LLNL Small-Scale Friction sensitivity (BAM) Test

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

Simpson, L.R.; Foltz, M.F.

1996-06-01

Small-scale safety testing of explosives, propellants and other energetic materials, is done to determine their sensitivity to various stimuli including friction, static spark, and impact. Testing is done to discover potential handling problems for either newly synthesized materials of unknown behavior, or materials that have been stored for long periods of time. This report describes the existing {open_quotes}BAM{close_quotes} Small-Scale Friction Test, and the methods used to determine the friction sensitivity pertinent to handling energetic materials. The accumulated data for the materials tested is not listed here - that information is in a database. Included is, however, a short list ofmore » (1) materials that had an unusual response, and (2), a few {open_quotes}standard{close_quotes} materials representing the range of typical responses usually seen.« less

Gas sensitive materials for gas detection and methods of making

DOEpatents

Trakhtenberg, Leonid Israilevich; Gerasimov, Genrikh Nikolaevich; Gromov, Vladimir Fedorovich; Rozenberg, Valeriya Isaakovna

2014-07-15

A gas sensitive material comprising SnO.sub.2 nanocrystals doped with In.sub.2O.sub.3 and an oxide of a platinum group metal, and a method of making the same. The platinum group metal is preferably Pd, but also may include Pt, Ru, Ir, and combinations thereof. The SnO.sub.2 nanocrystals have a specific surface of 7 or greater, preferably about 20 m2/g, and a mean particle size of between about 10 nm and about 100 nm, preferably about 40 nm. A gas detection device made from the gas sensitive material deposited on a substrate, the gas sensitive material configured as a part of a current measuring circuit in communication with a heat source.

High-Pressure Oxygen Test Evaluations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schwinghamer, R. J.; Key, C. F.

1974-01-01

The relevance of impact sensitivity testing to the development of the space shuttle main engine is discussed in the light of the special requirements for the engine. The background and history of the evolution of liquid and gaseous oxygen testing techniques and philosophy is discussed also. The parameters critical to reliable testing are treated in considerable detail, and test apparatus and procedures are described and discussed. Materials threshold sensitivity determination procedures are considered and a decision logic diagram for sensitivity threshold determination was plotted. Finally, high-pressure materials sensitivity test data are given for selected metallic and nonmetallic materials.

High-sensitivity green resist material with organic solvent-free spin-coating and tetramethylammonium hydroxide-free water-developable processes for EB and EUV lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takei, Satoshi; Hanabata, Makoto; Oshima, Akihiro; Kashiwakura, Miki; Kozawa, Takahiro; Tagawa, Seiichi

2015-03-01

We investigated the eco-friendly electron beam (EB) and extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) lithography using a high-sensitive negative type of green resist material derived from biomass to take advantage of organic solvent-free water spin-coating and tetramethylammonium hydroxide(TMAH)-free water-developable techniques. A water developable, non-chemically amplified, high sensitive, and negative tone resist material in EB lithography was developed for environmental affair, safety, easiness of handling, and health of the working people, instead of the common developable process of TMAH. The material design concept to use the water-soluble resist material with acceptable properties such as pillar patterns with less than 100 nm in high EB sensitivity of 10 μC/cm2 and etch selectivity with a silicon-based middle layer in CF4 plasma treatment was demonstrated for EB and EUV lithography.

Sensitivity of tire response to variations in material and geometric parameters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noor, Ahmed K.; Tanner, John A.; Peters, Jeanne M.

1992-01-01

A computational procedure is presented for evaluating the analytic sensitivity derivatives of the tire response with respect to material and geometric parameters of the tire. The tire is modeled by using a two-dimensional laminated anisotropic shell theory with the effects of variation in material and geometric parameters included. The computational procedure is applied to the case of uniform inflation pressure on the Space Shuttle nose-gear tire when subjected to uniform inflation pressure. Numerical results are presented showing the sensitivity of the different response quantities to variations in the material characteristics of both the cord and the rubber.

Baseline studies on the feasibility of detecting a coal/shale interface with a self-powered sensitized pick

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, G. R., II

1981-01-01

The feasibility of utilizing a sensitized pick to discriminate between cutting coal and roof material during the longwall mining process was investigated. A conventional longwall mining pick was instrumented and cutting force magnitudes were determined for a variety of materials, including Illinois #6 coal, shale type materials, and synthetic coal/shale materials.

Shock Sensitivity of energetic materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, K.

1980-01-01

Viscoplastic deformation is examined as the principal source of hot energy. Some shock sensitivity data on a proposed model is explained. A hollow sphere model is used to approximate complex porous matrix of energetic materials. Two pieces of shock sensitivity data are qualitatively compared with results of the proposed model. The first is the p2 tau law. The second is the desensitization of energetic materials by a ramp wave applied stress. An approach to improve the model based on experimental observations is outlined.

Sensitive maintenance: a cognitive process underlying individual differences in memory for threatening information.

PubMed

Peters, Jan H; Hock, Michael; Krohne, Heinz Walter

2012-01-01

Dispositional styles of coping with threat influence memory for threatening information. In particular, sensitizers excel over repressors in their memory for threatening information after long retention intervals, but not after short ones. We therefore suggested that sensitizers, but not repressors, employ active maintenance processes during the retention interval to selectively retain threatening material. Sensitive maintenance was studied in 2 experiments in which participants were briefly exposed to threatening and nonthreatening pictures (Experiment 1, N = 128) or words (Experiment 2, N = 145). Following, we administered unannounced recognition tests before and after an intervening task that generated either high or low cognitive load, assuming that high cognitive load would impede sensitizers' memory maintenance of threatening material. Supporting our hypotheses, the same pattern of results was obtained in both experiments: Under low cognitive load, sensitizers forgot less threat material than repressors did; no such differences were observed under high cognitive load.

14 CFR 1213.107 - Preventing unauthorized release of sensitive but unclassified (SBU) information/material to the...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... but unclassified (SBU) information/material to the news media. 1213.107 Section 1213.107 Aeronautics... MEDIA § 1213.107 Preventing unauthorized release of sensitive but unclassified (SBU) information/material to the news media. (a) All NASA SBU information requires accountability and approval for release...

Tuned sensitivity towards H{sub 2}S and NH{sub 3} with Cu doped barium strontium titanate materials

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

Simion, C. E., E-mail: simion@infim.ro; Teodorescu, V. S.; Stănoiu, A.

2014-11-05

The different amount of Cu-doped Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) thick film materials have been tested for their gas-sensing performances towards NH{sub 3} and H{sub 2}S under dry and 50% relative humidity (RH) background conditions. The optimum NH{sub 3} sensitivity was attained with 0.1mol% Cu-doped BST whereas the selective detection of H{sub 2}S was highlighted using 5mol% Cu-doped BST material. No cross-sensitivity effects to CO, NO{sub 2}, CH{sub 4} and SO{sub 2} were observed for all tested materials operated at their optimum temperature (200°C) under humid conditions (50% RH). The presence of humidity clearly enhances the gas sensitivity to NH{sub 3}more » and H{sub 2}S detection.« less

Apparatus and method for the simultaneous detection of neutrons and ionizing electromagnetic radiation

DOEpatents

Bell, Zane W.

2000-01-01

A sensor for simultaneously detecting neutrons and ionizing electromagnetic radiation comprising: a sensor for the detection of gamma radiation, the sensor defining a sensing head; the sensor further defining an output end in communication with the sensing head; and an exterior neutron-sensitive material configured to form around the sensing head; wherein the neutron-sensitive material, subsequent to the capture of the neutron, fissions into an alpha-particle and a .sup.7 Li ion that is in a first excited state in a majority of the fissions, the first excited state decaying via the emission of a single gamma ray at 478 keV which can in turn be detected by the sensing head; and wherein the sensing head can also detect the ionizing electromagnetic radiation from an incident radiation field without significant interference from the neutron-sensitive material. A method for simultaneously detecting neutrons and ionizing electromagnetic radiation comprising the steps of: providing a gamma ray sensitive detector comprising a sensing head and an output end; conforming an exterior neutron-sensitive material configured to form around the sensing head of the detector; capturing neutrons by the sensing head causing the neutron-sensitive material to fission into an alpha-particle and a .sup.7 Li ion that is in a first excited state in a majority of the fissions, the state decaying via the emission of a single gamma ray at 478 keV; sensing gamma rays entering the detector through the neutron-sensitive material; and producing an output through a readout device coupled to the output end; wherein the detector provides an output which is proportional to the energy of the absorbed ionizing electromagnetic radiation.

14 CFR § 1213.107 - Preventing unauthorized release of sensitive but unclassified (SBU) information/material to the...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... sensitive but unclassified (SBU) information/material to the news media. § 1213.107 Section § 1213.107 Aeronautics and Space NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION RELEASE OF INFORMATION TO NEWS AND.../material to the news media. (a) All NASA SBU information requires accountability and approval for release...

Visible light photoreduction of CO.sub.2 using heterostructured catalysts

DOEpatents

Matranga, Christopher; Thompson, Robert L; Wang, Congjun

2015-03-24

The method provides for use of sensitized photocatalyst for the photocatalytic reduction of CO.sub.2 under visible light illumination. The photosensitized catalyst is comprised of a wide band gap semiconductor material, a transition metal co-catalyst, and a semiconductor sensitizer. The semiconductor sensitizer is photoexcited by visible light and forms a Type II band alignment with the wide band gap semiconductor material. The wide band gap semiconductor material and the semiconductor sensitizer may be a plurality of particles, and the particle diameters may be selected to accomplish desired band widths and optimize charge injection under visible light illumination by utilizing quantum size effects. In a particular embodiment, CO.sub.2 is reduced under visible light illumination using a CdSe/Pt/TiO2 sensitized photocatalyst with H.sub.2O as a hydrogen source.

Collapse of elongated voids in porous energetic materials: Effects of void orientation and aspect ratio on initiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rai, Nirmal Kumar; Schmidt, Martin J.; Udaykumar, H. S.

2017-04-01

The sensitivity of porous energetic materials depends on mesostructural heterogeneities such as voids, defects, cracks, and grain boundaries. The mesostructure of pressed explosives contains voids of arbitrary shapes including elongated voids of various orientations and aspect ratios. Mesoscale simulations to date have analyzed the effect of void morphology on the sensitivity of energetic materials for idealized shapes such as cylindrical, conical, and elliptical. This work analyzes the sensitivity behavior of elongated voids in an HMX matrix subject to shock loading. Simulations show that sensitivity of elongated voids depends strongly on orientation as well as aspect ratio. Ranges of orientations and aspects ratios are identified that enhance or inhibit initiation. Insights obtained from single elongated void analyses are used to identify sensitive locations in an imaged mesostructure of a pressed explosive sample.

Performances of some low-cost counter electrode materials in CdS and CdSe quantum dot-sensitized solar cells.

PubMed

Jun, Hieng Kiat; Careem, Mohamed Abdul; Arof, Abdul Kariem

2014-02-10

Different counter electrode (CE) materials based on carbon and Cu2S were prepared for the application in CdS and CdSe quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). The CEs were prepared using low-cost and facile methods. Platinum was used as the reference CE material to compare the performances of the other materials. While carbon-based materials produced the best solar cell performance in CdS QDSSCs, platinum and Cu2S were superior in CdSe QDSSCs. Different CE materials have different performance in the two types of QDSSCs employed due to the different type of sensitizers and composition of polysulfide electrolytes used. The poor performance of QDSSCs with some CE materials is largely due to the lower photocurrent density and open-circuit voltage. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy performed on the cells showed that the poor-performing QDSSCs had higher charge-transfer resistances and CPE values at their CE/electrolyte interfaces.

Morphological effects on sensitivity of heterogeneous energetic materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, Sidhartha; Rai, Nirmal; Sen, Oishik; Udaykumar, H. S.

2017-06-01

The mesoscale physical response under shock loading in heterogeneous energetics is inherently linked to the microstructural characteristics. The current work demonstrates the connection between the microstructural features of porous energetic material and its sensitivity. A unified levelset based framework is developed to characterize the microstructures of a given sample. Several morphological metrics describing the mesoscale geometry of the materials are extracted using the current tool including anisotropy, tortuosity, surface to volume, nearest neighbors, size and curvature distributions. The relevant metrics among the ones extracted are identified and correlated to the mesoscale response of the energetic materials under shock loading. Two classes of problems are considered here: (a) field of idealized voids embedded in the HMX material and (b) real samples of pressed HMX. The effects of stochasticity associated with void arrangements on the sensitivity of the energetic material samples are shown. In summary, this work demonstrates the relationship between the mesoscale morphology and shock response of heterogeneous energetic materials using a levelset based framework.

Development and testing of culturally sensitive patient information material for Turkish, Polish, Russian and Italian migrants with depression or chronic low back pain (KULTINFO): study protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Hölzel, Lars P; Ries, Zivile; Zill, Jördis M; Kriston, Levente; Dirmaier, Jörg; Härter, Martin; Bermejo, Isaac

2014-07-04

Many of the approximately 15 million people with a migration background living in Germany (19% of the population) are inadequately reached by existing healthcare provision. In the literature, the necessity for cultural adaptation of information material for patients with a migration background is often cited as a measure for improving healthcare.In this study, culturally sensitive information material will be developed and evaluated for patients with a migration background and depression or chronic low back pain. In this respect, it will be examined whether culturally sensitive information material is judged as more useful by the patients than standard translated patient information without cultural adaptation. The implementation and evaluation of culturally sensitive patient information material will occur in the framework of a double-blind randomized controlled parallel-group study in four study centres in Germany. Primary care patients with a Turkish, Polish, Russian or Italian migration background with a diagnosis of depressive disorder or chronic low back pain will be included and randomly allocated to the intervention group or the control group. In the intervention group, culturally sensitive patient information will be handed to the patient at the end of the physician consultation, while in the control group, standard translated patient information material will be provided. The patients will be surveyed by means of questionnaires following the consultation as well as after 8 weeks and 6 months. In addition to the primary outcome (subjective usefulness), several patient- and physician-rated secondary outcomes will be considered. The study will provide an empirical answer to the question of whether persons with a migration background perceive culturally sensitive patient information material as more useful than translated information material without cultural adaptation. Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien (DRKS-ID) DRKS00004241 and Universal Trial Number (UTN) U1111-1135-8043.

Cytological diagnostic of lymphadenitis tuberculosis by eosinophilic material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delyuzar; Amir, Z.; Kusumawati, L.

2018-03-01

AFB sputum and chest X-ray are used to identify patients with pulmonary TB. For extrapulmonary TB, fine needle aspiration cytology is needed, even though occasionally found not atypical feature in the form of eosinophilic material with dark brown particles, suspected as TB. This research was to show that eosinophilic material with dark brown particles is accurate as new criteria for the cytological diagnosis of TB. By performing fine needle aspiration biopsy stained with Giemsa, if an eosinophilic material with dark brown particles was encountered, we continued with Ziehl-Neelsen AFB stain and confirmed with PCR. To assess accuracy, we used a diagnostic test to evaluate sensitivity and specificity of eosinophilic material with dark brown particles by using AFB and PCR as the gold standard. The sensitivity and specificity of cytological diagnosis in tuberculosis of eosinophilic material with dark brown particles were 93.65% and 70.99%, respectively if confirmed with AFB. On the other hand, if confirmed with PCR using Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA, the sensitivity and specificity were 98.95% and 96.79%, respectively. In conclusion, eosinophilic masses with dark brown particles is accurate as new criteria of TB diagnostic cytology with high sensitivity and specificity confirmed with AFB and PCR test.

Controlling Explosive Sensitivity of Energy-Related Materials by Means of Production and Processing in Electromagnetic Fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodzevich, A. P.; Gazenaur, E. G.; Kuzmina, L. V.; Krasheninin, V. I.; Sokolov, P. N.

2016-08-01

The present work is one of the world first attempts to develop effective methods for controlling explosive sensitivity of energy-related materials with the help of weak electric (up to 1 mV/cm) and magnetic (0.001 T) fields. The resulting experimental data can be used for purposeful alternation of explosive materials reactivity, which is of great practical importance. The proposed technology of producing and processing materials in a weak electric field allows forecasting long-term stability of these materials under various energy impacts.

LLNL small-scale static spark machine: static spark sensitivity test

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

Foltz, M F; Simpson, L R

1999-08-23

Small-scale safety testing of explosives and other energetic materials is done in order to determine their sensitivity to various stimuli, such as friction, static spark, and impact. Typically this testing is done to discover potential handling problems that may exist for either newly synthesized materials of unknown behavior, or materials that have been stored for long periods of time. This report describes the existing ''Static Spark Test Apparatus'' at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), as well as the method used to evaluate the relative static spark sensitivity of energetic materials. The basic design, originally developed by the Picatinny Arsenal inmore » New Jersey, is discussed. The accumulated data for the materials tested to date is not included here, with the exception of specific examples that have yielded interesting or unusual results during the tests.« less

Hydrogen-related challenges for the steelmaker: the search for proper testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thiessen, R. G.

2017-06-01

The modern steelmaker of advanced high-strength steels has always been challenged with the conflicting targets of increased strength while maintaining or improving ductility. These new steels help the transportation sector, including the automotive sector, to achieve the goals of increased passenger safety and reduced emissions. With increasing tensile strengths, certain steels exhibit an increased sensitivity towards hydrogen embrittlement (HE). The ability to characterize the material's sensitivity in an as-delivered condition has been developed and accepted (SEP1970), but the complexity of the stress states that can induce an embrittlement together with the wide range of applications for high-strength steels make the development of a standardized test for HE under in-service conditions extremely challenging. Some proposals for evaluating the material's sensitivity give an advantage to materials with a low starting ductility. Despite this, newly developed materials can have a higher original elongation with only a moderate reduction in elongation due to hydrogen. This work presents a characterization of new materials and their sensitivity towards HE. This article is part of the themed issue 'The challenges of hydrogen and metals'.

Hydrogen-related challenges for the steelmaker: the search for proper testing.

PubMed

Thiessen, R G

2017-07-28

The modern steelmaker of advanced high-strength steels has always been challenged with the conflicting targets of increased strength while maintaining or improving ductility. These new steels help the transportation sector, including the automotive sector, to achieve the goals of increased passenger safety and reduced emissions. With increasing tensile strengths, certain steels exhibit an increased sensitivity towards hydrogen embrittlement (HE). The ability to characterize the material's sensitivity in an as-delivered condition has been developed and accepted (SEP1970), but the complexity of the stress states that can induce an embrittlement together with the wide range of applications for high-strength steels make the development of a standardized test for HE under in-service conditions extremely challenging. Some proposals for evaluating the material's sensitivity give an advantage to materials with a low starting ductility. Despite this, newly developed materials can have a higher original elongation with only a moderate reduction in elongation due to hydrogen. This work presents a characterization of new materials and their sensitivity towards HE.This article is part of the themed issue 'The challenges of hydrogen and metals'. © 2017 The Author(s).

Tension fracture of laminates for transport fuselage. Part 1: Material screening

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walker, T. H.; Avery, W. B.; Ilcewicz, L. B.; Poe, C. C., Jr.; Harris, C. E.

1992-01-01

Transport fuselage structures are designed to contain pressure following a large penetrating damage event. Applications of composites to fuselage structures require a database and supporting analysis on tension damage tolerance. Tests with 430 fracture specimens were used to accomplish the following: (1) identify critical material and laminate variables affecting notch sensitivity; (2) evaluate composite failure criteria; and (3) recommend a screening test method. Variables studied included fiber type, matrix toughness, lamination manufacturing process, and intraply hybridization. The laminates found to have the lowest notch sensitivity were manufactured using automated tow placement. This suggests a possible relationship between the stress distribution and repeatable levels of material inhomogeneity that are larger than found in traditional tape laminates. Laminates with the highest notch sensitivity consisted of toughened matrix materials that were resistant to a splitting phenomena that reduces stress concentrations in major load bearing plies. Parameters for conventional fracture criteria were found to increase with crack length for the smallest notch sizes studied. Most material and laminate combinations followed less than a square root singularity for the largest crack sizes studied. Specimen geometry, notch type, and notch size were evaluated in developing a screening test procedure. Traitional methods of correcting for specimen finite width were found to be lacking. Results indicate that a range of notch sizes must be tested to determine notch sensitivity. Data for a single small notch size (0.25 in. diameter) was found to give no indication of the sensitivity of a particular material and laminate layup to larger notch sizes.

EUV lithography using water-developable resist material derived from biomass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takei, Satoshi; Oshima, Akihiro; Oyama, Tomoko G.; Ichikawa, Takumi; Sekiguchi, Atsushi; Kashiwakura, Miki; Kozawa, Takahiro; Tagawa, Seiichi

2013-03-01

A water-developable resist material which had specific desired properties such as high sensitivity of 5.0 μC/cm2, thermal stability of 160 °C, suitable calculated linear absorption coefficients of 13.5 nm, and acceptable CF4 etch selectivity was proposed using EB lithography for EUV lithography. A water developable resist material derived from biomass is expected for non-petroleum resources, environmental affair, safety, easiness of handling, and health of the working people, instead of the common developable process of trimethylphenylammonium hydroxide. 100 nm line and 400 nm space patterning images with exposure dose of 5.0 μC/cm2 were provided by specific process conditions of EB lithography. The developed trehalose derivatives with hydroxyl groups and EB sensitive groups in the water-developable resist material derived from biomass were applicable to future development of high-sensitive and resolution negative type of water-developable resist material as a novel chemical design.

Nondestructive evaluation of a ceramic matrix composite material

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grosskopf, Paul P.; Duke, John C., Jr.

1992-01-01

Monolithic ceramic materials have proven their usefulness in many applications, yet, their potential for critical structural applications is limited because of their sensitivity to small imperfections. To overcome this extreme sensitivity to small imperfections, ceramic matrix composite materials have been developed that have the ability to withstand some distributed damage. A borosilicate glass reinforced with several layers of silicon-carbide fiber mat has been studied. Four-point flexure and tension tests were performed not only to determine some of the material properties, but also to initiate a controlled amount of damage within each specimen. Acousto-ultrasonic (AU) measurements were performed periodically during mechanical testing. This paper will compare the AU results to the mechanical test results and data from other nondestructive methods including acoustic emission monitoring and X-ray radiography. It was found that the AU measurements were sensitive to the damage that had developed within the material.

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

Simonen, E.P.; Johnson, K.I.; Simonen, F.A.

The Vessel Integrity Simulation Analysis (VISA-II) code was developed to allow calculations of the failure probability of a reactor pressure vessel subject to defined pressure/temperature transients. A version of the code, revised by Pacific Northwest Laboratory for the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, was used to evaluate the sensitivities of calculated through-wall flaw probability to material, flaw and calculational assumptions. Probabilities were more sensitive to flaw assumptions than to material or calculational assumptions. Alternative flaw assumptions changed the probabilities by one to two orders of magnitude, whereas alternative material assumptions typically changed the probabilities by a factor of two or less.more » Flaw shape, flaw through-wall position and flaw inspection were sensitivities examined. Material property sensitivities included the assumed distributions in copper content and fracture toughness. Methods of modeling flaw propagation that were evaluated included arrest/reinitiation toughness correlations, multiple toughness values along the length of a flaw, flaw jump distance for each computer simulation and added error in estimating irradiated properties caused by the trend curve correlation error.« less

Sensitivity and Uncertainty Analysis of the GFR MOX Fuel Subassembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lüley, J.; Vrban, B.; Čerba, Š.; Haščík, J.; Nečas, V.; Pelloni, S.

2014-04-01

We performed sensitivity and uncertainty analysis as well as benchmark similarity assessment of the MOX fuel subassembly designed for the Gas-Cooled Fast Reactor (GFR) as a representative material of the core. Material composition was defined for each assembly ring separately allowing us to decompose the sensitivities not only for isotopes and reactions but also for spatial regions. This approach was confirmed by direct perturbation calculations for chosen materials and isotopes. Similarity assessment identified only ten partly comparable benchmark experiments that can be utilized in the field of GFR development. Based on the determined uncertainties, we also identified main contributors to the calculation bias.

Enhanced sensitivity for optical loss measurement in planar thin-films (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Hua-Kang

2016-09-01

An organic-inorganic hybrid material benefits from processing advantages of organics and high refractive indices of inorganics. We focus on a titanium oxide hydrate system combined with common bulk polymers. In particular, we target thin-film structures of a few microns in thickness. Traditional Beer-Lambert approaches for measuring optical losses can only provide an upper limit estimate. This sensitivity is highly limited when considering the low-losses required for mid-range optical applications, on the order of 0.1 cm-1. For intensity based measurements, improving the sensitivity requires an increase in the optical path length. Instead, a new sensitive technique suitable for simple planar thin films is required. A number of systems were modelled to measure optical losses in films of 1 micron thick. The presented techniques utilise evanescent waves and total internal reflection to increase optical path length through the material. It was found that a new way of using prism coupling provides the greatest improvement in sensitivity. In keeping the requirements on the material simple, this method for measuring loss is well suited to any future developments of new materials in thin-film structures.

Auxetic Mechanical Metamaterials to Enhance Sensitivity of Stretchable Strain Sensors.

PubMed

Jiang, Ying; Liu, Zhiyuan; Matsuhisa, Naoji; Qi, Dianpeng; Leow, Wan Ru; Yang, Hui; Yu, Jiancan; Chen, Geng; Liu, Yaqing; Wan, Changjin; Liu, Zhuangjian; Chen, Xiaodong

2018-03-01

Stretchable strain sensors play a pivotal role in wearable devices, soft robotics, and Internet-of-Things, yet these viable applications, which require subtle strain detection under various strain, are often limited by low sensitivity. This inadequate sensitivity stems from the Poisson effect in conventional strain sensors, where stretched elastomer substrates expand in the longitudinal direction but compress transversely. In stretchable strain sensors, expansion separates the active materials and contributes to the sensitivity, while Poisson compression squeezes active materials together, and thus intrinsically limits the sensitivity. Alternatively, auxetic mechanical metamaterials undergo 2D expansion in both directions, due to their negative structural Poisson's ratio. Herein, it is demonstrated that such auxetic metamaterials can be incorporated into stretchable strain sensors to significantly enhance the sensitivity. Compared to conventional sensors, the sensitivity is greatly elevated with a 24-fold improvement. This sensitivity enhancement is due to the synergistic effect of reduced structural Poisson's ratio and strain concentration. Furthermore, microcracks are elongated as an underlying mechanism, verified by both experiments and numerical simulations. This strategy of employing auxetic metamaterials can be further applied to other stretchable strain sensors with different constituent materials. Moreover, it paves the way for utilizing mechanical metamaterials into a broader library of stretchable electronics. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Status of miniature integrated UV resonance fluorescence and Raman sensors for detection and identification of biochemical warfare agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hug, William F.; Bhartia, Rohit; Taspin, Alexandre; Lane, Arthur; Conrad, Pamela; Sijapati, Kripa; Reid, Ray D.

2005-11-01

Laser induced native fluorescence (LINF) is the most sensitive method of detection of biological material including microorganisms, virus', and cellular residues. LINF is also a sensitive method of detection for many non-biological materials as well. The specificity with which these materials can be classified depends on the excitation wavelength and the number and location of observation wavelengths. Higher levels of specificity can be obtained using Raman spectroscopy but a much lower levels of sensitivity. Raman spectroscopy has traditionally been employed in the IR to avoid fluorescence. Fluorescence rarely occurs at wavelength below about 270nm. Therefore, when excitation occurs at a wavelength below 250nm, no fluorescence background occurs within the Raman fingerprint region for biological materials. When excitation occurs within electronic resonance bands of the biological target materials, Raman signal enhancement over one million typically occurs. Raman sensitivity within several hundred times fluorescence are possible in the deep UV where most biological materials have strong absorption. Since the Raman and fluorescence emissions occur at different wavelength, both spectra can be observed simultaneously, thereby providing a sensor with unique sensitivity and specificity capability. We will present data on our integrated, deep ultraviolet, LINF/Raman instruments that are being developed for several applications including life detection on Mars as well as biochemical warfare agents on Earth. We will demonstrate the ability to discriminate organic materials based on LINF alone. Together with UV resonance Raman, higher levels of specificity will be demonstrated. In addition, these instruments are being developed as on-line chemical sensors for industrial and municipal waste streams and product quality applications.

Investigation of UV photocurable microcapsule inner crosslink extent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiaowei; Meng, Shuangshuang; Lai, Weidong; Yu, Haiyang; Fu, Guangsheng

2008-11-01

UV photocuring technology has encountered increased applications in recent years, which finds a variety of applications on protective coating of the optical-fiber, ink and optical recording materials. Combined with techniques of photohardenable, microcapsule, heat-sensitive and interface-polymerization method, a novel photoheat sensitive recording material of non-silver salt is explored in this thesis. Microcapsules are particulate substance with a core and shell structure, where photopolymerizable composition, monofunctional/polyfunctional diluents, photopolymerization initiator, photosensitivity enhancing agent and dye precursor are encapsulated as the internal phase. In this paper introduced the characteristics and curing mechanism of photo-sensitive microcapsule materials. The photocuring process may be a complex-function with photopolymerizable compound and photopolymerization initiator. For the sake of high photocuring speed and degree, optimal photo-sensitive materials were selected. In order to match with the light source excitation wavelength and absorb more wider ultraviolet band, combined type of photo-polymerization initiators were employed. With the kinds and dosage of photopolymerization initiator changing, the photocuring speed and quality can be ameliorated. Through studying the UV-visible absorption spectrum and infra-red spectrum of the material , the optical response property of the inner compound can be obtained.

Atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy of electron beam–sensitive crystalline materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Daliang; Zhu, Yihan; Liu, Lingmei; Ying, Xiangrong; Hsiung, Chia-En; Sougrat, Rachid; Li, Kun; Han, Yu

2018-02-01

High-resolution imaging of electron beam–sensitive materials is one of the most difficult applications of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The challenges are manifold, including the acquisition of images with extremely low beam doses, the time-constrained search for crystal zone axes, the precise image alignment, and the accurate determination of the defocus value. We develop a suite of methods to fulfill these requirements and acquire atomic-resolution TEM images of several metal organic frameworks that are generally recognized as highly sensitive to electron beams. The high image resolution allows us to identify individual metal atomic columns, various types of surface termination, and benzene rings in the organic linkers. We also apply our methods to other electron beam–sensitive materials, including the organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite CH3NH3PbBr3.

On the Influence of Material Parameters in a Complex Material Model for Powder Compaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Staf, Hjalmar; Lindskog, Per; Andersson, Daniel C.; Larsson, Per-Lennart

2016-10-01

Parameters in a complex material model for powder compaction, based on a continuum mechanics approach, are evaluated using real insert geometries. The parameter sensitivity with respect to density and stress after compaction, pertinent to a wide range of geometries, is studied in order to investigate completeness and limitations of the material model. Finite element simulations with varied material parameters are used to build surrogate models for the sensitivity study. The conclusion from this analysis is that a simplification of the material model is relevant, especially for simple insert geometries. Parameters linked to anisotropy and the plastic strain evolution angle have a small impact on the final result.

Installation Restoration General Environmental Technology Development. Task 6. Materials Handling of Explosive Contaminated Soil and Sediment.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-06-01

of chemical analysis and sensitivity testing on material samples . At this 4 time, these samples must be packaged and...preparation at a rate of three samples per hour. One analyst doing both sample preparation and the HPLC analysis can run 16 samples in an 8-hour day. II... study , sensitivity testing was reviewed to enable recommendations for complete analysis of contaminated soils. Materials handling techniques,

Controlling the Electrostatic Discharge Ignition Sensitivity of Composite Energetic Materials Using Carbon Nanotube Additives

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-08-10

Electrostatic discharge Ignition Aluminum Thermites Energetic materials a b s t r a c t Powder energetic materials are highly sensitive to electrostatic...Fundamentals, in: Heat Conduction, Wiley, Hoboken, NJ, 2012. [12] Davin G. Piercey, Thomas M. Klapotke, Nanoscale aluminum metal oxide ( thermite ) reactions for...propagation velocity in thermites with a nanoscale oxidizer, Propellants Explos. Pyrotechn. 39 (3) (2014) 407 415. [18] Kevin Moore, Michelle L

Sensitive strata in Bootlegger Cove Formation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Olsen, Harold W.

1989-01-01

Sensitivity magnitudes are interpreted from remolded strength values in recent subsurface geologic, geotechnical, and geochemical data from the Bootlegger Cove Formation adjacent to the Turnagain Heights Landslide. The results show that strata composed of highly sensitive clays occur in both the middle and lower zones of the formation, and that between these strata the clays are generally of low-to-medium sensitivity. The most sensitive stratum is in the middle zone between two sand layers, and its sensitivity increases from both clay-sand interfaces to a maximum at the center of the stratum. The pore fluid chemistry of the highly sensitive materials differs from that in the materials of low to medium sensitivity only in their concentrations of organic carbon, chloride, bicarbonate, and sulfate. The total dissolved solids concentration is low, and the ratio of monovalent to divalent cations is very high throughout the middle and lower zones of the formation. Of the known causes of high and extremely high sensitivities, only organic and/or anionic dispersants are consistent with these findings.

TACOM LCMC Sustainment Engineering Risk Assessment (SERA) Overview

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-07-26

Technical Data with Limited Availability 2.0 Hazardous Materials 1.0 Shelf Life Sensitivity 4.0 Persistent Back Order 8-Month 3.0 Top 10% CWT 3.0 No...Materials Shelf Life Sensitivity Persistent Back Order 8-Month Top 10% CWT No Demand in past 3 years Top 10% Closed Maintenance Work Order for

QCM gas phase detection with ceramic materials--VOCs and oil vapors.

PubMed

Latif, Usman; Rohrer, Andreas; Lieberzeit, Peter A; Dickert, Franz L

2011-06-01

Titanate sol-gel layers imprinted with carbonic acids were used as sensitive layers on quartz crystal microbalance. These functionalized ceramics enable us detection of volatile organic compounds such as ethanol, n-propanol, n-butanol, n-hexane, n-heptane, n-/iso-octane, and n-decane. Variation of the precursors (i.e., tetrabutoxy titanium, tetrapropoxy titanium, tetraethoxy titanium) allows us to tune the sensitivity of the material by a factor of 7. Sensitivity as a function of precursors leads to selective inclusion of n-butanol vapors down to 1 ppm. The selectivity of materials is optimized to differentiate between isomers, e.g., n- and iso-octane. The results can be rationalized by correlating the sensor effects of hydrocarbons with the Wiener index. A mass-sensitive sensor based on titanate layer was also developed for monitoring emanation of degraded engine oil. Heating the sensor by a meander avoids vapor condensation. Thus, a continuously working oil quality sensor was designed.

Polymer/silica hybrid waveguide temperature sensor based on asymmetric Mach-Zehnder interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niu, Donghai; Wang, Xibin; Sun, Shiqi; Jiang, Minghui; Xu, Qiang; Wang, Fei; Wu, Yuanda; Zhang, Daming

2018-04-01

A highly sensitive waveguide temperature sensor based on asymmetric Mach-Zehnder interferometer was designed and experimentally demonstrated. The interferometer is based on the polymer/silica hybrid waveguide structure, and Norland Optical Adhesive 73 (NOA 73) was employed as the waveguide core to enhance the temperature sensitivity. The influence of the different length differences between the two interferometer arms on the sensitivity of the sensor was systemically studied. It is shown that the maximum temperature sensitivity of -431 pm °C-1 can be obtained in the range of 25 °C-75 °C, while the length difference is 92 μm. Moreover, the temperature sensitivity contributions from different core materials were also investigated experimentally. It is shown that the waveguide material and microstructure of the device have significant influences on the sensitivity of the waveguide temperature sensor.

Three-dimensional solutions for the thermal buckling and sensitivity derivatives of temperature-sensitive multilayered angle-ply plates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noor, A. K.; Burton, W. S.

1992-01-01

Analytic three-dimensional thermoelasticity solutions are presented for the thermal buckling of multilayered angle-ply composite plates with temperature-dependent thermoelastic properties. Both the critical temperatures and the sensitivity derivatives are computed. The sensitivity derivatives measure the sensitivity of the buckling response to variations in the different lamination and material parameters of the plate. The plates are assumed to have rectangular geometry and an antisymmetric lamination with respect to the middle plane. The temperature is assumed to be independent of the surface coordinates, but has an arbitrary symmetric variation through the thickness of the plate. The prebuckling deformations are accounted for. Numerical results are presented, for plates subjected to uniform temperature increase, showing the effects of temperature-dependent material properties on the prebuckling stresses, critical temperatures, and their sensitivity derivatives.

Sensitivity of PBX-9502 after ratchet growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mulford, Roberta N.; Swift, Damian

2012-03-01

Ratchet growth, or irreversible thermal expansion of the TATB-based plastic-bonded explosive PBX-9502, leads to increased sensitivity, as a result of increased porosity. The observed increase of between 3.1 and 3.5 volume percent should increase sensitivity according to the published Pop-plots for PBX-9502 [1]. Because of the variable size, shape, and location of the increased porosity, the observed sensitivity of the ratchet-grown sample is less than the sensitivity of a sample pressed to the same density. Modeling of the composite, using a quasi-harmonic EOS for unreacted components [2] and a robust porosity model for variations in density [3], allowed comparison of the initiation observed in experiment with behavior modeled as a function of density. An Arrhenius model was used to describe reaction, and the EOS for products was generated using the CHEETAH code [4]. A 1-D Lagrangian hydrocode was used to model in-material gauge records and the measured turnover to detonation, predicting greater sensitivity to density than observed for ratchet-grown material. This observation is consistent with gauge records indicating intermittent growth of the reactive wave, possibly due to inhomogeneities in density, as observed in SEM images of the material [5].

Influence of the composite material thermal expansion on embedded highly birefringent polymer microstructured optical fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

SzelÄ g, M.; Lesiak, P.; Kuczkowski, M.; Domański, A. W.; Woliński, T. R.

2013-05-01

Results of our research on embedded highly birefringent polymer microstructured fibers are presented. A composite material sample with fibers embedded between two layers of a multi-layer composite structure is fabricated and characterized. Temperature sensitivities of the polymer fibers are measured in a free space and compared with the fibers embedded in the composite material. It appeared that highly birefringent polymer microstructured fibers exhibit a strong increase in temperature sensitivity when embedded in the composite material, which is due to the stress-induced changes in birefringence created by thermally-induced strain.

Evaluation of the Steris Sensitive Equipment Decontamination (SED) Apparatus on a 463L Pallet

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-09-01

to decontaminate representative articles of sensitive equipment and operationally relevant materials for biological-warfare agent surrogate... Articles of Sensitive Equipment .................................................................. 25 2.9 Sensitive Equipment Inspection...45 3.6.2 Test Article Initial Inspection .............................................................. 47 3.6.3 Test

Mesoporous aluminium organophosphonates: a reusable chemsensor for the detection of explosives

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

Li, Dongdong, E-mail: lidongdong@jlu.edu.cn; Yu, Xiang

Rapid and sensitive detection of explosives is in high demand for homeland security and public safety. In this work, electron-rich of anthracene functionalized mesoporous aluminium organophosphonates (En-AlPs) were synthesized by a one-pot condensation process. The mesoporous structure and strong blue emission of En-AlPs were confirmed by the N{sub 2} adsorption-desorption isotherms, transmission electron microscopy images and fluorescence spectra. The materials En-AlPs can serve as sensitive chemosensors for various electron deficient nitroderivatives, with the quenching constant and the detection limit up to 1.5×10{sup 6} M{sup −1} and 0.3 ppm in water solution. More importantly, the materials can be recycled for manymore » times by simply washed with ethanol, showing potential applications in explosives detection. - Graphical abstract: Electron-rich of anthracene functionalized mesoporous aluminium organophosphonates can serve as sensitive and recycled chemosensors for nitroderivatives with the quenching constant up to 1.5×10{sup 6} M{sup −1} in water solution. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Anthracene functionalized mesoporous aluminium organophosphonates were synthesized. • The materials serve as sensitive chemosensors for nitroderivatives. • The materials can be recycled for many times by simply washed with ethanol. • The materials show potential applications in explosives detection.« less

Tension fracture of laminates for transport fuselage. Part 1: Material screening

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walker, T. H.; Avery, W. B.; Ilcewicz, L. B.; Poe, C. C., Jr.; Harris, C. E.

1992-01-01

Transport fuselage structures are designed to contain pressure following a large penetrating damage event. Application of composites to fuselage structures requires a data base and supporting analysis on tension damage tolerance. Tests with 430 fracture specimens were used to accomplish the following: (1) identify critical material and laminate variables affecting notch sensitivity, (2) evaluate composite failure criteria, and (3) recommend a screening test method. Variables studied included fiber type, matrix toughness, lamination manufacturing process, and intraply hybridization. The laminates found to have the lowest notch sensitivity were manufactured using automated tow placement. This suggests a possible relationship between the stress distribution and repeatable levels of material inhomogeneity that are larger than found in traditional tape laminates. Laminates with the highest notch sensitivity consisted of toughened matrix materials that were resistant to a splitting phenomena that reduces stress concentrations in load bearing plies. Parameters for conventional fracture criteria were found to increase with the crack length of the smallest notch sizes studied. Most materials and laminate combinations followed less than a square root singularity for the largest crack sizes studied. Specimen geometry, notch type, and notch size were evaluated in developing a screening test procedure. Results indicate that a range of notch sizes must be tested to determine notch sensitivity.

Novel EUV photoresist for sub-7nm node (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furukawa, Tsuyoshi; Naruoka, Takehiko; Nakagawa, Hisashi; Miyata, Hiromu; Shiratani, Motohiro; Hori, Masafumi; Dei, Satoshi; Ayothi, Ramakrishnan; Hishiro, Yoshi; Nagai, Tomoki

2017-04-01

Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography has been recognized as a promising candidate for the manufacturing of semiconductor devices as LS and CH pattern for 7nm node and beyond. EUV lithography is ready for high volume manufacturing stage. For the high volume manufacturing of semiconductor devices, significant improvement of sensitivity and line edge roughness (LWR) and Local CD Uniformity (LCDU) is required for EUV resist. It is well-known that the key challenge for EUV resist is the simultaneous requirement of ultrahigh resolution (R), low line edge roughness (L) and high sensitivity (S). Especially high sensitivity and good roughness is important for EUV lithography high volume manufacturing. We are trying to improve sensitivity and LWR/LCDU from many directions. From material side, we found that both sensitivity and LWR/LCDU are simultaneously improved by controlling acid diffusion length and efficiency of acid generation using novel resin and PAG. And optimizing EUV integration is one of the good solution to improve sensitivity and LWR/LCDU. We are challenging to develop new multi-layer materials to improve sensitivity and LWR/LCDU. Our new multi-layer materials are designed for best performance in EUV lithography system. From process side, we found that sensitivity was substantially improved maintaining LWR applying novel type of chemical amplified resist (CAR) and process. EUV lithography evaluation results obtained for new CAR EUV interference lithography. And also metal containing resist is one possibility to break through sensitivity and LWR trade off. In this paper, we will report the recent progress of sensitivity and LWR/LCDU improvement of JSR novel EUV resist and process.

Resistance fail strain gage technology as applied to composite materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tuttle, M. E.; Brinson, H. F.

1985-01-01

Existing strain gage technologies as applied to orthotropic composite materials are reviewed. The bonding procedures, transverse sensitivity effects, errors due to gage misalignment, and temperature compensation methods are addressed. Numerical examples are included where appropriate. It is shown that the orthotropic behavior of composites can result in experimental error which would not be expected based on practical experience with isotropic materials. In certain cases, the transverse sensitivity of strain gages and/or slight gage misalignment can result in strain measurement errors.

Optimizing EFL Learners' Sensitizing Reading Skill: Development of Local Content-Based Textbook

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arifani, Yudhi

2016-01-01

The development of local wisdom based sensitizing reading material is aimed at penetrating one of the imperishable gaps between authentic and non-authentic reading materials dispute in an EFL teaching context. Promoting EFL learners' needs for the first semester students of English department at university level, who rarely or even never have a…

Materials Testing in Long Cane Design: Sensitivity, Flexibility, and Transmission of Vibration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rodgers, Mark D.; Emerson, Robert Wall

2005-01-01

Different materials that are used in manufacturing long cane shafts were assessed for their ability to transmit vibration and their sensitivity to tactile information, flexibility, and durability. It was found that the less flexible a cane shaft is, the better it transmits vibrations that are useful for discriminating surface textures and that…

Industrial femtosecond lasers for machining of heat-sensitive polymers (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hendricks, Frank; Bernard, Benjamin; Matylitsky, Victor V.

2017-03-01

Heat-sensitive materials, such as polymers, are used increasingly in various industrial sectors such as medical device manufacturing and organic electronics. Medical applications include implantable devices like stents, catheters and wires, which need to be structured and cut with minimum heat damage. Also the flat panel display market moves from LCD displays to organic LED (OLED) solutions, which utilize heat-sensitive polymer substrates. In both areas, the substrates often consist of multilayer stacks with different types of materials, such as metals, dielectric layers and polymers with different physical characteristic. The different thermal behavior and laser absorption properties of the materials used makes these stacks difficult to machine using conventional laser sources. Femtosecond lasers are an enabling technology for micromachining of these materials since it is possible to machine ultrafine structures with minimum thermal impact and very precise control over material removed. An industrial femtosecond Spirit HE laser system from Spectra-Physics with pulse duration <400 fs, pulse energies of >120 μJ and average output powers of >16 W is an ideal tool for industrial micromachining of a wide range of materials with highest quality and efficiency. The laser offers process flexibility with programmable pulse energy, repetition rate, and pulse width. In this paper, we provide an overview of machining heat-sensitive materials using Spirit HE laser. In particular, we show how the laser parameters (e.g. laser wavelength, pulse duration, applied energy and repetition rate) and the processing strategy (gas assisted single pass cut vs. multi-scan process) influence the efficiency and quality of laser processing.

Linking nanoscale mechanical behavior to bulk physical properties and phenomena of energetic materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taw, Matthew R.

The hardness and reduced modulus of aspirin, RDX, HMX, TATB, FOX-7, ADAAF, and TNT/CL-20 were experimentally measured with nanoindentation. These values are reported for the first time using as-received micron sized crystals of energetic materials with no additional mechanical processing. The results for TATB, ADAAF, and TNT/CL-20 are the first of their kind, while comparisons to previous nanoindentation studies on large, carefully grown single crystals of the other energetic materials show that mechanical properties of the larger crystals are comparable to crystals in the condition they are practically used. Measurements on aspirin demonstrate the variation that can occur between nanoindentation indents based on the orientation of a Berkovich tip relative to the surface of the sample. The Hertzian elastic contact model was used to analyze the materials initial yield, or pop-in, behavior. The length, energy, indentation load, and shear stress at initial yielding were used to characterize each material. For the energetic materials the length and energy of the yield excursions were compared to the drop weight sensitivity. This comparison revealed a general trend that more impact sensitive materials have longer, more severe pop-in excursions. Hot spot initiation mechanisms involving crystal defects such as void collapses and dislocation pile-up followed by avalanche are supported by these trends. While this only takes one aspect of impact sensitivity into consideration, if this trend is observed in a larger range of energetics these methods could possibly be used to great advantage in the early stages of new explosives synthesis to obtain an estimation of drop weight sensitivity.

Influence of annealing time on pH sensitivity of ZnO sensing membrane for EGFET sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zulkefle, M. A.; Rahman, R. A.; Yusoff, K. A.; Abdullah, W. F. H.; Rusop, M.; Herman, S. H.

2018-05-01

Solid-state materials have becomes essential in recent technological advancements. This study also utilized solid-state material but in form of thin films to sense hydrogen ions in solutions. Fabrication of ZnO thin film was done using sol-gel spin coating technique. In an attempt to increase the pH sensitivity of the produced film, prolonging of annealing time was done. It was found that the increase in annealing time from 15 minutes to 30 minutes had managed to improve the sensitivity by 4.35%. The optimum pH sensitivity and linearity obtained in this study is 50.40 mV/pH and 0.9911 respectively.

Design of electro-active polymer gels as actuator materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Popovic, Suzana

Smart materials, alternatively called active or adaptive, differ from passive materials in their sensing and activation capability. These materials can sense changes in environment such as: electric field, magnetic field, UV light, pH, temperature. They are capable of responding in numerous ways. Some change their stiffness properties (electro-rheological fluids), other deform (piezos, shape memory alloys, electrostrictive materials) or change optic properties (electrochromic polymers). Polymer gels are one of such materials which can change the shape, volume and even optical properties upon different applied stimuli. Due to their low stiffness property they are capable of having up to 100% of strain in a short time, order of seconds. Their motion resembles the one of biosystems, and they are often seen as possible artificial muscle materials. Despite their delicate nature, appropriate design can make them being used as actuator materials which can form controllable surfaces and mechanical switches. In this study several different groups of polymer gel material were investigated: (a) acrylamide based gels are sensitive to pH and electric field and respond in volume change, (b) polyacrylonitrile (PAN) gel is sensitive to pH and electric field and responds in axial strain and bending, (c) polyvinylalcohol (PVA) gel is sensitive to electric field and responds in axial strain and bending and (d) perfluorinated sulfonic acid membrane, Nafion RTM, is sensitive to electric field and responds in bending. Electro-mechanical and chemo-mechanical behavior of these materials is a function of a variety of phenomena: polymer structure, affinity of polymer to the solvent, charge distribution within material, type of solvent, elasticity of polymer matrix, etc. Modeling of this behavior is a task aimed to identify what is driving mechanism for activation and express it in a quantitative way in terms of deformation of material. In this work behavior of the most promising material as an actuator material, Nafion 117, was simulated. It was suggested that dominant phenomenon causing the material deformation is non-uniform water distribution within a material, that causes it to expand on one side and shrink on the other, macroscopically inducing bending of membrane. Uneven distribution of water is believed to be under the influence of two processes, electroosmosis and self-diffusion of free water.

[Detection of rubella virus RNA in clinical material by real time polymerase chain reaction method].

PubMed

Domonova, É A; Shipulina, O Iu; Kuevda, D A; Larichev, V F; Safonova, A P; Burchik, M A; Butenko, A M; Shipulin, G A

2012-01-01

Development of a reagent kit for detection of rubella virus RNA in clinical material by PCR-RT. During development and determination of analytical specificity and sensitivity DNA and RNA of 33 different microorganisms including 4 rubella strains were used. Comparison of analytical sensitivity of virological and molecular-biological methods was performed by using rubella virus strains Wistar RA 27/3, M-33, "Orlov", Judith. Evaluation of diagnostic informativity of rubella virus RNAisolation in various clinical material by PCR-RT method was performed in comparison with determination of virus specific serum antibodies by enzyme immunoassay. A reagent kit for the detection of rubella virus RNA in clinical material by PCR-RT was developed. Analytical specificity was 100%, analytical sensitivity - 400 virus RNA copies per ml. Analytical sensitivity of the developed technique exceeds analytical sensitivity of the Vero E6 cell culture infection method in studies of rubella virus strains Wistar RA 27/3 and "Orlov" by 11g and 31g, and for M-33 and Judith strains is analogous. Diagnostic specificity is 100%. Diagnostic specificity for testing samples obtained within 5 days of rash onset: for peripheral blood sera - 20.9%, saliva - 92.5%, nasopharyngeal swabs - 70.1%, saliva and nasopharyngeal swabs - 97%. Positive and negative predictive values of the results were shown depending on the type of clinical material tested. Application of reagent kit will allow to increase rubella diagnostics effectiveness at the early stages of infectious process development, timely and qualitatively perform differential diagnostics of exanthema diseases, support tactics of anti-epidemic regime.

High sensitivity spectroscopic and thermal characterization of cooling efficiency for optical refrigeration materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melgaard, Seth D.; Seletskiy, Denis V.; Di Lieto, Alberto; Tonelli, Mauro; Sheik-Bahae, Mansoor

2012-03-01

Since recent demonstration of cryogenic optical refrigeration, a need for reliable characterization tools of cooling performance of different materials is in high demand. We present our experimental apparatus that allows for temperature and wavelength dependent characterization of the materials' cooling efficiency and is based on highly sensitive spectral differencing technique or two-band differential spectral metrology (2B-DSM). First characterization of a 5% w.t. ytterbium-doped YLF crystal showed quantitative agreement with the current laser cooling model, as well as measured a minimum achievable temperature (MAT) at 110 K. Other materials and ion concentrations are also investigated and reported here.

Wireless radiation sensor

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

Lamberti, Vincent E.; Howell, Jr, Layton N.; Mee, David K.

Disclosed is a sensor for detecting radiation. The sensor includes a ferromagnetic metal and a radiation sensitive material coupled to the ferromagnetic metal. The radiation sensitive material is operable to change a tensile stress of the ferromagnetic metal upon exposure to radiation. The radiation is detected based on changes in the magnetic switching characteristics of the ferromagnetic metal caused by the changes in the tensile stress.

Flat tensile specimen design for advanced composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Worthem, Dennis W.

1990-01-01

Finite element analyses of flat, reduced gage section tensile specimens with various transition region contours were performed. Within dimensional constraints, such as maximum length, tab region width, gage width, gage length, and minimum tab length, a transition contour radius of 41.9 cm produced the lowest stress values in the specimen transition region. The stresses in the transition region were not sensitive to specimen material properties. The stresses in the tab region were sensitive to specimen composite and/or tab material properties. An evaluation of stresses with different specimen composite and tab material combinations must account for material nonlinearity of both the tab and the specimen composite. Material nonlinearity can either relieve stresses in the composite under the tab or elevate them to cause failure under the tab.

Hardware cleanliness methodology and certification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harvey, Gale A.; Lash, Thomas J.; Rawls, J. Richard

1995-01-01

Inadequacy of mass loss cleanliness criteria for selection of materials for contamination sensitive uses, and processing of flight hardware for contamination sensitive instruments is discussed. Materials selection for flight hardware is usually based on mass loss (ASTM E-595). However, flight hardware cleanliness (MIL 1246A) is a surface cleanliness assessment. It is possible for materials (e.g. Sil-Pad 2000) to pass ASTM E-595 and fail MIL 1246A class A by orders of magnitude. Conversely, it is possible for small amounts of nonconforming material (Huma-Seal conformal coating) to not present significant cleanliness problems to an optical flight instrument. Effective cleaning (precleaning, precision cleaning, and ultra cleaning) and cleanliness verification are essential for contamination sensitive flight instruments. Polish cleaning of hardware, e.g. vacuum baking for vacuum applications, and storage of clean hardware, e.g. laser optics, is discussed. Silicone materials present special concerns for use in space because of the rapid conversion of the outgassed residues to glass by solar ultraviolet radiation and/or atomic oxygen. Non ozone depleting solvent cleaning and institutional support for cleaning and certification are also discussed.

Stress sensitive electricity based on Ag/cellulose nanofiber aerogel for self-reporting.

PubMed

Yao, Qiufang; Fan, Bitao; Xiong, Ye; Wang, Chao; Wang, Hanwei; Jin, Chunde; Sun, Qingfeng

2017-07-15

A self-reporting aerogel toward stress sensitive slectricity (SSE) was presented using an interconnected 3D fibrous network of Ag nanoparticles/cellulose nanofiber aerogel (Ag/CNF), which was prepared via combined routes of silver mirror reaction and ultrasonication. Sphere-like Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) with mean diameter of 74nm were tightly anchored in the cellulose nanofiber through by the coherent interfaces as the conductive materials. The as-prepared Ag/CNF as a self-reporting material for SSE not only possessed quick response and sensitivity, but also be easily recovered after 100th compressive cycles without plastic deformation or degradation in compressive strength. Consequently, Ag/CNF could play a viable role in self-reporting materials as a quick electric-stress responsive sensor. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

High-sensitivity strain visualization using electroluminescence technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Jian; Jo, Hongki

2016-04-01

Visualizing mechanical strain/stress changes is an emerging area in structural health monitoring. Several ways are available for strain change visualization through the color/brightness change of the materials subjected to the mechanical stresses, for example, using mechanoluminescence (ML) materials and mechanoresponsive polymers (MRP). However, these approaches were not effectively applicable for civil engineering system yet, due to insufficient sensitivity to low-level strain of typical civil structures and limitation in measuring both static and dynamic strain. In this study, design and validation for high-sensitivity strain visualization using electroluminescence technologies are presented. A high-sensitivity Wheatstone bridge, of which bridge balance is precisely controllable circuits, is used with a gain-adjustable amplifier. The monochrome electroluminescence (EL) technology is employed to convert both static and dynamic strain change into brightness/color change of the EL materials, through either brightness change mode (BCM) or color alternation mode (CAM). A prototype has been made and calibrated in lab, the linearity between strain and brightness change has been investigated.

Holographic Optical Elements Recorded in Silver Halide Sensitized Gelatin Emulsions. Part I. Transmission Holographic Optical Elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jong Man; Choi, Byung So; Kim, Sun Il; Kim, Jong Min; Bjelkhagen, Hans I.; Phillips, Nicholas J.

2001-02-01

Silver halide sensitized gelatin (SHSG) holograms are similar to holograms recorded in dichromated gelatin (DCG), the main recording material for holographic optical elements (HOE s). The drawback of DCG is its low sensitivity and limited spectral response. Silver halide materials can be processed in such a way that the final hologram will have properties like a DCG hologram. Recently this technique has become more interesting since the introduction of new ultra-high-resolution silver halide emulsions. An optimized processing technique for transmission HOE s recorded in these materials is introduced. Diffraction efficiencies over 90% can be obtained for transmissive diffraction gratings. Understanding the importance of the selective hardening process has made it possible to obtain results similar to conventional DCG processing. The main advantage of the SHSG process is that high-sensitivity recording can be performed with laser wavelengths anywhere within the visible spectrum. This simplifies the manufacturing of high-quality, large-format HOE s.

Application research on the sensitivity of porous silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Gaobin; Xi, Ye; Chen, Xing; Ma, Yuanming

2017-09-01

Applications based on sensitive property of porous silicon (PSi) were researched. As a kind of porous material, the feasibility of PSi as a getter material was studied. Five groups of samples with different parameters were prepared. The gas-sensing property of PSi was studied by the test system and suitable parameters of PSi were also discussed. Meanwhile a novel structure of humidity sensor, using porous silicon as humidity-sensitive material, based on MEMS process has been successfully designed. The humidity-sensing properties were studied by a test system. Because of the polysilicon layer deposited upon the PSi layer, the humidity sensor can realize a quick dehumidification by itself. To extend service life and reduce the effect of the environment, a passivation layer (Si3N4) was also deposited on the surface of electrodes. The result indicated the novel humidity sensor presented high sensitivity (1.1 pF/RH%), low hysteresis, low temperature coefficient (0.5%RH/°C) and high stability.

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

Nelson, Stacy; English, Shawn; Briggs, Timothy

Fiber-reinforced composite materials offer light-weight solutions to many structural challenges. In the development of high-performance composite structures, a thorough understanding is required of the composite materials themselves as well as methods for the analysis and failure prediction of the relevant composite structures. However, the mechanical properties required for the complete constitutive definition of a composite material can be difficult to determine through experimentation. Therefore, efficient methods are necessary that can be used to determine which properties are relevant to the analysis of a specific structure and to establish a structure's response to a material parameter that can only be definedmore » through estimation. The objectives of this paper deal with demonstrating the potential value of sensitivity and uncertainty quantification techniques during the failure analysis of loaded composite structures; and the proposed methods are applied to the simulation of the four-point flexural characterization of a carbon fiber composite material. Utilizing a recently implemented, phenomenological orthotropic material model that is capable of predicting progressive composite damage and failure, a sensitivity analysis is completed to establish which material parameters are truly relevant to a simulation's outcome. Then, a parameter study is completed to determine the effect of the relevant material properties' expected variations on the simulated four-point flexural behavior as well as to determine the value of an unknown material property. This process demonstrates the ability to formulate accurate predictions in the absence of a rigorous material characterization effort. Finally, the presented results indicate that a sensitivity analysis and parameter study can be used to streamline the material definition process as the described flexural characterization was used for model validation.« less

Cross Section Sensitivity and Propagated Errors in HZE Exposures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heinbockel, John H.; Wilson, John W.; Blatnig, Steve R.; Qualls, Garry D.; Badavi, Francis F.; Cucinotta, Francis A.

