Institute Of Japan Research Articles

Novel analysis of alignment error on spherical Fizeau interferometer and uncertainty evaluation of sphericity calibration system based on random ball test

The National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) has developed a high-precision sphericity calibration system utilizing a Fizeau interferometer and conducted a thorough evaluation of the system's measurement uncertainty. Generally, there are two principal sources of uncertainty in the measurement outcomes when utilizing a spherical Fizeau interferometer. First, the accuracy of the system is significantly influenced by the prior knowledge of the reference sphere surface's absolute profile. To address this, the study established a straightforward yet effective calibration system for the reference sphere surface using a random ball test method. Second, the system's precision is affected by misalignment aberration, which occurs when there is any lateral or longitudinal displacement of the test sphere from the confocal position relative to the reference sphere. This misalignment can introduce both high-order shape errors (misalignment aberrations) and low-order shape errors (alignment errors). Through analytical consideration of an observation coordinate system on the camera plane, this study delves into misalignment aberrations, suggesting that the impact of misalignment should be determined experimentally for each reference sphere unit due to potential imperfections that may be revealed by misalignment. Furthermore, the study proposes that uncertainties related to misalignment aberrations are theoretically confirmed to be smaller than previous studies by conducting an in-depth uncertainty analysis of the misalignment, with a focus on the observation coordinate system on the camera plane. Notably, the research demonstrates that a measurement uncertainty level of λ/100 is achievable, maintaining a broader tolerance for misalignment than previously reported studies. The uncertainty of calibration of the reference sphere unit's absolute profile was 4.2 nm and the uncertainty of sample measurement was determined to be 4.6 nm with misalignment tolerance of ±λ/10. This advancement marks a stride toward improving the accuracy and reliability of sphericity measurements, offering potential for widespread application in precision engineering and metrology.

Development of sustainable self-compacting concrete: Replacement of sand with municipal solid waste incineration ash molten slag and recycled fine aggregate

The purpose of this study is to develop self-compacting concrete using MSWA and RA as fine aggregates, supplemented with fly ash and GGBS that can modify the workability of the concrete. To evaluate the performance of sustainable self-compacting concrete, its mechanical properties, workability, drying shrinkage, and pore structure were comprehensively analyzed. The results demonstrate the feasibility of producing self-compacting concrete by replacing 50–100 % of sand with MS and RA, as all mixes in this experiment achieved the target slump flow of 600 ± 20 mm. The compressive strength remained unaffected for MS contents below 25 %, but at 50 % MS, it was 10 % lower than that of normal concrete. The drying shrinkage deformation of all specimens was below 700 μ, meeting the requirements for practical engineering applications. Incorporating fly ash increases porosity but transforms micropores larger than 100 nm into those smaller than 100 nm. Incorporating GGBS not only reduces porosity but also converts pores of 10–100 nm into gel pores smaller than 10 nm. Additionally, the suitability of various formulas correlating compressive strength and static elasticity modulus, recommended by American Concrete Institute (ACI 363), European Practice (EN 1992), and the Architectural Institute of Japan (JASS 5), was evaluated, and appropriate formulas were determined through regression analysis.

Cavity ionization chamber responses in the JAEA and the NMIJ high-energy photon reference fields for radiation protection

The dosimeter response should be calibrated in a reference field near the user's radiation environment. Environments around nuclear reactors and radition therapy facilities have high-energy photons with energies exceeding that of60Co gamma rays, and controlling exposure to these photons is important. The Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) and National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) have high-energy reference fields with energies above several MeV for different types of accelerators. Their reference fields have different fluence-energy distributions. In this study, the energy dependencies of the two-cavity ionization chambers, which are often used by secondary laboratories, were experimentally and computationally evaluated for each high-energy field. These results agreed well with relative expanded uncertainties (k= 2), and their capabilities for air kerma measurements in each high-energy reference field were confirmed. Therefore, the capabilities of the air-kerma measurements can be verified in the two high-energy reference fields.&#xD.

Simulation study for design of long counter for standard neutron fields from 1keV to 20MeV at NMIJ/AIST.

