Particle–Fluid–Structure Interaction for Debris Flow Impact on Flexible Barriers

Flexible barriers are increasingly used for the protection from debris flow in mountainous terrain due to their low cost and environmental impact. However, the development of a numerical tool for the rational design of such structures is still a challenge. In this work, a hybrid computational framework is presented, using a total Lagrangian formulation of the finite element method to represent a flexible barrier. The actions exerted on the structure by a debris flow are obtained from simultaneous simulations of the flow of a fluid‐grain mixture, using two conveniently coupled solvers: the discrete element method governs the motion of the grains, while the free‐surface non‐Newtonian fluid phase is solved using the lattice Boltzmann method. Simulations on realistic geometries show the dependence of the momentum transfer on the barrier on the composition of the debris flow, challenging typical assumptions made during the design process today. In particular, we demonstrate that both grains and fluid contribute in a nonnegligible way to the momentum transfer. Moreover, we show how the flexibility of the barrier reduces its vulnerability to structural collapse, and how the stress is distributed on its fabric, highlighting potential weak points.     

Fusion of indigenous knowledge and gamma spectrometry for soil mapping to support knowledge-based extension in Tanzania

Food shortages often threaten central Tanzania. Sustainable action adapted to local environmental conditions is desperately needed. In the framework of the TransSEC project, two food value chains in the Dodoma region of Tanzania were inspected in order to make propositions for improvement , spanning from soil preparation to product consumption. Therefore, soil mapping approaches were required to obtain rapid and reliable information. This would enable local farmers to participate in the development of upgrading strategies and extensionists to develop recommendations that take local soil conditions into account. In this study, a combination of participatory soil mapping and gamma ray spectrometry-assisted transect mapping was applied to establish local soil maps of two villages in the Dodoma region. Participatory mapping included key informant interviews, group discussions and transect walks. Local farmers indicated reference profiles for local soil types. Their gamma radiation signatures delivered base information for further soil exploration and soil unit delineation in the field. Finally, high resolution satellite images were used to establish the village soil maps. This approach allows capture of the major soil differences within a village territory and reduction of the costs of chemical analyses. Challenges were soil unit separation with gamma ray spectrometry due to erosional redistribution processes at the surface, correct translation of specific terms from local tongues as well as variable individual soil knowledge of local participants. Ultimately, the combination of local soil knowledge with innovative scientific mapping yielded quick results with sufficient spatial resolution for extension work.     

Microstructure of the HMX‐Based PBX KS32 after Mechanical Loading

Non‐destructive X‐ray diffraction techniques were applied in order to monitor the influence of mechanical and shock‐loading on the microstructure of the plastic‐bonded high explosive KS32. The investigations uncovered damage to embedded coarse HMX crystals and to the binder system HTPB‐IPDI. Damage to the crystals occurred already during the kneading process in terms of deformation twinning. On higher loading between 400 MPa (static) and 480 MPa (dynamic) also crystal fracture was observed. The change in the binder structure was found after both static and dynamic loading, but not in the cured, differently kneaded samples. Moreover, the change in binder structure after dynamic loading was verified by dynamic mechanical analysis, and interpreted as a partial damage of the binder rubber shell around the explosive particles. The results are compared to literature data from imaging techniques.     

Diazoverbindungen. 72. (Diazoalkyl)phosphane – Synthese durch elektrophile Diazoalkansubstitution und oxidative Additionsreaktionen am Phosphor

Diazo Compounds. 72. Diazoalkylphosphanes – Synthesis by Electrophilic Diazoalkane Substitution and Oxidative Addition Reactions at Phosphorus Electrophilic diazoalkane substitution of the diazomethyl compounds 1a,b with the chloro phosphanes 2a-o in the presence of lithium diethylamide yields the diazoalkyl phosphanes 3a-z . Oxidative addition of oxygen, sulfur and selenium at phosphorus leads into the series of oxo, thioxo and selenoxo phosphanes having diazoalkyl substituents ( 4a-d, 5a-m and 7a-d ). The silyl group of 5n,o is cleaved by chromatography on aluminium oxide to yield the (diazomethyl)phosphane sulfides 6a,b .     

