Extension of belief functions to infinite-valued events

We generalise belief functions to many-valued events which are represented by elements of Lindenbaum algebra of infinite-valued ?ukasiewicz propositional logic. Our approach is based on mass assignments used in the Dempster–Shafer theory of evidence. A generalised belief function is totally monotone and it has Choquet integral representation with respect to a unique belief measure on Boolean events.     

Thermal-induced evolution of secondary phases in Cr–Mo–V low alloy steels

Four low alloy steels with different contents of molybdenum and vanadium were investigated. The steels were annealed at 773, 793, 853, 873, 933, 973, and 993 K for 500, 1000, 3000, and 10000 h. Techniques of transmission electron microscopy and thermodynamic calculations (ThermoCalc) were used to characterise influence of the steel bulk composition and the annealing conditions on evolution of carbides M₃C, M₂C, M₇C₃, M₂₃C₆, M₆C, and MC (M=metallic element). Changes in structure types and metal compositions of the carbides were characterised in detail. The work was done with the intention to obtain more information about the secondary phase evolution in low alloy steels used in energy industries.     

Evolution of secondary phases in Cr-V low-alloy steels during aging

The influence of both bulk vanadium content and aging conditions on the evolution of secondary phases in Cr-V low-alloy steels was studied. Three 0.1C-0.9Cr-V steels with different vanadium contents (0, 0.258, and 0.512 wt pct) were aged for 100 to 5,000 hours at 773, 853, 953, and 993 K. In the investigation, a limited experimental program (transmission electron microscopy (TEM)) was combined with credible thermodynamic predictions (ThermoCalc). Going out from the good agreement between the predicted and experimental results, behavior of the iron-rich M₇C₃ carbide in time-temperature scale was characterized. The influence of bulk vanadium content was determined on appearance of the M₃C carbide in equilibrium, temperature of the M₇C₃ carbide precipitation, metal compositions of M₃C or M₇C₃ carbides, and vanadium portion in the metallic part of the MX phase.     

A novel facile synthesis and characterization of molybdenum nanowires

We describe a straightforward technique to synthesize pure Mo nanowires (NWs) from Mo₆S_yI_z (8,2 <y + z ≤ 10) NWs as precursor templates. The structural transformations occur when Mo₆S_yI_z NWs are annealed in Ar/H₂ mixture leading to the formation of pure Mo NWs with similar structures as initial morphologies. Detailed microscopic characterizations show that large diameters (>15 nm) Mo NWs are highly porous, while small diameters (<7 nm) are made of solid nanocrystalline grains. We find NW of diameter 4 nm can carry up to 30 μA current without suffering structural degradation. Moreover, NWs can be elastically deformed over several cycles without signs of plastic deformation.     

Quadrupole field of a polydomain GMO ferroelectric sample

Experiments with (350samples have been carried out in which the domain structure was changed. by elastic stress and monitored. Simultaneously an electric signal has been measured on a system of electrodes which was previously found suitable for measuring quadrupole moment of incommensurate phases. Calculations based on a rough approximation. Yield correct order of magnitude of potential difference as well as its dependence on the domain configuration. Experimental results support previous conclusions concerning the production of strong electric field by a modulated distribution of polarization.     

Precipitation behavior in a medium carbon,ti-v-n microalloyed steel

The precipitation behavior of a medium carbon steel microalloyed with Ti, V, and N has been studied by analytical transmission electron microscopy in the as-cast and isothermally heat-treated states, as well as at different stages in the thermomechanical processing of the steel. Mixed (Ti,V) nitrides were found in all the structures, but there was no evidence for mixed carbonitride formation. The Hillert-Staffansson model was used to predict the composition of the nitrides as a function of tem-perature. Upon prolonged aging many of the precipitates became “fragmented” and were no longer single crystals. At the same time, the volume fraction of precipitates dropped, while their average Ti content increased. Possible explanations for this unexpected behavior are discussed in this article.     

Stresses Due to Temperature Gradients in Ceramic-Matrix-Composite Aerospace Components

Ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs) are being considered as replacement materials for divergent flaps and seals in advanced aerospace turbine engines. During service, these components are subjected to severe temperature gradients across the width of the flaps. This paper discusses an analytical procedure to estimate the stresses generated in the CMC flaps due to the temperature gradients. The analytical procedure can be used for a material with nonlinear temperature-dependent stress–strain behavior. This procedure was used to predict the thermal stresses in four candidate CMC systems due to temperature gradients. The thermal stresses along the edges typically exceed the proportional limit, and sometimes the fatigue limit of the CMC.     

Magnetically Controllable Silver Nanocomposite with Multifunctional Phosphotriazine Matrix and High Antimicrobial Activity

A recently developed multi‐functional phosphotriazine‐based polymer is used as a matrix for embedding γ‐Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles as well as a suitable chemical template for surface modification with silver nanoparticles. For the primary magnetic modification, maghemite nanoparticles are surface modified with oleic acid in order to render them organophilic and to prevent the aggregation of the nanoparticles. This aggregation could occur as the polymer synthesis, based on reaction of phosphonitrilic chlorine and 1,4‐phenylenediamine, takes place in toluene. The surface active amine units of the polymer structure enable the reduction of silver cations to silver nanoparticles, which are well attached and finely dispersed on its surface. The developed nanocomposite represents one of the few magnetically controllable antibacterial agents based on silver nanoparticles. Magnetic measurements reveal the completely suppressed interactions among maghemite nanoparticles because of their perfect surface coating with an organic surfactant and fine dispersion inside the polymer matrix. This magnetic nanocomposite exhibits a high antibacterial and antifungal activity as proven by tests with nine bacterial strains and four candida (yeast genus) species. For the majority of the tested species, the minimum‐inhibition concentrations are below 100 mg L^?1, which is comparable to their equivalent minimum‐inhibition concentrations in colloidal silver systems.     

Cornet‐Like Phosphotriazine/Diamine Polymers as Reductant and Matrix for the Synthesis of Silver Nanocomposites with Antimicrobial Activity

The synthesis of silver nanoparticles attached on the surface of a hollow cornet‐like polymer matrix which served as a reductant and host matrix is described. This hybrid organic/inorganic macromolecular matrix is exhibiting anion‐exchange properties, porous structure and hollow morphologies, and absorptions in the visible light region. Due to the anion‐exchange property and the 3D orientation of the macromolecular chains the material is defining a new functional organic/inorganic hybrid. For the synthesis of nanoparticles, no other reducing agents were used and silver nanoparticles with a mean diameter of less than 20 nm were attached on the surface of the polymer, thus inheriting the composite with high antibacterial activity tested in bacterial strains and yeasts.