Finding feasible mold parting directions using graphics hardware

We present new programmable graphics hardware accelerated algorithms to test the 2-moldability of geometric parts and assist with part redesign. These algorithms efficiently identify and graphically display undercuts as well as minimum and insufficient draft angles. Their running times grow only linearly with respect to the number of facets in the solid model, making them efficient subroutines for our algorithms that test whether a tessellated CAD model can be manufactured in a two-part mold. We have developed and implemented two such algorithms to choose candidate directions to test for 2-moldability using accessibility analysis and Gauss maps. The efficiency of these algorithms lies in the fact that they identify groups of candidate directions such that if any one direction in the group is undercut-free, all are, or if any one is not undercut-free, none are. We examine trade-offs between the algorithms' speed, accuracy, and whether they guarantee that an undercut-free direction will be found for a part if one exists.     

Continuous hydrogen evolution from cyclohexanes over platinum catalysts supported on activated carbon fibers

The continuous production of hydrogen from cyclohexanes is achieved effectively using Pt/ACF (ACF = activated carbon fiber) catalysts in a fixed-bed flow reactor. The Pt catalysts are more effective than a Pd/ACF catalyst for the reaction. Besides cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane, 1,4-dimethylcyclohexane, and p-menthane can also be employed as hydrogen source in the reaction system.     

State of Practice for Positive Moment Connections in Prestressed Concrete Girders Made Continuous

Precast bridges are often constructed as single span for dead load, but continuous for live load. A diaphragm connection is provided for negative moment continuity. However, the connection may also be subjected to positive moments due to time-dependent effects. Because these moments may be large enough to damage the diaphragm or even the girders, a positive moment connection is often provided. This paper reports on a study to determine the types of positive moment connections used across the country and to identify potential problems with these types of connections. A questionnaire survey was conducted to assess the state of practice for precast prestressed concrete bridges made continuous. The survey provides valuable information on this type of bridge and updates a previous survey on this subject.     

Epitaxial growth of GaN on (0001) Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> via solution-cast seed layer formation process using Ga(mDTC)<Subscript>3</Subscript>

This paper reports an alternative method for the growth of GaN epitaxial layer on (0001) Al₂O₃ substrate by hot-wall vapor phase epitaxy technique. Tris (N,N-dimethyldithiocarbamato)-gallium (III), Ga(mDTC)₃ was introduced as a precursor material for the seed layer formation in the growth of GaN. Optimal growth conditions with seed layers formed by the Ga(mDTC)₃ concentration of 0.047 mol/L were identified: Growth temperature was found to be 850 °C, and optimal distance between the reactant outlet and substrate was determined to be 12.5 cm. Characterization results showed that this growth method produce high-crystallinity GaN epitaxial layers at a relatively lower growth temperature compared to the existing growth techniques and simplify the growth process.     

冶钢小方坯连铸机结晶器液面控制系统故障分析及对策

本文针对某一钢铁厂的一套小方坯连铸机结晶器液面自动控制系统，对其故障原因进行了深入分析，指出导致系统控制性能达不到设计要求长期无法投入运行的主要原因，并提出了相应的解决方法。     

节能型铝合金连续熔化－去气炉

介绍一种用于铝合金的连续熔化－去气的节能装置。着重讨论了此装置的结构和操作要点以及影响铝合金质量的因素。文中对比了此装置与传统阶段式熔化系统操作上的异同点。分析了连续熔化炉的经济效益。研究表明毛坯耗电量下降８５％，并可减少合金元素加入量以及坩埚和加热元件的消耗。铸件质量合格。     

高强度船板纵裂纹的成因及预防

针对高强度船板纵裂纹轧后退废过高的现状，分析原因并优化冶炼、连铸工艺及操作，有效地降低高强度船板的退废率。     

3t电渣钢9Cr2Mo工艺实践

为进一步提高冷轧辊电渣锭的内(外)质量、降低生产成本的要求,贵阳特钢采用400mm×300mm矩形连铸坯取代(φ)330mm铸锭做为电渣母材,在计算机全过程自动控制下,实现1支自耗电极重熔1支3吨电渣锭9Cr2Mo.电渣冶炼的填充比由初期的0.347提高到0.487,电渣锭成锭率由91.17%提高到96.87%,电渣重熔电耗由1762kWh/t下将到1477 kWh/t.     

Microstructural Modelling of Nb Microalloyed Steels during Thin Slab Direct Rolling Processing

The microstructural evolution during the hot rolling of coarse grain sized austenite has been modeled considering all the microstructural mechanisms (dynamic, static and metadynamic recrystallization, strain induced precipitation) that can take place during an industrial TSDR production of three Nb microalloyed steels. Based on the results obtained from the model, processing maps have been drawn for 0.02%, 0.035% and 0.05% Nb microalloyed steels. Optimum processing conditions to exploit all the benefits of the Nb microalloying have been defined considering a final gauge thickness range between 1.5 and 12.65 mm. In addition, and facing the difficulties present in the production of thick hot strip, several alternative thermomechanical schedules are proposed, which would originate microstructures with a suitable combination of homogeneity and retained strain prior to transformation.