system was studied because of the biocompatibility and the bcc stabilizing effects of some of the elements. With the focus on bcc Ti-rich alloys, a database of thermodynamic descriptions of each phase for the pure elements, binary and Ti-rich ternary alloys was developed in the present work. Previous thermodynamic descriptions for the pure elements were adopted from the widely used SGTE database for global compatibility. The previous binary and ternary models from the literature were evaluated for accuracy and new thermodynamic descriptions were developed when necessary. The models were evaluated using available experimental data, as well as the enthalpy of formation of the bcc phase obtained from first-principles calculations based on DFT. The thermodynamic descriptions were combined into a database ensuring that the sublattice models are compatible with each other. For subsystems, such as the Sn-Ta system, where no thermodynamic description had been evaluated and minimal experimental data was available, first-principles calculations based on DFT were used. The Sn-Ta system has two intermetallic phases, TaSn2 and Ta3Sn, with three solution phases: bcc, body centered tetragonal (bct) and diamond. First-principles calculations were completed on the intermetallic and solution phases. Special quasirandom structures (SQS) were used to obtain information about the solution phases across the entire composition range. The Debye-Gruneisen approach, as well as the quasiharmonic phonon method, were used to obtain the finite-temperature data. Results from the first-principles calculations and experiments were used to complete the thermodynamic description. The resulting phase diagram reproduced the first-principles calculations and experimental data accurately. In order to determine the effect of alloying on the elastic properties, first-principles calculations based on DFT were systematically done on the pure elements, five Ti-X binary systems and Ti-X-Y ternary systems (X ≠ Y = Mo, Nb, Sn, Ta Zr) in the bcc phase. The first-principles calculations predicted the single crystal elastic stiffness constants cij 's. Correspondingly, the polycrystalline aggregate properties were also estimated from the cij's, including bulk modulus B, shear modulus G and Young's modulus E. The calculated results showed good agreement with experimental results. The CALPHAD method was then adapted to assist in the database development of the elastic properties as a function of composition. On average, the database predicted the elastic properties of higher order Ti-alloys within 5 GPa of the experimental results. Finally, the formation of the metastable phases, o and alpha" was studied in the Ti-Ta and Ti-Nb systems. The formation energy of these phases, calculated from first-principles at 0 K, showed that the phases have similar formation energies to the bcc and hcp phases. Inelastic neutron scattering was completed on four different Ti-Nb compositions to study the entropy of the phases as well as the transformations occurring when the phases form and the phase fractions. Ongoing work is being done to use the experimental information to introduce thermodynamic descriptions for these two phases in the Ti-Nb system in order to be able to predict the formation and phase fractions. DFT based first-principles were used to predict the effect these phases have on the elastic properties and a rule of mixtures was used to determine the elastic properties of multi-phase alloys. The results were compared with experiments and showed that if the ongoing modeling can predict the phase fraction, the elastic database can accurately predict the elastic properties of the o and alpha" phases. This thesis provides a knowledge base of the thermodynamic and elastic properties of Ti-alloys from computational thermodynamics. The databases created will impact research activities on Ti-alloys and specifically efforts focused on Ti-alloys for biomedical applications.

Structure-property relationships in semicrystalline copolymers and ionomers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wakabayashi, Katsuyuki

Many outstanding physical properties of ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid (E/(M)AA) copolymers and ionomers are associated with their nanometer-scale morphology, which consists of ethylene crystallites, amorphous segments, and acid/ionic functional groups. The goal of this dissertation is a fundamental understanding of the interplay between these structural motifs and the consequent effects on the material properties. We identify small-strain modulus as a key mechanical property and investigate its dependence upon material structure through X-ray scattering, calorimetry, and mechanical property measurements. We first treat E/(M)AA copolymers as composites of polyethylene crystallites and amorphous regions, and establish a quantitative combining rule to describe the copolymer modulus. At temperatures above the Tg of the copolymers, a monotonic increase in modulus with crystallinity is quantitatively described by the Davies equation for two-phase composites, which serves as the basis for separating the effects of amorphous and crystalline phases throughout this dissertation. The room-temperature modulus of E/(M)AA copolymers is concurrently affected by ethylene crystallinity and proximity to the amorphous phase Tg, which rises through room temperature with increasing comonomer content. In E/(M)AA ionomers, phase separation and aggregation of ionic groups provide additional stiffness and toughness. Ionomers are modeled as composites of crystallites and ionically crosslinked rubber, whose amorphous phase modulus far above the ionomer Tg is satisfactorily described by simple rubber elasticity theory. Thermomechanical analyses probe the multi-step relaxation behavior of E/(M)AA ionomers and lead to the development of a new semicrystalline ionomer morphological model, wherein secondary crystallites and ionic aggregates together form rigid percolated pathways throughout the amorphous phase. Metal soaps are oligomeric analogs of E/(M)AA ionomers, which can be blended into ionomers to achieve high ion content and in turn desirable physical properties. We assess the compatibility of various types of metal soaps with E/(M)AA ionomers, and investigate how the soap modifies the ionomers' structure and properties. The mechanical properties and phase behavior of these hybrids, which are found to differ significantly depending on the neutralizing cation type and crystallinizability of the metal soap, are traced back to various levels of molecular coassembly involving the hydrocarbon chains and/or the ionic groups of both entities.

Effect of Nb on magnetic and mechanical properties of TbDyFe alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Naijuan; Liu, Yuan; Zhang, Huawei; Chen, Xiang; Li, Yanxiang

2018-03-01

The intrinsic brittleness in giant magnetostrictive material TbDyFe alloy has devastating influence on the machinability and properties of the alloy, thus affecting its applications. The purpose of this paper is to study the mechanical properties of the TbDyFe alloy by alloying with Nb element. The samples (Tb0.3Dy0.7)xFe2xNby (y = 0, 0.01, 0.04, 0.07, 0.1; 3x + y = 1) were melted in an arc melting furnace under high purity argon atmosphere. The microstructure, magnetostrictive properties and mechanical performance of the alloys were studied systematically. The results showed that NbFe2 phases were observed in the alloys with the addition of Nb. Moreover, both the NbFe2 phases and rare earth (RE)-rich phases were increased with the increasing of Nb element. The mechanical properties results revealed that the fracture toughness of the alloy with the addition of Nb enhanced 1.5-5 times of the Nb-free alloy. Both the NbFe2 phase and the RE-rich phase had the ability to prevent crack propagation, so that they can strengthen the REFe2 body. However, NbFe2 phase is a paramagnetic phase, which can reduce the magnetostrictive properties of the alloy by excessive precipitation.

A novel method for flow pattern identification in unstable operational conditions using gamma ray and radial basis function.

PubMed

Roshani, G H; Nazemi, E; Roshani, M M

2017-05-01

Changes of fluid properties (especially density) strongly affect the performance of radiation-based multiphase flow meter and could cause error in recognizing the flow pattern and determining void fraction. In this work, we proposed a methodology based on combination of multi-beam gamma ray attenuation and dual modality densitometry techniques using RBF neural network in order to recognize the flow regime and determine the void fraction in gas-liquid two phase flows independent of the liquid phase changes. The proposed system is consisted of one 137 Cs source, two transmission detectors and one scattering detector. The registered counts in two transmission detectors were used as the inputs of one primary Radial Basis Function (RBF) neural network for recognizing the flow regime independent of liquid phase density. Then, after flow regime identification, three RBF neural networks were utilized for determining the void fraction independent of liquid phase density. Registered count in scattering detector and first transmission detector were used as the inputs of these three RBF neural networks. Using this simple methodology, all the flow patterns were correctly recognized and the void fraction was predicted independent of liquid phase density with mean relative error (MRE) of less than 3.28%. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A two phase Mach number description of the equilibrium flow of nitrogen in ducts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bursik, J. W.; Hall, R. M.; Adcock, J. B.

1979-01-01

Some additional thermodynamic properties of the usual two-phase form which is linear in the moisture fraction are derived which are useful in the analysis of many kinds of duct flow. The method used is based on knowledge of the vapor pressure and Gibbs function as functions of temperature. With these, additional two-phase functions linear in moisture fraction are generated, which ultimately reveal that the squared ratio of mixture specific volume to mixture sound speed depends on liquid mass fraction and temperature in the same manner as do many weighted mean two-phase properties. This leads to a simple method of calculating two-phase Mach numbers for various duct flows. The matching of one- and two-phase flows at a saturated vapor point with discontinuous Mach number is also discussed.

48 CFR 570.305 - Two-phase design-build selection procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Two-phase design-build... for Leasehold Interests in Real Property 570.305 Two-phase design-build selection procedures. (a) These procedures apply to acquisitions of leasehold interests if you use the two-phase design-build...

Microstructure characterization of multi-phase composites and utilization of phase change materials and recycled rubbers in cementitious materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meshgin, Pania

2011-12-01

This research focuses on two important subjects: (1) Characterization of heterogeneous microstructure of multi-phase composites and the effect of microstructural features on effective properties of the material. (2) Utilizations of phase change materials and recycled rubber particles from waste tires to improve thermal properties of insulation materials used in building envelopes. Spatial pattern of multi-phase and multidimensional internal structures of most composite materials are highly random. Quantitative description of the spatial distribution should be developed based on proper statistical models, which characterize the morphological features. For a composite material with multi-phases, the volume fraction of the phases as well as the morphological parameters of the phases have very strong influences on the effective property of the composite. These morphological parameters depend on the microstructure of each phase. This study intends to include the effect of higher order morphological details of the microstructure in the composite models. The higher order statistics, called two-point correlation functions characterize various behaviors of the composite at any two points in a stochastic field. Specifically, correlation functions of mosaic patterns are used in the study for characterizing transport properties of composite materials. One of the most effective methods to improve energy efficiency of buildings is to enhance thermal properties of insulation materials. The idea of using phase change materials and recycled rubber particles such as scrap tires in insulation materials for building envelopes has been studied.

The Peculiarities of Structure Formation and Properties of Zirconia-Based Nanocomposites with Addition of Al2O3 and NiO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Danilenko, I.; Lasko, G.; Brykhanova, I.; Burkhovetski, V.; Ahkhozov, L.

2017-02-01

The present study is devoted to the problem of enhancing fracture toughness of ZrO2 ceramic materials through the formation of composite structure by addition of Al2O3 and NiO particles. In this paper, we analyzed the general and distinguished features of microstructure of both composite materials and its effect on fracture toughness of materials. In this paper, we used the XRD, SEM, and EDS methods for determination of granulometric, phase, and chemical composition of sintered materials. The peculiarities of dependence of fracture toughness values from dopant concentration and changing the Y3+ amount in zirconia grains allow us to assume that at least two mechanisms can affect the fracture toughness of ZrO2 ceramics. Crack bridging/deflection processes with the "transformation toughening" affect the K1C values depending on the dopant concentration. Crack deflection mechanism affects the K1C values when the dopant concentrations are low, and transformation toughening affects the K1C values when the dopant concentrations begin to have an impact on microstructure reorganization-redistribution of Y3+ ions and formation of Y3+-depleted grains with high ability to phase transformation.

Solid-state reaction synthesis for mixed-phase Eu3+-doped bismuth molybdate and its luminescence properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Danyang; Ding, Yu; Wang, Nan; Cai, Xiaomeng; Li, Jia; Han, Linyu; Wang, Shiqi; Han, Yuanyuan; Jia, Guang; Wang, Liyong

2017-09-01

A method for mixed-phase bismuth molybdate doped with Eu3+ ions was developed by solid-state reaction assisting with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The results of powder X-ray diffraction showed a mixed-phase structure and the microscopical characterization technology revealed the formation process with the addition of PVA. As a structure inducer, the PVA molecules played a vital role in the formation of phase structure. The as-obtained Eu3+-doped bismuth molybdates were also characterized by using different spectroscopic techniques including FTIR and photoluminescence (PL). The results show that doping concentration, PVA addition and calcination temperature affect photoluminescence properties remarkably.

Volume-Of-Fluid Simulation for Predicting Two-Phase Cooling in a Microchannel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorle, Catherine; Parida, Pritish; Houshmand, Farzad; Asheghi, Mehdi; Goodson, Kenneth

2014-11-01

Two-phase flow in microfluidic geometries has applications of increasing interest for next generation electronic and optoelectronic systems, telecommunications devices, and vehicle electronics. While there has been progress on comprehensive simulation of two-phase flows in compact geometries, validation of the results in different flow regimes should be considered to determine the predictive capabilities. In the present study we use the volume-of-fluid method to model the flow through a single micro channel with cross section 100 × 100 μm and length 10 mm. The channel inlet mass flux and the heat flux at the lower wall result in a subcooled boiling regime in the first 2.5 mm of the channel and a saturated flow regime further downstream. A conservation equation for the vapor volume fraction, and a single set of momentum and energy equations with volume-averaged fluid properties are solved. A reduced-physics phase change model represents the evaporation of the liquid and the corresponding heat loss, and the surface tension is accounted for by a source term in the momentum equation. The phase change model used requires the definition of a time relaxation parameter, which can significantly affect the solution since it determines the rate of evaporation. The results are compared to experimental data available from literature, focusing on the capability of the reduced-physics phase change model to predict the correct flow pattern, temperature profile and pressure drop.

On the Effect of Nb on the Microstructure and Properties of Next Generation Polycrystalline Powder Metallurgy Ni-Based Superalloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christofidou, Katerina A.; Hardy, Mark C.; Li, Hang-Yue; Argyrakis, Christos; Kitaguchi, Hiroto; Jones, Nicholas G.; Mignanelli, Paul M.; Wilson, Alison S.; Messé, Olivier M. D. M.; Pickering, Ed J.; Gilbert, Robert J.; Rae, Cathie M. F.; Yu, Suyang; Evans, Alex; Child, Daniel; Bowen, Paul; Stone, Howard J.

2018-05-01

The effect of Nb on the properties and microstructure of two novel powder metallurgy (P/M) Ni-based superalloys was evaluated, and the results critically compared with the Rolls-Royce alloy RR1000. The Nb-containing alloy was found to exhibit improved tensile and creep properties as well as superior oxidation resistance compared with both RR1000 and the Nb-free variant tested. The beneficial effect of Nb on the tensile and creep properties was due to the microstructures obtained following the post-solution heat treatments, which led to a higher γ' volume fraction and a finer tertiary γ' distribution. In addition, an increase in the anti-phase-boundary energy of the γ' phase is also expected with the addition of Nb, further contributing to the strength of the material. However, these modifications in the γ' distribution detrimentally affect the dwell fatigue crack-growth behavior of the material, although this behavior can be improved through modified heat treatments. The oxidation resistance of the Nb-containing alloy was also enhanced as Nb is believed to accelerate the formation of a defect-free Cr2O3 scale. Overall, both developmental alloys, with and without the addition of Nb, were found to exhibit superior properties than RR1000.

Three-dimensional imaging of dislocation dynamics during the hydriding phase transformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ulvestad, A.; Welland, M. J.; Cha, W.; Liu, Y.; Kim, J. W.; Harder, R.; Maxey, E.; Clark, J. N.; Highland, M. J.; You, H.; Zapol, P.; Hruszkewycz, S. O.; Stephenson, G. B.

2017-05-01

Crystallographic imperfections significantly alter material properties and their response to external stimuli, including solute-induced phase transformations. Despite recent progress in imaging defects using electron and X-ray techniques, in situ three-dimensional imaging of defect dynamics remains challenging. Here, we use Bragg coherent diffractive imaging to image defects during the hydriding phase transformation of palladium nanocrystals. During constant-pressure experiments we observe that the phase transformation begins after dislocation nucleation close to the phase boundary in particles larger than 300 nm. The three-dimensional phase morphology suggests that the hydrogen-rich phase is more similar to a spherical cap on the hydrogen-poor phase than to the core-shell model commonly assumed. We substantiate this using three-dimensional phase field modelling, demonstrating how phase morphology affects the critical size for dislocation nucleation. Our results reveal how particle size and phase morphology affects transformations in the PdH system.

Improving the representation of mixed-phase cloud microphysics in the ICON-LEM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tonttila, Juha; Hoose, Corinna; Milbrandt, Jason; Morrison, Hugh

2017-04-01

The representation of ice-phase cloud microphysics in ICON-LEM (the Large-Eddy Model configuration of the ICOsahedral Nonhydrostatic model) is improved by implementing the recently published Predicted Particle Properties (P3) scheme into the model. In the typical two-moment microphysical schemes, such as that previously used in ICON-LEM, ice-phase particles must be partitioned into several prescribed categories. It is inherently difficult to distinguish between categories such as graupel and hail based on just the particle size, yet this partitioning may significantly affect the simulation of convective clouds. The P3 scheme avoids the problems associated with predefined ice-phase categories that are inherent in traditional microphysics schemes by introducing the concept of "free" ice-phase categories, whereby the prognostic variables enable the prediction of a wide range of smoothly varying physical properties and hence particle types. To our knowledge, this is the first application of the P3 scheme in a large-eddy model with horizontal grid spacings on the order of 100 m. We will present results from ICON-LEM simulations with the new P3 scheme comprising idealized stratiform and convective cloud cases. We will also present real-case limited-area simulations focusing on the HOPE (HD(CP)2 Observational Prototype Experiment) intensive observation campaign. The results are compared with a matching set of simulations employing the two-moment scheme and the performance of the model is also evaluated against observations in the context of the HOPE simulations, comprising data from ground based remote sensing instruments.

Identification and properties of the non-cubic phases of Mg 2Pb

DOE PAGES

Li, Yuwei; Bian, Guang; Singh, David J.

2016-12-20

Mg 2Pb occurs in the cubic fluorite structure and is a semimetal with a band structure strongly affected by spin-orbit interaction on the Pb p states. Its properties are therefore of interest in the context of topological materials. In addition a different phase of Mg 2Pb was experimentally reported, but its crystal structure and properties remain unknown. Here we determine the structure of this phase using ab initio evolutionary methods and report its properties. The energy of one tetragonal phase, space group P4/ nmm, is 2 meV per atom higher than that of the ground state structure supporting the experimentalmore » observation. We find this tetragonal phase to be a compenstated anisotropic metal with strong spin orbit effects. As a result, many other metastable structures have also been identified, especially one orthorhombic structure, space group Pnma, of which energy is 17 meV per atom higher than that of ground state structure and which perhaps could be the phase that was reported based on similarity of lattice parameters.« less

The Interplay between Cell Wall Mechanical Properties and the Cell Cycle in Staphylococcus aureus

PubMed Central

Bailey, Richard G.; Turner, Robert D.; Mullin, Nic; Clarke, Nigel; Foster, Simon J.; Hobbs, Jamie K.

2014-01-01

The nanoscale mechanical properties of live Staphylococcus aureus cells during different phases of growth were studied by atomic force microscopy. Indentation to different depths provided access to both local cell wall mechanical properties and whole-cell properties, including a component related to cell turgor pressure. Local cell wall properties were found to change in a characteristic manner throughout the division cycle. Splitting of the cell into two daughter cells followed a local softening of the cell wall along the division circumference, with the cell wall on either side of the division circumference becoming stiffer. Once exposed, the newly formed septum was found to be stiffer than the surrounding, older cell wall. Deeper indentations, which were affected by cell turgor pressure, did not show a change in stiffness throughout the division cycle, implying that enzymatic cell wall remodeling and local variations in wall properties are responsible for the evolution of cell shape through division. PMID:25468333

Development of novel nonvolatile memory devices using the colossal magnetoresistive oxide praseodymium-calcium-manganese trioxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papagianni, Christina

Pr0.7Ca0.3MnO3 (PCMO) manganese oxide belongs in the family of materials known as transition metal oxides. These compounds have received increased attention due to their perplexing properties such as Colossal Magnetoresistance effect, Charge-Ordered phase, existence of phase-separated states etc. In addition, it was recently discovered that short electrical pulses in amplitude and duration are sufficient to induce reversible and non-volatile resistance changes in manganese perovskite oxide thin films at room temperature, known as the EPIR effect. The existence of the EPIR effect in PCMO thin films at room temperature opens a viable way for the realization of fast, high-density, low power non-volatile memory devices in the near future. The purpose of this study is to investigate, optimize and understand the properties of Pr0.7Ca0.3MnO 3 (PCMO) thin film devices and to identify how these properties affect the EPIR effect. PCMO thin films were deposited on various substrates, such as metals, and conducting and insulating oxides, by pulsed laser and radio frequency sputtering methods. Our objective was to understand and compare the induced resistive states. We attempted to identify the induced resistance changes by considering two resistive models to be equivalent to our devices. Impedance spectroscopy was also utilized in a wide temperature range that was extended down to 70K. Fitted results of the temperature dependence of the resistance states were also included in this study. In the same temperature range, we probed the resistance changes in PCMO thin films and we examined whether the phase transitions affect the EPIR effect. In addition, we included a comparison of devices with electrodes consisting of different size and different materials. We demonstrated a direct relation between the EPIR effect and the phase diagram of bulk PCMO samples. A model that could account for the observed EPIR effect is presented.

Electroacoustic dewatering of food and other suspensions

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

Kim, B.C.; Zelinski, M.S.; Criner, C.L.

1989-05-31

The food processing industry is a large user of energy for evaporative drying due to limited effectiveness of conventional mechanical dewatering machines. Battelle's Electroacoustic Dewatering (EAD) process improves the performance of mechanical dewatering machines by superimposing electric and ultrasonic fields. A two phase development program to demonstrate the benefits of EAD was carried out in cooperation with the food processing industry, the National Food Processors Association (NFPA) and two equipment vendors. In Phase I, laboratory scale studies were carried out on a variety of food suspensions. The process was scaled up to small commercial scale in Phase II. The technicalmore » feasibility of EAD for a variety of food materials, without adversely affecting the food properties, was successfully demonstrated during this phase, which is the subject of this report. Two Process Research Units (PRUs) were designed and built through joint efforts between Battelle and two equipment vendors. A 0.5-meter wide belt press was tested on apple mash, corn fiber, and corn gluten at sites provided by two food processors. A high speed citrus juice finisher (a hybrid form of screw press and centrifuge) was tested on orange pulp. These tests were carried out jointly by Battelle, equipment vendors, NFPA, and food processors. The apple and citrus juice products were analyzed by food processors and NFPA. 26 figs., 30 tabs.« less

Combining phase-field crystal methods with a Cahn-Hilliard model for binary alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balakrishna, Ananya Renuka; Carter, W. Craig

2018-04-01

Diffusion-induced phase transitions typically change the lattice symmetry of the host material. In battery electrodes, for example, Li ions (diffusing species) are inserted between layers in a crystalline electrode material (host). This diffusion induces lattice distortions and defect formations in the electrode. The structural changes to the lattice symmetry affect the host material's properties. Here, we propose a 2D theoretical framework that couples a Cahn-Hilliard (CH) model, which describes the composition field of a diffusing species, with a phase-field crystal (PFC) model, which describes the host-material lattice symmetry. We couple the two continuum models via coordinate transformation coefficients. We introduce the transformation coefficients in the PFC method to describe affine lattice deformations. These transformation coefficients are modeled as functions of the composition field. Using this coupled approach, we explore the effects of coarse-grained lattice symmetry and distortions on a diffusion-induced phase transition process. In this paper, we demonstrate the working of the CH-PFC model through three representative examples: First, we describe base cases with hexagonal and square symmetries for two composition fields. Next, we illustrate how the CH-PFC method interpolates lattice symmetry across a diffuse phase boundary. Finally, we compute a Cahn-Hilliard type of diffusion and model the accompanying changes to lattice symmetry during a phase transition process.

Modeling Cloud Phase Fraction Based on In-situ Observations in Stratiform Clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boudala, F. S.; Isaac, G. A.

2005-12-01

Mixed-phase clouds influence weather and climate in several ways. Due to the fact that they exhibit very different optical properties as compared to ice or liquid only clouds, they play an important role in the earth's radiation balance by modifying the optical properties of clouds. Precipitation development in clouds is also enhanced under mixed-phase conditions and these clouds may contain large supercooled drops that freeze quickly in contact with aircraft surfaces that may be a hazard to aviation. The existence of ice and liquid phase clouds together in the same environment is thermodynamically unstable, and thus they are expected to disappear quickly. However, several observations show that mixed-phase clouds are relatively stable in the natural environment and last for several hours. Although there have been some efforts being made in the past to study the microphysical properties of mixed-phase clouds, there are still a number of uncertainties in modeling these clouds particularly in large scale numerical models. In most models, very simple temperature dependent parameterizations of cloud phase fraction are being used to estimate the fraction of ice or liquid phase in a given mixed-phase cloud. In this talk, two different parameterizations of ice fraction using in-situ aircraft measurements of cloud microphysical properties collected in extratropical stratiform clouds during several field programs will be presented. One of the parameterizations has been tested using a single prognostic equation developed by Tremblay et al. (1996) for application in the Canadian regional weather prediction model. The addition of small ice particles significantly increased the vapor deposition rate when the natural atmosphere is assumed to be water saturated, and thus this enhanced the glaciation of simulated mixed-phase cloud via the Bergeron-Findeisen process without significantly affecting the other cloud microphysical processes such as riming and particle sedimentation rates. After the water vapor pressure in mixed-phase cloud was modified based on the Lord et al. (1984) scheme by weighting the saturation water vapor pressure with ice fraction, it was possible to simulate more stable mixed-phase cloud. It was also noted that the ice particle concentration (L>100 μm) in mixed-phase cloud is lower on average by a factor 3 and as a result the parameterization should be corrected for this effect. After accounting for this effect, the parameterized ice fraction agreed well with observed mean ice fraction.

Compatibility testing of spacecraft materials and spacestorable liquid propellants. [liquid and vapor fluorine and FLOX

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Denson, J. R.; Toy, A.

1974-01-01

Compatibility data for aluminum alloy 2219-T87 and titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V were obtained while these alloys were exposed to both liquid and vapor fluorine and FLOX at -320 F + or -10 F. These data were obtained using a new low cost compatibility method which incorporates totally sealed containers and double dogbone test specimens and propellants in the simultaneous exposure to vapor and liquid phases. The compatibility investigation covered a storage period in excess of one year. Pitting was more severe in the 2219-T87 aluminum alloy than in the Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy for both fluorine and FLOX exposure. The degree of chemical attack is more severe in the presence of FLOX than in fluorine and phase. The mechanical properties of the two alloys were not affected by storage in either of the two propellants.

Dicke superradiance as nondestructive probe for the state of atoms in optical lattices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

ten Brinke, Nicolai; Schützhold, Ralf

2016-04-01

We present a proposal for a probing scheme utilizing Dicke superradiance to obtain information about ultracold atoms in optical lattices. A probe photon is absorbed collectively by an ensemble of lattice atoms generating a Dicke state. The lattice dynamics (e.g., tunneling) affects the coherence properties of that Dicke state and thus alters the superradiant emission characteristics - which in turn provides insight into the lattice (dynamics). Comparing the Bose-Hubbard and the Fermi-Hubbard model, we find similar superradiance in the strongly interacting Mott insulator regime, but crucial differences in the weakly interacting (superfluid or metallic) phase. Furthermore, we study the possibility to detect whether a quantum phase transition between the two regimes can be considered adiabatic or a quantum quench.

A phase match based frequency estimation method for sinusoidal signals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Yan-Lin; Tu, Ya-Qing; Chen, Lin-Jun; Shen, Ting-Ao

2015-04-01

Accurate frequency estimation affects the ranging precision of linear frequency modulated continuous wave (LFMCW) radars significantly. To improve the ranging precision of LFMCW radars, a phase match based frequency estimation method is proposed. To obtain frequency estimation, linear prediction property, autocorrelation, and cross correlation of sinusoidal signals are utilized. The analysis of computational complex shows that the computational load of the proposed method is smaller than those of two-stage autocorrelation (TSA) and maximum likelihood. Simulations and field experiments are performed to validate the proposed method, and the results demonstrate the proposed method has better performance in terms of frequency estimation precision than methods of Pisarenko harmonic decomposition, modified covariance, and TSA, which contribute to improving the precision of LFMCW radars effectively.

Coherent and dissipative transport in a Josephson junction between fermionic superfluids of 6Li atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neri, Elettra; Scazza, Francesco; Roati, Giacomo

2018-04-01

Quantum systems out of equilibrium offer the possibility of understanding intriguing and challenging problems in modern physics. Studying transport properties is not only valuable to unveil fundamental properties of quantum matter but it is also an excellent tool for developing new quantum devices which inherently employ quantum-mechanical effects. In this contribution, we present our experimental studies on quantum transport using ultracold Fermi gases of 6Li atoms. We realize the analogous of a Josephson junction by bisecting fermionic superfluids by a thin optical barrier. We observe coherent dynamics in both the population and in the relative phase between the two reservoirs. For critical parameters, the superfluid dynamics exhibits both coherent and resistive flow due to phase-slippage events manifesting as vortices propagating into the bulk. We uncover also a regime of strong dissipation where the junction operation is irreversibly affected by vortex proliferation. Our studies open new directions for investigating dissipation and superfluid transport in strongly correlated fermionic systems.

Influence of crystal allomorph and crystallinity on the products and behavior of cellulose during fast pyrolysis

DOE PAGES

Mukarakate, Calvin; Mittal, Ashutosh; Ciesielski, Peter N.; ...

2016-07-19

Here, cellulose is the primary biopolymer responsible for maintaining the structural and mechanical integrity of cell walls and, during the fast pyrolysis of biomass, may be restricting cell wall expansion and inhibiting phase transitions that would otherwise facilitate efficient escape of pyrolysis products. Here, we test whether modifications in two physical properties of cellulose, its crystalline allomorph and degree of crystallinity, alter its performance during fast pyrolysis. We show that both crystal allomorph and relative crystallinity of cellulose impact the slate of primary products produced by fast pyrolysis. For both cellulose-I and cellulose-II, changes in crystallinity dramatically impact the fastmore » pyrolysis product portfolio. In both cases, only the most highly crystalline samples produced vapors dominated by levoglucosan. Cellulose-III, on the other hand, produces largely the same slate of products regardless of its relative crystallinity and produced as much or more levoglucosan at all crystallinity levels compared to cellulose-I or II. In addition to changes in products, the different cellulose allomorphs affected the viscoelastic properties of cellulose during rapid heating. Real-time hot-stage pyrolysis was used to visualize the transition of the solid material through a molten phase and particle shrinkage. SEM analysis of the chars revealed additional differences in viscoelastic properties and molten phase behavior impacted by cellulose crystallinity and allomorph. Regardless of relative crystallinity, the cellulose-III samples displayed the most obvious evidence of having transitioned through a molten phase.« less

Nonlinear optical effects of opening a gap in graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carvalho, David N.; Biancalana, Fabio; Marini, Andrea

2018-05-01

Graphene possesses remarkable electronic, optical, and mechanical properties that have taken the research of two-dimensional relativistic condensed matter systems to prolific levels. However, the understanding of how its nonlinear optical properties are affected by relativisticlike effects has been broadly uncharted. It has been recently shown that highly nontrivial currents can be generated in free-standing samples, notably leading to the generation of even harmonics. Since graphene monolayers are centrosymmetric media, for which such harmonic generation at normal incidence is deemed inaccessible, this light-driven phenomenon is both startling and promising. More realistically, graphene samples are often deposited on a dielectric substrate, leading to additional intricate interactions. Here, we present a treatment to study this instance by gapping the spectrum and we show this leads to the appearance of a Berry phase in the carrier dynamics. We analyze the role of such a phase in the generated nonlinear current and conclude that it suppresses odd-harmonic generation. The pump energy can be tuned to the energy gap to yield interference among odd harmonics mediated by interband transitions, allowing even harmonics to be generated. Our results and general methodology pave the way for understanding the role of gap opening in the nonlinear optics of two-dimensional lattices.

Magnetic properties of a quasi-two-dimensional S =1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnet with distorted square lattice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamaguchi, Hironori; Tamekuni, Yusuke; Iwasaki, Yoshiki; Otsuka, Rei; Hosokoshi, Yuko; Kida, Takanori; Hagiwara, Masayuki

2017-06-01

We successfully synthesize single crystals of the verdazyl radical α -2 ,3 ,5 -Cl3 -V. Ab initio molecular orbital calculations indicate that the two dominant antiferromagnetic interactions, J1 and J2 (α =J2/J1≃0.56 ), form an S =1 /2 distorted square lattice. We explain the magnetic properties based on the S =1 /2 square lattice Heisenberg antiferromagnet using the quantum Monte Carlo method, and examine the effects of the lattice distortion and the interplane interaction contribution. In the low-temperature regions below 6.4 K, we observe anisotropic magnetic behavior accompanied by a phase transition to a magnetically ordered state. The electron spin resonance signals exhibit anisotropic behavior in the temperature dependence of the resonance field and the linewidth. We explain the frequency dependence of the resonance fields in the ordered phase using a mean-field approximation with out-of-plane easy-axis anisotropy, which causes a spin-flop phase transition at approximately 0.4 T for the field perpendicular to the plane. Furthermore, the anisotropic dipole field provides supporting information regarding the presence of the easy-axis anisotropy. These results demonstrate that the lattice distortion, anisotropy, and interplane interaction of this model are sufficiently small that they do not affect the intrinsic behavior of the S =1 /2 square lattice Heisenberg antiferromagnet.

Menstrual cycle-related changes of functional cerebral asymmetries in fine motor coordination.

PubMed

Bayer, Ulrike; Hausmann, Markus

2012-06-01

Fluctuating sex hormone levels during the menstrual cycle have been shown to affect functional cerebral asymmetries in cognitive domains. These effects seem to result from the neuromodulatory properties of sex hormones and their metabolites on interhemispheric processing. The present study was carried out to investigate whether functional cerebral asymmetries in fine motor coordination as reflected by manual asymmetries are also susceptible to natural sex hormonal variations during the menstrual cycle. Sixteen right-handed women with a regular menstrual cycle performed a finger tapping paradigm consisting of two conditions (simple, sequential) during the low hormone menstrual phase and the high estrogen and progesterone luteal phase. To validate the luteal phase, saliva levels of free progesterone (P) were analysed using chemiluminescence assays. As expected, normally cycling women showed a substantial decrease in manual asymmetries in a more demanding sequential tapping condition involving four fingers compared with simple (repetitive) finger tapping. This reduction in the degree of dominant (right) hand manual asymmetries was evident during the luteal phase. During the menstrual phase, however, manual asymmetries were even reversed in direction, indicating a slight advantage in favour of the non-dominant (left) hand. These findings suggest that functional cerebral asymmetries in fine motor coordination are affected by sex hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, probably via hormonal modulations of interhemispheric interaction. © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Volcanic tremor and frequency gliding during dike intrusions at Kı¯lauea—A tale of three eruptions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Unglert, K.; Jellinek, A. M.

2015-02-01

To characterize syneruptive/intrusive deviations from background volcanic tremor at Kı¯lauea, Hawai`i, we analyze the spatial and temporal properties of broadband tremor during dike intrusions into the East Rift Zone (ERZ) in 2007 and 2011, as well as during explosive eruptive activity at Kı¯lauea's summit in 2008. Background tremor was similar for each event, and the 2008 explosions did not affect its properties. In contrast, the intrusions were accompanied by departures from this background in the form of two phases of seismicity that were separated in space and time. In both 2007 and 2011, Phase I was characterized by a quick succession of discrete events, which were most intense at the onset of intrusion near the presumed locations of the dikes intruding into the ERZ. Phase II, marked by continuous broadband tremor around the summit, followed 10-14 h later. In 2007, Phase II tremor was accompanied by a monotonic downward shift (glide) of spectral peaks between ˜0.6 and 1.5 Hz over at least 15 h. During Phase II in 2011, a gradual upward and subsequent symmetric downward glide between ˜0.6 and 6.6 Hz occurred over 5-10 h, respectively. The spectra during both phases differed from the background and 2008, as well as from each other, indicating different physical mechanisms. Phase I in 2007 and 2011 is probably related to the mechanics of dike intrusion. Phase II tremor may be characteristic for evolving magma-bubble dynamics related to the geometry of the plumbing system and the style of magma flow.

Fundamental Studies of Phase Transformations and Mechanical Properties in the Heat Affected Zone of 10 wt% Nickel Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barrick, Erin J.

United States naval applications require the use of steels with high strength and resistance to fracture at low temperatures to provide good ballistic properties. In recent years, 10 wt% Ni steel has been developed with strength and toughness values exceeding those of steels currently used, and is now being considered as a candidate material to replace existing high-strength, low alloy steels. This steel has excellent toughness from the mechanically induced transformation of interlath austenite films to martensite. These austenite films are formed via a carefully developed quenching, lamellarizing, and tempering heat treatment. However, before 10 wt% Ni steel can be implemented for full-scale applications, the effects of the rapid heating and cooling rates associated with welding thermal cycles on phase transformations and mechanical properties must be understood. In this research, a fundamental understanding of phase transformations and mechanical properties in the heat-affected zone of fusion welds in 10 wt% Ni steel was developed through heating and cooling rate dilatometry experiments, gas tungsten arc welding, and simulation of gas metal arc welding. First, an investigation into the effects of heating and cooling rate on the phase transformations in 10 wt% Ni steel was performed. The Ac1 and Ac3 temperatures during heating were determined as a function of heating rate, and sluggish transformation during fast heating rates manifested itself as a high Ac3 temperature of 1050°C as opposed to a temperature of 850°C at slow heating rates. A continuous cooling transformation diagram produced for 10 wt% Ni steel reveals that martensite will form over a very wide range of cooling rates, which reflects a very high hardenability of this alloy. This is significant because the range of cooling rates for which the diagram was constructed over easily covers the range associated with fusion welding, so there would not be the need for precise control over the weld processing conditions. The microstructures observed in a single pass gas tungsten arc weld were rationalized with the observations from the heating and cooling rate experiments. The microhardness of gas tungsten arc weld is highest in the intercritical heat affected zone, which is unexpected based on the usual behavior of quench and tempered steels. The hardness of the heat affected zone is always higher than the base metal which is a promising outcome. Having understood the overall effects of heating and cooling on the phase transformations in 10 wt% Ni steel, the microstructure and mechanical property evolution through the heat affected zone was investigated. A Gleeble 3500 thermo-mechanical simulator was used to replicate microstructures observed in the gas-tungsten arc weld, and the microstructural factors influencing the strength and toughness in the simulated heat affected zone samples were correlated to mechanical property results. The strength is the highest in the intercritical heat-affected zone, mostly attributed to microstructural refinement. With increasing peak temperature of the thermal cycle, the volume fraction of retained austenite decreases. The local atom probe tomography results suggest this is due to the destabilization of the austenite brought on by the diffusion of Ni out of the austenite. There is a local low toughness region in the intercritical heat-affected zone, corresponding to a low retained austenite content. However, the retained austenite is similarly low in higher peak temperature regions but the toughness is high. This suggests that while 10 wt% Ni steel is a TRIP-assisted steel and thus obtains high toughness from the plasticity-induced martensite to austenite transformation, the toughness of the steel is also based on other microstructural factors. Overall, the results presented in this work have established, for the first time, the effects of rapid heating and cooling on the phase transformations and mechanical properties in 10 wt% Ni steel, and have started to identify the microstructural features influencing the strength and toughness of this alloy.

Nanofluid two-phase flow and thermal physics: a new research frontier of nanotechnology and its challenges.

PubMed

Cheng, Lixin; Bandarra Filho, Enio P; Thome, John R

2008-07-01

Nanofluids are a new class of fluids engineered by dispersing nanometer-size solid particles in base fluids. As a new research frontier, nanofluid two-phase flow and thermal physics have the potential to improve heat transfer and energy efficiency in thermal management systems for many applications, such as microelectronics, power electronics, transportation, nuclear engineering, heat pipes, refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump systems. So far, the study of nanofluid two-phase flow and thermal physics is still in its infancy. This field of research provides many opportunities to study new frontiers but also poses great challenges. To summarize the current status of research in this newly developing interdisciplinary field and to identify the future research needs as well, this paper focuses on presenting a comprehensive review of nucleate pool boiling, flow boiling, critical heat flux, condensation and two-phase flow of nanofluids. Even for the limited studies done so far, there are some controversies. Conclusions and contradictions on the available nanofluid studies on physical properties, two-phase flow, heat transfer and critical heat flux (CHF) are presented. Based on a comprehensive analysis, it has been realized that the physical properties of nanofluids such as surface tension, liquid thermal conductivity, viscosity and density have significant effects on the nanofluid two-phase flow and heat transfer characteristics but the lack of the accurate knowledge of these physical properties has greatly limited the study in this interdisciplinary field. Therefore, effort should be made to contribute to the physical property database of nanofluids as a first priority. Secondly, in particular, research on nanofluid two-phase flow and heat transfer in microchannels should be emphasized in the future.

Pressure-Induced Amorphization and a New High Density Amorphous Metallic Phase in Matrix-Free Ge Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Corsini, Niccolo R C; Zhang, Yuanpeng; Little, William R; Karatutlu, Ali; Ersoy, Osman; Haynes, Peter D; Molteni, Carla; Hine, Nicholas D M; Hernandez, Ignacio; Gonzalez, Jesus; Rodriguez, Fernando; Brazhkin, Vadim V; Sapelkin, Andrei

2015-11-11

Over the last two decades, it has been demonstrated that size effects have significant consequences for the atomic arrangements and phase behavior of matter under extreme pressure. Furthermore, it has been shown that an understanding of how size affects critical pressure-temperature conditions provides vital guidance in the search for materials with novel properties. Here, we report on the remarkable behavior of small (under ~5 nm) matrix-free Ge nanoparticles under hydrostatic compression that is drastically different from both larger nanoparticles and bulk Ge. We discover that the application of pressure drives surface-induced amorphization leading to Ge-Ge bond overcompression and eventually to a polyamorphic semiconductor-to-metal transformation. A combination of spectroscopic techniques together with ab initio simulations were employed to reveal the details of the transformation mechanism into a new high density phase-amorphous metallic Ge.

Interplay of screening and superconductivity in low-dimensional materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schönhoff, G.; Rösner, M.; Groenewald, R. E.; Haas, S.; Wehling, T. O.

2016-10-01

A quantitative description of Coulomb interactions is developed for two-dimensional superconducting materials, enabling us to compare intrinsic with external screening effects, such as those due to substrates. Using the example of a doped monolayer of MoS2 embedded in a tunable dielectric environment, we demonstrate that the influence of external screening is limited to a length scale, bounded from below by the effective thickness of the quasi-two-dimensional material and from above by its intrinsic screening length. As a consequence, it is found that unconventional Coulomb-driven superconductivity cannot be induced in MoS2 by tuning the substrate properties alone. Our calculations of the retarded Morel-Anderson Coulomb potential μ* reveal that the Coulomb interactions, renormalized by the reduced layer thickness and the substrate properties, can shift the onset of the electron-phonon driven superconducting phase in monolayer MoS2 but do not significantly affect the critical temperature at optimal doping.

Preparation and features of polycaprolactone vascular grafts with the incorporated vascular endothelial growth factor

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

Sevostyanova, V. V., E-mail: sevostyanova.victoria@gmail.com; Khodyrevskaya, Y. I.; Glushkova, T. V.

The development of tissue-engineered small-diameter vascular grafts is an urgent issue in cardiovascular surgery. In this study, we assessed how the incorporation of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) affects morphological and mechanical properties of polycaprolactone (PCL) vascular grafts along with its release kinetics. Vascular grafts were prepared using two-phase electrospinning. In pursuing our aims, we performed scanning electron microscopy, mechanical testing, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our results demonstrated the preservation of a highly porous structure and improvement of PCL/VEGF scaffold mechanical properties as compared to PCL grafts. A prolonged VEGF release testifies the use of this construct as amore » scaffold for tissue-engineered vascular grafts.« less

Effects of the single-ion anisotropy on magnetic and thermodynamic properties of a ferrimagnetic mixed-spin (1, 3/2) cylindrical Ising nanowire

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Wei; Bi, Jiang-lin; Liu, Rui-jia; Chen, Xu; Liu, Jin-ping

2016-10-01

Monte Carlo simulation has been performed in detail to study magnetic and thermodynamic properties of a ferrimagnetic mixed-spin (1, 3/2) cylindrical Ising nanowire with core-shell structure. The ground phase diagrams are obtained for different single-ion anisotropies. The system can display rich phase transitions such as the second- and first-order phase transitions, the tricritical points and the compensation points. Especially, emphasis has been given to the effects of the single-ion anisotropy and the temperate on the magnetization, the internal energy, the specific heat, the compensation points and hysteresis loops of the system as well as two sublattices. A number of characteristic phenomena such as such as various types of magnetization curves and triple, duadruple as well as quintuple hysteresis loops behaviors have been observed for certain physical parameters, originating from the competitions among the anisotropies, temperature and the longitudinal magnetic field. It is found that the single-ion anisotropy and the temperature strongly affect the coercivity and the remanence of the system. A satisfactory agreement can be achieved from comparisons between our results and previous theoretical and experimental works.

Ink from longfin inshore squid, Doryteuthis pealeii, as a chemical and visual defense against two predatory fishes, summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus, and sea catfish, Ariopsis felis.

PubMed

Derby, Charles D; Tottempudi, Mihika; Love-Chezem, Tiffany; Wolfe, Lanna S

2013-12-01

Chemical and visual defenses are used by many organisms to avoid being approached or eaten by predators. An example is inking molluscs-including gastropods such as sea hares and cephalopods such as squid, cuttlefish, and octopus-which release a colored ink upon approach or attack. Previous work showed that ink can protect molluscs through a combination of chemical, visual, and other effects. In this study, we examined the effects of ink from longfin inshore squid, Doryteuthis pealeii, on the behavior of two species of predatory fishes, summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus, and sea catfish, Ariopsis felis. Using a cloud assay, we found that ink from longfin inshore squid affected the approach phase of predation by summer flounder, primarily through its visual effects. Using a food assay, we found that the ink affected the consummatory and ingestive phase of predation of both sea catfish and summer flounder, through the ink's chemical properties. Fractionation of ink showed that most of its deterrent chemical activity is associated with melanin granules, suggesting that either compounds adhering to these granules or melanin itself are the most biologically active. This work provides the basis for a comparative approach to identify deterrent molecules from inking cephalopods and to examine neural mechanisms whereby these chemicals affect behavior of fish, using the sea catfish as a chemosensory model.

M3FT-15OR0202212: SUBMIT SUMMARY REPORT ON THERMODYNAMIC EXPERIMENT AND MODELING

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

McMurray, Jake W.; Brese, Robert G.; Silva, Chinthaka M.

2015-09-01

Modeling the behavior of nuclear fuel with a physics-based approach uses thermodynamics for key inputs such as chemical potentials and thermal properties for phase transformation, microstructure evolution, and continuum transport simulations. Many of the lanthanide (Ln) elements and Y are high-yield fission products. The U-Y-O and U-Ln-O ternaries are therefore key subsystems of multi-component high-burnup fuel. These elements dissolve in the dominant urania fluorite phase affecting many of its properties. This work reports on an effort to assess the thermodynamics of the U-Pr-O and U-Y-O systems using the CALPHAD (CALculation of PHase Diagrams) method. The models developed within this frameworkmore » are capable of being combined and extended to include additional actinides and fission products allowing calculation of the phase equilibria, thermochemical and material properties of multicomponent fuel with burnup.« less

Accelerating dark energy cosmological model in two fluids with hybrid scale factor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, B.; Sahoo, P. K.; Ray, Pratik P.

In this paper, we have investigated the anisotropic behavior of the accelerating universe in Bianchi V spacetime in the framework of General Relativity (GR). The matter field we have considered is of two non-interacting fluids, i.e. the usual string fluid and dark energy (DE) fluid. In order to represent the pressure anisotropy, the skewness parameters are introduced along three different spatial directions. To achieve a physically realistic solutions to the field equations, we have considered a scale factor, known as hybrid scale factor, which is generated by a time-varying deceleration parameter. This simulates a cosmic transition from early deceleration to late time acceleration. It is observed that the string fluid dominates the universe at early deceleration phase but does not affect nature of cosmic dynamics substantially at late phase, whereas the DE fluid dominates the universe in present time, which is in accordance with the observations results. Hence, we analyzed here the role of two fluids in the transitional phases of universe with respect to time which depicts the reason behind the cosmic expansion and DE. The role of DE with variable equation of state parameter (EoS) and skewness parameters, is also discussed along with physical and geometrical properties.

Effect of neurosteroids on a model lipid bilayer including cholesterol: An Atomic Force Microscopy study.

PubMed

Sacchi, Mattia; Balleza, Daniel; Vena, Giulia; Puia, Giulia; Facci, Paolo; Alessandrini, Andrea

2015-05-01

Amphiphilic molecules which have a biological effect on specific membrane proteins, could also affect lipid bilayer properties possibly resulting in a modulation of the overall membrane behavior. In light of this consideration, it is important to study the possible effects of amphiphilic molecule of pharmacological interest on model systems which recapitulate some of the main properties of the biological plasma membranes. In this work we studied the effect of a neurosteroid, Allopregnanolone (3α,5α-tetrahydroprogesterone or Allo), on a model bilayer composed by the ternary lipid mixture DOPC/bSM/chol. We chose ternary mixtures which present, at room temperature, a phase coexistence of liquid ordered (Lo) and liquid disordered (Ld) domains and which reside near to a critical point. We found that Allo, which is able to strongly partition in the lipid bilayer, induces a marked increase in the bilayer area and modifies the relative proportion of the two phases favoring the Ld phase. We also found that the neurosteroid shifts the miscibility temperature to higher values in a way similarly to what happens when the cholesterol concentration is decreased. Interestingly, an isoform of Allo, isoAllopregnanolone (3β,5α-tetrahydroprogesterone or isoAllo), known to inhibit the effects of Allo on GABAA receptors, has an opposite effect on the bilayer properties. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Simple Heat Treatment for Production of Hot-Dip Galvanized Dual Phase Steel Using Si-Al Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Equihua-Guillén, F.; García-Lara, A. M.; Muñíz-Valdes, C. R.; Ortíz-Cuellar, J. C.; Camporredondo-Saucedo, J. E.

2014-01-01

This work presents relevant metallurgical considerations to produce galvanized dual phase steels from low cost aluminum-silicon steels which are produced by continuous strip processing. Two steels with different contents of Si and Al were austenized in the two-phase field ferrite + austenite (α + γ) in a fast manner to obtain dual phase steels, suitable for hot-dip galvanizing process, under typical parameters of continuous annealing processing line. Tensile dual phase properties were obtained from specimens cooled from temperature below Ar3, held during 3 min, intermediate cooling at temperature above Ar1 and quenching in Zn bath at 465 °C. The results have shown typical microstructure and tensile properties of galvanized dual phase steels. Finally, the synergistic effect of aluminum, silicon, and residual chromium on martensite start temperature ( M s), critical cooling rate ( C R), volume fraction of martensite, and tensile properties has been studied.

Gas-liquid phase coexistence in quasi-two-dimensional Stockmayer fluids: A molecular dynamics study.

PubMed

Ouyang, Wen-Ze; Xu, Sheng-Hua; Sun, Zhi-Wei

2011-01-07

The Maxwell construction together with molecular dynamics simulation is used to study the gas-liquid phase coexistence of quasi-two-dimensional Stockmayer fluids. The phase coexistence curves and corresponding critical points under different dipole strength are obtained, and the critical properties are calculated. We investigate the dependence of the critical point and critical properties on the dipole strength. When the dipole strength is increased, the abrupt disappearance of the gas-liquid phase coexistence in quasi-two-dimensional Stockmayer fluids is not found. However, if the dipole strength is large enough, it does lead to the formation of very long reversible chains which makes the relaxation of the system very slow and the observation of phase coexistence rather difficult or even impossible.

Molecular insights into human daily behavior

PubMed Central

Brown, Steven A.; Kunz, Dieter; Dumas, Amelie; Westermark, Pål O.; Vanselow, Katja; Tilmann-Wahnschaffe, Amely; Herzel, Hanspeter; Kramer, Achim

2008-01-01

Human beings exhibit wide variation in their timing of daily behavior. We and others have suggested previously that such differences might arise because of alterations in the period length of the endogenous human circadian oscillator. Using dermal fibroblast cells from skin biopsies of 28 subjects of early and late chronotype (11 “larks” and 17 “owls”), we have studied the circadian period lengths of these two groups, as well as their ability to phase-shift and entrain to environmental and chemical signals. We find not only period length differences between the two classes, but also significant changes in the amplitude and phase-shifting properties of the circadian oscillator among individuals with identical “normal” period lengths. Mathematical modeling shows that these alterations could also account for the extreme behavioral phenotypes of these subjects. We conclude that human chronotype may be influenced not only by the period length of the circadian oscillator, but also by cellular components that affect its amplitude and phase. In many instances, these changes can be studied at the molecular level in primary dermal cells. PMID:18227513

Investigation of the Brill transition in nylon 6,6 by Raman, THz-Raman, and two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy.

PubMed

Bertoldo Menezes, D; Reyer, A; Musso, M

2018-02-05

The Brill transition is a phase transition process in polyamides related with structural changes between the hydrogen bonds of the lateral functional groups (CO) and (NH). In this study, we have used the potential of Raman spectroscopy for exploring this phase transition in polyamide 6,6 (nylon 6,6), due to the sensitivity of this spectroscopic technique to small intermolecular changes affecting vibrational properties of relevant functional groups. During a step by step heating and cooling process of the sample we collected Raman spectra allowing us from two-dimensional Raman correlation spectroscopy to identify which spectral regions suffered the largest influence during the Brill transition, and from Terahertz Stokes and anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy to obtain complementary information, e.g. on the temperature of the sample. This allowed us to grasp signatures of the Brill transition from peak parameters of vibrational modes associated with (CC) skeletal stretches and (CNH) bending, and to verify the Brill transition temperature at around 160°C, as well as the reversibility of this phase transition. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The rotational phase dependence of magnetar bursts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elenbaas, C.; Watts, A. L.; Huppenkothen, D.

2018-05-01

The trigger for the short bursts observed in γ-rays from many magnetar sources remains unknown. One particular open question in this context is the localization of burst emission to a singular active region or a larger area across the neutron star. While several observational studies have attempted to investigate this question by looking at the phase dependence of burst properties, results have been mixed. At the same time, it is not obvious a priori that bursts from a localized active region would actually give rise to a detectable phase dependence, taking into account issues such as geometry, relativistic effects, and intrinsic burst properties such brightness and duration. In this paper, we build a simple theoretical model to investigate the circumstances under which the latter effects could affect detectability of dependence of burst emission on rotational phase. We find that even for strongly phase-dependent emission, inferred burst properties may not show a rotational phase dependence, depending on the geometry of the system and the observer. Furthermore, the observed properties of bursts with durations short as 10-20 per cent of the spin period can vary strongly depending on the rotational phase at which the burst was emitted. We also show that detectability of a rotational phase dependence depends strongly on the minimum number of bursts observed, and find that existing burst samples may simply be too small to rule out a phase dependence.

Selecting polymers for two-phase partitioning bioreactors (TPPBs): Consideration of thermodynamic affinity, crystallinity, and glass transition temperature.

PubMed

Bacon, Stuart L; Peterson, Eric C; Daugulis, Andrew J; Parent, J Scott

2015-01-01

Two-phase partitioning bioreactor technology involves the use of a secondary immiscible phase to lower the concentration of cytotoxic solutes in the fermentation broth to subinhibitory levels. Although polymeric absorbents have attracted recent interest due to their low cost and biocompatibility, material selection requires the consideration of properties beyond those of small molecule absorbents (i.e., immiscible organic solvents). These include a polymer's (1) thermodynamic affinity for the target compound, (2) degree of crystallinity (wc ), and (3) glass transition temperature (Tg ). We have examined the capability of three thermodynamic models to predict the partition coefficient (PC) for n-butyric acid, a fermentation product, in 15 polymers. Whereas PC predictions for amorphous materials had an average absolute deviation (AAD) of ≥16%, predictions for semicrystalline polymers were less accurate (AAD ≥ 30%). Prediction errors were associated with uncertainties in determining the degree of crystallinity within a polymer and the effect of absorbed water on n-butyric acid partitioning. Further complications were found to arise for semicrystalline polymers, wherein strongly interacting solutes increased the polymer's absorptive capacity by actually dissolving the crystalline fraction. Finally, we determined that diffusion limitations may occur for polymers operating near their Tg , and that the Tg can be reduced by plasticization by water and/or solute. This study has demonstrated the impact of basic material properties that affects the performance of polymers as sequestering phases in TPPBs, and reflects the additional complexity of polymers that must be taken into account in material selection. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Arsenic interactions with a fullerene-like BN cage in the vacuum and aqueous phase.

PubMed

Beheshtian, Javad; Peyghan, Ali Ahmadi; Bagheri, Zargham

2013-02-01

Adsorption of arsenic ions, As (III and V), on the surface of fullerene-like B(12)N(12) cage has been explored in vacuum and aqueous phase using density functional theory in terms of Gibbs free energies, enthalpies, geometry, and density of state analysis. It was found that these ions can be strongly chemisorbed on the surface of the cluster in both vacuum and aqueous phase, resulting in significant changes in its electronic properties so that the cluster transforms from a semi-insulator to a semiconductor. The solvent significantly affects the geometry parameters and electronic properties of the As/B(12)N(12) complexes and the interaction between components is considerably weaker in the aqueous phase than that in the vacuum.

Study on microstructure and strengthening mechanism of AZ91-Y magnesium alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Huisheng; Guo, Feng; Su, Juan; Liu, Liang; Chen, Baodong

2018-03-01

AZ91-Y magnesium alloy with different thicknesses were prepared by die casting process. The main existence forms of Y in alloy and the effects of Y on microstructure and mechanical properties of alloy were studied, the main reason for the change of mechanical properties and fracture mechanism were analyzed. The results show that, yttrium exists mainly in the forms of Al2Y phase and trace solid solution in α-Mg. Yttrium can refine the grain of α-Mg, reduce the amount of eutectic β-Mg17Al12 phase and promote its discrete distribution. The room temperature tensile strength and elongation of alloy increased first and then decreased with the increase of Y content. The designed alloys containing 0.6% Y (measured containing 0.63% Y) have better mechanical properties. The change of mechanical properties of alloy is a comprehensive reflection of the effect of solid solution, grain refinement and second phase. The cracking of Al2Y phase and β-Mg17Al12 phase and crack propagation through Al2Y phase and β-Mg17Al12 phase are the main fracture mechanism of magnesium alloy containing yttrium. The cooling rate does not change the trend of the influence of Y, but affects the degree of influence of Y.

Effect of Ca and RE additions on microstructures and tensile properties of AZ31 alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Li; Le, Qichi; Tang, Yan; Sun, Jingying; Jia, Yonghui; Song, Zetian

2018-05-01

Microstructures and tensile properties of AZ31 magnesium alloys with the same amount of Ca and RE (Gd + La) additions are investigated. The results show that Al2Ca new phases form after adding Ca elements, Al2Gd and Al11La3 new phases form after adding Gd and La elements, and formations of Al-Ca and Al-RE phases could decrease Mg17Al12 phases and refine grains. Al2Ca and Al11La3 phases are crushed into granules because of severe deformation during hot extrusion, while Al2Gd phases are not. Room temperature (TR) and 150 °C (T150°C) tensile tests results reveal that both AZ31-1.5Ca and AZ31-1.5RE as-extruded alloys exhibit superior comprehensive tensile properties when compared to AZ31 as-extruded alloy, however, AZ31-1.5Ca as-extruded alloy could be a better choice in view of the costs. Textures images of as-extruded alloys indicate that 1.5 wt% Ca and RE additions affects little on textures of AZ31 as-extruded alloy, therefore, morphologies of second phases and average grain sizes are the leading cause of tensile properties of as-extruded alloys.

Aerosol Route Synthesis and Applications of Doped Nanostructured Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahu, Manoranjan

Nanotechnology presents an attractive opportunity to address various challenges in air and water purification, energy, and other environment issues. Thus, the development of new nanoscale materials in low-cost scalable synthesis processes is important. Furthermore, the ability to independently manipulate the material properties as well as characterize the material at different steps along the synthesis route will aide in product optimization. In addition, to ensure safe and sustainable development of nanotechnology applications, potential impacts need to be evaluated. In this study, nanomaterial synthesis in a single-step gas phase reactor to continuously produce doped metal oxides was demonstrated. Copper-doped TiO2 nanomaterial properties (composition, size, and crystal phase) were independently controlled based on nanoparticle formation and growth mechanisms dictated by process control parameters. Copper dopant found to significantly affect TiO2 properties such as particle size, crystal phase, stability in the suspension, and absorption spectrum (shift from UV to visible light absorption). The in-situ charge distribution characterization of the synthesized nanomaterials was carried out by integrating a tandem differential mobility analyzer (TDMA) set up with the flame reactor synthesis system. Both singly- and doubly- charged nanoparticles were measured, with the charged fractions dependent on particle mobility and dopant concentration. A theoretical calculation was conducted to evaluate the relative importance of the two charging mechanisms, diffusion and thermo-ionization, in the flame. Nanoparticle exposure characterization was conducted during synthesis as a function of operating condition, product recovery and handling technique, and during maintenance of the reactors. Strategies were then indentified to minimize the exposure risk. The nanoparticle exposure potential varied depending on the operating conditions such as precursor feed rate, working conditions of the fume hood, ventilation system, and distance from the reactors. Nanoparticle exposure varied during product recovery and handling depending on the quantity of nanomaterial handled. Most nanomaterial applications require nanomaterials to be in solution. Thus, the role of nanomaterial physio-chemical properties (size, crystal phase, dopant types and concentrations) on dispersion properties was investigated based on hydrodynamic size and surface charge. Dopant type and concentration were found to significantly affect iso-electric point (IEP)-shifting the IEP to a high or lower pH value compared to pristine TiO2 based on the oxidation state of the dopant. The microbial inactivation effectiveness of as-synthesized nanomaterials was investigated under different light irradiation conditions. Microbial inactivation was found to strongly depend on the light irradiation condition as well as on material properties such chemical composition, crystal phase, and particle size. The potential interaction mechanisms of copper-doped TiO2 nanomaterial with microbes were also explored. The studies conducted as part of this dissertation addressed issues in nanomaterial synthesis, characterization and their potential environmental applications.

Evaluating the Effects of Riboflavin/UV-A and Rose-Bengal/Green Light Cross-Linking of the Rabbit Cornea by Noncontact Optical Coherence Elastography

PubMed Central

Singh, Manmohan; Li, Jiasong; Han, Zhaolong; Vantipalli, Srilatha; Liu, Chih-Hao; Wu, Chen; Raghunathan, Raksha; Aglyamov, Salavat R.; Twa, Michael D.; Larin, Kirill V.

2016-01-01

Purpose The purpose of this study was to use noncontact optical coherence elastography (OCE) to evaluate and compare changes in biomechanical properties that occurred in rabbit cornea in situ after corneal collagen cross-linking by either of two techniques: ultraviolet-A (UV-A)/riboflavin or rose-Bengal/green light. Methods Low-amplitude (≤10 μm) elastic waves were induced in mature rabbit corneas by a focused air pulse. Elastic wave propagation was imaged by a phase-stabilized swept source OCE (PhS-SSOCE) system. Corneas were then cross-linked by either of two methods: UV-A/riboflavin (UV-CXL) or rose-Bengal/green light (RGX). Phase velocities of the elastic waves were fitted to a previously developed modified Rayleigh-Lamb frequency equation to obtain the viscoelasticity of the corneas before and after the cross-linking treatments. Micro-scale depth-resolved phase velocity distribution revealed the depth-wise heterogeneity of both cross-linking techniques. Results Under standard treatment settings, UV-CXL significantly increased the stiffness of the corneas by ∼47% (P < 0.05), but RGX did not produce statistically significant increases. The shear viscosities were unaffected by either cross-linking technique. The depth-wise phase velocities showed that UV-CXL affected the anterior ∼34% of the corneas, whereas RGX affected only the anterior ∼16% of the corneas. Conclusions UV-CXL significantly strengthens the cornea, whereas RGX does not, and the effects of cross-linking by UV-CXL reach deeper into the cornea than cross-linking effects of RGX under similar conditions. PMID:27409461

Liquid part of the phase diagram and percolation line for two-dimensional Mercedes-Benz water.

PubMed

Urbic, T

2017-09-01

Monte Carlo simulations and Wertheim's thermodynamic perturbation theory (TPT) are used to predict the phase diagram and percolation curve for the simple two-dimensional Mercedes-Benz (MB) model of water. The MB model of water is quite popular for explaining water properties, but the phase diagram has not been reported till now. In the MB model, water molecules are modeled as two-dimensional Lennard-Jones disks, with three orientation-dependent hydrogen-bonding arms, arranged as in the MB logo. The liquid part of the phase space is explored using grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations and two versions of Wertheim's TPT for associative fluids, which have been used before to predict the properties of the simple MB model. We find that the theory reproduces well the physical properties of hot water but is less successful at capturing the more structured hydrogen bonding that occurs in cold water. In addition to reporting the phase diagram and percolation curve of the model, it is shown that the improved TPT predicts the phase diagram rather well, while the standard one predicts a phase transition at lower temperatures. For the percolation line, both versions have problems predicting the correct position of the line at high temperatures.

Liquid part of the phase diagram and percolation line for two-dimensional Mercedes-Benz water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urbic, T.

2017-09-01

Monte Carlo simulations and Wertheim's thermodynamic perturbation theory (TPT) are used to predict the phase diagram and percolation curve for the simple two-dimensional Mercedes-Benz (MB) model of water. The MB model of water is quite popular for explaining water properties, but the phase diagram has not been reported till now. In the MB model, water molecules are modeled as two-dimensional Lennard-Jones disks, with three orientation-dependent hydrogen-bonding arms, arranged as in the MB logo. The liquid part of the phase space is explored using grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations and two versions of Wertheim's TPT for associative fluids, which have been used before to predict the properties of the simple MB model. We find that the theory reproduces well the physical properties of hot water but is less successful at capturing the more structured hydrogen bonding that occurs in cold water. In addition to reporting the phase diagram and percolation curve of the model, it is shown that the improved TPT predicts the phase diagram rather well, while the standard one predicts a phase transition at lower temperatures. For the percolation line, both versions have problems predicting the correct position of the line at high temperatures.