2005-01-01

It has long been recognized that galactic cosmic rays are of such high energy that they tend to pass through available shielding materials resulting in exposure of astronauts and equipment within space vehicles and habitats. Any protection provided by shielding materials result not so much from stopping such particles but by changing their physical character in interaction with shielding material nuclei forming, hopefully, less dangerous species. Clearly, the fidelity of the nuclear cross-sections is essential to correct specification of shield design and sensitivity to cross-section error is important in guiding experimental validation of cross-section models and database. We examine the Boltzmann transport equation which is used to calculate dose equivalent during solar minimum, with units (cSv/yr), associated with various depths of shielding materials. The dose equivalent is a weighted sum of contributions from neutrons, protons, light ions, medium ions and heavy ions. We investigate the sensitivity of dose equivalent calculations due to errors in nuclear fragmentation cross-sections. We do this error analysis for all possible projectile-fragment combinations (14,365 such combinations) to estimate the sensitivity of the shielding calculations to errors in the nuclear fragmentation cross-sections. Numerical differentiation with respect to the cross-sections will be evaluated in a broad class of materials including polyethylene, aluminum and copper. We will identify the most important cross-sections for further experimental study and evaluate their impact on propagated errors in shielding estimates.

New silver-halide-sensitized gelatin material: the influence of bleaches on holograms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Weiping; Pang, Lin; Guo, Lurong

1996-12-01

A new high-resolution-silver-halide (HRSH-II) material was produced, which has proper initial hardness for fabricating silver halide sensitized gelatin (SHSG) holograms. That would avoid high noise by seeking the gelatin in hot water. With different alkali halide component in B solution and its concentration (the ratio B/A), experiments were presented about bleaching effect with R-10 on processing for SHSG derived from this new material. High diffraction efficiency, as high as 81%, was achieved. Some of the observations are discussed.

Radiation Sensitization in Cancer Therapy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greenstock, Clive L.

1981-01-01

Discusses various aspects of radiation damage to biological material, including free radical mechanisms, radiation sensitization and protection, tumor hypoxia, mechanism of hypoxic cell radiosensitization, redox model for radiation modification, sensitizer probes of cellular radiation targets, pulse radiolysis studies of free radical kinetics,…

Exploring the readiness of EUV photo materials for patterning advanced technology nodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Simone, Danilo; Vesters, Yannick; Shehzad, Atif; Vandenberghe, Geert; Foubert, Philippe; Beral, Christophe; Van Den Heuvel, Dieter; Mao, Ming; Lazzarino, Fred

2017-03-01

Imec is currently driving the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) photo material development within the imec material and equipment supplier hub. EUV baseline processes using the ASML NXE3300 full field scanner have been setup for the critical layers of the imec N7 (iN7) BEOL process modules with a resist sensitivity of 35mJ/cm2, 40mJ/cm2 and 60mJ/cm2 for metal, block and vias layer, respectively. A feasibility study on higher sensitivity resists for HVM has been recently conducted looking at 16nm dense line-space at a targeted exposure dose of 20mJ/cm2. Such a study reveals that photoresist formulations with a cost-effective resist sensitivity are feasible today. Moreover, recent advances in enhanced underlayers are further offering novel development opportunities to increase the resist sensitivity. However, line width roughness (LWR) and pattern defectivity at nano scale are the major limiting factors of the lithographic process window and further efforts are needed to reach a HVM maturity level. We will present the results of the photo material screening and we examine in detail the lithography patterning results for the best performing photoresists. We further discuss the fundamental aspects of photo materials from a light-matter interaction standpoint looking at the photo emission yield at the EUV light for different photo materials towards a better understanding of the relation between photon efficiency and patterning performance. Finally, as metal containing resists are becoming part of the EUV material landscape, we also review the manufacturing aspects of a such class of resists looking at metal cross contamination pattern and defectivity on the process equipment.

Sensitivity of the Boundary Plasma to the Plasma-Material Interface

DOE PAGES

Canik, John M.; Tang, X. -Z.

2017-01-01

While the sensitivity of the scrape-off layer and divertor plasma to the highly uncertain cross-field transport assumptions is widely recognized, the plasma is also sensitive to the details of the plasma-material interface (PMI) models used as part of comprehensive predictive simulations. Here in this paper, these PMI sensitivities are studied by varying the relevant sub-models within the SOLPS plasma transport code. Two aspects are explored: the sheath model used as a boundary condition in SOLPS, and fast particle reflection rates for ions impinging on a material surface. Both of these have been the study of recent high-fidelity simulation efforts aimedmore » at improving the understanding and prediction of these phenomena. It is found that in both cases quantitative changes to the plasma solution result from modification of the PMI model, with a larger impact in the case of the reflection coefficient variation. Finally, this indicates the necessity to better quantify the uncertainties within the PMI models themselves, and perform thorough sensitivity analysis to propagate these throughout the boundary model; this is especially important for validation against experiment, where the error in the simulation is a critical and less-studied piece of the code-experiment comparison.« less

Numerical study on tailoring the shock sensitivity of TATB-based explosives using mesostructural features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Springer, H. Keo

2017-06-01

Advanced manufacturing techniques offer control of explosive mesostructures necessary to tailor its shock sensitivity. However, structure-property relationships are not well established for explosives so there is little material design guidance for these techniques. The objective of this numerical study is to demonstrate how TATB-based explosives can be sensitized to shocks using mesostructural features. For this study, we use LX-17 (92.5%wt TATB, 7.5%wt Kel-F 800) as the prototypical TATB-based explosive. We employ features with different geometries and materials. HMX-based explosive features, high shock impedance features, and pores are used to sensitive the LX-17. Simulations are performed in the multi-physics hydrocode, ALE3D. A reactive flow model is used to simulate the shock initiation response of the explosives. Our metric for shock sensitivity in this study is run distance to detonation as a function of applied pressure. These numerical studies are important because they guide the design of novel energetic materials. This work was performed under the auspices of the United States Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344. LLNL-ABS-724986.

An all-solid-state perovskite-sensitized solar cell based on the dual function polyaniline as the sensitizer and p-type hole-transporting material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Yaoming; Han, Gaoyi; Chang, Yunzhen; Zhou, Haihan; Li, Miaoyu; Li, Yanping

2014-12-01

High performance dual function of polyaniline (PANI) with brachyplast structure is synthesized by using a two-step cyclic voltammetry (CV) approach onto the fluorinated tin oxide (FTO) glass substrate, which acts as the sensitizer and p-type hole-transporting material (p-HTM) for the all-solid-state perovskite-sensitized solar cell (ass-PSSC) due to its π-π* transition and the localized polaron. The ass-PSSC based on the PANI delivers a photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 7.34%, and reduces from 7.34% to 6.71% after 1000 h, thereby 91.42% of the energy conversion efficiency is kept, indicating the device has a good long-term stability.

Cultural sensitivity and health promotion: assessing breast cancer education pamphlets designed for African American women.

PubMed

Kline, Kimberly N

2007-01-01

This study discusses the implications for cultural sensitivity of the rhetorical choices in breast cancer education materials developed specifically for African American audiences by national organizations. Using the PEN-3 model of cultural sensitivity as an analytic framework for a generative rhetorical criticism, this study revealed that adaptations have been made in some pamphlets to acknowledge African American cultural values related to community, self-reliance, spirituality, and distrust of the Western medical establishment, but many messages could be revised to achieve a more comprehensive, balanced, accurate, and audience-specific discussion of the breast cancer issue. Achieving cultural sensitivity in health promotion materials necessitates attention to nuanced meanings in messages, revision of questionable arguments and evidence, and avoidance of ambiguity.

Self-made silver-bromide-based emulsions for users in holography: manufacturing, processing, and application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duenkel, Lothar; Eichler, Juergen; Ackermann, Gerhard; Schneeweiss, Claudia

2004-06-01

Holography is the most fascinating technology for three-dimensional imaging. But despite of many decades of research, the seek for an ideal recording material has never been given up. From all ultra-fine materials, silver bromide emulsions with very small grain sizes have the highest sensitivity. In recent years however, many traditional manufacturers discontinued their production. Meanwhile, newcomers succeeded in manufacturing emulsions which are very suitable for holography, concerning extremely high resolution, brigthness and sensitivity1. But two problems may still linger: First, the deficient market situation for production and application on this field. Second, the reputation of the system of being extremely complicated for laboratory preparation. In such a crucial situation, the authors have succeeded in presenting a laboratory procedure for making do-it-yourself materials available to any expert who is well versed in holography, and who disposes of normal darkroom equipment2. The methodology is based on precipitation using the traditional double-jet method according to Thiry and predecessors3. But sensitization is carried out by a diffusion process according to the procedure as proposed by Blyth et al.4 Thus, precipitation and coating on one side and sensitization on the other one are separated strictly from one another. Efficient desaltation is an important process too, warranting the high opto-mechanical quality of the layer. The material has been sensitzed for HeNe-Laser radiation (632,8 nm) only up to now. The mean diameter of the silver bromide grains is about 15 nm, as determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Phillips-Bjelkhagen Ultimate (PBU) or Fe3+ rehalogenation bleach are applied successfully5-6. In final result, a new generation of holograms with ultra-high resolution, proper contrast, excellent sharpness and light brightness has been obtained. Holography belongs to an advancing technology where the search for an ideal recording material is still going on. Of these materials, the ultrafine grain silver bromide emulsions are unsurpassed in sensitivity. But in recent years many traditional manufacturers discontinued their production. In such a critical situation, the authors have succeeded in developing a new technology to make do-it-yourself materials of very high quality. The procedure involves elements of two different methods: The traditional double-jet method by pouring silver nitrate and potassium bromide into a vigorously stirred gelatin solution, and a diffusion process to sensitize the coated layer efficiently. The material has been sensitized for He/Ne-laser radiation by 632.8 nm. Denisyuk holograms of real 3D-objects were obtained in ultrahigh resolution, excellent brightness and clarity with CW-C2 developer and PBU rehalogenation bleach according to Bjelkhagen et al. The material is characterized by TEM, reflexion spectroscopy, and other methods. The new results have been involved in university education already with great success. The fundamental principles of the methodology as well as new results by application in intellectual and hybrid systems were reported.

A magnetic-piezoelectric smart material-structure sensing three axis DC and AC magnetic-fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hung, Chiao-Fang; Chen, Chin-Chung; Yeh, Po-Chen; Chen, Po-Wen; Chung, Tien-Kan

2017-12-01

In this paper, we demonstrate a smart material-structure can sense not only three-axis AC magnetic-fields but also three-axis DC magnetic-fields. Under x-axis and z-axis AC magnetic field ranging from 0.2 to 3.2 gauss, sensing sensitivity of the smart material-structure stimulated at resonant frequency is approximate 8.79 and 2.80 mV/gauss, respectively. In addition, under x-axis and z-axis DC magnetic fields ranging from 2 to 12 gauss, the sensitivity of the smart material-structure is 1.24-1.54 and 1.25-1.41 mV/gauss, respectively. In addition, under x-axis and z-axis DC magnetic fields ranging from 12 to 20 gauss, the sensitivity of the smart material-structure is 5.17-6.2 and 3.97-4.57 mV/gauss, respectively. These experimental results show that the smart material-structure successfully achieves three-axis DC and AC magnetic sensing as we designed. Furthermore, we also compare the results of the AC and DC magnetic-field sensing to investigate discrepancies. Finally, when applying composite magnetic-fields to the smart material-structure, the smart material-structure shows decent outputs as expected (consistent to the sensing principle). In the future, we believe the smart material-structure capable of sensing AC and DC magnetic fields will have more applications than conventional structures capable of sensing only DC or AC magnetic field. Thus, the smart material-structure will be an important design reference for future magnetic-field sensing technologies.

Determination of uranium and thorium in materials associated with real time electronic solar neutrino detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fassett, J. D.; Kelly, W. R.

1992-07-01

The application of isotope dilution thermal ionization mass spectrometry to the determination of both uranium and thorium in four different target materials used or proposed for electronic neutrino detectors is described. Isotope dilution analysis is done using highly enriched 233U and 230Th separated isotopes. Sensitivity of the technique is such that sub-picogram amounts of material are readily measured. The overall limit to measurement is caused by contamination of these elements during the measurement process. Uranium is more easily measured than thorium because both the instrumental sensitivity is higher and contamination is better controlled. The materials analyzed were light and heavy water, pseudocumene, and mineral oil.

Ultra-sensitive EUV resists based on acid-catalyzed polymer backbone breaking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manouras, Theodoros; Kazazis, Dimitrios; Koufakis, Eleftherios; Ekinci, Yasin; Vamvakaki, Maria; Argitis, Panagiotis

2018-03-01

The main target of the current work was to develop new sensitive polymeric materials for lithographic applications, focusing in particular to EUV lithography, the main chain of which is cleaved under the influence of photogenerated acid. Resist materials based on the cleavage of polymer main chain are in principle capable to create very small structures, to the dimensions of the monomers that they consist of. Nevertheless, in the case of the commonly used nonchemically amplified materials of this type issues like sensitivity and poor etch resistance limit their areas of application, whereas inadequate etch resistance and non- satisfactory process reliability are the usual problems encountered in acid catalysed materials based on main chain scission. In our material design the acid catalyzed chain cleavable polymers contain very sensitive moieties in their backbone while they remain intact in alkaline ambient. These newly synthesized polymers bear in addition suitable functional groups for the achievement of desirable lithographic characteristics (thermal stability, acceptable glass transition temperature, etch resistance, proper dissolution behavior, adhesion to the substrate). Our approach for achieving acceptable etch resistance, a main drawback in other main chain cleavable resists, is based on the introduction of polyaromatic hydrocarbons in the polymeric backbone, whereas the incorporation of an inorganic component further enhances the etch resistance. Single component systems can also be designed following the proposed approach by the incorporation of suitable PAGs and base quencher molecules in the main chain. Resist formulations based on a random copolymer designed according to the described rules evaluated in EUV exhibit ultrahigh sensitivity, capability for high resolution patterning and overall processing characteristics that make them strong candidates for industrial use upon further optimization.

Development of a Highly Sensitive Nested-PCR Procedure Using a Single Closed Tube for Detection of Erwinia amylovora in Asymptomatic Plant Material

PubMed Central

Llop, Pablo; Bonaterra, Anna; Peñalver, Javier; López, María M.

2000-01-01

A novel method, which involves a nested PCR in a single closed tube, was developed for the sensitive detection of Erwinia amylovora in plant material. The external and internal primer pairs used had different annealing temperatures and directed the amplification of a specific DNA fragment from plasmid pEA29. The procedure involved two consecutive PCRs, the first of which was performed at a higher annealing temperature that allowed amplification only by the external primer pair. Using pure cultures of E. amylovora, the sensitivity of the nested PCR in one tube was similar to that of a standard nested PCR in two tubes. The specificity and sensitivity were greater than those of standard PCR procedures that used a single primer pair. The presence of inhibitors in plant material, very common in E. amylovora hosts, is overcome with this system in combination with a simple DNA extraction protocol because it eliminates many of the inhibitory compounds. In addition, it needs a very small sample volume (1 μl of DNA extracted). With 83 samples of naturally infected material, this method achieved better results than any other PCR technique: standard PCR detected 55% of positive samples, two-tube nested PCR detected 71% of positive samples, and nested PCR in a single closed tube detected 78% of positive samples. When analyzing asymptomatic plant material, the number of positive samples detected by the developed nested PCR was also the highest, compared with the PCR protocols indicated previously (17, 20, and 25% of 251 samples analyzed, respectively). This method is proposed for the detection of endophytic and epiphytic populations of E. amylovora in epidemiological studies and for routine use in quarantine surveys, due to its high sensitivity, specificity, speed, and simplicity. PMID:10788384

The response of smoke detectors to pyrolysis and combustion products from aircraft interior materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mckee, R. G.; Alvares, N. J.

1976-01-01

The following projects were completed as part of the effort to develop and test economically feasible fire-resistant materials for interior furnishings of aircraft as well as detectors of incipient fires in passenger and cargo compartments: (1) determination of the sensitivity of various contemporary gas and smoke detectors to pyrolysis and combustion products from materials commonly used in aircraft interiors and from materials that may be used in the future, (2) assessment of the environmental limitations to detector sensitivity and reliability. The tests were conducted on three groups of materials by exposure to the following three sources of exposure: radiant and Meeker burner flame, heated coil, and radiant source only. The first test series used radiant heat and flame exposures on easily obtainable test materials. Next, four materials were selected from the first group and exposed to an incandescent coil to provide the conditions for smoldering combustion. Finally, radiant heat exposures were used on advanced materials that are not readily available.

Synthesis and characterization of hydrogen-bond acidic functionalized graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Liu; Han, Qiang; Pan, Yong; Cao, Shuya; Ding, Mingyu

2014-05-01

Hexafluoroisopropanol phenyl group functionalized materials have great potential in the application of gas-sensitive materials for nerve agent detection, due to the formation of strong hydrogen-bonding interactions between the group and the analytes. In this paper, take full advantage of ultra-large specific surface area and plenty of carbon-carbon double bonds and hexafluoroisopropanol phenyl functionalized graphene was synthesized through in situ diazonium reaction between -C=C- and p-hexafluoroisopropanol aniline. The identity of the as-synthesis material was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet visible spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermo gravimetric analysis. The synthesis method is simply which retained the excellent physical properties of original graphene. In addition, the novel material can be assigned as an potential candidate for gas sensitive materials towards organophosphorus nerve agent detection.

Teleoperated robotic sorting system

DOEpatents

Roos, Charles E.; Sommer, Jr., Edward J.; Parrish, Robert H.; Russell, James R.

2008-06-24

A method and apparatus are disclosed for classifying materials utilizing a computerized touch sensitive screen or other computerized pointing device for operator identification and electronic marking of spatial coordinates of materials to be extracted. An operator positioned at a computerized touch sensitive screen views electronic images of the mixture of materials to be sorted as they are conveyed past a sensor array which transmits sequences of images of the mixture either directly or through a computer to the touch sensitive display screen. The operator manually "touches" objects displayed on the screen to be extracted from the mixture thereby registering the spatial coordinates of the objects within the computer. The computer then tracks the registered objects as they are conveyed and directs automated devices including mechanical means such as air jets, robotic arms, or other mechanical diverters to extract the registered objects.

Teleoperated robotic sorting system

DOEpatents

Roos, Charles E.; Sommer, Edward J.; Parrish, Robert H.; Russell, James R.

2000-01-01

A method and apparatus are disclosed for classifying materials utilizing a computerized touch sensitive screen or other computerized pointing device for operator identification and electronic marking of spatial coordinates of materials to be extracted. An operator positioned at a computerized touch sensitive screen views electronic images of the mixture of materials to be sorted as they are conveyed past a sensor array which transmits sequences of images of the mixture either directly or through a computer to the touch sensitive display screen. The operator manually "touches" objects displayed on the screen to be extracted from the mixture thereby registering the spatial coordinates of the objects within the computer. The computer then tracks the registered objects as they are conveyed and directs automated devices including mechanical means such as air jets, robotic arms, or other mechanical diverters to extract the registered objects.

Negative electrospray ionization on porous supporting tips for mass spectrometric analysis: electrostatic charging effect on detection sensitivity and its application to explosive detection.

PubMed

Wong, Melody Yee-Man; Man, Sin-Heng; Che, Chi-Ming; Lau, Kai-Chung; Ng, Kwan-Ming

2014-03-21

The simplicity and easy manipulation of a porous substrate-based ESI-MS technique have been widely applied to the direct analysis of different types of samples in positive ion mode. However, the study and application of this technique in negative ion mode are sparse. A key challenge could be due to the ease of electrical discharge on supporting tips upon the application of negative voltage. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of supporting materials, including polyester, polyethylene and wood, on the detection sensitivity of a porous substrate-based negative ESI-MS technique. By using nitrobenzene derivatives and nitrophenol derivatives as the target analytes, it was found that the hydrophobic materials (i.e., polyethylene and polyester) with a higher tendency to accumulate negative charge could enhance the detection sensitivity towards nitrobenzene derivatives via electron-capture ionization; whereas, compounds with electron affinities lower than the cut-off value (1.13 eV) were not detected. Nitrophenol derivatives with pKa smaller than 9.0 could be detected in the form of deprotonated ions; whereas polar materials (i.e., wood), which might undergo competitive deprotonation with the analytes, could suppress the detection sensitivity. With the investigation of the material effects on the detection sensitivity, the porous substrate-based negative ESI-MS method was developed and applied to the direct detection of two commonly encountered explosives in complex samples.

Analysis of indentation creep

Treesearch

Don S. Stone; Joseph E. Jakes; Jonathan Puthoff; Abdelmageed A. Elmustafa

2010-01-01

Finite element analysis is used to simulate cone indentation creep in materials across a wide range of hardness, strain rate sensitivity, and work-hardening exponent. Modeling reveals that the commonly held assumption of the hardness strain rate sensitivity (mΗ) equaling the flow stress strain rate sensitivity (mσ...

Design and characterization of planar capacitive imaging probe based on the measurement sensitivity distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, X.; Chen, G.; Li, W.; Huthchins, D. A.

2013-01-01

Previous work indicated that the capacitive imaging (CI) technique is a useful NDE tool which can be used on a wide range of materials, including metals, glass/carbon fibre composite materials and concrete. The imaging performance of the CI technique for a given application is determined by design parameters and characteristics of the CI probe. In this paper, a rapid method for calculating the whole probe sensitivity distribution based on the finite element model (FEM) is presented to provide a direct view of the imaging capabilities of the planar CI probe. Sensitivity distributions of CI probes with different geometries were obtained. Influencing factors on sensitivity distribution were studied. Comparisons between CI probes with point-to-point triangular electrode pair and back-to-back triangular electrode pair were made based on the analysis of the corresponding sensitivity distributions. The results indicated that the sensitivity distribution could be useful for optimising the probe design parameters and predicting the imaging performance.

Composite laminate failure parameter optimization through four-point flexure experimentation and analysis

DOE PAGES

Nelson, Stacy; English, Shawn; Briggs, Timothy

2016-05-06

Fiber-reinforced composite materials offer light-weight solutions to many structural challenges. In the development of high-performance composite structures, a thorough understanding is required of the composite materials themselves as well as methods for the analysis and failure prediction of the relevant composite structures. However, the mechanical properties required for the complete constitutive definition of a composite material can be difficult to determine through experimentation. Therefore, efficient methods are necessary that can be used to determine which properties are relevant to the analysis of a specific structure and to establish a structure's response to a material parameter that can only be definedmore » through estimation. The objectives of this paper deal with demonstrating the potential value of sensitivity and uncertainty quantification techniques during the failure analysis of loaded composite structures; and the proposed methods are applied to the simulation of the four-point flexural characterization of a carbon fiber composite material. Utilizing a recently implemented, phenomenological orthotropic material model that is capable of predicting progressive composite damage and failure, a sensitivity analysis is completed to establish which material parameters are truly relevant to a simulation's outcome. Then, a parameter study is completed to determine the effect of the relevant material properties' expected variations on the simulated four-point flexural behavior as well as to determine the value of an unknown material property. This process demonstrates the ability to formulate accurate predictions in the absence of a rigorous material characterization effort. Finally, the presented results indicate that a sensitivity analysis and parameter study can be used to streamline the material definition process as the described flexural characterization was used for model validation.« less

Applications of Nanoporous Materials in Agriculture

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Nanoporous materials possess organized pore distributions and increased surface areas. Advances in the systematic design of nanoporous materials enable incorporation of functionality for better sensitivity in detection methods, increased capacity of sorbents, and improved selectivity and yield in ca...

Advances in dental materials.

PubMed

Fleming, Garry J P

2014-05-01

The dental market is replete with new resorative materials marketed on the basis of novel technological advances in materials chemistry, bonding capability or reduced operator time and/or technique sensitivity. This paper aims to consider advances in current materials, with an emphasis on their role in supporting contemporary clinical practice.

Two-photon sensitized recording materials for multilayer optical disk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akiba, M.; Goto-Takahashi, E.; Takizawa, H.; Sasaki, T.; Mochizuki, H.; Mikami, T.; Kitahara, T.

2010-06-01

Two types of novel two-photon sensitized recording material writable at 405 nm and 522nm were developed. The fluorescent dye generation type (F-type) material consists of at least two-photon absorption dye (TPAD) and fluorescent dye precursor (FDP), which is non-fluorescent before two-photon recording and fluorescent after two-photon recording due to fluorescent dye generation. The fluorescence quench type (Q-type) material, on the other hand, consists of at least TPAD, fluorescent dye (FD) and fluorescent quencher precursor (QP), which is fluorescent before two-photon recording and the fluorescence intensity is reduced after two-photon recording at the recorded spot due to fluorescent quencher generation. Both types of material showed quadratic dependency of recording light intensity at 522 and 405 nm. A twenty-layer two-photon recording media was fabricated with the Q-type material, and two-photon recording and onephoton fluorescent signal readout was successfully conducted.

Analysis of Photothermal Characterization of Layered Materials: Design of Optimal Experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cole, Kevin D.

2003-01-01

In this paper numerical calculations are presented for the steady-periodic temperature in layered materials and functionally-graded materials to simulate photothermal methods for the measurement of thermal properties. No laboratory experiments were performed. The temperature is found from a new Green s function formulation which is particularly well-suited to machine calculation. The simulation method is verified by comparison with literature data for a layered material. The method is applied to a class of two-component functionally-graded materials and results for temperature and sensitivity coefficients are presented. An optimality criterion, based on the sensitivity coefficients, is used for choosing what experimental conditions will be needed for photothermal measurements to determine the spatial distribution of thermal properties. This method for optimal experiment design is completely general and may be applied to any photothermal technique and to any functionally-graded material.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, CAS registry number 104-76-7.

PubMed

Api, A M; Belsito, D; Bhatia, S; Bruze, M; Calow, P; Dagli, M L; Dekant, W; Fryer, A D; Kromidas, L; La Cava, S; Lalko, J F; Lapczynski, A; Liebler, D C; Penning, T M; Politano, V T; Ritacco, G; Salvito, D; Schultz, T W; Shen, J; Sipes, I G; Wall, B; Wilcox, D K

2016-11-01

The use of this material under current conditions is supported by existing information. This material was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, developmental toxicity, reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity, skin sensitization, as well as environmental safety. Data show that this material is not genotoxic. Data from the suitable read across analog 2-butyloctan-1-ol (CAS # 3913-02-8) show that this material does not have skin sensitization potential. The reproductive and local respiratory toxicity endpoints were completed using the TTC (Threshold of Toxicological Concern) for a Cramer Class I material (0.03 and 1.4 mg/day, respectively). The developmental and repeat dose toxicity endpoints were completed data on the target material which provided a MOE > 100. The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoint was completed based on suitable UV spectra. The environmental endpoint was completed as described in the RIFM Framework. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Aqueous corrosion and corrosion-sensitive embrittlement of Fe{sub 3}Al-based and lean-aluminum iron aluminides

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

Kim, J.G.; Buchanan, R.A.

Aqueous corrosion and corrosion-sensitive embrittlement of iron aluminides were characterized as functions of environment, alloying content, notch sensitivity, and strain rate. Polarization resistance and cyclic anodic polarization evaluations were performed in 3.5 wt % NaCl, 200 ppM Cl{sup {minus}} (pH = 4), and 1 N NaOH solutions. In the mild acid-chloride solution [200 ppM Cl{sup {minus}} (pH = 4)], the pitting-corrosion resistance of the new lean-aluminum iron aluminides (FAP-Y and CM-Mo) was comparable to that of the Fe{sub 3}Al-based FAL-Mo. In the higher-chloride 3.5 wt % NaCl, the resistance of CM-Mo was slightly less but FAP-Y showed quite similar behaviormore » to FAL-Mo. In 1 N NaOH solution, all materials exhibited ideal passive behavior. Under slow-strain-rate test conditions in the mild acid-chloride electrolyte, prior work had shown the ductilities (% elongations) of Fe{sub 3}Al-based materials to be {approximately}7% and {approximately}1% at the freely-corroding and hydrogen-charging potentials, respectively. Present studied on the lean-aluminum materials have shown the ductilities to be {approximately}17% and {approximately}5%, respectively. Thus, the present results indicate that these new materials have reasonably-good aqueous-corrosion properties in chloride environments and significantly-enhanced ductilities under aqueous corrosion conditions. The strain rate and notch sensitivities of high-aluminum iron aluminide (FA-129) were investigated by performing slow-strain-rate tests. The notch sensitivity was independent of strain rate and the notch sensitivity in the aqueous environment was similar to that in air.« less

Acquisition of an X-Ray Diffractometer with WAXS and SAXS for Materials Research

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-31

2. This ligand is known as a sensitizer for applications in dye -sensitized solar cells, and the presence of the amino groups could potentially...achieve different surface properties, thus making them excellent candidates for use as fillers in bio-based biodegradable composite materials...These CNCs are environmentally safe sustainable, biodegradable , carbon neutral, and have low environmental, health and safety risks. Figure 9 below

Sensitivity studies of pediatric material properties on juvenile lumbar spine responses using finite element analysis.

PubMed

Jebaseelan, D Davidson; Jebaraj, C; Yoganandan, Narayan; Rajasekaran, S; Kanna, Rishi M

2012-05-01

The objective of the study was to determine the sensitivity of material properties of the juvenile spine to its external and internal responses using a finite element model under compression, and flexion-extension bending moments. The methodology included exercising the 8-year-old juvenile lumbar spine using parametric procedures. The model included the vertebral centrum, growth plates, laminae, pedicles, transverse processes and spinous processes; disc annulus and nucleus; and various ligaments. The sensitivity analysis was conducted by varying the modulus of elasticity for various components. The first simulation was done using mean material properties. Additional simulations were done for each component corresponding to low and high material property variations. External displacement/rotation and internal stress-strain responses were determined under compression and flexion-extension bending. Results indicated that, under compression, disc properties were more sensitive than bone properties, implying an elevated role of the disc under this mode. Under flexion-extension moments, ligament properties were more dominant than the other components, suggesting that various ligaments of the juvenile spine play a key role in modulating bending behaviors. Changes in the growth plate stress associated with ligament properties explained the importance of the growth plate in the pediatric spine with potential implications in progressive deformities.

Sensitivity Characterization of Pressed Energetic Materials using Flyer Plate Mesoscale Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rai, Nirmal; Udaykumar, H. S.

Heterogeneous energetic materials like pressed explosives have complicated microstructure and contain various forms of heterogeneities such as pores, micro-cracks, energetic crystals etc. It is widely accepted that the presence of these heterogeneities can affect the sensitivity of these materials under shock load. The interaction of shock load with the microstructural heterogeneities may leads to the formation of local heated regions known as ``hot spots''. Chemical reaction may trigger at the hot spot regions depending on the hot spot temperature and the duration over which the temperature can be maintained before phenomenon like heat conduction, rarefaction waves withdraws energy from it. There are different mechanisms which can lead to the formation of hot spots including void collapse. The current work is focused towards the sensitivity characterization of two HMX based pressed energetic materials using flyer plate mesoscale simulations. The aim of the current work is to develop mesoscale numerical framework which can perform simulations by replicating the laboratory based flyer plate experiments. The current numerical framework uses an image processing approach to represent the microstructural heterogeneities incorporated in a massively parallel Eulerian code SCIMITAR3D. The chemical decomposition of HMX is modeled using Henson-Smilowitz reaction mechanism. The sensitivity characterization is aimed towards obtaining James initiation threshold curve and comparing it with the experimental results.

Edge crack sensitivity of lightweight materials under different load conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsoupis, I.; Merklein, M.

2016-11-01

This study addresses the analysis of edge crack sensitivity of DP800 steel and AA5182 aluminum alloy in dependency of punching and machining operation as well as load case of subsequent forming. The inserting of a round hole by punching with defined punch-to- die-clearance, milling and drilling is compared. Subsequent forming is performed by standardized hole expansion test and by Nakajima-tests with three different specimen geometries. Local strain distribution at the surface for Nakajima-tests is measured by optical strain measurement technique and investigated in order to evaluate local deformation before failure. Additionally, resulting hole expansion ratio λ is determined. Significant higher X as well as local strain values ε max are achieved by machined holes. This is directly coupled to higher local formability and stretchability for both materials. Furthermore, the load condition has a strong impact on the edge crack sensitivity of the material. Prior failure is observed with changing stress conditions using different specimen geometries also influencing the reachable maximum failure strain. Higher edge crack sensitivity is observed for DP800, which is in good accordance to the material properties in terms of ductility and strength. These data in dependency of the process parameter can be used for the design of automotive components.

Synthesis and study on the luminescence properties of cadmium borate phosphors

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

Annalakshmi, O.; Jose, M.T., E-mail: mtjosein@yahoo.co.in; Venkatraman, B.

2014-02-01

Highlights: • Cadmium borate synthesized by solid state sintering technique. • Neutron sensitivity of the material ten times that of TLD-600. • Gamma sensitivity is found to be twice that of TLD-100. • Gamma response is linear from 0.1 to 10{sup 3} mGy. - Abstract: Cadmium borate compound prepared through wet chemical reaction from the starting chemicals followed by high temperature solid state synthesis below the melting point to get the final TL phosphor powder. Phase purity and bond details of cadmium borate crystals are characterized using X-ray diffraction technique and infrared spectroscopy. Feasibility of these materials for radiation dosimetrymore » applications was studied after gamma and neutron irradiation. Gamma irradiation of undoped phosphors show a single peak around 185 °C whereas doping with gadolinium and silver, new more intense peak observed at 290 °C. Irradiation to thermal neutrons revealed single peak around 170 °C for all the phosphors. TL emission spectra and photoluminescence (PL) studies were also carried out on the phosphors. These borate materials are found to be highly sensitive to neutrons and hence can be used for neutron detection. Neutron sensitivity of the material is about ten times that of TLD-600.« less

Integrated optical tamper sensor with planar waveguide

DOEpatents

Carson, Richard F.; Casalnuovo, Stephen A.

1993-01-01

A monolithic optical tamper sensor, comprising an optical emitter and detector, connected by an optical waveguide and placed into the critical entry plane of an enclosed sensitive region, the tamper sensor having a myriad of scraps of a material optically absorbent at the wavelength of interest, such that when the absorbent material is in place on the waveguide, an unique optical signature can be recorded, but when entry is attempted into the enclosed sensitive region, the scraps of absorbent material will be displaced and the optical/electrical signature of the tamper sensor will change and that change can be recorded.

Integrated optical tamper sensor with planar waveguide

DOEpatents

Carson, R.F.; Casalnuovo, S.A.

1993-01-05

A monolithic optical tamper sensor, comprising an optical emitter and detector, connected by an optical waveguide and placed into the critical entry plane of an enclosed sensitive region, the tamper sensor having a myriad of scraps of a material optically absorbent at the wavelength of interest, such that when the absorbent material is in place on the waveguide, an unique optical signature can be recorded, but when entry is attempted into the enclosed sensitive region, the scraps of absorbent material will be displaced and the optical/electrical signature of the tamper sensor will change and that change can be recorded.

Analytical studies of the Space Shuttle orbiter nose-gear tire

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noor, Ahmed K.; Tanner, John A.; Peters, Jeanne M.; Robinson, Martha P.

1991-01-01

A computational procedure is presented for evaluating the analytic sensitivity derivatives of the tire response with respect to material and geometrical properties of the tire. The tire is modeled by using a two-dimensional laminated anisotropic shell theory with the effects of variation in material and geometric parameters included. The computational procedure is applied to the case of the Space Shuttle orbiter nose-gear tire subjected to uniform inflation pressure. Numerical results are presented which show the sensitivity of the different tire response quantities to variations in the material characteristics of both the cord and rubber.

Stab Sensitivity of Energetic Nanolaminates

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

Gash, A; Barbee, T; Cervantes, O

2006-05-22

This work details the stab ignition, small-scale safety, and energy release characteristics of bimetallic Al/Ni(V) and Al/Monel energetic nanolaminate freestanding thin films. The influence of the engineered nanostructural features of the energetic multilayers is correlated with both stab initiation and small-scale energetic materials testing results. Structural parameters of the energetic thin films found to be important include the bi-layer period, total thickness of the film, and presence or absence of aluminum coating layers. In general the most sensitive nanolaminates were those that were relatively thick, possessed fine bi-layer periods, and were not coated. Energetic nanolaminates were tested for their stabmore » sensitivity as freestanding continuous parts and as coarse powders. The stab sensitivity of mock M55 detonators loaded with energetic nanolaminate was found to depend strongly upon both the particle size of the material and the configuration of nanolaminate material, in the detonator cup. In these instances stab ignition was observed with input energies as low as 5 mJ for a coarse powder with an average particle dimension of 400 {micro}m. Selected experiments indicate that the reacting nanolaminate can be used to ignite other energetic materials such as sol-gel nanostructured thermite, and conventional thermite that was either coated onto the multilayer substrate or pressed on it. These results demonstrate that energetic nanolaminates can be tuned to have precise and controlled ignition thresholds and can initiate other energetic materials and therefore are viable candidates as lead-free impact initiated igniters or detonators.« less

Radiation sensitivity of quartz crystal oscillators experiment for the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ahearn, J. S.; Venables, J. D.

1992-01-01

Factors determining the radiation sensitivity of quartz crystal oscillators were studied on NASA's LDEF. Quartz materials were examined in the transmission electron microscope (TEM) and classified as to their sensitivity to radiation damage by establishing the rate of damage caused by the electron beam in the microscope. Two types of materials, i.e., swept premium Q quartz and natural quartz were chosen because clear differences were observed in their response to the electron beam in the TEM studies. Quartz resonators were then fabricated from them, tested for frequency stability over a greater than 6 mo. period and flown on the LDEF satellite. After retrieval (more than 7 yrs in space) the stability of the resonators was again determined. All of the space exposed resonators fabricated with swept premium Q material exhibited a frequency shift above that of the control resonators: none of the resonators fabricated from the natural quartz materials exhibited such a shift. The significant differences observed between the two types of materials in both the ground-based TEM studies and the space radiation induced frequency changes suggest that there may be a correlation between the two observations.

Synthesis and Characterization of High Energy Sheet Materials Based on HMX / RDX and Hydroxyl Terminated Polybutadiene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elsharkawy, Karim; Guo, Lin; Taha, Elhussein; Fouda, Hany

2017-07-01

In this paper three types of thin sheets of highly energetic materials were prepared and characterized. The first based on 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocane (HMX). The second type based on 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazinane (RDX). Both types contain polyurethane (PU), formulated by hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) and Isophorondiisocyanate (IPDI). The third type based on (RDX) and polyisoprene (PI) as high elastomeric material. The first and second types of thin sheets were prepared by applying the casting technique while the third type was prepared by slurry technique then followed by rolling of the prepared beads of the RDX coated by PI. These high energy sheet materials were cured in oven at 60°C. The measured explosive properties of the prepared sheets were discussed and showed that the sensitivity to impact and friction of the prepared sheets explosives materials were markedly decreased when compared to pure HMX or pure RDX, but the sensitivity to heat was close to that of pure RDX. In spite of the markedly decrease in the sensitivity of these sheets, the explosive characteristics were nearly not affected the sheets have very good stress-strain values.

46 CFR 153.1002 - Special operating requirements for heat sensitive cargoes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 46 Shipping 5 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Special operating requirements for heat sensitive cargoes. 153.1002 Section 153.1002 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED... MATERIALS Operations Special Cargo Procedures § 153.1002 Special operating requirements for heat sensitive...

46 CFR 153.1002 - Special operating requirements for heat sensitive cargoes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Special operating requirements for heat sensitive cargoes. 153.1002 Section 153.1002 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED... MATERIALS Operations Special Cargo Procedures § 153.1002 Special operating requirements for heat sensitive...

46 CFR 153.1002 - Special operating requirements for heat sensitive cargoes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 46 Shipping 5 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Special operating requirements for heat sensitive cargoes. 153.1002 Section 153.1002 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED... MATERIALS Operations Special Cargo Procedures § 153.1002 Special operating requirements for heat sensitive...

46 CFR 153.1002 - Special operating requirements for heat sensitive cargoes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 46 Shipping 5 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Special operating requirements for heat sensitive cargoes. 153.1002 Section 153.1002 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED... MATERIALS Operations Special Cargo Procedures § 153.1002 Special operating requirements for heat sensitive...

46 CFR 153.1002 - Special operating requirements for heat sensitive cargoes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 46 Shipping 5 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Special operating requirements for heat sensitive cargoes. 153.1002 Section 153.1002 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED... MATERIALS Operations Special Cargo Procedures § 153.1002 Special operating requirements for heat sensitive...

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

Schultz, A.W.; Leavitt, W.Z.

A preliminary study was conducted to determine the feasiblllty of uslng neutron radiography for examining ordnance materials. Depleted U and 4140 steel castings in various thicknesses were examined. In addition, a thin section of Be, a grasshopper and a cricket were radiographed to illustrate the ability of neutrons to determine defects in low-density materials. For uranium thicknesses up to 5 in., a contrast sensitivity between 1.5 and 7.5%o was obtained using thermal neutrons, In foil, and industrial x-ray film transfer techniques. For 6 in. of U, a contrast sensitivity between 6.3 and 12.5% was obtained. For U thicknesses up tomore » 6 in., a detail sensitivity of 2.1% was obtained. For thicknesses up to 4 in. of steel, a contrast sensitivity between 1.9 and 9.4% and a detail sensitivity between 0.8 and 3.1% were obtained. For 5.125 and 6 in. of steel, contrast sensitivities between 14.6 and 29.2% and 14.6 and 39.6%, respectively, and detail sensitivities of no less than 4.9% were obtained. Both a contrast and a detail sensitivity of about 5% were obtained in examining a thin section of Be. Recommendations for further studies are given. (auth)« less

Self-Assembled ZnO Nanosheet-Based Spherical Structure as Photoanode in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ameri, Mohsen; Raoufi, Meysam; Zamani-Meymian, M.-R.; Samavat, Feridoun; Fathollahi, M.-R.; Mohajerani, Ezeddin

2018-03-01

High surface area and enhanced light scattering of ZnO nanosheet aggregates have made them a promising active layer candidate material for fabrication of nanostructure dye-sensitized solar cells. Here, we propose a facile preparation method of such ZnO nanosheet structures, and in order to verify their applicability as photoanode material for dye-sensitized solar cells, we employ morphological, optical, structural and electrical measurements. The results reveal the high surface area available for dye molecules for enhancing adsorption, high light scattering and competitive power conversion efficiencies compared to the works in literature. Finally, the device is optimized with respect to the photoanode thickness. The favorable features shown here can extend the application of the structure to other types of sensitization-based perovskite and quantum dot solar cells.

Phase-sensitive terahertz spectroscopy with backward-wave oscillators in reflection mode.

PubMed

Pronin, A V; Goncharov, Yu G; Fischer, T; Wosnitza, J

2009-12-01

In this article we describe a method which allows accurate measurements of the complex reflection coefficient r = absolute value(r) x exp(i phi(R)) of a solid at frequencies of 1-50 cm(-1) (30 GHz-1.5 THz). Backward-wave oscillators are used as sources for monochromatic coherent radiation tunable in frequency. The amplitude of the complex reflection (the reflectivity) is measured in a standard way, while the phase shift, introduced by the reflection from the sample surface, is measured using a Michelson interferometer. This method is particular useful for nontransparent samples, where phase-sensitive transmission measurements are not possible. The method requires no Kramers-Kronig transformation in order to extract the sample's electrodynamic properties (such as the complex dielectric function or complex conductivity). Another area of application of this method is the study of magnetic materials with complex dynamic permeabilities different from unity at the measurement frequencies (for example, colossal-magnetoresistance materials and metamaterials). Measuring both the phase-sensitive transmission and the phase-sensitive reflection allows for a straightforward model-independent determination of the dielectric permittivity and magnetic permeability of such materials.

Phase-sensitive terahertz spectroscopy with backward-wave oscillators in reflection mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pronin, A. V.; Goncharov, Yu. G.; Fischer, T.; Wosnitza, J.

2009-12-01

In this article we describe a method which allows accurate measurements of the complex reflection coefficient r̂=|r̂|ṡexp(iφR) of a solid at frequencies of 1-50 cm-1 (30 GHz-1.5 THz). Backward-wave oscillators are used as sources for monochromatic coherent radiation tunable in frequency. The amplitude of the complex reflection (the reflectivity) is measured in a standard way, while the phase shift, introduced by the reflection from the sample surface, is measured using a Michelson interferometer. This method is particular useful for nontransparent samples, where phase-sensitive transmission measurements are not possible. The method requires no Kramers-Kronig transformation in order to extract the sample's electrodynamic properties (such as the complex dielectric function or complex conductivity). Another area of application of this method is the study of magnetic materials with complex dynamic permeabilities different from unity at the measurement frequencies (for example, colossal-magnetoresistance materials and metamaterials). Measuring both the phase-sensitive transmission and the phase-sensitive reflection allows for a straightforward model-independent determination of the dielectric permittivity and magnetic permeability of such materials.

Mathematical model of the heat transfer process taking into account the consequences of nonlocality in structurally sensitive materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuvyrkin, G. N.; Savelyeva, I. Y.; Kuvshynnikova, D. A.

2018-04-01

Creation of new materials based on nanotechnology is an important direction of modern materials science development. Materials obtained using nanotechnology can possess unique physical-mechanical and thermophysical properties, allowing their effective use in structures exposed to high-intensity thermomechanical effects. An important step in creation and use of new materials is the construction of mathematical models to describe the behavior of these materials in a wide range of changes under external effects. The model of heat conduction of structural-sensitive materials is considered with regard to the medium nonlocality effects. The relations of the mathematical model include an integral term describing the spatial nonlocality of the medium. A difference scheme, which makes it possible to obtain a numerical solution of the problem of nonstationary heat conduction with regard to the influence of the medium nonlocality on space, has been developed. The influence of the model parameters on the temperature distributions is analyzed.

Material properties and their influence on the behaviour of tungsten as plasma facing material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wirtz, M.; Uytdenhouwen, I.; Barabash, V.; Escourbiac, F.; Hirai, T.; Linke, J.; Loewenhoff, Th.; Panayotis, S.; Pintsuk, G.

2017-06-01

With the aim of a possible improvement of the material specification for tungsten, five different tungsten products by different companies and by different production technologies (forging and rolling) are subject to a materials characterization program. Tungsten produced by forging results in an uniaxial elongated grain shape while rolled products have a plate like grain shape which has an influence on the mechanical properties of the material. The materials were investigated with respect to the following parameters: hardness measurements, microstructural investigations, tensile tests and recrystallisation sensitivity tests at 3 different temperatures. The obtained results show that different production processes have an influence on the resulting anisotropic microstructure and the related material properties of tungsten in the as-received state. Additionally, the recrystallization sensitivity varies between the different products, what could be a result of the different production processes. Additionally, two tungsten products were exposed to thermal shocks. The obtained results show that the improved recrystallisation behaviour has no major impact on the thermal shock performance.

Advanced materials for improving biosensing performances of propagating and localized plasmonic transducers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manera, M. G.; Colombelli, A.; Convertino, A.; Rella, S.; De Lorenzis, E.; Taurino, A.; Malitesta, C.; Rella, R.

2015-05-01

Among all transduction methodologies reported in the field of solid state optical chemical sensors, the attention has been focused onto the optical sensing characterization by using propagating and localized surface plasmon resonance (SPR) techniques. The research in this field is always oriented in the improvement of the sensing features in terms of sensitivity and limits of detection. To this purpose different strategies have been proposed to realize advanced materials for high sensitive plasmonic devices. In this work nanostructured silica nanowires decorated by gold nanoparticles and active magneto-plasmonic transductors are considered as new biosensing transductors useful to increase the performance of sensitive devices.

The Effect of Electric Field on the Explosive Sensitivity of Silver Azide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodzevich, A. P.; Gazenaur, E. G.; Kuzmina, L. V.; Krasheninin, V. I.; Gazenaur, N. V.

2017-05-01

The effect of a constant contactless electric field on the rate of a chemical reaction in silver azide is explored in this paper. The technology of growing and processing silver azide whiskers in the constant contactless electric field (field intensity was varied in the range from 10-3 V/m to 100 V/m) allows supervising their explosive sensitivity, therefore, the results of experiments can be relevant for purposeful controlling the resistance of explosive materials. This paper is one of the first attempts to develop efficient methods to affect the explosive sensitivity of energy-related materials in a weak electric field (up to 10-3 V/m).

Magnesium Oxide (MgO) pH-sensitive Sensing Membrane in Electrolyte-Insulator-Semiconductor Structures with CF4 Plasma Treatment.

PubMed

Kao, Chyuan-Haur; Chang, Chia Lung; Su, Wei Ming; Chen, Yu Tzu; Lu, Chien Cheng; Lee, Yu Shan; Hong, Chen Hao; Lin, Chan-Yu; Chen, Hsiang

2017-08-03

Magnesium oxide (MgO) sensing membranes in pH-sensitive electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor structures were fabricated on silicon substrate. To optimize the sensing capability of the membrane, CF 4 plasma was incorporated to improve the material quality of MgO films. Multiple material analyses including FESEM, XRD, AFM, and SIMS indicate that plasma treatment might enhance the crystallization and increase the grain size. Therefore, the sensing behaviors in terms of sensitivity, linearity, hysteresis effects, and drift rates might be improved. MgO-based EIS membranes with CF 4 plasma treatment show promise for future industrial biosensing applications.

New infrared-sensitive photopolymer materials for information storage and processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagtegaele, Patrice; Galstian, Tigran V.

2001-11-01

In response to the increasing demand of information systems, we need new materials with high performance for storage and processing applications. Available on the market optical storage materials present very useful characteristics but are still limited in the visible spectrum and are expansive. Recently, we have developed holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal (H-PDLC) materials sensitive in the near infrared region (800 nm to 850 nm). These compounds are based on acrylate monomers and different liquid crystals (LC) and allow highly efficient in-situ recording of holographic optical elements using infra red lasers. Diffraction efficiency above 95% is demonstrated. Photosensitivity of the material, its dark ­development and photochemical stability of recorded gratings are investigated. The angular and spectral selectivities of gratings, recorded in these films are examined for recovering the refractive index modulation profile.

What's new in dentine bonding? Self-etch adhesives.

PubMed

Burke, F J Trevor

2004-12-01

Bonding to dentine is an integral part of contemporary restorative dentistry, but early systems were not user-friendly. The introduction of new systems which have a reduced number of steps--the self-etch adhesives--could therefore be an advantage to clinicians, provided that they are as effective as previous adhesives. These new self-etch materials appear to form hybrid layers as did the previous generation of materials. However, there is a need for further clinical research on these new materials. Advantages of self-etch systems include, no need to etch and rinse, reduced post-operative sensitivity and low technique sensitivity. Disadvantages include, the inhibition of set of self- or dual-cure resin materials and the need to roughen untreated enamel surfaces prior to bonding.

Note: Mechanical in situ exfoliation of van der Waals materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pásztor, Á.; Scarfato, A.; Renner, Ch.

2017-07-01

Exfoliation, namely, the peeling of layered materials down to a single unit-cell thin foil, opens promising avenues to fabricate novel electronic materials. New properties and original functionalities emerge in the single and few layer configurations of a number of layered compounds, in particular in transition metal dichalcogenides. However, many of these thin exfoliated materials are very sensitive to ambient conditions impeding the exploration of this new and fascinating parameter space. Here we describe a method of mechanical exfoliation in ultra-high vacuum (UHV). This technique is easily adaptable to any UHV system and allows preparing and studying air sensitive nanoflakes in situ. We present the basic design and proof-of-concept scanning tunneling microscopy imaging of VSe2 nanoflakes.

pH optrode

DOEpatents

Northrup, M. Allen; Langry, Kevin C.

1993-01-01

A process is provided for forming a long-lasting, stable, pH-sensitive dye-acrylamide copolymer useful as a pH-sensitive material for use in an optrode or other device sensitive to pH. An optrode may be made by mechanically attaching the copolymer to a sensing device such as an optical fiber.

Accuracy of the domain method for the material derivative approach to shape design sensitivities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, R. J.; Botkin, M. E.

1987-01-01

Numerical accuracy for the boundary and domain methods of the material derivative approach to shape design sensitivities is investigated through the use of mesh refinement. The results show that the domain method is generally more accurate than the boundary method, using the finite element technique. It is also shown that the domain method is equivalent, under certain assumptions, to the implicit differentiation approach not only theoretically but also numerically.

Dye-sensitized PS-b-P2VP-templated nickel oxide films for photoelectrochemical applications

PubMed Central

Massin, Julien; Bräutigam, Maximilian; Kaeffer, Nicolas; Queyriaux, Nicolas; Field, Martin J.; Schacher, Felix H.; Popp, Jürgen; Chavarot-Kerlidou, Murielle; Dietzek, Benjamin; Artero, Vincent

2015-01-01

Moving from homogeneous water-splitting photocatalytic systems to photoelectrochemical devices requires the preparation and evaluation of novel p-type transparent conductive photoelectrode substrates. We report here on the sensitization of polystyrene-block-poly-(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) diblock copolymer-templated NiO films with an organic push–pull dye. The potential of these new templated NiO film preparations for photoelectrochemical applications is compared with NiO material templated by F108 triblock copolymers. We conclude that NiO films are promising materials for the construction of dye-sensitized photocathodes to be inserted into photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells. However, a combined effort at the interface between materials science and molecular chemistry, ideally funded within a Global Artificial Photosynthesis Project, is still needed to improve the overall performance of the photoelectrodes and progress towards economically viable PEC devices. PMID:26052420

Dye-sensitized PS-b-P2VP-templated nickel oxide films for photoelectrochemical applications.

PubMed

Massin, Julien; Bräutigam, Maximilian; Kaeffer, Nicolas; Queyriaux, Nicolas; Field, Martin J; Schacher, Felix H; Popp, Jürgen; Chavarot-Kerlidou, Murielle; Dietzek, Benjamin; Artero, Vincent

2015-06-06

Moving from homogeneous water-splitting photocatalytic systems to photoelectrochemical devices requires the preparation and evaluation of novel p-type transparent conductive photoelectrode substrates. We report here on the sensitization of polystyrene-block-poly-(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) diblock copolymer-templated NiO films with an organic push-pull dye. The potential of these new templated NiO film preparations for photoelectrochemical applications is compared with NiO material templated by F108 triblock copolymers. We conclude that NiO films are promising materials for the construction of dye-sensitized photocathodes to be inserted into photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells. However, a combined effort at the interface between materials science and molecular chemistry, ideally funded within a Global Artificial Photosynthesis Project, is still needed to improve the overall performance of the photoelectrodes and progress towards economically viable PEC devices.

Conductometric Sensors for Monitoring Degradation of Automotive Engine Oil†

PubMed Central

Latif, Usman; Dickert, Franz L.

2011-01-01

Conductometric sensors have been fabricated by applying imprinted polymers as receptors for monitoring engine oil quality. Titania and silica layers are synthesized via the sol-gel technique and used as recognition materials for acidic components present in used lubricating oil. Thin-film gold electrodes forming an interdigitated structure are used as transducers to measure the conductance of polymer coatings. Optimization of layer composition is carried out by varying the precursors, e.g., dimethylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane (DMAPTMS), and aminopropyl-triethoxysilane (APTES). Characterization of these sensitive materials is performed by testing against oil oxidation products, e.g., carbonic acids. The results depict that imprinted aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) polymer is a promising candidate for detecting the age of used lubricating oil. In the next strategy, polyurethane-nanotubes composite as sensitive material is synthesized, producing appreciable differentiation pattern between fresh and used oils at elevated temperature with enhanced sensitivity. PMID:22164094

Field Comparison of the Sampling Efficacy of Two Smear Media: Cotton Fiber and Kraft Paper

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

Hogue, M.G.

Two materials were compared in field tests at the Defense Waste Processing Facility: kraft paper (a strong, brown paper made from wood pulp prepared with a sodium sulfate solution) and cotton fiber. Based on a sampling of forty-six pairs of smears, the cotton fiber smears provide a greater sensitivity. The cotton fiber smears collected an average of forty-four percent more beta activity than the kraft paper smears and twenty-nine percent more alpha activity. Results show a greater sensitivity with cotton fiber over kraft paper at the 95 percent confidence level. Regulatory requirements for smear materials are vague. The data demonstratemore » that the difference in sensitivity of smear materials could lead to a large difference in reported results that are subsequently used for meeting shipping regulations or evaluating workplace contamination levels.« less

An acetone microsensor with a ring oscillator circuit fabricated using the commercial 0.18 μm CMOS process.

PubMed

Yang, Ming-Zhi; Dai, Ching-Liang; Shih, Po-Jen

2014-07-17

This study investigates the fabrication and characterization of an acetone microsensor with a ring oscillator circuit using the commercial 0.18 μm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process. The acetone microsensor contains a sensitive material, interdigitated electrodes and a polysilicon heater. The sensitive material is α-Fe2O3 synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The sensor requires a post-process to remove the sacrificial oxide layer between the interdigitated electrodes and to coat the α-Fe2O3 on the electrodes. When the sensitive material adsorbs acetone vapor, the sensor produces a change in capacitance. The ring oscillator circuit converts the capacitance of the sensor into the oscillation frequency output. The experimental results show that the output frequency of the acetone sensor changes from 128 to 100 MHz as the acetone concentration increases 1 to 70 ppm.

An Acetone Microsensor with a Ring Oscillator Circuit Fabricated Using the Commercial 0.18 μm CMOS Process

PubMed Central

Yang, Ming-Zhi; Dai, Ching-Liang; Shih, Po-Jen

2014-01-01

This study investigates the fabrication and characterization of an acetone microsensor with a ring oscillator circuit using the commercial 0.18 μm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process. The acetone microsensor contains a sensitive material, interdigitated electrodes and a polysilicon heater. The sensitive material is α-Fe2O3 synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The sensor requires a post-process to remove the sacrificial oxide layer between the interdigitated electrodes and to coat the α-Fe2O3 on the electrodes. When the sensitive material adsorbs acetone vapor, the sensor produces a change in capacitance. The ring oscillator circuit converts the capacitance of the sensor into the oscillation frequency output. The experimental results show that the output frequency of the acetone sensor changes from 128 to 100 MHz as the acetone concentration increases 1 to 70 ppm. PMID:25036331

Medical imaging: Material change for X-ray detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rowlands, John A.

2017-10-01

The X-ray sensitivity of radiology instruments is limited by the materials used in their detectors. A material from the perovskite family of semiconductors could allow lower doses of X-rays to be used for medical imaging. See Letter p.87

Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin for Optical-Chemical Temperature Sensing.

PubMed

Claucherty, Steven; Sakaue, Hirotaka

2018-05-30

The application of phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin as an optical temperature sensor is investigated. Recent developments in optical luminescent sensors allow for global measurements to be made over the surface of a test article, extending beyond conventional point measurements. Global temperature distributions are particularly helpful when validating computational models or when mapping temperature over complex geometries, and can be used to calculate surface heat flux values. Temperature-sensitive paint (TSP) is a novel chemical approach to obtaining these global temperature measurements, but there are still challenges to overcome to make it a reliable tool. A sensor with a wide range of temperature sensitivity is desired to provide the maximum amount of utility, especially for tests spanning large temperature gradients. Naturally luminescent materials such as PF resin provide an attractive alternative to chemical sensor coatings, and PF resin is studied for this reason. Static tests of different PF resin samples are conducted using two binder materials to strengthen the material: cloth and paper. The material shows temperature sensitivities up to -0.8%/K, demonstrating the usefulness of PF resin as a temperature sensor.

NIR-induced highly sensitive detection of latent finger-marks by NaYF4:Yb,Er upconversion nanoparticles in a dry powder state

PubMed Central

Wang, Meng; Li, Ming; Yang, Mingying; Zhang, Xiaomei; Yu, Aoyang; Zhu, Ye; Qiu, Penghe; Mao, Chuanbin

2016-01-01

The most commonly found fingermarks at crime scenes are latent and, thus, an efficient method for detecting latent fingermarks is very important. However, traditional developing techniques have drawbacks such as low detection sensitivity, high background interference, complicated operation, and high toxicity. To tackle this challenge, we employed fluorescent NaYF4:Yb,Er upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), which can fluoresce visible light when excited by 980 nm human-safe near-infrared light, to stain the latent fingermarks on various substrate surfaces. The UCNPs were successfully used as a novel fluorescent label for the detection of latent fingermarks with high sensitivity, low background, high efficiency, and low toxicity on various substrates including non-infiltrating materials (glass, marble, aluminum alloy sheets, stainless steel sheets, aluminum foils, and plastic cards), semi-infiltrating materials (floor leathers, ceramic tiles, wood floor, and painted wood), and infiltrating materials such as various types of papers. This work shows that UCNPs are a versatile fluorescent label for the facile detection of fingermarks on virtually any material, enabling their practical applications in forensic sciences. PMID:27818741

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

Brown, Nicholas; Burns, Joseph R.

