Excitation spectrum and the density of states for a superconducting bilayer composite

The single-particle excitation spectrum and the density of states (DOS) for a superconducting bilayer composite are calculated by solving the Bogoliubov equations. The bilayer consists of two different superconducting films in contact. The superconducting order parameters of the films ₁ and ₂ are assumed constant. For various film thicknesses the dependence of the DOS on the ratio ₁/₂ is shown. This dependence is most prominent for states with excitation energy less than ₂.     

Crack-tip damaged zones in rubber-toughened amorphous polymers: a micromechanical model

The various stages of crack propagation in rubber-toughened amorphous polymers (onset and arrest, stable and unstable growth) are governed by the rate of energy dissipation in the cracktip damaged zone; hence the relationship between the applied stress intensity factorK ₁ and the damaged zone size is of utmost importance. The size of the crack-tip damaged zone has been related toK ₁ via a parameter which is characteristic of the material in given conditions: this factor is proportional to the threshold stress for damage initiation in a triaxial stress field, and has been denoted by ^*. Theoretical values of ^* have been calculated by means of a micromechanical model involving the derivation of the stresses near the particles and the application of damage initiation criteria. The morphology, average size and volume fraction of the rubbery particles have been taken into account together with the nature of the matrix. The calculated values of ^* have been successfully compared with the experimental ones, for a wide set of high-impact polystyrenes (HIPS) and rubber-toughened poly(methyl methacrylate) (RTPMMA).Nomenclature PS; HIPS polystyrene; high-impact polystyrene - PMMA; RTPMMA poly(methyl methacrylate); rubber-toughened PMMA - MI; CS/H; CS/R particle morphologies (multiple inclusion; hard core - rubber shell; rubber core - rigid shell) - K _r;K _g bulk moduli of rubber and glassy materials - G _r;G _g shear moduli of the same materials - v _p particle volume fraction - L mean centre-to-centre distance between neighbouring particles - B; H; W standard names for the dimensions of the compact tension specimen - R _y size of the crack-tip plastic zone in a homogeneous material - h half thickness of the crack-tip damaged zone - r; polar coordinates around the crack tip (Fig. 1) - r;r _p distance from particle centre; particle radius - p normalized distance from the particle (Equation 5) - K ₁;K _1c;K _1p stress intensity factor; critical values ofK ₁ at the onset of and during crack growth - G _1c plane strain energy release rate - _y yield stress in uniaxial tension - _th macroscopic threshold stress for the onset of local damage initiation in a composite material - ^* characteristic parameter (Equation 3) - ⁰; ₁ ⁰ ; ₂ ⁰ ; ₃ ⁰ applied stress tensor and its three principal stresses - ⁰ uniaxial applied stress - ; ₁; ₂; ₃ local stress tensor and its three principal stresses - A tensor which elements are the ratios of those of over those of ⁰ (Equation 4) - v Poisson's coefficient of the matrix - g triaxiality factor of the crack-tip stress field - _e; _p Mises equivalent stress; dilatational stress (negative pressure) - I ₁;I ₂ invariants of the stress tensor - U ₁;U ₂ material parameters for argon and Hannoosh's craze initiation criterion (Equation 12)     

Investigations of the copper isotope effect in oxygen-deficient YBa2Cu3O7−δ

We present data on the copper isotope effect (⁶³Cu-⁶⁵Cu), C_u =-nT_c/nm_Cu, for two isotopic pairs of oxygen-deficient YBa₂Cu₃O_7–, where varies between 0.06 and 0.52. _Cu is below 0.01 at =0.06 (fully oxygenated), it takes values between –0.14 and –0.34 in the 60 K plateau. Larger negative values of _Cu are observed away from the plateau. The dependence of _Cu is similar to that of the pressure effect dnT_c/dP.     

A novel X-ray technique for inspection of steel pipes

The corrosion-induced material loss in crude oil carrying steel pipelines was originally studied by making use of the backscatter X-ray technique. The steel thickness can be determined by studying the density profile of the backscatter intensity vs. the depth location of a voxel. There are, however, some practical limitations to the above method, and a new method for evaluating steel thickness, namely, the transcatter technique is described. This technique uses the intensity of the beam which is transmitted by the pipe wall and subsequently scattered by the hydrocarbon inside the pipeline. The thickness is evaluated using three techniques, namely, the sequential technique, the dual angle technique, and the reference technique. Of the three techniques, the sequential technique has been studied in detail. The mathematical equations and experimental results related to the transcatter technique show that the thickness can be measured with an accuracy of better than 10% for a nominal steel thickness of 8 mm with a measurement time of several minutes.     

