Fabrication and Property of SiC Ceramic with Large Thickness/Diameter Ratios

Silicon carbide ceramics with different thicknesses/diameter ratios were prepared by using ultra-fine silicon carbide powder with the sintering additives of 1.0 wt% boron and 1.5 wt% carbon. The influence of thickness/diameter ratio on the microstructure and density of SiC ceramics was investigated in detail. The experimental results show that the addition of boron and carbon sintering aids can promote the densification process of SiC ceramic, leading to the low sintering temperature and improve mechanical properties. At 1950 ℃, SiC ceramic with a density of 99% exhibits Young's modulus, hardness, and flexural strength of 476 MPa, 28.3 GPa, and 334 MPa, respectively. It is found that long holding time has a positive effect on the uniformity of the microstructure and density distribution of SiC ceramics with large thickness/diameter ratios. Additionally, the sintering additive of boron can solid-solve into SiC, and then facilitate the phase transformation of SiC to form 6H-SiC and 4H-SiC composite ceramics.

Isotopic dependence of the yield ratios of light fragments from different projectiles and their unified neutron skin thicknesses

The yield ratios of neutron-proton(R(n/p))and^(3)H-^(3)He(R(^(3)H∕^(3)He))with reduced rapidity from 0 to 0.5 were simulated at 50 MeV/u even-even ^(36−56)Ca+^(40)Ca,even-even ^(48−78)Ni+^(58)Ni,and ^(100−139)Sn(every third isotopes)+112 Sn for full reduced impact parameters using the isospin-dependent quantum molecular dynamics(IQMD)model.The neutron and proton density distributions and root-mean-square radii of the reaction systems were obtained using the Skyrme-Hartree-Fock model,which was used for the phase space initialization of the projectile and target in IQMD.We defined the unified neutron skin thickness asΔRnp=<r^(2)>^(1∕2) n−<r^(2)>^(1∕2)p,which was negative for neutron-deficient nuclei.The unifiedΔRnp values for nuclei with the same relative neutron excess from different isotopic chains were nearly equal,except for extreme neutron-rich isotopes,which is a type of scaling behavior.The yield ratios of the three isotopic chain-induced reactions,which depended on the reduced impact parameter and unified neutron skin thickness,were studied.The results showed that both R(n/p)and R(^(3)H∕^(3)He)decreased with a reduced impact parameter for extreme neutron-deficient isotopes;however,they increased with reduced impact parameters for extreme neutron-rich isotopes,and increased with theΔRnp of the projectiles for all reduced impact parameters.In addition,a scaling phenomenon was observed betweenΔR np and the yield ratios in peripheral colli-sions from different isotopic chain projectiles(except for extreme neutron-rich isotopes).Thus,R(n/p)and R(^(3)H∕^(3)He)from peripheral collisions were suggested as experimental probes for extracting the neutron or proton skin thicknesses of non-extreme neutron-rich nuclei from different isotopic chains.

Added value of ratio of cross diameters of the appendix in ultrasound diagnosis of acute appendicitis

BACKGROUND The maximum outer diameter(MOD)of the appendix is an essential parameter for diagnosing acute appendicitis,but there is space for improvement in ultrasound(US)diagnostic performance.AIM To investigate whether combining the ratio of the cross diameters(RATIO)of the appendix with MOD of the appendix can enhance the diagnostic performance of acute appendicitis.METHODS A retrospective study was conducted,and medical records of 233 patients with acute appendicitis and 112 patients with a normal appendix were reviewed.The MOD and RATIO of the appendix were calculated and tested for their diagnostic performance of acute appendicitis,both individually and in combination.RESULTS The RATIO for a normal appendix was 1.32±0.16,while for acute appendicitis it was 1.09±0.07.The cut-off value for RATIO was determined to be≤1.18.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)for diagnosing acute appendicitis using RATIO≤1.18 and MOD>6 mm was 0.870 and 0.652,respectively.There was a significant difference in AUC between RATIO≤1.18 and MOD>6 mm(P<0.0001).When comparing the combination of RATIO≤1.18 and MOD>6 mm with MOD>6 mm alone,the combination showed increased specificity,positive predictive value(PPV),and AUC.However,the sensitivity and negative predictive value decreased.CONCLUSION Combining RATIO of the appendix≤1.18 and MOD>6 mm can significantly improve the specificity,PPV,and AUC in the US diagnosis of acute appendicitis.

