Spheres and cylinders in parametric nonlinear optics

We show how crystals cut as spheres or cylinders lead to new approaches in the field of optical frequency conversion. This article is a review of our research dealing with the advantage of these curve geometries for the conception of new methods of optical characterization and new tunable parametric devices.     

Static thermal conductivity methods for solid materials

Various experimental arrangements for the determination of steady-state thermal conductivities, as adopted for different situations, are reviewed. The case where the sample geometry and dimensions are imposed is treated distinctly from that where they may be chosen by the experimenter. In the latter case, it is shown that the set-up adopted may vary significantly according to the magnitude of the conductivity, the temperature range investigated, the geometry, and the dimensions of the samples available. Some devices which were recently developed in the author's laboratory are taken as illustrative examples and briefly discussed.     

Shear force microscopy with a nanoscale resolution

This paper presents a shear force microscope having a nanometric resolution at high scan rates. Current techniques were reviewed and tested, and a design based on the use of a tuning fork is described. The use of a low quality factor enabled us to decrease the response time and increase the stability of the tracking. The microscope was coupled with a tunneling current detection, in order to study the interactions between the sample and the probe during scanning. As an example, a sharp nickel nanotip was used to image a gold surface, showing details down to a few nanometers, even at scanning rates of 4Hz.     

Structure and thermal stability of zinc–nickel electrodeposits

ZnNi alloys were electrodeposited from a chloride bath on steel substrates. The effect of nickel bath concentration on chemical composition, structure and microstructure of the deposits is demonstrated. From 0 to 13 nickel, the phases obtained do not correspond to that reported on the thermodynamic phase diagram. It is shown that the substitution of zinc by nickel is responsible for the formation of distorted _d and _d phases corresponding to the supersaturated hexagonal phase of zinc and to the unsaturated cubic phase of Zn–Ni alloy, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry indicates that the thermal instability of the alloys containing up to 13 wt of nickel, results from the crystallization of the phase from the _d and _d phases at around 200 °C and 250 °C, respectively.     

A passivity-based controller for coordination of converters in a fuel cell system

The problem of converters coordination of a fuel cell system involving a hydrogen fuel cell with super-capacitors for applications with high instantaneous dynamic power is addressed in this paper. The problem is solved by using a non-linear controller based on passivity. The controller design is based on the interconnection and damping assignment approach, where the proof of the local system stability of the whole closed-loop system is shown. Simulation and experimental results on a reduced scale system prove the feasibility of the proposed approach for a real electrical vehicle.     

Thermomechanical processing of a nickel-base superalloy powder compact

Some means by which the grain size and flow strength of nickel-base superalloy powder .compacts can be controlled during processing have been examined. The compacts were prepared by hot isostatic pressing and their flow behaviour studied by constant true strain rate compression testing under conditions simulating isothermal forging. It was found that the selection of a finer starting powder results in slight lowering of flow strength at forging temperatures. Prior cold working of the compact by hydrostatic extrusion also leads to small reductions in strength at these temperatures. Both the . grain size and flow strength may change substantially during plastic deformation at forging temperatures. This depends on the conditions of strain rate and temperature. Under all the testing conditions examined this transient flow behaviour is followed by a stesdy state regime of flow during which neither the grain size nor the flow strength continue to change. These observations and their practical implications are discussed.     

An evaluation of the role of particle size in the flotation of coal using different cell technologies

A large variety of new flotation cells has been introduced in the last few years, probably as a result of the successful introduction of column flotation in the minerals processing industry. In common with the column cell, a number of these new cells employ an essentially quiescent separation zone. However, a number of novel cell designs have been introduced that use agitation mechanisms similar to those employed on conventional flotation cells. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate flotation behaviour in both an agitated and non-agitated environment, particularly with respect to particle size. A hybrid ‘agitated’ column cell was designed for the investigation, and the operation of this unit was compared to that of a column cell, and to a batch flotation cell, on a laboratory scale. The testwork was conducted on coal fines, as problems with the flotation of coarse coal particles in a column cell had previously been identified. It was demonstrated that the addition of an agitated stage to a column cell can significantly improve the coarse particle recovery in comparison to the conventional column cell, while maintaining good selectivity in the fine sizes.     

