A model of dispersive transport across sharp interfaces between porous materials

Recent laboratory experiments on solute migration in composite porous columns have shown an asymmetry in the solute arrival time upon reversal of the flow direction, which is not explained by current paradigms of transport. In this work, we propose a definition for the solute flux across sharp interfaces and explore the underlying microscopic particle dynamics by applying Monte Carlo simulation. Our results are consistent with previous experimental findings and explain the observed transport asymmetry. An interpretation of the proposed physical mechanism in terms of a flux rectification is also provided. The approach is quite general and can be extended to other situations involving transport across sharp interfaces.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

A pore-scale hydro-mechanical coupled model for geomaterials

We present a model for fluid-saturated granular media coupled flow and mechanical deformation. The fluid is assumed to be incompressible and the solid part is assumed to be a cohesive granular material. Forces exerted by the fluid in motion are determinated and applied to solid particles. We derive a finite volumes formulation of the flow problem and we couple it to a discrete element method (DEM) formulation of the solid deformation. The ability of the algorithm to solve transient problems is tested by simulating an oedometer test on a soil sample. The numerical solution of our model is in good agreement with Terzaghi’s analytical solution

Additively manufactured CuCrZr alloy: improvement of mechanical properties by heat treatment

CuCrZr alloy plays a fundamental role for the production of critical components because it is characterized by good thermal and electrical conductivity and by high mechanical strength after precipitation hardening treatment. In the framework of a wider research on the mechanical behaviour of additively manufactured CuCrZr alloy, this study focuses on the effects of heat treatment parameters on the alloy strength. The additive manufacturing process, characterized by very high cooling rates, determines the formation, in the as-built condition, of a supersaturated solid solution. The results obtained reveal that aging temperature and time are critical parameters for improving the mechanical behaviour of CuCrZr alloy which behaves differently than the alloy produced through the use of traditional techniques

Changes in growth hormone receptor gene expression during therapy in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Background: High levels of cytokines in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) can alter target cell sensitivity to growth hormone (GH) leading to short stature in adulthood. We hypothesized that the down-regulation of GH receptor (GHR) gene expression could be involved in growth failure of children with JIA. Methods: In 18 (12 F and 6 M) prepubertal JIA patients and 13 age- and sex-matched healthy children, we evaluated serum growth-promoting factors and inflammatory indexes. We also measured GHR gene expression, by real-time PCR, in lymphocytes of patients and controls. All parameters were evaluated in patients before and after treatment of JIA. Results: The most interesting (p = 0.007) result was the increase in GHR mRNA expression in all JIA patients. Moreover, we observed a significant (p = 0.0156) decrease in IL-6 levels in JIA patients after 2 years of therapy (19.37 +/- 41.01) with respect to basal values (90.84 +/- 124.71). On the contrary, IGF-I significantly (p = 0.0005) increased to a mean SDS value of 0 (range -1.69 to +1.70 SDS) with respect to values at disease onset (-0.64 SDS). Conclusions: Our preliminary data suggest that the restoration of both GHR gene expression and IGF-I secretion correlate with inactive disease in JIA children

Optical issues for the diagnostic stations for the ELI-NP compton gamma source

A high brightness electron Linac is being built in the Compton Gamma Source at the ELI Nuclear Physics facility in Romania. To achieve the design luminosity, a train of 32 bunches, 16 ns spaced, with a nominal charge of 250 pC will collide with the laser beam in the interaction point. Electron beam spot size is measured with optical transition radiation (OTR) profile monitors. In order to measure the beam properties, the optical radiation detecting system must have the necessary accuracy and resolution. This paper deals with the studies of different optic configurations to achieve the magnification, resolution and accuracy in order to measure very small beam (below 30 μm) or to study the angular distribution of the OTR and therefore the energy of the beam. Several configurations of the optical detection line will be studied both with simulation tools (e.g. Zemax) and experimentally. The paper will deal also with the sensibility of optic system (in terms of depth of field, magnification and resolution) to systematic error