A new model in the energy policy planning

In this paper the application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process in Energy policy planning is introduced. The application of the process to energy policy formulation is explained in greater detail. A desired scenario for the United States' energy future is defined, desired strategies for the attainment of the scenario are formulated, constraints binding each strategy is defined, and policies which would resolve these constraints are formulated and assigned priorities.     

Determination of water equivalent ratio for some dosimetric materials in proton therapy using MNCPX simulation tool

The water equivalent ratio(WER) was calculated for polypropylene(PP), paraffin, polyethylene(PE), polystyrene(PS), polymethyl methacrylate(PMMA), and polycarbonate materials with potential applications in dosimetry and medical physics. This was performed using the Monte Carlo simulation code, MCNPX, at different proton energies. The calculated WER values were compared with National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST) data, available experimental and analytical results,as well as the FLUKA, SRIM, and SEICS codes. PP and PMMA were associated with the minimum and maximum WER values, respectively. Good agreement was observed between the MCNPX and NIST data. The biggest difference was 0.71% for PS at 150 MeV proton energy. In addition, a relatively large positive correlation between the WER values and the electron density of the dosimetric materials was observed. Finally, it was noted that PE presented the most analogous Depth Dose Characteristics to liquid water.     

Robust resonant beams with a passively-controlled thermally-induced axial force and a designated stationary point

Microsystem Technologies - Chevron beams, also known as V-shaped beams, have been used and studied extensively as support structures and thermo-mechanical actuators. As a support, it can remarkably...     

Analysis of the Influence of Temperature and Gas Injection on the Onset of Asphaltene Precipitation Using a Response Surface Methodology Approach

Asphaltene deposition had always been a challenge for the flow assurance issues in oil industry due to both high removal costs and complex behavior in various temperature and composition conditions. These conditions could occur in any enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in the reservoir, and production of oil in tubing or surface facilities. The central composite experimental design of orthogonal type and response surface methodology (RSM) were used to develop reliable models to investigate the effects of input variables on asphaltene onset pressure (AOP). The considered input variables were the temperature and the gas mole% in CO₂ and N₂ gas injection scenarios. Regression analysis showed agreement of the experimental data with the determination coefficient (R²) values of 0.991 and 0.987 for CO₂ and N₂ gas injection models, respectively. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to test the significance of the RSM polynomial models. ANOVA study showed, in CO₂ injection model, the effect of temperature was greater than the gas mole%, while in N₂ injection model, the gas mole% effect was dominant over the temperature effect. By investigating the models, it was seen that in N₂ gas injection, any amount of gas increased the AOP at different temperatures. But in CO₂ gas injection, depending on the temperature, AOP might rise or fall upon adding gas.     

Polyurethane–Ceramic matrices as orbital implants

Orbital implants are used in such procedures as a method by which the natural void created by the removal of an eye can be filled to restore structural and mechanical stability in the region. Highly biocompatible, easy-to-process, relatively inexpensive, chemically and structurally nonabrasive material with high functionality is yet to be proposed for this application. This study investigates a new semibiodegradable, porous polyurethane/beta-tricalcium phosphate composite as a potential material for orbital implant construction. The orbital implant material presented is composed of polyurethane and ceramic components. Isocyanate, caprolactone monomers, catalyst, and deionized water were used for the preparation of polyurethane. The porosity is observed 96.93% with a 267?±?25?µm average pore size. Young’s Modulus was around 50?MPa. Composite implants showed no cytotoxic, apoptotic, and necrotic effects. This matrix, with a biocompatible, porous, and light-weight structure, and with both suitability for tissue infiltration and incorporation potential, holds great promise.     

Giant Barocaloric Effect at the Spin Crossover Transition of a Molecular Crystal

The first experimental evidence for a giant, conventional barocaloric effect (BCE) associated with a pressure‐driven spin crossover transition near room temperature is provided. Magnetometry, neutron scattering, and calorimetry are used to explore the pressure dependence of the SCO phase transition in polycrystalline samples of protonated and partially deuterated [FeL₂][BF₄]₂ [L = 2,6‐di(pyrazol‐1‐yl)pyridine] at applied pressures of up to 120 MPa (1200 bar). The data indicate that, for a pressure change of only 0–300 bar (0–30 MPa), an adiabatic temperature change of 3 K is observed at 262 K or 257 K in the protonated and deuterated materials, respectively. This BCE is equivalent to the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) observed in gadolinium in a magnetic field change of 0–1 Tesla. The work confirms recent predictions that giant, conventional BCEs will be found in a wide range of SCO compounds.     

Fire-retarding properties of nanowollastonite in MDF

Effects of wollastonite nanofibers on fire-retarding properties of medium density fiberboard were studied. Nanowollastonite (NW) was applied at 5, 10, 15, and 20 g/kg dry weight basis of wood fibers and compared with reference specimens. Two application methods of NW were used: surface application (SA), and internal application. Density was kept constant at 670 kg/m³ for all treatments. Specimens of 150 × 130 × 9 mm³ were prepared and fire-retarding properties were measured using two devices: slide fire test device and fixed fire test device. The properties included: weight loss, ignition and glowing times, width and length of the burnt area, and fire endurance. The obtained results indicated that most fire-retarding properties were significantly improved with the increase in NW-content up-to 15 %, including weight loss, ignition and glowing times, and fire endurance. Higher amounts resulted in decreasing of the properties which was partly due to the less fiber-content, and partly due to the absorption of resin by the wollastonite nanofibers. It can be concluded that SA of NW is more effective in improving fire-retarding properties of medium density fiberboard. Furthermore, 10 % of NW is recommended as an optimum level of consumption.