Annihilation of positrons in hydrogen-saturated titanium

The effect of atomic hydrogen on the electronic structure of α-titanium samples is studied using the electron-positron annihilation methods. It is shown that different states of hydrogen atoms are manifested in different ways in the positron lifetime distribution spectrum. The results of theoretical calculations of the first component of the positron lifetime are in accord with the obtained experimental data.     

Magnetic properties of lanthanum orthoferrite fine powders prepared by different chemical routes

Fine powders of lanthanum iron oxide, LaFeO₃, have been prepared by solid state reaction as well as sol-gel synthesis and nebulized spray pyrolysis. Structures, morphologies and magnetic susceptibility measurements of these powders have been examined. The powders prepared by all the three low-temperature routes contain nearly spherical particles with an average diameter of 40 nm. These samples show a lower Neel temperature than the powder prepared by solid state reaction besides showing much lower magnetic susceptibility at low temperatures. Dedicated to Professor C N R Rao on his 70th birthday     

Global Attractor for a Nonautonomous Inclusion with Discontinuous Right-Hand Side

We consider a nonautonomous inclusion the upper and lower selectors of whose right-hand side are determined by functions with discontinuities of the first kind. We prove that this problem generates a family of multivalued semiprocesses for which there exists a global attractor compact in the phase space.     

Finite-Part Integrals and Modified Splines

We first state a uniform convergence theorem for finite-part integrals which are derivatives of weighted Cauchy principal value integrals. We then give a two-stage process to modify approximating splines and optimal nodal splines in such a way that the conditions of this theorem are satisfied. Consequently, these modified splines can be used in the numerical evaluation of these finite-part integrals.     

Photochromic reverse mode polymer dispersed liquid crystals

Control of light intensity and colour are two of the major features required in the realization of smart windows. We designed a bi-functional polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) film in order to satisfy such requirements, i.e. it is able both to modulate the optical transmission, if an external electric field is applied, and to change colour if exposed to sunlight. A monomer/liquid crystal mixture was doped with a small amount of photochromic material and homeotropically aligned by means of rough surfaces. A transparent and pale pink coloured film was achieved after photopolymerization. Such a film changes colour upon exposure for some seconds to sunlight or ultraviolet radiation in a persistent but reversible manner. In addition, the film appears transparent without the application of an electric field (OFF state) and becomes opaque on application of a driving voltage of about 75 V (ON state), and thus the film operates in reverse mode with respect to conventional PDLCs.     

Thermal analysis as a tool in the study of GMM in Angra Dos Reis region,Rio de Janeiro,Brazil

Angra dos Reis/Itaguai region of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a very problematic area due to the instability of slope and landslides, due to geological and geomorphological conditions and to the significant and continuous human occupation over favorable areas is prone to the triggering of landslides. The samples were analyzed by thermogravimetry (TG), derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). This paper analyzes and characterizes the clay minerals and presence of water, gravitational mass movements’ sites and compares it with sites where gravitational mass movements do not occur. Indeed, this analysis also attempts to verify the presence of minerals.     

Influence of mass moment of inertia on the normal modes of a preloaded solar array mast

Earth-orbiting spacecraft often contain solar arrays or antennas supported by a preloaded mast. Due to weight and cost considerations, the supporting structures of the spacecraft appendages are made extremely light and flexible. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the influence of all physical and structural parameters on the dynamic behavior of the overall structure. The governing equation of motion and its general solution for the preloaded mast are developed. Furthermore, the mass moment of inertia of the mast subjected to bending vibrations is included in the governing equation of motion to investigate its influence on determining the circular frequencies. To verify the developed formulations, a finite element technique was implemented. The accuracy and limitation of the technique on calculating the circular frequencies are discussed. Although the study described in this paper primarily focuses on the mast for the space station solar arrays, the developed formulations and techniques can be applied to any large and flexible beam in zero gravity.     

Oxidative dehydrogenation of alkylheteroaromatic compounds 1. Catalysts containing vanadium and molybdenum for the oxidative dehydrogenation of alkylpyridines

The dehydrogenation of a series of alkylpyrïdines has been studied on vanadium and molybdenum oxide-containing catalysts in the presence of oxygen of the air and sulfur dioxide gas. A dependence was shown of the catalytic and physicochemical properties of the catalysts indicated on their composition and method of preparation. The optimum catalyst composition and the conditions of carrying out the reaction to provide high activity and selectivity when making vinylpyridines were determined. The relative reactivity of the alkylpyridines investigated on dehydrogenation and further oxidation was determined.N. D. Zelinskii Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117913. Translated from Khimiya Geterotsiklicheskikh Soedinenii, No. 6, pp. 802–811, June, 1994. Original article submitted April 19, 1994.