Effect of ambient wind on pressure wave generated by high-speed train entering a tunnel

Journal of Central South University - Using three-dimensional, unsteady N-S equations and k-ε turbulence model, the effect of ambient wind on the pressure wave generated by a high-speed train...     

Theoretical Investigation of the Viscous Damping Coefficient of Hydraulic Actuators

The viscous damping coefficient(VDC) of hydraulic actuators is crucial for system modeling,control and dynamic characteristic analysis.Currently,the researches on hydraulic actuators focus on behavior assessment,promotion of control performance and efficiency.However,the estimation of the VDC is difficult due to a lack of study.Firstly,using two types of hydraulic cylinders,behaviors of the VDC are experimentally examined with velocities and pressure variations.For the tested plunger type hydraulic cylinder,the exponential model B=αυ~(-β),(α0,β0)or B=α_1e~(-β_1υ)+α_2e~(-β_2υ)(α_1,α_20,β_1,β_20),fits the relation between the VDC and velocities for a given pressure of chamber with high precision.The magnitude of the VDC decreases almost linearly under certain velocities when increasing the chamber pressure from 0.6 MPa to 6.0 MPa.Furthermore,the effects of the chamber pressures on the VDC of piston and plunge type hydraulic cylinders are different due to different sealing types.In order to investigate the VDC of a plunger type hydraulic actuator drastically,a steady-state numerical model has been developed to describe the mechanism incorporating tandem seal lubrication,back-up ring related friction behaviors and shear stress of fluid.It is shown that the simulated results of VDC agree with the measured results with a good accuracy.The proposed method provides an instruction to predict the VDC in system modeling and analysis.     

„Leben machen,sterben lassen“: Palliative Care und Biomacht

Definition of the problem This article takes a critical look at the current theory and practice of palliative care (PC), how it deals with death and dying, and the underlying guiding principle of a good death. Thereby, Foucault’s concept of biopower is utilized. Argument Because PC aims to facilitate a good death, manifold criteria and measures have been developed that help plan interventions and determine their success. In light of the concept of biopower, certain problematic aspects of this development become manifest that usually remain hidden in the bioethical discourse. Conclusion A goal of PC is to improve the quality of life of the dying and therefore not only treats physical symptoms but also psychological, social, and spiritual suffering; thus, it commits itself to maximizing life in a way that can become overdemanding for the individual and possibly does not satisfy the patient’s real needs.     

Improved Computational Model of Grid Cells Based on Column Structure

To simulate the firing pattern of biological grid cells, this paper presents an improved computational model of grid cells based on column structure. In this model, the displacement along different directions is processed by modulus operation, and the obtained remainder is associated with firing rate of grid cell. Compared with the original model, the improved parts include that: the base of modulus operation is changed, and the firing rate in firing field is encoded by Gaussian-like function. Simulation validates that the firing pattern generated by the improved computational model is more consistent with biological characteristic than original model. Besides, the firing pattern is badly influenced by the cumulative positioning error, but the computational model can also generate the regularly hexagonal firing pattern when the real-time positioning results are modified.     

Aerodynamic performance analysis of trains on slope topography under crosswinds

This work used the computational fluid dynamics method combined with full-scale train tests to analyze the train aerodynamic performance on special slope topography. Results show that with the increment in the slope gradient, the aerodynamic forces and moment increase sharply. Compared with the flat ground condition, the lateral force, lift force, and overturning moment of the train on the first line increase by 153.2%, 53.4% and 124.7%, respectively, under the slope gradient of 20°. However, with the increment of the windward side's depth, the windbreak effect is improved obviously. When the depth is equal to 10 m, compared with the 0 m, the lateral force, lift force and overturning moment of the train on the first line decrease by 70.9%, 77.0% and 70.6%,respectively. Through analyzing the influence of slope parameters on the aerodynamic performance of the train, the relationships among them are established. All these will provide a basic reference for enhancing train aerodynamic performances under different slope conditions and achieve reasonable train speeds for the operation safety in different wind environments.     

Weathering modification of acrylic emulsion by introducing UV absorbing groups

A new kind of UV-absorbing silicon-fluorinated acrylic emulsion was prepared by emulsion polymerization with 4-allyloxy-2-hydroxybenzophenone, 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) and hexafluorobutyl methacrylate (HFMA) as functional monomers. The emulsion and its coating were characterized by transmission electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ultraviolet absorption spectrum,thermo-gravimetric analysis, water contact angle (CA), and artificial accelerated aging test. The results indicated that the emulsion with core-shell structure was synthesized and showed prominent absorption peaks at 320 and 350 nm. The water CA of the coating was increased from 70.2° to 86.7° because of the incorporated HFMAs and MPSs. Both of the initial and final decomposition temperatures of the coating were increased by more than 20°C compared with those of the unmodified coating. After 10 days of accelerated aging, the color difference (ΔE) and rate of loss of gloss (ΔG) were only 2.78% and 5.22%, while those of the unmodified coating were as high as 22.94% and 78.57%, respectively. Because of the UV absorbers were incorporated by chemical reaction, the new coating had a more durable and effective anti-ultraviolet performance compared with the coatings the UV absorbers were introduced by physical blending.     

Self-Diffusion of Iron in Molten Fe-C Alloys

Self-diffusion coefficients of iron in molten Fe-C alloys have been measured by using the capillary method. In addition, the samples have been autoradiographed and sectioned to insure that no significant convection has occurred during the diffusion. The results can be represented by the equation D = 4.3×10^?3 exp (—12.200/RT) for carbon = 4.6 pct and T = 1513° to 1633°K; and D = 1.0×10^?2 exp (—15,700/RT) for carbon = 2.5 pct and T = 1613° to 1673°K. The D values are higher and the heat of activation for diffusion lower in alloys containing more carbon. Calculation based on the Einstein-Stokes equation indicates that the diffusing species is iron ion.     

中国的稀有金属

本文简要介绍了中国稀有金属在研究、生产方面的发展概况。     

Accelerated electrospark deposition and the wear behavior of coatings

Electrospark deposition (ESD) is a coating process that is featured by low heat input to the substrate. Low coating efficiency and other limitations influence its wider application. The present paper introduces newly designed ESD equipment, by which a higher coating rate can be reached. The relationship among coating thickness, surface roughness, and process parameters such as pulse energy, pulse frequency, and deposition time are presented. Electrospark deposition coating by the new equipment on AISI 1045 steel (with WC-8% Co as electrode) increases the wear resistance by 5 to 8 times. The micromechanism is investigated by scanning electron microscopy observation.