Distribution In Components Research Articles

Modelling of the spatial distribution of the induced activities in the RBMK-1500 reactor graphite blocks and rings/sleeves

There is one nuclear power plant (NPP) in Lithuania – the Ignalina NPP – which is under decommissioning now. The Ignalina NPP has two units with RBMK-1500 reactors, which are the most powerful and the most advanced versions of RBMK-type reactor design. Unit 1 of the Ignalina NPP was shut down at the end of 2004 and Unit 2 was shut down at the end of 2009. RBMK is a water-cooled graphite-moderated channel-type power reactor and the decommissioning of these reactors faces specific challenges for proper characterisation and disposal of irradiated reactor graphite.Apart from radiological inventory, the spatial distribution of radionuclides in the reactor graphite is also very important because it could indicate the possibilities for decontamination/treatment of the irradiated graphite. This is important for consideration of the near surface disposal option for irradiated graphite, as without treatment it usually does not meet the waste acceptance criteria.Based on that, the work presented in this paper is focused on the modelling of the induced activity spatial distribution in the Ignalina NPP RBMK-1500 reactor graphite components: blocks and rings/sleeves. The modelling was performed with MCNP and SCALE computer codes and consisted of two mains stages: modelling of the neutron flux in the reactor graphite components, and then modelling of the neutron activation in them using the already modelled neutron flux. In such a way, the spatial induced activity distribution in the analysed reactor components was obtained. Modelling results show that the thermal neutron flux is more intensive in the outer radial regions of the graphite components and this, in general, results in higher induced activities there.

Concept of DT fuel cycle for a fusion neutron source DEMO-FNS

The paper describes the concept of a deuterium-tritium fuel cycle of a steady-state thermonuclear reactor with a fusion power over 10 MW. Parameters of fuel cycle for nuclear facility (JET scale) with different types of fuel mixtures for neutral beam injection system are presented.Optimization of fuel cycle characteristics was aimed at reducing flows and inventory of hydrogen isotopes and tritium in fuel cycle subsystems. The calculations were carried out using computer code TC-FNS to estimate tritium distribution in fusion reactor systems and components of “tritium plant”. The code enables calculations of tritium flows and inventory in the tokamak systems. Calculations of tritium flows and accumulation have been carried out for two different cases of the fuel mixture for neutral beam injection (NBI) system. The amounts of tritium which is required for operation of all fuel cycle systems in two different cases of the fuel mixture for NBI are 0.45 “”kg (D:T=1:0) and 0.9kg (D:T=1:1) respectively.

Serotonin modulates Arabidopsis root growth via changes in reactive oxygen species and jasmonic acid-ethylene signaling.

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) is a bioactive indoleamine with neurotransmitter function in vertebrates, which represents an emerging signaling molecule in plants, playing key roles in the development and defense. In this study, the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and jasmonic acid (JA)-ethylene (Et) signaling in root developmental alterations induced by serotonin was investigated. An Arabidopsis thaliana mutant defective at the RADICAL-INDUCED CELL DEATH1 (RCD1) locus was resistant to paraquat-induced ROS accumulation in primary roots and showed decreased inhibition or root growth in response to serotonin. A suite of JA- and Et-related mutants including coronatine insensitive1, jasmonic acid resistant1 (jar1), etr1, ein2 and ein3 showed tolerance to serotonin in the inhibition of primary root growth and ROS redistribution within the root tip when compared with wild-type (WT) seedlings. Competence assays between serotonin and AgNO3 , a well-known blocker of Et action, showed that primary root growth in medium supplemented with serotonin was normalized by AgNO3 , whereas roots of eto3, an Et overproducer mutant, were oversensitive to serotonin. Comparison of ROS levels in WT, etr1, jar1 and rcd1 primary root tips using the ROS-specific probe 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate and confocal imaging showed that serotonin inhibition of primary root growth likely occurs independently of its conversion into melatonin. Our results provide compelling evidence that serotonin affects ROS distribution in roots, involving RCD1 and components of the JA-Et signaling pathways.

