Search results for "Mechanical engineering"
showing 10 items of 4245 documents
ZERODUR based optical systems for quantum gas experiments in space
2019
Abstract Numerous quantum technologies make use of a microgravity environment e.g. in space. Operating in this extreme environment makes high demands on the experiment and especially the laser system regarding miniaturization and power consumption as well as mechanical and thermal stability. In our systems, optical modules consisting of ZERODUR® based optical benches with free-space optics are combined with fiber components. Suitability of the technology has been demonstrated in the successful sounding rocket missions FOKUS, KALEXUS and MAIUS-1. Here, we report on our toolkit for stable optical benches including mounts, fixed and adjustable mirrors as well as polarization maintaining fiber …
An NDC approach to helping pensioners cope with the cost of long-term care
2018
The aim of this paper is to analyse whether it would be possible to provide retirement and long-term care benefits using the same unfunded notional defined contribution scheme. We extend the multi-state overlapping generations model developed by Pla-Porcel et al. (2016) to include two new features: a long-term care benefit graded according to the annuitant's degree of disability and a minimum pension benefit for both contingencies. This brings the model closer to the reality of social insurance and enhances its political attractiveness. The paper contains a numerical example to show how the model functions and focuses especially on the mortality rates for dependent persons, the inception ra…
Structural properties of the quaternary Heusler compound Co2 Cr1−x Fex Al
2006
Abstract The structural and chemical properties of the quaternary Heusler compound Co2 Cr1−x Fex Al were investigated comparing powder and bulk samples. The long range order was determined by means of X-ray diffraction, while the site specific (short range) order was proved by the extended X-ray absorption fine structure method (EXAFS). The chemical composition was analysed by means of X-ray photo emission spectroscopy (XPS) combined with Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) depth profiling. The results from these methods are compared to get a detailed idea about the differences between surface and bulk properties and appearance of disorder in such alloys.
Fabrication of layered nanostructures by successive electron beam induced deposition with two precursors: protective capping of metallic iron structu…
2011
We report on the stepwise generation of layered nanostructures via electron beam induced deposition (EBID) using organometallic precursor molecules in ultra-high vacuum (UHV). In a first step a metallic iron line structure was produced using iron pentacarbonyl; in a second step this nanostructure was then locally capped with a 2-3 nm thin titanium oxide-containing film fabricated from titanium tetraisopropoxide. The chemical composition of the deposited layers was analyzed by spatially resolved Auger electron spectroscopy. With spatially resolved x-ray absorption spectroscopy at the Fe L₃ edge, it was demonstrated that the thin capping layer prevents the iron structure from oxidation upon e…
Diamond nucleation on iridium: local variations of structure and density within the BEN layer
2009
Abstract The diamond nuclei generated by the bias enhanced nucleation (BEN) on iridium are gathered in well defined areas (“domains”). In atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements they become manifest in a 1 nm downward step. The fine structure of the carbon layer inside and outside these domains has been studied by small spot Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), AFM and lateral force microscopy (LFM). The Auger spectra of the carbon KLL peak taken in an ultra high vacuum setup revealed diamond features inside and more graphitic features outside the domains. The comparison with the intensity of the Auger signal originating from the un…
Localized hydrogen cracking in the austenitic phase of a duplex stainless steel
1996
The aim of this study is to investigate the role of hydrogen on the mechanical behavior of an austenitic phase, in the particular situation of duplex stainless steels. In these duplex alloys, in presence of hydrogen, the ferritic phase is embrittled by hydrogen and the resistance to cracking is mainly related to the behavior of the austenitic phase. Thus, a discussion of the role of hydrogen at the crack tip of a duplex alloy (as function of the microstructure) has been proposed by T. Perng and C.J. Altester after experiments conducted in gaseous environment. A similar experimental approach has been followed in this study; slow strain rate tests (SSRT) have been performed on duplex stainles…
Kinetics of Sigma Phase Precipitation in Niobium-Stabilized Austenitic Stainless Steel and Effect on the Mechanical Properties
2014
Stabilized austenitic stainless steels are widely used in nuclear and oil industries. The 316 Nb steel grade presented in this study holds a small amount of delta ferrite in the austenitic matrix which tends to transform into sigma phase during prolonged exposures in the temperature range of 600-1000°C. Sigma phase is promoted by ferritic elements such as chromium, molybdenum, niobium and silicon. Time-Temperature-Transformation (TTT) diagram of the δ-ferrite evolution is established thanks to DSC experiments and quantitative metallographic analysis. It is observed that the highest sigma phase formation rate occurs between 800 and 900°C, and that the transformation of ferrite begins after a…
Corrosion Resistance of Alloys in IGCC Environment
2001
IGCC recovery boiler materials are subject to severe corrosion in environments composed of a gas mixture (CO-H 2 -H 2 O-CO 2 -H 2 S) and vanadium-containing fly-ash resulting from the combustion of oil residues. This paper presents a study of the corrosion behaviour of two Fe-Ni-Cr austenitic alloys in a typical IGCC environment at 400°C. The alloy composition influences the vanadium incorporated in the corrosion scales during the test, which affects the scale growth process. The valence state (determined by micro-XANES) and the amount of the incorporated vanadium is modified by a subsequent air flow at 400°C.
The influence of thin hard coatings on frictional behaviour in the orthogonal cutting process
2000
New knowledge about the tribological response deriving from the interaction of the substrate/coating-chip system, with special attention to the orthogonal cutting process when chatter-free end turning using natural contact tools, is developed. In order to evaluate the frictional behaviour of this process under modified contact conditions, experimental investigations including the contact temperature, the contact loads, friction and the frictional heat flux per unit area were carried out. In contrast to the most obvious approach, the coefficient of sliding friction versus the cutting speed, the contact temperature, the normal pressure and the interface control factor is considered. A number …
Microstructural Characterization of Thermo-Mechanical Treated TRIP Steels
2007
The increasing demand for the reduction of automobiles CO2 emissions for environmental preservation leads the automotive industries towards the mechanical components weight reduction. Sheet steels with multiphase microstructures exhibit favourable combinations of strength and ductility. The so called TRIP steels have a metastable microstructure that consists of a continuous ferrite matrix containing a dispersion of hard second phases martensite and bainite. These steels also contain retained austenite, at room temperature, that represents the source of the TRansformation Induced Plasticity effect. When the material is subjected to deformation step, the retained austenite transforms itself i…