Half-bridge SIC inverter for hybrid electric vehicles: Design, development and testing at higher operating temperature

In recent years, Silicon Carbide (SiC) semiconductor devices have shown promise for high density power electronic applications, due to their electrical and thermal properties. In this paper, the performance of SiC JFETs for hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) applications is investigated at heatsink temperatures of 100 °C. The thermal runaway characteristics, maximum current density and packaging temperature limitations of the devices are considered and the efficiency implications discussed. To quantify the power density capabilities of power transistors, a novel 'expression of rating' (EoR) is proposed. A prototype single phase, half-bridge voltage source inverter using SiC JFETs is also tested and its performance at 25 °C and 100 °C investigated.

Development of a new apparatus for modeling deep excavation related problems in geotechnical centrifuge

Underground space is commonly exploited both to maximise the utility of costly land in urban development and to reduce the vertical load acting on the ground. Deep excavations are carried out to construct various types of underground infrastructure such as deep basements, subways and service tunnels. Although the soil response to excavation is known in principle, designers lack practical calculation methods for predicting both short- and long-term ground movements. As the understanding of how soil behaves around an excavation in both the short and long term is insufficient and usually empirical, the judgements used in design are also empirical and serious accidents are common. To gain a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in soil excavation, a new apparatus for the centrifuge model testing of deep excavations in soft clay has been developed. This apparatus simulates the field construction sequence of a multi-propped retaining wall during centrifuge flight. A comparison is given between the new technique and the previously used method of draining heavy fluid to simulate excavation in a centrifuge model. The new system has the benefit of giving the correct initial ground conditions before excavation and the proper earth pressure distribution on the retaining structures during excavation, whereas heavy fluid only gives an earth pressure coefficient of unity and is unable to capture any changes in the earth pressure coefficient of soil inside the zone of excavation, for example owing to wall movements. Settlements of the ground surface, changes in pore water pressure, variations in earth pressure, prop forces and bending moments in the retaining wall are all monitored during excavation. Furthermore, digital images taken of a cross-section during the test are analysed using particle image velocimetry to illustrate ground deformation and soil–structure interaction mechanisms. The significance of these observations is discussed.

How Well Do We Understand Earthquake Induced Liquefaction?

Soil liquefaction following large earthquakes is a major contributor to damage to infrastructure and economic loss, as borne out by the earthquakes in Japan and New Zealand in 2011. While extensive research has been conducted on soil liquefaction and our understanding of liquefaction has been advancing, several uncertainties remain. In this paper the basic premise that liquefaction is an 'undrained' event will be challenged. Evidence will be offered based on dynamic centrifuge tests to show that rapid settlements occur both in level ground and for shallow foundations. It will also be shown that the definition of liquefaction based on excess pore pressure generation and the subsequent classification of sites as liquefiable and non-liquefiable is not satisfactory, as centrifuge test data shows that both loose and dense sand sites produce significant excess pore pressure. Experimental evidence will be presented that shows that the permeability of sands increases rapidly at very low effective stresses to allow for rapid drainage to take place from liquefied soil. Based on these observations a micro-mechanical view of soil liquefaction that brings together the Critical State view of soil liquefaction and the importance of dynamic loading will be presented. © 2012 Indian Geotechnical Society.

SOI CMOS integrated zinc oxide nanowire for toluene detection

The paper reports on the in-situ growth of zinc oxide nanowires (ZnONWs) on a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) substrate, and their performance as a sensing element for ppm (parts per million) levels of toluene vapour in 3000 ppm humid air. Zinc oxide NWs were grown using a low temperature (only 90°C) hydrothermal method. The ZnONWs were first characterised both electrically and through scanning electron microscopy. Then the response of the on-chip ZnONWs to different concentrations of toluene (400-2600ppm) was observed in air at 300°C. Finally, their gas sensitivity was determined and found to lie between 0.1% and 0.3% per ppm. © 2013 IEEE.

