A technique for recording polycrystalline structure and orientation during in situ deformation cycles of rock analogues using an automated fabric analyser

Two in situ plane-strain deformation experiments on norcamphor and natural ice using synchronous recording of crystal c-axis orientations have been performed with an automated fabric analyser and a newly developed sample press and deformation stage. Without interrupting the deformation experiment, c-axis orientations are determined for each pixel in a 5 × 5 mm sample area at a spatial resolution of 5 μm/pixel. In the case of norcamphor, changes in microstructures and associated crystallographic information, at a strain rate of ～2 × 10(-5) s(-1), were recorded for the first time during a complete in situ deformation-cycle experiment that consisted of an annealing, deformation and post-deformation annealing path. In the case of natural ice, slower external strain rates (～1 × 10(-6) s(-1)) enabled the investigation of small changes in the polycrystal aggregate's crystallography and microstructure for small amounts of strain. The technical setup and first results from the experiments are presented.     

Multipurpose modular experimental station for the DiProI beamline of Fermi@Elettra free electron laser

We present a compact modular apparatus with a flexible design that will be operated at the DiProI beamline of the Fermi@Elettra free electron laser (FEL) for performing static and time-resolved coherent diffraction imaging experiments, taking advantage of the full coherence and variable polarization of the short seeded FEL pulses. The apparatus has been assembled and the potential of the experimental setup is demonstrated by commissioning tests with coherent synchrotron radiation. This multipurpose experimental station will be open to general users after installation at the Fermi@Elettra free electron laser in 2011.     

Microscopy under pressure--an optical chamber system for fluorescence microscopic analysis of living cells under high hydrostatic pressure

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) becomes more and more interesting for life science research, since it can be employed to inactivate various cells. To directly monitor "cells under pressure," the development of an optical high-pressure chamber is required. Therefore, an optical pressure chamber that can be used for up to 300 MPa was constructed. This chamber has already been described as a tool for in situ observation of dynamic changes of microscopic structures in bright field as well as phase contrast. In combination with an inverted microscope, we obtained brilliant microscopic color pictures with an optical resolution more than 0.56 microm. Here, we demonstrate the capabilities of the HHP cell, in combination with epifluorescence microscopy. Using a nonadherent human B-cell line (Raji, ATCC CCL 86), stained with the fluorescent dyes propidium iodide, Hoechst 33342, or dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide, we were able to show that the system is suitable to perform fluorescence microscopic analyses, with pressures up to 300 MPa, with viable mammalian cells.     

A neural network strategy for end-point optimization of batch processes

The traditional way of operating batch processes has been to utilize an open-loop “golden recipe”. However, there can be substantial batch to batch variation in process conditions and this open-loop strategy can lead to non-optimal operation. In this paper, a new approach is presented for end-point optimization of batch processes by utilizing neural networks. This strategy involves the training of two neural networks; one to predict switching times and the other to predict the input profile in the singular region. This approach alleviates the computational problems assocaiated with the classical Pontryagin's approach and the nonlinear programming approach. The efficacy of this scheme is illustrated via simulation of a fed-batch fermentation.     

Application of length vernier in phase coincidence detection and precision frequency measurement

For comparison of arbitrary frequency signals, the paper proposed two levels of length vernier based on the time-space relationship are used in three levels of phase coincidence detecting circuits to extract the phase coincidence information by proper logic calculation. The length∕phase of each vernier is respectively corresponding to the accuracy and the resolution of detecting circuit. The time-space relationship is based on high-stability, high-accuracy, and high-speed of signal transmission. The method is effective to reduce the fuzzy region in the phase coincidence information and reach a higher measuring precision.     

双带式薄板坯连铸及直接热轧进度报告

双带式薄板坯连铸过程应用了长直武、全移动型结晶器。这两个主结晶表面由两条翱紧的薄盎属带准确地变撑，并且用高速冷却水冷却，以恒定速度传动。这两条基本平行的金属带之间的空同在边缘处由金属边缘挡块组成的连续封闭环封闭，封闭环与金属带同步运行。     

在车床上进行精确尺寸零件的车外圆和镗孔

在单件生产和小批生产中,对车小轴外圆和镗孔的尺寸精度,通常是要求达到3级甚至于2级。如果车削最后一层,厚度为百分之几公厘的切屑时,按机床的刻度盘进刀,是一件非常困难的事情,这样的工作仅能由技术水平较高的车工、花费很多的时间才能完成,实际上要经过几次走刀才能达到指定的尺寸精度。 如果利用千分表(见图)进刀加工,工作就简单了,工人可以有把握地按千分表的刻度数来移动刀具。但是必须考虑到,假如将千分表装在刀对面,即A位置上时,将会由于移动刀架时不小心而使之损坏;假如把千分表安置在B的位置上;在移动刀架晾,由于千分表触及带有…     

Effect of lubricant composition on the fatigue properties of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene for total knee replacement

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fatigue is a critical factor affecting the longevity of total knee replacement (TKR) bearings. With the increased need for laboratory studies to mimic near in vivo conditions for accurate characterization of material performance, the present study investigated the role of hyaluronic acid (HA) in testing lubricant on the crack growth response of UHMWPE. It was hypothesized that the change in lubricant viscosity as a result of HA would affect the fatigue life of the polymer. A fracture mechanics approach as per ASTM E 647 was adopted for this study. Surface micrograph and surface chemistry analyses were employed to study the micromechanisms of fatigue failure and protein adsorption of the specimen surfaces. Rheological analysis indicated that the addition of HA to diluted bovine serum increased testing lubricant viscosity. HA concentrations of 2.22, 0.55, and 1.5 g/l closely matched the viscosity ranges reported for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritic diseased joint fluid, and periprosthetic fluids respectively. Results showed that the addition of HA to standard diluted bovine serum lubricants, in concentrations similar to that of periprosthetic fluid, delayed crack initiation and crack growth during fatigue testing.     

Rietveld analysis of electron powder diffraction data from nanocrystalline anatase, TiO2

The structure of nanocrystalline anatase (TiO2) was successfully refined from electron powder diffraction data using the Rietveld technique. A polycrystalline sample (average crystal size about 70 A) was characterised by selected area electron diffraction in a conventional transmission electron microscope operated at 300 kV. Radially integrated intensities were extracted from digitised photographic films and used in the course of structure refinements by a standard program for Rietveld analysis. The structure was refined in space group I4(1)/amd (#141) with lattice parameters a = 3.7710(9) A and c = 9.430(2) A. The reliability factors of the refinement are Rwp = 5.2% and R(B) = 2.6%. The close agreement of the refined structural parameters with previous results obtained from neutron diffraction on coarse-grained powders proves the applicability of the method for characterising nanocrystalline powders. The present study shows that Rietveld analysis on electron powder data is a good compliment to the existing methods for accurate structural investigations on nanocrystalline materials and thin films.