The athermal α → ω transformation in Zr-2 at% Nb alloy

The athermal transformation in Zr-2 at.% Nb alloy has been investigated by transmission electron microscopy. Analysis of the selected-area diffraction pattern has shown that the orientation relationships between the omega and the parent-phase in quenched Zr-2 at.% Nb alloy are the same as have been previously observed for the reaction in pure zirconium. Thus it was deduced that the direct transition has taken place in the alloy during cooling. The-originated -particles were visualized using the dark-field technique. The formation of the athermal omega in the-region of-stabilized Zr-Nb alloy is discussed in terms of the relative positions of the free energy equilibrium curvesT ₀ ,T ₀ ,T ₀ and the correspondingM _s ,M _s andT _s start curves. It is concluded that the omega phase can occur over a much wider range of alloy compositions than is usually recognized on the basis of transformation data.     

The dielectric behaviour of single-crystal MgO,Fe/MgO and Cr/MgO

The dielectric constants and loss factors,, for pure single-crystal MgO and for Fe-and Cr-doped crystals have been measured at frequencies, , from 500 Hz to 500 kHz at room temperature. For pure MgO at 1 kHz the values of and the loss tangent, tan , (9.62 and 2.16×10^–3, respectively) agree well with the data of Von Hippel; the conductivity, , varies as ⁿ withn=0.98±0.02. In Fe-doped crystals increases with Fe-concentration (at any given frequency); for a crystal doped with 12800 ppm Fe, was about four times the value for pure MgO. At all concentrations the variation of log with log was linear andn=0.98±0.02. A decrease in with increasing Fe-concentration was also observed. A similar, although less pronounced, behaviour was found in Cr-doped crystals. The effects are discussed in terms of hopping mechanisms.     

Analytical Theory of DC SQUIDS Operating in the Presence of Thermal Fluctuations

A comprehensive analytical theory of symmetric DC SQUIDs is presented taking into account the effects of thermal fluctuations. The SQUID has a reduced inductance < 1/ where = 2LI_c/₀, L is the loop inductance, ₀ is the flux quantum, and I_c is the critical current of the identical Josephson junctions which are assumed to be overdamped. The analysis, based on the two dimensional Fokker–Planck equation, has been successfully performed in first order approximation with considered a small parameter. All important SQUID characteristics (circulating current, current-voltage curves, transfer function, and energy sensitivity) are obtained. In the limit 1( = 2k_BT/I_c0 is the noise parameter, k_B is the Boltzmann constant, and T is the absolute temperature) the theory reproduces the results of numerical simulations performed for the case of small thermal fluctuations. It was found that for < 1 the SQUID energy sensitivity is optimum when is higher than 1/, i.e., outside the range for which the present analysis is valid. However, for 1 the energy sensitivity has a minimum at L = L_F , where L_F = ( ₀ /2) ²/k_B , and therefore, in this case, the optimal reduced DC SQUID inductance is _opt = 1/, i.e., within the range for which the present analysis is valid. In contrast to the case of an RF SQUID, for a DC SQUID the transfer function decreases not only with increasing L/L_F but also with increasing (as 1/). As a consequence, the energy sensitivity of a DC SQUID with < 1/ degrades more rapidly (as ⁴ ) with the increase of than that of an RF SQUID does (as ² ).     

Interaction between a dislocation and an impurity in KCl: Mg2+ single crystals

The interaction between a dislocation and the impurity in KCl: Mg²⁺ (0.035 mol% in the melt) was investigated at 77–178 K with respect to the two models: one is the Fleischer's model and the other the Fleischer's model taking account of the Friedel relation. The latter is termed the F-F. The dependence of strain-rate sensitivity due to the impurities on temperature for the specimen was appropriate to the Fleischer's model than the F-F. Furthermore, the activation enthalpy, H, for the Fleischer's model appeared to be nearly proportional to the temperature in comparison with the F-F. The Friedel relation between effective stress and average length of the dislocation segments is exact for most weak obstacles to dislocation motion. However, above-mentioned results mean that the Friedel relation is not suitable for the interaction between a dislocation and the impurity in the specimen. Then, the value of H(T _c) at the Fleischer's model was found to be 0.61 eV. H(T _c) corresponds to the activation enthalpy for overcoming of the strain field around the impurity by a dislocation at 0 K. In addition, the Gibbs free energy, G ₀, concerning the dislocation motion was determined to be between 0.42 and 0.48 eV on the basis of the following equation ln / = G ₀/(kT_p0)1 – (T/T _c)^{1/2 –1}(T/T _c)^1/2 + ln ₀/where k is the Boltzmann's constant, T the temperature, T _c the critical temperature at which the effective stress due to the impurities is zero, _p0 the effective shear stress without thermal activation, and ₀ the frequency factor.     