Holothurian Nervous System Diversity Revealed by Neuroanatomical Analysis

The Echinodermata comprise an interesting branch in the phylogenetic tree of deuterostomes. Their radial symmetry which is reflected in their nervous system anatomy makes them a target of interest in the study of nervous system evolution. Until recently, the study of the echinoderm nervous system has been hindered by a shortage of neuronal markers. However, in recent years several markers of neuronal and fiber subpopulations have been described. These have been used to identify subpopulations of neurons and fibers, but an integrative study of the anatomical relationship of these subpopulations is wanting. We have now used eight commercial antibodies, together with three antibodies produced by our group to provide a comprehensive and integrated description and new details of the echinoderm neuroanatomy using the holothurian Holothuria glaberrima (Selenka, 1867) as our model system. Immunoreactivity of the markers used showed: (1) specific labeling patterns by markers in the radial nerve cords, which suggest the presence of specific nerve tracts in holothurians. (2) Nerves directly innervate most muscle fibers in the longitudinal muscles. (3) Similar to other deuterostomes (mainly vertebrates), their enteric nervous system is composed of a large and diverse repertoire of neurons and fiber phenotypes. Our results provide a first blueprint of the anatomical organization of cells and fibers that form the holothurian neural circuitry, and highlight the fact that the echinoderm nervous system shows unexpected diversity in cell and fiber types and their distribution in both central and peripheral nervous components.

Integration of geometric variation and part deformation into variation propagation of 3-D assemblies

This paper introduces a novel modelling method for variation propagation calculation of 3-D assemblies taking into account geometric variation and part deformation, which are neglected in most models in tolerance analysis. Initially, numerical studies are carried out in order to illustrate the characteristics of strain distribution in components and contact forces on the mating surfaces of a 3-D assembly. According to these characteristics, a linear equivalent model using springs to represent the elastic mating surfaces with geometric variation was presented. Then, the equilibrium criterions corresponding to actual contact situations and iterative searching algorithm of the equilibrium status of contacting were developed. The proposed modelling and calculation method were finally applied to the assembly of two machined parts, on which finite-element analyses and experimental tests were conducted to validate the effectiveness and accuracy. This linear contact model also shows an important advantage on modelling and calculating efficiency, which enable the practical application to variation propagation calculation in both tolerance design and assembly process.

Effect of the stress distribution in simple welded specimens and complex components on the crack propagation life

While a long stable crack propagation phase was observed during experiments of complex welded components, very conservative estimations of the fatigue life were achieved in the past. The difference was explained by the stress gradient occurring over the plate thickness. This paper deals with numerical crack propagation simulations which were performed for geometrically different variants. The variants differ in global geometry, boundary conditions and weld shape. The analyses aim to investigate how the crack propagation is altered if the structural configuration gets more complex. In conclusion, the stress gradient over the plate thickness, the effective plate thickness due to vertical web plates and high notch effects slow down the crack propagation rate if the same stress value being effective for fatigue appears at the weld toe. Thereby, the load-carrying grade of the weld, the weld flank angle and the geometrical configuration also have an impact on both the notch effect and the local stress concentration.

The 7T-MPW-EDDI beamline at BESSY II

The materials science beamline EDDI is operated in the Energy Dispersive DIffraction mode and provides hard synchrotron X-rays in an energy range between about 8 … 150 keV for a multitude of experiments reaching from the in-situ study of thin film deposition over the investigation of liquid phase processes to the analysis of the residual stress distribution in complex components and technical parts. For high temperature experiments or measurements under external mechanical load various devices such as heating stations and a tensile/compression load test rig are available. Besides the sample environment for pure diffraction experiments a tomography/radiography setup is provided which allows for combined simultaneous diffraction plus imaging investigations.

Inverse estimation of the transient-state stress distribution in the power boiler pressure components

The aim of this work is to present an inverse method of stress estimation in pressure components of power boilers. The proposed algorithm reconstructs the time- and space-dependent temperature, strain and stress distribution in some cross sections of thick-walled cylindrical elements without information concerning the thermal boundary condition on the inner surface. The solution is possible thanks to “measured” temperature histories in easily accessible points located on the component outer surface. In order to stabilize the solution, the data are smoothed out using digital filters based on local polynomial approximation. The material properties of the power boiler elements are assumed as temperature-dependent and the inverse problem is solved iteratively.The proposed method is verified numerically and experimentally in a steam header located on a laboratory stand in the Cracow University of Technology. The presented method may be used in monitoring systems of both conventional and nuclear power plants.

