Verification of the Usefulness of Radiotracing Methods in Hydrodynamic Investigations

In the paper comparison of accuracy of two methods used for investigations of hydrodynamic in continuous flow tanks has been made. Basis for the comparison is the experimental work performed for big industrial wastewater concentration equalization tank. The first method is based on the radiotracer experiment while the second one uses the analysis of response on sudden change of the technological parameters. The radiotracer method has better accuracy connected with the shorter sampling period.

Ks wird die Genauigkeit zweier Methoden zur Untersuchting der Hydrodynamik von kontinuierlich arbeitenden Flüssigkeitsbehältern verglichen. Grundlage dafür sind experimentelle Untersuchungen an groβen Industrieabwasser-Ausgleichsbehältern. Die erste Methode bedient sich der Radiotracertechnik, während die zweite Methode auf einer plötzlichen Veränderung der technologischcn Parameter beruht. Es zeigt sich, daβ die Radiotracermethoden die besseren Ergebnisse liefert, wobei auβerdem noch kürzere Probenaltmeperioden von Vorteil sind.     

Solvent replacement to thermo‐responsive nanoparticles from long‐subchain hyperbranched PSt grafted with PNIPAM for encapsulation

Long‐subchain hyperbranched polystyrene (lsc‐hp PSt) with uniform subchain length was obtained through copper‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition click chemistry from seesaw macromonomer of PSt having one alkynyl group anchored at the chain centre and two azido group attached to both chain ends [alkynyl‐(PSt‐N₃)₂]. After precipitation fraction, different portions of lsc‐hp PSt having narrow overall molecular weight distribution were obtained for further grafting with alkynyl‐capped poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (alkynyl‐PNIPAM), which was obtained via single‐electron transfer living radical polymerization of NIPAM with propargyl 2‐bromoisobutyrate as the initiator and grafted onto the peripheral azido groups of lsc‐hp PSt via click chemistry. Thus, amphiphilic lsc‐hp PSt grafted with PNIPAM chains (lsc‐hp PSt‐g‐PNIPAM) was obtained and would have star‐like conformation in tetrahydrofuran (THF). By replacing THF with water, lsc‐hp PSt‐g‐PNIPAM was dissolved at molecular level in aqueous solution due to the hydrophilicity of PNIPAM and exhibited thermal induced shrinkage of PNIPAM arms. The water‐insoluble lsc‐hp PSt would collapse densely and could be served as a reservoir to absorb hydrophobic chemicals in aqueous solution. The influence of overall molecular weight of lsc‐hp PSt on the absorption of pyrene was studied. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013     

Simulation of near-infrared photodiode detectors based on β-FeSi_2/4H-SiC heterojunctions

In this paper,we propose a near-infrared p-type β-FeSi2/n-type 4H-SiC heterojunction photodetector with semiconducting silicide(β-FeSi2) as the active region for the first time.The optoelectronic characteristics of the photodetector are simulated using a commercial simulator at room temperature.The results show that the photodetector has a good rectifying character and a good response to near-infrared light.Interface states should be minimized to obtain a lower reverse leakage current.The response spectrum of the β-FeSi2/4H-SiC detector,which consists of a p-type β-FeSi2 absorption layer with a doping concentration of 1×1015cm-3 and a thickness of 2.5 μm,has a peak of 755 mA/W at 1.42 μm.The illumination of the SiC side obtains a higher responsivity than that of the β-FeSi2 side.The results illustrate that the β-FeSi2/4H-SiC heterojunction can be used as a near-infrared photodetector compatible with near-infrared optically-activated SiC-based power switching devices.     

A tin-containing liquid crystalline polymer with two glass temperatures

A tin-containing liquid crystalline side group polymer was synthesized and characterized. Two glass transitions were detected by calorimetric investigations. The X-ray pattern corresponds to a smectic C order of the side groups and a disordered isotropic main chain. Dielectric measurements show two relaxation ranges which are influenced by the glass transitions and a fast local process. The low frequency mechanism can be related to the reorientation of the side groups and the higher glass transition temperature. The second is connected with the α-relaxation of the main chain and freezes in at lower temperatures.     

Dynamic analysis and regulation of the flexible pipe conveying fluid with a hard-magnetic soft segment

Applied Mathematics and Mechanics - The recently developed hard-magnetic soft (HMS) materials can play a significant role in the actuation and control of medical devices, soft robots, flexible...     

Computational-Based Approach for Predicting Porosity of Electrospun Nanofiber Mats Using Response Surface Methodology and Artificial Neural Network Methods

Comparative studies between response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) methods to find the effects of electrospinning parameters on the porosity of nanofiber mats is described. The four important electrospinning parameters studied included solution concentration (wt.%), applied voltage (kV), spinning distance (cm) and volume flow rate (mL/h). It was found that the applied voltage and solution concentration are the two critical parameters affecting the porosity of the nanofiber mats. The two approaches were compared for their modeling and optimization capabilities with the modeling capability of RSM showing superiority over ANN, having comparatively lower values of errors. The mean relative error for the RSM and ANN models were 1.97% and 2.62% and the root mean square errors (RMSE) were 1.50 and 1.95, respectively. The superiority of the RSM-based approach is due to its high prediction accuracy and the ability to compute the combined effects of the electrospinning factors on the porosity of the nanofiber mats.     