The aftermath of the Tōhoku earthquake and the Fukushima accident has led to a global push to improve the safety of existing light water reactors. A key component of this initiative is the development of nuclear fuel and cladding materials with potentially enhanced accident tolerance, also known as accident-tolerant fuels (ATF). These materials are intended to improve core fuel and cladding integrity under beyond design basis accident conditions while maintaining or enhancing reactor performance and safety characteristics during normal operation. To complement research that has already been carried out to characterize ATF neutronics, the present study provides an initial investigationmore » of the sensitivity and uncertainty of ATF systems responses to nuclear cross section data. ATF concepts incorporate novel materials, including SiC and FeCrAl cladding and high density uranium silicide composite fuels, in turn introducing new cross section sensitivities and uncertainties which may behave differently from traditional fuel and cladding materials. In this paper, we conducted sensitivity and uncertainty analysis using the TSUNAMI-2D sequence of SCALE with infinite lattice models of ATF assemblies. Of all the ATF materials considered, it is found that radiative capture in 56Fe in FeCrAl cladding is the most significant contributor to eigenvalue uncertainty. 56Fe yields significant potential eigenvalue uncertainty associated with its radiative capture cross section; this is by far the largest ATF-specific uncertainty found in these cases, exceeding even those of uranium. We found that while significant new sensitivities indeed arise, the general sensitivity behavior of ATF assemblies does not markedly differ from traditional UO2/zirconium-based fuel/cladding systems, especially with regard to uncertainties associated with uranium. We assessed the similarity of the IPEN/MB-01 reactor benchmark model to application models with FeCrAl cladding. We used TSUNAMI-IP to calculate similarity indices of the application model and IPEN/MB-01 reactor benchmark model. This benchmark was selected for its use of SS304 as a cladding and structural material, with significant 56Fe content. The similarity indices suggest that while many differences in reactor physics arise from differences in design, sensitivity to and behavior of 56Fe absorption is comparable between systems, thus indicating the potential for this benchmark to reduce uncertainties in 56Fe radiative capture cross sections.« less

Active polymer materials for optical fiber CO2 sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wysokiński, Karol; Filipowicz, Marta; Stańczyk, Tomasz; Lipiński, Stanisław; Napierała, Marek; Murawski, Michał; Nasiłowski, Tomasz

2017-04-01

CO2 optical fiber sensors based on polymer active materials are presented in this paper. Ethyl cellulose was proven to be a good candidate for a matrix material of the sensor, since it gives porous, thick and very sensitive layers. Low-cost sensors based on polymer optical fibers have been elaborated. Sensors have been examined for their sensitivity to CO2, temperature and humidity. Response time during cyclic exposures to CO2 have been also determined. Special layers exhibiting irreversible change of color during exposure to carbon dioxide have been developed. They have been verified for a possible use in smart food packaging.

Systems and methods for detecting neutrons

DOEpatents

Bross, Alan D.; Mellott, Kerry L.; Pla-Dalmau, Anna

2005-08-09

Systems and methods for detecting neutrons. One or more neutron-sensitive scintillators can be configured from a plurality of nano-sized particles, dopants and an extruded plastic material, such as polystyrene. The nano-sized particles can be compounded into the extruded plastic material with at least one dopant that permits the plastic material to scintillate. One or more plastic light collectors can be associated with a neutron-sensitive scintillator, such that the plastic light collector includes a central hole thereof. A wavelength-shifting fiber can then be located within the hole. The wavelength shifting (WLS) fiber absorbs scintillation light having a wavelength thereof and re-emits the light at a longer wavelength.

Systems and methods for detecting x-rays

DOEpatents

Bross, Alan D.; Mellott, Kerry L.; Pla-Dalmau, Anna

2006-05-02

Systems and methods for detecting x-rays are disclosed herein. One or more x-ray-sensitive scintillators can be configured from a plurality of heavy element nano-sized particles and a plastic material, such as polystyrene. As will be explained in greater detail herein, the heavy element nano-sized particles (e.g., PbWO₄) can be compounded into the plastic material with at least one dopant that permits the plastic material to scintillate. X-rays interact with the heavy element nano-sized particles to produce electrons that can deposit energy in the x-ray sensitive scintillator, which in turn can produce light.

A toxological study of 3,6-BIS(3,5-Dimethyl-1-1-Pyrazolyl)1,2-Dihydro-1,2,4,5-Tetrazine

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

London, J.E.

1993-03-01

The acute oral LD{sub 30/50} values for 3,6-BIS(3,5-Dimethyl-1-Pyrazolyl)-1,2-Dihydro-1,2,4,5-Tetrazine BIS(DMP)DHT are greater than 5g/kg. According to classical guidelines, the material would be considered only slightly toxic or practically nontoxic in both rats and mice. The sensitization study in the guinea pig did not show BIS(DMP)SHT to have potential sensitizing effects. Skin application studies on the rabbit demonstrated the material was cutaneously nonirritating. This material was also nonirritating in the rabbit eye application studies.

A toxological study of 3,6-BIS(3,5-Dimethyl-1-1-Pyrazolyl)1,2-Dihydro-1,2,4,5-Tetrazine

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

London, J.E.

1993-03-01

The acute oral LD[sub 30/50] values for 3,6-BIS(3,5-Dimethyl-1-Pyrazolyl)-1,2-Dihydro-1,2,4,5-Tetrazine BIS(DMP)DHT are greater than 5g/kg. According to classical guidelines, the material would be considered only slightly toxic or practically nontoxic in both rats and mice. The sensitization study in the guinea pig did not show BIS(DMP)SHT to have potential sensitizing effects. Skin application studies on the rabbit demonstrated the material was cutaneously nonirritating. This material was also nonirritating in the rabbit eye application studies.

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

Zhang, Wen; Banerjee, Debasis; Liu, Jian

A redox-active metal-organic composite material shows improved and selective O-2 adsorption over N-2 with respect to individual components (MIL-101 and ferrocene). The O-2 sensitivity of the composite material arises due to the formation of maghemite nanoparticles with the pore of the metal-organic framework material.

The Impact of Latino Values and Cultural Beliefs on Brain Donation: Results of a Pilot Study to Develop Culturally Appropriate Materials and Methods to Increase Rates of Brain Donation in this Under-Studied Patient Group.

PubMed

Bilbrey, Ann Choryan; Humber, Marika B; Plowey, Edward D; Garcia, Iliana; Chennapragada, Lakshmi; Desai, Kanchi; Rosen, Allyson; Askari, Nusha; Gallagher-Thompson, Dolores

2018-01-01

Increasing the number of Latino persons with dementia who consent to brain donation (BD) upon death is an important public health goal that has not yet been realized. This study identified the need for culturally sensitive materials to answer questions and support the decision-making process for the family. Information about existing rates of BD was obtained from the Alzheimer's Disease Centers. Several methods of data collection (query NACC database, contacting Centers, focus groups, online survey, assessing current protocol and materials) were used to give the needed background to create culturally appropriate BD materials. A decision was made that a brochure for undecided enrollees would be beneficial to discuss BD with family members. For those needing further details, a step-by-step handout would provide additional information. Through team collaboration and engagement of others in the community who work with Latinos with dementia, we believe this process allowed us to successfully create culturally appropriate informational materials that address a sensitive topic for Hispanic/Latino families. Brain tissue is needed to further knowledge about underlying biological mechanism of neurodegenerative diseases, however it is a sensitive topic. Materials assist with family discussion and facilitate the family's follow-through with BD.

Detection sensitivities in 3-8 MeV neutron activation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wahlgren, M. A.; Wing, J.

1968-01-01

Study of detection sensitivities of 73 radioactive elements using fast unmoderated neutrons includes experiments for irradiation, cooling and counting conditions. The gamma ray emission spectra is used to identify the unknown material.

Expected Backgrounds of the BetaCage, an Ultra-sensitive Screener for Surface Contamination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Boqian; Bunker, Raymond; Schnee, Richard; Bowles, Michael; Kos, Marek; Ahmed, Zeeshan; Golwala, Sunil; Nelson, Robert; Grant, Darren

2013-04-01

Material screening for low-energy betas and alphas is necessary for rare-event-search experiments, such as dark matter and neutrinoless double-beta decay searches where surface radiocontamination has become a significant background. The BetaCage, a gaseous neon time-projection chamber, has been proposed as a screener for emitters of low-energy betas and alphas to which existing screening facilities are insufficiently sensitive. The expected sensitivity is 0.1 betas / (keV m^2 day) and 0.1 alphas / (m^2 day). Expected backgrounds are dominated by Compton scattering of external photons in the sample to be screened; radioassays and simulations indicate backgrounds from detector materials and radon daughters should be subdominant. We will report on details of the background simulations and the detector design that allows discrimination to reach these sensitivity levels.

Near infrared harvesting dye-sensitized solar cells enabled by rare-earth upconversion materials.

PubMed

Li, Deyang; Ågren, Hans; Chen, Guanying

2018-02-01

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have been deemed as promising alternatives to silicon solar cells for the conversion of clean sunlight energy into electricity. A major limitation to their conversion efficiency is their inability to utilize light in the infrared (IR) spectral range, which constitutes almost half the energy of the sun's radiation. This fact has elicited motivations and endeavors to extend the response wavelength of DSSCs to the IR range. Photon upconversion through rare-earth ions constitutes one of the most promising approaches toward the goal of converting near-IR (NIR) or IR light into visible or ultraviolet light, where DSSCs typically have high sensitivity. In the present review, we summarize recent progress based on the utilization of various upconversion materials and device structures to improve the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells.

Silver halide sensitized gelatin derived from BB-640 holographic emulsion.

PubMed

Neipp, C; Pascual, I; Beléndez, A

1999-03-10

Silver halide sensitized gelatin (SHSG) is one of the most interesting techniques for the production of holographic optical elements, achieving relatively high sensitivity of photographic material with a low scattering of dichromated gelatin. Here we present experimental results for SHSG derived from the novel BB-640, a red-sensitive ultra-fine-grain emulsion from Holographic Recording Technologies (Steinau, Germany). The material is characterized before recording and after processing, and information about the thickness, absorption, and refractive-index modulation of the final holograms is obtained. The influence of the developer is analyzed, and diffraction efficiencies as great as 96.2% (after allowing for reflections) with a transmission of 1% and absorption and scatter losses of 2.8% are obtained with AAC developer. Our investigations reveal that high-quality SHSG transmission holograms may be obtained with the new BB-640 plates.

In vitro assessment of skin sensitization, photosensitization and phototoxicity potential of commercial glyphosate-containing formulations.

PubMed

de Ávila, Renato Ivan; Teixeira, Gabriel Campos; Veloso, Danillo Fabrini Maciel Costa; Moreira, Larissa Cleres; Lima, Eliana Martins; Valadares, Marize Campos

2017-12-01

This study evaluated the applicability of a modified Direct Peptide Reactivity Assay (DPRA) (OECD N° 442C, 2015) through the 10-fold reduction of reaction volume (micro-DPRA, mDPRA) for skin sensitization evaluation of six commercial glyphosate-containing formulations. In addition, another modification of DPRA was proposed by adding a UVA (5J/cm 2 ) irradiation step, namely photo-mDPRA, to better characterize (photo)sensitizer materials. The phototoxicity profile of pesticides was also evaluated using the 3T3 Neutral Red Uptake Phototoxicity Test (3T3-NRU-PT) (OECD N° 432, 2004). The mDPRA could represent an environmentally acceptable test approach, since it reduces costs and organic waste. Peptide depletion was greater in photo-mDPRA and changed the reactivity class of each test material, in comparison to mDPRA. Thus, the association of mDPRA with photo-mDPRA was better for correctly characterizing human (photo)sensitizer substances and pesticides. In general, cysteine depletion was greater than that of lysine for all materials tested in both mDPRA and photo-mDPRA. Furthermore, while 3T3-NRU-PT is unable to predict (photo)sensitizers, it was capable of correctly identifying the phototoxic potential of the tested agrochemical formulations. In conclusion, mDPRA plus photo-mDPRA and 3T3-NRU-PT seem to be preliminary non-animal test batteries for skin (photo)sensitization/phototoxicity assessment of chemicals, agrochemical formulations and their ingredients. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Review of Safety Practices and Safety Training for the Explosives Field

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-02-01

reworking. This was discovered when an impact test was run on the received material and a "GO" occurred. If the received material bad been handled as...exist, small quantities of the explosive or explosive mixture should -be subjected to- sensitivity tests (including at least spark sensitivity, impact ...increases more energy is put into the nix which must be considered with respect to blending speeds and tolerances in equip- ment and temperatures. Also

An electro-optical and electron injection study of benzothiazole-based squaraine dyes as efficient dye-sensitized solar cell materials: a first principles study.

PubMed

Al-Fahdan, Najat Saeed; Asiri, Abdullah M; Irfan, Ahmad; Basaif, Salem A; El-Shishtawy, Reda M

2014-12-01

Squaraine dyes have attracted significant attention in many areas of daily life from biomedical imaging to semiconducting materials. Moreover, these dyes are used as photoactive materials in the field of solar cells. In the present study, we investigated the structural, electronic, photophysical, and charge transport properties of six benzothiazole-based squaraine dyes (Cis-SQ1-Cis-SQ3 and Trans-SQ1-Trans-SQ3). The effect of electron donating (-OCH3) and electron withdrawing (-COOH) groups was investigated intensively. Ground state geometry and frequency calculations were performed by applying density functional theory (DFT) at B3LYP/6-31G** level of theory. Absorption spectra were computed in chloroform at the time-dependent DFT/B3LYP/6-31G** level of theory. The driving force of electron injection (ΔG (inject)), relative driving force of electron injection (ΔG r (inject)), electronic coupling constants (|VRP|) and light harvesting efficiency (LHE) of all six compounds were calculated and compared with previously studied sensitizers. The ΔG (inject), ΔG r (inject) and |VRP| of all six compounds revealed that these sensitizers would be efficient dye-sensitized solar cell materials. Cis/Trans-SQ3 exhibited superior LHE as compared to other derivatives. The Cis/Trans geometric effect was studied and discussed with regard to electro-optical and charge transport properties.

Strain sensitivity of carbon nanotube cement-based composites for structural health monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Alessandro, Antonella; Ubertini, Filippo; Laflamme, Simon; Rallini, Marco; Materazzi, Annibale L.; Kenny, Josè M.

2016-04-01

Cement-based smart sensors appear particularly suitable for monitoring applications, due to their self-sensing abilities, their ease of use, and their numerous possible field applications. The addition of conductive carbon nanofillers into a cementitious matrix provides the material with piezoresistive characteristics and enhanced sensitivity to mechanical alterations. The strain-sensing ability is achieved by correlating the variation of external loads or deformations with the variation of specific electrical parameters, such as the electrical resistance. Among conductive nanofillers, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have shown promise for the fabrication of self-monitoring composites. However, some issues related to the filler dispersion and the mix design of cementitious nanoadded materials need to be further investigated. For instance, a small difference in the added quantity of a specific nanofiller in a cement-matrix composite can substantially change the quality of the dispersion and the strain sensitivity of the resulting material. The present research focuses on the strain sensitivity of concrete, mortar and cement paste sensors fabricated with different amounts of carbon nanotube inclusions. The aim of the work is to investigate the quality of dispersion of the CNTs in the aqueous solutions, the physical properties of the fresh mixtures, the electromechanical properties of the hardened materials, and the sensing properties of the obtained transducers. Results show that cement-based sensors with CNT inclusions, if properly implemented, can be favorably applied to structural health monitoring.

Physical nature of strain rate sensitivity of metals and alloys at high strain rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borodin, E. N.; Gruzdkov, A. A.; Mayer, A. E.; Selyutina, N. S.

2018-04-01

The role of instabilities of plastic flow at plastic deformation of various materials is one of the important cross-disciplinary problems which is equally important in physics, mechanics and material science. The strain rate sensitivities under slow and high strain rate conditions of loading have different physical nature. In the case of low strain rate, the sensitivity arising from the inertness of the defect structures evolution can be expressed by a single parameter characterizing the plasticity mechanism. In our approach, this is the value of the characteristic relaxation time. In the dynamic case, there are additional effects of “high-speed sensitivity” associated with the micro-localization of the plastic flow near the stress concentrators. In the frames of mechanical description, this requires to introduce additional strain rate sensitivity parameters, which is realized in numerous modifications of Johnson–Cook and Zerilli–Armstrong models. The consideration of both these factors is fundamental for an adequate description of the problems of dynamic deformation of highly inhomogeneous metallic materials such as steels and alloys. The measurement of the dispersion of particle velocities on the free surface of a shock-loaded material can be regarded as an experimental expression of the effect of micro-localization. This is also confirmed by our results of numerical simulation of the propagation of shock waves in a two-dimensional formulation and analytical estimations.

3D Simulations of Void collapse in Energetic Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rai, Nirmal Kumar; Udaykumar, H. S.

2017-06-01

Voids present in the microstructure of heterogeneous energetic materials effect the sensitivity towards ignition. It is established that the morphology of voids can play a significant role in sensitivity enhancement of energetic materials. Depending on the void shape, sensitivity can be either increased or decreased under given loading conditions. In the past, effects of different void shapes i.e. triangular, ellipse, cylindrical etc. on the sensitivity of energetic materials have been analyzed. However, most of these studies are performed in 2D and are limited under the plain strain assumption. Axisymmetric studies have also been performed in the past to incorporate the 3D effects, however axisymmetric modeling is limited to only certain geometries i.e. sphere. This work analyzes the effects of various void shapes in three dimensions on the ignition behavior of HMX. Various void shapes are analyzed including spherical, prolate and oblate speheroid oriented at different orientations, etc. Three dimensional void collapse simulations are performed on a single void to quantify the effects void morphology on initiation. A Cartesian grid based Eulerian solver SCIMITAR3D is used to perform the void collapse simulations. Various aspects of void morphology i.e. size, thickness of voids, elongation, orientation etc. are considered to obtain a comprehensive analysis. Also, 2D plane strain calculations are compared with the three dimensional analysis to evaluate the salient differences between 2D and 3D modeling.

Space Shuttle Thermal Protection System Repair Flight Experiment Induced Contamination Impacts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Kendall A.; Soares, Carlos E.; Mikatarian, Ron; Schmidl, Danny; Campbell, Colin; Koontz, Steven; Engle, Michael; McCroskey, Doug; Garrett, Jeff

2006-01-01

NASA s activities to prepare for Flight LF1 (STS-114) included development of a method to repair the Thermal Protection System (TPS) of the Orbiter s leading edge should it be damaged during ascent by impacts from foam, ice, etc . Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) is used for the leading edge TPS. The repair material that was developed is named Non- Oxide Adhesive eXperimental (NOAX). NOAX is an uncured adhesive material that acts as an ablative repair material. NOAX completes curing during the Orbiter s descent. The Thermal Protection System (TPS) Detailed Test Objective 848 (DTO 848) performed on Flight LF1 (STS-114) characterized the working life, porosity void size in a micro-gravity environment, and the on-orbit performance of the repairs to pre-damaged samples. DTO 848 is also scheduled for Flight ULF1.1 (STS-121) for further characterization of NOAX on-orbit performance. Due to the high material outgassing rates of the NOAX material and concerns with contamination impacts to optically sensitive surfaces, ASTM E 1559 outgassing tests were performed to determine NOAX condensable outgassing rates as a function of time and temperature. Sensitive surfaces of concern include the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) visor, cameras, and other sensors in proximity to the experiment during the initial time after application. This paper discusses NOAX outgassing characteristics, how the amount of deposition on optically sensitive surfaces while the NOAX is being manipulated on the pre-damaged RCC samples was determined by analysis, and how flight rules were developed to protect those optically sensitive surfaces from excessive contamination where necessary.

Biological Evaluation of the Copper/Low-density Polyethylene Nanocomposite Intrauterine Device

PubMed Central

Wang, Hong; Li, Jun; Xie, Changsheng; Duan, Zhuo; Sun, Li-Kui; Wang, Xin; Zhu, Changhong

2013-01-01

Devices and materials intended for clinical applications as medical and implant devices should be evaluated to determine their biocompatibility in physiological systems. This article presents results from cytotoxicity assay of L929 mouse fibroblasts culture, tests for skin irritation, intracutaneous reactivity and sensitization, and material implantation tests for the novel copper/low-density polyethylene nanocomposite intrauterine device (nano-Cu/LDPE IUD) with potential for future clinical utilization. Cytotoxicity test in vitro was conducted to evaluate the change in morphology, growth and proliferation of cultured L929 mouse fibroblasts, which in vivo examination for skin irritation (n = 6) and intracutaneous reactivity (n = 6) were carried out to explore the irritant behavior in New Zealand White rabbits. Skin sensitization was implemented to evaluate the potential skin sensitizing in Hartley guinea pigs (n = 35). The materials were implanted into the spinal muscle of rabbits (n = 9). The cytotoxicity grade of the nano-Cu/LDPE IUD was 0–1, suggested that the composite was nontoxic or mildly cytotoxic; no irritation reaction and skin sensitization were identified in any animals of specific extracts prepared from the material under test; similarly to the control sides, the inflammatory reaction was observed in the rabbits living tissue of the implanted material in intramuscular implantation assay. They indicated that the novel composite intrauterine device presented potential for this type of application because they meet the requirements of the standard practices recommended for evaluating the biological reactivity. The nano-Cu/LDPE IUD has good biocompatibility, which is biologically safe for the clinical research as a novel contraceptive device. PMID:24058521

Biological evaluation of the copper/low-density polyethylene nanocomposite intrauterine device.

PubMed

Hu, Li-Xia; He, Jing; Hou, Li; Wang, Hong; Li, Jun; Xie, Changsheng; Duan, Zhuo; Sun, Li-Kui; Wang, Xin; Zhu, Changhong

2013-01-01

Devices and materials intended for clinical applications as medical and implant devices should be evaluated to determine their biocompatibility in physiological systems. This article presents results from cytotoxicity assay of L929 mouse fibroblasts culture, tests for skin irritation, intracutaneous reactivity and sensitization, and material implantation tests for the novel copper/low-density polyethylene nanocomposite intrauterine device (nano-Cu/LDPE IUD) with potential for future clinical utilization. Cytotoxicity test in vitro was conducted to evaluate the change in morphology, growth and proliferation of cultured L929 mouse fibroblasts, which in vivo examination for skin irritation (n = 6) and intracutaneous reactivity (n = 6) were carried out to explore the irritant behavior in New Zealand White rabbits. Skin sensitization was implemented to evaluate the potential skin sensitizing in Hartley guinea pigs (n = 35). The materials were implanted into the spinal muscle of rabbits (n = 9). The cytotoxicity grade of the nano-Cu/LDPE IUD was 0-1, suggested that the composite was nontoxic or mildly cytotoxic; no irritation reaction and skin sensitization were identified in any animals of specific extracts prepared from the material under test; similarly to the control sides, the inflammatory reaction was observed in the rabbits living tissue of the implanted material in intramuscular implantation assay. They indicated that the novel composite intrauterine device presented potential for this type of application because they meet the requirements of the standard practices recommended for evaluating the biological reactivity. The nano-Cu/LDPE IUD has good biocompatibility, which is biologically safe for the clinical research as a novel contraceptive device.

Outside-the-(Cavity-prep)-Box Thinking

PubMed Central

Thompson, V.P.; Watson, T.F.; Marshall, G.W.; Blackman, B.R.K.; Stansbury, J.W.; Schadler, L.S.; Pearson, R.A.; Libanori, R.

2013-01-01

Direct placement restorative materials must interface with tooth structures that are often compromised by caries or trauma. The material must seal the interface while providing sufficient strength and wear resistance to assure function of the tooth for, ideally, the lifetime of the patient. Needed are direct restorative materials that are less technique-sensitive than current resin-based composite systems while having improved properties. The ideal material could be successfully used in areas of the world with limited infrastructure. Advances in our understanding of the interface between the restoration adhesive system and the stages of carious dentin can be used to promote remineralization. Application of fracture mechanics to adhesion at the tooth-restoration interface can provide insights for improvement. Research in polymer systems suggests alternatives to current composite resin matrix systems to overcome technique sensitivity, while advances in nano- and mesoparticle reinforcement and alignment in composite systems can increase material strength, toughness, and wear resistance, foreshadowing dental application. PMID:24129814

A High-Performance Nanocomposite Material Based on Functionalized Carbon Nanotube and Polymer for Gas Sensing Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, L. C.; Tang, K. T.; Kuo, C. T.; Yang, S. R.; Sung, Yuh; Hsu, H. L.; Jehng, J. M.

2009-05-01

The aim of this study is to develop a novel chemical gas sensing nanocomposite material. The traditional use for carbon nanotube in gas sensing polymer is to increase the composite's conductivity. However, we added functionalized carbon nanotube to fill the free volume of the sensing polymer films and enhance the gas absorption/desorption response time of these nanocomposites. These sensing materials were prepared by mixing functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and Poly (n, n dimethylamino propylsilsequioxane) SXNR polymer. These new materials were coated on the Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) device, which is expected to increase its sensitivity in analyzing specific classes of vapors. The proposed materials showed an enhanced sensitivity upon exposure to ethanol and dimethyl methylphosphonate (Dmmp) vapors. Additionally, the performances of our nanocomposite film are much higher than those polymers without functionalized carbon nanotubes.

Insensitive detonator apparatus for initiating large failure diameter explosives

DOEpatents

Perry, III, William Leroy

2015-07-28

A munition according to a preferred embodiment can include a detonator system having a detonator that is selectively coupled to a microwave source that functions to selectively prime, activate, initiate, and/or sensitize an insensitive explosive material for detonation. The preferred detonator can include an explosive cavity having a barrier within which an insensitive explosive material is disposed and a waveguide coupled to the explosive cavity. The preferred system can further include a microwave source coupled to the waveguide such that microwaves enter the explosive cavity and impinge on the insensitive explosive material to sensitize the explosive material for detonation. In use the preferred embodiments permit the deployment and use of munitions that are maintained in an insensitive state until the actual time of use, thereby substantially preventing unauthorized or unintended detonation thereof.

Protection of microelectronic devices during packaging

DOEpatents

Peterson, Kenneth A.; Conley, William R.

2002-01-01

The present invention relates to a method of protecting a microelectronic device during device packaging, including the steps of applying a water-insoluble, protective coating to a sensitive area on the device; performing at least one packaging step; and then substantially removing the protective coating, preferably by dry plasma etching. The sensitive area can include a released MEMS element. The microelectronic device can be disposed on a wafer. The protective coating can be a vacuum vapor-deposited parylene polymer, silicon nitride, metal (e.g. aluminum or tungsten), a vapor deposited organic material, cynoacrylate, a carbon film, a self-assembled monolayered material, perfluoropolyether, hexamethyldisilazane, or perfluorodecanoic carboxylic acid, silicon dioxide, silicate glass, or combinations thereof. The present invention also relates to a method of packaging a microelectronic device, including: providing a microelectronic device having a sensitive area; applying a water-insoluble, protective coating to the sensitive area; providing a package; attaching the device to the package; electrically interconnecting the device to the package; and substantially removing the protective coating from the sensitive area.

Temporary coatings for protection of microelectronic devices during packaging

DOEpatents

Peterson, Kenneth A.; Conley, William R.

2005-01-18

The present invention relates to a method of protecting a microelectronic device during device packaging, including the steps of applying a water-insoluble, temporary protective coating to a sensitive area on the device; performing at least one packaging step; and then substantially removing the protective coating, preferably by dry plasma etching. The sensitive area can include a released MEMS element. The microelectronic device can be disposed on a wafer. The protective coating can be a vacuum vapor-deposited parylene polymer, silicon nitride, metal (e.g. aluminum or tungsten), a vapor deposited organic material, cynoacrylate, a carbon film, a self-assembled monolayered material, perfluoropolyether, hexamethyldisilazane, or perfluorodecanoic carboxylic acid, silicon dioxide, silicate glass, or combinations thereof. The present invention also relates to a method of packaging a microelectronic device, including: providing a microelectronic device having a sensitive area; applying a water-insoluble, protective coating to the sensitive area; providing a package; attaching the device to the package; electrically interconnecting the device to the package; and substantially removing the protective coating from the sensitive area.

Aluminum-thin-film packaged fiber Bragg grating probes for monitoring the maximum tensile strain of composite materials.

PubMed

Im, Jooeun; Kim, Mihyun; Choi, Ki-Sun; Hwang, Tae-Kyung; Kwon, Il-Bum

2014-06-10

In this paper, new fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor probes are designed to intermittently detect the maximum tensile strain of composite materials, so as to evaluate the structural health status. This probe is fabricated by two thin Al films bonded to an FBG optical fiber and two supporting brackets, which are fixed on the surface of composite materials. The residual strain of the Al packaged FBG sensor probe is induced by the strain of composite materials. This residual strain can indicate the maximum strain of composite materials. Two types of sensor probes are prepared-one is an FBG with 18 μm thick Al films, and the other is an FBG with 36 μm thick Al films-to compare the thickness effect on the detection sensitivity. These sensor probes are bonded on the surfaces of carbon fiber reinforced plastics composite specimens. In order to determine the strain sensitivity between the residual strain of the FBG sensor probe and the maximum strain of the composite specimen, tensile tests are performed by universal testing machine, under the loading-unloading test condition. The strain sensitivities of the probes, which have the Al thicknesses of 18 and 36 μm, are determined as 0.13 and 0.23, respectively.

The influence of material type and composition of TiO2- ZnO on manufacturing of paste for the application of DSSC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Retnaningsih, L.; Muliani, L.; Aggraini, P. N.; Hidayat, J.

2016-11-01

Research, fabrication and material selection for the application of Dye- sensitized solar cell (DSSC) has been performed on glass FTO (Flour Tin Oxide). The material is used in the form of TiO2 paste, TiO2 powder and ZnO powder. Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC), is a fotoelektrokimia-based solar cells where the absorption process light done by the dye molecules and the process of separation of inorganic semiconductor materials by charge of Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and Zinc oxide (ZnO). The purpose of this research is to know the exact composition of TiO2 and ZnO materials in order to produce the best efficiency with DSSC. On this research was done making prototype dye-sensitized solar cell using dye Z 907, and semiconductor nanoparticles TiO2 and ZnO powder that is made into a paste by mixing different composition in two variations of samples: A = ZnO (powder) + 40% TiO2 (powder) and B = 60% TiO2 (powder) (40%) + TiO2 (pasta) 60%. The second variation of this high efficiency is value at sample B i.e. TiO2 (powder) + 40% TiO2 (paste) of 60%.

3D elemental sensitive imaging using transmission X-ray microscopy.

PubMed

Liu, Yijin; Meirer, Florian; Wang, Junyue; Requena, Guillermo; Williams, Phillip; Nelson, Johanna; Mehta, Apurva; Andrews, Joy C; Pianetta, Piero

2012-09-01

Determination of the heterogeneous distribution of metals in alloy/battery/catalyst and biological materials is critical to fully characterize and/or evaluate the functionality of the materials. Using synchrotron-based transmission x-ray microscopy (TXM), it is now feasible to perform nanoscale-resolution imaging over a wide X-ray energy range covering the absorption edges of many elements; combining elemental sensitive imaging with determination of sample morphology. We present an efficient and reliable methodology to perform 3D elemental sensitive imaging with excellent sample penetration (tens of microns) using hard X-ray TXM. A sample of an Al-Si piston alloy is used to demonstrate the capability of the proposed method.

Polarization sensitivity testing of off-plane reflection gratings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marlowe, Hannah; McEntaffer, Randal L.; DeRoo, Casey T.; Miles, Drew M.; Tutt, James H.; Laubis, Christian; Soltwisch, Victor

2015-09-01

Off-Plane reflection gratings were previously predicted to have different efficiencies when the incident light is polarized in the transverse-magnetic (TM) versus transverse-electric (TE) orientations with respect to the grating grooves. However, more recent theoretical calculations which rigorously account for finitely conducting, rather than perfectly conducting, grating materials no longer predict significant polarization sensitivity. We present the first empirical results for radially ruled, laminar groove profile gratings in the off-plane mount which demonstrate no difference in TM versus TE efficiency across our entire 300-1500 eV bandpass. These measurements together with the recent theoretical results confirm that grazing incidence off-plane reflection gratings using real, not perfectly conducting, materials are not polarization sensitive.

Recent Advances in the Synthesis of High Explosive Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-29

explosives and secondary high explosives, and the sensitivities and properties of these molecules are provided. In addition to the synthesis of such materials...This review discusses the recent advances in the syntheses of high explosive energetic materials. Syntheses of some relevant modern primary

EB and EUV lithography using inedible cellulose-based biomass resist material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takei, Satoshi; Hanabata, Makoto; Oshima, Akihiro; Kashiwakura, Miki; Kozawa, Takahiro; Tagawa, Seiichi

2016-03-01

The validity of our approach of inedible cellulose-based resist material derived from woody biomass has been confirmed experimentally for the use of pure water in organic solvent-free water spin-coating and tetramethylammonium hydroxide(TMAH)-free water-developable techniques of eco-conscious electron beam (EB) and extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. The water developable, non-chemically amplified, high sensitive, and negative tone resist material in EB and EUV lithography was developed for environmental affair, safety, easiness of handling, and health of the working people. The inedible cellulose-based biomass resist material was developed by replacing the hydroxyl groups in the beta-linked disaccharides with EB and EUV sensitive groups. The 50-100 nm line and space width, and little footing profiles of cellulose-based biomass resist material on hardmask and layer were resolved at the doses of 10-30 μC/cm2. The eco-conscious lithography techniques was referred to as green EB and EUV lithography using inedible cellulose-based biomass resist material.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, acetic acid, C7-9-branched alkyl esters, C8-rich, CAS Registry Number 108419-32-5.

PubMed

Api, A M; Belsito, D; Botelho, D; Browne, D; Bruze, M; Burton, G A; Buschmann, J; Calow, P; Dagli, M L; Date, M; Dekant, W; Deodhar, C; Fryer, A D; Joshi, K; La Cava, S; Lapczynski, A; Liebler, D C; O'Brien, D; Parakhia, R; Patel, A; Penning, T M; Ritacco, G; Romine, J; Salvito, D; Schultz, T W; Sipes, I G; Thakkar, Y; Tsang, S; Wahler, J

2017-12-01

The use of this material under current conditions is supported by existing information. This material was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, as well as environmental safety. Data show that this material is not genotoxic. Data from the suitable read across analog isoamyl acetate (CAS# 123-92-2) show that this material does not have skin sensitization potential. The reproductive and local respiratory toxicity endpoints were completed using the TTC (Threshold of Toxicological Concern) for a Cramer Class I material (0.03 mg/kg/day and 1.4 mg/day, respectively). The repeated dose and developmental endpoint was completed using data on the target material, which provided a MOE > 100. The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoint was completed based on suitable UV spectra. The environmental endpoint was completed as described in the RIFM Framework. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cultural Literacy Based Critical Reading Teaching Material with Active Reader Strategy for Junior High School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Damaianti, Vismaia S.; Damaianti, Lira Fessia; Mulyati, Yeti

2017-01-01

This article describes the findings of a study aimed at producing a set of cultural literacy-oriented critical reading teaching material. This material is developed as a countermeasure to the increasingly thin sensitivity of society, especially the students toward noble values of religion, custom, and culture. With this material student get a…

Tuning the dynamic range and sensitivity of optical oxygen-sensors by employing differently substituted polystyrene-derivatives

PubMed Central

Koren, Klaus; Hutter, Lukas; Enko, Barbara; Pein, Andreas; Borisov, Sergey M.; Klimant, Ingo

2013-01-01

Ten different polystyrene-derivatives were tested with respect to their potential use as matrix materials for optical oxygen sensors in combination with the platinum(II) meso-tetra(4-fluorophenyl)tetrabenzoporphyrin as indicator dye. Either halogen atoms or bulky residues were introduced as substituents on the phenyl ring. A fine-tuning of the sensor sensitivity was achieved, without compromising solubility of the indicator in the matrix by providing a chemical environment very similar to polystyrene (PS), a standard matrix in optical oxygen sensors. To put the results into perspective, the studied materials were compared to PS regarding sensitivity of the sensor, molecular weight and glass-transition temperature. The materials promise to be viable alternatives to PS with respect to the requirements posed in various sensor application fields. Some of the polymers (e.g. poly(2,6-dichlorostyrene)) promise to be of use in applications requiring measurements from 0 to 100% oxygen due to linearity across this range. Poly(4-tert-butylstyrene) and poly(2,6-fluorostyrene), on the other hand, yield sensors with increased sensitivity. Sensor stability was evaluated as a function of the matrix, a topic which has not received a lot of interest so far. PMID:23576846

Using lead chalcogenide nanocrystals as spin mixers: a perspective on near-infrared-to-visible upconversion.

PubMed

Nienhaus, Lea; Wu, Mengfei; Bulović, Vladimir; Baldo, Marc A; Bawendi, Moungi G

2018-03-01

The process of upconversion leads to emission of photons higher in energy than the incident photons. Near-infrared-to-visible upconversion, in particular, shows promise in sub-bandgap sensitization of silicon and other optoelectronic materials, resulting in potential applications ranging from photovoltaics that exceed the Shockley-Queisser limit to infrared imaging. A feasible mechanism for near-infrared-to-visible upconversion is triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA) sensitized by colloidal nanocrystals (NCs). Here, the long lifetime of spin-triplet excitons in the organic materials that undergo TTA makes upconversion possible under incoherent excitation at relatively low photon fluxes. Since this process relies on optically inactive triplet states, semiconductor NCs are utilized as efficient spin mixers, absorbing the incident light and sensitizing the triplet states of the TTA material. The state-of-the-art system uses rubrene with a triplet energy of 1.14 eV as the TTA medium, and thus allows upconversion of light with photon energies above ∼1.1 eV. In this perspective, we review the field of lead sulfide (PbS) NC-sensitized near-infrared-to-visible upconversion, discuss solution-based upconversion, and highlight progress made on solid-state upconversion devices.

Low-cost polarization microscopy for cholesterol crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Kyungmin; Cho, Seonghee; Kim, Taehoon; Park, Hyoeun; Kim, Jinmoo; Lee, Seunghoon; Kang, Yeonsu; Chang, Kiyuk; Kim, Chulhong

2018-02-01

Because cholesterol crystals (Chcs) are a major cause of atherosclerosis, imaging Chcs in tissues with high sensitivity and specificity is important in diagnosing and predicting atherosclerosis. Polarizing microscopy (PM) has been widely used to image crystalline materials in tissues, but it has been difficult to distinguish Chcs from other crystalline materials in tissues. Thus, various methods such as fluorescent dye staining, Raman spectroscopy, and two-photon microscopy (TPM) have been developed to image Chcs with high sensitivity and specificity. However, these methods require expensive equipment or complex processes. Therefore, we have developed a low-cost, easy-to-use PM system using an LED light source that can distinguish Chcs from other crystalline materials with high sensitivity and specificity. Due to the nature of the LED spectrum in our system, collagen is displayed in yellow and Chcs in blue. In addition, we have improved the sensitivity and specificity by creating an aqueous condition on the sample. In the aqueous state, signals of yellowish collagen fibers were reduced and signals of Chcs were highlighted. The Chcs detection capability of our system was verified compared with the TPM image. In addition, clinical feasibility was shown by comparison with existing histological methods.

11% efficiency solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells with copper(II/I) hole transport materials

PubMed Central

Cao, Yiming; Saygili, Yasemin; Ummadisingu, Amita; Teuscher, Joël; Luo, Jingshan; Pellet, Norman; Giordano, Fabrizio; Zakeeruddin, Shaik Mohammed; Moser, Jacques -E.; Freitag, Marina; Hagfeldt, Anders; Grätzel, Michael

2017-01-01

Solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells currently suffer from issues such as inadequate nanopore filling, low conductivity and crystallization of hole-transport materials infiltrated in the mesoscopic TiO2 scaffolds, leading to low performances. Here we report a record 11% stable solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell under standard air mass 1.5 global using a hole-transport material composed of a blend of [Cu (4,4′,6,6′-tetramethyl-2,2′-bipyridine)2](bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide)2 and [Cu (4,4′,6,6′-tetramethyl-2,2′-bipyridine)2](bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide). The amorphous Cu(II/I) conductors that conduct holes by rapid hopping infiltrated in a 6.5 μm-thick mesoscopic TiO2 scaffold are crucial for achieving such high efficiency. Using time-resolved laser photolysis, we determine the time constants for electron injection from the photoexcited sensitizers Y123 into the TiO2 and regeneration of the Y123 by Cu(I) to be 25 ps and 3.2 μs, respectively. Our work will foster the development of low-cost solid-state photovoltaic based on transition metal complexes as hole conductors. PMID:28598436

Holographic Optical Elements Recorded in Silver Halide Sensitized Gelatin Emulsions. Part 2. Reflection Holographic Optical Elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jong Man; Choi, Byung So; Choi, Yoon Sun; Kim, Jong Min; Bjelkhagen, Hans I.; Phillips, Nicholas J.

2002-03-01

Silver halide sensitized gelatin (SHSG) holograms are similar to holograms recorded in dichromated gelatin (DCG), the main recording material for holographic optical elements (HOEs). The drawback of DCG is its low energetic sensitivity and limited spectral response. Silver halide materials can be processed in such a way that the final hologram will have properties like a DCG hologram. Recently this technique has become more interesting since the introduction of new ultra-fine-grain silver halide (AgHal) emulsions. In particular, high spatial-frequency fringes associated with HOEs of the reflection type are difficult to construct when SHSG processing methods are employed. Therefore an optimized processing technique for reflection HOEs recorded in the new AgHal materials is introduced. Diffraction efficiencies over 90% can be obtained repeatably for reflection diffraction gratings. Understanding the importance of a selective hardening process has made it possible to obtain results similar to conventional DCG processing. The main advantage of the SHSG process is that high-sensitivity recording can be performed with laser wavelengths anywhere within the visible spectrum. This simplifies the manufacturing of high-quality, large-format HOEs, also including high-quality display holograms of the reflection type in both monochrome and full color.

Methods of measurement for semiconductor materials, process control, and devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bullis, W. M. (Editor)

1971-01-01

The development of methods of measurement for semiconductor materials, process control, and devices is discussed. The following subjects are also presented: (1) demonstration of the high sensitivity of the infrared response technique by the identification of gold in a germanium diode, (2) verification that transient thermal response is significantly more sensitive to the presence of voids in die attachment than steady-state thermal resistance, and (3) development of equipment for determining susceptibility of transistors to hot spot formation by the current-gain technique.

A toxicological study of 1,2,4-triazole-5-one

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

London, J.

1988-12-01

The acute oral LD/sub 50/ values for 1,2,4-triazole-5-one (TO) are greater than 5g/kg. According to classical guidelines, the material would be considered only slightly toxic or practically nontoxic in both rats and mice. The sensitization study in the guinea pig did not show TO to have potential sensitizing effects. Skin application studies on the rabbit demonstrated it was cutaneously nonirritating. This material was also nonirritating in the rabbit eye application studies. 4 refs., 1 tab.

46 CFR 56.60-20 - Nonferrous materials.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... types of heat sensitive materials must not be used to conduct flammable, combustible, or dangerous... corrosion due to the relative solution potentials of copper and aluminum and their alloys should be...

46 CFR 56.60-20 - Nonferrous materials.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... types of heat sensitive materials must not be used to conduct flammable, combustible, or dangerous... corrosion due to the relative solution potentials of copper and aluminum and their alloys should be...

46 CFR 56.60-20 - Nonferrous materials.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... types of heat sensitive materials must not be used to conduct flammable, combustible, or dangerous... corrosion due to the relative solution potentials of copper and aluminum and their alloys should be...

46 CFR 56.60-20 - Nonferrous materials.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... types of heat sensitive materials must not be used to conduct flammable, combustible, or dangerous... corrosion due to the relative solution potentials of copper and aluminum and their alloys should be...

Via Method for Lithography Free Contact and Preservation of 2D Materials.

PubMed

Telford, Evan J; Benyamini, Avishai; Rhodes, Daniel; Wang, Da; Jung, Younghun; Zangiabadi, Amirali; Watanabe, Kenji; Taniguchi, Takashi; Jia, Shuang; Barmak, Katayun; Pasupathy, Abhay N; Dean, Cory R; Hone, James

2018-02-14

Atomically thin 2D materials span the common components of electronic circuits as metals, semiconductors, and insulators, and can manifest correlated phases such as superconductivity, charge density waves, and magnetism. An ongoing challenge in the field is to incorporate these 2D materials into multilayer heterostructures with robust electrical contacts while preventing disorder and degradation. In particular, preserving and studying air-sensitive 2D materials has presented a significant challenge since they readily oxidize under atmospheric conditions. We report a new technique for contacting 2D materials, in which metal via contacts are integrated into flakes of insulating hexagonal boron nitride, and then placed onto the desired conducting 2D layer, avoiding direct lithographic patterning onto the 2D conductor. The metal contacts are planar with the bottom surface of the boron nitride and form robust contacts to multiple 2D materials. These structures protect air-sensitive 2D materials for months with no degradation in performance. This via contact technique will provide the capability to produce "atomic printed circuit boards" that can form the basis of more complex multilayer heterostructures.

Capabilities of the Materials Contamination Team at Marshall Space Flight Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burns, H. D.; Finckenor, M. M.; Boothe, R. E.; Albyn, K. C.; Finchum, C. A.

2003-01-01

The Materials Contamination Team of the Environmental Effects Group, Materials, Processes, and Manufacturing Department, has been recognized for its contribution to space flight, including space transportation, space science and flight projects, such as the reusable solid rocket motor, Chandra X-Ray Observatory, and the International Space Station. The Materials Contamination Team s realm of responsibility encompasses all phases of hardware development including design, manufacturing, assembly, test, transportation, launch-site processing, on-orbit exposure, return, and refurbishment if required. Contamination is a concern in the Space Shuttle with sensitivity bondlines and reactive fluid (liquid oxygen) compatibility as well as for sensitive optics, particularly spacecraft such as Hubble Space Telescope and Chandra X-Ray Observatory. The Materials Contamination Team has a variety of facilities and instrumentation capable of contaminant detection identification, and monitoring. The team addresses material applications dealing with environments, including production facilities, clean rooms, and on-orbit exposure. The team of engineers and technicians also develop and evaluates new surface cleanliness inspection technologies. Databases are maintained by the team for proces! materials as well as outgassing and optical compatibility test results for specific environments.

Energetic Materials Center Report--Small-Scale Safety and Thermal Testing Evaluation of Butyl Nitrate

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

Hsu, Peter C.; Reynolds, John G.

2013-04-26

Butyl Nitrate (BN) was examined by Small-Scale Safety and Thermal (SSST) Testing techniques to determine its sensitivity to impact, friction, spark and thermal exposure simulating handling and storage conditions. Under the conditions tested, the BN exhibits thermal sensitivity above 150 °C, and does not exhibit sensitive to impact, friction or spark.

The EpiOcular Eye Irritation Test (EIT) for hazard identification and labelling of eye irritating chemicals: protocol optimisation for solid materials and the results after extended shipment.

PubMed

Kaluzhny, Yulia; Kandárová, Helena; Handa, Yuki; DeLuca, Jane; Truong, Thoa; Hunter, Amy; Kearney, Paul; d'Argembeau-Thornton, Laurence; Klausner, Mitchell

2015-05-01

The 7th Amendment to the EU Cosmetics Directive and the EU REACH Regulation have reinforced the need for in vitro ocular test methods. Validated in vitro ocular toxicity tests that can predict the human response to chemicals, cosmetics and other consumer products are required for the safety assessment of materials that intentionally, or inadvertently, come into contact with the eye. The EpiOcular Eye Irritation Test (EIT), which uses the normal human cell-based EpiOcular™ tissue model, was developed to address this need. The EpiOcular-EIT is able to discriminate, with high sensitivity and accuracy, between ocular irritant/corrosive materials and those that require no labelling. Although the original EpiOcular-EIT protocol was successfully pre-validated in an international, multicentre study sponsored by COLIPA (the predecessor to Cosmetics Europe), data from two larger studies (the EURL ECVAM-COLIPA validation study and an independent in-house validation at BASF SE) resulted in a sensitivity for the protocol for solids that was below the acceptance criteria set by the Validation Management Group (VMG) for eye irritation, and indicated the need for improvement of the assay's sensitivity for solids. By increasing the exposure time for solid materials from 90 minutes to 6 hours, the optimised EpiOcular-EIT protocol achieved 100% sensitivity, 68.4% specificity and 84.6% accuracy, thereby meeting all the acceptance criteria set by the VMG. In addition, to satisfy the needs of Japan and the Pacific region, the EpiOcular-EIT method was evaluated for its performance after extended shipment and storage of the tissues (4-5 days), and it was confirmed that the assay performs with similar levels of sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility in these circumstances. 2015 FRAME.

Depth estimation of multi-layered impact damage in PMC using lateral thermography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Whitlow, Travis; Kramb, Victoria; Reibel, Rick; Dierken, Josiah

2018-04-01

Characterization of impact damage in polymer matrix composites (PMCs) continues to be a challenge due to the complex internal structure of the material. Nondestructive characterization approaches such as normal incident immersion ultrasound and flash thermography are sensitive to delamination damage, but do not provide information regarding damage obscured by the delaminations. Characterization of material state below a delamination requires a technique which is sensitive to in-plane damage modes such as matrix cracking and fiber breakage. Previous studies of the lateral heat flow through a composite laminate showed that the diffusion time was sensitive to the depth of the simulated damage zone. The current study will further evaluate the lateral diffusion model to provide sensitivity limits for the modeled flaw dimensions. Comparisons between the model simulations and experimental data obtained using a concentrated heat source and machined targets will also be presented.

Fabrications and Performance of Wireless LC Pressure Sensors through LTCC Technology.

PubMed

Lin, Lin; Ma, Mingsheng; Zhang, Faqiang; Liu, Feng; Liu, Zhifu; Li, Yongxiang

2018-01-25

This paper presents a kind of passive wireless pressure sensor comprised of a planar spiral inductor and a cavity parallel plate capacitor fabricated through low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology. The LTCC material with a low Young's modulus of ~65 GPa prepared by our laboratory was used to obtain high sensitivity. A three-step lamination process was applied to construct a high quality cavity structure without using any sacrificial materials. The effects of the thickness of the sensing membranes on the sensitivity and detection range of the pressure sensors were investigated. The sensor with a 148 μm sensing membrane showed the highest sensitivity of 3.76 kHz/kPa, and the sensor with a 432 μm sensing membrane presented a high detection limit of 2660 kPa. The tunable sensitivity and detection limit of the wireless pressure sensors can meet the requirements of different scenes.

Electromagnetic and nuclear radiation detector using micromechanical sensors

DOEpatents

Thundat, Thomas G.; Warmack, Robert J.; Wachter, Eric A.

2000-01-01

Electromagnetic and nuclear radiation is detected by micromechanical sensors that can be coated with various interactive materials. As the micromechanical sensors absorb radiation, the sensors bend and/or undergo a shift in resonance characteristics. The bending and resonance changes are detected with high sensitivity by any of several detection methods including optical, capacitive, and piezoresistive methods. Wide bands of the electromagnetic spectrum can be imaged with picoJoule sensitivity, and specific absorptive coatings can be used for selective sensitivity in specific wavelength bands. Microcantilevers coated with optical cross-linking polymers are useful as integrating optical radiation dosimeters. Nuclear radiation dosimetry is possible by fabricating cantilevers from materials that are sensitive to various nuclear particles or radiation. Upon exposure to radiation, the cantilever bends due to stress and its resonance frequency shifts due to changes in elastic properties, based on cantilever shape and properties of the coating.

Towards metal chalcogenide nanowire-based colour-sensitive photodetectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Butanovs, Edgars; Butikova, Jelena; Zolotarjovs, Aleksejs; Polyakov, Boris

2018-01-01

In recent years, nanowires have been shown to exhibit high photosensitivities, and, therefore are of interest in a variety of optoelectronic applications, for example, colour-sensitive photodetectors. In this study, we fabricated two-terminal PbS, In2S3, CdS and ZnSe single-nanowire photoresistor devices and tested applicability of these materials under the same conditions for colour-sensitive (405 nm, 532 nm and 660 nm) light detection. Nanowires were grown via atmospheric pressure chemical vapour transport method, their structure and morphology were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and optical properties were investigated with photoluminescence (PL) measurements. Single-nanowire photoresistors were fabricated via in situ nanomanipulations inside SEM, using focused ion beam (FIB) cutting and electron-beam-assisted platinum welding; their current-voltage characteristics and photoresponse values were measured. Applicability of the tested nanowire materials for colour-sensitive light detection is discussed.

Elucidation of high sensitivity of δ-HMX: New insight from first principles simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuklja, Maija M.; Tsyshevsky, Roman V.; Sharia, Onise

2017-01-01

Understanding of a significant difference in sensitivities of β and δ phases of cyclotetramethylene-tetranitramine (HMX) has been long one of the challenges in the field of high energy density materials. Despite many experimental and theoretical efforts to explain the high sensitivity of the δ phase, convincing reasons behind the HMX behavior remained unclear. We established that the presence of a polar surface in δ-HMX has fundamental implications for stability and overall chemical behavior of the material. A comparative quantum-chemical analysis of decomposition mechanisms in polar δ-HMX and nonpolar β-HMX discovered a considerable difference in dominating dissociation reactions, activation barriers, and reaction rates. The polarization-induced charge transfer offered a logical explanation for different sensitivity of β-HMX and δ-HMX polymorphs to detonation initiation. Our conclusions also removed long-standing contradictions and explained a large range of experimental data on thermal decomposition of HMX.

Identification of material constants for piezoelectric transformers by three-dimensional, finite-element method and a design-sensitivity method.

PubMed

Joo, Hyun-Woo; Lee, Chang-Hwan; Rho, Jong-Seok; Jung, Hyun-Kyo

2003-08-01

In this paper, an inversion scheme for piezoelectric constants of piezoelectric transformers is proposed. The impedance of piezoelectric transducers is calculated using a three-dimensional finite element method. The validity of this is confirmed experimentally. The effects of material coefficients on piezoelectric transformers are investigated numerically. Six material coefficient variables for piezoelectric transformers were selected, and a design sensitivity method was adopted as an inversion scheme. The validity of the proposed method was confirmed by step-up ratio calculations. The proposed method is applied to the analysis of a sample piezoelectric transformer, and its resonance characteristics are obtained by numerically combined equivalent circuit method.

Eco-friendly electron beam lithography using water-developable resist material derived from biomass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takei, Satoshi; Oshima, Akihiro; Wakabayashi, Takanori; Kozawa, Takahiro; Tagawa, Seiichi

2012-07-01

We investigated the eco-friendly electron beam (EB) lithography using a high-sensitive negative type of water-developable resist material derived from biomass on hardmask layer for tri-layer processes. A water developable, non-chemically amplified, high sensitive, and negative tone resist material in EB lithography was developed for environmental affair, safety, easiness of handling, and health of the working people, instead of the common developable process of trimethylphenylammonium hydroxide. The images of 200 nm line and 800 nm space pattern with exposure dose of 7.0 μC/cm2 and CF4 etching selectivity of 2.2 with hardmask layer were provided by specific process conditions.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, Isopulegol, CAS Registry Number 89-79-2.

PubMed

Api, A M; Belsito, D; Bhatia, S; Bruze, M; Calow, P; Dagli, M L; Dekant, W; Fryer, A D; Kromidas, L; La Cava, S; Lalko, J F; Lapczynski, A; Liebler, D C; Penning, T M; Politano, V T; Ritacco, G; Salvito, D; Schultz, T W; Shen, J; Sipes, I G; Wall, B; Wilcox, D K

2016-11-01

This material was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, as well as environmental safety. Data show that this material is not genotoxic nor does it have skin sensitization potential. The repeated dose, developmental and reproductive, and local respiratory toxicity endpoints were completed using the TTC (Threshold of Toxicological Concern) for a Cramer Class I material (0.03, 0.03 mg/kg/day and 1.4 mg/day, respectively). The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoint was completed based on suitable UV spectra. The environmental endpoint was completed as described in the RIFM Framework. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Rare Earth Fluorescent Nanomaterials for Enhanced Development of Latent Fingerprints.

PubMed

Wang, Meng; Li, Ming; Yu, Aoyang; Wu, Jian; Mao, Chuanbin

2015-12-30

The most commonly found fingerprints at crime scenes are latent and, thus, an efficient method for detecting latent fingerprints is very important. However, traditional developing techniques have drawbacks such as low developing sensitivity, high background interference, complicated operation, and high toxicity. To tackle this challenge, we have synthesized two kinds of rare earth fluorescent nanomaterials, including the fluoresce red-emitting YVO4:Eu nanocrystals and green-emitting LaPO4:Ce,Tb nanobelts, and then used them as fluorescent labels for the development of latent fingerprints with high sensitivity, high contrast, high selectivity, high efficiency, and low background interference, on various substrates including noninfiltrating materials, semi-infiltrating materials, and infiltrating materials.

Oxygen Sensing Difluoroboron β-Diketonate Polylactide Materials with Tunable Dynamic Ranges for Wound Imaging.

PubMed

DeRosa, Christopher A; Seaman, Scott A; Mathew, Alexander S; Gorick, Catherine M; Fan, Ziyi; Demas, James N; Peirce, Shayn M; Fraser, Cassandra L

2016-11-23

Difluoroboron β-diketonate poly(lactic acid) materials exhibit both fluorescence (F) and oxygen sensitive room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP). Introduction of halide heavy atoms (Br and I) is an effective strategy to control the oxygen sensitivity in these materials. A series of naphthyl-phenyl (nbm) dye derivatives with hydrogen, bromide and iodide substituents were prepared for comparison. As nanoparticles, the hydrogen derivative was hypersensitive to oxygen (0-0.3%), while the bromide analogue was suited for hypoxia detection (0-3% O 2 ). The iodo derivative, BF 2 nbm(I)PLA, showed excellent F to RTP peak separation and an 0-100% oxygen sensitivity range unprecedented for metal-free RTP emitting materials. Due to the dual emission and unconventionally long RTP lifetimes of these O 2 sensing materials, a portable, cost-effective camera was used to quantify oxygen levels via lifetime and red/green/blue (RGB) ratiometry. The hypersensitive H dye was well matched to lifetime detection, simultaneous lifetime and ratiometric imaging was possible for the bromide analogue, whereas the iodide material, with intense RTP emission and a shorter lifetime, was suited for RGB ratiometry. To demonstrate the prospects of this camera/material design combination for bioimaging, iodide boron dye-PLA nanoparticles were applied to a murine wound model to detect oxygen levels. Surprisingly, wound oxygen imaging was achieved without covering (i.e. without isolating from ambient conditions, air). Additionally, would healing was monitored via wound size reduction and associated oxygen recovery, from hypoxic to normoxic. These single-component materials provide a simple tunable platform for biological oxygen sensing that can be deployed to spatially resolve oxygen in a variety of environments.

Singlet oxygen sensitizing materials based on porous silicone: photochemical characterization, effect of dye reloading and application to water disinfection with solar reactors.

PubMed

Manjón, Francisco; Santana-Magaña, Montserrat; García-Fresnadillo, David; Orellana, Guillermo

2010-06-01

Photogeneration of singlet molecular oxygen ((1)O(2)) is applied to organic synthesis (photooxidations), atmosphere/water treatment (disinfection), antibiofouling materials and in photodynamic therapy of cancer. In this paper, (1)O(2) photosensitizing materials containing the dyes tris(4,4'-diphenyl-2,2'-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) (1, RDB(2+)) or tris(4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline)ruthenium(II) (2, RDP(2+)), immobilized on porous silicone (abbreviated RDB/pSil and RDP/pSil), have been produced and tested for waterborne Enterococcus faecalis inactivation using a laboratory solar simulator and a compound parabolic collector (CPC)-based solar photoreactor. In order to investigate the feasibility of its reuse, the sunlight-exposed RDP/pSil sensitizing material (RDP/pSil-a) has been reloaded with RDP(2+) (RDP/pSil-r). Surprisingly, results for bacteria inactivation with the reloaded material have demonstrated a 4-fold higher efficiency compared to those of either RDP/pSil-a, unused RDB/pSil and the original RDP/pSil. Surface and bulk photochemical characterization of the new material (RDP/pSil-r) has shown that the bactericidal efficiency enhancement is due to aggregation of the silicone-supported photosensitizer on the surface of the polymer, as evidenced by confocal fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). Photogenerated (1)O(2) lifetimes in the wet sensitizer-doped silicone have been determined to be ten times longer than in water. These facts, together with the water rheology in the solar reactor and the interfacial production of the biocidal species, account for the more effective disinfection observed with the reloaded photosensitizing material. These results extend and improve the operational lifetime of photocatalytic materials for point-of-use (1)O(2)-mediated solar water disinfection.