Evaluation of Mechanical Strength of Miniaturized Functional Substrates and Components in Different Environments

Functional components such as multilayer, low-temperature cofired ceramics are examples of the combination of a ceramic-based substrate with internal electrodes as well as surface features (e.g., metallization, contacting pads, and cylindrical vias) employed to provide the component with a given functionality. Another example is that of functionalized silicon chips to be embedded into polymer circuit boards to enhance integration and save costs. The functionality of the system can be influenced by the mechanical reliability of the different components. Due to miniaturization and design complexity, no standard methods for mechanical testing can be applied for the characterization of these brittle components. In this work, an experimental approach is presented that enables the determination of the strength distribution in functional components (e.g., rectangular plates as small as 2 ×2 ×0.12 mm3) in different environments at different temperatures. The method is based on localized biaxial testing using a ball-on-three-balls fixture. The high accuracy of the test allows quantification of the effect of surface quality, surface features, and/or metallization (e.g., contact pads or cylindrical vias) on the component strength distribution. Experimental findings show that the strength distribution of ceramic components can be affected by environmental degradation, whereby subcritical crack growth phenomena can be enhanced in environments with high relative humidity. In addition, metallization at the surface subjected to tensile stresses can even raise the strength of the component, acting as a protective layer against environmental degradation, whereas cylindrical vias can become weak points in the design. It is shown that functionalized layers such as those used in silicon chips can have a significant effect on the strength parameters, thus influencing the lifetime of the device.

Bixin uptake and antioxidative effect and role in immunoregulation in domestic cats.

Bixin, a carotenoid found in the seed of the Annatto plant, , is a potent antioxidant. Carotenoids are readily absorbed from the diet; therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine uptake of bixin by plasma, lipoproteins, and leukocytes after dietary supplementation in domestic cats and to assess effects on immune response. Female domestic short hair cats (3 yr old; 4.79 ± 0.13 kg BW) were fed a single dose of 0, 1, 5, or 10 mg bixin, and blood was taken at 0, 1, 2, 4 and 8 h after administration ( = 6/treatment) to determine acute absorption rate. Then, bixin was fed daily for 14 d to examine steady-state plasma concentrations and subcellular distribution. Following these preliminary experiments, cats ( = 8/treatment) were fed diets containing 0, 1, 5, or 10 mg bixin/d for 16 wk and blood was collected on wk 0, 6, 12, and 16 for analysis of leukocyte subpopulations, cell-mediated responsiveness, and inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers. Maximal uptake in plasma occurred 1 h after a single oral dose of bixin, with a maximal concentration of 0.119 μ and elimination half-life of 1.8 to 2.2 h. Daily feeding of bixin showed a steady-state plasma concentration of 0.110 μ at the greatest doses. Bixin was primarily associated with the high-density lipoprotein fraction of blood lipoproteins and was primarily distributed in mitochondrial fractions (58-59%) of but also in microsomal and nuclear fractions (37-44%). Leukocyte subpopulations in blood were variably affected by dietary bixin, with an increase ( < 0.05) in total T cells but a concurrent decrease ( < 0.05) in CD18+ and B cell subpopulations. However, plasma IgG increased ( < 0.05) in the 10-mg treatment group by wk 6. Lymphoproliferation was stimulated ( < 0.05) in the 5-mg bixin treatment group by wk 16, and delayed-type hypersensitivity response increased after nonspecific antigenic challenge. Conversely, when a specific challenge of vaccine was assessed on wk 12 and 16, responsiveness decreased ( < 0.05) in the 10-mg bixin treatment group. Bixin supplementation surprisingly caused an increase ( < 0.05) in α-acid glycoprotein but had no effect on natural killer cell activity, other subpopulations of leukocytes, or 8-oxo-2›-deoxyguanosine, a DNA damage biomarker. This experiment demonstrated dose-dependent uptake of bixin in plasma and blood lipoproteins and distribution in leukocyte subcellular components and an impacted immune response through cell-mediated and humoral actions.

