Differentiation between conformational transitions of polymers and the transition observed near the theta conditions

Summary The differentiation between the conformational transitions of polymers and the transition observed near the conditions has been investigated. The conformational transitions are related with side-group effects and vanish under the influence of an appropriate amount of a polar solvent. In the contrary, the transition observed in the vicinity of the temperature is related with chain-backbone effects. The addition of a polar solvent shifts this transition to a different temperature in accordance with the resulted change of the temperature of the system.     

Physical and Chemical Characteristics and Volatility of PM in the Proximity of a Light-Duty Vehicle Freeway

Abstract

Volatility properties of ultrafine particles were analyzed next to State Route 110 (Pasadena freeway CA), a light-duty vehicle freeway where heavy-duty traffic is prohibited. In addition, mass concentration and chemical composition of particulate matter (PM) were measured in coarse, accumulation, and ultrafine modes. On weekdays from 17 May to 4 June 2004, measurements were performed in two locations, one very close to the freeway (within 2.5 m from the curb) and one at a distance of about 50 m from the freeway. For measurement of mass and chemical composition, the study employed in each location a micro-orifice uniform deposit impactor (MOUDI) and a modified high-volume sampler. Both instruments sampled with the same size cutpoints: a coarse mode from 2.5 to 10 μm, an accumulation mode from 0.18 to 2.5 μm, and an ultrafine mode of particles less than 0.18 μm in aerodynamic diameter. Alternately, a tandem differential mobility analyzer (TDMA) was used at the two sites. A heater between the two DMAs evaporated volatile material from the monodisperse aerosol, size selected by the first DMA. The second DMA analyzed the losses of volatile components. The ultrafine number concentrations next to the freeway were 46,000 cm^?3 on average during the sampling period. The MOUDI ultrafine mass concentration, nitrate, and EC were higher next to the freeway than at the background site farther from the freeway. The other components analyzed in the ultrafine mode had similar concentrations next to the freeway and at the background site. Volatility ranged from about 65% volume losses of 120 nm particles heated to 110°C to 95% of 20 nm particles. The 20 nm aerosol was only internally mixed, whereas increasing nonvolatile fractions were found for 40 nm (6% next to the freeway), 80 nm (20%), and 120 nm (28%) aerosols.     

Microwaves Sensor for Wind Turbine Blade Inspection

The structural integrity of wind turbine blades can be adversely affected by their structural dynamics, temperature extremes, lightning strikes, ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and airborne particulate matter such as hailstones and sand. If subsurface delamination occurs and is undetected then this can lead to fibre breakage and catastrophic failures in composite blades. In this paper we introduce a microwave scanning technique that detects such delamination in practical blade assemblies. Using an open-ended waveguide sensor, the electromagnetic signal reflected from the composite is found to have a phase profile that can detect changes in the composite cross section. Glass fibre T-joints are scanned and the results used to detect thickness variations (e.g., the presence of the web) and delamination. Results are compared across the 18–20 GHz frequency band. The dielectric permittivity of the composite system is measured and is used to estimate the stand-off distance and operating frequency of the sensor. This is critical to the system’s ability to detect damage. When the sensor is close to the surface of the structure (standoff distance?≈?5 mm), delamination down to 0.2 mm in width could be detected.     

Structural Health Monitoring Using Lamb Wave Reflections and Total Focusing Method for Image Reconstruction

This investigation aimed to adapt the total focusing method (TFM) algorithm (originated from the synthetic aperture focusing technique in digital signal processing) to accommodate a circular array of piezoelectric sensors (PZT) and characterise defects using guided wave signals for the development of a structural health monitoring system. This research presents the initial results of a broader study focusing on the development of a structural health monitoring (SHM) guided wave system for advance carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) composite materials. The current material investigated was an isotropic (aluminium) square plate with 16 transducers operating successively as emitter or sensor in pitch and catch configuration enabling the collection of 240 signals per assessment. The Lamb wave signals collected were tuned on the symmetric fundamental mode with a wavelength of 17 mm, by setting the excitation frequency to 300 kHz. The initial condition for the imaging system, such as wave speed and transducer position, were determined with post processing of the baseline signals through a method involving the identification of the waves reflected from the free edge of the plate. The imaging algorithm was adapted to accommodate multiple transmitting transducers in random positions. A circular defect of 10 mm in diameter was drilled in the plate, which is similar to the delamination size introduced by a low velocity impact event in a composite plate. Images were obtained by applying the TFM to the baseline signals, Test 1 data (corresponding to the signals obtained after introduction of the defect) and to the data derived from the subtraction of the baseline to the Test 1 signals. The result shows that despite the damage diameter being 40 % smaller than the wavelength, the image (of the subtracted baseline data) demonstrated that the system can locate where the waves were reflected from the defect boundary. In other words, the contour of the damaged area was highlighted enabling its size and position to be determined.     

Variation of the physicochemical properties diesel-biodiesel blends – range 0–100%

Recently biodiesel has become more attractive because it is made from renewable resources. In this study we demonstrate how the proportion of diesel/biodiesel blends determines the qualitative parameters and energy efficiency of the final product. The use of biodiesel in blends with conventional diesel is becoming more and more valuable, based on European directive for use up to 20% biodiesel by 2020. We came to the conclusion that mixtures up 30% Biodiesel gives product within diesel specification limits which is suitable for commercial use. This methodology can be a manual for the production line of mixtures for commercial use.     

