Identification of indurated siltstone layers in advance of oil sands mining

Abstract

Indurated siltstone layers within both overburden and oil sands adversely affect rock handling productivity and maintenance at the Suncor mine. Drill performance monitoring and borehole geophysics have been used in the past to locate and characterize these hard layers at Suncor. The capabilities of both analog-and digital-based drill monitoring systems for the characterization of rock hardness are reviewed with reference to, Suncor and other mine studies. Particular reference is given to the alternative drilling-derived parameters to identify such zones and focuses on current studies at Suncor. This work relates to the development of diggability criteria and the subsequent ability to generate depth contour and thickness isopach plans for difficult bucket wheel and shovel digging conditions for mine planning.     

Steady-state shock-driven reactions in mixtures of nano-sized aluminum and dilute hydrogen peroxide

Mixtures of nanoaluminum (nAl) and dilute hydrogen peroxide (HP) were studied to determine their potential to detonate when subjected to explosive shock. Results of explosively driven rate stick experiments revealed steady shock propagation for stoichiometric mixtures of nAl and 10 wt% HP. The critical diameter of this composition is estimated to be between 27.7 and 34.5 mm. Detonation velocities between 3.034 and 3.187 mm/μs were obtained, varying with charge diameter and density. This represents the first measured shock-driven, self-sustained reaction in nAl and dilute HP mixtures.     

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) nanocomposites with optimal mechanical properties

With the ultimate goal to design renewable polymer nanocomposites with optimal mechanical properties, this study reports an investigation of structure–property relationships for a model system – silica/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHx) nanocomposites. Two molecular weights of PHBHx (M_w = 903,000 g/mol and M_w = 633,000 g/mol) and two types of silica nanoparticles (nominally spheres and fibers according to the manufacturer) were used to prepare the nanocomposites. Small-angle X-ray scattering shows that the sphere and fiber nanoparticles had similar surface areas and primary particle size, but differed in degree of aggregation of the primary particles. The thermal stability of the PHBHx matrix was slightly improved by the addition of nanofillers. Simultaneous improvement of both stiffness and toughness was observed at 1-wt% loading for the higher molecular weight matrix. The more highly aggregated SiO₂ fibers had a greater toughening effect than the SiO₂ spheres. Compared to the unfilled polymer matrix, a 30% increase in Young's modulus and 34% increase in toughness were obtained for the 1-wt% SiO₂ fiber/PHBHx072 nanocomposite. The addition of SiO₂ spheres to PHBHx072 resulted in the same increase in Young's modulus (30%) but a smaller increase (11%) in toughness. The dramatic increases in modulus for PHBHx072 cannot be explained on the basis of two-component micromechanical models. Apparently the filler alters the character of the semicrystalline matrix. When the loading was 3 wt% and above, Young's modulus continued to increase, but the strain at break and toughness decreased. The ultimate strength did not change compared with the unfilled polymer. In order to understand the mechanical properties observed, the thermal behavior, spherulitic morphology and the deformation mechanisms of the nanocomposites and the dispersion state of the nanofillers were studied. We found that a high molecular weight of the polymer matrix, weak interfacial adhesion and a good dispersion of the nanofillers are necessary to improve toughness and stiffness simultaneously.     

An 84 Pixel All-Silicon Corrugated Feedhorn for CMB Measurements

Silicon platelet corrugated feedhorn arrays for cosmic microwave background (CMB) measurements at millimeter wavelengths (130?GHz to 170?GHz) have been developed for deployment for the polarization-sensitive upgrade to both the Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACTpol) and the South Pole Telescope (SPTpol). We present fabrication developments and the first results of a prototype monolithic feedhorn array consisting of 84?horns. Measurements at room temperature show good beam quality across the needed bandwidth, return loss of <?20?dB, an insertion loss of <?0.4?dB, and cross polarization of <?23?dB. The 32 platelets were aligned to a 1σ variation of 8?μm.     