Accuracy of Trans-Cerebellar Diameter and Placental Thickness in Third Trimesteric Pregnant Women for Calculation of Gestational Age: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Accurate determination of gestational age has become important for deciding the appropriate time for termination of the pregnancy as well as to monitor the fetal growth during the entire period of pregnancy. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess whether the trans-cerebellar diameter, placental thickness or combining both of them is more accurate for assessment of gestational age in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Patients and Methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted at outpatient Clinic and Obstetric ward, Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital, over a period of six months from March 2019 to September 2019. One hundred pregnant women were recruited according to inclusion criteria either from outpatient clinic or were admitted in obstetric ward Ain Shams Maternity Hospital to find out the most accurate fetal biometric measurement in the third trimester either trans-cerebellar diameter placental thickness or both compared to reliable LMP (last menstrual period) dates confirmed by crown rump length (CRL) in the first trimester. Results: Trans-cerebellar diameter mean ± SD was 46.0 ± 3.5 with range 38.2 - 51.7. The mean of placental thickness was 39.6 ± 7.1 with range 22.8 - 54.3. Placental thickness had highest determination (0.813) for last menstrual period followed by trans-cerebellar diameter (0.802). Combining trans-cerebellar diameter and placental thickness increased determination (0.902) for last menstrual period. Conclusion: Combined use of trans-cerebellar diameter and placental thickness in the third trimester of pregnancy is a reliable indicator for gestational age in women whose last menstrual period is unreliable or unknown, but placental thickness had higher accuracy than trans-cerebellar diameter.

Three-Dimensional Direct Numerical Simulation of Flow past A Near-Wall Circular Cylinder:Combined Effects of Gap Ratio and Boundary Layer Thickness on Flow Profiles and Pressure Distribution

Three-dimensional direct numerical simulations of the wake flow downstream of a near-wall circular cylinder at different gap ratios and boundary layer thicknesses are carried out by using the iterative immersed boundary method.The non-dimensional gap between the cylinder and the wall,G/D=0.2,0.6 and 1.0,the non-dimensional boundary layer thickness,δ/D=0.0,0.7 and 1.6,the Reynolds number,Re=350,and the aspect ratio of the cylinder,L/D=25are adopted.High-resolution visualizations of the complex vortex structures at differentδ/D and G/D are presented.The transition of the streamwise vortex mode,the combined effects ofδ/D and G/D on the flow statistics,the pressure and shear stress distribution and the hydrodynamic forces are analyzed.Results show that with decreasing G/D and increasingδ/D,the gap flow and its vortex-shedding are significantly weakened,together with an elongated wake and an enlarged low-velocity area near the wall,leading to the wake mode transition from the two-sided to one-sided vortex-shedding.Different relative positions of the cylinder regarding the boundary layer alter the flow features of the shear layers.With an increase inδ/D,the front stagnation point shifts to the upper surface,and the distance between the flow divergence point and the maximum pressure position increases.The mean drag coefficient and r.m.s.values of drag and lift coefficients decrease with a decrease in G/D and an increase inδ/D,while the mean lift coefficient increases with decreasing G/D but decreases with increasingδ/D.

