Mechanical properties of single crystals of transition metals diborides TMB<Subscript>2</Subscript> (TM = Sc,Hf, Zr,Ti). Experiment and theory

The mechanical behaviour of TMB₂ whiskers (TMB₂ = Sc, Hf, Zr, Ti) of 10–20 μm in diameter of the directionally reinforced ceramics LaB₆–TMB₂ was experimentally studied by the nanoindentation. The pop-in (the abrupt elastic–plastic transition in the indenter penetration) caused by the nucleation of dislocations in the previously dislocations-free region under the imprint was observed in all samples under study. For the first time the experimental estimations of the theoretical shear strength of these materials are obtained. Zone structures and types of interatomic bonds for TMB₂ (TM= Sc, Zr, Hf, Ti) are theoretically calculated. The effects of the electronic structures on mechanical properties of diborides of transition metals were analyzed.     

A comparative study of micropipe decoration and counting in conductive and semi-insulating silicon carbide wafers

Micropipes are considered to be one of the most serious defects in silicon carbide (SiC) wafers affecting device yield. Developing a method to count and map micropipes accurately has been a challenging task. In this study, the different etching behavior of conductive and semi-insulating wafers in molten potassium oxide (KOH) is compared. Micropipes and closed-core screw dislocations exhibit different morphology after etching and can be easily distinguished with a polishing process. Based on a new sample preparation procedure and a digital imaging technique, a novel method of efficiently and reliably mapping and counting micropipes in both conductive and semi-insulating SiC wafers is developed.     

Investigation into the structure of a swirling flow in a model of a vortex combustion chamber by laser doppler anemometry

The structure of an isothermal swirling flow is investigated experimentally in a model of a vortex combustion chamber with a horizontal rotation axis and a distributed input of air-fuel jets. The averaged and pulsation characteristics of the velocity field in various sections of the model are measured using laser Doppler anemometry. The features of internal aerodynamics of a new design of a steam-generator firebox are analyzed.     

Experimental study of peat ignition upon exposure to radiant energy

Peat ignition upon exposure to radiant energy was studied experimentally for various kinds typical of bogs of Tomsk Region (Russia) and bogs near the city of Edinburgh (UK). The exposure time and energy density required for ignition of various kinds of peat; the characteristic burning surface temperature; and the range of radiant flux in which the combustion mode changed from flaming to smoldering were determined.     

Low-Temperature Synthesis of Boron Carbide Ceramics

This study has been the first to demonstrate the possibility of producing boron carbide ceramics from coarse (D = 25–150 μm) B₄C powder (which is impossible to sinter by conventional methods) through infiltration with molten silicon and subsequent treatment within the field of the controlled temperature gradient. This produces yields a composite ceramics B₄C–SiC–Si with a hardness of 26 to 35 GPa and a splitting tensile strength of 110 to 170 MPa. The influence of the velocity of movement of the temperature gradient on the structure, phase composition, and properties of the prepared composites has been studied.     

Loss of shaker K channel conductance in 0 K+ solutions: role of the voltage sensor

In potassium-free solutions some types of K channels enter a long-lasting nonconducting or "defunct" state. It is known that Shaker K channels must open in K+-free solutions to become defunct. Gating current studies presented here indicate an abnormal conformation in the defunct state that restricts S4 movement and alters its kinetics. Thus an abnormality initiated in the P region spreads to the gating apparatus. We find that channels most readily become defunct on repolarization to an intermediate voltage, thus prolonging occupancy of one of the several intermediate closed states. The state dependence of becoming defunct was further dissected by using the gating mutant L382A. Simply closing this channel at 0 mV (reversing the last activation step) does not make the mutant channel defunct. Instead, it is necessary to move further left (more fully closed) in the activation sequence. This was confirmed with ShIR experiments showing that channels become defunct only if there is inward gating charge movement. Rapid transit through the intermediate states, achieved at very negative voltage, is relatively ineffective at making channels defunct. Several mutations that removed C-type inactivation also made the channels resistant to becoming defunct. Our results show that normal gating current cannot be stably recorded in the absence of K+.     

A set of interface cracks with contact zones in a combined tension-shear field

Summary. A set of cracks lying along the interface of two dissimilar isotropic materials under a mixed-mode loading is considered. The interface cracks are assumed to be fully open, partially closed with frictionless contact zones and fully closed. The problem is reduced to a homogeneous combined Dirichlet-Riemann boundary value problem, which is solved in closed form. A set of transcendental equations for the determination of the contact zone lengths for an arbitrary number of cracks and the closed-form expressions for the stresses and the displacement jumps on the material interface are obtained. A single crack with one and two contact zones has been considered in details. An explicit set of two transcendental equations for the relative contact zone length and closed-form expressions for the stress intensity factors at the crack tips are obtained for both cases. The contact zone lengths and the stress intensity factors are investigated numerically for different material pairs under different values of the loading, and a comparison of the results for a crack with one and two contact zones is carried out.