Effect of vertical misfit and clip material on stress distribution of overdentures under masticatory loading

Framework misfit is a common problem observed in overdentures, which might result in prosthetic and biological complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of vertical misfit and clip material on the stress distribution in an overdenture-retaining bar system under masticatory loading. A 3-D finite element model of a resorbed jaw was created, including two implants and a bar-clip retained overdenture. A pressure of 100MPa was applied to the right mandibular first molar. Different vertical misfit levels (50, 100, and 200µm) and clip materials (plastic or gold) were evaluated. Data were evaluated using von Mises stress and microstrain. Vertical misfit amplification caused an increase in the microstrain values in the peri-implant bone tissue next to the ill-fitted component and increased the stresses in the prosthetic screws. The clip material influenced the stress and microstrain distribution in the prosthetic components and bone tissue. The levels of vertical misfit seem to be closely linked with the stress values in the prosthetic screws, mainly to that of the ill-fitted component. The gold clip presented an increase in the stress compared to the plastic clip.

Peroxiredoxin-2: A Novel Factor Involved in Iron Homeostasis

Peroxiredoxin-2 (Prx2), a typical 2-cysteine (Cys) peroxiredoxin, is a key anti-oxidant system in both normal and pathological erythropoiesis characterized by oxidative stress such as b-thalassemia. We recently showed that the absence of Prx2 worsens ß-thalassemic erythropoiesis and related iron-overload (Matte A et al. Antioxid Redox Signal, 2015). Here, we studied the effects of iron overload in a mouse model genetically lacking Prx2 (Prx2-/-). Two months old female wild-type (WT) and Prx2-/- pure bred mice were fed with a diet containing 2.5% carbonyl-iron compared to standard diet treated mice. We evaluated hematologic parameters, red cell indices and reticulocyte count in both mouse strains at baseline and at 30, 49, 60 and 90 days of treatment with carbonyl-iron. We observed a rapid drop in Hct and reticulocyte count in Prx2-/- mice compared to wild-type mice between 30-49 days of iron supplementation with the appearance of severe hyporegenerative anemia at 60 days of treatment in Prx2-/- characterized by a significant reduction in CD44+TER119+Fsc high cells. This was associated with marked increases in apoptotic Prx2-/- orthochromatic erythroblast compared to either baseline values or WT treated mice. In sorted erythroid precursors from iron overload WT mice, Prx2 expression was significantly increased compared to WT under standard diet. We observed a modulation of Erythropherrone (Erfe) expression during erythropoiesis with upregulation of Erfe in WT orthochromatic erythroblast compared to Prx2-/- erythroblasts. In liver from Prx2-/- mice exposed to iron-overload, we found liver iron content similar to WT mice but Pearls stain analysis showed differential iron distribution in cellular components of liver. While iron accumulated in hepatocytes and Kuppfer cells in Prx2-/- mice, iron-deposits were present only in hepatocytes of WT liver. Oxyblot analysis and liver MDA levels were significantly higher in Prx2-/- mice indicating that the absence of Prx2 promotes a severe liver oxidative stress. In WT liver, Prx2 expression was marked increased in a time depend way during iron supplementation, indicating that Prx2 is part of an adaptive cellular response to iron overload. This is in agreement with increased levels of ferritin-H in Prx2-/- mice compared to WT mice. Hepcidin (HAMP) expression was markedly increased in iron-overload WT mice compared to untreated control group, while no major changes were observed in Prx2-/- mice. Tfr2 expression was significantly increased only in livers of iron-overload WT mice, whereas phospho smad 1-5 was significantly increased in both mouse strains in response to iron-overload. The activation of the signaling pathway through Erk-1/2 only in iron-overload WT mice but not in Prx2-/- mice is most likely related to severe oxidative stress in Prx2-/- resulting in switching off of the Erks pathway. Importantly, administration of PEP1-Prx2 fusion protein rescue almost completely the hematologic phenotype with modulation of Erk signaling pathway towards Tfr2 and the smad system, validating our hypothesis of a role for Erk signaling for the observed phenoytpes. Our data highlight Prx2 as novel factor involved in iron homestasis through the control of oxidative stress modulating signaling pathway towards hepcidin expression. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Analysis of Femoral Components of Cemented Total Hip Arthroplasty