Low velocity impact and compression after impact characterization of woven carbon/vinylester at dry and water saturated conditions

The low velocity impact response and compression after impact strength of dry and water saturated plain weave carbon/vinylester composites have been determined. The composites employed T700 carbon fibers and vinylester 510A and 8084 resins. Quasi-static impact tests were conducted on dry C/VE510A and C/VE8084 to estimate the threshold impact force required to initiate damage in the composites. Falling-weight impact tests were conducted on the composites over a range of impact energies from 6.7 to 47 J. Destructive inspection of damaged panels revealed damage in the form of matrix cracks as well as delamination between fiber bundles. The quasi-static estimation of the threshold impact force was in reasonable agreement with that measured in the impact test. To examine structural degradation due to impact loading, impacted panels were tested in compression (CAI). The CAI strength decreased with increasing impact energy. Absorbed moisture caused further reductions of the CAI strength.     

Older drivers’ crashes in Queensland,Australia

Background

The growing proportion of older adults in Australia is predicted to comprise 23% of the population by 2030. Accordingly, an increasing number of older drivers and fatal crashes of these drivers could also be expected. While the cognitive and physiological limitations of ageing and their road safety implications have been widely documented, research has generally considered older drivers as a homogeneous group. Knowledge of age-related crash trends within the older driver group itself is currently limited.

Objective

The aim of this research was to identify age-related differences in serious road crashes of older drivers. This was achieved by comparing crash characteristics between older and younger drivers and between sub-groups of older drivers. Particular attention was paid to serious crashes (crashes resulting in hospitalisation and fatalities) as they place the greatest burden on the Australian health system.

Method

Using Queensland Crash data, a total of 191,709 crashes of all-aged drivers (17–80+) over a 9-year period were analysed. Crash patterns of drivers’ aged 17–24, 25–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79 and 80+ were compared in terms of crash severity (e.g., fatal), at fault levels, traffic control measures (e.g., stop signs) and road features (e.g., intersections). Crashes of older driver sub-groups (60–69, 70–79, 80+) were also compared to those of middle-aged drivers (40–49 and 50–59 combined, who were identified as the safest driving cohort) with respect to crash-related traffic control features and other factors (e.g., speed). Confounding factors including speed and crash nature (e.g., sideswipe) were controlled for.

Results and discussion

Results indicated that patterns of serious crashes, as a function of crash severity, at-fault levels, road conditions and traffic control measures, differed significantly between age groups. As a group, older drivers (60+) represented the greatest proportion of crashes resulting in fatalities and hospitalisation, as well as those involving uncontrolled intersections and failure to give way. The opposite was found for middle-aged drivers, although they had the highest proportion of alcohol and speed-related crashes when compared to older drivers. Among all older drivers, those aged 60–69 were least likely to be involved in or the cause of crashes, but most likely to crash at interchanges and as a result of driving while fatigued or after consuming alcohol. Drivers aged 70–79 represented a mid-range level of crash involvement and culpability, and were most likely to crash at stop and give way signs. Drivers aged 80 years and beyond were most likely to be seriously injured or killed in, and at-fault for, crashes, and had the greatest number of crashes at both conventional and circular intersections. Overall, our findings highlight the heterogeneity of older drivers’ crash patterns and suggest that age-related differences must be considered in measures designed to improve older driver safety.     

高速钢热轧工作辊的组织特征与热疲劳行为研究

研究了不同工艺制造的高速钢热轧工作辊的微观组织、热疲劳性能和界面结合层特征,并讨论了制造工艺对高速钢组织和性能的影响。结果表明,从组织特征、使用性能和制造工艺复杂程度上来讲,CPC工艺制造的高速钢热轧工作辊表现出明显的优势。     

Acidities and catalytic activities of persulfonated poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) ion-exchange resins

A series of macroporous sulfonated poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) ion-exchange resins with varying levels of sulfonation have been prepared. The acidities of these resins have been measured calorimetrically by ammonia sorption. Catalytic activities have been measured in two liquid-phase reactions: the dehydration of 1-hexanol under flow conditions and the hydration of propene as a batch process. The molar enthalpies of ammonia sorption show that the strength of the acid sites increases as the level of sulfonation is increased; catalytic activities follow the same trend. The most active resins are those that have been sulfonated at levels above one sulfonic acid group per aromatic ring (persulfonated). These persulfonated resins also show higher thermal stabilities than conventional resins (sulfonated at just below one acid group per aromatic ring).