Formation of the Neurotoxin TMPP from TMPE-Phosphate Formulations

Gas phase formation potential of the deadly neurotoxin trimethylolpropane phosphate (TMPP) from reaction in lubricant formulations containing trimethylolpropane ester (TMPE) basestock and tricresyl phosphate (TCP) additive is investigated and found to occur at temperatures of 250°-750°C. The initial formation in the gas phase is found to occur 100°C lower than previously reported. A potential substitute for TCP, T-butylphenyl phosphate (t-BPP), is also found to participate in the formation reaction at nearly the same rate as TCP, producing similar amounts of TMPP. A maximum 15 % theoretical yield of TMPP in air is observed at 550°C, while a maximum 42% yield is observed at 650°C in helium, with two-second exposures of 2 wt% phosphate additive formulations. The reaction is found to be weakly dependent on temperature, with Arrhenius activation energy estimated to be in the 20–40 kj/mol range. Minimization or replacement of TMPE or inhibition of the TMPP formation reaction, rather than restriction of phosphate additives, in synthetic ester lubricant formulations is recommended to reduce or eliminate potential TMPP formation.     

PHASE DIFFERENCE CORRECTION METHOD FOR PHASE AND FREQUENCY IN SPECTRAL ANALYSIS

A new method, phase difference corrections method is developed to correct the frequency and phase of spectrum peak. The continuous time-domain signal is separated into two segments and fast Fourier translation (FFT) is carried out for them, respectively. The frequency and phase are corrected using the phase difference of corresponding discrete spectral lines. Furthermore, the amplitude can also be rectified using the formula of window function spectrum. This method, with good adaptability, high speed and accuracy, is theoretically simple. It can resolve the frequency by means of phase difference directly without the formula of window function. Simulation shows that the single-component frequency, phase and amplitude of theoretical signal can be corrected satisfactorily, with frequency error less than 0.0002 frequency resolution, phase 0.1° and amplitude 0.0002. If the signal involves noise, the mean corrected errors are less than 0.001 frequency resolution, 1° for phase, and 0.01 for amplitude, respectively, and the maximum corrected errors of one segment are less than 0.01 frequency resolution, 1° and 0.03, respectively.     

Design and construction of a new temperature-controlled chamber for light and confocal microscopy under monitored conditions: biological application for plant samples

A new light microscope–temperature‐controlled chamber (LM–TCC) has been constructed. The special feature of the light microscope–temperature‐controlled chamber is the Peltier‐element temperature control of a specimen holder for biological samples, with a volume capacity of 1 mL. This system has marked advantages when compared to other approaches for temperature‐controlled microscopy. It works in a temperature range of −10°C to +95°C with an accuracy of ±0.1°C in the stationary phase. The light microscope–temperature‐controlled chamber allows rapid temperature shift rates. A maximum heating rate of 12.9°C min⁻¹ and a maximum cooling rate of 6.0°C min⁻¹ are achieved with minimized overshoots (≤1.9°C). This machinery operates at low cost and external coolants are not required. Especially with samples absorbing irradiation strongly, temperature control during microscopy is necessary to avoid overheating of samples. For example, leaf segments of Ficaria verna exposed to 4500 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹ in a standard microscopic preparation show a temperature increase (δT) of 18.0°C, whereas in the light microscope–temperature‐controlled chamber this is reduced to 4°C. The kinetics of microscope‐light induced δT are described and infrared thermography demonstrates the dissipation of the temperature. Chloroplasts of the cold adapted plant Ranunculus glacialis show the tendency to form stroma‐filled protrusions in relation to the exposure temperature. The relative number of chloroplasts with protrusions is reduced at 5°C when compared to 25°C. This effect is reversible. The new light microscope–temperature‐controlled chamber will be useful in a wide range of biological applications where a rapid change of temperature during microscopic observations is necessary or has to be avoided allowing a simulation of ecologically relevant temperature scenarios.     