A De-Pangher-type long counter was designed for neutron measurements in standard neutron fields based on the results of simulations using the MCNP6 code at the National Metrology Institute of Japan, the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology. The effects of six parameters in the design on the energy response of the long counter were investigated. The energy response was then quantitatively evaluated for eight design candidates selected from the investigation. The calculation results show that these candidates have a flatter energy response from 100eV to 10MeV compared to that of the current long counter. These candidates also reduce the difference between the average energy response from 10eV to 1MeV and that from 10 to 20MeV.

Estimation of ultimate bearing capacity of strip footings on cohesive-frictional soils using non-linear shear strength model

This study widely investigated the applicability of the ultimate bearing capacity formula from the Architectural Institute of Japan (AIJ) while considering the effect of footing width. An in-house RPFEM program was developed using a non-linear shear strength model that is sensitive to confining stress. The research focuses on evaluating how footing width and soil properties affect the ultimate bearing capacity of strip footings. Coefficients within the AIJ formula were calculated and compared to those derived from the RPFEM, considering different combinations of cohesive and frictional soil strengths across various footing widths. The RPFEM results closely matched those obtained from the AIJ formula. This suggests that using a non-linear shear strength model can accurately estimate the ultimate bearing capacity of strip footings on cohesive-frictional soils, taking into account the footing width.

Calibration and measurement capability evaluation for 1 MN hydraulic force standard machine newly installed at NMIJ

Social safety is predicated on accurately evaluated force standards and a system for force traceability. National Metrology Institute of Japan, the body responsible for managing Japan’s national force standards, has implemented a new 1 MN hydraulic force standard machine. In this paper, we assess the calibration and measurement capability of this new force standard machine using five different force measuring instruments. Our findings confirm that its capability is less than 1 × 10−4 relative, demonstrating its adequate performance as one of the national force standards.

Experimental Investigation and Numerical Analysis of the Axial Load Capacity of Circular Concrete-Filled Tubular Columns

This paper focuses on the experimental investigation of the axial load capacity of CFT (concrete-filled steel tube) columns under actual construction conditions during building reconstruction. A total of four samples were loaded up to failure. The varied parameters were the column length and absence/presence of the concrete infill within the steel tube. Further, the analysis is extended to developing a numerical model in the finite element-based software ABAQUS version 6.9. This numerical model includes material and geometrical nonlinearities and was validated with the experimental results. The contribution of the concrete core to the column capacity and the concrete core confinement effect are discussed. Finally, the column capacity was calculated according to several design codes: the Eurocode 4 with and without considering the confinement effect, American specifications, Australian standards, the American Institute of Steel Construction, and the Architectural Institute of Japan. The Eurocode 4 considering the confinement effect provides the closest results to those obtained in the tests.

Greetings from the President of the Illuminating Engineering Institute of Japan

Greetings from the President of the Illuminating Engineering Institute of Japan

Air kerma reference field with high energy photons using a 15 MeV electron beam from a clinical linear accelerator.

In the medical and nuclear fields, there are environments where exposure to photons with energies above several MeV can result in problems. The National Metrology Institute of Japan has developed a high-energy photon field using a 15 MeV electron beam of a clinical linear accelerator with a copper target and an aluminium filter unit to facilitate dosimeter calibration in terms of air kerma. To determine the air kerma rate, the energy fluence distribution at a reference point was calculated, and both calculations and experiments evaluated the effective energy and spatial dose distribution. Moreover, to validate the air kerma measurement, two commercial cavity chambers were calibrated in a developed photon field. The results obtained exhibited a 4% difference compared with those in a Co-60γ-ray reference field.

Comparison of local realizations of Silver freezing-point temperatures between NMIA and NMIJ AIST

