Stability of the nonequilibrium state of a superconductor irradiated by an electromagnetic field

Irradiation of a superconductor by an electromagnetic field with a frequency ₀ larger than twice the energy gap (order parameter) decreases the order parameter . We obtain the quasiparticle distribution function n and the dependence of the order parameter on the power of the electromagnetic field P by solving numerically the kinetic equations for n and in the steady state. We take ₀/₀ = 2.1, 8, and 20, where ₀ is the equilibrium value of the order parameter at T = 0 K. In the examples considered the dependence of on the pumping power P becomes double-valued above a critical power. We allow phonons also to be out of thermal equilibrium. To discuss the stability of the steady state thus obtained, we derive kinetic equations for small deviations of the quasiparticle distribution function and the order parameter from the steady state n and by means of the nonequilibrium Green's function theory. Assuming n, exp(i kr – t), (k) is computed using n _s/, where n _sis the steadystate quasiparticle distribution function for arbitrary . It is concluded in general that the steady state on the upper branch ( > _{c 2}) is stable with respect to both spatially homogeneous and inhomogeneous fluctuations, and the lower branch ( > _{c 2}) is unstable; _{c 2}is the value where the upper and lower branches of (P) coalesce.This work is partly supported by a Grant-in-Aid for Special Project Research from the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture of Japan.     

CR-39 as a gamma dosimeter: Dielectric and infrared studies

The relative permittivity, , and dielectric loss factor, tan , were measured in the frequency range 50–10⁵ Hz for the solid state track detector CR-39 irradiated with -rays (5–100 kGy). The variation of and tan with -dose have been interpreted in terms of structural changes as emphasized from infrared spectra. A mathematical model has been introduced describing the use of CR-39 as a dielectric dosimeter.     

Effect of resonant impurity scattering on collective mode peaks in the ultrasound attenuation of heavy fermion superconductors

We have calculated the attenuation of longitudinal ultrasound due to real order parameter fluctuations in impure polar and planarp-wave superconductors. The quasiparticle self-energy and the corresponding vertex corrections have been included in thet-matrix approximation for arbitrary scattering rate =1/2_N and all scattering phase shifts _N (0 _N/2). We obtain sound attenuation peaks belowT _c whose heights, positions, and shapes depend on ₀ (sound frequency), (₀), _N, and (coupling strength due to particle-hole asymmetry). The peaks become much more distinct and sharper for _N =/2 (resonant scattering by impurities) than for _N=0 (Born approximation). By choosing , _N, and suitably, qualitative agreement between calculated and observed peaks in UBe₁₃ and UPt₃ can be achieved.     

The effect of Ag additions on the microstructure of aluminium–lithium alloys

Minor quantities of Ag have been added to Al–Li–Cu–Mg–Zr alloys. Their microstructure has been studied by means of optical metallography, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. In the high Li, low Cu:Mg ratio alloys the main phases found were , , S and T1, while fewer T2 and Al7Cu2Fe precipitates were also observed. The addition of up to 0.5 wt% Ag diminishes the and T1 precipitates size. This is attributed to a small increase of Li solubility in the matrix. In the low Li, high Cu:Mg ratio alloy the addition of 0.2 wt% Ag resulted in the precipitation of phase simultaneously with , , S and T1 phases. Due to the low Li concentration an unusual growth of the / precipitates at the expense of the precipitates was also observed. © 1998 Kluwer Academic Publishers     

Die Entwicklung von Längswirbeln in zeitlich anwachsenden Grenzschichten an konkaven Wänden

Zusammenfassung Messungen des Anwachsens von Längswirbeln in zeitlich anwachsenden Grenzschichten an konkav gekrümmten Wänden (Görtler-Taylor-Wirbel) ergaben drei deutlich getrennte Bereiche: Es traten zunächst Wirbel mit der Wellenläge 0,9 auf (=Grenzschichtdicke, =Höhe einer Zelle, die zwei gegensinnig drehende Wirbel enthält). Je nach Größe der mit der Verdrängungsdicke ₁ der Grenzschicht gebildeten Reynolds-Zahl erschienen dann kurze Zeit später Wirbel mit 2,5, wenn war. Im Bereiche dagegen traten stattdessen bei den hier durchgeführten Versuchen immer Wirbel mit der Wellenlänge 6,5 auf. Bei werden die ersten Tollmien-Schlichting-Wellen mit der Wellenlänge _TS 6· angefacht. In ihren wandnahen Bereichen der Wellentäler könnten sich dann die oben genannten Längswirbel der Wellenlänge 6,5· ausbilden, die die zwei-in eine dreidimensionale Störung allseits gleicher Größenordnung verwandeln können.

