Simulation of leachate migration in leaky aquifers

A two-dimensional cross-section finite difference model is presented to simulate density dependent leachate migration in leaky aquifers. Unlike existing models, a new approach is adopted to couple the groundwater-flow equation and the hydrodynamic dispersion equation with the elimination of the intermediate step of calculating velocities. The concept of the reference density is employed, permitting increased accuracy (over pressure-based models) in the representation of the transport process. The model is then used to study the effect of several hydraulic and transport parameters on the flow pattern and plume migration which are found to be very sensitive to most of these parameters. Equiconcentration and equipotential lines are overlapped to provide a better understanding of the coupling effect.     

On the measurement of SSB noise figure using sideband cancellation

A new method for determining the single-sideband noise figure of a device from double-sideband measurements is proposed which eliminates the need for tunable filters and hence greatly reduces the complexity and cost of performing accurate noise figure measurements. This paper compares results obtained to those obtained using a traditional single-sideband measurement system with a tuneable filter and provides a full error analysis of the new technique. The method also offers considerable possibilities for future use at higher (microwave) frequencies where YIG filters and image reject mixers are not readily available     

The controlling effect of 0.05% hydrogen sulfide gaseous atmosphere on the accelerated fatigue failure of coated MM-002 nickel-base superalloy at 650 °C

A systematic study was carried out aimed at evaluating the environmental effects of H₂S containing environment on the creep-fatigue failure of coated undirectionally solidified MM-002 nickel-base superalloy at high temperature. The cyclic loading conditions were constant and consisted of creep tension and plastic compression following the CP-mode of the strain range partitioning method. The results obtained have shown that although the pack cementation coating used showed adequate resistance under the combination of cyclic loading and oxidizing environments, this resistance was not evident under the H₂S containing atmosphere. In fact, it was found that even an amount as little as 0.05% H₂S had an extremely detrimental effect on the creep-fatigue life of the coated superalloy at 650 °C. The crack initiation and propagation in the H₂S environment was controlled by an aggressive sulphidation attack ahead of the crack tip. This was demonstrated by the formation of low melting eutectic sulfides at the plastic zone ahead of the crack tip, causing an accelerated transdendritic cracking and premature failure.     

Comparative Rheomechanical and Adhesive Properties of Two Hydrocolloid Dressings: Dependence on the Degree of Hydration

Hydration is believed to modify the mechanical properties (resistance to stress) and the rheological (viscoelastic) properties of hydrocolloid dressings. Rheomechanical properties in turn influence adhesional properties. In this work the relationships between the degree of hydration and the rheomechanical and the adhesive properties of two different commercial dressings (regular and nondispersive) were investigated. The two dressings showed different hydration characteristics. The regular dressing takes up water rapidly and tends to reach saturation after 12 hr. As the dressing swells and loses its integrity there is an accompanying reduction of both rheomechanical and adhesive properties. The nondispersive dressing exhibits a linear water uptake profile over extended periods of hydration up to 4 days. It does not swell and its rheomechanical and adhesive properties remain unchanged after hydration, The comparative evaluation of the results obtained with the various methods points to the relevance of mechanical and viscoelastic properties to the functionality assessment of dressings.     

Crack curving under mode-I loading

The whole history of failure of a rectangular panel with two symmetrical notches and a central crack subjected to a progressively increasing tension load normal to the crack plane is studied. The material of the panel exhibits substantial plastic deformation prior to fracture. An elastic-plastic analysis of the plate is first performed based on finite elements. The results of stress analysis are coupled with the strain energy density theory to determine the critical load for crack initiation and the history of stable crack growth up to the point of instability. At instability the crack runs fast through the elastic material bypassing the plastic zone near the plate boundary. The crack deviates from its initial direction and is curved even though the plate is subjected to opening-mode loading. Results for crack trajectories are given for various initial crack lengths and notch radii of the plate.Presented at Fourth Greek National Congress on Mechanics, 26–29 June 1995, held at Xanthi, Greece.     

Silicon-substrate microelectrode arrays for parallel recording ofneural activity in peripheral and cranial nerves

A new process for the fabrication of regeneration microelectrode arrays for peripheral and cranial nerve applications is presented. This type of array is implanted between the severed ends of nerves, the axons of which regenerate through via holes in the silicon and are thereafter held fixed with respect to the microelectrodes. The process described is designed for compatibility with industry-standard CMOS or BiCMOS processes (it does not involve high-temperature process steps nor heavily-doped etch-stop layers), and provides a thin membrane for the via holes, surrounded by a thick silicon supporting rim. Many basic questions remain regarding the optimum via hole and microelectrode geometries in terms of both biological and electrical performance of the implants, and therefore passive versions were fabricated as tools for addressing these issues in on-going work. Versions of the devices were implanted in the rat peroneal nerve and in the frog auditory nerve. In both cases, regeneration was verified histologically and it was observed that the regenerated nerves had reorganized into microfascicles containing both myelinated and unmyelinated axons and corresponding to the grid pattern of the via holes. These microelectrode arrays were shown to allow the recording of action potential signals in both the peripheral and cranial nerve settings, from several microelectrodes in parallel     

Airborne scatterometers: investigating ocean backscatter under low and high-wind conditions

Attempting to understand and predict weather on a local and global basis has challenged both the scientific and engineering communities. One key parameter in understanding the weather is the ocean surface wind vector because of its role in the energy exchange at the air-sea surface. scatterometers, radars that measure the reflectivity of a target offer a tool with which to remotely monitor these winds from tower-, aircraft-, and satellite-based platforms. This paper introduces three current airborne scatterometer systems, and presents data collected by these instruments under low-, moderate-, and high-wind conditions. The paper focuses on airborne scatterometers because of their ability to resolve submesoscale variations in wind fields. Discrepancies between existing theory and the observations are noted and the concerns in measuring low-wind speeds discussed. Finally, the application of using this technology for estimating the surface-wind vector during a hurricane is demonstrated     

Cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase arachidonate metabolites synthesized by mouse peritoneal macrophages: in vitro effect of N-phenyllinoleamide from toxic oil samples

N-phenyllinoleamide (NPLA) has been detected as extraneous compound in adulterated cooking oils associated with a unique epidemic disease known as the Toxic Oil Syndrome (TOS). In this communication we report on the action of NPLA on the endogenous cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase arachidonate metabolism. Results show that mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM) exposed to 1 mM NPLA for 2 h undergo significant increases of 6-keto prostaglandin F1a, prostaglandin E2, leukotriene B4, 12- and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids. MPM prelabelled with 3H-AA showed an enhanced release when exposed to NPLA. Thus, it is concluded that NPLA potentiates AA release from cell membrane phospholipids and the subsequent cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase oxidative metabolism of this precursor to various eicosanoids. This is in agreement with the implication of peroxidative process mediated by fatty acids anilides in TOS.