Evaluation by numerical analysis of magnetic shielding characteristics of bulk high‐Tc superconductor containing weak links

High‐T_c superconductors (HTS), which have the characteristics of critical current density over 3 × 10⁴ A/cm² at liquid nitrogen temperature (77 K) and 1 T, can be produced. Thus, they are promising for many practical applications such as a magnetic bearing, magnetic levitation, flywheel, and magnetic shielding. Since the HTS characteristics are not homogeneous in some specimens due to grain boundaries and cracks, the distribution of magnetic characteristics should be assessed. Thus, we have measured the distribution of the magnetic flux density on the surface of the HTS using a Hall element, and have evaluated its magnetic characteristics. The measurement of magnetic characteristics using a Hall element is difficult regarding the distribution of the magnetic flux density on the actual surface and inside of the HTS sample. In this research, we conducted a quantitative evaluation of the magnetic shielding characteristics of the HTS including weak links under a static magnetic field with the three‐dimensional finite element method analysis. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 146(1): 9–17, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.10209     

Network polyester films from glycerol and dicarboxylic acids

This paper presents information on the preparation of the network polyester films from glycerol (Y_g) and aromatic dicarboxylic acids of phthalic anhydride (P), dimethyl isophthalate (I) and dimethyl terephthalate (T), as well as aliphatic dicarboxylic acids of adipic, sebacic, 1, 10-decanedicarboxylic and 1, 12-dodecanedicarboxylic acids, and their properties. Y_g and dicarboxylic acid were polycondensed immediately before the gelation started. The prepolymers obtained were cast from DMF solution and successively post-polymerized at various temperatures and times to form networks. The resultant films were transparent, flexible and insoluble in organic solvents. Heat distortion temperature (T_h) measured by a penetration mode of thermomechanical analysis increased with increasing post-polymerization temperature and time, and then leveled out. T_h values corresponded well to the glass transition temperature (T_g) measured by differential thermal analysis (DTA). T_h was 152°C, 162°C and 197°C for Y_gP, Y_gI and Y_g T post-polymerized at 270°C for 6 h, respectively. T_h values of network films made from aliphatic dicarboxylic acids could not be observed until complete probe penetration occurs, as a result of thermal decomposition because the T_g is lower than room temperature. The degree of reaction estimated from the IR absorbance of hydroxyl and methylene groups was in the range of 60–80%. Two diffraction peaks appeared in the wide-angle X-ray scattering pattern, suggesting some ordered structure owing to the regular networks. Density decreased with increasing post-polymerization time and temperature, in the order Y_gP > Y_gI > Y_gT. Network films made from aliphatic dicarboxylic acids had much lower tensile strength and Young's modulus, and greater elongation, than those made from dicarboxylic acids, as a result of the T_g being below room temperature.     

Correction to: Pinning Behavior in Bulk MgB2 Prepared Using Boron Powder Refined via High-Energy Ultra-Sonication

Journal of Superconductivity and Novel Magnetism -     

Theoretical Study on the Chemistry of Intergranular Glassy Film in Si3N4–SiO2 Ceramics

The intergranular glassy film (IGF) composed of silicon oxynitride in a Si₃N₄ ceramic material has been studied by molecular dynamics calculations. Structural analyses showed that the presence of an IGF having both nitrogen and oxygen reduces the number of dangling bonds at the junction between the IGF and adjacent Si₃N₄ grains, which reduces the interface energy at the grain boundary. More dangling bonds were generated at the junction when the N/(N + O) ratio of the IGF was decreased due to the larger chemical and structural mismatch between the IGF and the adjacent grain. On the other hand, the increase in the N/(N + O) ratio of the IGF caused a greater energy penalty in the IGF. The balance of these two contributions should determine the chemistry of the IGF.     

Oxidative dehydrogenation of methanol over a ruthenium-containing polyoxomolybdate supported on metal oxides chemically modified with silane coupling agent

A salt of ruthenium-containing polyoxomolybdate anion ([Ru₂Mo₁₄O₅₀]¹⁰⁻ or [Ru₂Mo₁₄O₅₂]¹⁴⁻; Ru₂Mo₁₄) was synthesized by mixing ruthenium chloride and sodium molybdate in a buffer solution (acetic acid–ammonium acetate) at pH 5. The polyanion, Ru₂Mo₁₄, was loaded on a silica carrier chemically modified with a silane coupling agent having a 1,2-diaminoethyl group (DAPS–SiO₂). X-ray diffraction, FT-IR and surface area measurements revealed that Ru₂Mo₁₄ was highly dispersed on DAPS–SiO₂ up to 20 wt.% loading. The highly dispersed Ru₂Mo₁₄ exhibited a high level of activity for oxidative dehydrogenation of methanol to formaldehyde with a high selectivity, whereas combustion of methanol occurred on the bulky salt of Ru₂Mo₁₄ and ruthenium catalyst supported on a SiO₂ carrier.     

Comparison among attrition-reaction models of SO2 capture by uncalcined limestone under pressurized fluidized bed combustion conditions

Mathematical models of SO₂ capture by uncalcined limestone (CaCO₃) particles with solid attrition were compared under pressurized fluidized bed combustion conditions. For reaction, we used: (1) a shrinking core model with a distinct border between the product (CaSO₄) layer with a conversion of unity and unreacted core with a conversion of zero, and (2) a distributed reaction model with smooth transition from the unreacted part to the product part with conversion between zero and unity. Continuous attrition and intermittent attrition were compared for attrition. Apparent conversion of the solid was overestimated regardless of the reaction model for continuous attrition. Attrition model plays an important role in determining limestone utilization efficiency, whereas the reaction model played only a minor role.     

Suspension polymerization of styrene with circular loop reactor

A circular loop reactor was devised and applied to the suspension polymerization of styrene. The transient droplet diameter distribution and the final particle size distribution are measured by changing widely the impeller speed, the dispersed phase volume fraction, and the stabilizer concentration. The effects of these conditions on the size distribution and mean size of the final polymer particle are investigated. An expression correlating the mean particle size with the operating conditions is derived. The circular loop reactor is found to be superior to the production of the polymer particle of uniform size.     

Development of a compact angle-resolved secondary ion mass spectrometer for Ar sputtering

A compact angle-resolved secondary ion mass spectrometer with a special geometrical configuration, composing of a differentially pumped micro-beam ion gun, a tiltable sample stage and a time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer, was newly developed. This system enables the measurement of angular distribution (AD) of secondary ions, which are ejected by oblique Ar⁺ sputtering, by a simple tilt operation of the sample stage for ejection angles ranging from 0° to 60° with keeping the ion incidence angle constant 62°±2° from the normal to the surface. Using this system, AD of secondary ions from an HfN film by 3 keV Ar⁺-ion bombardment was measured at room temperature. Since the yield of HfN⁺ dimer ions was almost independent of Hf⁺ and N⁺ monomer ions, it was concluded that the HfN⁺ dimer ions were generated via the “as such” direct emission process.