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The development of longitudinal vortices in boundary layers growing with time along concave walls

Summary Measurements of the growth of longitudinal vortices in boundary layers growing with time along concave walls (Görtler-Taylor vortices) rendered three distinctly separated regions. First, vortices with a wave-length 0.9 appeared (-boundary layer thicness, =height of a cell containing two counterrotating vortices). Then, depending on the Reynolds number R _{a 1}/v ₁=displacement thickness), vortices with 2.5 appeared shortly afterwards, provided . In the region , however, the wave-length was 6.5. For the first Tollmien-Schlichting waves with _TS 6 were excited. In the wave-throughs close to the wall the abovementioned longitudinal vortices with wave length 6.5 may then be formed. This might transform the two-dimensional into a three-dimensional flow of equal order of magnitude in all directions.

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Zeichenerklärungen R _a Innenradius - Re _a Reynolds-Zahl gebildet mit dem InnenradiusR _a - Reynolds-Zahl gebildet mit der Verdrängungsdicke ₁ - kritische Taylor-Zahl - h Standhöhe der Flüssigkeit im Zylinder - t Zeit - z Anzahl - Steigungswinkel der Geraden - Grenzschichtdicke - ₁ Verdrängungsdicke - Wellenlänge (enthält ein gegensinnig rotierendes Längswirbelpaar) - v kinematische Zähigkeit - Winkelgeschwindigkeit Indizes K Knickpunkt der Geradensteigung - L unterhalb des Knickpunktes der Geradensteigung - TS Tollmien-Schlichting - e Einsatz der Wirbelentstehung     

Cellular microstructure and heterogeneous coarsening of δ′ in rapidly solidified Al-Li-Ti alloys

Four melt-spun Al-Li-Ti alloys with 2 wt% lithium and 0.10 to 0.35 wt% titanium have been obtained and heat-treated at 473 K for up to 1000 h. Rapid solidification gives rise to a matrix with titanium in solid solution which drastically alters the coarsening rate. While TEM studies of samples aged for short times show a homogeneous distribution of metastable phase, as ageing time is increased, and depending on the ribbon section, three different microstructures can be distinguished: (i) on the wheel side, the distribution is homogeneous; (ii) intermediate regions show particles delineating cells with narrow walls; (iii) on the gas side, particles delineate circular cells. A higher titanium content in the cell centres than on cell walls has been determined. The coarsening rate of in microstructure (i) above is slower than in binary Al-Li alloys. Cellular microstructures (ii) and (iii) show the preferential coarsening of particles on the walls, which is faster the higher the titanium concentration. Taking into account the fact that the partition coefficient of titanium in aluminium in the peritectic region is > 1, an explanation of phase evolution is given which leads to the conclusion that the effect of titanium in solid solution is to retain vacancies, restricting lithium diffusion.     

Coaxial variable-length resonator for determining the electromagnetic parameters of materials at normal and higher temperatures

Conclusions It is possible by means of the above resonator, according to our analysis and in the absence of air gaps between the sample and the line, to evaluate the real components and of permeability and permittivity respectively in the range of 2 to 100 with an error between ±3% and ±10% in the temperature range from room temperature to +400°C, and the imaginary components and (for tan and tan in the range of 0.001 to 2) with an error of 7 to 20% over the same temperature range.     

