Polyethylene-nanocomposites with CaCO₃-weight fractions from 0 to 15 wt.% were prepared by in-situ polymerization with Me₂Si(Ind)₂ZrCl₂/MAO metallocene catalysts. A high activity especially in the presence of TIBA was observed. The morphology was investigated by using raster electron microscopy (REM) showing that the CaCO₃-nanoparticles are uniformly distributed. The melting temperatures and the crystallization temperatures are not much influenced by increasing filler content.

The unperturbed dimension and temperature character of poly(dibenzyl itaconate)s (PDBzI) are studied by a revised rotational isomeric state (RIS) method. The improved formulas of the mean-square radius of gyration, deduced by the pseudo-stereochemical equilibrium approach, may be used to investigate the configurational-conformational properties of atactic polymers with large side groups [poly(itaconates) for instance]. The calculated results showed that poly(itaconates) have larger dimension of the molecule than other vinyl polymers. Comparison of the dimension between considering and without considering side groups showed that the effect of large side groups on the unperturbed dimension for short-chain polymers is more obvious than that of long-chain polymers and, if the dimension of side groups increases, the effect also increases. The dimension differences of PDBzI between short-chain and long-chain polymers are investigated by the relation of characteristic ratios and temperature coefficients with temperature. Moreover, the dependence between the temperature coefficients and the tacticity of chains shows that the temperature characters of the isotactic, syndiotactic and atactic PDBzI chains have remarkable difference.

Sm/TiCl₄ system could well integrate the high reactivity of samarium(II) and high deoxygenation capacity of low valent titanium within one system. In this paper, the intermolecular and intramolecular reductive coupling reactions of ketones with esters mediated by metallic samarium (Sm) and a catalytic amount of titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄) were successfully developed. A series of substituted ketones and cyclic β-keto-esters were prepared in moderate to good yields under reflux and neutral conditions.

Fluids (fluorine, chlorine, and OH) in accessory minerals (apatite, titanite and allanite) of Pan-African granitoids (Group-I granitoids, Group-II granitoids and Mefjell Plutonic Complex) from the Sør Rondane Mountains, East Antarctica were precisely measured by an electronic microprobe analyzer in this study. Apatites in the granites have commonly high fluorine contents. However, fluorine contents from the Group-I, Group-II granitoids and Mefjell Plutonic Complex (MPC) are of important variation, which F contents (3.21~7.20 wt%) in apatite from the Group-II granitoids are much higher than those from the Group-I granitoids (1.22~3.60 wt%) and the MPC (3.21~4.11 wt%). Titanite in the MPC has a low fluorine content (0.23~0.50 wt%), being less than those in the Group-I granitoids (2.28 wt%) and Group-II granitoids (1.85~2.78 wt%). Fluorine in allanite in the Group-II granitoids seems to have much lower contents than those from the Group-I granitoids and the MPC. Higher fluorine contents in the titanite from the Group-II granitoids may be mainly controlled by late-magmatic fluid-rock interaction processes associated with melt, but may not be indicative of original magma contents based on its petrographic feature. Due to very lower chlorine contents from all of accessory minerals, the authors suggest that titanite and apatite with higher fluorine contents in the Group-II granitoids have much lower H₂O (OH) contents compared with those in the Group-I granitoids according to the partition among (F, Cl, OH). Fluorine contents in whole-rock samples show a variation from the higher in the Group-I granitoids to the lower in the Group-II granitoids and the MPC, which are consistent with the changes of those from the biotite and hornblende as well as fluorite occurred in the Group-I granitoids reported previously. Based on the above study of fluorine in accessory minerals and combined with the previous fluorine contents from biotites and hornblendes, the authors suggest that apatites and titanites with higher F contents in the Group-II granitoids and the MPC may not be an indicator of higher fluorine contents in whole-rock, which reflect fluorine contents in magma sources and/or late-thermal activity. Higher fluorine contents in apatite, titanite and allanite may be an additional evidence of A-type affinity.

