Dynamic diamond anvil cell (dDAC): a novel device for studying the dynamic-pressure properties of materials

We have developed a unique device, a dynamic diamond anvil cell (dDAC), which repetitively applies a time-dependent load/pressure profile to a sample. This capability allows studies of the kinetics of phase transitions and metastable phases at compression (strain) rates of up to 500 GPa/s (approximately 0.16 s(-1) for a metal). Our approach adapts electromechanical piezoelectric actuators to a conventional diamond anvil cell design, which enables precise specification and control of a time-dependent applied load/pressure. Existing DAC instrumentation and experimental techniques are easily adapted to the dDAC to measure the properties of a sample under the varying load/pressure conditions. This capability addresses the sparsely studied regime of dynamic phenomena between static research (diamond anvil cells and large volume presses) and dynamic shock-driven experiments (gas guns, explosive, and laser shock). We present an overview of a variety of experimental measurements that can be made with this device.     

Age differences in identifying words in synthetic speech

OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether context or different speech rates could improve older adult performance on identification of synthetically generated words. BACKGROUND: Synthetic speech systems can potentially improve the daily functioning of older adults. However, research must determine whether older adults can effectively implement current text-to-speech technologies, which few studies have examined. Older adults' sensory and cognitive declines may cause difficulties in identifying words in synthetic speech. METHODS: Ninety-six participants (young, middle-aged, and older adults) identified auditory monosyllabic words (half natural, half synthetic) presented in isolation or at the ends of sentences. Participants heard speech at either normal or slower rates. RESULTS: We found an interaction of age, context, and voice type and that slower speech rates worsened performance for all groups. Contrasts revealed that context reduced age differences, though only for natural speech. Hearing acuity was highly correlated with age and fully accounts for the interaction. CONCLUSIONS: Context improves performance for everyone in natural speech. However, whereas context improves performance for synthetic speech, it does not differentially reduce the age impairment for older adults. Slower speed generally impairs everyone's performance compared with the normal rate. APPLICATIONS: Systems using synthetic speech should avoid presenting words in isolation, and rich contextual support should be consistently adopted. Synthetic speech fidelity must be improved significantly before becoming truly useful for older adult populations.     

Simultaneous nonlinear absorption and index effects in the propagation of intense TEA CO2 laser pulses through CDF3

Changes in the beam profile of the CO2 laser 10R(26) line, caused by transmission through, and absorption by, CDF3 were studied using an array of pyroelectric detectors. During the propagation of the laser beam through CDF3, nonlinear absorption and self-defocusing of the beam have both been determined from measurements of the effect on the exit beam of fluence, radiant energy, CDF3 pressure, transmission cell length, and distance from the exit of the cell to the detector array.     

Creep of CaO/MgO refractories

The creep properties of a standard doloma brick (containing 40% MgO) and a magnesia-enriched doloma product (containing 60% MgO) have been compared with the behaviour of CaO-MgO samples having compositions and microstructures similar to those of the pellet raw materials used for manufacture of the fired doloma refractories. The creep strength is shown to be improved not only by magnesia enrichment but also by reducing the impurity levels, particularly the Fe₂O₃ content.     

Thermal shock of ß-alumina with zirconia additions

Sodium-alumina electrolyte tubes were prepared from spray dried precursor powders with additions of 2, 5, 10 and 15 wt % ZrO₂ made by the sodium zirconate route. The thermal shock behaviour of ring segments cut from the tubes was examined by quenching into water at 0° C. At the 2% ZrO₂ level the dispersed ZrO₂ particle size was low, <0.5m, and the tetragonal phase was retained. For higher weight fractions, particle coarsening during the-alumina sintering schedule was extensive and the large particles transformed to monoclinic on cooling. At the 15% ZrO₂ level the-alumina had a slightly reduced strength and high resistance to thermal shock and to thermal shock damage, quenching into water from 800° C effecting only a 43% reduction in strength. These observations are consistent with the effects of microcracking in the vicinity of second phase ZrO₂ particles.