Main textThe key comparison CCT-K4.1 was initiated on the request of the National Measurement Institute, Australia (MNIA) to re-link their standards to the Consultative Committee for Thermometry (CCT) Key Comparison (KC) and facilitate the NMIA CMC submission. National Metrology Institute of Japan, Japan (NMIJ) provided the linkage to the CCT-K4 at the temperature of the freezing point of silver. At the time of the CCT-K4 NMIA (formerly CSIRO-NML) had only one silver cell and this was found to be contaminated shortly after completion. Subsequently, more silver cells were fabricated at different times to form an ensemble of five cells before the start of CCT.K4.1.In the CCT-K4.1 bi-lateral comparison, a silver cell provided by NMIA and used as the artefact and circulated in accordance with the pilot-participant-pilot scheme. It is standard practice for NMIJ to use argon at 6N purity and NMIA argon 5N purity to regulate the pressure in the silver cell. To mitigate this, the effect of different argon purity was assessed in the post-circulation measurements. First the comparison was made under 6N purity atmosphere to preserve the cell ambience after it left NMIJ then the measurement was repeated under 5N argon atmosphere.The linkage was based on the temperature of NMIJ reference Ag fixed point relative to the key comparison reference value (KCRV) of CCT-K4 at the Ag fixed point via the difference in temperature between the NMIA reference Ag fixed point and NMIJ reference Ag fixed point (links to the KCRV of the CCT-K4). The temperature difference between the standards of NMIA and the KCRV of the CCT-K4 was within the evaluated comparison uncertainties of the CCT-K4.1. This report provides detailed information on the comparison results, linkage mechanism, and the Degree of Equivalence of NMIA relative to the institutes having participated in the CCT-K4.To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database https://www.bipm.org/kcdb/.The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCT, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

A reliable quantification of organophosphorus pesticides in brown rice samples for proficiency testing using Japanese official analytical method, QuEChERS, and modified QuEChERS combined with isotope dilution mass spectrometry.

The objective of the present study is to provide reliable concentration values as assigned values for target pesticides in brown rice samples used in proficiency testing (PT) organized by the Hatano Research Institute (HRI). The test samples for PT were prepared by immersing brown rice in the pesticide solution and using a spray dryer by the HRI. Homogeneity and stability assessments were performed for PT samples, and the relative uncertainties due to inhomogeneity and instability were 0.58 %-0.78 % and 0 %-0.96 %, respectively. Quantification for the assigned values of target pesticides by the National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) was carried out using the multiple analytical methods including Japanese official analytical method, QuEChERS, and modified QuEChERS, which were combined with isotope dilution mass spectrometry, to ensure the reliability of the analytical results. The NMIJ assigned values were 0.065±0.004 mg/kg for chlorpyrifos, 0.217±0.012 mg/kg for diazinon, 0.138±0.008 mg/kg for fenitrothion, and 0.138±0.008 mg/kg for malathion.

Outline of the 2023 Annual Research Meeting of Chugoku Chapter of the Architectural Institute of Japan

Outline of the 2023 Annual Research Meeting of Chugoku Chapter of the Architectural Institute of Japan

An investigation of the contribution of vibration duration on subjective response to horizontal building vibration

As an evaluation method for evaluating the habitability to building vibration, the ISO 2031 series of international standards defines the VDV for transient vibration, in which the vibration duration is considered by time integration. The evaluation method for non-stationary-like vibrations in the guidelines for the evaluation of habitability to building vibration of the Architectural Institute of Japan (AIJ) also specifies a method to consider the effect of vibration duration on the evaluation. In this paper, laboratory experiments using an electrodynamic shaker were conducted to investigate the relationship between the subjective response regarding occupant habitability and the horizontal vibration of buildings caused by external vibration sources such as road traffic and railways. Binomial logistic regression analysis was used to quantify the effects of acceleration magnitude and vibration duration on the exposure-response relationship. The comparison of models with different proportions of occurrence (cutoff values) of subjective responses showed different effects of acceleration magnitude and vibration duration.

Study on the correspondence between vibration level and vibration evaluation by residents in real houses through one day

In recent years, the issue of environmental vibration has been much discussed due to the diversification of lifestyles and the increasing of habitation performance by residents. Prolonged exposure to vibration can have psychological and physiological effects on residents and may cause complaints. The current vibration evaluation standard for buildings in Japan is used in the "Standard for the Evaluation of Habitability to Building Vibration" by Architectural Institute of Japan (AIJ). The evaluation scale in that standard is also based on the results of short-time vibration evaluation experiments in laboratories. However, this evaluation scale is considered to be different from the vibration evaluation perceived by residents in their daily lives. Therefore, in this study, we researched for the purpose of the evaluation of vibration sensation in long-term daily life. In this paper, we measured vibration through one day in real houses. And we considered the correspondence between vibration levels and residents vibration evaluation.