Influence of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose addition and homogenization conditions on properties and ageing of corn starch based films.

PubMed

Jiménez, Alberto; Fabra, María José; Talens, Pau; Chiralt, Amparo

2012-06-20

Edible films based on corn starch, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and their mixtures were prepared by using two different procedures to homogenize the film forming dispersions (rotor-stator and rotor-stator plus microfluidizer). The influence of both HPMC-starch ratio and the homogenization method on the structural, optical, tensile and barrier properties of the films was analysed. The ageing of the films was also studied by characterizing them after 5 weeks' storage. Starch re-crystallization in newly prepared and stored films was analysed by means of X-ray diffraction. HPMC-corn starch films showed phase separation of polymers, which was enhanced when microfluidization was applied to the film forming dispersion. Nevertheless, HPMC addition inhibited starch re-crystallization during storage, giving rise to more flexible films at the end of the period. Water barrier properties of starch films were hardly affected by the addition of HPMC, although oxygen permeability increased due to its poorer oxygen barrier properties. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Correlating the properties of different carioca bean cultivars (Phaseolus vulgaris) with their hydration kinetics.

PubMed

Miano, Alberto Claudio; Saldaña, Erick; Campestrini, Luciano Henrique; Chiorato, Alisson Fernando; Augusto, Pedro Esteves Duarte

2018-05-01

This work explained how the intrinsic properties of beans affects the hydration process. For that, different properties of six cultivars of carioca bean (a variety of common bean) were analyzed to verify the correlation with their hydration kinetics characteristics (hydration rate, lag phase time and equilibrium moisture content), using a Multiple Factorial Analysis (MFA): the chemical composition (starch, protein, lipids, minerals (Mg, P, S, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn), functional groups from the seed coat analyzed by FT-IR), physical properties (size, 1000 grain weight, seed coat thickness, energy to penetrate the bean) and microstructure. Only few properties correlated with the hydration kinetics characteristics of the studied bean, comprising both composition and structure. The fat content, potassium content, specific surface, and the protein to lipids ratio correlated with the lag phase time, which is related with the seed coat impermeability to water. The necessary energy to perforate the seed coat correlated negatively with the hydration rate. It was concluded that the hydration of beans process is a complex phenomenon and that despite being from the same variety of legume, any change due to agronomic enhancement may affect their hydration process kinetics. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Structure, microstructure and microhardness of rapidly solidified Smy(FexNi1-x)4Sb12 (x = 0.45, 0.50, 0.70, 1) thermoelectric compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Artini, C.; Castellero, A.; Baricco, M.; Buscaglia, M. T.; Carlini, R.

2018-05-01

Skutterudites are interesting compounds for thermoelectric applications. The main drawback in the synthesis of skutterudites by solidification of the melt is the occurrence of two peritectic reactions requiring long annealing times to form a single phase. Aim of this work is to investigate an alternative route for synthesis, based on rapid solidification by planar flow casting. The effect of cooling rate on phases formation and composition, as well as on structure, microstructure and mechanical properties of the filled Smy(FexNi1-x)4Sb12 (x = 0.45, 0.50, 0.70, 1) skutterudites was studied. Conversely to slowly cooled ingots, rapidly quenched ribbons show skutterudite as the main phase, suggesting that deep undercooling of the liquid prevents the nucleation of high temperature phases, such as (Fe,Ni)Sb and (Fe,Ni)Sb2. In as-quenched samples, a slightly out of equilibrium Sm content is revealed, which does not alter the position of the p/n boundary; nevertheless, it exerts an influence on crystallographic properties, such as the cell parameter and the shape of the Sb4 rings in the structure. As-quenched ribbons show a fine microstructure of the skutterudite phase (grain size of 2-20 μm), which only moderately coarsens after annealing at 873 K for 4 days. Vickers microhardness values (350-400 HV) of the skutterudite phase in as-quenched ribbons are affected by the presence of softer phases (i.e. Sb), which are homogeneously and finely dispersed within the sample. The skutterudite hardens after annealing as a consequence of a moderate grain growth, which limits the matrix effect due to the presence of additional phases.

A structural topological optimization method for multi-displacement constraints and any initial topology configuration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rong, J. H.; Yi, J. H.

2010-10-01

In density-based topological design, one expects that the final result consists of elements either black (solid material) or white (void), without any grey areas. Moreover, one also expects that the optimal topology can be obtained by starting from any initial topology configuration. An improved structural topological optimization method for multi- displacement constraints is proposed in this paper. In the proposed method, the whole optimization process is divided into two optimization adjustment phases and a phase transferring step. Firstly, an optimization model is built to deal with the varied displacement limits, design space adjustments, and reasonable relations between the element stiffness matrix and mass and its element topology variable. Secondly, a procedure is proposed to solve the optimization problem formulated in the first optimization adjustment phase, by starting with a small design space and advancing to a larger deign space. The design space adjustments are automatic when the design domain needs expansions, in which the convergence of the proposed method will not be affected. The final topology obtained by the proposed procedure in the first optimization phase, can approach to the vicinity of the optimum topology. Then, a heuristic algorithm is given to improve the efficiency and make the designed structural topology black/white in both the phase transferring step and the second optimization adjustment phase. And the optimum topology can finally be obtained by the second phase optimization adjustments. Two examples are presented to show that the topologies obtained by the proposed method are of very good 0/1 design distribution property, and the computational efficiency is enhanced by reducing the element number of the design structural finite model during two optimization adjustment phases. And the examples also show that this method is robust and practicable.

Magnetic and electrical properties of Martian particles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olhoeft, G. R.

1991-01-01

The only determinations of the magnetic properties of Martian materials come from experiments on the two Viking Landers. The results suggest Martian soil containing 1 to 10 percent of a highly magnetic phase. Though the magnetic phase mineral was not conclusively identified, the predominate interpretation is that the magnetic phase is probably maghemite. The electrical properties of the surface of Mars were only measured remotely by observations with Earth based radar, microwave radiometry, and inference from radio-occultation of Mars orbiting spacecraft. No direct measurements of electrical properties on Martian materials have been performed.

The influence of statistical properties of Fourier coefficients on random Gaussian surfaces.

PubMed

de Castro, C P; Luković, M; Andrade, R F S; Herrmann, H J

2017-05-16

Many examples of natural systems can be described by random Gaussian surfaces. Much can be learned by analyzing the Fourier expansion of the surfaces, from which it is possible to determine the corresponding Hurst exponent and consequently establish the presence of scale invariance. We show that this symmetry is not affected by the distribution of the modulus of the Fourier coefficients. Furthermore, we investigate the role of the Fourier phases of random surfaces. In particular, we show how the surface is affected by a non-uniform distribution of phases.

Deliquescence behavior of photo-irradiated single NaNO3 droplets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seng, Samantha; Guo, Fangqin; Tobon, Yeny A.; Ishikawa, Tomoki; Moreau, Myriam; Ishizaka, Shoji; Sobanska, Sophie

2018-06-01

Nitrate-containing particles are ubiquitous in the troposphere because of their secondary production due to anthropogenic emissions of NOx from the combustion of fossil fuels. Nitrate ions are recognized as photoactive species that may contribute to the formation of oxidants in the atmosphere through heterogeneous photochemical reactions. The chemical transformation of aerosol particles in the atmosphere often leads to modification of the particles' hygroscopic properties. Although the photo-transformation of nitrate ions into nitrite within aerosol particles has been investigated, the influence of the photoproducts formation on the hygroscopic behavior of particles has not been reported. In this study, we examined the hygroscopic properties of single, ultraviolet-irradiated NaNO3 droplets using Raman microspectrometry. We are the first demonstrated that irradiating NaNO3 particles affects their hygroscopic behavior. For short-term exposures, regarding hygroscopic behavior, the irradiated particles exhibited two-stage transitions that were clearly reproduced in the experimental NaNO3-NaNO2 phase diagram. The production of NO2- decreased the deliquescence relative humidity values. For long irradiation times (>5 h), these values are even more affected by the additional production of peroxynitrite and carbonate ions in individual droplets. The NaNO3-NaNO2 deliquescence phase diagram cannot explain the hygroscopic behavior of long-term irradiated particles. Finally, we demonstrated the influence that CO2 has on the photo-transformation process in NaNO3 droplets.

Zak phase induced multiband waveguide by two-dimensional photonic crystals.

PubMed

Yang, Yuting; Xu, Tao; Xu, Yun Fei; Hang, Zhi Hong

2017-08-15

Interface states in photonic crystals provide efficient approaches to control the flow of light. Photonic Zak phase determines the bulk band properties of photonic crystals, and, by assembling two photonic crystals with different bulk band properties together, deterministic interface states can be realized. By translating each unit cell of a photonic crystal by half the lattice constant, another photonic crystal with identical common gaps but a different Zak phase at each photonic band can be created. By assembling these two photonic crystals together, multiband waveguide can thus be easily created and then experimentally characterized. Our experimental results have good agreement with numerical simulations, and the propagation properties of these measured interface states indicate that this new type of interface state will be a good candidate for future applications of optical communications.

Rheological and thermal properties of suspensions of microcapsules containing phase change materials.

PubMed

Cao, Vinh Duy; Salas-Bringas, Carlos; Schüller, Reidar Barfod; Szczotok, Anna M; Hiorth, Marianne; Carmona, Manuel; Rodriguez, Juan F; Kjøniksen, Anna-Lena

2018-01-01

The thermal and rheological properties of suspensions of microencapsulated phase change materials (MPCM) in glycerol were investigated. When the microcapsule concentration is raised, the heat storage capacity of the suspensions becomes higher and a slight decline in the thermal conductivity of the suspensions is observed. The temperature-dependent shear-thinning behaviour of the suspensions was found to be strongly affected by non-encapsulated phase change materials (PCM). Accordingly, the rheological properties of the MPCM suspensions could be described by the Cross model below the PCM melting point while a power law model best described the data above the PCM melting point. The MPCM suspensions are interesting for energy storage and heat transfer applications. However, the non-encapsulated PCM contributes to the agglomeration of the microcapsules, which can lead to higher pumping consumption and clogging of piping systems.

Quantitative phase imaging for enhanced assessment of optomechanical cancer cell properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kastl, Lena; Kemper, Björn; Schnekenburger, Jürgen

2018-02-01

Optical cell stretching provides label-free investigations of cells by measuring their biomechanical properties based on deformability determination in a fiber optical two-beam trap. However, the stretching forces in this two-beam laser trap depend on the optical properties of the investigated specimen. Therefore, we characterized in parallel four cancer cell lines with varying degree of differentiation utilizing quantitative phase imaging (QPI) and optical cell stretching. The QPI data allowed enhanced assessment of the mechanical cell properties measured with the optical cell stretcher and demonstrates the high potential of cell phenotyping when both techniques are combined.

Static and Dynamic Properties of Ferroelectric Thin Film Memories.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duiker, Hendrik Matthew

Several properties of ferroelectric thin-film memories have been modeled. First, it has been observed experimentally that the bulk phase KNO_3 has a first-order phase transition, and that the transition temperature of KNO_3 thin-films increases as the thickness of the film is decreased. A Landau theory of first-order phase transitions in bulk systems has been generalized by adding surface terms to the free energy expansion to account for these transition properties. The model successfully describes the observed transition properties and predicts the existence of films in which the surfaces are ordered at temperatures higher than the bulk transition temperature. Second, the Avrami model of polarization-reversal kinetics has been modified to describe the following cases: ferroelectrics composed of a large number of small grains; ferroelectric thin-films in which nucleation occurs at the surfaces, not in the bulk; ferroelectrics in which long-range dipolar interactions significantly affect the nucleation rate; and non-square wave switching pulses. The models were verified by applying them to the results of two-dimensional Ising model simulations. It was shown that the models allow the possibility of directly obtaining microscopic parameters, such as the nucleation rate and domain wall velocity, from bulk measurements. Finally, a model describing the fatigue of ferroelectric memories has been developed. As a ferroelectric memory fatigues the spontaneous polarization per unit volume decreases, the switching time decreases, and eventually the memory "shorts out" and becomes conducting. The model assumes the following: during each polarization reversal the film undergoes, every unit cell in the film has a chance of "degrading" and thus losing an ion. Degraded cells no longer contribute to the polarization. The ions are allowed to diffuse to the surfaces of the film and form, with other ions, conducting dendrites which grow into the bulk of the film. Computer simulations performed on a two dimensional lattice with the above model successfully described the phenomena observed during the fatigue of PZT and other types of ferroelectric thin-film memories films.

The Effect of Microstructure on Mechanical Properties of Directionally Solidified Al2O3/ZrO2(Y2O3) Eutectic

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sayir, Ali; Farmer, Serene C.

1999-01-01

The eutectic architecture of a continuous reinforcing phase within a higher volume fraction phase or matrix can be described as a naturally occurring in-situ composite. Here we report the results of experiments aimed at identifying the sources of high temperature creep resistance and high levels of strength in a two phase Al2O3/ZrO2(Y2O3) system. The mechanical properties of two phase Al2O3/ZrO2(Y2O3) eutectic are superior to those of either constituent alone due to strong constraining effects provided by the coherent interfaces and microstructure. The AlO3/ZrO2(Y2O3) eutectic maintains a low energy interface resulting from directional solidification and can produce strong and stable reinforcing phase/matrix bonding. The phases comprising a eutectic are thermodynamically compatible at higher homologous temperatures than man-made composites and as such offer the potential for superior high temperature properties.

Experimental synchronization of chaos in a large ring of mutually coupled single-transistor oscillators: phase, amplitude, and clustering effects.

PubMed

Minati, Ludovico

2014-12-01

In this paper, experimental evidence of multiple synchronization phenomena in a large (n = 30) ring of chaotic oscillators is presented. Each node consists of an elementary circuit, generating spikes of irregular amplitude and comprising one bipolar junction transistor, one capacitor, two inductors, and one biasing resistor. The nodes are mutually coupled to their neighbours via additional variable resistors. As coupling resistance is decreased, phase synchronization followed by complete synchronization is observed, and onset of synchronization is associated with partial synchronization, i.e., emergence of communities (clusters). While component tolerances affect community structure, the general synchronization properties are maintained across three prototypes and in numerical simulations. The clusters are destroyed by adding long distance connections with distant notes, but are otherwise relatively stable with respect to structural connectivity changes. The study provides evidence that several fundamental synchronization phenomena can be reliably observed in a network of elementary single-transistor oscillators, demonstrating their generative potential and opening way to potential applications of this undemanding setup in experimental modelling of the relationship between network structure, synchronization, and dynamical properties.

The Influence of Annealing Temperature and Time on the Formation of δ-Phase in Additively-Manufactured Inconel 625

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stoudt, M. R.; Lass, E. A.; Ng, D. S.; Williams, M. E.; Zhang, F.; Campbell, C. E.; Lindwall, G.; Levine, L. E.

2018-07-01

This research evaluated the kinetics of δ-phase growth in laser powder bed additively-manufactured (AM) Inconel 625 during post-build stress-relief heat treatments. The temperatures ranged between 650 °C and 1050 °C, and the times from 0.25 to 168 hours. The presence of δ-phase was verified for each temperature/time combination through multiple techniques. A conventional time-temperature-transformation diagram was constructed from the time-temperature data. Comparison to the growth in wrought IN625 with a similar nominal composition revealed that δ-phase formation occurred at least two orders of magnitude faster in the AM IN625. The results of this study also revealed that the segregated microstructure in the as-built condition has a strong influence on the kinetics of δ-phase formation in AM IN625 as compared to a homogenized material. Since control of the δ-phase growth is essential for reliable prediction of the performance of IN625 components in service, avoiding heat treatments that promote the formation of δ-phase in AM components that are not homogenized is highly recommended. This will be particularly true at elevated temperatures where the microstructural stability and the consistency of mechanical properties are more likely to be affected by the presence of δ-phase.

The Influence of Annealing Temperature and Time on the Formation of δ-Phase in Additively-Manufactured Inconel 625

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stoudt, M. R.; Lass, E. A.; Ng, D. S.; Williams, M. E.; Zhang, F.; Campbell, C. E.; Lindwall, G.; Levine, L. E.

2018-05-01

This research evaluated the kinetics of δ-phase growth in laser powder bed additively-manufactured (AM) Inconel 625 during post-build stress-relief heat treatments. The temperatures ranged between 650 °C and 1050 °C, and the times from 0.25 to 168 hours. The presence of δ-phase was verified for each temperature/time combination through multiple techniques. A conventional time-temperature-transformation diagram was constructed from the time-temperature data. Comparison to the growth in wrought IN625 with a similar nominal composition revealed that δ-phase formation occurred at least two orders of magnitude faster in the AM IN625. The results of this study also revealed that the segregated microstructure in the as-built condition has a strong influence on the kinetics of δ-phase formation in AM IN625 as compared to a homogenized material. Since control of the δ-phase growth is essential for reliable prediction of the performance of IN625 components in service, avoiding heat treatments that promote the formation of δ-phase in AM components that are not homogenized is highly recommended. This will be particularly true at elevated temperatures where the microstructural stability and the consistency of mechanical properties are more likely to be affected by the presence of δ-phase.

Level 3 material characterization of NARC HRPF, HRHU, HRHF, and HRPU

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tobias, Mark E.

1993-01-01

The North American Rayon Corporation (NARC) precursor was developed, qualified, and characterized for Space Shuttle nozzle carbon-cloth phenolic ablative materials in three distinct phases. The characterization phase includes thermal and structural material property analysis and comparisons. This report documents the thermal and structural material property characterization performed by Southern Research Institute (SRI) on the two NARC baseline and two crossover materials.

Biophysical network modeling of the dLGN circuit: Effects of cortical feedback on spatial response properties of relay cells

PubMed Central

Martínez-Cañada, Pablo; Halnes, Geir; Fyhn, Marianne

2018-01-01

Despite half-a-century of research since the seminal work of Hubel and Wiesel, the role of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) in shaping the visual signals is not properly understood. Placed on route from retina to primary visual cortex in the early visual pathway, a striking feature of the dLGN circuit is that both the relay cells (RCs) and interneurons (INs) not only receive feedforward input from retinal ganglion cells, but also a prominent feedback from cells in layer 6 of visual cortex. This feedback has been proposed to affect synchronicity and other temporal properties of the RC firing. It has also been seen to affect spatial properties such as the center-surround antagonism of thalamic receptive fields, i.e., the suppression of the response to very large stimuli compared to smaller, more optimal stimuli. Here we explore the spatial effects of cortical feedback on the RC response by means of a a comprehensive network model with biophysically detailed, single-compartment and multicompartment neuron models of RCs, INs and a population of orientation-selective layer 6 simple cells, consisting of pyramidal cells (PY). We have considered two different arrangements of synaptic feedback from the ON and OFF zones in the visual cortex to the dLGN: phase-reversed (‘push-pull’) and phase-matched (‘push-push’), as well as different spatial extents of the corticothalamic projection pattern. Our simulation results support that a phase-reversed arrangement provides a more effective way for cortical feedback to provide the increased center-surround antagonism seen in experiments both for flashing spots and, even more prominently, for patch gratings. This implies that ON-center RCs receive direct excitation from OFF-dominated cortical cells and indirect inhibitory feedback from ON-dominated cortical cells. The increased center-surround antagonism in the model is accompanied by spatial focusing, i.e., the maximum RC response occurs for smaller stimuli when feedback is present. PMID:29377888

Effect of sintering temperature on the microstructure, electrical and magnetic properties of Zn0.98 Mn0.02O material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sebayang, K.; Aryanto, D.; Simbolon, S.; Kurniawan, C.; Hulu, S. F.; Sudiro, T.; Ginting, M.; Sebayang, P.

2018-02-01

Zn0.98Mn0.02O material was synthesized from ZnO and MnO2 powders using solid state reaction method. The microstructure, electrical and magnetic properties of Zn0.98Mn0.02O were studied as a function of sintering temperature. The X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that the main phase of synthesized sample is composed of hexagonal wurtzite ZnO phase. While the secondary phase of ZnMnO3 were found at the sintering temperature of 700°C and 900°C. The electrical properties measurement of Zn0.98Mn0.02O sample revealed that the resistivity and the dielectric constant of samples increase with the increase of sintering temperature. The ferromagnetic properties at room temperature were observed in the Zn0.98Mn0.02O samples sintered at 500°C and 700°C. It also found that the increase in sintering temperature leads to a tendency toward the changes in the magnetic properties into paramagnetic. The presence of ZnMnO3 secondary phases in Zn0.98Mn0.02O system is believed to be a factor that affects the decrease of the electrical and magnetic properties of the sample.

Effect of solution treatment on microstructure and properties of duplex stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, X. Y.; Luo, J. M.; Huang, L. Q.; Wang, H. B.; Ma, C. W.

2017-09-01

The influence of solution treatment on microstructure and properties of 2205 duplex stainless steel (DSS) was studied. The microstructure, precipitates and corrosion resisting property were observed and analyzed by means of optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical methods. The results showed that a large number of brittle σ-phase precipitates, which deteriorate the plasticity and corrosion resistance of the material, were easy to produce in the duplex stainless steel under the low temperature. The precipitation of σ-phase can be decreased and the plasticity and corrosion resistance can be improved by increasing solution temperature. In addition, the ferrite content increases with the increase of solution temperature, while less affected by cooling rate.

Correlation of the thermodynamic calculation and the experimental observation of Ni-Mo-Cr low alloy steel changing Ni, Mo, and Cr contents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Sang-Gyu; Kim, Min-Chul; Lee, Bong-Sang; Wee, Dang-Moon

2010-12-01

SA508 Gr.4N Ni-Mo-Cr low alloy steel has improved fracture toughness and strength compared to commercial low alloy steels such as SA508 Gr.3 Mn-Mo-Ni low alloy steel, which has less than 1% Ni. Higher strength and fracture toughness of low alloy steels can be achieved by increasing the Ni and Cr contents. In this study, the effects of the alloying elements of Ni and Cr on the microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties of SA508 Gr.4N Ni-Mo-Cr low alloy steel are evaluated. Changes in the stable phases of SA508 Gr.4N low alloy steel with these alloying elements were evaluated using thermodynamic calculation software. These values were then compared with the observed microstructural results. Additionally, tensile tests and Charpy impact test were carried out to evaluate the mechanical properties. The thermodynamic calculations show that Ni mainly affects the change of the matrix phase of γ and α rather than the carbide phase. Contrary to the Ni effect, Cr and Mo primarily affect the precipitation behavior of the carbide phases of Cr 23C 6, Cr 7C 3 and Mo 2C. In the microscopic observations, the lath martensitic structure becomes finer as the Ni content increases without affecting the carbides. When the Cr content decreases, the Cr carbide becomes unstable and carbide coarsening occurs. Carbide Mo 2C in the form of fine needles were observed in the high-Mo alloy. Greater strength was obtained after additions of Ni and Mo and the transition properties were improved as the Ni and Cr contents increased. These results were correlated with the thermodynamic calculation results.

Scaling and modeling of turbulent suspension flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, C. P.

1989-01-01

Scaling factors determining various aspects of particle-fluid interactions and the development of physical models to predict gas-solid turbulent suspension flow fields are discussed based on two-fluid, continua formulation. The modes of particle-fluid interactions are discussed based on the length and time scale ratio, which depends on the properties of the particles and the characteristics of the flow turbulence. For particle size smaller than or comparable with the Kolmogorov length scale and concentration low enough for neglecting direct particle-particle interaction, scaling rules can be established in various parameter ranges. The various particle-fluid interactions give rise to additional mechanisms which affect the fluid mechanics of the conveying gas phase. These extra mechanisms are incorporated into a turbulence modeling method based on the scaling rules. A multiple-scale two-phase turbulence model is developed, which gives reasonable predictions for dilute suspension flow. Much work still needs to be done to account for the poly-dispersed effects and the extension to dense suspension flows.

Two-phase survey to determine social anxiety and gender differences in Omani adolescents.

PubMed

Al-Sharbati, Marwan; Al-Adawi, Samir; Petrini, Karin; Bait Amer, Ahmed Sa; Al-Suleimani, Abdullah; Al-Lawatiya, Salwa; Zaidan, Ziad; Al-Adawi, Sara S; Al Hussaini, Ala'Alddin

2012-06-01

There is a lack of studies examining the effectiveness of some of the commonly used instruments to elicit the presence of social anxiety disorder (SAD) in Arab-speaking populations, such as those in Oman. The aim of this study was to establish the influence of social anxiety and the role of gender among Omani adolescents. A two-phase protocol was used, entailing the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) against the gold standard, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). According to DSM and LSAS, the prevalence of social phobia among Omani students was generally higher compared to what has been reported in other parts of the world and the crosstabs analysis showed a significant correlation between gender and SAD. The Arabic version of LSAS proved to be an effective tool for assessing and quantifying the presence of SAD. This study discusses the sociocultural factors affecting social phobia in Omani society. Copyright © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Conformational properties of chiral tobacco alkaloids by DFT calculations and vibrational circular dichroism: (-)-S-anabasine.

PubMed

Rodríguez Ortega, P G; Montejo, M; Márquez, F; López González, J J

2015-07-01

A thorough DFT and MM study of the conformational landscape, molecular and electronic structures of (-)-S-anabasine is reported aimed to reveal the mechanism controlling its conformational preference. Although the conformational flexibility and diversity of this system is quite extensive, only two structures are populated both in gas-phase and solution (CCl4 and DMSO). NBO-aided electronic structure analyses performed for the eight conformers representing minima in the potential energy surface of (-)-S-anabasine indicate that both steric and electrostatic factors are determinant in the conformational distribution of the sample in gas phase. Nonetheless, hyperconjugative effects are the key force tipping the balance in the conformational equilibrium between the two main rotamers. Increasing the polarity of the medium (using the IEF-PCM formalism) barely affect the conformational energy profile, although a slight increase in the theoretical population of those structures more affected by electrostatic interactions is predicted. The validity of the theoretical models and calculated conformers populations are endorsed by the accurate reproduction of the IR and VCD spectra (recorded in pure liquid and in CCl4 solution) of the sample (that have been firstly recorded and assigned in the present work) which are consistent with the occurrence of a 2:1 conformational ratio. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Electromagnetic non-destructive technique for duplex stainless steel characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rocha, João Vicente; Camerini, Cesar; Pereira, Gabriela

2016-02-01

Duplex stainless steel (DSS) is a two-phase (ferrite and austenite) material, which exhibits an attractive combination of mechanical properties and high corrosion resistance, being commonly employed for equipment of petrochemical plants, refining units and oil & gas platforms. The best properties of DSS are achieved when the phases are in equal proportions. However, exposition to high temperatures (e.g. welding process) may entail undesired consequences, such as deleterious phases precipitation (e.g. sigma, chi) and different proportion of the original phases, impairing dramatically the mechanical and corrosion properties of the material. A detailed study of the magnetic behavior of DSS microstructure with different ferrite austenite ratios and deleterious phases content was accomplished. The non destructive method evaluates the electromagnetic properties changes in the material and is capable to identify the presence of deleterious phases into DSS microstructure.

Nanomechanics of Ferroelectric Thin Films and Heterostructures

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

Li, Yulan; Hu, Shenyang Y.; Chen , L.Q.

2016-08-31

The focus of this chapter is to provide basic concepts of how external strains/stresses altering ferroelectric property of a material and how to evaluate quantitatively the effect of strains/stresses on phase stability, domain structure, and material ferroelectric properties using the phase-field method. The chapter starts from a brief introduction of ferroelectrics and the Landau-Devinshire description of ferroelectric transitions and ferroelectric phases in a homogeneous ferroelectric single crystal. Due to the fact that ferroelectric transitions involve crystal structure change and domain formation, strains and stresses can be produced inside of the material if a ferroelectric transition occurs and it is confined.more » These strains and stresses affect in turn the domain structure and material ferroelectric properties. Therefore, ferroelectrics and strains/stresses are coupled to each other. The ferroelectric-mechanical coupling can be used to engineer the material ferroelectric properties by designing the phase and structure. The followed section elucidates calculations of the strains/stresses and elastic energy in a thin film containing a single domain, twinned domains to complicated multidomains constrained by its underlying substrate. Furthermore, a phase field model for predicting ferroelectric stable phases and domain structure in a thin film is presented. Examples of using substrate constraint and temperature to obtain interested ferroelectric domain structures in BaTiO3 films are demonstrated b phase field simulations.« less

Properties of amalgams made from lathe-cut, high Cu amalgam alloys.

PubMed

Espevik, S

1980-01-01

Two alloys for dental amalgams made from lathe-cut powder with high Cu content have been developed. The alloys have been characterized with respect to physical properties and microstructure. The strongest amalgam exhibited minimal dimensional changes during setting and had low flow and creep values. It had the highest Cu content of the two amalgams investigated and no gamma 2 phase. The epsilon and eta' phases may dispersion-strenthen the amalgam which in compressive strength was comparable to the strongest amalgams available. A new mechanism for gamma 2 disappearance is suggested where Cu replaces Hg directly in the gamma 2 phase thus forming the eta' phase.

Simultaneous Measurement of Fluorescence, Conversion and Physical/mechanical Properties for Monitoring Bulk and Localized Photopolymerization Reactions in Heterogeneous Systems

PubMed Central

Medel, S.; Bosch, P.; Grabchev, I.; Shah, P. K.; Liu, J.; Aguirre-Soto, A.; Stansbury, J. W.

2016-01-01

An FT-NIR spectrometer, rheometer and fluorescence spectrophotometer were coupled for the real-time monitoring of polymerization reactions, allowing the simultaneous tracking of polymerization kinetics, storage modulus as well as fluorescence. In this study, a methacrylate functionalized dansyl chromophore (DANSMA) was synthesized and two different nanogels were made from urethane dimethacrylate and isobornyl methacrylate. Two series of resin formulations were prepared using the DANSMA probe, ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate as the matrix monomer, Irgacure® 651 as the initiator and the dispersed, monomer-swollen nanogels to give clear UV-curable resins. Placement of the fluorescent probe either throughout the resin or linked into the nanogel before its dispersion in the matrix provides a tool to study how the nanogel structure affects local network development by means of fluorescence from the DANSMA probe. We demonstrate the potential of this new technique using a composite as the two phase system (resin and polymerizable nanogel) including a dansyl derivative as a polymerizable probe to follow the reactions that are taking places in both phases. PMID:27213038

Electric Utility Phase I Acid Rain Compliance Strategies for the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990

EIA Publications

1994-01-01

The Acid Rain Program is divided into two time periods; Phase I, from 1995 through 1999, and Phase II, starting in 2000. Phase I mostly affects power plants that are the largest sources of SO2 and NOx . Phase II affects virtually all electric power producers, including utilities and nonutilities. This report is a study of the effects of compliance with Phase I regulations on the costs and operations of electric utilities, but does not address any Phase II impacts.

Optimization of the superconducting phase of hydrogen sulfide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Degtyarenko, N. N.; Masur, E. A.

2015-12-01

The electron and phonon spectra, as well as the densities of electron and phonon states of the SH3 phase and the stable orthorhombic structure of hydrogen sulfide SH2, are calculated for the pressure interval 100-225 GPa. It is found that the I4/ mmm phase can be responsible for the superconducting properties of metallic hydrogen sulfide along with the SH3 phase. Sequential stages for obtaining and conservation of the SH2 phase are proposed. The properties of two (SH2 and SH3) superconducting phases of hydrogen sulfide are compared.

Structure and Mechanical Properties of Al-Cu-Fe-X Alloys with Excellent Thermal Stability.

PubMed

Školáková, Andrea; Novák, Pavel; Mejzlíková, Lucie; Průša, Filip; Salvetr, Pavel; Vojtěch, Dalibor

2017-11-05

In this work, the structure and mechanical properties of innovative Al-Cu-Fe based alloys were studied. We focused on preparation and characterization of rapidly solidified and hot extruded Al-Cu-Fe, Al-Cu-Fe-Ni and Al-Cu-Fe-Cr alloys. The content of transition metals affects mechanical properties and structure. For this reason, microstructure, phase composition, hardness and thermal stability have been investigated in this study. The results showed exceptional thermal stability of these alloys and very good values of mechanical properties. Alloying by chromium ensured the highest thermal stability, while nickel addition refined the structure of the consolidated alloy. High thermal stability of all tested alloys was described in context with the transformation of the quasicrystalline phases to other types of intermetallics.

Structure and Mechanical Properties of Al-Cu-Fe-X Alloys with Excellent Thermal Stability

PubMed Central

Školáková, Andrea; Novák, Pavel; Mejzlíková, Lucie; Průša, Filip; Salvetr, Pavel; Vojtěch, Dalibor

2017-01-01

In this work, the structure and mechanical properties of innovative Al-Cu-Fe based alloys were studied. We focused on preparation and characterization of rapidly solidified and hot extruded Al-Cu-Fe, Al-Cu-Fe-Ni and Al-Cu-Fe-Cr alloys. The content of transition metals affects mechanical properties and structure. For this reason, microstructure, phase composition, hardness and thermal stability have been investigated in this study. The results showed exceptional thermal stability of these alloys and very good values of mechanical properties. Alloying by chromium ensured the highest thermal stability, while nickel addition refined the structure of the consolidated alloy. High thermal stability of all tested alloys was described in context with the transformation of the quasicrystalline phases to other types of intermetallics. PMID:29113096

Mechanical and electrical properties of low temperature phase MnBi

DOE PAGES

Jiang, Xiujuan; Roosendaal, Timothy; Lu, Xiaochuan; ...

2016-01-21

The low temperature phase (LTP) MnBi is a promising rare-earth-free permanent magnet material due to its high intrinsic coercivity and its large positive temperature coefficient. While scientists are making progress on fabricating bulk MnBi magnets, engineers have started to consider MnBi magnet for motor applications. In addition to the magnetic properties, there are other physical properties that could significantly affect a motor design. Here, we report the results of our investigation on the mechanical and electrical properties of bulk LTP MnBi and their dependence on temperature. We found at room temperature the sintered MnBi magnet fractures when the compression stressmore » exceeds 193 MPa; and its room temperature electric resistance is about 6.85 μΩ-m.« less

Fourier power spectrum characteristics of face photographs: attractiveness perception depends on low-level image properties.

PubMed

Menzel, Claudia; Hayn-Leichsenring, Gregor U; Langner, Oliver; Wiese, Holger; Redies, Christoph

2015-01-01

We investigated whether low-level processed image properties that are shared by natural scenes and artworks - but not veridical face photographs - affect the perception of facial attractiveness and age. Specifically, we considered the slope of the radially averaged Fourier power spectrum in a log-log plot. This slope is a measure of the distribution of special frequency power in an image. Images of natural scenes and artworks possess - compared to face images - a relatively shallow slope (i.e., increased high spatial frequency power). Since aesthetic perception might be based on the efficient processing of images with natural scene statistics, we assumed that the perception of facial attractiveness might also be affected by these properties. We calculated Fourier slope and other beauty-associated measurements in face images and correlated them with ratings of attractiveness and age of the depicted persons (Study 1). We found that Fourier slope - in contrast to the other tested image properties - did not predict attractiveness ratings when we controlled for age. In Study 2A, we overlaid face images with random-phase patterns with different statistics. Patterns with a slope similar to those in natural scenes and artworks resulted in lower attractiveness and higher age ratings. In Studies 2B and 2C, we directly manipulated the Fourier slope of face images and found that images with shallower slopes were rated as more attractive. Additionally, attractiveness of unaltered faces was affected by the Fourier slope of a random-phase background (Study 3). Faces in front of backgrounds with statistics similar to natural scenes and faces were rated as more attractive. We conclude that facial attractiveness ratings are affected by specific image properties. An explanation might be the efficient coding hypothesis.

Fourier Power Spectrum Characteristics of Face Photographs: Attractiveness Perception Depends on Low-Level Image Properties

PubMed Central

Langner, Oliver; Wiese, Holger; Redies, Christoph

2015-01-01

We investigated whether low-level processed image properties that are shared by natural scenes and artworks – but not veridical face photographs – affect the perception of facial attractiveness and age. Specifically, we considered the slope of the radially averaged Fourier power spectrum in a log-log plot. This slope is a measure of the distribution of special frequency power in an image. Images of natural scenes and artworks possess – compared to face images – a relatively shallow slope (i.e., increased high spatial frequency power). Since aesthetic perception might be based on the efficient processing of images with natural scene statistics, we assumed that the perception of facial attractiveness might also be affected by these properties. We calculated Fourier slope and other beauty-associated measurements in face images and correlated them with ratings of attractiveness and age of the depicted persons (Study 1). We found that Fourier slope – in contrast to the other tested image properties – did not predict attractiveness ratings when we controlled for age. In Study 2A, we overlaid face images with random-phase patterns with different statistics. Patterns with a slope similar to those in natural scenes and artworks resulted in lower attractiveness and higher age ratings. In Studies 2B and 2C, we directly manipulated the Fourier slope of face images and found that images with shallower slopes were rated as more attractive. Additionally, attractiveness of unaltered faces was affected by the Fourier slope of a random-phase background (Study 3). Faces in front of backgrounds with statistics similar to natural scenes and faces were rated as more attractive. We conclude that facial attractiveness ratings are affected by specific image properties. An explanation might be the efficient coding hypothesis. PMID:25835539

Electromagnetic wave absorbing properties and hyperfine interactions of Fe—Cu—Nb—Si—B nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Man-Gui; Guo, Wei; Wu, Yan-Hui; Liu, Min; Magundappa, L. Hadimani

2014-08-01

The Fe—Cu—Nb—Si—B alloy nanocomposite containing two ferromagnetic phases (amorphous phase and nanophase phase) is obtained by properly annealing the as-prepared alloys. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) images show the coexistence of these two phases. It is found that Fe—Si nanograins are surrounded by the retained amorphous ferromagnetic phase. Mössbauer spectroscopy measurements show that the nanophase is the D03-type Fe—Si phase, which is employed to find the atomic fractions of resonant 57Fe atoms in these two phases. The microwave permittivity and permeability spectra of Fe—Cu—Nb—Si—B nanocomposite are measured in the frequency range of 0.5 GHz-10 GHz. Large relative microwave permeability values are obtained. The results show that the absorber containing the nanocomposite flakes with a volume fraction of 28.59% exhibits good microwave absorption properties. The reflection loss of the absorber is less than -10 dB in a frequency band of 1.93 GHz-3.20 GHz.

Phase Transformations and Metallization of Magnesium Oxide at High Pressure and Temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McWilliams, R. Stewart; Spaulding, Dylan K.; Eggert, Jon H.; Celliers, Peter M.; Hicks, Damien G.; Smith, Raymond F.; Collins, Gilbert W.; Jeanloz, Raymond

2012-12-01

Magnesium oxide (MgO) is representative of the rocky materials comprising the mantles of terrestrial planets, such that its properties at high temperatures and pressures reflect the nature of planetary interiors. Shock-compression experiments on MgO to pressures of 1.4 terapascals (TPa) reveal a sequence of two phase transformations: from B1 (sodium chloride) to B2 (cesium chloride) crystal structures above 0.36 TPa, and from electrically insulating solid to metallic liquid above 0.60 TPa. The transitions exhibit large latent heats that are likely to affect the structure and evolution of super-Earths. Together with data on other oxide liquids, we conclude that magmas deep inside terrestrial planets can be electrically conductive, enabling magnetic field-producing dynamo action within oxide-rich regions and blurring the distinction between planetary mantles and cores.

Stabilizing Various Bicontinuous Morphologies via Polydispersity of Diblock Copolymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, Chi To; Shi, An-Chang

Diblock copolymers are macromolecules composed of two chemically distinct homopolymers covalently bound end-to-end. The ability to self-assembly into a wide variety of ordered periodic structures, as means of minimizing the free energy, is their most well-studied property. There are many factors affecting the observed equilibrium morphology, one of which is polydispersity. The phase behaviour of polydispersed diblock copolymers is more rich, and diverse when compared to their monodispersed counterpart. The rich behaviour of polydispersed diblock copolymers provides an opportunity to engineer novel morphologies which are not available in monodispersed systems. Using the self-consistent field theory (SCFT), we explore the possibility of exploiting polydispersity of diblock copolymers in binary mixtures to stabilize the various bicontinuous phases, such as the double-diamond morphology. Specifically, solutions of the SCFT equations corresponding to different bicontinuous phases are obtained numerically for binary mixtures of diblock copolymers. The relative stability of the different ordered phases is examined by comparing their free energy. From the study, we determine optimal sets of parameters that stabilize the double-diamond or other exotic morphologies.

Mutagenic analysis of the nucleation propensity of oxidized Alzheimer's beta-amyloid peptide.

PubMed

Christopeit, Tony; Hortschansky, Peter; Schroeckh, Volker; Gührs, Karlheinz; Zandomeneghi, Giorgia; Fändrich, Marcus

2005-08-01

The formation of polypeptide aggregates represents a nucleated polymerization reaction in which an initial nucleation event (lag phase) is followed by the extension of newly formed nuclei into larger aggregates, including fibrils (growth phase). The efficiencies of these reactions relate to the lag time (lag phase) and to the rate of aggregation (growth phase), which can be determined from experimental aggregation curves. Here we present a mutagenic analysis in which we replace valine 18 of the Alzheimer's Abeta (1-40) peptide with 17 different amino acids and determine its effect on the lag time, and therefore, on the propensity of nucleation. Comparison with various physico-chemical properties shows that nucleation is affected in a predictable manner depending on the beta-sheet propensity and hydrophobicity of residue 18. In addition, we observe a direct proportionality between the lag time and the rate of aggregation. These data imply that the two reactions, nucleation and polymerization, are governed by very similar physicochemical principles and that they involve the formation of the same types of noncovalent interactions.

Distal gap junctions and active dendrites can tune network dynamics.

PubMed

Saraga, Fernanda; Ng, Leo; Skinner, Frances K

2006-03-01

Gap junctions allow direct electrical communication between CNS neurons. From theoretical and modeling studies, it is well known that although gap junctions can act to synchronize network output, they can also give rise to many other dynamic patterns including antiphase and other phase-locked states. The particular network pattern that arises depends on cellular, intrinsic properties that affect firing frequencies as well as the strength and location of the gap junctions. Interneurons or GABAergic neurons in hippocampus are diverse in their cellular characteristics and have been shown to have active dendrites. Furthermore, parvalbumin-positive GABAergic neurons, also known as basket cells, can contact one another via gap junctions on their distal dendrites. Using two-cell network models, we explore how distal electrical connections affect network output. We build multi-compartment models of hippocampal basket cells using NEURON and endow them with varying amounts of active dendrites. Two-cell networks of these model cells as well as reduced versions are explored. The relationship between intrinsic frequency and the level of active dendrites allows us to define three regions based on what sort of network dynamics occur with distal gap junction coupling. Weak coupling theory is used to predict the delineation of these regions as well as examination of phase response curves and distal dendritic polarization levels. We find that a nonmonotonic dependence of network dynamic characteristics (phase lags) on gap junction conductance occurs. This suggests that distal electrical coupling and active dendrite levels can control how sensitive network dynamics are to gap junction modulation. With the extended geometry, gap junctions located at more distal locations must have larger conductances for pure synchrony to occur. Furthermore, based on simulations with heterogeneous networks, it may be that one requires active dendrites if phase-locking is to occur in networks formed with distal gap junctions.

Anomalous behaviour of thermodynamic properties at successive phase transitions in (NH4)3GeF7

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bogdanov, Evgeniy V.; Kartashev, Andrey V.; Pogoreltsev, Evgeniy I.; Gorev, Mikhail V.; Laptash, Natalia M.; Flerov, Igor N.

2017-12-01

Heat capacity, thermal dilatation, susceptibility to hydrostatic pressure and dielectric properties associated with succession of three phase transitions below room temperature in double fluoride salt (NH4)3GeF7 were studied. A possible transformation into the parent Pm-3m cubic phase was not observed up to the decomposition of compound. Nonferroelectric nature of structural distortions was confirmed. The DTA under pressure studies revealed a high temperature stability of two phases: P4/mbm and Pbam. The entropies of the phase transitions agree well with the model of structural distortions. Analysis of the thermal properties associated with the individual phase transitions in the framework of thermodynamic equations has shown a high reliability of the data obtained.

Observation of long phase-coherence length in epitaxial La-doped CdO thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yun, Yu; Ma, Yang; Tao, Songsheng; Xing, Wenyu; Chen, Yangyang; Su, Tang; Yuan, Wei; Wei, Jian; Lin, Xi; Niu, Qian; Xie, X. C.; Han, Wei

2017-12-01

The search for long electron phase-coherence length, which is the length that an electron can keep its quantum wavelike properties, has attracted considerable interest in the last several decades. Here, we report the long phase-coherence length of ˜3.7 μm in La-doped CdO thin films at 2 K. Systematical investigations of the La doping and the temperature dependences of the electron mobility and the electron phase-coherence length reveal contrasting scattering mechanisms for these two physical properties. Furthermore, these results show that the oxygen vacancies could be the dominant scatters in CdO thin films that break the electron phase coherence, which would shed light on further investigation of phase-coherence properties in oxide materials.

Thermal cycling effects on static and dynamic properties of a phase separated manganite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sacanell, J.; Sievers, B.; Quintero, M.; Granja, L.; Ghivelder, L.; Parisi, F.

2018-06-01

In this work we address the interplay between two phenomena which are signatures of the out-of-equilibrium state in phase separated manganites: irreversibility against thermal cycling and aging/rejuvenation process. The sample investigated is La0.5Ca0.5MnO3, a prototypical manganite exhibiting phase separation. Two regimes for isothermal relaxation were observed according to the temperature range: for T > 100 K, aging/rejuvenation effects are observed, while for T < 100 K an irreversible aging was found. Our results show that thermal cycles act as a tool to unveil the dynamical behavior of the phase separated state in manganites, revealing the close interplay between static and dynamic properties of phase separated manganites.

Characterization of the Microstructures and the Cryogenic Mechanical Properties of Electron Beam Welded Inconel 718

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwon, Soon Il; Bae, Sang Hyun; Do, Jeong Hyeon; Jo, Chang Yong; Hong, Hyun Uk

2016-02-01

The microstructures and the cryogenic mechanical properties of electron beam (EB) welds between cast and forged Inconel 718 superalloys with a thickness of 10 mm were investigated in comparison with gas tungsten arc (GTA) welds. EB welding with a heat input lower than 250 J/mm caused the formation of liquation microfissuring in the cast-side heat-affected-zone (HAZ) of the EB welds. HAZ liquation microfissuring appeared to be associated with the constitutional liquation of primary NbC carbides at the grain boundaries. Compared with the GTA welding process, the EB welding produced welds with superior microstructure, exhibiting fine dendritic structure associated with the reduction in size and fraction of the Laves phase due to the rapid cooling rate. This result was responsible for the superior mechanical properties of the EB welds at 77 K (-196 °C). Laves particles in both welds were found to provide the preferential site for the crack initiation and propagation, leading to a significant decrease in the Charpy impact toughness at 77 K (-196 °C). Crack initiation and propagation induced by Charpy impact testing were discussed in terms of the dendrite arm spacing, the Laves size and the dislocation structure ahead of the crack arisen from the fractured Laves phase in the two welds.

Investigation on microstructure and properties of narrow-gap laser welding on reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steel CLF-1 with a thickness of 35 mm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Shikai; Zhang, Jianchao; Yang, Jiaoxi; Lu, Junxia; Liao, Hongbin; Wang, Xiaoyu

2018-05-01

Reduced activation ferritic martensitic (RAFM) steel is chosen as a structural material for test blanket modules (TBMs) to be constructed in International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) and China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR). Chinese specific RAFM steel named with CLF-1 has been developed for CFETR. In this paper, a narrow-gap groove laser multi-pass welding of CLF-1 steel with thickness of 35 mm is conduced by YLS-15000 fiber laser. Further, the microstructures of different regions in the weld joint were characterized, and tensile impact and micro-hardness tests were carried out for evaluating the mecharical properties. The results show that the butt weld joint of CLF-1 steel with a thickness of 35 mm was well-formed using the optimal narrow-gap laser filler wire welding and no obvious defects was found such as incomplete fusion cracks and pores. The microstructures of backing layer is dominated by lath martensites and the Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ) was mainly filled with two-phase hybrid structures of secondary-tempering sorbites and martensites. The filler layer is similar to the backing layer in microstructures. In tensile tests, the tensile samples from different parts of the joint all fractured at base metal (BM). The micro-hardness of weld metal (WM) was found to be higher than that of BM and the Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ) exhibited no obvious softening. After post weld heat treatment (PWHT), it can be observed that the fusion zone of the autogenous welding bead and the upper filling beads mainly consist of lath martensites which caused the lower impact absorbing energy. The HAZ mainly included two-phase hybrid structures of secondary-tempering sorbites and martensites and exhibited favorable impact toughness.

The Evolution of Electrospray Generated Droplets is Not Affected by Ionization Mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liigand, Piia; Heering (Suu), Agnes; Kaupmees, Karl; Leito, Ivo; Girod, Marion; Antoine, Rodolphe; Kruve, Anneli

2017-10-01

Ionization efficiency and mechanism in ESI is strongly affected by the properties of mobile phase. The use of mobile-phase properties to accurately describe droplets in ESI source is convenient but may be inadequate as the composition of the droplets is changing in the plume due to electrochemical reactions occurring in the needle tip as well as continuous drying and fission of droplets. Presently, there is paucity of research on the effect of the polarity of the ESI mode on mobile phase composition in the droplets. In this paper, the change in the organic solvent content, pH, and droplet size are studied in the ESI plume in both ESI+ and ESI- ionization mode. We introduce a rigorous way - the absolute pH (pHabs H 2 O) - to describe pH change in the plume that takes into account organic solvent content in the mobile phase. pHabs H 2 O enables comparing acidities of ESI droplets with different organic solvent contents. The results are surprisingly similar for both ionization modes, indicating that the dynamics of the change of mobile-phase properties is independent from the ESI mode used. This allows us to conclude that the evolution of ESI droplets first of all proceeds via the evaporation of the organic modifier and to a lesser extent via fission of smaller droplets from parent droplets. Secondly, our study shows that qualitative findings related to the ESI process obtained on the ESI+ mode can almost directly be applied also in the ESI- mode. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

48 CFR 570.105-2 - Criteria for the use of two-phase design-build.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Criteria for the use of two-phase design-build. 570.105-2 Section 570.105-2 Federal Acquisition Regulations System GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION SPECIAL CONTRACTING PROGRAMS ACQUIRING LEASEHOLD INTERESTS IN REAL PROPERTY General 570.105-2 Criteria for the use of two-phase...

48 CFR 570.105-2 - Criteria for the use of two-phase design-build.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Criteria for the use of two-phase design-build. 570.105-2 Section 570.105-2 Federal Acquisition Regulations System GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION SPECIAL CONTRACTING PROGRAMS ACQUIRING LEASEHOLD INTERESTS IN REAL PROPERTY General 570.105-2 Criteria for the use of two-phase...

48 CFR 570.105-2 - Criteria for the use of two-phase design-build.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Criteria for the use of two-phase design-build. 570.105-2 Section 570.105-2 Federal Acquisition Regulations System GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION SPECIAL CONTRACTING PROGRAMS ACQUIRING LEASEHOLD INTERESTS IN REAL PROPERTY General 570.105-2 Criteria for the use of two-phase...

Physical properties of sequential interpenetrating polymer networks produced from canola oil-based polyurethane and poly(methyl methacrylate).

PubMed

Kong, Xiaohua; Narine, Suresh S

2008-05-01

Sequential interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) were prepared using polyurethane (PUR) synthesized from canola oil-based polyol with terminal primary functional groups and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The properties of the material were evaluated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC), as well as tensile properties measurements. The morphology of the IPNs was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and MDSC. A five-phase morphology, that is, sol phase, PUR-rich phase, PUR-rich interphase, PMMA-rich interphase, and PMMA-rich phase, was observed for all the IPNs by applying a new quantitative method based on the measurement of the differential of reversing heat capacity versus temperature from MDSC, although not confirmed by SEM, most likely due to resolution restrictions. NCO/OH molar ratios (cross-linking density) and compositional variations of PUR/PMMA both affected the thermal properties and phase behaviors of the IPNs. Higher degrees of mixing occurred for the IPN with higher NCO/OH molar ratio (2.0/1.0) at PUR concentration of 25 wt %, whereas for the IPN with lower NCO/OH molar ratio (1.6/1.0), higher degrees of mixing occurred at PUR concentration of 35 wt %. The mechanical properties of the IPNs were superior to those of the constituent polymers due to the finely divided rubber and plastic combination structures in these IPNs.

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

Brgoch, Jakoah; Klob, Simon D.; Denault, Kristin A.

The preparation of Eu 2+-substituted barium aluminum silicates is achieved using a rapid microwave-assisted preparation. The phase evolution of two BaAl 2Si 2O 8:Eu 2+ polymorphs, the higher temperature hexagonal phase (hexacelsian), and the lower temperature monoclinic phase (celsian), is explored by varying the ramp time and soak time. This preparation method significantly reduces the reaction time needed to form these phases compared to conventional solid state routes. The luminescent properties of the two phases are identified under UV excitation with the hexagonal phase emitting in the UV region (λ em = 372 nm) and the monoclinic phase emitting inmore » the blue region (λ em = 438 nm). The differences in optical properties of the two polymorphs are correlated to the coordination number and arrangement of the alkali earth site. The optical properties of the monoclinic phase can be further tuned through the substitution of Sr 2+, forming the solid solution (Ba 1–xSr x)Al 2Si 2O 8:Eu 2+. Changes in the crystal structure due to Sr 2+ substitution produce a surprising blue-shift in the emission spectrum, which is explained by a greater dispersion of bond lengths in the (Ba/Sr)–O polyhedra. The entire monoclinic solid solution exhibits excellent quantum yields of nearly 90 %, owing to the structural rigidity provided by the highly connected tetrahedral network.« less

Retention characteristics of a new butylimidazolium-based stationary phase. Part II: anion exchange and partitioning.

PubMed

Van Meter, David S; Sun, Yaqin; Parker, Kevin M; Stalcup, Apryll M

2008-02-01

A surface-confined ionic liquid (SCIL) and a commercial quaternary amine silica-based stationary phase were characterized employing the linear solvation energy relationship (LSER) method in binary methanol/water mobile phases. The retention properties of the stationary phases were evaluated in terms of intermolecular interactions between 28 test solutes and the stationary phases. The comparison reveals a difference in the hydrophobic and hydrogen bond acceptance interaction properties between the two phases. The anion exchange retention mechanism of the SCIL phase was demonstrated using nucleotides. The utility of the SCIL phase in predicting logk (IL/water) values by chromatographic methods is also discussed.

Minimization of Poisson’s ratio in anti-tetra-chiral two-phase structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Idczak, E.; Strek, T.

2017-10-01

One of the most important goal of modern material science is designing structures which exhibit appropriate properties. These properties can be obtained by optimization methods which often use numerical calculations e.g. finite element method (FEM). This paper shows the results of topological optimization which is used to obtain the greatest possible negative Poisson’s ratio of the two-phase composite. The shape is anti-tetra-chiral two-dimensional unit cell of the whole lattice structure which has negative Poisson’s ratio when it is built of one solid material. Two phase used in optimization are two solid materials with positive Poisson’s ratio and Young’s modulus. Distribution of reinforcement hard material inside soft matrix material in anti-tetra-chiral domain influenced mechanical properties of structure. The calculations shows that the resultant structure has negative Poisson’s ratio even eight times smaller than homogenous anti-tetra chiral structure made of classic one material. In the analysis FEM is connected with algorithm Method of Moving Asymptote (MMA). The results of materials’ properties parameters are described and calculated by means of shape interpolation scheme - Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization (SIMP) method.

Communication: Contrasting effects of glycerol and DMSO on lipid membrane surface hydration dynamics and forces

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

Schrader, Alex M.; Cheng, Chi-Yuan; Israelachvili, Jacob N.

2016-07-28

Glycerol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) are commonly used cryoprotectants in cellular systems, but due to the challenges of measuring the properties of surface-bound solvent, fundamental questions remain regarding the concentration, interactions, and conformation of these solutes at lipid membrane surfaces. We measured the surface water diffusivity at gel-phase dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) bilayer surfaces in aqueous solutions containing ≤7.5 mol. % of DMSO or glycerol using Overhauser dynamic nuclear polarization. We found that glycerol similarly affects the diffusivity of water near the bilayer surface and that in the bulk solution (within 20%), while DMSO substantially increases the diffusivity of surface water relativemore » to bulk water. We compare these measurements of water dynamics with those of equilibrium forces between DPPC bilayers in the same solvent mixtures. DMSO greatly decreases the range and magnitude of the repulsive forces between the bilayers, whereas glycerol increases it. We propose that the differences in hydrogen bonding capability of the two solutes leads DMSO to dehydrate the lipid head groups, while glycerol affects surface hydration only as much as it affects the bulk water properties. The results suggest that the mechanism of the two most common cryoprotectants must be fundamentally different: in the case of DMSO by decoupling the solvent from the lipid surface, and in the case of glycerol by altering the hydrogen bond structure and intermolecular cohesion of the global solvent, as manifested by increased solvent viscosity.« less

Effect of counterions on the shape, hydration, and degree of order at the interface of cationic micelles: the triflate case.

PubMed

Lima, Filipe S; Cuccovia, Iolanda M; Horinek, Dominik; Amaral, Lia Q; Riske, Karin A; Schreier, Shirley; Salinas, Roberto K; Bastos, Erick L; Pires, Paulo A R; Bozelli, José Carlos; Favaro, Denize C; Rodrigues, Ana Clara B; Dias, Luís Gustavo; El Seoud, Omar A; Chaimovich, Hernan

2013-04-02

Specific ion effects in surfactant solutions affect the properties of micelles. Dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTAC), bromide (DTAB), and methanesulfonate (DTAMs) micelles are typically spherical, but some organic anions can induce shape or phase transitions in DTA(+) micelles. Above a defined concentration, sodium triflate (NaTf) induces a phase separation in dodecyltrimethylammonium triflate (DTATf) micelles, a phenomenon rarely observed in cationic micelles. This unexpected behavior of the DTATf/NaTf system suggests that DTATf aggregates have unusual properties. The structural properties of DTATf micelles were analyzed by time-resolved fluorescence quenching, small-angle X-ray scattering, nuclear magnetic resonance, and electron paramagnetic resonance and compared with those of DTAC, DTAB, and DTAMs micelles. Compared to the other micelle types, the DTATf micelles had a higher average number of monomers per aggregate, an uncommon disk-like shape, smaller interfacial hydration, and restricted monomer chain mobility. Molecular dynamic simulations supported these observations. Even small water-soluble salts can profoundly affect micellar properties; our data demonstrate that the -CF3 group in Tf(-) was directly responsible for the observed shape changes by decreasing interfacial hydration and increasing the degree of order of the surfactant chains in the DTATf micelles.

Bose-Einstein condensate in an optical lattice with Raman-assisted two-dimensional spin-orbit coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Jian-Song; Zhang, Wei; Yi, Wei; Guo, Guang-Can

2016-10-01

In a recent experiment (Z. Wu, L. Zhang, W. Sun, X.-T. Xu, B.-Z. Wang, S.-C. Ji, Y. Deng, S. Chen, X.-J. Liu, and J.-W. Pan, arXiv:1511.08170 [cond-mat.quant-gas]), a Raman-assisted two-dimensional spin-orbit coupling has been realized for a Bose-Einstein condensate in an optical lattice potential. In light of this exciting progress, we study in detail key properties of the system. As the Raman lasers inevitably couple atoms to high-lying bands, the behaviors of the system in both the single- and many-particle sectors are significantly affected. In particular, the high-band effects enhance the plane-wave phase and lead to the emergence of "roton" gaps at low Zeeman fields. Furthermore, we identify high-band-induced topological phase boundaries in both the single-particle and the quasiparticle spectra. We then derive an effective two-band model, which captures the high-band physics in the experimentally relevant regime. Our results not only offer valuable insights into the two-dimensional lattice spin-orbit coupling, but also provide a systematic formalism to model high-band effects in lattice systems with Raman-assisted spin-orbit couplings.

Polymorphism and mesomorphism of oligomeric surfactants: effect of the degree of oligomerization.

PubMed

Jurašin, D; Pustak, A; Habuš, I; Šmit, I; Filipović-Vinceković, N

2011-12-06

A series of cationic oligomeric surfactants (quaternary dodecyldimethylammonium ions with two, three, or four chains connected by an ethylene spacer at the headgroup level, abbreviated as dimer, trimer, and tetramer) were synthesized and characterized. The influence of the degree of oligomerization on their polymorphic and mesomorphic properties was investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, polarizing optical microscopy, thermogravimetry, and differential scanning calorimetry. All compounds display layered arrangements with interdigitated dodecyl chains. The increase in the degree of oligomerization increases the interlayer distance and decreases the ordering in the solid phase; whereas the dimer sample is fully crystalline with well-developed 3D ordering and the trimer and tetramer crystallize as highly ordered crystal smectic phases. The number of thermal phase transitions and sequence of phases are markedly affected by the number of dodecyl chains. Anhydrous samples exhibit polymorphism and thermotropic mesomorphism of the smectic type, with the exception of the tetramer that displays only transitions at higher temperature associated with decomposition and melting. All hydrated compounds form lyotropic mesophases showing reversible phase transitions upon heating and cooling. The sequence of liquid-crystalline phases for the dimer, typical of concentrated ionic surfactant systems, comprises a hexagonal phase at lower temperatures and a smectic phase at higher temperatures. In contrast, the trimer and tetramer reveal textures of the hexagonal phase. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Characterization of biomaterials using FT-Raman spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Söderholm, S.; Roos, Y. H.; Meinander, N.; Hotokka, M.

1998-06-01

Carbohydrates play an important role in the quality and preservation of pharmaceutical and food materials. The storage temperature and water content is very critical in storage and, therefore, it is very important to understand how the physical state of carbohydrates is affected by water. Carbohydrates in foods and pharmaceuticals are usually present in the amorphous form even if other substances present affect the physical properties of carbohydrates it is mainly temperature and water content that determine the physical state. Amorphous carbohydrates show a second order phase transition, the glass transition, that is critical for stability. When carbohydrates are stored above their glass transition temperature they loose stability. Crystallization above the glass transition temperature may result in loss of quality. Raman spectroscopy offers a useful tool in the characterization of phase transitions and effects of temperature and water content on material properties at a molecular level.

Topology-driven phase transitions in the classical monomer-dimer-loop model.

PubMed

Li, Sazi; Li, Wei; Chen, Ziyu

2015-06-01

In this work, we investigate the classical loop models doped with monomers and dimers on a square lattice, whose partition function can be expressed as a tensor network (TN). In the thermodynamic limit, we use the boundary matrix product state technique to contract the partition function TN, and determine the thermodynamic properties with high accuracy. In this monomer-dimer-loop model, we find a second-order phase transition between a trivial monomer-condensation and a loop-condensation (LC) phase, which cannot be distinguished by any local order parameter, while nevertheless the two phases have distinct topological properties. In the LC phase, we find two degenerate dominating eigenvalues in the transfer-matrix spectrum, as well as a nonvanishing (nonlocal) string order parameter, both of which identify the topological ergodicity breaking in the LC phase and can serve as the order parameter for detecting the phase transitions.

Aqueous Two Phase System Assisted Self-Assembled PLGA Microparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeredla, Nitish; Kojima, Taisuke; Yang, Yi; Takayama, Shuichi; Kanapathipillai, Mathumai

2016-06-01

Here, we produce poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) based microparticles with varying morphologies, and temperature responsive properties utilizing a Pluronic F127/dextran aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) assisted self-assembly. The PLGA polymer, when emulsified in Pluronic F127/dextran ATPS, forms unique microparticle structures due to ATPS guided-self assembly. Depending on the PLGA concentration, the particles either formed a core-shell or a composite microparticle structure. The microparticles facilitate the simultaneous incorporation of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules, due to their amphiphilic macromolecule composition. Further, due to the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) properties of Pluronic F127, the particles exhibit temperature responsiveness. The ATPS based microparticle formation demonstrated in this study, serves as a novel platform for PLGA/polymer based tunable micro/nano particle and polymersome development. The unique properties may be useful in applications such as theranostics, synthesis of complex structure particles, bioreaction/mineralization at the two-phase interface, and bioseparations.

Long Term Effects of an Affective-Social Educational Program upon Elementary School Age Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stilwell, William E.

The paper contrasts an affective education program with a traditional education program in a school district in Kentucky. Over 200 elementary students participated in affective activities in three 30-minute sessions per week during a 12-week pilot phase and a two-year study phase. For final data analysis, children were placed in groups labeled…

Photometric study of cometary analogs in the LOSSy laboratory at the University of Bern

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pommerol, A.; Thomas, N.; Jost, B.; Poch, O.

2014-07-01

We have set up the LOSSy laboratory (Laboratory for Outflow Studies of Sublimating Materials) to study the spectro-photometric properties of various analogs of planetary-object surfaces, with a special emphasis on icy samples and their evolution under simulated space conditions. This laboratory is currently equipped with two facilities: the PHIRE-2 radio-goniometer, designed to measure the bidirectional visible reflectance of samples under a wide range of geometries and the SCITEAS simulation chamber, designed to follow the evolution of icy samples subliming under low temperature and low pressure conditions by means of VIS-NIR hyperspectral imaging. We will report on the characterization of cometary analogs using both facilities. We produce these analogs by mixing in various proportions fine-grained ice, mineral and organic matter. Various preparation protocols have been defined to produce different textures of sample. Using the PHIRE-2 radio-goniometer, we are building a catalog of bidirectional reflectance data for various cometary analogs, varying by steps the different parameters susceptible to affect the reflectance phase function. In particular, we have recently upgraded the instrument to be able to characterize in detail the opposition effect by allowing measurements of the reflectance at very low phase angle. This laboratory dataset is intended to be used for the analysis of the data acquired by the OSIRIS imager onboard Rosetta. Using the SCITEAS simulation chamber, we have followed for 30 hours the evolution of a cometary analog placed under secondary vacuum (<10^{-6} mbar) and maintained at low temperature (170-200 K) for more than 30 hours. We analyzed the temporal evolution of the morphology and the photometry of the surface of the sample to identify which processes affect the surfaces of cometary nuclei during sublimation and how they affect their visible and near-infrared surface properties.