Apprentice Still Photographer Specialist, 16-2. Military Curriculum Materials for Vocational and Technical Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ohio State Univ., Columbus. National Center for Research in Vocational Education.

This military-developed text contains four volumes of materials for use in training apprentice still photography specialists. Covered in the individual volumes are the following topics: general subjects (safety and environmental protection); still photographic fundamentals (sensitized black and white film materials, photographic exposure, still…

American Indian & Alaska Native Sources of Health Materials.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Office of Minority Health (PHS/DHHS), Washington, DC.

This brief directory lists 28 agencies providing culturally sensitive printed health materials for American Indians and Alaska Natives. Each entry provides the agency's address; telephone number; fax number; and annotated titles available, with price. Many materials are free. There is also a subject index with these categories: adolescent…

Getting the Word Out: A Practical Guide to AIDS Materials Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matiella, Ana Consuelo, Ed.

This book provides health professionals with a "how to" approach to developing culturally sensitive and effective Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) education materials. It is a collection of chapters written by community AIDS educators who have specialized knowledge and skill in developing educational materials in multi-ethnic…

Relationship between welding fume concentration and systemic inflammation after controlled exposure of human subjects with welding fumes from metal inert gas brazing of zinc-coated materials.

PubMed

Brand, Peter; Bauer, Marcus; Gube, Monika; Lenz, Klaus; Reisgen, Uwe; Spiegel-Ciobanu, Vilia Elena; Kraus, Thomas

2014-01-01

It has been shown that exposure of subjects to emissions from a metal inert gas (MIG) brazing process of zinc-coated material led to an increase of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in the blood. In this study, the no-observed-effect level (NOEL) for such emissions was assessed. Twelve healthy subjects were exposed for 6 hours to different concentrations of MIG brazing fumes under controlled conditions. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein was measured in the blood. For welding fumes containing 1.20 and 1.50 mg m zinc, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was increased the day after exposure. For 0.90 mg m zinc, no increase was detected. These data indicate that the no-observed-effect level for emissions from a MIG brazing process of zinc-coated material in respect to systemic inflammation is found for welding fumes with zinc concentrations between 0.90 and 1.20 mg m.

The Effect of Adjacent Materials on the Propagation of Phonon Polaritons in Hexagonal Boron Nitride.

PubMed

Kim, Kris S; Trajanoski, Daniel; Ho, Kevin; Gilburd, Leonid; Maiti, Aniket; van der Velden, Luuk; de Beer, Sissi; Walker, Gilbert C

2017-07-06

In order to apply the ability of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) to confine energy in the form of hyperbolic phonon polariton (HPhP) modes in photonic-electronic devices, approaches to finely control and leverage the sensitivity of these propagating waves must be investigated. Here, we show that by surrounding hBN with materials of lower/higher dielectric responses, such as air and silicon, lower/higher surface momenta of HPhPs can be achieved. Furthermore, an alternative method for preparing thin hBN crystals with minimum contamination is presented, which provides opportunities to study the sensitivity of the damping mechanism of HPhPs on adsorbed materials. Infrared scanning near-field optical microscopy (IR-SNOM) results suggest that the reflections at the upper and lower hBN interfaces are primary causes of the damping of HPhPs, and that the damping coefficients of propagating waves are highly sensitive to adjacent layers, suggesting opportunities for sensor applications.

Influence of hot spot features on the shock initiation of heterogenous nitromethane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dattelbaum, Dana; Sheffield, Stephen; Stahl, David; Dattelbaum, Andrew

2009-06-01

The shock initiation sensitivity of heterogeneous explosives is known to be strongly related to the confluence of ``hot spots'' or localized regions of high pressure and temperature. Physical origins of hot spots within a material include dynamic pore collapse, friction from motion along closed cracks, and wave reflections from other in situ interfaces. A complex interplay among numerous physical and chemical factors, spanning several length scales, determines whether or not a hot spot will quench or lead to initiation. To further elucidate key features of hot spots on energetic materials sensitivity and initiation mechanisms, we have intentionally introduced well-defined particles into the homogeneous liquid explosive nitromethane which has been gelled so the particles are somewhat stationary. Gas-gun driven shock initiation experiments using embedded electromagnetic gauging methods have been performed on these materials, revealing new insights into the role of heterogeneities on the sensitivity of the explosives through shock input-to-run distance relationships (Pop-plots), and reactive chemistry growth in and behind the incident shock front. By logically mapping out these relationships, the data provide a scientific foundation for the development of predictive capabilities for modeling new formulations, and designing next-generation energetic materials.

Predicting a contact's sensitivity to initial conditions using metrics of frictional coupling

DOE PAGES

Flicek, Robert C.; Hills, David A.; Brake, Matthew Robert W.

2016-09-29

This paper presents a method for predicting how sensitive a frictional contact’s steady-state behavior is to its initial conditions. Previous research has proven that if a contact is uncoupled, i.e. if slip displacements do not influence the contact pressure distribution, then its steady-state response is independent of initial conditions, but if the contact is coupled, the steady-state response depends on initial conditions. In this paper, two metrics for quantifying coupling in discrete frictional systems are examined. These metrics suggest that coupling is dominated by material dissimilarity due to Dundurs’ composite material parameter β when β ≥ 0.2, but geometric mismatchmore » becomes the dominant source of coupling for smaller values of β. Based on a large set of numerical simulations with different contact geometries, material combinations, and friction coefficients, a contact’s sensitivity to initial conditions is found to be correlated with the product of the coupling metric and the friction coefficient. For cyclic shear loading, this correlation is maintained for simulations with different contact geometries, material combinations, and friction coefficients. Furthermore, for cyclic bulk loading, the correlation is only maintained when the contact edge angle is held constant.« less

Damage sensitivity investigations of EMI technique on different materials through coupled field analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joshi, Bhrigu; Adhikari, Sailesh; Bhalla, Suresh

2016-04-01

This paper presents a comparative study through the piezoelectric coupled field analysis mode of finite element method (FEM) on detection of damages of varying magnitude, encompassing three different types of structural materials, using piezo impedance transducers. An aluminum block, a concrete block and a steel block of dimensions 48×48×10 mm were modelled in finite element software ANSYS. A PZT patch of 10×10×0.3 mm was also included in the model as surface bonded on the block. Coupled field analysis (CFA) was performed to obtain the admittance signatures of the piezo sensor in the frequency range of 0-250 kHz. The root mean square deviation (RMSD) index was employed to quantify the degree of variation of the signatures. It was found that concrete exhibited deviation in the signatures only with the change of damping values. However, the other two materials showed variation in the signatures even with changes in density and elasticity values in a small portion of the specimen. The comparative study shows that the PZT patches are more sensitive to damage detection in materials with low damping and the sensitivity typically decreases with increase in the damping.

Effect of synthesis route on electrical and ethanol sensing characteristics for LaFeO3-δ nanoparticles by citric sol-gel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Ensi; Yang, Yuqing; Cui, Tingting; Zhang, Yongjia; Hao, Wentao; Sun, Li; Peng, Hua; Deng, Xiao

2017-01-01

LaFeO3-δ nanoparticles were prepared by citric sol-gel method with different raw material choosing and calcination process. The choosing of polyethylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol as raw material and additional pre-calcination at 400 °C rather than direct calcination at 600 °C could result in the decrease of resistance due to the reduction of activation energy Ea. Meanwhile, the choosing of ethylene glycol as raw material and additional pre-calcination leads to the enhancement of sensitivity to ethanol. Comprehensive analysis on the sensitivity and XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS results indicates that the sensing performance of LaFeO3-δ should be mainly determined by the adsorbed oxygen species on Fe ions, with certain contribution from native active oxygen. The best sensitivity of 46.1-200 ppm ethanol at prime working temperature of 112 °C is obtained by the sample using ethylene glycol as raw material with additional pre-calcination, which originates from its uniformly-sized and well-dispersed particles as well as high atomic ratio of Fe/La at surface region.

Predicting a contact's sensitivity to initial conditions using metrics of frictional coupling

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

Flicek, Robert C.; Hills, David A.; Brake, Matthew Robert W.

This paper presents a method for predicting how sensitive a frictional contact’s steady-state behavior is to its initial conditions. Previous research has proven that if a contact is uncoupled, i.e. if slip displacements do not influence the contact pressure distribution, then its steady-state response is independent of initial conditions, but if the contact is coupled, the steady-state response depends on initial conditions. In this paper, two metrics for quantifying coupling in discrete frictional systems are examined. These metrics suggest that coupling is dominated by material dissimilarity due to Dundurs’ composite material parameter β when β ≥ 0.2, but geometric mismatchmore » becomes the dominant source of coupling for smaller values of β. Based on a large set of numerical simulations with different contact geometries, material combinations, and friction coefficients, a contact’s sensitivity to initial conditions is found to be correlated with the product of the coupling metric and the friction coefficient. For cyclic shear loading, this correlation is maintained for simulations with different contact geometries, material combinations, and friction coefficients. Furthermore, for cyclic bulk loading, the correlation is only maintained when the contact edge angle is held constant.« less

Sensitivity of acoustic nonlinearity parameter to the microstructural changes in cement-based materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Gun; Kim, Jin-Yeon; Kurtis, Kimberly E.; Jacobs, Laurence J.

2015-03-01

This research experimentally investigates the sensitivity of the acoustic nonlinearity parameter to microcracks in cement-based materials. Based on the second harmonic generation (SHG) technique, an experimental setup using non-contact, air-coupled detection is used to receive the consistent Rayleigh surface waves. To induce variations in the extent of microscale cracking in two types of specimens (concrete and mortar), shrinkage reducing admixture (SRA), is used in one set, while a companion specimen is prepared without SRA. A 50 kHz wedge transducer and a 100 kHz air-coupled transducer are implemented for the generation and detection of nonlinear Rayleigh waves. It is shown that the air-coupled detection method provides more repeatable fundamental and second harmonic amplitudes of the propagating Rayleigh waves. The obtained amplitudes are then used to calculate the relative nonlinearity parameter βre, the ratio of the second harmonic amplitude to the square of the fundamental amplitude. The experimental results clearly demonstrate that the nonlinearity parameter (βre) is highly sensitive to the microstructural changes in cement-based materials than the Rayleigh phase velocity and attenuation and that SRA has great potential to avoid shrinkage cracking in cement-based materials.

Munitions having an insensitive detonator system for initiating large failure diameter explosives

DOEpatents

Perry, III, William Leroy

2015-08-04

A munition according to a preferred embodiment can include a detonator system having a detonator that is selectively coupled to a microwave source that functions to selectively prime, activate, initiate, and/or sensitize an insensitive explosive material for detonation. The preferred detonator can include an explosive cavity having a barrier within which an insensitive explosive material is disposed and a waveguide coupled to the explosive cavity. The preferred system can further include a microwave source coupled to the waveguide such that microwaves enter the explosive cavity and impinge on the insensitive explosive material to sensitize the explosive material for detonation. In use the preferred embodiments permit the deployment and use of munitions that are maintained in an insensitive state until the actual time of use, thereby substantially preventing unauthorized or unintended detonation thereof.

Resonant soft X-ray scattering for polymer materials

DOE PAGES

Liu, Feng; Brady, Michael A.; Wang, Cheng

2016-04-16

Resonant Soft X-ray Scattering (RSoXS) was developed within the last few years, and the first dedicated resonant soft X-ray scattering beamline for soft materials was constructed at the Advanced Light Source, LBNL. RSoXS combines soft X-ray spectroscopy with X-ray scattering and thus offers statistical information for 3D chemical morphology over a large length scale range from nanometers to micrometers. Using RSoXS to characterize multi-length scale soft materials with heterogeneous chemical structures, we have demonstrated that soft X-ray scattering is a unique complementary technique to conventional hard X-ray and neutron scattering. Its unique chemical sensitivity, large accessible size scale, molecular bondmore » orientation sensitivity with polarized X-rays, and high coherence have shown great potential for chemically specific structural characterization for many classes of materials.« less

Strain Sensing Based on Multiscale Composite Materials Reinforced with Graphene Nanoplatelets.

PubMed

Moriche, Rocío; Prolongo, Silvia G; Sánchez, María; Jiménez-Suárez, Alberto; Campo, Mónica; Ureña, Alejandro

2016-11-07

The electrical response of NH2-functionalized graphene nanoplatelets composite materials under strain was studied. Two different manufacturing methods are proposed to create the electrical network in this work: (a) the incorporation of the nanoplatelets into the epoxy matrix and (b) the coating of the glass fabric with a sizing filled with the same nanoplatelets. Both types of multiscale composite materials, with an in-plane electrical conductivity of ~10 -3 S/m, showed an exponential growth of the electrical resistance as the strain increases due to distancing between adjacent functionalized graphene nanoplatelets and contact loss between overlying ones. The sensitivity of the materials analyzed during this research, using the described procedures, has been shown to be higher than commercially available strain gauges. The proposed procedures for self-sensing of the structural composite material would facilitate the structural health monitoring of components in difficult to access emplacements such as offshore wind power farms. Although the sensitivity of the multiscale composite materials was considerably higher than the sensitivity of metallic foils used as strain gauges, the value reached with NH2 functionalized graphene nanoplatelets coated fabrics was nearly an order of magnitude superior. This result elucidated their potential to be used as smart fabrics to monitor human movements such as bending of fingers or knees. By using the proposed method, the smart fabric could immediately detect the bending and recover instantly. This fact permits precise monitoring of the time of bending as well as the degree of bending.

Low-Outgassing Photogrammetry Targets for Use in Outer Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gross, Jason N.; Sampler, Henry; Reed, Benjamin B.

2011-01-01

A short document discusses an investigation of materials for photogrammetry targets for highly sensitive optical scientific instruments to be operated in outer space and in an outer-space-environment- simulating thermal vacuum chamber on Earth. A key consideration in the selection of photogrammetry-target materials for vacuum environments is the need to prevent contamination that could degrade the optical responses of the instruments. Therefore, in addition to the high levels and uniformity of reflectivity required of photogrammetry-target materials suitable for use in air, the materials sought must exhibit minimal outgassing. Commercially available photogrammetry targets were found to outgas excessively under the thermal and vacuum conditions of interest; this finding prompted the investigators to consider optically equivalent or superior, lower-outgassing alternative target materials. The document lists several materials found to satisfy the requirements, but does not state explicitly whether the materials can be used individually or must be combined in the proper sequence into layered target structures. The materials in question are an aluminized polyimide tape, an acrylic pressure- sensitive adhesive, a 500-A-thick layer of vapor-deposited aluminum, and spherical barium titanate glass beads having various diameters from 20 to 63 microns..

Trilayer TMDC Heterostructures for MOSFETs and Nanobiosensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Datta, Kanak; Shadman, Abir; Rahman, Ehsanur; Khosru, Quazi D. M.

2017-02-01

Two dimensional materials such as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC) and their bi-layer/tri-layer heterostructures have become the focus of intense research and investigation in recent years due to their promising applications in electronics and optoelectronics. In this work, we have explored device level performance of trilayer TMDC heterostructure (MoS2/MX2/MoS2; M = Mo or, W and X = S or, Se) metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) in the quantum ballistic regime. Our simulation shows that device `on' current can be improved by inserting a WS2 monolayer between two MoS2 monolayers. Application of biaxial tensile strain reveals a reduction in drain current which can be attributed to the lowering of carrier effective mass with increased tensile strain. In addition, it is found that gate underlap geometry improves electrostatic device performance by improving sub-threshold swing. However, increase in channel resistance reduces drain current. Besides exploring the prospect of these materials in device performance, novel trilayer TMDC heterostructure double gate field effect transistors (FETs) are proposed for sensing Nano biomolecules as well as for pH sensing. Bottom gate operation ensures these FETs operating beyond Nernst limit of 59 mV/pH. Simulation results found in this work reveal that scaling of bottom gate oxide results in better sensitivity while top oxide scaling exhibits an opposite trend. It is also found that, for identical operating conditions, proposed TMDC FET pH sensors show super-Nernst sensitivity indicating these materials as potential candidates in implementing such sensor. Besides pH sensing, all these materials show high sensitivity in the sub-threshold region as a channel material in nanobiosensor while MoS2/WS2/MoS2 FET shows the least sensitivity among them.

Magnetic Penetration Effects in Small Superconducting Devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stevenson, T. R.; Adams, J. S.; Balvin, M. A.; Bandler, S. R.; Denis, K. L.; Hsieh, W.-T.; Kelly, D. P.; Nagler, P. C.; Porst, J.-P.; Sadleir, J. E.;

Highly sensitive ethanol chemical sensor based on Ni-doped SnO₂ nanostructure materials.

PubMed

Rahman, Mohammed M; Jamal, Aslam; Khan, Sher Bahadar; Faisal, M

2011-10-15

Due to potential applications of semiconductor transition doped nanostructure materials and the important advantages of synthesis in cost-effective and environmental concerns, a significant effort has been consummated for improvement of Ni-doped SnO(2) nanomaterials using hydrothermal technique at room conditions. The structural and optical properties of the low-dimensional (average diameter, 52.4 nm) Ni-doped SnO(2) nanostructures were demonstrated using various conventional techniques such as UV/visible spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The calcined doped material is an attractive semiconductor nanoparticle for accomplishment in chemical sensing by simple I-V technique, where toxic chemical (ethanol) is used as a target chemical. Thin-film of Ni-doped SnO(2) nanostructure materials with conducting coating agents on silver electrodes (AgE, surface area, 0.0216 cm(2)) revealed higher sensitivity and repeatability. The calibration plot is linear (R, 0.8440) over the large dynamic range (1.0 nM-1.0 mM), where the sensitivity is approximately 2.3148 μA cm(-2) mM(-1) with a detection limit of 0.6 nM, based on signal/noise ratio in short response time. Consequently on the basis of the sensitive communication among structures, morphologies, and properties, it is exemplified that the morphologies and the optical characteristics can be extended to a large scale in doping nanomaterials and proficient chemical sensors applications. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Compatibility study of trans-1,4,5,8-tetranitro-1,4,5,8-tetraazadecalin (TNAD) with some energetic components and inert materials.

PubMed

Yan, Qi-Long; Xiao-Jiang, Li; La-Ying, Zhang; Ji-Zhen, Li; Hong-Li, Li; Zi-Ru, Liu

2008-12-30

The compatibility of trans-1,4,5,8-tetranitro-1,4,5,8-tetraazadecalin (TNAD) with some energetic components and inert materials of solid propellants was studied by using the pressure DSC method where, cyclotetramethylenetetranitroamine (HMX), cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX), 1,4-dinitropiperazine (DNP), 1.25/1-NC/NG mixture, lead 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-onate (NTO-Pb), aluminum powder (Al, particle size=13.6microm) and N-nitrodihydroxyethylaminedinitrate (DINA) were used as energetic components and polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyoxytetramethylene-co-oxyethylene (PET), addition product of hexamethylene diisocyanate and water (N-100), 2-nitrodianiline (2-NDPA), 1,3-dimethyl-1,3-diphenyl urea (C2), carbon black (C.B.), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), cupric 2,4-dihydroxy-benzoate (beta-Cu), cupric adipate (AD-Cu) and lead phthalate (phi-Pb) were used as inert materials. It was concluded that the binary systems of TNAD with NTO-Pb, RDX, PET and Al powder are compatible, and systems of TNAD with DINA and HMX are slightly sensitive, and with 2-NDPA, phi-Pb, beta-Cu, AD-Cu and Al2O3 are sensitive, and with PEG, N-100, C2 and C.B. are incompatible. The impact and friction sensitivity data of the TNAD and TNAD in combination with the other energetic materials under present study was also obtained, and there was no consequential affiliation between sensitivity and compatibility.

Highly Sensitive and Selective Ethanol Sensor Fabricated with In-Doped 3DOM ZnO.

PubMed

Wang, Zhihua; Tian, Ziwei; Han, Dongmei; Gu, Fubo

2016-03-02

ZnO is an important n-type semiconductor sensing material. Currently, much attention has been attracted to finding an effective method to prepare ZnO nanomaterials with high sensing sensitivity and excellent selectivity. A three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) ZnO nanostructure with a large surface area is beneficial to gas and electron transfer, which can enhance the gas sensitivity of ZnO. Indium (In) doping is an effective way to improve the sensing properties of ZnO. In this paper, In-doped 3DOM ZnO with enhanced sensitivity and selectivity has been synthesized by using a colloidal crystal templating method. The 3DOM ZnO with 5 at. % of In-doping exhibits the highest sensitivity (∼88) to 100 ppm ethanol at 250 °C, which is approximately 3 times higher than that of pure 3DOM ZnO. The huge improvement to the sensitivity to ethanol was attributed to the increase in the surface area and the electron carrier concentration. The doping by In introduces more electrons into the matrix, which is helpful for increasing the amount of adsorbed oxygen, leading to high sensitivity. The In-doped 3DOM ZnO is a promising material for a new type of ethanol sensor.

Integration of CdSe/CdSexTe1−x Type-II Heterojunction Nanorods into Hierarchically Porous TiO2 Electrode for Efficient Solar Energy Conversion

PubMed Central

Lee, Sangheon; Flanagan, Joseph C.; Kang, Joonhyeon; Kim, Jinhyun; Shim, Moonsub; Park, Byungwoo

2015-01-01

Semiconductor sensitized solar cells, a promising candidate for next-generation photovoltaics, have seen notable progress using 0-D quantum dots as light harvesting materials. Integration of higher-dimensional nanostructures and their multi-composition variants into sensitized solar cells is, however, still not fully investigated despite their unique features potentially beneficial for improving performance. Herein, CdSe/CdSexTe1−x type-II heterojunction nanorods are utilized as novel light harvesters for sensitized solar cells for the first time. The CdSe/CdSexTe1−x heterojunction-nanorod sensitized solar cell exhibits ~33% improvement in the power conversion efficiency compared to its single-component counterpart, resulting from superior optoelectronic properties of the type-II heterostructure and 1-octanethiol ligands aiding facile electron extraction at the heterojunction nanorod-TiO2 interface. Additional ~32% enhancement in power conversion efficiency is achieved by introducing percolation channels of large pores in the mesoporous TiO2 electrode, which allow 1-D sensitizers to infiltrate the entire depth of electrode. These strategies combined together lead to 3.02% power conversion efficiency, which is one of the highest values among sensitized solar cells utilizing 1-D nanostructures as sensitizer materials. PMID:26638994

Global Sensitivity Applied to Dynamic Combined Finite Discrete Element Methods for Fracture Simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Godinez, H. C.; Rougier, E.; Osthus, D.; Srinivasan, G.

2017-12-01

Fracture propagation play a key role for a number of application of interest to the scientific community. From dynamic fracture processes like spall and fragmentation in metals and detection of gas flow in static fractures in rock and the subsurface, the dynamics of fracture propagation is important to various engineering and scientific disciplines. In this work we implement a global sensitivity analysis test to the Hybrid Optimization Software Suite (HOSS), a multi-physics software tool based on the combined finite-discrete element method, that is used to describe material deformation and failure (i.e., fracture and fragmentation) under a number of user-prescribed boundary conditions. We explore the sensitivity of HOSS for various model parameters that influence how fracture are propagated through a material of interest. The parameters control the softening curve that the model relies to determine fractures within each element in the mesh, as well a other internal parameters which influence fracture behavior. The sensitivity method we apply is the Fourier Amplitude Sensitivity Test (FAST), which is a global sensitivity method to explore how each parameter influence the model fracture and to determine the key model parameters that have the most impact on the model. We present several sensitivity experiments for different combination of model parameters and compare against experimental data for verification.

Integration of CdSe/CdSexTe1-x Type-II Heterojunction Nanorods into Hierarchically Porous TiO2 Electrode for Efficient Solar Energy Conversion.

PubMed

Lee, Sangheon; Flanagan, Joseph C; Kang, Joonhyeon; Kim, Jinhyun; Shim, Moonsub; Park, Byungwoo

2015-12-07

Semiconductor sensitized solar cells, a promising candidate for next-generation photovoltaics, have seen notable progress using 0-D quantum dots as light harvesting materials. Integration of higher-dimensional nanostructures and their multi-composition variants into sensitized solar cells is, however, still not fully investigated despite their unique features potentially beneficial for improving performance. Herein, CdSe/CdSe(x)Te(1-x) type-II heterojunction nanorods are utilized as novel light harvesters for sensitized solar cells for the first time. The CdSe/CdSe(x)Te(1-x) heterojunction-nanorod sensitized solar cell exhibits ~33% improvement in the power conversion efficiency compared to its single-component counterpart, resulting from superior optoelectronic properties of the type-II heterostructure and 1-octanethiol ligands aiding facile electron extraction at the heterojunction nanorod-TiO(2) interface. Additional ~31% enhancement in power conversion efficiency is achieved by introducing percolation channels of large pores in the mesoporous TiO(2) electrode, which allow 1-D sensitizers to infiltrate the entire depth of electrode. These strategies combined together lead to 3.02% power conversion efficiency, which is one of the highest values among sensitized solar cells utilizing 1-D nanostructures as sensitizer materials.

Design sensitivity analysis of nonlinear structural response

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cardoso, J. B.; Arora, J. S.

1987-01-01

A unified theory is described of design sensitivity analysis of linear and nonlinear structures for shape, nonshape and material selection problems. The concepts of reference volume and adjoint structure are used to develop the unified viewpoint. A general formula for design sensitivity analysis is derived. Simple analytical linear and nonlinear examples are used to interpret various terms of the formula and demonstrate its use.

Development of Novel Polymeric Materials for Gene Therapy and pH-Sensitive Drug Delivery: Modeling, Synthesis, Characterization, and Analysis

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

Anderson, Brian Curtis

2002-01-01

The underlying theme of this thesis is the use of polymeric materials in bioapplications. Chapters 2-5 either develop a fundamental understanding of current materials used for bioapplications or establish protocols and procedures used in characterizing and synthesizing novel materials. In chapters 6 and 7 these principles and procedures are applied to the development of materials to be used for gene therapy and drug delivery. Chapter one is an introduction to the ideas that will be necessary to understand the subsequent chapters, as well as a literature review of these topics. Chapter two is a paper that has been published inmore » the ''Journal of Controlled Release'' that examines the mechanism of drug release from a polymer gel, as well as experimental design suggestions for the evaluation of water soluble drug delivery systems. Chapter three is a paper that has been published in the ''Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences'' that discusses the effect ionic salts have on properties of the polymer systems examined in chapter two. Chapter four is a paper published in the Materials Research Society Fall 2000 Symposium Series dealing with the design and synthesis of a pH-sensitive polymeric drug delivery device. Chapter five is a paper that has been published in the journal ''Biomaterials'' proposing a novel polymer/metal composite for use as a biomaterial in hip arthroplasty surgery. Chapter six is a paper that will appear in an upcoming volume of the Journal ''Biomaterials'' dealing with the synthesis of a novel water soluble cationic polymer with possible applications in non-viral gene therapy. Chapter seven is a paper that has been submitted to ''Macromolecules'' discussing several novel block copolymers based on poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(diethylamino ethyl methacrylate) that possess both pH-sensitive and temperature sensitive properties. Chapter eight contains a summary of the research contained in chapters 2-7 and proposes future research for the gene therapy and drug delivery projects.« less

Sensitivity and comparison evaluation of Saturn 5 liquid penetrants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, G. H.

1973-01-01

Results of a sensitivity and comparison evaluation performed on six liquid penetrants that were used on the Saturn 5 vehicle and other space hardware to detect surface discontinuities are described. The relationship between penetrant materials and crack definition capabilities, the optimum penetrant materials evaluation method, and the optimum measurement methods for crack dimensions were investigated. A unique method of precise developer thickness control was envolved, utilizing clear radiographic film and a densitometer. The method of evaluation included five aluminum alloy, 2219-T87, specimens that were heated and then quenched in cold water to produce cracks. The six penetrants were then applied, one at a time, and the crack indications were counted and recorded for each penetrant for comparison purposes. Measurements were made by determining the visual crack indications per linear inch and then sectioning the specimens for a metallographic count of the cracks present. This method provided a numerical approach for assigning a sensitivity index number to the penetrants. Of the six penetrants evaluated, two were not satisfactory (one was not sufficiently sensitive and the other was to sensitive, giving false indications). The other four were satisfactory with approximately the same sensitivity in the range of 78 to 80.5 percent of total cracks detected.

Modified short-term guinea pig sensitization tests for detecting contact allergens as an alternative to the conventional test.

PubMed

Yanagi, M; Hoya, M; Mori, M; Katsumura, Y

2001-03-01

The conventional adjuvant and patch test (APT) method of guinea pig sensitization testing was modified in 2 ways, s-APT and s-APT(2), in order to shorten the test period. These short-term test methods consist of 72-h closed application of test material with intradermal injection of emulsified Freund's complete adjuvant (E-FCA) for 1st induction, 48-h closed application of test material with (s-APT) or without (s-APT(2)) intradermal injection of E-FCA on the 7th day for 2nd induction, and open application on the 14th day for challenge. They were compared with conventional APT by using 8 allergenic chemicals (formaldehyde, nickel sulfate, cobalt sulfate, ethyl-p-aminobenzoate (benzocaine), isoeugenol, 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and 1-phenylazo-2-naphthol (Sudan I)). The short-term methods gave similar results to those of conventional APT in terms of mean response, sensitization rate and sensitization potency (challenge concentration that induces a mean response equal to 1.0). Thus, our short-term methods, which are capable of evaluating skin sensitization within 17 days, are sufficiently sensitive to detect potentially hazardous contact allergens.

Sensitivity optimization in whispering gallery mode optical cylindrical biosensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khozeymeh, F.; Razaghi, M.

2018-01-01

Whispering-gallery-mode resonances propagated in cylindrical resonators have two angular and radial orders of l and i. In this work, the higher radial order whispering-gallery-mode resonances, (i = 1 - 4), at a fixed l are examined. The sensitivity of theses resonances is analysed as a function of the structural parameters of the cylindrical resonator like different radii and refractive index of composed material of the resonator. A practical application where cylindrical resonators are used for the measurement of glucose concentration in water is presented as a biosensor demonstrator. We calculate the wavelength shifts of the WG1-4, in several glucose/water solutions, with concentrations spanning from 0.0% to 9.0.% (weight/weight). Improved sensitivity can be achieved using multi-WGM cylindrical resonators with radius of R = 100 μm and resonator composed material of MgF 2 with refractive index of nc = 1.38. Also the effect of polarization on sensitivity is considered for all four WGMs. The best sensitivity of 83.07 nm/RIU for the fourth WGM with transverse magnetic polarization, is reported. These results propose optimized parameters aimed to fast designing of cylindrical resonators as optical biosensors, where both the sensitivity and the geometries can be optimized.

Nanocrystalline SiC film thermistors for cryogenic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitin, V. F.; Kholevchuk, V. V.; Semenov, A. V.; Kozlovskii, A. A.; Boltovets, N. S.; Krivutsa, V. A.; Slepova, A. S.; Novitskii, S. V.

2018-02-01

We developed a heat-sensitive material based on nanocrystalline SiC films obtained by direct deposition of carbon and silicon ions onto sapphire substrates. These SiC films can be used for resistance thermometers operating in the 2 K-300 K temperature range. Having high heat sensitivity, they are relatively low sensitive to the magnetic field. The designs of the sensors are presented together with a discussion of their thermometric characteristics and sensitivity to magnetic fields.

Evaluation of ultra-low background materials for uranium and thorium using ICP-MS

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

Hoppe, E. W.; Overman, N. R.; LaFerriere, B. D.

2013-08-08

An increasing number of physics experiments require low background materials for their construction. The presence of Uranium and Thorium and their progeny in these materials present a variety of unwanted background sources for these experiments. The sensitivity of the experiments continues to drive the necessary levels of detection ever lower as well. This requirement for greater sensitivity has rendered direct radioassay impractical in many cases requiring large quantities of material, frequently many kilograms, and prolonged counting times, often months. Other assay techniques have been employed such as Neutron Activation Analysis but this requires access to expensive facilities and instrumentation andmore » can be further complicated and delayed by the formation of unwanted radionuclides. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a useful tool and recent advancements have increased the sensitivity particularly in the elemental high mass range of U and Th. Unlike direct radioassay, ICP-MS is a destructive technique since it requires the sample to be in liquid form which is aspirated into a high temperature plasma. But it benefits in that it usually requires a very small sample, typically about a gram. This paper discusses how a variety of low background materials such as copper, polymers, and fused silica are made amenable to ICP-MS assay and how the arduous task of maintaining low backgrounds of U and Th is achieved.« less

Evaluation of Ultra-Low Background Materials for Uranium and Thorium Using ICP-MS

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

Hoppe, Eric W.; Overman, Nicole R.; LaFerriere, Brian D.

2013-08-08

An increasing number of physics experiments require low background materials for their construction. The presence of Uranium and Thorium and their progeny in these materials present a variety of unwanted background sources for these experiments. The sensitivity of the experiments continues to drive the necessary levels of detection ever lower as well. This requirement for greater sensitivity has rendered direct radioassay impractical in many cases requiring large quantities of material, frequently many kilograms, and prolonged counting times, often months. Other assay techniques have been employed such as Neutron Activation Analysis but this requires access to expensive facilities and instrumentation andmore » can be further complicated and delayed by the formation of unwanted radionuclides. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a useful tool and recent advancements have increased the sensitivity particularly in the elemental high mass range of U and Th. Unlike direct radioassay, ICP-MS is a destructive technique since it requires the sample to be in liquid form which is aspirated into a high temperature plasma. But it benefits in that it usually requires a very small sample, typically about a gram. Here we will discuss how a variety of low background materials such as copper, polymers, and fused silica are made amenable to ICP-MS assay and how the arduous task of maintaining low backgrounds of U and Th is achieved.« less

Functionalized graphene and other two-dimensional materials for photovoltaic devices: device design and processing.

PubMed

Liu, Zhike; Lau, Shu Ping; Yan, Feng

2015-08-07

Graphene is the thinnest two-dimensional (2D) carbon material and has many advantages including high carrier mobilities and conductivity, high optical transparency, excellent mechanical flexibility and chemical stability, which make graphene an ideal material for various optoelectronic devices. The major applications of graphene in photovoltaic devices are for transparent electrodes and charge transport layers. Several other 2D materials have also shown advantages in charge transport and light absorption over traditional semiconductor materials used in photovoltaic devices. Great achievements in the applications of 2D materials in photovoltaic devices have been reported, yet numerous challenges still remain. For practical applications, the device performance should be further improved by optimizing the 2D material synthesis, film transfer, surface functionalization and chemical/physical doping processes. In this review, we will focus on the recent advances in the applications of graphene and other 2D materials in various photovoltaic devices, including organic solar cells, Schottky junction solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells, quantum dot-sensitized solar cells, other inorganic solar cells, and perovskite solar cells, in terms of the functionalization techniques of the materials, the device design and the device performance. Finally, conclusions and an outlook for the future development of this field will be addressed.

Childhood quality influences genetic sensitivity to environmental influences across adulthood: A life-course Gene × Environment interaction study.

PubMed

Keers, Robert; Pluess, Michael

2017-12-01

While environmental adversity has been shown to increase risk for psychopathology, individuals differ in their sensitivity to these effects. Both genes and childhood experiences are thought to influence sensitivity to the environment, and these factors may operate synergistically such that the effects of childhood experiences on later sensitivity are greater in individuals who are more genetically sensitive. In line with this hypothesis, several recent studies have reported a significant three-way interaction (Gene × Environment × Environment) between two candidate genes and childhood and adult environment on adult psychopathology. We aimed to replicate and extend these findings in a large, prospective multiwave longitudinal study using a polygenic score of environmental sensitivity and objectively measured childhood and adult material environmental quality. We found evidence for both Environment × Environment and Gene × Environment × Environment effects on psychological distress. Children with a poor-quality material environment were more sensitive to the negative effects of a poor environment as adults, reporting significantly higher psychological distress scores. These effects were further moderated by a polygenic score of environmental sensitivity. Genetically sensitive children were more vulnerable to adversity as adults, if they had experienced a poor childhood environment but were significantly less vulnerable if their childhood environment was positive. These findings are in line with the differential susceptibility hypothesis and suggest that a life course approach is necessary to elucidate the role of Gene × Environment in the development of mental illnesses.

Effects of Gain Changes on RPM Performance

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

Lousteau, Angela L; York, Robbie Lynn; Livesay, Jake

2012-03-01

The mission of the U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration's (DOE/NNSA's) Office of the Second Line of Defense (SLD) is to strengthen the capability of foreign governments to deter, detect, and interdict the illicit trafficking of special nuclear and other radioactive materials across international borders and through the global maritime shipping system. The goal of this mission is to reduce the probability of these materials being fashioned into a weapon of mass destruction or radiological dispersal device that could be used against the United States or its international partners. This goal is achieved primarily through the installation and operationmore » of radiation detection equipment at border crossings, airports, seaports, and other strategic locations around the world. In order to effectively detect the movement of radioactive material, the response of these radiation detectors to various materials in various configurations must be well characterized. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) investigated two aspects of Radiation Portal Monitor (RPM) settings, based on a preliminary investigation done by the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL): source-to-detector distance effect on amplifier gain and optimized discriminator settings. This report discusses this investigation. A number of conclusions can be drawn from the ORNL testing. First, for increased distance between the source and the detector, thus illuminating the entire detector rather than just the center of the detector (as is done during detector alignments), an increase in gain may provide a 5-15% increase in sensitivity (Fig. 4). However, increasing the gain without adjusting the discriminator settings is not recommended as this makes the monitor more sensitive to electronic noise and temperature-induced fluctuations. Furthermore, if the discriminators are adjusted in relation to the increase in gain, thus appropriately discriminating against electronic noise, the sensitivity gains are less than 5% (Fig. 6). ORNL does not consider this slight increase in sensitivity to be a worthwhile pursuit. Second, increasing the ULD will increase sensitivity a few percent (Fig. 7); however, it is not clear that the slight increase in sensitivity is worth the effort required to make the change (e.g., reliability, cost, etc.). Additionally, while the monitor would be more sensitive to HEU, it would also be more sensitive to NORM. Third, the sensitivity of the system remains approximately the same whether it is calibrated to a small source on contact or a large source far away (Fig. 6). This affirms that no changes to the existing calibration procedure are necessary.« less

Magnetic sensor for high temperature using a laminate composite of magnetostrictive material and piezoelectric material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ueno, Toshiyuki; Higuchi, Toshiro

2005-05-01

A high sensitive and heat-resistive magnetic sensor using a magnetostrictive/piezoelectric laminate composite is investigated. The sensing principle is based on the magnetostrictive- and piezoelectric effect, whereby a detected yoke displacement is transduced into a voltage on the piezoelectric materials. The sensor is intended to detect the displacement of a ferromagnetic object in a high temperature environment, where conventional magnetic sensors are not useful. Such applications include sensors in engine of automobile and machinery used in material processing. The sensor features combination of a laminate composite of magnetostrictive/piezoelectric materials with high Curie temperatures and an appropriate magnetic circuit to convert mechanical displacement to sensor voltages and suppress temperature fluctuation. This paper describes the sensing principle and shows experimental results using a composite of Terfenol-D and Lithium Niobate to assure high sensitivity of 50V/mm at bias gap of 0.1mm and a temperature operating range over 200 °C.

Sensor arrays for detecting analytes in fluids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freund, Michael S. (Inventor); Lewis, Nathan S. (Inventor)

2000-01-01

A sensor array for detecting an analyte in a fluid, comprising at least first and second chemically sensitive resistors electrically connected to an electrical measuring apparatus, wherein each of the chemically sensitive resistors comprises a mixture of nonconductive material and a conductive material. Each resistor provides an electrical path through the mixture of nonconductive material and the conductive material. The resistors also provide a difference in resistance between the conductive elements when contacted with a fluid comprising an analyte at a first concentration, than when contacted with an analyte at a second different concentration. A broad range of analytes can be detected using the sensors of the present invention. Examples of such analytes include, but are not limited to, alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, dienes, alicyclic hydrocarbons, arenes, alcohols, ethers, ketones, aldehydes, carbonyls, carbanions, polynuclear aromatics, organic derivatives, biomolecules, sugars, isoprenes, isoprenoids and fatty acids. Moreover, applications for the sensors of the present invention include, but are not limited to, environmental toxicology, remediation, biomedicine, material quality control, food monitoring and agricultural monitoring.

Plasma dye coating as straightforward and widely applicable procedure for dye immobilization on polymeric materials.

PubMed

De Smet, Lieselot; Vancoillie, Gertjan; Minshall, Peter; Lava, Kathleen; Steyaert, Iline; Schoolaert, Ella; Van De Walle, Elke; Dubruel, Peter; De Clerck, Karen; Hoogenboom, Richard

2018-03-16

Here, we introduce a novel concept for the fabrication of colored materials with significantly reduced dye leaching through covalent immobilization of the desired dye using plasma-generated surface radicals. This plasma dye coating (PDC) procedure immobilizes a pre-adsorbed layer of a dye functionalized with a radical sensitive group on the surface through radical addition caused by a short plasma treatment. The non-specific nature of the plasma-generated surface radicals allows for a wide variety of dyes including azobenzenes and sulfonphthaleins, functionalized with radical sensitive groups to avoid significant dye degradation, to be combined with various materials including PP, PE, PA6, cellulose, and PTFE. The wide applicability, low consumption of dye, relatively short procedure time, and the possibility of continuous PDC using an atmospheric plasma reactor make this procedure economically interesting for various applications ranging from simple coloring of a material to the fabrication of chromic sensor fabrics as demonstrated by preparing a range of halochromic materials.

Learning to perceive haptic distance-to-break in the presence of friction.

PubMed

Altenhoff, Bliss M; Pagano, Christopher C; Kil, Irfan; Burg, Timothy C

2017-02-01

Two experiments employed attunement and calibration training to investigate whether observers are able to identify material break points in compliant materials through haptic force application. The task required participants to attune to a recently identified haptic invariant, distance-to-break (DTB), rather than haptic stimulation not related to the invariant, including friction. In the first experiment participants probed simulated force-displacement relationships (materials) under 3 levels of friction with the aim of pushing as far as possible into the materials without breaking them. In a second experiment a different set of participants pulled on the materials. Results revealed that participants are sensitive to DTB for both pushing and pulling, even in the presence of varying levels of friction, and this sensitivity can be improved through training. The results suggest that the simultaneous presence of friction may assist participants in perceiving DTB. Potential applications include the development of haptic training programs for minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery to reduce accidental tissue damage. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, linalyl cinnamate, CAS Registry Number 78-37-5.

PubMed

Api, A M; Belsito, D; Bhatia, S; Bruze, M; Calow, P; Dagli, M L; Dekant, W; Fryer, A D; Kromidas, L; La Cava, S; Lalko, J F; Lapczynski, A; Liebler, D C; Penning, T M; Politano, V T; Ritacco, G; Salvito, D; Schultz, T W; Shen, J; Sipes, I G; Wall, B; Wilcox, D K

2016-11-01

The use of this material under current conditions is supported by existing information. This material was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, as well as environmental safety. Data show that this material is not genotoxic nor does it have skin sensitization potential. The reproductive and local respiratory toxicity endpoints were completed using the TTC (Threshold of Toxicological Concern) for a Cramer Class I material (0.03 and 1.4 mg/day, respectively). The developmental toxicity endpoint was completed using linalool (CAS # 78-70-6), dehydrolinalool (CAS # 29171-20-8) and cinnamic acid (CAS # 621-82-9) as suitable read across analogs, which provided a MOE > 100. The repeated dose toxicity endpoint was completed using data on the target material which provided a MOE > 100. The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoint was completed based on suitable UV spectra. The environmental endpoint was completed as described in the RIFM Framework. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Phase sensitive thermography for quality assessment of giant magnetostrictive composite materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Peng; Law, Chiu T.; Elhajjar, Rani

2017-04-01

Giant magnetostrictive materials are increasingly proposed for smart material applications such as in sensors, actuators, and energy harvesting applications. In a composites form, the materials are combined in particle form with polymer matrix composites. Reviewing the literature on this topic, the reader observes a large amount of variability in the reported properties that are typically based on recording (overall or localized) strain and magnetic field with non-collocating strain gages and a gauss meter, i.e. far field measurements. Previously the linking of the microstructure in magnetostrictive composite to the spatial variability of the localized magnetostrictive response, a significant factor for the composite performance in sensing and acutuation, has not been received adequate attention. In this paper, a full-field phase-sensitive thermography method is proposed to use full-field infrared measurements to infer changes in the microstructure in magnetostrictive polymer composites under a cyclic magnetic field. The results show how defects in the material can be rapidly identified from the proposed approach in inspecting the manufactured smart composites.

Use of UV Sources for Detection and Identification of Explosives

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hug, William; Reid, Ray; Bhartia, Rohit; Lane, Arthur

2009-01-01

Measurement of Raman and native fluorescence emission using ultraviolet (UV) sources (<400 nm) on targeted materials is suitable for both sensitive detection and accurate identification of explosive materials. When the UV emission data are analyzed using a combination of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis, chemicals and biological samples can be differentiated based on the geometric arrangement of molecules, the number of repeating aromatic rings, associated functional groups (nitrogen, sulfur, hydroxyl, and methyl), microbial life cycles (spores vs. vegetative cells), and the number of conjugated bonds. Explosive materials can be separated from one another as well as from a range of possible background materials, which includes microbes, car doors, motor oil, and fingerprints on car doors, etc. Many explosives are comprised of similar atomic constituents found in potential background samples such as fingerprint oils/skin, motor oil, and soil. This technique is sensitive to chemical bonds between the elements that lead to the discriminating separability between backgrounds and explosive materials.

Effective conductivity of wire mesh reflectors for space deployable antenna systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, William A.

1994-01-01

This report summarizes efforts to characterize the measurement of conductive mesh and smooth surfaces using proximity measurements for a dielectric resonator. The resonator operates in the HEM11 mode and is shown to have an evanescent field behavior in the vicinity of the sample surface, raising some question to the validity of measurements requiring near normal incidence on the material. In addition, the slow radial field decay outside of the dielectric resonator validates the sensitivity to the planar supporting structure and potential radiation effects. Though these concerns become apparent along with the sensitivity to the gap between the dielectric and the material surface, the basic concept of the material measurement using dielectric resonators has been verified for useful comparison of material surface properties. The properties, particularly loss, may be obtained by monitoring the resonant frequency along with the resonator quality factor (Q), 3 dB bandwidth, or the midband transmission amplitude. Comparison must be made to known materials to extract the desired data.

The BetaCage, an ultra-sensitive screener for surface contamination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bunker, R.; Ahmed, Z.; Bowles, M. A.; Golwala, S. R.; Grant, D. R.; Kos, M.; Nelson, R. H.; Schnee, R. W.; Rider, A.; Wang, B.; Zahn, A.

2013-08-01

Material screening for identifying low-energy electron emitters and alpha-decaying isotopes is now a prerequisite for rare-event searches (e.g., dark-matter direct detection and neutrinoless double-beta decay) for which surface radiocon-tamination has become an increasingly important background. The BetaCage, a gaseous neon time-projection chamber, is a proposed ultra-sensitive (and nondestructive) screener for alpha-and beta-emitting surface contaminants to which existing screening facilities are insufficiently sensitive. Sensitivity goals are 0.1 betas keV-1 m-2 day-1 and 0.1 alphas m-2 day-1, with the former limited by Compton scattering of photons in the screening samples and (thanks to tracking) the latter expected to be signal-limited; radioassays and simulations indicate backgrounds from detector materials and radon daughters should be subdominant. We report on details of the background simulations and detector design that provide the discrimination, shielding, and radiopurity necessary to reach our sensitivity goals for a chamber with a 95 × 95 cm2 sample area positioned below a 40 cm drift region and monitored by crisscrossed anode and cathode planes consisting of 151 wires each.

Sensitivity of charge transport measurements to local inhomogeneities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koon, Daniel; Wang, Fei; Hjorth Petersen, Dirch; Hansen, Ole

2012-02-01

We derive analytic expressions for the sensitivity of resistive and Hall measurements to local variations in a specimen's material properties in the combined linear limit of both small magnetic fields and small perturbations, presenting exact, algebraic expressions both for four-point probe measurements on an infinite plane and for symmetric, circular van der Pauw discs. We then generalize the results to obtain corrections to the sensitivities both for finite magnetic fields and for finite perturbations. Calculated functions match published results and computer simulations, and provide an intuitive, visual explanation for experimental misassignment of carrier type in n-type ZnO and agree with published experimental results for holes in a uniform material. These results simplify calculation and plotting of the sensitivities on an NxN grid from a problem of order N^5 to one of order N^3 in the arbitrary case and of order N^2 in the handful of cases that can be solved exactly, putting a powerful tool for inhomogeneity analysis in the hands of the researcher: calculation of the sensitivities requires little more than the solution of Laplace's equation on the specimen geometry.

Quantifying Nanoscale Order in Amorphous Materials via Fluctuation Electron Microscopy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bogle, Stephanie Nicole

2009-01-01

Fluctuation electron microscopy (FEM) has been used to study the nanoscale order in various amorphous materials. The method is explicitly sensitive to 3- and 4-body atomic correlation functions in amorphous materials; this is sufficient to establish the existence of structural order on the nanoscale, even when the radial distribution function…

Scientific Structural Changes within Texts of Adapted Reading Materials

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aziz, Anealka; Fook, Chan Yuen; Alsree, Zubaidah

2010-01-01

ESL instructors generally use ready-made reading materials in commercially published coursebooks. However, it would be more effective for learners if ESL instructors are involved in developing reading materials for them. This is because they are closer, more sensitive and responsive to the needs of their learners and they are also aware of the…

46 CFR 56.50-95 - Overboard discharges and shell connections.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., or ductile cast iron specification listed in Table 56.60-1(a). Lead or other heat sensitive materials... flooding. Brittle materials such as cast iron shall not be used in such service. Where nonmetallic... inch, except that the use of suitable corrosion-resistant material of lesser thickness will be given...

46 CFR 56.50-95 - Overboard discharges and shell connections.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., or ductile cast iron specification listed in Table 56.60-1(a). Lead or other heat sensitive materials... flooding. Brittle materials such as cast iron shall not be used in such service. Where nonmetallic... inch, except that the use of suitable corrosion-resistant material of lesser thickness will be given...

English Skills for Life Sciences: Problem Solving in Biology. Tutor Version [and] Student Version.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

California Univ., Los Angeles. Center for Language Education and Research.

This manual is part of a series of materials designed to reinforce essential concepts in physical science through interactive, language-sensitive, problem-solving exercises emphasizing cooperative learning. The materials are intended for limited-English-proficient (LEP) students in beginning physical science classes. The materials are for teams of…

Experimental Investigation of the Role of Defects in Detonation Sensitivity of Energetic Materials: Development of Techniques for Characterization

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-12-31

materials. The initial work was focused on design and construction of an apparatus for injecting defects into the crystals using PZT ceramics ...in the energy partitioning (Table 2), which offers some insight into the nature of the energetic texture of crystalline materials not apparent in

Identification of carbohydrates by matrix-free material-enhanced laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Hashir, Muhammad Ahsan; Stecher, Guenther; Bakry, Rania; Kasemsook, Saowapak; Blassnig, Bernhard; Feuerstein, Isabel; Abel, Gudrun; Popp, Michael; Bobleter, Ortwin; Bonn, Guenther K

2007-01-01

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) is a sensitive mass spectrometric technique which utilises acidic materials as matrices for laser energy absorption, desorption and ionisation of analytes. These matrix materials produce background signals particularly in the low-mass range and make the detection and identification of small molecules difficult and nearly impossible. To overcome this problem this paper introduces matrix-free material-enhanced laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry (mf-MELDI-MS) for the screening and analysis of small molecules such as carbohydrates. For this purpose, 4,4'-azo-dianiline was immobilised on silica gel enabling the absorption of laser energy sufficient for successful desorption and ionisation of low molecular weight compounds. The particle and pore sizes, the solvent system for suspension and the sample preparation procedures have been optimised. The newly synthesised MELDI material delivered excellent spectra with regard to signal-to-noise ratio and detection sensitivity. Finally, wheat straw degradation products and Salix alba L. plant extracts were analysed proving the high performance and excellent behaviour of the introduced material. Copyright (c) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Tungsten disulfide nanoparticles anchored on reduced graphene oxide for dye sensitized solar cell applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Sanjeev; Prakash, Om; Mahajan, Aman; Saxena, Vibha

2018-04-01

We herein describe hydrothermal method to prepare a hybrid material consisting of tungsten disulfide (WS2) nanoparticles anchored onto reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets. Synthesized materials have been characterized for structural, compositional and optical properties by different techniques. Results show that WS2 nanoparticles are uniformly anchored ontoas well as in between the surface of rGO which helps to inflate the exfoliation of rGO stacked layers. Thus, the rGO/WS2 hybridcan be used as counter electrode (CE) in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).

Composite material including nanocrystals and methods of making

DOEpatents

Bawendi, Moungi G.; Sundar, Vikram C.

2010-04-06

Temperature-sensing compositions can include an inorganic material, such as a semiconductor nanocrystal. The nanocrystal can be a dependable and accurate indicator of temperature. The intensity of emission of the nanocrystal varies with temperature and can be highly sensitive to surface temperature. The nanocrystals can be processed with a binder to form a matrix, which can be varied by altering the chemical nature of the surface of the nanocrystal. A nanocrystal with a compatibilizing outer layer can be incorporated into a coating formulation and retain its temperature sensitive emissive properties.

Materials, methods and devices to detect and quantify water vapor concentrations in an atmosphere

DOEpatents

Allendorf, Mark D; Robinson, Alex L

2014-12-09

We have demonstrated that a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor coated with a nanoporous framework material (NFM) film can perform ultrasensitive water vapor detection at concentrations in air from 0.05 to 12,000 ppmv at 1 atmosphere pressure. The method is extendable to other MEMS-based sensors, such as microcantilevers, or to quartz crystal microbalance sensors. We identify a specific NFM that provides high sensitivity and selectivity to water vapor. However, our approach is generalizable to detection of other species using NFM to provide sensitivity and selectivity.

Composite material including nanocrystals and methods of making

DOEpatents

Bawendi, Moungi G [Boston, MA; Sundar, Vikram C [New York, NY

2008-02-05

Temperature-sensing compositions can include an inorganic material, such as a semiconductor nanocrystal. The nanocrystal can be a dependable and accurate indicator of temperature. The intensity of emission of the nanocrystal varies with temperature and can be highly sensitive to surface temperature. The nanocrystals can be processed with a binder to form a matrix, which can be varied by altering the chemical nature of the surface of the nanocrystal. A nanocrystal with a compatibilizing outer layer can be incorporated into a coating formulation and retain its temperature sensitive emissive properties

Nano-Al Reaction with Nitrogen in the Burn Front of Oxygen-Free Energetic Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tappan, Bryce

2005-07-01

Nano-particulate aluminum metal was added to the high nitrogen energetic materials dihydrazinotetrazine (DHT) and triaminoguanidium azotetrazolate (TAGzT) in order to determine the effects on decomposition behavior. Standard safety testing (sensitivity to impact, spark and friction) are reported, show that the addition of nano-Al actually decreases the sensitivity of the pure DHT and TAGzT. Thermo-equilibrium calculations (Cheetah) indicate that the all of the Al reacts to form AlN in both materials at the levels of interest, and the calculated specific impulses are reported. Emission spectra were collected to determine AlN formation in combustion. Burning rates were also collected, and the effects of nano-Al on rates are discussed.

Field-Sensitive Materials for Optical Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choi, Sang H.; Little, Mark

2002-01-01

The purpose of investigation is to develop the fundamental materials and fabrication technology for field-controlled spectrally active optics that are essential for industry, NASA, and DOD (Department of Defense) applications such as: membrane optics, filters for LIDARs (Light Detection and Ranging), windows for sensors and probes, telescopes, spectroscopes, cameras, light valves, light switches, flat-panel displays, etc. The proposed idea is based on the quantum-dots (QD) array or thin-film of field-sensitive Stark and Zeeman materials and the bound excitonic state of organic crystals that will offer optical adaptability and reconfigurability. Major tasks are the development of concept demonstration article and test data of field-controlled spectrally smart active optics (FCSAO) for optical multi-functional capabilities on a selected spectral range.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, benzyl butyrate, CAS Registry Number 103-37-7.

PubMed

Api, A M; Belsito, D; Bhatia, S; Bruze, M; Calow, P; Dagli, M L; Dekant, W; Fryer, A D; Kromidas, L; La Cava, S; Lalko, J F; Lapczynski, A; Liebler, D C; Politano, V T; Ritacco, G; Salvito, D; Schultz, T W; Shen, J; Sipes, I G; Wall, B; Wilcox, D K

2016-11-01

The use of this material under current use conditions is supported by the existing information. This material was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, as well as environmental safety. Data from the suitable read across analog benzyl acetate (CAS # 140-11-4) show that this material is not genotoxic nor does it have skin sensitization potential and also provided a MOE > 100 for the repeated dose, developmental and reproductive, and local respiratory toxicity endpoints. The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoint was completed based on suitable UV spectra. The environmental endpoint was completed as described in the RIFM Framework. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, isobornyl isovalerate, CAS registry number 7779-73-9.

PubMed

Api, A M; Belsito, D; Bhatia, S; Bruze, M; Calow, P; Dagli, M L; Dekant, W; Fryer, A D; Kromidas, L; La Cava, S; Lapczynski, A; Liebler, D C; O'Brien, D; Parakhia, R; Penning, T M; Politano, V T; Ritacco, G; Salvito, D; Schultz, T W; Shen, J; Sipes, I G; Wall, B; Wilcox, D K

2017-12-01

This material was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, developmental toxicity, reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization potential, as well as, environmental safety. Data from the suitable read across analog isobornyl acetate (CAS # 125-12-2) show that this material is not genotoxic, provided a MOE > 100 for the repeated dose, developmental and reproductive endpoints, and does not have skin sensitization potential. The local respiratory toxicity endpoint was completed using the TTC (threshold of Toxicological Concern) for a Cramer Class II material (0.47 mg/day). The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoint was completed based on suitable UV spectra. The environmental endpoint was completed as described in the RIFM Framework. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Develop Silicone Encapsulation Systems for Terrestrial Silicon Solar Arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

A cost effective encapsulant system was identified and a silicone acrylic cover material containing a durable ultraviolet screening agent was prepared. The effectiveness of the cover material in protecting photo-oxidatively sensitive polymers was demonstrated.

Investigation of electronic band structure and charge transfer mechanism of oxidized three-dimensional graphene as metal-free anodes material for dye sensitized solar cell application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loeblein, Manuela; Bruno, Annalisa; Loh, G. C.; Bolker, Asaf; Saguy, Cecile; Antila, Liisa; Tsang, Siu Hon; Teo, Edwin Hang Tong

2017-10-01

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) offer an optimal trade-off between conversion-efficiency and low-cost fabrication. However, since all its electrodes need to fulfill stringent work-function requirements, its materials have remained unchanged since DSSC's first report early-90s. Here we describe a new material, oxidized-three-dimensional-graphene (o-3D-C), with a band gap of 0.2 eV and suitable electronic band-structure as alternative metal-free material for DSSCs-anodes. o-3D-C/dye-complex has a strong chemical bonding via carboxylic-group chemisorption with full saturation after 12 sec at capacity of ∼450 mg/g (600x faster and 7x higher than optimized metal surfaces). Furthermore, fluorescence quenching of life-time by 28-35% was measured demonstrating charge-transfer from dye to o-3D-C.