On the accuracy of microinterferometric measurements of optical-path differences by means of the half-shade method

Using a shearing double-refracting interference microscope with a half-shade eyepiece, the accuracy of optical-path-difference measurements has been examined. For the half-shade elements, birefringent strips with phase difference equal to 180°, 110° and 20° as well as a half-wave plate with a narrow slit, cemented between two glass plates, were used. It is known that different relative intensities of the background inside and outside the half-shade strip introduce a subjective error in the correct visual assessment of the matching point of the interference image of the object under examination. Applying test objects made of thin strips of dielectric evaporated in vacuum onto glass slides, it has been demonstrated that this error depends upon the optical-path difference and image size of the object being measured, as well as upon the half-shade phase difference. For a small half-shade phase difference the error is practically imperceptible and for the half-shade strip giving half-wave retardation it attains maximum values. In the case of homogeneous objects, the images of which are as large as 1.5–2° in the field of view of the microscope, this error does not usually produce inaccuracies greater than ± λ/100 in optical-path-difference measurements. Using the half-shade strip with a diaphragm which masks the misleading background and enables an observer to see the matched image areas only, the optical-path difference can be measured with accuracy ± 0.003λ or better.     

Effect of bulk heat treatment and plasma surface hardening on the microstructure and erosion wear resistance of complex-alloyed cast irons with spheroidal vanadium carbides

The results of an investigation of the effect of bulk quenching from temperature in the range of 760–1050°C, cryogenic treatment (–196°C) and surface plasma hardening on the abrasive-erosion wear of frugally alloyed V–Cr–Mn–Ni cast irons with spheroidal vanadium carbides have been presented in this article. It has been found that cast irons containing 5.0–7.5% V, 4.5–9.0% Cr, and 5.5–5.7% (total) of Mn and Ni after heat treatment have a 2–3-fold advantage in wear resistance compared to the prototype high-vanadium cast iron (11.9% V, 12.9% Mn). The maximum wear resistance of cast irons studied is achieved by quenching at 760°C followed by plasma surface hardening, as well as quenching at 840°C, followed by cryogenic treatment. These treatments result in the formation of an optimum microstructure that consists of spheroidal vanadium carbides, eutectic carbides M₇C₃, and a martensite-austenite matrix reinforced by secondary carbides. The increase in quenching temperature leads to an increase in the amount of residual austenite and decrease in the erosive wear resistance of cast irons.     

New materials resistant to wear and corrosion to 1000°C

An unusual combination of wear and corrosion resistance has been developed in cobalt and nickel base alloys known as Tribaloy⁷ intermetallic materials. These two-phase alloys depend on the unique properties of a Laves intermetallic phase to resist wear under poor or unlubricated conditions from cryogenic temperatures to about 1000°C. The constituent elements are partitioned so that both the Laves intermetallic and the solid solution phases have generally good resistance to corrosion also. At higher chromium content the corrosion resistance is excellent in most environments.Parts can be fabricated by powder metallurgy, plasma spray coating, casting or hardfacing. Several wear tests are used to demonstrate the qualities of Tribaloy. Wear resistance was excellent at 25°, 315°, 650° and 980°C in air. Another wear test compares several Tribaloy compositions with other commercial, corrosion resistant alloys in 5% hydrochloric acid. Some examples of applications are described.     

The characteristics of intermetallic compounds and hardness of Ni-Cr/AC8A composites under different infiltration temperatures

With the rapid development of aerospace and automobile industries, there is an increasing need for structural materials with excellent mechanical properties such as can be used at high temperatures. Aluminum matrix composite have attracted much attention because of its excellent performance, particularly the existence of the high temperature resistance inter-metallic compounds. Aluminum-based composites with inter-metallic compounds have been studied recently. In this study, Ni-Cr porous preform is reinforcement when Al-alloy (AC8A) is base metal and Ni-Cr/AC8A composites were manufactured under low pressure infiltration limited to the maximum of 0.5 Mpa at 700°C, 750°C, 800°C and 850°C, respectively. The microstructure and phase composition of the composites were evaluated by optical microscope, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electro-probe micro analyzer (EPMA), intermetallic compounds Al₃Ni and CrSi were found as newly formed phases in the composites. In addition, Vickers hardness of Ni-Cr composites was also tested.     