B-202 Improving Performance of an LC-MS C-peptide Reference Method

Abstract Background C-peptide is a useful biomarker for distinguishing among different types of diabetes and is a proxy measure of endogenous insulin production, useful in diabetes management. Additionally, C-peptide tests can be used to diagnose non-diabetic hypoglycemia and insulinoma. However, differences among clinical assays can limit the application of C-peptide testing. To address this issue, efforts are underway to standardize manufacturer assays with serum-based secondary reference materials where values are assigned by a reference LC-MS method. Clinical evidence suggests that patients with diabetes can benefit from residual beta-cell function, yet many clinical assays have high variability at lower levels of C-peptide. Here we explore different approaches for improving sensitivity and selectivity of C-peptide reference measurements with a focus at the lower end of the measurement range. Methods Two methods were developed to evaluate and determine the most effective approach. The first method involved spiking serum samples with isotope-labeled c-peptide (Sigma) and then enriching and enzymatically digesting them. The enrichment process included removing abundant serum proteins by using methanol, followed by centrifugation and filtration through C18 cartridges. The resulting solution was then passed through a strong anion-exchange column after correcting its pH with ammonium formate buffer. The eluent was evaporated, and the residue was dissolved in ammonium carbonate buffer. Enzymatic digestion was performed by adding dithiothreitol and iodoacetamide followed by addition of Glu-C. The digested peptides were then analyzed by LC-MS/MS (QTRAP 6500+) in MRM mode. The second method followed the same steps as the first method, except that the evaporation and digestion step were skipped, and MRM was performed on the intact C-peptide chain. Two separate calibration curves were constructed for each method using isotope labeled c-peptide (Sigma) and certified reference material (National Metrology Institute of Japan) as native c-peptide. Results The first method, which measures intact C-peptide using MRM, had a slope of 1.14 and an intercept of −0.01 nmol/L (Deming regression, R = 0.917) when compared to the reference method. The method demonstrated CV within 0.4%–11.9%. The second method, which quantifies digested peptides, showed a slope of 1.02 and an intercept of −0.21 nmol/L compared to the reference method (Deming regression, R = 0.995). The method demonstrated CV within 4.4–20.0%. Controlling the three MRM transitions improved the specificity and accuracy of the results. For the first method two MRM transitions were adequate. Both methods showed no significant matrix effects. The first method is simpler to implement due to a smaller number of separation steps. Conclusion We have explored two new alternative workflows for C-peptide quantitation that include first, an enzymatic digestion then MRM quantitation and second, MRM quantitation of intact C-peptide. To improve the analytical performance of the methods, further optimization is still required.

Development of matrix-based reference materials for 17 beta-estradiol by the recommended reference method of ID-LC-MS/MS.

We developed and evaluated two-level, namely 2017011 and 2017012, serum-based reference materials (RMs) for 17 beta-estradiol (17 β-E2) by the reference method of isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS) from the remaining serum samples after routine clinical tests, to help improve clinical routine testing and provide the traceability of results. This paper describes the development process of these RMs. The National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) certified reference material (CRM) 6004-a was used as the primary RM for the measurement of 17 β-E2. These serum-based RMs showed satisfactory homogeneity and stability. They also assessed the commutability between the reference method and the three routine clinical immunoassay systems. Besides, a collaborative study was carried out in five reference laboratories, all of which had been accredited by the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS) in accordance with ISO/WD 15725-1. Statistical analysis of raw results and uncertainty assessment obtained certified values: 2017011 was 445.2 ± 39.0pmol/L, and 2017012 was 761.9 ± 35.5pmol/L.

Accelerator-driven photon reference field for replacement of 137Cs γ-ray

A transition to a mechanical source for x-ray reference field is desired to replace high-activity Co-60 and Cs-137 gamma-ray sources for enhancing nuclear security and safety management. The National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) developed a new photon reference field using an electron beam from a linac with energy less than 1 MeV. The effective energy of the photon field is comparable with Cs-137 gamma-ray. The air kerma rate in the reference field was validated by comparing a commercial cavity ionization chamber to the NMIJ standard reference field. The calibration constants were consistent within 0.8% for every relative extended uncertainty (k = 2).