Retinal vessel diameters and their correlation with retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome

AIM: To compare retinal artery-vein diameters(RAVDs)of patients with pseudoexfoliation(PSX) syndrome with healthy controls and investigate the correlations between retinal nerve fiber layer(RNFL) thickness parameters and RAVDs.METHODS: Seventeen eyes with PSX and 17 eyes of age-matched controls were included in the study. All participants underwent routine ophthalmological examination, Humphrey visual field and RNFL examination by using Stratus OCT. Retinal images were obtained by using a retinal camera(Topcon 501X).RAVDs were measured from inferior nasal, inferior temporal, superior nasal and superior temporal arcuates by using IMAGEnet software. Superior, inferior, nasal,temporal and average RNFL thicknesses were recorded.RAVDs and RNFL parameters in groups and correlations were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U and Spearmann correlation tests.RESULTS: Only inferior quadrant and average RNFL thickness were detected thinner in the PSX group compared with control group(P =0.009, P =0.038,respectively). No statistically significant difference regarding RAVDs was found between two groups.CONCLUSION: RAVDs seems to be comparable in the PSX and control group. RNFL is thinner in the inferior quadrant in the PSX group. RNFL thickness and RAVDs show significant correlations in both groups. This correlation doesn’t seem to be specific to PSX.

Platelet count/spleen diameter ratio to predict esophageal varices in Mexican patients with hepatic cirrhosis

AIM:To validate whether the platelet count/spleen size ratio can be used to predict the presence of esophageal varices in Mexican patients with hepatic cirrhosis.METHODS:This was an analytical cross-sectional study to validate the diagnostic test for hepatic cirrhosis and was performed between February 2010 and December 2011.Patients with a diagnosis of hepatic cirrhosis were included and stratified using their ChildPugh score.Biochemical parameters were evaluated,and ultrasound was used to measure the longest diameter of the spleen.The platelet count/spleen diameter ratio was calculated and analyzed to determine whether it can predict the presence of esophageal varices.Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was used as the gold standard.Sensitivity and specificity,positive and negative predictive values,and positive and negative likelihood ratios were determined,with the cutoff points determined by receiver-operating characteristic curves.RESULTS:A total of 91 patients were included.The mean age was 53.75±12 years;50(54.9%)were men,and 41(45.0%)women.The etiology of cirrhosis included alcohol in 48(52.7%),virally induced in24(26.3%),alcoholism plus hepatitis C virus in three(3.2%),cryptogenic in nine(9.8%),and primary biliary cirrhosis in seven(7.6%).Esophageal varices were present in 73(80.2%)patients.Child-Pugh classification,17(18.6%)patients were classified as class A,37(40.6%)as class B,and 37(40.6%)as class C.The platelet count/spleen diameter ratio to detect esophageal varices independent of the grade showed using a cutoff value of≤884.3,had 84%sensitivity,70%specificity,and positive and negative predictive values of 94%and 40%,respectively.CONCLUSION:Our results suggest that the platelet count/spleen diameter ratio may be a useful tool for detecting esophageal varices in patients with hepatic cirrhosis.

Crustal thicknesses and Poisson's ratios beneath the Chuxiong-Simao Basin in the Southeast Margin of the Tibetan Plateau

In the Southeast Margin of the Tibetan Plateau, low-velocity sedimentary layers that would significantly affect the accuracy of the H-κ stacking of receiver functions are widely distributed.In this study, we use teleseismic waveform data of 475 events from 97 temporary broadband seismometers deployed by ChinArray Phase I to obtain crustal thicknesses and Poisson's ratios within the Chuxiong-Simao Basin and adjacent area, employing an improved method in which the receiver functions are processed through a resonance-removal filter, and the H-κ stacking is time-corrected.Results show that the crustal thickness ranges from 30 to 55 km in the study area, reaching its thickest value in the northwest and thinning toward southwest, southeast and northeast.The apparent variation of crustal thickness around the Red River Fault supports the view of southeastern escape of the Tibetan Plateau.Relatively thin crustal thickness in the zone between Chuxiong City and the Red River Fault indicates possible uplift of mantle in this area.The positive correlation between crustal thickness and Poisson's ratio is likely to be related to lower crust thickening.Comparison of results obtained from different methods shows that the improved method used in our study can effectively remove the reverberation effect of sedimentary layers.