Effect of polymer and ion concentration on mechanical and drug release behavior of gellan hydrogels using factorial design

Developing optimized hydrogel products requires an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms that drive hydrogel tunability. Here, we performed a full 4 × 4 factorial design study investigating the impact of gellan, a naturally derived polysaccharide (1%, 2%, 3%, or 4% w/v) and CaCl₂ concentration (1, 3, 7, or 10 mM) on the viscoelastic, swelling, and drug release behavior of gellan hydrogels containing a model drug, vancomycin. These concentrations were chosen to specifically provide insight into gellan hydrogel behavior for formulations utilizing polymer and salt concentrations expanding beyond those commonly reported by previous studies exploring gellan. With increasing gellan and CaCl₂ concentration, the hydrogel storage moduli (0.1–100 kPa) followed a power-law relationship and on average these hydrogels had higher liquid absorption capability and greater total drug release over 6 days. We suggest that the effects of gellan and CaCl₂ concentration and their interactions on hydrogel properties can be explained by various phenomena that lead to increased swelling and increased resistance to network expansion.     

Optimization of cadmium adsorption from aqueous solutions by functionalized graphene and the reversible magnetic recovery of the adsorbent using response surface methodology

Novel functionalized graphene adsorbent was prepared and characterized using different techniques. The prepared adsorbent was applied for the removal of cadmium ions from aqueous solution. A response surface methodology was used to evaluate the simple and combined effects of the various parameters, including adsorbent dosage, pH, and initial concentration. Under the optimal conditions, the cadmium removal performance of 70% was achieved. A good agreement between experimental and predicted data in this study was observed. The experimental results revealed of cadmium adsorption with high linearity follow Langmuir isotherm model with maximum adsorption capacity of 502 mg g^?1, and the adsorption data fitted well into pseudo‐second order model. Thermodynamic studies showed that adsorption process has exothermic and spontaneous nature. The recommended optimum conditions are: cadmium concentration of 970 mg L^?1, adsorbent dosage of 1 g L^?1, pH of 6.18, and T = 25 °C. The magnetic recovery of the adsorbent was performed using a magnetic surfactant to form a noncovalent magnetic functionalized graphene. After magnetic recovery of the adsorbent both components (adsorbent and magnetic surfactant) were recycled by tuning the surface charges through changing the pH of the solution. Desorption behavior studied using HNO₃ solution indicated that the adsorbent had the potential for reusability.     

Enhanced mechanical properties of unidirectional basalt fiber/epoxy composites using silane-modified Na+-montmorillonite nanoclay

This study explores the effects of 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (3-GPTS) modified Na-montmorillonite (Na-Mt) nanoclay addition on mechanical response of unidirectional basalt fiber (UD-BF)/epoxy composite laminates under tensile, flexural and compressive loadings. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) data confirmed the reaction mechanism between the silane compound and Mt. It was demonstrated that addition of 5 wt % 3-GPTS/Mt resulted in 28%, 11% and 35% increase in flexural, tensile and compressive strengths. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) clarified the improvement in the adhesion between the basalt fibers and matrix in the case of Mt-enhanced epoxy specimens. Also, a theoretical route based on a Euler-Bernoulli beam-based approach was employed to estimate the compressive properties of the composites. The results demonstrated good agreement between theoretical and experimental approaches. Totally, the results of the study show that matrix modification is an effective strategy to improve the mechanical behavior of fibrous composites.     

Measurements in Situ and Spectral Analysis of Wind Flow Effects on Overhead Transmission Lines

In the paper an important issue of vibrations of the transmission line in real conditions was analyzed. Such research was carried out by the authors of this paper taking into account the cross-section of the cable being in use on the transmission line. Analysis was performed for the modern ACSR high voltage transmission line with span of 213.0 m. The purpose of the investigation was to analyze the vibrations of the power transmission line in the natural environment and compare with the results obtained in the numerical simulations. Analysis was performed for natural and wind excited vibrations. The numerical model was made using the Spectral Element Method. In the spectral model, for various parameters of stiffness, damping and tension force, the system response was checked and compared with the results of the accelerations obtained in the situ measurements. A frequency response functions (FRF) were calculated. The credibility of the model was assessed through a validation process carried out by comparing graphical plots of FRF functions and numerical values expressing differences in acceleration amplitude (MSG), phase angle differences (PSG) and differences in acceleration and phase angle total (CSG) values. Particular attention was paid to the hysteretic damping analysis. Sensitivity of the wave number was performed for changing of the tension force and section area of the cable. The next aspect constituting the purpose of this paper was to present the wide possibilities of modelling and simulation of slender conductors using the Spectral Element Method. The obtained results show very good accuracy in the range of both experimental measurements as well as simulation analysis. The paper emphasizes the ease with which the sensitivity of the conductor and its response to changes in density of spectral mesh division, cable cross-section,tensile strength or material damping can be studied.