There have been continuous on-going revisions in design of prosthesis in Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) to improve the endurance of hip replacement. In the present work, Finite Element Analysis was performed on cemented THA with CoCrMo trapezoidal, CoCrMo circular, Ti6Al4V trapezoidal and Ti6Al4V circular stem. It was observed that cross section and material of femoral stem proved to be critical parameters for stress distribution in femoral components, distribution of interfacial stress and micro movements. In the first part of analysis, designs were investigated for micro movements and stress developed, for different stem materials. Later part of the analysis focused on investigations with respect to different stem cross sections. Femoral stem made of Titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) resulted in larger debonding of stem at cement-stem interface and increased stress within the cement mantle in contrast to chromium alloy (CoCrMo) stem. Thus, CoCrMo proved to be a better choice for cemented THA. Comparison between CoCrMo femoral stem of trapezium and circular cross section showed that trapezoidal stem experiences lesser sliding and debonding at interfaces than circular cross section stem. Also, trapezium cross section generated lower peak stress in femoral stem and cortical femur. In present study, femur head with diameter of 36 mm was considered for the analysis in order to avoid dislocation of the stem. Also, metallic femur head was coupled with cross linked polyethylene liner as it experiences negligible wear compared to conventional polyethylene liner and unlike metallic liner it is non carcinogenic.

Mechanical characterization of miniaturized functional substrates and components in different environments

Functional components such as multilayer low temperature co-fired ceramics are examples of the combination of a ceramic-based substrate with internal electrodes as well as surface features (e.g. metallization, contacting pads, cylindrical vias, etc) employed to provide the component with a given functionality. Another example is that of functionalized silicon chips to be embedded into polymer circuit boards in order to enhance integration and save costs. The functionality of the system can be influenced by the mechanical reliability of the different components. Due to miniaturization and design complexity, no standard methods for mechanical testing can be applied for the characterization of these brittle components. In this work, an experimental approach is presented, which enables determining the strength distribution in functional components (e.g. rectangular plates as small as 2 × 2 × 0.1 mm3) in different environments at different temperatures. The method is based on localized biaxial testing using a ball-on-three-balls fixture. The high accuracy of the test allows quantifying the effect of surface quality, surface features and/or metallization (e.g. contact pads or cylindrical vias) on the component strength distribution. Experimental findings show that the strength distribution of ceramic components can be affected by environmental degradation, whereby subcritical crack growth phenomena can be enhanced in environments with high relative humidity. In addition, metallization at the surface subjected to tensile stresses can even raise the strength of the component, acting as a protective layer against environmental degradation, whereas cylindrical vias can become weak points in the design. It is shown that functionalized layers such as those used in silicon chips can have a significant effect on the strength parameters, thus influencing the lifetime of the device.

Determination of start-up curves for a boiler with natural circulation based on the analysis of stress distribution in critical pressure components

The paper concerns the possibility of accelerating the start-up of a steam boiler with the natural circulation. Shortening the start-up time will reduce start-up losses, including support fuel consumption. The paper presents the start-up for boiler from the cold, warm, and hot states. Using the European Standard EN 12952-3 permissible heating and cooling rates were determined for thick-walled components of the boilers, i.e. drums and the live steam outlet header. The pressure and temperature curves for the drum and outlet header of the boiler were also found. Moreover, a new method of the optimum heating of boiler drums proposed by the co-authors of the paper was used to determine optimum temperature and pressure changes of the fluid. In the proposed method of the heating optimization of boiler pressure components, abrupt fluid temperature changes are allowed at the beginning of the heating process. The calculations performed by both of these procedures, the Standard EN 12952-3 and proposed method, indicate that the boiler start-up time can be shortened from 6.5 to approximately 2 h.