Piezoelectric and mechanical properties of ceria-doped lead zirconate titanate ceramics

Phases, microstructures and properties of lead-zirconate-titanate (PZT) ceramics with the compositions Pb(Zr_0.535– Ce Ti_0.465) O₃ where =0.0, 0.001, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.05 were studied. Rhombohedral and tetragonal phases were present at =0.0. The amount of the rhombohedral phase increased with increasing , and only the tetragonal phase was present for >0.001. Thec/a ratio of the tetragonal phase also increases with increasing . Particles of CeO₂ were found to be present in compositions with >0.01, indicating that the solubility of CeO₂ is less than 1a/o on the metals basis. The piezoelectric and electromechanical constants achieved maximum values for =0.001. The hardness increased monotonically with increasing . The modulus of rupture and the fracture toughness, however, went through a minimum and both stayed lower than their values for =0.     

Vibrational properties of wood along the grain

The dynamic Young's modulus (E_L) and loss tangent (tan _L ) along the grain, dynamic shear modulus (G_L) and loss tangent (tan _S) in the vertical section, and density () of a hundred spruce wood specimens used for the soundboards of musical instruments were determined. The relative acoustic conversion efficiency ( ) and a ratio reflecting the anisotropy of wood (, (E_L/G_L)(tan _S/tan _L)) were defined in order to evaluate the acoustic quality of wood along the grain. There was a positive correlation between and , and the variation in was larger than that in . It seemed logical to evaluate the acoustic quality of spruce wood by a measure of . By using a cell wall model, those acoustic factors were expressed with the physical properties of the cell wall constituents. This model predicted that the essential requirement for an excellent soundboard is smaller fibril angle of the cell wall, which yields higher and higher . On the other hand, the effects of chemical treatments on the and of wood were clarified experimentally and analyzed theoretically. It was suggested that the and of wood cannot be improved at the same time by chemical treatment.     

Coarsening of δ′ (Al3Li) and composite precipitates in an Al-2.5% Li-0.15% Zr alloy

The early stage coarsening behaviour of (Al₃Li) precipitates and composite precipitates, consisting of (Al₃Zr) core enveloped by a shell, in an Al-2.5% Li-0.15% Zr alloy has been studied at 443, 473 and 503 K by conventional transmission electron microscopy using superlattice dark-field images. Coarsening kinetics of precipitates was found to exhibit considerable deviation from the t ^1/3 law corresponding to diffusion control at 473 and 503 K. This deviation may be explained either by the operation of a surface-reaction controlled coarsening mechanism represented by t ^1/2 law, or by the presence of a slower precoarsening stage preceding diffusion-controlled coarsening. The particle-size distributions of precipitates were not in accordance with either the earlier theoretical predictions or the normal distribution. They were symmetrical or slightly skewed to the left, and particle sizes twice the average were observed. The coarsening kinetics of composite precipitates, was found to be rather different from that of ; a diffusion model which yields t ^1/n law with n changing from 1/4 to 1/6 as the coarsening progresses, was predicted. The composite precipitates have exhibited quite a narrow and rather symmetrical size distribution.     

Effect of Grain Size on the Modulus of Elasticity and Strength of Synthetic Graphites

The effect of the grain size of the filler on the mechanical properties (compressive, bending, and tensile strength and modulus of elasticity) of synthetic graphite is analyzed using data for commercial structural graphites. As the mean particle size of the filler (_av) decreases from 3000 to 1 m, the modulus of elasticity increases, on the average, from 10 to 15 GPa, and the compressive, bending, and tensile strength increases by about one order of magnitude. The Griffith equation is used to evaluate the size of defects that initiate fracture (c _c) in different types of graphites. It is shown that the factors determining the critical defect size depend on the particle size of the filler. For _av > 150 m, c _c is comparable to _av or _max. In the range 30 < _av < 150 m, c _c is equal to or greater than _max. In graphites with _av < 30 m, c _c far exceeds _max and, presumably, corresponds to the particle size of the molding powder.     

Dielectric behaviour of hot pressed AlN ceramic exposed to inorganic acid vapours

Dielectric behaviour of hot pressed AIN ceramic is studied before and after exposing the samples to inorganic acid (HCl and HNO₃) vapours with a specific aim to study the effect of these vapours on the dielectric constant () and dissipation factor (tan ). Four samples having different volume percentage of porosity (0.2 to 15%) are selected for this study. Dielectric dispersion increases after exposing the samples to the above acid vapours. Tan also increases quite appreciably; the increase being more at higher porosity. Recovery studies show that the exposure effect is reversible. The exposure time dependence of and tan indicates that these parameters show a maxima at a particular exposure time. However, no such maxima is observed in the gravimetric measurements. The increase in dielectric parameters after exposure to acid vapours is explained in terms of the ionic conduction due to the dissociation of these vapours in the presence of moisture. The porosity dependence of this effect is discussed in terms of closed and open porosity reported by other workers.     

