Study on readout durability of super-RENS disk

Characteristics essential for the readout durability of a superresolution near-field structure (super-RENS) disk are studied experimentally by using a home-built optical measuring setup and atomic force microscope, based on a simplified PtOx super-RENS disk. The experimental results show that for a super-RENS disk with constant structure and materials, readout signals including transmittance and reflectance vary with changes in bubble shape and size, indicating that the readout durability of the disk has a strong dependence on bubble stability, which is closely related to the thickness of the cover layer, the recording power and readout power, and the mechanical properties of the dielectric layer. Based on our experimental results, the main direction for improving readout durability is also proposed. (c) 2008 Optical Society of America.

The durability of different fish cage materials and the pros and cons of cage rotation

The procedures described are standard methods used in the European Union to quantify wood quality. Samples used here were smaller than the standards laid down in the DIN system (12 x 12 x 16 cm) as Litsea is a small tree and planks of the required size are unobtainable. The use of quality sized samples means that the results presented here can be compared with each other but unfortunately not with data in the literature. Wood is dried first at ambient temperature in the shade to reduce moisture content to an even 11-12%. Part of the sample was then oven-dried to 0% moisture content and its specific density determined by weighing a subsample of 128 cm super(3) (4 x 4 x 8 cm). Strength of expansion of the wood is determined as the percentage by which the wood sample can be pulled apart parallel and vertical to the grain before it breaks. Compression and bending strengths and elasticity are measured by compressing, bending and pulling wood sample in a machine specially designedto determine the forces required.

Durability study of eleven years old cement-bentonite cut-off wall material

Comprehensive understanding of the long-term performance of cement-bentonite slurry trench cut-off walls is essential as these mixes may degrade when exposed to aggressive environments or when subjected to prolonged drying. A series of wetting-drying and immersion experiments was carried out to evaluate the durability characteristics of laboratory mixed samples and block field samples from 40 days to 11 years of age. For the wetting-drying tests, the samples buried in medium graded sand were subjected to periodical flooding and drying cycles. They were then used for permeability testing and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) testing. For the immersion tests, the samples confined in perforated molds were submerged in magnesium sulfate solution for 16 weeks and their microstructures were then analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. This paper identifies the effects of contaminant exposure on durability of cement-bentonite and the effects of aging by comparing 11 years old samples to younger samples. Test results showed that young or previously contaminated cement-bentonite mixes are more susceptible to sulfate attack than old or less contaminated mixes. Copyright ASCE 2008.

Observations on the durability of fifteen species of CCA treated timber in the Cochin harbour

Observations on the durability of fifteen species of common Indian timber treated with CCA at two absorption levels, for eight years are presented. CCA treatment has improved the durability of this timber to a great extent. T. grandis, D. indicus and X. xylocarpa give maximum durability on treatment with CCA. Less durable A. kurzi, T. nudiflora and P. longifolia when treated with CCA showed results comparable to the best species.

A method for VVER-1000 fuel rearrangement optimization taking into account both fuel cladding durability and burnup

A method for VVER-1000 fuel rearrangement optimization that takes into account both cladding durability and fuel burnup and which is suitable for any regime of normal reactor operation has been established. The main stages involved in solving the problem of fuel rearrangement optimization are discussed in detail. Using the proposed fuel rearrangement efficiency criterion, a simple example VVER-1000 fuel rearrangement optimization problem is solved under deterministic and uncertain conditions. It is shown that the deterministic and robust (in the face of uncertainty) solutions of the rearrangement optimization problem are similar in principle, but the robust solution is, as might be anticipated, more conservative. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Durability and photo-electric characteristics of a mille-feuille structured amorphous selenium (a-Se)-arsenic selenide (As2Se3) multi-layered thin film

A mille-feuille structured amorphous selenium (a-Se)-arsenic selenide (As2Se3) multi-layered thin film and a mixed amorphous Se-As2Se3 film is compared from a durability perspective and photo-electric perspective. The former is durable to incident laser induced degradation after numerous laser scans and does not crystallise till 105 of annealing, both of which are improved properties from the mixed evaporated film. In terms of photo-electric properties, the ratio between the photocurrent and the dark current improved whereas the increase of the dark current was higher than that of As2Se3 due to the unique current path developed within the mille-feuille structure. Implementing this structure into various amorphous semiconductors may open up a new possibility towards structure-sensitive amorphous photoconductors. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Mechanical and durability properties of concretes containing recycled lime powder and recycled aggregates

According to a recent report by the European Commission, within the European Union, the construction and demolition wastes come to at least 450 million tons per year. Roughly 75% of the waste is disposed to landfill, despite its major recycling potential. The bulk constituents of demolition debris are concrete (50-55%) and masonry (30-40%) with only small percentages of other materials such as metals, glass and timber. In Cyprus, at present, recycling of waste materials is practically inexistent and almost the entire demolition waste products are disposed in landfill sites, with all possible economic, technical and environmental impacts. This research paper presents the evaluation and the effective reuse of waste construction materials, such as recycled lime powder (RLP) and recycled concrete aggregates (RCA), disposed to landfill sites in Cyprus, due to the lack of a lucid recycling policy and knowledge. Results show that both RLP and RCA have the potential to produce good quality and robust concrete mixtures both in terms of mechanical and durability performance. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.