Profiling Voids Embedded in a Slab by a Non-Linear Model

In this paper, by applying a non linear model for the electromagnetic inverse scattering, a technique for the dielectric profiling of a planarly layered medium is investigated and applied to void localization and diagnostics inside a homogeneous lossless slab (one-dimensional geometry). Data are collected under plane wave multifrequency normal incidence. Suitable finite dimensional representations for the unknown functions are introduced and their influence on the model is discussed. The resulting functional equation is solved by the method of weighted residuals and the solution algorithm amounts to minimizing a non quadratic function, where particular attention is devoted to reduce the occurrence of local minima. Finally, the inversion algorithm is validated by applications to both simulated and experimental data.     

Damage mechanism in weldment of 2.25Cr-1Mo steel under creep-fatigue loading

The purpose of this study is to clarify damage process of “Type IV cracking” in weldment of a 2.25Cr-1Mo steel and to propose a micro damage prediction method. From continuous observation under a creep-fatigue test, it was found that spherical shape voids initiated and grew on grain boundaries in fine grain region and these voids grow continuously by changing their shape to crack-like. Both spherical and crack-like void growth rate equations were derived from the proposed void growth model. It was indicated that measured void growth rate under the creep-fatigue loading was well predicted by the growth rate equations.     

Wave propagation in two-phase flow of magnetic fluid under a nonuniform magnetic field

The effect of nonuniform magnetic field on the linear and nonlinear wave propagation phenomena in two-phase pipe flow of magnetic fluid is investigated theoretically to realize the effective energy conversion system using boiling two-phase flow of magnetic fluid. Firstly, the governing equations of two-phase flow based on the unsteady thermal nonequilibrium two-fluid model are presented and the linear void wave propagation phenomena in boiling two-phase flow are numerically analyzed by using the finite volume method. Next, the nonlinear pressure wave propagation in gas-liquid two-phase flow is numerically analyzed by using the finite different method. According to these theoretical studies on the wave propagation phenomena in two-phase flow of magnetic fluid, it seems to be a reasonable proposal that the precise control of the wave propagation in two-phase flow is possible by effective use of the magnetic force.     

Micromechanical modelling of ductile crack growth in the binder phase of WC–Co

This study focuses on numerical simulation of ductile failure in the Co binder phase of WC–Co hardmetal. The growth of edge cracks under mode I loading is considered. A computational micromechanics approach is taken where the Co binder ligaments are explicitly represented in finite element models. An embedding technique is employed. Crystal plasticity theory is used to represent plastic deformation in the Co ligaments. Crack propagation in the binder is simulated using an element removal technique based on a modified Rice and Tracey model for ductile void growth, and fracture resistance curves are generated. Parameter studies are performed for variations in microstructrual parameters such as numbers of Co ligaments ahead of the crack tip and local Co volume fraction. The importance of thermal residual stresses and finite element mesh density are also investigated.     

Prediction of minimum fluidization velocity for vibrated fluidized bed

The prediction of minimum fluidization velocity for vibrated fluidized bed was performed. The Geldart group A and C particles were used as the fluidizing particles. The method based on Ergun equation was used to predict the minimum fluidization velocity. The calculated results were compared with the experimental data.The calculated results of minimum fluidization velocity are in good agreement with experimental data for Geldart group A particles. For group C particles, the difference between the calculated results and experimental data is large because of the formation of agglomerates. In this case, the determination of agglomerate diameter is considered to be necessary to predict the minimum fluidization velocity.     

Hydrodynamic characteristics of a FCC regenerator

The hydrodynamic and gas mixing characteristics have been determined in a FCC regenerator (0.48 m I.D.x3.4 m high) with FCC particles. Solids holdup in the dense bed decreases with increasing gas velocity, but it increases in the freeboard region. The bubble/void fraction increases with an increase along the bed height at a given gas velocity and increases with increasing gas velocity at a constant bed height. Backmixed tracer gas at the wall region is higher than that at the center region of the bed. The gas backmixing coefficient decreases with increasing gas velocity.     

Bubble size effect on low liquid input drift-flux parameters

We investigated the effect of bubble size on the drift-flux parameters at low liquid flow conditions by measuring the radial profiles of void fraction and phase velocities in a vertical bubbly pipe flow of diameter and height . To study the effect of the bubble size we used two different types of bubble inlets. We measured the local bubble fraction and velocity U_g by using single and four-point-optical fibre probes, and we used Laser Doppler Anemometry to determine the liquid velocity U_l. The distribution parameter C₀ and the weighted mean drift velocity |U_drift| were directly computed from the local measurements at a height on our experimental set-up. Both parameters were influenced by the bubble size. Provided no liquid flow reversal occurred at the near wall region, the distribution parameter reached a below unity minimum plateau value of C₀=0.95 for wall peaking void fraction profiles. At low liquid input conditions both the liquid input and bubble size had an influence on the distribution parameter. Extreme values such as C₀>2 were measured. From these measurements we developed models for the drift-flux parameters to take into account the effect of bubble size and input-flow conditions for our intermediate pipe diameter value. These models were tested and validated with separately collected experimental data.     

Structural integrity assessment of the containment structure of a pressurised heavy water nuclear reactor using impact echo technique

The impact echo technique is based on the use of transient stress waves for non-destructive detection of flaws in concrete structures. Impact-echo testing has been carried out for assessment of the structural integrity of the ring beam of a pressurised heavy water nuclear reactor. In order to develop the test procedure for carrying out impact echo testing, mock up calibration blocks were made. The detectability of the impact echo system has also been established in terms of the depth and the lateral dimension of the detectable flaw for the ring beam under consideration. Based on the optimised test parameters identified with the help of the studies carried out on the mock up blocks, impact echo testing was carried out on the ring beam of the reactor containment structure, for assessing its structural integrity.     

BGA焊点气孔缺陷的特殊结构光质量检测

为了解决球栅阵列（BGA）焊点气孔缺陷的在线检测问题,开发了一种特殊的结构光检测技术。同时用环形红光和十字形绿光发射二极管（LED）照明BGA芯片,通过环形和十字形的中心,布置一个带有远心透镜的电荷耦合器（CCD）摄像机记录小球上红色圆环和绿色十字的图像。根据图像半径方向上的纹理频谱分布特征,引入人工神经网络（ANN）算法对BGA芯片的气孔缺陷进行检测。采用真实的BGA焊点进行实验,结果验证了方法的精度和可行性。