Microrheology and microstructure of water-in-water emulsions containing sodium caseinate and locust bean gum.

PubMed

Moschakis, Thomas; Chantzos, Nikos; Biliaderis, Costas G; Dickinson, Eric

2018-05-23

The mechanical response on the microscale of phase-separated water-in-water emulsions containing sodium caseinate (SCN) and locust bean gum (LBG) has been monitored by confocal laser scanning microscopy and particle tracking microrheology. Mixed biopolymer systems exhibiting phase-separated micro-regions were enriched in either protein or polysaccharide in the continuous or dispersed phase, depending on the weight ratio of the two biopolymers. Measurements of the tracking of charged probe particles revealed that the local rheological properties of protein-rich regions were considerably lower than that of LBG-rich domains for all the biopolymer ratios examined. At pH 7 in the absence of added salt, the viscosity of the protein-rich regions was little affected by an increase in overall LBG concentration, which is consistent with the phase separation mechanism in the mixed solution of charged (SCN) and uncharged (LBG) biopolymers being dominated by the relative entropy of the counter-ions associated with the charged protein molecules. Addition of salt was found to produce an enhancement in the level of thermodynamic incompatibility, leading to faster and more pronounced phase separation, and altering the micro-viscosity of protein-rich regions. At high ionic strength, it was also noted that there was a pronounced accumulation of incorporated probe particles at the liquid-liquid interface. The microrheological properties of the SCN-rich regions were found to be substantially pH-dependent in the range 7 > pH > 5.4. By adjusting the acidification conditions and the biopolymer ratio, discrete protein-based microspheres were generated with potential applications as a functional food ingredient.

A Microfluidics Study to Quantify the Impact of Microfracture Properties on Two-Phase Flow in Tight Rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mehmani, A.; Kelly, S. A.; Torres-Verdin, C.; Balhoff, M.

2017-12-01

Microfluidics provides the opportunity for controlled experiments of immiscible fluid dynamics in quasi two-dimensional permeable media and allows their direct observation. We leverage microfluidics to investigate the impact of microfracture properties on water imbibition and drainage in a porous matrix. In the context of this work, microfractures are defined as apertures or preferential flow paths formed along planes of weakness, such as between two different rock fabrics. Patterns of pseudo-microfractures with orientations from parallel and perpendicular to fluid flow as well as variations in their connectivity were fabricated in glass micromodels; surface roughness of the micromodels was also varied utilizing a new method. Light microscopy and image analysis were used to quantify transient front advancement and trapped non-wetting phase saturation during imbibition as well as residual wetting phase saturation and its spatial distribution following drainage. Our experiments enable the assessment of quantitative relationships between fluid invasion rate and residual phase distributions as functions of microfracture network properties. Ultimately, the wide variety of microfluidic experiments performed in this study provide valuable insight into two-phase fluid dynamics in microfracture/matrix networks, the extent of fracture fluid invasion, and the saturation of trapped phases. In reservoir description, the geometries of subsurface fractures are often difficult to ascertain, but the distribution of rock types in a zone, from highly laminated to homogenous, can be reliably assessed with core data and well logs. Assuming that microcracks are functions of lamination planes (thin beds), then a priori predictions of the effect of microcracks on two-phase fluid flow across various geological conditions can possibly be upscaled via effective lamination properties. Such upscaling can significantly reduce the uncertainties associated with subsurface operations, including reservoir production, carbon storage and sequestration, and hazardous waste sequestration. A reliable prediction of capillary trapping, for instance, can determine the fracture fluid saturation subsequent to hydraulic fracturing of unconventional formations or the efficacy of water flooding in fractured reservoirs.

Methyl farnesoate couples environmental changes to testicular development in the crab Carcinus maenas.

PubMed

Nagaraju, G P C; Borst, D W

2008-09-01

Carcinus maenas males have two major color phases. Green-phase males molt frequently and tend to live in brackish estuaries during the summer. After becoming red-phase males, they molt infrequently, have higher mating success, and live in cooler, deeper water. We found profound differences between these two phases in the way salinity and temperature affect hemolymph levels of methyl farnesoate (MF), a hormone that affects crustacean reproduction. Few green-phase males (<10%) had detectable MF in 33 ppt seawater (SW) at 11 or 18 degrees C. By contrast, about 30% of the red-phase males had detectable MF at either temperature. After transfer to 5 ppt SW, none of the green-phase males had detectable MF at 11 degrees C whereas 100% of green-phase males did at 18 degrees C. By contrast, 100% of the red-phase males had detectable MF in 5 ppt SW at either temperature. At 11 degrees C, green-phase males had detectable MF after eyestalk ablation (ESA), showing that they can produce MF. There was no additional increase in MF levels when ESA animals of either color phase were transferred to 5 ppt SW, suggesting that the eyestalk is the primary regulator of the MF response to low salinity. MF levels of green-phase males were increased by injecting MF, by ESA, or by exposure to 5 ppt SW at 18 degrees C. The testicular index of these treated animals nearly doubled after two weeks. Our results strongly suggest that environmental conditions such as temperature and salinity, affect testicular development in this crab by changing its MF levels.

Electronic and thermodynamic properties of layered Hf2Sfrom first-principles calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nandadasa, Chandani; Yoon, Mina; Kim, Seong-Gon; Erwin, Steve; Kim, Sungho; Kim, Sung Wng; Lee, Kimoon

Theoretically we explored two stable phases of inorganic fullerene-like structure of the layered dihafnium sulfide (Hf2 S) . We investigated structural and electronic properties of the two phases of Hf2 S by using first-principles calculations. Our calculation identifies experimentally observed anti-NbS2 structure of Hf2 S . Our electronic calculation results indicate that the density of states of anti- NbS2 structure of Hf2 S at fermi level is less than that of the other phase of Hf2 S . To study the relative stability of different phases at finite temperature Helmholtz free energies of two phases are obtained using density functional theory and density functional perturbation theory. The free energy of the anti-NbS2 structure of Hf2 S always lies below the free energy of the other phase by confirming the most stable structure of Hf2 S . The phonon dispersion, phonon density of states including partial density of states and total density of states are obtained within density functional perturbation theory. Our calculated zero-pressure phonon dispersion curves confirm that the thermodynamic stability of Hf2 S structures. For further investigation of thermodynamic properties, the temperature dependency of thermal expansion, heat capacities at constant pressure and volume are evaluated within the quasiharmonic approximations (QHA).

Phase transitions and thermodynamic properties of antiferromagnetic Ising model with next-nearest-neighbor interactions on the Kagomé lattice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramazanov, M. K.; Murtazaev, A. K.; Magomedov, M. A.; Badiev, M. K.

2018-06-01

We study phase transitions and thermodynamic properties in the two-dimensional antiferromagnetic Ising model with next-nearest-neighbor interaction on a Kagomé lattice by Monte Carlo simulations. A histogram data analysis shows that a second-order transition occurs in the model. From the analysis of obtained data, we can assume that next-nearest-neighbor ferromagnetic interactions in two-dimensional antiferromagnetic Ising model on a Kagomé lattice excite the occurrence of a second-order transition and unusual behavior of thermodynamic properties on the temperature dependence.

Morphology and Magnetic Properties of Ferriferous Two-Phase Sodium Borosilicate Glasses

PubMed Central

Naberezhnov, Alexander; Porechnaya, Nadezda; Nizhankovskii, Viktor; Filimonov, Alexey; Nacke, Bernard

2014-01-01

This contribution is devoted to the study of morphology and magnetic properties of sodium borosilicate glasses with different concentrations (15, 20, and 25 wt.%) of α-Fe2O3 in an initial furnace charge. These glasses were prepared by a melt-quenching method. For all glasses a coexistence of drop-like and two-phase interpenetrative structures is observed. The most part of a drop structure is formed by self-assembling iron oxides particles. All types of glasses demonstrate the magnetic properties and can be used for preparation of porous magnetic matrices with nanometer through dendrite channel structure. PMID:25162045

Responses of photoreceptors in Hermissenda.

PubMed

Akon, D L; Fuortes, M G

1972-12-01

The five photoreceptors in the eye of the mollusc Hermissenda crassicornis respond to light with depolarization and firing of impulses. The impulses of any one cell inhibit other cells, but the degree of inhibition differs in different pairs. Evidence is presented to show that the interactions occur at terminal branches of the photoreceptor axons, inside the cerebropleural ganglion. Properties of the generator potential are examined and it is shown that the depolarization develops in two phases which are affected differently by extrinsic currents. Finally, it is shown that by enhancing the differences in the responses of individual cells to a variety of stimuli, the interactions may facilitate a number of simple discriminations.

Detection of Secondary Phases in UNS S32760 Superduplex Stainless Steel by Destructive and Non-destructive Techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Argandona, G.; Biezma, M. V.; Berrueta, J. M.; Berlanga, C.; Ruiz, A.

2016-12-01

Duplex stainless steels (DSS), with a microstructure of an approximately equal mixture of ferrite ( α) and austenite ( γ) phases, are susceptible to the formation of undesirable phases if manufacturing processes are not carefully controlled. In particular, sigma phase (σ) is a Cr- and Mo-rich intermetallic phase, formed generally when DSS are by the temperature range from 600 to 900 °C, even for very short time periods. The precipitation of this phase induces detrimental effects in mechanical and corrosion resistance properties in the material, and even a low volume percentage of σ phase can significantly affect these properties. The current paper presents the effect of thermal treatments on UNS S32760 superduplex stainless steel seamless tubes, applied in order to promote the precipitation of different σ phase percentages in a ferrite/austenite microstructure. The detection and quantification of the σ phase using non-destructive ultrasounds testing has been one of the most relevant events of this study that contributes to improving the correlation of the results obtained using destructive and non-destructive techniques for the quantification of undesirable phases in superduplex seamless tubes during the manufacturing process.

Modeling of two-phase flow in membranes and porous media in microgravity as applied to plant irrigation in space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scovazzo, P.; Illangasekare, T. H.; Hoehn, A.; Todd, P.

2001-01-01

In traditional applications in soil physics it is convention to scale porous media properties, such as hydraulic conductivity, soil water diffusivity, and capillary head, with the gravitational acceleration. In addition, the Richards equation for water flux in partially saturated porous media also contains a gravity term. With the plans to develop plant habitats in space, such as in the International Space Station, it becomes necessary to evaluate these properties and this equation under conditions of microgravitational acceleration. This article develops models for microgravity steady state two-phase flow, as found in irrigation systems, that addresses critical design issues. Conventional dimensionless groups in two-phase mathematical models are scaled with gravity, which must be assigned a value of zero for microgravity modeling. The use of these conventional solutions in microgravity, therefore, is not possible. This article therefore introduces new dimensionless groups for two-phase models. The microgravity models introduced here determined that in addition to porous media properties, important design factors for microgravity systems include applied water potential and the ratio of inner to outer radii for cylindrical and spherical porous media systems.

Fabricating fiber Bragg gratings with two phase masks based on reconstruction-equivalent-chirp technique.

PubMed

Gao, Liang; Chen, Xiangfei; Xiong, Jintian; Liu, Shengchun; Pu, Tao

2012-01-30

Based on reconstruction-equivalent-chirp (REC) technique, a novel solution for fabricating low-cost long fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) with desired properties is proposed and initially studied. A proof-of-concept experiment is demonstrated with two conventional uniform phase masks and a submicron-precision translation stage, successfully. It is shown that the original phase shift (OPS) caused by phase mismatch of the two phase masks can be compensated by the equivalent phase shift (EPS) at the ±1st channels of sampled FBGs, separately. Furthermore, as an example, a π phase-shifted FBG of about 90 mm is fabricated by using these two 50mm-long uniform phase masks based on the presented method.

Properties predictive modeling through the concept of a hybrid interphase existing between phases in contact

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Portan, D. V.; Papanicolaou, G. C.

2018-02-01

From practical point of view, predictive modeling based on the physics of composite material behavior is wealth generating; by guiding material system selection and process choices, by cutting down on experimentation and associated costs; and by speeding up the time frame from the research stage to the market place. The presence of areas with different properties and the existence of an interphase between them have a pronounced influence on the behavior of a composite system. The Viscoelastic Hybrid Interphase Model (VHIM), considers the existence of a non-homogeneous viscoelastic and anisotropic interphase having properties depended on the degree of adhesion between the two phases in contact. The model applies for any physical/mechanical property (e.g. mechanical, thermal, electrical and/or biomechanical). Knowing the interphasial variation of a specific property one can predict the corresponding macroscopic behavior of the composite. Moreover, the model acts as an algorithm and a two-way approach can be used: (i) phases in contact may be chosen to get the desired properties of the final composite system or (ii) the initial phases in contact determine the final behavior of the composite system, that can be approximately predicted. The VHIM has been proven, amongst others, to be extremely useful in biomaterial designing for improved contact with human tissues.

Psychometric properties of startle and corrugator response in NPU, Affective Picture Viewing, and Resting State tasks

PubMed Central

Kaye, Jesse T.; Bradford, Daniel E.; Curtin, John J.

2016-01-01

The current study provides a comprehensive evaluation of critical psychometric properties of commonly used psychophysiology laboratory tasks/measures within the NIMH RDoC. Participants (N = 128) completed the No Shock, Predictable Shock, Unpredictable Shock (NPU) task, Affective Picture Viewing task, and Resting State task at two study visits separated by one week. We examined potentiation/modulation scores in NPU (predictable or unpredictable shock vs. no shock) and Affective Picture Viewing tasks (pleasant or unpleasant vs. neutral pictures) for startle and corrugator responses with two commonly used quantification methods. We quantified startle potentiation/modulation scores with raw and standardized responses. We quantified corrugator potentiation/modulation in the time and frequency domains. We quantified general startle reactivity in the Resting State Task as the mean raw startle response during the task. For these three tasks, two measures, and two quantification methods we evaluated effect size robustness and stability, internal consistency (i.e., split-half reliability), and one-week temporal stability. The psychometric properties of startle potentiation in the NPU task were good but concerns were noted for corrugator potentiation in this task. Some concerns also were noted for the psychometric properties of both startle and corrugator modulation in the Affective Picture Viewing task, in particular for pleasant picture modulation. Psychometric properties of general startle reactivity in the Resting State task were good. Some salient differences in the psychometric properties of the NPU and Affective Picture Viewing tasks were observed within and across quantification methods. PMID:27167717

Distinct Reward Properties are Encoded via Corticostriatal Interactions

PubMed Central

Smith, David V.; Rigney, Anastasia E.; Delgado, Mauricio R.

2016-01-01

The striatum serves as a critical brain region for reward processing. Yet, understanding the link between striatum and reward presents a challenge because rewards are composed of multiple properties. Notably, affective properties modulate emotion while informative properties help obtain future rewards. We approached this problem by emphasizing affective and informative reward properties within two independent guessing games. We found that both reward properties evoked activation within the nucleus accumbens, a subregion of the striatum. Striatal responses to informative, but not affective, reward properties predicted subsequent utilization of information for obtaining monetary reward. We hypothesized that activation of the striatum may be necessary but not sufficient to encode distinct reward properties. To investigate this possibility, we examined whether affective and informative reward properties were differentially encoded in corticostriatal interactions. Strikingly, we found that the striatum exhibited dissociable connectivity patterns with the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, with increasing connectivity for affective reward properties and decreasing connectivity for informative reward properties. Our results demonstrate that affective and informative reward properties are encoded via corticostriatal interactions. These findings highlight how corticostriatal systems contribute to reward processing, potentially advancing models linking striatal activation to behavior. PMID:26831208

Distinct Reward Properties are Encoded via Corticostriatal Interactions.

PubMed

Smith, David V; Rigney, Anastasia E; Delgado, Mauricio R

2016-02-02

The striatum serves as a critical brain region for reward processing. Yet, understanding the link between striatum and reward presents a challenge because rewards are composed of multiple properties. Notably, affective properties modulate emotion while informative properties help obtain future rewards. We approached this problem by emphasizing affective and informative reward properties within two independent guessing games. We found that both reward properties evoked activation within the nucleus accumbens, a subregion of the striatum. Striatal responses to informative, but not affective, reward properties predicted subsequent utilization of information for obtaining monetary reward. We hypothesized that activation of the striatum may be necessary but not sufficient to encode distinct reward properties. To investigate this possibility, we examined whether affective and informative reward properties were differentially encoded in corticostriatal interactions. Strikingly, we found that the striatum exhibited dissociable connectivity patterns with the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, with increasing connectivity for affective reward properties and decreasing connectivity for informative reward properties. Our results demonstrate that affective and informative reward properties are encoded via corticostriatal interactions. These findings highlight how corticostriatal systems contribute to reward processing, potentially advancing models linking striatal activation to behavior.

Correlation between ionic size and valence state of tetra, penta and hexavalent B-site substitution with solubility limit, phase transformation and multiferroic properties of Bi0.875Eu0.125FeO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mumtaz, Fiza; Jaffari, G. Hassnain; Hassan, Qadeer ul; Shah, S. Ismat

2018-06-01

We present detailed comparative study of effect of isovalent i.e. Eu+3 substitution at A-site and tetra (Ti+4, Zr+4), penta (V+5) and hexavalent (W+6) substitutions at B-site in BiFeO3. Eu+3 substitution led to phase transformation and exhibited mixed phases i.e. rhombohedral and orthorhombic, while tetravalent substituents (Ti+4 and Zr+4) led to stabilization of cubic phase. In higher valent (i.e. V+5 and W+6) cases solubility limit was significantly reduced where orthorhombic phase was observed as in the case of parent compound. Phase transformation as a consequence of increase in microstrain and chemical pressure induced by the substituent has been discussed. Solubility limit of different B-site dopants i.e. Zr, W and V was extracted to 5%, 2% and 2%, respectively. Extra phases in various cases were Bi2Fe4O9, Bi25FeO40, Bi14W2O27, and Bi23V4O44.5 and their fractional amount have been quantified. Ti was substituted up to 15% and has been observed to be completely soluble in the parent compound. Solubility limits depends on ionic radii mismatch and valance difference of Fe+3 and dopant, in which valance difference plays more dominant role. Solubility limit and phase transformation has been explained in terms of change in bond strength and tolerance factor induced by incorporation of dopant which depend on its size and valence state. Detail optical, dielectric, ferroelectric, magnetic and transport properties of Eu and Ti co-doped samples and selected low concentration B-site doped compositions (i.e. 2%) have presented and discussed. Two d-d transitions and three charge transfer transitions were observed within UV-VIS range. Both change in cell volume for the same phase and transformation in crystal structure affects the band gap. Increase in room temperature dielectric constant and saturation polarization was also found to increase in case of Eu-Ti co-doped samples with increasing concentration of Ti. Substitution of Eu at A-site and Ti at B-site led to observation of weak ferromagnetism. Effect of extra phases on ferroelectricity and transport properties have also been discussed.

Advanced Artificial Dielectric Materials for Millimeter Wavelength Applications. Part A

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-04-01

composites. (For our earlier results, see Figure 9.16 of Refer- ence 3 and Figure 18-25 of Reference 2.) We defer presenting these results until the next...impor- tant." Our results and interpretation are completely opposite, [15] F. Lado and S. Torquato, "Effective properties of two-phase disordered...Torquato and F. Lado , "Effective properties of 33 two-phase disordered composite media: Il. Evaluation of bounds on the conductivity and bulk modulus

Thermodynamic Effects on Phase Stabilities and Structural Properties of TiO2 from the First-principles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aoki, Yuta; Saito, Susumu

2013-03-01

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is one of the most representative photocatalytic materials and much attention is focused on understanding and improvement of its photocatalytic activity. At the same time, TiO2 is known to be a highly polymorphic material and as many as eleven crystal phases have been identified so far. It is expected that TiO2 show various photocatalytic properties depending on crystal phases. However, relative stabilities of these identified phases are still controversial. In order to clarify the thermodynamic phase stabilities of TiO2, we obtain the free energies of its several representative phases, rutile, anatase, brookite, and TiO2-II within the framework of the density-functional theory using the pseudopotential method. We calculate both the static energy and the contribution of phonons to the free energy through the quasiharmonic approximation for each phase. It is found that treatment of semicore electrons in constructing the pseudopotential of the Ti atom significantly affects the relative phase stabilities. From the phase diagram obtained, we find that the anatase phase is the most stable at lower temperature and pressure. We also discuss the thermodynamic effects on structural properties such as thermal expansion. We acknowledge the financial supports from the Global Center-of-Excellence Program by MEXT, Japan through the Nanoscience and Quantum Physics Project of Tokyo Institute of Technology, and the Elements Science and Technology Project by MEXT.

Effects of Gd substitution on the structural and magnetic properties of strontium hexaferrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Litsardakis, G.; Manolakis, I.; Serletis, C.; Efthimiadis, K. G.

2007-09-01

The effect of Gd substitution in M-type strontium hexaferrites has been examined in two series of samples, (Sr1-xGdx)O·5.25Fe2O3 and Sr1-xGdxFe12-xCoxO19, both prepared by the ceramic method, where x=0-0.40. The samples have been characterized by XRD, VSM and SEM-EDAX techniques. All substituted samples present primarily the hexaferrite structure. Sample (Sr0.95Gd)O·5.25Fe2O3 is single phase. Formation of impurity phases is affected by stoichiometry and presence of Co. In Sr-Gd samples, coercivity showed a maximum value of 305 kA/m (3.8 kOe) for x=0.20, while remanence and saturation magnetization did not decrease. Coercivity and magnetization in the Sr-Gd-Co series decreased steadily with substitution degree.

Effects of cerium on the hydrogen absorption-desorption properties of rare earth-Mg-Ni hydrogen-absorbing alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yasuoka, Shigekazu; Ishida, Jun; Kishida, Kyosuke; Inui, Haruyuki

2017-04-01

The influence of Ce addition on the phase constitution, microstructure, hydrogen absorption/desorption properties and battery performances of newly developed rare earth (RE)-Mg-Ni hydrogen-absorbing superlattice alloys for negative electrode materials in Ni-metal hydride (MH) batteries were investigated. The partial substitution of RE (La and Nd) with Ce results in a higher discharge performance and a lower cycle life in the battery. The Ce addition greatly affects the phase constitution, which is mainly characterized by increased formation of the AB2 phase (A = RE or Mg and B = Ni or Al). The existence of the AB2 phase is found to accelerate alloy pulverization and oxidation when the alloys are used as negative electrode materials in Ni-MH model cells. The accelerated pulverization and oxidation are considered to be responsible for the observed higher discharge performance and lower cycle life in the batteries, respectively.

Properties of Massive Stars in Primitive Galaxies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heap, Sara

2012-01-01

According to R. Dave, the phases of galaxy formation are distinguished by their halo mass and governing feedback mechanism. Galaxies in the birth phase (our "primitive galaxies") have a low halo mass (M<10(exp 9) Msun); and star formation is affected by photoionizing radiation of massive stars. In contrast, galaxies in the growth phase (e.g. Lyman Break galaxies) are more massive (M=10(exp 9)-10(exp 12) Msun); star formation is fueled by cold accretion but modulated by strong outflows from massive stars. I Zw 18 is a local blue, compact dwarf galaxy that meets the requirements for a birth-phase galaxy: halo mass <10(exp 9) Msun, strong photo ionizing radiation, no galactic outflow, and very low metallicity, log(O/H)=7.2. We will describe the properties of massive stars in I Zw 18 based on analysis of ultraviolet spectra obtained with HST.

Dielectric Properties of Ca0.7Bi0.3Ti0.7Cr0.3O3 (CBTC)-CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) Composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mallmann, E. J. J.; Silva, M. A. S.; Sombra, A. S. B.; Botelho, M. A.; Mazzetto, S. E.; de Menezes, A. S.; Almeida, A. F. L.; Fechine, P. B. A.

2015-01-01

The main object of this work is to study two materials with giant dielectric constants: CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) and Ca0.7Bi0.3Ti0.7Cr0.3O3 (CBTC). CBTC1- x -CCTO x composites were also obtained to create a new dielectric material with dielectric properties between these two phases. Structural properties were studied by x-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy and dielectric measurements. CCTO showed a cubic phase and CBTC an orthorhombic phase. An interesting result was that the dielectric constant ( K) did not follow the rule of the mixture of Lichtnecker, and this happened due to the presence of other phases of its crystalline structure, which decreases the value of K when compared to the predicted values of Lichtnecker. It was also found that the dielectric properties of the composite are very promising for use in microelectronics, according to the miniaturization factor, which is crucial for those applications.

[Mechanical properties of weld area soldered by lasers and structural changes in hot reaction zone].

PubMed

Wu, H; Cui, Y; Mu, W

2001-05-01

To analyse and measure the welding depths and strengths of three kinds of welding materials under different laser welding conditions as well as the structural changes of the heat affected zone. Under different voltages and pulse duration three kinds of measuring sticks, including Co-Cr alloy, Ni-Cr alloy and pure titanium were welded and their strengths were compared with that of control group. At the same time, the structure of the heat-affected zone was analysed by means of the gold-phase method. The welding depth and strength of Co-Cr alloy were in direct proportion to the setting voltage, with averages of 335MPa (250V) to 573MPa(330V). At the heat-affected zone, the crystal particle was small and the end point of welding by laser bean presented the shape of the mountain peak and the interval of finger shape. The center of measuring sticks had a black zone with the circle shape. The setting voltage was in direct proportion to the welding depth of pure titanium and in inverse proportion to the welding strength with averages of 221MPa(250V) to 154MPa (330V). The crystal particle in the heat affected zone grew large and the solid phase expanded, the interval of the crystal oxidised, and the structure showed honeycomb changes. The laser welding is favourable to the welding properties of Co-Cr and Ni-Cr alloys, but its effect on the welding properties of pure titanium needs further discussion.

Understanding hygroscopic growth and phase transformation of aerosols using single particle Raman spectroscopy in an electrodynamic balance.

PubMed

Lee, Alex K Y; Ling, T Y; Chan, Chak K

2008-01-01

Hygroscopic growth is one of the most fundamental properties of atmospheric aerosols. By absorbing or evaporating water, an aerosol particle changes its size, morphology, phase, chemical composition and reactivity and other parameters such as its refractive index. These changes affect the fate and the environmental impacts of atmospheric aerosols, including global climate change. The ElectroDynamic Balance (EDB) has been widely accepted as a unique tool for measuring hygroscopic properties and for investigating phase transformation of aerosols via single particle levitation. Coupled with Raman spectroscopy, an EDB/Raman system is a powerful tool that can be used to investigate both physical and chemical changes associated with the hygroscopic properties of individually levitated particles under controlled environments. In this paper, we report the use of an EDB/Raman system to investigate (1) contact ion pairs formation in supersaturated magnesium sulfate solutions; (2) phase transformation in ammonium nitrate/ammonium sulfate mixed particles; (3) hygroscopicity of organically coated inorganic aerosols; and (4) heterogeneous reactions altering the hygroscopicity of organic aerosols.

Solar-phase-angle effects on the taxonomic classification of asteroids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carvano, J.; Davallos, J.

2014-07-01

Asteroid taxonomy is the effort of grouping asteroids into classes based on similarities of a number of their observational properties. The most used properties include measurements of their spectral reflectance (by means of low-resolution spectra, spectro-photometry, or colors), and geometric albedo. The usefulness of asteroid taxonomic classes derived in this way relies on the assumption that the classes bear some correspondence to the mineralogy of the asteroids, and on the fact that such classification can be made using types of observations that presently are available to a large number of asteroids. Therefore, asteroid taxonomy can be used to infer trends in the distribution of compositions in the main belt and other populations, as an additional parameter in defining asteroid families, and as a selection tool to identify candidates for more detailed observations. However, the fact that the correspondence between taxonomic class and composition is far from perfect is still sometimes overlooked in the literature. Indeed, although a taxonomic classification narrows down the possible mineralogies of a given asteroid, it will seldom point univocally to one particular mineralogy. This happens for a number of reasons, some linked to the intrinsic difficulty involved in the remote characterization of the mineralogy of an asteroid, since it depends on the presence of absorption bands in its reflectance spectrum which may be absent or not completely sampled by the observations used to derive taxonomy. Other problem here is the exposure of the material on the surface of the asteroid to space-weathering effects, such as solar wind implantation and micro-meteorite bombardment, which can change the optical properties of the material. Finally, the overall shape of the reflectance spectrum of an asteroid is also affected by the geometry of the observation, as well as by its shape. In this work, we analyze how the classification of asteroids observed by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey is affected by the solar phase angle of the observation. It is found that the number of observations assigned to several taxonomic classes has a clear dependency on the solar phase angle of the asteroid at the moment of the observation. In order to understand how variations of phase angles affect the reflectance spectra of the individual asteroids listed in the SDSS with multiple observations, we use the reflectance spectra derived from the SDSS colors to define two parameters, which measure the spectral slope in the visible and the depth of the 1-micron band, if present. It is found that most asteroids in the sample tend to be redder at higher phase angles, and that, for the classes showing a 1-μ m band, most show increasing band depth with increasing phase angle. This predominance of positive correlations for both band depth and spectral slope might suffice to explain the offsets in the distribution of classes. However, for both parameters there is a significant fraction in each sample for which there seem to be no correlation at all, and a comparable number seem to display anti-correlation between the parameters and the phase angle. Therefore, although phase-reddening effects, as currently understood in the literature, can account for the offsets in the distribution of taxonomic classes with phase angle, it cannot explain all variability seen in the SDSS data. There is also a dependency on composition and also shape effects involved, which can be reproduced using Hapke reflectance models.

Thermal, optical, and dielectric properties of fluoride Rb2TaF7

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pogorel'tsev, E. I.; Mel'nikova, S. V.; Kartashev, A. V.; Gorev, M. V.; Flerov, I. N.; Laptash, N. M.

2017-05-01

The thermal, optical, and dielectric properties of fluoride Rb2TaF7 were investigated. It was observed that the variation in chemical pressure in fluorides A 2 +TaF7 caused by the cation substitution of rubidium for ammonium does not affect the ferroelastic nature of structural distortions, but leads to stabilization of the high- and low-temperature phases and enhancement of birefringence. The entropy of the phase transition P4/nmm ↔ Cmma is typical of the shift transformations, which is consistent with a model of the initial and distorted phase structures. The anisotropy of chemical pressure causes the change of signs of the anomalous strain and baric coefficient dT/ dp of Rb2TaF7 as compared with the values for its ammonium analog.

Effect of oxygen concentration on the magnetic properties of La2CoMnO6 thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, H. Z.; Gupta, A.; Zhang, Jiandi; Varela, M.; Pennycook, S. J.

2007-11-01

The dependence of the magnetic properties on oxygen concentration in epitaxial La2CoMnO6 thin films deposited on (100)-oriented SrTiO3 substrates has been investigated by varying the oxygen background pressure during growth using pulsed laser deposition. Two distinct ferromagnetic (FM) phases are revealed, and the relative fraction varies with the oxygen concentration. The existence of oxygen vacancies induces the local vibronic Mn3+-O -Co3+ superexchange interactions in direct competition with the static FM Mn4+-O-Co2+ interactions. This results in the appearance of a new low temperature FM phase and suppression of the high-temperature FM phase, creating two distinct magnetic phase transitions.

A reappraisal of the uncanny valley: categorical perception or frequency-based sensitization?

PubMed Central

Burleigh, Tyler J.; Schoenherr, Jordan R.

2015-01-01

The uncanny valley (UCV) hypothesis describes a non-linear relationship between perceived human-likeness and affective response. The “uncanny valley” refers to an intermediate level of human-likeness that is associated with strong negative affect. Recent studies have suggested that the uncanny valley might result from the categorical perception of human-like stimuli during identification. When presented with stimuli sharing human-like traits, participants attempt to segment the continuum in “human” and “non-human” categories. Due to the ambiguity of stimuli located at a category boundary, categorization difficulty gives rise to a strong, negative affective response. Importantly, researchers who have studied the UCV in terms of categorical perception have focused on categorization responses rather than affective ratings. In the present study, we examined whether the negative affect associated with the UCV might be explained in terms of an individual's degree of exposure to stimuli. In two experiments, we tested a frequency-based model against a categorical perception model using a category-learning paradigm. We manipulated the frequency of exemplars that were presented to participants from two categories during a training phase. We then examined categorization and affective responses functions, as well as the relationship between categorization and affective responses. Supporting previous findings, categorization responses suggested that participants acquired novel category structures that reflected a category boundary. These category structures appeared to influence affective ratings of eeriness. Crucially, participants' ratings of eeriness were additionally affected by exemplar frequency. Taken together, these findings suggest that the UCV is determined by both categorical properties as well as the frequency of individual exemplars retained in memory. PMID:25653623

Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dingerson, Michael R.

1997-01-01

Report includes: (1) CLUSTER: "Studies in Macromolecular Behavior in Microgravity Environment": The Role of Protein Oligomers in Protein Crystallization; Phase Separation Phenomena in Microgravity; Traveling Front Polymerizations; Investigating Mechanisms Affecting Phase Transition Response and Changes in Thermal Transport Properties in ER-Fluids under Normal and Microgravity Conditions. (2) CLUSTER: "Computational/Parallel Processing Studies": Flows in Local Chemical Equilibrium; A Computational Method for Solving Very Large Problems; Modeling of Cavitating Flows.

Coherent Fe-rich nano-scale perovskite oxide phase in epitaxial Sr2FeMoO6 films grown on cubic and scandate substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deniz, Hakan; Preziosi, Daniele; Alexe, Marin; Hesse, Dietrich

2017-01-01

We report the growth of high-quality epitaxial Sr2FeMoO6 (SFMO) thin films on various unconventional oxide substrates, such as TbScO3, DyScO3, and Sr2Al0.3Ga0.7TaO6 (SAGT) as well as on the most commonly used one, SrTiO3 (STO), by pulsed laser deposition. The films were found to contain a foreign nano-scale phase coherently embedded inside the SFMO film matrix. Through energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy, we identified the foreign phase to be Sr2-xFe1+yMo1-yO6, an off-stoichiometric derivative of the SFMO compound with Fe rich content (y ≈ 0.6) and a fairly identical crystal structure to SFMO. The films on STO and SAGT exhibited very good magnetic properties with high Curie temperature values. All the samples have fairly good conducting behavior albeit the presence of a foreign phase. Despite the relatively large number of items of the foreign phase, there is no significant deterioration in the properties of the SFMO films. We discuss in detail how magneto-transport properties are affected by the foreign phase.

Single-layer dual germanene phases on Ag(111)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Chung-Huang; Huang, Angus; Pai, Woei Wu; Chen, Wei-Chuan; Chen, Ting-Yu; Chang, Tay-Rong; Yukawa, Ryu; Cheng, Cheng-Maw; Mou, Chung-Yu; Matsuda, Iwao; Chiang, T.-C.; Jeng, H.-T.; Tang, S.-J.

2018-02-01

Two-dimensional (2D) honeycomb lattices beyond graphene promise new physical properties such as quantum spin Hall effect. While there have been claims of growth of such lattices (silicene, germanene, stanene), their existence needs further support and their preparation and characterization remain a difficult challenge. Our findings suggest that two distinct phases associated with germanene, the analog of graphene made of germanium (Ge) instead of carbon, can be grown on Ag(111) as observed by scanning tunneling microscopy, low-energy electron diffraction, and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. One such germanene exhibits an atom-resolved alternatively buckled full honeycomb lattice, which is tensile strained and partially commensurate with the substrate to form a striped phase (SP). The other, a quasifreestanding phase (QP), is also consistent with a honeycomb lattice with a lattice constant incommensurate with the substrate but very close to the theoretical value for freestanding germanene. The SP, with a lower atomic density, can be driven into the QP and coexist with the QP by additional Ge deposition. Band mapping and first-principles calculations with proposed SP and QP models reveal an interface state exists only in the SP but the characteristic σ band of freestanding germanene emerges only in the QP—this leads to an important conclusion that adlayer-substrate commensurability plays a key role to affect the electronic structure of germanene. The evolution of the dual germanene phases manifests the competitive formation of Ge-Ge covalent and Ge-Ag interfacial bonds.

Vertical Phase Segregation Induced by Dipolar Interactions in Planar Polymer Brushes

DOE PAGES

Mahalik, Jyoti P.; Sumpter, Bobby G.; Kumar, Rajeev

2016-09-13

In this paper, we present a generalized theory for studying structural properties of a planar dipolar polymer brush immersed in a polar solvent. We show that an explicit treatment of the dipolar interactions yields a macroscopic concentration dependent effective “chi” (the Flory–Huggins-like interaction) parameter. Furthermore, it is shown that the concentration dependent chi parameter promotes phase segregation in polymer solutions and brushes so that the polymer-poor phase consists of a finite/nonzero polymer concentration. Such a destabilization of the homogeneous phase by the dipolar interactions appears as vertical phase segregation in a planar polymer brush. In a vertically phase segregated polymermore » brush, the polymer-rich phase near the grafting surface coexists with the polymer-poor phase at the other end. Predictions of the theory are directly compared with prior reported experimental results for dipolar polymers in polar solvents. Excellent agreements with the experimental results are found, hinting that the dipolar interactions play a significant role in vertical phase segregation of planar polymer brushes. We also compare our field theoretical approach with the two-state and other models invoking ad hoc concentration dependence of the chi parameter. Interplay between the short-ranged excluded volume interactions and long-ranged dipolar interactions is shown to play an important role in affecting the vertical phase separation. Finally, effects of mismatch between the dipole moments of the polymer segments and the solvent molecules are investigated in detail.« less

Experimental synchronization of chaos in a large ring of mutually coupled single-transistor oscillators: Phase, amplitude, and clustering effects

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

Minati, Ludovico, E-mail: lminati@ieee.org, E-mail: ludovico.minati@unitn.it

In this paper, experimental evidence of multiple synchronization phenomena in a large (n = 30) ring of chaotic oscillators is presented. Each node consists of an elementary circuit, generating spikes of irregular amplitude and comprising one bipolar junction transistor, one capacitor, two inductors, and one biasing resistor. The nodes are mutually coupled to their neighbours via additional variable resistors. As coupling resistance is decreased, phase synchronization followed by complete synchronization is observed, and onset of synchronization is associated with partial synchronization, i.e., emergence of communities (clusters). While component tolerances affect community structure, the general synchronization properties are maintained across three prototypes andmore » in numerical simulations. The clusters are destroyed by adding long distance connections with distant notes, but are otherwise relatively stable with respect to structural connectivity changes. The study provides evidence that several fundamental synchronization phenomena can be reliably observed in a network of elementary single-transistor oscillators, demonstrating their generative potential and opening way to potential applications of this undemanding setup in experimental modelling of the relationship between network structure, synchronization, and dynamical properties.« less

Effect of structural phase transformation in FeGaO{sub 3} on its magnetic and ferroelectric properties

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

Lone, A. G., E-mail: agl221986@gmail.com; Bhowmik, R. N.

2015-06-24

We investigate the structural phase transformation from orthorhombic to rhombohedral structure in FeGaO{sub 3} by adopting a combined effect of mechanical alloying/milling and solid state sintering techniques. The structural phase formation of the FeGaO{sub 3} compound has been characterized by X-ray diffraction pattern. Mechanical milling played a significant role on the stabilization of rhombohedral phase in FeGaO{sub 3}, where as high temperature sintering stabilized the system in orthorhombic phase. A considerable difference has been observed in magnetic and ferroelectric properties of the system in two phases. The system in rhombohedral (R-3c) phase exhibited better ferromagnetic and of ferroelectric properties atmore » room temperature in comparison to orthorhombic (Pc2{sub 1}n) phase. The rhombohedral phase appears to be good for developing metal doped hematite system for spintronics applications and in that process mechanical milling played an important role.« less

Deep-Earth Equilibration between Molten Iron and Solid Silicates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brennan, M.; Zurkowski, C. C.; Chidester, B.; Campbell, A.

2017-12-01

Elemental partitioning between iron-rich metals and silicate minerals influences the properties of Earth's deep interior, and is ultimately responsible for the nature of the core-mantle boundary. These interactions between molten iron and solid silicates were influential during planetary accretion, and persist today between the mantle and liquid outer core. Here we report the results of diamond anvil cell experiments at lower mantle conditions (40 GPa, >2500 K) aimed at examining systems containing a mixture of metals (iron or Fe-16Si alloy) and silicates (peridotite). The experiments were conducted at pressure-temperature conditions above the metallic liquidus but below the silicate solidus, and the recovered samples were analyzed by FIB/SEM with EDS to record the compositions of the coexisting phases. Each sample formed a three-phase equilibrium between bridgmanite, Fe-rich metallic melt, and an oxide. In one experiment, using pure Fe, the quenched metal contained 6 weight percent O, and the coexisting oxide was ferropericlase. The second experiment, using Fe-Si alloy, was highly reducing; its metal contained 10 wt% Si, and the coexisting mineral was stishovite. The distinct mineralogies of the two experiments derived from their different starting metals. These results imply that metallic composition is an important factor in determining the products of mixed phase iron-silicate reactions. The properties of deep-Earth interfaces such as the core-mantle boundary could be strongly affected by their metallic components.

Influence of condensed species on thermo-physical properties of LTE and non-LTE SF6-Cu mixture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhexin; Wu, Yi; Yang, Fei; Sun, Hao; Rong, Mingzhe; Wang, Chunlin

2017-10-01

SF6-Cu mixture is frequently formed in high-voltage circuit breakers due to the electrode erosion and metal vapor diffusion. During the interruption process, the multiphase effect and deviation from local thermal equilibrium (non-LTE assumption) can both affect the thermo-physical of the arc plasma and further influence the performance of circuit breaker. In this paper, thermo-physical properties, namely composition, thermodynamic properties and transport coefficients are calculated for multiphase SF6-Cu mixture with and without LTE assumption. The composition is confirmed by combining classical two-temperature mass action law with phase equilibrium condition deduced from second law of thermodynamics. The thermodynamic properties and transport coefficients are calculated using the multiphase composition result. The influence of condensed species on thermo-physical properties is discussed at different temperature, pressure (0.1-10 atm), non-equilibrium degrees (1-10), and copper molar proportions (0-50%). It is found that the multiphase effect has significant influence on specific enthalpy, specific heat and heavy species thermal conductivity in both LTE and non-LTE SF6-Cu system. This paper provides a more accurate database for computational fluid dynamic calculation.

Quasicrystal-reinforced Mg alloys.

PubMed

Kyun Kim, Young; Tae Kim, Won; Hyang Kim, Do

2014-04-01

The formation of the icosahedral phase (I-phase) as a secondary solidification phase in Mg-Zn-Y and Mg-Zn-Al base systems provides useful advantages in designing high performance wrought magnesium alloys. The strengthening in two-phase composites (I-phase + α -Mg) can be explained by dispersion hardening due to the presence of I-phase particles and by the strong bonding property at the I-phase/matrix interface. The presence of an additional secondary solidification phase can further enhance formability and mechanical properties. In Mg-Zn-Y alloys, the co-presence of I and Ca 2 Mg 6 Zn 3 phases by addition of Ca can significantly enhance formability, while in Mg-Zn-Al alloys, the co-presence of the I-phase and Mg 2 Sn phase leads to the enhancement of mechanical properties. Dynamic and static recrystallization are significantly accelerated by addition of Ca in Mg-Zn-Y alloy, resulting in much smaller grain size and more random texture. The high strength of Mg-Zn-Al-Sn alloys is attributed to the presence of finely distributed Mg 2 Sn and I-phase particles embedded in the α -Mg matrix.

Quasicrystal-reinforced Mg alloys

PubMed Central

Kyun Kim, Young; Tae Kim, Won; Hyang Kim, Do

2014-01-01

The formation of the icosahedral phase (I-phase) as a secondary solidification phase in Mg–Zn–Y and Mg–Zn–Al base systems provides useful advantages in designing high performance wrought magnesium alloys. The strengthening in two-phase composites (I-phase + α-Mg) can be explained by dispersion hardening due to the presence of I-phase particles and by the strong bonding property at the I-phase/matrix interface. The presence of an additional secondary solidification phase can further enhance formability and mechanical properties. In Mg–Zn–Y alloys, the co-presence of I and Ca2Mg6Zn3 phases by addition of Ca can significantly enhance formability, while in Mg–Zn–Al alloys, the co-presence of the I-phase and Mg2Sn phase leads to the enhancement of mechanical properties. Dynamic and static recrystallization are significantly accelerated by addition of Ca in Mg–Zn–Y alloy, resulting in much smaller grain size and more random texture. The high strength of Mg–Zn–Al–Sn alloys is attributed to the presence of finely distributed Mg2Sn and I-phase particles embedded in the α-Mg matrix. PMID:27877660

Phase transformation and magnetic properties of MnAl powders prepared by elemental-doping and salt-assisted ball milling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qian, Hui-Dong; Si, Ping-Zhan; Choi, Chul-Jin; Park, Jihoon; Cho, Kyung Mox

2018-05-01

The effects of elemental doping of Si and Fe on the ɛ→τ phase transformation and the magnetic properties of MnAl were studied. The magnetic powders of Si- and Fe-doped MnAl were prepared by using induction melting followed by water-quenching, annealing, and salt-assisted ball-milling. The Fe-doped MnAl powders are mainly composed of the L10-structured τ-phase, while the Si-doped MnAl are composed of τ-phase and a small fraction of γ2- and β-phases. A unique thin leaves-like morphology with thickness of several tens of nanometers and diameter size up to 500 nm were observed in the Si-doped MnAl powders. The Fe-doped MnAl powders show irregular shape with much larger dimensions in the range from several to 10 μm. The morphology difference of the samples was ascribed to the variation of the mechanical properties affected by different doping elements. The phase transformation temperatures of the ɛ-phase of the samples were measured. The doping of Fe decreases the onset temperature of the massive phase transformation in MnAl, while the Si-doping increases the massive phase transformation temperature. Both Fe and Si increase the Curie temperature of MnAl. A substantially enhanced coercivity up to 0.45 T and 0.42 T were observed in the ball-milled MnAl powders doped with Si and Fe, respectively.

Structural properties of TiO2 nanomaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kusior, Anna; Banas, Joanna; Trenczek-Zajac, Anita; Zubrzycka, Paulina; Micek-Ilnicka, Anna; Radecka, Marta

2018-04-01

The surface of solids is characterized by active, energy-rich sites that determine physicochemical interaction with gaseous and liquid media and possible applications in photocatalysis. The behavior of materials in such processes is related to their form and amount of various species, especially water and forms of oxygen adsorbed on the surface. The preparation of materials with controlled morphology, which includes modifications of the size, geometry, and composition, is currently an important way of optimizing properties, as many of them depend on not only the size and phase composition, but also on shape. Hydroxylated centers on the surface, which can be treated as trapping sites, are particularly significant. Water adsorbed on the surface bridging hydroxyl groups can distinctly modulate the properties of the surface of titania. The saturation of the surface with hydroxyl groups may improve the photocatalytic properties. TiO2 nanomaterials were obtained via different methods. SEM and TEM analysis were performed to study the morphology. The analysis of XRD and Raman data revealed a phase composition of obtained materials. To examine the surface properties, FTIR absorption spectra of TiO2 nanomaterials were recorded. The photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles was investigated through the decomposition of methylene blue. It was demonstrated that each surface modification affects the amount of adsorbed hydroxyl groups. The different contributions of the two species to the ν(H2O) FTIR bands for different nanostructures result from the preparation conditions. It was noted that pre-adsorbed water (the surface-bridging hydroxyl) might significantly modulate the surface properties of the material. The increase in hydroxyl group density on the titanium dioxide surface enhances the effectiveness of the photocatalytic processes. It was demonstrated that flower-like titania obtained via hydrothermal synthesis exhibits the weakest catalytic activity, in contrast to the typical spherical TiO2.

Physical properties of immiscible polymers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harris, J. Milton

1987-01-01

The demixing of immiscible polymers in low gravity is discussed. Applications of knowledge gained in this research will provide a better understanding of the role of phase segregation in determining the properties of polymer blends made from immiscible polymers. Knowledge will also be gained regarding the purification of biological materials by partitioning between the two liquid phases formed by solution of the polymers polyethylene glycol and dextran in water. Testing of new apparatus for space flight, extension of affinity phase partitioning, refinement of polymer chemistry, and demixing of isopycnic polymer phases in a one gravity environment are discussed.

An unusual type of polymorphism in a liquid crystal

DOE PAGES

Li, Lin; Salamonczyk, Miroslaw; Shadpour, Sasan; ...

2018-02-19

Polymorphism is a remarkable concept in chemistry, materials science, computer science, and biology. Whether it is the ability of a material to exist in two or more crystal structures, a single interface connecting to two different entities, or alternative phenotypes of an organism, polymorphism determines function and properties. In materials science, polymorphism can be found in an impressively wide range of materials, including crystalline materials, minerals, metals, alloys, and polymers. Here in this paper we report on polymorphism in a liquid crystal. A bent-core liquid crystal with a single chiral side chain forms two structurally and morphologically significantly different liquidmore » crystal phases solely depending on the cooling rate from the isotropic liquid state. On slow cooling, the thermodynamically more stable oblique columnar phase forms, and on rapid cooling, a not heretofore reported helical microfilament phase. Since structure determines function and properties, the structural color for these phases also differs.« less

An unusual type of polymorphism in a liquid crystal

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

Li, Lin; Salamonczyk, Miroslaw; Shadpour, Sasan

Polymorphism is a remarkable concept in chemistry, materials science, computer science, and biology. Whether it is the ability of a material to exist in two or more crystal structures, a single interface connecting to two different entities, or alternative phenotypes of an organism, polymorphism determines function and properties. In materials science, polymorphism can be found in an impressively wide range of materials, including crystalline materials, minerals, metals, alloys, and polymers. Here in this paper we report on polymorphism in a liquid crystal. A bent-core liquid crystal with a single chiral side chain forms two structurally and morphologically significantly different liquidmore » crystal phases solely depending on the cooling rate from the isotropic liquid state. On slow cooling, the thermodynamically more stable oblique columnar phase forms, and on rapid cooling, a not heretofore reported helical microfilament phase. Since structure determines function and properties, the structural color for these phases also differs.« less

The Effect of Organic Compounds on the Hygroscopic Properties of Inorganic Aerosol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krieger, U. K.; Zardini, A. A.; Marcolli, C.

2006-12-01

The hygroscopicity of the aerosols plays a major role for the direct and indirect effect on the climate. It is known that aerosols are often a mixture of inorganic and organic matter. A significant fraction of the organic matter is water soluble (WSOC) and affects light scattering, water uptake and phase transitions of multicomponent aerosols. Additionally, organic matter can act as a surfactant around an inorganic particle, affecting the evaporation-condensation time scale. This research project benefits from the combined measurements performed by two different instrumentations: the electrodynamic trap at IACETH, Zürich, Switzerland, and a Tandem Differential Mobility Analizer (TDMA) at the Paul Scherrer Institute, Switzerland. The Electrodynamic Trap consists of a chamber in which a levitated particle can experience all the atmospherically relevant conditions of temperature, pressure, and humidity. All these parameters can be continuously varied so that the hygroscopic curve of the aerosol particle can be measured. Additional tools help to better characterize the aerosol particle: 90 degrees angular scattering of lasers (for radius measurements) and intensity fluctuation of the scattered light with time (for phase changes detection). In this poster the results obtained through the electrodynamic balance technique will be shown and compared with the TDMA. In particular, bicomponent ammonium sulphate with adipic acid bicomponent particles are studied, with different mixing ratios. Particular emphasis is put on assessing the water uptake and the phase changes of the particles.

Mid-Level Mixed-Phase Cloud Properties Derived From Polarization Lidar Measurements and Model Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sassen, K.; Canonica, L.; James, C.; Khvorostyanov, V.

2005-12-01

Water-dominated altocumulus clouds are distributed world-wide in the middle troposphere, and so are generally supercooled clouds with variable amounts of ice production via the heterogeneous droplet freezing process, which depends on temperature and the availability of ice nuclei. Although they tend to be relatively optically thin (i.e., for water clouds) and may often act similarly to cirrus clouds, altocumulus are globally widespread and probably play a significant role in maintaining the radiation balance of the Earth/atmosphere system. We will review recent cloud microphysical/ radiative model findings describing their impact on radiation transfer, and how increasing ice content (leading to cloud glaciation) affects their radiative impact. These simulations are based on the results of a polarization lidar climatology of the macrophysical properties of midlatitude altocumulus clouds, which variably produced ice virga. A new more advanced polarization lidar algorithm for characterizing mixed-phase cloud properties is currently being developed. Relative ice content is shown to have a large effect on atmospheric heating rates. We will also present lidar data examples, from Florida to Alaska, that indicate how desert dust and forest fire smoke aerosols can affect supercooled cloud phase. Since such aerosols may be becoming increasingly prevalent due to various human activities or climate change itself, it is important to assess the potential effects of increasing ice nuclei to climate change.

Magnetic Properties of Iron Oxide Minerals in Atmospheric Dust and Source Sediments from Western US

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moskowitz, B. M.; Yauk, K.; Till, J. L.; Berquo, T. S.; Banerjee, S. K.; Reynolds, R. L.; Goldstein, H. L.

2011-12-01

Atmospheric dust contains iron oxide minerals that can play important roles in various physical and biological processes affecting atmospheric and surface temperatures, marine phytoplankton productivity, and human health. Iron oxide minerals in dust deposited on mountain snow cover are especially important because these minerals absorb solar and IR radiation leading to changes in albedo and affecting the timing and rate of spring and summer snowpack melting. As part of an ongoing project to study physical and chemical properties of dust from sources to sinks in the western US, we will describe one approach to characterize iron oxide mineralogy using magnetic property measurements and Mossbauer spectroscopy. Magnetic property measurements over a wide range of temperatures (2-300 K) and magnetic fields (0-5 T) are particularly sensitive to composition, particle size (from nanometer to micrometer), and concentration of iron oxide and oxyhydroxide minerals. The high sensitivity of magnetic measurements to target minerals allows the measurement of bulk samples preventing any aliasing of composition or grain size resulting from attempts at prior magnetic separation. In addition, different magnetic measurement protocols can isolate different particle-size assemblages and different compositions in multicomponent mixtures and help to identify dust-source areas. These techniques have been applied to dust deposited on snow (DOS) cover of the San Juan Mountains, Colorado (collected 2005-2010) and Wasatch Mountains, Utah (collected 2010) and possible dust-source sediments from the North American Great Basin and Colorado Plateau deserts. Results show that all samples contain a high coercivity phase consistent with hematite and/or goethite as the dominate ferric oxide mineral plus minor amounts of magnetite (<0.5 wt%). The presence of magnetite was determined from the detection of the characteristic Verwey transition (T=121 K) on low-temperature (< 300 K) remanence and susceptibility curves. Room temperature remanence parameters for the San Juan Mountains DOS fall into two discrete populations of hematite concentration ( x2 difference) but with similar spreads in magnetite concentrations (0.05-0.2%) within each group. Preliminary Mössbauer spectroscopy at 300 K for San Juan Mountains DOS indicates hematite as the sole magnetic phase with magnetite below the detection limits. However, spectra taken at 4.2 K show an increase in the hematite component and the appearance of goethite indicating superparamagnetism and nanoparticle size distribution for both phases. The lack of the Morin transition (T=263 K) for hematite on low-temperature remanence curves is also consistent with nanohematite as the main iron oxide phase in DOS from the San Juan Mountains.

A perspective on SOA generated in aerosol water from glyoxal and methylglyoxal and its impacts on climate-relevant aerosol properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sareen, N.; McNeill, V. F.

2011-12-01

In recent years, glyoxal and methylglyoxal have emerged to be potentially important SOA precursors with significant implications for climate-related aerosol properties. Here we will discuss how the chemistry of these and similar organic compounds in aerosol water can affect the aerosol optical and cloud formation properties. Aqueous-phase SOA production from glyoxal and methylglyoxal is a potential source of strongly light-absorbing organics, or "brown carbon". We characterized the kinetics of brown carbon formation from these precursors in mixtures of ammonium sulfate and water using UV-Vis spectrophotometry. This mechanism has been incorporated into a photochemical box model with coupled gas phase-aqueous aerosol chemistry. Methylglyoxal and related compounds also may impact an aerosol's ability to act as a cloud condensation nucleus. We recently showed via pendant drop tensiometry and aerosol chamber studies that uptake of methylglyoxal from the gas phase driven by aqueous-phase oligomerization chemistry is a potentially significant, previously unidentified source of surface-active organic material in aerosols. Results from pendant drop tensiometry showed significantly depressed surface tension in methylglyoxal-ammonium sulfate solutions. We further found that ammonium sulfate particles exposed to gas-phase methylglyoxal in a 3.5 m3 aerosol reaction chamber activate into cloud droplets at sizes up to 15% lower at a given supersaturation than do pure ammonium sulfate particles. The observed enhancement exceeds that predicted based on Henry's Law and our measurements of surface tension depression in bulk solutions, suggesting that surface adsorption of methylglyoxal plays a role in determining CCN activity. Methylglyoxal and similar gas-phase surfactants may be an important and overlooked source of enhanced CCN activity in the atmosphere. To characterize the SOA products formed in these solutions, an Aerosol Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometer (CIMS) was used. These compounds included (hemi)acetals, aldol condensation products, and oligomeric species up to 759 amu. Since these products are vulnerable to oxidants such as O3 and OH in the atmosphere, kinetic studies were conducted to study their affect upon exposure to O3 and OH. Custom-designed flow tube reactors were coupled with the Aerosol-CIMS to monitor aerosol composition, and consequently this data was used to determine reactive uptake coefficients (γO3~10-8 and γOH~ 10-6). Additionally, the lifetime of these SOA species in the atmosphere can be estimated and if these time scales are sufficiently long, they may affect aerosol optical properties. The effect of oxidation on the optical properties is also currently being tested by collecting aerosol particles before and after oxidation on a quartz window and testing changes in absorption using the UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The results of all these studies will be integrated to understand the role of methylglyoxal as a SOA precursor and the effect on various aerosol properties, and this will be used as a model system to predict the fate of similar organics in the atmosphere.

Shape memory behavior of single and polycrystalline nickel rich nickel titanium alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaya, Irfan

NiTi is the most commonly used shape memory alloy (SMA) and has been widely used for bio-medical, electrical and mechanical applications. Nickel rich NiTi shape memory alloys are coming into prominence due to their distinct superelasticity and shape memory properties as compared to near equi-atomic NiTi shape memory alloys. Besides, their lower density and higher work output than steels makes these alloys an excellent candidate for aerospace and automotive industry. Shape memory properties and phase transformation behavior of high Ni-rich Ni54Ti46 (at.%) polycrystals and Ni-rich Ni 51Ti49 (at.%) single-crystals are determined. Their properties are sensitive to heat treatments that affect the phase transformation behavior of these alloys. Phase transformation properties and microstructure were investigated in aged Ni54Ti46 alloys with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to reveal the precipitation characteristics and R-phase formation. It was found that Ni54Ti46 has the ability to exhibit perfect superelasticity under high stress levels (~2 GPa) with 4% total strain after 550°C-3h aging. Stress independent R-phase transformation was found to be responsible for the change in shape memory behavior with stress. The shape memory responses of [001], [011] and [111] oriented Ni 51Ti49 single-crystals alloy were reported under compression to reveal the orientation dependence of their shape memory behavior. It has been found that transformation strain, temperatures and hysteresis, Classius-Clapeyron slopes, critical stress for plastic deformation are highly orientation dependent. The effects of precipitation formation and compressive loading at selected temperatures on the two-way shape memory effect (TWSME) properties of a [111]- oriented Ni51Ti49 shape memory alloy were revealed. Additionally, aligned Ni4Ti3 precipitates were formed in a single crystal of Ni51Ti49 alloy by aging under applied compression stress along the [111] direction. Formation of a single family of Ni4Ti3 precipitates were exhibited significant TWSME without any training or deformation. When the homogenized and aged specimens were loaded in martensite, positive TWSME was observed. After loading at high temperature in austenite, the homogenized specimen did not show TWSME while the aged specimen revealed negative TWSME.

Optoelectrical, structural and morphological characterization of Cu2ZnSnSe4 compound used in photovoltaic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mesa, F.; Leguizamon, A.; Dussan, A.; Gordillo, G.

2016-10-01

In this work, results are reported concerning the effect of the deposition parameters on the structural properties of Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) thin films, grown through a chemical reaction of the metallic precursors by co-evaporation in a two-stage process. XRD measurements revealed that the samples deposited by selenization of Cu and Sn grow in the kesterite phase (CZTSe), respectively. Effect of the deposition temperature and mass ratio Cu/ZnSe on the transport properties of CZTSe films were analyzed. It was also found that the electrical conductivity of the thin films is affected by the transport of free carriers in extended states of the conduction band as well as for variable range hopping transport mechanisms, each one predominating in a different temperature range. The molecular and morphological effect on the compound through Raman and AFM measurements was studied.

[Arthroscopic double-row reconstruction of high-grade subscapularis tendon tears].

PubMed

Plachel, F; Pauly, S; Moroder, P; Scheibel, M

2018-04-01

Reconstruction of tendon integrity to maintain glenohumeral joint centration and hence to restore shoulder functional range of motion and to reduce pain. Isolated or combined full-thickness subscapularis tendon tears (≥upper two-thirds of the tendon) without both substantial soft tissue degeneration and cranialization of the humeral head. Chronic tears of the subscapularis tendon with higher grade muscle atrophy, fatty infiltration, and static decentration of the humeral head. After arthroscopic three-sided subscapularis tendon release, two double-loaded suture anchors are placed medially to the humeral footprint. Next to the suture passage, the suture limbs are tied and secured laterally with up to two knotless anchors creating a transosseous-equivalent repair. The affected arm is placed in a shoulder brace with 20° of abduction and slight internal rotation for 6 weeks postoperatively. Rehabilitation protocol including progressive physical therapy from a maximum protection phase to a minimum protection phase is required. Overhead activities are permitted after 6 months. While previous studies have demonstrated superior biomechanical properties and clinical results after double-row compared to single-row and transosseous fixation techniques, further mid- to long-term clinical investigations are needed to confirm these findings.

Chemical and physical insight on the local properties of the phosphides XSiP2 (X = Be, Mg, Cd, Zn and Hg) under pressure: from first principles calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ouahrani, Tarik

2013-09-01

Local properties of the XSiP2 (X = Be, Mg, Cd, Zn and Hg) compounds are revisited through the partition of static thermodynamic properties under pressure. We pay attention to the metallization that occurs when the investigated compounds undergo a phase transition from chalcopyrite to the NaCl structure. Electron localization function analysis shows that the local valence basin attractors values decrease as a function of pressure. As the pressure increases, the tetragonal distortion ( c/ a) diminishes while the degree of ionicity enhances. In addition, by means of atom in molecule approach, atomic-like local compressibility and pressures are analyzed. We found that the basins volumes of the investigated compounds in the NaCl phase have lower compressibilities than those in the chalcopyrite phase. According to the predicted core-valence basins, the phosphorus cation is found to be the more affected by the hydrostatic pressure.

Effect of annealing temperature on the microstructure and optical-electrical properties of Cu-Al-O thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Y. J.; Liu, Z. T.; Zang, D. Y.; Che, X. S.; Feng, L. P.; Bai, X. X.

2013-12-01

We have successfully prepared Cu-Al-O thin films on silicon (100) and quartz substrates by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering method. The as-deposited Cu-Al-O film is amorphous in nature and post-annealing treatment in argon ambience results in crystallization of the films and the formation of CuAlO2. The annealing temperature plays an important role in the surface morphology, phase constitution and preferred growth orientation of CuAlO2 phase, thus affecting the properties of the film. The film annealed at 900 °C is mainly composed of CuAlO2 phase and shows smooth surface morphology with well-defined grain boundaries, thus exhibiting the optimum optical-electrical properties with electrical resistivity being 79.7 Ω·cm at room temperature and optical transmittance being 80% in visible region. The direct optical band gaps of the films are found in the range of 3.3-3.8 eV depending on the annealing temperature.

Binding Affinity Effects on Physical Characteristics of a Model Phase-Separated Protein Droplet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chuang, Sara; Banani, Salman; Rosen, Michael; Brangwynne, Clifford

2015-03-01

Non-membrane bound organelles are associated with a range of biological functions. Several of these structures exhibit liquid-like properties, and may represent droplets of phase-separated RNA and/or proteins. These structures are often enriched in multi-valent molecules, however little is known about the interactions driving the assembly, properties, and function. Here, we address this question using a model multi-valent protein system consisting of repeats of Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier (SUMO) protein and a SUMO-interacting motif (SIM). These proteins undergo phase separation into liquid-like droplets. We combine microrheology and quantitative microscopy to determine affect of binding affinity on the viscosity, density and surface tension of these droplets. We also use fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and partitioning experiments to probe the structure and dynamics within these droplets. Our results shed light on how inter-molecular interactions manifests in droplet properties, and lay the groundwork for a comprehensive biophysical picture of intracellular RNA/protein organelles.

Perception of the material properties of wood based on vision, audition, and touch.