Modeling of Slot Waveguide Sensors Based on Polymeric Materials

PubMed Central

Bettotti, Paolo; Pitanti, Alessandro; Rigo, Eveline; De Leonardis, Francesco; Passaro, Vittorio M. N.; Pavesi, Lorenzo

2011-01-01

Slot waveguides are very promising for optical sensing applications because of their peculiar spatial mode profile. In this paper we have carried out a detailed analysis of mode confinement properties in slot waveguides realized in very low refractive index materials. We show that the sensitivity of a slot waveguide is not directly related to the refractive index contrast of high and low materials forming the waveguide. Thus, a careful design of the structures allows the realization of high sensitivity devices even in very low refractive index materials (e.g., polymers) to be achieved. Advantages of low index dielectrics in terms of cost, functionalization and ease of fabrication are discussed while keeping both CMOS compatibility and integrable design schemes. Finally, applications of low index slot waveguides as substitute of bulky fiber capillary sensors or in ring resonator architectures are addressed. Theoretical results of this work are relevant to well established polymer technologies. PMID:22164020

Quantitative Subsurface Atomic Structure Fingerprint for 2D Materials and Heterostructures by First-Principles-Calibrated Contact-Resonance Atomic Force Microscopy.

PubMed

Tu, Qing; Lange, Björn; Parlak, Zehra; Lopes, Joao Marcelo J; Blum, Volker; Zauscher, Stefan

2016-07-26

Interfaces and subsurface layers are critical for the performance of devices made of 2D materials and heterostructures. Facile, nondestructive, and quantitative ways to characterize the structure of atomically thin, layered materials are thus essential to ensure control of the resultant properties. Here, we show that contact-resonance atomic force microscopy-which is exquisitely sensitive to stiffness changes that arise from even a single atomic layer of a van der Waals-adhered material-is a powerful experimental tool to address this challenge. A combined density functional theory and continuum modeling approach is introduced that yields sub-surface-sensitive, nanomechanical fingerprints associated with specific, well-defined structure models of individual surface domains. Where such models are known, this information can be correlated with experimentally obtained contact-resonance frequency maps to reveal the (sub)surface structure of different domains on the sample.

Water permeation through organic materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doughty, D. H.; West, I. A.

1981-09-01

Atmospheric moisture is routinely excluded from weapon systems by the use of elastomer seals at assembly joints and electrical feedthroughs while internal moisture is minimized by relying on desiccants and on pre-dried components assembled in special low humidity assembly rooms. Published values of the water permeation coefficient for ethylene-propylene rubber and other o-ring materials are subject to some variability and the effects of aging on water permability are unknown. We have thus devised a new and extremely sensitive method for measuring moisture permeation coefficients in organic materials. This method uses dilute tritiated water as a tracer and it is approximately two orders of magnitude more sensitive than other methods. We are therefore able to make measurements on materials under STS temperature and humidity conditions. Rate data showing the approach to equilibrium and water permeability values for a variety of elastomers are presented. The test apparatus is also described.

Effect of substrate baking temperature on zinc sulfide and germanium thin films optical parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Fang; Gao, Jiaobo; Yang, Chongmin; Zhang, Jianfu; Liu, Yongqiang; Liu, Qinglong; Wang, Songlin; Mi, Gaoyuan; Wang, Huina

2016-10-01

ZnS and Ge are very normal optical thin film materials in Infrared wave. Studying the influence of different substrate baking temperature to refractive index and actual deposition rates is very important to promote optical thin film quality. In the same vacuum level, monitoring thickness and evaporation rate, we use hot evaporation to deposit ZnS thin film materials and use ion-assisted electron beam to deposit Ge thin film materials with different baking temperature. We measure the spectral transmittance with the spectrophotometer and calculate the actual deposition rates and the refractive index in different temperature. With the higher and higher temperature in a particular range, ZnS and Ge refractive index become higher and actual deposition rates become smaller. The refractive index of Ge film material change with baking temperature is more sensitive than ZnS. However, ZnS film actual deposition rates change with baking temperature is more sensitive than Ge.

Harvester ant bioassay for assessing hazardous chemical waste sites. [Pogonomyrmex owhyeei

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

Gano, K.A.; Carlile, D.W.; Rogers, L.E.

1985-05-01

A technique was developed for using harvester ants, Pogonomyrmex owhyeei, in terrestrial bioassays. Procedures were developed for maintaining stock populations, handling ants, and exposing ants to toxic materials. Relative toxicities were determined by exposing ants to 10 different materials. These materials included three insecticides, Endrin, Aldrin, and Dieldrin; one herbicide, 2,4-D; three complex industrial waste residuals, wood preservative sludge, drilling fluid, and slop oil; and three heavy metals, copper zinc, and cadium. Ants were exposed in petri dishes containing soil amended with a particular toxicant. Under these test conditions, ants showed no sensitivity to the metals or 2,4-D. Ants weremore » sensitive to the insecticides and oils in repeated tests, and relative toxicity remained consistent throughout. Aldrin was the most toxic material followed by Dieldrin, Endrin, wood preservative sludge, drilling fluid, and slop oil. 12 refs., 2 figs., 2 tabs.« less

Harvester ant bioassay for assessing hazardous chemical waste sites

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

Gano, K.A.; Carlile, D.W.; Rogers, L.E.

1984-12-01

A technique was developed for using harvester ants, Pogonomyrmex owhyeei, in terrestrial bioassays. Procedures were developed for maintaining stock populations, handling ants, and exposing ants to toxic materials. Relative toxicities were determined by exposing ants to 10 different materials. These materials included three insecticides, Endrin, Aldrin, and Dieldrin; one herbicide, 2,4-D; three oil-like compounds, wood preservative, drilling fluid, and slop oil; and three heavy metals, copper, zinc, and cadmium. Ants were exposed in petri dishes containing soil amended with a particular toxicant. Under these test conditions, ants showed no sensitivity to the metals or 2,4-D. Ants were sensitive to themore » insecticides and oils in repeated tests, and relative toxicity remained consistent throughout. Aldrin was the most toxic material, followed by Dieldrin, Endrin, wood preservative, drilling fluid, and slop oil. 10 refs., 2 figs., 2 tabs.« less

Hybrid WSe2-In2O3 Phototransistor with Ultrahigh Detectivity by Efficient Suppression of Dark Currents.

PubMed

Guo, Nan; Gong, Fan; Liu, Junku; Jia, Yi; Zhao, Shaofan; Liao, Lei; Su, Meng; Fan, Zhiyong; Chen, Xiaoshuang; Lu, Wei; Xiao, Lin; Hu, Weida

2017-10-04

Photodetectors based on low-dimensional materials have attracted tremendous attention because of their high sensitivity and compatibility with conventional semiconductor technology. However, up until now, developing low-dimensional phototransistors with high responsivity and low dark currents over broad-band spectra still remains a great challenge because of the trade-offs in the potential architectures. In this work, we report a hybrid phototransistor consisting of a single In 2 O 3 nanowire as the channel material and a multilayer WSe 2 nanosheet as the decorating sensitizer for photodetection. Our devices show high responsivities of 7.5 × 10 5 and 3.5 × 10 4 A W -1 and ultrahigh detectivities of 4.17 × 10 17 and 1.95 × 10 16 jones at the wavelengths of 637 and 940 nm, respectively. The superior detectivity of the hybrid architecture arises from the extremely low dark currents and the enhanced photogating effect in the depletion regime by the unique design of energy band alignment of the channel and sensitizer materials. Moreover, the visible to near-infrared absorption properties of the multilayer WSe 2 nanosheet favor a broad-band spectral response for the devices. Our results pave the way for developing ultrahigh-sensitivity photodetectors based on low-dimensional hybrid architectures.

Effect of annealing temperature and dopant concentration on the thermoluminescence sensitivity in LiF:Mg,Cu,Ag material.

PubMed

Yahyaabadi, Akram; Torkzadeh, Falamarz; Rezaei Ochbelagh, Dariush; Hosseini Pooya, Seyed Mahdi

2018-04-24

LiF:Mg,Cu,Ag is a new dosimetry material that is similar to LiF:Mg,Cu,P in terms of dosimetric properties. The effect of the annealing temperature in the range of 200 to 350°C on the thermoluminescence (TL) sensitivity and the glow curve structure of this material at different concentrations of silver (Ag) was investigated. It has been demonstrated that the optimum values of the annealing temperature and the Ag concentration are 240°C and 0.1 mol% for better sensitivity, respectively. The TL intensity decreases at annealing temperatures lower than 240°C or higher than 240°C, reaching a minimum at 300°C and then again increases for various Ag concentrations. It was observed that the glow curve structure altered and the area under the low temperature peak as well as the area under the main dosimetric peak decreased with increasing annealing temperature. The position of the main dosimetric peak moved in the direction of higher temperatures, but at 320 and 350°C annealing temperatures, it shifted to lower temperatures. It was also observed that the TL sensitivity could partially be recovered by a combined annealing procedure. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Laser Ablation Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (LA-SERS) for the Characterization of Organic Colorants in Cultural Heritage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Londero, Pablo

The characterization of artistic practice throughout history often requires measurements of material composition with microscopic resolution, either due to the fine detail of the material composition or to the amount of sample available. This problem is exacerbated for the detection of organic colorants, which are often embedded in a complex matrix (e.g. oil, natural fibers) and in low concentration due to their high tinting strength. Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) is increasingly used in detection of organic colorants in cultural heritage due to its high sensitivity and inherent preferential sensitivity to small organic molecules. This talk will discuss recent results from a new SERS measurement technique, in which laser ablation is used as a micro-sampling method onto a SERS-active film to characterize art samples with microscopic precision and sensitivity comparable to many mass spectrometry measurements. Furthermore, the nature of the sampling method provides built-in benefits to other SERS-based techniques, such as more quantitative characterization of mixtures, improved sensitivity to some analytes, and reduced background interference. Examples will be shown for measurements of reference materials and art objects, including a restored 16th-century dish and a Renaissance fresco, The Incredulity of San Thomas, by Luca Signorelli. Supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF-CHE-1402750).

A Viscoplastic Constitutive Theory for Monolithic Ceramic Materials. Series 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Janosik, Lesley A.; Duffy, Stephen F.

1997-01-01

With increasing use of ceramic materials in high temperature structural applications such as advanced heat engine components, the need arises to accurately predict thermomechanical behavior. This paper, which is the first of two in a series, will focus on inelastic deformation behavior associated with these service conditions by providing an overview of a viscoplastic constitutive model that accounts for time-dependent hereditary material deformation (e.g., creep, stress relaxation, etc.) in monolithic structural ceramics. Early work in the field of metal plasticity indicated that inelastic deformations are essentially unaffected by hydrostatic stress. This is not the case, however, for ceramic-based material systems, unless the ceramic is fully dense. The theory presented here allows for fully dense material behavior as a limiting case. In addition, ceramic materials exhibit different time-dependent behavior in tension and compression. Thus, inelastic deformation models for ceramics must be constructed in a fashion that admits both sensitivity to hydrostatic stress and differing behavior in tension and compression. A number of constitutive theories for materials that exhibit sensitivity to the hydrostatic component of stress have been proposed that characterize deformation using time-independent classical plasticity as a foundation. However, none of these theories allow different behavior in tension and compression. In addition, these theories are somewhat lacking in that they are unable to capture creep, relaxation, and rate-sensitive phenomena exhibited by ceramic materials at high temperature. When subjected to elevated service temperatures, ceramic materials exhibit complex thermomechanical behavior that is inherently time-dependent, and hereditary in the sense that current behavior depends not only on current conditions, but also on thermo-mechanical history. The objective of this work is to present the formulation of a macroscopic continuum theory that captures these time-dependent phenomena. Specifically, the overview contained in this paper focuses on the multiaxial derivation of the constitutive model, and examines the scalar threshold function and its attending geometrical implications.

Constitutive Theory Developed for Monolithic Ceramic Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Janosik, Lesley A.

1998-01-01

With the increasing use of advanced ceramic materials in high-temperature structural applications such as advanced heat engine components, the need arises to accurately predict thermomechanical behavior that is inherently time-dependent and that is hereditary in the sense that the current behavior depends not only on current conditions but also on the material's thermomechanical history. Most current analytical life prediction methods for both subcritical crack growth and creep models use elastic stress fields to predict the time-dependent reliability response of components subjected to elevated service temperatures. Inelastic response at high temperatures has been well documented in the materials science literature for these material systems, but this issue has been ignored by the engineering design community. From a design engineer's perspective, it is imperative to emphasize that accurate predictions of time-dependent reliability demand accurate stress field information. Ceramic materials exhibit different time-dependent behavior in tension and compression. Thus, inelastic deformation models for ceramics must be constructed in a fashion that admits both sensitivity to hydrostatic stress and differing behavior in tension and compression. A number of constitutive theories for materials that exhibit sensitivity to the hydrostatic component of stress have been proposed that characterize deformation using time-independent classical plasticity as a foundation. However, none of these theories allow different behavior in tension and compression. In addition, these theories are somewhat lacking in that they are unable to capture the creep, relaxation, and rate-sensitive phenomena exhibited by ceramic materials at high temperatures. The objective of this effort at the NASA Lewis Research Center has been to formulate a macroscopic continuum theory that captures these time-dependent phenomena. Specifically, the effort has focused on inelastic deformation behavior associated with these service conditions by developing a multiaxial viscoplastic constitutive model that accounts for time-dependent hereditary material deformation (such as creep and stress relaxation) in monolithic structural ceramics. Using continuum principles of engineering mechanics, we derived the complete viscoplastic theory from a scalar dissipative potential function.

A Comparative Study of Very High Burning Rate Materials - HIVELITE compositions 300511 and 300435

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-08-01

explosives and more or as sensitive as RDX and HMX . Thermal Sensitivity Differential Thermal Analysis/Thermogravimetric Analysis (DTA/TGA) Simultaneous...impact than Comp B end RDX but is less sensitive than lead azide. HIVELITE 30051i on the other hand, is less sensitive than Comp B and RDX on the ERL...represents the alpha to beta phase transition of KNO 3 . This endotherm is followed by four exotherms with peaks at 538 K (265*C), 567 K (2940C), 598 K

Effect of different thickness of material filter on Tc-99m spectra and performance parameters of gamma camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nazifah, A.; Norhanna, S.; Shah, S. I.; Zakaria, A.

2014-11-01

This study aimed to investigate the effects of material filter technique on Tc-99m spectra and performance parameters of Philip ADAC forte dual head gamma camera. Thickness of material filter was selected on the basis of percentage attenuation of various gamma ray energies by different thicknesses of zinc material. A cylindrical source tank of NEMA single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) Triple Line Source Phantom filled with water and Tc-99m radionuclide injected was used for spectra, uniformity and sensitivity measurements. Vinyl plastic tube was used as a line source for spatial resolution. Images for uniformity were reconstructed by filtered back projection method. Butterworth filter of order 5 and cut off frequency 0.35 cycles/cm was selected. Chang's attenuation correction method was applied by selecting 0.13/cm linear attenuation coefficient. Count rate was decreased with material filter from the compton region of Tc-99m energy spectrum, also from the photopeak region. Spatial resolution was improved. However, uniformity of tomographic image was equivocal, and system volume sensitivity was reduced by material filter. Material filter improved system's spatial resolution. Therefore, the technique may be used for phantom studies to improve the image quality.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, 1-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-4,4-dimethyl-1-naphthyl)propan-1-one, CAS Registry Number 74499-60-8.

PubMed

Api, A M; Belsito, D; Bhatia, S; Bruze, M; Calow, P; Dagli, M L; Dekant, W; Fryer, A D; Kromidas, L; La Cava, S; Lalko, J F; Lapczynski, A; Liebler, D C; Miyachi, Y; Politano, V T; Ritacco, G; Salvito, D; Schultz, T W; Shen, J; Sipes, I G; Wall, B; Wilcox, D K

2016-11-01

The use of this material under current use conditions is supported by the existing information. This material was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, as well as environmental safety. Data from the target material and the suitable read across analog 6-acetyl-1,1,2,4,4,7-hexamethyltetraline (CAS # 21145-77-7) show that this material is not genotoxic. Data from the suitable read across analog 6-acetyl-1,1,2,4,4,7-hexamethyltetraline (CAS # 21145-77-7) provided a MOE > 100 for the repeat dose and developmental toxicity endpoints. The reproductive and local respiratory toxicity endpoints were completed using the TTC (Threshold of Toxicological Concern) for a Cramer Class II material (0.009 mg/kg/day and 0.47 mg/day, respectively). Data on the target material showed that this material is below the non-reactive DST for skin sensitization and did not have the potential for phototoxicity or photoallergenicity. The environmental endpoint was completed as described in the RIFM Framework. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Role of Co-Sensitizers in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

PubMed

Krishna, Narra Vamsi; Krishna, Jonnadula Venkata Suman; Mrinalini, Madoori; Prasanthkumar, Seelam; Giribabu, Lingamallu

2017-12-08

Co-sensitization is a popular route towards improved efficiency and stability of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this context, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) values of DSSCs incorporating Ru- and porphyrin-based dyes can be improved from 8-11 % to 11-14 % after the addition of additives, co-adsorbents, and co-sensitizers that reduce aggregation and charge recombination in the device. Among the three supporting material types, co-sensitizers play a major role to enhance the performance and stability of DSSCs, which is requried for commercialization. In this Minireview, we highlight the role co-sensitizers play in improving photovoltaic performance of devices containing Ru- and porphyrin-based sensitizers. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Does ecohydrological connectivity affect sensitivity to environmental change?

EPA Science Inventory

Our goal is to understand the influences of complex terrain on the sensitivity of carbon and water cycle processes to environmental drivers at different scales. Gravity-driven flowpaths of air and water transport material and energy across and through landscapes, creating connec...

Effects of culture-sensitive adaptation of patient information material on usefulness in migrants: a multicentre, blinded randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Hölzel, Lars P; Ries, Zivile; Kriston, Levente; Dirmaier, Jörg; Zill, Jördis M; Rummel-Kluge, Christine; Niebling, Wilhelm; Bermejo, Isaac; Härter, Martin

2016-11-23

To evaluate the usefulness of culture-sensitive patient information material compared with standard translated material. Multicentre, double-blind randomised controlled trial. 37 primary care practices. 435 adult primary care patients with a migration background with unipolar depressive disorder or non-specific chronic low back pain were randomised. Patients who were unable to read in the language of their respective migration background were excluded. Sufficient data were obtained from 203 women and 106 men. The largest group was of Russian origin (202 patients), followed by those of Turkish (52), Polish (30) and Italian (25) origin. Intervention group: provision of culture-sensitive adapted material. provision of standard translated material. Primary outcome: patient-rated usefulness (USE) assessed immediately after patients received the material. patient-rated usefulness after 8 weeks and 6 months, symptoms of depression (PHQ-9), back pain (Back Pain Core Set) and quality of life (WHO-5) assessed at all time points. Usefulness was found to be significantly higher (t=1.708, one-sided p=0.04) in the intervention group (USE-score=65.08, SE=1.43), compared with the control group (61.43, SE=1.63), immediately after patients received the material, in the intention-to-treat analysis, with a mean difference of 3.65 (one-sided 95% lower confidence limit=0.13). No significant differences were found for usefulness at follow-up (p=0.16, p=0.71). No significant effect was found for symptom severity in depression (p=0.95, p=0.66, p=0.58), back pain (p=0.40, p=0.45, p=0.32) or quality of life (p=0.76, p=0.86, p=0.21), either immediately after receiving the material, or at follow-up (8 weeks; 6 months). Patients with a lower level of dominant society immersion benefited substantially and significantly more from the intervention than patients with a high level of immersion (p=0.005). Cultural adaptation of patient information material provides benefits over high quality translations. Clinicians are encouraged to use culture-sensitive material in their consultations, particularly with low-acculturated patients. German Register for Clinical Trials: DRKS00004241, Universal Trial Number: U1111-1135-8043, Results. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

A Triphenylamine-Based Conjugated Polymer with Donor-π-Acceptor Architecture as Organic Sensitizer for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

PubMed

Zhang, Wei; Fang, Zhen; Su, Mingjuan; Saeys, Mark; Liu, Bin

2009-09-17

A conjugated polymer containing an electron donating backbone (triphenylamine) and an electron accepting side chain (cyanoacetic acid) with conjugated thiophene units as the linkers has been synthesized. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are fabricated utilizing this material as the dye sensitizer, resulting a typical power conversion efficiency of 3.39% under AM 1.5 G illumination, which represents the highest efficiency for polymer dye-sensitized DSSCs reported so far. The results show the good promise of conjugated polymers as sensitizers for DSSC applications. Copyright © 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Advanced industrial fluorescence metrology used for qualification of high quality optical materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Engel, Axel; Becker, Hans-Juergen; Sohr, Oliver; Haspel, Rainer; Rupertus, Volker

2003-11-01

Schott Glas is developing and producing the optical material for various specialized applications in telecommunication, biomedical, optical, and micro lithography technology. The requirements on quality for optical materials are extremely high and still increasing. For example in micro lithography applications the impurities of the material are specified to be in the low ppb range. Usually the impurities in the lower ppb range are determined using analytical methods like LA ICP-MS and Neutron Activation Analysis. On the other hand absorption and laser resistivity of optical material is qualified with optical methods like precision spectral photometers and in-situ transmission measurements having UV lasers. Analytical methods have the drawback that they are time consuming and rather expensive, whereas the sensitivity for the absorption method will not be sufficient to characterize the future needs (coefficient much below 10-3 cm-1). In order to achieve the current and future quality requirements a Jobin Yvon FLUOROLOG 3.22 fluorescence spectrometer is employed to enable fast and precise qualification and analysis. The main advantage of this setup is the combination of highest sensitivity (more than one order of magnitude higher sensitivity that state of the art UV absorption spectroscopy) and fast measurement and evaluation cycles (several minutes compared to several hours necessary for chemical analytics). An overview is given for spectral characteristics and using specified standards. Moreover correlations to the material qualities are shown. In particular we have investigated the elementary fluorescence and absorption of rare earth element impurities as well as defects induced luminescence originated by impurities.

A Highly Sensitive Assay Using Synthetic Blood Containing Test Microbes for Evaluation of the Penetration Resistance of Protective Clothing Material under Applied Pressure.

PubMed

Shimasaki, Noriko; Hara, Masayuki; Kikuno, Ritsuko; Shinohara, Katsuaki

2016-01-01

To prevent nosocomial infections caused by even either Ebola virus or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), healthcare workers must wear the appropriate protective clothing which can inhibit contact transmission of these pathogens. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the performance of protective clothing for penetration resistance against infectious agents. In Japan, some standard methods were established to evaluate the penetration resistance of protective clothing fabric materials under applied pressure. However, these methods only roughly classified the penetration resistance of fabrics, and the detection sensitivity of the methods and the penetration amount with respect to the relationship between blood and the pathogen have not been studied in detail. Moreover, no standard method using bacteria for evaluation is known. Here, to evaluate penetration resistance of protective clothing materials under applied pressure, the detection sensitivity and the leak amount were investigated by using synthetic blood containing bacteriophage phi-X174 or S. aureus. And the volume of leaked synthetic blood and the amount of test microbe penetration were simultaneously quantified. Our results showed that the penetration detection sensitivity achieved using a test microbial culture was higher than that achieved using synthetic blood at invisible leak level pressures. This finding suggested that there is a potential risk of pathogen penetration even when visual leak of contaminated blood through the protective clothing was not observed. Moreover, at visible leak level pressures, it was found that the amount of test microbe penetration varied at least ten-fold among protective clothing materials classified into the same class of penetration resistance. Analysis of the penetration amount revealed a significant correlation between the volume of penetrated synthetic blood and the amount of test microbe penetration, indicating that the leaked volume of synthetic blood could be considered as a latent indicator for infection risk, that the amount of exposure to contaminated blood corresponds to the risk of infection. Our study helped us ascertain, with high sensitivity, the differences among fabric materials with respect to their protective performance, which may facilitate effective selection of protective clothing depending on the risk assessment.

Hierarchically-driven Approach for Quantifying Materials Uncertainty in Creep Deformation and Failure of Aerospace Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-07-01

characteristics and to examine the sensitivity of using such techniques for evaluating microstructure. In addition to the GUI tool, a manual describing its use has... Evaluating Local Primary Dendrite Arm Spacing Characterization Techniques Using Synthetic Directionally Solidified Dendritic Microstructures, Metallurgical and...driven approach for quanti - fying materials uncertainty in creep deformation and failure of aerspace materials, Multi-scale Structural Mechanics and

Detection of explosives, shielded nuclear materials and other hazardous substances in cargo containers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuznetsov, Andrey; Evsenin, Alexey; Vakhtin, Dmitry; Gorshkov, Igor; Osetrov, Oleg; Kalinin, Valery

2006-05-01

Nanosecond Neutron Analysis / Associated Particles Technique (NNA/APT) has been used to create devices for detection of explosives, radioactive and heavily shielded nuclear materials in cargo containers. Explosives and other hazardous materials are detected by analyzing secondary high-energy gamma-rays form reactions of fast neutrons with the materials inside the container. Depending on the dimensions of the inspected containers, the detecting system consists of one or several detection modules, each of which contains a small neutron generator with built-in position sensitive detector of associated alpha-particles and several scintillator-based gamma-ray detectors. The same gamma-ray detectors are used to detect unshielded radioactive and nuclear materials. Array of several detectors of fast neutrons is used to detect neutrons from spontaneous and induced fission of nuclear materials. These neutrons can penetrate thick layers of lead shielding, which can be used to conceal gamma-radioactivity from nuclear materials. Coincidence and timing analysis allows one to discriminate between fission neutrons and scattered probing neutrons. Mathematical modeling by MCNP5 code was used to estimate the sensitivity of the device and its optimal configuration. Capability of the device to detect 1 kg of explosive imitator inside container filled with suitcases and other baggage items has been confirmed experimentally. First experiments with heavily shielded nuclear materials have been carried out.

Shape design sensitivity analysis using domain information

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seong, Hwal-Gyeong; Choi, Kyung K.

1985-01-01

A numerical method for obtaining accurate shape design sensitivity information for built-up structures is developed and demonstrated through analysis of examples. The basic character of the finite element method, which gives more accurate domain information than boundary information, is utilized for shape design sensitivity improvement. A domain approach for shape design sensitivity analysis of built-up structures is derived using the material derivative idea of structural mechanics and the adjoint variable method of design sensitivity analysis. Velocity elements and B-spline curves are introduced to alleviate difficulties in generating domain velocity fields. The regularity requirements of the design velocity field are studied.

Detection of ultraviolet radiation using tissue equivalent radiochromic gel materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bero, M. A.; Abukassem, I.

2009-05-01

Ferrous Xylenol-orange Gelatin gel (FXG) is known to be sensitive to ionising radiation such as γ and X-rays. The effect of ionising radiation is to produce an increase in the absorption over a wide region of the visible spectrum, which is proportional to the absorbed dose. This study demonstrates that FXG gel is sensitive to ultraviolet radiation and therefore it could functions as UV detector. Short exposure to UV radiation produces linear increase in absorption measured at 550nm, however high doses of UV cause the ion indicator colour to fad away in a manner proportional to the incident UV energy. Light absorbance increase at the rate of 1.1% per minute of irradiation was monitored. The exposure level at which the detector has linear response is comparable to the natural summer UV radiation. Evaluating the UV ability to pass through tissue equivalent gel materials shows that most of the UV gets absorbed in the first 5mm of the gel materials, which demonstrate the damaging effects of this radiation type on human skin and eyes. It was concluded that FXG gel dosimeter has the potential to offer a simple, passive ultraviolet radiation detector with sensitivity suitable to measure and visualises the natural sunlight UV exposure directly by watching the materials colour changes.

ICP-MS measurement of natural radioactivity at LNGS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nisi, S.; Copia, L.; Dafinei, I.; di Vacri, M. L.

2017-10-01

Rare events search experiments, like those dedicated to the direct evidence of dark matter or neutrinoless double beta decay, are among the most exciting challenges of modern physics. The sensitivity of such experiments is driven by the background, which depends substantially on the radiopurity of the materials used for the experimental apparatus. Cutting edge measurement techniques are needed for a fast, sensitive and efficient screening of these materials and the certification of their production. Trace element measurements of high sensitivity and quick execution are mandatory also in other fields like tracing the geographical origin of food, temporal and geographical assignment of cultural heritage or monitoring environmental radioactivity. This work is an overview of the inorganic mass spectrometry facility available at Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS) for radiopure material screening and is especially focused on its ICP-MS instrumentation. Analytical methods developed to achieve lowest detection limits in different types of matrix, like metals, polymers, crystals and composite materials, are also indicated. Detection limits of 10-18gg-1 for 226Ra, 10-14gg-1 for U and Th and 10-12gg-1 for K are attained through dedicated operation conditions of the instrumentation. Details are given on the results obtained for different experiments ongoing or under construction at LNGS.

Introduction to session on materials and structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vosteen, L. F.

1978-01-01

A review was given of the development of composites for aircraft. Supporting base technology and the Aircraft Energy Efficiency Composites Program are included. Specific topics discussed include: (1) environmental effects on materials; (2) material quality and chemical characterization; (3) design and analysis methods; (4) structural durability; (5) impact sensitivity; (6) carbon fiber electrical effects; and (7) composite components.

X-ray Sensitive Material

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-01

The research resulted in a composite material that holds a quasi-permanent electric charge and rapidly discharges the electric charge upon X-ray...quasi-permanent electric charge and rapidly discharge the electric charge upon X-ray exposure. The composite material combined the properties of an...9 7. Schematic of Circuit for Recording Sample’s Capacitor Discharge ............... 12 8. Schematic of Circuit for

Experimental Investigation of the Role of Defects in Detonation Sensitivity of Energetic Materials: Development of Techniques for Characterization

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-03-04

energetic materials. The initial work was focused on design and construction of an apparatus for injecting defects into the crystals using PZT ceramics ...the PIXEL description is of the energetic texture of crystalline materials not apparent in adequate. The next determinant, B, is a clear 0 ..H

AN APPROACH FOR SCREENING CHOLINESTERASE INHIBITORS IN DRINKING WATER USING AN IMMOBILIZED ENZYME ASSAY

EPA Science Inventory

A simple, inexpensive and sensitive method for detecting organophosphate and carbamate insecticides is reported. Acetylcholinesterase was immobilized to PorexR Lateral-FloTM membrane material and remained active for several months at room temperature. The assay was sensitive ...

18 CFR 3a.31 - Classification markings and special notations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... Confidential will be stamped in red ink, printed, or written in letters considerably larger than those used in... disclosure subject to criminal sanctions. (4) Sensitive intelligence information. For classified information or material relating to sensitive intelligence sources and methods, the following warning notice...

Study of a QCM dimethyl methylphosphonate sensor based on a ZnO-modified nanowire-structured manganese dioxide film.

PubMed

Pei, Zhifu; Ma, Xingfa; Ding, Pengfei; Zhang, Wuming; Luo, Zhiyuan; Li, Guang

2010-01-01

Sensitive, selective and fast detection of chemical warfare agents is necessary for anti-terrorism purposes. In our search for functional materials sensitive to dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), a simulant of sarin and other toxic organophosphorus compounds, we found that zinc oxide (ZnO) modification potentially enhances the absorption of DMMP on a manganese dioxide (MnO(2)) surface. The adsorption behavior of DMMP was evaluated through the detection of tiny organophosphonate compounds with quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors coated with ZnO-modified MnO(2) nanofibers and pure MnO(2) nanofibers. Experimental results indicated that the QCM sensor coated with ZnO-modified nanostructured MnO(2) film exhibited much higher sensitivity and better selectivity in comparison with the one coated with pure MnO(2) nanofiber film. Therefore, the DMMP sensor developed with this composite nanostructured material should possess excellent selectivity and reasonable sensitivity towards the tiny gaseous DMMP species.

Application of positron annihilation lineshape analysis to fatigue damage and thermal embrittlement for nuclear plant materials

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

Uchida, M.; Ohta, Y.; Nakamura, N.

1995-08-01

Positron annihilation (PA) lineshape analysis is sensitive to detect microstructural defects such as vacancies and dislocations. The authors are developing a portable system and applying this technique to nuclear power plant material evaluations; fatigue damage in type 316 stainless steel and SA508 low alloy steel, and thermal embrittlement in duplex stainless steel. The PA technique was found to be sensitive in the early fatigue life (up to 10%), but showed a little sensitivity for later stages of the fatigue life in both type 316 stainless steel and SA508 ferritic steel. Type 316 steel showed a higher PA sensitivity than SA508more » since the initial SA508 microstructure already contained a high dislocation density in the as-received state. The PA parameter increased as a fraction of aging time in CF8M samples aged at 350 C and 400 C, but didn`t change much in CF8 samples.« less

Correcting sensitivity drift during long-term multi-element signal measurements by solid sampling-ETV-ICP-MS.

PubMed

Martin-Esteban, A; Slowikowski, B; Grobecker, K H

2004-06-17

Solid sampling-electrothermal vaporisation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (SS-ETV-ICP-MS) is an attractive technique for the direct simultaneous determination of trace elements in solid samples and especially in long-term studies (i.e. assessment of the homogeneity of reference materials). However, during these studies a downward drift in the instrument sensitivity has been observed due likely to deposits on the sampling and skimmer cones and on the ion lens of the mass spectrometer. Accordingly, in this paper, several means of correcting and/or suppressing sensitivity drift are proposed and evaluated for the monitoring of Cd, Cu, Hg, Mn, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, Tl, U and V in different reference materials of inorganic and organic (biological) origin. From that studies, the combination of the use of the argon dimer as internal standard together with a modification in the ETV-ICP connection tube seems to be the best mean of getting stable sensitivity during at least 60 consecutive ETV runs.

Study of a QCM Dimethyl Methylphosphonate Sensor Based on a ZnO-Modified Nanowire-Structured Manganese Dioxide Film

PubMed Central

Pei, Zhifu; Ma, Xingfa; Ding, Pengfei; Zhang, Wuming; Luo, Zhiyuan; Li, Guang

2010-01-01

Sensitive, selective and fast detection of chemical warfare agents is necessary for anti-terrorism purposes. In our search for functional materials sensitive to dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), a simulant of sarin and other toxic organophosphorus compounds, we found that zinc oxide (ZnO) modification potentially enhances the absorption of DMMP on a manganese dioxide (MnO2) surface. The adsorption behavior of DMMP was evaluated through the detection of tiny organophosphonate compounds with quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors coated with ZnO-modified MnO2 nanofibers and pure MnO2 nanofibers. Experimental results indicated that the QCM sensor coated with ZnO-modified nanostructured MnO2 film exhibited much higher sensitivity and better selectivity in comparison with the one coated with pure MnO2 nanofiber film. Therefore, the DMMP sensor developed with this composite nanostructured material should possess excellent selectivity and reasonable sensitivity towards the tiny gaseous DMMP species. PMID:22163653

Square array photonic crystal fiber-based surface plasmon resonance refractive index sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Min; Yang, Xu; Zhao, Bingyue; Hou, Jingyun; Shum, Ping

2017-12-01

Based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR), a novel refractive index (RI) sensor comprising a square photonic crystal fiber (PCF) is proposed to realize the detection of the annular analyte. Instead of hexagon structure, four large air-holes in a square array are introduced to enhance the sensitivity by allowing two polarization directions of the core mode to be more sensitive. The gold is used as the only plasmonic material. The design purpose is to reduce the difficulty in gold deposition and enhance the RI sensitivity. The guiding properties and the effects of the parameters on the performance of the sensor are numerically investigated by the Finite Element Method (FEM). By optimizing the structure, the sensor can exhibit remarkable sensitivity up to 7250 nm/RIU and resolution of 1.0638 × 10-5 RIU with only one plasmonic material, which is very competitive compared with the other reported externally coated and single-layer coated PCF-based SPR (PCF-SPR) sensors, to our best knowledge.

New parameters in adaptive testing of ferromagnetic materials utilizing magnetic Barkhausen noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pal'a, Jozef; Ušák, Elemír

2016-03-01

A new method of magnetic Barkhausen noise (MBN) measurement and optimization of the measured data processing with respect to non-destructive evaluation of ferromagnetic materials was tested. Using this method we tried to found, if it is possible to enhance sensitivity and stability of measurement results by replacing the traditional MBN parameter (root mean square) with some new parameter. In the tested method, a complex set of the MBN from minor hysteresis loops is measured. Afterward, the MBN data are collected into suitably designed matrices and optimal parameters of MBN with respect to maximum sensitivity to the evaluated variable are searched. The method was verified on plastically deformed steel samples. It was shown that the proposed measuring method and measured data processing bring an improvement of the sensitivity to the evaluated variable when comparing with measuring traditional MBN parameter. Moreover, we found a parameter of MBN, which is highly resistant to the changes of applied field amplitude and at the same time it is noticeably more sensitive to the evaluated variable.

A rainfall risk analysis thanks to an GIS based estimation of urban vulnerability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Renard, Florent; Pierre-Marie, Chapon

2010-05-01

The urban community of Lyon, situated in France in the north of the Rhône valley, comprises 1.2 million inhabitants within 515 km ². With such a concentration of issues, policy makers and local elected officials therefore attach great importance to the management of hydrological risks, particularly due to the inherent characteristics of the territory. If the hazards associated with these risks in the territory of Lyon have been the subject of numerous analyses, studies on the vulnerability of greater Lyon are rare and have common shortcomings that impair their validity. We recall that the risk is seen as the classic relationship between the probability of occurrence of hazards and vulnerability. In this article, this vulnerability will be composed of two parts. The first one is the sensitivity of the stakes facing hydrological hazards as urban runoff, that is to say, their propensity to suffer damage during a flood (Gleize and Reghezza, 2007). The second factor is their relative importance in the functioning of the community. Indeed, not all the stakes could provide the same role and contribution to the Greater Lyon. For example, damage to the urban furniture such as bus shelter seems less harmful to the activities of the urban area than that of transport infrastructure (Renard and Chapon, 2010). This communication proposes to assess the vulnerability of Lyon urban area facing to hydrological hazards. This territory is composed of human, environmental and material stakes. The first part of this work is to identify all these issues so as to completeness. Then, is it required to build a "vulnerability index" (Tixier et al, 2006). Thus, it is necessary to use methods of multicriteria decision aid to evaluate the two components of vulnerability: the sensitivity and the contribution to the functioning of the community. Finally, the results of the overall vulnerability are presented, and then coupled to various hazards related to water such as runoff associated with heavy rains, to locate areas of risk in the urban area. The targets that share the same rank of this vulnerability index do not possess the same importance, or the same sensitivity to the flood hazard. Therefore, the second part of this work is to define the priorities and sensitivities of different targets based on the judgments of experts. Multicriteria decision methods are used to prioritize elements and are therefore adapted to the modelling of the sensitivity of the issues of greater Lyon (Griot, 2008). The purpose of these methods is the assessment of priorities between the different components of the situation. Thomas Saaty's analytic hierarchy process (1980) is the most frequently used because of its many advantages. On this basis, the formal calculations of priorities and sensitivities of the elements have been conducted. These calculations are based on the judgments of experts. Indeed, during semi-structured interview, the 38 experts in our sample delivered a verdict on issues that seem relatively more important than others by binary comparison. They carry the same manner to determine sensitivity's stakes to hazard flooding. Finally, the consistency of answers given by experts is validated by calculating a ratio of coherence, and their results are aggregated to provide functions of priority (based on the relative importance of each stakes), and functions of sensitivity (based on the relative sensitivity of each stakes). From these functions of priority and sensitivity is obtained the general function of vulnerability. The vulnerability functions allow defining the importance of the stakes of Greater Lyon and their sensitivity to hydrological hazards. The global vulnerability function is obtained from sensitivity and priority functions and shows the great importance of human issues (75 %). The vulnerability factor of environmental targets represents 12 % of the global vulnerability function, as much as the materials issues. However, it can be seen that the environmental and material stakes do not represent the same weight into the priority and sensitivity functions. Indeed, the environmental issues seem more important than the material ones (17 % for the environmental stakes whereas only 5 % for the material stakes in the priority function), but less sensitive to an hydrological hazard (6 % for the environmental issues while 20 % for the material issues in the sensitivity function). Similarly, priority functions and sensitivity are established for all stakes at all levels. The stakes are then converted into a mesh form (100 meters wide). This will standardize the collection framework and the heterogeneous nature of data to allow their comparison. Finally, it is obtained a detailed, consistent and objective vulnerability of the territory of Greater Lyon. At the end, to get a direct reading of risk, combination of hazard and vulnerability, it is overlaid the two maps.

The Effect of the Thickness of the Sensitive Layer on the Performance of the Accumulating NOx Sensor

PubMed Central

Groß, Andrea; Richter, Miriam; Kubinski, David J.; Visser, Jacobus H.; Moos, Ralf

2012-01-01

A novel and promising method to measure low levels of NOx utilizes the accumulating sensor principle. During an integration cycle, incoming NOx molecules are stored in a sensitive layer based on an automotive lean NOx trap (LNT) material that changes its electrical resistivity proportional to the amount of stored NOx, making the sensor suitable for long-term detection of low levels of NOx. In this study, the influence of the thickness of the sensitive layer, prepared by multiple screen-printing, is investigated. All samples show good accumulating sensing properties for both NO and NO2. In accordance to a simplified model, the base resistance of the sensitive layer and the sensitivity to NOx decrease with increasing thickness. Contrarily, the sensor response time increases. The linear measurement range of all samples ends at a sensor response of about 30% resulting in an increase of the linearly detectable amount with the thickness. Hence, the variation of the thickness of the sensitive layer is a powerful tool to adapt the linear measurement range (proportional to the thickness) as well as the sensitivity (proportional to the inverse thickness) to the application requirements. Calculations combining the sensor model with the measurement results indicate that for operation in the linear range, about 3% of the LNT material is converted to nitrate.

Variation of strain rate sensitivity index of a superplastic aluminum alloy in different testing methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majidi, Omid; Jahazi, Mohammad; Bombardier, Nicolas; Samuel, Ehab

2017-10-01

The strain rate sensitivity index, m-value, is being applied as a common tool to evaluate the impact of the strain rate on the viscoplastic behaviour of materials. The m-value, as a constant number, has been frequently taken into consideration for modeling material behaviour in the numerical simulation of superplastic forming processes. However, the impact of the testing variables on the measured m-values has not been investigated comprehensively. In this study, the m-value for a superplastic grade of an aluminum alloy (i.e., AA5083) has been investigated. The conditions and the parameters that influence the strain rate sensitivity for the material are compared with three different testing methods, i.e., monotonic uniaxial tension test, strain rate jump test and stress relaxation test. All tests were conducted at elevated temperature (470°C) and at strain rates up to 0.1 s-1. The results show that the m-value is not constant and is highly dependent on the applied strain rate, strain level and testing method.

The Influence of PV Module Materials and Design on Solder Joint Thermal Fatigue Durability

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

Bosco, Nick; Silverman, Timothy J.; Kurtz, Sarah

Finite element model (FEM) simulations have been performed to elucidate the effect of flat plate photovoltaic (PV) module materials and design on PbSn eutectic solder joint thermal fatigue durability. The statistical method of Latin Hypercube sampling was employed to investigate the sensitivity of simulated damage to each input variable. Variables of laminate material properties and their thicknesses were investigated. Using analysis of variance, we determined that the rate of solder fatigue was most sensitive to solder layer thickness, with copper ribbon and silicon thickness being the next two most sensitive variables. By simulating both accelerated thermal cycles (ATCs) and PVmore » cell temperature histories through two characteristic days of service, we determined that the acceleration factor between the ATC and outdoor service was independent of the variables sampled in this study. This result implies that an ATC test will represent a similar time of outdoor exposure for a wide range of module designs. This is an encouraging result for the standard ATC that must be universally applied across all modules.« less

Copper ion sensing with fluorescent electrospun nanofibers.

PubMed

Ongun, Merve Zeyrek; Ertekin, Kadriye; Gocmenturk, Mustafa; Ergun, Yavuz; Suslu, Aslıhan

2012-05-01

In this work, the use of electrospun nanofibrous materials as highly responsive fluorescence quenching-based copper sensitive chemosensor is reported. Poly(methyl methacrylate) and ethyl cellulose were used as polymeric support materials. Sensing slides were fabricated by electrospinning technique. Copper sensors based on the change in the fluorescence signal intensity of fluoroionophore; N'-3-(4-(dimethylamino phenly)allylidene)isonicotinohydrazide. The sensor slides exhibited high sensitivities due to the high surface area of the nanofibrous membrane structures. The preliminary results of Stern-Volmer analysis show that the sensitivities of electrospun nanofibrous membranes to detect Cu(II) ions are 6-20-fold higher than those of the continuous thin films. By this way we obtained linear calibration plots for Cu(II) ions in the concentration range of 10(-12)-10(-5)M. The response times of the sensing slides were less than 1 min. Stability of the employed ionophore in the matrix materials was excellent and when stored in the ambient air of the laboratory there was no significant drift in signal intensity after 6 months. Our stability tests are still in progress. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Validated method for quantification of genetically modified organisms in samples of maize flour.

PubMed

Kunert, Renate; Gach, Johannes S; Vorauer-Uhl, Karola; Engel, Edwin; Katinger, Hermann

2006-02-08

Sensitive and accurate testing for trace amounts of biotechnology-derived DNA from plant material is the prerequisite for detection of 1% or 0.5% genetically modified ingredients in food products or raw materials thereof. Compared to ELISA detection of expressed proteins, real-time PCR (RT-PCR) amplification has easier sample preparation and detection limits are lower. Of the different methods of DNA preparation CTAB method with high flexibility in starting material and generation of sufficient DNA with relevant quality was chosen. Previous RT-PCR data generated with the SYBR green detection method showed that the method is highly sensitive to sample matrices and genomic DNA content influencing the interpretation of results. Therefore, this paper describes a real-time DNA quantification based on the TaqMan probe method, indicating high accuracy and sensitivity with detection limits of lower than 18 copies per sample applicable and comparable to highly purified plasmid standards as well as complex matrices of genomic DNA samples. The results were evaluated with ValiData for homology of variance, linearity, accuracy of the standard curve, and standard deviation.

Metal-free and Oxygen-free Graphene as Oxygen Reduction Catalysts for Highly Efficient Fuel Cells

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-30

electrocatalysts for ORR in fuel cells and other applications, including dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Introduction Instead of burning...fuel cells and other applications, including dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). 15. SUBJECT TERMS nano materials, nano science and technology...dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted much attention since Oregan and Grätzel’s seminal report in 1991. A typical DSSC device consists

Mechanism of Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) Sensitivity of Reactive Powders and Its Mitigation

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-14

motivated by both safety requirements for handling flammable gas mixtures and convenience of using spark discharge as a controlled energy igniter for...On the other hand, experimental tests of ESD ignition sensitivity for non-aerosolized powders are among the most commonly used safety assessments...materials, including nanomaterials for a variety of applications. Current protocols used for ESD ignition sensitivity testing, e.g., described in

Effect of electrode material and design on sensitivity and selectivity for high temperature impedancemetric NOx sensors

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

Woo, L Y; Glass, R S; Novak, R F

2009-09-23

Solid-state electrochemical sensors using two different sensing electrode compositions, gold and strontium-doped lanthanum manganite (LSM), were evaluated for gas phase sensing of NO{sub x} (NO and NO{sub 2}) using an impedance-metric technique. An asymmetric cell design utilizing porous YSZ electrolyte exposed both electrodes to the test gas (i.e., no reference gas). Sensitivity to less than 5 ppm NO and response/recovery times (10-90%) less than 10 s were demonstrated. Using an LSM sensing electrode, virtual identical sensitivity towards NO and NO{sub 2} was obtained, indicating that the equilibrium gas concentration was measured by the sensing electrode. In contrast, for cells employingmore » a gold sensing electrode the NO{sub x} sensitivity varied depending on the cell design: increasing the amount of porous YSZ electrolyte on the sensor surface produced higher NO{sub 2} sensitivity compared to NO. In order to achieve comparable sensitivity for both NO and NO{sub 2}, the cell with the LSM sensing electrode required operation at a lower temperature (575 C) than the cell with the gold sensing electrode (650 C). The role of surface reactions are proposed to explain the differences in NO and NO{sub 2} selectivity using the two different electrode materials.« less

Emergency EPR and OSL dosimetry with table vitamins and minerals.

PubMed

Sholom, S; McKeever, S W S

2016-12-01

Several table vitamins, minerals and L-lysine amino acid have been preliminarily tested as potential emergency dosemeters using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) techniques. Radiation-induced EPR signals were detected in samples of vitamin B2 and L-lysine while samples of multivitamins of different brands as well as mineral Mg demonstrated prominent OSL signals after exposure to ionizing radiation doses. Basic dosimetric properties of the radiation-sensitive substances were studied, namely dose response, fading of the EPR or OSL signals and values of minimum measurable doses (MMDs). For EPR-sensitive samples, the EPR signal is converted into units of dose using a linear dose response and correcting for fading using the measured fading dependence. For OSL-sensitive materials, a multi-aliquot, enhanced-temperature protocol was developed to avoid the problem of sample sensitization and to minimize the influence of signal fading. The sample dose in this case is also evaluated using the dose response and fading curves. MMDs of the EPR-sensitive samples were below 2 Gy while those of the OSL-sensitive materials were below 500 mGy as long as the samples are analyzed within 1 week after exposure. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Phase change material for temperature control and material storage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wessling, Jr., Francis C. (Inventor); Blackwood, James M. (Inventor)

2011-01-01

A phase change material comprising a mixture of water and deuterium oxide is described, wherein the mole fraction of deuterium oxide is selected so that the mixture has a selected phase change temperature within a range between 0.degree. C. and 4.degree. C. The mixture is placed in a container and used for passive storage and transport of biomaterials and other temperature sensitive materials. Gels, nucleating agents, freezing point depression materials and colorants may be added to enhance the characteristics of the mixture.

Subthreshold neutron interrogator for detection of radioactive materials

DOEpatents

Evans, Michael L.; Menlove, Howard O.; Baker, Michael P.

1980-01-01

A device for detecting fissionable material such as uranium in low concentrations by interrogating with photoneutrons at energy levels below 500 keV, and typically about 26 keV. Induced fast neutrons having energies above 500 keV by the interrogated fissionable material are detected by a liquid scintillator or recoil proportional counter which is sensitive to the induced fast neutrons. Since the induced fast neutrons are proportional to the concentration of fissionable material, detection of induced fast neutrons indicate concentration of the fissionable material.

Sediment fingerprinting experiments to test the sensitivity of multivariate mixing models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaspar, Leticia; Blake, Will; Smith, Hugh; Navas, Ana

2014-05-01

Sediment fingerprinting techniques provide insight into the dynamics of sediment transfer processes and support for catchment management decisions. As questions being asked of fingerprinting datasets become increasingly complex, validation of model output and sensitivity tests are increasingly important. This study adopts an experimental approach to explore the validity and sensitivity of mixing model outputs for materials with contrasting geochemical and particle size composition. The experiments reported here focused on (i) the sensitivity of model output to different fingerprint selection procedures and (ii) the influence of source material particle size distributions on model output. Five soils with significantly different geochemistry, soil organic matter and particle size distributions were selected as experimental source materials. A total of twelve sediment mixtures were prepared in the laboratory by combining different quantified proportions of the < 63 µm fraction of the five source soils i.e. assuming no fluvial sorting of the mixture. The geochemistry of all source and mixture samples (5 source soils and 12 mixed soils) were analysed using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Tracer properties were selected from 18 elements for which mass concentrations were found to be significantly different between sources. Sets of fingerprint properties that discriminate target sources were selected using a range of different independent statistical approaches (e.g. Kruskal-Wallis test, Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), or correlation matrix). Summary results for the use of the mixing model with the different sets of fingerprint properties for the twelve mixed soils were reasonably consistent with the initial mixing percentages initially known. Given the experimental nature of the work and dry mixing of materials, geochemical conservative behavior was assumed for all elements, even for those that might be disregarded in aquatic systems (e.g. P). In general, the best fits between actual and modeled proportions were found using a set of nine tracer properties (Sr, Rb, Fe, Ti, Ca, Al, P, Si, K, Si) that were derived using DFA coupled with a multivariate stepwise algorithm, with errors between real and estimated value that did not exceed 6.7 % and values of GOF above 94.5 %. The second set of experiments aimed to explore the sensitivity of model output to variability in the particle size of source materials assuming that a degree of fluvial sorting of the resulting mixture took place. Most particle size correction procedures assume grain size affects are consistent across sources and tracer properties which is not always the case. Consequently, the < 40 µm fraction of selected soil mixtures was analysed to simulate the effect of selective fluvial transport of finer particles and the results were compared to those for source materials. Preliminary findings from this experiment demonstrate the sensitivity of the numerical mixing model outputs to different particle size distributions of source material and the variable impact of fluvial sorting on end member signatures used in mixing models. The results suggest that particle size correction procedures require careful scrutiny in the context of variable source characteristics.

General Nonlinear Ferroelectric Model v. Beta

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

Dong, Wen; Robbins, Josh

2017-03-14

The purpose of this software is to function as a generalized ferroelectric material model. The material model is designed to work with existing finite element packages by providing updated information on material properties that are nonlinear and dependent on loading history. The two major nonlinear phenomena this model captures are domain-switching and phase transformation. The software itself does not contain potentially sensitive material information and instead provides a framework for different physical phenomena observed within ferroelectric materials. The model is calibrated to a specific ferroelectric material through input parameters provided by the user.

Sensitivity of WallDYN material migration modeling to uncertainties in mixed-material surface binding energies

DOE PAGES

Nichols, J. H.; Jaworski, M. A.; Schmid, K.

2017-03-09

The WallDYN package has recently been applied to a number of tokamaks to self-consistently model the evolution of mixed-material plasma facing surfaces. A key component of the WallDYN model is the concentration-dependent surface sputtering rate, calculated using SDTRIM.SP. This modeled sputtering rate is strongly influenced by the surface binding energies (SBEs) of the constituent materials, which are well known for pure elements but often are poorly constrained for mixed-materials. This work examines the sensitivity of WallDYN surface evolution calculations to different models for mixed-material SBEs, focusing on the carbon/lithium/oxygen/deuterium system present in NSTX. A realistic plasma background is reconstructed frommore » a high density, H-mode NSTX discharge, featuring an attached outer strike point with local density and temperature of 4 × 10 20 m -3 and 4 eV, respectively. It is found that various mixed-material SBE models lead to significant qualitative and quantitative changes in the surface evolution profile at the outer divertor, with the highest leverage parameter being the C-Li binding model. Uncertainties of order 50%, appearing on time scales relevant to tokamak experiments, highlight the importance of choosing an appropriate mixed-material sputtering representation when modeling the surface evolution of plasma facing components. Lastly, these results are generalized to other fusion-relevant materials with different ranges of SBEs.« less

Sensitivity of WallDYN material migration modeling to uncertainties in mixed-material surface binding energies

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

Nichols, J. H.; Jaworski, M. A.; Schmid, K.

The WallDYN package has recently been applied to a number of tokamaks to self-consistently model the evolution of mixed-material plasma facing surfaces. A key component of the WallDYN model is the concentration-dependent surface sputtering rate, calculated using SDTRIM.SP. This modeled sputtering rate is strongly influenced by the surface binding energies (SBEs) of the constituent materials, which are well known for pure elements but often are poorly constrained for mixed-materials. This work examines the sensitivity of WallDYN surface evolution calculations to different models for mixed-material SBEs, focusing on the carbon/lithium/oxygen/deuterium system present in NSTX. A realistic plasma background is reconstructed frommore » a high density, H-mode NSTX discharge, featuring an attached outer strike point with local density and temperature of 4 × 10 20 m -3 and 4 eV, respectively. It is found that various mixed-material SBE models lead to significant qualitative and quantitative changes in the surface evolution profile at the outer divertor, with the highest leverage parameter being the C-Li binding model. Uncertainties of order 50%, appearing on time scales relevant to tokamak experiments, highlight the importance of choosing an appropriate mixed-material sputtering representation when modeling the surface evolution of plasma facing components. Lastly, these results are generalized to other fusion-relevant materials with different ranges of SBEs.« less

Hydrocarbon sensors and materials therefor

DOEpatents

Pham, Ai Quoc; Glass, Robert S.

2000-01-01

An electrochemical hydrocarbon sensor and materials for use in sensors. A suitable proton conducting electrolyte and catalytic materials have been found for specific application in the detection and measurement of non-methane hydrocarbons. The sensor comprises a proton conducting electrolyte sandwiched between two electrodes. At least one of the electrodes is covered with a hydrocarbon decomposition catalyst. Two different modes of operation for the hydrocarbon sensors can be used: equilibrium versus non-equilibrium measurements and differential catalytic. The sensor has particular application for on-board monitoring of automobile exhaust gases to evaluate the performance of catalytic converters. In addition, the sensor can be utilized in monitoring any process where hydrocarbons are exhausted, for instance, industrial power plants. The sensor is low cost, rugged, sensitive, simple to fabricate, miniature, and does not suffer cross sensitivities.

A study of the stress wave factor technique for nondestructive evaluation of composite materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sarrafzadeh-Khoee, A.; Kiernan, M. T.; Duke, J. C., Jr.; Henneke, E. G., II

1986-01-01

The acousto-ultrasonic method of nondestructive evaluation is an extremely sensitive means of assessing material response. Efforts continue to complete the understanding of this method. In order to achieve the full sensitivity of the technique, extreme care must be taken in its performance. This report provides an update of the efforts to advance the understanding of this method and to increase its application to the nondestructive evaluation of composite materials. Included are descriptions of a novel optical system that is capable of measuring in-plane and out-of-plane displacements, an IBM PC-based data acquisition system, an extensive data analysis software package, the azimuthal variation of acousto-ultrasonic behavior in graphite/epoxy laminates, and preliminary examination of processing variation in graphite-aluminum tubes.

Two techniques for eliminating luminol interference material and flow system configurations for luminol and firefly luciferase systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomas, R. R.

1976-01-01

Two methods for eliminating luminol interference materials are described. One method eliminates interference from organic material by pre-reacting a sample with dilute hydrogen peroxide. The reaction rate resolution method for eliminating inorganic forms of interference is also described. The combination of the two methods makes the luminol system more specific for bacteria. Flow system designs for both the firefly luciferase and luminol bacteria detection systems are described. The firefly luciferase flow system incorporating nitric acid extraction and optimal dilutions has a functional sensitivity of 3 x 100,000 E. coli/ml. The luminol flow system incorporates the hydrogen peroxide pretreatment and the reaction rate resolution techniques for eliminating interference. The functional sensitivity of the luminol flow system is 1 x 10,000 E. coli/ml.

Rheology of polyelectrolyte complex materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tirrell, Matthew

Fluid polyelectrolyte complexes, sometimes known as complex coacervates, have rheological properties that are very sensitive to structure and salt concentration. Dynamic moduli of such viscoelastic materials very many orders of magnitude between solutions of no added salt to of order tenth molar salt, typical, for example of physiological saline. Indeed, salt plays a role in the rheology of complex coacervates analogous to that which temperature plays on polymer melts, leading to an empirical observation of what may be termed time-salt or frequency salt superposition. Block copolymers containing complexing ionic blocks also exhibit strong salt sensitivity of their rheological properties. Data representing these phenomena will be presented and discussed. Support from NIST, Department of Commerce, via the Center for Hierarchical Materials Design at Northwestern University and the University of Chicago is gratefully acknowledged.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, p-Isopropylbenzyl acetate, CAS Registry Number 59230-57-8.

PubMed

Api, A M; Belsito, D; Bhatia, S; Bruze, M; Calow, P; Dagli, M L; Dekant, W; Fryer, A D; Kromidas, L; La Cava, S; Lalko, J F; Lapczynski, A; Liebler, D C; Politano, V T; Ritacco, G; Salvito, D; Schultz, T W; Shen, J; Sipes, I G; Wall, B; Wilcox, D K

2016-11-01

The use of this material under current use conditions is supported by the existing information. This material was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, developmental toxicity, reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity, skin sensitization, as well as environmental safety. Data from the suitable read across analog, benzyl acetate (CAS # 140-11-4), show that this material is not genotoxic nor does it have skin sensitization potential. The repeated dose, developmental and reproductive, and local respiratory toxicity endpoints were completed using benzyl acetate (CAS # 140-11-4) as a suitable read across analog, which provided a MOE > 100. The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoint was completed based on suitable UV spectra. The environmental endpoint was completed as described in the RIFM Framework. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Three-dimensional solutions for the free vibrations and buckling of thermally stressed multilayered angle-ply composite plates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noor, Ahmed K.; Burton, W. S.

