Analysis of two-dimensional models for liquid chromatographic reactors of cylindrical geometry

This work presents the analytical solutions of two-dimensional isothermal reactive general rate models for liquid chromatographic reactors of cylindrical geometry. Both irreversible and reversible reactions are considered. The model equations form a linear system of convection-diffusion-reaction partial differential equations coupled with algebraic equations for isotherms. Analytical solutions are derived by integrated implementation of finite Hankel transform, Laplace transform, eigen-decomposition technique, and conventional ordinary differential equations solution technique. To verify the analytical results, a high-resolution finite volume scheme is also applied to numerically approximate the model equations. The current results can be very useful to optimize and upgrade the liquid chromatographic reactors.     

Complexes of cyclocarbohydroxamic acids with cobalt(II), nickel(II) and copper(II)

A spectroscopic investigation of the reactions of cyclopropanecarbohydroxamic acid (CPAH) with CoII and of cyclohexylacetohydroxamic acid (CHAH) with CoII, NiII and CuII in aqueous solution reveals the sole formation 1:2 complexes at equilibrium. Stability constants (log2 at 25°C and I=0.1 mol dm–3) are 9.11, 9.91, 11.70 and 24.18 for [Co(CPA)2], [Co(CHA)2], [Ni(CHA)2] and [Cu(CHA)2], respectively. Spectral and magnetic studies of the isolated complexes indicate octahedral coordination via the oxygen atoms of the hydroxamate group for the CoII and NiII complexes but a square planar geometry for the CuII complex.     

Development of a dynamometric vehicle to assess the drawbar performance of high-powered agricultural tractors

Agricultural tractors are machines originally designed to mechanize agricultural tasks, especially tillage and pulling. A large part of research activities have been interested in optimizing tractor efficiency, in particular in terms of emissions and energy. In this frame, the OECD Tractor Code 2 sets out a drawbar test in specific controlled conditions with the aim of evaluating the power of the tractor available at the drawbar. The principal measurement chain relies on dynamometric vehicles (DV) that are instrumented vehicles specifically engineered to develop horizontal force at the drawbar of agricultural tractors. The CREA Laboratory of Treviglio, Italy, engineered a new dynamometric vehicle to test tractors with up to 200 kW at the drawbar (245 kW at the engine flywheel) and a maximum of 118 kN drawbar force. The chosen basis is a FIAT 6605 N truck (TM 69 6 × 6) which has been transformed into a hydrostatic vehicle driven by a hydraulic system and an auxiliary gearbox. The maximum drawbar force was verified up to 122 kN. The drawbar power verification (200 kW) was successfully carried. The final verification confirmed that the project is valid for the investigation and optimization of the parameters regarding the traction efficiency of agricultural tractors.     

Band offsets and properties ofSi1 − xGex/Si material systems

Following the upsurge in the study ofSi_1 − xGe_x /Si material systems for high-speed applications, we calculate the band offsets using reformulated tight-binding methods. The calculated value of 0.78 eV for the valence band offset (VBO) of pure substances is in excellent agreement with recent experimental measurements. The VBO for alloy interfaces is 0.78 x. We apply the VBO and conduction band offsets (CBO) to shift in photoluminescence and electron confinement in microstructures respectively. The calculated VBO is strongly dependent on the precursor flux ratio.     

Silicon determination in Portland cement by fluoride generation,using flame atomic absorption spectrometry

A new method for the determination of silicon in Portland cement, based on the generation of volatile species without sample pre-treatment, is proposed. The method reduces operational complexity and time without loss of precision and with similar accuracy as the current methods. It employs microwave-assisted (domestic microwave oven) digestion to produce volatile silicon fluorides by reaction of the sample with a fluorinated salt (CaF₂) in the presence of H₂SO₄ (98% w/w), using a Teflon® (PFA) reactor. The volatile fluorides are flushed out by a dry nitrogen stream and collected in 0.3 mol l⁻¹ NaOH solution where they dissolve. Silicon is determined in this solution by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The recoveries are between 98 and 102%, and the precision is better than 2.5% relative standard deviation (R.S.D).     

Fully packed O (n = 1) model on random Eulerian triangulations

We introduce a matrix model describing the fully packed O(n) model on random Eulerian triangulations (i.e. triangulations with all vertices of even valency). For n = 1 the model is mapped onto a particular gravitational 6-vertex model with central charge c = 1, hence displaying the expected shift c → c + 1 when going from ordinary random triangulations to Eulerian ones. The case of arbitrary n is also discussed. © 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.