On the Elastic Vibration Model for High Length-Diameter Ratio Rocket with Attitude Control System

An elastic vibration model for high length diameter ratio spinning rocket with attitude control system which can be used for trajectory simulation is established. The basic theory of elastic dynamics and vibration dynamics were both used to set up the elastic vibration model of rocket body. In order to study the problem more conveniently, the rocket's body was simplified to be an even beam with two free ends. The model was validated by simulation results and the test data.

Crustal thickness and v_P/v_S ratio in Shanxi Graben, China

Shanxi Graben is in the middle part of the North China Craton, from south to north. With the teleseismic data recorded by Regional Seismograph Networks and the temporary ZBnet-W Seismic Array around east part of Shanxi Graben, we measured the crustal thickness and Vp/Vs ratio beneath each station using the H-K stack of receiver functions. The observed crustal thickness shows obvious lateral variation, increasing gradually from east to west in the Shanxi Graben. Beneath the Shanxi Graben the crust is relatively thicker than both sides of the south and the north. In addition, the Vp/Vs ratio in the north of study zone is higher than that in the south. The highest Vp/Vs ratio exists in the crust of the Xinding basin and the Datong basin. Our study also suggests that high velocity ratio might result from the strong activities of the magmation and volcanism.

Vibration of Visco-Elastic Parallelogram Plate with Parabolic Thickness Variation

The main objective of the present investigation is to study the vibration of visco-elastic parallelogram plate whose thickness varies parabolically. It is assumed that the plate is clamped on all the four edges and that the thickness varies parabolically in one direction i.e. along length of the plate. Rayleigh-Ritz technique has been used to determine the frequency equation. A two terms deflection function has been used as a solution. For visco-elastic, the basic elastic and viscous elements are combined. We have taken Kelvin model for visco-elasticity that is the combination of the elastic and viscous elements in parallel. Here the elastic element means the spring and the viscous element means the dashpot. The assumption of small deflection and linear visco-elastic properties of “Kelvin” type are taken. We have calculated time period and deflection at various points for different values of skew angles, aspect ratio and taper constant, for the first two modes of vibration. Results are supported by tables. Alloy “Duralumin” is considered for all the material constants used in numerical

Research on the squeeze cast technology of the castings with large ratio of height to thickness

The squeeze cast technology is only applicable, at present, to the castings with a ratio of height to thickness less than 3.5. Researching the squeeze cast technology for castings with a large ratio of height to thickness will broaden the applicable range of the advanced casting technology. This paper describes a study of the temperature distribution during solidification for castings with a ratio of height to thickness of 7 by the methods of experiment and computer simulation. The shrinkage porosity distribution in the castings and the mechanical properties of the castings were also researched. The experimental and simulated results show that increasing squeeze force, or enhancing mold temperature, cannot reduce the shrinkage porosities in the castings. When castings solidify in a sequential manner and the squeeze force effectively acts on the surface of the liquid metal, the shrinkage porosities in the castings are eliminated and mechanical properties are clearly improved.

Can platelet count/spleen diameter ratio be used for cirrhotic children to predict esophageal varices?

AIM To determine the laboratory and radiologic parameters, including the platelet count(PC)-to-spleen diameter(SD) ratio as a non-invasive marker that may predict the presence of esophageal varices(EV) in children with cirrhosis.METHODS Eighty-nine patients with cirrhosis, but without a history of variceal bleeding were prospectively included. The children were grouped into 6-12 and 12-18 years of age groups. These groups were also divided into 2 subgroups(presence and absence of EV). All of the patients underwent a complete biochemical and radiologic evaluation. The PC(n/mm^3)-to-SD(mm) ratio was calculated for each patient. RESULTS Sixty-nine of 98(70.4%) patients had EV. The presence of ascites in all age groups was significantly associatedwith the presence of EV. There were no differences in serum albumin levels, PC, SD and the PC-to-SD ratio between the presence and absence of EV groups in both age groups(P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Laboratory and radiologic parameters, including the PC-to-SD ratio as a non-invasive marker(except for the presence of ascites), was inappropriate for detecting EV in children with cirrhosis.

