In-beam tests of proximity mesh dynode tubes for the STAR TOF subsystem

The performance of Bicron BC404, BC408 and BC420 scintillators coupled to a Hamamatsu R3432 proximity mesh dynode photomultiplier tube was studied using pion beams from the TRIUMF cyclotron and the Brookhaven National Laboratory AGS accelerator. A system resolution of better than 100 ps seems feasible. This will satisfy the requirement for charged particle identification in the STAR detector at RHIC.     

Processing of Yttria-Alumina Coated Silicon Nitride Slips by Slip Casting

Si₃N₄powders coated with 6 wt% Y₂O₃and 4 wt% Al₂O₃were prepared by coprecipitation. The resulting powders were dispersed in water at different pH values and with addition of various amounts of ammonium polyacrylate (NH₄PA) to produce 32 vol% slips. The influence of the amount of NH₄PA solution added and pH on the rheological properties of 32 vol% coated Si₃N₄slips were studied. In addition, the sintered density of cast samples was determined and related to the degree of slip dispersion. The adsorption of the NH₄PA on the coated particle surface was rather high and the surface became saturated near 0.86 mg/m²at pH 9.2. High NH₄PA concentrations (1.7–3 wt%) were necessary to obtain well dispersed 32 vol% coated Si₃N₄slips at pH 9.2. The best stabilization was obtained with the addition of 2.3 wt% NH₄PA; in this condition, the viscosity reached a minimum value of 35 mPa.s at 100 s^–1. The slip viscosity increased with increasing pH from 9.2 to 10.2. Slips with low viscosities gave a more dense packing of cast samples and consequently higher sintered density values.     

Parametric inference for step-stress models

Applications of the additive accumulation of damages (AAD) or the accelerated failure time (AFT) and the proportional hazards (PH) models in accelerated life testing with step-stresses are discussed. A new model including AAD and PH models is proposed. It is more reasonable than the PH model and wider then the AAD model. Constructing the maximum likelihood function is discussed     

Experience in High-Temperature Thermomechanical Treatment with Helical Reduction in the Production of Axisymmetric Parts

Metal Science and Heat Treatment -     

Dynamic mechanical properties of some polyurethane-acrylic copolymer interpenetrating polymer networks

Dynamic mechanical properties have been investigated for interpenetrating-network systems based on polyol-cured polyurethanes (PU) and 2 to 1 n-butyl acrylate-n-butyl methacrylate (Ac) networks. The systems were formed simultaneously (SIN) from all of the precursors and reactants for both networks in the same vessel, and sequentially (SIPN) by swelling a precured PU with the reactants that will form the Ac network. If the Ac network is formed after gelation of the PU, the IPNs are transparent and appear to have single T (tan δ_max) between those of the homonetworks; visible-phase separation occurs if the Ac is intentionally polymerized prior to PU gelation. Damping curves were lower and broader and the T (tan δ_max) and rubber moduli were higher for the SIN than for the SIPN systems. Up to 65 percent Ac, the T (tan δ_max) data for both SIN and SIPN fit the Gordon-Taylor equation if a T (tan δ_max) for the Ac homonetwork 7°C higher than observed is used, suggesting a higher crosslink density for the Ac network under these conditions. The differences in properties of the SIN and SIPN are assumed to be dependent on sample homogeneity and upon the presence of a tin catalyst in the SIN preparation. This can result in limited Ac-network formation and consequent phase separation before PU gelation has occurred, and the catalyst may also increase the extent of interaction, such as grafting or hydrogen-bond formation between the networks.     

Critical-point drying versus freeze drying for scanning electron microscopy: a quantitative and qualitative study on isolated hepatocytes

Critical-point drying and freeze drying were compared both quantitatively and qualitatively as preparative procedures for scanning electron microscopy. Isolated hepatocytes were used as model cells. Nomarski differential interference contrast microscopy was used for light microscopic measurements of the hepatocytes in the unfixed, the glutaraldehyde fixed, the glutaraldehyde + OsO₄ fixed, the critical-point dried and the freeze dried states. Critical-point dried hepatocytes were found to shrink to 38% of glutaraldehyde + OsO₄ fixed volume, whereas optimal freeze dried hepatocytes (frozen in water saturated with chloroform and freeze dried at 183 K for 84 h) were found to shrink to 51% of glutaraldehyde + OsO₄ fixed volume. Transmission and scanning electron micrographs of the critical-point dried cells showed well-preserved ultrastructure and surface structure. Micrographs of the freeze dried cells showed ultrastructure destroyed by internal ice crystals and surface structure destroyed by external ice crystals. Double-fixed isolated hepatocytes were shown to swell during storage in buffer and to shrink during storage after critical-point drying. For low magnification scanning electron microscopy (up to about 3000 times) both critical-point drying and freeze drying can be used. However, for high magnification scanning electron microscopy, critical-point drying is superior to freeze drying.     

Use of166mHo for calibration of gamma-ray spectrometers with semiconductor detectors

Translated from Atomnaya Énergiya, Vol. 67, No. 3, pp. 215–216, September, 1989.