PubMed

Fujisaki, Waka; Tokita, Midori; Kariya, Kenji

2015-04-01

Most research on the multimodal perception of material properties has investigated the perception of material properties of two modalities such as vision-touch, vision-audition, audition-touch, and vision-action. Here, we investigated whether the same affective classifications of materials can be found in three different modalities of vision, audition, and touch, using wood as the target object. Fifty participants took part in an experiment involving the three modalities of vision, audition, and touch, in isolation. Twenty-two different wood types including genuine, processed, and fake were perceptually evaluated using a questionnaire consisting of twenty-three items (12 perceptual and 11 affective). The results demonstrated that evaluations of the affective properties of wood were similar in all three modalities. The elements of "expensiveness, sturdiness, rareness, interestingness, and sophisticatedness" and "pleasantness, relaxed feelings, and liked-disliked" were separately grouped for all three senses. Our results suggest that the affective material properties of wood are at least partly represented in a supramodal fashion. Our results also suggest an association between perceptual and affective properties, which will be a useful tool not only in science, but also in applied fields. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Discrete-Time Quantum Walk with Phase Disorder: Localization and Entanglement Entropy.

PubMed

Zeng, Meng; Yong, Ee Hou

2017-09-20

Quantum Walk (QW) has very different transport properties to its classical counterpart due to interference effects. Here we study the discrete-time quantum walk (DTQW) with on-site static/dynamic phase disorder following either binary or uniform distribution in both one and two dimensions. For one dimension, we consider the Hadamard coin; for two dimensions, we consider either a 2-level Hadamard coin (Hadamard walk) or a 4-level Grover coin (Grover walk) for the rotation in coin-space. We study the transport properties e.g. inverse participation ratio (IPR) and the standard deviation of the density function (σ) as well as the coin-position entanglement entropy (EE), due to the two types of phase disorders and the two types of coins. Our numerical simulations show that the dimensionality, the type of coins, and whether the disorder is static or dynamic play a pivotal role and lead to interesting behaviors of the DTQW. The distribution of the phase disorder has very minor effects on the quantum walk.

Hydrogenation-controlled phase transition on two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides and their unique physical and catalytic properties.

PubMed

Qu, Yuanju; Pan, Hui; Kwok, Chi Tat

2016-09-30

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have been widely used from nanodevices to energy harvesting/storage because of their tunable physical and chemical properties. In this work, we systematically investigate the effects of hydrogenation on the structural, electronic, magnetic, and catalytic properties of 33 TMDs based on first-principles calculations. We find that the stable phases of TMD monolayers can transit from 1T to 2H phase or vice versa upon the hydrogenation. We show that the hydrogenation can switch their magnetic and electronic states accompanying with the phase transition. The hydrogenation can tune the magnetic states of TMDs among non-, ferro, para-, and antiferro-magnetism and their electronic states among semiconductor, metal, and half-metal. We further show that, out of 33 TMD monolayers, 2H-TiS 2 has impressive catalytic ability comparable to Pt in hydrogen evolution reaction in a wide range of hydrogen coverages. Our findings would shed the light on the multi-functional applications of TMDs.

Effects of different compositions from magnetic and nonmagnetic dopants on structural and electrical properties of ZnO nanoparticles-based varistor ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sendi, Rabab Khalid

2018-03-01

In the current study, 20 nm zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were used to manufacture high-density ZnO discs doped with Mn and Sn via the conventional ceramic processing method, and their properties were characterized. Results show that the dopants were found to have significant effects on the ZnO varistors, especially on the shape and size of grains, which are significantly different for both dopants. The strong solid-state reaction in the varistor from the 20 nm ZnO powder during the sintering process may be attributed to the high surface area of the 20 nm ZnO nanoparticles. Although Mn and Sn do not affect the well-known peaks related to the wurtzite structure of ZnO ceramics, a few of the additional peaks could be formed at high doping content (≥2.0) due to the formation of other unknown phases during the sintering process. Both additives also significantly affect the electrical properties of the varistor, with a marked changed in the breakdown voltage from 415 V to 460 V for Sn and from 400 V to 950 V for Mn. Interestingly, the electrical behaviors of the varistors, such as breakdown voltage, nonlinear coefficient, and barrier height, are higher for Mn- than Sn-doping samples, and the opposite behaviors hold for hardness, leakage currents, and electrical conductivities. Results show that the magnetic moment and valence state of the two additive dopants are responsible for all demonstrated differences in the electrical characteristics between the two dopants.

Animal vehicle crash mitigation using advanced technology phase I : review, design, and implementation.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-08-01

Animal-vehicle collisions affect human safety, property and wildlife. The number of these types of collisions has increased : substantially over the last decades. This report describes the results of a project that explored the prospects for a relati...

Analysis of the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Titanium-Based Composites Reinforced by Secondary Phases and B4C Particles Produced via Direct Hot Pressing

PubMed Central

Montealegre-Melendez, Isabel; Arévalo, Cristina; Ariza, Enrique; Rubio-Escudero, Cristina; Kitzmantel, Michael; Neubauer, Erich

2017-01-01

In the last decade, titanium metal matrix composites (TMCs) have received considerable attention thanks to their interesting properties as a consequence of the clear interface between the matrix and the reinforcing phases formed. In this work, TMCs with 30 vol % of B4C are consolidated by hot pressing. This technique is a powder metallurgy rapid process. Incorporation of the intermetallic to the matrix, 20 vol % (Ti-Al), is also evaluated. Here, the reinforcing phases formed by the reaction between the titanium matrix and the ceramic particles, as well as the intermetallic addition, promote substantial variations to the microstructure and to the properties of the fabricated composites. The influences of the starting materials and the consolidation temperature (900 °C and 1000 °C) are investigated. By X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy analysis, the in-situ-formed phases in the matrix and the residual ceramic particles were studied. Furthermore, mechanical properties are studied through tensile and bending tests in addition to other properties, such as Young’s modulus, hardness, and densification of the composites. The results show the significant effect of temperature on the microstructure and on the mechanical properties from the same starting powder. Moreover, the Ti-Al addition causes variation in the interface between the reinforcement and the matrix, thereby affecting the behaviour of the TMCs produced at the same temperature. PMID:29077066

Comparison of affect changes during the ovulatory phase in women with and without hormonal contraceptives.

PubMed

Ocampo Rebollar, Ana; Menéndez Balaña, Francisco J; Conde Pastor, Montserrat

2017-04-01

Studies about affect changes during the menstrual cycle and the role of hormones in these changes have yielded contradictory results. Often research has focused on the pre-menstrual phase, with few studies paying specific attention to the affect changes around ovulation. In this research thirty women completed a daily questionnaire measuring the positive and negative affect during their menstrual cycle. These women were divided in two groups: hormonally-contracepting and naturally-cycling. The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule was used to measure the affect. A Digital Ovulation Test was used to determine the day of ovulation in the participants not taking hormonal contraceptives by measuring the Luteinizing Hormone peak. The differences in positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA) between groups were examined. The results indicate that during the ovulatory phase, PA scores are significantly higher in naturally-cycling women than hormonally-contracepting women.

Application of SP test to Evaluate Embrittlement of Dual Phase Stainless Steel Caused by Sigma Phase and Neutron Irradiation

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

Lee, J.S.; Institute of Advanced Energy, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011; Kim, I.S.

2004-07-01

The degradation of mechanical properties in dual phase 309L stainless steel RPV clad caused by the presence of s-phase as well as neutron irradiation was investigated using a small punch (SP) test. Two kinds of overlay-weld clad were fabricated on SA508 cl.3 pressure vessel steel plates with ER309L welding consumable strip by differing in heat input rates. The microstructure of the clad was composed of a main part of fcc austenite, a few percent of bcc d- ferrite and brittle bct s-phase. Area fraction of s-phase was ranging approximately 2 {approx} 8 percent depending on welding conditions. The JMTR wasmore » utilized for neutron irradiation and SP specimens were irradiated up to 1.02 x 10{sup 19} n/cm{sup 2} (E>1 MeV) at 563 K. After irradiation the SP ductile-to-brittle transition behavior moved to higher temperatures, however, it was more strongly affected by the amount of brittle s-phase rather than the irradiation at current doses. The cracking appearances in the SP specimens gradually changed from circumferential to radial cracking as the test temperature became low, content of {sigma}-phase increased and the specimens were irradiated. Those results were accounted for in terms of the inconsistency of fracture stress between the phases as well as the effects of stress-strain portioning combined with the changes of governing stress components for crack initiation. (authors)« less

Influence of phase composition on microstructure and properties of Mg-5Al-0.4Mn-xRE (x = 0, 3 and 5 wt.%) alloys

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

Braszczyńska-Malik, K.N., E-mail: kacha@wip.pcz.pl; Grzybowska, A.

2016-05-15

The microstructure and mechanical properties investigations of two AME503 and AME505 experimental alloys in as-cast conditions were presented. The investigated materials were fabricated on the basis of the AM50 commercial magnesium alloy with 3 and 5 wt.% cerium rich mischmetal. In the as-cast condition, both experimental alloys were mainly composed of α-Mg, Al{sub 11}RE{sub 3} and Al{sub 10}RE{sub 2}Mn{sub 7} intermetallic phases. Additionally, due to non-equilibrium solidification conditions, a small amount of α + γ divorced eutectic and Al{sub 2}RE intermetallic phase were revealed. The obtained results also show a significant influence of rare earth elements on Brinell hardness, tensilemore » and compression properties at ambient temperature and especially on creep properties at 473 K. Improved alloy properties with a rise in rare earth elements mass fraction results from an increase in Al{sub 11}RE{sub 3} phase volume fraction and suppression of α + γ eutectic volume fraction in the alloy microstructure. Additionally, the influence of rare earth elements on the dendrite arm space value was discussed. The presented results also proved the thermal stability of the intermetallic phases during creep testing. - Highlights: • Two different Mg-5Al-0.4Mn alloys containing 3 and 5 wt.% of rare earth elements were fabricated. • Addition of rare earth elements leads to a reduction of dendrite arm spaces. • Mechanical properties depend on the phase composition of the alloys. • The increase of the rare earth elements content causes rise of the creep resistance.« less

Transport, behavior, and fate of volatile organic compounds in streams

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rathbun, R.E.

1998-01-01

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are compounds with chemical and physical properties that allow the compounds to move freely between the water and air phases of the environment. VOCs are widespread in the environment because of this mobility. Many VOCs have properties making them suspected or known hazards to the health of humans and aquatic organisms. Consequently, understanding the processes affecting the concentration and distribution VOCs in the environment is necessary. The U.S. Geological Survey selected 55 VOCs for study. This report reviews the characteristics of the various process that could affect the transport, behavior, and fate of these VOCs in streams.

Phase and electrical properties of PZT thin films embedded with CuO nano-particles by a hybrid sol-gel route

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sreesattabud, Tharathip; Gibbons, Brady J.; Watcharapasorn, Anucha; Jiansirisomboon, Sukanda

2013-07-01

Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 or PZT thin films embedded with CuO nano-particles were successfully prepared by a hybrid sol-gel process. In this process, CuO (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 1 wt. %) nanopowder was suspended in an organometallic solution of PZT, and then coated on platinised silicon substrate using a spin-coating technique. The influence of CuO nano-particles' dispersion on the phase of PZT thin films was investigated. XRD results showed a perovskite phase in all films. At the CuO concentration of 0.4-1 wt. %, a second phase was observed. The addition of CuO nano-particles affected the orientation of PZT thin films. The addition was also found to reduce the ferroelectric properties of PZT thin films. However, at 0.2 wt. % CuO concentration, the film exhibited good ferroelectric properties similar to those of PZT films. In addition, the fatigue retention properties of the PZT/CuO system was observed, and it showed 14% fatigue at 108 switching bipolar pulse cycles while the fatigue in PZT thin films was found to be 17% at the same switching bipolar pulse cycles.

Impact of solvents and supercritical CO2 drying on the morphology and structure of polymer-based biofilms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Causa, Andrea; Salerno, Aurelio; Domingo, Concepción; Acierno, Domenico; Filippone, Giovanni

2014-05-01

In the present work, two-dimensional systems based on biodegradable polymers such as poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and polylactic acid (PLA) are fabricated by means of a sustainable approach which consists in inducing phase separation in solutions of such polymers and "green" solvents, namely ethyl lactate (EL) and ethyl acetate (EA). The extraction of the solvent is promoted by a controlled drying process, which is performed in either air or supercritical CO2. The latter can indeed act as both an antisolvent, which favors the deposition of the polymer by forming a mixture with EL and EA, and a plasticizing agent, whose solvation and transport properties may considerably affect the microstructure and crystallinity of the polymer films. The morphological, topographical and crystalline properties of the films are tailored through a judicial selection of the materials and the processing conditions and assessed by means of thermal analyses, polarized optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and confocal interferometric microscopy. The results show that the morphological and crystalline properties of the films are strongly dependent on the choice of both the polymer/solvent system and the operating conditions during the drying step. In particular, the morphological, topographical and thermal properties of films prepared starting from highly crystalline polymers, namely PCL and PEO, are greatly affected by the crystallization of the material. Conversely, the less crystalline PLA forms almost completely amorphous films.

Thermally responsive polymer electrolytes for inherently safe electrochemical energy storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelly, Jesse C.

Electrochemical double layer capacitors (EDLCs), supercapacitors and Li-ion batteries have emerged as premier candidates to meet the rising demands in energy storage; however, such systems are limited by thermal hazards, thermal runaway, fires and explosions, all of which become increasingly more dangerous in large-format devices. To prevent such scenarios, thermally-responsive polymer electrolytes (RPEs) that alter properties in electrochemical energy storage devices were designed and tested. These RPEs will be used to limit or halt device operation when temperatures increase beyond a predetermined threshold, therefore limiting further heating. The development of these responsive systems will offer an inherent safety mechanism in electrochemical energy storage devices, while preserving the performance, lifetimes, and versatility that large-format systems require. Initial work focused on the development of a model system that demonstrated the concept of RPEs in an electrochemical device. Aqueous electrolyte solutions of polymers exhibiting properties that change in response to temperature were developed for applications in EDLCs and supercapacitors. These "smart materials" provide a means to control electrochemical systems where polymer phase separation at high temperatures affects electrolyte properties and inhibits device performance. Aqueous RPEs were synthesized using N-isopropylacrylamide, which governs the thermal properties, and fractions of acrylic acid or vinyl sulfonic acids, which provide ions to the solution. The molecular properties of these aqueous RPEs, specifically the ionic composition, were shown to influence the temperature-dependent electrolyte properties and the extent to which these electrolytes control the energy storage characteristics of a supercapacitor device. Materials with high ionic content provided the highest room temperature conductivity and electrochemical activity; however, RPEs with low ionic content provided the highest "on-off" ratio in electrochemical activity at elevated temperatures. Overall, solution pH and conductivity were altered by an order of magnitude and device performance (ability to store charge) decreased by over 70%. After demonstration of a model responsive electrolyte in an aqueous system, ionic liquid (IL) based electrolytes were developed as a means of controlling the electrochemical performance in the non-aqueous environments that batteries, specifically Li-ion, require. Here, two systems were developed: (1) an electrolyte comprising poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), the IL, [EMIM][BF4], and a lithium salt and (2) an electrolyte comprising poly(benzyl methacrylate) (PBzMA), the IL, [EMIM][TFSI], and a lithium salt. In each system, the polymer-IL phase separation inhibited device operation at elevated temperatures. For the PEO/IL electrolyte, the thermally induced liquid-liquid phase separation was shown to decrease the ionic conductivity, thereby affecting the concentration of ions at the electrode. Additionally, an increasing charge transfer resistance associated with the phase separated polymer coating the porous electrode was shown to limit electrochemical activity significantly. For the PBzMA/IL electrolyte, the solid-liquid phase separation did not show a change in conductivity, but did cause a drastic increase in charge transfer resistance, effectively shutting off Li-ion battery operation at high temperatures. Such responsive mixtures provide a transformative approach to regulating electrochemical processes, which is necessary to achieve inherently safe operation in large format energy storage with EDLCs, supercapacitors and Li-ion batteries.

Structural characterization of multimetallic nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukundan, Vineetha

Bimetallic and trimetallic alloy nanoparticles have enhanced catalytic activities due to their unique structural properties. Using in situ time-resolved synchrotron based x-ray diffraction, we investigated the structural properties of nanoscale catalysts undergoing various heat treatments. Thermal treatment brings about changes in particle size, morphology, dispersion of metals on support, alloying, surface electronic properties, etc. First, the mechanisms of coalescence and grain growth in PtNiCo nanoparticles supported on planar silica on silicon were examined in detail in the temperature range 400-900°C. The sintering process in PtNiCo nanoparticles was found to be accompanied by lattice contraction and L10 chemical ordering. The mass transport involved in sintering is attributed to grain boundary diffusion and its corresponding activation energy is estimated from the data analysis. Nanoscale alloying and phase transformations in physical mixtures of Pd and Cu ultrafine nanoparticles were also investigated in real time with in situ synchrotron based x-ray diffraction complemented by ex situ high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. PdCu nanoparticles are interesting because they are found to be more efficient as catalysts in ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) than monometallic Pd catalysts. The combination of metal support interaction and reactive/non-reactive environment was found to determine the thermal evolution and ultimate structure of this binary system. The composition of the as prepared Pd:Cu mixture in this study was 34% Pd and 66% Cu. At 300°C, the nanoparticles supported on silica and carbon black intermix to form a chemically ordered CsCl-type (B2) alloy phase. The B2 phase transforms into a disordered fcc alloy at higher temperature (>450°C). The alloy nanoparticles supported on silica and carbon black are homogeneous in volume, but evidence was found of Pd surface enrichment. In sharp contrast, when supported on alumina, the two metals segregated at 300°C to produce almost pure fcc Cu and Pd phases. Upon further annealing of the mixture on alumina above 600°C, the two metals interdiffused, forming two distinct disordered alloys of compositions 30% and 90% Pd. The annealing atmosphere also plays a major role in the structural evolution of these bimetallic nanoparticles. The nanoparticles annealed in forming gas are larger than the nanoparticles annealed in helium due to reduction of the surface oxides that promotes coalescence and sintering. The nanoscale composition and structure of alloy catalysts affect heterogeneous catalysis. We also studied Pd:Cu nanoparticle mixtures of different compositions. In Pd:Cu of composition ratio 1:1, ordered B2 phase is formed during annealing at 450C. During the ramped annealing from 450°C to 750°C, the B2 phase transforms into two different alloys, one alloy rich in copper and the other rich in Pd. This structural evolution is different from that of Pd-Cu system in bulk. In the 3:1 composition, the B2 phase dominates in the isothermal anneal at 450C but a disordered alloy fcc phase is also formed. On annealing to 750°C, the disordered fcc phase grows at the expense of the B2 phase. These findings have important applications for the thermal activation of Pd-Cu nanocatalysts for EOR reactions.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of a newly developed low Young's modulus Ti-15Zr-5Cr-2Al biomedical alloy.

PubMed

Wang, Pan; Wu, Lihong; Feng, Yan; Bai, Jiaming; Zhang, Baicheng; Song, Jie; Guan, Shaokang

2017-03-01

The Ti-15Zr-5Cr-2Al alloy has been developed and various heat treatments have been investigated to develop new biomedical materials. It is found that the heat treatment conditions strongly affect the phase constitutions and mechanical properties. The as-cast specimen is comprised of β phase and a small fraction of α phase, which is attributed to the suppression of ω phase caused by adding Al. A high yield strength of 1148±36MPa and moderate Young's modulus of 96±3GPa are obtained in the as-cast specimen. Besides the β phase and α phase, ω phase is also detected in the air cooled and liquid nitrogen quenched specimens, which increases the Young's modulus and lowers the ductility. In contrast, only β phase is detected after ice water quenching. The ice water quenched specimen exhibits a good combination of mechanical properties with a high microhardness of 302±10HV, a large plastic strain of 23±2%, a low Young's modulus of 58±4GPa, a moderate yield strength of 625±32MPa and a high compressive strength of 1880±59MPa. Moreover, the elastic energies of the ice water quenched specimen (3.22MJ/m 3 ) and as-cast specimen (6.86MJ/m 3 ) are higher than that of c.p. Ti (1.25MJ/m 3 ). These results demonstrate that as-cast and ice water quenched Ti-15Zr-5Cr-2Al alloys with a superior combination of mechanical properties are potential materials for biomedical applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High loading efficiency and sustained release of siRNA encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles: quality by design optimization and characterization.

PubMed

Cun, Dongmei; Jensen, Ditte Krohn; Maltesen, Morten Jonas; Bunker, Matthew; Whiteside, Paul; Scurr, David; Foged, Camilla; Nielsen, Hanne Mørck

2011-01-01

Poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide acid) (PLGA) is an attractive polymer for delivery of biopharmaceuticals owing to its biocompatibility, biodegradability and outstanding controlled release characteristics. The purpose of this study was to understand and define optimal parameters for preparation of small interfering RNA (siRNA)-loaded PLGA nanoparticles by the double emulsion solvent evaporation method and characterize their properties. The experiments were performed according to a 2(5-1) fractional factorial design based on five independent variables: The volume ratio between the inner water phase and the oil phase, the PLGA concentration, the sonication time, the siRNA load and the amount of acetylated bovine serum albumin (Ac-BSA) in the inner water phase added to stabilize the primary emulsion. The effects on the siRNA encapsulation efficiency and the particle size were investigated. The most important factors for obtaining an encapsulation efficiency as high as 70% were the PLGA concentration and the volume ratio whereas the size was mainly affected by the PLGA concentration. The viscosity of the oil phase was increased at high PLGA concentration, which explains the improved encapsulation by stabilization of the primary emulsion and reduction of siRNA leakage to the outer water phase. Addition of Ac-BSA increased the encapsulation efficiency at low PLGA concentrations. The PLGA matrix protected siRNA against nuclease degradation, provided a burst release of surface-localized siRNA followed by a triphasic sustained release for two months. These results enable careful understanding and definition of optimal process parameters for preparation of PLGA nanoparticles encapsulating high amounts of siRNA with immediate and long-term sustained release properties. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The growth of intermetallic compounds at Sn-Ag-Cu solder/Cu and Sn-Ag-Cu solder/Ni interfaces and the associated evolution of the solder microstructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zribi, A.; Clark, A.; Zavalij, L.; Borgesen, P.; Cotts, E. J.

2001-09-01

The evolution of intermetallics at and near SnAgCu/Cu and SnAgCu/Ni interfaces was examined, and compared to the behavior, near PbSn/metal and Sn/metal interfaces. Two different solder compositions were considered, Sn93.6Ag4.7Cu1.7 and Sn95.5Ag3.5Cu1.0 (Sn91.8Ag5.1 Cu3.1 and Sn94.35Ag3.8Cu1.85 in atomic percent). In both cases, phase formation and growth at interfaces with Cu were very similar to those commonly observed for eutectic SnPb solder. However, the evolution of intermetallics at SnAgCu/Ni interfaces proved much more complex. The presence of the Cu in the solder dramatically altered the phase selectivity at the solder/Ni interface and affected the growth kinetics of intermetallics. As long as sufficient Cu was available, it would combine with Ni and Sn to form (Cu,Ni)6)Sn5 which grew instead of the Ni3Sn4 usually observed in PbSn/Ni and Sn/Ni diffusion couples. This growing phase would, however, eventually consume essentially all of the available Cu in the solder. Because the mechanical properties of Sn-Ag-Cu alloys, depend upon the Cu content, this consumption can be expected to alter the mechanical properties of these Pb-free solderjoints. After depletion of the Cu from the solder, further annealing then gradually transformed the (Cu,Ni)6Sn5 phase into a (Ni,Cu)3Sn4 phase.

Phase-field Model for Interstitial Loop Growth Kinetics and Thermodynamic and Kinetic Models of Irradiated Fe-Cr Alloys

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

Li, Yulan; Hu, Shenyang Y.; Sun, Xin

2011-06-15

Microstructure evolution kinetics in irradiated materials has strongly spatial correlation. For example, void and second phases prefer to nucleate and grow at pre-existing defects such as dislocations, grain boundaries, and cracks. Inhomogeneous microstructure evolution results in inhomogeneity of microstructure and thermo-mechanical properties. Therefore, the simulation capability for predicting three dimensional (3-D) microstructure evolution kinetics and its subsequent impact on material properties and performance is crucial for scientific design of advanced nuclear materials and optimal operation conditions in order to reduce uncertainty in operational and safety margins. Very recently the meso-scale phase-field (PF) method has been used to predict gas bubblemore » evolution, void swelling, void lattice formation and void migration in irradiated materials,. Although most results of phase-field simulations are qualitative due to the lake of accurate thermodynamic and kinetic properties of defects, possible missing of important kinetic properties and processes, and the capability of current codes and computers for large time and length scale modeling, the simulations demonstrate that PF method is a promising simulation tool for predicting 3-D heterogeneous microstructure and property evolution, and providing microstructure evolution kinetics for higher scale level simulations of microstructure and property evolution such as mean field methods. This report consists of two parts. In part I, we will present a new phase-field model for predicting interstitial loop growth kinetics in irradiated materials. The effect of defect (vacancy/interstitial) generation, diffusion and recombination, sink strength, long-range elastic interaction, inhomogeneous and anisotropic mobility on microstructure evolution kinetics is taken into account in the model. The model is used to study the effect of elastic interaction on interstitial loop growth kinetics, the interstitial flux, and sink strength of interstitial loop for interstitials. In part II, we present a generic phase field model and discuss the thermodynamic and kinetic properties in phase-field models including the reaction kinetics of radiation defects and local free energy of irradiated materials. In particular, a two-sublattice thermodynamic model is suggested to describe the local free energy of alloys with irradiated defects. Fe-Cr alloy is taken as an example to explain the required thermodynamic and kinetic properties for quantitative phase-field modeling. Finally the great challenges in phase-field modeling will be discussed.« less

A High Resolution Hydrometer Phase Classifier Based on Analysis of Cloud Radar Doppler Spectra.

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

Luke,E.; Kollias, P.

2007-08-06

The lifecycle and radiative properties of clouds are highly sensitive to the phase of their hydrometeors (i.e., liquid or ice). Knowledge of cloud phase is essential for specifying the optical properties of clouds, or else, large errors can be introduced in the calculation of the cloud radiative fluxes. Current parameterizations of cloud water partition in liquid and ice based on temperature are characterized by large uncertainty (Curry et al., 1996; Hobbs and Rangno, 1998; Intriery et al., 2002). This is particularly important in high geographical latitudes and temperature ranges where both liquid droplets and ice crystal phases can exist (mixed-phasemore » cloud). The mixture of phases has a large effect on cloud radiative properties, and the parameterization of mixed-phase clouds has a large impact on climate simulations (e.g., Gregory and Morris, 1996). Furthermore, the presence of both ice and liquid affects the macroscopic properties of clouds, including their propensity to precipitate. Despite their importance, mixed-phase clouds are severely understudied compared to the arguably simpler single-phase clouds. In-situ measurements in mixed-phase clouds are hindered due to aircraft icing, difficulties distinguishing hydrometeor phase, and discrepancies in methods for deriving physical quantities (Wendisch et al. 1996, Lawson et al. 2001). Satellite-based retrievals of cloud phase in high latitudes are often hindered by the highly reflecting ice-covered ground and persistent temperature inversions. From the ground, the retrieval of mixed-phase cloud properties has been the subject of extensive research over the past 20 years using polarization lidars (e.g., Sassen et al. 1990), dual radar wavelengths (e.g., Gosset and Sauvageot 1992; Sekelsky and McIntosh, 1996), and recently radar Doppler spectra (Shupe et al. 2004). Millimeter-wavelength radars have substantially improved our ability to observe non-precipitating clouds (Kollias et al., 2007) due to their excellent sensitivity that enables the detection of thin cloud layers and their ability to penetrate several non-precipitating cloud layers. However, in mixed-phase clouds conditions, the observed Doppler moments are dominated by the highly reflecting ice crystals and thus can not be used to identify the cloud phase. This limits our ability to identify the spatial distribution of cloud phase and our ability to identify the conditions under which mixed-phase clouds form.« less

Modeling Mass and Thermal Transport in Thin Porous Media of PEM Fuel Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konduru, Vinaykumar

Water transport in the Porous Transport Layer (PTL) plays an important role in the efficient operation of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). Excessive water content as well as dry operating conditions are unfavorable for efficient and reliable operation of the fuel cell. The effect of thermal conductivity and porosity on water management are investigated by simulating two-phase flow in the PTL of the fuel cell using a network model. In the model, the PTL consists of a pore-phase and a solid-phase. Different models of the PTLs are generated using independent Weibull distributions for the pore-phase and the solid-phase. The specific arrangement of the pores and solid elements is varied to obtain different PTL realizations for the same Weibull parameters. The properties of PTL are varied by changing the porosity and thermal conductivity. The parameters affecting operating conditions include the temperature, relative humidity in the flow channel and voltage and current density. In addition, a novel high-speed capable Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) microscope was built based on Kretschmann's configuration utilizing a collimated Kohler illumination. The SPR allows thin film characterization in a thickness of approximately 0-200nm by measuring the changes in the refractive index. Various independent experiments were run to measure film thickness during droplet coalescence during condensation.

Micro-computed tomography pore-scale study of flow in porous media: Effect of voxel resolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shah, S. M.; Gray, F.; Crawshaw, J. P.; Boek, E. S.

2016-09-01

A fundamental understanding of flow in porous media at the pore-scale is necessary to be able to upscale average displacement processes from core to reservoir scale. The study of fluid flow in porous media at the pore-scale consists of two key procedures: Imaging - reconstruction of three-dimensional (3D) pore space images; and modelling such as with single and two-phase flow simulations with Lattice-Boltzmann (LB) or Pore-Network (PN) Modelling. Here we analyse pore-scale results to predict petrophysical properties such as porosity, single-phase permeability and multi-phase properties at different length scales. The fundamental issue is to understand the image resolution dependency of transport properties, in order to up-scale the flow physics from pore to core scale. In this work, we use a high resolution micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scanner to image and reconstruct three dimensional pore-scale images of five sandstones (Bentheimer, Berea, Clashach, Doddington and Stainton) and five complex carbonates (Ketton, Estaillades, Middle Eastern sample 3, Middle Eastern sample 5 and Indiana Limestone 1) at four different voxel resolutions (4.4 μm, 6.2 μm, 8.3 μm and 10.2 μm), scanning the same physical field of view. Implementing three phase segmentation (macro-pore phase, intermediate phase and grain phase) on pore-scale images helps to understand the importance of connected macro-porosity in the fluid flow for the samples studied. We then compute the petrophysical properties for all the samples using PN and LB simulations in order to study the influence of voxel resolution on petrophysical properties. We then introduce a numerical coarsening scheme which is used to coarsen a high voxel resolution image (4.4 μm) to lower resolutions (6.2 μm, 8.3 μm and 10.2 μm) and study the impact of coarsening data on macroscopic and multi-phase properties. Numerical coarsening of high resolution data is found to be superior to using a lower resolution scan because it avoids the problem of partial volume effects and reduces the scaling effect by preserving the pore-space properties influencing the transport properties. This is evidently compared in this study by predicting several pore network properties such as number of pores and throats, average pore and throat radius and coordination number for both scan based analysis and numerical coarsened data.

Two-phase flows within systems with ambient pressure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hendricks, R. C.; Braun, M. J.; Wheeler, R. L., III; Mullen, R. L.

1985-01-01

In systems where the design inlet and outlet pressures are maintained above the thermodynamic critical pressure, it is often assumed that two phase flows within the system cannot occur. Designers rely on this simple rule of thumb to circumvent problems associated with a highly compressible two phase flow occurring within the supercritical pressure system along with the uncertainties in rotordynamics, load capacity, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermophysical property variations. The simple rule of thumb is adequate in many low power designs but is inadequate for high performance turbomachines and linear systems, where two phase regions can exist even though outlet pressure is greater than critical pressure. Rotordynamic-fluid-mechanic restoring forces depend on momentum differences, and those for a two phase zone can differ significantly from those for a single-phase zone. Using the Reynolds equation the angular velocity, eccentricity, geometry, and ambient conditions are varied to determine the point of two phase flow incipience.

Phase Transitions in Definite Total Spin States of Two-Component Fermi Gases.

PubMed

Yurovsky, Vladimir A

2017-05-19

Second-order phase transitions have no latent heat and are characterized by a change in symmetry. In addition to the conventional symmetric and antisymmetric states under permutations of bosons and fermions, mathematical group-representation theory allows for non-Abelian permutation symmetry. Such symmetry can be hidden in states with defined total spins of spinor gases, which can be formed in optical cavities. The present work shows that the symmetry reveals itself in spin-independent or coordinate-independent properties of these gases, namely as non-Abelian entropy in thermodynamic properties. In weakly interacting Fermi gases, two phases appear associated with fermionic and non-Abelian symmetry under permutations of particle states, respectively. The second-order transitions between the phases are characterized by discontinuities in specific heat. Unlike other phase transitions, the present ones are not caused by interactions and can appear even in ideal gases. Similar effects in Bose gases and strong interactions are discussed.

Martensitic transformation and phase diagram in ternary Co-V-Ga Heusler alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Xiao; Nagashima, Akihide; Nagasako, Makoto; Omori, Toshihiro; Kanomata, Takeshi; Kainuma, Ryosuke

2017-03-01

We report the martensitic transformation behavior in Co-V-Ga Heusler alloys. Thermoanalysis and thermomagnetization measurements were conducted to observe the martensitic transformation. By using a transmission electron microscope and an in situ X-ray diffractometer, martensitic transformation was found to occur from the L21 Heusler parent phase to the D022 martensite phase. Phase diagrams were determined for two pseudo-binary sections where martensitic transformation was detected. Magnetic properties, including the Curie temperatures and spontaneous magnetization of the parent phase, were also investigated. The magnetic properties showing behaviors different from those of NiMn-based alloys were found.

Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum Strain OLL2712 Culture Conditions on the Anti-inflammatory Activities for Murine Immune Cells and Obese and Type 2 Diabetic Mice.

PubMed

Toshimitsu, T; Ozaki, S; Mochizuki, J; Furuichi, K; Asami, Y

2017-04-01

Studies on the health-promoting effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are numerous, but few provide examples of the relationship between LAB function and culture conditions. We verified the effect of differences in culture conditions on Lactobacillus plantarum OLL2712 functionality; this strain exhibits anti-inflammatory activity and preventive effects against metabolic disorders. We measured interleukin-10 (IL-10) and IL-12 production in murine immune cells treated with OLL2712 cells prepared under various culture conditions. The results showed that the IL-10-inducing activities of OLL2712 cells on murine immune cells differed dramatically between OLL2712 groups at different culture phases and using different culture medium components, temperatures, and neutralizing pHs. In particular, exponential-phase cells had much more IL-10-inducing activity than stationary-phase cells. We confirmed that the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) stimulation activity of OLL2712 cells depended on culture conditions in conjunction with IL-10-inducing activity. We also demonstrated functional differences by culture phases in vivo ; OLL2712 cells at exponential phase had more anti-inflammatory activity and anti-metabolic-disorder effects on obese and diabetic mice than those by their stationary-phase counterparts. These results suggest that culture conditions affect the functionality of anti-inflammatory LAB. IMPORTANCE While previous studies demonstrated that culture conditions affected the immunomodulatory properties of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), few have comprehensively investigated the relationship between culture conditions and LAB functionality. In this study, we demonstrated several culture conditions of Lactobacillus plantarum OLL2712 for higher anti-inflammatory activity. We also showed that culture conditions concretely influenced the health-promoting functions of OLL2712 in vivo , particularly against metabolic disorders. Further, we characterized a novel mechanism by which changing LAB culture conditions affected immunomodulatory properties. Our results suggest that culture condition optimization is important for the production of LAB with anti-inflammatory activity. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

Tissue refractometry using Hilbert phase microscopy.

PubMed

Lue, Niyom; Bewersdorf, Joerg; Lessard, Mark D; Badizadegan, Kamran; Dasari, Ramachandra R; Feld, Michael S; Popescu, Gabriel

2007-12-15

We present, for the first time to our knowledge, quantitative phase images associated with unstained 5 mum thick tissue slices of mouse brain, spleen, and liver. The refractive properties of the tissue are retrieved in terms of the average refractive index and its spatial variation. We find that the average refractive index varies significantly with tissue type, such that the brain is characterized by the lowest value and the liver by the highest. The spatial power spectra of the phase images reveal power law behavior with different exponents for each tissue type. This approach opens a new possibility for stain-free characterization of tissues, where the diagnostic power is provided by the intrinsic refractive properties of the biological structure. We present results obtained for liver tissue affected by a lysosomal storage disease and show that our technique can quantify structural changes during this disease development.

A review of rapid solidification studies of intermetallic compounds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koch, C. C.

1985-01-01

A review of rapid solidification studies of high-temperature ordered intermetallic compounds is presented. Emphasis is on the nickel - and iron- aluminides which are of potential interest as structural materials. The nickel-base aluminides which have been rapidly solidified exhibit changes in grain size, compositional segregation, and degree of long range order (as reflected in APB size and distribution) which markedly affect mechanical properties. Some experiments indicate the formation of a metastable L1(2) phase in rapidly solidified Fe-(Ni,Mn)-Al-C alloys, while other work observes only a metastable fcc phase in the same composition range. The metastable phases and/or microstructures in both nickel and iron aluminides are destroyed by annealing at temperatures above 750 K, with subsequent degradation of mechanical properties. Rapid solidification studies of several other intermetallic compounds are briefly noted.

Time-dependent local and average structural evolution of δ-phase 239Pu-Ga alloys

DOE PAGES

Smith, Alice I.; Page, Katharine L.; Siewenie, Joan E.; ...

2016-08-05

Here, plutonium metal is a very unusual element, exhibiting six allotropes at ambient pressure, between room temperature and its melting point, a complicated phase diagram, and a complex electronic structure. Many phases of plutonium metal are unstable with changes in temperature, pressure, chemical additions, or time. This strongly affects structure and properties, and becomes of high importance, particularly when considering effects on structural integrity over long periods of time [1]. This paper presents a time-dependent neutron total scattering study of the local and average structure of naturally aging δ-phase 239Pu-Ga alloys, together with preliminary results on neutron tomography characterization.

Comparative study of nonideal beam effects in high gain harmonic generation and self-seeded free electron lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marinelli, Agostino; Pellegrini, Claudio; Giannessi, Luca; Reiche, Sven

2010-07-01

In this paper we investigate and compare the properties of two narrow-bandwidth free-electron laser (FEL) schemes, one using self-seeding and the other high gain harmonic generation (HGHG). The two systems have been thoroughly studied analytically and numerically in the past. The aim of this work is to compare their performances when the FEL is driven by an electron beam with nonideal properties, thus including effects such as shot-to-shot energy fluctuations and nonlinear energy chirp. In both cases nonlinearities produce a bandwidth larger than the Fourier transform limited value. However, our analysis indicates that, for approximately the same output power levels, the self-seeding scheme is less affected than the HGHG scheme by quadratic energy chirps in the electron beam longitudinal phase space. This is confirmed by a specific numerical example corresponding to SPARX parameters where the electron beam was optimized to minimize the FEL gain length. The work has been carried out with the aid of the time dependent FEL codes GENESIS 1.3 (3D) and PERSEO (1D).

Hafnia-rich mixed oxide ceramics of the system HfO2-ZrO2-TiO2 for heaters and heat exchangers in electrothermal thrusters: The effects of titania on selected electrical and mechanical properties of Hafnia-rich mixed oxides in the system Hafnia-Zirconia-Titania, volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Staszak, Paul Russell; Wirtz, G. P.; Berg, M.; Brown, S. D.

1988-01-01

A study of the effects of titania on selected properties of hafnia-rich mixed oxides in the system hafnia-zirconia-titania (HZT) was made in the region 5 to 20 mol percent titania. The studied properties included electrical conductivity, thermal expansion, and fracture strength and toughness. The effects of titania on the properties were studied for the reduced state as well as the oxidized state of the sintered mixed oxides. X-ray analysis showed that the materials were not always single phase. The oxidized compositions went from being monoclinic solid solutions at low titania additions to having three phases (two monoclinic and a titanate phase) at high additions of titania. The reduced compositions showed an increasing cubic phase presence mixed with the monoclinic phase as titania was added. The electrical conductivity increased with temperature at approximately 0.1 mhos/cm at 1700 C for all compositions. The thermal expansion coefficient decreased with increasing titania as did the monoclinic to tetragonal transformation temperature. The fracture strength of the oxidized bars tended to decrease with the addition of titania owing to the presence of the second phase titania. The fracture strength of the reduced bars exhibited a minimum corresponding to a two-phase region of monoclinic and cubic phases. When the second phases were suppressed, the titania tended to increase the fracture strength slightly in both the oxidized and reduced states. The fracture toughness followed similar trends.

Low-temperature elastic properties of YbSbPt probed by ultrasound measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakanishi, Y.; Takahashi, S.; Ohyama, R.; Hasegawa, J.; Nakamura, M.; Suzuki, H.; Yoshizawa, M.

2018-03-01

The elastic properties of a single crystal of the half-Heusler compound YbSbPt have been investigated by means of the ultrasonic measurement. In particular, careful measurements of the temperature (T) dependent elastic constant C 11(T) was performed in the vicinity of its phase transition point near T N of 0.5 K. A clear step-like anomaly accompanied by spin-density-wave type antiferromagnetic (AFM) phase transition was found in the C 11(T) curve. The low-temperature magnetic phase diagram is proposed on the basis of the results. The phase diagram consists of, at least two main distinct phases: a low-field and high-field regime with a transition field of approximately 0.6 T at zero field. We discuss the low-temperature elastic property based on analysis of Landau-type free energy.

The growth and structure of dark matter haloes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, D. H.; Mo, H. J.; Jing, Y. P.; Börner, G.

2003-02-01

In this paper, we analyse in detail the mass-accretion histories and structural properties of dark haloes in high-resolution N-body simulations. We model the density distribution in individual haloes using the Navarro-Frenk-White (NFW) profile. For a given halo, there is a tight correlation between its inner-scale radius rs and the mass within it, Ms, for all its main progenitors. Using this correlation, one can predict quite well the structural properties of a dark halo at any time in its history from its mass-accretion history, implying that the structure properties and the mass-accretion history are closely correlated. The predicted growing rate of concentration c with time tends to increase with decreasing mass-accretion rate. The build-up of dark haloes in cold dark matter (CDM) models generally consists of an early phase of fast accretion (where the halo mass Mh increases with time much faster than the expansion rate of the Universe) and a late phase of slow accretion (where Mh increases with time approximately as the expansion rate). These two phases are separated at a time when c~ 4 and the typical binding energy of the halo is approximately equal to that of a singular isothermal sphere with the same circular velocity. Haloes in the two accretion phases show systematically different properties, for example, the circular velocity vh increases rapidly with time in the fast accretion phase but remains almost constant in the slow accretion phase, the inner properties of a halo, such as rs and Ms increase rapidly with time in the fast accretion phase but change only slowly in the slow accretion phase, the inner circular velocity vs is approximately equal to vh in the fast accretion phase but is larger in the slow accretion phase. The potential well associated with a halo is built up mainly in the fast accretion phase, while a large amount of mass can be accreted in the slow accretion phase without changing the potential well significantly. We discuss our results in connection with the formation of dark haloes and galaxies in hierarchical models.

SU(2) with fundamental fermions and scalars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hansen, Martin; Janowski, Tadeusz; Pica, Claudio; Toniato, Arianna

2018-03-01

We present preliminary results on the lattice simulation of an SU(2) gauge theory with two fermion flavors and one strongly interacting scalar field, all in the fundamental representation of SU(2). The motivation for this study comes from the recent proposal of "fundamental" partial compositeness models featuring strongly interacting scalar fields in addition to fermions. Here we describe the lattice setup for our study of this class of models and a first exploration of the lattice phase diagram. In particular we then investigate how the presence of a strongly coupled scalar field affects the properties of light meson resonances previously obtained for the SU(2) model. Preprint: CP3-Origins-2017-047 DNRF90

Two-phase chromium-niobium alloys exhibiting improved mechanical properties at high temperatures

DOEpatents

Liu, Chain T.; Takeyama, Masao

1994-01-01

The specification discloses chromium-niobium alloys which exhibit improved mechanical properties at high temperatures in the range of 1250.degree. C. and improved room temperature ductility. The alloys contain a Cr.sub.2 Nb-rich intermetallic phase and a Cr-rich phase with an overall niobium concentration in the range of from about 5 to about 18 at. %. The high temperature strength is substantially greater than that of state of the art nickel-based superalloys for enhanced high temperature service. Further improvements in the properties of the compositions are obtained by alloying with rhenium and aluminum; and additional rare-earth and other elements.

Two-phase chromium-niobium alloys exhibiting improved mechanical properties at high temperatures

DOEpatents

Liu, C.T.; Takeyama, Masao.

1994-02-01

The specification discloses chromium-niobium alloys which exhibit improved mechanical properties at high temperatures in the range of 1250 C and improved room temperature ductility. The alloys contain a Cr[sub 2]Nb-rich intermetallic phase and a Cr-rich phase with an overall niobium concentration in the range of from about 5 to about 18 at. %. The high temperature strength is substantially greater than that of state of the art nickel-based superalloys for enhanced high temperature service. Further improvements in the properties of the compositions are obtained by alloying with rhenium and aluminum; and additional rare-earth and other elements. 14 figures.

Density Functional Calculations for the Neutron Star Matter at Subnormal Density

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kashiwaba, Yu; Nakatsukasa, Takashi

The pasta phases of nuclear matter, whose existence is suggested at low density, may influence observable properties of neutron stars. In order to investigate properties of the neutron star matter, we calculate self-consistent solutions for the ground states of slab-like phase using the microscopic density functional theory with Bloch wave functions. The calculations are performed at each point of fixed average density and proton fraction (\\bar{ρ },Yp), varying the lattice constant of the unit cell. For small Yp values, the dripped neutrons emerge in the ground state, while the protons constitute the slab (crystallized) structure. The shell effect of protons affects the thickness of the slab nuclei.

The Effect of 4-Octyldecyloxybenzoic Acid on Liquid-Crystalline Polyurethane Composites with Triple-Shape Memory and Self-Healing Properties

PubMed Central

Ban, Jianfeng; Zhu, Linjiang; Chen, Shaojun; Wang, Yiping

2016-01-01

To better understand shape memory materials and self-healing materials, a new series of liquid-crystalline shape memory polyurethane (LC-SMPU) composites, named SMPU-OOBAm, were successfully prepared by incorporating 4-octyldecyloxybenzoic acid (OOBA) into the PEG-based SMPU. The effect of OOBA on the structure, morphology, and properties of the material has been carefully investigated. The results demonstrate that SMPU-OOBAm has liquid crystalline properties, triple-shape memory properties, and self-healing properties. The incorporated OOBA promotes the crystallizability of both soft and hard segments of SMPU, and the crystallization rate of the hard segment of SMPU decreases when the OOBA-content increases. Additionally, the SMPU-OOBAm forms a two-phase separated structure (SMPU phase and OOBA phase), and it shows two-step modulus changes upon heating. Therefore, the SMPU-OOBAm exhibits triple-shape memory behavior, and the shape recovery ratio decreases with an increase in the OOBA content. Finally, SMPU-OOBAm exhibits self-healing properties. The new mechanism can be ascribed to the heating-induced “bleeding” of OOBA in the liquid crystalline state and the subsequent re-crystallization upon cooling. This successful combination of liquid crystalline properties, triple-shape memory properties, and self-healing properties make the SMPU-OOBAm composites ideal for many promising applications in smart optical devices, smart electronic devices, and smart sensors. PMID:28773914

Two-phase simulation-based location-allocation optimization of biomass storage distribution

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This study presents a two-phase simulation-based framework for finding the optimal locations of biomass storage facilities that is a very critical link on the biomass supply chain, which can help to solve biorefinery concerns (e.g. steady supply, uniform feedstock properties, stable feedstock costs,...

Modeling Two-Stage Bunch Compression With Wakefields: Macroscopic Properties And Microbunching Instability

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

Bosch, R.A.; Kleman, K.J.; /Wisconsin U., SRC

2011-09-08

In a two-stage compression and acceleration system, where each stage compresses a chirped bunch in a magnetic chicane, wakefields affect high-current bunches. The longitudinal wakes affect the macroscopic energy and current profiles of the compressed bunch and cause microbunching at short wavelengths. For macroscopic wavelengths, impedance formulas and tracking simulations show that the wakefields can be dominated by the resistive impedance of coherent edge radiation. For this case, we calculate the minimum initial bunch length that can be compressed without producing an upright tail in phase space and associated current spike. Formulas are also obtained for the jitter in themore » bunch arrival time downstream of the compressors that results from the bunch-to-bunch variation of current, energy, and chirp. Microbunching may occur at short wavelengths where the longitudinal space-charge wakes dominate or at longer wavelengths dominated by edge radiation. We model this range of wavelengths with frequency-dependent impedance before and after each stage of compression. The growth of current and energy modulations is described by analytic gain formulas that agree with simulations.« less

Effects of frit addition on the surface morphology and structural properties of ZnO-Bi2O3-Mn2O3 discs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shahardin, Ahmad Hajidi; Mahmud, Shahrom; Sendi, Rabab Khalid

2015-04-01

ZnO-Bi2O3-Mn2O3 discs were prepared using conventional ceramic processing method and sintered at 1000°C. The different percentages of frit on the ZnO-Bi2O3-Mn2O3 discs were 0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 3.0%. From FESEM observation, the grain structure and grain growth were more uniformly constructed and well distributed. Frit addition was found to cause a big drop in the average grain size from 4.59 µm to 2.76 µm even with an addition of 0.5 mol%. The Si and Al content in the frit recipe might have played a role as inhibiting agents in grain growth during sintering. RAMAN intensity and phase shifting were not affected by frit addition except at 3 mol%. Frit addition did not affect the formation of secondary phases. Frit addition below 3 mol% in ZnO-Bi2O3-Mn2O3 varistor discs can be used as a method in controlling grain size without affecting other properties.

Improving the corrosion properties of magnesium AZ31 alloy GTA weld metal using microarc oxidation process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siva Prasad, M.; Ashfaq, M.; Kishore Babu, N.; Sreekanth, A.; Sivaprasad, K.; Muthupandi, V.

2017-05-01

In this work, the morphology, phase composition, and corrosion properties of microarc oxidized (MAO) gas tungsten arc (GTA) weldments of AZ31 alloy were investigated. Autogenous gas tungsten arc welds were made as full penetration bead-on-plate welding under the alternating-current mode. A uniform oxide layer was developed on the surface of the specimens with MAO treatment in silicate-based alkaline electrolytes for different oxidation times. The corrosion behavior of the samples was evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The oxide film improved the corrosion resistance substantially compared to the uncoated specimens. The sample coated for 10 min exhibited better corrosion properties. The corrosion resistance of the coatings was concluded to strongly depend on the morphology, whereas the phase composition and thickness were concluded to only slightly affect the corrosion resistance.

Quench dynamics of a disordered array of dissipative coupled cavities.

PubMed

Creatore, C; Fazio, R; Keeling, J; Türeci, H E

2014-09-08

We investigate the mean-field dynamics of a system of interacting photons in an array of coupled cavities in the presence of dissipation and disorder. We follow the evolution of an initially prepared Fock state, and show how the interplay between dissipation and disorder affects the coherence properties of the cavity emission, and show that these properties can be used as signatures of the many-body phase of the whole array.

Synthesis, characterization and application of noble-metal nanoparticles and their Langmuir films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Yuan

Noble-metal nanoparticles and their Langmuir films have attracted remarkable research interest due to their unique properties and potential applications in catalysis, hydrogen storage materials, and optical, magnetic and electronic devices. The properties of nanoparticles are affected not only by the size, but also by the shape. In this dissertation, highly crystalline rectangular palladium nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized via the reduction of K2PdCl 4 by ascorbic acid in the presence of a surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide under room temperature. Trisodium citrate is a key factor for high yield of nanocubes and nanorods. The average length and aspect ratio of the nanorods can be tuned by varying the concentration of trisodium citrate. These rectangular nanoparticles were stable for months as colloids. However, after being exposed to air for about 100 days, the dry nanoparticles on TEM grids were oxidized to form shells of 1.6--3.8 nm thick covering the nanoparticle surfaces. This procedure is conducted under room temperature and requires no seed-mediated growth or nanoporous rigid template so that it is easier and more practical for large-scale synthesis. Alkanethiolate palladium nanoparticles can be synthesized by two routes: a one-phase method and a two-phase method. In order to understand the electronic and chemical properties of dodecanethiolate palladium nanoparticles, a systematic comparison between the particles obtained by these two synthetic techniques was conducted. From transmission electron microscopy (TEM) we determined that the particle sizes were 46 +/- 10 A and 20 +/- 5 A for the 1- and 2-phase particles, respectively. Electron diffraction confirmed that their structure was face-centered cubic (FCC). High-resolution TEM (HRTEM) showed that the 1-phase particles had an ordered core surrounded by a disordered shell structure while the 2-phase particles appeared to be crystalline throughout. The particles were also analyzed with extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. A cuboctahedral FCC model was used to fit the data which implied particle sizes of less than 10 A for both the 1- and 2-phase particles. The discrepancy between the two techniques was attributed to the presence of disordered phase which we presumed was composed of Pd-S compounds. Compared with the bulk palladium, lattice expansion was observed in both 1- and 2-phase particles by electron diffraction, HRTEM and EXAFS. At the air/water interface, a uniform film which produced surface pressure/area isotherms could only be obtained from the 2-phase particles. The 1-phase particles did not wet the water surface. X-ray reflectivity (XR) data indicated that the Langmuir monolayer of the 2-phase particles was only 13 A thick. TEM revealed the diameter of the particles in this layer to be 23 A; hence the particles assumed an oblate structure after spreading. EXAFS examination of a stack of 750 Langmuir monolayers indicated far fewer Pd-S compounds, which may have dissolved in the water. The data were consistent with a model of a monolayer of truncated cuboctahedron Pd particles which were 7 A thick and 19 A in diameter. The differences between the decanethiolate gold nanoparticles synthesized by the same two methods were also investigated. The nanoparticles were compared by TEM, XR, EXAFS, x-ray powder diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). The mean nanoparticles sizes obtained by EXAFS and XRD were found to be smaller than those by the TEM measurements due to the structural disorder and multiple twinning in the nanoparticles. The one-phase particles were found by EXAFS to be smaller and had higher grafting density of thiol chains than the two-phase particles. We attributed these differences to the enhanced disorder of the one-phase particles. At the air-water interface, the one-phase particles did not spread, while the two-phase particles spread and formed Langmuir films, which collapsed and folded into multilayer films upon further compression. It has recently been suggested that oblate nanoparticles can form effective catalysts due to the many planes available to adsorption of the reacting species. Since we found the thiolate palladium and gold nanoparticles made from two-phase method both changed their shape to oblate, we proposed to try these particle platelets in order to see if they would enhance the performance of PEM fuel cells where numerous catalytic processes take place. We found that these particles could potentially enhance the power output by as much as 440%, provided that they are self-assembled into a Langmuir monolayer.

Evolving morphotropic phase boundary in lead-free (Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3-BaTiO3 piezoceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jo, Wook; Daniels, John E.; Jones, Jacob L.; Tan, Xiaoli; Thomas, Pamela A.; Damjanovic, Dragan; Rödel, Jürgen

2011-01-01

The correlation between structure and electrical properties of lead-free (1-x)(Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3-xBaTiO3 (BNT-100xBT) polycrystalline piezoceramics was investigated systematically by in situ synchrotron diffraction technique, combined with electrical property characterization. It was found that the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) between a rhombohedral and a tetragonal phase evolved into a morphotropic phase region with electric field. In the unpoled material, the MPB was positioned at the transition from space group R3m to P4mm (BNT-11BT) with optimized permittivity throughout a broad single-phase R3m composition regime. Upon poling, a range of compositions from BNT-6BT to BNT-11BT became two-phase mixture, and maximum piezoelectric coefficient was observed in BNT-7BT. It was shown that optimized electrical properties are related primarily to the capacity for domain texturing and not to phase coexistence.

Single-Layer Limit of Metallic Indium Overlayers on Si(111).

PubMed

Park, Jae Whan; Kang, Myung Ho

2016-09-09

Density-functional calculations are used to identify one-atom-thick metallic In phases grown on the Si(111) surface, which have long been sought in quest of the ultimate two-dimensional (2D) limit of metallic properties. We predict two metastable single-layer In phases, one sqrt[7]×sqrt[3] phase with a coverage of 1.4 monolayer (ML; here 1 ML refers to one In atom per top Si atom) and the other sqrt[7]×sqrt[7] phase with 1.43 ML, which indeed agree with experimental evidences. Both phases reveal quasi-1D arrangements of protruded In atoms, leading to 2D-metallic but anisotropic band structures and Fermi surfaces. This directional feature contrasts with the free-electron-like In-overlayer properties that are known to persist up to the double-layer thickness, implying that the ultimate 2D limit of In overlayers may have been achieved in previous studies of double-layer In phases.

Microstructure and Phase Analysis in Mn-Al and Zr-Co Permanent Magnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lucis, Michael J.

In America's search for energy independence, the development of rare-earth free permanent magnets is one hurdle that still stands in the way. Permanent magnet motors provide a higher efficiency than induction motors in applications such as hybrid vehicles and wind turbines. This thesis investigates the ability of two materials, Mn-Al and Zr-Co, to fill this need for a permanent magnet material whose components are readily available within the U.S. and whose supply chain is more stable than that of the rare-earth materials. This thesis focuses on the creation and optimization of these two materials to later be used as the hard phase in nanocomposites with high energy products (greater than 10 MGOe). Mn-Al is capable of forming the pure L10 structure at a composition of Mn54Al43C3. When Mn is replaced by Fe or Cu using the formula Mn48Al43C3T6 the anisotropy constant is lowered from 1.3·107 ergs/cm3 to 1.0·107 ergs/cm3 and 0.8·10 7 ergs/cm3 respectively. Previous studies have reported a loss in magnetization in Mn-Al alloys during mechanical milling. The reason for this loss in magnetization was investigated and found to be due to the formation of the equilibrium beta-Mn phase of the composition Mn3Al2 and not due to oxidation or site disorder. It was also shown that fully dense Mn-Al permanent magnets can be created at hot pressing temperatures at or above 700°C and that the epsilon-phase to tau-phase transition and consolidation can be combined into a single processing step. The addition of small amounts of Cu to the alloy, 3% atomic, can increase the compaction density allowing high densities to be achieved at lower pressing temperatures. While the structure is still under debate, alloys at the composition Zr2Co11 in the Zr-Co system have been shown to have hard magnetic properties. This thesis shows that multiple structures exist at this Zr2Co11 composition and that altering the cooling rate during solidification of the alloy affects the ratio of the phase composition and therefore affects the magnetic properties. Phase diagrams for the Zr-Co system show that the Zr2Co11 phase is stable to a temperature of 1272°C, at which point the Zr6Co23 phase is the most favorable. However, this thesis shows that the Zr6Co23 phase forms at room temperature during high energy mechanical milling and at annealing temperatures as low as 600°C. Since high energy mechanical milling was not a potential method to creating single crystalline particles, hydrogen embrittlement was investigated. Hydrochloric acid was used to induce hydrogen embrittlement in the Zr2Co11 alloy, modifying the fracture characteristics of the alloy causing it to occur primarily along grain boundaries resulting in single crystalline particles with remanent magnetization enhancement.

Effects of Vegetation Management With Prescribed Fire on Soil Physical Properties in a Young Longleaf Pine Stand

Treesearch

W.B. Patterson; M.A. Sword-Sayer; J.D. Haywood; S. Brooker

2004-01-01

The intensity and frequency of prescribed fire affects soil properties that control its quality. This project evaluates how six vegetation management treatments, four of which include biennial prescribed fire, affect the soil physical properties in two stands of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) located on the Kisatchie National Forest, Rapides...

The Effects of Salt on Rheological Properties of Asphalt after Long-Term Aging

PubMed Central

Yu, Xin; Luo, Yilin; Yin, Long

2013-01-01

Limited studies in recent years have shown that asphalt pavement subject to seawater in coastal regions or deicing salt in cold regions may be seriously damaged after being soaked in saline water for a long time. However, there is limited research into the influence of salt on rheological properties of asphalt after long-term aging. In this study, rheological properties of unmodified and polymer-modified asphalt after long-term aging were tested after being soaked in different concentrations of salt (0.3%~5%) for different durations (1 day~30 days). Orthogonal array based on the Taguchi method was used for experimental design. The frequency sweep tests were performed on the specimens of aged asphalt after being soaked for complex modulus and phase angle master curves and ultimate fatigue temperature. BBR tests were performed for stiffness. The test results indicate that saline water appears to reduce low temperature properties and fatigue resistance properties and improved high temperature properties of aged asphalt, and it also affects the sensitivity of complex modulus and phase angles at low frequencies. PMID:24459450

The effects of salt on rheological properties of asphalt after long-term aging.

PubMed

Yu, Xin; Wang, Ying; Luo, Yilin; Yin, Long

2013-01-01

Limited studies in recent years have shown that asphalt pavement subject to seawater in coastal regions or deicing salt in cold regions may be seriously damaged after being soaked in saline water for a long time. However, there is limited research into the influence of salt on rheological properties of asphalt after long-term aging. In this study, rheological properties of unmodified and polymer-modified asphalt after long-term aging were tested after being soaked in different concentrations of salt (0.3%~5%) for different durations (1 day~30 days). Orthogonal array based on the Taguchi method was used for experimental design. The frequency sweep tests were performed on the specimens of aged asphalt after being soaked for complex modulus and phase angle master curves and ultimate fatigue temperature. BBR tests were performed for stiffness. The test results indicate that saline water appears to reduce low temperature properties and fatigue resistance properties and improved high temperature properties of aged asphalt, and it also affects the sensitivity of complex modulus and phase angles at low frequencies.

Magnetic materials for mobile communication antennas substrate application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Hui; Liang, Difei; Li, Weijia; Pang, Chao

2017-11-01

In this work, 3Ba0.7Sr0.3O·2CoO·10.8Fe2O3 and Ba2Co2Fe12O22 had been fabricated successfully by conventional ceramic process. Crystallographic structure and electromagnetic properties of two kind of hexagonal ferrite with different sintering temperature were investigated. X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Agilent-N5230A Network Analyzer were used to measure ferrite samples. The mobile phone antenna performance was analysed by HFSS. The results revealed that the main phase of two ferrite samples generated at lower temperature due to additive. The optimized parameters of ferrite are sintering temperature at 1000°C. And to emulate antenna model by HFSS find that Z-type and Y-type ferrite substrate can contribute to antenna frequency shifting, radiation efficiency were affected a little.

Influence of Cu on modifying the beta phase and enhancing the mechanical properties of recycled Al-Si-Fe cast alloys.

PubMed

Basak, C B; Babu, N Hari

2017-07-18

High iron impurity affects the castability and the tensile properties of the recycled Al-Si alloys due to the presence of the Fe containing intermetallic β-Al 9 Fe 2 Si 2 phase. To date only Mn addition is known to transform the β-Al 9 Fe 2 Si 2 phase in the Al-Si-Fe system. However, for the first time, as reported here, it is shown that β-phase transforms to the ω-Al 7 Cu 2 Fe phase in the presence of Cu, after solutionization at 793 K. The ω-phase decomposes below 673 K resulting into the formation of θ-Al 2 Cu phase. However, the present thermodynamic description of the Al-Si-Fe-Cu system needs finer tuning to accurately predict the stability of the ω-phase in these alloys. In the present study, an attempt was made to enhance the strength of Al-6wt%Si-2wt%Fe model recycled cast alloy with different amount of Cu addition. Microstructural and XRD analysis were carried out in detail to show the influence of Cu and the stability range of the ω-phase. Tensile properties and micro-hardness values are also reported for both as-cast and solutionized alloys with different amount of Cu without and with ageing treatment at 473 K. The increase in strength due to addition of Cu, in Fe-rich Al-Si alloys is promising from the alloy recyclability point of view.

Coupling between the Dynamics of Water and Surfactants in Lyotropic Liquid Crystals.

PubMed

McDaniel, Jesse G; Yethiraj, Arun

2017-05-18

Bilayers composed of lipid or surfactant molecules are central to biological membranes and lamellar lyotropic liquid crystalline (LLC) phases. Common to these systems are phases that exhibit either ordered or disordered packing of the hydrophobic tails. In this work, we study the impact of surfactant ordering, i.e., disordered L α and ordered L β LLC phases, on the dynamics of water and sodium ions in the lamellar phases of dicarboxylate gemini surfactants. We study the different phases at identical hydration levels by changing the length of the hydrophobic tails; surfactants with shorter tails form L α phases and those with longer tails form L β phases. We find that the L α phases exhibit lower density and greater compressibility than the L β phases, with a hydration-dependent headgroup surface area. These structural differences significantly affect the relative dynamic properties of the phases, primarily the mobility of the surfactant molecules tangential to the bilayer surface, as well as the rates of water and ion diffusion. We find ∼20-50% faster water diffusion in the L α phases compared to the L β phases, with the differences most pronounced at low hydration. This coupling between water dynamics and surfactant mobility is verified using additional simulations in which the surfactant tails are frozen. Our study indicates that gemini surfactant LLCs provide an important prototypical system for characterizing properties shared with more complex biological lipid membranes.