The comparison between laser screw welding and resistant spot welding of lap joint with large thickness ratio

The present paper investigates the welding forming,microstructure and shear tensile test of lap joints with large thickness ratio which were fabricated by laser screw welding(LSW)and resistant spot welding(RSW).The comparison was conducted on two kinds of lap joints,galvanized sheet and hot pressed steel(GS-HPS),galvanized sheet and high strength steel(GS-HS).The microstructure and fracture morphology were analyzed by optical microscope.It was demonstrated that with large thickness ratio the sound lap joint of GS-HS could be obtained by LSW regardless of the irradiation of laser beam from thick metal to sheet or otherwise,and the morphology shows it is better when the laser is irradiated on the thick metal.Nevertheless,when the laser beam was applied on thick metal of HPS,blind hole or blowhole was formed in the center of joint,which is attributed to the shrinkage during solidification of the molten pool.Small pores or dispersed porosity appeared on the faying face of the joint without predetermined gap which provides the degassing.However,the increase of predetermined gap could reduce the shear strength and nugget size.Two kinds of joints made by LSW have superior shear strength than those made by RSW when the laser were applied on galvanized sheet.

Optimizing loading path and die linetype of large length-to-diameter ratio metal stator screw lining hydroforming

In order to meet the high temperature environment requirement of deep and superdeep well exploitation, a technology of large length-to-diameter ratio metal stator screw lining meshing with rotor is presented. Based on the elastic-plasticity theory, and under the consideration of the effect of tube size, material mechanical parameters, friction coefficient and loading paths, the external pressure plastic forming mechanical model of metal stator screw lining is established, to study the optimal loading path of metal stator lining tube hydroforming process. The results show that wall thickness reduction of the external pressure tube hydroforming(THF) is about 4%, and three evaluation criteria of metal stator screw lining forming quality are presented: fillet stick mold coefficient, thickness relative error and forming quality coefficient. The smaller the three criteria are, the better the forming quality is.Each indicator has a trend of increase with the loading rate reducing, and the adjustment laws of die arc transition zone equidistance profile curve are acquired for improving tube forming quality. Hence, the research results prove the feasibility of external pressure THF used for processing high-accuracy large length-to-diameter ratio metal stator screw lining, and provide theoretical basis for designing new kind of stator structure which has better performance and longer service life.

Research on Large Depth Diameter Ratio Ultra-precision Aspheric Grinding System

In this paper, the factors of affecting surface roughness and profiles accuracy of the machined larege depth diamter ratio aspheric surfaces in ultra-precision grinding process are analyzed theoretically. An ultra-precision aspheric grinding system is then designed and manufactured. Aerostatic form is adopted to build the spindle of the workpiece, transverse guideway, longitudinal guideway and the spindle of the grinder in this system. The following specification is achieved, such as the turning accuracy of the spindle of the workpiece is 0.05 μm, radial rigidity of the spindle is GE 220N/μm, axial rigidity is GE 160 N/μm, radial rigidity of the guideway is GE 200N/μm, the highest rotational speed of the grinder is 80 000 rev/min and its turning accuracy is 0.1 μm, the resolution of linear displacement of the transverse and longitudinal guideway is 4.9 nm. Adjusting range of this adjusting mechanism is 2 mm in the Y direction, the adjusting accuracy of the precise adjusting mechanism is 0.1 μm. Micro displacement measuring system of this ultra-precision aspheric grinding adopts two-backfeed strategy, and angle displacement back-feed is realized by photoelectric encoder, it’s resolution is 655 360 pulse/rev. after 4 frequency multiplication, it’s angle displacement resolution is achieved 2 621 440 pulse/rev. Straight-line displacement is monitored by single frequency laser interferometer (DLSTAX LTM-20B, made in Japan). This CNC system adopts inimitable bi-arc step length flex CN interpolation algorithm, it’s CN system resolution is 5 nm.So this aspheric grinding system ensures profile accuracy of the machined part. The resolution of this interferometer is 5 nm. Finally, lots of ultra-precision grinding experiments are carried out on this grinding system. Some optical aspheric parts, with profiles accuracy of 0.3 μm, surface roughness less than 0.01 μm, are obtained.