Intra-Community Variability in Total Particle Number Concentrations in the San Pedro Harbor Area (Los Angeles,California)

Recent evidence links elevated ultrafine particle (UFP) concentrations with adverse health effects, but exposure assessments based upon PM _2.5 mass concentrations may be misleading. In order to better understand and quantify intra-community variability in UFP concentrations, a dense network of 14 monitoring sites was set-up in Los Angeles in two clusters—San Pedro/Wilmington and West Long Beach—in communities surrounding the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The network measured total particle number concentrations greater than 7 nm in diameter. In this range, UFP comprise approximately 90% of the total. Port-related activities—particularly goods movement associated with high volumes of heavy-duty diesel vehicle (HDDV) traffic—represent significant UFP sources. The field study was conducted from mid-February through mid-December 2007 to assess diurnal, seasonal, and spatial patterns and intra-community variability in total particle number concentrations. For sites within a few km of each other, simultaneous particle number concentrations can vary up to a factor of 10 (< 10,000 cm^?3 up to 90,000 cm^?3 for hourly averages calculated by month). The median hourly correlation coefficient (r) across all sites was modest and varied from 0.3 to 0.56. Specific site locations, particularly proximity to roadways used for goods movement, strongly affect observations. Clear diurnal and seasonal patterns are evident in the data. A diurnal pattern associated with high HDDV volumes and goods movement was identified. Coefficients of Divergence calculated for the site pairs suggest moderate heterogeneity overall (median study COD ≈ 0.35). The intra-urban variability observed in this study is comparable to and exceeds the inter-urban variability observed in a previous study in Los Angeles. UFP concentrations can vary considerably on short spatial scales in source-rich environments strongly influencing the accuracy of exposure assessments.     

Electrochemical promotion of heterogeneous catalysis

The catalytic activity and selectivity of metals interfaced with solid electrolytes can be altered dramatically and reversibly via potential application. The increase in catalytic rate can be several orders of magnitude higher than that anticipated from Faraday's Law. This new phenomenon of electrochemical promotion is of considerable theoretical and potentially practical importance in heterogeneous catalysis. In this paper the main phenomenological features of electrochemical promotion (or NEMCA effect) are surveyed and the origin of the effect is discussed in view of recent surface spectroscopic and quantum mechanical studies.     

Proton interactions in chemical-electrochemical and physical systems

The repulsive Coulombic forces exerted between proton wave particles in electrochemical and physical systems are examined, together with the attractive ion-induced dipole forces between protons and neighboring neutral particles, e.g. neutrons in the case of physical systems (nuclei). It is shown that when protons and neutrons are treated as harmonic oscillators with the same kinetic and potential energy, then two roots exist for their vibrational velocity. One root corresponds to negligible relativistic corrections (v/c?1) and unstable nuclei, the other to significant relativistic corrections (v/c≈1) and to formation of stable nuclei. It is shown that the first root corresponds to protons in chemical-electrochemical systems and the second (relativistic) root corresponds to protons in nuclei. In the latter case the formation of stable nuclei is due to the attractive ion-induced dipole forces and to the pronounced increase in mass and gravitational forces. The latter, together with the ion-induced dipole forces, counterbalance the strong repulsive Coulombic forces. This leads to the analytical computation of the energy of formation of the ⁴He and ²H nuclei and of the gravitational constant. All three computed values are in quantitative agreement with experiment.     

A SIMPLIFIED MODEL FOR MERCURY POROSIMETRY HYSTERESIS

A modified Random Corrugated Pore Structure Model (CPSM) simulating Mercury Porosimetry (MP) hysteresis and entrapment phenomena is proposed. The model have been applied in parametric sensitivity studies and data regression tests by using a single parameter Bell Shape Distribution (BSD) function as the intrinsic pore size distribution (psd). The new CPSM version proved to be superior compared to its original counterpart since it achieves a sensible evaluation of the trapped mercury distribution, enables the construction of a “closed” (zero entrapment) hysteresis loop and makes realistic predictions of the intrinsic pore volume and surface area distributions. CPSM predicted intrinsic psd's for reservoir sand stones compare satisfactorily with those measured independently by a photomicrography method. The model also provides the basis for the development of a least square computer code suitable for further improved psd calculations.     

Enhanced Composites Integrity Through Structural Health Monitoring

This paper discusses the topic of how the integrity of safety-critical structural composites can be enhanced by the use of structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques. The paper starts with a presentation of how the certification of flight-critical composite structures can be achieved within the framework of civil aviation safety authority requirements. Typical composites damage mechanisms, which make this process substantially different from that for metallic materials are discussed. The opportunities presented by the use of SHM techniques in future civil aircraft developments are explained. The paper then focuses on active SHM with piezoelectric wafer active sensors (PWAS). After reviewing the PWAS-based SHM options, the paper follows with a discussion of the specifics of guided wave propagation in composites and PWAS-tuning effects. The paper presents a number of experimental results for damage detection in simple flat unidirectional and quasi-isotropic composite specimens. Calibrated through holes of increasing diameter and impact damage of various energies and velocities are considered. The paper ends with conclusions and suggestions for further work.