In Situ Investigation of TCP Phase Formation,Stress Relaxation and γ/γ′ Lattice Misfit Evolution in Fourth Generation Single Crystal Ni-Base Superalloys by X-Ray High Temperature Diffraction

Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A - In nickel-based superalloys, the lattice misfit between the γ and γ′ phases and the propensity to TCP phase formation at service...     

Photochemical degradation of glassy polyesters of low softening point

The photodegradation of polyesters prepared by the reaction of o-phthalic, adipic, and “dimer” acids with ethylene glycol has been studied. The polyesters softened at temperatures in the range of 25–50°C. Polymer films were irradiated in air by means of a medium pressure mercury lamp and the extent of formation of COOH groups determined by infrared spectroscopy. The films were also irradiated in vacuo and in air by means of a high-pressure mercury lamp, and the volatile products, consisting mainly of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, were determined by gas chromatography. The results are interpreted in terms of simultaneous Norrish type I and type II decompositions of the polyesters. The type I process accounts for the formation of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in the absence of air. The enhanced yield of carbon dioxide in irradiations performed in air is ascribed to the formation of hydroperoxide which undergoes further photolysis. The type II process accounts for the formation of COOH groups. The photodegradation of these glassy polyesters parallels that of crystalline poly(ethylene terephthalate) and is relatively unaffected by changes in composition of the aromatic polyester.     

Role of bond thickness on adhesive failure

An analytical, numerical and experimental program is described which establishes the basic fracture mechanics properties of an adhesive joint. A finite element analysis of a homogeneous finite tapered double cantilever beam is first presented and the results compared with elasticity and strength of materials solutions. Using analytical results developed in another paper, a finite bond line thickness correction factor is introduced to determine the crack tip stress intensity factor as a function of crack length. An experimental program is described wherein the crack tip stress intensity factor for the cantilever beam adhesive joint is measured by the compliance method and the results compared with those obtained by analytical and numerical methods. Finally, the critical value of the adhesive crack tip stress intensity factor is determined using the analytical and experimental techniques presented.     

Low‐velocity impact of nanocomposite and polymer plates

Nanocomposites are more widely studied today because of higher stiffness, decreased permeability, thermal stability, and many other properties superior to those of regular polymers. However, manufacturers are concerned about implementing nanocomposites because of their lower impact properties with respect to the base polymer. This study focused on low‐velocity impact tests of a thermoplastic olefin by itself and with 5 wt % nanoclay. The impact tests were conducted at ?40, 23.9, and 65.6°C until the polymer and nanocomposite plates experienced complete striker penetration. The force–time and force–deflection responses obtained from the impact testing provided a means of comparing the impact performances of the two materials. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 2309–2315, 2005     

Territorial targeting in EU private law

In a series of rulings given in the last few years, the Court of Justice of the European Union (EU) has made use of the concept of targeting by a trader of a particular territorial market as a device for determining the scope of European legislation on private law. The concept is of particular importance in the context of trading activities conducted by means of the Internet, though its significance is not confined to such activities. In particular, the European Court has used the concept of targeting for the purpose of restricting the substantive ambit of intellectual property rights created or harmonised by EU legislation. On the other hand, it has avoided use of the concept of targeting in the context of EU legislation allocating jurisdiction between the courts of the Member States, even in respect of disputes involving intellectual property, except where a legislative text specifically invokes such a concept. The instant paper endeavours to review the position as currently established by the European case-law, and to predict the likely further developments.     

Human factors and education: evolution and contributions

OBJECTIVE: The major contributions of human factors to education are highlighted. BACKGROUND: Over the past 50 years, the education of human factors specialists has evolved, as well as the application of human factors and ergonomic knowledge to education. METHOD: Human factors and ergonomics professional documentation and literature were reviewed to identify major events relevant to human factors education or the application of human factors to education. RESULTS: Human factors education has evolved from training in experimental psychology to highly specialized accredited human factors programs and a number of undergraduate programs, leading to program accreditation and the certification of professionals. In addition, human factors specialists have applied their knowledge to human factors education and, more recently, to educational systems in general. The greatest focus has been on technology such as multimedia. Others have evaluated the design of the physical environment, focusing primarily on seating. The research also often targets undergraduate or graduate education. Therefore, it has been proposed that a greater focus is needed at the K-12 educational level, especially given the advancement and implementation of technology in the classroom. CONCLUSION: Human factors and ergonomic expertise can benefit the educational system. Yet, there is a need to constantly evaluate the benefits of new technology in the classroom as well as the environmental design aspects of the educational environment while considering learners of different age groups, ethnicities, and sexes. APPLICATION: Better application of human factors and ergonomics to the learning environment could enhance the educational experience for all learners.     

Frequency stabilization of a green He-Ne laser

A new process for stabilizing the frequency of commercially available 543-nm He-Ne lasers is described. The stabilization method is based on anomalous dispersion of the gain medium. A total of four green lasers have been stabilized-two at the National Institute of Standards and Technology and two at the Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences-making it possible to study frequency variations of the lasers relative to each other. We have also stabilized a 633-nm laser by the use of the same method used for 543 nm.     

RasGRP, a Ras guanyl nucleotide- releasing protein with calcium- and diacylglycerol-binding motifs

RasGRP, a guanyl nucleotide-releasing protein for the small guanosine triphosphatase Ras, was characterized. Besides the catalytic domain, RasGRP has an atypical pair of "EF hands" that bind calcium and a diacylglycerol (DAG)-binding domain. RasGRP activated Ras and caused transformation in fibroblasts. A DAG analog caused sustained activation of Ras-Erk signaling and changes in cell morphology. Signaling was associated with partitioning of RasGRP protein into the membrane fraction. Sustained ligand-induced signaling and membrane partitioning were absent when the DAG-binding domain was deleted. RasGRP is expressed in the nervous system, where it may couple changes in DAG and possibly calcium concentrations to Ras activation.     

Amplification of high-order rainbows of a cylinder with an elliptical cross section

The intensity of high-order rainbows for normally incident light and certain rotation angles of a cylinder with an elliptical cross section is greatly amplified with respect to the intensity for a circular cross-sectional cylinder. The amplification is due to a number of the internal reflections occurring past the critical angle for total internal reflection, and the effect is especially strong for odd-order rainbows, beginning with the third order. Experimentally, the fourth- and the fifth-order rainbows of a nearly elliptical cross-sectional glass rod were observed and analyzed.     

Coherent lidar airborne wind sensor II: flight-test results at 2 and 10 νm

The use of airborne laser radar (lidar) to measure wind velocities and to detect turbulence in front of an aircraft in real time can significantly increase fuel efficiency, flight safety, and terminal area capacity. We describe the flight-test results for two coherent lidar airborne shear sensor (CLASS) systems and discuss their agreement with our theoretical simulations. The 10.6-μm CO(2) system (CLASS-10) is a flying brassboard; the 2.02-μm Tm:YAG solid-state system (CLASS-2) is configured in a rugged, light-weight, high-performance package. Both lidars have shown a wind measurement accuracy of better than 1 m/s.