Preparation of Layered Potassium Titanate Whiskers with Large Length-diameter Ratio by KDC Method

Pure K2Ti4O9 whiskers were prepared by KDC（Kneading-Drying-Calcination） method with TiO2 and K2CO3 as raw materials. The influences of TiO2/K2CO3 molar ratio（RT/K）, calcination temperature（TC） and cooling process on phase composition and morphology of the whiskers were investigated by TG-DSC（thermo gravimetric-differential scanning calorimeter）, XRD（X-ray diffraction）, and SEM（scanning electron microscope）. Pure K2Ti4O9 potassium titanate whiskers with large length-diameter ratio（r）（over 250） can be obtained at RT/K = 2.9 and TC = 950 ℃.

Study of crustal thickness and poisson's ratio of the south of Erenhot area by teleseismic receiver function

The Xing’an Mongolian Orogenic Belt(XMOB) and the northern margin of North China Craton(NCC) have undergone multistage tectonic superimposition and the tectonic evolution is extremely complicated. We collect the teleseismic data of 44 temporary broadband seismic stations deployed in the XMOB and the northern margin of NCC to calculate the P wave receiver functions. The crustal thickness and average crustal ratio as well as the Poisson’s ratios beneath 33 stations are estimated using the H-κ stacking method. The results show:(1) the crustal thickness of the study area ranges from 38.7 to 42.7 km, with an average thickness of 41.2 km. There is a great difference in crustal thickness on both sides of Solonker suture zone. The characteristics of crustal thickness support the geodynamic model that the Paleo-Asian Ocean subducted and closed at the Solonker suture zone.(2) The Poisson’s ratios in the study area are low, ranging from 0.215 to 0.277, with an average value of 0.243, suggesting that the rock composition of the area is dominated by felsic-acid rocks.(3) There exists a negative correlation between the Poisson’s ratio and the crustal thickness. Combined with the lower values of Poisson’s ratio, we speculate that the delamination is the major mechanism in crustal extension and thinning in the study area.

Influence of depth-thickness ratio of mining on the stability of a bedding slope with its sliding surface in concave deformation

In order to study the influence of depth-thickness ratio on bedding slope stability, whose sliding surface is flexural concave in shape under mining conditions, this paper aims to study the characteristics of deformation and damage of bedding sliding with depth-thickness ratios of 200:1, 150:1, 120:1, 100:1 and 50:1by adopting numerical simulation analysis software combined with laboratory-made ‘‘under the influence of mining variable sliding surface slope similar simulation test bed", and to propose identification methods for slope stability under the influence of mining. The results show that mining activities under the slope reduce slope stability. With a decrease in the mining depth ratio, the influence of mining on the slope increases gradually, and the damage to the slope gradually expands, the stability of the slope gradually reduces, fracture occurs on the slope toe and the central fissure gradually develops to the surface,and reaches slide threshold when the depth-thickness ratio is 50:1.

Study of Thermally Induced Vibration of Non-Homogeneous Trapezoidal Plate with Parabolically Thickness Variation in Both Directions

The present analysis demonstrates the thermal effect on vibrations of a symmetric, non-homoge- neous trapezoidal plate with parabolically varying thickness in both directions. The variation in Young’s modulus and mass density is the main cause for the occurrence of non-homogeneity in plate’s material. In this consideration, density varies linearly in one direction. The governing differential equations have been derived by Rayleigh-Ritz method in order to attain fundamental frequencies. With C-S-C-S boundary condition, a two term deflection function has been considered. The effect of structural parameters such as taper constants, thermal gradient, aspect ratio and non-homogeneity constant has been investigated for first two modes of vibration. The obtained numerical results have been presented in tabular and graphical form.