Alkylthio-substituierte Bis(benzol-1,2-dithiolato)zinkate,Benzol-1,2-dithiole und -1,2-dithiolate – Edukte für Dibenzo[c,g](1,2,5,6)tetrathiocine und Benzo[c](1,2,3)-trithiole; Untersuchungen zu Benzodithieten und ortho-Dithiobenzochinonen

Alkylthiosubstituted Bis(benzene-1,2-dithiolato)zincates, Benzene-1,2-dithioles, and -1,2-dithiolates – Educts for Dibenzo[c,g](1,2,5,6)tetrathiocins, and Benzo[c](1,2,3)trithioles; Investigations on Benzodithietes and ortho-Dithiobenzochinones Using benzenehexathiolate 1 it is possible to synthesize alkylthio-substituted benzo-1,3-dithiole-2-thiones 2 , or -ones 3 and benzo-di(1,3-dithiole-2-thiones) 4 , or -ones 5 , resp., which were cleaved under basic conditions. The generated benzene-1,2-dithiolates 7 were isolated as benzene-dithiolato zincates 8 , benzene-1,2-dithioles 11 , and benzene-1-thiole-2-thiolates 10 . Dibenzo[c,g](1,2,5,6)-tetrathiocins 9 were synthesized by oxidation of 7 or 8 in good yields. For the per(methylthio)-substituted tetrathiocin 9a the twist conformation was proved by x-ray structure analysis. The tetrathiocin 9a was probably formed via the orthodithiobenzoquinone 13a . Photolysis of 3a at room temperature in solution led to 9a and tetrakis(methylthio)benzo[c] (1,2,3)trithiole 12a as the main product, which was also formed by irradiation of 9a . The trithioles 12 were formed from 8 by reaction with sulfur dichloride. 12a was investigated by x-ray structure analysis. ortho-Dithiobenzoquinone 13c can be claimed as an intermediate upon irradiation of benzo-1,3-dithiol-2-one 3c in an argon matrix at 10 K. Depending on the wavelength the equilibrium lies either on the side of dithiobenzoquinone 13c or benzodithiete 14c . The same is true for system 15/16 , which can be reached by flash vacuum pyrolysis of 3c .     

Zur heterogenkatalytischen Oxydation und Ammoxydation von Isobuten. IV. Über die Beeinflussung der heterogenkatalytischen Oxydation von Isobuten zu Methacrolein durch n-Buten

On the Heterogeneous-Catalytic Oxidation and Ammoxidation of Isobutene. IV. Influence of n-Butene on the Heterogeneous-Catalytic Oxidation of Isobutene to Methacroleine The influence of n-butenes 2 on the oxidation of isobutenes 1 to methacroleine 3 has been investigated in presence of a catalyst containing Bi, Mo, P, Fe, Mg, Mn, Si and O. Addition of 2 to the gas mixture increase the selectivity and yield of 3 . This fact can be correlated by decrease of oxygen partial pressure in consequence of the dehydrogenation of 2 to butadiene 4 .     

Occurrence and content of hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acid compounds in foods

Phenolic acid compounds seem to be universally distributed in plants. They have been the subject of a great number of chemical, biological, agricultural, and medical studies. Hydroxycinnamic acid compounds occur most frequently as simple esters with hydroxy carboxylic acids or glucose, while the hydroxybenzoic acid compounds are present mainly in the form of glucosides. Furthermore, phenolic acids may occur in food plants as esters or glycosides conjugated with other natural compounds such as flavonoids, alcohols, hydroxyfatty acids, sterols, and glucosides. Also, hydroxycinnamic acid amides appear to be common constituents. The occurrence of the different natural phenolic acid compounds in foods is reviewed, and data of the content in fruit, vegetables, and spices are given. The distribution of the main phenolic acid compounds in food plants as well as their changes during development and maturation of fruits are considered. Furthermore, the hydroxycinnamic acids bound to cell wall polymers, the phenolic acid compounds in coffee, cereals, oil seed, and tree nuts, and the analysis of phenolic acid derivatives are reviewed.     

Release of toxic agents from ceramic utensils]

Under the influence of acidic agents, ceramic glazes and decorations for ceramics may release certain toxicants, especially lead and cadmium. Both elements are essential constituents of ceramic colours and glazes; their release to acidic foods is technologically unavoidable, but it may be minimized by the utilization of appropriate decoration agents and techniques. In most industrial countries, the release of toxicants from utensils is severely limited, the maximum permissible values and the methods of test and analysis being in part very different and not always in agreement with the demands and conditions of practice. The problems related to the release of toxicants from ceramic utensils are treated from the aspects of ceramics, test techniques, analytics, toxicology and food law, with special regard to the necessity for a well-balanced compromise between the justified hygienic demands of health protection and the actual technological possibilities. The endeavours of the ceramic industry of the GDF to produce ceramic utensils releasing as little toxicants as possible are outlined.