Natural faecal fluorophores and the potential of chlorophyll based markers to optimise fluorescence as a real-time solution for the detection of faecal contamination on carcasses

More accurate and sensitive visualisation of faecal contamination in the abattoir would significantly reduce the risk posed by harbouring pathogenic micro-organisms. We carried out a preliminary investigation of the range of fluorophores found naturally in faeces from typical ruminant diets. Sixteen ewes were offered either: i) fresh forage (FF), ii) grass silage (GS), iii) grass hay (GH) or iv) concentrate and barley straw (CB). Animals offered FF diets had a greater concentration (P < 0.001) of chlorophyll based compounds in their faeces and subsequent fluorescent emission spectra. In a second experiment we investigated a range of fluorescent markers against a basal concentrate and barley straw diet. Ten Cheviot sheep were split into five treatment groups during a duplicate 5 × 5 Latin square design. Four of the groups received a chlorophyll based marker at a rate of 2 g/d: i) Mg–Chlorophyllin (MgC), ii) Fe–Chlorophyllin (FeC), iii) Zn–Chlorophyllin (ZnC) or iv) Spirulina (Chlorophyll a extract from blue green algae, Sp). The last group received no supplement as the control (Con). The appearance of chlorophyllin markers and their derivatives in faeces was similar with mean concentrations of 3.1 and 7.2 μg/g DM, respectively. The most intense fluorescent signal was shown with MgC followed by ZnC, FeC, Sp and Con at 685 nm. The use of markers in pre-slaughter diets would improve the accuracy of faecal detection as a result of greater fluorescence and specific emission wavelengths which do not overlap with natural meat components to help with visualisation.     

Bromate Ion Formation: Impact of Ozone Contactor Hydraulics And Operating Conditions

This paper presents a simplified kinetic reaction rate model which enables the evaluation of various contactor hydraulics on bromate ion formation. Two extreme reactor types are presented: completely stirred tank (CSTR) and plug flow reactors (PFR). The kinetic modeling has been based on reactions and rate constants for molecular ozone mechanisms. At this stage, the work presented does not take into account the formation and reaction of hydroxyl radicals in the reaction pathway. However, for further in-depth modeling consideration, it is questionable that no hydroxyl radicals are formed. Similar bromate ion levels were predicted with a PFR and a CSTR for similar operating conditions in the case of predominantly molecular ozone reactions. However in most cases, a CSTR will require a much higher Cτ (product of the residual ozone concentration and the hydraulic residence time) than a plug flow reactor in order to achieve similar treated water quality goals.     

Microstructural Changes during Isothermal Forging of a Co-Cr-Mo Alloy

Interest has evolved recently in thermomechanical processing of the cast Co-Cr-Mo surgical implant alloys such as Vitallium and Vinertia. Work has shown that the wrought forms of these alloys exhibit much improved properties over their as-cast counterparts. In this paper, the response of as-cast Vinertia to isothermal forging is examined by means of isothermal and isostrain-rate compression testing. The effects of temperature, strain rate, and strain on the breakdown of the as-cast micro-structure are examined in detail. The effects of prior heat treatment on plastic flow and microstructure achieved are also considered. It is shown that the interaction between the carbide phase and the recrystallization induced during hot working governs the degree of homogeneity that can be achieved in the forged product. Control of carbide volume fraction, size, and distribution by appropriate prior processing can lead to a fine grain equiaxed structure with uniformly distributed carbides. The potential offered by isothermal forging for control of the microstructure in this type of alloy is discussed, as well as the limits imposed on the process by the starting material and by the strain gradients expected during the forging of implants.