Estimating crystallinity in high density polyethylene fibers using online Raman spectroscopy

Online Raman spectra, obtained at different points along the spin line during pilot‐scale nonisothermal melt spinning of high density polyethylene (HDPE) fibers, are presented for the first time. The fraction of the crystalline phase corresponding to each spectrum was determined from the normalized integrated intensity of the 1418 cm^?1 Raman band. It is well established that this band represents the orthorhombic crystalline phase in polyethylene. The estimates of percent crystallinity obtained from decomposition of the Raman spectrum were compared with the percent crystallinity from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. It is concluded that online Raman spectroscopy can be successfully used to monitor the development of crystallinity in HDPE fibers as a function of distance from the spinneret. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 545–549, 2003     

FIRE: fractal indexing with robust extensions for image databases

As already documented in the literature, fractal image encoding is a family of techniques that achieves a good compromise between compression and perceived quality by exploiting the self-similarities present in an image. Furthermore, because of its compactness and stability, the fractal approach can be used to produce a unique signature, thus obtaining a practical image indexing system. Since fractal-based indexing systems are able to deal with the images in compressed form, they are suitable for use with large databases. We propose a system called FIRE, which is then proven to be invariant under three classes of pixel intensity transformations and under geometrical isometries such as rotations by multiples of /spl pi//2 and reflections. This property makes the system robust with respect to a large class of image transformations that can happen in practical applications: the images can be retrieved even in the presence of illumination and/or color alterations. Additionally, the experimental results show the effectiveness of FIRE in terms of both compression and retrieval accuracy.     

Small–Capacity Modular Units. Experience in Startup and Management

A series of small–capacity units has recently been constructed in regions of oil field development and crude oil and gas condensate production to satisfy the requirements for such petroleum products as naphtha, diesel fuel, kerosene, and boiler fuel and to reduce costs for delivery of these products. There are almost no data in the technical literature, particularly in periodicals, on the construction and operation of small–capacity units. We attempt to generalize the experience of Orgeneftekhimzavody Trust in this area. We hope that this experience will be useful to specialists in the development and management of small–capacity plants.     

Application of convolutional error correcting codes in ultrawideband M-ary PPM signaling

The interference issues related to ultrawideband (UWB) radio pose tight restrictions on the maximum data rate of UWB radio telecommunication systems. A possible solution is to reduce the required signal to interference ratio (SIR) that gives satisfactory performance to the UWB system. In this letter, we propose coded M-ary UWB radio communication systems. Two classes of convolutional codes, namely, low-rate superorthogonal codes and high-rate punctured codes are considered for this purpose. Simulation results on the bit error rate of the proposed system indicates that the system is capable to work in lower SIR's and therefore supports higher data transmission rates in a real interference environment compared to the previously proposed UWB communication systems.     

Some Specific Features of Degradation of Superheater Tubes of the Boilers of Thermal Electric Power Plants Made of 12Kh18N12T Steel

We study the process of degradation and damage for superheater tubes of the pressure boilers of power plants made of austenitic chromium-nickel steel. The role of sensitization and partial sigmatization of austenitic steel in the embrittlement of the tubes is analyzed.__________Translated from Fizyko-Khimichna Mekhanika Materialiv, Vol. 40, No. 4, pp. 81–86, July–August, 2004.     

Characterisation of interfaces in nanocrystalline palladium

Structures of grain boundaries and triple line junctions in nanocrystalline materials are of interest owing to large fractions of atoms in nanocrystalline materials being at these interfacial positions. Grain boundary and triple line junction structures in nanocrystalline palladium have been studied using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The main micro structural features observed include the varying atomic structures of grain boundaries and the presence of disordered regions at triple line junctions. Also, there is variation in lattice parameters in different nanocrystalline grains. Geometric phase analysis is used to quantify atomic displacements within nanocrystalline grains. Displacement fields thus detected indicate links to the interface structures.     

Planar lightwave integrated circuits with embedded actives for board and substrate level optical signal distribution

This paper explores design options for planar optical interconnections integrated onto boards, discusses fabrication options for both beam turning and embedded interconnections to optoelectronic devices, describes integration processes for creating embedded planar optical interconnections, and discusses measurement results for a number of integration schemes that have been demonstrated by the authors. In the area of optical interconnections with beams coupled to and from the board, the topics covered include integrated metal-coated polymer mirrors and volume holographic gratings for optical beam turning perpendicular to the board. Optical interconnections that utilize active thin film (approximately 1-5 /spl mu/m thick) optoelectronic components embedded in the board are also discussed, using both Si and high temperature FR-4 substrates. Both direct and evanescent coupling of optical signals into and out of the waveguide are discussed using embedded optical lasers and photodetectors.     

EXPLORING FOR FAN AND DELTA SANDSTONES IN THE OFFSHORE FALKLANDS BASINS

Four basins surround the Falkland Islands, but only the North Falkland Basin has been drilled; six wells were drilled there in 1998. Although all six wells encountered good quality sandstones, none of them targeted the basin margins, on what are now thought to be the optimum migration pathways associated with the basin's thick lacustrine source rocks. Subsequently, a 3D seismic survey acquired in 2004 was designed to identify potential basin-margin -derived sandstones entering the basin along transfer zones. From this survey, a number of basin-margin -attached fans have been identified; these prograded into lacustrine waters of varying depths. These Early Cretaceous alluvial/fan delta/deep-lacustrine fan systems are interpreted to provide excellent potential reservoir facies as they are intimately associated with thick, mature source rocks. They will provide the focus for the next planned phase of exploration in the North Falkland Basin.
A phase of drilling is also planned for the basins to the south of the Islands, where large deltaic and fan systems, slightly younger than those imaged in the North Falkland Basin, are seen on seismic to prograde from the same Palaeozoic hinterland that produced the older, North Falkland Basin fans.
This paper attempts to show how sedimentary models derived from targeted seismic programmes following initial exploration can be utilised to plan and improve new drilling campaigns in a frontier basin. It presents an analysis of sediment dispersal patterns in basins of marine and lacustrine origin linked to a single hinterland area, and highlights the nature of the relationship between relay ramp/transfer zone development and sediment dispersal patterns in the subsurface.