Effect of buoyancy-driven convection on steady state dendritic growth in a binary alloy

The effect of buoyancy-driven convection on the steady state dendritic growth in an undercooled binary alloy is studied. For the case of the moderate modified Grashof number, the uniformly valid asymptotic solution in the entire region of space is obtained by means of the matched asymptotic expansion method. The analytical results show that the buoyancy- driven convection has a significant effect on the needle-like interface of dendritic growth. Due to the buoyancy-driven convection, the needle-like interface shape of the crystal is changed. When the Peclet number that is not affected by the buoyant flow is less than a certain critical value, the interface shape of the dendrite becomes thinner as the Grashof number increases; when it is larger than the critical value, the interface shape becomes fatter as the Grashof number increases. In the undercooled binary alloy the morphology number plays an active role in the interface shape and leads to the buoyancy effect that is different from the situation for the pure melt. The smaller the morphology number is, the more significant change the interface shape has. As the Peclet number further increases, the effect of buoyancy on the interface diminishes eventually.

Reactive mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with limonene for improving physical and mental health of mice at simulated microgravity condition

Astronauts are under high stress for a long time because of the microgravity condition,which leads to anxiety,affects their learning and memory abilities,and seriously impairs the health of astronauts.Aromatherapy can improve the physical and mental health of astronauts in a way that moisturizes them softly and silently.However,the strong volatility of fragrances and inconvenience of aroma treatment greatly limit their application in the field of spaceflight.In this study,reactive mesoporous silica nanoparticles were prepared to encapsulate and slowly release limonene.The limonene loaded nanoparticles were named limonene@mesoporous silica nanoparticles-cyanuric chloride(LE@MSNs-CYC).LE@MSNs-CYC were then applied to wallpaper to improve the convenience of aromatherapy.LE@MSNs-CYC could chemically react with the wallpaper,thus firmly adsorbed on the wallpaper.In the following,the mice were treated with hindlimb unloading(HU)to simulate a microgravity environment.The results showed that 28-day HU led to an increase in the level of anxiety and declines in learning,memory,and physical health in mice.LE@MSNs-CYC showed significant relief effects on anxiety,learning,memory,and physical health of HU treated mice.Subsequently,the molecular mechanisms were explored by hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis related hormones,immune-related cytokines,learning,and memory-related neurotransmitters and proteins.