Studying adsorbent dynamics on a quartz crystal resonator using its nonlinear electrical response

The quartz crystal resonator has been traditionally employed in studying surface-confined physisorbed films and particles by measuring dissipation and frequency shifts. However, theoretical interpretation of the experimental observations is often challenged due to limited understanding of physical interaction mechanisms at the interfaces involved. Here we model a physisorbed interaction between particles and gold electrode surface of a quartz crystal and demonstrate how the nonlinear modulation of the electric response of the crystal due to the nonlinear interaction forces may be used to study the dynamics of the particles. In particular, we show that the graphs of the deviation in the third Fourier harmonic response versus oscillation amplitude provide important information about the onset, progress and nature of sliding of the particles. The graphs also present a signature of the surface-particle interaction and could be used to estimate the interaction energy profile. Interestingly, the insights gained from the model help to explain some of the experimental observations with physisorbed streptavidin-coated polystyrene microbeads on quartz resonators. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cyclic jacking of piles in silt and sand

Jacked piles are becoming a valuable installation method due to the low noise and vibration involved in the installation procedure. Cyclic jacking may be used in an attempt to decrease the required installation force. Small scale models of jacked piles were tested in sand and silt in a 10 m beam centrifuge. Two different piles were tested: smooth and rough. Piles were driven in two ways with monotonic and cyclically jacked installations. The cyclically jacked installation involves displacement reversal at certain depth for a fixed number of cycles. The depth of reversal and amplitude of the cycle vary for different tests. Data show that the base resistance increases during cyclic jacking due to soil compaction at the pile toe. On the other hand, shaft load decreases with the number of cycles applied due to densification of soil next to the pile shaft. Cyclic jacking may be used in unplugged tubular piles to decrease the required installation load. © 2013 Taylor & Francis Group, London.

Mobilization distance for upheaval buckling of shallowly buried pipelines

Buried pipelines may be subject to upheaval buckling because of thermally induced compressive stresses. As the buckling load of a strut decreases with increasing out of straightness, not only the maximum available resistance from the soil cover, but also the movement of the pipeline required to mobilize this are important factors in design. This paper will describe the results of 15 full-scale laboratory tests that have been carried out on pipeline uplift in both sandy and rocky backfills. The cover to diameter ratio ranged from 0.1 to 6. The results show that mobilization distance exhibits a linear relationship with H=D ratio and that the postpeak uplift force-displacement response can be accurately modeled using existing models. A tentative design approach is suggested; the maximum available uplift resistance may be reliably predicted from the postpeak response, and the mobilization distance may be predicted using the relationships described in this paper. © 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers.

Full cost accounting for the life cycle of coal.

Each stage in the life cycle of coal-extraction, transport, processing, and combustion-generates a waste stream and carries multiple hazards for health and the environment. These costs are external to the coal industry and are thus often considered "externalities." We estimate that the life cycle effects of coal and the waste stream generated are costing the U.S. public a third to over one-half of a trillion dollars annually. Many of these so-called externalities are, moreover, cumulative. Accounting for the damages conservatively doubles to triples the price of electricity from coal per kWh generated, making wind, solar, and other forms of nonfossil fuel power generation, along with investments in efficiency and electricity conservation methods, economically competitive. We focus on Appalachia, though coal is mined in other regions of the United States and is burned throughout the world.

A novel measurement of dynamic friction

A tribometer, based on a pin-on-disc machine, uses a PZT drive to produce small sinusoidal fluctuations of sliding speed. The frequency and amplitude of these fluctuations can be controlled, and the dynamic response measured. Preliminary test results show that the dynamic friction variation is influenced by the contact materials, normal force, oscillation frequency and steady sliding speed. The variation of friction force amplitude and phase with frequency gives clues about the underlying state variables determining the friction. Modelling studies illustrate the expected behaviour for idealized friction laws governed by, for example, sliding speed, contact temperature, and "rate-state" laws. © 2008 SAE International.