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.     

Ageing characteristics of cast Zn-Al based alloy (ZnAl7Cu3)

Microstructure and ageing characteristics of a cast Zn-Al based alloy (ZnAl7Cu3) were studied using X-ray diffraction, electron scanning microscopy and back-scattered diffraction techniques. Two stages of phase transformation, i.e., decomposition of zinc rich phase and four phase transformation, + T + , were detected during ageing at 150°C. Electron back-scattered diffraction technique was applied in distinguishing both zinc rich and phases.     

The variation of the index of refraction in a vortex tube

Three models of a vortex tube (isentropic, isothermal, and isochoric) are considered as optical inhomogeneities. Expressions relating the index of refraction to the coordinate are obtained. The possibility of obtaining Schlieren pictures of such flows is discussed.Notation a speed of sound - n index of refraction - p pressure - r radius - T absolute temperature - v linear velocity - angular deflection of the beam - x adiabatic exponent - density - angular velocity - ¯v, ¯p etc. dimensionless parameters - v₀, ₀ values at the core bounboundary - p, etc. stagnation values - n_c index of refraction at center of vortex     

Preparation of superconducting Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O ceramics by the sol-gel method

Superconducting Bi-(Pb)-Sr-Ca-Cu-O ceramics were prepared through the sol-gel method using an aqueous solution of metal acetates containing acetic acid and tartaric acid. The conditions of gelation and conversion of gel to Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O_x phase were studied by thermal analysis, infrared absorption spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction technique. It was found that transparent gels were obtained from the solutions containing tartaric acid, with a molar ratio of C₄H₆O₆/Cu of about 0.4. The gel matrix was assumed to be composed of carboxylate anions and metal cations. A gel of molar composition BiSrCaCu = 2223 was decomposed to CaCO₃, CaO, CuO and Bi_1-x Sr_xO_y (x = 0.2 to 0.3) at low temperatures of 270 to 600 ° C and produced Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O_x phase at 800 ° C via complex intermediate states. A rapid cooling of the heated product increasedT _c (end) in the gel of molar composition BiSrCaCu = 2223, while a slow cooling increasedT _c (end) in the lead-containing gel of molar composition BiPbSrCaCu = 1.850.351.92.03.1. The latter showedT _c (onset) at 115 K andT _c (end) at 105K.     

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.     

Bounding the Trellis State Complexity of Algebraic Geometric Codes

Let be an algebraic geometric code of dimension k and length n constructed on a curve over F_q. Let be the state complexity of and the Wolf upper bound on . We introduce a numerical function R that depends on the gonality sequence of and show that where g is the genus of . As a matter of fact, R(2g–2)g–(₂–2) with ₂ being the gonality of over F_q, and thus in particular we have that The authors were partially supported respectively by the Grants VA02002 (Junta de Castilla y León), Proc. 300681/97-6 (CNPq-Brazil) and SB2000-0225 (Secretaria de Estado de Educación y Universidades del Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deportes de España)     

Some electrical characteristics of lithium and yttrium sialons

Some electrical properties of hot-pressed lithium sialons, Li _x/8Si_6–3x/4Al_5x/8O _x N_8–x havingx<5 and an yttrium sialon were measured between 291 and 775 K; the former consisted essentially of a single crystalline phase whereas the latter contained 98% glassy phase. For lithium sialons, the charging and discharging current followed al(t) t ^–nlaw withn=0.8 at room temperature. The d.c. conductivities were about 10^–13 ohm^–1 cm^–1 at 291 K and rose to 5×10^–7 ohm^–1 cm^–1 at 775 K. At high temperatures electrode polarization effects were observed in d.c. measurements. The variation of the conductivity over the frequency range 200 Hz to 9.3 GHz followed the () ⁿ law. The data also fitted the Universal dielectric law,() ^n–1 well, and approximately fitted the Kramers-Kronig relation()/()– =cot (n/2) withn decreasing from 0.95 at 291 K to 0.4 at 775 K. The temperature variations of conductivities did not fit linearly in Arrhenius plots. Very similar behaviour was observed for yttrium sialon except that no electrode polarization was observed. The results have been compared with those obtained previously for pure sialon; the most striking feature revealed being that _d.c. for lithium sialon can be at least 10³ times higher than that of pure sialon. Interpretation of the data in terms of hopping conduction suggests that very similar processes are involved in all three classes of sialon.     

