Influence of the processing conditions and corona poling on the morphology of β-PVDF

The α → β phase transformation of PVDF through the stretching process at different temperatures was investigated. The optimum stretching conditions were studied and characterised by infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The maximum β-phase content was achieved at 80°C and a stretch ratio of 5. These samples were poled at several electric fields by the corona charge method. The effect of the electric field on the phase transformation was studied by infrared spectroscopy.

Simulation of needle-type corona electrodes by the finite element method

This paper describes a software tool, called LEVSOFT, suitable for the electric field simulations of corona electrodes by the Finite Element Method (FEM). Special attention was paid to the user friendly construction of geometries with corners and sharp points, and to the fast generation of highly refined triangular meshes and field maps. The execution of self-adaptive meshes was also implemented. These customized features make the code attractive for the simulation of needle-type corona electrodes. Some case examples involving needle type electrodes are presented.

Corona effect in frequency dependent transmission line models

The inclusion of the corona effect in a frequency dependent transmission line model is proposed in this paper. The transmission line is represented through a cascade of π circuits and the frequency dependence of the longitudinal parameters is synthesized with series and parallel resistors and inductors. The corona effect will be represented using the Gary and Skilling-Umoto models. The currents and voltages along the line are calculated by using state-space technique. To demonstrate the accuracy and validity of the proposed frequency dependent line model, time domain simulations of a 10 km length single-phase line response under energization procedure will be presented. ©2008 IEEE.

Homologies of floral structures in velloziaceae with particular reference to the corona

New data on floral morphology, development, and vasculature in two Brazilian genera of the monocot family Velloziaceae (Pandanales) are used to explore the homologies of their unusual floral structures, especially the corona of Barbacenia and the corona-like appendages and multiple stamens of some Vellozia species. All Velloziaceae have epigynous flowers. Some species of Vellozia are polyandrous, and stamen number can be variable within species. In Vellozia jolyi, there is a single stamen opposite each sepal and a stamen fascicle (of three secondary stamens) opposite each petal. Each stamen possesses a single vascular bundle, and these are united into a single aggregate bundle in proximal regions of the fascicle. Stamens mature centripetally within each fascicle. The coronal appendages of both genera are closely associated with the stamens, but they share some vasculature with the tepals and develop late in ontogeny. The coronal organs cannot readily be homologized with any of the typical floral organs, but they show partial homology with both tepals and stamens. They are most readily interpreted as a late elaboration of the region between the petals and stamens associated with epigyny and the hypanthium. © 2010 by The University of Chicago. All rights reserved.

Effects of methylmercury on electric organ discharges in the weak electric fish Gymnotus sylvius

Methylmercury (MeHg) is present in the environment because of natural and anthropogenic causes. MeHg can reach the central nervous system (CNS) and cause neurological damage in humans and animals. Electric organ discharges (EODs) in the weak electric fish Gymnotus sylvius are produced by the electric organ and modulated by the CNS. These discharges are used for electrolocation and communication. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary MeHg exposure on EOD rate in G. sylvius. An oscilloscope was used to record the EOD rate. Two treatments were investigated: chronic MeHg administration (4 μg/kg MeHg every 2 days, with a total of nine dietary exposures to MeHg) and acute MeHg administration (a single dose of 20 μg/kg MeHg). The control data for both treatments were collected every 2 days for 18 days, with a total of nine sessions (day 1 until day 18). Data of fish exposed to MeHg were collected every 2 days, totaling nine sessions (day 19 until day 36). Chronic treatment significantly increased the EOD rate in G. sylvius (p<.05), especially with the final treatment (day 32 until day 36). Acute treatment resulted in an initial increase in the EOD rate, which was maintained midway through the experiment (day 26 until day 30 p<.05). The present study provides the first insights into the effects of MeHg on EODs in weak electric fish. The EOD rate is a novel response of the fish to MeHg administration.

Inclusão do efeito corona em modelos de linhas de transmissão bifásica utilizando a técnica de variáveis de estado

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Caracterização do efeito corona em isoladores poliméricos do tipo bastão submetidos à poluição salínica

Pós-graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia de Materiais - FC

Modificação superficial de fibras de juta com descarga corona para melhora da aderência com matriz poliéster

Seeking alternatives for the total or partial substitution of synthetic fibers for natural fibers, with reinforcement in polymeric materials, this work was conducted with the objective of evaluating the treatment with corona discharge on the adherence of juta fibers with resin. The fibers were exposed to corona discharge for 1, 5, 10 and 15 minutes, as well as after treatment with hot water, molding composites fiber-reinforced with filaments treated for 10 and 15 minutes, and without the treatment. The chemical structures were evaluated by spectrometry in the region of Fourier transform infrared with attenuated total reflection (FTIR/ATR), observing the formation of a new band and the increase in the absorption of groupings with oxygen. The thermal analyses, such as thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed the degradation of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. The microstructural characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed changes in the surface of the fiber, such as roughness, superficial depressions, surface degradation and cavity formation. The adhesion of the fibers was evaluated by the pullout test, allowing us to verify the increase in adhesion strength after treatment with corona discharge. In conclusion, the treatment with corona discharge changes the surface of the juta fibers, resulting in better adherence with the resin.

Surface potentials of corona-charged ferroelectric P(VDF-TrFE) copolymer samples

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Analysis of generalized interictal discharges using quantitative EEG

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Detection of partial discharges at field in SF6 insulated equipments

This paper presents the results of research aiming to develop partial discharge detection techniques in high voltage equipment, at substation environment. Measurements of high frequency components of leakage current, at equipments' grounding conductor, were performed. This procedure was performed with the equipment energized and without disconnecting it from the system. The partial discharge generated current pulse is picked up by a high frequency CT, and is detected by an oscilloscope. The partial discharge identification was made considering previously obtained laboratory results, where partial discharges were characterized by means of its time domain signatures. This paper focuses measurements in SF6 circuit breakers. Encouraging results were obtained, showing the feasibility of detecting partial discharges in energized equipment in the laboratory and in the field, in a substation environment, using this method.