We studied the geochemical characteristics of the fluid inclusions in the Ordovician carbonates and the Oligocene Shahejie Formation sandstones from 15 wells in the Gangxi Fault Belt, Huanghua Depression. The fluid inclusions are all secondary with gas/liquid ratio of 5%~10%. Base on Raman they are mainly composed of H₂O, CO₂ and CH₄. The homogenization temperatures, combined with burial and geothermal history of the host rock, indicate that the fluid flows in the Shahejie Formation and the Ordovician carbonates were trapped in Neocene. Using a VG5400 mass spectrometer, the helium isotopic compositions were analyzed. Interpretation of results suggested a significant amount of mantle-derived helium mainly accumulating in the intersections of the NWW trending Xuzhuangzi and NE trending Gangxi faults. The maturity of hydrocarbon decreases from the intersection to the outside pointing out that the fluid related to the NWW trending Xuzhuangzi and NE trending Gangxi faults. These factors implied the fluid inclusions have a close relationship to the local tectonic setting. Gangxi Fault Belt experienced intensive Neo-tectonic activities in Cenozoic. Widespread faulted-depressions and strong volcanic eruptions manifested its tectonic status of extensional stress field. Mantle uplift caused the movement of magma that carried mantle-derived gases and deep heat flows, the deep-rooted tension faults provided the passages for the gases and heat flows to shallow crust levels.

A non-stretchable fiber rotation in planar flows has been solved. The fiber will rotate periodically or run to the asymptotical direction decided by a discriminant defined in the paper involving the fiber aspect ratio and the flow characteristics. Subsequently the fiber orientation distribution is derived directly without the bother of solving the Fokker-Planck equation. The research clearly indicates the overall configuration of a fiber rotation movement in planar flows.

3D and 2D closed form plate models are here applied to static analysis of simply supported square isotropic plates. 2D theories are hierarchically classified on the basis of the accuracy of the displacements and stresses obtained by comparison to the 3D exact results that could be assumed by the reader as benchmark for further analyses. Attention is mainly paid on localized loading conditions, that is, piecewise constant load. Also bi-sinusoidal and uniformly distributed loadings are taken into account. All of those configurations are considered in order to investigate the behavior of the 2D models in the case of continuous/uncontinuous, centric or off-centric loading conditions. The ratio between the side length a and the plate thickness h has been assumed as analysis parameter. Higher order 2D models yield accurate results for any considered load condition in the case of moderately thick plates, a/h=10. In the case of thick plates, a/h=5, and continuous/uncontinuous centric loading conditions high accuracy is also obtained. For the considered off-centric load condition and thick plates good results are provided for some output quantities. A better solution could be achieved by simply increasing the polynomial approximation order of the axiomatic 2D displacement field.

The analytical solution for an annular plate rotating at a constant angular velocity is derived by means of direct displacement method from the elasticity equations for axisymmetric problems of functionally graded transversely isotropic media. The displacement components are assumed as a linear combination of certain explicit functions of the radial coordinate, with seven undetermined coefficients being functions of the axial coordinate z. Seven equations governing these z-dependent functions are derived and solved by a progressive integrating scheme. The present solution can be degenerated into the solution of a rotating isotropic functionally graded annular plate. The solution also can be degenerated into that for transversely isotropic or isotropic homogeneous materials. Finally, a special case is considered and the effect of the material gradient index on the elastic field is illustrated numerically.

Numerical exercises are presented on the thermally induced motion of internally heated beams under various heat transfer and structural boundary conditions. The dynamic displacement and dynamic thermal moment of the beam are analyzed taking into consideration that the temperature gradient is independent as well as dependent on the beam displacement. The effect of length to thickness ratio of the beam on the thermally induced vibration is also investigated. The type of boundary conditions has its influence on the magnitude of dynamic displacement and dynamic thermal moment. A sustained thermally induced motion is observed with progress of time when the temperature gradient being evaluated is dependent on the forced convection generated due to beam motion. A finite element method (FEM) is used to solve the structural equation of motion as well as the heat transfer equation.

