Stabilization of fixed modes in expansions of LTI systems

The objective of this note is to propose a method for stabilization of structurally fixed modes in expansions of LTI dynamic systems in the scope of overlapping decentralized control design based on the expansion/contraction framework, enabling successful design for a broader class of problems than considered so far. The method is based on a judicious choice of complementary matrices in the expanded space. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate simplicity and efficiency of the proposed approach.     

Effect of boron on the low-cycle fatigue behavior and deformation structure of INCONEL 718 at 650 °C

Symmetrical push-pull low-cycle fatigue (LCF) tests were performed on INCONEL 718 (IN718) containing 12, 29, 60, and 100 ppm B at 650 °C. The results showed that all the alloys experienced a relatively short period of initial cyclic hardening at low strain amplitudes, followed by a regime of saturation or slightly continuous cyclic softening. The initial cyclic hardening phase decreased with increasing strain amplitudes, and disappeared at the high strain amplitudes. A serrated flow was observed in the plastic regions of cyclic stress-strain hysteresis loops. The saturated cyclic stress amplitude at a given strain amplitude was highest for the alloy with 60 ppm B, and lowest for the alloy with 12 ppm B. The LCF lifetime increased with increasing B concentration up to 60 ppm, and then decreased as the B content increased from 60 to 100 ppm. Fractographic analysis suggested that the fracture mode changed from intergranular to transgranular cracking as the B concentration increased. The characteristic deformation microstructures produced by LCF tests at 650 °C, examined via transmission electron microscopy, were regularly spaced arrays of planar deformation bands on {111} slip planes in all four alloys. A ladderlike structure was observed in some local regions in the alloy with 12 ppm B. Heavily deformed planar deformation bands were observed in the fatigued specimens with 100 ppm B. The mechanism of improvement in the LCF life of IN718 due to B addition is discussed.     

A light refractory concrete for thermal insulation

Compositions have been developed for nonshrinking vibrocast thermally insulating light refractory concretes with densities of 1.0, 1.3, 1.5, and 1.8 g/cm³ for temperatures of use up to 1400°C. The structure and properties have been examined for the concrete of density 1.3 g/cm³. __________ Translated from Novye Ogneupory, No. 4, pp. 29–32, April, 2008.     

Secondary Aluminum Production Waste — A Raw Material for the Refractory Industry

Secondary aluminum waste products, and processes that occur during heating and mineral formation on introducing fine periclase powder into the composition of waste products are studied. It is demonstrated that secondary aluminum production waste may be used as a raw material for synthesizing aluminomagnesia spinels. Translated from Novye Ogneupory, No. 6, pp. 15–18, June 2008.     

Total and Fractional Performance of Granular Dust Traps in Refractory Production

Methods are proposed for designing interpolation models for the preliminary determination and subsequent forecasting of general and fractional breakthrough coefficients for dust used with granular filters, as employed in energy-saving and high-performance dust trapping from technological gases and ventilation discharges in refractory production. The models are supplied with nomograms, which makes them widely suitable for experts working in environmental protection at refractory-producing organizations. The main factors are identified that influence the performance. The results are of interest to experts in related areas of industry such as building materials and engineering ceramics and so on. Translated from Novye Ogneupory, No. 4, pp. 64–67, April, 2008.     

Testing a new composition of periclase spinel objects

On the basis of periclase powder (70%) and aluminomagnesia spinel (30%), synthesized from secondary aluminum production waste and caustic magnesite, test objects are produced of periclase spinel composition satisfying the requirements of GOST 1579-006-00190495-98. The articles are successfully tested in the working layer for lining tunnel furnace cars of OAO Kombinat Magnezit. __________ Translated from Novye Ogneupory, No. 8, pp. 16–17, August 2008.     

Formation of the complex oxide NaNdTiO<Subscript>4</Subscript>

The processes of phase formation in the Na₂CO₃-TiO₂ and Na₂CO₃-TiO₂-Nd₂O₃ systems are investigated in the temperature range 600–900°C. The high-temperature solid-phase reactions underlying the process of formation of complex oxide NaNdTiO4 are studied. It is established that the synthesis of the NaNdTiO₄ compound occurs through the reaction of the intermediate product Na₈Ti₅O₁₄ with neodymium oxide in the temperature range 720–780°C. The optimum method is proposed for synthesizing NaNdTiO₄, which makes it possible to reduce the temperature of the synthesis, to avoid the formation of impurities, and to obtain the product in a finely dispersed state.     

Aggregate stability of ZrO2 aqueous sols in electrolyte solutions

The aggregate stability of submicron and nanosized ZrO₂ aqueous sols of different origins and different dispersities at pH 3–10 in the KCl concentration range 10^?3–10^?1 M is investigated by flow ultramicroscopy and photometry. The results obtained are analyzed in the framework of the extended Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek theory and the Muller-Martynov theory of reversible aggregation. The extension of boundary layers of water near the surface of the ZrO₂ particles is estimated.