Experimental investigation of the effects of stress rate and stress level on fracture in polystyrene

The effects of stress rate and stress level on fatigue crack propagation in compression-moulded single-edge notched specimens (0.25 mm in thickness) of polystyrene are reported. Values of the stress rate are obtained from the formula = 2v(_max – _max),, wherev is the frequency and _max, _min are the maximum and minimum stresses of the fatigue cycle. Different levels of are achieved by changing the frequency while keeping _max, _min at fixed values. The effect of the stress level is investigated by keeping and _min constant and varying _max andv. The results show that when the kinetic data are plotted as l/t against the energy release rateG ₁, a relatively small effect of the stress rate is observed. If the same data are treated as l/N againstG ₁, a decrease in l/N with test frequency is seen. The increase in the level of _max results in a higher crack speed. The critical crack length is found to be practically the same for all stress-rate experiments. A decrease in the critical crack length is observed with the increase in stress level. Analysis of craze distribution around the crack path shows that the extent of crazing decreases with the increase in stress rate and increases with the increase in stress level. For all experimental conditions, the ratio of the second moment to the square root of the fourth moment of the histograms of craze density along directions normal to the crack path is found to be constant throughout the slow phase of crack propagation. This result supports a self-similarity hypothesis of damage evolution proposed in the crack layer model.     

Study of Broadband Long-Focus Optics for Synchrotron Infrared Diagnosis of Low-Energy Electron Beams

A special optical device for measuring the geometry and current parameters in electron rings by synchrotron infrared radiation is designed, fabricated, and studied. The optical elements of the device are made of an optical ceramic and operate at 1–8 m. The study results are presented.     

Residual stress-induced spontaneous microcracking in α-SiC platelet Al2O3 composites

The micromechanical stresses associated with hexagonal (6H) -SiC platelets within a fine-grained alumina matrix were calculated using an Eshelby approach. The stresses within and around the interface of SiC platelets were determined. Both stresses were found to be strongly dependent on the morphology and the volume fraction of the SiC particles. The morphology effect, however, tended to be limited at aspect ratios 10. Owing to anisotropy in the thermal and elastic properties of -SiC, the residual stresses just outside the inclusion also depended on the position along the SiC/Al₂O₃ interfaces. The maximum tensile stress was found at the edges of SiC platelets. There were two principal tangential tensile stresses which differed greatly at the edges of disc-shaped inclusions. The results of the stress analysis were consistent with observed differences in microcrack morphology and the resultant reduction of the Young's modulus of the composites.     

Changes in surface characteristics of dental resin composites after polishing

The objectives of this study were (1) to determine in vitro changes in surface roughness and color of dental resin composites after application of three finishing and polishing systems; (2) to evaluate the difference in color stability after immersion in a dye solution after polishing; and (3) to evaluate the effects of surface condition, especially roughness, on measured color depending on the color measuring geometries of specular component excluded (SCE) and specular component included (SCI). Color and surface roughness (R_a) of resin composites of four brands of A2 shade and one brand of Yellow Enamel shade were measured after polymerization, after polishing with Enhance (Dentsply), Sof-Lex (3M ESPE), or Super-Snap (Shofu) composite finishing and polishing systems. Color was also measured after immersion in 2% methylene blue solution. Color was measured according to the CIELAB color scale. Color changes (E*_ab) after polishing/staining and by the measuring geometry were calculated by the equation; E*_ab = [(L*)² + (a*)² + (b*)²]^1/2. Ra value was measured with a surface roughness tester. E*_ab and L* values after polishing and after staining varied among polishing systems when measured with SCE geometry. Composites polished with Super-Snap and Sof-Lex systems showed higher E*_ab and L* values than those polished with Enhance polishing system with SCE geometry. E*_ab and L* values between specimens with different surface conditions measured with SCE geometry were significantly higher than those with SCI (p < 0.01). Changes in R_a value after polishing was insignificant in most cases.     

Strength of the pyroceram So115M under lengthy static loading

The article presents the results of long-time strength tests of the casting pyroceram SO115M at room temperature by the method of three-point bending. We obtained the power dependence of the time to failure _f on the applied load : _f ^–11.7.Translated from Problemy Prochnosti, No. 1, pp. 102–104, January, 1996.     

Electrical conductivity of Cux(As0.4Se0.3Te0.3)100−x glasses

Results of the dc electrical conductivity () measurements (from 90 to 420 K) on 15 compositions of the Cux(As0.4 Se0.3 Te0.3)100–x glasses (x from 0 to 30) are presented. Similar to that observed [1] in the composition dependencies of the mean atomic volume (V) and the glass transition temperature (Tg) of these glasses, it is possible to delineate three regions in the composition dependence of the of these glasses. (i) For addition of Cu up to 1 at %, the register a decrease compared to that of the parent As0.4Se0.3Te0.3 glass. (ii) For Cu > 1 at %, the conduction activation energy (E) and the pre-exponential factor (C) decrease, with a concomitant increase in (at 250 K) by about six orders of magnitude. (iii) Both E and C show saturation for Cu > 23 at %. The -composition data are examined using the model developed earlier [1] to understand, the V (and Tg)-composition dependencies of these glasses.     

