The role of structure formation in forming the physicomechanical properties of composites of the diamond–(Fe–Cu–Ni–Sn) system

The results of investigations directed at improving the operational properties of composite materials of the diamond–(Fe–Cu–Ni–Sn) system have been presented. The computational procedure of optimal structural parameters of the diamond–metallic binder transient zone at which maximal mechanical and tribological properties of composites formed by sintering in hot molds with the subsequent additional hot pressing has been presented. Regularities of varying the structure of the transient zone diamond–metallic binder in compositions after sintering depending on parameters of hot pressing and their influence on mechanical and tribological properties of prepared composites have been revealed by X-ray structural analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Ways of controlling structure formation processes for improving mechanical properties and wear resistance of composites have been shown.     

Correction to: System of Operation of Ceramic Tools in the External Burnishing of Cylindrical Billets

Refractories and Industrial Ceramics - The Acknowledgement on page 105 should read The work was financially supported by the Ministry of Education and Science of the RF under a State Task for...     

Correction to: Assignment of the Abrasive-Jet Machining Mode of Si3N4-Ceramic Components Considering the Stress State of Various Surface-Layer Phases

Refractories and Industrial Ceramics - The following Acknowledgement is to be added to page 423 after the Conclusion: The work was financially supported by the Ministry of Education and Science of...     

Competence Evaluation in Accreditation with the Right to Certify Methods of Making Measurements

A methodological approach is given to evaluating competence in a metrological service for accreditation for certifying measurement methods, for which special test techniques are used in which preset errors are incorporated. This provides reliable identification of whether the staff have satisfactory competence in such certification.     

Thermal regulation of the hearth by means of a blast-furnace model

A mathematical model of the lower heat-transfer zone is developed on the basis of heat-transfer theory and operational data for blast furnaces in Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States, China, and the United States. This model may be used to determine the theoretical combustion temperature of coke. On that basis, a relation is derived between the theoretical combustion temperature of coke, the yield of blast-furnace gases, and the degree of direct reduction of iron, when coal-dust fuel is employed.     

Wear and failure of ceramic cutting plates

The wear and failure of ceramic cutting plates depend on the properties and structure of the ceramics, the tool geometry, and the operational loads. Under their action, specific defects accumulate in the ceramic and serve as points of crack nucleation. Their development in the ceramic may lead to wear and failure of the ceramic cutting plates.