Turbulent combustion in a DLR (German Aerospace Center) Scramjet engine was simulated using the newly-proposed Partially Resolved Numerical Simulation (PRNS) procedure. The PRNS procedure uses temporal filtering to define large-scale turbulence, and the model developed to account for unresolved scales is grid independent. No problem about inner commutation error and inconsistencies will arise from the PRNS, while such issues are of concern in traditional Large Eddy Simulation (LES) methods. The mean results have good agreement with the experiment data and the flow structures with small scales are well resolved.

This paper presents two numerical realization of Preisach model by Density Function Method (DFM) and F Function Method (FFM) for a giant magnetostrictive actuator (GMA). Experiment and simulation showed that FFM is better than DFM for predicting precision of hysteresis loops. Lagrange bilinear interpolation algorithm is used in Preisach numerical realization to enhance prediction performance. A set of hysteresis loops and higher order reversal curves are predicted and experimentally verified. The good agreement between the measured and predicted curves shows that the classical Preisach model is effective for modelling the quasi-static hysteresis of the GMA.

In this paper, the obtained experimental results concerning creation of bulk elementary excitations (BEEs) in isotopically pure liquid ⁴He at low temperatures ~60 mK are discussed. Positive rotons’ (R⁺-rotons) creation by a pulsed heater was studied. Signals were recorded for the following quantum processes: quantum evaporation of ⁴He-atoms from the free liquid-helium surface by the BEEs of the liquid helium-II, and BEEs reflection from the free surface back into the bulk liquid. Typical signals are shown, and ratios of signal amplitudes are evaluated. For long heater pulses from 5 to 10 μs, appearance of the second atomic cloud consisting of evaporated ⁴He-atoms was observed in addition to the first atomic cloud. It is thought that the first atomic cloud of the evaporated helium atoms consists of very fast ⁴He-atoms with energies ~35 K evaporated by positive rotons with the special energies ~17 K (~2E_R~2×8.6 K with E_R representing the roton minimum energy) corresponding to the third non-dispersive Zakharenko wave. The second cloud of slower ⁴He-atoms was created by surface elementary excitations (SEEs or ripplons) possessing the special energies ~7.15 K representing the binding energy. It was assumed that such SEEs can be created by phonons incoming to the liquid surface with special energies ~6.2 K corresponding to the first non-dispersive Zakharenko wave, which can interact at the liquid surface with the same phonons already reflected from the surface for long heater pulses. Also, some pulsed-heater characteristics were studied in order to better understand the features of such heaters in low temperature experiments.

This paper deals with a methodology for single gate location optimization for plastic injection mold. The objective of the gate optimization is to minimize the warpage of injection molded parts, because warpage is a crucial quality issue for most injection molded parts while it is influenced greatly by the gate location. Feature warpage is defined as the ratio of maximum displacement on the feature surface to the projected length of the feature surface to describe part warpage. The optimization is combined with the numerical simulation technology to find the optimal gate location, in which the simulated annealing algorithm is used to search for the optimum. Finally, an example is discussed in the paper and it can be concluded that the proposed method is effective.

A new, general type of planar linkages is presented, which extends the classical linkages developed by Kempe consisting of two single-looped kinematic chains of linkages, interconnected by revolute hinges. Together with a locking device, these new linkages have only one degree of freedom (DOF), which makes them ideal for serving as deployable structures for different purposes. Here, we start with a fresh matrix method of analysis for double-loop planar linkages, using 2D transformation matrices and a new symbolic notation. Further inspection for one case of Kempe’s linkages is provided. Basing on the inspection, by means of some novel algebraic and geometric techniques, one particularly fascinating solution was found. Physical models were built to show that the derivation in this paper is valid and the new mechanisms are correct.

