Coriolis effects in the dynamics of a rotating elastic structure

Summary Small oscillations of a rotating elasticum with a mass at the free end are investigated with Poincaré-Lindstedt series. It is shown that the mass moves on a figure-eight shaped curve in a direction determined by the sign of the angular velocity and hence that the Coriolis force influences the motion.     

Thermal decoloration kinetics of spirooxazines in Ormocer coatings prepared via sol-gel processing

Two free and one silylated (silane-substituted) photochromic spirooxazines are doped into organically modified ceramics (Ormocer) coatings by sol-gel processing and the thermal decoloration kinetics of these coatings are investigated and compared with the corresponding ethanol solutions and PMMA coatings. The decoloration behaviour of the two free dyes (SO-1 and SO-2) in the Ormocer coatings is similar to that in ethanol solutions, obeying a first-order mechanism and possessing almost the same decoloration rates as in ethanol. This suggests that the dye molecules encapsulated within the pores of the solid matrix are as free as those in ethanol solutions. The silylated dye (SO-3) in the Ormocer coatings, however, exhibits a considerably lower decoloration rate than the corresponding free dye (SO-1) and evident deviation from the first-order mechanism. This indicates apparently that the degree of freedom of the dye molecules is reduced by the silylation. These results are discussed on the basis of solvent polarity, porous structure of the Ormocer coating, and the dye-to-matrix connectivity.     

Process optimization and related material properties of silicon films produced by laser-induced chemical vapour deposition from silane

Laser-induced chemical vapour deposition of silicon films on SiO₂/Si (1 0 0) and Si (1 0 0) substrates was studied using ArF laser irradiation of silane/argon gas mixture in parallel to the substrate. The optimal deposition conditions were specified by examination of film morphology at a wide range of irradiation and process parameters. At optimal conditions, specular films were obtained with no powder formation. The effect of deposition parameters, such as laser energy and repetition rate, on the deposition rate and the related film quality, was investigated.     

Melt-extracted oxide ceramic fibres — the fundamentals

A melt-extraction technique, using a sharpened molybdenum wheel, has been used to produce fine oxide ceramic fibres. Wetting of the molybdenum wheel by molten ceramic is a key parameter in the melt-extraction process. Two types of fibre are generally obtained, depending on the extraction speed. At very low wheel speed, fine and uniform fibres of high quality are produced. However, when the wheel speed exceeds a critical velocity, Rayleigh waves are formed on the free surface of the fibres. Moreover, the average fibre thickness first increases with the wheel velocity, then passes through a maximum, decreasing at high velocity. This thickness variation is discussed in terms of both surface tension and viscosity of the liquid ceramics.     

Effect of type of processing on the microstructural features and mechanical properties of Al-Cu/SiC metal matrix composites

In this study, an aluminum based metallic matrix (Al-2wt.% Cu) was reinforced with SiC particulates using a conventional casting technique and a new disintegrated melt deposition technique. Microstructural characterization studies conducted on the samples taken from disintegrated melt deposition technique revealed a more uniform distribution of SiC particulates and good interfacial integrity between SiC particulates and metallic matrix when compared to the conventionally cast composite samples. Results of ambient temperature mechanical tests demonstrate an increase in 0.2% YS and ultimate tensile strength of samples taken from disintegrated melt deposition technique when compared with the unreinforced and conventionally cast composite samples. The results of microstructural characterization and mechanical testing were finally rationalized in terms of the nature of processing technique employed to reinforce Al-2wt.% Cu metallic matrix with SiC particulates.     

Using internal fibre geometry to improve the performance of pin-loaded holes in composite materials

The anisotropic nature of fibre reinforced composites leads to large stress concentrations around pin-loaded holes through standard weave cloths. Proper understanding of how this anisotropic nature affects the load distribution around holes can be utilised to reduce these concentrations if sufficient thought is given to the internal fibre geometry near to the hole. Such local reinforcements need not be highly complex and can be readily produced without excessive effort, producing significant improvements in performance.