Nanoindentation of silicon implanted with hydrogen: effect of implantation dose on silicon’s mechanical properties and nanoindentation-induced phase transformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jelenković, Emil V.; To, Suet; Goncharova, Lyudmila V.; Wong, Sing Fai

2017-07-01

Implantation of hydrogen in single-crystal silicon (c-Si) is known to affect its machining. However, very little is reported on the material and mechanical properties of hydrogen-implanted silicon (Si). In this article, near-surface regions (~0-500 nm) of lightly doped (1 0 0) Si were modified by varying the hydrogen concentration using ion implantation. The maximum hydrogen concentration was varied from ~4  ×  1020 to ~3.2  ×  1021 cm-3. The implanted Si was investigated by nanoindentation. From the dynamic nanoindentation test, it was found that in hydrogen-implanted Si hardness is increased significantly, while the elastic modulus is reduced. The nanoindentation-induced Si phase transformation was studied under different load/unload rates and loads. Raman spectroscopy revealed that the hydrogen implantation tends to suppress Si-XII and Si-III phases and facilitates amorphous Si formation during the unloading stage of nanoindentation. Both the mechanical properties and phase transformations were qualitatively related not only to the hydrogen concentration, but also to the implantation-generated defects and strain.

Review on occurrence and behavior of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs in atmosphere of East Asia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trinh, Minh Man; Chang, Moo Been

2018-05-01

This paper reviews the data from studies mainly published after 2000 to provide the current understanding of the physicochemical properties, atmospheric occurrence, gas/particle partitioning, fate and temporal trends in atmospheric matrix of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs of East Asia. Ambient PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs concentrations in East Asia are found to be tens to hundreds times higher than that measured in Europe and North America. After strict regulations on PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs emissions are enacted, the concentrations of these compounds decrease dramatically in Eastern Asian countries. In general, most of PCDD/Fs distribute in particle phase while dl-PCBs majorly exist in gas phase. Three main factors including physicochemical properties of the compounds, properties of particle and atmospheric condition affect the gas/particle partitioning of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs. The accuracy of absorption and adsorption models on predicting gas/particle partitioning of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs is evaluated. Gas-phase compounds are mostly removed from the atmosphere via reactions with OH radicals while those in particle phase are majorly removed by wet/dry deposition processes. The effects of removing processes and long-range transport on gas/particle partitioning are also discussed.

Ab initio interatomic potentials and the thermodynamic properties of fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vlasiuk, Maryna; Sadus, Richard J.

2017-07-01

Monte Carlo simulations with accurate ab initio interatomic potentials are used to investigate the key thermodynamic properties of argon and krypton in both vapor and liquid phases. Data are reported for the isochoric and isobaric heat capacities, the Joule-Thomson coefficient, and the speed of sound calculated using various two-body interatomic potentials and different combinations of two-body plus three-body terms. The results are compared to either experimental or reference data at state points between the triple and critical points. Using accurate two-body ab initio potentials, combined with three-body interaction terms such as the Axilrod-Teller-Muto and Marcelli-Wang-Sadus potentials, yields systematic improvements to the accuracy of thermodynamic predictions. The effect of three-body interactions is to lower the isochoric and isobaric heat capacities and increase both the Joule-Thomson coefficient and speed of sound. The Marcelli-Wang-Sadus potential is a computationally inexpensive way to utilize accurate two-body ab initio potentials for the prediction of thermodynamic properties. In particular, it provides a very effective way of extending two-body ab initio potentials to liquid phase properties.

Ab initio interatomic potentials and the thermodynamic properties of fluids.

PubMed

Vlasiuk, Maryna; Sadus, Richard J

2017-07-14

Monte Carlo simulations with accurate ab initio interatomic potentials are used to investigate the key thermodynamic properties of argon and krypton in both vapor and liquid phases. Data are reported for the isochoric and isobaric heat capacities, the Joule-Thomson coefficient, and the speed of sound calculated using various two-body interatomic potentials and different combinations of two-body plus three-body terms. The results are compared to either experimental or reference data at state points between the triple and critical points. Using accurate two-body ab initio potentials, combined with three-body interaction terms such as the Axilrod-Teller-Muto and Marcelli-Wang-Sadus potentials, yields systematic improvements to the accuracy of thermodynamic predictions. The effect of three-body interactions is to lower the isochoric and isobaric heat capacities and increase both the Joule-Thomson coefficient and speed of sound. The Marcelli-Wang-Sadus potential is a computationally inexpensive way to utilize accurate two-body ab initio potentials for the prediction of thermodynamic properties. In particular, it provides a very effective way of extending two-body ab initio potentials to liquid phase properties.

Enhanced Sintering of TiNi Shape Memory Foams under Mg Vapor Atmosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aydoğmuş, Tarik; Bor, Şakir

2012-12-01

TiNi alloy foams are promising candidates for biomaterials to be used as artificial orthopedic implant materials for bone replacement applications in biomedical sector. However, certain problems exist in their processing routes, such as formation of unwanted secondary intermetallic phases leading to brittleness and deterioration of shape memory and superelasticity characteristics; and the contamination during processing resulting in oxides and carbonitrides which affect mechanical properties negatively. Moreover, the eutectic reaction present in Ti-Ni binary system at 1391 K (1118 °C) prevents employment of higher sintering temperatures (and higher mechanical properties) even when equiatomic prealloyed powders are used because of Ni enrichment of TiNi matrix as a result of oxidation. It is essential to prevent oxidation of TiNi powders during processing for high-temperature (>1391 K i.e., 1118 °C) sintering practices. In the current study, magnesium powders were used as space holder material to produce TiNi foams with the porosities in the range of 40 to 65 pct. It has been found that magnesium prevents secondary phase formation and contamination. It also prevents liquid phase formation while enabling employment of higher sintering temperatures by two-step sintering processing: holding the sample at 1373 K (1100 °C) for 30 minutes, and subsequently sintering at temperatures higher than the eutectic temperature, 1391 K (1118 °C). By this procedure, magnesium may allow sintering up to temperatures close to the melting point of TiNi. TiNi foams produced with porosities in the range of 40 to 55 pct were found to be acceptable as implant materials in the light of their favorable mechanical properties.

Scaling of Two-Phase Flows to Partial-Earth Gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hurlbert, Kathryn M.; Witte, Larry C.

2003-01-01

A report presents a method of scaling, to partial-Earth gravity, of parameters that describe pressure drops and other characteristics of two-phase (liquid/ vapor) flows. The development of the method was prompted by the need for a means of designing two-phase flow systems to operate on the Moon and on Mars, using fluid-properties and flow data from terrestrial two-phase-flow experiments, thus eliminating the need for partial-gravity testing. The report presents an explicit procedure for designing an Earth-based test bed that can provide hydrodynamic similarity with two-phase fluids flowing in partial-gravity systems. The procedure does not require prior knowledge of the flow regime (i.e., the spatial orientation of the phases). The method also provides for determination of pressure drops in two-phase partial-gravity flows by use of a generalization of the classical Moody chart (previously applicable to single-phase flow only). The report presents experimental data from Mars- and Moon-activity experiments that appear to demonstrate the validity of this method.

Energy storage crystalline gel materials for 3D printing application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Yuchen; Miyazaki, Takuya; Gong, Jin; Zhu, Meifang

2017-04-01

Phase change materials (PCMs) are considered one of the most reliable latent heat storage and thermoregulation materials. In this paper, a vinyl monomer is used to provide energy storage capacity and synthesize gel with phase change property. The side chain of copolymer form crystal microcell to storage/release energy through phase change. The crosslinking structure of the copolymer can protect the crystalline micro-area maintaining the phase change stable in service and improving the mechanical strength. By selecting different monomers and adjusting their ratios, we design the chemical structure and the crystallinity of gels, which in further affect their properties, such as strength, flexibility, thermal absorb/release transition temperature, transparency and the water content. Using the light-induced polymerization 3D printing techniques, we synthesize the energy storage gel and shape it on a 3D printer at the same time. By optimizing the 3D printing conditions, including layer thickness, curing time and light source, etc., the 3D printing objects are obtained.

Electrochemically induced annealing of stainless-steel surfaces.

PubMed

Burstein, G T; Hutchings, I M; Sasaki, K

2000-10-19

Modification of the surface properties of metals without affecting their bulk properties is of technological interest in demanding applications where surface stability and hardness are important. When austenitic stainless steel is heavily plastically deformed by grinding or rolling, a martensitic phase transformation occurs that causes significant changes in the bulk and surface mechanical properties of the alloy. This martensitic phase can also be generated in stainless-steel surfaces by cathodic charging, as a consequence of lattice strain generated by absorbed hydrogen. Heat treatment of the steel to temperatures of several hundred degrees can result in loss of the martensitic structure, but this alters the bulk properties of the alloy. Here we show that martensitic structures in stainless steel can be removed by appropriate electrochemical treatment in aqueous solutions at much lower temperature than conventional annealing treatments. This electrochemically induced annealing process allows the hardness of cold-worked stainless steels to be maintained, while eliminating the brittle martensitic phase from the surface. Using this approach, we are able to anneal the surface and near-surface regions of specimens that contain rolling-induced martensite throughout their bulk, as well as those containing surface martensite induced by grinding. Although the origin of the electrochemical annealing process still needs further clarification, we expect that this treatment will lead to further development in enhancing the surface properties of metals.

Protomers of benzocaine: solvent and permittivity dependence.

PubMed

Warnke, Stephan; Seo, Jongcheol; Boschmans, Jasper; Sobott, Frank; Scrivens, James H; Bleiholder, Christian; Bowers, Michael T; Gewinner, Sandy; Schöllkopf, Wieland; Pagel, Kevin; von Helden, Gert

2015-04-01

The immediate environment of a molecule can have a profound influence on its properties. Benzocaine, the ethyl ester of para-aminobenzoic acid that finds an application as a local anesthetic, is found to adopt in its protonated form at least two populations of distinct structures in the gas phase, and their relative intensities strongly depend on the properties of the solvent used in the electrospray ionization process. Here, we combine IR-vibrational spectroscopy with ion mobility-mass spectrometry to yield gas-phase IR spectra of simultaneously m/z and drift-time-resolved species of benzocaine. The results allow for an unambiguous identification of two protomeric species: the N- and O-protonated forms. Density functional theory calculations link these structures to the most stable solution and gas-phase structures, respectively, with the electric properties of the surrounding medium being the main determinant for the preferred protonation site. The fact that the N-protonated form of benzocaine can be found in the gas phase is owed to kinetic trapping of the solution-phase structure during transfer into the experimental setup. These observations confirm earlier studies on similar molecules where N- and O-protonation have been suggested.

Numerical calculation of phase-matching properties in photonic crystal fibers with three and four zero-dispersion wavelengths.

PubMed

Zhao, Xingtao; Liu, Xiaoxu; Wang, Shutao; Wang, Wei; Han, Ying; Liu, Zhaolun; Li, Shuguang; Hou, Lantian

2015-10-19

Photonic crystal fibers with three and four zero-dispersion wavelengths are presented through special design of the structural parameters, in which the closing to zero and ultra-flattened dispersion can be obtained. The unique phase-matching properties of the fibers with three and four zero-dispersion wavelengths are analyzed. Variation of the phase-matching wavelengths with the pump wavelengths, pump powers, dispersion properties, and fiber structural parameters is analyzed. The presence of three and four zero-dispersion wavelengths can realize wavelength conversion of optical soliton between two anomalous dispersion regions, generate six phase-matching sidebands through four-wave mixing and create more new photon pairs, which can be used for the study of supercontinuum generation, optical switches and quantum optics.

Pressure Induced Phase Transition and Electronic Properties of 1d ZnO Nanocrystal: AN AB INITIO Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srivastava, Anurag; Tyagi, Neha

2012-10-01

We have analyzed the one-dimensional (1D) ZnO nanocrystals in its wurtzite (B4); zinc-blende (B3) and rocksalt (B1) type phases, by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The energetic stability of nanocrystal has been analyzed using Revised Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (revPBE) type parameterized GGA potential. The B3 type phase is most stable amongst other phases of nanocrystals. The computation of ground state properties for all the phases of ZnO nanocrystals finds that the bulk modulus are smaller than their bulk counterpart, in turn softening the material at reduced dimensions. The electronic band structure analysis confirms the semiconducting nature of B4 type phase whereas other two are metallic.

A computational study of systemic hydration in vocal fold collision.

PubMed

Bhattacharya, Pinaki; Siegmund, Thomas

2014-01-01

Mechanical stresses develop within vocal fold (VF) soft tissues due to phonation-associated vibration and collision. These stresses in turn affect the hydration of VF tissue and thus influence voice health. In this paper, high-fidelity numerical computations are described, taking into account fully 3D geometry, realistic tissue and air properties, and high-amplitude vibration and collision. A segregated solver approach is employed, using sophisticated commercial solvers for both the VF tissue and glottal airflow domains. The tissue viscoelastic properties were derived from a biphasic formulation. Two cases were considered, whereby the tissue viscoelastic properties corresponded to two different volume fractions of the fluid phase of the VF tissue. For each case, hydrostatic stresses occurring as a result of vibration and collision were investigated. Assuming the VF tissue to be poroelastic, interstitial fluid movement within VF tissue was estimated from the hydrostatic stress gradient. Computed measures of overall VF dynamics (peak airflow velocity, magnitude of VF deformation, frequency of vibration and contact pressure) were well within the range of experimentally observed values. The VF motion leading to mechanical stresses within the VFs and their effect on the interstitial fluid flux is detailed. It is found that average deformation and vibration of VFs tend to increase the state of hydration of the VF tissue, whereas VF collision works to reduce hydration.

Multilayer Electroactive Polymer Composite Material

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harrison, Joycelyn S. (Inventor); Holloway, Nancy M. (Inventor); Park, Cheol (Inventor); Draughon, Gregory K. (Inventor); Ounaies, Zoubeida (Inventor)

2011-01-01

An electroactive material comprises multiple layers of electroactive composite with each layer having unique dielectric, electrical and mechanical properties that define an electromechanical operation thereof when affected by an external stimulus. For example, each layer can be (i) a 2-phase composite made from a polymer with polarizable moieties and an effective amount of carbon nanotubes incorporated in the polymer for a predetermined electromechanical operation, or (ii) a 3-phase composite having the elements of the 2-phase composite and further including a third component of micro-sized to nano-sized particles of an electroactive ceramic incorporated in the polymer matrix.

Multilayer Electroactive Polymer Composite Material Comprising Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ounaies, Zoubeida (Inventor); Park, Cheol (Inventor); Harrison, Joycelyn S. (Inventor); Holloway, Nancy M. (Inventor); Draughon, Gregory K. (Inventor)

2009-01-01

An electroactive material comprises multiple layers of electroactive composite with each layer having unique dielectric, electrical and mechanical properties that define an electromechanical operation thereof when affected by an external stimulus. For example, each layer can be (i) a 2-phase composite made from a polymer with polarizable moieties and an effective amount of carbon nanotubes incorporated in the polymer for a predetermined electromechanical operation, or (ii) a 3-phase composite having the elements of the 2-phase composite and further including a third component of micro-sized to nano-sized particles of an electroactive ceramic incorporated in the polymer matrix.

Impact of Friedel oscillations on vapor-liquid equilibria and supercritical properties in two and three dimensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desgranges, Caroline; Huber, Landon; Delhommelle, Jerome

2016-07-01

We determine the impact of the Friedel oscillations on the phase behavior, critical properties, and thermodynamic contours in films [two dimensions (2 D )] and bulk phases [three dimensions (3 D )]. Using expanded Wang-Landau simulations, we calculate the grand-canonical partition function and, in turn, the thermodynamic properties of systems modeled with a linear combination of the Lennard-Jones and Dzugutov potentials, weighted by a parameter X (0

The Pore-scale modeling of multiphase flows in reservoir rocks using the lattice Boltzmann method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mu, Y.; Baldwin, C. H.; Toelke, J.; Grader, A.

2011-12-01

Digital rock physics (DRP) is a new technology to compute the physical and fluid flow properties of reservoir rocks. In this approach, pore scale images of the porous rock are obtained and processed to create highly accurate 3D digital rock sample, and then the rock properties are evaluated by advanced numerical methods at the pore scale. Ingrain's DRP technology is a breakthrough for oil and gas companies that need large volumes of accurate results faster than the current special core analysis (SCAL) laboratories can normally deliver. In this work, we compute the multiphase fluid flow properties of 3D digital rocks using D3Q19 immiscible LBM with two relaxation times (TRT). For efficient implementation on GPU, we improved and reformulated color-gradient model proposed by Gunstensen and Rothmann. Furthermore, we only use one-lattice with the sparse data structure: only allocate memory for pore nodes on GPU. We achieved more than 100 million fluid lattice updates per second (MFLUPS) for two-phase LBM on single Fermi-GPU and high parallel efficiency on Multi-GPUs. We present and discuss our simulation results of important two-phase fluid flow properties, such as capillary pressure and relative permeabilities. We also investigate the effects of resolution and wettability on multiphase flows. Comparison of direct measurement results with the LBM-based simulations shows practical ability of DRP to predict two-phase flow properties of reservoir rock.

The phases and magnetic properties of (Ti, Co), and Cr doped Zn 2Y-type hexagonal ferrite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Y. H.; Wang, C. C.; Chin, T. S.; Yen, F. S.

1988-04-01

The phases and magnetic properties of Y-type hexagonal ferrite, Ba 2Zn 2 (Ti, Co) yFe 12-2 yO 22 doped with two sets of ions, (Ti, Co) and Cr were studied. In (Ti, Co) - doped ferrites the second phase appears at y ⩾ 0.6, which is a spinel type with the formula of (Zn 1-ηCo η)(Fe 2-δCo δ)O 4. Two resonant peaks are observed in ESR studies at the fields of 1020 and 2430 Oe, respectively, at a frequency of 9.684 GHz. The linewidth increases with the addition of the dopants. In chromium doped ferrite, two phases are identified as the amount of chromium is up to 0.2: spinel type of Zn(Fe 2-ɛCr ɛ)O 4 and orthorhombic BaCr 2O 4. Although the amount of Cr used does not influence the resonant field of the unique peak of the derivative curves from ESR, it eventually enlarges the linewidth.

Effect of different annealing condition on the structural and magnetic properties of Mn2NiGa Heusler alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vagadia, Megha; Hester, James; Nigam, A. K.

2018-04-01

We studied the effect of different annealing conditions on structural and magnetic properties of Mn2NiGa Heusler alloys. Reitveld refinement of neutron diffraction pattern at RT confirms the tetragonal structure with cubic phase for I-W quenched alloy whereas Le Bail fitting trials performed on neutron diffraction pattern collected for other three alloys confirm 7M monoclinic structure with cubic phase. It is found that starting and finish temperatures associated with martensite and austenite phase transformation depends strongly on the cooling rate corresponding to different cooling techniques. Slow furnace cooled sample possesses the highest martensite start temperature above room temperature ˜ 326K which decreases to ˜ 198K for ice -water quenched sample. Variation in the drop in the magnetization around MS obtained upon warming from martensite to austenite phase under ZFC cycle suggests that change in the cooling condition strongly affects the magnetization in the low temperature martensite phase. Present results suggest that by varying the cooling rate, martensite transformation as well as the martensite structure can be tuned.

Effect of ferrite transformation on the tensile and stress corrosion properties of type 316 L stainless steel weld metal thermally aged at 873 K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaikh, H.; Khatak, H. S.; Seshadri, S. K.; Gnanamoorthy, J. B.; Rodriguez, P.

1995-07-01

This article deals with the effect of the microstructural changes, due to transformation of delta ferrite, on the associated variations that take place in the tensile and stress corrosion properties of type 316 L stainless steel weld deposits when subjected to postweld heat treatment at 873 K for prolonged periods (up to 2000 hours). On aging for short durations (up to 20 hours), carbide/ carbonitride was the dominant transformation product, whereas sigma phase was dominant at longer aging times. The changes in the tensile and stress corrosion behavior of the aged weld metal have been attributed to the two competitive processes of matrix softening and hardening. Yield strength (YS) was found to depend predominantly on matrix softening only, while sig-nificant changes in the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and the work-hardening exponent, n, occurred due to matrix hardening. Ductility and stress corrosion properties were considerably affected by both factors. Fractographic observations on the weld metal tested for stress-corrosion cracking (SCC) indicated a combination of transgranular cracking of the austenite and interface cracking.

Preparation and electrocatalytic activity of tungsten carbide and titania nanocomposite

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

Hu, Sujuan; Shi, Binbin; Yao, Guoxing

2011-10-15

Graphical abstract: The electrocatalytic activity of tungsten carbide and titania nanocomposite is related to the structure, crystal phase and chemical components of the nanocomposite, and is also affected by the property of electrolyte. A synergistic effect exists between tungsten carbide and titania of the composite. Highlights: {yields} Electrocatalytic activity of tungsten carbide and titania nanocomposite with core-shell structure. {yields} Activity is related to the structure, crystal phase and chemical component of the nanocomposite. {yields} The property of electrolyte affects the electrocatalytic activity. {yields} A synergistic effect exists between tungsten carbide and titania of the composite. -- Abstract: Tungsten carbide andmore » titania nanocomposite was prepared by combining a reduced-carbonized approach with a mechanochemical approach. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope under scanning mode and X-ray energy dispersion spectrum. The results show that the crystal phases of the samples are composed of anatase, rutile, nonstoichiometry titanium oxide, monotungsten carbide, bitungsten carbide and nonstoichiometry tungsten carbide, and they can be controlled by adjusting the parameters of the reduced-carbonized approach; tungsten carbide particles decorate on the surface of titania support, the diameter of tungsten carbide particle is smaller than 20 nm and that of titania is around 100 nm; the chemical components of the samples are Ti, O, W and C. The electrocatalytic activity of the samples was measured by a cyclic voltammetry with three electrodes. The results indicate that the electrocatalytic activities of the samples are related to their crystal phases and the property of electrolyte in aqueous solution. A synergistic effect between titania and tungsten carbide is reported for the first time.« less

Studies on aqueous two phase polymer systems useful for partitioning of biological materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brooks, D. E.; Bamberger, S.

1982-01-01

The two phase systems that result when aqueous solutions of dextran and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) are mixed above a critical concentration of a few percent provide a useful medium for the separation of biological cell subpopulations via partition between the top, PEG-rich phase and the liquid-liquid phase boundary. Interfacial tensions of such systems have been measured by the rotating drop technique and found to range between 0.1-100 micro-N/m. The tension was found to depend on the length of the tie line describing the system on a phase diagram, via a power law relationship which differed depending on the concentration of Na phosphate buffer present. The electrokinetic properties of drops of one phase suspended in the other were studied for a variety of systems. It was found that the droplet electrophoretic mobility increased monotonically with phosphate concentration and drop diameter but exhibited the opposite sign from that anticipated from phosphate partition measurements. It was possible to take advantage of these electrokinetic properties and dramatically enhance the speed of phase separation through application of relatively small electric fields.

Investigation of Polarization Phase Difference Related to Forest Fields Characterizations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majidi, M.; Maghsoudi, Y.

2013-09-01

The information content of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data significantly included in the radiometric polarization channels, hence polarimetric SAR data should be analyzed in relation with target structure. The importance of the phase difference between two co-polarized scattered signals due to the possible association between the biophysical parameters and the measured Polarization Phase Difference (PPD) statistics of the backscattered signal recorded components has been recognized in geophysical remote sensing. This paper examines two Radarsat-2 images statistics of the phase difference to describe the feasibility of relationship with the physical properties of scattering targets and tries to understand relevance of PPD statistics with various types of forest fields. As well as variation of incidence angle due to affecting on PPD statistics is investigated. The experimental forest pieces that are used in this research are characterized white pine (Pinus strobus L.), red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.), jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.), white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench Voss), black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill) B.S.P.), poplar (Populus L.), red oak (Quercus rubra L.) , aspen and ground vegetation. The experimental results show that despite of biophysical parameters have a wide diversity, PPD statistics are almost the same. Forest fields distributions as distributed targets have close to zero means regardless of the incidence angle. Also, The PPD distribution are function of both target and sensor parameters, but for more appropriate examination related to PPD statistics the observations should made in the leaf-off season or in bands with lower frequencies.

Effects of hormonal contraceptives on mental rotation and verbal fluency.

PubMed

Griksiene, Ramune; Ruksenas, Osvaldas

2011-09-01

Cognitive abilities, such as verbal fluency and mental rotation, are most sensitive to changes in sex steroids but poorly studied in the context of hormonal contraceptive usage. Therefore, we investigated the performance of mental rotation and verbal fluency in young (21.5±1.8 years) healthy oral contraceptive (OC) users (23 women) and non-users (20 women) during the follicular, ovulatory and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. Salivary 17β-estradiol, progesterone and testosterone levels were assayed to evaluate hormonal differences between groups and the phases of the menstrual cycle. To assess the effects of progestins having androgenic/anti-androgenic properties, OC users were subdivided into the third and new generation OC users. In addition, positive and negative affects as factors possibly affecting cognitive performance were evaluated. Salivary 17β-estradiol and progesterone levels were significantly lower in hormonal contraception users. Level of salivary testosterone was slightly lower in the OC users group with significant difference only during ovulatory phase. Naturally cycling women performed better on verbal fluency task as compared to OC users. Subjects who used the third generation (androgenic) OCs generated significantly fewer words as compared to new generation (anti-androgenic) OC users and non-users. The third generation OC users demonstrated significantly longer RT in MRT task as compared to non-users. The MRT, verbal fluency and mood parameters did not depend on the phase of menstrual cycle. The parameters of the PANAS (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule) scales did not differ between OC users and non-users. Our findings show that hormonal contraception has an impact on verbal and spatial abilities. Different performances between users of oral contraceptives with androgenic and anti-androgenic properties suggest an essential role for the progestins contained in OCs on cognitive performance. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Adaptation and Latent Structure of the Swahili Version of Beck Depression Inventory-II in a Low Literacy Population in the Context of HIV.

PubMed

Abubakar, Amina; Kalu, Raphael Birya; Katana, Khamis; Kabunda, Beatrice; Hassan, Amin S; Newton, Charles R; Van de Vijver, Fons

2016-01-01

We set out to adapt the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)-II in Kenya and examine its factorial structure. In the first phase we carried out in-depth interviews involving 29 adult members of the community to elicit their understanding of depression and identify aspects of the BDI-II that required adaptation. In the second phase, a modified version of BDI-II was administered to 221 adults randomly selected from the community to allow for the evaluation of its psychometric properties. In the third phase of the study we evaluated the discriminative validity of BDI-11 by comparing a randomly chosen community sample (n = 29) with caregivers of adolescents affected by HIV (n = 77). A considerable overlap between the BDI symptoms and those generated in the interviews was observed. Relevant idioms and symptoms such as 'thinking too much' and 'Kuchoka moyo (having a tired heart)' were identified. The administration of the BDI had to be modified to make it suitable for the low literacy levels of our participants. Fit indices for several models (one factorial, two-factor model and a three factor model) were all within acceptable range. Evidence indicated that while multidimensional models could be fitted, the strong correlations between the factors implied that a single factor model may be the best suited solution (alpha [0.89], and a significant correlation with locally identified items [r = 0.51]) confirmed the good psychometric properties of the adapted BDI-II. No evidence was found to support the hypothesis that somatization was more prevalent. Lastly, caregivers of HIV affected adolescents had significantly higher scores compared to adults randomly selected from the community F(1, 121) = 23.31, p < .001 indicating the discriminative validity of the adapted BDI = II. With an adapted administration procedure, the BDI-II provides an adequate measure of depressive symptoms which can be used alongside other measures for proper diagnosis in a low literacy population.

Effective grain size and charpy impact properties of high-toughness X70 pipeline steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Byoungchul; Kim, Yang Gon; Lee, Sunghak; Kim, Young Min; Kim, Nack J.; Yoo, Jang Yong

2005-08-01

The correlation of microstructure and Charpy V-notch (CVN) impact properties of a high-toughness API X70 pipeline steel was investigated in this study. Six kinds of steel were fabricated by varying the hot-rolling conditions, and their microstructures, effective grain sizes, and CVN impact properties were analyzed. The CVN impact test results indicated that the steels rolled in the single-phase region had higher upper-shelf energies (USEs) and lower energy-transition temperatures (ETTs) than the steels rolled in the two-phase region because their microstructures were composed of acicular ferrite (AF) and fine polygonal ferrite (PF). The decreased ETT in the steels rolled in the single-phase region could be explained by the decrease in the overall effective grain size due to the presence of AF having a smaller effective grain size. On the other hand, the absorbed energy of the steels rolled in the two-phase region was considerably lower because a large amount of dislocations were generated inside PFs during rolling. It was further decreased when coarse martensite or cementite was formed during the cooling process.

Ionic liquid/water mixtures: from hostility to conciliation.

PubMed

Kohno, Yuki; Ohno, Hiroyuki

2012-07-21

Water was originally inimical to ionic liquids (ILs) especially in the analysis of their detailed properties. Various data on the properties of ILs indicate that there are two ways to design functions of ionic liquids. The first is to change the structure of component ions, to provide "task-specific ILs". The second is to mix ILs with other components, such as other ILs, organic solvents or water. Mixing makes it easy to control the properties of the solution. In this strategy, water is now a very important partner. Below, we summarise our recent results on the properties of IL/water mixtures. Stable phase separation is an effective method in some separation processes. Conversely, a dynamic phase change between a homogeneous mixture and separation of phases is important in many fields. Analysis of the relation between phase behaviour and the hydration state of the component ions indicates that the pattern of phase separation is governed by the hydrophilicity of the ions. Sufficiently hydrophilic ions yielded ILs that are miscible with water, and hydrophobic ions gave stable phase separation with water. ILs composed of hydrophobic but hydrated ions undergo a dynamic phase change between a homogeneous mixture and separate phases according to temperature. ILs having more than seven water molecules per ion pair undergo this phase transition. These dynamic phase changes are considered, with some examples, and application is made to the separation of water-soluble proteins.

Effects of annealing conditions on microstructure and mechanical properties of low carbon, manganese transformation-induced plasticity steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jang, Jae-Myeong; Kim, Sung-Joon; Kang, Nam Hyun; Cho, Kyung-Mox; Suh, Dong-Woo

2009-12-01

The effects of annealing conditions on microstructural evolution and mechanical properties have been investigated in low carbon, manganese TRIP (Mn TRIP) steel based on a 0.12C-6Mn-0.5Si-3Al alloy system. The microstructure of cold-rolled sheet subjected to annealing at 760 °C to 800 °C for 30 s to 1800 s consists of a recrystallized ferrite matrix and fine-grained austenite with a phase fraction of 25 % to 35 %. Variation of the annealing conditions remarkably influenced the characteristics of constituent phases and thus affected the tensile strength and elongation. Optimization of microstructural parameters such as grain size and fraction of constituent phases, which control the yield strength, overall work hardening, and the kinetics of strain-induced martensite formation, is thus critical for obtaining an exceptional mechanical balance of the alloy.

Tissue refractometry using Hilbert phase microscopy

PubMed Central

Lue, Niyom; Bewersdorf, Joerg; Lessard, Mark D.; Badizadegan, Kamran; Dasari, Ramachandra R.; Feld, Michael S.; Popescu, Gabriel

2009-01-01

We present, for the first time to our knowledge, quantitative phase images associated with unstained 5 μm thick tissue slices of mouse brain, spleen, and liver. The refractive properties of the tissue are retrieved in terms of the average refractive index and its spatial variation. We find that the average refractive index varies significantly with tissue type, such that the brain is characterized by the lowest value and the liver by the highest. The spatial power spectra of the phase images reveal power law behavior with different exponents for each tissue type. This approach opens a new possibility for stain-free characterization of tissues, where the diagnostic power is provided by the intrinsic refractive properties of the biological structure. We present results obtained for liver tissue affected by a lysosomal storage disease and show that our technique can quantify structural changes during this disease development. PMID:18087529

Duality of two pairs of double-walled nanotubes consisting of S=1 and S=3/2 spins probed by means of a quantum simulation approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zhaosen; Ian, Hou

2017-01-01

Using a quantum simulation approach, we investigate in the present work the spontaneous magnetic properties of two pairs of double-walled cylindrical nanotubes consisting of different spins. Our simulated magnetic and thermodynamic properties for each pair of them are precisely identical, exhibiting a fascinating property of the nature world and demonstrating the correctness of our simulation approach. The second pair of nanotubes are frustrated, two magnetic phases of distinct spin configurations appear in the low temperature region, but only the inner layer consisting of small spins is frustrated evidently, its magnetization is considerably suppressed in the high temperature phase. Moreover, the nanosystems exhibit typical Ising-like behavior due to the uniaxial anisotropy along the z-direction, and evident finite-size effects as well.

Investigation of phase segregation using Rietveld refinement in Mg doped BaTiO3 solid solutions and their ferroelectric properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aanchal, Kaur, Kiranpreet; Singh, Anupinder; Singh, Mandeep

2018-05-01

Ba(1-x) Mgx Ti O3 (BMT) samples were synthesised using solid state reaction route with `x' varying from 0.025 to 0.10. The structural and ferroelectric properties of the bulk samples were investigated. The XRD analysis shows the presence of two phases, the first phase being magnesium doped BT (space group P4mm) and the second phase being Ba2TiO4 (space group Pna21). The tetragonal phase was found to be the major phase in the samples. The double phase Rietveld refinement was done and the weight percentage of orthorhombic phase was found to vary from 3.43% to 6.96% for x varying from 0.025≤x≤0.10. The P - E measurements reveal that all the samples exhibit lossy behaviour.

Hybrid sp2+sp3 carbon phases created from carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tingaev, M. I.; Belenkov, E. A.

2017-11-01

Using the density functional theory in the gradient approximation (DFT-GGA) methods was calculated the geometrically optimized structure and electronic properties for six new hybrid carbon phases. These hybrid phases consists of atoms in three - and four-coordinated (sp2+sp3-hybridized) states. The initial structure of the carbon phases was constructed by partial cross-linking of (8,0) carbon nanotube bundles. Sublimation energies calculated for hybrid phases above the sublimation energy of cubic diamond, however, fall into the range of values typical for carbon materials, which are stable under normal conditions. The density of electronic states at the Fermi energy for the two phases is non-zero and these phases should have metallic properties. The other hybrid phases should be semiconductors with a band gap from 0.5 to 1.1 eV.

Lattice-patterned LC-polymer composites containing various nanoparticles as additives

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

In this study, we show the effect of various nanoparticle additives on phase separation behavior of a lattice-patterned liquid crystal [LC]-polymer composite system and on interfacial properties between the LC and polymer. Lattice-patterned LC-polymer composites were fabricated by exposing to UV light a mixture of a prepolymer, an LC, and SiO2 nanoparticles positioned under a patterned photomask. This resulted in the formation of an LC and prepolymer region through phase separation. We found that the incorporation of SiO2 nanoparticles significantly affected the electro-optical properties of the lattice-patterned LC-polymer composites. This effect is a fundamental characteristic of flexible displays. The electro-optical properties depend on the size and surface functional groups of the SiO2 nanoparticles. Compared with untreated pristine SiO2 nanoparticles, which adversely affect the performance of LC molecules surrounded by polymer walls, SiO2 nanoparticles with surface functional groups were found to improve the electro-optical properties of the lattice-patterned LC-polymer composites by increasing the quantity of SiO2 nanoparticles. The surface functional groups of the SiO2 nanoparticles were closely related to the distribution of SiO2 nanoparticles in the LC-polymer composites, and they influenced the electro-optical properties of the LC molecules. It is clear from our work that the introduction of nanoparticles into a lattice-patterned LC-polymer composite provides a method for controlling and improving the composite's electro-optical properties. This technique can be used to produce flexible substrates for various flexible electronic devices. PMID:22222011

Co-based amorphous thin films on silicon with soft magnetic properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masood, Ansar; McCloskey, P.; Mathúna, Cian Ó.; Kulkarni, S.

2018-05-01

The present work investigates the emergence of multiple modes in the high-frequency permeability spectrum of Co-Zr-Ta-B amorphous thin films. Amorphous thin films of different thicknesses (t=100-530 nm) were deposited by DC magnetron sputtering. Their static and dynamic soft magnetic properties were investigated to explore the presence of multi-magnetic phases in the films. A two-phase magnetic behavior of the thicker films (≥333 nm) was revealed by the in-plane hysteresis loops. Multiple resonance peaks were observed in the high-frequency permeability spectrum of the thicker films. The thickness dependent multiple resonance peaks below the main ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) can be attributed to the two-phase magnetic behaviors of the films.

Quantum phases for a charged particle and electric/magnetic dipole in an electromagnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kholmetskii, Alexander; Yarman, Tolga

2017-11-01

We point out that the known quantum phases for an electric/magnetic dipole moving in an electromagnetic field must be composed from more fundamental quantum phases emerging for moving elementary charges. Using this idea, we have found two new fundamental quantum phases, next to the known magnetic and electric Aharonov-Bohm phases, and discuss their general properties and physical meaning.

Atomic structure and pressure-induced phase transformations in a phase-change alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Ming

Phase-change materials exist in at least two phases under the ambient condition. One is the amorphous state and another is crystalline phase. These two phases have vastly different physical properties, such as electrical conductivity, optical reflectivity, mass density, thermal conductivity, etc. The distinct physical properties and the fast transformation between amorphous and crystalline phases render these materials the ability to store information. For example, the DVD and the Blue-ray discs take advantage of the optical reflectivity contrast, and the newly developed solid-state memories make use of the large conductivity difference. In addition, both the amorphous and crystalline phases in phase-change memories (PCMs) are very stable at room temperature, and they are easy to be scaled up in the production of devices with large storage density. All these features make phase-change materials the ideal candidates for the next-generation memories. Despite of the fast development of these new memory materials in industry, many fundamental physics problems underlying these interesting materials are still not fully resolved. This thesis is aiming at solving some of the key issues in phase-change materials. Most of phase-change materials are composed of Ge-Sb-Te constituents. Among all these Ge-Sb-Te based materials, Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) has the best performance and has been frequently studied as a prototypical phase-change material. The first and foremost issue is the structure of the two functioning phases. In this thesis, we investigate the unique atomic structure and bonding nature of amorphous GST (a-GST) and crystalline GST ( c-GST), using ab initio tools and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. Their local structures and bonding scenarios are then analyzed using electronic structure calculations. In order to gain insight into the fast phase transformation mechanism, we also carried out a series of high-pressure experiments on GST. Several new polymorphs and their transformations have been revealed under high pressure via in situ XRD and in situ electrical resistivity measurements. The mechanisms of the structural and property changes have been uncovered via ab initio molecular dynamics simulations.

Room-Temperature Deformation and Martensitic Transformation of Two Co-Cr-Based Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, S.; Schaffer, J. E.; Huang, D.; Gao, J.; Ren, Y.

2018-05-01

Deformation of two Co-Cr alloys was studied by in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction. Both alloys show stress-induced martensite transformation, which is affected by phase stabilities and transformation strains. Crystal structure of WC in Co-20Cr-15W-10Ni is identified. Compared with other phases present, it is elastically isotropic, exhibits high strength, and can elastically withstand strains exceeding 1 pct. Texture change during phase transformation is explained based on the crystal orientation relationship between γ- and ɛ-phases.

Room-Temperature Deformation and Martensitic Transformation of Two Co-Cr-Based Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, S.; Schaffer, J. E.; Huang, D.; Gao, J.; Ren, Y.

2018-07-01

Deformation of two Co-Cr alloys was studied by in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction. Both alloys show stress-induced martensite transformation, which is affected by phase stabilities and transformation strains. Crystal structure of WC in Co-20Cr-15W-10Ni is identified. Compared with other phases present, it is elastically isotropic, exhibits high strength, and can elastically withstand strains exceeding 1 pct. Texture change during phase transformation is explained based on the crystal orientation relationship between γ- and ɛ-phases.

Validation and refinement of mixture volumetric material properties identified in superpave monitoring project II : phase II : [summary].

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-02-01

Superpave is a set of methods and materials for asphalt paving and the primary method : used by the Florida Department of Transportation. It is well documented that performance : of asphalt mixtures is strongly affected by size composition of aggrega...

Nuclear Pasta: Topology and Defects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

da Silva Schneider, Andre; Horowitz, Charles; Berry, Don; Caplan, Matt; Briggs, Christian

2015-04-01

A layer of complex non-uniform phases of matter known as nuclear pasta is expected to exist at the base of the crust of neutron stars. Using large scale molecular dynamics we study the topology of some pasta shapes, the formation of defects and how these may affect properties of neutron star crusts.

Shape-dependent hydrogen-storage properties in Pd nanocrystals: which does hydrogen prefer, octahedron (111) or cube (100)?

PubMed

Li, Guangqin; Kobayashi, Hirokazu; Dekura, Shun; Ikeda, Ryuichi; Kubota, Yoshiki; Kato, Kenichi; Takata, Masaki; Yamamoto, Tomokazu; Matsumura, Syo; Kitagawa, Hiroshi

2014-07-23

Pd octahedrons and cubes enclosed by {111} and {100} facets, respectively, have been synthesized for investigation of the shape effect on hydrogen-absorption properties. Hydrogen-storage properties were investigated using in situ powder X-ray diffraction, in situ solid-state (2)H NMR and hydrogen pressure-composition isotherm measurements. With these measurements, it was found that the exposed facets do not affect hydrogen-storage capacity; however, they significantly affect the absorption speed, with octahedral nanocrystals showing the faster response. The heat of adsorption of hydrogen and the hydrogen diffusion pathway were suggested to be dominant factors for hydrogen-absorption speed. Furthermore, in situ solid-state (2)H NMR detected for the first time the state of (2)H in a solid-solution (Pd + H) phase of Pd nanocrystals at rt.

Simulating Thermal Cycling and Isothermal Deformation Response of Polycrystalline NiTi

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Manchiraju, Sivom; Gaydosh, Darrell J.; Noebe, Ronald D.; Anderson, Peter M.

2011-01-01

A microstructure-based FEM model that couples crystal plasticity, crystallographic descriptions of the B2-B19' martensitic phase transformation, and anisotropic elasticity is used to simulate thermal cycling and isothermal deformation in polycrystalline NiTi (49.9at% Ni). The model inputs include anisotropic elastic properties, polycrystalline texture, DSC data, and a subset of isothermal deformation and load-biased thermal cycling data. A key experimental trend is captured.namely, the transformation strain during thermal cycling is predicted to reach a peak with increasing bias stress, due to the onset of plasticity at larger bias stress. Plasticity induces internal stress that affects both thermal cycling and isothermal deformation responses. Affected thermal cycling features include hysteretic width, two-way shape memory effect, and evolution of texture with increasing bias stress. Affected isothermal deformation features include increased hardening during loading and retained martensite after unloading. These trends are not captured by microstructural models that lack plasticity, nor are they all captured in a robust manner by phenomenological approaches. Despite this advance in microstructural modeling, quantitative differences exist, such as underprediction of open loop strain during thermal cycling.

Probing Chemical Properties of Interstitial Micro-fluids in Ice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, J.; Colussi, A. J.; Hoffmann, M. R.

2007-12-01

Liquid is present as microscopic channels in polycrystalline ice at sub-freezing and even sub-eutectic temperatures. Not only do chemicals tend to concentrate substantially in this microscopic liquid phase, but local physicochemical properties may also differ widely from the bulk counterparts, therefore critically affecting the thermodynamics and kinetics of chemical processes occurring in frozen media such as snow, frost, and frost- flowers. This phenomenon has important implications in atmospheric chemistry such as affecting the composition of the atmospheric boundary layer in snow-covered regions. A method using con-focal laser scanning microscope equipped with a cryostat has been developed to measure physicochemical properties of the microscopic liquid phase in ice that are not readily extrapolated from the bulk data. The experimental setup allows for monitoring the freezing process of an aqueous solution with a sub- second time resolution and a submicron 3D spatial resolution. The physicochemical properties (e.g. viscosity, polarity, and acidity) can, in theory, be deduced from features of the fluorescence spectra of particular fluorescent indicators. For example, the acidity change during the freezing and melting process of electrolyte solutions has been monitored in real time by a pH-dependent dual emission fluorescent probe C-SNARF-1. The effects of temperature, freezing rate, and added electrolytes such as ammonium sulfate, sodium chloride and zwitterions are also examined. The findings complement the theory and previous experimental evidence of freezing hydrolysis.

A novel approach to enhancement of surface properties of CdO films by using surfactant: dextrin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahin, Bünyamin; Bayansal, Fatih; Yüksel, Mustafa

2015-12-01

We studied the effect of an organic surfactant, dextrin, concentration on structural, morphological and optical properties of nanostructured CdO films deposited on glass substrates by using an easy and low-cost SILAR method. Microstructures of the nanostructured CdO films were optimized by adjusting dextrin concentration. XRD, SEM and UV-Vis Spectroscopy were used to study phase structure, surface morphology and optical properties of CdO films. Furthermore, effects of dextrin concentration on the surface roughness characteristics of CdO samples were reported. The results showed that the presence of organic surfactant highly affected the physical properties of CdO nanomaterials.

Laves phase UTi2 stabilized by hydrogen and its magnetic properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buturlim, V.; Havela, L.; Sowa, S.; Kim-Ngan, N.-. T. H.; Paukov, M.; Drozdenko, D.; Dopita, M.; Minarik, P.; Mašková, S.

2018-05-01

We describe basic magnetic properties of uranium-based hydrides UTi2Hx, reported in literature as a cubic Laves phase, although the UTi2 binary phase does not exist. Using a high-temperature hydrogenation, we successfully synthesized two types of such hydrides, presumably with different H concentrations, one with a smaller lattice parameter a = 850.3 pm, which is a paramagnet close to the verge of magnetic ordering, the other with a = 858.8 pm, with a ferromagnetic ground state and ordering temperature TC = 54 K.

Synchronization Properties of Slow Cortical Oscillations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takekawa, T.; Aoyagi, T.; Fukai, T.

During slow-wave sleep, the brain shows slow oscillatory activity with remarkable long-range synchrony. Intracellular recordings show that the slow oscillation consists of two phases: an textit{up} state and a textit{down} state. Deriving the phase-response function of simplified neuronal systems, we examine the synchronization properties on slow oscillations between the textit{up} state and the textit{down} state. As a result, the strange interaction functions are found in some parameter ranges. These functions indicate that the states with the smaller phase lag than a critical value are all stable.

Probing the impact of magnetic interactions on the lattice dynamics of two-dimensional Ti2X (X = C, N) MXenes.

PubMed

Sternik, Małgorzata; Wdowik, Urszula D

2018-03-14

Dynamical properties of the two-dimensional Ti 2 C and Ti 2 N MXenes were investigated using density functional theory and discussed in connection with their structures and electronic properties. To elucidate the influence of magnetic interactions on the fundamental properties of these systems, the nonmagnetic, ferromagnetic and three distinct antiferromagnetic spin arrangements on titanium sublattice were considered. Each magnetic configuration was also studied at two directions of the spin magnetic moment with respect to the MXene layer. The zero-point energy motion, following from the phonon calculations, was taken into account while analyzing the energetic stability of the magnetic phases against the nonmagnetic solution. This contribution was found not to change a sequence of the energetic stability of the considered magnetic structures of Ti 2 X (X = C, N) MXenes. Both Ti 2 X (X = C, N) systems are shown to prefer antiferromagnetic arrangement of spins between Ti layers and the ferromagnetic order within each layer. This energetically privileged phase is semiconducting for Ti 2 C and metallic for Ti 2 N. The type of magnetic order as well as the in-plane or out-of-plane spin polarizations have a relatively small impact on the structural parameters, Ti-X bonding length, force constants and phonon spectra of both Ti 2 X systems, leading to observable differences only between the nonmagnetic and any other magnetic configurations. Nonetheless, a noticeable effect of the spin orientation on degeneracy of the Ti-3d orbitals is encountered. The magnetic interactions affect to a great extent the positions and intensities of the Raman-active modes, and hence one could exploit this effect for experimental verification of the theoretically predicted magnetic state of Ti 2 X monolayers. Theoretical phonon spectra of Ti 2 X (X = C, N) MXenes exhibit a linear dependence on energy in the long-wavelength limit, which is typical for a 2D system.

Structure/property relationships in methacrylate/dimethacrylate polymers for dental applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mehlem, Jeremy John

Since its invention Bis-GMA or one of its analogs has been the main component of the polymer portion of composites for dental restorations. The need for dilution of Bis-GMA and its analogs to optimize its properties has long been recognized. Bis-GMA is a highly viscous monomer. This high viscosity leads to early vitrification, which limits conversion during cure. This viscosity also limits filler loading. Vitrification at low conversions leads to heterogeneous systems composed of low and high cross-link density phases. The low cross-link density phases behave as defects in the system; therefore, if the amount of low cross-link density phases in the system can be reduced and a more uniform network structure can be achieved, then the mechanical properties of the resin can be improved. Since the increase in viscosity during cure causes vitrification, it is logical that a system with a low initial viscosity will delay the onset of vitrification. Reactive diluents such as triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) are effective at lower levels. However, large amounts negatively affect matrix properties by increasing polymerization shrinkage and water sorption. Shrinkage has been cited as one of the main deficiencies in dental composites. The goal of this project is to improve upon standard viscosity modifying comonomers such as triethylene glycol dimethacrylate. The comonomers that were explored were phenyloxyethyl methacrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate, and tert-butylcylcohexyl methacrylate. Multicomponent systems based on analogs of ethylene glycol dimethacrylates with different length ethyl glycol chains were also examined. The substitution of monomethacrylates for TEGDMA as a comonomer resulted in enhanced or negligible affects on the mechanical properties of Bis-MEPP based polymer systems while reducing polymerization shrinkage. 129Xenon NMR and TappingMode(TM) AFM were used to characterize the heterogeneity of dimethacrylates systems during their cure cycle as well as in their final state. Using these methods the size of the high and low cross-link density phase was examined and determined to be on the order of 50--150 nanometers. Model compounds based on phenylethyl methacrylate were formulated to determine how of nadic methyl anhydride and maleic anhydride incorporate into dimethacrylate resin systems.

Multiphase flow and transport caused by spontaneous gas phase growth in the presence of dense non-aqueous phase liquid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, James W.; Smith, James E.

2007-01-01

Disconnected bubbles or ganglia of trapped gas may occur below the top of the capillary fringe through a number of mechanisms. In the presence of dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL), the disconnected gas phase experiences mass transfer of dissolved gases, including volatile components from the DNAPL. The properties of the gas phase interface can also change. This work shows for the first time that when seed gas bubbles exist spontaneous gas phase growth can be expected to occur and can significantly affect water-gas-DNAPL distributions, fluid flow, and mass transfer. Source zone behaviour was observed in three different experiments performed in a 2-dimensional flow cell. In each case, a DNAPL pool was created in a zone of larger glass beads over smaller glass beads, which served as a capillary barrier. In one experiment effluent water samples were analyzed to determine the vertical concentration profile of the plume above the pool. The experiments effectively demonstrated a) a cycle of spontaneous gas phase expansion and vertical advective mobilization of gas bubbles and ganglia above the DNAPL source zone, b) DNAPL redistribution caused by gas phase growth and mobilization, and c) that these processes can significantly affect mass transport from a NAPL source zone.

Multiphase flow and transport caused by spontaneous gas phase growth in the presence of dense non-aqueous phase liquid.

PubMed

Roy, James W; Smith, James E

2007-01-30

Disconnected bubbles or ganglia of trapped gas may occur below the top of the capillary fringe through a number of mechanisms. In the presence of dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL), the disconnected gas phase experiences mass transfer of dissolved gases, including volatile components from the DNAPL. The properties of the gas phase interface can also change. This work shows for the first time that when seed gas bubbles exist spontaneous gas phase growth can be expected to occur and can significantly affect water-gas-DNAPL distributions, fluid flow, and mass transfer. Source zone behaviour was observed in three different experiments performed in a 2-dimensional flow cell. In each case, a DNAPL pool was created in a zone of larger glass beads over smaller glass beads, which served as a capillary barrier. In one experiment effluent water samples were analyzed to determine the vertical concentration profile of the plume above the pool. The experiments effectively demonstrated a) a cycle of spontaneous gas phase expansion and vertical advective mobilization of gas bubbles and ganglia above the DNAPL source zone, b) DNAPL redistribution caused by gas phase growth and mobilization, and c) that these processes can significantly affect mass transport from a NAPL source zone.

Structural and vibrational properties of oxcarbazepine, an anticonvulsant substance by using DFT and SCRF calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ladetto, María F.; Márquez, María B.; Brandán, Silvia A.

2014-10-01

In this work, we have presented a structural and vibrational study on the properties in gas and aqueous solution phases of oxcarbazepine, a polymorphic anticonvulsant substance, combining the available IR and Raman spectra with Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. Two stable C1 and C2 forms for the title molecule were theoretically determined by using the hybrid B3LYP/6-31G* method. The integral equation formalism variant polarised continuum model (IEFPCM) was employed to study the solvent effects by means of the self-consistent reaction field (SCRF) method. The vibrational spectra for the two forms of oxcarbazepine were completely assigned together with two dimeric species also observed in the solid phase. The presences of the two C1 and C2 forms together with the two dimeric species are supported by the IR and Raman bands between 1424 and 125 cm-1. Here, the properties for both forms of oxcarbazepine are compared and discussed.

Complex Critical Exponents for Percolation Transitions in Josephson-Junction Arrays, Antiferromagnets, and Interacting Bosons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernandes, Rafael M.; Schmalian, Jörg

2011-02-01

We show that the critical behavior of the XY quantum-rotor model undergoing a percolation transition is dramatically affected by its topological Berry phase 2πρ. In particular, for irrational ρ, its low-energy excitations emerge as spinless fermions with fractal spectrum. As a result, critical properties not captured by the usual Ginzburg-Landau-Wilson description of phase transitions arise, such as complex critical exponents, log-periodic oscillations and dynamically broken scale invariance.

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

Samsonov, G. V.; Vitryanyuk, V. K.; Voronkin, M. A.

Physicomechanical properties of the hard alloy TiC -Ni--Mo (with content 3. 5, 10, and 25 mol.% relative to TiC) were studied as affected by its carbide phase alloying with niobium carbide. It is shown that an increase in the NbC content favors a rise in the bending strength to 132 kg/mm/sup 2/ and impact strength at practically unchanged hardness (91 HR.4), which is explained by some rise in the grain plasticity of the solid phase presenting the complex carbide TiC -NbC.

Studies of Nucleation and Growth, Specific Heat and Viscosity of Undercooled Melts of Quasicrystals and Polytetrehedral-Phase-Forming Alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2003-01-01

By investigating the properties of quasicrystals and quasicrystal-forming liquid alloys, we may determine the role of ordering of the liquid phase in the formation of quasicrystals, leading to a better fundamental understanding of both the quasicrystal and the liquid. A quasicrystal is solid characterized by a symmetric but non-periodic arrangement of atoms, usually in the form of an icosahedron (12 atoms, 20 triangular faces). It is theorized that the short-range order in liquids takes this same form. The degree of ordering depends on the temperature of the liquid, and affects many of the liquid s properties, including specific heat, viscosity, and electrical resistivity. The MSFC role in this project includes solidification studies, phase diagram determination, and thermophysical property measurements on the liquid quasicrystal-forming alloys, all by electrostatic levitation (ESL). The viscosity of liquid quasicrystal-forming alloys is measured by the oscillating drop method, both in the stable and undercooled liquid state. The specific heat of solid, undercooled liquid, and stable liquid are measured by the radiative cooling rate of the droplets.

Understanding the bond-energy, hardness, and adhesive force from the phase diagram via the electron work function

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

Lu, Hao; Huang, Xiaochen; Li, Dongyang, E-mail: dongyang.li@ualberta.ca

2014-11-07

Properties of metallic materials are intrinsically determined by their electron behavior. However, relevant theoretical treatment involving quantum mechanics is complicated and difficult to be applied in materials design. Electron work function (EWF) has been demonstrated to be a simple but fundamental parameter which well correlates properties of materials with their electron behavior and could thus be used to predict material properties from the aspect of electron activities in a relatively easy manner. In this article, we propose a method to extract the electron work functions of binary solid solutions or alloys from their phase diagrams and use this simple approachmore » to predict their mechanical strength and surface properties, such as adhesion. Two alloys, Fe-Ni and Cu-Zn, are used as samples for the study. EWFs extracted from phase diagrams show same trends as experimentally observed ones, based on which hardness and surface adhesive force of the alloys are predicted. This new methodology provides an alternative approach to predict material properties based on the work function, which is extractable from the phase diagram. This work may also help maximize the power of phase diagram for materials design and development.« less

Effect of the hexagonal phase interlayer on rectification properties of boron nitride heterojunctions to silicon

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

Teii, K., E-mail: teii@asem.kyushu-u.ac.jp; Ito, H.; Katayama, N.

2015-02-07

Rectification properties of boron nitride/silicon p-n heterojunction diodes fabricated under low-energy ion impact by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition are studied in terms of the resistive sp{sup 2}-bonded boron nitride (sp{sup 2}BN) interlayer. A two-step biasing technique is developed to control the fraction of cubic boron nitride (cBN) phase and, hence, the thickness of the sp{sup 2}BN interlayer in the films. The rectification ratio at room temperature is increased up to the order of 10{sup 4} at ±10 V of biasing with increasing the sp{sup 2}BN thickness up to around 130 nm due to suppression of the reverse leakage current. The variation ofmore » the ideality factor in the low bias region is related to the interface disorders and defects, not to the sp{sup 2}BN thickness. The forward current follows the Frenkel-Poole emission model in the sp{sup 2}BN interlayer at relatively high fields when the anomalous effect is assumed. The transport of the minority carriers for reverse current is strongly limited by the high bulk resistance of the thick sp{sup 2}BN interlayer, while that of the major carriers for forward current is much less affected.« less

Preparation of uniform-sized PELA microspheres with high encapsulation efficiency of antigen by premix membrane emulsification.

PubMed

Wei, Qiang; Wei, Wei; Tian, Rui; Wang, Lian-Yan; Su, Zhi-Guo; Ma, Guang-Hui

2008-07-15

Relatively uniform-sized poly(lactide-co-ethylene glycol) (PELA) microspheres with high encapsulation efficiency were prepared rapidly by a novel method combining emulsion-solvent extraction and premix membrane emulsification. Briefly, preparation of coarse double emulsions was followed by additional premix membrane emulsification, and antigen-loaded microspheres were obtained by further solidification. Under the optimum condition, the particle size was about 1 mum and the coefficient of variation (CV) value was 18.9%. Confocal laser scanning microscope and flow cytometer analysis showed that the inner droplets were small and evenly dispersed and the antigen was loaded uniformly in each microsphere when sonication technique was occupied to prepare primary emulsion. Distribution pattern of PEG segment played important role on the properties of microspheres. Compared with triblock copolymer PLA-PEG-PLA, the diblock copolymer PLA-mPEG yielded a more stable interfacial layer at the interface of oil and water phase, and thus was more suitable to stabilize primary emulsion and protect coalescence of inner droplets and external water phase, resulting in high encapsulation efficiency (90.4%). On the other hand, solidification rate determined the time for coalescence during microspheres fabrication, and thus affected encapsulation efficiency. Taken together, improving the polymer properties and solidification rate are considered as two effective strategies to yield high encapsulation.

Optimizing Thermoelectric Properties of In Situ Plasma-Spray-Synthesized Sub-stoichiometric TiO2-x Deposits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hwasoo; Seshadri, Ramachandran Chidambaram; Pala, Zdenek; Sampath, Sanjay

2018-06-01

In this article, an attempt has been made to relate the thermoelectric properties of thermal spray deposits of sub-stoichiometric titania to process-induced phase and microstructural variances. The TiO2-x deposits were formed through the in situ reaction of the TiO1.9 or TiO1.7 feedstock within the high-temperature plasma flame and manipulated via varying the amounts of hydrogen fed into in the thermal plasma. Changes in the flow rates of H2 in the plasma plume greatly affected the in-flight particle behavior and composition of the deposits. For reference, a high-velocity oxy-fuel spray torch was also used to deposit the two varieties of feedstocks. Refinements to the representation of the in-flight particle characteristics derived via single particle and ensemble diagnostic methods are proposed using the group parameters (melting index and kinetic energy). The results show that depending on the value of the melting index, there is an inverse proportional relationship between electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient, whereas thermal conductivity has a directly proportional relationship with the electrical conductivity. Retention of the original phase and reduced decomposition is beneficial to retain the high Seebeck coefficient or the high electrical conductivity in the TiO2 system.

CHEMKIN2. General Gas-Phase Chemical Kinetics

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

Rupley, F.M.

1992-01-24

CHEMKIN is a high-level tool for chemists to use to describe arbitrary gas-phase chemical reaction mechanisms and systems of governing equations. It remains, however, for the user to select and implement a solution method; this is not provided. It consists of two major components: the Interpreter and the Gas-phase Subroutine Library. The Interpreter reads a symbolic description of an arbitrary, user-specified chemical reaction mechanism. A data file is generated which forms a link to the Gas-phase Subroutine Library, a collection of about 200 modular subroutines which may be called to return thermodynamic properties, chemical production rates, derivatives of thermodynamic properties,more » derivatives of chemical production rates, or sensitivity parameters. Both single and double precision versions of CHEMKIN are included. Also provided is a set of FORTRAN subroutines for evaluating gas-phase transport properties such as thermal conductivities, viscosities, and diffusion coefficients. These properties are an important part of any computational simulation of a chemically reacting flow. The transport properties subroutines are designed to be used in conjunction with the CHEMKIN Subroutine Library. The transport properties depend on the state of the gas and on certain molecular parameters. The parameters considered are the Lennard-Jones potential well depth and collision diameter, the dipole moment, the polarizability, and the rotational relaxation collision number.« less

Fast non-aqueous reversed-phase liquid chromatography separation of triacylglycerol regioisomers with isocratic mobile phase. Application to different oils and fats.

PubMed

Tamba Sompila, Arnaud W G; Héron, Sylvie; Hmida, Dorra; Tchapla, Alain

2017-01-15

The distribution of fatty acid species at the sn-1/3 position or the sn-2 position of triacylglycerols (TAGs) in natural fats and oils affects their physical and nutritional properties. In fats and oils, determining the presence of one or two regioisomers and the identification of structure, where they do have one, as well as their separation, became a problem of fundamental importance to solve. A variety of instrumental technics has been proposed, such as MS, chromatography-MS or pure chromatography. A number of studies deal with the optimization of the separation, but very often, they are expensive in time. In the present study, in order to decrease the analysis time while maintaining good chromatographic separation, we tested different monomeric and polymeric stationary phases and different chromatographic conditions (mobile phase composition and analysis temperature) using Non-Aqueous Reversed Phase Liquid Chromatography (NARP-LC). It was demonstrated that mixed polymeric stationary bonded silica with accessible terminal hydroxyl groups leads to very good separation for the pairs of TAGs regioisomers constituted by two saturated and one unsaturated fatty acid (with double bond number: from 1 to 6). A Nucleodur C18 ISIS percolated by isocratic mobile phase (acetonitrile/2-propanol) at 18°C leads to their separations in less than 15min. The difference of retention times between two regioisomers XYX and XXY are large enough to confirm, as application, the presence of POP, SOP, SOS and PLP and no PPO, SPO, SSO and PPL in Theobroma cacao butter. In the same way, this study respectively shows the presence of SOS, SOP and no SSO, PSO in Butyrospermum parkii butter, POP, SOP, SOS and no PPO, PSO and SSO in Carapa oil and finally POP and no PPO in Pistacia Lentiscus oil. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Low-dose quantitative phase contrast medical CT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mittone, A.; Bravin, A.; Coan, P.

2018-02-01

X-ray computed tomography (CT) is a powerful and routinely used clinical diagnostic technique, which is well tolerated by patients, and which provides high-resolution images and volumetric information about the body. However, two important limitations still affect this examination procedure: (1) its low sensitivity with respect to soft tissues, and (2) the hazards associated with x-ray exposure. Conventional radiology is based on the detection of the different photon absorption properties that characterize biological tissues, and thus the obtainable image contrast from soft and/or similar tissues is intrinsically limited. In this scenario, x-ray phase contrast imaging (XPCI) has been extensively tested and proven to overcome some of the main issues surrounding standard x-ray imaging. In addition to the absorption signal, XPCI relies on detecting the phase shifts induced by an object. Interestingly, as the order of magnitude of the phase contrast is higher than that of absorption, XPCI can, in principle, offer higher sensitivity at lower radiation doses. However, other technical aspects may counterbalance this gain, and an optimized setup and image processing solutions need to be implemented. The work presented here describes the strategies and developments we have realized, with the aim of controlling the radiation dose for the highly sensitive and quantitative XPCI-CT. Different algorithms for the phase retrieval and CT reconstruction of the XPCI data are presented. The CT algorithms we have implemented, namely the equally sloped tomography and the dictionary learning method, allow the image quality to be preserved while reducing the number of angular projections required by a factor of five. The results applied to breast imaging report accurate reconstructions at clinically compatible doses of the 3D distribution of the refractive properties of full human organs obtained by using three different phase retrieval methods. The described methodologies and the presented results have been validated by a team of clinical radiologists and represent an important step in the exploitation of XPCI-CT for in vivo and possible clinical applications.

Elastic-wave velocity in marine sediments with gas hydrates: Effective medium modeling

USGS Publications Warehouse

Helgerud, M.B.; Dvorkin, J.; Nur, A.; Sakai, A.; Collett, T.

1999-01-01

We offer a first-principle-based effective medium model for elastic-wave velocity in unconsolidated, high porosity, ocean bottom sediments containing gas hydrate. The dry sediment frame elastic constants depend on porosity, elastic moduli of the solid phase, and effective pressure. Elastic moduli of saturated sediment are calculated from those of the dry frame using Gassmann's equation. To model the effect of gas hydrate on sediment elastic moduli we use two separate assumptions: (a) hydrate modifies the pore fluid elastic properties without affecting the frame; (b) hydrate becomes a component of the solid phase, modifying the elasticity of the frame. The goal of the modeling is to predict the amount of hydrate in sediments from sonic or seismic velocity data. We apply the model to sonic and VSP data from ODP Hole 995 and obtain hydrate concentration estimates from assumption (b) consistent with estimates obtained from resistivity, chlorinity and evolved gas data. Copyright 1999 by the American Geophysical Union.

Negative magnetoresistance of ultra-narrow superconducting nanowires in the resistive state

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arutyunov, K. Yu.

