Travelling wave mathematical analysis and efficient numerical resolution for a one-dimensional model of solid propellant combustion

We investigate a model of solid propellant combustion involving surface pyrolysis coupled to finite activation energy gas-phase combustion. Existence and uniqueness of a travelling wave solution are established by extending dynamical system tools classically used for premixed flames, dealing with the additional difficulty arising from the surface regression and pyrolysis. An efficient shooting method allows to solve the problem in phase space without resorting to space discretisation nor fixed-point Newton iterations. The results are compared to solutions from a CFD code developed at ONERA, assessing the efficiency and potential of the method, and the impact of the modelling assumptions is evaluated through parametric studies.     

Étude d'un modèle de fragmentation secondaire pour les brouillards de gouttelettes

In this Note, we first present a model for droplet secondary breakup, in liquid sprays. This model is based on the kinetic theory formalism and uses experimental correlations found in the literature (L.-P. Hsiang, G.M. Faeth, Int. J. Multiphase Flow 19 (5) (1993) 721–735; R. Maxey, J. Riley, Phys. Fluids 26 (4) (1983) 883–889; M. Pilch, C.A. Erdman, Int. J. Multiphase Flow 13 (6) (1987) 741–757) to determine the fragmentation rate and its outcome. We then conduct a mathematical study of the resulting kinetic equation. We prove, under some physically reasonable assumptions, an existence and uniqueness theorem and characterize the long-time behaviour of the solution. To cite this article: G. Dufour et al., C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 336 (2003).     

Physical properties of LiMn2O4 spinel prepared at moderate temperature

A moderate-temperature method of preparation of the spinel LiMn₂O₄ was developed around 500 °C. Physical features of the products were identified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, Raman scattering and FTIR spectroscopy. The electronic conductivity of LiMn₂O₄ has been studied as a function of annealing temperature. The product LiMn₂O₄ is identified as a micron-sized powder and analysis of the local environment is in good accordance with the classical structural model of Fd3m space group. LiMn₂O₄ exhibits an electrical conductivity of 1.9×10⁻⁵ S/cm at room temperature with an activation energy of 0.16 eV which corresponds to an electron hopping mechanism between the two charge states of Mn³⁺ and Mn⁴⁺ ions. A first-order phase transition is observed at 292 K.     

Optimisation du couplage entre une source et un faisceau de fibres optiques à l'aide d'un programme de tracé de rayons

This paper presents a study of the coupling between a source and a fibre bundle. A ray trace numerical simulation was used to examine the effects of geometrical and optical parameters of the concentrator and the fibre bundle. We compare the results of the computer program with measurements obtained in the case of a light emitting diode and a single lens.     

Commentaires sur la détermination de la loi de luminance L(P,θ) d'une source semi-conductrice en champ proche

This paper presents a theoretical and experimental study of the application of the near field technique to the measure of radiance of light emitting diodes and laser diodes. We have shown the possibilities and the limitations of this technique.     

A numerical technique for the determination of propagation characteristics of inhomogeneous planar optical waveguides

A numerical method, using the Ritz-Galerkin approach has been applied to the problem of determining the propagation characteristics of inhomogeneous planar optical waveguides. It is shown that very accurate results are obtained for mode spectra and field distributions when compared with the predictions of other exact or approximate methods.     

Nanoscopic scale studies of LiFePO4 as cathode material in lithium-ion batteries for HEV application

We present a review of the structural properties of LiFePO₄. Depending on the mode of preparation, different impurities can poison this material. These impurities are identified and a quantitative estimate of their concentrations is deduced from the combination of X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and magnetic measurements. An optimized preparation provides samples with carbon-coated particles free of any impurity phase, insuring structural stability and electrochemical performance that justify the use of this material as a cathode element a new generation of lithium secondary batteries.     

Etude de la fragmentation de derives de L'uracile et de la thymine par Spectrometrie de masse

Original mass spectra of uracil and thymine derivatives are presented with the corresponding fragmentation schemes. In the first series of spectra, the fragmentations of thymine derivatives, including ¹⁴C-2-thymine, dimers, and bromo thymines, confirm the basic retro Diels-Alder mechanism. The second series includes dihydro 5,6-derivatives of uracil (hydroxy and bromo substituents). The behaviour of these molecules is quite different; they are more sensitive to the substituents and a part of the fragmentation is often explained by protonated molecular ions.