High-frequency dielectric behaviour of polycrystalline zinc substituted cobalt ferrites

The dielectric constant () and complex dielectric constant () of zinc substituted cobalt ferrites have been measured at room temperature in the high frequency range 100 kHz to 1 MHz. The values of dielectric loss tangent (tan ) have been computed from and . Plots of dielectric constant () versus frequency show a normal dielectric behaviour of the spinel ferrites. The frequency dependence of dielectric loss tangent (tan ) is found to be abnormal, giving a peak at certain frequency for all the ferrites under investigation. A qualitative explanation is given for the composition and frequency dependence of the dielectric constant and dielectric loss tangent. The dielectric constant for these mixed ferrites is approximately inversely proportional to the square root of the resistivity. A plot of dielectric constant versus temperature shows a transition near the Curie temperature. An attempt is made to explain the possible mechanism for this observation.     

Viscoelastic properties of the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disk in compression

The viscoelastic properties of the nucleus pulposus were measured in compression for 35 specimens dissected from 9 sheep. Measurements on 19 specimens were made on the day of slaughter; the remaining 16 specimens were stored frozen and thawed before testing. A preload of 0.2 N was applied to each specimen and a cyclic compression of 10 m applied at eight frequencies in the range 0.1–10 Hz at a temperature of 37 °C. Freezing appeared to increase the storage modulus, E , but not the loss modulus, E , or tan =E /E . These parameters, E , E and tan , had values of 64±28 kPa, 24±11 and 0.33 kPa±0.07, respectively. The value of tan passed through a minimum at a loading frequency of 0.9±0.2 Hz. The water content of the specimens was 80±2%. © 2001 Kluwer Academic Publishers     

Excess oxygen diffusion in La2cuo4+δ investigated by mechanical spectroscopy

The diffusion of excess oxygen atoms in La₂CuO₄₊, (0 < < 0.035) was studied by mechanical spectroscopy with a vibrating reed method (220 HzT _max=275K, f=0.22kHz). It shifts to higher temperatures with increasing frequencies indicating a thermally activated relaxation behavior with an activation enthalpy of 0.31(3) eV. The relaxation peak vanishes after vacuum annealing the sample ( 0) leading to the conclusion that the relaxation peak is due to the diffusion of excess oxygen atoms. A relaxation peak of similar strength as in the sample with =0.013 is also detected in an oxygen enriched sample ( = 0.035). This unexpected finding of the relaxation strength is discussed in terms of the proposed phase diagrams for La₂CuO₄₊. In addition, a shoulder at the high temperature wing of the strong relaxation peak is seen the position of which does not vary with the vibration frequencies.     

Dielectric properties of conducting polymer composites at microwave frequencies

The dielectric properties of conducting polymer composites containing polypyrrole (PPy) crushed films, PPy powder, polyaniline (PAn) base and acid powders as the dispersants and silicone rubber and vinyl ester as matrix materials have been investigated in the frequency range 2-18 GHz. The dielectric parameters such as the real part, , and imaginary part, , of the permittivity and loss tangent, tan, increase with increasing conductivity and concentration of the dispersant. The geometrical shape of the dispersant governs the ability of conductive network formation which is indicated by a large drop in the resistivity of the composite. Also, dispersant/matrix interactions and physical properties of the matrix influence the agglomeration of the dispersant phase which, in turn, affects the dielectric properties of the composites. Flakes of PPy obtained by crushing highly conductive films and large PAn powder aggregates were unable to form a conducting network. The composites without a network of dispersant exhibit low dielectric parameters. On the other hand, high values of tan ranging from 0.7–1.1 were achieved for the PPy powder (15 parts)/silicone rubber composites where a conducting network was observed.     