Magnetic field dependence of zero-sound attenuation close to the pair-breaking edge in3He-B due toJ=1−,J z =±1 collective modes

Our previous theory yielded for the Zeeman splitting of the imaginaryJ=1 collective mode in³He-B the result =2+0.25J _z ( is the effective Larmor frequency). In this paper we take into account the downward shift of the pair-breaking edge from 2 to 2₂– (₂ and ₁ are the longitudinal and transverse gap parameters). This leads to a complex Landé factor: the frequencies of theJ _z =±1 components become =2+0.39J _z , and the linewidths of these resonances become finite: =0.18. The coupling amplitudes of theJ _z =±1 components to density are found to be proportional to gap distortion, (₁–₂/(/)². Our results for the ultrasonic attenuation due to theJ _z =±1,J=1 modes are capable of explaining the field dependence of the attenuation close to the pair-breaking edge as observed by Dobbs, Saunders, et al. The observed peak is caused by theJ _z =–1 component: its height increases due to gap distortion as the field is increased, and the peak shifts downward in temperature and its width increases with the field due to the complex Landé factor. TheJ _z =+1 component gives rise to a corresponding dip relative to the continuum attenuation.     

Structural effects in the superconductor NbTi65

Annealed and metallurgical processed Nb-65 wt % Ti material is extensively investigated in the temperature range of 4–300 K. By means of transmission electron microscopy the premartensitic phase and athermal martensite are shown to exist. The microscopic event of pseudoelasticity is observed when the metastable phase is strained in the cold stage. The deformation-induced morphological instabilities are discussed in view of the training behavior of superconductors.     

The Ni3Al-Ni3Cr-Ni3Ru section of the Ni-Cr-Al-Ru system

An investigation is reported of the 75 at% nickel section of the Ni-Cr-Al-Ru system at 1523 and 1273 K. Constitutional data obtained by electron probe microanalysis, X-ray diffraction and microscopical examination are presented as partial isothermal sections. At 1523 K, the major part of the section consists of phase, while the aluminium-rich region contains a and+ region; the extent of the solid solution of chromium and ruthenium in totals ~ 4 at%. The ruthenium-rich corner of the section shows a two-phase region consisting of + ruthenium-rich solid solution. At 1273 K the,+ and + ruthenium regions increase in extent. The/ mismatch values in the equilibrated alloys studied lie in the range ~ –0.08 to –0.39%. Constitutional features of as-cast alloys are also reported.     

Fracture stress difference of notched polycarbonate between atmospheric pressure and a hydrostatic pressure

Experimental data on fracture stress of polycarbonate (PC) with and without various artificial notches have been obtained at atmospheric pressure and a high hydrostatic pressure (400 MPa). The difference in fracture stress, _F, between both pressures was directly proportional to the intensity of pressure,P, and was inversely proportional to the stress concentration factor of the notch,K _n such that _F following the form of the Kaieda-Oguchi formula, _F. By using the combined stress concentration factor,K _nc, of superposed notch and craze, and by considering the change in elastic modulus due to pressure, the experimental data agreed with the modified Kaieda-Oguchi formula. The stress concentration factor of the craze was calculated by using the Dugdale model.     

Deformation approach to the evaluation of the period of initiation and growth of fatigue macrocracks

We performed experimental investigation of the opening displacements of the contours of stress concentrators (notches and cracks) for various amplitudes of cyclic loading. On the basis of experimental results, we propose a new deformation parameter _t which is a function of the notch (crack) tip opening displacement , namely, _t /(+d*), where is the radius of the tip of the notch andd* is the characteristic size of the prefracture zone. It is shown that this parameter uniquely determines the number of cyclesN _l to the initiation of a fatigue macrocrack independently of the geometry of the specimens and stress concentrators in elastic and elastoplastic materials, i.e., the dependence of _t onN ₁ is a characteristic of the material. It is experimentally demonstrated that this dependence enables one to quantitatively describe the process of fatigue fracture both in the stage of initiation of macrocracks and their propagation.Karpenko Physicomechanical Institute, Ukrainian Academy of Sciences, L'viv. Translated from Fiziko-Khimicheskaya Mekhanika Materialov, Vol. 31, No. 5, pp. 7–21, September – October, 1995.     