2008-02-01

We present a phenomenological model that qualitatively explains negative magnetoresistance in quasi-one-dimensional superconducting channels in the resistive state. The model is based on the assumption that fluctuations of the order parameter (phase slips) are responsible for the finite effective resistance of a narrow superconducting wire sufficiently close to the critical temperature. Each fluctuation is accompanied by an instantaneous formation of a quasi-normal region, of the order of the non-equilibrium quasiparticle relaxation length, ‘pinned’ to the core of the phase slip. The effective time-averaged voltage measured in experiments is a sum of two terms. The first is the conventional contribution associated with the rate of the fluctuations via the Josephson relation. The second term is the Ohmic contribution of this quasi-normal region. Depending on the material properties of the wire, there might be a range of magnetic fields where the first term is not significantly affected, while the second term is effectively suppressed, contributing to the experimentally observed negative magnetoresistance.

Investigation of the structural, electronic, elastic and thermodynamic properties of Curium Monopnictides: An ab initio study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baaziz, H.; Guendouz, Dj.; Charifi, Z.; Akbudak, S.; Uğur, G.; Uğur, Ş.; Boudiaf, K.

2017-12-01

The structural, electronic, elastic and thermodynamic properties of Curium Monopnictides CmX (X = N, P, As, Sb and Bi) are investigated using first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT) and full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method under ambient condition and high pressure. The exchange-correlation term is treated using two approximations spin-polarized local density approximation (LSDA) and spin-polarized generalized gradient approximation generalized (GGA). The structural parameters such as the equilibrium lattice parameters, bulk modulus and the total energies are calculated in two phases: namely NaCl (B1) and CsCl (B2). The obtained results are compared with the previous theoretical and experimental results. A structural phase transition from B1 phase to B2 phase for Curium pnictides has been obtained. The highest transition pressure is 122 GPa for CmN and the lowest one is 10.0 GPa for CmBi compound. The electronic properties show that these materials exhibit half-metallic behavior in both phases. The magnetic moment is found to be around 7.0 μB. The mechanical properties of CmX (X = N, P, As, Sb and Bi) are predicted from the calculated elastic constants. Our calculated results are in good agreement with the theoretical results in literature. The effect of pressure and temperature on the thermodynamic properties like the cell volume, bulk modulus and the specific heats C𝜗 and CP, the entropy 𝒮 and the Grüneisen parameter γ have been foreseen at expanded pressure and temperature ranges.

SOLID-LIQUID PHASE TRANSFER CATALYZED SYNTHESIS OF CINNAMYL ACETATE-KINETICS AND ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING THE REACTION IN A BATCH REACTOR

EPA Science Inventory

The use of solid-liquid phase transfer catalysis has an advantage of carrying out reaction between two immiscible substrates, one in solid phase and the other in liquid phase, with high selectivity and at relatively low temperatures. In this study we investigated the synthesis ci...

Hybrid network modeling and the effect of image resolution on digitally-obtained petrophysical and two-phase flow properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aghaei, A.

2017-12-01

Digital imaging and modeling of rocks and subsequent simulation of physical phenomena in digitally-constructed rock models are becoming an integral part of core analysis workflows. One of the inherent limitations of image-based analysis, at any given scale, is image resolution. This limitation becomes more evident when the rock has multiple scales of porosity such as in carbonates and tight sandstones. Multi-scale imaging and constructions of hybrid models that encompass images acquired at multiple scales and resolutions are proposed as a solution to this problem. In this study, we investigate the effect of image resolution and unresolved porosity on petrophysical and two-phase flow properties calculated based on images. A helical X-ray micro-CT scanner with a high cone-angle is used to acquire digital rock images that are free of geometric distortion. To remove subjectivity from the analyses, a semi-automated image processing technique is used to process and segment the acquired data into multiple phases. Direct and pore network based models are used to simulate physical phenomena and obtain absolute permeability, formation factor and two-phase flow properties such as relative permeability and capillary pressure. The effect of image resolution on each property is investigated. Finally a hybrid network model incorporating images at multiple resolutions is built and used for simulations. The results from the hybrid model are compared against results from the model built at the highest resolution and those from laboratory tests.

Separation of alkylphenols by normal-phase and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

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

Schabron, J.F.; Hurtubise, R.J.; Silver, H.F.

1978-11-01

Empirical correlation factors were developed which relate log k' values for alkylphenols, the naphthols, and two phenylphenols to structural features. Both normal-phase and reversed-phase chromatographic systems were studied. The stationary phases employed in the normal-phase work were ..mu..-Bondapak CN, ..mu..-Bondapak NH/sub 2/, and ..mu..-Porasil. The structural features which affect retention in the normal-phase chromatographic systems are the number of ortho substituents, the number of aliphatic carbons, and the number of aromatic rings. The stationary phases employed in the reversed-phase work were ..mu..-Bondapak C/sub 18/ and ..mu..-Bondapak CN. The structural features which affect retention in the reversed-phase chromatographic systems are themore » number of aliphatic carbons and the number of aromatic double bonds. On ..mu..-Bondapak C/sub 18/, the presence or absence of a nonaromatic ring is of added importance.« less

Compositional evolution of particle-phase reaction products and water in the heterogeneous OH oxidation of model aqueous organic aerosols

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chim, Man Mei; Cheng, Chiu Tung; Davies, James F.; Berkemeier, Thomas; Shiraiwa, Manabu; Zuend, Andreas; Nin Chan, Man

2017-12-01

Organic compounds present at or near the surface of aqueous droplets can be efficiently oxidized by gas-phase OH radicals, which alter the molecular distribution of the reaction products within the droplet. A change in aerosol composition affects the hygroscopicity and leads to a concomitant response in the equilibrium amount of particle-phase water. The variation in the aerosol water content affects the aerosol size and physicochemical properties, which in turn governs the oxidation kinetics and chemistry. To attain better knowledge of the compositional evolution of aqueous organic droplets during oxidation, this work investigates the heterogeneous OH-radical-initiated oxidation of aqueous methylsuccinic acid (C5H8O4) droplets, a model compound for small branched dicarboxylic acids found in atmospheric aerosols, at a high relative humidity of 85 % through experimental and modeling approaches. Aerosol mass spectra measured by a soft atmospheric pressure ionization source (Direct Analysis in Real Time, DART) coupled with a high-resolution mass spectrometer reveal two major products: a five carbon atom (C5) hydroxyl functionalization product (C5H8O5) and a C4 fragmentation product (C4H6O3). These two products likely originate from the formation and subsequent reactions (intermolecular hydrogen abstraction and carbon-carbon bond scission) of tertiary alkoxy radicals resulting from the OH abstraction occurring at the methyl-substituted carbon site. Based on the identification of the reaction products, a kinetic model of oxidation (a two-product model) coupled with the Aerosol Inorganic-Organic Mixtures Functional groups Activity Coefficients (AIOMFAC) model is built to simulate the size and compositional changes of aqueous methylsuccinic acid droplets during oxidation. Model results show that at the maximum OH exposure, the droplets become slightly more hygroscopic after oxidation, as the mass fraction of water is predicted to increase from 0.362 to 0.424; however, the diameter of the droplets decreases by 6.1 %. This can be attributed to the formation of volatile fragmentation products that partition to the gas phase, leading to a net loss of organic species and associated particle-phase water, and thus a smaller droplet size. Overall, fragmentation and volatilization processes play a larger role than the functionalization process in determining the evolution of aerosol water content and droplet size at high-oxidation stages.

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

Thakar, Nilesh A.; Bhatt, Apoorva D.; Pandya, Tushar C., E-mail: pandyatc@gmail.com

The thermodynamic properties with the wurtzite (B4) and rocksalt (B1) phases of ZnO under high pressures and high temperatures have been investigated using Tait's Equation of state (EOS). The effects of pressures and temperatures on thermodynamic properties such as bulk modulus, thermal expansivity and thermal pressure are explored for both two structures. It is found that ZnO material gradually softens with increase of temperature while it hardens with the increment of the pressure. Our predicted results of thermodynamics properties for both the phases of ZnO are in overall agreement with the available data in the literature.

Functional unit, technological dynamics, and scaling properties for the life cycle energy of residences.

PubMed

Frijia, Stephane; Guhathakurta, Subhrajit; Williams, Eric

2012-02-07

Prior LCA studies take the operational phase to include all energy use within a residence, implying a functional unit of all household activities, but then exclude related supply chains such as production of food, appliances, and household chemicals. We argue that bounding the functional unit to provision of a climate controlled space better focuses the LCA on the building, rather than activities that occur within a building. The second issue explored in this article is how technological change in the operational phase affects life cycle energy. Heating and cooling equipment is replaced at least several times over the lifetime of a residence; improved efficiency of newer equipment affects life cycle energy use. The third objective is to construct parametric models to describe LCA results for a family of related products. We explore these three issues through a case study of energy use of residences: one-story and two-story detached homes, 1,500-3,500 square feet in area, located in Phoenix, Arizona, built in 2002 and retired in 2051. With a restricted functional unit and accounting for technological progress, approximately 30% of a building's life cycle energy can be attributed to materials and construction, compared to 0.4-11% in previous studies.

A THC Simulator for Modeling Fluid-Rock Interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamidi, Sahar; Galvan, Boris; Heinze, Thomas; Miller, Stephen

2014-05-01

Fluid-rock interactions play an essential role in many earth processes, from a likely influence on earthquake nucleation and aftershocks, to enhanced geothermal system, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and underground nuclear waste repositories. In THC models, two-way interactions between different processes (thermal, hydraulic and chemical) are present. Fluid flow influences the permeability of the rock especially if chemical reactions are taken into account. On one hand solute concentration influences fluid properties while, on the other hand, heat can affect further chemical reactions. Estimating heat production from a naturally fractured geothermal systems remains a complex problem. Previous works are typically based on a local thermal equilibrium assumption and rarely consider the salinity. The dissolved salt in fluid affects the hydro- and thermodynamical behavior of the system by changing the hydraulic properties of the circulating fluid. Coupled thermal-hydraulic-chemical models (THC) are important for investigating these processes, but what is needed is a coupling to mechanics to result in THMC models. Although similar models currently exist (e.g. PFLOTRAN), our objective here is to develop algorithms for implementation using the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) computer architecture to be run on GPU clusters. To that aim, we present a two-dimensional numerical simulation of a fully coupled non-isothermal non-reactive solute flow. The thermal part of the simulation models heat transfer processes for either local thermal equilibrium or nonequilibrium cases, and coupled to a non-reactive mass transfer described by a non-linear diffusion/dispersion model. The flow process of the model includes a non-linear Darcian flow for either saturated or unsaturated scenarios. For the unsaturated case, we use the Richards' approximation for a mixture of liquid and gas phases. Relative permeability and capillary pressure are determined by the van Genuchten relations. Permeability of rock is controlled by porosity, which is itself related to effective stress. The theoretical model is solved using explicit finite differences, and runs in parallel mode with OpenMP. The code is fully modular so that any combination of current THC processes, one- and two-phase, can be chosen. Future developments will include dissolution and precipitation of chemical components in addition to chemical erosion.

Thermodynamic properties of triangle-well fluids in two dimensions: MC and MD simulations.

PubMed

Reyes, Yuri; Bárcenas, Mariana; Odriozola, Gerardo; Orea, Pedro

2016-11-07

With the aim of providing complementary data of the thermodynamics properties of the triangular well potential, the vapor/liquid phase diagrams for such potential with different interaction ranges were calculated in two dimensions by Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations; also, the vapor/liquid interfacial tension was calculated. As reported for other interaction potentials, it was observed that the reduction of the dimensionality makes the phase diagram to shrink. Finally, with the aid of reported data for the same potential in three dimensions, it was observed that this potential does not follow the principle of corresponding states.

Evaluation of ground-penetrating radar to detect free-phase hydrocarbons in fractured rocks - Results of numerical modeling and physical experiments

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lane, J.W.; Buursink, M.L.; Haeni, F.P.; Versteeg, R.J.

2000-01-01

The suitability of common-offset ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to detect free-phase hydrocarbons in bedrock fractures was evaluated using numerical modeling and physical experiments. The results of one- and two-dimensional numerical modeling at 100 megahertz indicate that GPR reflection amplitudes are relatively insensitive to fracture apertures ranging from 1 to 4 mm. The numerical modeling and physical experiments indicate that differences in the fluids that fill fractures significantly affect the amplitude and the polarity of electromagnetic waves reflected by subhorizontal fractures. Air-filled and hydrocarbon-filled fractures generate low-amplitude reflections that are in-phase with the transmitted pulse. Water-filled fractures create reflections with greater amplitude and opposite polarity than those reflections created by air-filled or hydrocarbon-filled fractures. The results from the numerical modeling and physical experiments demonstrate it is possible to distinguish water-filled fracture reflections from air- or hydrocarbon-filled fracture reflections, nevertheless subsurface heterogeneity, antenna coupling changes, and other sources of noise will likely make it difficult to observe these changes in GPR field data. This indicates that the routine application of common-offset GPR reflection methods for detection of hydrocarbon-filled fractures will be problematic. Ideal cases will require appropriately processed, high-quality GPR data, ground-truth information, and detailed knowledge of subsurface physical properties. Conversely, the sensitivity of GPR methods to changes in subsurface physical properties as demonstrated by the numerical and experimental results suggests the potential of using GPR methods as a monitoring tool. GPR methods may be suited for monitoring pumping and tracer tests, changes in site hydrologic conditions, and remediation activities.The suitability of common-offset ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to detect free-phase hydrocarbons in bedrock fractures was evaluated using numerical modeling and physical experiments. The results of one- and two-dimensional numerical modeling at 100 megahertz indicate that GPR reflection amplitudes are relatively insensitive to fracture apertures ranging from 1 to 4 mm. The numerical modeling and physical experiments indicate that differences in the fluids that fill fractures significantly affect the amplitude and the polarity of electromagnetic waves reflected by subhorizontal fractures. Air-filled and hydrocarbon-filled fractures generate low-amplitude reflections that are in-phase with the transmitted pulse. Water-filled fractures create reflections with greater amplitude and opposite polarity than those reflections created by air-filled or hydrocarbon-filled fractures. The results from the numerical modeling and physical experiments demonstrate it is possible to distinguish water-filled fracture reflections from air- or hydrocarbon-filled fracture reflections, nevertheless subsurface heterogeneity, antenna coupling changes, and other sources of noise will likely make it difficult to observe these changes in GPR field data. This indicates that the routine application of common-offset GPR reflection methods for detection of hydrocarbon-filled fractures will be problematic. Ideal cases will require appropriately processed, high-quality GPR data, ground-truth information, and detailed knowledge of subsurface physical properties. Conversely, the sensitivity of GPR methods to changes in subsurface physical properties as demonstrated by the numerical and experimental results suggests the potential of using GPR methods as a monitoring tool. GPR methods may be suited for monitoring pumping and tracer tests, changes in site hydrologic conditions, and remediation activities.

Colossal Magnetoelectric Effect with Competing Multiferroic and Weak-Ferromagnetic Phases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Young Jai; Zhang, Chenglin; Lee, Nara; Cheong, Sang-Wook

2011-03-01

From our investigation of magnetoelectric properties of Eu 0.75 Y0.25 Mn O3 , where a multiferroic phase competes with a weak ferromagnetic phase in magnetic fields, we found intriguing hysteretic behaviors of physical properties with variation of temperature and magnetic field. These hysteretic behaviors arise from the kinetic arrest/de-arrest processes of the first order magnetic transition, resulting in freezing or melting of a magnetoelectric glass state with the coexistence of two competing phases. We note that most of large magnetoelectric coupling effects in multiferroics are associated with the large change of polarization with magnetic fields, but the control of ferromagnetic-type magnetization by applying electric fields is most relevant to technological applications, which is scarcely observed. This important issue of mutual controllability is achieved in Eu 0.75 Y0.25 Mn O3 utilizing dynamical modulations of the coexistence of two contraindicative phases, highly susceptible to the external perturbations such as electric and magnetic fields.

Visualizing heavy fermion confinement and Pauli-limited superconductivity in layered CeCoIn 5

DOE PAGES

Gyenis, András; Feldman, Benjamin E.; Randeria, Mallika T.; ...

2018-02-07

Layered material structures play a key role in enhancing electron–electron interactions to create correlated metallic phases that can transform into unconventional superconducting states. The quasi-two-dimensional electronic properties of such compounds are often inferred indirectly through examination of bulk properties. Here we use scanning tunneling microscopy to directly probe in cross-section the quasi-two-dimensional electronic states of the heavy fermion superconductor CeCoIn 5. Our measurements reveal the strong confined nature of quasiparticles, anisotropy of tunneling characteristics, and layer-by-layer modulated behavior of the precursor pseudogap gap phase. In the interlayer coupled superconducting state, the orientation of line defects relative to the d-wave ordermore » parameter determines whether in-gap states form due to scattering. Spectroscopic imaging of the anisotropic magnetic vortex cores directly characterizes the short interlayer superconducting coherence length and shows an electronic phase separation near the upper critical in-plane magnetic field, consistent with a Pauli-limited first-order phase transition into a pseudogap phase.« less

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

Gyenis, András; Feldman, Benjamin E.; Randeria, Mallika T.

Layered material structures play a key role in enhancing electron–electron interactions to create correlated metallic phases that can transform into unconventional superconducting states. The quasi-two-dimensional electronic properties of such compounds are often inferred indirectly through examination of bulk properties. Here we use scanning tunneling microscopy to directly probe in cross-section the quasi-two-dimensional electronic states of the heavy fermion superconductor CeCoIn 5. Our measurements reveal the strong confined nature of quasiparticles, anisotropy of tunneling characteristics, and layer-by-layer modulated behavior of the precursor pseudogap gap phase. In the interlayer coupled superconducting state, the orientation of line defects relative to the d-wave ordermore » parameter determines whether in-gap states form due to scattering. Spectroscopic imaging of the anisotropic magnetic vortex cores directly characterizes the short interlayer superconducting coherence length and shows an electronic phase separation near the upper critical in-plane magnetic field, consistent with a Pauli-limited first-order phase transition into a pseudogap phase.« less

Finite volume solution for two-phase flow in a straight capillary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yelkhovsky, Alexander; Pinczewski, W. Val

2018-04-01

The problem of two-phase flow in straight capillaries of polygonal cross section displays many of the dynamic characteristics of rapid interfacial motions associated with pore-scale displacements in porous media. Fluid inertia is known to be important in these displacements but is usually ignored in network models commonly used to predict macroscopic flow properties. This study presents a numerical model for two-phase flow which describes the spatial and temporal evolution of the interface between the fluids. The model is based on an averaged Navier-Stokes equation and is shown to be successful in predicting the complex dynamics of both capillary rise in round capillaries and imbibition along the corners of polygonal capillaries. The model can form the basis for more realistic network models which capture the effect of capillary, viscous, and inertial forces on pore-scale interfacial dynamics and consequent macroscopic flow properties.

Amylose Phase Composition As Analyzed By FTIR In A Temperature Ramp: Influence Of Short Range Order On The Thermodynamic Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernazzani, Paul; Delmas, Genevieve

1998-03-01

Amylose, a major component of starch, is one of the most important biopolymers, being mainly associated with the pharmacological and food industries. Although widely studied, a complete control and understanding of the physical properties of amylose is still lacking. It is well known that structure and phase transition are important aspects of the functionality of biopolymers since they influence physical attributes such as appearance, digestibility, water holding capacity, etc. In the past, we have studied polyethylene phase composition by DSC in a very slow temperature (T) ramp (1K/h) and have demonstrated the presence and importance of short-range order on the polymer and its characteristics. In this study, we evaluated the phase composition of potato amylose and associated the thermodynamic properties with the presence of short-range order. Two methods were correlated, DSC (in a 1K/h T-ramp) and FTIR as a function of temperature, also in a 1K/h T-ramp. The effects of the various phases on thermodynamic properties such as gelation and enzyme or chemical resistance are discussed.

The imprint of satellite accretion on the chemical and dynamical properties of disc galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruiz-Lara, T.; Few, C. G.; Gibson, B. K.; Pérez, I.; Florido, E.; Minchev, I.; Sánchez-Blázquez, P.

2016-02-01

Aims: We study the effects of the cosmological assembly history on the chemical and dynamical properties of the discs of spiral galaxies as a function of radius. Methods: We made use of the simulated Milky Way mass, fully-cosmological discs from Ramses Disc Environment Study (RaDES). We analysed their assembly history by examining the proximity of satellites to the galactic disc, instead of their merger trees, to better gauge which satellites impact the disc. We presented stellar age and metallicity profiles, age-metallicity relation (AMR), age-velocity dispersion relation (AVR), and stellar age distribution (SAD) in several radial bins for the simulated galaxies. Results: Assembly histories can be divided into three different stages: I) a merger dominated phase, when a large number of mergers with mass ratios of ~1:1 take place (lasting ~3.2 ± 0.4 Gyr on average); II) a quieter phase, when ~1:10 mergers take place (lasting ~4.4 ± 2.0 Gyr); and III) a secular phase where the few mergers that take place have mass ratios below 1:100, which do not affect the disc properties (lasting ~5.5 ± 2.0 Gyr). The first two phases are able to kinematically heat the disc and produce a disc that is chemically mixed over its entire radial extension. Phase 2 ends with a final merger event (at time tjump) marking the onset of important radial differences in the AMR, AVR, and SAD. Conclusions: Inverted AMR trends in the outer parts of discs, for stars younger than tjump, are found as the combined effect of radial motions and star formation in satellites temporarily located in these outer parts. U-shaped stellar age profiles change to an old plateau (~10 Gyr) in the outer discs for the entire RaDES sample. This shape is a consequence of inside-out growth of the disc, radial motions of disc stars (inwards and outwards), and the accretion of old stars from satellites. We see comparable age profiles even when ignoring the influence of stellar migration due to the presence of early in situ star formation in the outer regions of the galaxy.

Influence of ferrite phase in alite-calcium sulfoaluminate cements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duvallet, Tristana Yvonne Francoise

Since the energy crisis in 1970's, research on low energy cements with low CO2- emissions has been increasing. Numerous solutions have been investigated, and the goal of this original research is to create a viable hybrid cement with the components of both Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and calcium sulfoaluminate cement (CSAC), by forming a material that contains both alite and calcium sulfoaluminate clinker phases. Furthermore, this research focuses on keeping the cost of this material reasonable by reducing aluminum requirements through its substitution with iron. The aim of this work would produce a cement that can use large amounts of red mud, which is a plentiful waste material, in place of bauxite known as an expensive raw material. Modified Bogue equations were established and tested to formulate this novel cement with different amounts of ferrite, from 5% to 45% by weight. This was followed by the production of cement from reagent chemicals, and from industrial by-products as feedstocks (fly ash, red mud and slag). Hydration processes, as well as the mechanical properties, of these clinker compositions were studied, along with the addition of gypsum and the impact of a ferric iron complexing additive triisopropanolamine (TIPA). To summarize this research, the influence of the addition of 5-45% by weight of ferrite phase, was examined with the goal of introducing as much red mud as possible in the process without negatively attenuate the cement properties. Based on this PhD dissertation, the production of high-iron alite-calcium sulfoaluminateferrite cements was proven possible from the two sources of raw materials. The hydration processes and the mechanical properties seemed negatively affected by the addition of ferrite, as this phase was not hydrated entirely, even after 6 months of curing. The usage of TIPA counteracted this decline in strength by improving the ferrite hydration and increasing the optimum amount of gypsum required in each composition. The mechanical data were equivalent to OPC strengths for some compositions with 25% ferrite. This preliminary work constitutes the first research phase of this novel cement and requires additional research for its improvement. Topics for additional research are identified in this dissertation. KEYWORDS: alite, calcium sulfoaluminate, ferrite, low-energy cement, triisopropanolamine.

Embedded atom method potential for studying mechanical properties of binary Cu–Au alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gola, Adrien; Pastewka, Lars

2018-07-01

We present an embedded atom method (EAM) potential for the binary Cu–Au system. The unary phases are described by two well-tested unary EAM potentials for Cu and Au. We fitted the interaction between Cu and Au to experimental properties of the binary intermetallic phases Cu3Au, CuAu and CuAu3. Particular attention has been paid to reproducing stacking fault energies in order to obtain a potential suitable for studying deformation in this binary system. The resulting energies, lattice constant, elastic properties and melting points are in good agreement with available experimental data. We use nested sampling to show that our potential reproduces the phase boundaries between intermetallic phases and the disordered face-centered cubic solid solution. We benchmark our potential against four popular Cu–Au EAM parameterizations and density-functional theory calculations.

Topological phase in a two-dimensional metallic heavy-fermion system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshida, Tsuneya; Peters, Robert; Fujimoto, Satoshi; Kawakami, Norio

2013-04-01

We report on a topological insulating state in a heavy-fermion system away from half filling, which is hidden within a ferromagnetic metallic phase. In this phase, the cooperation of the RKKY interaction and the Kondo effect, together with the spin-orbit coupling, induces a spin-selective gap, bringing about topologically nontrivial properties. This topological phase is robust against a change in the chemical potential in a much wider range than the gap size. We analyze these remarkable properties by using dynamical mean field theory and the numerical renormalization group. Its topological properties support a gapless chiral edge mode, which exhibits a non-Tomonaga-Luttinger liquid behavior due to the coupling with bulk ferromagnetic spin fluctuations. We also propose that the effects of the spin fluctuations on the edge mode can be detected via the NMR relaxation time measurement.

Structural and electronic properties of high pressure phases of lead chalcogenides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petersen, John; Scolfaro, Luisa; Myers, Thomas

2012-10-01

Lead chalcogenides, most notably PbTe and PbSe, have become an active area of research due to their thermoelectric properties. The high figure of merit (ZT) of these materials has brought much attention to them, due to their ability to convert waste heat into electricity. Variation in synthesis conditions gives rise to a need for analysis of structural and thermoelectric properties of these materials at different pressures. In addition to the NaCl structure at ambient conditions, lead chalcogenides have a dynamic orthorhombic (Pnma) intermediate phase and a higher pressure yet stable CsCl phase. By altering the lattice constant, we simulate the application of external pressure; this has notable effects on ground state total energy, band gap, and structural phase. Using the General Gradient Approximation (GGA) in Density Functional Theory (DFT), we calculate the phase transition pressures by finding the differences in enthalpy from total energy calculations. For each phase, elastic constants, bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, and hardness are calculated, using two different approaches. In addition to structural properties, we analyze the band structure and density of states at varying pressures, paying special note to thermoelectric implications.

Competition between Chaotic and Nonchaotic Phases in a Quadratically Coupled Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev Model.

PubMed

Chen, Xin; Fan, Ruihua; Chen, Yiming; Zhai, Hui; Zhang, Pengfei

2017-11-17

The Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev (SYK) model is a concrete solvable model to study non-Fermi liquid properties, holographic duality, and maximally chaotic behavior. In this work, we consider a generalization of the SYK model that contains two SYK models with a different number of Majorana modes coupled by quadratic terms. This model is also solvable, and the solution shows a zero-temperature quantum phase transition between two non-Fermi liquid chaotic phases. This phase transition is driven by tuning the ratio of two mode numbers, and a nonchaotic Fermi liquid sits at the critical point with an equal number of modes. At a finite temperature, the Fermi liquid phase expands to a finite regime. More intriguingly, a different non-Fermi liquid phase emerges at a finite temperature. We characterize the phase diagram in terms of the spectral function, the Lyapunov exponent, and the entropy. Our results illustrate a concrete example of the quantum phase transition and critical behavior between two non-Fermi liquid phases.

Impact of nanostructuring on the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of microscale phase-separated La 5/8–yPr yCa 3/8MnO₃ manganites

DOE PAGES

Bingham, N. S.; Lampen, P.; Phan, M. H.; ...

2012-08-16

Bulk manganites of the form La 5/8–yPr yCa 3/8MnO₃ (LPCMO) exhibit a complex phase diagram due to coexisting charge-ordered antiferromagnetic (CO/AFM), charge-disordered paramagnetic (PM), and ferromagnetic (FM) phases. Because phase separation in LPCMO occurs on the microscale, reducing particle size to below this characteristic length is expected to have a strong impact on the magnetic properties of the system. Through a comparative study of the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of single-crystalline (bulk) and nanocrystalline LPCMO (y=3/8) we show that the AFM, CO, and FM transitions seen in the single crystal can also be observed in the large particle sizes (400more » and 150 nm), while only a single PM to FM transition is found for the small particles (55 nm). Magnetic and magnetocaloric measurements reveal that decreasing particle size affects the balance of competing phases in LPCMO and narrows the range of fields over which PM, FM, and CO phases coexist. The FM volume fraction increases with size reduction, until CO is suppressed below some critical size, ~100 nm. With size reduction, the saturation magnetization and field sensitivity first increase as long-range CO is inhibited, then decrease as surface effects become increasingly important. The trend that the FM phase is stabilized on the nanoscale is contrasted with the stabilization of the charge-disordered PM phase occurring on the microscale, demonstrating that in terms of the characteristic phase separation length, a few microns and several hundred nanometers represent very different regimes in LPCMO.« less

Misfit strain-temperature phase diagrams and domain stability of asymmetric ferroelectric capacitors: Thermodynamic calculation and phase-field simulation

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

Chen, W. J.; Zheng, Yue, E-mail: zhengy35@mail.sysu.edu.cn; Wu, C. M.

Thermodynamic calculation and phase-field simulation have been conducted to investigate the misfit strain-temperature phase diagrams, dielectric property, and domain stability of asymmetric ferroelectric capacitors (FCs), with considering the effects of dissimilar screening properties and work function steps at the two interfaces. The distinct features of asymmetric FCs from their symmetric counterparts have been revealed and discussed. Polar states with nonzero out-of-plane polarization in parallel with the built-in field are found preferential to form in asymmetric FCs. Meanwhile, the built-in field breaks the degeneracy of states with out-of-plane polarization in anti-directions. This leads to the necessity of redefining phases according tomore » the bistability of out-of-plane polarization. Moreover, the phase stability as well as the dielectric behavior can be significantly controlled by the properties of electrodes, misfit strain, and temperature. The phase-field simulation result also shows that polydomain instability would happen in asymmetric FCs as the equivalence of domain stability in anti-directions is destroyed.« less

Effects of Microstructure on Tensile, Charpy Impact, and Crack Tip Opening Displacement Properties of Two API X80 Pipeline Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shin, Sang Yong

2013-06-01

The effects of microstructure on tensile, Charpy impact, and crack tip opening displacement (CTOD) properties of two API X80 pipeline steels were investigated in this study. Two API X80 pipeline steels consisting of acicular ferrite and granular bainite, and a small amount of hard phases such as martensite and secondary phases have elongated grains along the rolling direction, so that they show different mechanical properties as the specimens' directions change. The 90 deg specimens have high tensile strength due to the low stress concentration on the fine hard phases and the high loads for the deformation of the elongated grains. In contrast, the 30 deg specimens have less elongated grains and larger hard phases such as martensite, with the size of about 3 μm, than the 90 deg specimens. Hence, the 30 deg specimens have low tensile strength because of the high stress concentration on the large hard phases and the low loads to deform grains. In the 90 deg specimen, brittle crack propagation surfaces are even since cracks propagate in a straight line along the elongated grain structure. In the 30 deg specimen, however, brittle crack propagation surfaces are uneven, and secondary cracks are observed, because of the zigzag brittle crack propagation path. In the CTOD properties, the 90 deg specimens have maximum forces of higher magnitude than the 30 deg specimens, because of the elongated grain structure. However, CTODs of the 90 deg specimens are lower than those of the 30 deg specimens because of the low plastic deformation areas by the elongated grains in the 90 deg specimens.

Two-dimensional Coupled Petrological-tectonic Modelling of Extensional Basins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaus, B. J. P.; Podladchikov, Y. Y.; Connolly, J. A. D.

Most numerical codes that simulate the deformation of a lithosphere assume the den- sity of the lithosphere to be either constant or depend only on temperature and pres- sure. It is, however, well known that rocks undergo phase transformations in response to changes in pressure and temperature. Such phase transformations may substantially alter the bulk properties of the rock (i.e., density, thermal conductivity, thermal ex- pansivity and elastic moduli). Several previous studies demonstrated that the density effects due to phase transitions are indeed large enough to have an impact on the litho- sphere dynamics. These studies were however oversimplified in that they accounted for only one or two schematic discontinuous phase transitions. The current study there- fore takes into account all the reactions that occur for a realistic lithospheric composi- tion. Calculation of the phase diagram and bulk physical properties of the stable phase assemblages for the crust and mantle within the continental lithosphere was done ac- counting for mineral solution behaviour using a free energy minimization program for natural rock compositions. The results of these calculations provide maps of the varia- tions in rock properties as a function of pressure and temperature that are easily incor- porated in any dynamic model computations. In this contribution we implemented a density map in the two-dimensional basin code TECMOD2D. We compare the results of the model with metamorphic reactions with a model without reactions and define some effective parameters that allow the use of a simpler model that still mimics most of the density effects of the metamorphic reactions.

Coupling between the Dynamics of Water and Surfactants in Lyotropic Liquid Crystals

DOE PAGES

McDaniel, Jesse G.; Yethiraj, Arun

2017-04-26

Bilayers composed of lipid or surfactant molecules are central to biological membranes and lamellar lyotropic liquid crystalline (LLC) phases. Common to these systems are phases that exhibit either ordered or disordered packing of the hydrophobic tails. In this work, we study the impact of surfactant ordering, i.e., disordered L α and ordered L β LLC phases, on the dynamics of water and sodium ions in the lamellar phases of dicarboxylate gemini surfactants. We study the different phases at identical hydration levels by changing the length of the hydrophobic tails; surfactants with shorter tails form L α phases and those withmore » longer tails form L β phases. We find that the L α phases exhibit lower density and greater compressibility than the L β phases, with a hydration-dependent headgroup surface area. These structural differences significantly affect the relative dynamic properties of the phases, primarily the mobility of the surfactant molecules tangential to the bilayer surface, as well as the rates of water and ion diffusion. We find ~20–50% faster water diffusion in the L α phases compared to the L β phases, with the differences most pronounced at low hydration. This coupling between water dynamics and surfactant mobility is verified using additional simulations in which the surfactant tails are frozen. Our study indicates that gemini surfactant LLCs provide an important prototypical system for characterizing properties shared with more complex biological lipid membranes.« less

Competing magnetostructural phases in a semiclassical system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Neal, Kenneth R.; Lee, Jun Hee; Kim, Maeng-Suk; Manson, Jamie L.; Liu, Zhenxian; Fishman, Randy S.; Musfeldt, Janice L.

2017-11-01

The interplay between charge, structure, and magnetism gives rise to rich phase diagrams in complex materials with exotic properties emerging when phases compete. Molecule-based materials are particularly advantageous in this regard due to their low energy scales, flexible lattices, and chemical tunability. Here, we bring together high pressure Raman scattering, modeling, and first principles calculations to reveal the pressure-temperature-magnetic field phase diagram of Mn[N(CN)2]2. We uncover how hidden soft modes involving octahedral rotations drive two pressure-induced transitions triggering the low → high magnetic anisotropy crossover and a unique reorientation of exchange planes. These magnetostructural transitions and their mechanisms highlight the importance of spin-lattice interactions in establishing phases with novel magnetic properties in Mn(II)-containing systems.

Origins of the structural phase transitions in MoTe2 and WTe2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hyun-Jung; Kang, Seoung-Hun; Hamada, Ikutaro; Son, Young-Woo

2017-05-01

Layered transition metal dichalcogenides MoTe2 and WTe2 share almost similar lattice constants as well as topological electronic properties except their structural phase transitions. While the former shows a first-order phase transition between monoclinic and orthorhombic structures, the latter does not. Using a recently proposed van der Waals density functional method, we investigate structural stability of the two materials and uncover that the disparate phase transitions originate from delicate differences between their interlayer bonding states near the Fermi energy. By exploiting the relation between the structural phase transitions and the low energy electronic properties, we show that a charge doping can control the transition substantially, thereby suggesting a way to stabilize or to eliminate their topological electronic energy bands.

Investigation of the physical properties of two Laves phase compounds HRh2 (H = Ca and La): A DFT study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahaman, Md. Zahidur; Rahman, Md. Atikur

2018-05-01

By using the first-principle calculations, the structural, elastic, electronic and optical properties of Laves phase intermetallic compounds CaRh2 and LaRh2 prototype with MgCu2 are investigated. The evaluated lattice parameters are consistent with the experimental values. The important elastic properties, such as bulk modulus B, shear modulus G, Young’s modulus Y and the Poisson’s ratio v, are computed by applying the Voigt-Reuss-Hill (VRH) approximation. The analysis of Pugh’s ratio exhibits the ductile nature of both the phases. Electronic conductivity is predicted for both the compounds. Most of the contribution comes from Rh-4d states. The study of bonding characteristics reveals the existence of ionic and metallic bonds in both intermetallics. The study of optical properties indicates that CaRh2 is a better dielectric material than LaRh2. Absorption quality of both the phases is good in the ultraviolet region.

Optical properties of single and bilayer arsenene phases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kecik, Deniz; Ciraci, Salim; Durgun, Engin

An extensive investigation of the optical properties of single-layer buckled and washboard arsenene and their bilayers was performed, starting from layered three-dimensional (3D) crystalline phase of arsenic using density functional and many-body perturbation theories combined with Random Phase Approximation. Electron-hole interactions were taken into account by solving the Bethe-Salpeter equation, suggesting first bound exciton energies on the order of 0.7 eV. Thus, many-body effects were found to be crucial for altering the optical properties of arsenene. The light absorption of single layer and bilayer arsenene structures in general falls within the visible-ultraviolet (UV) spectral regime. Moreover, directional anisotropy, varying the number of layers and applying homogeneous or uniaxial in-plane tensile strain were found to modify the optical properties of two-dimensional (2D) arsenene phases, which could be useful for diverse photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications. This work was supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) under Project No 115F088.

Accidental degeneracy in photonic bands and topological phase transitions in two-dimensional core-shell dielectric photonic crystals.

PubMed

Xu, Lin; Wang, Hai-Xiao; Xu, Ya-Dong; Chen, Huan-Yang; Jiang, Jian-Hua

2016-08-08

A simple core-shell two-dimensional photonic crystal is studied where the triangular lattice symmetry and the C₆ point group symmetry give rich physics in accidental touching points of photonic bands. We systematically evaluate different types of accidental nodal points at the Brillouin zone center for transverse-magnetic harmonic modes when the geometry and permittivity of the core-shell material are continuously tuned. The accidental nodal points can have different dispersions and topological properties (i.e., Berry phases). These accidental nodal points can be the critical states lying between a topological phase and a normal phase of the photonic crystal. They are thus very important for the study of topological photonic states. We show that, without breaking time-reversal symmetry, by tuning the geometry of the core-shell material, a phase transition into the photonic quantum spin Hall insulator can be achieved. Here the "spin" is defined as the orbital angular momentum of a photon. We study the topological phase transition as well as the properties of the edge and bulk states and their application potentials in optics.

Novel Measurements of Aerosol Particle Interfaces Using Biphasic Microfluidics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Metcalf, A. R.; Dutcher, C. S.

2014-12-01

Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) particles are nearly ubiquitous in the atmosphere and yet there remains large uncertainties in their formation processes and ambient properties. These particles are complex microenvironments, which can contain multiple interfaces due to internal aqueous-organic phase partitioning and to the external liquid-vapor surface. These aerosol interfaces can profoundly affect the fate of condensable organic compounds emitted into the atmosphere by altering the way in which organic vapors interact with the ambient aerosol. Aerosol interfaces affect particle internal structure, species uptake, equilibrium partitioning, activation to cloud condensation or ice nuclei, and optical properties. For example, organic thin films can shield the core of the aerosol from the ambient environment, which may disrupt equilibrium partitioning and mass transfer. To improve our ability to accurately predict the fate of SOA in the atmosphere, we must improve our knowledge of aerosol interfaces and their interactions with the ambient environment. Few technologies exist to accurately probe aerosol interfaces at atmospherically-relevant conditions. In this talk, a novel method using biphasic microscale flows will be introduced for generating, trapping, and perturbing complex interfaces at atmospherically relevant conditions. These microfluidic experiments utilize high-speed imaging to monitor interfacial phenomena at the microscale and are performed with phase contrast and fluorescence microscopy on a temperature-controlled inverted microscope stage. From these experiments, interfacial thermodynamic properties such as surface tension, rheological properties such as interfacial moduli, and kinetic properties such as mass transfer coefficients can be measured or inferred. Chemical compositions of the liquid phases studied here span a range of viscosities and include electrolyte and water soluble organic acid species often observed in the atmosphere, such as mixtures containing ammonium salts (e.g., (NH4)2SO4, NH4NO3) and dicarboxylic acids (e.g., malonic, glutaric, and maleic acid) as well as important mimic compounds such as sucrose - water systems.

Grain Size as a Control for Melt Focusing Beneath Mid-Ocean Ridges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turner, A.; Katz, R. F.; Behn, M. D.

2015-12-01

Grain size is a fundamental control on both the rheology and permeability of the mantle. These properties, in turn, affect the transport of melt beneath mid-ocean ridges. Previous models of grain size beneath ridges have considered only the single-phase problem of dynamic recrystallisation and the resultant pattern of grain-size variation [1,2]. These models have not coupled the spatially variable grain-size field to two-phase (partially molten) mechanics to investigate the implications of spatially variable grain size on melt transport. Here, we present new results from numerical models that investigate the consequences of this coupling. In our two-dimensional, two-phase model the grain-size is coupled to both the permeability and rheology. The rheology is strain-rate and grain-size dependent. For simplicity, however, the grain-size field is not computed dynamically — rather, it is imposed from a single-phase, steady-state model [1] that is based on the "wattmeter" theory [3]. Our calculations predicts that a spatially variable grain size field can promote focusing of melt towards the ridge axis. This focusing is distinct from the commonly discussed, sub-lithospheric decompaction channel [4]. Furthermore, our model predicts that the shape of the partially molten region is sensitive to rheological parameters associated with grain size. The comparison of this shape with observations [5] may help to constrain the rheology of the upper mantle beneath mid-ocean ridges. References: [1] Turner et al., Geochem. Geophys. Geosyst., 16, 925-946, 2015. [2] Behn et al., EPSL, 282, 178-189, 2009. [3] Austin and Evans, Geology, 35:343-346, 2007. [4] Sparks and Parmentier, EPSL, 105, 368-377, 1991. [5] Key et al., Nature, 495, 499-502, 2013.

Dynamic failure in two-phase materials

DOE PAGES

Fensin, S. J.; Walker, E. K.; Cerreta, E. K.; ...

2015-12-21

Previous experimental research has shown that microstructural features such as interfaces, inclusions, vacancies, and heterogeneities can all act as voidnucleation sites. However, it is not well understood how important these interfaces are to damage evolution and failure as a function of the surrounding parentmaterials. In this work, we present results on three different polycrystallinematerials: (1) Cu, (2) Cu-24 wt. %Ag, and (3) Cu-15 wt. %Nb which were studied to probe the influence of bi-metal interfaces onvoidnucleation and growth. These materials were chosen due to the range of difference in structure and bulk properties between the two phases. The initial resultsmore » suggest that when there are significant differences between the bulk properties (for example: stacking fault energy, melting temperature, etc.) the type of interface between the two parent materials does not principally control the damage nucleation and growth process. Rather, it is the “weaker” material that dictates the dynamic spall strength of the overall two-phase material.« less

Acoustic properties of quasi-one-dimensional organic conductor (TMTSF)2ClO4 in the relaxed state: Superconductivity and FISDW anomalies.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Langlois, Alexandre; Poirier, Mario; Bourbonnais, Claude; Bechgaard, Klaus

2008-03-01

Through competing electronic instabilities, the anion sublattice plays an important role in the rich phase diagram of the Bechgaard salts. In the quasi-one-dimensional organic conductor (TMTSF)2ClO4, anion ordering at 24 K affects the nesting properties of the Fermi surface and controls the stability of the superconducting phase below 1.2 K at ambient pressure. Moreover, the field induced spin density wave phases FISDW, one of the several features induced by a magnetic field in this compound, are also sensitive to the symmetry of the anions. In order to address the coupling issue between the lattice and these electronic instabilities, we have performed the first ultrasonic measurements on (TMTSF)2ClO4 in the relaxed state below 4 K using longitudinal and transverses waves (30-500 MHz). If low-frequency vibrating reed experiments have revealed magneto-elastic anomalies in the FISDW phases [1], the superconducting one was never investigated by similar techniques. We report anomalies in the ultrasonic velocity and attenuation for the superconducting and the FISDW phases. The coupling of these phases to the lattice is discussed in relation with the known T-B phase diagram. [1] X.D. Shi et al., Phys. Rev. B. 50, 1984 (1994).

Magnetic field dependent atomic tunneling in non-magnetic glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ludwig, S.; Enss, C.; Hunklinger, S.

2003-05-01

The low-temperature properties of insulating glasses are governed by atomic tunneling systems (TSs). Recently, strong magnetic field effects in the dielectric susceptibility have been discovered in glasses at audio frequencies at very low temperatures. Moreover, it has been found that the amplitude of two-pulse polarization echoes generated in non-magnetic multi-component glasses at radio frequencies and at very low temperatures shows a surprising non-monotonic magnetic field dependence. The magnitude of the latter effect indicates that virtually all TSs are affected by the magnetic field, not only a small subset of systems. We have studied the variation of the magnetic field dependence of the echo amplitude as a function of the delay time between the two excitation pulses and at different frequencies. Our results indicate that the evolution of the phase of resonant TSs is changed by the magnetic field.

Phase transformations in cast duplex stainless steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Yoon-Jun

Duplex stainless steels (DSS) constitute both ferrite and austenite as a matrix. Such a microstructure confers a high corrosion resistance with favorable mechanical properties. However, intermetallic phases such as sigma (sigma) and chi (chi) can also form during casting or high-temperature processing and can degrade the properties of the DSS. This research was initiated to develop time-temperature-transformation (TTT) and continuous-cooling-transformation (CCT) diagrams of two types of cast duplex stainless steels, CD3MN (Fe-22Cr-5Ni-Mo-N) and CD3MWCuN (Fe-25Cr-7Ni-Mo-W-Cu-N), in order to understand the time and temperature ranges for intermetallic phase formation. The alloys were heat treated isothermally or under controlled cooling conditions and then characterized using conventional metallographic methods that included tint etching, and also using electron microscopy (SEM, TEM) and wavelength dispersive spectroscopy (WDS). The kinetics of intermetallic-phase (sigma + chi) formation were analyzed using the Johnson-Mehl-Avrami (JMA) equation in the case of isothermal transformations and a modified form of this equation in the case of continuous cooling transformations. The rate of intermetallic-phase formation was found to be much faster in CD3MWCuN than CD3MN due mainly to differences in the major alloying contents such as Cr, Ni and Mo. To examine in more detail the effects of these elements of the phase stabilities, a series of eight steel castings was designed with the Cr, Ni and Mo contents systematically varied with respect to the nominal composition of CD3MN. The effects of varying the contents of alloying additions on the formation of intermetallic phases were also studied computationally using the commercial thermodynamic software package, Thermo-Calc. In general, a was stabilized with increasing Cr addition and chi by increasing Mo addition. However, a delicate balance among Ni and other minor elements such as N and Si also exists. Phase equilibria in DSS can be affected by local composition fluctuations in the cast alloy. This may cause discrepancy between thermodynamic prediction and experimental observation.

Two-phase flows and heat transfer within systems with ambient pressure above the thermodynamic critical pressure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hendricks, R. C.; Braun, M. J.; Mullen, R. L.

1986-01-01

In systems where the design inlet and outlet pressures P sub amb are maintained above the thermodynamic critical pressure P sub c, it is often assumed that heat and mass transfer are governed by single-phase relations and that two-phase flows cannot occur. This simple rule of thumb is adequate in many low-power designs but is inadequate for high-performance turbomachines, boilers, and other systems where two-phase regions can exist even though P sub amb P sub c. Heat and mass transfer and rotordynamic-fluid-mechanic restoring forces depend on momentum differences, and those for a two-phase zone can differ significantly from those for a single-phase zone. By using a laminar, variable-property bearing code and a rotating boiler code, pressure and temperature surfaces were determined that illustrate nesting of a two-phase region within a supercritical pressure region. The method of corresponding states is applied to bearings with reasonable rapport.

Two-phase flows and heat transfer within systems with ambient pressure above the thermodynamic critical pressure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hendricks, R. C.; Braun, M. J.; Mullen, R. L.

1986-01-01

In systems where the design inlet and outlet pressure P sub amb are maintained above the thermodynamic critical pressure P sub c, it is often assumed that heat and mass transfer are governed by single-phase relations and that two-phase flows cannot occur. This simple rule of thumb is adequate in many low-power designs but is inadequate for high-performance turbomachines, boilers, and other systems where two-phase regions can exist even though P sub amb P sub c. Heat and mass transfer and rotordynamic-fluid-mechanic restoring forces depend on momentum differences, and those for a two-phase zone can differ significantly from those for a single-phase zone. By using a laminar, variable-property bearing code and a rotating boiler code, pressure and temperature surfaces were determined that illustrate nesting of a two-phase region within a supercritical pressure region. The method of corresponding states is applied to bearings with reasonable rapport.

A Quantitative Structure-Property Relationship (QSPR) Study of Aliphatic Alcohols by the Method of Dividing the Molecular Structure into Substructure

PubMed Central

Liu, Fengping; Cao, Chenzhong; Cheng, Bin

2011-01-01

A quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) analysis of aliphatic alcohols is presented. Four physicochemical properties were studied: boiling point (BP), n-octanol–water partition coefficient (lg POW), water solubility (lg W) and the chromatographic retention indices (RI) on different polar stationary phases. In order to investigate the quantitative structure–property relationship of aliphatic alcohols, the molecular structure ROH is divided into two parts, R and OH to generate structural parameter. It was proposed that the property is affected by three main factors for aliphatic alcohols, alkyl group R, substituted group OH, and interaction between R and OH. On the basis of the polarizability effect index (PEI), previously developed by Cao, the novel molecular polarizability effect index (MPEI) combined with odd-even index (OEI), the sum eigenvalues of bond-connecting matrix (SX1CH) previously developed in our team, were used to predict the property of aliphatic alcohols. The sets of molecular descriptors were derived directly from the structure of the compounds based on graph theory. QSPR models were generated using only calculated descriptors and multiple linear regression techniques. These QSPR models showed high values of multiple correlation coefficient (R > 0.99) and Fisher-ratio statistics. The leave-one-out cross-validation demonstrated the final models to be statistically significant and reliable. PMID:21731451

Propagation properties of hollow sinh-Gaussian beams in quadratic-index medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zou, Defeng; Li, Xiaohui; Pang, Xingxing; Zheng, Hairong; Ge, Yanqi

2017-10-01

Based on the Collins integral formula, the analytical expression for a hollow sinh-Gaussian (HsG) beam propagating through the quadratic-index medium is derived. The propagation properties of a single HsG beam and their interactions have been studied in detail with numerical examples. The results show that inhomogeneity can support self-repeating intensity distributions of HsG beams. With high-ordered beam order n, HsG beams could maintain their initial dark hollow distributions for a longer distance. In addition, interference fringes appear at the interactional region. The central intensity is a prominent peak for two in-phase beams, which is zero for two out-of phase beams. By tuning the initial beam phase shift, the distribution of the fringes can be controlled.

Influence of the applied potentials difference on structural and conductive properties of CoZnO nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ibragimova, M. A.; Kozlovskiy, A. L.; Kenzhina, I. E.; Zdorovets, M. V.

2018-04-01

A series of CoZnO nanotubes was obtained by electrochemical deposition, with different atomic metal coefficients, due to a change in the applied potential difference. A systematic study of the morphology, structural and conductive properties of nanotubes was also carried out. It is established that the samples synthesized at the applied potentials difference of 1.5 and 1.75 V are three-component systems consisting of two oxide phases of ZnO and CoO1.92 cubic system and a phase of a solid solution of substitution Co0.65Zn0.35 of hexagonal type. The samples synthesized at a potential difference of 2.0 V represent an alloy of two oxide phases, ZnO and CoO1.92.

A two-phase flow model for submarine granular flows: With an application to collapse of deeply-submerged granular columns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Cheng-Hsien; Huang, Zhenhua

2018-05-01

The collapse process of a submerged granular column is strongly affected by its initial packing. Previous models for particle response time, which is used to quantify the drag force between the solid and liquid phases in rheology-based two-phase flow models, have difficulty in simulating the collapse process of granular columns with different initial concentrations (initial packing conditions). This study introduces a new model for particle response time, which enables us to satisfactorily model the drag force between the two phases for a wide range of volume concentration. The present model can give satisfactory results for both loose and dense packing conditions. The numerical results have shown that (i) the initial packing affects the occurrence of contractancy/diltancy behavior during the collapse process, (ii) the general buoyancy and drag force are strongly affected by the initial packing through contractancy and diltancy, and (iii) the general buoyancy and drag force can destabilize the granular material in loose packing condition but stabilize the granular material in dense packing condition. The results have shown that the collapse process of a densely-packed granular column is more sensitive to particle response time than that of a loosely-packed granular column.

Ultra-fine grained microstructure of metastable beta Ti-15Mo alloy and its effects on the phase transformations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Václavová, K.; Stráský, J.; Zháňal, P.; Veselý, J.; Polyakova, V.; Semenova, I.; Janeček, M.

2017-05-01

Processing of metastable titanium alloys by severe plastic deformation provides an opportunity to achieve exceptional grain refinement, to enhance the strength and to affect phase transformations occurring during thermal treatment. The main aim of this study is to investigate the microstructure of ultra-fine grained (UFG) material and effect of microstructural changes on phase transformations in metastable β-Ti alloy Ti-15Mo. Metastable β-Ti alloys are currently the most studied Ti-based materials with prospective use in medicine. Ti-15Mo alloy after solution treatment contains metastable β-phase. Metastable ω-phase and stable α-phase particles are formed upon annealing,. Solution treated Ti-15Mo alloy was deformed by high pressure torsion (HPT) at room temperature. Severely deformed structure after HPT with grain size of ~200 nm was studied by transmission electron microscopy. In-situ electrical resistance measurements showed significant changes in undergoing phase transformations when compared to coarse-grained (CG) material. Scanning electron microscopy revealed heterogeneous precipitation of α-particles at grain boundaries (GB). Due to the high density of GBs in UFG structure, these precipitates are very fine and equiaxed. The study demonstrates that SPD is capable of enhancing mechanical properties due to grain refinement and via affecting precipitation processes in metastable β-Ti alloys.

Highly improved hydration level sensing properties of copper oxide films with sodium and potassium doping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahin, Bünyamin; Kaya, Tolga

2016-01-01

In this study, un-doped, Na-doped, and K-doped nanostructured CuO films were successfully synthesized by the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) technique and then characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and current-voltage (I-V) measurements. Structural properties of the CuO films were affected from doping. The XRD pattern indicates the formation of polycrystalline CuO films with no secondary phases. Furthermore, doping affected the crystal structure of the samples. The optimum conductivity values for both Na and K were obtained at 4 M% doping concentrations. The comparative hydration level sensing properties of the un-doped, Na-doped, and K-doped CuO nanoparticles were also investigated. A significant enhancement in hydration level sensing properties was observed for both 4 M% Na and K-doped CuO films for all concentration levels. Detailed discussions were reported in the study regarding atomic radii, crystalline structure, and conductivity.

Engineering bioactive polymers for the next generation of bone repair

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ho, Emily Y.

Bone disease is a serious health condition among the aged population. In some cases of bone damage it becomes necessary to replace, recontour, and assist in the healing of the bone. Many materials have been proposed as useful replacements but none have been proven to be ideal. In this thesis, two bioactive composites were investigated for bone replacements. First reported material is a hydroxyapatite (HA) particle reinforced polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) composite treated with a co-polymer coupling agent for mandible augmentations. The influence of the coupling agent on the local mechanical properties of the system before and after simulated biological conditions was determined by applying nano-indentation at the cross-sectional HA/PMMA interface. The local interfacial results were indicative of the global quasi static compression test results. While the coupling agent improved the interfacial and global mechanical properties before and after 24 hours in vitro immersion, it did not affect the surface bioactivity of the system. However, the addition of coupling agent did not provide long term in vitro improvement of both local and global mechanical properties of the composite. An alternative approach of combining a bioactive phase into polymer matrix was developed. The second analyzed material is an injectable composite with osteoconductivity and ideal mechanical biocompatibility for vertebral fracture fixations which we formulated and fabricated. A bioactive component was engineered into the macromolecular structure to facilitate the formation of apatite nucleation sites on a thermo-sensitive polymer, poly(N-isopropylacryamide)-co-poly(ethyleneglycol) dimethacrylate (PNIPAAm-PEGDM), through incorporation of tri-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS). PNIPAAm-PEGDM is capable of liquid to solid phase transformation at 32°C. In this study, the phase transformation temperature (LCSTs), the in vitro mechanical properties, swelling characteristics and bioactivity of the polymers were evaluated. The addition of NIPS to the polymer encouraged apatite formation and increased its compressive modulus while its LCST remained unchanged. The challenge of this material system is to balance the network-forming and bioactivity inducing MPS with the gain in elastic recovery induced by PEGDM addition to the PNIPAAm base, all while maintaining an injectable material system. This material platform offers a family of polymers that have a range of mechanical properties for various tissue replacements.

Characterization of Anisotropic Behavior for High Grade Pipes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Kun; Huo, Chunyong; Ji, Lingkang; Li, Yang; Zhang, Jiming; Ma, Qiurong

With the developing requirement of nature gas, the property needs of steel for pipe line are higher and higher, especially in strength and toughness. It is necessary to improve the steel grade in order to ensure economic demand and safety. However, with the rise of steel grade, the differences on properties in different orientations (anisotropic behaviors) become more and more obvious after the process of hot rolling, which may affect the prediction of fracture for the pipes seriously (Thinking of isotropic mechanical properties for material in traditional predict way). In order to get the reason for anisotropic mechanics, a series of tests are carried out for high grade steel pipes, including not only mechanical properties but also microstructures. Result indicates that there are obviously anisotropic behaviors for high grade steel pipes in two orientations (rolling orientation and transverse orientation). Strength is better in T orientation because Rm is higher and Rt 0.5 rises more in T orientation, and toughness is better in L orientation because of the higher Akv and SA in L orientation under a same temperature. Banded structures are formed in T orientation, and the spatial distribution of inclusion and precipitated phases are different in T, L and S orientation. The anisotropic arrangement for the matrix in space (banded structures), which is formed after the process of hot rolling, may affect the mechanical properties in different orientation. Moreover, the elasticity modulus of particles is different from the elasticity modulus of matrix, deformation between particles and matrix may cause stress concentration, and damage forms in this place. Because of the different distribution of particles in space, the level of damage is anisotropic in different orientations, and the anisotropic mechanical properties occur finally. Therefore, the anisotropic mechanical properties are determined by the anisotropic microstructures, both the anisotropic of matrix and the anisotropic of particles are included.

Entanglement Properties and Quantum Phases for a Fermionic Disordered One-Dimensional Wire with Attractive Interactions.

PubMed

Berkovits, Richard

2015-11-13

A fermionic disordered one-dimensional wire in the presence of attractive interactions is known to have two distinct phases, a localized and superconducting, depending on the strength of interaction and disorder. The localized region may also exhibit a metallic behavior if the system size is shorter than the localization length. Here we show that the superconducting phase has a distribution of the entanglement entropy distinct from the metallic regime. The entanglement entropy distribution is strongly asymmetric with a Lévy α-stable distribution (compared to the Gaussian metallic distribution), as is seen also for the second Rényi entropy distribution. Thus, entanglement properties may reveal properties which cannot be detected by other methods.

Correlations between the 1H NMR chemical shieldings and the pKa values of organic acids and amines.

PubMed

Lu, Juanfeng; Lu, Tingting; Zhao, Xinyun; Chen, Xi; Zhan, Chang-Guo

2018-06-01

The acid dissociation constants and 1 H NMR chemical shieldings of organic compounds are important properties that have attracted much research interest. However, few studies have explored the relationship between these two properties. In this work, we theoretically studied the NMR chemical shifts of a series of carboxylic acids and amines in the gas phase and in aqueous solution. It was found that the negative logarithms of the experimental acid dissociation constants (i.e., the pK a values) of the organic acids and amines in aqueous solution correlate almost linearly with the corresponding calculated NMR chemical shieldings. Key factors that affect the theoretically predicted pK a values are discussed in this paper. The present work provides a new way to predict the pK a values of organic/biochemical compounds. Graphical abstract The chemical shielding values of organic acids and amines correlate near linearly with their corresponding pK a values.

Springback evaluation of friction stir welded TWB automotive sheets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Junehyung; Lee, Wonoh; Chung, Kyung-Hwan; Kim, Daeyong; Kim, Chongmin; Okamoto, Kazutaka; Wagoner, R. H.; Chung, Kwansoo

2011-02-01

Springback behavior of automotive friction stir welded TWB (tailor welded blank) sheets was experimentally investigated and the springback prediction capability of the constitutive law was numerically validated. Four automotive sheets, aluminum alloy 6111-T4, 5083-H18, 5083-O and dual-phase DP590 steel sheets, each having one or two different thicknesses, were considered. To represent mechanical properties, the modified Chaboche type combined isotropic-kinematic hardening law was utilized along with the non-quadratic orthogonal anisotropic yield function, Yld2000-2d, while the anisotropy of the weld zone was ignored for simplicity. For numerical simulations, mechanical properties previously characterized [1] were applied. For validation purposes, three springback tests including the unconstrained cylindrical bending, 2-D draw bending and OSU draw-bend tests were carried out. The numerical method performed reasonably well in analyzing all verification tests and it was confirmed that the springback of TWB as well as of base samples is significantly affected by the ratio of the yield stress with respect to Young's modulus and thickness.

Preferential nucleation during polymorphic transformations

DOE PAGES

Sharma, H.; Sietsma, J.; Offerman, S. E.

2016-08-03

Polymorphism is the ability of a solid material to exist in more than one phase or crystal structure. Polymorphism may occur in metals, alloys, ceramics, minerals, polymers, and pharmaceutical substances. Unresolved are the conditions for preferential nucleation during polymorphic transformations in which structural relationships or special crystallographic orientation relationships (OR’s) form between the nucleus and surrounding matrix grains. We measured in-situ and simultaneously the nucleation rates of grains that have zero, one, two, three and four special OR’s with the surrounding parent grains. These experiments show a trend in which the activation energy for nucleation becomes smaller – and thereforemore » nucleation more probable - with increasing number of special OR’s. As a result, these insights contribute to steering the processing of polymorphic materials with tailored properties, since preferential nucleation affects which crystal structure forms, the average grain size and texture of the material, and thereby - to a large extent - the final properties of the material.« less

Temperature characteristics and magnetization mechanism of Fe1.2Co films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Dashun; Fang, Qingqing; Wang, Wenwen; Yang, Jingjing

2017-11-01

Fe1.2Co films with various thicknesses were prepared on glass substrates by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The Fe1.2Co crystal structure exhibited a preferred orientation in the <1 1 0> direction. Also, we found that changing the film thickness affected its magnetic properties and the formation of its reversed nucleus. By measuring magnetism-temperature (M-T) curves under applied field cooling (FC) and zero-field cooling (ZFC), we found that the mechanism of the formation and growth of the reversed nucleus played a main role in blocking the motion of domain walls: the mechanism was competition between a ferromagnetic phase (FM) and an anti-ferromagnetic phase (AFM) at 10-300 K. Moreover, we found that the reversed nucleus blocked the motion of magnetic domains more at 10 K than at 300 K. We suggest that the reversed nucleus affects the magnetism more at low temperatures, which causes the coercivity to be higher at low temperature than at room temperature. These results will help us to understand the magnetic properties and temperature characteristics of FeCo thin films.

Rock fracture processes in chemically reactive environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eichhubl, P.

2015-12-01

Rock fracture is traditionally viewed as a brittle process involving damage nucleation and growth in a zone ahead of a larger fracture, resulting in fracture propagation once a threshold loading stress is exceeded. It is now increasingly recognized that coupled chemical-mechanical processes influence fracture growth in wide range of subsurface conditions that include igneous, metamorphic, and geothermal systems, and diagenetically reactive sedimentary systems with possible applications to hydrocarbon extraction and CO2 sequestration. Fracture processes aided or driven by chemical change can affect the onset of fracture, fracture shape and branching characteristics, and fracture network geometry, thus influencing mechanical strength and flow properties of rock systems. We are investigating two fundamental modes of chemical-mechanical interactions associated with fracture growth: 1. Fracture propagation may be aided by chemical dissolution or hydration reactions at the fracture tip allowing fracture propagation under subcritical stress loading conditions. We are evaluating effects of environmental conditions on critical (fracture toughness KIc) and subcritical (subcritical index) fracture properties using double torsion fracture mechanics tests on shale and sandstone. Depending on rock composition, the presence of reactive aqueous fluids can increase or decrease KIc and/or subcritical index. 2. Fracture may be concurrent with distributed dissolution-precipitation reactions in the hostrock beyond the immediate vicinity of the fracture tip. Reconstructing the fracture opening history recorded in crack-seal fracture cement of deeply buried sandstone we find that fracture length growth and fracture opening can be decoupled, with a phase of initial length growth followed by a phase of dominant fracture opening. This suggests that mechanical crack-tip failure processes, possibly aided by chemical crack-tip weakening, and distributed solution-precipitation creep in the hostrock can independently affect fracture opening displacement and thus fracture aperture profiles and aperture distribution.

