Modelling of Al2O3 Powder Compaction with Hot Pressing in a Rigid Die

Computer modelling of hot pressing is provided. Kinetics are described for compaction during hot pressing in a rigid die, and the change in density distribution, irreversible solid phase strain accumulation, and equivalent stresses are studied by means of the finite element method. Shrinkage during the preparation of complex-shaped articles by hot pressing pure Al₂O₃ powder in a graphite die without a protective atmosphere and the physicomechanical properties of the finished article are studied. Calculated and experimental results agree satisfactorily.     

Mechanics of sintering materials with bimodal pore distribution. III. Kinetics of sintering combined with various forms of loading and adhesion conditions

A study has been made on the effects of loading scheme and conditions restricting macroscopic strain on the work-hardening kinetics and strain accumulation in the solid state in sintering materials with bimodal pore size distributions. Active loading intensifies the reduction in the small pores. The greatest effect comes from combining sintering with hydrostatic compression. At the same time, kinematic constraints (partial or complete adhesion in surfaces) substantially retards the shrinkage of large pores, which means that the porous structure can be controlled. __________ Translated from Poroshkovaya Metallurgiya, Nos. 5–6(449), pp. 10–15, May–June, 2006.     

Effect of the particle size ratio on the conductivity of conductor-insulator powder composites: Numerical simulation

A theoretical method for determining the percolation limit and effective conductivity of composites based on polydisperse mixtures of insulator and conductor powders is proposed. The effect of the particle size ratio between the insulator and conductor on the percolation limit and effective conductivity is studied. Numerical simulation of the microstructure, effective properties, and percolation limit in composites is discussed. __________ Translated from Poroshkovaya Metallurgiya, Vol. 46, No. 1–2(453), pp. 31–40, 2007.     

Technology transfer in digital mammography. Report of the Joint National Cancer Institute-National Aeronautics and Space Administration workshop of May 19-20, 1993

Digital mammography is one of the most promising novel technologies for further improvement of early detection of breast cancer, offering important potential advantages: 1) improved image quality; 2) digital image processing for improved lesion contrast; 3) computer-aided diagnosis for enhanced radiologic interpretation; and 4) teleradiology for facilitated radiologic consultation. The Diagnostic Imaging Research Branch of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) recently funded an international, multidisciplinary, multi-institutional Digital Mammography Development Group for collaborations between NCI, the academic community, and industry to facilitate the integrated development and implementation of digital mammographic systems. Currently, however, digital mammography faces a number of fundamental technological roadblocks: 1) cost-effective digital detectors and displays for imaging systems; 2) the need for novel algorithms for image processing and computer-aided diagnosis; and 3) high performance, low cost digital networks to provide an "information superhighway" for teleradiology. To solve some of these technological problems, the Diagnostic Imaging Research Branch of NCI joined efforts with the Technology Transfer Division of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to pursue a federal technology transfer program in digital mammography. The authors discuss the findings and recommendations of the workshop entitled "Technology Transfer in Digital Mammography," which was organized and held jointly by the NCI and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in May, 1993. Numerous innovative technologies of varying degree of promise for digital mammography were presented at the conference. In this article, specific technologies presented at the workshop by the federal and federally-supported laboratories are described, and critiques of these technologies by the leaders of the medical imaging community are presented.     

Mo/Ni and Ni/Ta–W–N/Ni thin-film contact layers for (Bi,Sb)<Subscript>2</Subscript>Te<Subscript>3</Subscript>-based intermediate-temperature thermoelectric elements

We have examined the possibility of utilizing thin-film contact layers for producing reliable Ohmic contacts to proposed intermediate-temperature (Bi,Sb)₂Te₃-based thermoelectric materials with improved thermoelectric properties, which allow the working temperature range to be extended to 600 K. Three contact configurations have been produced by ion-plasma magnetron sputtering: a single Ni layer, Mo/Ni bilayer, and Ni/Ta–W–N/Ni three-layer system. It has been shown that reliable contacts can be produced using Mo/Ni and Ni/Ta–W–N/Ni layers, which prevent interdiffusion between the materials to be joined and ensure good adhesion to the thermoelectric element.     

Determination of the ultimate plastic capacity for powder materials based on the plastic flow model for porous solids. I. Criterion for exhaustion of the ultimate plastic capacity

This paper is devoted to the theoretical definition of the ultimate plastic capacity for porous solids. The model is based on the assumption that ductile fracture is defined by loss of physical stability. Porosity, strain in hard phase, and decohesion are taken into account as internal variables. We suggest a method for defining the limit surface on the basis of the constitutive relations of plasticity theory for a porous solid.