Experiment research on grind-hardening of AISI5140 steel based on thermal compensation

The grind-hardening process utilizes the heat generated to induce martensitic phase transformation. However, the maximum achievable harden layer depth is limited due to high grinding forces, and the tensile residual stress appears on the ground surface in the grind-hardening process. This paper proposes a new grind-hardening technology using thermal compensation. The workpiece of AISI5140 steel is preheated by electric resistance heating, and ground under the condition of the workpiece temperature 25°C, 120°C, 180°C and 240°C. The grinding force, harden layer depth and surface quality including residual stress on ground surface, surface roughness and micro-hardness are investigated. The experimental results show that a deep harden layer with a fine grain martensite can be obtained with the thermal compensation. The ground workpiece surface produces a certain compressive residual stress, and the residual compressive stress value increases with preheating temperature. As the preheating temperature increases, grinding force slightly decreases, while there is slightly increment of surface roughness. Compared with the conventional grind-hardening process, both the harden layer depth and residual stress distribution are significantly improved.

     

基于遗传算法的三相四芯电缆相电流重构方法

目前多芯电缆电流重构方法受限于电缆规格或传感器阵列与线芯需按特定规则摆放导致其在实际工程应用中较为困 难。 本文提出基于遗传算法进行三相四芯电力电缆线芯分布相关量的求解,进而得到任意线芯分布半径、任意线芯与传感器阵 列角度时磁传感器阵列各单元的输出量与各线芯电流之间的耦合系数矩阵的方法,用于重构四芯电缆中各线芯电流。 通过仿 真验证了算法的可行性。 为了能有效降低由于干扰等因素造成的误差,提出了一种先验求解模型以提高解的质量。 随后进行 了传感单元阵列电路拓扑的设计,使用设计的原型在搭建的实验平台进行了测试,实验结果表明,在三相平衡情况下,测量的三 相电流最大误差为 2. 42% ,最大相位误差为 2. 77°,在三相不平衡情况下,测量的三相电流最大误差为 2. 52% ,最大相位误差为 4. 17°。 实验结果验证了方法的可行性与有效性。     

Evaluation of mechanical characteristics of the plate-type polymer hyperfine pit pattern by the nanoindentation process

It’s important to measure quantitative properties about the thermal-nano behavior of polymers in order to produce high quality components using the nanoimprint lithography process. Nanoscale indentation can be used to make the cells for molecular electronics, drug delivery, slots for integration into nanodevices and defects for tailoring both the structure and properties. In this study, the formability of polymethylmetacrylate (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC) were characterized. Thermo-mechanical properties during formation at a high temperature. Polymers become softer at elevated temperature due to heating. In this case it is particularly important to study the high temperature-induced mechanical properties of the polymer. Nanoindentation was used to measure the thermo-mechanical properties of both PMMA and PC. The polymer was heated with the heating stage on a NanoXP. For a CSM (Continuous Stiffness Method) mode test, the heating temperature was 110°C, 120°C, 130°C, 140°C and 150°C for the PMMA, and 140°C, 150°C, 160°C, 170°C and 180°C for the PC. The maximum indentation depth for this test was 2000 nm. For the basic mode test, the heating temperature was 90°C and 110°C for the PMMA, and 140°C and 160°C for the PC. The maximum loads for this test were 10 mN, 20 mN and 40 mN. An indented pattern was also observed by using AFM. The pile-up phenomenon was mitigated due to the indentation at elevated temperature but the sink-in phenomenon occurred in this instance. When patterning at a high temperature, one should consider the variation in the indentation profile and depth after unloading when designing a structure. It was thought that the mechanical properties decrease when the working temperature increases because PMMA and PC are thermoplastics which soften or melt by heating. Further research in this area is required about the molecular weight and molecular movement at elevated temperature when the free volume of molecules increases.     

A Fiber-Optic Microbending Temperature Sensor

A fiber-optic amplitude sensor based on the effect of microbending-caused upsetting of total internal reflection and intended for temperature monitoring is described. A measuring-system prototype was developed for investigating the sensor characteristics. The measured sensor characteristics show that a sensor with alcohol as the working fluid has a maximum sensitivity of 1.9 × 10^?2°C^?1. The range of linear variation of its normalized optical output signal was 0.829. The temperature range was 42.5°C, the maximum temperature being 74.5°C. It is shown that several sensors of this type can be integrated in fiber-optic lines to be used in distributed fiber-optic measuring networks.     