1992-01-01

Analytic three-dimensional elasticity solutions are developed for the free vibration and buckling of thermally stressed rectangular multilayered angle-ply anisotropic plates which are assumed to have an antisymmetric lamination with respect to the middle plane. Sensitivity derivatives are evaluated and used to investigate the sensitivity of the vibration and buckling responses to variations in the different lamination and material parameters of the plate. A Duhamel-Neumann-type constitutive model is used, and the material properties are assumed to be independent of temperature. Numerical results are presented, showing the effects of variations in the material characteristics and fiber orientation of different layers, as well as the effect of initial thermal deformation on the vibrational and buckling responses of the plate.

Search for Superconductivity in Micrometeorites

PubMed Central

Guénon, S.; Ramírez, J. G.; Basaran, Ali C.; Wampler, J.; Thiemens, M.; Taylor, S.; Schuller, Ivan K.

2014-01-01

We have developed a very sensitive, highly selective, non-destructive technique for screening inhomogeneous materials for the presence of superconductivity. This technique, based on phase sensitive detection of microwave absorption is capable of detecting 10−12 cc of a superconductor embedded in a non-superconducting, non-magnetic matrix. For the first time, we apply this technique to the search for superconductivity in extraterrestrial samples. We tested approximately 65 micrometeorites collected from the water well at the Amundsen-Scott South pole station and compared their spectra with those of eight reference materials. None of these micrometeorites contained superconducting compounds, but we saw the Verwey transition of magnetite in our microwave system. This demonstrates that we are able to detect electro-magnetic phase transitions in extraterrestrial materials at cryogenic temperatures. PMID:25476841

Culture materials affect ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic progenitor cells.

PubMed

LaIuppa, J A; McAdams, T A; Papoutsakis, E T; Miller, W M

1997-09-05

Ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic cells is important for applications such as cancer treatment, gene therapy, and transfusion medicine. While cell culture systems are widely used to evaluate the biocompatibility of materials for implantation, the ability of materials to support proliferation of primary human cells in cultures for reinfusion into patients has not been addressed. We screened a variety of commercially available polymer (15 types), metal (four types), and glass substrates for their ability to support expansion of hematopoietic cells when cultured under conditions that would be encountered in a clinical setting. Cultures of peripheral blood (PB) CD34+ cells and mononuclear cells (MNC) were evaluated for expansion of total cells and colony-forming unit-granulocyte monocyte (CFU-GM; progenitors committed to the granulocyte and/or monocyte lineage). Human hematopoietic cultures in serum-free medium were found to be extremely sensitive to the substrate material. The only materials tested that supported expansion at or near the levels of polystyrene were tissue culture polystyrene, Teflon perfluoroalkoxy, Teflon fluorinated ethylene propylene, cellulose acetate, titanium, new polycarbonate, and new polymethylpentene. MNC were less sensitive to the substrate materials than the primitive CD34+ progenitors, although similar trends were seen for expansion of the two cell populations on the substrates tested. CFU-GM expansion was more sensitive to substrate materials than was total cell expansion. The detrimental effects of a number of the materials on hematopoietic cultures appear to be caused by protein adsorption and/or leaching of toxins. Factors such as cleaning, sterilization, and reuse significantly affected the performance of some materials as culture substrates. We also used PB CD34+ cell cultures to examine the biocompatibility of gas-permeable cell culture and blood storage bags and several types of tubing commonly used with biomedical equipment. While many of the culture bag materials gave satisfactory results, all of the tubing materials severely inhibited total cell and CFU-GM expansion. Taken together, our results show that many materials approved for blood contact or considered biocompatible are not suitable for use with hematopoietic cells cultured in serum-free medium. As hematopoietic cultures are scaled up for a variety of clinical applications, it will be essential to carefully examine the biocompatibility of all materials involved.

Critical processes and parameters in the development of accident tolerant fuels drop-in capsule irradiation tests

DOE PAGES

Barrett, K. E.; Ellis, K. D.; Glass, C. R.; ...

2015-12-01

The goal of the Accident Tolerant Fuel (ATF) program is to develop the next generation of Light Water Reactor (LWR) fuels with improved performance, reliability, and safety characteristics during normal operations and accident conditions and with reduced waste generation. An irradiation test series has been defined to assess the performance of proposed ATF concepts under normal LWR operating conditions. The Phase I ATF irradiation test series is planned to be performed as a series of drop-in capsule tests to be irradiated in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) operated by the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Design, analysis, and fabrication processes formore » ATR drop-in capsule experiment preparation are presented in this paper to demonstrate the importance of special design considerations, parameter sensitivity analysis, and precise fabrication and inspection techniques for figure innovative materials used in ATF experiment assemblies. A Taylor Series Method sensitivity analysis approach was used to identify the most critical variables in cladding and rodlet stress, temperature, and pressure calculations for design analyses. The results showed that internal rodlet pressure calculations are most sensitive to the fission gas release rate uncertainty while temperature calculations are most sensitive to cladding I.D. and O.D. dimensional uncertainty. The analysis showed that stress calculations are most sensitive to rodlet internal pressure uncertainties, however the results also indicated that the inside radius, outside radius, and internal pressure were all magnified as they propagate through the stress equation. This study demonstrates the importance for ATF concept development teams to provide the fabricators as much information as possible about the material properties and behavior observed in prototype testing, mock-up fabrication and assembly, and chemical and mechanical testing of the materials that may have been performed in the concept development phase. Special handling, machining, welding, and inspection of materials, if known, should also be communicated to the experiment fabrication and inspection team.« less

The effect of temperature and moisture on electrical resistance, strain sensitivity and crack sensitivity of steel fiber reinforced smart cement composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teomete, Egemen

2016-07-01

Earthquakes, material degradations and other environmental factors necessitate structural health monitoring (SHM). Metal foil strain gages used for SHM have low durability and low sensitivity. These factors motivated researchers to work on cement based strain sensors. In this study, the effects of temperature and moisture on electrical resistance, compressive and tensile strain gage factors (strain sensitivity) and crack sensitivity were determined for steel fiber reinforced cement based composite. A rapid increase of electrical resistance at 200 °C was observed due to damage occurring between cement paste, aggregates and steel fibers. The moisture—electrical resistance relationship was investigated. The specimens taken out of the cure were saturated with water and had a moisture content of 9.49%. The minimum electrical resistance was obtained at 9% moisture at which fiber-fiber and fiber-matrix contact was maximum and the water in micro voids was acting as an electrolyte, conducting electrons. The variation of compressive and tensile strain gage factors (strain sensitivities) and crack sensitivity were investigated by conducting compression, split tensile and notched bending tests with different moisture contents. The highest gage factor for the compression test was obtained at optimal moisture content, at which electrical resistance was minimum. The tensile strain gage factor for split tensile test and crack sensitivity increased by decreasing moisture content. The mechanisms between moisture content, electrical resistance, gage factors and crack sensitivity were elucidated. The relations of moisture content with electrical resistance, gage factors and crack sensitivities have been presented for the first time in this study for steel fiber reinforced cement based composites. The results are important for the development of self sensing cement based smart materials.

Thermal stresses in composite tubes using complementary virtual work

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hyer, M. W.; Cooper, D. E.

1988-01-01

This paper addresses the computation of thermally induced stresses in layered, fiber-reinforced composite tubes subjected to a circumferential gradient. The paper focuses on using the principle of complementary virtual work, in conjunction with a Ritz approximation to the stress field, to study the influence on the predicted stresses of including temperature-dependent material properties. Results indicate that the computed values of stress are sensitive to the temperature dependence of the matrix-direction compliance and matrix-direction thermal expansion in the plane of the lamina. There is less sensitivity to the temperature dependence of the other material properties.

Single crystal Ce doped scintillator material with garnet structure sensitive to gamma ray and neutron radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solodovnikov, D.; Weber, M. H.; Haven, D. T.; Lynn, K. G.

2012-08-01

A mixed garnet scintillator host material is obtained from the melt—Yttrium Gadolinium Gallium Aluminum Garnet (YGGAG). In addition to the high thermal and chemical stability and radiation hardness found in garnet crystals, it offers sensitivity to neutrons due to the presence of Gd atoms, has lower melting temperature than yttrium aluminum garnet, and similar crystallization behavior suitable for growth of large volume crystals. Crystals of YGGAG doped with Ce of 10×10×10 mm3 have already demonstrated energy resolution of 10% at 662 keV.

Immobilized lipid-bilayer materials

DOEpatents

Sasaki, Darryl Y.; Loy, Douglas A.; Yamanaka, Stacey A.

2000-01-01

A method for preparing encapsulated lipid-bilayer materials in a silica matrix comprising preparing a silica sol, mixing a lipid-bilayer material in the silica sol and allowing the mixture to gel to form the encapsulated lipid-bilayer material. The mild processing conditions allow quantitative entrapment of pre-formed lipid-bilayer materials without modification to the material's spectral characteristics. The method allows for the immobilization of lipid membranes to surfaces. The encapsulated lipid-bilayer materials perform as sensitive optical sensors for the detection of analytes such as heavy metal ions and can be used as drug delivery systems and as separation devices.

Evidence that two alkyl ester quaternary ammonium compounds lack substantial human skin-sensitizing potential.

PubMed

Jowsey, Ian R; Kligman, Albert M; White, Ian R; Goossens, An; Basketter, David A

2007-03-01

Alkyl ester quaternary ammonium compounds (ester quats) are used extensively in fabric rinse conditioners. It is important to document in the literature the outcome of historical studies that were performed to assess the risk of adverse skin effects associated with their use. (1) To document the outcomes of historical studies performed to evaluate the skin sensitizing potential of two ester quats (the di-[hardened tallow fatty acid] ester of 2,3-dihydroxypropyl-trimethyl ammonium chloride [HEQ] and the dialkyl ester of triethanol ammonium methyl sulfate [TEA-Quat]) and (2) to demonstrate that these ester quats lack marked skin-sensitizing potential in humans, such that they do not present a risk of contact allergy for consumers who use fabric rinse conditioners. Each material was assessed in the human maximization test in a panel of 25 volunteers. Diagnostic patch testing was also performed with each material in a population of 239 patients undergoing routine patch testing for suspected allergic contact dermatitis. These data are also considered in the context of an exposure-based quantitative risk assessment. Neither HEQ nor TEA-Quat was found to cause skin sensitization under the conditions of the human maximization test. No evidence of contact allergy to the materials was found among the relatively small population assessed by diagnostic patch testing. This study provides evidence that HEQ and TEA-Quat lack substantial skin-sensitizing potential in humans. Taken together with similar data for other ester quats, it suggests that compounds in this class are unlikely to be significant human contact allergens.

Comparing the effect of a desensitizing material and a self-etch adhesive on dentin sensitivity after periodontal surgery: a randomized clinical trial

PubMed Central

Hajizadeh, Hila; Majidinia, Sara; Moeintaghavi, Amir; Ghavamnasiri, Marjaneh

2017-01-01

Objectives This double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the ability of a desensitizing agent and a self-etch adhesive on cervical dentin sensitivity (CDS) after periodontal surgery. Materials and Methods Ninety hypersensitive teeth of 13 subjects were included in the study. After periodontal surgery, the teeth of each posterior sextant treated with one of the following materials: G1: Clearfil S3 Bond (Kuraray Dental), G2: Gluma Desensitizer (Heraeus Kulzer), and G3: placebo (water). The sensitivity was assessed using evaporative stimuli before treatment (baseline, T0), 1 day after treatment (T1), after 1 week (T2), and after 1 month (T3) according to visual analog scale (VAS). Results Following the treatment, all the 3 groups showed significant reduction of CDS in T1 compared to T0. Reduction of CDS between T1 and T2 was observed only in G1 but there was no significant difference between T2 and T3 in this group. Although we observed a significant difference in T3 compared to T1 and T2 in G2 and G3, comparison of treatment groups in each assessment time showed a significant difference only in T3. According to paired comparison, this was due to the difference between G2 and G3. Conclusions Dentin sensitivity following periodontal surgery will decrease spontaneously over time, but treating the sensitive teeth with Gluma Desensitizer and Clearfil S3 Bond can have some benefits. PMID:28808633

Sampling and analysis of airborne resin acids and solvent-soluble material derived from heated colophony (rosin) flux: a method to quantify exposure to sensitizing compounds liberated during electronics soldering.

PubMed

Smith, P A; Son, P S; Callaghan, P M; Jederberg, W W; Kuhlmann, K; Still, K R

1996-07-17

Components of colophony (rosin) resin acids are sensitizers through dermal and pulmonary exposure to heated and unheated material. Significant work in the literature identifies specific resin acids and their oxidation products as sensitizers. Pulmonary exposure to colophony sensitizers has been estimated indirectly through formaldehyde exposure. To assess pulmonary sensitization from airborne resin acids, direct measurement is desired, as the degree to which aldehyde exposure correlates with that of resin acids during colophony heating is undefined. Any analytical method proposed should be applicable to a range of compounds and should also identify specific compounds present in a breathing zone sample. This work adapts OSHA Sampling and Analytical Method 58, which is designed to provide airborne concentration data for coal tar pitch volatile solids by air filtration through a glass fiber filter, solvent extraction of the filter, and gravimetric analysis of the non-volatile extract residue. In addition to data regarding total soluble material captured, a portion of the extract may be subjected to compound-specific analysis. Levels of soluble solids found during personal breathing zone sampling during electronics soldering in a Naval Aviation Depot ranged from below the "reliable quantitation limit" reported in the method to 7.98 mg/m3. Colophony-spiked filters analyzed in accordance with the method (modified) produced a limit of detection for total solvent-soluble colophony solids of 10 micrograms/filter. High performance liquid chromatography was used to identify abietic acid present in a breathing zone sample.

Acute dermal toxicity and sensitization studies of novel nano-enhanced UV absorbers.

PubMed

Piasecka-Zelga, Joanna; Zelga, Piotr; Górnicz, Magdalena; Strzelczyk, Paweł; Sójka-Ledakowicz, Jadwiga

2015-01-01

Many employees working outside are exposed to the harmful effects of UV radiation. A growing problem is also sensitization to textile materials and allergic reactions to active compounds. Groups of inorganic UV blockers with nanoparticles may provide superior properties over organic UV absorbers with relatively less potential of provoking dermatitis. To assess acute dermal irritation and sensitization of nano UV absorbers. Five UV absorbers with nano-sized particles (Z11, TiO2 - SiO2 [TDPK], TK44, TK11, A8G) and 2 vehicles (paste-based on 10% PEG, and dispersion with 1% HEC) were tested. Acute dermal irritation was tested using group of 3 rabbits for each absorber. The sensitization study was carried out on groups of 15 guinea pigs for each tested textile with a UV absorber showing an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF)>40. This research was designed according to OECD Test Guideline No. 404 and 406, and 21 rabbits and 60 guinea pigs were used in the study. In acute dermal irritation, Z11 and A8G modifiers and the analyzed paste gave results of 0.047 to 0.33 which classifies them as barely perceptible irritants, whereas the other analyzed modifiers and dispersion gave results of 0.00 and were classified as nonirritating. Only the textile with TK 11 did not have UPF>40. The analyzed barrier materials were classified as nonsenitizers (TDPK, A8G) or mild sensitizers (TK44, Z11). None of the analyzed materials or modifiers induced major skin reactions in animals. Therefore, they present low risk of provoking skin reactions in humans.

Global sensitivity analysis of multiscale properties of porous materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Um, Kimoon; Zhang, Xuan; Katsoulakis, Markos; Plechac, Petr; Tartakovsky, Daniel M.

2018-02-01

Ubiquitous uncertainty about pore geometry inevitably undermines the veracity of pore- and multi-scale simulations of transport phenomena in porous media. It raises two fundamental issues: sensitivity of effective material properties to pore-scale parameters and statistical parameterization of Darcy-scale models that accounts for pore-scale uncertainty. Homogenization-based maps of pore-scale parameters onto their Darcy-scale counterparts facilitate both sensitivity analysis (SA) and uncertainty quantification. We treat uncertain geometric characteristics of a hierarchical porous medium as random variables to conduct global SA and to derive probabilistic descriptors of effective diffusion coefficients and effective sorption rate. Our analysis is formulated in terms of solute transport diffusing through a fluid-filled pore space, while sorbing to the solid matrix. Yet it is sufficiently general to be applied to other multiscale porous media phenomena that are amenable to homogenization.

Label-free and pH-sensitive colorimetric materials for the sensing of urea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Lu; Long, Yue; Gao, Jin-Ming; Song, Kai; Yang, Guoqiang

2016-02-01

This communication demonstrates a facile method for naked-eye detection of urea based on the structure color change of pH-sensitive photonic crystals. The insertion of urease provides excellent selectivity over other molecules. The detection of urea in different concentration ranges could be realized by changing the molar ratio between the functional monomer and cross-linker.This communication demonstrates a facile method for naked-eye detection of urea based on the structure color change of pH-sensitive photonic crystals. The insertion of urease provides excellent selectivity over other molecules. The detection of urea in different concentration ranges could be realized by changing the molar ratio between the functional monomer and cross-linker. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Materials and chemicals, characterization, experimental details, and SEM images. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr07690k

Directional Sensitivity in Light-Mass Dark Matter Searches with Single-Electron-Resolution Ionization Detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kadribasic, Fedja; Mirabolfathi, Nader; Nordlund, Kai; Sand, Andrea E.; Holmström, Eero; Djurabekova, Flyura

2018-03-01

We propose a method using solid state detectors with directional sensitivity to dark matter interactions to detect low-mass weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) originating from galactic sources. In spite of a large body of literature for high-mass WIMP detectors with directional sensitivity, no available technique exists to cover WIMPs in the mass range <1 GeV /c2 . We argue that single-electron-resolution semiconductor detectors allow for directional sensitivity once properly calibrated. We examine the commonly used semiconductor material response to these low-mass WIMP interactions.

Reconstruction-free sensitive wavefront sensor based on continuous position sensitive detectors.

PubMed

Godin, Thomas; Fromager, Michael; Cagniot, Emmanuel; Brunel, Marc; Aït-Ameur, Kamel

2013-12-01

We propose a new device that is able to perform highly sensitive wavefront measurements based on the use of continuous position sensitive detectors and without resorting to any reconstruction process. We demonstrate experimentally its ability to measure small wavefront distortions through the characterization of pump-induced refractive index changes in laser material. In addition, it is shown using computer-generated holograms that this device can detect phase discontinuities as well as improve the quality of sharp phase variations measurements. Results are compared to reference Shack-Hartmann measurements, and dramatic enhancements are obtained.

Environmental radiation detection via thermoluminescence

DOEpatents

Miller, Steven D.

1993-01-01

The method and apparatus of the present invention relate to cryogenically cooling a thermoluminescent material, exposing it to a low level of radiation (less than about 1 R) while it is at the cooled temperature, warming the thermoluminescent material to "room temperature", and counting the photons emitted during heating. Sufficient sensitivity is achieved without exposing the thermoluminescent material to ultraviolet light thereby simplifying the measurements.

Environmental radiation detection via thermoluminescence

DOEpatents

Miller, S.D.

1993-03-23

The method and apparatus of the present invention relate to cryogenically cooling a thermoluminescent material, exposing it to a low level of radiation (less than about 1 R) while it is at the cooled temperature, warming the thermoluminescent material to room temperature'' and counting the photons emitted during heating. Sufficient sensitivity is achieved without exposing the thermoluminescent material to ultraviolet light thereby simplifying the measurements.

The BetaCage, an ultra-sensitive screener for surface contamination

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

Bunker, R.; Bowles, M. A.; Schnee, R. W.

Material screening for identifying low-energy electron emitters and alpha-decaying isotopes is now a prerequisite for rare-event searches (e.g., dark-matter direct detection and neutrinoless double-beta decay) for which surface radiocon-tamination has become an increasingly important background. The BetaCage, a gaseous neon time-projection chamber, is a proposed ultra-sensitive (and nondestructive) screener for alpha-and beta-emitting surface contaminants to which existing screening facilities are insufficiently sensitive. Sensitivity goals are 0.1 betas keV{sup −1} m{sup −2} day{sup −1} and 0.1 alphas m{sup −2} day{sup −1}, with the former limited by Compton scattering of photons in the screening samples and (thanks to tracking) the latter expectedmore » to be signal-limited; radioassays and simulations indicate backgrounds from detector materials and radon daughters should be subdominant. We report on details of the background simulations and detector design that provide the discrimination, shielding, and radiopurity necessary to reach our sensitivity goals for a chamber with a 95 × 95 cm{sup 2} sample area positioned below a 40 cm drift region and monitored by crisscrossed anode and cathode planes consisting of 151 wires each.« less

Graded High-Strength Spring-Steels by a Special Inductive Heat T reatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tump, A.; Brandt, R.

2016-03-01

A method for effective lightweight design is the use of materials with high specific strength. As materials e.g. titanium are very expensive, steel is still the most important material for manufacturing automotive components. Steel is cost efficient, easy to recycle and its tensile strength easily exceeds 2,000 MPa by means of modern QT-technology (Quenched and Tempered). Therefore, lightweight design is still feasible in spite of the high density of steel. However, a further increase of tensile strength is limited, especially due to an increasing notch sensitivity and exposure to a corrosive environment. One solution is a special QT-process for steel, which creates a hardness gradient from the surface to the core of the material. This type of tailored material possesses a softer layer, which improves material properties such as fracture toughness and notch sensitivity. This leads to a better resistance to stress corrosion cracking and corrosion fatigue. Due to this optimization, a weight reduction is feasible without the use of expensive alloying elements. To understand the damage mechanism a comprehensive testing procedure was performed on homogeneous and gradient steels. Some results regarding the fracture mechanic behavior of such steels will be discussed.

Investigating inhibition of microbes inducing microbiologically-influenced-corrosion by Tectona grandis based Fe-nanoparticle material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okeniyi, Joshua Olusegun; Omotosho, Olugbenga Adeshola; Inyang, Michael Anietie; Okeniyi, Elizabeth Toyin; Nwaokorie, Ikechi Thaddeus; Adidi, Emmanuel Amanogho; Owoeye, Taiwo Felicia; Nwakudu, Kelechukwu Chinedu; Akinlabu, Deborah Kehinde; Gabriel, Olanrewaju Oyewale; Taiwo, Olugbenga Samson; Awotoye, Olufisayo Adebola

2017-02-01

In this paper, inhibition of microbes inducing microbiologically-influenced-corrosion (MIC) of metals by Tectona grandis based Fe (iron) Nanoparticle material was investigated. For this, extract was obtained from the leaf of Tectona grandis and this was employed as precursor for synthesizing the Fe-nanoparticle material. From this, the synthesized plant extract based nanoparticle material was characterized using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM+EDS) instrument. The developed Fe bio-nanoparticle material was then employed for sensitivity and/or resistance study application against different strains of microbes that are known to induce microbiologically-influenced-corrosion, in metallic materials, and for this, microbial growth inhibition effect was compared with that from a commercial antibiotic employed as control. Results showed that the Tectona grandis based Fe-nanoparticle exhibited good inhibition effects on the growth of many of the MIC inducing microbes investigated. Sensitivity measures of zone of inhibition against the growth of MIC inducing microbial strains either outperformed or compares well with that obtained from the commercial antibiotic control, in the study. These results indicate positive prospect on the suitability of Fe bio-nanoparticle for corrosion inhibition applications for the protection of metals against microbiological corrosion influencing environment.

Derivatized graphitic nanofibres (GNF) as a new support material for mass spectrometric analysis of peptides and proteins.

PubMed

Greiderer, Andreas; Rainer, Matthias; Najam-ul-Haq, Muhammad; Vallant, Rainer M; Huck, Christian W; Bonn, Günther K

2009-07-01

Graphitic nanofibres (GNFs), 100-200 nm in diameter and 5-20 microm in length have been modified in order to yield different affinities (Cu2+ and Fe3+ loaded immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) as well as cation and anion exchange materials) for the extraction of a range of biomolecules by their inherited hydrophobicity and the hydrophilic chemical functionalities, obtained by derivatization. Modified GNFs have for the first time been employed as carrier materials for protein profiling in material-enhanced laser desorption/ionization (MELDI) for the enrichment and screening of biofluids. For that purpose, the derivatized GNF materials have comprehensively been characterized regarding surface area, structural changes during derivatization, IMAC, as well as ion exchange and protein-loading capacity and recovery. GNF derivatives revealed high protein-binding capacity (2,000 microg ml(-1) for insulin) and ideal sensitivities, resulting in a detection limit of 50 fmol microl(-1) (for insulin), which is crucial for the detection of low abundant species in biological samples. Compared to other MELDI carrier materials, sensitivity was enhanced on GNF derivatives, which might be ascribed to the fact that GNFs support desorption and ionization mechanisms and by absorbing laser energy in addition to matrix.

Composite Materials with Magnetically Aligned Carbon Nanoparticles and Methods of Preparation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Salem, David R. (Inventor); Hong, Haiping (Inventor); Peterson, G.P. (Bud) (Inventor)

2018-01-01

The present invention relates to magnetically aligned carbon nanoparticle composites and methods of preparing the same. The composites comprise carbon nanoparticles, host material, magnetically sensitive nanoparticles and surfactant. The composites may have enhanced mechanical, thermal, and/or electrical properties.

Investigation of the reactivity of organic materials in liquid oxygen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chamberlain, D.; Irwin, K.; Kirshen, N.; Mill, T.; Stringham, R.

1970-01-01

Measurements of impact-ignition sensitivity and studies of the relative reactivity of t-butoxy and t-butyl peroxy radicals toward a variety of organic compounds reveal improved methods of selection of materials for safe use in a liquid oxygen environment.

Notification: Audit of Security Categorization for EPA Systems That Handle Hazardous Material Information

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Project #OA-FY18-0089, January 8, 2018. The OIG plans to begin preliminary research to determine whether the EPA classified the sensitivity of data for systems that handle hazardous waste material information as prescribed by NIST.

Recognized Leader in Electrochemical Purification

ScienceCinema

Hoppe, Eric

2018-01-16

PNNL scientists developed an electrochemical method for purifying copper, a key material that makes possible radiation detection systems of unprecedented sensitivity. The method begins with the purest copper materials available, and results in the lowest-background copper in the world. Chemist Eric Hoppe explains the process.

Energy absorption buildup factors, exposure buildup factors and Kerma for optically stimulated luminescence materials and their tissue equivalence for radiation dosimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Vishwanath P.; Badiger, N. M.

2014-11-01

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) materials are sensitive dosimetric materials used for precise and accurate dose measurement for low-energy ionizing radiation. Low dose measurement capability with improved sensitivity makes these dosimeters very useful for diagnostic imaging, personnel monitoring and environmental radiation dosimetry. Gamma ray energy absorption buildup factors and exposure build factors were computed for OSL materials using the five-parameter Geometric Progression (G-P) fitting method in the energy range 0.015-15 MeV for penetration depths up to 40 mean free path. The computed energy absorption buildup factor and exposure buildup factor values were studied as a function of penetration depth and incident photon energy. Effective atomic numbers and Kerma relative to air of the selected OSL materials and tissue equivalence were computed and compared with that of water, PMMA and ICRU standard tissues. The buildup factors and kerma relative to air were found dependent upon effective atomic numbers. Buildup factors determined in the present work should be useful in radiation dosimetry, medical diagnostics and therapy, space dosimetry, accident dosimetry and personnel monitoring.

Optimization of the coplanar interdigital capacitive sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Yunzhi; Zhan, Zheng; Bowler, Nicola

2017-02-01

Interdigital capacitive sensors are applied in nondestructive testing and material property characterization of low-conductivity materials. The sensor performance is typically described based on the penetration depth of the electric field into the sample material, the sensor signal strength and its sensitivity. These factors all depend on the geometry and material properties of the sensor and sample. In this paper, a detailed analysis is provided, through finite element simulations, of the ways in which the sensor's geometrical parameters affect its performance. The geometrical parameters include the number of digits forming the interdigital electrodes and the ratio of digit width to their separation. In addition, the influence of the presence or absence of a metal backplane on the sample is analyzed. Further, the effects of sensor substrate thickness and material on signal strength are studied. The results of the analysis show that it is necessary to take into account a trade-off between the desired sensitivity and penetration depth when designing the sensor. Parametric equations are presented to assist the sensor designer or nondestructive evaluation specialist in optimizing the design of a capacitive sensor.

Device for Detection of Explosives, Nuclear and Other Hazardous Materials in Luggage and Cargo Containers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuznetsov, Andrey; Evsenin, Alexey; Gorshkov, Igor; Osetrov, Oleg; Vakhtin, Dmitry

2009-12-01

Device for detection of explosives, radioactive and heavily shielded nuclear materials in luggage and cargo containers based on Nanosecond Neutron Analysis/Associated Particles Technique (NNA/APT) is under construction. Detection module consists of a small neutron generator with built-in position-sensitive detector of associated alpha-particles, and several scintillator-based gamma-ray detectors. Explosives and other hazardous chemicals are detected by analyzing secondary high-energy gamma-rays from reactions of fast neutrons with materials inside a container. The same gamma-ray detectors are used to detect unshielded radioactive and nuclear materials. An array of several neutron detectors is used to detect fast neutrons from induced fission of nuclear materials. Coincidence and timing analysis allows one to discriminate between fission neutrons and scattered probing neutrons. Mathematical modeling by MCNP5 and MCNP-PoliMi codes was used to estimate the sensitivity of the device and its optimal configuration. Comparison of the features of three gamma detector types—based on BGO, NaI and LaBr3 crystals is presented.

Molecular Weight Effects on the Viscoelastic Response of a Polyimide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nicholson, Lee M.; Whitley, Karen S.; Gates, Thomas S.

2000-01-01

The effect of molecular weight on the viscoelastic performance of an advanced polymer (LaRC -SI) was investigated through the use of creep compliance tests. Testing consisted of short-term isothermal creep and recovery with the creep segments performed under constant load. The tests were conducted at three temperatures below the glass transition temperature of each material with different molecular weight. Through the use of time-aging-time superposition procedures, the material constants, material master curves and aging-related parameters were evaluated at each temperature for a given molecular weight. The time-temperature superposition technique helped to describe the effect of temperature on the timescale of the viscoelastic response of each molecular weight. It was shown that the low molecular weight materials have increased creep compliance and creep compliance rate, and are more sensitive to temperature than the high molecular weight materials. Furthermore, a critical molecular weight transition was observed to occur at a weight-average molecular weight of approximately 25000 g/mol below which, the temperature sensitivity of the time-temperature superposition shift factor increases rapidly.

Teaching Prevention on Sensitive Topics: Key Elements and Pedagogical Techniques

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Russell, Beth S.; Soysa, Champika K.; Wagoner, Marc J.; Dawson, Lori

2008-01-01

This paper presents a set of topical and pedagogical considerations for instructors teaching material on sensitive topics with either the primary or secondary aim of addressing prevention. Prevention can be approached as an effort to create changes in an individual's attitudes/beliefs, knowledge, and behavior. Following this framework, classroom…

Hands on or hands off? Disgust sensitivity and preference for environmental education activities

Treesearch

Robert D. Bixler; Myron F. Floyd

1999-01-01

Detailed descriptions of barriers to enviromuental education (EE) can provide opportunities for educators to foresee potential problems in programs. High disgust sensitivity is an intrapersonal barrier that constrains preference for learning opportunities involving manipulation of some organic materials. Middle school students in Texas (N = 450)...

Influence of Culture and Language Sensitive Physics on Science Attitude Enhancement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morales, Marie Paz E.

2015-01-01

The study critically explored how culture and language sensitive curriculum materials in physics improve Pangasinan learners' attitude towards science. Their cultural dimensions, epistemological beliefs, and views on integration of culture and language in the teaching and learning process determined their cultural preference or profile. Design and…

Superpave in-situ stress/strain investigation--phase II implementing (SISSI II) : draft report, evaluating the sensitivity of MEPDG to SISSI data.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-01-01

The objective of the sensitivity study was to evaluate the input parameters related to AC material properties, traffic, and climate that significantly or insignificantly influence the predicted performance for two specific SISSI flexible pavements: W...

Intercultural Sensitivity through Short-Term Study Abroad

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bloom, Melanie; Miranda, Arturo

2015-01-01

One of the foremost-cited rationales for study abroad during college is the development of a global perspective and intercultural sensitivity. Although this argument is mentioned frequently in promotional materials for study abroad, it has not yet been backed by research based on the outcomes of students' study abroad experiences. As more…

Organic photovoltaic cells utilizing ultrathin sensitizing layer

DOEpatents

Forrest, Stephen R [Ann Arbor, MI; Yang, Fan [Piscataway, NJ; Rand, Barry P [Somers, NY

2011-09-06

A photosensitive device includes a plurality of organic photoconductive materials disposed in a stack between a first electrode and a second electrode, including a first continuous layer of donor host material, a second continuous layer of acceptor host material, and at least one other organic photoconductive material disposed as a plurality of discontinuous islands between the first continuous layer and the second continuous layer. Each of these other photoconductive materials has an absorption spectra different from the donor host material and the acceptor host material. Preferably, each of the discontinuous islands consists essentially of a crystallite of the respective organic photoconductive material, and more preferably, the crystallites are nanocrystals.

Fast Atomic-Scale Chemical Imaging of Crystalline Materials and Dynamic Phase Transformations.

PubMed

Lu, Ping; Yuan, Ren Liang; Ihlefeld, Jon F; Spoerke, Erik David; Pan, Wei; Zuo, Jian Min

2016-04-13

Atomic-scale phenomena fundamentally influence materials form and function that makes the ability to locally probe and study these processes critical to advancing our understanding and development of materials. Atomic-scale chemical imaging by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) is a powerful approach to investigate solid crystal structures. Inefficient X-ray emission and collection, however, require long acquisition times (typically hundreds of seconds), making the technique incompatible with electron-beam sensitive materials and study of dynamic material phenomena. Here we describe an atomic-scale STEM-EDS chemical imaging technique that decreases the acquisition time to as little as one second, a reduction of more than 100 times. We demonstrate this new approach using LaAlO3 single crystal and study dynamic phase transformation in beam-sensitive Li[Li0.2Ni0.2Mn0.6]O2 (LNMO) lithium ion battery cathode material. By capturing a series of time-lapsed chemical maps, we show for the first time clear atomic-scale evidence of preferred Ni-mobility in LNMO transformation, revealing new kinetic mechanisms. These examples highlight the potential of this approach toward temporal, atomic-scale mapping of crystal structure and chemistry for investigating dynamic material phenomena.

Estimation of transversely isotropic material properties from magnetic resonance elastography using the optimised virtual fields method.

PubMed

Miller, Renee; Kolipaka, Arunark; Nash, Martyn P; Young, Alistair A

2018-03-12

Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) has been used to estimate isotropic myocardial stiffness. However, anisotropic stiffness estimates may give insight into structural changes that occur in the myocardium as a result of pathologies such as diastolic heart failure. The virtual fields method (VFM) has been proposed for estimating material stiffness from image data. This study applied the optimised VFM to identify transversely isotropic material properties from both simulated harmonic displacements in a left ventricular (LV) model with a fibre field measured from histology as well as isotropic phantom MRE data. Two material model formulations were implemented, estimating either 3 or 5 material properties. The 3-parameter formulation writes the transversely isotropic constitutive relation in a way that dissociates the bulk modulus from other parameters. Accurate identification of transversely isotropic material properties in the LV model was shown to be dependent on the loading condition applied, amount of Gaussian noise in the signal, and frequency of excitation. Parameter sensitivity values showed that shear moduli are less sensitive to noise than the other parameters. This preliminary investigation showed the feasibility and limitations of using the VFM to identify transversely isotropic material properties from MRE images of a phantom as well as simulated harmonic displacements in an LV geometry. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Evaluation of moisture ingress from the perimeter of photovoltaic modules: Evaluation of moisture ingress

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

Kempe, Michael D.; Dameron, Arrelaine A.; Reese, Matthew O.

2013-05-14

Many thin film photovoltaic (PV) technologies can be sensitive to corrosion induced by the presence of water vapor in the packaging materials. Typically impermeable front and backsheets are used in conjunction with an edge-seal around the perimeter to prevent water vapor ingress. These edge-seal materials are often made of a polyisobutylene resin filled with desiccant, which dramatically increases the time for moisture to reach sensitive module components. While edge-seals can prevent moisture ingress, even the lowest diffusivity transparent encapsulant materials are insufficient for the lifetime of a module. To evaluate the performance of edge-seal and encapsulant materials in a mannermore » that simulates their function in a PV module, an optical method was devised where ingress is detected by reaction of a Ca film with water. Using this method, we have exposed test samples to heat and humidity allowing quantitative comparison of different edge-seal and encapsulant materials. Next, we use measurements of polymer diffusivity and solubility to evaluate the ability to model this moisture ingress. Here, we find good agreement between these two methods highlighting the much greater ability of polyisobutylene materials to keep moisture out as compared with typical encapsulant materials used in the PV industry.« less

The innate oxygen dependant immune pathway as a sensitive parameter to predict the performance of biological graft materials.

PubMed

Bryan, Nicholas; Ashwin, Helen; Smart, Neil; Bayon, Yves; Scarborough, Nelson; Hunt, John A

2012-09-01

Clinical performance of a biomaterial is decided early after implantation as leukocytes interrogate the graft throughout acute inflammation. High degrees of leukocyte activation lead to poor material/patient compliance, accelerated degeneration and graft rejection. A number reactive oxygen species (ROS) are released by leukocytes throughout their interaction with a material, which can be used as a sensitive measure of leukocyte activation. The aim of this study was to compare leukocyte activation by commercially available biologic surgical materials and define the extent manufacturing variables influence down-stream ROS response. Chemiluminescence assays were performed using modifications to a commercially available kit (Knight Scientific, UK). Whole blood was obtained from 4 healthy human adults at 7 day intervals for 4 weeks, combined with Adjuvant K, Pholasin (a highly sensitive ROS excitable photoprotein) and biomaterial, and incubated for 60 min with continuous chemiluminescent measurements. Leukocyte ROS inducers fMLP and PMA were added as controls. Xeno- and allogeneic dermal and small intestinal submucosal (SIS) derived biomaterials were produced commercially (Surgisis Biodesign™, Alloderm(®), Strattice(®)Firm & Pliable & Permacol™) or fabricated in house to induce variations in decellularisation and cross-linking. Statistics were performed using Waller-Duncan post hoc ranking. Materials demonstrated significant differences in leukocyte activation as a function of decellularisation reagent and tissue origin. The data demonstrated SIS was significantly more pro-inflammatory than dermis. Additionally it was deduced that SDS during decellularisation induced pro-inflammatory changes to dermal materials. Furthermore, it was possible to conclude inter-patient variation in leukocyte response. The in vitro findings were validated in vivo which confirmed the chemiluminescence observations, highlighting the potential for translation of this technique as a routine component of pre-surgical evaluation to maximise foreign body compliance. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sensitivity enhancement in optical micro-tube resonator sensors via mode coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ling, Tao; Guo, L. Jay

2013-07-01

A liquid filled, silica micro-tube with a low refractive index material inner-coating has been proposed and theoretically studied as a coupled micro-resonator sensor to greatly enhance biochemical sensor sensitivity. Its unique coupling phenomenon has been analyzed and utilized to boost the device's refractive index sensitivity to 967 nm/Refractive Index Unit (RIU). Through optimization of the coupling strength between the two micro-resonators, further improvement in refractive index sensitivity up to 1100 nm/RIU has been predicted. This mode coupling strategy allows us to design robust, thick-walled micro-tube sensors with ultra-high sensitivity which is useful in practical biochemical sensing applications.

Tactile-Sensing Based on Flexible PVDF Nanofibers via Electrospinning: A Review

PubMed Central

Wang, Xiaomei; Sun, Fazhe; Yin, Guangchao; Wang, Yuting; Liu, Bo

2018-01-01

The flexible tactile sensor has attracted widespread attention because of its great flexibility, high sensitivity, and large workable range. It can be integrated into clothing, electronic skin, or mounted on to human skin. Various nanostructured materials and nanocomposites with high flexibility and electrical performance have been widely utilized as functional materials in flexible tactile sensors. Polymer nanomaterials, representing the most promising materials, especially polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), PVDF co-polymer and their nanocomposites with ultra-sensitivity, high deformability, outstanding chemical resistance, high thermal stability and low permittivity, can meet the flexibility requirements for dynamic tactile sensing in wearable electronics. Electrospinning has been recognized as an excellent straightforward and versatile technique for preparing nanofiber materials. This review will present a brief overview of the recent advances in PVDF nanofibers by electrospinning for flexible tactile sensor applications. PVDF, PVDF co-polymers and their nanocomposites have been successfully formed as ultrafine nanofibers, even as randomly oriented PVDF nanofibers by electrospinning. These nanofibers used as the functional layers in flexible tactile sensors have been reviewed briefly in this paper. The β-phase content, which is the strongest polar moment contributing to piezoelectric properties among all the crystalline phases of PVDF, can be improved by adjusting the technical parameters in electrospun PVDF process. The piezoelectric properties and the sensibility for the pressure sensor are improved greatly when the PVDF fibers become more oriented. The tactile performance of PVDF composite nanofibers can be further promoted by doping with nanofillers and nanoclay. Electrospun P(VDF-TrFE) nanofiber mats used for the 3D pressure sensor achieved excellent sensitivity, even at 0.1 Pa. The most significant enhancement is that the aligned electrospun core-shell P(VDF-TrFE) nanofibers exhibited almost 40 times higher sensitivity than that of pressure sensor based on thin-film PVDF. PMID:29364175

Polyaniline/MWCNTs/starch modified carbon paste electrode for non-enzymatic detection of cholesterol: application to real sample (cow milk).

PubMed

Gautam, Vineeta; Singh, Karan P; Yadav, Vijay L

2018-03-01

Nanocomposite materials are potentially revolutionizing many technologies, including sensors. In this paper, we described the application of "PANI/MWCNTs/Starch" modified carbon paste electrode (PCS-CPE) as a simple and highly sensitive cholesterol sensor. This novel nano-composite material has integrated nano-morphology, where polyaniline could interact effectively with the additives; pi-pi stacking "MWCNTs," and covalently bonded with starch. Specific binding sites (sugar chains), better electro-catalytic properties and fast electron transfer facilitated the oxidation of cholesterol. Fourier transform infrared spectra confirmed the interaction of cholesterol with the composite material. The sensing response of PCS was measured by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry (0.1 M PBS-5 used as supporting electrolyte). As the amount of cholesterol increased in the test solution, cyclic voltammograms showed a rise of peak current (cathodic and anodic). Under the normal experimental conditions, the developed sensor exhibited wide linear dynamic range (0.032 to 5 mM) (upper limit is due to lack of solubility of cholesterol), high sensitivity (800 μAmM -1  cm -2 ), low detection limit (0.01 mM) and shorter response time (within 4-6 s). Analytical specificity, selectivity, and sensitivity during cholesterol estimation were compared with the response of some other analytes (ascorbic acid, glucose, l-dopa, urea and lactic acid). This novel sensor was successfully applied to estimate cholesterol in cow milk (used as a model real sample). The sensing platform is highly sensitive and shows a linear response towards cholesterol without using any additional redox mediator or enzyme, thus this material is extremely promising for the realization of a low-cost integrated cholesterol sensor device. Graphical abstract Cyclic voltammetric response of cholesterol of composite modified carbon paste capillary electrode.

Composite Materials with Magnetically Aligned Carbon Nanoparticles Having Enhanced Electrical Properties and Methods of Preparation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peterson, G.P. (Bud) (Inventor); Hong, Haiping (Inventor); Salem, David R. (Inventor)

2016-01-01

Magnetically aligned carbon nanoparticle composites have enhanced electrical properties. The composites comprise carbon nanoparticles, a host material, magnetically sensitive nanoparticles and a surfactant. In addition to enhanced electrical properties, the composites can have enhanced mechanical and thermal properties.

Electrochromic-photovoltaic film for light-sensitive control of optical transmittance

DOEpatents

Branz, Howard M.; Crandall, Richard S.; Tracy, C. Edwin

1994-01-01

A variable transmittance optical component includes an electrochromic material and a photovoltaic device-type thin film solar cell deposited in a tandem type, monolithic single coating over the component. A bleed resistor of a predetermined value is connected in series across the electrochromic material and photovoltaic device controlling the activation and deactivation of the electrochromic material. The electrical conductivity between the electrochromic material and the photovoltaic device is enhanced by interposing a transparent electrically conductive layer.

Radiation Damage Workshop report. [solar cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rahilly, W. P.

1980-01-01

The starting material, cell design/geometry, and cell processing/fabrication for silicon and gallium arsenide solar cells are addressed with reference to radiation damage. In general, it is concluded that diagnostic sensitivities and material purities are basic to making significant gains in end-of-life performance and thermal annealability. Further, GaAs material characterization is so sketchy that a well defined program to evaluate such material for solar cell application is needed to maximize GaAs cell technology benefits.

Fast ion transport at a gas-metal interface

DOE PAGES

McDevitt, Christopher J.; Tang, Xian-Zhu; Guo, Zehua

2017-11-06

Fast ion transport and the resulting fusion yield reduction are computed at a gas-metal interface. The extent of fusion yield reduction is observed to depend sensitively on the charge state of the surrounding pusher material and the width of the atomically mixed region. These sensitivities suggest that idealized boundary conditions often implemented at the gas-pusher interface for the purpose of estimating fast ion loss will likely overestimate fusion reactivity reduction in several important limits. Additionally, the impact of a spatially complex material interface is investigated by considering a collection of droplets of the pusher material immersed in a DT plasma.more » It is found that for small Knudsen numbers, the extent of fusion yield reduction scales with the surface area of the material interface. As the Knudsen number is increased, but, the simple surface area scaling is broken, suggesting that hydrodynamic mix has a nontrivial impact on the extent of fast ion losses.« less

Enhanced optical coupling and Raman scattering via microscopic interface engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, Jonathan V.; Hokr, Brett H.; Kim, Wihan; Ballmann, Charles W.; Applegate, Brian E.; Jo, Javier A.; Yamilov, Alexey; Cao, Hui; Scully, Marlan O.; Yakovlev, Vladislav V.

2017-11-01

Spontaneous Raman scattering is an extremely powerful tool for the remote detection and identification of various chemical materials. However, when those materials are contained within strongly scattering or turbid media, as is the case in many biological and security related systems, the sensitivity and range of Raman signal generation and detection is severely limited. Here, we demonstrate that through microscopic engineering of the optical interface, the optical coupling of light into a turbid material can be substantially enhanced. This improved coupling facilitates the enhancement of the Raman scattering signal generated by molecules within the medium. In particular, we detect at least two-orders of magnitude more spontaneous Raman scattering from a sample when the pump laser light is focused into a microscopic hole in the surface of the sample. Because this approach enhances both the interaction time and interaction region of the laser light within the material, its use will greatly improve the range and sensitivity of many spectroscopic techniques, including Raman scattering and fluorescence emission detection, inside highly scattering environments.

Prediction of material strength and fracture of glass using the SPHINX smooth particle hydrodynamics code

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

Mandell, D.A.; Wingate, C.A.

1994-08-01

The design of many military devices involves numerical predictions of the material strength and fracture of brittle materials. The materials of interest include ceramics, that are used in armor packages; glass that is used in truck and jeep windshields and in helicopters; and rock and concrete that are used in underground bunkers. As part of a program to develop advanced hydrocode design tools, the authors have implemented a brittle fracture model for glass into the SPHINX smooth particle hydrodynamics code. The authors have evaluated this model and the code by predicting data from one-dimensional flyer plate impacts into glass, andmore » data from tungsten rods impacting glass. Since fractured glass properties, which are needed in the model, are not available, the authors did sensitivity studies of these properties, as well as sensitivity studies to determine the number of particles needed in the calculations. The numerical results are in good agreement with the data.« less

Carbonaceous materials and their advances as a counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells: challenges and prospects.

PubMed

Kouhnavard, Mojgan; Ludin, Norasikin Ahmad; Ghaffari, Babak V; Sopian, Kamarozzaman; Ikeda, Shoichiro

2015-05-11

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) serve as low-costing alternatives to silicon solar cells because of their low material and fabrication costs. Usually, they utilize Pt as the counter electrode (CE) to catalyze the iodine redox couple and to complete the electric circuit. Given that Pt is a rare and expensive metal, various carbon materials have been intensively investigated because of their low costs, high surface areas, excellent electrochemical stabilities, reasonable electrochemical activities, and high corrosion resistances. In this feature article, we provide an overview of recent studies on the electrochemical properties and photovoltaic performances of carbon-based CEs (e.g., activated carbon, nanosized carbon, carbon black, graphene, graphite, carbon nanotubes, and composite carbon). We focus on scientific challenges associated with each material and highlight recent advances achieved in overcoming these obstacles. Finally, we discuss possible future directions for this field of research aimed at obtaining highly efficient DSSCs. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Immobilization of pH-sensitive CdTe Quantum Dots in a Poly(acrylate) Hydrogel for Microfluidic Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Franke, M.; Leubner, S.; Dubavik, A.; George, A.; Savchenko, T.; Pini, C.; Frank, P.; Melnikau, D.; Rakovich, Y.; Gaponik, N.; Eychmüller, A.; Richter, A.

2017-04-01

Microfluidic devices present the basis of modern life sciences and chemical information processing. To control the flow and to allow optical readout, a reliable sensor material that can be easily utilized for microfluidic systems is in demand. Here, we present a new optical readout system for pH sensing based on pH sensitive, photoluminescent glutathione capped cadmium telluride quantum dots that are covalently immobilized in a poly(acrylate) hydrogel. For an applicable pH sensing the generated hybrid material is integrated in a microfluidic sensor chip setup. The hybrid material not only allows in situ readout, but also possesses valve properties due to the swelling behavior of the poly(acrylate) hydrogel. In this work, the swelling property of the hybrid material is utilized in a microfluidic valve seat, where a valve opening process is demonstrated by a fluid flow change and in situ monitored by photoluminescence quenching. This discrete photoluminescence detection (ON/OFF) of the fluid flow change (OFF/ON) enables upcoming chemical information processing.

Improving the performance of methylene blue sensitized photopolymer by doping with nickel ion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aswathy, G.; Rajesh, C. S.; Sreekumar, K.; Joseph, R.; Kartha, C. Sudha

2016-05-01

Holographic performance of an economically cheap metal ion doped photopolymer material is presented. We investigated the effect of incorporation of nickel ion into the methylene blue sensitized poly (vinyl alcohol)/acrylamide (MBPVA/AA) photopolymer system. The composition and preliminary characterization of the developed photopolymer material is reported. The presence of nickel ion improves the diffraction efficiency, stability of the material and it operates in a wide range of spatial frequencies (550-2000 lines/mm) at exposure energy of 100 mJ/cm2. When nickel ion concentration was 0.01 mM, maximum diffraction efficiency of 84% at exposure energy of 100 mJ/cm2 with spatial frequency 1335 lines/mm could be achieved for gratings recorded using wavelength of 632.8 nm. The material showed panchromaticity with more than 70% diffraction efficiency in both blue and green regions. Effects of humidity and temperature on the stored gratings were studied by keeping films in different environmental conditions. Suitability of recording large area holograms was also explored.

Probabilistic analysis of a materially nonlinear structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Millwater, H. R.; Wu, Y.-T.; Fossum, A. F.

1990-01-01

A probabilistic finite element program is used to perform probabilistic analysis of a materially nonlinear structure. The program used in this study is NESSUS (Numerical Evaluation of Stochastic Structure Under Stress), under development at Southwest Research Institute. The cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the radial stress of a thick-walled cylinder under internal pressure is computed and compared with the analytical solution. In addition, sensitivity factors showing the relative importance of the input random variables are calculated. Significant plasticity is present in this problem and has a pronounced effect on the probabilistic results. The random input variables are the material yield stress and internal pressure with Weibull and normal distributions, respectively. The results verify the ability of NESSUS to compute the CDF and sensitivity factors of a materially nonlinear structure. In addition, the ability of the Advanced Mean Value (AMV) procedure to assess the probabilistic behavior of structures which exhibit a highly nonlinear response is shown. Thus, the AMV procedure can be applied with confidence to other structures which exhibit nonlinear behavior.

Rapid bacteriological screening of cosmetic raw materials by using bioluminescence.

PubMed

Nielsen, P; Van Dellen, E

1989-01-01

Incoming cosmetic raw materials are routinely tested for microbial content. Standard plate count methods require up to 72 h. A rapid, sensitive, and inexpensive raw material screening method was developed that detects the presence of bacteria by means of ATP (bioluminescence). With a 24-h broth enrichment, the minimum bacterial ATP detection threshold of 1 cfu/g sample can be achieved using purified firefly luciferin-luciferase and an ATP releasing reagent. By using this rapid screen, microbiologically free material may be released for production within 24 h, while contaminated material undergoes further quantitative and identification testing. In order for a raw material to be validated for this method it must be evaluated for (1) a potential nonmicrobial light-contributing reaction resulting in a false positive or, (2) degradation of the ATP giving a false negative, and (3) confirmation that the raw material has not overwhelmed the buffering capacity of the enrichment broth. The key criteria for a rapid screen was the sensitivity to detect less than one colony forming unit per g product, the speed to do this within 24 h, and cost efficiency. Bioluminescence meets these criteria. With an enrichment step, it can detect less than one cfu/g sample. After the enrichment step, analysis time per sample is approximately 2 min and the cost for material and reagents is less than one dollar per sample.

Increased Throughput and Sensitivity of Synchrotron-Based Characterization for Photovoltaic Materials

DOE PAGES

Morishige, Ashley E.; Laine, Hannu S.; Looney, Erin E.; ...

2017-04-03

Optimizing photovoltaic (PV) devices requires characterization and optimization across several length scales, from centimeters to nanometers. Synchrotron-based micro-X-ray fluorescence spectromicroscopy (μ-XRF) is a valuable link in the PV-related material and device characterization suite. μ-XRF maps of elemental distributions in PV materials have high spatial resolution and excellent sensitivity and can be measured on absorber materials and full devices. Recently, we implemented on-the-fly data collection (flyscan) at Beamline 2-ID-D at the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory, eliminating a 300 ms per-pixel overhead time. This faster scanning enables high-sensitivity (~10 14 atoms/cm 2), large-area (10 000s of μm 2), high-spatialmore » resolution (<;200 nm scale) maps to be completed within a practical scanning time. We specifically show that when characterizing detrimental trace metal precipitate distributions in multicrystalline silicon wafers for PV, flyscans can increase the productivity of μ-XRF by an order of magnitude. Additionally, flyscan μ-XRF mapping enables relatively large-area correlative microscopy. As an example, we map the transition metal distribution in a 50 μm-diameter laser-fired contact of a silicon solar cell before and after lasing. As a result, while we focus on μ-XRF of mc-Si wafers for PV, our results apply broadly to synchrotron-based mapping of PV absorbers and devices.« less

Modified Organosilica Core-Shell Nanoparticles for Stable pH Sensing in Biological Solutions.

PubMed

Robinson, Kye J; Huynh, Gabriel T; Kouskousis, Betty P; Fletcher, Nicholas L; Houston, Zachary H; Thurecht, Kristofer J; Corrie, Simon R

2018-04-19

Continuous monitoring using nanoparticle-based sensors has been successfully employed in complex biological systems, yet the sensors still suffer from poor long-term stability partially because of the scaffold materials chosen to date. Organosilica core-shell nanoparticles containing a mixture of covalently incorporated pH-sensitive (shell) and pH-insensitive (core) fluorophores is presented as a continuous pH sensor for application in biological media. In contrast to previous studies focusing on similar materials, we sought to investigate the sensor characteristics (dynamic range, sensitivity, response time, stability) as a function of material properties. The ratio of the fluorescence intensities at specific wavelengths was found to be highly sensitive to pH over a physiologically relevant range (4.5-8) with a response time of <100 ms, significantly faster than that of previously reported response times using silica-based particles. Particles produced stable, pH-specific signals when stored at room temperature for more than 80 days. Finally, we demonstrated that the nanosensors successfully monitored the pH of a bacterial culture over 15 h and that pH changes in the skin of mouse cadavers could also be observed via in vivo fluorescence imaging following subcutaneous injection. The understanding gained from linking sensor characteristics and material properties will inform the next generation of optical nanosensors for continuous-monitoring applications.

Anisotropic Broadband Photoresponse of Layered Type-II Weyl Semimetal MoTe2.

PubMed

Lai, Jiawei; Liu, Xin; Ma, Junchao; Wang, Qinsheng; Zhang, Kenan; Ren, Xiao; Liu, Yinan; Gu, Qiangqiang; Zhuo, Xiao; Lu, Wei; Wu, Yang; Li, Yuan; Feng, Ji; Zhou, Shuyun; Chen, Jian-Hao; Sun, Dong

2018-05-01

Photodetectors based on Weyl semimetal promise extreme performance in terms of highly sensitive, broadband and self-powered operation owing to its extraordinary material properties. Layered Type-II Weyl semimetal that break Lorentz invariance can be further integrated with other two-dimensional materials to form van der Waals heterostructures and realize multiple functionalities inheriting the advantages of other two-dimensional materials. Herein, we report the realization of a broadband self-powered photodetector based on Type-II Weyl semimetal T d -MoTe 2 . The prototype metal-MoTe 2 -metal photodetector exhibits a responsivity of 0.40 mA W -1 and specific directivity of 1.07 × 10 8 Jones with 43 μs response time at 532 nm. Broadband responses from 532 nm to 10.6 μm are experimentally tested with a potential detection range extendable to far-infrared and terahertz. Furthermore, we identify the response of the detector is polarization angle sensitive due to the anisotropic response of MoTe 2 . The anisotropy is found to be wavelength dependent, and the degree of anisotropy increases as the excitation wavelength gets closer to the Weyl nodes. In addition, with power and temperature dependent photoresponse measurements, the photocurrent generation mechanisms are investigated. Our results suggest this emerging class of materials can be harnessed for broadband angle sensitive, self-powered photodetection with decent responsivities. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Sorption and Diffusion of Water Vapor and Carbon Dioxide in Sulfonated Polyaniline as Chemical Sensing Materials.

PubMed

Liang, Qiuhua; Jiang, Junke; Ye, Huaiyu; Yang, Ning; Cai, Miao; Xiao, Jing; Chen, Xianping

2016-04-27

A hybrid quantum mechanics (QM)/molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is performed to investigate the effect of an ionizable group (-SO₃(-)Na⁺) on polyaniline as gas sensing materials. Polymers considered for this work include emeraldine base of polyaniline (EB-PANI) and its derivatives (Na-SPANI (I), (II) and (III)) whose rings are partly monosubstituted by -SO₃(-)Na⁺. The hybrid simulation results show that the adsorption energy, Mulliken charge and band gap of analytes (CO₂ and H₂O) in polyaniline are relatively sensitive to the position and the amounts of -SO₃(-)Na⁺, and these parameters would affect the sensitivity of Na-SPANI/EB-PANI towards CO₂. The sensitivity of Na-SPANI (III)/EB-PANI towards CO₂ can be greatly improved by two orders of magnitude, which is in agreement with the experimental study. In addition, we also demonstrate that introducing -SO₃(-)Na⁺ groups at the rings can notably affect the gas transport properties of polyaniline. Comparative studies indicate that the effect of ionizable group on polyaniline as gas sensing materials for the polar gas molecule (H₂O) is more significant than that for the nonpolar gas molecule (CO₂). These findings contribute in the functionalization-induced variations of the material properties of polyaniline for CO₂ sensing and the design of new polyaniline with desired sensing properties.

Investigation of graphene-based nanoscale radiation sensitive materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robinson, Joshua A.; Wetherington, Maxwell; Hughes, Zachary; LaBella, Michael, III; Bresnehan, Michael

2012-06-01

Current state-of-the-art nanotechnology offers multiple benefits for radiation sensing applications. These include the ability to incorporate nano-sized radiation indicators into widely used materials such as paint, corrosion-resistant coatings, and ceramics to create nano-composite materials that can be widely used in everyday life. Additionally, nanotechnology may lead to the development of ultra-low power, flexible detection systems that can be embedded in clothing or other systems. Graphene, a single layer of graphite, exhibits exceptional electronic and structural properties, and is being investigated for high-frequency devices and sensors. Previous work indicates that graphene-oxide (GO) - a derivative of graphene - exhibits luminescent properties that can be tailored based on chemistry; however, exploration of graphene-oxide's ability to provide a sufficient change in luminescent properties when exposed to gamma or neutron radiation has not been carried out. We investigate the mechanisms of radiation-induced chemical modifications and radiation damage induced shifts in luminescence in graphene-oxide materials to provide a fundamental foundation for further development of radiation sensitive detection architectures. Additionally, we investigate the integration of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) with graphene-based devices to evaluate radiation induced conductivity in nanoscale devices. Importantly, we demonstrate the sensitivity of graphene transport properties to the presence of alpha particles, and discuss the successful integration of hBN with large area graphene electrodes as a means to provide the foundation for large-area nanoscale radiation sensors.