Solidification behavior of Al-Si-Fe alloys and phase transformation of metastable intermetallic compound by heat treatment

Solidification behavior of Al-20 wt% Si-8 wt% Fe and Al-30 wt% Si-5 wt% Fe alloys during cooling with a cooling rate of 10 K/min has been studied using optical microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, differential thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. In Al-20Si-8Fe alloy, metastable -Al₄FeSi₂ phase with tetragonal structure formed first from melt, followed by primary Si precipitation and then remaining liquid solidified finally into ternary eutectic of -Al, Si and phases. However, in Al-30Si-5Fe alloy, primary Si formed first, followed by the phase precipitation and then eutectic solidification. During isothermal heat treatment of as-solidified alloys, phase transformation from the phase to equilibrium phase began at the interface between phase and -Al matrix and progressed toward the inside of phase with co-precipitation of Si particles due to the difference in composition between -Al₄FeSi₂ and -Al₅FeSi phases.     

In-situ high temperature X-ray diffraction study of Ni/SiC interface reactions

In-situ experiments on the Ni/SiC interface reaction were carried out with a high temperature X-ray diffractometer capable of measuring the X-ray diffraction pattern in 1–2 s using an imaging plate. The kinetic formation processes of the interface reaction layer were measured in short-period exposure experiments with the apparatus. The time-temperature phase diagram of Ni/SiC in N2 was determined. -Ni2Si and -Ni2Si (high temperature phase of -Ni2Si) were formed at the Ni/SiC interface between 1072 K and 1418 K in N2. The formation of -Ni2Si obeyed the parabolic rate law. The value of the activation energy suggests that the diffusion of Ni through -Ni2Si controls the rate of formation. The results of thermal expansion coefficient measurements suggest that when a sample is cooled to room temperature, compression caused by -Ni2Si occurs on SiC.     

Types of superplasticm-δ curves of Ti-6Al-4V alloy and their intertransformation

The superplasticm- curves of Ti-6Al-4 alloy have been determined at different temperatures and strain rates; all were of them _L=m _max type, and were of either fundamental, descending or ascending types. The latter two types were transformed from the former through the processes ofm _Lm _O, _LO andm _Lm _F, _LF, respectively. The highest total elongation, _F, was 1150% obtained at 950C and 1.55×10^–3 s^–1. The Chin Liu equation has been applied to all types ofm- curves. The parameters characteristic of all types ofm- curves have been obtained and were found to vary with temperature and strain rate. The total elongation, _F, is determined by the resultant effects of all other parameters, not by a singlem value, theoretically considered to be constant and determined practically by a tensile strain of about 30%–50% (m _30%–50%) as usual.Nomenclature C (=k/k _o ) the normalized slope ofm- curve corresponding to - a material constant corresponding to - m strain-rate sensitivity index corresponding to - m _max maximum on them- curve corresponding to _L - m _min minimum on them- curve corresponding to _L - crosshead speed during the tensile test - the strain of the entire stretching process (has same significance as ordinarily adopted ) - _F total elongation at fracture chosen for the present work - _I intermediate strains including _I1, _I2, _I3, ..., _I(i–1), _Ii , _I(i+1), ..., chosen for the present work - _L limit strain separatingm- curves into sections - _O (=0) starting strain - strain rate - flow stress     

Low-frequency dielectric spectroscopy and electrical properties of Ca[B<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>(OH)<Subscript>3</Subscript>]·H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O single crystals near the phase transition

The dielectric properties and polarization of ferroelectric Ca[B₃O₄(OH)₃]·H₂O (colemanite) crystals are studied near the Curie temperature. The real part of dielectric permittivity (), dielectric losses (tan), pyroelectric coefficient (), and thermally stimulated depolarization currents are measured from -50 to 50°C. To assess the detailed nature of the phase transition (Curie temperature t_C~-7°C), the temperature dependences of and tan and are measured at frequencies f = 0.8-20 kHz. The results are used to determine () (where =f ) and (T) and evaluate the activation energy. The (t) data indicate that colemanite undergoes a diffuse phase transition.Translated from Neorganicheskie Materialy, Vol. 40, No. 12, 2004, pp. 1489–1494.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2004 by Slabkaya, Lotonov, Gavrilova.