The effect of temperature on the transition from crazing to shear deformation in crosslinked polystyrene

Thin films (0.7m thick) of polystyrene (PS) are bonded to copper grids and crosslinked by exposure to electron irradiation. By controlling the exposure time it is possible to produce samples of PS having a range of network strand densities (entangled and crosslinked). After physical ageing at 75° C for 10 to 12 h the PS films are then strained in tension at various temperatures. Transmission electron microscopy is used to characterize the ensuing deformation as well as measure the local extension ratio in either a craze or a deformation zone. A transition from crazing to shear deformation is observed to occur with increasing values of . At a slow strain rate of 4.1×10^–6 sec^–1 and a temperature of 23° C this transition in the aged PS occurs at (10 to 14)×10²⁵ strands m^–3, whereas at the same strain rate and 90° C the transition occurs at (5.8 to 8)×10²⁵ strands m^–3. The transition from crazing to shear deformation with increasing v may be rationalized by considering the extra energy required to break more main-chain polymer bonds to form the craze fibril surfaces in the high- networks. As the temperature is increased the yield stress _y (which is assumed to be independent of ) decreases almost linearly to zero as T _g is approached. On the other hand the crazing stress may be approximated by S _c [ _y(T) ^1/2]^1/2. Thus at higher temperatures the transition from crazing to shear deformation is expected to occur at lower values of as observed.     

Low endurance fatigue in metals and polymers

The fatigue behaviour of commercially pure aluminium and of nylon under sequentially varying strain amplitudes is compared with a damage law of the type suggested by Miner. Aluminium obeys such a law for both cyclic and uniaxial prestrains but the behaviour of nylon is significantly affected by microcracking, which produces a marked effect of loading sequence.Appendix N Number of strain cycles at a given time - N _f Value of N at failure - True tensile stress - True stress range for a strain cycled specimen - _h Value of at half the life of the specimen - True tensile strain - Total true strain range - _p True plastic strain range (= the breadth of the hysteresis loop at = 0) - _d True diametral strain range - E Young's modulus - Linear strain hardening rate when tested at a particular value of _p - D Damage due to cycling - D _p Damage due to prestrain - _p Prestrain. C, K, K₁, , are constants     

Dynamic mechanical properties of hydrogenated nitrile rubber: effect of cross-link density,curing system,filler and resin

The effect of cross-link density, curing system, filler and resin on dynamic mechanical properties of hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) is reported. The storage modulus,G, increases and the loss angle, tan , decreases in the plateau zone with cross-link density. At equal cross-link density, the tan peak value at the transition zone of sulphur cured system, is less than that of peroxide cured system. Tan decreases from 90 to 180 °C and increases beyond 180 °C due to post vulcanization reaction and sulphidic linkage cleavage, respectively. The ZSC 2295 resin increasesG and decreases tan , and is found to be compatible with HNBR. The plateau modulus,G, increases with carbon black loading. The tan is lower for high structure carbon black in the transition zone and higher in the plateau zone when the surface area is high.     

Microstructural and dimensional stabilities of a potential γ/γ′-α(Mo) directionally solidified eutectic superalloy under cyclic thermal exposure to 1000° C

A potential heat-resistant ductile eutectic composite,/-, in the Ni-Al-Mo ternary system has been thermally cycled in the temperature range 200 to 1000° C for up to 1000 cycles in an attempt to examine dimensional as well as microstructural stability of the composite under thermal fatigue conditions. The composite examined has two types of initial microstructure; in one, blocky -Ni₃Al encircles individual-Mo fibres (as-grown condition) whereas in the other, is in the form of fine cuboidal particles uniformly distributed in an Ni-rich fcc matrix (heat-treated condition). Dilatometric measurements upon temperature cycling show that the composite is stable against thermal ratchetting irrespective of initial microstructural conditions. However, the cycling induces microstructural change, which is characterized by segmentation of-Mo fibres or formation of a detrimental brittle phase identified as an intermetallic-NiMo that consumes-Mo fibres whether the fibres are encircled by or not. Post-cycling tensile tests at room temperature show that the fibre damage in the former has no fatal effect on tensile strength and ductility. A beneficial effect of the-encircling configuration is discussed on the basis of the recognition of a peritecto-eutectoid reaction:++ that has been disregarded.     