Liquid Crystals in Chromatography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Witkiewicz, Zygfryd

The following sections are included: * INTRODUCTION * LIQUID CRYSTALS SUITABLE FOR GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY * Monomeric Liquid Crystal Stationary Phases * Polymeric Liquid Crystal Stationary Phases * Polymeric Liquid Crystal Stationary Phases * Conventional Analytical Columns * Capillary Columns * FACTORS AFFECTING THE CHROMATOGRAPHIC SEPARATIONS ON LIQUID CRYSTAL STATIONARY PHASES * Kind of Mesophase of the Liquid Crystal * Molecular Structure of the Liquid Crystals and of the Chromatographed Substances * Substrate on which the Liquid Crystal is Deposited * ANALYTICAL APPLICATIONS OF LIQUID CRYSTAL STATIONARY PHASES IN GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY * Separation of Isomers of Benzene and Naphthalene Derivatives * Separation of Alkane and Alkene Isomers * Separation of Mixtures of Benzene and Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Derivatives Containing Heteroatoms * Separation of Polynuclear Hydrocarbons * INVESTIGATION OF THE PROPERTIES OF LIQUID CRYSTALS BY GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY * APPLICATION OF LIQUID CRYSTALS IN LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY * Column Chromatography * Thin-Layer Chromatography * APPLICATION OF LIQUID CRYSTAL STATIONARY PHASES IN SUPERCRITICAL FLUID CHROMATOGRAPHY * FINAL REMARKS * References

Optimized method for atmospheric signal reduction in irregular sampled InSAR time series assisted by external atmospheric information

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gong, W.; Meyer, F. J.

2013-12-01

It is well known that spatio-temporal the tropospheric phase signatures complicate the interpretation and detection of smaller magnitude deformation signals or unstudied motion fields. Several advanced time-series InSAR techniques were developed in the last decade that make assumptions about the stochastic properties of the signal components in interferometric phases to reduce atmospheric delay effects on surface deformation estimates. However, their need for large datasets to successfully separate the different phase contributions limits their performance if data is scarce and irregularly sampled. Limited SAR data coverage is true for many areas affected by geophysical deformation. This is either due to their low priority in mission programming, unfavorable ground coverage condition, or turbulent seasonal weather effects. In this paper, we present new adaptive atmospheric phase filtering algorithms that are specifically designed to reconstruct surface deformation signals from atmosphere-affected and irregularly sampled InSAR time series. The filters take advantage of auxiliary atmospheric delay information that is extracted from various sources, e.g. atmospheric weather models. They are embedded into a model-free Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) approach that was selected to accommodate non-linear deformation patterns that are often observed near volcanoes and earthquake zones. Two types of adaptive phase filters were developed that operate in the time dimension and separate atmosphere from deformation based on their different temporal correlation properties. Both filter types use the fact that atmospheric models can reliably predict the spatial statistics and signal power of atmospheric phase delay fields in order to automatically optimize the filter's shape parameters. In essence, both filter types will attempt to maximize the linear correlation between a-priori and the extracted atmospheric phase information. Topography-related phase components, orbit errors and the master atmospheric delays are first removed in a pre-processing step before the atmospheric filters are applied. The first adaptive filter type is using a filter kernel of Gaussian shape and is adaptively adjusting the width (defined in days) of this filter until the correlation of extracted and modeled atmospheric signal power is maximized. If atmospheric properties vary along the time series, this approach will lead to filter setting that are adapted to best reproduce atmospheric conditions at a certain observation epoch. Despite the superior performance of this first filter design, its Gaussian shape imposes non-physical relative weights onto acquisitions that ignore the known atmospheric noise in the data. Hence, in our second approach we are using atmospheric a-priori information to adaptively define the full shape of the atmospheric filter. For this process, we use a so-called normalized convolution (NC) approach that is often used in image reconstruction. Several NC designs will be presented in this paper and studied for relative performance. A cross-validation of all developed algorithms was done using both synthetic and real data. This validation showed designed filters are outperforming conventional filter methods that particularly useful for regions with limited data coverage or lack of a deformation field prior.

Strain-Driven Nanoscale Phase Competition near the Antipolar-Nonpolar Phase Boundary in Bi0.7La0.3FeO3 Thin Films.

PubMed

Dedon, Liv R; Chen, Zuhuang; Gao, Ran; Qi, Yajun; Arenholz, Elke; Martin, Lane W

2018-05-02

Complex-oxide materials tuned to be near phase boundaries via chemistry/composition, temperature, pressure, etc. are known to exhibit large susceptibilities. Here, we observe a strain-driven nanoscale phase competition in epitaxially constrained Bi 0.7 La 0.3 FeO 3 thin films near the antipolar-nonpolar phase boundary and explore the evolution of the structural, dielectric, (anti)ferroelectric, and magnetic properties with strain. We find that compressive and tensile strains can stabilize an antipolar PbZrO 3 -like Pbam phase and a nonpolar Pnma orthorhombic phase, respectively. Heterostructures grown with little to no strain exhibit a self-assembled nanoscale mixture of the two orthorhombic phases, wherein the relative fraction of each phase can be modified with film thickness. Subsequent investigation of the dielectric and (anti)ferroelectric properties reveals an electric-field-driven phase transformation from the nonpolar phase to the antipolar phase. X-ray linear dichroism reveals that the antiferromagnetic-spin axes can be effectively modified by the strain-induced phase transition. This evolution of antiferromagnetic-spin axes can be leveraged in exchange coupling between the antiferromagnetic Bi 0.7 La 0.3 FeO 3 and a ferromagnetic Co 0.9 Fe 0.1 layer to tune the ferromagnetic easy axis of the Co 0.9 Fe 0.1 . These results demonstrate that besides chemical alloying, epitaxial strain is an alternative and effective way to modify subtle phase relations and tune physical properties in rare earth-alloyed BiFeO 3 . Furthermore, the observation of antiferroelectric-antiferromagnetic properties in the Pbam Bi 0.7 La 0.3 FeO 3 phase could be of significant scientific interest and great potential in magnetoelectric devices because of its dual antiferroic nature.

Structural Rheology of the Smectic Phase

PubMed Central

Fujii, Shuji; Komura, Shigeyuki; Lu, Chun-Yi David

2014-01-01

In this review article, we discuss the rheological properties of the thermotropic smectic liquid crystal 8CB with focal conic domains (FCDs) from the viewpoint of structural rheology. It is known that the unbinding of the dislocation loops in the smectic phase drives the smectic-nematic transition. Here we discuss how the unbinding of the dislocation loops affects the evolution of the FCD size, linear and nonlinear rheological behaviors of the smectic phase. By studying the FCD formation from the perpendicularly oriented smectic layers, we also argue that dislocations play a key role in the structural development in layered systems. Furthermore, similarities in the rheological behavior between the FCDs in the smectic phase and the onion structures in the lyotropic lamellar phase suggest that these systems share a common physical origin for the elasticity. PMID:28788123

Traditional Portland cement and MgO-based cement: a promising combination?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tonelli, Monica; Martini, Francesca; Calucci, Lucia; Geppi, Marco; Borsacchi, Silvia; Ridi, Francesca

2017-06-01

MgO/SiO2 cements are materials potentially very useful for radioactive waste disposal, but knowledge about their physico-chemical properties is still lacking. In this paper we investigated the hydration kinetics of cementitious formulations prepared by mixing MgO/SiO2 and Portland cement in different proportions and the structural properties of the hydrated phases formed in the first month of hydration. In particular, the hydration kinetics was investigated by measuring the free water index on pastes by means of differential scanning calorimetry, while the structural characterization was carried out by combining thermal (DTA), diffractometric (XRD), and spectroscopic (FTIR, 29Si solid state NMR) techniques. It was found that calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) and magnesium silicate hydrate (M-S-H) gels mainly form as separate phases, their relative amount and structural characteristics depending on the composition of the hydrated mixture. Moreover, the composition of the mixtures strongly affects the kinetics of hydration and the pH of the aqueous phase in contact with the cementitious materials. The results here reported show that suitable mixtures of Portland cement and MgO/SiO2 could be used to modify the properties of hydrated phases with potential application in the storage of nuclear waste in clayey disposal.

The Evolutionary Connection Bewtween z~2-3 Submillimeter Galaxies and AGN as Probed by Molecular Gas Excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharon, Chelsea E.; Riechers, Dominik A.; Carilli, Chris Luke; Hodge, Jacqueline; Walter, Fabian

2016-01-01

Theoretical work has suggested that active galactic nuclei (AGN) play an important role in quenching star formation in massive galaxies. Direct evidence for AGN affecting the molecular ISM has so far been limited to detections of molecular outflows in low-redshift systems and extreme excitation regions which represent a tiny fraction of the total gas. Indirect evidence for AGN's impact on their host galaxies' cold gas phase may be provided by measurements of the gas excitation and dynamics. At z~2-3, the peak epoch of star formation and AGN activity, previous observations of the CO(1-0) line revealed that submillimeter galaxies (SMGs) have multi-phase molecular gas, including substantial reservoirs of cold-phase gas. However, the entirety of the molecular gas in AGN-host galaxies appears highly excited, potentially supporting an evolutionary connection between these two populations. I will present a new VLA sample that nearly doubles the number of CO(1-0) detections in z~2-3 SMGs and AGN-host galaxies that allows us to better compare the cold gas properties of these systems and further investigate evidence for the effects of AGN on the star-forming molecular gas.

Robot initiative in a team learning task increases the rhythm of interaction but not the perceived engagement.

PubMed

Ivaldi, Serena; Anzalone, Salvatore M; Rousseau, Woody; Sigaud, Olivier; Chetouani, Mohamed

2014-01-01

We hypothesize that the initiative of a robot during a collaborative task with a human can influence the pace of interaction, the human response to attention cues, and the perceived engagement. We propose an object learning experiment where the human interacts in a natural way with the humanoid iCub. Through a two-phases scenario, the human teaches the robot about the properties of some objects. We compare the effect of the initiator of the task in the teaching phase (human or robot) on the rhythm of the interaction in the verification phase. We measure the reaction time of the human gaze when responding to attention utterances of the robot. Our experiments show that when the robot is the initiator of the learning task, the pace of interaction is higher and the reaction to attention cues faster. Subjective evaluations suggest that the initiating role of the robot, however, does not affect the perceived engagement. Moreover, subjective and third-person evaluations of the interaction task suggest that the attentive mechanism we implemented in the humanoid robot iCub is able to arouse engagement and make the robot's behavior readable.

Robot initiative in a team learning task increases the rhythm of interaction but not the perceived engagement

PubMed Central

Ivaldi, Serena; Anzalone, Salvatore M.; Rousseau, Woody; Sigaud, Olivier; Chetouani, Mohamed

2014-01-01

We hypothesize that the initiative of a robot during a collaborative task with a human can influence the pace of interaction, the human response to attention cues, and the perceived engagement. We propose an object learning experiment where the human interacts in a natural way with the humanoid iCub. Through a two-phases scenario, the human teaches the robot about the properties of some objects. We compare the effect of the initiator of the task in the teaching phase (human or robot) on the rhythm of the interaction in the verification phase. We measure the reaction time of the human gaze when responding to attention utterances of the robot. Our experiments show that when the robot is the initiator of the learning task, the pace of interaction is higher and the reaction to attention cues faster. Subjective evaluations suggest that the initiating role of the robot, however, does not affect the perceived engagement. Moreover, subjective and third-person evaluations of the interaction task suggest that the attentive mechanism we implemented in the humanoid robot iCub is able to arouse engagement and make the robot's behavior readable. PMID:24596554

Spin crossover in solid and liquid (Mg,Fe)O at extreme conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stixrude, Lars; Holmstrom, Eero

Ferropericlase, (Mg,Fe)O, is a major constituent of the Earth's lower mantle (24-136 GPa). Understanding the properties of this component is important not only in the solid state, but also in the molten state, as the planet almost certainly hosted an extensive magma ocean initially. With increasing pressure, the Fe ions in the material begin to collapse from a magnetic to a nonmagnetic spin state. This crossover affects thermodynamic, transport, and electrical properties. Using first-principles molecular dynamics simulations, thermodynamic integration, and adiabatic switching, we present a phase diagram of the spin crossover. In both solid and liquid, we find a broad pressure range of coexisting magnetic and non-magnetic ions due to the favorable enthalpy of mixing of the two. In the solid increasing temperature favors the high spin state, while in the liquid the opposite occurs, due to the higher electronic entropy of the low spin state. Because the physics of the crossover differ in solid and liquid, melting produces a large change in spin state that may affect the buoyancy of crystals freezing from the magma ocean in the earliest Earth. This research was supported by the European Research Council under Advanced Grant No. 291432 ``MoltenEarth'' (FP7/2007-2013).

Phase Transition between Black and Blue Phosphorenes: A Quantum Monte Carlo Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Lesheng; Yao, Yi; Reeves, Kyle; Kanai, Yosuke

Phase transition of the more common black phosphorene to blue phosphorene is of great interest because they are predicted to exhibit unique electronic and optical properties. However, these two phases are predicted to be separated by a rather large energy barrier. In this work, we study the transition pathway between black and blue phosphorenes by using the variable cell nudge elastic band method combined with density functional theory calculation. We show how diffusion quantum Monte Carlo method can be used for determining the energetics of the phase transition and demonstrate the use of two approaches for removing finite-size errors. Finally, we predict how applied stress can be used to control the energetic balance between these two different phases of phosphorene.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of the As-Cast and As-Homogenized Mg-Zn-Sn-Mn-Ca Alloy Fabricated by Semicontinuous Casting

PubMed Central

Lu, Xing; Zhao, Guoqun; Zhou, Jixue; Zhang, Cunsheng; Yu, Junquan

2018-01-01

In this paper, a new type of low-cost Mg-3.36Zn-1.06Sn-0.33Mn-0.27Ca (wt %) alloy ingot with a diameter of 130 mm and a length of 4800 mm was fabricated by semicontinuous casting. The microstructure and mechanical properties at different areas of the ingot were investigated. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloy under different one-step and two-step homogenization conditions were studied. For the as-cast alloy, the average grain size and the second phase size decrease from the center to the surface of the ingot, while the area fraction of the second phase increases gradually. At one-half of the radius of the ingot, the alloy presents the optimum comprehensive mechanical properties along the axial direction, which is attributed to the combined effect of relatively small grain size, low second-phase fraction, and uniform microstructure. For the as-homogenized alloy, the optimum two-step homogenization process parameters were determined as 340 °C × 10 h + 520 °C × 16 h. After the optimum homogenization, the proper size and morphology of CaMgSn phase are conducive to improve the microstructure uniformity and the mechanical properties of the alloy. Besides, the yield strength of the alloy is reduced by 20.7% and the elongation is increased by 56.3%, which is more favorable for the subsequent hot deformation processing. PMID:29710818

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of the As-Cast and As-Homogenized Mg-Zn-Sn-Mn-Ca Alloy Fabricated by Semicontinuous Casting.

PubMed

Lu, Xing; Zhao, Guoqun; Zhou, Jixue; Zhang, Cunsheng; Yu, Junquan

2018-04-29

In this paper, a new type of low-cost Mg-3.36Zn-1.06Sn-0.33Mn-0.27Ca (wt %) alloy ingot with a diameter of 130 mm and a length of 4800 mm was fabricated by semicontinuous casting. The microstructure and mechanical properties at different areas of the ingot were investigated. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloy under different one-step and two-step homogenization conditions were studied. For the as-cast alloy, the average grain size and the second phase size decrease from the center to the surface of the ingot, while the area fraction of the second phase increases gradually. At one-half of the radius of the ingot, the alloy presents the optimum comprehensive mechanical properties along the axial direction, which is attributed to the combined effect of relatively small grain size, low second-phase fraction, and uniform microstructure. For the as-homogenized alloy, the optimum two-step homogenization process parameters were determined as 340 °C × 10 h + 520 °C × 16 h. After the optimum homogenization, the proper size and morphology of CaMgSn phase are conducive to improve the microstructure uniformity and the mechanical properties of the alloy. Besides, the yield strength of the alloy is reduced by 20.7% and the elongation is increased by 56.3%, which is more favorable for the subsequent hot deformation processing.

Two Novel C3N4 Phases: Structural, Mechanical and Electronic Properties

PubMed Central

Fan, Qingyang; Chai, Changchun; Wei, Qun; Yang, Yintang

2016-01-01

We systematically studied the physical properties of a novel superhard (t-C3N4) and a novel hard (m-C3N4) C3N4 allotrope. Detailed theoretical studies of the structural properties, elastic properties, density of states, and mechanical properties of these two C3N4 phases were carried out using first-principles calculations. The calculated elastic constants and the hardness revealed that t-C3N4 is ultra-incompressible and superhard, with a high bulk modulus of 375 GPa and a high hardness of 80 GPa. m-C3N4 and t-C3N4 both exhibit large anisotropy with respect to Poisson’s ratio, shear modulus, and Young’s modulus. Moreover, m-C3N4 is a quasi-direct-bandgap semiconductor, with a band gap of 4.522 eV, and t-C3N4 is also a quasi-direct-band-gap semiconductor, with a band gap of 4.210 eV, with the HSE06 functional. PMID:28773550

A Conceptual Model for Shear-Induced Phase Behavior in Crystallizing Cocoa Butter

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

Mazzanti,G.; Guthrie, S.; Marangoni, A.

2007-01-01

We propose a conceptual model to explain the quantitative data from synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiments on the shear-induced phase behavior of cocoa butter, the main structural component of chocolate. We captured two-dimensional diffraction patterns from cocoa butter at crystallization temperatures of 17.5, 20.0, and 22.5 {sup o}C under shear rates from 45 to 1440 s{sup -1} and under static conditions. From the simultaneous analysis of the integrated intensity, correlation length, lamellar thickness, and crystalline orientation, we postulate a conceptual model to provide an explanation for the distribution of phases II, IV, V, and X and the kinetics of the process.more » As previously proposed in the literature, we assume that the crystallites grow layer upon layer of slightly different composition. The shear rate and temperature applied define these compositions. Simultaneously, the shear and temperature define the crystalline interface area available for secondary nucleation by promoting segregation and affecting the size distribution of the crystallites. The combination of these factors (composition, area, and size distribution) favors dramatically the early onset of phase V under shear and determines the proportions of phases II, IV, V, and X after the transition. The experimental observations, the methodology used, and the proposed explanation are of fundamental and industrial interest, since the structural properties of crystalline networks are determined by their microstructure and polymorphic crystalline state. Different proportions of the phases will thus result in different characteristics of the final material.« less

A review: applications of the phase field method in predicting microstructure and property evolution of irradiated nuclear materials

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

Li, Yulan; Hu, Shenyang; Sun, Xin

Here, complex microstructure changes occur in nuclear fuel and structural materials due to the extreme environments of intense irradiation and high temperature. This paper evaluates the role of the phase field method in predicting the microstructure evolution of irradiated nuclear materials and the impact on their mechanical, thermal, and magnetic properties. The paper starts with an overview of the important physical mechanisms of defect evolution and the significant gaps in simulating microstructure evolution in irradiated nuclear materials. Then, the phase field method is introduced as a powerful and predictive tool and its applications to microstructure and property evolution in irradiatedmore » nuclear materials are reviewed. The review shows that (1) Phase field models can correctly describe important phenomena such as spatial-dependent generation, migration, and recombination of defects, radiation-induced dissolution, the Soret effect, strong interfacial energy anisotropy, and elastic interaction; (2) The phase field method can qualitatively and quantitatively simulate two-dimensional and three-dimensional microstructure evolution, including radiation-induced segregation, second phase nucleation, void migration, void and gas bubble superlattice formation, interstitial loop evolution, hydrate formation, and grain growth, and (3) The Phase field method correctly predicts the relationships between microstructures and properties. The final section is dedicated to a discussion of the strengths and limitations of the phase field method, as applied to irradiation effects in nuclear materials.« less

A review: applications of the phase field method in predicting microstructure and property evolution of irradiated nuclear materials

DOE PAGES

Li, Yulan; Hu, Shenyang; Sun, Xin; ...

2017-04-14

Here, complex microstructure changes occur in nuclear fuel and structural materials due to the extreme environments of intense irradiation and high temperature. This paper evaluates the role of the phase field method in predicting the microstructure evolution of irradiated nuclear materials and the impact on their mechanical, thermal, and magnetic properties. The paper starts with an overview of the important physical mechanisms of defect evolution and the significant gaps in simulating microstructure evolution in irradiated nuclear materials. Then, the phase field method is introduced as a powerful and predictive tool and its applications to microstructure and property evolution in irradiatedmore » nuclear materials are reviewed. The review shows that (1) Phase field models can correctly describe important phenomena such as spatial-dependent generation, migration, and recombination of defects, radiation-induced dissolution, the Soret effect, strong interfacial energy anisotropy, and elastic interaction; (2) The phase field method can qualitatively and quantitatively simulate two-dimensional and three-dimensional microstructure evolution, including radiation-induced segregation, second phase nucleation, void migration, void and gas bubble superlattice formation, interstitial loop evolution, hydrate formation, and grain growth, and (3) The Phase field method correctly predicts the relationships between microstructures and properties. The final section is dedicated to a discussion of the strengths and limitations of the phase field method, as applied to irradiation effects in nuclear materials.« less

Transport properties of proton-exchange membranes: Effect of supercritical-fluid processing and chemical functionality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pulido Ayazo

NafionRTM membranes commonly used in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC), are tipically limited by high methanol permeability (also known as the cross-over limitation). These membranes have phase segregated sulfonated ionic domains in a perfluorinated backbone, which makes processing challenging and limited by phase equilibria considerations. This study used supercritical fluids (SCFs) as a processing alternative, since the gas-like mass transport properties of SCFs allow a better penetration into the membranes and the use of polar co-solvents influenced their morphology, fine-tuning the physical and transport properties in the membrane. Measurements of methanol permeability and proton conductivity were performed to the NafionRTM membranes processed with SCFs at 40ºC and 200 bar and the co-solvents as: acetone, tetrahydrofuran (THF), isopropyl alcohol, HPLC-grade water, acetic acid, cyclohexanone. The results obtained for the permeability data were of the order of 10 -8-10-9 cm2/s, two orders of magnitude lower than unprocessed Nafion. Proton conductivity results obtained using AC impedance electrochemical spectroscopy was between 0.02 and 0.09 S/cm, very similar to the unprocessed Nafion. SCF processing with ethanol as co-solvent reduced the methanol permeability by two orders of magnitude, while the proton conductivity was only reduced by 4%. XRD analysis made to the treated samples exhibited a decreasing pattern in the crystallinity, which affects the transport properties of the membrane. Also, SAXS profiles of the Nafion membranes processed were obtained with the goal of determining changes produced by the SCF processing in the hydrophilic domains of the polymer. With the goal of searching for new alternatives in proton exchange membranes (PEMs) triblock copolymer of poly(styrene-isobutylene-styrene) (SIBS) and poly(styrene-isobutylene-styrene) SEBS were studied. These sulfonated tri-block copolymers had lower methanol permeabilities, but also lower proton conductivity, even with blends of these and blends with Nafion membranes. Other alternative studied was the functionalization of the membranes SIBS with metallic cations, which decreased the methanol permeability in the membranes containing the cations Mg2+, Zn2+ and Al 3+, while the proton conductivity was maintained more or less constant. The permeation of methanol vapor was investigated and the behavior through the membranes studied followed a pattern of Fick's Law, while the pattern shown by the permeation in liquid phase was non-Fickian.

Zak phase and band inversion in dimerized one-dimensional locally resonant metamaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Weiwei; Ding, Ya-qiong; Ren, Jie; Sun, Yong; Li, Yunhui; Jiang, Haitao; Chen, Hong

2018-05-01

The Zak phase, which refers to Berry's phase picked up by a particle moving across the Brillouin zone, characterizes the topological properties of Bloch bands in a one-dimensional periodic system. Here the Zak phase in dimerized one-dimensional locally resonant metamaterials is investigated. It is found that there are some singular points in the bulk band across which the Bloch states contribute π to the Zak phase, whereas in the rest of the band the contribution is nearly zero. These singular points associated with zero reflection are caused by two different mechanisms: the dimerization-independent antiresonance of each branch and the dimerization-dependent destructive interference in multiple backscattering. The structure undergoes a topological phase-transition point in the band structure where the band inverts, and the Zak phase, which is determined by the numbers of singular points in the bulk band, changes following a shift in dimerization parameter. Finally, the interface state between two dimerized metamaterial structures with different topological properties in the first band gap is demonstrated experimentally. The quasi-one-dimensional configuration of the system allows one to explore topology-inspired new methods and applications on the subwavelength scale.

The Interior Analysis and 3-D Reconstruction of Internally-Mixed Light-Absorbing Atmospheric Particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conny, J. M.; Collins, S. M.; Anderson, I.; Herzing, A.

2010-12-01

Carbon-containing atmospheric particles may either absorb solar or outgoing long-wave radiation or scatter solar radiation, and thus, affect Earth’s radiative balance in multiple ways. Light-absorbing carbon that is common in urban air particles such as industrial coke dust, road dust, and diesel soot, often exists in the same particle with other phases that contain, for example, aluminum, calcium, iron, and sulfur. While the optical properties of atmospheric particles in general depend on overall particle size and shape, the inhomogeneity of chemical phases within internally-mixed particles may also greatly affect particle optical properties. In this study, a series of microscopic approaches were used to identify individual light-absorbing coarse-mode particles and to assess their interior structure and composition. Particle samples were collected in 2004 from one of the U.S. EPA’s Los Angeles Particulate Matter Supersites, and were likely affected substantially by road dust and construction dust. First, bright-field and dark-field light microscopy and computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used to distinguish predominantly light-absorbing carbonaceous particles from other particle types such as mineral dust, sea salt, and brake wear. Second, high-resolution SEM-EDX elemental mapping of individual carbonaceous particles was used to select particles with additional elemental phases that exhibited spatial inhomogeneity. Third, focused ion-beam SEM (FIB-SEM) with EDX was used to slice through selected particles to expose interior surfaces and to determine the spatial distribution of element phases throughout the particles. Fourth, study of the interior phases of a particle was augmented by the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of a thin section of the particle prepared by FIB-SEM. Here, electron energy loss spectroscopy with TEM was used to study chemical bonding in the carbonaceous phase. Finally, automated serial slicing and imaging in the FIB-SEM generated a stack of secondary electron images of the particles’ interior surfaces that allowed for the 3-D reconstruction of the particles, a process known as FIB tomography. Interior surface of light-absorbing carbonaceous particle from FIB-SEM analysis.

Dynamics of coarsening in multicomponent lipid vesicles with non-uniform mechanical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Funkhouser, Chloe M.; Solis, Francisco J.; Thornton, K.

2014-04-01

Multicomponent lipid vesicles are commonly used as a model system for the complex plasma membrane. One phenomenon that is studied using such model systems is phase separation. Vesicles composed of simple lipid mixtures can phase-separate into liquid-ordered and liquid-disordered phases, and since these phases can have different mechanical properties, this separation can lead to changes in the shape of the vesicle. In this work, we investigate the dynamics of phase separation in multicomponent lipid vesicles, using a model that couples composition to mechanical properties such as bending rigidity and spontaneous curvature. The model allows the vesicle surface to deform while conserving surface area and composition. For vesicles initialized as spheres, we study the effects of phase fraction and spontaneous curvature. We additionally initialize two systems with elongated, spheroidal shapes. Dynamic behavior is contrasted in systems where only one phase has a spontaneous curvature similar to the overall vesicle surface curvature and systems where the spontaneous curvatures of both phases are similar to the overall curvature. The bending energy contribution is typically found to slow the dynamics by stabilizing configurations with multiple domains. Such multiple-domain configurations are found more often in vesicles with spheroidal shapes than in nearly spherical vesicles.

Liquid-vapor phase equilibria and the thermodynamic properties of 2-methylpropanol- n-alkyl propanoate solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suntsov, Yu. K.; Goryunov, V. A.; Chuikov, A. M.; Meshcheryakov, A. V.

2016-08-01

The boiling points of solutions of five binary systems are measured via ebulliometry in the pressure range of 2.05-103.3 kPa. Equilibrium vapor phase compositions, the values of the excess Gibbs energies, enthalpies, and entropies of solution of these systems are calculated. Patterns in the changes of phase equilibria and thermodynamic properties of solutions are established, depending on the compositions and temperatures of the systems. Liquid-vapor equilibria in the systems are described using the equations of Wilson and the NRTL (Non-Random Two-Liquid Model).

Structure and Mechanical Properties of As-Cast Ti-5Sn-xMo Alloys.

PubMed

Yu, Hsing-Ning; Hsu, Hsueh-Chuan; Wu, Shih-Ching; Hsu, Shih-Kuang; Ho, Wen-Fu

2017-04-27

Ti-5Sn- x Mo ( x = 0, 1, 3, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, and 20 wt %) alloys were designed and prepared for application as implant materials with superior mechanical properties. The results demonstrated that the crystal structure and mechanical properties of Ti-5Sn- x Mo alloys are highly affected by their Mo content. The as-cast microstructures of Ti-5Sn- x Mo alloys transformed in the sequence of phases α' → α″ → β, and the morphologies of the alloys changed from a lath structure to an equiaxed structure as the Mo content increased. The α″-phase Ti-5Sn-7.5Mo (80 GPa) and β-phase Ti-5Sn-10Mo (85 GPa) exhibited relatively low elastic moduli and had excellent elastic recovery angles of 27.4° and 37.8°, respectively. Furthermore, they exhibited high ductility and moderate strength, as evaluated using the three-point bending test. Search for a more suitable implant material by this study, Ti-5Sn- x Mo alloys with 7.5 and 10 wt % Mo appear to be promising candidates because they demonstrate the optimal combined properties of microhardness, ductility, elastic modulus, and elastic recovery capability.

Crystallographic phase induced electro-optic properties of nanorod blend nematic liquid crystal.

PubMed

Kundu, Sudarshan; Hill, Jonathan P; Richards, Gary J; Ariga, Katsuhiko; Khan, Ali Hossain; Thupakula, Umamahesh; Acharya, Somobrata

2011-09-01

Ultrasmall ZnS or PbS nanorods encapsulated in fluid-like soft organic surfactants show excellent miscibility in the nematic liquid crystal (LC ZLI-4792) host resulting in a novel soft matter type blend with enhanced electro-optic properties. The ultranarrow ZnS rods are of wurtzite phase and possess a chemical bipolarity and a net dipole moment. The centrosymmetric ultranarrow PbS rods possess a finite size and shape dependent inherent dipole moment despite their cubic rock-salt structure. When an electric field is applied, the blend aligns along the direction of the field producing a local unidirectional orientation of the rods and LC directors, and defining a unique axis for the system. The local ordering significantly affects the global ordering of the blend allowing a more rapid response of the electro-optic properties. The degree and switching speed of the blends depend upon the magnitude of dipole moments present in the dopant nanorods. We show how a non-mesogenic element designed with preferential crystallographic phase can be introduced within a LC for improvement of the switching properties of the LC blend. These types of unique blends are a model for fundamental conceptual advances in general understanding of interaction behaviour leading consequently to a significant technological advancement for superior device fabrication.

Structure and Mechanical Properties of As-Cast Ti–5Sn–xMo Alloys

PubMed Central

Yu, Hsing-Ning; Hsu, Hsueh-Chuan; Wu, Shih-Ching; Hsu, Shih-Kuang; Ho, Wen-Fu

2017-01-01

Ti–5Sn–xMo (x = 0, 1, 3, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, and 20 wt %) alloys were designed and prepared for application as implant materials with superior mechanical properties. The results demonstrated that the crystal structure and mechanical properties of Ti–5Sn–xMo alloys are highly affected by their Mo content. The as-cast microstructures of Ti–5Sn–xMo alloys transformed in the sequence of phases α′ → α″ → β, and the morphologies of the alloys changed from a lath structure to an equiaxed structure as the Mo content increased. The α″-phase Ti–5Sn–7.5Mo (80 GPa) and β-phase Ti–5Sn–10Mo (85 GPa) exhibited relatively low elastic moduli and had excellent elastic recovery angles of 27.4° and 37.8°, respectively. Furthermore, they exhibited high ductility and moderate strength, as evaluated using the three-point bending test. Search for a more suitable implant material by this study, Ti–5Sn–xMo alloys with 7.5 and 10 wt % Mo appear to be promising candidates because they demonstrate the optimal combined properties of microhardness, ductility, elastic modulus, and elastic recovery capability. PMID:28772820

Effect of high aluminum consumption on mechanics and composition of furculae of free-ranging coots

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hui, C.A.; Ellers, O.

1999-01-01

High levels of ingested Al can affect mechanical properties of bones. Because of the spring action of the furcula during the wingbeat, small changes in the mechanical properties of this bone may have measurable impacts on long-distance flight. We examined the furculae and ingesta of free- ranging American coots (Fulica americana) in San Francisco Bay (California, USA), where they consume a diet high in Al. We measured the spring stiffness and phase angle (??) of the furculae and the concentrations of Al, Ca, F. Mg, and P in both the furculae and ingesta. The ingesta had mean Al concentrations (2,384 ??g/g, dry weight) and Al:P molar ratios (6.4:1) predicted to affect bone integrity but the bone concentrations of Al were near the normal range and the furcula stiffness did not change with Al concentration. The tan ?? of the furculae changed with Al concentration but the relationship was weak. The chemical speciation of the ingested Al may have affected its physiologic role and the high mean levels of ingested calcium (71,283 ??g/g, dry weight) very likely neutralized the activity of the Al. Controlled feeding studies have shown that F strengthens avian bones. The bones in our study had molar concentrations of F more than two orders of magnitude greater than Al (170:1) but F appears to have insignificant influence on bone mechanics. The coots in San Francisco Bay apparently are not suffering furcula impairment despite a diet high in Al.

Shoulder motor performance assessment in the sagittal plane in children with hemiplegia during single joint pointing tasks.

PubMed

Formica, Domenico; Petrarca, Maurizio; Rossi, Stefano; Zollo, Loredana; Guglielmelli, Eugenio; Cappa, Paolo

2014-07-29

Pointing is a motor task extensively used during daily life activities and it requires complex visuo-motor transformation to select the appropriate movement strategy. The study of invariant characteristics of human movements has led to several theories on how the brain solves the redundancy problem, but the application of these theories on children affected by hemiplegia is limited. This study aims at giving a quantitative assessment of the shoulder motor behaviour in children with hemiplegia during pointing tasks. Eight children with hemiplegia were involved in the study and were asked to perform movements on the sagittal plane with both arms, at low and high speed. Subject movements were recorded using an optoelectronic system; a 4-DOF model of children arm has been developed to calculate kinematic and dynamic variables. A set of evaluation indexes has been extracted in order to quantitatively assess whether and how children modify their motor control strategies when perform movements with the more affected or less affected arm. In low speed movements, no differences can be seen in terms of movement duration and peak velocity between the More Affected arm (MA) and the Less Affected arm (LA), as well as in the main characteristics of movement kinematics and dynamics. As regards fast movements, remarkable differences in terms of strategies of motor control can be observed: while movements with LA did not show any significant difference in Dimensionless Jerk Index (JI) and Dimensionless Torque-change Cost index (TC) between the elevation and lowering phases, suggesting that motor control optimization is similar for movements performed with or against gravity, movements with MA showed a statistically significant increase of both JI and TC during lowering phase. Results suggest the presence of a different control strategy for fast movements in particular during lowering phase. Results suggest that motor control is not able to optimize Jerk and Torque-change cost functions in the same way when controls the two arms, suggesting that children with hemiplegia do not actively control MA lowering fast movements, in order to take advantage of the passive inertial body properties, rather than to attempt its optimal control.

Micromechanics and effective elastoplastic behavior of two-phase metal matrix composites

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

Ju, J.W.; Chen, T.M.

A micromechanical framework is presented to predict effective (overall) elasto-(visco-)plastic behavior of two-phase particle-reinforced metal matrix composites (PRMMC). In particular, the inclusion phase (particle) is assumed to be elastic and the matrix material is elasto-(visco-)plastic. Emanating from Ju and Chen's (1994a,b) work on effective elastic properties of composites containing many randomly dispersed inhomogeneities, effective elastoplastic deformations and responses of PRMMC are estimated by means of the effective yield criterion'' derived micromechanically by considering effects due to elastic particles embedded in the elastoplastic matrix. The matrix material is elastic or plastic, depending on local stress and deformation, and obeys general plasticmore » flow rule and hardening law. Arbitrary (general) loadings and unloadings are permitted in the framework through the elastic predictor-plastic corrector two-step operator splitting methodology. The proposed combined micromechanical and computational approach allows one to estimate overall elastoplastic responses of PRMMCs by accounting for the microstructural information (such as the spatial distribution and micro-geometry of particles), elastic properties of constituent phases, and the plastic behavior of the matrix-only materials.« less

Influence of the exchange and correlation functional on the structure of amorphous InSb and In3SbTe2 compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gabardi, Silvia; Caravati, Sebastiano; Los, Jan H.; Kühne, Thomas D.; Bernasconi, Marco

2016-05-01

We have investigated the structural, vibrational, and electronic properties of the amorphous phase of InSb and In3SbTe2 compounds of interest for applications in phase change non-volatile memories. Models of the amorphous phase have been generated by quenching from the melt by molecular dynamics simulations based on density functional theory. In particular, we have studied the dependence of the structural properties on the choice of the exchange-correlation functional. It turns out that the use of the Becke-Lee-Yang-Parr functional provides models with a much larger fraction of In atoms in a tetrahedral bonding geometry with respect to previous results obtained with the most commonly used Perdew-Becke-Ernzerhof functional. This outcome is at odd with the properties of Ge2Sb2Te5 phase change compound for which the two exchange-correlation functionals yield very similar results on the structure of the amorphous phase.

Influence of the exchange and correlation functional on the structure of amorphous InSb and In3SbTe2 compounds.

PubMed

Gabardi, Silvia; Caravati, Sebastiano; Los, Jan H; Kühne, Thomas D; Bernasconi, Marco

2016-05-28

We have investigated the structural, vibrational, and electronic properties of the amorphous phase of InSb and In3SbTe2 compounds of interest for applications in phase change non-volatile memories. Models of the amorphous phase have been generated by quenching from the melt by molecular dynamics simulations based on density functional theory. In particular, we have studied the dependence of the structural properties on the choice of the exchange-correlation functional. It turns out that the use of the Becke-Lee-Yang-Parr functional provides models with a much larger fraction of In atoms in a tetrahedral bonding geometry with respect to previous results obtained with the most commonly used Perdew-Becke-Ernzerhof functional. This outcome is at odd with the properties of Ge2Sb2Te5 phase change compound for which the two exchange-correlation functionals yield very similar results on the structure of the amorphous phase.

An Interactive Tool for Discrete Phase Analysis in Two-Phase Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dejong, Frederik J.; Thoren, Stephen J.

1993-01-01

Under a NASA MSFC SBIR Phase 1 effort an interactive software package has been developed for the analysis of discrete (particulate) phase dynamics in two-phase flows in which the discrete phase does not significantly affect the continuous phase. This package contains a Graphical User Interface (based on the X Window system and the Motif tool kit) coupled to a particle tracing program, which allows the user to interactively set up and run a case for which a continuous phase grid and flow field are available. The software has been applied to a solid rocket motor problem, to demonstrate its ease of use and its suitability for problems of engineering interest, and has been delivered to NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.

Two-dimensional tantalum disulfide: controlling structure and properties via synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Rui; Grisafe, Benjamin; Krishna Ghosh, Ram; Holoviak, Stephen; Wang, Baoming; Wang, Ke; Briggs, Natalie; Haque, Aman; Datta, Suman; Robinson, Joshua

2018-04-01

Tantalum disulfide (TaS2) is a transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) that exhibits phase transition induced electronic property modulation at low temperature. However, the appropriate phase must be grown to enable the semiconductor/metal transition that is of interest for next generation electronic applications. In this work, we demonstrate direct and controllable synthesis of ultra-thin 1T-TaS2 and 2H-TaS2 on a variety of substrates (sapphire, SiO2/Si, and graphene) via powder vapor deposition. The synthesis process leads to single crystal domains ranging from 20 to 200 nm thick and 1-10 µm on a side. The TaS2 phase (1T or 2H) is controlled by synthesis temperature, which subsequently is shown to control the electronic properties. Furthermore, this work constitutes the first demonstration of a metal-insulator phase transition in directly synthesized 1T-TaS2 films and domains by electronic means.

Structural, electronic and vibrational properties of few-layer 2H-and 1T-TaSe 2

DOE PAGES

Yan, Jia -An; Dela Cruz, Mack A.; Cook, Brandon G.; ...

2015-11-16

Two-dimensional metallic transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are of interest for studying phenomena such as charge-density wave (CDW) and superconductivity. Few-layer tantalum diselenides (TaSe 2) are typical metallic TMDs exhibiting rich CDW phase transitions. However, a description of the structural, electronic and vibrational properties for different crystal phases and stacking configurations, essential for interpretation of experiments, is lacking. We present first principles calculations of structural phase energetics, band dispersion near the Fermi level, phonon properties and vibrational modes at the Brillouin zone center for different layer numbers, crystal phases and stacking geometries. Evolution of the Fermi surfaces as well as themore » phonon dispersions as a function of layer number reveals dramatic dimensionality effects in this CDW material. Lastly, our results indicate strong electronic interlayer coupling, detail energetically possible stacking geometries, and provide a basis for interpretation of Raman spectra.« less

Structure, tribological and electrochemical properties of low friction TiAlSiCN/MoSeC coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bondarev, A. V.; Kiryukhantsev-Korneev, Ph. V.; Sheveyko, A. N.; Shtansky, D. V.

2015-02-01

The present paper is focused on the development of hard tribological coatings with low friction coefficient (CoF) in different environments (humid air, distilled water) and at elevated temperatures. TiAlSiCN/MoSeC coatings were deposited by magnetron sputtering of four-segment targets consisting of quarter circle TiAlSiCN segments, obtained by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis, and one or two cold pressed segments made of MoSe2 and C powders in a ratio 1:1 wt%. The structure and phase composition of coatings were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The coatings were characterized in terms of their hardness, elastic modulus, and elastic recovery. The tribological properties of coatings were investigated first at room temperature against Al2O3 and WC-Co balls, after which studied in distilled water and during continuous heating in air in the temperature range of 25-400 °C against Al2O3 counterpart material. To evaluate their electrochemical characteristics, the coatings were tested in 1 N H2SO4 solution. The obtained results show that the coating hardness depends on the amount of MoSeC additives and decreased from 40 to 28 (one MoSeC segment) and 12 GPa (two MoSeC segments). Doping with MoSeC resulted in a significant reduction of CoF values measured in humid air (RH 60 ± 5%) from 0.8-0.9 to 0.05 and an increase of wear resistance by one or two orders of magnitude depending on counterpart material. This was attributed to the presence of MoSe2 and free carbon-based phases in the tribological contact. The TiAlSiCN/MoSeC coating with a maximal amount of MoSeC also demonstrated superior tribological characteristics in distilled water (CoF ∼ 0.1) and at moderate temperatures up to 300 °C (CoF < 0.1). The electrochemical tests showed that, in general, doping with MoSeC did not negatively affect the coating electrochemical behavior. On the contrary, the MoSeC phase demonstrated small positive effect on the anti-corrosive properties of TiAlSiCN coatings under small polarizations.

Optomechanical properties of cancer cells revealed by light-induced deformation and quantitative phase microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kastl, Lena; Budde, Björn; Isbach, Michael; Rommel, Christina; Kemper, Björn; Schnekenburger, Jürgen

2015-05-01

There is a growing interest in cell biology and clinical diagnostics in label-free, optical techniques as the interaction with the sample is minimized and substances like dyes or fixatives do not affect the investigated cells. Such techniques include digital holographic microscopy (DHM) and the optical stretching by fiber optical two beam traps. DHM enables quantitative phase contrast imaging and thereby the determination of the cellular refractive index, dry mass and the volume, whereas optical cell stretching reveals the deformability of cells. Since optical stretching strongly depends on the optical properties and the shape of the investigated material we combined the usage of fiber optical stretching and DHM for the characterization of pancreatic tumor cells. The risk of tumors is their potential to metastasize, spread through the bloodstream and build distal tumors/metastases. The grade of dedifferentiation in which the cells lose their cell type specific properties is a measure for this metastatic potential. The less differentiated the cells are, the higher is their risk to metastasize. Our results demonstrate that pancreatic tumor cells, which are from the same tumor but vary in their grade of differentiation, show significant differences in their deformability. The retrieved data show that differentiated cells have a higher stiffness than less differentiated cells of the same tumor. Even cells that differ only in the expression of a single tumor suppressor gene which is responsible for cell-cell adhesions can be distinguished by their mechanical properties. Additionally, results from DHM measurements yield that the refractive index shows only few variations, indicating that it does not significantly influence optical cell stretching. The obtained results show a promising new approach for the phenotyping of different cell types, especially in tumor cell characterization and cancer diagnostics.

The Reactive Stabilisation of Aluminum-Zinc-X Foams via the Formation of a Transient Liquid Phase Using the Powder Metallurgy Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lafrance, Maxime

During the past few decades, aluminum foam research has focused on the improvement of properties. These properties include pore structure and process reproducibility. High energy absorption capacity, lightweight and high stiffness to weight ratio are some of the properties that make these foams desirable for a number of diverse applications. The use of a transient liquid phase and melting point depressant was studied in order to improve aluminum foam manufactured through the powder metallurgy process and to create reactive Stabilisation. The transient liquid phase reacts with aluminum and helps encapsulate higher levels of hydrogen, simultaneously reducing the difference between the melting point of the alloy and the gas release temperature of the blowing agent (TiH2). A large difference is known to adversely affect foam properties. The study of pure aluminum foam formation was undertaken to understand the basic foaming mechanisms related to crack formations under in-situ conditions. Elemental zinc powder at various concentrations (Al-10wt%Zn, Al-33wt%Zn and Al-50wt%Zn) was added to produce a transient liquid phase. Subsequently, an Al-12wt%Si pre-alloyed powder was added to the Al-Zn mixture in order to further reduce the melting point of the alloy and to increase the amount of transient liquid phase available (Al-3.59wtSi-9.6%Zn and Al-2.4wt%Si-9.7wt%Zn). The mechanical properties of each system at optimal foaming conditions were assessed and compared. It was determined that pure aluminum foam crack formation could be suppressed at higher heating rates, improving the structure through the nucleation of uniform pores. The Al-10wt%Zn foams generated superior pore properties, post maximum expansion stability and mechanical properties at lower temperatures, compared to pure aluminum. The Al-Si-Zn foams revealed remarkable stability and pore structure at very low temperatures (640 to 660°C). Overall, the Al-10wt%Zn and Al-3.59wt%Si-9.6wt%Zn foams offer superior properties compared to pure aluminum.

Preamble

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmid, Hans

2015-03-01

What does the word "multiferroic" mean? When coining the term in 1994, this was done without ulterior motives, simply by enjoying the beauty of symmetries, permitting the cohabitation of two or all three primary ferroic properties, ferroelectric, ferromagnetic, and ferroelastic in the same phase, all forming domains and hysteresis loops, heralding intricate coupling properties. In this definition, the very cradle of "multiferroics" lies in Kêitsiro Aizu's colossal work of 1970, in which he gave all the 773 high-temperature (prototypic) phase/low-temperature (ferroic) phase point group pairs ("species") occurring due to phase transitions, with indication of the number of domain states, comprising all possible single-phase multiferroic combinations, including implicitly also antiferromagnetic and co-elastic ferroic phases. The original meaning of the word "multiferroic" has undergone a tacit, more realistic mutation. In its current usage, it designates all kinds of magnetic ferroelectrics, including hetero-phase systems, but with a mainstream trend in electric-field control of ferromagnetism and in all sorts of magnetoelectric interactions.

Hexavalent Chromium IV-Free Primer Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alldredge, Michael J.; Buck, Amy L.

2015-01-01

Primer materials provide corrosion protection for metal parts as well as an increased adhesion between metallic substrates and thermal protection systems (TPSs). Current primers for use in cryogenic applications contain hexavalent chromium. This hexavalent chromium provides excellent corrosion protection even in a cryogenic environment, but it is a carcinogen that requires special equipment and waste control procedures to use. The hazardous nature of hexavalent chromium makes it an obsolescence risk in the future. This study included two phases of evaluation. Thirteen primers were initially identified as candidates and twelve of those primers were tested in phase 1. Four of the best performing candidates from phase 1 continued into phase 2 testing. Phase 1 testing consisted mostly of liquid constituent and physical property testing. Cryoflex and salt fog testing were included in phase 1 because of their importance to the overall success of a candidate material. Phase 2 consisted of physical, thermal, and mechanical properties for nominally processed and fabricated specimens.

Rapid rather than gradual weight reduction impairs hemorheological parameters of Taekwondo athletes through reduction in RBC-NOS activation.

PubMed

Yang, Woo Hwi; Heine, Oliver; Pauly, Sebastian; Kim, Pilsang; Bloch, Wilhelm; Mester, Joachim; Grau, Marijke

2015-01-01

Rapid weight reduction is part of the pre-competition routine and has been shown to negatively affect psychological and physiological performance of Taekwondo (TKD) athletes. This is caused by a reduction of the body water and an electrolyte imbalance. So far, it is unknown whether weight reduction also affects hemorheological properties and hemorheology-influencing nitric oxide (NO) signaling, important for oxygen supply to the muscles and organs. For this purpose, ten male TKD athletes reduced their body weight by 5% within four days (rapid weight reduction, RWR). After a recovery phase, athletes reduced body weight by 5% within four weeks (gradual weight reduction, GWR). Each intervention was preceded by two baseline measurements and followed by a simulated competition. Basal blood parameters (red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean cellular hemoglobin and mean cellular hemoglobin concentration), RBC-NO synthase activation, RBC nitrite as marker for NO synthesis, RBC deformability and aggregation parameters were determined on a total of eight investigation days. Basal blood parameters were not affected by the two interventions. In contrast to GWR, RWR decreased activation of RBC-NO synthase, RBC nitrite, respective NO concentration and RBC deformability. Additionally, RWR increased RBC aggregation and disaggregation threshold. The results point out that a rapid weight reduction negatively affects hemorheological parameters and NO signaling in RBC which might limit performance capacity. Thus, GWR should be preferred to achieve the desired weight prior to a competition to avoid these negative effects.

Notes on phase transitions and the role of spin fluctuations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stishov, S. M.

2016-09-01

The physical properties of two chiral systems with localized and delocalized magnetic moments, {\\text{Cu}}2{\\text{OSeO}}3 and MnSi, are reviewed. It is concluded that the longitudinal fluctuations of magnetic moments have no strong effect on the qualitative picture of phase transitions and the magnetic phase diagrams of chiral systems.

Effects of plasticization and shear stress on phase structure development and properties of soy protein blends.

PubMed

Chen, Feng; Zhang, Jinwen

2010-11-01

In this study, soy protein concentrate (SPC) was used as a plastic component to blend with poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). Effects of SPC plasticization and blend composition on its deformation during mixing were studied in detail. Influence of using water as the major plasticizer and glycerol as the co-plasticizer on the deformation of the SPC phase during mixing was explored. The effect of shear stress, as affected by SPC loading level, on the phase structure of SPC in the blends was also investigated. Quantitative analysis of the aspect ratio of SPC particles was conducted by using ImageJ software, and an empirical model predicting the formation of percolated structure was applied. The experimental results and the model prediction showed a fairly good agreement. The experimental results and statistic analysis suggest that both SPC loading level and its water content prior to compounding had significant influences on development of the SPC phase structure and were correlated in determining the morphological structures of the resulting blends. Consequently, physical and mechanical properties of the blends greatly depended on the phase morphology and PBAT/SPC ratio of the blends.

Optical Parametric Amplification of Single Photon: Statistical Properties and Quantum Interference

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Xue-Xiang; Yuan, Hong-Chun

2014-05-01

By using phase space method, we theoretically investigate the quantum statistical properties and quantum interference of optical parametric amplification of single photon. The statistical properties, such as the Wigner function (WF), average photon number, photon number distribution and parity, are derived analytically for the fields of the two output ports. The results indicate that the fields in the output ports are multiphoton states rather than single photon state due to the amplification of the optical parametric amplifiers (OPA). In addition, the phase sensitivity is also examined by using the detection scheme of parity measurement.

Experimental observations of the hydrodynamic behavior of solvent systems in high-speed counter-current chromatography. I. Hydrodynamic distribution of two solvent phases in a helical column subjected to two types of synchronous planetary motion.

PubMed

Ito, Y

1984-10-05

Hydrodynamic distribution of two-phase solvent systems in a rotating helical column subjected to centrifugal fields produced by two different types of synchronous planetary motion has been studied by the use of the combined horizontal flow-through coil planet centrifuge. With continuous elution of the mobile phase, the simpler type of motion resulted in low retention of the stationary phase in the column whereas a more complex motion, which produces a quasi-radial centrifugal field varying in both intensity and direction, yielded high stationary phase retention for commonly used solvent systems having a wide range of hydrophobicity. These solvent systems display highly complex modes of hydrodynamic interaction in the coil according to their particular physical properties.

Two-phase nanofluid-based thermal management systems for LED cooling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiseev, V.; Aminev, D.; Sazhin, O.

2017-04-01

This research focuses on two-phase thermal control systems, namely loop thermosyphons (LTS) filled with nanofluids, and their use as LED cooling devices. The behavior of the fluid in the thermosyphons and the mechanisms explaining the possible impact of nanoparticles on thermal properties of the working fluid as well as the processes in the LTS are addressed. Nanoparticle distribution in the nanofluid, methods of preparation of nanofluids and nanofluid degradation processes (aging) are studied. The results are obtained from a set of experiments on thermosyphon characteristics depending on the thermophysical properties of the working fluid, filling volume, geometry and materials of radiators. The impact of nanofluids on heat-transfer process occurring inside thermosyphon is also studied. Results indicate strong influence of nanoparticles on the thermal properties of the thermosyphons, with up to 20% increase of the heat transfer coefficient. Additionally, a method of calculating the hydrodynamic limit of the LTS is proposed, which allows for estimation of the maximum heat flux that can be transferred by means of the LTS. Possible ways for further improvement of the model are proposed. The nanofluids are shown to be effective means of enhancing two-phase systems of thermal management.

Predictive Mechanical Characterization of Macro-Molecular Material Chemistry Structures of Cement Paste at Nano Scale - Two-phase Macro-Molecular Structures of Calcium Silicate Hydrate, Tri-Calcium Silicate, Di-Calcium Silicate and Calcium Hydroxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Padilla Espinosa, Ingrid Marcela

Concrete is a hierarchical composite material with a random structure over a wide range of length scales. At submicron length scale the main component of concrete is cement paste, formed by the reaction of Portland cement clinkers and water. Cement paste acts as a binding matrix for the other components and is responsible for the strength of concrete. Cement paste microstructure contains voids, hydrated and unhydrated cement phases. The main crystalline phases of unhydrated cement are tri-calcium silicate (C3S) and di-calcium silicate (C2S), and of hydrated cement are calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) and calcium hydroxide (CH). Although efforts have been made to comprehend the chemical and physical nature of cement paste, studies at molecular level have primarily been focused on individual components. Present research focuses on the development of a method to model, at molecular level, and analysis of the two-phase combination of hydrated and unhydrated phases of cement paste as macromolecular systems. Computational molecular modeling could help in understanding the influence of the phase interactions on the material properties, and mechanical performance of cement paste. Present work also strives to create a framework for molecular level models suitable for potential better comparisons with low length scale experimental methods, in which the sizes of the samples involve the mixture of different hydrated and unhydrated crystalline phases of cement paste. Two approaches based on two-phase cement paste macromolecular structures, one involving admixed molecular phases, and the second involving cluster of two molecular phases are investigated. The mechanical properties of two-phase macromolecular systems of cement paste consisting of key hydrated phase CSH and unhydrated phases C3S or C2S, as well as CSH with the second hydrated phase CH were calculated. It was found that these cement paste two-phase macromolecular systems predicted an isotropic material behavior. Also, these systems exhibited a high bulk modulus, compared to the elastic modulus. These results are an indication and concur with the high compression strength of cement paste seen at engineering length scale. In addition, the bulk modulus of two-phase systems consisting of hydrated CSH and unhydrated C3S or C2S was found to increase with higher levels of unhydrated components. The interaction energies of two-phase cement paste molecular structures studied in the present work were calculated, showing that a higher interaction is attained when the two phases are admixed as small components instead of cluster of phases. Finally, the mechanical behavior under shear deformation was predicted by using a quasi-static deformation method and analyzed for a representative two-phase (CSH and C2S) macromolecular structure of cement paste.

Two-Point Microrheology of Phase-Separated Domains in Lipid Bilayers

PubMed Central

Hormel, Tristan T.; Reyer, Matthew A.; Parthasarathy, Raghuveer

2015-01-01

Though the importance of membrane fluidity for cellular function has been well established for decades, methods for measuring lipid bilayer viscosity remain challenging to devise and implement. Recently, approaches based on characterizing the Brownian dynamics of individual tracers such as colloidal particles or lipid domains have provided insights into bilayer viscosity. For fluids in general, however, methods based on single-particle trajectories provide a limited view of hydrodynamic response. The technique of two-point microrheology, in which correlations between the Brownian dynamics of pairs of tracers report on the properties of the intervening medium, characterizes viscosity at length-scales that are larger than that of individual tracers and has less sensitivity to tracer-induced distortions, but has never been applied to lipid membranes. We present, to our knowledge, the first two-point microrheological study of lipid bilayers, examining the correlated motion of domains in phase-separated lipid vesicles and comparing one- and two-point results. We measure two-point correlation functions in excellent agreement with the forms predicted by two-dimensional hydrodynamic models, analysis of which reveals a viscosity intermediate between those of the two lipid phases, indicative of global fluid properties rather than the viscosity of the local neighborhood of the tracer. PMID:26287625

Inventory and mapping of flood inundation using interactive digital image analysis techniques

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rohde, Wayne G.; Nelson, Charles A.; Taranik, J.V.

1979-01-01

LANDSAT digital data and color infra-red photographs were used in a multiphase sampling scheme to estimate the area of agricultural land affected by a flood. The LANDSAT data were classified with a maximum likelihood algorithm. Stratification of the LANDSAT data, prior to classification, greatly reduced misclassification errors. The classification results were used to prepare a map overlay showing the areal extent of flooding. These data also provided statistics required to estimate sample size in a two phase sampling scheme, and provided quick, accurate estimates of areas flooded for the first phase. The measurements made in the second phase, based on ground data and photo-interpretation, were used with two phase sampling statistics to estimate the area of agricultural land affected by flooding These results show that LANDSAT digital data can be used to prepare map overlays showing the extent of flooding on agricultural land and, with two phase sampling procedures, can provide acreage estimates with sampling errors of about 5 percent. This procedure provides a technique for rapidly assessing the areal extent of flood conditions on agricultural land and would provide a basis for designing a sampling framework to estimate the impact of flooding on crop production.

Degradation behavior of Mg-based biomaterials containing different long-period stacking ordered phases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Qiuming; Guo, Jianxin; Fu, Hui; Cai, Xuecheng; Wang, Yanan; Liu, Baozhong; Xu, Zhigang

2014-01-01

Long-period stacking ordered (LPSO) phases play an essential role in the development of magnesium alloys because they have a direct effect on mechanical and corrosion properties of the alloys. The LPSO structures are mostly divided to 18R and 14H. However, to date there are no consistent opinions about their degradation properties although both of them can improve mechanical properties. Herein we have successfully obtained two LPSO phases separately in the same Mg-Dy-Zn system and comparatively investigated the effect of different LPSO phases on degradation behavior in 0.9 wt.% NaCl solution. Our results demonstrate that a fine metastable 14H-LPSO phase in grain interior is more effective to improve corrosion resistance due to the presence of a homogeneous oxidation film and rapid film remediation ability. The outstanding corrosion resistant Mg-Dy-Zn based alloys with a metastable 14H-LPSO phase, coupled with low toxicity of alloying elements, are highly desirable in the design of novel Mg-based biomaterials, opening up a new avenue in the area of bio-Mg.

Degradation behavior of Mg-based biomaterials containing different long-period stacking ordered phases

PubMed Central

Peng, Qiuming; Guo, Jianxin; Fu, Hui; Cai, Xuecheng; Wang, Yanan; Liu, Baozhong; Xu, Zhigang

2014-01-01

Long-period stacking ordered (LPSO) phases play an essential role in the development of magnesium alloys because they have a direct effect on mechanical and corrosion properties of the alloys. The LPSO structures are mostly divided to 18R and 14H. However, to date there are no consistent opinions about their degradation properties although both of them can improve mechanical properties. Herein we have successfully obtained two LPSO phases separately in the same Mg-Dy-Zn system and comparatively investigated the effect of different LPSO phases on degradation behavior in 0.9 wt.% NaCl solution. Our results demonstrate that a fine metastable 14H-LPSO phase in grain interior is more effective to improve corrosion resistance due to the presence of a homogeneous oxidation film and rapid film remediation ability. The outstanding corrosion resistant Mg-Dy-Zn based alloys with a metastable 14H-LPSO phase, coupled with low toxicity of alloying elements, are highly desirable in the design of novel Mg-based biomaterials, opening up a new avenue in the area of bio-Mg. PMID:24401851

Robust water fat separated dual-echo MRI by phase-sensitive reconstruction.

PubMed

Romu, Thobias; Dahlström, Nils; Leinhard, Olof Dahlqvist; Borga, Magnus

2017-09-01

The purpose of this work was to develop and evaluate a robust water-fat separation method for T1-weighted symmetric two-point Dixon data. A method for water-fat separation by phase unwrapping of the opposite-phase images by phase-sensitive reconstruction (PSR) is introduced. PSR consists of three steps; (1), identification of clusters of tissue voxels; (2), unwrapping of the phase in each cluster by solving Poisson's equation; and (3), finding the correct sign of each unwrapped opposite-phase cluster, so that the water-fat images are assigned the correct identities. Robustness was evaluated by counting the number of water-fat swap artifacts in a total of 733 image volumes. The method was also compared to commercial software. In the water-fat separated image volumes, the PSR method failed to unwrap the phase of one cluster and misclassified 10. One swap was observed in areas affected by motion and was constricted to the affected area. Twenty swaps were observed surrounding susceptibility artifacts, none of which spread outside the artifact affected regions. The PSR method had fewer swaps when compared to commercial software. The PSR method can robustly produce water-fat separated whole-body images based on symmetric two-echo spoiled gradient echo images, under both ideal conditions and in the presence of common artifacts. Magn Reson Med 78:1208-1216, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Nanoscale mapping of electromechanical response in ionic conductive ceramics with piezoelectric inclusions

DOE PAGES

Seol, Daehee; Seo, Hosung; Jesse, Stephen; ...

2015-08-19

Electromechanical (EM) response in ion conductive ceramics with piezoelectric inclusions was spatially explored using strain-based atomic force microscopy. Since the sample is composed of two dominant phases of ionic and piezoelectric phases, it allows us to explore two different EM responses of electrically induced ionic response and piezoresponse over the same surface. Furthermore, EM response of the ionic phase, i.e., electrochemical strain, was quantitatively investigated from the comparison with that of the piezoelectric phase, i.e., piezoresponse. Finally, these results could provide additional information on the EM properties, including the electrochemical strain at nanoscale.

Nanoscale mapping of electromechanical response in ionic conductive ceramics with piezoelectric inclusions

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

Seol, Daehee; Seo, Hosung; Jesse, Stephen

Electromechanical (EM) response in ion conductive ceramics with piezoelectric inclusions was spatially explored using strain-based atomic force microscopy. Since the sample is composed of two dominant phases of ionic and piezoelectric phases, it allows us to explore two different EM responses of electrically induced ionic response and piezoresponse over the same surface. Furthermore, EM response of the ionic phase, i.e., electrochemical strain, was quantitatively investigated from the comparison with that of the piezoelectric phase, i.e., piezoresponse. Finally, these results could provide additional information on the EM properties, including the electrochemical strain at nanoscale.

Nanoscale mapping of electromechanical response in ionic conductive ceramics with piezoelectric inclusions

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

Seol, Daehee; Seo, Hosung; Kim, Yunseok, E-mail: yunseokkim@skku.edu

Electromechanical (EM) response in ion conductive ceramics with piezoelectric inclusions was spatially explored using strain-based atomic force microscopy. Since the sample is composed of two dominant phases of ionic and piezoelectric phases, it allows us to explore two different EM responses of electrically induced ionic response and piezoresponse over the same surface. Furthermore, EM response of the ionic phase, i.e., electrochemical strain, was quantitatively investigated from the comparison with that of the piezoelectric phase, i.e., piezoresponse. These results could provide additional information on the EM properties, including the electrochemical strain at nanoscale.

Preparation of manganese doped cadmium sulfide nanoparticles in zincblende phase and their magnetic properties.

PubMed

Nakaya, Masafumi; Tanaka, Itaru; Muramatsu, Atsushi

2012-12-01

In this study, the random dope of Mn into CdS nanoparticles in zincblende phase has been carried out under the mild reaction condition. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), UV-Vis spectrometer, PL spectrometer, and SQUID. EDX showed that the compositions of Mn doped CdS nanoparticles were readily controlled. TEM showed the particle sizes were not significantly affected by the compositions, retaining to be ca. 3 nm with a narrow size distribution. UV-Vis and PL spectra of the resulting nanoparticles showed the intra-Mn level may be affected by the quantum size effect. SQUID measurement showed that the resulting nanoparticles showed diamagnetism, paramagnetism and superparamagnetism dependent on Mn content.

Line tension effects on the wetting of nanostructures: an energy method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Hao-Yuan; Li, Bo; Feng, Xi-Qiao

2017-09-01

The superhydrophobicity and self-cleaning property of micro/nano-structured solid surfaces require a stable Cassie-Baxter (CB) wetting state at the liquid-solid interface. We present an energy method to investigate how the three-phase line tension affects the CB wetting state on nanostructured materials. For some nanostructures, the line tension may engender a distinct energy barrier, which restricts the position of the three-phase contact line and affects the stability of the CB wetting state. We ascertain the upper and lower limits of the critical pressure at the CB-Wenzel transition. Our results suggest that superhydrophobicity on nanostructures can be modulated by tailoring the line tension and harnessing the curvature effect. This study also provides new insights into the sinking phenomena observed in the nanoparticle-floating experiment.