非零迎流角半球缺群无阀泵流场及流量特性

理论研究了以半球缺群作为无移动部件阀的无阀压电泵的液体输送和混合搅拌功能,针对半球缺群迎流角的变化对该压电泵的泵送性能及混合搅拌效果的影响进行了仿真分析与试验验证。围绕迎流角θ在0°≤θ≤90°的变化,建立多组有限元模型,模拟了半球缺群迎流角变化引起的速度场、压强差、阻力系数及仿真流量的变化规律,并进行了试验验证。结果表明,0°≤θ≤45°时,仿真流量随θ的增加而增加;45°θ≤90°时,仿真流量随θ的增加而减小;θ≈45°时取得最大流量96.13mL/min。此外,研究显示旋涡的大小及强度具有与仿真流量相同的变化趋势。泵流量试验验证了仿真研究及其结果的正确性:在θ≈45°时,试验流量达到67.90mL/min;0°θ≤360°时,试验流量与仿真流量的变化趋势一致,并且θ在一个周期的变化中泵流量及旋涡强度出现2次正向最大值和2次反向最大值。本研究为优化无阀压电泵的泵送性能和混合功能奠定了基础。     

Comparative tribological study of air plasma sprayed WC–12%Co coating versus conventional hard chromium electrodeposit

In this work, the properties of air plasma sprayed WC–12%Co coating before and after heat treatment were compared with the properties of the hard chromium electrodeposit. WC–12%Co coatings were heat treated at 650, 900 and 1150 °C for 1 h in an argon atmosphere. XRD patterns confirmed the formation of an amorphous phase in the as-sprayed coating. This amorphous phase gradually transformed to η-carbides in the course of heat treatment of the coating. This transformation was confirmed by the XRD analysis of the coatings heat treated above 900 °C. Pin-on-disc wear test results showed that WC–12%Co coatings had a significantly better tribological performance as compared with that of the hard chromium electrodeposits. The results also indicated that heat treatment of the WC–12%Co coatings at 900 °C gave the highest wear resistance among the coatings, which was due to the formation of hard η-carbides at this temperature.     

Performance of ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) with different surface roughening methods

Based on permeation and double chemical reduction technology, this paper researches the manufacture of Pt-ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs) and the effect of three types of surface roughening methods on the manufacture and performance of IPMC. The roughening methods include manual polishing, sanding machine polishing, and plasma surface treatment. The appearance and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) features, electro-active deformation and surface resistance characteristics of these IPMC specimens were obtained and compared through specimen tests. The results of the tests indicate that surface roughening technology obviously influences the performance of IPMC. The uniformity and compactness of the metal deposited on the surface and inside the Nafion film are improved by improving surface roughening uniformity. However, the electro-active deformation capability and surface resistance of the specimens decrease at the same time. There is an approximate linear increase relationship between the driving voltage and the bending deformation of the IPMC specimen within a certain voltage range. Under the same specimen dimension, constraints, and driving voltage (3 V), the maximum electro-active bending deformation angles of the specimens are about 60°, 45°, and 15° for manual polishing, sanding machine roughening, and plasma treatment, respectively.     

Time-gated total internal reflection fluorescence spectroscopy (TG-TIRFS): application to the membrane marker laurdan

A novel setup for total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy with spectral and temporal (nanosecond) resolution was used to measure the emission spectra of the membrane marker laurdan either selectively within the plasma membrane or in whole living cells, depending on the incident angle of the excitation light. With increasing temperature, the intensity of the fluorescence band around 490 nm increased in comparison with the band around 440 nm, which has previously been assigned to a phase transition of membrane lipids from gel to liquid crystalline phase. For a better separation of the overlapping spectral bands, time‐gated detection with a delay of 10–15 ns with respect to the exciting laser pulse was used. As a parameter of membrane dynamics the so‐called generalized polarization GP = (I₄₄₀ ? I₄₉₀)/(I₄₄₀ + I₄₉₀) was evaluated at temperatures between 24 and 41 °C and variable angles of the incident light permitting to excite laurdan molecules either within the plasma membrane or in the whole cell. A decrease of the GP values by ≈ 0.2 units between 28 and 41 °C indicated an increase in membrane fluidity or a decrease in membrane stiffness with increasing temperature. In addition, higher GP values were observed for the plasma membrane as compared with intracellular membranes, probably due to a higher amount of cholesterol. Because properties of the plasma membrane have a large influence on the uptake or release of certain pharmaceutical agents or metabolites, the direct assessment of the dynamics of the plasma membrane by total internal reflection fluorescence spectroscopy appears to be important for pharmacology.     