Passive-quadrature demodulated localized-Michelson fiber-optic strain sensor embedded in composite materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valis, Tomas; Tapanes, Edward; Liu, Kexing; Measures, Raymond M.

1991-04-01

A strain sensor embedded in composite materials that is intrinsic, all fiber, local, and phase demodulated is described. It is the combination of these necessary elements that represents an advance in the state of the art. Sensor localization is achieved by using a pair of mirror-ended optical fibers of different lengths that are mechanically coupled up until the desired gauge length for common-mode suppression has been reached. This fiber-optic sensor has been embedded in both thermoset (Kevlar/epoxy and graphite/epoxy) and thermoplastic (graphite/PEEK) composite materials in order to make local strain measurements at the lamina level. The all-fiber system uses a 3 x 3 coupler for phase demodulation. Parameters such as strain sensitivity, transverse strain sensitivity, failure strain, and frequency response are discussed, along with applications.

From biowaste to magnet-responsive materials for water remediation from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

PubMed

Nisticò, Roberto; Cesano, Federico; Franzoso, Flavia; Magnacca, Giuliana; Scarano, Domenica; Funes, Israel G; Carlos, Luciano; Parolo, Maria E

2018-07-01

Composted urban biowaste-derived substances (BBS-GC) are used as carbon sources for the preparation of carbon-coated magnet-sensitive nanoparticles obtained via co-precipitation method and the subsequent thermal treatment at 550 °C under nitrogen atmosphere. A multitechnique approach has been applied to investigate the morphology, magnetic properties, phase composition, thermal stability of the obtained magnet-sensitive materials. In particular, pyrolysis-induced modifications affecting the BBS-GC/carbon shell were highlighted. The adsorption capacity of such bio-derivative magnetic materials for the removal of hydrophobic contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons was evaluated in order to verify their potential application in wastewater remediation process. The promising results suggest their use as a new generation of magnet-responsive easily-recoverable adsorbents for water purification treatments. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Extruded plastic scintillator including inorganic powders

DOEpatents

Bross, Alan D.; Mellott, Kerry L.; Pla-Dalmau, Anna

2006-06-27

A method for producing a plastic scintillator is disclosed. A plurality of nano-sized particles and one or more dopants can be combined with a plastic material for the formation of a plastic scintillator thereof. The nano-sized particles, the dopant and the plastic material can be combined within the dry inert atmosphere of an extruder to produce a reaction that results in the formation of a plastic scintillator thereof and the deposition of energy within the plastic scintillator, such that the plastic scintillator produces light signifying the detection of a radiative element. The nano-sized particles can be treated with an inert gas prior to processing the nano-sized particles, the dopant and the plastic material utilizing the extruder. The plastic scintillator can be a neutron-sensitive scintillator, x-ray sensitive scintillator and/or a scintillator for the detection of minimum ionizing particles.

Acid-degradable and bioerodible modified polyhydroxylated materials

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

Frechet, Jean M. J.; Bachelder, Eric M.; Beaudette, Tristan T.

Compositions and methods of making a modified polyhydroxylated polymer comprising a polyhydroxylated polymer having reversibly modified hydroxyl groups, whereby the hydroxyl groups are modified by an acid-catalyzed reaction between a polydroxylated polymer and a reagent such as acetals, aldehydes, vinyl ethers and ketones such that the modified polyhydroxylated polymers become insoluble in water but freely soluble in common organic solvents allowing for the facile preparation of acid-sensitive materials. Materials made from these polymers can be made to degrade in a pH-dependent manner. Both hydrophobic and hydrophilic cargoes were successfully loaded into particles made from the present polymers using single andmore » double emulsion techniques, respectively. Due to its ease of preparation, processability, pH-sensitivity, and biocompatibility, of the present modified polyhydroxylated polymers should find use in numerous drug delivery applications.« less

Assessment of Dredged Material Toxicity in San Francisco Bay

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-11-01

reference sediment. When compared to the fine-grain Sequim Bay refer- ence material, no statistically significant mortalities were detected. R...Oakland Harbor. Sequim Bay material was used as the refer- ence. The hierarchy of interspecific sensitivity was oyster larvae > juvenile sand dabs...in San Francisco Bay 6. AUTHOR(S) Thomas M. Dillon, David W. Moore 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) - 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION

Accelerated Insertion of Materials - Composites

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-08-28

Details • Damage Tolerance • Repair • Validation of Analysis Methodology • Fatigue • Static • Acoustic • Configuration Details • Damage Tolerance...Sensitivity – Fatigue – Adhesion – Damage Tolerance – All critical modes and environments Products: Material Specifications, B-Basis Design Allowables...Demonstrate damage tolerance AIM-C DARPA DARPA Workshop, Annapolis, August 27-28, 2001 Requalification of Polymer / Composite Parts • Material Changes – Raw

Materials for VPHGs: practical considerations in the case of astronomical instrumentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bianco, Andrea; Pariani, Giorgio; Zanutta, Alessio; Bertarelli, Chiara

2012-09-01

Volume Phase Holographic Gratings are interesting dispersing elements for astronomical instrumentation. An important point, in the realization of the grating, is the choice of the holographic material. Dichromated Gelatines (DCGs) are the best candidate, but they show some drawback especially regarding their water sensitivity and the complex developing process required to enhance their performances. New holographic materials are becoming interesting, such as photopolymers and photochromic materials. An exhaustive review of these classes of materials will be reported and their performances compared to those of DCGs, focusing mainly to the astronomical instrumentation field.

Sodium alginate/graphene oxide hydrogel beads as permeable reactive barrier material for the remediation of ciprofloxacin-contaminated groundwater.

PubMed

Zhao, Pingping; Yu, Fei; Wang, Ruoyu; Ma, Yao; Wu, Yanqing

2018-06-01

The wide occurrence of antibiotics in groundwater has raised serious concerns due to their impacts on humans and the ecosystem. Most of the research in groundwater remediation focuses on the exploitation of nano-materials. However, nano-materials have several disadvantages such as high production cost, rapid reduction in permeability, disposal problems, and high sensitivity to environmental conditions. To solve these issues, novel sodium alginate/graphene oxide hydrogel beads (GSA) were synthesised and their effectiveness as permeable reactive barrier (PRB) backfill material in the remediation of ciprofloxacin (CPX)-contaminated groundwater was tested. The adsorption of CPX onto GSA followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The isotherm data followed the Freundlich model. The maximum adsorption capacity was 100 mg g -1 at pH 7.0. The adsorption process was sensitive to contact time, initial CPX concentration and ionic strength. However, it was not pH sensitive. Hydrophobic interaction, electrostatic interaction, ion exchange, H-bonding, and pore filling were proposed to be the main adsorption mechanisms. The effects of flow rate, influent CPX concentration, and ionic strength on the performance of PRB were confirmed through flow-through column experiments and by using a chemical non-equilibrium two-site model. Accordingly, a proper PRB was designed based on hydrogeological conditions. Finally, the lifetime and cost of the PRBs were calculated. The results obtained provided concrete evidence that GSA is a promising adsorbent material for PRBs applications in the remediation of CPX-contaminated groundwater. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterization and Selection of Polymer Materials for Binary Munitions Storage. Part 3. Branch Content Determination.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-09-01

accuracy. The data aquisition system combines a position- sensitive X-ray detector with a 65 kilobyte microcomputer capable of operating as a...The rapid X-ray diffraction system measures intensity versus 20 patterns by placing the detector with its sensitivity axis positioned parallel to the...plane of the diffractometer (see Figure 2). As shown in Figure 2, the detector sensitivity axis z is coplanar with both the incident beam and the

Sensitivity analysis of static resistance of slender beam under bending

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

Valeš, Jan

2016-06-08

The paper deals with statical and sensitivity analyses of resistance of simply supported I-beams under bending. The resistance was solved by geometrically nonlinear finite element method in the programme Ansys. The beams are modelled with initial geometrical imperfections following the first eigenmode of buckling. Imperfections were, together with geometrical characteristics of cross section, and material characteristics of steel, considered as random quantities. The method Latin Hypercube Sampling was applied to evaluate statistical and sensitivity resistance analyses.

Tailoring the mechanical properties of SU-8/clay nanocomposites: polymer microcantilever fabrication perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Hao; Ojijo, Vincent; Cele, Hastings; Joubert, Trudi; Suprakas, Sinha Ray; Land, Kevin

2014-06-01

SU-8/Clay nanocomposite is considered as a candidate material for microcantilever sensor fabrication. Organically modified montmorillonite clay nanoparticles are dispersed in the universally used negative photoresist polymer SU-8, for a low cost material, which is also biocompatible. If varying the clay loading of the composite material yields a variation of the Young's modulus, the tailored material stiffness presents an opportunity for fabrication of microcantilevers with tunable sensor sensitivity. With this microcantilever application perspective, mechanical and thermal properties of the material were investigated. SU-8/Clay nanocomposite samples were prepared with clay loadings from 1wt% - 10wt%. Tensile test results show a general trend of increase in composite modulus with an increase in the clay loading up to 7wt%, followed by a small drop at 10wt%. The composite material indeed yields moderate variation of the Young's modulus. It was also found that the thermal degradation peak of the material occurred at 300°C, which is beyond the operating temperature of typical microcantilever sensor applications. The fabrication of a custom designed microcantilever array chip with the SU-8/Clay nanocomposite material was achieved in a class 100 cleanroom, using spin-coating and photolithography microfabrication techniques. The optimization of the process for fabricating microcantilever with the SU-8/Clay nanocomposite material is discussed in this paper. The results of this research are promising for cheaper mass production of low cost disposable, yet sensitive, microcantilever sensor elements, including biosensor applications.

Field Emission Cathode and Vacuum Microelectronic Microwave Amplifier Development

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-03-31

the crushed material with additional yttria-stabilized zirconia powder to yield a pressable material of appropriate overall composition. This mixture...sensitivity of the system to oxygen content, a dedicated effort is planned to study the effect of residual oxygen in the zirconia powder on composite growth

Raman imaging from microscopy to macroscopy: Quality and safety control of biological materials

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Raman imaging can analyze biological materials by generating detailed chemical images. Over the last decade, tremendous advancements in Raman imaging and data analysis techniques have overcome problems such as long data acquisition and analysis times and poor sensitivity. This review article introdu...

Ionizing Organic Compound Based Nanocomposites for Efficient Gamma-Ray Sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, N. B.; Dayal, Vishall; Su, Ching-Hua; Arnold, Bradley; Choa, Fow-Sen; Kabandana, Monia G. K.; House, David

2017-01-01

Thin film and nanocrystalline materials of oxides have been very attractive choice as low cost option for gamma-ray detection and have shown great promise. Our studies on pure oxide films indicated that thickness and microstructure have pronounced effect on sensitivity. Since the interaction of gamma-ray with composites involves all three interaction processes; photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, and pair production, composites containing ionic organics have better chance for enhancing sensitivity. In the composites of ionizing organics oxidation effect of unusual oxides changes much faster and hence increases the sensitivity of radiation. In this study, we have used nickel oxide and titanium oxide in ionic organics to develop composite materials for low energy gamma-ray sensing. We prepared composites containing ethylene carbonate and evaluated the effect of commercial Cs-137 radiation source by studying current-voltage relationship at several frequencies. Radiated samples showed higher resistivity compared to as prepared composites.

Nanostructured giant magneto-impedance multilayers deposited onto flexible substrates for low pressure sensing

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Nanostructured FeNi-based multilayers are very suitable for use as magnetic sensors using the giant magneto-impedance effect. New fields of application can be opened with these materials deposited onto flexible substrates. In this work, we compare the performance of samples prepared onto a rigid glass substrate and onto a cyclo olefin copolymer flexible one. Although a significant reduction of the field sensitivity is found due to the increased effect of the stresses generated during preparation, the results are still satisfactory for use as magnetic field sensors in special applications. Moreover, we take advantage of the flexible nature of the substrate to evaluate the pressure dependence of the giant magneto-impedance effect. Sensitivities up to 1 Ω/Pa are found for pressures in the range of 0 to 1 Pa, demostrating the suitability of these nanostructured materials deposited onto flexible substrates to build sensitive pressure sensors. PMID:22525096

Sensitivity analysis of the add-on price estimate for the edge-defined film-fed growth process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mokashi, A. R.; Kachare, A. H.

1981-01-01

The analysis is in terms of cost parameters and production parameters. The cost parameters include equipment, space, direct labor, materials, and utilities. The production parameters include growth rate, process yield, and duty cycle. A computer program was developed specifically to do the sensitivity analysis.

Decay Kinetics of UV-Sensitive Materials: An Introductory Chemistry Experiment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Via, Garrhett; Williams, Chelsey; Dudek, Raymond; Dudek, John

2015-01-01

First-order kinetic decay rates can be obtained by measuring the time-dependent reflection spectra of ultraviolet-sensitive objects as they returned from their excited, colored state back to the ground, colorless state. In this paper, a procedure is described which provides an innovative and unique twist on standard, undergraduate, kinetics…

Sensitivity and Awareness: A Guide for Developing Understanding among Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McPhee, Norma H.; Favazza, Paddy C.; Lewis, Eleanore Grater

This guide is designed specifically as a resource for classroom teachers, librarians, or consultants who are concerned with helping children develop an understanding and an ease with people who are different, especially people with disabilities. The book includes materials to be used in sensitivity and awareness discussion sessions based on 12…

Analysis of Composite Panels Subjected to Thermo-Mechanical Loads

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noor, Ahmed K.; Peters, Jeanne M.

1999-01-01

The results of a detailed study of the effect of cutout on the nonlinear response of curved unstiffened panels are presented. The panels are subjected to combined temperature gradient through-the-thickness combined with pressure loading and edge shortening or edge shear. The analysis is based on a first-order, shear deformation, Sanders-Budiansky-type shell theory with the effects of large displacements, moderate rotations, transverse shear deformation, and laminated anisotropic material behavior included. A mixed formulation is used with the fundamental unknowns consisting of the generalized displacements and the stress resultants of the panel. The nonlinear displacements, strain energy, principal strains, transverse shear stresses, transverse shear strain energy density, and their hierarchical sensitivity coefficients are evaluated. The hierarchical sensitivity coefficients measure the sensitivity of the nonlinear response to variations in the panel parameters, as well as in the material properties of the individual layers. Numerical results are presented for cylindrical panels and show the effects of variations in the loading and the size of the cutout on the global and local response quantities as well as their sensitivity to changes in the various panel, layer, and micromechanical parameters.

A highly-sensitive label-free biosensor based on two dimensional photonic crystals with negative refraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malmir, Narges; Fasihi, Kiazand

2017-11-01

In this work, we present a novel high-sensitive optical label-free biosensor based on a two-dimensional photonic crystal (2D PC). The suggested structure is composed of a negative refraction structure in a hexagonal lattice PC, along with a positive refraction structure which is arranged in a square lattice PC. The frequency shift of the transmission peak is measured respect to the changes of refractive indices of the studied materials (the blood plasma, water, dry air and normal air). The studied materials are filled into a W1 line-defect waveguide which is located in the PC structure with positive refraction (the microfluidic nanochannel). Our numerical simulations, which are based on finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method, show that in the proposed structure, a sensitivity about 1100 nm/RIU and a transmission efficiency more than 75% can be achieved. With this design, to the best of our knowledge, the obtained sensitivity and the transmission efficiency are one of the highest values in the reported PC label-free biosensors.

Synthesis and Exciton Dynamics of Triplet Sensitized Conjugated Polymers.

PubMed

Andernach, Rolf; Utzat, Hendrik; Dimitrov, Stoichko D; McCulloch, Iain; Heeney, Martin; Durrant, James R; Bronstein, Hugo

2015-08-19

We report the synthesis of a novel polythiophene-based host-guest copolymer incorporating a Pt-porphyrin complex (TTP-Pt) into the backbone for efficient singlet to triplet polymer exciton sensitization. We elucidated the exciton dynamics in thin films of the material by means of Transient Absorption Spectrosopcy (TAS) on multiple time scales and investigated the mechanism of triplet exciton formation. During sensitization, singlet exciton diffusion is followed by exciton transfer from the polymer backbone to the complex where it undergoes intersystem crossing to the triplet state of the complex. We directly monitored the triplet exciton back transfer from the Pt-porphyrin to the polymer and found that 60% of the complex triplet excitons were transferred with a time constant of 1087 ps. We propose an equilibrium between polymer and porphyrin triplet states as a result of the low triplet diffusion length in the polymer backbone and hence an increased local triplet population resulting in increased triplet-triplet annihilation. This novel system has significant implications for the design of novel materials for triplet sensitized solar cells and upconversion layers.

Fusion-neutron-yield, activation measurements at the Z accelerator: design, analysis, and sensitivity.

PubMed

Hahn, K D; Cooper, G W; Ruiz, C L; Fehl, D L; Chandler, G A; Knapp, P F; Leeper, R J; Nelson, A J; Smelser, R M; Torres, J A

2014-04-01

We present a general methodology to determine the diagnostic sensitivity that is directly applicable to neutron-activation diagnostics fielded on a wide variety of neutron-producing experiments, which include inertial-confinement fusion (ICF), dense plasma focus, and ion beam-driven concepts. This approach includes a combination of several effects: (1) non-isotropic neutron emission; (2) the 1/r(2) decrease in neutron fluence in the activation material; (3) the spatially distributed neutron scattering, attenuation, and energy losses due to the fielding environment and activation material itself; and (4) temporally varying neutron emission. As an example, we describe the copper-activation diagnostic used to measure secondary deuterium-tritium fusion-neutron yields on ICF experiments conducted on the pulsed-power Z Accelerator at Sandia National Laboratories. Using this methodology along with results from absolute calibrations and Monte Carlo simulations, we find that for the diagnostic configuration on Z, the diagnostic sensitivity is 0.037% ± 17% counts/neutron per cm(2) and is ∼ 40% less sensitive than it would be in an ideal geometry due to neutron attenuation, scattering, and energy-loss effects.

A new screening test for toxicity testing of dental materials.

PubMed

Pelka, M; Danzl, C; Distler, W; Petschelt, A

2000-07-01

The development of a micro plate assay for cytotoxicity testing of dental materials based on a bioassay using brine shrimp larvae (artemia salina) as sensitive organisms. Brine shrimp larvae are commonly used for cytotoxicity assays in pharmacology. These larvae are sensitive to toxic substances. The ratio between dead larvae (no motility) and living larvae (high motility) in comparison to a control without any toxic substances is used to estimate the toxicity of the test solutions. The test materials (Arabesk((R)), Solitaire((R)), Pertac((R)) II, Tetric((R)), Herculite((R)) and the compomer materials Dyract((R)), Hytac((R)), Compoglass((R))) were polymerized and consecutively milled. After incubation of 1g in 4ml distilled water at 37 degrees C for 48h, the solid materials were separated by centrifugation. The solutions were equibrilated with NaCl to a salt content of 25g/l. Aliquots of 200microl were distributed in eight micro wells and 50microl of a artemia salina containing (n=8-14) solution were added to each well. As controls eight wells with 250microl salt solution containing a comparable number of brine shrimp were used. At baseline, after 2, 5, 24 and 48h, the dead shrimp were counted using a stereo microscope. Finally all shrimps were sacrificed using Na-acid (5%) and counted to get the number of shrimps per well. All compomers and Solitaire caused 100% brine shrimp lethality after 24h and showed significantly (p<0.01, signed rank test) higher toxicities than the remaining composites. With the exception of Pertac II, all composites showed significantly higher toxic values than the control. Pertac II did not show any differences from the controls used. This new technique has some advantages for toxicity testing of restorative materials, because it can quickly be carried out at low costs. The disadvantage is the high quantity of material used and the low sensitivity.

A Rapid and Sensitive Strip-Based Quick Test for Nerve Agents Tabun, Sarin, and Soman Using BODIPY-Modified Silica Materials.

PubMed

Climent, Estela; Biyikal, Mustafa; Gawlitza, Kornelia; Dropa, Tomáš; Urban, Martin; Costero, Ana M; Martínez-Máñez, Ramón; Rurack, Knut

2016-08-01

Test strips that in combination with a portable fluorescence reader or digital camera can rapidly and selectively detect chemical warfare agents (CWAs) such as Tabun (GA), Sarin (GB), and Soman (GD) and their simulants in the gas phase have been developed. The strips contain spots of a hybrid indicator material consisting of a fluorescent BODIPY indicator covalently anchored into the channels of mesoporous SBA silica microparticles. The fluorescence quenching response allows the sensitive detection of CWAs in the μg m(-3) range in a few seconds. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Gravimetric chemical sensors based on silica-based mesoporous organic-inorganic hybrids.

PubMed

Xu, Jiaqiang; Zheng, Qi; Zhu, Yongheng; Lou, Huihui; Xiang, Qun; Cheng, Zhixuan

2014-09-01

Silica-based mesoporous organic-inorganic hybrid material modified quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors have been examined for their ability to achieve highly sensitive and selective detection. Mesoporous silica SBA-15 serves as an inorganic host with large specific surface area, facilitating gas adsorption, and thus leads to highly sensitive response; while the presence of organic functional groups contributes to the greatly improved specific sensing property. In this work, we summarize our efforts in the rational design and synthesis of novel sensing materials for the detection of hazardous substances, including simulant nerve agent, organic vapor, and heavy metal ion, and develop high-performance QCM-based chemical sensors.

Evanescent field Sensors Based on Tantalum Pentoxide Waveguides – A Review

PubMed Central

Schmitt, Katrin; Oehse, Kerstin; Sulz, Gerd; Hoffmann, Christian

2008-01-01

Evanescent field sensors based on waveguide surfaces play an important role where high sensitivity is required. Particularly tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) is a suitable material for thin-film waveguides due to its high refractive index and low attenuation. Many label-free biosensor systems such as grating couplers and interferometric sensors as well as fluorescence-based systems benefit from this waveguide material leading to extremely high sensitivity. Some biosensor systems based on Ta2O5 waveguides already took the step into commercialization. This report reviews the various detection systems in terms of limit of detection, the applications, and the suitable surface chemistry. PMID:27879731

Terrestrial bitumen analogue of orgueil organic material demonstrates high sensitivity to usual HF-HCl treatment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Korochantsev, A. V.; Nikolaeva, O. V.

1993-01-01

The relationship between the chemical composition and the interlayer spacing (d002) of organic materials (OM's) is known for various terrestrial OM's. We improved this general trend by correlation with corresponding trend of natural solid bitumens (asphaltite-kerite-anthraxolite) up to graphite. Using the improved trend we identified bitumen analogs of carbonaceous chondrite OM's residued after HF-HCl treatment. Our laboratory experiment revealed that these analogs and, hence, structure and chemical composition of carbonaceous chondrite OM's are very sensitive to the HF-HCl treatment. So, usual extraction of OM from carbonaceous chondrites may change significantly structural and chemical composition of extracted OM.

Cause and Effects of Fluorocarbon Degradation in Electronics and Opto-Electronic Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Predmore, Roamer E.; Canham, John S.

2002-01-01

Trace degradation of fluorocarbon or halocarbon materials must be addressed in their application in sensitive systems. As the dimensions and/or tolerances of components in a system decrease, the sensitivity of the system to trace fluorocarbon or halocarbon degradation products increases. Trace quantities of highly reactive degradation products from fluorocarbons have caused a number of failures of flight hardware. It is of utmost importance that the risk of system failure, resulting from trace amounts of reactive fluorocarbon degradation products be addressed in designs containing fluorocarbon or halocarbon materials. Thermal, electrical, and mechanical energy input into the system can multiply the risk of failure.

Convenient, Sensitive and High-Throughput Method for Screening Botanic Origin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Yuan; Jiang, Chao; Liu, Libing; Yu, Shulin; Cui, Zhanhu; Chen, Min; Lin, Shufang; Wang, Shu; Huang, Luqi

2014-06-01

In this work, a rapid (within 4-5 h), sensitive and visible new method for assessing botanic origin is developed by combining loop-mediated isothermal amplification with cationic conjugated polymers. The two Chinese medicinal materials (Jin-Yin-Hua and Shan-Yin-Hua) with similar morphology and chemical composition were clearly distinguished by gene SNP genotyping assays. The identification of plant species in Patented Chinese drugs containing Lonicera buds is successfully performed using this detection system. The method is also robust enough to be used in high-throughput screening. This new method is very helpful to identify herbal materials, and is beneficial for detecting safety and quality of botanic products.

Cohesive detachment of an elastic pillar from a dissimilar substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fleck, N. A.; Khaderi, S. N.; McMeeking, R. M.; Arzt, E.

The adhesion of micron-scale surfaces due to intermolecular interactions is a subject of intense interest spanning electronics, biomechanics and the application of soft materials to engineering devices. The degree of adhesion is sensitive to the diameter of micro-pillars in addition to the degree of elastic mismatch between pillar and substrate. Adhesion-strength-controlled detachment of an elastic circular cylinder from a dissimilar substrate is predicted using a Dugdale-type of analysis, with a cohesive zone of uniform tensile strength emanating from the interface corner. Detachment initiates when the opening of the cohesive zone attains a critical value, giving way to crack formation. When the cohesive zone size at crack initiation is small compared to the pillar diameter, the initiation of detachment can be expressed in terms of a critical value Hc of the corner stress intensity. The estimated pull-off force is somewhat sensitive to the choice of stick/slip boundary condition used on the cohesive zone, especially when the substrate material is much stiffer than the pillar material. The analysis can be used to predict the sensitivity of detachment force to the size of pillar and to the degree of elastic mismatch between pillar and substrate.

Proteins detection by polymer optical fibers sensitised with overlayers of block and random copolymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El Sachat, Alexandros; Meristoudi, Anastasia; Markos, Christos; Pispas, Stergios; Riziotis, Christos

2014-03-01

A low cost and low complexity optical detection method of proteins is presented by employing a detection scheme based on electrostatic interactions, and implemented by sensitization of a polymer optical fibers' (POF) surface by thin overlayers of properly designed sensitive copolymer materials with predesigned charges. This method enables the fast detection of proteins having opposite charge to the overlayer, and also the effective discrimination of differently charged proteins like lysozyme (LYS) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). As sensitive materials the block and the random copolymers of the same monomers were employed, namely the block copolymer poly(styrene-b-2vinylpyridine) (PS-b- P2VP) and the corresponding random copolymer poly(styrene-r-2vinylpyridine) (PS-r-P2VP), of similar composition and molecular weights. Results show systematically different response between the block and the random copolymers, although of the same order of magnitude, drawing thus important conclusions on their applications' techno-economic aspects given that they have significantly different associated manufacturing method and costs. The use of the POF platform, in combination with those adaptable copolymer sensing materials could lead to efficient low cost bio-detection schemes.

Transmission and reflection SHSG holograms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jong Man; Choi, Byung S.; Choi, Yoon S.; Kim, Sun I.; Kim, Jong-Min; Bjelkhagen, Hans I.; Phillips, Nicholas J.

2001-06-01

Silver halide sensitized gelatin (SHSG) holograms are similar to holograms recorded in dichromated gelatin (DCG), the main recording material for holographic optical elements (HOEs). The drawback of DCG is its low energetic sensitivity and limited spectral response. Silver halide materials can be processed in such a way that the final hologram will have properties like a DCG hologram. Recently this technique has become more interesting since the introduction of new ultra- fine grain silver halide (AgHal) emulsions. In particular, high spatial frequency fringes associated with HOEs of the reflection type are difficult to convert employing SHSG processing methods. Therefore, an optimized processing techniques for reflection HOEs recorded in the new AgHal- materials is introduced. Diffraction efficiencies over 90 percent can be obtained for both transmission and reflection diffraction gratings. Understanding the importance of the selective hardening process has made it possible to obtain results similar to conventional DCG processing. The main advantage of the SHSG process is that high-sensitivity recording can be performed with laser wavelengths anywhere within the visible spectrum. This simplifies the manufacturing of high-quality, large-format HOEs, including also high-quality display holograms of the reflection type, both monochrome and full color.

Sensor Applications of Soft Magnetic Materials Based on Magneto-Impedance, Magneto-Elastic Resonance and Magneto-Electricity

PubMed Central

García-Arribas, Alfredo; Gutiérrez, Jon; Kurlyandskaya, Galina V.; Barandiarán, José M.; Svalov, Andrey; Fernández, Eduardo; Lasheras, Andoni; de Cos, David; Bravo-Imaz, Iñaki

2014-01-01

The outstanding properties of selected soft magnetic materials make them successful candidates for building high performance sensors. In this paper we present our recent work regarding different sensing technologies based on the coupling of the magnetic properties of soft magnetic materials with their electric or elastic properties. In first place we report the influence on the magneto-impedance response of the thickness of Permalloy films in multilayer-sandwiched structures. An impedance change of 270% was found in the best conditions upon the application of magnetic field, with a low field sensitivity of 140%/Oe. Second, the magneto-elastic resonance of amorphous ribbons is used to demonstrate the possibility of sensitively measuring the viscosity of fluids, aimed to develop an on-line and real-time sensor capable of assessing the state of degradation of lubricant oils in machinery. A novel analysis method is shown to sensitively reveal the changes of the damping parameter of the magnetoelastic oscillations at the resonance as a function of the oil viscosity. Finally, the properties and performance of magneto-electric laminated composites of amorphous magnetic ribbons and piezoelectric polymer films are investigated, demonstrating magnetic field detection capabilities below 2.7 nT. PMID:24776934

Optical fiber evanescent absorption sensors for high-temperature gas sensing in advanced coal-fired power plants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buric, Michael P.; Ohodnicky, Paul R.; Duy, Janice

2012-10-01

Modern advanced energy systems such as coal-fired power plants, gasifiers, or similar infrastructure present some of the most challenging harsh environments for sensors. The power industry would benefit from new, ultra-high temperature devices capable of surviving in hot and corrosive environments for embedded sensing at the highest value locations. For these applications, we are currently exploring optical fiber evanescent wave absorption spectroscopy (EWAS) based sensors consisting of high temperature core materials integrated with novel high temperature gas sensitive cladding materials. Mathematical simulations can be used to assist in sensor development efforts, and we describe a simulation code that assumes a single thick cladding layer with gas sensitive optical constants. Recent work has demonstrated that Au nanoparticle-incorporated metal oxides show a potentially useful response for high temperature optical gas sensing applications through the sensitivity of the localized surface plasmon resonance absorption peak to ambient atmospheric conditions. Hence, the simulation code has been applied to understand how such a response can be exploited in an optical fiber based EWAS sensor configuration. We demonstrate that interrogation can be used to optimize the sensing response in such materials.

QEEN Workshop: "Quantifying Exposure to Engineered Nano ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The measurement and characterization of nanomaterials in biological tissues is complicated by a number of factors including: the sensitivity of the assay to small sized particles or low concentrations of materials; the ability to distinguish different forms and transformations of the materials related to the biological matrix; distinguishing exogenous nanomaterials, which may be composed of biologically common elements such as carbon,from normal biological tissues; differentiating particle from ionic phases for materials that dissolve; localization of sparsely distributed materials in a complex substrate (the

Electrochromic-photovoltaic film for light-sensitive control of optical transmittance

DOEpatents

Branz, H.M.; Crandall, R.S.; Tracy, C.E.

1994-12-27

A variable transmittance optical component includes an electrochromic material and a photovoltaic device-type thin film solar cell deposited in a tandem type, monolithic single coating over the component. A bleed resistor of a predetermined value is connected in series across the electrochromic material and photovoltaic device controlling the activation and deactivation of the electrochromic material. The electrical conductivity between the electrochromic material and the photovoltaic device is enhanced by interposing a transparent electrically conductive layer. 5 figures.

Vacuum stability requirements of polymeric material for spacecraft application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Craig, J. W.

1984-01-01

The purpose of this document is to establish outgassing requirements and test guidelines for polymeric materials used in the space thermal/vacuum environment around sensitive optical or thermal control surfaces. The scope of this document covers the control of polymeric materials used near or adjacent to optical or thermal control surfaces that are exposed to the thermal/vacuum environment of space. This document establishes the requirements and defines the test method to evaluate polymeric materials used in the vicinity of these surfaces in space applications.

Encapsulation materials research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Willis, P. B.

1984-01-01

Encapsulation materials for solar cells were investigated. The different phases consisted of: (1) identification and development of low cost module encapsulation materials; (2) materials reliability examination; and (3) process sensitivity and process development. It is found that outdoor photothermal aging devices (OPT) are the best accelerated aging methods, simulate worst case field conditions, evaluate formulation and module performance and have a possibility for life assessment. Outdoor metallic copper exposure should be avoided, self priming formulations have good storage stability, stabilizers enhance performance, and soil resistance treatment is still effective.

Improved Optical-Fiber Temperature Sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rogowski, Robert S.; Egalon, Claudio O.

1993-01-01

In optical-fiber temperature sensors of proposed type, phosphorescence and/or fluorescence in temperature-dependent coating layers coupled to photodetectors. Phosphorescent and/or fluorescent behavior(s) of coating material(s) depend on temperature; coating material or mixture of materials selected so one can deduce temperature from known temperature dependence of phosphorescence and/or fluorescence spectrum, and/or characteristic decay of fluorescence. Basic optical configuration same as that of optical-fiber chemical detectors described in "Making Optical-Fiber Chemical Detectors More Sensitive" (LAR-14525).

Pyrotechnic hazards classification and evaluation program. Phase 3, segments 1-4: Investigation of sensitivity test methods and procedures for pyrotechnic hazards evaluation and classification, part A

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1971-01-01

The findings, conclusions, and recommendations relative to the investigations conducted to evaluate tests for classifying pyrotechnic materials and end items as to their hazard potential are presented. Information required to establish an applicable means of determining the potential hazards of pyrotechnics is described. Hazard evaluations are based on the peak overpressure or impulse resulting from the explosion as a function of distance from the source. Other hazard classification tests include dust ignition sensitivity, impact ignition sensitivity, spark ignition sensitivity, and differential thermal analysis.

A Scanning Quantum Cryogenic Atom Microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lev, Benjamin

Microscopic imaging of local magnetic fields provides a window into the organizing principles of complex and technologically relevant condensed matter materials. However, a wide variety of intriguing strongly correlated and topologically nontrivial materials exhibit poorly understood phenomena outside the detection capability of state-of-the-art high-sensitivity, high-resolution scanning probe magnetometers. We introduce a quantum-noise-limited scanning probe magnetometer that can operate from room-to-cryogenic temperatures with unprecedented DC-field sensitivity and micron-scale resolution. The Scanning Quantum Cryogenic Atom Microscope (SQCRAMscope) employs a magnetically levitated atomic Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC), thereby providing immunity to conductive and blackbody radiative heating. The SQCRAMscope has a field sensitivity of 1.4 nT per resolution-limited point (2 um), or 6 nT / Hz1 / 2 per point at its duty cycle. Compared to point-by-point sensors, the long length of the BEC provides a naturally parallel measurement, allowing one to measure nearly one-hundred points with an effective field sensitivity of 600 pT / Hz1 / 2 each point during the same time as a point-by-point scanner would measure these points sequentially. Moreover, it has a noise floor of 300 pT and provides nearly two orders of magnitude improvement in magnetic flux sensitivity (down to 10- 6 Phi0 / Hz1 / 2) over previous atomic probe magnetometers capable of scanning near samples. These capabilities are for the first time carefully benchmarked by imaging magnetic fields arising from microfabricated wire patterns and done so using samples that may be scanned, cryogenically cooled, and easily exchanged. We anticipate the SQCRAMscope will provide charge transport images at temperatures from room to \\x9D4K in unconventional superconductors and topologically nontrivial materials.

Scanning Quantum Cryogenic Atom Microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Fan; Kollár, Alicia J.; Taylor, Stephen F.; Turner, Richard W.; Lev, Benjamin L.

2017-03-01

Microscopic imaging of local magnetic fields provides a window into the organizing principles of complex and technologically relevant condensed-matter materials. However, a wide variety of intriguing strongly correlated and topologically nontrivial materials exhibit poorly understood phenomena outside the detection capability of state-of-the-art high-sensitivity high-resolution scanning probe magnetometers. We introduce a quantum-noise-limited scanning probe magnetometer that can operate from room-to-cryogenic temperatures with unprecedented dc-field sensitivity and micron-scale resolution. The Scanning Quantum Cryogenic Atom Microscope (SQCRAMscope) employs a magnetically levitated atomic Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC), thereby providing immunity to conductive and blackbody radiative heating. The SQCRAMscope has a field sensitivity of 1.4 nT per resolution-limited point (approximately 2 μ m ) or 6 nT /√{Hz } per point at its duty cycle. Compared to point-by-point sensors, the long length of the BEC provides a naturally parallel measurement, allowing one to measure nearly 100 points with an effective field sensitivity of 600 pT /√{Hz } for each point during the same time as a point-by-point scanner measures these points sequentially. Moreover, it has a noise floor of 300 pT and provides nearly 2 orders of magnitude improvement in magnetic flux sensitivity (down to 10-6 Φ0/√{Hz } ) over previous atomic probe magnetometers capable of scanning near samples. These capabilities are carefully benchmarked by imaging magnetic fields arising from microfabricated wire patterns in a system where samples may be scanned, cryogenically cooled, and easily exchanged. We anticipate the SQCRAMscope will provide charge-transport images at temperatures from room temperature to 4 K in unconventional superconductors and topologically nontrivial materials.

Developing a healthcare law library.

PubMed

Sconyers, J M

1998-01-01

Legal materials are expensive, bulky, and extremely time sensitive. Selecting the appropriate means of ensuring easy access to easily-retrievable, timely legal materials is of extreme importance to any lawyer. The author gives an overview of the various means of retrieving necessary research, including the strengths and weaknesses of each of the various options.

QEEN Workshop: "Quantifying Exposure to Engineered Nano-materials from Manufactured Products": Write Up Biological Tissues and Media

EPA Science Inventory

The measurement and characterization of nanomaterials in biological tissues is complicated by a number of factors including: the sensitivity of the assay to small sized particles or low concentrations of materials; the ability to distinguish different forms and transformations of...

Culturally Competent Services: Bibliography of Materials from the NCEMCH Library.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health, Arlington, VA.

Culled from the National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health reference collection, this list contains 186 materials which focus on assessing current services for cultural sensitivity, developing culturally competent services, or providing services in a multicultural health care context. Audiovisual items are included. Each listing…

Modeling, design, packing and experimental analysis of liquid-phase shear-horizontal surface acoustic wave sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pollard, Thomas B

Recent advances in microbiology, computational capabilities, and microelectromechanical-system fabrication techniques permit modeling, design, and fabrication of low-cost, miniature, sensitive and selective liquid-phase sensors and lab-on-a-chip systems. Such devices are expected to replace expensive, time-consuming, and bulky laboratory-based testing equipment. Potential applications for devices include: fluid characterization for material science and industry; chemical analysis in medicine and pharmacology; study of biological processes; food analysis; chemical kinetics analysis; and environmental monitoring. When combined with liquid-phase packaging, sensors based on surface-acoustic-wave (SAW) technology are considered strong candidates. For this reason such devices are focused on in this work; emphasis placed on device modeling and packaging for liquid-phase operation. Regarding modeling, topics considered include mode excitation efficiency of transducers; mode sensitivity based on guiding structure materials/geometries; and use of new piezoelectric materials. On packaging, topics considered include package interfacing with SAW devices, and minimization of packaging effects on device performance. In this work novel numerical models are theoretically developed and implemented to study propagation and transduction characteristics of sensor designs using wave/constitutive equations, Green's functions, and boundary/finite element methods. Using developed simulation tools that consider finite-thickness of all device electrodes, transduction efficiency for SAW transducers with neighboring uniform or periodic guiding electrodes is reported for the first time. Results indicate finite electrode thickness strongly affects efficiency. Using dense electrodes, efficiency is shown to approach 92% and 100% for uniform and periodic electrode guiding, respectively; yielding improved sensor detection limits. A numerical sensitivity analysis is presented targeting viscosity using uniform-electrode and shear-horizontal mode configurations on potassium-niobate, langasite, and quartz substrates. Optimum configurations are determined yielding maximum sensitivity. Results show mode propagation-loss and sensitivity to viscosity are correlated by a factor independent of substrate material. The analysis is useful for designing devices meeting sensitivity and signal level requirements. A novel, rapid and precise microfluidic chamber alignment/bonding method was developed for SAW platforms. The package is shown to have little effect on device performance and permits simple macrofluidic interfacing. Lastly, prototypes were designed, fabricated, and tested for viscosity and biosensor applications; results show ability to detect as low as 1% glycerol in water and surface-bound DNA crosslinking.

Optical fiber pressure sensor based on fiber Bragg grating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Dongcao

In oil field, it is important to measure the high pressure and temperature for down-hole oil exploration and well-logging, the available traditional electronic sensor is challenged due to the harsh, flammable environment. Recently, applications based on fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor in the oil industry have become a popular research because of its distinguishing advantages such as electrically passive operation, immunity to electromagnetic interference, high resolution, insensitivity to optical power fluctuation etc. This thesis is divided into two main sections. In the first section, the design of high pressure sensor based on FBG is described. Several sensing elements based on FBG for high pressure measurements have been proposed, for example bulk-modulus or free elastic modulus. But the structure of bulk-modulus and free elastic modulus is relatively complex and not easy to fabricate. In addition, the pressure sensitivity is not high and the repeatability of the structure has not been investigated. In this thesis, a novel host material of carbon fiber laminated composite (CFLC) for high pressure sensing is proposed. The mechanical characteristics including principal moduli in three directions and the shape repeatability are investigated. Because of it's Young's modulus in one direction and anisotropic characteristics, the pressure sensor made by CFLC has excellent sensitivity. This said structure can be used in very high pressure measurement due to carbon fiber composite's excellent shape repetition even under high pressure. The experimental results show high pressure sensitivity of 0.101nm/MPa and high pressure measurement up to 70MPa. A pressure sensor based on CFLC and FBG with temperature compensation has been designed. In the second section, the design of low pressure sensor based on FBG is demonstrated. Due to the trade off between measurement range and sensitivity, a sensor for lower pressure range needs more sensitivity. A novel material of carbon fiber ribbon-wound composite cylindrical shell is proposed. The mechanical characteristics are analyzed. Due to the smaller longitudinal Young's modulus of this novel material, the sensitivity is improved to 0.452nm/MPa and the measurement range can reach 8MPa. The experimental results indicated excellent repeatability of the material and a good linearity between Bragg wavelength shift and the applied pressure. The sensor has the potential to find many industrial low pressure applications.

SQUIDs: microscopes and nondestructive evaluation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mück, Michael

2005-03-01

SQUIDs (Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices) are magnetic field sensores with unsurpassed sensitivity. They are amazingly versatile, being able to measure all physical quantities which can be converted to magnetic flux. They are routinely fabricated in thin film technology from two classes of superconducting materials: high-temperature superconductors (HTS) which are usually cooled to 77 K, and low-temperature superconductors (LTS), which have to be cooled to 4.2 K. SQUIDs have many applications, two of which shall be discussed in this paper. In SQUID microscopy, a SQUID scans a sample, which preferrably is at room temperature, and measures the two-dimensional magnetic field distribution at the surface of the sample. In order to achieve a relatively high spatial resolution, the stand-off distance between the sample and the SQUID is made as small as possible. SQUIDs show also promising results in the field of nondestructive testing of various materials. For example, ferromagnetic impurities in stainless steel formed by aging processes in the material can be detected with high probability, and cracks in conducting materials, for example aircraft parts, can be located using eddy current methods. Especially for the case of thick, highly conductive, or ferromagnetic materials, as well as sintered materials, it can be shown that a SQUID-based NDE system exhibits a much higher sensitivity compared to conventional eddy current NDE and ultrasonic testing.

Sensitivity of corneal biomechanical and optical behavior to material parameters using design of experiments method.

PubMed

Xu, Mengchen; Lerner, Amy L; Funkenbusch, Paul D; Richhariya, Ashutosh; Yoon, Geunyoung

2018-02-01

The optical performance of the human cornea under intraocular pressure (IOP) is the result of complex material properties and their interactions. The measurement of the numerous material parameters that define this material behavior may be key in the refinement of patient-specific models. The goal of this study was to investigate the relative contribution of these parameters to the biomechanical and optical responses of human cornea predicted by a widely accepted anisotropic hyperelastic finite element model, with regional variations in the alignment of fibers. Design of experiments methods were used to quantify the relative importance of material properties including matrix stiffness, fiber stiffness, fiber nonlinearity and fiber dispersion under physiological IOP. Our sensitivity results showed that corneal apical displacement was influenced nearly evenly by matrix stiffness, fiber stiffness and nonlinearity. However, the variations in corneal optical aberrations (refractive power and spherical aberration) were primarily dependent on the value of the matrix stiffness. The optical aberrations predicted by variations in this material parameter were sufficiently large to predict clinically important changes in retinal image quality. Therefore, well-characterized individual variations in matrix stiffness could be critical in cornea modeling in order to reliably predict optical behavior under different IOPs or after corneal surgery.

Biochemical Detection and Identification False Alarm Rate Dependence on Wavelength Using Laser Induced Fluorescence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhartia, R.; Hug, W. F.; Sala, E. C.; Sijapati, K.; Lane, A. L.; Reid, R. D.; Conrad, P. G.

2006-01-01

Most organic and many inorganic materials absorb strongly in specific wavelength ranges in the deep UV between about 220nm and 300nm. Excitation within these absorption bands results in native fluorescence emission. Each compound or composite material, such as a bacterial spore, has a unique excitation-emission fingerprint that can be used to provide information about the material. The sensitivity and specificity with which these materials can be detected and identified depends on the excitation wavelength and the number and location of observation wavelengths.We will present data on our deep ultraviolet Targeted Ultraviolet Chemical Sensors that demonstrate the sensitivity and specificity of the sensors. In particular, we will demonstrate the ability to quantitatively differentiate a wide range of biochemical agent targets against a wide range of background materials. We will describe the relationship between spectral resolution and specificity in target identification, as well as simple, fast, algorithms to identify materials.Hand-held, battery operated instruments using a deep UV laser and multi-band detection have been developed and deployed on missions to the Antarctic, the Arctic, and the deep ocean with the capability of detecting a single bacterial spore and to differentiate a wide range of organic and biological compounds.

[Hygienic study and evaluation of textile materials with reduced combustibility with reference to the use of the new anti-inflammable preparations Pyrofix 2 and Torflam].

PubMed

Uzunova, S; Baĭnova, A; Iordanova, I; Dolova, D

1986-01-01

The new anti-flammable preparations, proposed by the Higher Chemical Technology Institute (Sofia), were studied, namely: Pyrofix 2--for treatment of textile materials and Torflam--for production of anti-inflammable polyester fibres. The following parameters were studied: skin-irritating and skin-sensitizing effect of both preparations, skin toxic effect of Pyrofix 2 and migration of chemicals from the anti-inflammable textile materials (from the composition of the preparations used). The results obtained revealed the absence of skin-irritating and skin-sensitizing effect of both preparations and cumulative dermal toxicity of Pyrofix 2. The textile materials with reduced combustibility are chemically stable and do not release compounds in the contact aqueous medium, imitating the underclothes space. Formaldehyde from recipe for the treatment of Pyrofix 2 migrates in the air environment. In conclusion, Pyrofix 2 could be applied for the final anti-inflammable treatment of the textile materials for industrial needs, working garments and everyday textile (with the elimination of formaldehyde compound from the recipe). Torflam could be used in the production of anti-inflammable polyester fibres for textile materials intended for industry and everyday life without immediate contact with the skin of the consumers.

Cost-driven materials selection criteria for redox flow battery electrolytes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dmello, Rylan; Milshtein, Jarrod D.; Brushett, Fikile R.; Smith, Kyle C.

2016-10-01

Redox flow batteries show promise for grid-scale energy storage applications but are presently too expensive for widespread adoption. Electrolyte material costs constitute a sizeable fraction of the redox flow battery price. As such, this work develops a techno-economic model for redox flow batteries that accounts for redox-active material, salt, and solvent contributions to the electrolyte cost. Benchmark values for electrolyte constituent costs guide identification of design constraints. Nonaqueous battery design is sensitive to all electrolyte component costs, cell voltage, and area-specific resistance. Design challenges for nonaqueous batteries include minimizing salt content and dropping redox-active species concentration requirements. Aqueous battery design is sensitive to only redox-active material cost and cell voltage, due to low area-specific resistance and supporting electrolyte costs. Increasing cell voltage and decreasing redox-active material cost present major materials selection challenges for aqueous batteries. This work minimizes cost-constraining variables by mapping the battery design space with the techno-economic model, through which we highlight pathways towards low price and moderate concentration. Furthermore, the techno-economic model calculates quantitative iterations of battery designs to achieve the Department of Energy battery price target of 100 per kWh and highlights cost cutting strategies to drive battery prices down further.

A toxicologic and dermatologic assessment of cinnamyl phenylpropyl materials when used as fragrance ingredients.

PubMed

Belsito, D; Bickers, D; Bruze, M; Calow, P; Dagli, M; Fryer, A D; Greim, H; Miyachi, Y; Saurat, J H; Sipes, I G

2011-12-01

The cinnamyl phenylpropyl fragrance ingredients are a diverse group of chemical structures that have similar metabolic and toxicity profiles. A toxicological and dermatological review of these fragrance ingredients is presented. The common characteristic structural element of cinnamyl phenylpropyl materials is an aryl substituted primary alcohol/aldehyde/ester. For high end users, calculated maximum dermal exposures vary from 0.14% to 0.72%; systemic exposures vary from 0.0002 to 0.0280 mg/kg/day. Human dermatological studies show that these materials are not generally irritants or sensitizers at lower exposures from consumer products. Reactions (0.9%) in fragrance sensitive patients were observed with 3-phenyl-1-propanol at 5% in petrolatum. The cinnamyl phenylpropyl materials had low acute toxicity and no significant toxicity in repeat dose oral or dermal toxicity studies. No mutagenic or genotoxic activity in bacteria and mammalian cell line assays was observed. The cinnamyl phenylpropyl alcohol materials participate in the same beta oxidation pathways as their parent cinnamic acid derivatives, including common routes of absorption, distribution, and metabolic detoxification, and exhibit similar toxicological endpoints. Based on the review of available data, it is concluded that these materials would not present a safety concern at current levels of use as fragrance ingredients. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An X-band waveguide measurement technique for the accurate characterization of materials with low dielectric loss permittivity

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

Allen, Kenneth W., E-mail: kenneth.allen@gtri.gatech.edu; Scott, Mark M.; Reid, David R.

In this work, we present a new X-band waveguide (WR90) measurement method that permits the broadband characterization of the complex permittivity for low dielectric loss tangent material specimens with improved accuracy. An electrically long polypropylene specimen that partially fills the cross-section is inserted into the waveguide and the transmitted scattering parameter (S{sub 21}) is measured. The extraction method relies on computational electromagnetic simulations, coupled with a genetic algorithm, to match the experimental S{sub 21} measurement. The sensitivity of the technique to sample length was explored by simulating specimen lengths from 2.54 to 15.24 cm, in 2.54 cm increments. Analysis ofmore » our simulated data predicts the technique will have the sensitivity to measure loss tangent values on the order of 10{sup −3} for materials such as polymers with relatively low real permittivity values. The ability to accurately characterize low-loss dielectric material specimens of polypropylene is demonstrated experimentally. The method was validated by excellent agreement with a free-space focused-beam system measurement of a polypropylene sheet. This technique provides the material measurement community with the ability to accurately extract material properties of low-loss material specimen over the entire X-band range. This technique could easily be extended to other frequency bands.« less

Functional mesoporous materials for energy applications: solar cells, fuel cells, and batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Youngjin; Jo, Changshin; Jeong, Inyoung; Lee, Jinwoo

2013-05-01

This feature article presents recent progress made in the synthesis of functional ordered mesoporous materials and their application as high performance electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) and quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSCs), fuel cells, and Li-ion batteries. Ordered mesoporous materials have been mainly synthesized using two representative synthetic methods: the soft template and hard template methods. To overcome the limitations of these two methods, a new method called CASH was suggested. The CASH method combines the advantages of the soft and hard template methods by employing a diblock copolymer, PI-b-PEO, which contains a hydrophilic block and an sp2-hybridized-carbon-containing hydrophobic block as a structure-directing agent. After discussing general techniques used in the synthesis of mesoporous materials, this article presents recent applications of mesoporous materials as electrodes in DSCs and QDSCs, fuel cells, and Li-ion batteries. The role of material properties and mesostructures in device performance is discussed in each case. The developed soft and hard template methods, along with the CASH method, allow control of the pore size, wall composition, and pore structure, providing insight into material design and optimization for better electrode performances in these types of energy conversion devices. This paper concludes with an outlook on future research directions to enable breakthroughs and overcome current limitations in this field.

Functional mesoporous materials for energy applications: solar cells, fuel cells, and batteries.

PubMed

Ye, Youngjin; Jo, Changshin; Jeong, Inyoung; Lee, Jinwoo

2013-06-07

This feature article presents recent progress made in the synthesis of functional ordered mesoporous materials and their application as high performance electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) and quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSCs), fuel cells, and Li-ion batteries. Ordered mesoporous materials have been mainly synthesized using two representative synthetic methods: the soft template and hard template methods. To overcome the limitations of these two methods, a new method called CASH was suggested. The CASH method combines the advantages of the soft and hard template methods by employing a diblock copolymer, PI-b-PEO, which contains a hydrophilic block and an sp(2)-hybridized-carbon-containing hydrophobic block as a structure-directing agent. After discussing general techniques used in the synthesis of mesoporous materials, this article presents recent applications of mesoporous materials as electrodes in DSCs and QDSCs, fuel cells, and Li-ion batteries. The role of material properties and mesostructures in device performance is discussed in each case. The developed soft and hard template methods, along with the CASH method, allow control of the pore size, wall composition, and pore structure, providing insight into material design and optimization for better electrode performances in these types of energy conversion devices. This paper concludes with an outlook on future research directions to enable breakthroughs and overcome current limitations in this field.

Synthesis and Characterization of Energetic Plasticizer AMDNNM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schulze, Maxwell C.; Chavez, David E.

2016-04-01

The synthesis of room temperature liquid azidomethyl-dinitroxydimethyl-nitromethane (AMDNNM, 5) in 57% overall yield and its formulation with nitrocellulose (AMDNNM/NC) are described. The small-scale explosive sensitivity of neat AMDNNM was determined to be slightly more sensitive than PETN, whereas AMDNNM/NC is significantly less sensitive. Both neat AMDNNM and AMDNNM/NC have thermal stabilities similar to that of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN). The explosive and chemical properties of this novel material make it a good candidate for an energetic plasticizer.

Ionic Liquid Electrolytes for Flexible Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-01

High-Efficiency Solar - Cell Based on Dye-Sensitized Colloidal TiO2 Films,” a DSSC consists of four main components: a photoanode, a counter... solar cell modules. 2. Experiment and Calculations 2.1 Materials Commercial TiO2 paste was purchased from Dyesol, and additional nanophase TiO2 ...B.; Grätzel, M. A Low-Cost, High Efficiency Solar Cell Based on Dye_Sensitized Colloidal TiO2 Films. Nature 1991, 353, 737–740. 2. Snaith, H. J

Sensitized photooxidation of phenols by fulvic acid and in natural waters

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

Faust, B.C.; Hoigne, J.

1987-10-01

In addition to singlet oxygen, irradiation of fulvic acid solutions and lake water with UV and visible light (lambda > 315 nm) produces another transient oxidant species. This transient oxidant (probably an organic peroxy radical) is derived from natural dissolved organic material (DOM) and controls DOM-sensitized photooxidations of various alkylphenols. On the basis of kinetic data for the transient oxidant, DOM-sensitized photooxidation half-lives of alkylphenols are estimated to range from 1 day to several months in middle-latitude shallow surface waters.

Multifunctional optical security features based on bacteriorhodopsin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hampp, Norbert A.; Neebe, Martin; Juchem, Thorsten; Wolperdinger, Markus; Geiger, Markus; Schmuck, Arno

2004-06-01

Bacteriorhodopsin (BR), a photochromic retinal protein, has been developed into a new materials platform for applications in anti-counterfeiting. The combination of three different properties of the material on its molecular level, a light-inducible color change, photochemical data storage and traceability of the protein due to molecular marker sequences make this protein a promising material for security applications. The crystalline structure of the biopigment combines these properties with high stability. As BR is a biological material specialized knowledge for modification, cost- effective production and suitable processing of the material is required. Photochromic BR-based inks have been developed for screen printing, pad printing and ink jet printing. These prints show a high photochromic sensitivity towards variation of illumination. For this reason it is not possible to reproduce the dynamic color by photocopying. In addition to such visual inspection the printed symbols offer the possibility for digital write-once-read-many (WORM) data storage. Photochemical recording is accomplished by a two-photon process. Recording densities in a range from 106 bit/cm2 to 108 bit/cm2 have been achieved. Data structures are stored in a polarization sensitive mode which allows an easy and efficient data encryption.

Luminescent properties and energy transfer of luminescent carbon dots assembled mesoporous Al(2)O(3): Eu(3) co-doped materials for temperature sensing.

PubMed

He, Youling; He, Jiangling; Zhang, Haoran; Liu, Yingliang; Lei, Bingfu

2017-06-15

Owning to the hydrogen-band interactions, blue-light-emitting luminescent carbon dots (CDs) synthesized by one-pot hydrothermal treatment were successfully assembled into Eu 3+ doped mesoporous aluminas (MAs). Interesting, dual-emissive CDs/MAs co-doped materials with higher quantum yield (QY), long-term stability, mesoporous structure, high thermal stability, and large surface areas were obtained. Furthermore, the obtained CDs/MAs co-doped materials possessed tunable color, and excellent temperature sensitivity due to the existing of energy transfer between CDs and Eu 3+ ion. The energy transfer efficiency (η) and energy transfer probability (P) for CDs/Eu 3+ co-doped materials possessed a monotonous tendency with the change of Eu 3+ content. More importantly, the dual-emissive colors can be regularly adjusted through regulating their excitation wavelength or relative mass ratio. In addition, the emission intensity of the CDs/MAs co-doped materials gradually decreased with increasing temperature showing the clear temperature dependence, this dual-emissive thermometer was with high sensitivity, owning a great fitted curve in the range from 100 to 360K under a single wavelength excitation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, ethylene brassylate, CAS Registry Number 105-95-3.