Finite element simulation of stress distribution in the different components of Ceraver-Osteal hip prosthesis: static and dynamic analysis

In this study a new generation of total hip pros-thesis is analysed numerically. The finite element method is used to analyze the distribution stresses on the hip pros-thesis components (stem, cement mantle and bone). The static load analysis is used by selecting the peak load dur-ing the normal walking activity. The loading conditions of Bergman et al were implemented in the finite element model to compute the dynamic stresses under normal walking, climbing up stairs and down stairs loading. The obtained results showed that the new models of hip pros-thesis weaker shear stresses in the cement mantle com-pared to the conventional models. In addition, the case of down stairs loading leads to higher shear stresses in the cement mantle. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.mech.20.5.5372

Review on Ceramic Application in Automotive Turbocharged Engines

Research on the use of thermal barrier coatings in internal combustion engine had contributed in achieving higher thermal efficiency, improved combustion and reduced emissions of the engine. Low thermal conductivity ceramics can be used to control the temperature distribution and heat flow in high temperature structural components due to its inherent thermal insulation properties. For this reason much has been and is being done on the study and development of ceramics for use in automotive engine components working under severe temperature conditions and heavy loads due to their inherent thermal and mechanical properties. The objective of the study is to review the contributions of structural ceramics in the development and improvement of some of the major automotive engine components working under severe conditions of temperature. It is expected that the study will serve as a useful guide for the selection of materials which can withstand severe conditions of temperature and heavy loads for a novel turbocharger and turbocharged engine applications.

The influence of unilateral disc displacement on stress in the contralateral joint with a normally positioned disc in a human temporomandibular joint: An analytic approach using the finite element method

ObjectivesTo investigate the influence of unilateral disc displacement (DD) in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) on the stress in the contralateral joint, with a normally-positioned disc, during clenching. Study designA finite element model of the TMJ was constructed based on MRI and 3D-CT of a single patient with a unilateral DD. A second model with bilateral normally-positioned discs served as a reference. The differences in stress distribution in various TMJ components during clenching were predicted with these models. ResultsIn the unaffected joint of the unilateral DD model, the largest von Mises stress at the start of clenching was predicted in the inferior surface of the disc and increased by 30% during clenching. In the connective tissue the largest stress (1.16 MPa) did not reduce during clenching, in contrast to the (unaffected) joints of the reference model. In the affected joint, the largest stress was predicted in the temporal cartilage throughout clenching. In the surrounding connective tissue, the largest stress (1.42 MPa) hardly changed during clenching indicating no, or negligible, stress relaxation. ConclusionsThis suggested that a unilateral DD could affect the stresses in the unaffected (contralateral) joint during clenching, where it may lead to weakening of the tissues that keep the disc on the top of the condyle. The results may be helpful in counseling worried patients, since they give insight into possible future developments of the disorder.

Experimental Validation of the 3-D Molecular Flow Code AVOCADO

In the framework of the activities for Padova Research on ITER Megavolt Accelerator (PRIMA), the knowledge of the background gas density distribution in the neutral beam components is a very important aspect, which plays a role in their performances. The adaptable rarefied instrumented atmosphere for neutral injection applications (ARIANNA) experiment has been set up as a complementary service for the modeling activity of the ion beam source for the neutral beam injector. It reproduces the layout of a typical beam source, in which the ion source and grids are integrated. ARIANNA supported the development and validation of the AVOCADO code, which has been created to simulate molecular flow and density gas distribution in 3-D geometry by view factor technique. The validation activity was aimed at demonstrating the capability to correlate the mass flow to the pressure difference, and the correctness of the pressure distribution in the volume. This paper presents the ARIANNA experimental setup and the subsystems involved in the vacuum production and measurement, and compares AVOCADO results obtained, while modeling the ARIANNA device with the experimental data.

Selenium speciation in framboidal and euhedral pyrites in shales.

The release of Se from shales is poorly understood because its occurrence, distribution, and speciation in the various components of shale are unknown. To address this gap we combined bulk characterization, sequential extractions, and spatially resolved μ-focus spectroscopic analyses and investigated the occurrence and distribution of Se and other associated elements (Fe, As, Cr, Ni, and Zn) and determined the Se speciation at the μ-scale in typical, low bulk Se containing shales. Our results revealed Se primarily correlated with the pyrite fraction with exact Se speciation highly dependent on pyrite morphology. In euhedral pyrites, we found Se(-II) substitutes for S in the mineral structure. However, we also demonstrate that Se is associated with framboidal pyrite grains as a discrete, independent FeSex phase. The presence of this FeSex species has major implications for Se release, because FeSex species oxidize much faster than Se substituted in the euhedral pyrite lattice. Thus, such an FeSex species will enhance and control the dynamics of Se weathering and release into the aqueous environment.