The pressure effect on the line profiles observed in the [formula omitted] band of acetylene: Revisited

In our previous paper [K. Iwakuni et al., Phys. Rev. Lett.117, 1439026 (2018)] the ortho-para dependence of the pressure effects was reported for the ν1+ν3 band of acetylene measured by dual-comb spectroscopy. Sears and coworkers [E.C. Gross et al., J. Chem. Phys.154, 054305 (2021)] reevaluated the profile parameters for some lines of this band by comb-referenced laser spectroscopy, and pointed out that the ortho-para phenomenon must be a consequence of the use of Voigt function as the profile function, with the Doppler widths fixed at their theoretical values. Thus, we have remeasured this band with two improved spectrometers, the comb-locked laser spectrometer of the National Metrology Institute of Japan and another dual-comb spectrometer of Yokohama National University, and analyzed the lines by using the speed-dependent Voigt function as the profile function with several options. By the present work, we confirm the fact pointed out by Sears and coworkers, and present some remaining problems in the experimental determination of the line profile parameters.

Shear strength behavior of high-strength fly ash concrete beams with low-bond reinforcement

This study aims to investigate the shear behavior of high-strength fly ash (HSFA) concrete beams with low-bond reinforcement (LBR). With this purpose, twenty-three HSFA concrete beam specimens were constructed and tested. The experimental results showed that owing to the high-strength property of LBR, the tested beams easily failed in shear. The shear strength of the HSFA beams was mainly controlled by the shear span to depth ratio (a/d) and transverse reinforcement ratio. The shear strength Vs carried by the transverse reinforcement started to increase when the shear strength Vc carried by the concrete started reducing or growing at a lower rate. Formulas in design provisions, except for strut-and-tie model (STM) and those in the “AIJ standard for structural calculation of reinforced concrete structures” proposed by Architectural Institute of Japan (AIJ), could not accurately assess the shear strength of HSFA concrete beams because they do not reasonably consider the effect of a/d on the Vc. Generally, the current design models underestimate the Vs. Based on the test results, a new model that can reasonably consider the effect of a/d on Vc was proposed to accurately evaluate the shear strength of HSFA concrete beams reinforced by LBRs. This study deepens the understanding of researchers and engineers of the shear behavior of HSFA concrete beams with LBRs.

Primary measurement standards for trace moisture in multiple gases: extension of gas species to He and O2

The National Metrology Institute of Japan developed a multi-gas trace-moisture generator which was designed for generating trace water vapor (trace moisture) in multiple gases. Using this system, we previously developed primary measurement standards for trace moisture in N2 (10 nmol mol−1–5 μmol mol−1) and Ar (10 nmol mol−1–1 μmol mol−1). In this study, we have extended the target gas species; trace-moisture standards in He and O2 in the rage of 10 nmol mol−1 − 1 μmol mol−1 were developed. The relative expanded uncertainty (k = 2) of the trace-moisture standard in He was 0.74 %–5.7 %, and that in O2 was 0.78 %–8.9 %. In addition, we have improved stability of the flow rate of the diluent gas by controlling the temperature around the flow measurement/control systems and re-evaluated the uncertainty of the trace-moisture standards in N2 and Ar. The updated relative expanded uncertainty (k = 2) of the trace-moisture standard in N2 and Ar is 0.41 %–2.6 % and 0.73 %–2.6 %, respectively. The uncertainty budgets of the standards in these four gases are presented. The trace-moisture standard in N2 developed using the multi-gas trace-moisture generator was confirmed to be consistent with the standards realized by other generators, whose international comparability were already ensured. A commercial moisture analyzer (MA) based on the cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) was connected to the multi-gas trace-moisture generator as a device under test, and its performance was evaluated by comparing the readings with the standard values. The MA showed lower accuracy and stability in the measurement of moisture in He when it was used in the default setting, whereas it performed well in N2. This performance difference is related to the pressure-broadening coefficient of water, which depends on the gas species. We estimated the pressure-broadening coefficients of water by N2, Ar, He and O2 and discuss the gas-type dependence of the performance of CRDS-based MAs.