Heat losses in a tunnel kiln for brick firing

The results of experimental studies of heat losses via the enclosing structures of an operating brick-firing kiln using a thermal imager are described. __________ Translated from Steklo i Keramika, No. 4, pp. 24–25, April, 2006.     

Procedure for the evaluation of the accumulation of defects in metallic structural materials under complex elastoplastic loading

Within framework of the continual fracture mechanics, we describe the engineering approach to the assessment of scattered microdamage accumulation kinetics in metallic materials under elastoplastic loading conditions in case of plane stressed state. Automatized experimental stand and the respective investigation technique are discussed. The stand has been developed based on modification of the UMé-10T electromechanic test machine. State-of-the-art computer technologies and microprocessing hardware are incorporated in the stand automation. We present the technique of experimental assessment of damage accumulation kinetics in metallic structural materials under complex elastoplastic loading conditions with account of two different fracture (cleavage and shear) processes, which technique is based on measuring the specific electric resistance of the specimen. __________ Translated from Problemy Prochnosti, No. 1, pp. 128–137, January–February, 2006.     

Thixomolded magnesium alloys: Strategic product innovation in automobiles

The research on magnesium alloys for structural lightweight applications is today at an embryonic stage, but these alloys offer great potential. Thixomolding of magnesium alloys for automotive applications is promising since the process can be used to manufacture net-shape parts cost-effectively and with high reliability and repeatability.     

Use of oxygen for the cleaning, passivation, and preservation of power-generating equipment at the Kharanorskaya SAPP

Studies conducted on two power-generating units at the Kharanorskaya SAPP relative to the steam-water-oxygen passivation, preservation, and partial cleaning of all boiler-heating surfaces, including the surfaces of the reheater, and passivation of the surfaces of the high-pressure heaters on the steam and water sides by the steam-oxygen method, as well as partial passivation, preservation, and cleaning of turbine blading are presented. __________ Translated from élektricheskie Stantsii, No. 6, pp. 56–64, May, 2006.     

Upgrading of a reliable water supply system at the Kola nuclear power plant for service life extension

Measures taken to develop and put into operation three new exterior channels for emergency process water with two additional 60VTs pumping units, which remain operational even during an earthquake and were installed in the second block pumping station, are described. In addition, the three existing 12NDS horizontal pumping units were used as a basis to develop a third channel for the emergency process water. Above-ground water ducts with thermal insulation and heating systems to prevent freezing during the anticipation state, which is the constant state of the emergency system, were laid. As a result of upgrading with the development of three channels, the emergency process water feeding reached an adequately safe level of reliability. __________ Translated from Atomnaya énergiya, Vol. 100, No. 3, pp. 173–177, March, 2006.     

Increasing the nominal safety of the no. 5 unit of the Kursk nuclear power plant

The main technical measures for increasing the nominal safety of the No. 5 unit of the Kursk nuclear power plant are presented: optimization of the neutron-physical characteristics of the core, adoption of a comprehensive monitoring, control, and protection system, switching to cluster-type control rods, adoption of a system for limiting radioactive emissions during anticipated accidents with pipeline rupture outside the containment system. __________ Translated from Atomnaya énergiya, Vol. 100, No. 4, pp. 320–327, April, 2006.     

Degradation of steels in the hulls of river ships

The surface corrosion of skin plates of the hulls of river ships is caused by the interaction of oxygen and hydrogen with the iron surface at the sites of damage to the protective lacquer coatings on the outer surface of the hull. The inner surface of the hull is subjected to the action of the condensates of water vapor with different degrees of acidity. Furthermore, near the fuel tanks, hydrogen-containing media (mainly, the hydrocarbon fuel) also affect the inner surface of the hull. As a result of hydrogenation, the plasticity of the skin plates of the fuel tanks sharply decreases, which is confirmed by the data of measurements of their impact toughness and microhardness, as well as by the results of microfractographic examinations. The contemporary hull plates subjected to thermomechanical treatment reveal a significant improvement of their plastic characteristics as compared with the requirements of the existing standard specifications. __________ Translated from Fizyko-Khimichna Mekhanika Materialiv, Vol. 43, No. 3, pp. 117–120, May–June, 2007.     

Thermodesorption of samarium from oxidized tungsten surface

Thermodesorption of samarium (Sm) atoms and samarium oxide (SmO) molecules from samarium films deposited in vacuum onto tungsten substrates covered with thin (<1 nm thick) layers of tungsten oxides has been studied. It is established that samarium reduces tungsten from its oxides. The parameters of Sm and SmO desorption from an oxidized tungsten surface are determined.