Transport property and battery discharge characteristic studies on 1−x(0.75Agl∶0.25AgCl)∶ xAl2O3 composite electrolyte system

Various experimental studies on a new fast Ag⁺ ion-conducting composite electrolyte system: (1–x) (0.75Agl0.25AgCl)xAl₂O₃ are reported. Undried Al₂O₃ particles of size <10 m were used. The conventional matrix material Agl has been replaced by a new mixed 0.75Agl0.25AgCl quenched and/or annealed host compound. Conductivity enhancements 10 from the annealed host and 3 times from the quenched host obtained for the composition 0.7(0.75Agl0.25AgCl)0.3Al₂O₃, can be explained on the basis of the space charge interface mechanism. Direct measurements of ionic mobility as function of temperature together with the conductivity were carried out for the best composition. Subsequently, the mobile ion concentration n values were calculated from and a data. The value of heat of ion transport q* obtained from the plot of thermoelectric power versus 1/T supports Rice and Roth's free ion theory for superionic conductors. Using the best composition as an electrolyte various solid state batteries were fabricated and studied at room temperature with different cathode preparations and load conditions.     

Solid state phase transformation of BaB2O4 during the isothermal annealing process

Solid-state phase transformation of BaB₂O₄ during the isothermal annealing process for both to and to were investigated using a platinum crucible. For the -phase crystal at the -phase stable temperature (> 925 °C), the phase transforms to the phase perfectly below the melting temperature of 1100 °C. Meanwhile, for the -phase crystal at the -phase stable temperature (< 925 °C), the phase transforms to the phase perfectly above 800 °C. There is some difference in phase transformation behaviour between bulk-shape crystals and the powder, caused by thermal stress.     

The martensitic transformation in cold-worked Fe-Mn alloys studied by Mössbauer spectroscopy

The effect of cold-working on 16, 23 and 30 at% Mn iron-manganese alloys (C<0.05 at%) has been examined using Mössbauer spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry. The induced martensitic transformation , depends on the composition and on the initial structure. It is found that the transformation in presence of the phase occurs only at high deformations.     

The interdependence between the incidence angles associated with quasi-stable intersections during ion erosion

A general discussion, which is valid for any angular dependence of sputtering yieldS=S(), concerning the interdependence between the incidence angles _e and ₀, associated with quasi-stable intersections during ion erosion, is given. The object was firstly to establish the location of _e roots as a function of ₀ and secondly to identify the stationary points and general trend for the complex dependence _e= _e( ₀). The results obtained are applied to a quasi-stability analysis of some specific surface features during ion erosion. Various possible types of quasi-stable intersections (surface-surface, plane-surface, plane-plane) are reviewed from the point of view of their evolution caused by ion bombardment.     

Specific heat near the lambda point in 4He and 3He-4He mixtures: Test of universality of the critical exponent and the amplitude ratio,and observation of the critical-tricritical crossover effect

The specific heat under saturated vapor pressure of pure ⁴He and of six ³He-⁴He mixtures up to X = 0.545 was measured in the temperature range 3 × 10^–6 <¦T-T ¦ <10^–2 K. The critical exponents and along the path = are independent of X up to X = 0.545, where (= ₃ – ₄) is the difference between chemical potentials. If we take account of higher order terms, the exponent (= ) and the amplitude ratio A /A are independent of X up to X = 0.545. The values of and A /A are –0.023 and 1.090, respectively. The critical-tricritical crossover effect was observed for X = 0.545 and the boundary of crossover region closest to the critical region was at /T = (1–2) × 10^–4, where is the distance ¦T – T ¦ along the path = . This value is in good agreement with the estimated value by Riedel et al. But, remarkably, in the case of X = 0.439 this effect was not observed.