PubMed

Api, A M; Belsito, D; Bhatia, S; Bruze, M; Calow, P; Dagli, M L; Dekant, W; Fryer, A D; Kromidas, L; La Cava, S; Lalko, J F; Lapczynski, A; Liebler, D C; Politano, V T; Ritacco, G; Salvito, D; Schultz, T W; Shen, J; Sipes, I G; Wall, B; Wilcox, D K

2016-11-01

: The use of this material under current conditions is supported by existing information. This material was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, as well as environmental safety. Data show that this material is not genotoxic nor does it have skin sensitization potential. The local respiratory toxicity endpoint was completed using the TTC (Threshold of Toxicological Concern) for a Cramer Class I material (1.4 mg/day). The repeated dose toxicity endpoint was completed using ethylene dodecanedioate (CAS # 54982-83-1) as a suitable read across analog, which provided a MOE > 100. The developmental and reproductive toxicity endpoint was completed using oxacyclohexadec-12-en-2-one, (12E)- (CAS # 111879-80-2) as a suitable read across analog, which provided a MOE > 100. The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoint was completed based on suitable UV spectra along with data on the target material. The environmental endpoint was completed as described in the RIFM Framework along with data on the suitable read across analog oxacyclohexadec-12-en-2-one, (12E)- (CAS # 111879-80-2). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

STUDIES ON THE TUBERCULIN REACTION AND ON SPECIFIC HYPERSENSITIVENESS IN BACTERIAL INFECTION

PubMed Central

Zinsser, Hans

1921-01-01

The work reported in the preceding sections justifies, we think, a number of definite conclusions. In addition to this, some of the experiments indicate a line of thought which may lead to considerable alteration in our conceptions, both of phenomena of bacterial hypersensitiveness and of infection. 1. In guinea pigs two fundamentally different types of intradermal reactions may be observed. One of these is the immediate, transitory reaction which develops in animals sensitized against proteins (horse serum, etc.) and may be regarded as one of the manifestations of general protein hypersensitiveness, or anaphylaxis; the other is the tuberculin type of skin reaction which develops more slowly, leads to a more profound injury of the tissues and is independent of anaphylaxis as ordinarily conceived. 2. The tuberculin type of hypersensitiveness (as well as probably the typhoidin, mallein, abortin reactions, etc.) does not develop at all in guinea pigs sensitized with proteins, like horse serum, etc. While this form of hypersensitiveness may eventually be induced with materials not bacterial in origin, it has been observed up to date only as a reaction of bacterial infection. 3. Methods of treatment with protein material from bacterial cultures which sensitize guinea pigs to anaphylactic reactions with the bacterial extracts, do not sensitize them to the tuberculin type of reaction. Such sensitization is easily accomplished only by infecting the animals with living organisms. No reliable method of sensitizing guinea pigs to such reactions with dead bacterial material has as yet been worked out, though a few hopeful experiments have been obtained with massive injections of large amounts of the acid-precipitable substances (nucleoproteins?) from bacterial extracts. 4. In animals made hypersensitive to the tuberculin type of reaction by infection with living bacteria, the reaction may be elicited by intradermal injections of bacterial extracts from which all coagulable proteins, nucleoproteins, and Bence-Jones proteins have been removed, as well as this can be done by boiling with acid, etc. This proteose residue alone suffices to elicit such reactions. The exact chemical nature of the so called proteose residue must be further studied and analyzed when we have had opportunity to produce bacterial extracts in large quantity. These points seem incontrovertible on the basis of our own experiments, as well as those of other workers. There thus seem to develop two definite forms of hypersensitiveness in guinea pigs infected with bacteria, typical anaphylaxis in which the protein material of the bacterial cells is concerned, which develops late and which can be induced by repeated injections of dead bacterial material, and a hypersensitiveness to non-protein constituents which differs from the former, both in the laws that govern sensitization and in the manifestations which follow injections into the sensitized animals. While there is virtual agreement among immunologists concerning the essential mechanism of protein anaphylaxis, its dependence upon an antigen-antibody reaction, and the dominating rôle played by the sessile antibodies, the mechanism of hypersensitiveness to tuberculin and similar bacterial substances is still a problem of much uncertainty. The most striking difference between the two phenomena lies, as we have seen, in the criteria of sensitization, in that hypersensitiveness to the tuberculin type of reaction can hardly ever be induced by any of the ordinary methods of preparation with the constituents of dead bacteria, but develops promptly (7 to 10 days) in the course of actual infection with living organisms. The considerable specificity of such reactions forces the conclusion that the sensitizing substance must, in some way, be derived from the infecting microorganisms. The idea that the failure of sensitization with dead culture materials is perhaps due to the elaboration in the body of infected animals of bacterial products not represented in extracts of test-tube cultures is rendered unlikely by the fact that in the tuberculin-sensitive, infected animals, we can produce the reactions by the application of such dead extracts. It is neither logical nor in keeping with biological experience to assume that one substance will sensitize to reaction with another. This mistake was made early in the study of anaphylaxis in another connection and caused considerable delay of progress. Krause has shown that tuberculin sensitiveness may be blunted in infected animals by massive, but sublethal injections of tuberculin, and we have obtained some indications of the same thing. Moreover, others as well as ourselves have seen tuberculin reactivity decline in guinea pigs and in man in the stages of very severe infection. These facts would eliminate any assumption of mere cumulative injury as explaining this type of reaction, and stamp it as a mechanism at least analogous to ordinary anaphylaxis. The only remaining possibility to explain the difference between infected animals and those treated with dead bacterial constituents would be to assume that the difference must lie in the manner in which the sensitizing substance is administered to the animals, and that sensitization with the proteose residue materials depends upon criteria of sensitization differing in regard to the time and quantity factors from those governing protein sensitization. If one considers the relatively simpler chemical structure and perhaps physically greater diffusibility of the materials concerned in this reaction, one might readily expect such differences in the methods needed for sensitization. In keeping with such a line of reasoning our experiments have shown that the tuberculin active materials are constantly and rapidly being diffused out into the culture fluid from growing organisms, in quantities greater than can be extracted from similar amounts of the dead bacteria. It seems reasonable to assume from this that the same thing may happen in the animal body harboring a growing focus. And it would seem quite likely that the association of the tuberculin type of reaction with actual infection may depend upon the fact that sensitization to these non-protein substances depends upon a constant steady absorption of large amounts of the material. Moreover, the only hopeful experiments on the artificial production of tuberculin sensitiveness in guinea pigs obtained by us were those in which massive doses of the nucleoprotein material injected into guinea pigs gave rise to a moderate skin sensitiveness. Does the so called proteose residue form antibodies, and, if so, are substances analogous to antibodies involved in the tuberculin type of hypersensitiveness? The failure to transfer passively this form of hypersensitiveness to normal animals with the blood and tissues of tuberculin-sensitive ones would suggest that no antibodies are involved. But this is not conclusive on the basis of available experimental facts. We are inclined to believe that antibodies of a sort are involved, for the following reasons: (a) In our experiments with the uteri of highly sensitive extract-treated guinea pigs and of tuberculous guinea pigs, we have occasionally had positive reactions when the proteose residue alone was used. (b) We believe that these proteose substances are entirely analogous to the substances studied by Avery and Dochez (22) in the urine and blood of typhoid and pneumonia patients. They obtained precipitin reactions against homologous immune sera with the urine of infected cases concentrated by evaporation after boiling with acetic acid to remove coagulable proteins. (c) Petroff, with whom we discussed this proteose residue early in our work, has produced it, and tells us that he has obtained precipitin reactions with it by titrating it against the serum of a sheep treated for a long time with tubercle bacillus products. In suggesting an antibody response to a non-protein antigen we are aware that we are opposing what has been regarded as a well established doctrine in immunity; this is justified, or at least mitigated, we believe, by the consideration that reactions of the antigen-antibody type are the only explanation of specificity; and tuberculin, mallein, and typhoidin reactions are to a considerable degree specific. If such reaction bodies cannot be produced by precisely the same methods of administration as to time and quantity which are successful in calling forth protein antibodies, this should not astonish us, since, after all, the substances that we are dealing with are simpler in chemical structure than are the proteins, and physically are probably of relatively greater diffusibility. It may be that the greater diffusibility of the proteose-like substances transfers much of the actual reaction phenomena to an intracellular location, and that this to some extent influences the presence of circulating antibodies. It may also be that these more diffusible non-protein antigens are more rapidly eliminated from the animal body than are the proteins. Indeed, the above mentioned observations of Avery and Dochez, and the recent work of Wildbolz (23), Lanz (24), Imhof (25), and Gibson and Carroll (26), who demonstrated tuberculin active antigens in the urine of active cases, would corroborate such a view. The evidence available at the present time, however, concerning antibody formation to these non-protein substances is, we recognize, largely indirect, at least as far as our own work is concerned, and we present it in the present connection purely as a working hypothesis. Finally, perhaps the most important theoretical consideration indicated by our experiments is the following. We have in the tuberculin reaction a form of hypersensitiveness which seems to be (in guinea pigs, at least) analogous entirely to the typhoidin reaction, the mallein reaction, and the abortin reaction. Whenever reactions of this type have been carefully studied, whatever the bacteria involved, they have been associated with infection as in tuberculosis, and have been followed by analogous clinical manifestations. It would seem perhaps that we are dealing with a law applicable to bacterial infection in general. It would appear that certain non-coagulable substances of uncertain chemical constitution are being constantly elaborated in the course of bacterial growth, and passed into the circulation of infected animals. As a result of this, infected animals become sensitized to these heat-and acid-resistant materials, in tuberculosis in the course of I to 2 weeks, in the case of more rapidly growing bacteria perhaps sooner. Early in the course of infection, the animal becomes sensitized and subsequently the further elaboration and distribution of these materials from the bacterial focus plays a fundamental part in the injury of the animal. These proteose-like substances, like tuberculin, possessing but slight toxicity for the normal animal, become highly toxic to the sensitized one. Thus, these substances, while not being true exotoxins in the ordinary sense, would still represent a highly toxic bacterial product comparable in its injurious effect to toxins when produced in the body of an animal thus sensitized. If there is any value in these deductions the attention of bacteriologists should be turned to the non-protein constituents of bacterial cells in their further immunological studies, as well as to the protein materials. It is obvious that the next step in our investigations must consist in producing the non-coagulable material from bacterial extracts in considerable quantity, to determine their antibody-forming properties in detail, and elucidate, if possible, the laws which govern sensitization with them. This work has been begun, but it has seemed advisable to publish this as far as we have gone because it will take a long time before it can be completed. PMID:19868574

The influence of surface finishing methods on touch-sensitive reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kukhta, M. S.; Sokolov, A. P.; Krauinsh, P. Y.; Kozlova, A. D.; Bouchard, C.

2017-02-01

This paper describes the modern technological development trends in jewelry design. In the jewelry industry, new trends, associated with the introduction of updated non-traditional materials and finishing techniques, are appearing. The existing information-oriented society enhances the visual aesthetics of new jewelry forms, decoration techniques (depth and surface), synthesis of different materials, which, all in all, reveal a bias towards positive effects of visual design. Today, the jewelry industry includes not only traditional techniques, but also such improved techniques as computer-assisted design, 3D-prototyping and other alternatives to produce an updated level of jewelry material processing. The authors present the specific features of ornamental pattern designing, decoration types (depth and surface) and comparative analysis of different approaches in surface finishing. Identifying the appearance or the effect of jewelry is based on proposed evaluation criteria, providing an advanced visual aesthetics basis is predicated on touch-sensitive responses.

Patched bimetallic surfaces are active catalysts for ammonia decomposition.

PubMed

Guo, Wei; Vlachos, Dionisios G

2015-10-07

Ammonia decomposition is often used as an archetypical reaction for predicting new catalytic materials and understanding the very reason of why some reactions are sensitive on material's structure. Core-shell or surface-segregated bimetallic nanoparticles expose outstanding activity for many heterogeneously catalysed reactions but the reasons remain elusive owing to the difficulties in experimentally characterizing active sites. Here by performing multiscale simulations in ammonia decomposition on various nickel loadings on platinum (111), we show that the very high activity of core-shell structures requires patches of the guest metal to create and sustain dual active sites: nickel terraces catalyse N-H bond breaking and nickel edge sites drive atomic nitrogen association. The structure sensitivity on these active catalysts depends profoundly on reaction conditions due to kinetically competing relevant elementary reaction steps. We expose a remarkable difference in active sites between transient and steady-state studies and provide insights into optimal material design.

Analytical modeling of intumescent coating thermal protection system in a JP-5 fuel fire environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, K. J.; Shimizu, A. B.; Suchsland, K. E.; Moyer, C. B.

1974-01-01

The thermochemical response of Coating 313 when exposed to a fuel fire environment was studied to provide a tool for predicting the reaction time. The existing Aerotherm Charring Material Thermal Response and Ablation (CMA) computer program was modified to treat swelling materials. The modified code is now designated Aerotherm Transient Response of Intumescing Materials (TRIM) code. In addition, thermophysical property data for Coating 313 were analyzed and reduced for use in the TRIM code. An input data sensitivity study was performed, and performance tests of Coating 313/steel substrate models were carried out. The end product is a reliable computational model, the TRIM code, which was thoroughly validated for Coating 313. The tasks reported include: generation of input data, development of swell model and implementation in TRIM code, sensitivity study, acquisition of experimental data, comparisons of predictions with data, and predictions with intermediate insulation.

Flammability and sensitivity of materials in oxygen-enriched atmospheres; Proceedings of the Fourth International Symposium, Las Cruces, NM, Apr. 11-13, 1989. Volume 4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stoltzfus, Joel M. (Editor); Benz, Frank J. (Editor); Stradling, Jack S. (Editor)

1989-01-01

The present volume discusses the ignition of nonmetallic materials by the impact of high-pressure oxygen, the promoted combustion of nine structural metals in high-pressure gaseous oxygen, the oxygen sensitivity/compatibility ranking of several materials by different test methods, the ignition behavior of silicon greases in oxygen atmospheres, fire spread rates along cylindrical metal rods in high-pressure oxygen, and the design of an ignition-resistant, high pressure/temperature oxygen valve. Also discussed are the promoted ignition of oxygen regulators, the ignition of PTFE-lined flexible hoses by rapid pressurization with oxygen, evolving nonswelling elastomers for high-pressure oxygen environments, the evaluation of systems for oxygen service through the use of the quantitative fault-tree analysis, and oxygen-enriched fires during surgery of the head and neck.

Characteristics of opportunistic species of the Corynebacterium and related coryneforms isolated from different clinical materials.

PubMed

Chudnicka, Alina; Kozioł-Montewka, Maria

2003-01-01

Taking into account the increasing contribution of species, which enter into the composition of purely physiological flora of the organism, of the Corynebacterium type and related coryneforms in opportunistic infections in people, the analysis of strains was made from different clinical materials from patients. Their identification was made on the basis of biochemical properties and their antibiotic sensitivity was characterized. It was found that strains with similar biochemical properties (C.striatum, C.amycolatum ) should be identified by means of genetic methods, all the more that they were isolated from clinically important materials. Out of the examined strains the biggest number of infections were caused by C.pseudodiphtheriticum, next C. striatum/C. amycolatum, Brevibacterium sp., C.propinquum, one: C.afermentans, C.jeikeium, C.group G, C.group F1, C.accolens, C.macqinleyi. The highest sensitivity of isolated strains was to Vancomycin, Teicoplanin and Imipenem.

Our Expedition in Linear Neutral Platinum-Acetylide Complexes: The Preparation of Micro/nanostructure Materials, Complicated Topologies, and Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

PubMed

Xu, Lin; Yang, Hai-Bo

2016-06-01

During the past few decades, the construction of various kinds of platinum-acetylide complexes has attracted considerable attention, because of their wide applications in photovoltaic cells, non-linear optics, and bio-imaging materials. Among these platinum-acetylide complexes, the linear neutral platinum-acetylide complexes, due to their attractive properties, such as well-defined linear geometry, synthetic accessibility, and intriguing photoproperties, have emerged as a rising star in this field. In this personal account, we will discuss how we entered the field of linear neutral platinum-acetylide chemistry and what we found in this field. The preparation of various types of linear neutral platinum-acetylide complexes and their applications in the areas of micro/nanostructure materials, complicated topologies, and dye-sensitized solar cells will be summarized in this account. © 2016 The Chemical Society of Japan & Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

p-type Mesoscopic nickel oxide/organometallic perovskite heterojunction solar cells.

PubMed

Wang, Kuo-Chin; Jeng, Jun-Yuan; Shen, Po-Shen; Chang, Yu-Cheng; Diau, Eric Wei-Guang; Tsai, Cheng-Hung; Chao, Tzu-Yang; Hsu, Hsu-Cheng; Lin, Pei-Ying; Chen, Peter; Guo, Tzung-Fang; Wen, Ten-Chin

2014-04-23

In this article, we present a new paradigm for organometallic hybrid perovskite solar cell using NiO inorganic metal oxide nanocrystalline as p-type electrode material and realized the first mesoscopic NiO/perovskite/[6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) heterojunction photovoltaic device. The photo-induced transient absorption spectroscopy results verified that the architecture is an effective p-type sensitized junction, which is the first inorganic p-type, metal oxide contact material for perovskite-based solar cell. Power conversion efficiency of 9.51% was achieved under AM 1.5 G illumination, which significantly surpassed the reported conventional p-type dye-sensitized solar cells. The replacement of the organic hole transport materials by a p-type metal oxide has the advantages to provide robust device architecture for further development of all-inorganic perovskite-based thin-film solar cells and tandem photovoltaics.

p-type Mesoscopic Nickel Oxide/Organometallic Perovskite Heterojunction Solar Cells

PubMed Central

Wang, Kuo-Chin; Jeng, Jun-Yuan; Shen, Po-Shen; Chang, Yu-Cheng; Diau, Eric Wei-Guang; Tsai, Cheng-Hung; Chao, Tzu-Yang; Hsu, Hsu-Cheng; Lin, Pei-Ying; Chen, Peter; Guo, Tzung-Fang; Wen, Ten-Chin

2014-01-01

In this article, we present a new paradigm for organometallic hybrid perovskite solar cell using NiO inorganic metal oxide nanocrystalline as p-type electrode material and realized the first mesoscopic NiO/perovskite/[6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) heterojunction photovoltaic device. The photo-induced transient absorption spectroscopy results verified that the architecture is an effective p-type sensitized junction, which is the first inorganic p-type, metal oxide contact material for perovskite-based solar cell. Power conversion efficiency of 9.51% was achieved under AM 1.5 G illumination, which significantly surpassed the reported conventional p-type dye-sensitized solar cells. The replacement of the organic hole transport materials by a p-type metal oxide has the advantages to provide robust device architecture for further development of all-inorganic perovskite-based thin-film solar cells and tandem photovoltaics. PMID:24755642

Assessment of precipitation in alloy steel using nonlinear Rayleigh surface waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thiele, Sebastian; Matlack, Kathryn H.; Kim, Jin-Yeon; Qu, Jianmin; Wall, James J.; Jacobs, Laurence J.

2014-02-01

Nonlinear ultrasonic waves have shown to be sensitive to various microstructural changes in metals including coherent precipitates; these precipitates introduce a strain field in the lattice structure. The thermal aging of certain alloy steels leads to the formation of coherent precipitates, which pin dislocations and contribute to the generation of a second harmonic component. A precipitate hardenable material namely 17-4 PH stainless steel is thermally treated in this research to obtain different precipitation stages, and then the influence of precipitates on the acoustic nonlinearity parameter is assessed. Conclusions about the microstrucutural changes in the material are drawn based on the results from a nonlinear Rayleigh surface wave measurement and complementary thermo-electric power, hardness and ultrasonic velocity measurements. The results show that the nonlinear parameter is sensitive to coherent precipitates in the material and moreover that precipitation characteristics can be characterized based on the obtained experimental data.

SHSG processing for three-wavelength HOEs recording in silver halide materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jong Man; Choi, Yoon S.; Bjelkhagen, Hans I.; Phillips, Nicholas J.

2002-06-01

The recording and processing technique for color HOEs in ultrafine-grain panchromatic silver halide emulsions is presented. It is possible to obtain high diffraction efficiency employing the silver halide sensitized gelatin (SHSG) process. SHSG holograms are similar to holograms recorded in dichromated gelatin (DCG). The drawback of DCG is its low sensitivity and limited spectral response. Panchromatic silver halide materials from Slavich can be processed in such a way that the final holograms have properties like a DCG hologram. The processing method or microvoid technique has been optimized for three laser- wavelength recordings in Slavich PFG-03C emulsion. For example, applying this new processing technique high- efficiency white holographic reflectors can be manufactured. The technique is also suitable for producing efficiency color display holograms. In particular, masters for mass production of color holograms or color HOEs can be performed by contact-copying into photopolymer materials because the reconstruction wavelengths are identical to the recording wavelengths.

Angular Magnetoresistance and Hall Measurements in New Dirac Material, ZrSiS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, Mazhar; Schoop, Leslie; Lotsch, Bettina; Parkin, Stuart

Dirac and Weyl materials have shot to the forefront of condensed matter research in the last few years. Recently, the square-net material, ZrSiS, was theorized and experimentally shown (via ARPES) to host several highly dispersive Dirac cones, including the first Dirac cone demanded by non-symmorphic symmetry in a Si square net. Here we report the magnetoresistance and Hall Effect measurements in this compound. ZrSiS samples with RRR = 40 were found to have MR values up to 6000% at 2 K, be predominantly p-type with a carrier concentration of ~8 x 1019 cm-3 and mobility ~8500 cm2/Vs. Angular magnetoresistance measurements reveal a peculiar behavior with multiple local maxima, depending on field strength, indicating of a sensitive and sensitive Fermi surface. SdH oscillations analysis confirms Hall and angular magnetoresistance measurements. These results, in the context of the theoretical and ARPES results, will be discussed.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, 3,7-dimethyl-1,6-nonadien-3-ol, CAS Registry Number 10339-55-6.

PubMed

Api, A M; Belsito, D; Bhatia, S; Bruze, M; Calow, P; Dagli, M L; Dekant, W; Fryer, A D; Kromidas, L; La Cava, S; Lalko, J F; Lapczynski, A; Liebler, D C; Miyachi, Y; Politano, V T; Ritacco, G; Salvito, D; Schultz, T W; Shen, J; Sipes, I G; Wall, B; Wilcox, D K

2016-11-01

The use of this material under current conditions is supported by existing information. This material was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, as well as environmental safety. Data from the suitable read across analog linalool (CAS # 78-70-6) show that this material is not genotoxic nor does it have skin sensitization potential and also provided a MOE > 100 for the local respiratory endpoint. The repeated dose, developmental and reproductive toxicity endpoints were completed using nerolidol (isomer unspecified, CAS # 7212-44-4) as a suitable read across analog, which provided a MOE > 100. The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoint was completed based on suitable UV spectra. The environmental endpoint was completed as described in the RIFM Framework. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

SQCRAMscope imaging of transport in an iron-pnictide superconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Fan; Kollar, Alicia; Taylor, Stephen; Palmstrom, Johanna; Chu, Jiun-Haw; Fisher, Ian; Lev, Benjamin

2017-04-01

Microscopic imaging of local magnetic fields provides a window into the organizing principles of complex and technologically relevant condensed matter materials. However, a wide variety of intriguing strongly correlated and topologically nontrivial materials exhibit poorly understood phenomena outside the detection capability of state-of-the-art high-sensitivity, high-resolution scanning probe magnetometers. We have recently introduced a quantum-noise-limited scanning probe magnetometer that can operate from room-to-cryogenic temperatures with unprecedented DC-field sensitivity and micron-scale resolution. The Scanning Quantum Cryogenic Atom Microscope (SQCRAMscope) employs a magnetically levitated atomic Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC), thereby providing immunity to conductive and blackbody radiative heating. We will report on the first use of the SQCRAMscope for imaging a strongly correlated material. Specifically, we will present measurements of electron transport in iron-pnictide superconductors across the electron nematic phase transition at T = 135 K.

Thermal sensors to control polymer forming. Challenge and solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lemeunier, F.; Boyard, N.; Sarda, A.; Plot, C.; Lefèvre, N.; Petit, I.; Colomines, G.; Allanic, N.; Bailleul, J. L.

2017-10-01

Many thermal sensors are already used, for many years, to better understand and control material forming processes, especially polymer processing. Due to technical constraints (high pressure, sealing, sensor dimensions…) the thermal measurement is often performed in the tool or close its surface. Thus, it only gives partial and disturbed information. Having reliable information about the heat flux exchanges between the tool and the material during the process would be very helpful to improve the control of the process and to favor the development of new materials. In this work, we present several sensors developed in labs to study the molding steps in forming processes. The analysis of the obtained thermal measurements (temperature, heat flux) shows the required sensitivity threshold of sensitivity of thermal sensors to be able to detect on-line the rate of thermal reaction. Based on these data, we will present new sensor designs which have been patented.

Patched bimetallic surfaces are active catalysts for ammonia decomposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Wei; Vlachos, Dionisios G.

2015-10-01

Ammonia decomposition is often used as an archetypical reaction for predicting new catalytic materials and understanding the very reason of why some reactions are sensitive on material's structure. Core-shell or surface-segregated bimetallic nanoparticles expose outstanding activity for many heterogeneously catalysed reactions but the reasons remain elusive owing to the difficulties in experimentally characterizing active sites. Here by performing multiscale simulations in ammonia decomposition on various nickel loadings on platinum (111), we show that the very high activity of core-shell structures requires patches of the guest metal to create and sustain dual active sites: nickel terraces catalyse N-H bond breaking and nickel edge sites drive atomic nitrogen association. The structure sensitivity on these active catalysts depends profoundly on reaction conditions due to kinetically competing relevant elementary reaction steps. We expose a remarkable difference in active sites between transient and steady-state studies and provide insights into optimal material design.

National and International Security Applications of Cryogenic Detectors—Mostly Nuclear Safeguards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rabin, Michael W.

2009-12-01

As with science, so with security—in both arenas, the extraordinary sensitivity of cryogenic sensors enables high-confidence detection and high-precision measurement even of the faintest signals. Science applications are more mature, but several national and international security applications have been identified where cryogenic detectors have high potential payoff. International safeguards and nuclear forensics are areas needing new technology and methods to boost speed, sensitivity, precision and accuracy. Successfully applied, improved nuclear materials analysis will help constrain nuclear materials diversion pathways and contribute to treaty verification. Cryogenic microcalorimeter detectors for X-ray, gamma-ray, neutron, and alpha-particle spectrometry are under development with these aims in mind. In each case the unsurpassed energy resolution of microcalorimeters reveals previously invisible spectral features of nuclear materials. Preliminary results of quantitative analysis indicate substantial improvements are still possible, but significant work will be required to fully understand the ultimate performance limits.

Rapid mapping of polarization switching through complete information acquisition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Somnath, Suhas; Belianinov, Alex; Kalinin, Sergei V.; Jesse, Stephen

2016-12-01

Polarization switching in ferroelectric and multiferroic materials underpins a broad range of current and emergent applications, ranging from random access memories to field-effect transistors, and tunnelling devices. Switching in these materials is exquisitely sensitive to local defects and microstructure on the nanometre scale, necessitating spatially resolved high-resolution studies of these phenomena. Classical piezoresponse force microscopy and spectroscopy, although providing necessary spatial resolution, are fundamentally limited in data acquisition rates and energy resolution. This limitation stems from their two-tiered measurement protocol that combines slow (~1 s) switching and fast (~10 kHz-1 MHz) detection waveforms. Here we develop an approach for rapid probing of ferroelectric switching using direct strain detection of material response to probe bias. This approach, facilitated by high-sensitivity electronics and adaptive filtering, enables spectroscopic imaging at a rate 3,504 times faster the current state of the art, achieving high-veracity imaging of polarization dynamics in complex microstructures.

Sensitivity Challenge of Steep Transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ilatikhameneh, Hesameddin; Ameen, Tarek A.; Chen, ChinYi; Klimeck, Gerhard; Rahman, Rajib

2018-04-01

Steep transistors are crucial in lowering power consumption of the integrated circuits. However, the difficulties in achieving steepness beyond the Boltzmann limit experimentally have hindered the fundamental challenges in application of these devices in integrated circuits. From a sensitivity perspective, an ideal switch should have a high sensitivity to the gate voltage and lower sensitivity to the device design parameters like oxide and body thicknesses. In this work, conventional tunnel-FET (TFET) and negative capacitance FET are shown to suffer from high sensitivity to device design parameters using full-band atomistic quantum transport simulations and analytical analysis. Although Dielectric Engineered (DE-) TFETs based on 2D materials show smaller sensitivity compared with the conventional TFETs, they have leakage issue. To mitigate this challenge, a novel DE-TFET design has been proposed and studied.

OPTOELECTRONICS, FIBER OPTICS, AND OTHER ASPECTS OF QUANTUM ELECTRONICS: Interference-threshold storage of optical data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Efimkov, V. F.; Zubarev, I. G.; Kolobrodov, V. V.; Sobolev, V. B.

1989-08-01

A method for the determination of the spatial characteristics of a laser beam is proposed and implemented. This method is based on the interaction of an interference field of two laser beams, which are spatially similar to the one being investigated, with a light-sensitive material characterized by a sensitivity threshold.

Exploring pH-Sensitive Hydrogels Using an Ionic Soft Contact Lens: An Activity Using Common Household Materials

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chen, Yueh-Huey; He, Yu-Chi; Yaung, Jing-Fun

2014-01-01

Hydrogels of the so-called smart polymers or environment-sensitive polymers are important modern biomaterials. Herein, we describe a hands-on activity to explore the pH-responsive characteristics of hydrogels using a commercially available ionic soft contact lens that is a hydrogel of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-"co"-methacrylic…

Spectral sensitivity characteristics simulation for silicon p-i-n photodiode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urchuk, S. U.; Legotin, S. A.; Osipov, U. V.; Elnikov, D. S.; Didenko, S. I.; Astahov, V. P.; Rabinovich, O. I.; Yaromskiy, V. P.; Kuzmina, K. A.

2015-11-01

In this paper the simulation results of the spectral sensitivity characteristics of silicon p-i-n-photodiodes are presented. The analysis of the characteristics of the semiconductor material (the doping level, lifetime, surface recombination velocity), the construction and operation modes on the characteristics of photosensitive structures in order to optimize them was carried out.

Anxiety Sensitivity and Psychological Vulnerability

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-01-01

Fibiger, 1979), drugs that effectively treat panic such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors do not directly affect noradrenergic receptors (den...specific gene related to anxiety that affects the brain s use of the neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptamine ( serotonin ). Evidence indicated that a...ii The author hereby certifies that the use of any copyrighted material in the dissertation entitled: Anxiety Sensitivity and Psychological

Linguistic Gender Sensitivity Strategies in Current South African Intermediate Phase English Workbooks: Feminisation or Degenderisation?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sibanda, Jabulani; Sibanda, Lucy

2016-01-01

This study extends research on manifestations of gender insensitivity in learners' reading materials by shifting attention to the linguistic strategies that authors of current texts employ for the realisation of gender sensitivity. We analysed the content of 12 current (2014) English workbooks (Grade 4-6) used in South African government and…

Brittle materials at high-loading rates: an open area of research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forquin, Pascal

2017-01-01

Brittle materials are extensively used in many civil and military applications involving high-strain-rate loadings such as: blasting or percussive drilling of rocks, ballistic impact against ceramic armour or transparent windshields, plastic explosives used to damage or destroy concrete structures, soft or hard impacts against concrete structures and so on. With all of these applications, brittle materials are subjected to intense loadings characterized by medium to extremely high strain rates (few tens to several tens of thousands per second) leading to extreme and/or specific damage modes such as multiple fragmentation, dynamic cracking, pore collapse, shearing, mode II fracturing and/or microplasticity mechanisms in the material. Additionally, brittle materials exhibit complex features such as a strong strain-rate sensitivity and confining pressure sensitivity that justify expending greater research efforts to understand these complex features. Currently, the most popular dynamic testing techniques used for this are based on the use of split Hopkinson pressure bar methodologies and/or plate-impact testing methods. However, these methods do have some critical limitations and drawbacks when used to investigate the behaviour of brittle materials at high loading rates. The present theme issue of Philosophical Transactions A provides an overview of the latest experimental methods and numerical tools that are currently being developed to investigate the behaviour of brittle materials at high loading rates. This article is part of the themed issue 'Experimental testing and modelling of brittle materials at high strain rates'.

Brittle materials at high-loading rates: an open area of research

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Brittle materials are extensively used in many civil and military applications involving high-strain-rate loadings such as: blasting or percussive drilling of rocks, ballistic impact against ceramic armour or transparent windshields, plastic explosives used to damage or destroy concrete structures, soft or hard impacts against concrete structures and so on. With all of these applications, brittle materials are subjected to intense loadings characterized by medium to extremely high strain rates (few tens to several tens of thousands per second) leading to extreme and/or specific damage modes such as multiple fragmentation, dynamic cracking, pore collapse, shearing, mode II fracturing and/or microplasticity mechanisms in the material. Additionally, brittle materials exhibit complex features such as a strong strain-rate sensitivity and confining pressure sensitivity that justify expending greater research efforts to understand these complex features. Currently, the most popular dynamic testing techniques used for this are based on the use of split Hopkinson pressure bar methodologies and/or plate-impact testing methods. However, these methods do have some critical limitations and drawbacks when used to investigate the behaviour of brittle materials at high loading rates. The present theme issue of Philosophical Transactions A provides an overview of the latest experimental methods and numerical tools that are currently being developed to investigate the behaviour of brittle materials at high loading rates. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Experimental testing and modelling of brittle materials at high strain rates’. PMID:27956517

Brittle materials at high-loading rates: an open area of research.

PubMed

Forquin, Pascal

2017-01-28

Brittle materials are extensively used in many civil and military applications involving high-strain-rate loadings such as: blasting or percussive drilling of rocks, ballistic impact against ceramic armour or transparent windshields, plastic explosives used to damage or destroy concrete structures, soft or hard impacts against concrete structures and so on. With all of these applications, brittle materials are subjected to intense loadings characterized by medium to extremely high strain rates (few tens to several tens of thousands per second) leading to extreme and/or specific damage modes such as multiple fragmentation, dynamic cracking, pore collapse, shearing, mode II fracturing and/or microplasticity mechanisms in the material. Additionally, brittle materials exhibit complex features such as a strong strain-rate sensitivity and confining pressure sensitivity that justify expending greater research efforts to understand these complex features. Currently, the most popular dynamic testing techniques used for this are based on the use of split Hopkinson pressure bar methodologies and/or plate-impact testing methods. However, these methods do have some critical limitations and drawbacks when used to investigate the behaviour of brittle materials at high loading rates. The present theme issue of Philosophical Transactions A provides an overview of the latest experimental methods and numerical tools that are currently being developed to investigate the behaviour of brittle materials at high loading rates.This article is part of the themed issue 'Experimental testing and modelling of brittle materials at high strain rates'. © 2016 The Author(s).

Volatility of fragrance chemicals: patch testing implications.

PubMed

Gilpin, Sarah J; Hui, Xiaoying; Maibach, Howard I

2009-01-01

Diagnostic and predictive patch testing to determine contact allergy due to fragrance materials requires applying a fixed dose of material to the skin. This dose can be affected by the volatile nature of fragrances; little data exist on how the loss of fragrance dose due to volatility affects patch testing. (1) To evaluate pH dependence and evaporation rates of two fragrance chemicals, geraniol, citronellol, and a common fragrance solvent, diethyl phthalate (DEP) and (2) Assess implications for predictive patch-testing methods for fragrances. pH analysis of each material at 1% for three values (4.0, 5.0, 7.0) was done over 40 hours. Volatility experiments for each material, nonradiolabeled and radiolabeled, were conducted over a 24-hour period, taking readings at six time points (5 minutes, 15 minutes, 40 minutes, 1 hour, 3 hours, and 24 hours). Evaporation rates were not sensitive to pH shifts from 4.0 to 7.0. Evaporation rates for nonradiolabeled materials were low: after 24 hours, geraniol lost 8.9%, citronellol 27.0% and DEP 14.5%. The volatility data for radiolabeled materials demonstrated that geraniol loses up to 39% of its dose, citronellol loses up to 26%, and DEP up to 14% within 40 minutes. The tendency of fragrance materials to evaporate can impact the dose being applied to the patch and therefore the result of the patch and ultimately the decision-making process regarding that fragrance material's safety. These data, developed with DEP, utilized in a predictive sensitization assay cannot be generalized.

A Mismatch Between Patient Education Materials About Sickle Cell Disease and the Literacy Level of Their Intended Audience.

PubMed

McClure, Elizabeth; Ng, Jared; Vitzthum, Kelly; Rudd, Rima

2016-05-12

Despite the first goal of the 2010 National Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy, the literacy demands of much health information exceeds the reading skills of most US adults. The objective of this study was to assess the health literacy level of publicly available patient education materials for people with sickle cell disease (SCD). We used 5 validated tools to evaluate 9 print and 4 online patient education materials: the simple measure of gobbledygook (SMOG) to assess reading grade level, the Peter Mosenthal and Irwin Kirsch readability formula (PMOSE/IKIRSCH) to assess structure and density, the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) to assess actionability (how well readers will know what to do after reading the material) and understandability, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) Clear Communication Index (Index) to obtain a comprehensive literacy demand score, and the Printed Cancer Education Materials for African Americans Cultural Sensitivity Assessment Tool. Materials' scores reflected high reading levels ranging from 8th grade to 12th grade, appropriate (low) structural demand, and low actionability relative to understandability. CDC suggests that an appropriate Index score should fall in or above the 90th percentile. The scores yielded by materials evaluated in this assessment ranged from the 44th to the 76th percentiles. Eight of the 13 materials scored within the acceptable range for cultural sensitivity. Reading levels of available patient education materials exceed the documented average literacy level of the US adult population. Health literacy demands should be a key consideration in the revision and development of patient education materials for people with SCD.

Sensitization to Indigenous Pollen and Molds and Other Outdoor and Indoor Allergens in Allergic Patients From Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Sudan

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Airborne allergens vary from one climatic region to another. Therefore, it is important to analyze the environment of the region to select the most prevalent allergens for the diagnosis and treatment of allergic patients. Objective To evaluate the prevalence of positive skin tests to pollen and fungal allergens collected from local indigenous plants or isolated molds, as well as other outdoor and indoor allergens in allergic patients in 6 different geographical areas in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the United Arab Emirates, and Sudan. Materials and methods Four hundred ninety-two consecutive patients evaluated at different Allergy Clinics (276 women and 256 men; mean age, 30 years) participated in this study. The selection of indigenous allergens was based on research findings in different areas from Riyadh and adjoining areas. Indigenous raw material for pollen grains was collected from the desert near the capital city of Riyadh, KSA. The following plants were included: Chenopodium murale, Salsola imbricata, Rumex vesicarius, Ricinus communis, Artiplex nummularia, Amaranthus viridis, Artemisia monosperma, Plantago boissieri, and Prosopis juliflora. Indigenous molds were isolated from air sampling in Riyadh and grown to obtain the raw material. These included the following: Ulocladium spp., Penicillium spp., Aspergillus fumigatus, Cladosporium spp., and Alternaria spp. The raw material was processed under Good Manufacturing Practices for skin testing. Other commercially available outdoor (grass and tree pollens) and indoor (mites, cockroach, and cat dander) allergens were also tested. Results The highest sensitization to indigenous pollens was detected to C. murale (32%) in Khartoum (Sudan) and S. imbricata (30%) and P. juliflora (24%) in the Riyadh region. The highest sensitization to molds was detected in Khartoum, especially to Cladosporium spp. (42%), Aspergillus (40%), and Alternaria spp. (38%). Sensitization to mites was also very prevalent in Khartoum (72%), as well as in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) (46%) and Jeddah (KSA) (30%). Conclusions The allergenicity of several indigenous pollens and molds derived from autochthonous sources was demonstrated. Prevalence studies in different regions of KSA and neighbor countries indicate different sensitization rates to these and other outdoor and indoor allergens. PMID:23283107

Low-cost encapsulation materials for terrestrial solar cell modules

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cuddihy, E. F.; Baum, B.; Willis, P.

1979-01-01

The paper presents the findings of material surveys intended to identify low cost materials which could be functional as encapsulants (by 1986) for terrestrial solar cell modules. Economic analyses have indicated that in order to meet the low cost goal of $2.70 per sq m, some or all of the following material technologies must be developed or advanced: (1) UV screening outer covers; (2) elastomeric acrylics; (3) weatherproofing and waterproofing of structural wood and paper products; (4) transparent UV stabilizers for the UV-sensitive transparent pottants; and (5) cost-effective utilization of silicone and fluorocarbon materials.

Graphene and Carbon Quantum Dot-Based Materials in Photovoltaic Devices: From Synthesis to Applications

PubMed Central

Paulo, Sofia; Palomares, Emilio; Martinez-Ferrero, Eugenia

2016-01-01

Graphene and carbon quantum dots have extraordinary optical and electrical features because of their quantum confinement properties. This makes them attractive materials for applications in photovoltaic devices (PV). Their versatility has led to their being used as light harvesting materials or selective contacts, either for holes or electrons, in silicon quantum dot, polymer or dye-sensitized solar cells. In this review, we summarize the most common uses of both types of semiconducting materials and highlight the significant advances made in recent years due to the influence that synthetic materials have on final performance. PMID:28335285

Highly sensitive molecular diagnosis of prostate cancer using surplus material washed off from biopsy needles

PubMed Central

Bermudo, R; Abia, D; Mozos, A; García-Cruz, E; Alcaraz, A; Ortiz, Á R; Thomson, T M; Fernández, P L

2011-01-01

Introduction: Currently, final diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) is based on histopathological analysis of needle biopsies, but this process often bears uncertainties due to small sample size, tumour focality and pathologist's subjective assessment. Methods: Prostate cancer diagnostic signatures were generated by applying linear discriminant analysis to microarray and real-time RT–PCR (qRT–PCR) data from normal and tumoural prostate tissue samples. Additionally, after removal of biopsy tissues, material washed off from transrectal biopsy needles was used for molecular profiling and discriminant analysis. Results: Linear discriminant analysis applied to microarray data for a set of 318 genes differentially expressed between non-tumoural and tumoural prostate samples produced 26 gene signatures, which classified the 84 samples used with 100% accuracy. To identify signatures potentially useful for the diagnosis of prostate biopsies, surplus material washed off from routine biopsy needles from 53 patients was used to generate qRT–PCR data for a subset of 11 genes. This analysis identified a six-gene signature that correctly assigned the biopsies as benign or tumoural in 92.6% of the cases, with 88.8% sensitivity and 96.1% specificity. Conclusion: Surplus material from prostate needle biopsies can be used for minimal-size gene signature analysis for sensitive and accurate discrimination between non-tumoural and tumoural prostates, without interference with current diagnostic procedures. This approach could be a useful adjunct to current procedures in PCa diagnosis. PMID:22009027

Impurity measurements in semiconductor materials using trace element accelerator mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McDaniel, F. D.; Datar, S. A.; Nigam, M.; Ravi Prasad, G. V.

2002-05-01

Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) is commonly used to determine the abundance ratios of long-lived isotopes such as 10B, 14C, 36Cl, 129I, etc. to their stable counterparts at levels as low as 10 -16. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) is routinely used to determine impurity levels in materials by depth profiling techniques. Trace-element accelerator mass spectrometry (TEAMS) is a combination of AMS and SIMS, presently being used at the University of North Texas, for high-sensitivity (ppb) impurity analyses of stable isotopes in semiconductor materials. The molecular break-up characteristics of AMS are used with TEAMS to remove the molecular interferences present in SIMS. Measurements made with different substrate/impurity combinations demonstrate that TEAMS has higher sensitivity for many elements than other techniques such as SIMS and can assist with materials characterization issues. For example, measurements of implanted As in the presence of Ge in Ge xSi 1- x/Si is difficult with SIMS because of molecular interferences from 74GeH, 29Si 30Si 16O, etc. With TEAMS, the molecular interferences are removed and higher sensitivities are obtained. Measured substrates include Si, SiGe, CoSi 2, GaAs and GaN. Measured impurities include B, N, F, Mg, P, Cl, Cr, Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, Ge, As, Se, Mo, Sn and Sb. A number of measurements will be presented to illustrate the range and power of TEAMS.

ANTIVIBRATION GLOVES: EFFECTS ON VASCULAR AND SENSORINEURAL FUNCTION, AN ANIMAL MODEL

PubMed Central

Krajnak, K.; Waugh, S.; Johnson, C.; Miller, R. G.; Welcome, D.; Xu, X.; Warren, C.; Sarkisian, S.; Andrew, M.; Dong, R. G.

2015-01-01

Anti-vibration gloves have been used to block the transmission of vibration from powered hand tools to the user, and to protect users from the negative health consequences associated with exposure to vibration. However, there are conflicting reports as to the efficacy of gloves in protecting workers. The goal of this study was to use a characterized animal model of vibration-induced peripheral vascular and nerve injury to determine whether antivibration materials reduced or inhibited the effects of vibration on these physiological symptoms. Rats were exposed to 4 h of tail vibration at 125 Hz with an acceleration 49 m/s2. The platform was either bare or covered with antivibrating glove material. Rats were tested for tactile sensitivity to applied pressure before and after vibration exposure. One day following the exposure, ventral tail arteries were assessed for sensitivity to vasodilating and vasoconstricting factors and nerves were examined histologically for early indicators of edema and inflammation. Ventral tail artery responses to an α2C-adrenoreceptor agonist were enhanced in arteries from vibration-exposed rats compared to controls, regardless of whether antivibration materials were used or not. Rats exposed to vibration were also less sensitive to pressure after exposure. These findings are consistent with experimental findings in humans suggesting that antivibration gloves may not provide protection against the adverse health consequences of vibration exposure in all conditions. Additional studies need to be done examining newer antivibration materials. PMID:25965192

MgO:Li,Ce,Sm as a high-sensitivity material for Optically Stimulated Luminescence dosimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oliveira, Luiz C.; Yukihara, Eduardo G.; Baffa, Oswaldo

2016-04-01

The goal of this work was to investigate the relevant dosimetric and luminescent properties of MgO:Li3%,Ce0.03%,Sm0.03%, a newly-developed, high sensitivity Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) material of low effective atomic number (Zeff = 10.8) and potential interest for medical and personal dosimetry. We characterized the thermoluminescence (TL), OSL, radioluminescence (RL), and OSL emission spectrum of this new material and carried out a preliminary investigation on the OSL signal stability. MgO:Li,Ce,Sm has a main TL peak at ~180 °C (at a heating rate of 5 °C/s) associated with Ce3+ and Sm3+ emission. The results indicate that the infrared (870 nm) stimulated OSL from MgO:Li,Ce,Sm has suitable properties for dosimetry, including high sensitivity to ionizing radiation (20 times that of Al2O3:C, under the measurement conditions) and wide dynamic range (7 μGy-30 Gy). The OSL associated with Ce3+ emission is correlated with a dominant, practically isolated peak at 180 °C. Fading of ~15% was observed in the first hour, probably due to shallow traps, followed by subsequent fading of 6-7% over the next 35 days. These properties, together with the characteristically fast luminescence from Ce3+, make this material also a strong candidate for 2D OSL dose mapping.

MgO:Li,Ce,Sm as a high-sensitivity material for Optically Stimulated Luminescence dosimetry

PubMed Central

Oliveira, Luiz C.; Yukihara, Eduardo G.; Baffa, Oswaldo

2016-01-01

The goal of this work was to investigate the relevant dosimetric and luminescent properties of MgO:Li3%,Ce0.03%,Sm0.03%, a newly-developed, high sensitivity Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) material of low effective atomic number (Zeff = 10.8) and potential interest for medical and personal dosimetry. We characterized the thermoluminescence (TL), OSL, radioluminescence (RL), and OSL emission spectrum of this new material and carried out a preliminary investigation on the OSL signal stability. MgO:Li,Ce,Sm has a main TL peak at ~180 °C (at a heating rate of 5 °C/s) associated with Ce3+ and Sm3+ emission. The results indicate that the infrared (870 nm) stimulated OSL from MgO:Li,Ce,Sm has suitable properties for dosimetry, including high sensitivity to ionizing radiation (20 times that of Al2O3:C, under the measurement conditions) and wide dynamic range (7 μGy–30 Gy). The OSL associated with Ce3+ emission is correlated with a dominant, practically isolated peak at 180 °C. Fading of ~15% was observed in the first hour, probably due to shallow traps, followed by subsequent fading of 6–7% over the next 35 days. These properties, together with the characteristically fast luminescence from Ce3+, make this material also a strong candidate for 2D OSL dose mapping. PMID:27076349

Design and performance of a Near Ultra High Vacuum Helium Ion Microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poelsema, Bene; van Gastel, Raoul; Hlawacek, Gregor; Zandvliet, Harold J. W.

2012-02-01

The advent of He Ion Microscopy (HIM) as a new nanoscopic technique to image materials has enabled a new look at materials that is based on the interaction of swift light ions with matter. Initial HIM instruments have demonstrated high-resolution imaging, combined with great surface sensitivity, the ability to neutralize charge very efficiently, and with enhanced materials contrast when ion induced secondary electrons are used for imaging. To achieve ultimate performance, the chamber vacuum of the existing platform may be improved. For instance, carbon deposits due to beam interaction are readily seen due to the surface sensitivity of the technique. At high current densities the sharply focused beam may very efficiently decompose residual hydrocarbons. Not only can this obscure a clear view of the sample, thereby negating the benefits of the small spot size, it also limits the available acquisition time. This has proven extremely useful for nanopatterning for sensors, and other device fabrication applications at the sub-10nm level. However, it is undesirable when the instrument is used for materials characterization. We will discuss the basic considerations that went into the design of a Near-UHV He Ion Microscope [1]. First applications that the instrument was used for will be highlighted and its impact in surface physics and other research areas that require increased imaging sensitivity will be discussed. [4pt] [1] R.van Gastel et al, Microscopy and Microanalysis 17, 928-929 (2011)

Techniques for improving material fidelity and contrast consistency in secondary electron mode helium ion microscope (HIM) imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, William; Stern, Lewis; Ferranti, Dave; Huynh, Chuong; Scipioni, Larry; Notte, John; Sanford, Colin

2010-06-01

Recent helium ion microscope (HIM) imaging studies have shown the strong sensitivity of HIM induced secondary electron (SE) yields [1] to the sample physical and chemical properties and to its surface topography. This SE yield sensitivity is due to the low recoil energy of the HIM initiated electrons and their resulting short mean free path. Additionally, a material's SE escape probability is modulated by changes in the material's work function and surface potential. Due to the escape electrons' roughly 2eV mean energy and their nanometer range mean free path, HIM SE mode image contrast has significant material and surface sensitivity. The latest generation of HIM has a 0.35 nanometer resolution specification and is equipped with a plasma cleaning process to mitigate the effects of hydrocarbon contamination. However, for surfaces that may have native oxide chemistries influencing the secondary electron yield, a new process of low energy, shallow angle argon sputtering, was evaluated. The intent of this work was to study the effect of removing pre-existing native oxides and any in-situ deposited surface contaminants. We will introduce the sputter yield predictions of two established computer models and the sputter yield and sample modification forecasts of the molecular dynamics program, Kalypso. We will review the experimental technique applied to copper samples and show the copper grain contrast improvement that resulted when argon cleaned samples were imaged in HIM SE mode.

Sorption and Diffusion of Water Vapor and Carbon Dioxide in Sulfonated Polyaniline as Chemical Sensing Materials

PubMed Central

Liang, Qiuhua; Jiang, Junke; Ye, Huaiyu; Yang, Ning; Cai, Miao; Xiao, Jing; Chen, Xianping

2016-01-01

A hybrid quantum mechanics (QM)/molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is performed to investigate the effect of an ionizable group (–SO3−Na+) on polyaniline as gas sensing materials. Polymers considered for this work include emeraldine base of polyaniline (EB-PANI) and its derivatives (Na-SPANI (I), (II) and (III)) whose rings are partly monosubstituted by –SO3−Na+. The hybrid simulation results show that the adsorption energy, Mulliken charge and band gap of analytes (CO2 and H2O) in polyaniline are relatively sensitive to the position and the amounts of –SO3−Na+, and these parameters would affect the sensitivity of Na-SPANI/EB-PANI towards CO2. The sensitivity of Na-SPANI (III)/EB-PANI towards CO2 can be greatly improved by two orders of magnitude, which is in agreement with the experimental study. In addition, we also demonstrate that introducing –SO3−Na+ groups at the rings can notably affect the gas transport properties of polyaniline. Comparative studies indicate that the effect of ionizable group on polyaniline as gas sensing materials for the polar gas molecule (H2O) is more significant than that for the nonpolar gas molecule (CO2). These findings contribute in the functionalization-induced variations of the material properties of polyaniline for CO2 sensing and the design of new polyaniline with desired sensing properties. PMID:27128921

Sensitization of Laser-beam Welded Martensitic Stainless Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dahmen, Martin; Rajendran, Kousika Dhasanur; Lindner, Stefan

Ferritic and martensitic stainless steels are an attractive alternative in vehicle production due to their inherent corrosion resistance. By the opportunity of press hardening, their strength can be increased to up to 2000 MPa, making them competitors for unalloyed ultra-high strength steels. Welding, nevertheless, requires special care, especially when it comes to joining of high strength heat treated materials. With an adopted in-line heat treatment of the welds in as-rolled as well as press hardened condition, materials with sufficient fatigue strength and acceptable structural behavior can be produced. Because of microstructural transformations in the base material such as grain coarsening and forced carbide precipitation, the corrosion resistance of the weld zone may be locally impaired. Typically the material in the heat-affected zone becomes sensitive to intergranular cracking in the form of knife-edge corrosion besides the fusion line. The current study comprises of two text scenarios. By an alternating climate test, general response in a corroding environment is screened. In order to understand the corrosion mechanisms and to localize the sensitive zones, sensitisation tests were undertaken. Furthermore, the applicability of a standard test according to ASTM 763-83 was examined. It was found that the alternative climate test does not reveal any corrosion effects. Testing by the oxalic acid test revealed clearly the effect of welding, weld heat treatment and state of thermal processing. Also application of the standard which originally suited for testing ferritic stainless steels could have been justified.

Adjoint-Based Sensitivity and Uncertainty Analysis for Density and Composition: A User’s Guide

DOE PAGES

Favorite, Jeffrey A.; Perko, Zoltan; Kiedrowski, Brian C.; ...

2017-03-01

The ability to perform sensitivity analyses using adjoint-based first-order sensitivity theory has existed for decades. This paper provides guidance on how adjoint sensitivity methods can be used to predict the effect of material density and composition uncertainties in critical experiments, including when these uncertain parameters are correlated or constrained. Two widely used Monte Carlo codes, MCNP6 (Ref. 2) and SCALE 6.2 (Ref. 3), are both capable of computing isotopic density sensitivities in continuous energy and angle. Additionally, Perkó et al. have shown how individual isotope density sensitivities, easily computed using adjoint methods, can be combined to compute constrained first-order sensitivitiesmore » that may be used in the uncertainty analysis. This paper provides details on how the codes are used to compute first-order sensitivities and how the sensitivities are used in an uncertainty analysis. Constrained first-order sensitivities are computed in a simple example problem.« less

Improved sensing using simultaneous deep-UV Raman and fluorescence detection-II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hug, W. F.; Bhartia, R.; Sijapati, K.; Beegle, L. W.; Reid, R. D.

2014-05-01

Photon Systems in collaboration with JPL is continuing development of a new technology robot-mounted or hand-held sensor for reagentless, short-range, standoff detection and identification of trace levels chemical, biological, and explosive (CBE) materials on surfaces. This deep ultraviolet CBE sensor is the result of Army STTR and DTRA programs. The evolving 10 to 15 lb, 20 W, sensor can discriminate CBE from background clutter materials using a fusion of deep UV excited resonance Raman (RR) and laser induced native fluorescence (LINF) emissions collected is less than 1 ms. RR is a method that provides information about molecular bonds, while LINF spectroscopy is a much more sensitive method that provides information regarding the electronic configuration of target molecules. Standoff excitation of suspicious packages, vehicles, persons, and other objects that may contain hazardous materials is accomplished using excitation in the deep UV where there are four main advantages compared to near-UV, visible or near-IR counterparts. 1) Excited between 220 and 250 nm, Raman emission occur within a fluorescence-free region of the spectrum, eliminating obscuration of weak Raman signals by fluorescence from target or surrounding materials. 2) Because Raman and fluorescence occupy separate spectral regions, detection can be done simultaneously, providing an orthogonal set of information to improve both sensitivity and lower false alarm rates. 3) Rayleigh law and resonance effects increase Raman signal strength and sensitivity of detection. 4) Penetration depth into target in the deep UV is short, providing spatial/spectral separation of a target material from its background or substrate. 5) Detection in the deep UV eliminates ambient light background and enable daylight detection.

The PRIDE (Partnership to Improve Diabetes Education) Toolkit: Development and Evaluation of Novel Literacy and Culturally Sensitive Diabetes Education Materials.

PubMed

Wolff, Kathleen; Chambers, Laura; Bumol, Stefan; White, Richard O; Gregory, Becky Pratt; Davis, Dianne; Rothman, Russell L

2016-02-01

Patients with low literacy, low numeracy, and/or linguistic needs can experience challenges understanding diabetes information and applying concepts to their self-management. The authors designed a toolkit of education materials that are sensitive to patients' literacy and numeracy levels, language preferences, and cultural norms and that encourage shared goal setting to improve diabetes self-management and health outcomes. The Partnership to Improve Diabetes Education (PRIDE) toolkit was developed to facilitate diabetes self-management education and support. The PRIDE toolkit includes a comprehensive set of 30 interactive education modules in English and Spanish to support diabetes self-management activities. The toolkit builds upon the authors' previously validated Diabetes Literacy and Numeracy Education Toolkit (DLNET) by adding a focus on shared goal setting, addressing the needs of Spanish-speaking patients, and including a broader range of diabetes management topics. Each PRIDE module was evaluated using the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) instrument to determine the material's cultural appropriateness and its sensitivity to the needs of patients with low literacy and low numeracy. Reading grade level was also assessed using the Automated Readability Index (ARI), Coleman-Liau, Flesch-Kincaid, Fry, and SMOG formulas. The average reading grade level of the materials was 5.3 (SD 1.0), with a mean SAM of 91.2 (SD 5.4). All of the 30 modules received a "superior" score (SAM >70%) when evaluated by 2 independent raters. The PRIDE toolkit modules can be used by all members of a multidisciplinary team to assist patients with low literacy and low numeracy in managing their diabetes. © 2015 The Author(s).

Means for ultrasonic testing when material properties vary

DOEpatents

Beller, Laurence S.

1979-01-01

A device is provided for maintaining constant sensitivity in an ultrasonic testing device, despite varying attenuation due to the properties of the material being tested. The device includes a sensor transducer for transmitting and receiving a test signal and a monitor transducer positioned so as to receive ultrasonic energy transmitted through the material to be tested. The received signal of the monitor transducer is utilized in analyzing data obtained from the sensor transducer.

Research Area 3 - Mathematical Sciences: Multiscale Modeling of the Mechanics of Advanced Energetic Materials Relevant to Detonation Prediction

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-08-24

new energetic materials with enhanced energy release rates and reduced sensitivity to unintentional detonation . The following results have been...Mechanics of Advanced Energetic Materials Relevant to Detonation Prediction The views, opinions and/or findings contained in this report are those of the...modeling, molecular simulations, detonation prediction REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT NUMBER(S) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S

Transmission/Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy | Materials Science

Science.gov Websites

imaging such as high resolution TEM. Transmission electron diffraction patterns help to determine the microstructure of a material and its defects. Phase-contrast imaging or high-resolution (HR) TEM imaging gives high scattering angle can be collected to form high-resolution, chemically sensitive, atomic number (Z

49 CFR 179.100-7 - Materials.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... welding and must comply with one of the following specifications (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter... sensitizing treatment prior to testing. (d) All attachments welded to tank shell must be of approved material which is suitable for welding to the tank. [Amdt. 179-10, 36 FR 21344, Nov. 6, 1971, as amended by Amdt...

Materials Physics | Materials Science | NREL

Science.gov Websites

capabilities in this area. Electronic Raman scattering as an ultra-sensitive probe of strain effects in research capabilities in this area. Effects of incident UV light on surface morphology of MBE grown GaAs example, we seek to predict the effects of soiling for different environmental conditions. We are working

Bias in the Social Studies Curricula.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lamott, Stephen

There has always been a traditional bias in the learning materials used in schools. Due to a growing awareness of this bias, educators have become sensitive to the need for change in curricular materials. The trend in textbook publication has been to pretend that discrimination no longer exists in the United States. The extensive textbook…

Teaching Methodology of Flexible Pavement Materials and Pavement Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mehta, Yusuf; Najafi, Fazil

2004-01-01

Flexible pavement materials exhibit complex mechanical behavior, in the sense, that they not only show stress and temperature dependency but also are sensitive to moisture conditions. This complex behavior presents a great challenge to the faculty in bringing across the level of complexity and providing the concepts needed to understand them. The…

Contact allergy to denture materials in the burning mouth syndrome.

PubMed

van Joost, T; van Ulsen, J; van Loon, L A

1988-02-01

Several factors may be responsible for stomatitis in general and the burning mouth syndrome in particular. The results of patch testing are reported in 4 patients with burning mouth symptoms thought to be due to sensitization to denture material. 2 patients reacted to substances in Luxene dentures, but the allergens were not identified. In a 3rd patient, sensitization was found to monomeric methyl methacrylate. The other patient gave positive patch tests to epoxy resin (and bisphenol A), probably present in glue used for repair of dental plates. To obtain a complete diagnosis in cases of suspected contact stomatitis due to allergens in dentures, a reliable standard test series is required.