Under certain load pattern, the geometrically indeterminate pin-jointed mechanisms will present certain shapes to keep static equalization. This paper proposes a matrix-based method to determine the mobility and equilibrium stability of mechanisms according to the effects of the external loads. The first and second variations of the potential energy function of mechanisms under conservative force field are analyzed. Based on the singular value decomposition (SVD) method, a new criterion for the mobility and equilibrium stability of mechanisms can be concluded by analyzing the equilibrium matrix. The mobility and stability of mechanisms can be classified by unified matrix formulae. A number of examples are given to demonstrate the proposed criterion. In the end, criteria are summarized in a table.

Synthetic fibers made from nylon or polypropylene have gained application when loose and woven into geo textile form although no information on the matrix’s mechanical performance is obtained so that more understanding of their structural contribution to resist cracking can be determined. This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation to determine the performance characteristics of concrete reinforced with a polypropylene structural fiber. In this investigation “Fiber mesh” brand of fibers manufactured by SL Concrete System, Tennessee, USA and marketed by M/S Millennium Building System, Inc., Bangalore, India are used. The lengths of the fibers used were 24 mm. Fiber dosages used were 0.9, 1.8, 2.7 kg/m³. A total of three mixtures, one for each fiber dosage were made. A standard slump cone test was conducted on the fresh concrete mix with and without fibers to determine the workability of the mix. The test program included the evaluation of hardened concrete properties such as compressive, split tensile, modulus of rupture and flexural strengths. The increase in compressive strength is about 36.25%, 26.20%, and 23.75% respectively that of plain concrete. This increase in strength was directly proportional to amount of fibers present in the mix. The increase in flexural strength for Mixes I~III is about 21%, 16.6%, and 23% respectively that of plain concrete specimens. An experimental investigation was also made to study the behaviors of reinforced fibers concrete beams (with longitudinal reinforcements) under two-point loading. The deflection and crack patterns were also studied. The improvements in strength and ductility characteristics were discussed.

As a special geological phenomenon, the character of collapsible loess foundation is collapsible when penetrated by water. This character leads to the soil losing load bearing capacity largely and may lead to foundation failure. Pile is a popular foundation used in collapsible loess. The squeezed branch and plate pile is a new type of pile developed in recent years and has not be used in a project before. In this paper three squeezed branch and plate piles are tested in collapsible loess after immersion processing. The results may be used for reference in similar construction project, and to provide theoretical references for designing of the squeezed branch and plate piles in engineering practice.

As a novel advanced oxidation process (AOP), electro-Fenton process is powerful for degrading most organic compounds including toxic and non-biodegradable ones, and so has attracted great attention. This paper reviews this process in detail including the mechanism, electrolytic bath, electrode materials, aerations and operation parameters. The application of electro-Fenton method in wastewater treatment is evaluated and summarized. Future work in this field is suggested, and three main directions of new electrode exploitation, development of assisted technologies and mechanistic study should be strengthened.

Sulfide-containing waste streams are generated by a number of industries. It is emitted into the environment as dissolved sulfide (S²⁻ and HS⁻) in wastewaters and as H₂S in waste gases. Due to its corrosive nature, biological hydrogen sulfide removal processes are being investigated to overcome the chemical and disposal costs associated with existing chemically based removal processes. The nitrogen and sulfur metabolism interacts at various levels of the wastewater treatment process. Hence, the sulfur cycle offers possibilities to integrate nitrogen removal in the treatment process, which needs to be further optimized by appropriate design of the reactor configuration, optimization of performance parameters, retention of biomass and optimization of biomass growth. The present paper reviews the biotechnological advances to remove sulfides from various environments.

A bench-scale experiment for control of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) emissions was carried out continuously for nearly four months by using bio-trickling filter packed with ZX01 stuffing. The results suggested that the bio-trickling filter had proven excellent performance over substantial operational periods. Removal efficiency of H₂S was nearly 100% when volumetric loading of the bio-trickling filter varied from 0.64 g/(m³·h) to 38.20 g/(m³·h) and metabolism products of H₂S were mainly composed of SO₄^2–. When inlet concentration of H₂S was 250 mg/m³, the optimum gas retention time was 30 s and the optimum spray water flow rate was 0.005 9~0.012 L/(cm²·h). The bio-trickling filter had good ability to resist shock of high volumetric loading, and was not blocked during experiments for nearly four months during which resistance was maintained at relatively lower value, so that the bio-trickling filter need not carry out back washing frequently and can be operated steadily for long-term.

