A post-processing technique for extending depth of focus in conventional optical microscopy

In this paper, we propose a post-processing technique to obtain optical microscope images with extended depth of focus using a conventional microscope. With the proposed technique, we collect a sequence of images focused at different depths. We then combine the in-focus regions of each acquired frame to compose a single all-in-focus image. That is, a new image with extended depth of focus is obtained. The key to such an algorithm is in selecting the “in-focus” regions from each frame. In this paper, we describe the technique used to identify the in-focus region on every depth slice. Quantitative simulation results are presented where mean absolute error is used as a metric to assess the algorithm performance. Results using real imagery are also presented for subjective evaluation. Based on subjective evaluation and the quantitative simulation results, we believe that the proposed algorithm provides useful depth of focus extension.     

A physically based correlation for the effects of power law rheology and inclination on slug bubble rise velocity

A study has been made of the motion of long bubbles in inclined pipes containing viscous Newtonian and non-Newtonian liquids. A semi-theoretical expression for the rise velocity of air bubbles in water is derived on the hypothesis that the dominant factor is the momentum exchange of the bubble underflow, i.e. the bubble nose shape. The correlation calls on empirical inputs from established literature on bubble rise speeds at high Reynolds number. The effects of increasing Newtonian viscosity are analysed with reference to the momentum exchange and it is shown how viscosity reduces the inclination dependence of the bubble Froude number. Results from an experimental survey in seven different non-Newtonian liquids in three different diameter pipes are presented. These data are correlated so as to decouple the effects of surface tension and viscosity. An empirical relation is proposed for the effective shear rate in the fluid travelling around the bubble nose. Our correlation is compared to literature data from a broad range of Reynolds numbers with excellent agreement except at shallow angles.     

Identification of hydroxymethylpyrazines using mass spectrometry

Pyrazines are well‐known natural products that are present in bacterial odours and food flavouring agents and are used as insect pheromones. Recently, a number of hydroxymethylpyrazines have been identified as thynnine wasp pheromones and orchid semiochemicals that are essential for pollination in sexually deceptive plants. These compounds are present in low amounts in complex blends, making GC–MS (including high‐resolution techniques) the method of choice for their structure elucidation. We report the EI mass spectra for 14 representative compounds and have found that based on characteristic fragmentations, it is possible to distinguish between different positional isomers of hydroxymethylpyrazines. The presence or absence of either [M ? 17]⁺, [M ? 18]^+· or [M ? 19]⁺ fragment species provides characteristic information to allow the distinction between the different isomers. Considering the importance of pyrazines as a group of bioactive natural products, and the recent findings of biological activity for hydroxymethylpyrazines, our results presented here will aid the identification of these compounds in other biological systems. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

D-c electric-potential method applied to thermal/mechanical fatigue crack growth

The paper describes a d-c electric potential system for measuring crack length under thermal/mechanical fatigue-crack-growth (TMFCG) test conditions. A programmable d-c current supply and precision multimeter produce reliable electric-potential readings. H.H. Johnson's formula is used to calculate crack length from electric potential for the center-crack-tensionM(T) geometry. Calibration constants for the formula are determined from an initial optical crack-length measurement. The resolution of the system is 1.0 microvolt which corresponds to a crack extension of approximately 0.002 mm for the center-crack-tension geometry using a current of 10.00 amps. Good crack-length accuracy and low data scatter are achieved by taking special precautions to minimize or eliminate errors in potential measurement due to thermal effects. Material resistivity changes are identified as the cause of short and long term changes in the measured electric potential for uncracked specimens. Crack-length accuracy is discussed in terms of short-term scatter and longterm drift.     

On the existence and bifurcation of minimal normal modes

Minimal normal modes (MNMs) are defined as non-linear normal modes which give a true minimum to Jacobi's Principle of Least Action. It is shown that for a certain class of two degree of freedom non-linear conservative systems, MNMs generically occur in pairs. The nature of both generic and non-generic bifurcations of MNMs is derived and illustrative examples are given.     

Experimental buckling of internal integral ring-stiffened cylinders

Twenty aluminum cylinders with internal, integral tee-stiffener rings were tested under combinations of axisymmetrical axial load and external lateral pressure to determine buckling characteristics. Seven geometric types were tested; the primary variables were the ratios of cylinder radius to shell thickness, stiffener spacing to shell thickness, and stiffener spacing to stiffener depth. An eighth type, which had variable stiffener spacing and depth, was tested under a lateral pressure varying linearly in the axial direction. Strain-gage data were obtained to aid in evaluation of results. The test results agree well with the theoretical work used for the design.Paper was presented at 1966 SESA Annual Meeting held in Pittsburgh, Pa., on November 6–9.     

Evolution of a fast flame behind an induction zone

It has been shown that pressure waves can have a large effect on the burning rate of flames. In this paper, the evolution of convection-driven fast flame, which is acoustically linked to a shock wave via an induction zone, is examined in detail. It is found that there is positive feedback mechanism and the asymptotic model breaks down as blow up occurs. Comparison is made between the case of a piston driving a shock wave into a combustible atmosphere with these studies of a shock wave passing through an existing premixed flame. Received 4 August 1995 / Accepted 20 March 1996     

Horizontal bubble flow

An experimental investigation of cocurrent bubble flow in 0.0254 m and 0.0508 m diameter horizontal pipelines has been performed. Gas and liquid mass velocities ranged from 0.00955 to 0.675 and 2720 to 6040 kg/m² sec, respectively, and gas-phase holdups or void fractions ranged from 0.13 to 7.59%.High speed motion pictures revealed that the gas, introduced into the liquid with a concentric nozzle, emerged in the form of a rough jet which was ultimately sheared into 1 times; 10^minus;3 to 3 times; 10^minus;3m diameter bubbles. Approximately 4 meters downstream from the nozzle, a well developed bubble flow was observed where bubble number density and axial velocity were constant with respect to axial position in the pipeline. Bubble velocities ranged from 0.001 to 0.57 m/sec greater than the average liquid velocities. Bubble radial and circumferential spatial distributions were found to be a strong function of the degree of turbulence in the liquid phase. Because of these turbulent flow conditions, bubble shapes were much different than those of equivalent diameter bubbles rising in stagnant liquids. A sphere-ellipsoid of revolution model was developed for characterization of bubble shape and computation of gas-liquid interfacial area and two-phase pressure drop.     

Hydraulic fracturing of a saturated porous medium-II: Special cases

This investigation deals with the problem of steady state hydraulic fracture in an infinite isotropic fluid-saturated elastic porous medium induced by a uniform pressure applied to the crack surfaces. A quasi-static approach is employed in the study. A boundary value problem is formulated and then analyzed by means of the Fourier transform associated with the Wiener-Hopf technique. Stress intensity factor and potential energy release rate are found by asymptotic analysis and the superposition principle as functions of the speed of crack propagation. The material breakdown process at the crack tip is discussed based on Dugdale's model. Finally, a brief discussion of the effect of pressure drop on the hydraulic fracture process and the decrease in crack speed during crack extension is included.