Raman scattering of vibrational overtones in deuterium at high pressures

We report observations of the Raman-active vibrational overtone in normal deuterium at 77K and pressures up to 36.4 GPa (1 GPa = 10⁴ bar). We observed a sharp Q₂(J) line corresponding to the v=20, J=0, k=0, k=0 transition and a broad Q₁(J)+Q'₁(J) band corresponding to v,v'=10, J=0, k-k' transitions. The selection rules for the Q₁(J)+Q'₁(J) manifold allowed us to measure the joint density of states of the manifold which we compared to a theoretical density of states for the v=1 vibrational band.     

Hydraulic characteristics and vapor content in a channel with boiling of a liquid underheated up to the saturation temperature

A method is proposed for calculating the hydraulic characteristic and vapor content in a channel with underheated boiling.Notation H heated length of channel - d_t thermal diameter - d_h hydraulic diameter - _t thermal perimeter - _h hydraulic perimeter - s through cross section - N power of channel - q heat flux - G weight flow rate - W velocity - coefficient of heat transfer - t, T temperatures - t temperature difference - i enthalpy - P pressure - P pressure drop - x weight vapor content - volumetric vapor content - C_p heat capacity - r heat of vaporization - coefficient of thermal conductivity - coefficient of surface tension - liquid density - vapor density - g acceleration of gravity - _o coefficient of friction of liquid against the channel wall - shear stress - density of two-phase medium averaged over a channel cross section - dynamic viscosity Indices s on saturation line - en at channel entrance - l liquid - v vapor - w wall Translated from Inzhenerno-Fizicheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 37, No. 5, pp. 784–792, November, 1979.     

Nucleate boiling

The study deals with the effect of the surface conditions on the nucleate boiling curve. A relation is proposed which describes the complete nucleate boiling curve.Notation q thermal flux - q* thermal flux at which the liquid boils after one-phase convection - q_c thermal flux during one-phase convection - q_cr1, q_cr2 first and the second critical thermal flux - T saturation temperature - T superheat of the heating surface relative to the saturation temperature - T* superheat prior to boiling of the liquid after one-phase convection - T_cr1 superheat during the first boiling crisis - T_cr3min minimum superheat at which the third boiling crisis can occur - P pressure - P_cr critical pressure - heat transfer coefficient during nucleate boiling - R_cr radius of a critical vapor forming nucleus - coefficient of surface tension - r latent heat of evaporation - thermal conductivity of the liquid - kinematic viscosity of the liquid - , densities of the liquid and the vapor - g gravitational constant - k Boltzmann constant - N Avogadro number - h Planck's constant Translated from Inzhenerno-Fizicheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 40, No. 3, pp. 394–401, March, 1981.     

Influence of various divalent impurities on dislocation density in KCl:Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+ or Ba2+ single crystals

Single crystals of nominally pure KCl and KCl doped with Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺ or Ba²⁺ were deformed by compression at 77–254 K; during the tests strain-rate cycling was conducted in association with ultrasonic oscillation. The data were analyzed in terms of strain-rate sensitivity ((/ln)) versus stress decrement (). The curve for KCl doped with the divalent impurities has two bending points and two plateau regions. It is proposed that the variation of strain-rate sensitivity at the second plateau place on the curve with shear strain ((/ln)/) is due to a change in forest dislocation density with shear strain. The forest dislocation density for the specimens seemed to increase by the divalent additions in the compression test on account of the jogs on the screw dislocations. It depended on the concentration of impurities and also on the size of impurity in the specimens at a given temperature. Unfortunately, it was not possible to determine whether a change in the size of impurity influences mobile dislocation density, , from the values of / for KCl doped with Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺ or Ba²⁺.     

The critical curve in an antiferromagnetic superconductor with nonmagnetic impurities

The critical curve of a transition of the second kind in an antiferromagnetic superconductor (AFS) with nonmagnetic impurities has been studied. The AFS is described by using the mean-field model given by Nass, Levin, and Grest and assuming a one-dimensional electron band. We find that the points on the critical curve satisfy the thermodynamic stability condition for 0₁/₀5.04 and 0.49H_Q/₀1.64.Here ₁ is the inverse lifetime of a conduction electron for nonmagnetic impurity scattering,H _Q is the antiferromagnetic molecular field, ₀ is the zero-temperature order parameter of a superconductor in the absence ofH _Q and impurities. Further, ₁ and H_Q denote the values of these quantities for points on the critical curve. For ₁/₀>5.04 and H_Q/₀>1.64, the phase transition from the superconducting to the normal state is always of the second kind. Some thermal properties of the system near the critical curve have also been investigated and we find that these depends dramatically on the impurity concentration.