Progress in multilayer devices as X-ray optical elements

A new kind of mirror based on multilayering techniques gives the possibility of preparing artificial Bragg reflectors over all the X-UV range. The possibility to choose most of the parameters governing the reflectivity opens the possibility to get a very good efficiency, even under normal incidence. Main parameters, evaporating techniques and tests are described. Some example of recent results are compared to the theoretical predictions.     

Influence of load and speed on wear characteristics of grey cast iron in dry sliding — selection for minimum wear

The wear of grey cast iron in dry sliding conditions has been studied with the aims of (1) finding the influence of working conditions on the wear rate, and (2) determining the region of speed and load where low wear is accomplished. Grey cast iron with flake and nodular graphite was submitted to investigation using a pin-on-disc machine. The results indicate that the flake graphite cast iron is more suitable for applications at speeds greater than 4 m s⁻¹ and lower loads, while nodular cast iron has greater wear resistance at lower speeds in the range of loads investigated - from 50 N cm⁻² to 200 N cm⁻²     

国产核电厂蒸汽发生器下封头接管区模拟装置承受循环载荷能力的试验

国产核电厂蒸汽发生器下封头群孔接管区具有应力分布复杂、焊接施工条件差的特点。为考核其承受循环载荷的能力，设计制造了与实物相似的模拟试验装置，根据核电厂运行寿命期内的载荷特点，确定了模拟试验装置的试验载荷与试验循环数。循环加载试验的结果表明，蒸汽发生器下封头群孔接管区承受循环载荷的能力在寿命期内是符合要求的。     

THE STICKY ISSUES OF DRYING

Unconrolled agglomeration of particles and adhesion of the particulate mass to wall surfaces are common severe problems in many drying operations. This paper reviews the mechanisms of interparticle and particle-surface attraction as well as the theory and the existing tests for characterising powders in terms of internal strength, wall friction and adhesion. The usefulness of the information obtained from these tests in dryer design and operation is critically reviewed. The importance of powder stickiness in various types of dryers is discussed and established methods of combating the problem are presented Recommendations an made for further research in the area of powder cohesion and adhesion.     

Surveillance test policy optimization through genetic algorithms using non-periodic intervention frequencies and considering seasonal constraints

In order to maximize systems average availability during a given period of time, it has recently been developed a non-periodic surveillance test optimization methodology based on genetic algorithms (GA). The fact of allowing non-periodic tests turns the solution space much more flexible and schedules can be better adjusted, providing gains in the overall system average availability, when compared to those obtained by an optimized periodic test scheme. This approach, however, turns the optimization problem more complex. Hence, the use of a powerful optimization technique, such as GA, is required.Considering that some particular features of certain systems can turn it advisable to introduce other specific constraints in the optimization problem, this work investigates the application of seasonal constraints for the set of the Emergency Diesel Generation of a typical four-loop pressurized water reactor in order to planning and optimizing its surveillance test policy. In this analysis, the growth of the blackout accident probability during summer, due to electrical power demand increases, was considered. Here, the used model penalizes surveillance test interventions when the blackout probability is higher.Results demonstrate the ability of the method in adapting the surveillance test policy to seasonal constraints. The knowledge acquired by the GA during the searching process has lead to test schedules that drastically minimize test interventions at periods of high blackout probability. It is compensated by more frequent redistributed tests through the periods of low blackout probability in order to improve on the overall average availability at the system level.     

The benefits and costs of repeated memory tests for young and older adults.

Repeated and prolonged searches of memory can lead to an increase in how much is recalled, but they can also lead to memory errors. These 3 experiments addressed the costs and benefits of repeated and prolonged memory tests for both young and older adults. Participants saw and imagined pictures of objects, some of which were physically or conceptually similar, and then took a series of repeated or prolonged recall tests. Both young and older adults recalled more on later tests than on earlier ones, though the increase was less marked for older adults. In addition, despite recalling less than did young adults, older adults made more similarity-based source misattributions (i.e., claiming an imagined item was seen if it was physically or conceptually similar to a seen item). Similar patterns of fewer benefits and more costs for older adults were seen on both free and forced recall tests and on timed and self-paced tests. Findings are interpreted in terms of age-related differences in binding processes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Finite element simulation of the mechanics of flat contact pad fretting fatigue tests

An understanding into the macro kinetic and kinematic behaviour of fretted surfaces is provided. Making use of a modified version of a previously developed in‐house two‐dimensional elastic–plastic finite element analysis numerically simulates flat contact pad fretting fatigue tests. Basic macro mechanics concepts are adopted to idealise two bodies with rough contact surfaces and loaded at two different sites with arbitrary axial loading profiles. A time scale factor is devised to recognise the earliest candidate out of the events possibly accommodated at each loading increment. The present analysis utilises a relevant experimental set up developed in the Structural Integrity Research Institute of the University of Sheffield as an application. Computational results accurate to within 1.2% and corresponding to one contact pad span and six constant normal loads acting individually with four amplitudes of two sinusoidal axial load cycles are presented. The present computations include (1) the development of the global and local normal and tangential reactions and relative sliding displacement acting along the fretting surfaces and (2) contact pad deformation, generated stress fields and plasticity development within the neighbouring region of the fretted area.     

Perceptual evaluation of color gamut mapping algorithms

The recommendation of the CIE has been followed as closely as possible to evaluate the accuracy of five color gamut mapping algorithms (GMAs)—two nonspatial and three spatial algorithms—by psychophysical experiments with 20 test images, 20 observers, one test done on paper and a second one on display. Even though the results do not show any overall “winner,” one GMA is definitely perceived as not accurate. The importance of a high number of test images to obtain robust evaluation is underlined by the high variability of the results depending on the test images. Significant correlations between the percentage of out‐of‐gamut pixels, the number of distinguishable pairs of GMAs, and the perceived difficulty to distinguish them have been found. The type of observers is also important. The experts, who prefer a spatial GMA, show a stronger consensus and look especially for a good rendering of details, whereas the nonexperts hardly make a difference between the GMAs. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 33, 470–476, 2008     

响洪甸电站引水隧洞进口水下岩塞爆破施工

响洪甸抽水蓄能电站水下岩塞爆破施工要求高,技术新,难度大.由于施工准备充分,并进行了一系列材料及施工试验,工程进展顺利,排孔造孔、导洞药室开挖、药管与起爆体加工、装药与堵塞、网络施工、充水补气等工程施工质量符合设计要求,岩塞爆破准时成功起爆.