The optimal operation conditions in an anoxic sulfide oxidizing (ASO) bioreactor were investigated. The maximal removal rates for sulfide and nitrate were found to be 4.18 kg/(m³·d) and 1.73 kg/(m³·d), respectively. The volumetrical volumetric loading rates (LRs) observed through decreasing hydraulic retention time (HRT) at fixed substrate concentration are higher than those by increasing substrate concentration at fixed HRT. The sulfide oxidation in ASO reactor was partially producing both sulfate and sulfur; but the amount of sulfate produced was approximately one third that of sulfur. The process was able to tolerate high sulfide concentration, as the sulfide removal percentage always remained near 99% when influent concentration was up to 580 mg/L. It tolerated relatively lower nitrate concentration because the removal percentage dropped to 85% when influent concentration was increased above 110 mg/L. The process can tolerate shorter HRT but careful operation is needed. Nitrate conversion was more sensitive to HRT than sulfide conversion since the process performance deteriorated abruptly when HRT was decreased from 3.12 h to 2.88 h. In order to avoid nitrite accumulation in the reactor, the influent sulfide and nitrate concentrations should be kept at 280 mg/L and 67.5 mg/L respectively. Present biotechnology is useful for removing sulfides from sewers and crude oil.

Comparative study on the activity and kinectic properties of acid phosphatase (ACPase) of three soils amended with Hg and Cu at constant temperature and humidity was carried out. The results indicated that the inhibition on ACPase of the three sample soils by Hg and Cu varied with the content of soil organic matter and pH, where, Soil 1 was the most seriously contaminated due to its lowest content of organic matter and the lowest pH among three samples, Soil 2 took the second place, and Soil 3 was the least contaminated. Except Soil 3, the activity of soil ACPase tended to increase along with the contact time under the same type and the same concentration of heavy metal. In particular the V_max values of ACPase in all three samples decreased with increasing Hg and Cu concentration, whereas the K_m values were affected weakly. According to the change of V_max and K_m values, Cu and Hg had the same inhibition effect on soil ACPase. Both of them may be a type of compound of non-competitive and anti-competitive inhibition. Statistic analyses indicated that activities of soil ACPase and V_max values could serve as bioindicator to partially denote the heavy metal Hg and Cu contamination degree.

Atmospheric concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured during various seasons at six different cities/locations in Qingdao alongshore. The annual average PAHs concentration ranged from 16 ng/m³ (at a clean compared site) to 308 ng/m³ (in an industry site). The average total particulate PAHs concentration was 74.5 ng/m³ with a higher concentration of particulate PAHs in winter. Based on a year-round dataset, the sources of PAHs in the air of Qingdao were drawn by principal factor analysis and correlation analysis. The results indicated that vehicle emissions and oil burning were the main source of PAHs in Qingdao alongshore.

A semi-analytical Monte Carlo (SMC) simulation was developed to simulate the propagation of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) in an optically participating spray, which simultaneously exhibits spectrally dependent emission, anisotropic scattering, absorption, and re-emission. The SMC simulation is described and then applied to an experimental configuration of a cloud of polydisperse droplets composed of water and sulforhodamine B dye. In the SMC simulation, the collected LIF flux on the remote receptor element is calculated as the global contribution from the emissive source, single, twice, … and nth collision events in any sequence. The effects on the fluorescence photons propagation of spray parameters like the dye concentration, droplets concentration, and droplets size are examined. Three spectral bands representing different optical properties are chosen to analyze the interference of absorption, scattering and re-emission on the detected LIF flux. The obtained spectral LIF flux distribution on the receptor demonstrates a “red shift” phenomenon.