Grinding With Diamond Burs and Hydrothermal Aging of a Y-TZP Material: Effect on the Material Surface Characteristics and Bacterial Adhesion.

PubMed

Dutra, Dam; Pereira, Gkr; Kantorski, K Z; Exterkate, Ram; Kleverlaan, C J; Valandro, L F; Zanatta, F B

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of grinding with diamond burs and low-temperature aging on the material surface characteristics and bacteria adhesion on a yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (Y-TZP) surface. Y-TZP specimens were made from presintered blocks, sintered as recommended by the manufacturer, and assigned into six groups according to two factors-grinding (three levels: as sintered, grinding with extra-fine diamond bur [25-μm grit], and grinding with coarse diamond bur [181-μm grit]) and hydrothermal aging-to promote low-temperature degradation (two levels: presence/absence). Phase transformation (X-ray diffractometer), surface roughness, micromorphological patterns (atomic force microscopy), and contact angle (goniometer) were analyzed. Bacterial adhesion (colony-forming units [CFU]/biofilm) was quantified using an in vitro polymicrobial biofilm model. Both the surface treatment and hydrothermal aging promoted an increase in m-phase content. Roughness values increased as a function of increasing bur grit sizes. Grinding with a coarse diamond bur resulted in significantly lower values of contact angle (p<0.05) when compared with the extra-fine and control groups, while there were no differences (p<0.05) after hydrothermal aging simulation. The CFU/biofilm results showed that neither the surface treatment nor hydrothermal aging simulation significantly affected the bacteria adherence (p>0.05). Grinding with diamond burs and hydrothermal aging modified the Y-TZP surface properties; however, these properties had no effect on the amount of bacteria adhesion on the material surface.

An Investigation into the Effects of Interface Stress and Interfacial Arrangement on Temperature Dependent Thermal Properties of a Biological and a Biomimetic Material

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

Tomar, Vikas

2015-01-12

A significant effort in the biomimetic materials research is on developing materials that can mimic and function in the same way as biological tissues, on bio-inspired electronic circuits, on bio-inspired flight structures, on bio-mimetic materials processing, and on structural biomimetic materials, etc. Most structural biological and biomimetic material properties are affected by two primary factors: (1) interfacial interactions between an organic and an inorganic phase usually in the form of interactions between an inorganic mineral phase and organic protein network; and (2) structural arrangement of the constituents. Examples are exoskeleton structures such as spicule, nacre, and crustacean exoskeletons. A significantmore » effort is being directed towards making synthetic biomimetic materials based on a manipulation of the above two primary factors. The proposed research is based on a hypothesis that in synthetic materials with biomimetic morphology thermal conductivity, k, (how fast heat is carried away) and thermal diffusivity, D, (how fast a material’s temperature rises: proportional to the ratio of k and heat capacity) can be engineered to be either significantly low or significantly high based on a combination of chosen interface orientation and interfacial arrangement in comparison to conventional material microstructures with the same phases and phase volume fractions. METHOD DEVELOPMENT 1. We have established a combined Raman spectroscopy and nanomechanical loading based experimental framework to perform environment (liquid vs. air vs. vacuum) dependent and temperature dependent (~1000 degree-C) in-situ thermal diffusivity measurements in biomaterials at nanoscale to micron scale along with the corresponding analytical theoretic calculations. (Zhang and Tomar, 2013) 2. We have also established a new classical molecular simulation based framework to measure thermal diffusivity in biomolecular interfaces. We are writing a publication currently (Qu and Tomar, 2013) to report the framework and findings in tropocollagen-hydroxyapatite based idealized biomaterial interfaces. PHYSICAL FINDINGS 1. Analyses using experiments have revealed that in the case of bone thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity at micron scale shows significant dependence on compressive stress and temperature. Overall, there is a decrease with respect to increase in temperature and increase with respect to increase in compressive stress. Bio-molecular simulations on idealized tropocollagen-hydroxyapatite interfaces confirm such findings. However, simulations also reveal that thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity can be significantly tailored by interfacial orientation. More importantly, in inorganic materials, interfaces contribute to reduce thermal conductivity and diffusivity. However, analyses here reveal that both can be increased despite presence of a lot of interfaces. 2. Based on significant role played by interfaces in affecting bone thermal properties, a crustacean-exoskeleton system is examined for thermal diffusivity using the newly developed setup. Special emphasis here is on this system since such arrangement is found to be common in fresh water shrimp as well as in some deep water organisms surviving in environment extremes. Experiments reveal that in such system thermal diffusivity is highly tailorable. 3. Overall, experiments and models have established that in biomaterial interfaces a counterintuitive role of interfaces in mediating thermal conduction as a function of stress and temperature is possible in contrast to inorganic materials where interfaces almost always lead to reduction of thermal conductivity as a function of such factors. More investigations are underway to reveal physical origins of such counter-physical characteristics. Such principles can be significantly useful in developing new and innovative bioenergy and inorganic energy systems where heat dissipation significantly affects system performance.« less

mocca-SURVEY database I. Accreting white dwarf binary systems in globular clusters - III. Cataclysmic variables - implications of model assumptions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belloni, Diogo; Zorotovic, Mónica; Schreiber, Matthias R.; Leigh, Nathan W. C.; Giersz, Mirek; Askar, Abbas

2017-06-01

In this third of a series of papers related to cataclysmic variables (CVs) and related objects, we analyse the population of CVs in a set of 12 globular cluster models evolved with the MOCCA Monte Carlo code, for two initial binary populations (IBPs), two choices of common-envelope phase (CEP) parameters, and three different models for the evolution of CVs and the treatment of angular momentum loss. When more realistic models and parameters are considered, we find that present-day cluster CV duty cycles are extremely low (≲0.1 per cent) that makes their detection during outbursts rather difficult. Additionally, the IBP plays a significant role in shaping the CV population properties, and models that follow the Kroupa IBP are less affected by enhanced angular momentum loss. We also predict from our simulations that CVs formed dynamically in the past few Gyr (massive CVs) correspond to bright CVs (as expected) and that faint CVs formed several Gyr ago (dynamically or not) represent the overwhelming majority. Regarding the CV formation rate, we rule out the notion that it is similar irrespective of the cluster properties. Finally, we discuss the differences in the present-day CV properties related to the IBPs, the initial cluster conditions, the CEP parameters, formation channels, the CV evolution models and the angular momentum loss treatments.

A Computational Study of Systemic Hydration in Vocal Fold Collision

PubMed Central

Bhattacharya, Pinaki; Siegmund, Thomas

2013-01-01

Mechanical stresses develop within vocal fold (VF) soft tissues, due to phonation-associated vibration and collision. These stresses in turn affect the hydration of VF tissue and thus influence voice health. In this paper, high-fidelty numerical computations are described taking into account fully three-dimensional geometry, realistic tissue and air properties, and high-amplitude vibration and collision. A segregated solver approach is employed, using sophisticated commercial solvers for both the VF tissue and glottal airflow domains. The tissue viscoelastic properties were derived from a biphasic formulation. Two cases were considered, whereby the tissue viscoelastic properties corresponded to two different volume fractions of the fluid phase of the VF tissue. For each case, hydrostatic stresses occurring as a result of vibration and collision were investigated. Assuming the VF tissue to be poroelastic, interstitial fluid movement within VF tissue was estimated from the hydrostatic stress gradient. Computed measures of overall VF dynamics (peak air-flow velocity, magnitude of VF deformation, frequency of vibration and contact pressure) were well within the range of experimentally observed values. The VF motion leading to mechanical stresses within the VFs and their effect on the interstitial fluid flux is detailed. It is found that average deformation and vibration of VFs tends to increase the state of hydration of the VF tissue whereas VF collision works to reduce hydration. PMID:23531170

Effect of Phase Contiguity and Morphology on the Evolution of Deformation Texture in Two-Phase Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gurao, N. P.; Suwas, Satyam

2017-02-01

Deformation texture evolution in two-phase xFe- yNi-(100- x- y)Cr model alloys and Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy was studied during rolling to develop an understanding of micro-mechanisms of deformation in industrially relevant two-phase FCC-BCC steels and HCP-BCC titanium alloys, respectively. It was found that volume fraction and contiguity of phases lead to systematic changes in texture, while morphology affects the strength of texture. There was a characteristic change in texture from typical Brass-type to a weaker Copper-type texture in the austenite phase accompanied with a change from alpha fiber to gamma fiber in ferrite phase for Fe-Ni-Cr alloys with increase in fraction of harder ferrite phase. However, similar characteristic texture evolution was noted in both α and β phase irrespective of the different initial morphologies in Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy. Viscoplastic self-consistent simulations with two-phase scheme were able to qualitatively predict texture evolution in individual phases. It is proposed that the transition from iso-strain-type behavior for equiaxed microstructure at low strain to iso-stress-type behavior at higher strain is aided by the presence of higher volume fraction of the second phase and increasing aspect ratio of individual phases in two-phase alloys.

Dual-phase Cr-Ta alloys for structural applications

DOEpatents

Liu, Chain T.; Brady, Michael P.; Zhu, Jiahong; Tortorelli, Peter F.

2001-01-01

Dual phase alloys of chromium containing 2 to 11 atomic percent tantalum with minor amounts of Mo, Cr, Ti, Y, La, Cr, Si and Ge are disclosed. These alloys contain two phases including Laves phase and Cr-rich solid solution in either eutectic structures or dispersed Laves phase particles in the Cr-rich solid solution matrix. The alloys have superior mechanical properties at high temperature and good oxidation resistance when heated to above 1000.degree. C. in air.

Phase-Transformation-Induced Extra Thermal Expansion Behavior of (SrxBa1-x)TiO3/Cu Composite.

PubMed

Sheng, Jie; Wang, Lidong; Li, Shouwei; Yin, Benke; Liu, Xiangli; Fei, Wei-Dong

2016-06-03

The properties of metal matrix composites (MMCs) can be optimized effectively through adjusting the type or the volume fraction of reinforcement. Generally, the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of MMCs can be reduced by increasing the volume fraction of the reinforcement with lower CTE than metal matrix. However, it is great challenge to fabricate low CTE MMCs with low reinforcement volume fraction because of the limitation of reinforcement CTEs. SrxBa1-xTiO3 (SBT) powder presents negative thermal expansion behavior during the phase transformation from tetragonal to cubic phase. Here, we demonstrate that the phase transformation of SBT can be utilized to reduce and design the thermal expansion properties of SBT particle-reinforced Cu (SBT/Cu) composite, and ultralow CTE can be obtained in SBT/Cu composite. The X-ray diffraction analysis on heating indicates that the temperature range of phase transformation is extended greatly, therefore, the low CTE can be achieved within wide temperature range. Landau-Devonshire theory study on the phase transformation behaviors of SBT particles in the composite indicates that thermal mismatch stress significantly affects the Curie temperature of SBT particles and the CTE of the composite. The results given in the present study provide a new approach to design the MMCs with low CTE.

Fracture behaviour of WC-Co hardmetals with WC partially substituted by titanium carbide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szutkowska, M.; Boniecki, M.; Cygan, S.; Kalinka, A.; Grilli, M. L.; Balos, S.

2018-03-01

The addition of various amounts of TiC0.9 phase in the range from 5wt.% to 20wt.% substituting WC phase was applied in WC-Co hardmetals with 9.5 wt.% bonding cobalt phase. The hardmetals were consolidated using Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) method at temperature of 1573K and pressure of 1500 atm. The plain strain fracture toughness has been determined from 3PB test on a precracking single edge notched beam (SENB) specimen. The indentation fracture toughness with Vickers cracks for comparison was also measured, which changed from 12 to 9.0 MPa·m1/2. The amount of the TiC0.9 phase affected the mechanical and physical properties: Vickers hardness from 12.5 to 14.0 GPa, Young’s modulus from 550 to 460 GPa, density from 13.1 to 9.6 g/cm3, friction coefficient from 0.24 to 0.45, fracture toughness from 16.8 to 11.0 MPa·m1/2. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray and electron diffraction phase analysis were used to examine the WC-Co hardmetal with addition of the TiC0.9 phase. For comparison, physical and mechanical properties of the WC-Co hardmetals before modification were tested.

Investigation of Celestial Solid Analogs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sievers, A. J.

2003-01-01

Our far infrared studies of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic aerogel grains have demonstrated that the mm and sub-mm wave absorption produced by the fundamental two level systems (TLS) mechanism represents a more significant contribution for these open grain structures than for bulk amorphous silicate grains. We found that the region with the anomalous temperature dependence of the spectral index due to the TLS excitations can extend in a fluffy material up to 80 per cm, which is well beyond its typical upper limit for bulk glasses. Currently there is no theoretical explanation for this surprising result. The effects of reduced dimensionality on the optical properties of carbonaceous grains have been studied with a systematic investigation of carbon aerogels. This spectroscopic approach has permitted a more reliable determination of the single grain mass normalized absorption coefficient based on the experimentally determined characteristics of the fluffy material rather than on first principles calculations involving the bulk properties of the substance. Our finding is that the electrical connectivity of the material is the main factor affecting its far infrared absorption coefficient. Another one of the main constituents of the interstellar dust, amorphous ice, has been investigated in the mm-wave region both in the high (HDA) and low (LDA) density amorphous phases and as a function of impurities. We found that doping either phase with ionic (LiCl) or molecular (methanol) impurities decreases the difference in the mm-wave absorption coefficient between the HDA and LDA ice phases so that the HDA spectrum can be used as an analog for impure ice absorption in the far infrared spectral region.

Modulation of the Polar Vortex by Energetic Particle Precipitation and Quasi-Biennial Oscillation via Ozone Loss

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asikainen, T.; Salminen, A.; Maliniemi, V.; Mursula, K.

2017-12-01

Energetic particle precipitation (EPP) has been shown to cause ozone loss in the stratosphere during polar winter. This has been suggested to enhance polar vortex with the effect propagating even to ground level, where it is observed as a more positive phase of the Northern Annular Mode (NAM), the dominant ground circulation pattern in the winter time at high latitudes. Recent research has also shown that the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) modulates the relationship between the ground NAM and EPP so that the positive correlation between the two is more clearly seen in the easterly phase of QBO measured at 30 hPa height especially during the late winter season. Here we elaborate the QBO modulated connection between EPP and NAM by studying how the EPP affects the stratospheric polar vortex in the two phases of the QBO. Since the EPP presumably affects the polar stratosphere via indirect ozone loss we will study how the EPP modulates the amount of ozone, the stratospheric temperatures and zonal winds in the two QBO phases.

Modulation of the polar vortex by energetic particle precipitation and Quasi-Biennial Oscillation via ozone loss

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salminen, Antti; Asikainen, Timo; Maliniemi, Ville; Mursula, Kalevi

2017-04-01

Energetic particle precipitation (EPP) has been shown to cause ozone loss in the stratosphere during polar winter. This has been suggested to enhance polar vortex with the effect propagating even to ground level, where it is observed as a more positive phase of the Northern Annular Mode (NAM), the dominant ground circulation pattern in the winter time at high latitudes. Recent research has also shown that the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) modulates the relationship between the ground NAM and EPP so that the positive correlation between the two is more clearly seen in the easterly phase of QBO measured at 30 hPa height especially during the late winter season. Here we elaborate the QBO modulated connection between EPP and NAM by studying how the EPP affects the stratospheric polar vortex in the two phases of the QBO. Since the EPP presumably affects the polar stratosphere via indirect ozone loss we will study how the EPP modulates the amount of ozone, the stratospheric temperatures and zonal winds in the two QBO phases.

Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties ofβ-MnO2nanorods

PubMed Central

Kim, HaeJin; Lee, JinBae; Kim, Young-Min; Jung, Myung-Hwa; Jagličić, Z; Umek, P

2007-01-01

We present synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of structurally well-ordered single-crystalline β-MnO2nanorods of 50–100 nm diameter and several µm length. Thorough structural characterization shows that the basic β-MnO2material is covered by a thin surface layer (∼2.5 nm) of α-Mn2O3phase with a reduced Mn valence that adds its own magnetic signal to the total magnetization of the β-MnO2nanorods. The relatively complicated temperature-dependent magnetism of the nanorods can be explained in terms of a superposition of bulk magnetic properties of spatially segregated β-MnO2and α-Mn2O3constituent phases and the soft ferromagnetism of the thin interface layer between these two phases.

Active control on high-order coherence and statistic characterization on random phase fluctuation of two classical point sources.

PubMed

Hong, Peilong; Li, Liming; Liu, Jianji; Zhang, Guoquan

2016-03-29

Young's double-slit or two-beam interference is of fundamental importance to understand various interference effects, in which the stationary phase difference between two beams plays the key role in the first-order coherence. Different from the case of first-order coherence, in the high-order optical coherence the statistic behavior of the optical phase will play the key role. In this article, by employing a fundamental interfering configuration with two classical point sources, we showed that the high- order optical coherence between two classical point sources can be actively designed by controlling the statistic behavior of the relative phase difference between two point sources. Synchronous position Nth-order subwavelength interference with an effective wavelength of λ/M was demonstrated, in which λ is the wavelength of point sources and M is an integer not larger than N. Interestingly, we found that the synchronous position Nth-order interference fringe fingerprints the statistic trace of random phase fluctuation of two classical point sources, therefore, it provides an effective way to characterize the statistic properties of phase fluctuation for incoherent light sources.

Studying Suspended Sediment Mechanism with Two-Phase PIV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matinpour, H.; Atkinson, J. F.; Bennett, S. J.; Guala, M.

2017-12-01

Suspended sediment transport affects soil erosion, agriculture and water resources quality. Turbulent diffusion is the most primary force to maintain sediments in suspension. Although extensive previous literature have been studying the interactions between turbulent motion and suspended sediment, mechanism of sediments in suspension is still poorly understood. In this study, we investigate suspension of sediments as two distinct phases: one phase of sediments and another phase of fluid with turbulent motions. We designed and deployed a state-of-the-art two-phase PIV measurement technique to discriminate these two phases and acquire velocities of each phase separately and simultaneously. The technique that we have developed is employing a computer-vision based method, which enables us to discriminate sediment particles from fluid tracer particles based on two thresholds, dissimilar particle sizes and different particle intensities. Results indicate that fluid turbulence decreases in the presence of suspended sediments. Obtaining only sediment phase consecutive images enable us to compute fluctuation sediment concentration. This result enlightens understanding of complex interaction between the fluctuation velocities and the fluctuation of associated mass and compares turbulent viscosity with turbulent eddy diffusivity experimentally.

Gradient Theory simulations of pure fluid interfaces using a generalized expression for influence parameters and a Helmholtz energy equation of state for fundamentally consistent two-phase calculations

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

Dahms, Rainer N.

2014-12-31

The fidelity of Gradient Theory simulations depends on the accuracy of saturation properties and influence parameters, and require equations of state (EoS) which exhibit a fundamentally consistent behavior in the two-phase regime. Widely applied multi-parameter EoS, however, are generally invalid inside this region. Hence, they may not be fully suitable for application in concert with Gradient Theory despite their ability to accurately predict saturation properties. The commonly assumed temperature-dependence of pure component influence parameters usually restricts their validity to subcritical temperature regimes. This may distort predictions for general multi-component interfaces where temperatures often exceed the critical temperature of vapor phasemore » components. Then, the calculation of influence parameters is not well defined. In this paper, one of the first studies is presented in which Gradient Theory is combined with a next-generation Helmholtz energy EoS which facilitates fundamentally consistent calculations over the entire two-phase regime. Illustrated on pentafluoroethane as an example, reference simulations using this method are performed. They demonstrate the significance of such high-accuracy and fundamentally consistent calculations for the computation of interfacial properties. These reference simulations are compared to corresponding results from cubic PR EoS, widely-applied in combination with Gradient Theory, and mBWR EoS. The analysis reveals that neither of those two methods succeeds to consistently capture the qualitative distribution of obtained key thermodynamic properties in Gradient Theory. Furthermore, a generalized expression of the pure component influence parameter is presented. This development is informed by its fundamental definition based on the direct correlation function of the homogeneous fluid and by presented high-fidelity simulations of interfacial density profiles. As a result, the new model preserves the accuracy of previous temperature-dependent expressions, remains well-defined at supercritical temperatures, and is fully suitable for calculations of general multi-component two-phase interfaces.« less

Psychometric properties of Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) original and short forms in an African American community sample.

PubMed

Merz, Erin L; Malcarne, Vanessa L; Roesch, Scott C; Ko, Celine M; Emerson, Marc; Roma, Vincenzo G; Sadler, Georgia Robins

2013-12-01

The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) has been widely used as a self-report measure of affect in community and clinical contexts. However, evaluations of the psychometric properties of PANAS scores have been limited in diverse ethnic groups. Several short forms of the PANAS have also been proposed, but very little is known about the psychometric properties of these versions. The present study investigated the psychometric properties, including the factor structure of the original PANAS and two short forms in an African American community sample (N=239). Descriptive, internal consistency reliability, factorial validity, and measurement invariance analyses were conducted. All PANAS subscales from the original and short forms had adequate internal consistency. For the original PANAS, the model specifying three correlated factors (Positive Affect, Afraid, Upset) with correlated uniquenesses from redundant items provided the best fit to the data. However, the two-factor model (Positive Affect, Negative Affect) with correlated uniquenesses was also supported. For both short forms, the two-factor model with correlated uniquenesses fit the data best. Factors from all forms were generally invariant across age and gender, although there was some minor invariance at the item level. Participants were from a limited geographic area and one ethnic group. Indicators of anxiety, depression, and cultural characteristics were not measured. The factor structure was replicated, suggesting no immediate concerns regarding the valid interpretation of PANAS scores. The results support the reliability and validity of the PANAS and its short forms for use among African Americans. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS OF KELVIN–HELMHOLTZ INSTABILITY: A TWO-DIMENSIONAL PARAMETRIC STUDY

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

Tian, Chunlin; Chen, Yao, E-mail: chunlin.tian@sdu.edu.cn

2016-06-10

Using two-dimensional simulations, we numerically explore the dependences of Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) instability upon various physical parameters, including viscosity, the width of the sheared layer, flow speed, and magnetic field strength. In most cases, a multi-vortex phase exists between the initial growth phase and the final single-vortex phase. The parametric study shows that the evolutionary properties, such as phase duration and vortex dynamics, are generally sensitive to these parameters, except in certain regimes. An interesting result is that for supersonic flows, the phase durations and saturation of velocity growth approach constant values asymptotically as the sonic Mach number increases. We confirmmore » that the linear coupling between magnetic field and KH modes is negligible if the magnetic field is weak enough. The morphological behavior suggests that the multi-vortex coalescence might be driven by the underlying wave–wave interaction. Based on these results, we present a preliminary discussion of several events observed in the solar corona. The numerical models need to be further improved to perform a practical diagnostic of the coronal plasma properties.« less

Electronic and optical properties of novel carbon allotropes

DOE PAGES

Wang, Zhanyu; Dong, F.; Shen, B.; ...

2016-01-22

The vibrational properties, electronic structures and optical properties of novel carbon allotropes, such as monolayer penta-graphene (PG), double-layer PG and T12-carbon, were studied by first-principles calculations. Results of phonon calculations demonstrate that these exotic carbon allotropes are dynamically stable. The bulk T12 phase is an indirect-gap semiconductor having a quasiparticle (QP) bandgap of ~5.19 eV. When the bulk material transforms to a two-dimensional (2D) phase, the monolayer and double-layer PG become quasi-direct gap semiconductors with smaller QP bandgaps of ~4.48 eV and ~3.67 eV, respectively. Furthermore, the partial charge density analysis indicates that the 2D phases retain part of themore » electronic characteristics of the T12 phase. The linear photon energy-dependent dielectric functions and related optical properties including refractive index, extinction coefficient, absorption spectrum, reflectivity, and energy-loss spectrum were also computed and discussed. Additionally, the chemical stability of monolayer PG and the electronic and optical properties of double-side hydrogenated monolayer PG were also investigated. Furthermore, the results obtained from our calculations are beneficial to practical applications of these exotic carbon allotropes in optoelectronics and electronics.« less

Magnetic quasi-long-range ordering in nematic systems due to competition between higher-order couplings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Žukovič, Milan; Kalagov, Georgii

2018-05-01

Critical properties of the two-dimensional X Y model involving solely nematic-like terms of the second and third orders are investigated by spin-wave analysis and Monte Carlo simulation. It is found that, even though neither of the nematic-like terms alone can induce magnetic ordering, their coexistence and competition leads to an extended phase of the magnetic quasi-long-range-order phase, wedged between the two nematic-like phases induced by the respective couplings. Thus, except for the multicritical point, at which all the phases meet, for any finite value of the coupling parameters ratio there are two phase transition: one from the paramagnetic phase to one of the two nematic-like phases followed by another one at lower temperatures to the magnetic phase. The finite-size scaling analysis indicates that the phase transitions between the magnetic and nematic-like phases belong to the Ising and three-state Potts universality classes. Inside the competition-induced algebraic magnetic phase, the spin-pair correlation function is found to decay even much more slowly than in the standard X Y model with purely magnetic interactions. Such a magnetic phase is characterized by an extremely low vortex-antivortex pair density attaining a minimum close to the point at which the two couplings are of about equal strength.

Silicon carbide nanomaterial as a coating for solid-phase microextraction.

PubMed

Tian, Yu; Feng, Juanjuan; Wang, Xiuqin; Sun, Min; Luo, Chuannan

2018-01-26

Silicon carbide has excellent properties, such as corrosion resistance, high strength, oxidation resistance, high temperature, and so on. Based on these properties, silicon carbide was coated on stainless-steel wire and used as a solid-phase microextraction coating, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were employed as model analytes. Using gas chromatography, some important factors that affect the extraction efficiency were optimized one by one, and an analytical method was established. The analytical method showed wide linear ranges (0.1-30, 0.03-30, and 0.01-30 μg/L) with satisfactory correlation coefficients (0.9922-0.9966) and low detection limits (0.003-0.03 μg/L). To investigate the practical application of the method, rainwater and cigarette ash aqueous solution were collected as real samples for extraction and detection. The results indicate that silicon carbide has excellent application in the field of solid-phase microextraction. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Evaluation of calcination temperature and phase composition ratio for new hyroxyapatite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salimi, M. N. Ahmad; Chin, H. S.

2017-10-01

The demand of production of hydroxyapatite (HA) has been increasing for the purpose of medical and dental application. HA possesses the excellent properties leads to the priority choice for ceramic bone replacement. Synthesis route by wet chemical precipitation is commonly practised in industrial scale. Calcium hydroxide and Orthophosphoric acid are the precursors for production scale. The synthesis of HA is conducted by varying the synthetic condition: stirring rate, calcium-phosphate and calcination temperature. This paper is focused on the properties of HA produced by regulating the synthetic condition so that the qualities of HA can be well performed. Characterization studies were also carried out by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) for functional group identification, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for surface morphology analysis and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) for phase composition and crystallinity respectively. Narrow particle size distribution contributed to better quality of hydroxyapatite for bone replacement. Both calcium-phosphate ratio and calcination temperature would affect the phase composition of calcium phosphate.

The study of flow pattern and phase-change problem in die casting process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, T. S.; Wei, H.; Chen, Y. S.; Shang, H. M.

1996-01-01

The flow pattern and solidification phenomena in die casting process have been investigated in the first phase study. The flow pattern in filling process is predicted by using a VOF (volume of fluid) method. A good agreement with experimental observation is obtained for filling the water into a die cavity with different gate geometry and with an obstacle in the cavity. An enthalpy method has been applied to solve the solidification problem. By treating the latent heat implicitly into the enthalpy instead of explicitly into the source term, the CPU time can be reduced at least 20 times. The effect of material properties on solidification fronts is tested. It concludes that the dependence of properties on temperature is significant. The influence of the natural convection over the diffusion has also been studied. The result shows that the liquid metal solidification phenomena is diffusion dominant, and the natural convection can affect the shape of the interface. In the second phase study, the filling and solidification processes will be considered simultaneously.

A comparative study of the properties of five-layered Aurivillius oxides A2Bi4Ti5O18 (A = Ba, Pb, and Sr) synthesized by different wet chemical routes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubey, Shivangi; Subohi, Oroosa; Kurchania, Rajnish

2018-07-01

This paper reports the detailed study of the effect of different wet chemical synthesis routes (solution combustion, co-precipitation, and sol-gel route) on the microstructure, phase formation, dielectric, electrical, and ferroelectric properties of five-layered Aurivillius oxides: A2Bi4Ti5O18 (A = Ba, Pb, and Sr). Different synthesis parameters like the precursors used, synthesis temperature, and reaction time affects the morphology of the ceramics. Microstructure in turn influences the dielectric and ferroelectric properties. It was observed that the sol-gel-synthesized ceramics possess higher dielectric constant and remanent polarization, low dielectric loss due to lower conductivity in these samples as a result of higher density in these compounds as compared to those synthesized by other wet chemical synthesis routes such as solution combustion route and co-precipitation technique. The XRD data are used for phase analysis and surface morphology is studied using SEM images. Dielectric and electrical properties are investigated as a function of frequency and temperature.

Highly repeatable nanoscale phase coexistence in vanadium dioxide films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huffman, T. J.; Lahneman, D. J.; Wang, S. L.; Slusar, T.; Kim, Bong-Jun; Kim, Hyun-Tak; Qazilbash, M. M.

2018-02-01

It is generally believed that in first-order phase transitions in materials with imperfections, the formation of phase domains must be affected to some extent by stochastic (probabilistic) processes. The stochasticity would lead to unreliable performance in nanoscale devices that have the potential to exploit the transformation of physical properties in a phase transition. Here we show that stochasticity at nanometer length scales is completely suppressed in the thermally driven metal-insulator transition (MIT) in sputtered vanadium dioxide (V O2 ) films. The nucleation and growth of domain patterns of metallic and insulating phases occur in a strikingly reproducible way. The completely deterministic nature of domain formation and growth in films with imperfections is a fundamental and unexpected finding about the kinetics of this material. Moreover, it opens the door for realizing reliable nanoscale devices based on the MIT in V O2 and similar phase-change materials.

Treatment with Medications Affecting Dopaminergic and Serotonergic Mechanisms: Effects on Fluency and Anxiety in Persons Who Stutter

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stager, Sheila V.; Calis, Karim; Grothe, Dale; Bloch, Meir; Berensen, Nannette M.; Smith, Paul J.; Braun, Allen

2005-01-01

Medications with dopamine antagonist properties, such as haloperidol, and those with serotonin reuptake inhibitor properties, such as clomipramine, have been shown to improve fluency. To examine the degree to which each of these two pharmacological mechanisms might independently affect fluency, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, paroxetine,…

Approximate Model Checking of PCTL Involving Unbounded Path Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basu, Samik; Ghosh, Arka P.; He, Ru

We study the problem of applying statistical methods for approximate model checking of probabilistic systems against properties encoded as PCTL formulas. Such approximate methods have been proposed primarily to deal with state-space explosion that makes the exact model checking by numerical methods practically infeasible for large systems. However, the existing statistical methods either consider a restricted subset of PCTL, specifically, the subset that can only express bounded until properties; or rely on user-specified finite bound on the sample path length. We propose a new method that does not have such restrictions and can be effectively used to reason about unbounded until properties. We approximate probabilistic characteristics of an unbounded until property by that of a bounded until property for a suitably chosen value of the bound. In essence, our method is a two-phase process: (a) the first phase is concerned with identifying the bound k 0; (b) the second phase computes the probability of satisfying the k 0-bounded until property as an estimate for the probability of satisfying the corresponding unbounded until property. In both phases, it is sufficient to verify bounded until properties which can be effectively done using existing statistical techniques. We prove the correctness of our technique and present its prototype implementations. We empirically show the practical applicability of our method by considering different case studies including a simple infinite-state model, and large finite-state models such as IPv4 zeroconf protocol and dining philosopher protocol modeled as Discrete Time Markov chains.

Retention of silver nano-particles and silver ions in calcareous soils: Influence of soil properties.

PubMed

Rahmatpour, Samaneh; Shirvani, Mehran; Mosaddeghi, Mohammad R; Bazarganipour, Mehdi

2017-05-15

The rapid production and application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have led to significant release of AgNPs into the terrestrial environments. Once released into the soil, AgNPs could enter into different interactions with soil particles which play key roles in controlling the fate and transport of these nanoparticles. In spite of that, experimental studies on the retention of AgNPs in soils are very scarce. Hence, the key objective of this research was to find out the retention behavior of AgNPs and Ag(I) ions in a range of calcareous soils. A second objective was to determine the extent to which the physico-chemical properties of the soils influence the Ag retention parameters. To this end, isothermal batch experiments were used to determine the retention of Poly(vinylpyrrolidinone)-capped AgNPs (PVP-AgNPs) and Ag(I) ions by nine calcareous soils with a diversity of physico-chemical properties. The results revealed that the retention data for both PVP-AgNPs and Ag(I) ions were well described by the classical Freundlich and Langmuir isothermal equations. The retention of PVP-AgNPs and Ag(I) ions was positively correlated to clay and organic carbon (OC) contents as well as electrical conductivity (EC), pH, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the soils. Due to multicolinearity among the soil properties, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to group the soil properties which affect the retention of PVP-AgNPs and Ag(I) ions. Accordingly, we identified two groups of soil properties controlling retention of PVP-AgNPs and Ag(I) ions in the calcareous soils. The first group comprised soil solid phase parameters like clay, OC, and CEC, which generally control hetero-aggregation and adsorption reactions and the second group included soil solution variables such as EC and pH as well as Cl - and Ca 2+ concentrations, which are supposed to mainly affect homo-aggregation and precipitation reactions. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Viscoelastic properties of soy protein isolate - pectin blends: Richer than those of a simple composite material.

PubMed

Dekkers, Birgit L; Boom, Remko M; van der Goot, Atze Jan

2018-05-01

Concentrated soy protein isolate (SPI) - pectin blends acquire fibrous textures by shear-induced structuring while heating. The objective of this study was to determine the viscoelastic properties of concentrated SPI-pectin blends under similar conditions as during shear-induced structuring, and after cooling. A closed cavity rheometer was used to measure these properties under these conditions. At 140 °C, SPI and pectin had both a lower G* than the blend of the two and also showed a different behavior in time. Hence, the viscoelastic properties of the blend are richer than those of a simple composite material with stable physical phase properties. In addition, the G' pectin was much lower compared with the G' SPI and G' SPI-pectin upon cooling, confirming that pectin formed a weak dispersed phase. The results can be explained by considering that the viscoelastic properties of the blend are influenced by thermal degradation of the pectin phase. This degradation leads to: i) release of galacturonic acid, ii) lowering of the pH, and iii) water redistribution from the SPI towards the pectin phase. The relative importance of those effects are evaluated. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Effective spin physics in two-dimensional cavity QED arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minář, Jiří; Güneş Söyler, Şebnem; Rotondo, Pietro; Lesanovsky, Igor

2017-06-01

We investigate a strongly correlated system of light and matter in two-dimensional cavity arrays. We formulate a multimode Tavis-Cummings (TC) Hamiltonian for two-level atoms coupled to cavity modes and driven by an external laser field which reduces to an effective spin Hamiltonian in the dispersive regime. In one-dimension we provide an exact analytical solution. In two-dimensions, we perform mean-field study and large scale quantum Monte Carlo simulations of both the TC and the effective spin models. We discuss the phase diagram and the parameter regime which gives rise to frustrated interactions between the spins. We provide a quantitative description of the phase transitions and correlation properties featured by the system and we discuss graph-theoretical properties of the ground states in terms of graph colourings using Pólya’s enumeration theorem.

10 CFR 603.680 - Purchase of real property and equipment by for-profit firms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 10 Energy 4 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Purchase of real property and equipment by for-profit... INVESTMENT AGREEMENTS Award Terms Affecting Participants' Financial, Property, and Purchasing Systems Property § 603.680 Purchase of real property and equipment by for-profit firms. (a) With the two exceptions...

Effects of Be, Sr, Fe and Mg interactions on the microstructure and mechanical properties of aluminum based aeronautical alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ibrahim, Mohamed Fawzy

The present work was carried out on a series of heat-treatable aluminum-based aeronautical alloys containing various amounts of magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), strontium (Sr) and beryllium (Be). Tensile test bars (dendrite arm spacing ~ 24mum) were solutionized for either 5 or 12 hours at 540°C, followed by quenching in warm water (60°C). Subsequently, these quenched samples were aged at 160°C for times up to 12 hours. Microstructural assessment was performed. All heat-treated samples were pulled to fracture at room temperature using a servo-hydraulic tensile testing machine. The results show that Be causes partial modification of the eutectic silicon (Si) particles similar to that reported for Mg addition. Addition of 0.8 wt.% Mg reduced the eutectic temperature by ~10°C. During solidification of alloys containing high levels of Fe and Mg, without Sr, a peak corresponding to the formation of a Be-Fe phase (Al8Fe2BeSi) was detected at 611°C. The Be-Fe phase precipitates in a script-like morphology. A new quinary eutectic-like reaction was observed to take place near the end of solidification of high Mg, high Fe, Be-containing alloys. This new reaction is composed mainly of fine particles of Si, Mg2Si, pi-Al 8Mg3FeSi6 and (Be-Fe) phases. The volume fraction of this reaction decreased with the addition of Sr. The addition of Be has a noticeable effect on decreasing the beta-phase length, or volume fraction, this effect may be limited by adding Sr. Beryllium addition also results in the precipitation of the beta-phase in a nodular form, which reduces the harmful effects of these intermetallics on the alloy mechanical properties. Increasing both Mg and Fe levels led to an increase in the amount of the pi-phase; increasing the iron content led to an increase in the volume fraction of the partially soluble beta- and pi-phases, while Mg2Si particles were completely dissolved. The beta-phase platelets were observed to undergo changes in their morphology due to the dissolution, thinning, necking and fragmentation of these platelets upon increasing the solutionizing time. The pi-phase was observed to dissolve and/or transform into a cluster of very fine beta-phase platelets. In the as-cast conditions, increasing the Mg content leads to increased transformation of beta-phase platelets into Chinese-script pi-phase, regardless of the Fe content. This, in turn, decreases the harmful effect of the beta-phase. Increasing the solutionizing time leads to a decomposition of the pi-phase to the beta-phase, fragmentation of the beta-phase and spheroidization of both the eutectic Si and the pi-phase particles, thus improving alloy tensile properties. Two mechanisms of Mg2Si precipitate coarsening were observed to occur: (1) Ostwald ripening in the solution heat-treated samples and (2) clustering. Coarsening increases with increased solution heat treatment time, increased aging time, as well as with greater Mg contents. Increased Fe levels decrease the alloy quality index (Q) values, whereas adding Mg increases them. Introducing Be, in spite of it being a toxic material, Sr, or both, simultaneously improves the alloy quality index values, regardless of solutionizing time or Fe and Mg levels. Quality index values increase with solution heat treatment time from 5 to 12 hours. Higher Mg contents lead to an increase in alloy ductility, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and yield strength (YS), while higher Fe levels can drastically decrease these properties. For the same levels of Fe and/or Mg, Be and Sr have significant effects in improving alloy mechanical properties; these effects can be readily observed in low levels of Fe and high Mg contents. Beryllium addition is beneficial in the case of high Fe contents as it lowers the harmful effects of Fe-phases in Al-Si alloys. In the case of high Fe contents, it seems that the addition of 500 ppm of Be is not sufficient for all interactions with other alloying elements. During the melting process the formation of Be-Sr phase (probably SrBe3O4 compound) decreases the free Be content and hence the alloy mechanical properties. The role of Be in preventing the oxidation of Mg and in changing the chemistry and morphology of the Fe-intermetallics is observed through improved mechanical properties of Be-containing alloys. The partial modification effect of both Mg and Be appears to improve the alloy tensile properties. Solutionizing and aging times are important parameters affecting the alloy tensile properties. The Mg2Si precipitates were confirmed to be the main hardening components of the 356 and 357 alloys investigated. The yield strength increases with greater Mg levels, reduced Fe levels, addition of Be, Sr-modification, solution heat treatment time and aging time. The present work was extended to include an investigation of the experimental 7073 aluminum alloy. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).

Multilayer Pressure Vessel Materials Testing and Analysis. Phase 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cardinal, Joseph W.; Popelar, Carl F.; Page, Richard A.

2014-01-01

To provide NASA a comprehensive suite of materials strength, fracture toughness and crack growth rate test results for use in remaining life calculations for aging multilayer pressure vessels, Southwest Research Institute (R) (SwRI) was contracted in two phases to obtain relevant material property data from a representative vessel. This report describes Phase 1 of this effort which includes a preliminary material property assessment as well as a fractographic, fracture mechanics and fatigue crack growth analyses of an induced flaw in the outer shell of a representative multilayer vessel that was subjected to cyclic pressure test. SwRI performed this Phase 1 effort under contract to the Digital Wave Corporation in support of their contract to Jacobs ATOM for the NASA Ames Research Center.

Interfacial adsorption in two-dimensional pure and random-bond Potts models.

PubMed

Fytas, Nikolaos G; Theodorakis, Panagiotis E; Malakis, Anastasios

2017-03-01

We use Monte Carlo simulations to study the finite-size scaling behavior of the interfacial adsorption of the two-dimensional square-lattice q-states Potts model. We consider the pure and random-bond versions of the Potts model for q=3,4,5,8, and 10, thus probing the interfacial properties at the originally continuous, weak, and strong first-order phase transitions. For the pure systems our results support the early scaling predictions for the size dependence of the interfacial adsorption at both first- and second-order phase transitions. For the disordered systems, the interfacial adsorption at the (disordered induced) continuous transitions is discussed, applying standard scaling arguments and invoking findings for bulk critical properties. The self-averaging properties of the interfacial adsorption are also analyzed by studying the infinite limit-size extrapolation of properly defined signal-to-noise ratios.

Phase composition and magnetic properties in hot deformed magnets based on Misch-metal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Q.; Zhang, Z. Y.; Zhang, X. F.; Hu, Z. F.; Liu, Y. L.; Liu, F.; Jv, X. M.; Wang, J.; Li, Y. F.; Zhang, J. X.

2018-04-01

In this paper, the Rare-earth Iron Boron (RE-Fe-B) magnets were fabricated successfully by using the double main phase method through mixing the Neodymium Iron Boron (Nd-Fe-B) powders and Misch-metal Iron Boron (MM-Fe-B) powders with different ratio. Aiming at the nanocrystalline RE2Fe14B magnets prepared by using spark plasma sintering technology, phase structure and magnetic properties were investigated. It is found that the Misch-metal (MM) alloys promote the domain nucleation during the the process of magnetization reversal and then damage the coercivity (Hcj) of isotropic RE2Fe14B magnets, while the Hcj could still remain more than 1114.08 kA/m when the mass proportion of MM (simplified as: "a") is 30%. Curie temperature and phase structure were also researched. Two kinds of mixed-solid-solution (MSS) main phases with different Lanthanum (La) and Cerium (Ce) content were believed to be responsible for the two curie temperature of the RE2Fe14B magnets with "a" ≥20%. This is resulted from the inhomogeneous elemental distribution of RE2Fe14B phase.

Structural phase transitions in monolayer molybdenum dichalcogenides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choe, Duk-Hyun; Sung, Ha June; Chang, Kee Joo

2015-03-01

The recent discovery of two-dimensional materials such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) has provided opportunities to develop ultimate thin channel devices. In contrast to graphene, the existence of moderate band gap and strong spin-orbit coupling gives rise to exotic electronic properties which vary with layer thickness, lattice structure, and symmetry. TMDs commonly appear in two structures with distinct symmetries, trigonal prismatic 2H and octahedral 1T phases which are semiconducting and metallic, respectively. In this work, we investigate the structural and electronic properties of monolayer molybdenum dichalcogenides (MoX2, where X = S, Se, Te) through first-principles density functional calculations. We find a tendency that the semiconducting 2H phase is more stable than the metallic 1T phase. We show that a spontaneous symmetry breaking of 1T phase leads to various distorted octahedral (1T') phases, thus inducing a metal-to-semiconductor transition. We discuss the effects of carrier doping on the structural stability and the modification of the electronic structure. This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) under Grant No. NRF-2005-0093845 and Samsung Science and Technology Foundation under Grant No. SSTFBA1401-08.

Effect of Al content on structure and mechanical properties of the Al{sub x}CrNbTiVZr (x = 0; 0.25; 0.5; 1) high-entropy alloys

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

Yurchenko, N.Yu.

2016-11-15

In present study, structure and mechanical properties of the Al{sub x}CrNbTiVZr (x = 0; 0.25; 0.5; 1) high-entropy alloys after arc melting and annealing at 1200 °C for 24 h are investigated. The CrNbTiVZr alloy is composed of body centered cubic (bcc) and C15 (face centered cubic) Laves phases while the Al{sub x}CrNbTiVZr (x = 0.25; 0.5; 1) alloys consist of bcc and two C14 (hexagonal close packed) Laves phases with different chemical compositions. Thermodynamic modeling predicts existence of two phases – bcc and C15 Laves phase and broadening of single bcc phase field due to Al addition. The densitymore » of the alloys decreases with the increase of Al content. The alloys are found to be extremely brittle at room temperature and 600 °C. The alloys have high strength at temperatures of 800–1000 °C. For example, yield strength at 800 °C increases from 440 MPa for the CrNbTiVZr alloy to 1250 MPa for the AlCrNbTiVZr alloy. The experimental phase composition of the Al{sub x}CrNbTiVZr alloys is compared with predicted equilibrium phases and the factors governing the transformation of C15 to C14 Laves phases due to Al addition to the CrNbTiVZr alloy analyzed. Specific properties of the alloys are compared with other high-entropy alloys and commercial Ni-based superalloys. - Highlights: •Al{sub x}CrNbTiVZr (x = 0; 0.25; 0.5; 1) alloys are arc melted and annealed at 1200 °C. •The CrNbTiVZr alloy has bcc and C15 Laves phases. •The Al-containing alloys are composed of bcc and two C14 Laves phases. •The alloys demonstrate high specific strength at temperatures of 800 °C and 1000 °C. •The strength of the alloys increases in proportion with increase of Al content.« less

To construct a stable and tunable optical trap in the focal region of a high numerical aperture lens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kandasamy, Gokulakrishnan; Ponnan, Suresh; Sivasubramonia Pillai, T. V.; Balasundaram, Rajesh K.

2014-05-01

Based on the diffraction theory, the focusing properties of a radially polarized quadratic Bessel-Gaussian beam (QBG) with on-axis radial phase variance wavefront are investigated theoretically in the focal region of a high numerical aperture (NA) objective lens. The phase wavefront C and pupil beam parameter μ of QBG are the functions of the radial coordinate. The detailed numerical calculation of the focusing property of a QBG beam is presented. The numerical calculation shows that the beam parameter μ and phase parameter C have greater effect on the total electric field intensity distribution. It is observed that under the condition of different μ, evolution principle of focal pattern differs very remarkably on increasing C. Also, some different focal shapes may appear, including rhombic shape, quadrangular shape, two-spherical crust focus shape, two-peak shape, one dark hollow focus, two dark hollow focuses pattern, and triangle dark hollow focus, which find wide optical applications such as optical trapping and nanopatterning.

The Effect of Fluid Properties on Two-Phase Regimes of Flow in a Wide Rectangular Microchannel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ronshin, F. V.; Cheverda, V. V.; Chinnov, E. A.; Kabov, O. A.

2018-04-01

We have experimentally studied a two-phase flow in a microchannel with a height of 150 μm and a width of 20 mm. Different liquids have been used, namely, a purified Milli-Q water, an 50% aqueous-ethanol solution, and FC-72. Before and after the experiment, the height of the microchannel was controlled, as well as the wettability of its walls and surface tension of liquids. Using the schlieren method, the main characteristics of two-phase flow in wide ranges of gas- and liquid-flow rates have been revealed. The flow regime-formation mechanism has been found to depend on the properties of the liquid used. The flow regime has been registered when the droplets moving along the microchannel are vertical liquid bridges. It has been shown that, when using FC-72 liquid, a film of liquid is formed on the upper channel wall in the whole range of gas- and liquid-flow rates.

SEM and AFM Studies of Two-Phase Magnetic Alkali Borosilicate Glasses

PubMed Central

Tomkovich, M.; Nacke, B.; Filimonov, A.; Alekseeva, O.; Vanina, P.; Nizhankovskii, V.

2017-01-01

The morphology and composition of four types of two-phase alkali borosilicate glasses with magnetic atoms prepared by inductive melting have been studied. The results of scanning electron microscopy point to uniform distribution of Na, Si, and O atoms in these samples while magnetic iron atoms form ball-shaped agglomerates. The magnetic properties of these agglomerates have been confirmed by magnetic force microscopy. Atomic force microscopy had shown that in these samples two different morphological structures, drop-like and dendrite net, are formed. The formation of dendrite-like structure is a necessary condition for production of porous magnetic glasses. The obtained results allow us to optimize the melting and heat treatment processes leading to production of porous alkali borosilicate glasses with magnetic properties. The first results for nanocomposite materials on the basis of magnetic glasses containing the embedded ferroelectrics KH2PO4 demonstrate the effect of applied magnetic field on the ferroelectric phase transition. PMID:28428976

Modulation of Polarization for Phase Extraction in Holographic Interferometry with Two References

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodriguez-Zurita, G.; Vázquez-Castillo, J.-F.; Toto-Arellano, N.-I.; Meneses-Fabian, C.; Jiménez-Montero, L.-E.

2010-04-01

Heterodyne holographic interferometry allows high accuracy for phase-difference extraction between two wave fronts, especially when they are previously recorded in the same recording medium. In part, this is because the wave fronts can be affected by the recording process in a very similar way. The double reconstruction of a double-exposure hologram with two independent references results in a two-beam holographic interferometer with an arm conveying a wave modulated in frequency when using heterodyne techniques. The heterodyne frequency has been usually introduced with a plane mirror attached to a piezo-electric stack driven with a suitable variable power supply. For holographic interferometry, however, less attention has been devoted to alternative phase retrieval variants as, for example, phase-shifting with modulation of polarization or Fourier methods. In this work, we propose and demonstrate the basic capabilities of modulation of polarization performing as a phase-shifting technique for holographic interferometry with two references in a phase-stepping scheme. Experimental results are provided.

Carrier-envelope phase effects for a dipolar molecule interacting with two-color pump-probe laser pulses

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

Cheng Taiwang; Brown, Alex

2004-12-01

The interaction of a two-level dipolar molecule with two laser pulses, where one laser's frequency is tuned to the energy level separation (pump laser) while the second laser's frequency is extremely small (probe laser), is investigated. A dipolar molecule is one with a nonzero difference between the permanent dipole moments of the molecular states. As shown previously [A. Brown, Phys. Rev. A 66, 053404 (2002)], the final population transfer between the two levels exhibits a dependence on the carrier-envelope phase of the probe laser. Based on the rotating-wave approximation (RWA), an effective Hamiltonian is derived to account for the basicmore » characteristics of the carrier-envelope phase dependence effect. By analysis of the effective Hamiltonian, scaling properties of the system are found with regard to field strengths, pulse durations, and frequencies. According to these scaling properties, the final-state population transfer can be controlled by varying the carrier-envelope phase of the probe laser field using lasers with weak field strengths (low intensities) and relatively long pulse durations. In order to examine the possible roles of background states, the investigation is extended to a three-level model. It is demonstrated that the carrier-envelope phase effect still persists in a well-defined manner even when neighboring energy levels are present. These results illustrate the potential of utilizing excitation in dipolar molecules as a means of measuring the carrier-envelope phase of a laser pulse or if one can manipulate the carrier envelope phase, as a method of controlling population transfer in dipolar molecules. The results also suggest that the carrier-envelope phases must be taken into account properly when performing calculations involving pump-probe excitation schemes with laser frequencies which differ widely in magnitude.« less

A Course in... Topics in Random Media.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Glandt, Eduardo D.

1988-01-01

Describes an engineering course for graduate study in random media. Summarizes random media as bulk properties of ordered and disordered two-phase materials. Gives course outline for one semester. Topics include: disordered systems, microstructure determination, survey of models, connectivity, and effective properties. (MVL)

Mixed-phase aerosol particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corti, T.; Krieger, U. K.; Koop, T.; Peter, T.

2003-04-01

Within a liquid aerosol particle a solid phase may coexist with the liquid over a wide range of ambient conditions. The optical properties of such particles are of interest for a number of reasons. They will affect the scattering albedo of atmospheric aerosols, may cause depolarisation in lidar measurements, and potentially open a window for studying the internal morphology and physical properties (e.g. wetting properties, diffusion constants) of composite particles in laboratory experiments. In this contribution, we will present results of experimental and theoretical work on mixed-phase aerosol particles. The optical properties of mixed-phase particles depend on the location of the inclusion in the liquid phase, which is determined by the surface tensions of the involved interfaces. In the case of complete wetting, the energetically favoured position of the inclusion is in the volume of the liquid phase. For partial wetting, a position at the surface of the liquid phase is favoured, with the contact angle between the solid, liquid and air being described by Young's equation. For systems with small contact angles, the difference in energy between an inclusion situated at the droplets surface and in its volume may be so small that the thermal energy kT is sufficient to displace the inclusion from the droplet surface into its volume. The critical contact angle depends on the size of the inclusion and the droplet and ranges from 0.1 to 10 degrees. Examples of mixed-phase aerosol particles are aged soot particles and sea salt particles at low relative humidity. For aged soot, contact angles on sulphuric acid clearly above 10 degrees have been reported, so that soot inclusions are expected to be located at the surface of aerosol particles. For mixed-phase sea salt particles, consisting of a solid NaCl inclusion and an aqueous solution of mainly NaCl and MgCl2, our measurements on macroscopic NaCl crystals show a contact angle clearly below 10 degrees and possibly as low as 0.1 degrees. An experimental method - based on measuring photon count statistics - is developed to distinguish in single levitated aerosol particle whether a solid inclusion is located in the volume of the particle or at its surface.

Ergosterol in POPC membranes: physical properties and comparison with structurally similar sterols.

PubMed

Hsueh, Ya-Wei; Chen, Mei-Ting; Patty, Philipus J; Code, Christian; Cheng, John; Frisken, Barbara J; Zuckermann, Martin; Thewalt, Jenifer

2007-03-01

The physical properties of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC)/ergosterol bilayers in the liquid-crystalline phase were determined using deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance ((2)H NMR) and vesicle extrusion. For the (2)H NMR experiments, the sn-1 chain of POPC was perdeuterated, and spectra were taken as a function of ergosterol concentration and temperature. Analysis of the liquid-crystalline spectra provides clear evidence that two types of liquid-crystalline domains, neither of which is a liquid-ordered phase, having distinct average chain conformations coexist in 80:20 and 75:25 POPC/ergosterol membranes over a wide temperature range (from -2 to at least 31 degrees C). Adding ergosterol to a concentration of 25 mol % increases POPC-d(31) chain ordering as measured by the NMR spectral first moment M(1) and also increases the membrane lysis tension, obtained from vesicle extrusion. Further addition of ergosterol had no effect on either chain order or lysis tension. This behavior is in marked contrast to the effect of cholesterol on POPC membranes: POPC/cholesterol membranes have a linear dependence of chain order on sterol concentration to at least 40 mol %. To investigate further we compared the dependence on sterol structure and concentration of the NMR spectra and lysis tension for several POPC/sterol membranes at 25 degrees C. For all POPC/sterol membranes investigated in this study, we observed a universal linear relation between lysis tension and M(1). This suggests that changes in acyl chain ordering directly affect the tensile properties of the membrane.

Ergosterol in POPC Membranes: Physical Properties and Comparison with Structurally Similar Sterols

PubMed Central

Hsueh, Ya-Wei; Chen, Mei-Ting; Patty, Philipus J.; Code, Christian; Cheng, John; Frisken, Barbara J.; Zuckermann, Martin; Thewalt, Jenifer

2007-01-01

The physical properties of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC)/ergosterol bilayers in the liquid-crystalline phase were determined using deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance (2H NMR) and vesicle extrusion. For the 2H NMR experiments, the sn-1 chain of POPC was perdeuterated, and spectra were taken as a function of ergosterol concentration and temperature. Analysis of the liquid-crystalline spectra provides clear evidence that two types of liquid-crystalline domains, neither of which is a liquid-ordered phase, having distinct average chain conformations coexist in 80:20 and 75:25 POPC/ergosterol membranes over a wide temperature range (from −2 to at least 31°C). Adding ergosterol to a concentration of 25 mol % increases POPC-d31 chain ordering as measured by the NMR spectral first moment M1 and also increases the membrane lysis tension, obtained from vesicle extrusion. Further addition of ergosterol had no effect on either chain order or lysis tension. This behavior is in marked contrast to the effect of cholesterol on POPC membranes: POPC/cholesterol membranes have a linear dependence of chain order on sterol concentration to at least 40 mol %. To investigate further we compared the dependence on sterol structure and concentration of the NMR spectra and lysis tension for several POPC/sterol membranes at 25°C. For all POPC/sterol membranes investigated in this study, we observed a universal linear relation between lysis tension and M1. This suggests that changes in acyl chain ordering directly affect the tensile properties of the membrane. PMID:17142279

Circadian Role in Daily Pattern of Cardiovascular Risk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivanov, Plamen Ch.; Hu, Kun; Chen, Zhi; Hilton, Michael F.; Stanley, H. Eugene; Shea, Steven A.

2004-03-01

Numerous epidemiological studies demonstrate that sudden cardiac death, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, and stroke have a 24-hour daily pattern with a broad peak between 9-11am. Such a daily pattern in cardiovascular risk could be attributable to external factors, such as the daily behavior patterns, including sleep-wake cycles and activity levels, or internal factors, such as the endogenous circadian pacemaker. Findings of significant alternations in the temporal organization and nonlinear properties of heartbeat fluctuations with disease and with sleep-wake transitions raise the intriguing possibility that changes in the mechanism of control associated with behavioral sleep-wake transition may be responsible for the increased cardiac instability observed in particular circadian phases. Alternatively, we hypothesize that there is a circadian clock, independent of the sleep-wake cycle, which affects the cardiac dynamics leading to increased cardiovascular risk. We analyzed continuous recordings from healthy subjects during 7 cycles of forced desynchrony routine wherein subjects' sleep-wake cycles are adjusted to 28 hours so that their behaviors occur across all circadian phases. Heartbeat data were divided into one-hour segments. For each segment, we estimated the correlations and the nonlinear properties of the heartbeat fluctuations at the corresponding circadian phase. Since the sleep and wake contributions are equally weighted in our experiment, a change of the properties of the heartbeat dynamics with circadian phase suggest a circadian rhythm. We show significant circadian-mediated alterations in the correlation and nonlinear properties of the heartbeat resembling those observed in patients with heart failure. Remarkably, these dynamical alterations are centered at 60 degrees circadian phase, coinciding with the 9-11am window of cardiac risk.

Effect of laser welding parameters on the austenite and martensite phase fractions of NiTi

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

Oliveira, J.P., E-mail: jp.oliveira@campus.fct.unl

Although laser welding is probably the most used joining technique for NiTi shape memory alloys there is still a lack of understanding about the effects of laser welding parameters on the microstructural induced changes: in both the heat affected and fusion zones martensite may be present, while the base material is fully austenitic. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction was used for fine probing laser welded NiTi joints. Through Rietveld refinement the martensite and austenite phase fractions were determined and it was observed that the martensite content increases towards the weld centreline. This is related to a change of the local transformation temperaturesmore » on these regions, which occurs due to compositional variation in those regions. The martensite phase fraction in the thermally affected regions may have significant implications on functional properties on these joints. - Highlights: •Synchrotron X-ray diffraction was used for fine probing of the microstructure in laser welded NiTi joints. •Rietveld refinement allowed to determine the content of martensite along the heat affected and fusion zones. •The martensite content increases from the base material towards the weld centreline.« less

Microstructure and magnetic properties of alnico permanent magnetic alloys with Zr-B additives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rehman, Sajjad Ur; Jiang, Qingzheng; Ge, Qing; Lei, Weikai; Zhang, Lili; Zeng, Qingwen; ul Haq, A.; Liu, Renhui; Zhong, Zhenchen

2018-04-01

Alnico alloys are prepared with nominal composition of 31.4-xFe-7.0Al-36.0Co-4.0Cu-1.0Nb-14.0Ni-6.0Ti-0.6Zr-xB (x = 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, in wt%) by arc melting and casting techniques and subsequent heat treatment. The alloys are characterized by X-ray diffraction method, optical microscope, scanning electron microscope and pulse field magnetometer by plotting magnetic hysteresis demagnetization curve. The results of HRSEM show at least two new phases at α-grain boundaries and triple junctions. These phases, when retained at low concentration, help in enhancing magnetic properties of alnico alloys by purifying spinodal phases and reducing the adverse effects of impurity elements. Two different heat treatment cycles are employed. In the first phase, the alloys are processed by using heat treatment cycles without magnetic field; and Hc of 1.35 kOe, Br of 4.87 kGs and (BH)max of 1.96 MGOe are obtained by furnace cooling below TC and subsequent tempering at 680 °C and 550 °C. In the second phase, the alloy with best magnetic properties is treated thermo-magnetically; and Hc of 1.68 kOe, Br of 7.1 kG and (BH)max of 4.45 MGOe are obtained.

Finding of No Significant Impact and Finding of No Practicable Alternative: Construction of Visiting Quarters - Phase One and Phase Two MacDill Air Force Base, Florida

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-07-13

the Munitions Storage Area . Although the tree has since succumb to pine beetles, Affected Environment Environmental Assessment for Construction...from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks requires Federal agencies, to the extent permitted by law and mission, to identify and assess ...pose a risk to workers or installation personnel. Industrial hygiene programs address Affected Environment Environmental Assessment for

Simultaneous Airy beam generation for both surface plasmon polaritons and transmitted wave based on metasurface.

PubMed

Wang, Sen; Wang, Xinke; Zhang, Yan

2017-10-02

Based on the amplitude and phase modulation of subwavelength slits, a metasurface which can simultaneously generate Airy beam for surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) and transmitted wave is presented. Interestingly, by changing the handedness of circularly polarized light, the position of SPPs Airy beam can be switched to the left or right side of the metasurface, while the field distribution and the position of the Airy beam for transmitted wave are not affected. The nondiffracting, self-bending and self-healing properties of the generated Airy beams are analyzed as well. In addition, abruptly autofocusing of SPPs and transmitted wave are demonstrated by interfering two Airy beams. The dual functionality and chirality features of the metasurface can provide more freedoms in the potential applications of Airy beams.

First-passage time of Brownian motion with dry friction.

PubMed

Chen, Yaming; Just, Wolfram

2014-02-01

We provide an analytic solution to the first-passage time (FPT) problem of a piecewise-smooth stochastic model, namely Brownian motion with dry friction, using two different but closely related approaches which are based on eigenfunction decompositions on the one hand and on the backward Kolmogorov equation on the other. For the simple case containing only dry friction, a phase-transition phenomenon in the spectrum is found which relates to the position of the exit point, and which affects the tail of the FPT distribution. For the model containing as well a driving force and viscous friction the impact of the corresponding stick-slip transition and of the transition to ballistic exit is evaluated quantitatively. The proposed model is one of the very few cases where FPT properties are accessible by analytical means.

The opposition effect in Saturn's main rings as seen by Cassini ISS: 4. Correlations of the surge morphology with surface albedos and VIMS spectral properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Déau, Estelle; Dones, Luke; Mishchenko, Michael I.; West, Robert A.; Helfenstein, Paul; Hedman, Matt M.; Porco, Carolyn C.

2018-05-01

In this paper, we continue our analysis of the saturnian ring opposition effect seen by Cassini ISS. The ring opposition effect is a peak in the rings' reflectivity caused as the directions from a spot on the rings to the observer and to the light source, respectively, converge toward zero degrees. So far, the exact origin of the ring's opposition effect is still a matter of debate. In our previous work (Déau, et al., 2013, Icarus, 226, 591-603), we compared the opposition effect morphology with the rings' optical depth and found that only the slope of the linear part of the rings' phase curves was strongly correlated with the optical depth. We interpreted this as an indication of the predominant role of interparticle shadowing at moderate phase angles (α ∼ 10-40o). More recently (Déau, 2015, Icarus, 253, 311-345), we showed that interparticle shadowing cannot explain the behavior at low phase angles (α < 1o), indirectly confirming our 2013 result. These findings led to the idea that coherent backscattering is preponderant at the smallest phase angles. Coherent backscattering depends on the microscopic scale of the regolith, and there is a growing body of evidence that regolith grain size, porosity, roughness, and composition control the opposition surge behavior for α < 1o. To test this hypothesis, we compare the opposition surge morphology to the regolith albedo and other spectral properties related to the regolith, such as water ice band depths and spectral slopes derived from Cassini VIMS data (Hedman et al., 2013, Icarus, 223, 105-130). Indeed, it has been recently proven that coherent backscattering affects the water ice band depth variations with phase angle for icy saturnian regoliths (Kolokolova et al., 2010, The Astrophysical Journal Letters, 711, L71-L74). We find that the opposition surge morphology is strongly correlated with the water ice band depth and the regolith albedo. We interpret this finding as an indication that coherent backscattering plays a role in affecting both the water ice band depths and the opposition surge at low phase angles (α < 1o). As the regolith albedo and spectral properties are related to the grain size, porosity, roughness, and composition, we try to assess which of these regolith properties are preponderant in coherent backscattering. Our study is able to narrow down the parameter space of these properties, whose values allow a good match between the angular width predicted by models of coherent backscattering and the width of the observed peak.