Eutectic bonding of austenitic stainless steel 316L to magnesium alloy AZ31 using copper interlayer

The eutectic bonding of magnesium alloy (AZ31) to austenitic stainless steel alloy (316L) was performed using pure Cu interlayers. The effect of hold time on the microstructural developments across the joint region and the related effect on bond shear strength were studied at a bonding temperature of 530°C. The bonding process took place through a sequential occurrence of solid-state diffusion of Cu into the magnesium alloy, eutectic phase formation, interlayer dissolution, and isothermal solidification. A (Mg–Cu–Al) ternary intermetallic phase formed within the joint and concentrated into the center of the bond during the solidification stage increasing the hardness value to a maximum average of VHN313 while the maximum recorded bond shear strength was 57 MPa achieving 69% of the AZ31 shear strength and about three to four times of the adhesive joints.     

Pulse current auxiliary TLP diffusion bonding of SiCp/2024Al composite sheet using mixed Al–Cu–Ti powder interlayer

Pulse current auxiliary transient liquid-phase (TLP) diffusion bonding of SiCp/2024Al composite sheet was investigated at 580 °C using mixed Al–Cu–Ti powder interlayer. The optimal process parameters were applied as follows: pulse current density of 1.15?×?10² A/mm², pressure of 0.5 MPa, vacuum of 1.3 ×?10^?3 Pa, and bonding time from 15 to 60 min. The bonding quality is evaluated by microstructure characterization and mechanical properties of the joints. The mechanism of pulse current auxiliary TLP diffusion bonding process is analyzed. The results indicated that the dense joints without cavity consisted of the Al-based solid solution, pure Ti, Al₂Cu, and TiAl₃ intermetallic phase. Microhardness of joints was obviously higher than Cu diffusion zone and substrate materials zone. The shear strength of the joints monotonically increased with bonding time. The maximum value exceeded 154.1 MPa in bonding time of 60 min. Pulse current generated Joule heat, high-temperature spark plasma, and electromigration, which guarantee the feasibility of bonding process and high-quality joint.     

Anomalous behaviour of high velocity oblique liquid impact

It is generally believed that erosion caused by impact with liquid drops has a maximum for normal impact. However, although this is true for many situations this paper shows that there are important exceptions, particularly where high velocity impacts are involved. Single impact studies in the velocity range 250–1200 m s^?1 were made. Three examples which show anomalous behaviour are discussed, namely polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) where mass loss is a maximum at about 15° to the normal, a glass fibre laminate where there is a greater amount of penetration and strength loss at about 20° and a coated laminate where maximum coating loss occurs at 25°. All these phenomena took place only when critical velocities were exceeded. The results demonstrate the problems of extrapolating low velocity data into those higher velocity regimes which are becoming of increasing practical importance.     

光电轴角编码器光电信号正交性偏差的相量校正方法

高精度光电轴角编码器中的细分是误差的主要来源,而细分误差中莫尔条纹光电信号的正交性偏差影响最大。采用相量校正方法对正交性偏差进行校正,实现电路简单,校正效果十分明显。以正弦信号为基准信号,而将余弦信号分解为0°和90°两个正交分量,0°分量就是产生正交性误差的原因,通过补偿掉该分量,即可基本消除正交性误差。为进一步减小细分误差,通过精密调节,使余弦信号的幅值与正弦信号严格相等,将正弦及其反相信号与余弦信号分别相量相加可得到严格正交的两个新相量,从而消除正交性误差。实验结果表明,经精密相位校正后,正交性偏差从1″降低到0.1″左右。     

Influence of plastic deformation and prolonged ageing time on microstructure of a Haynes 242 alloy

The material used in this study was a commercial HAYNES® alloy 242? with a nominal composition of Ni‐25% Mo‐8% Cr (in wt.%). In the standard heat treatment, the 242 alloy is annealed at a temperature between 1065 and 1095 °C and then water quenched. The ageing treatment is carried out at 650 °C for 24 h in order to develop the long‐range‐order strengthening. The alloy in the conventionally aged condition was additionally cold rolled to 50% reduction in thickness and subsequently subjected to prolonged ageing at 650 °C for 4000 h. The enhanced diffusion resulted in the decomposition of the Ni₂(Mo,Cr) metastable phase into the stable Ni₃Mo‐based phase. The presence of the new stable phase increased the yield and tensile strengths but deteriorated the ductility of the alloy at both room and 650 °C temperatures.