Ignition of sounding rocket motors with hand-pumped air

Method demonstrates inexpensive, safe, and foolproof concept for solid propellant rocket motors, using simple handpump to deliver air. Flueric ignition was accomplished using system without stored energy and with complete absence of electrical energy and wiring

Classical analogs for Rabi-oscillations, Ramsey-fringes, and spin-echo in Josephson junctions

We investigate the results of recently published experiments on the quantum behavior of Josephson circuits in terms of the classical modelling based on the resistively and capacitively-shunted (RCSJ) junction model. Our analysis shows evidence for a close analogy between the nonlinear behavior of a pulsed microwave-driven Josephson junction at low temperature and low dissipation and the experimental observations reported for the Josephson circuits. Specifically, we demonstrate that Rabi-oscillations, Ramsey-fringes, and spin-echo observations are not phenomena with a unique quantum interpretation. In fact, they are natural consequences of transients to phase-locking in classical nonlinear dynamics and can be observed in a purely classical model of a Josephson junction when the experimental recipe for the application of microwaves is followed and the experimental detection scheme followed. We therefore conclude that classical nonlinear dynamics can contribute to the understanding of relevant experimental observations of Josephson response to various microwave perturbations at very low temperature and low dissipation.Comment: 16 pages, 7 figure

Black-hole masses of type 1 AGN in the XMM-Newton bright serendipitous survey

We derive masses of the central super-massive black hole (SMBH) and accretion rates for 154 type1 AGN belonging to a well-defined X-ray-selected sample, the XMM-Newton Serendipitous Sample (XBS). To this end, we use the most recent "single-epoch" relations, based on Hbeta and MgII2798A emission lines, to derive the SMBH masses. We then use the bolometric luminosities, computed on the basis of an SED-fitting procedure, to calculate the accretion rates, both absolute and normalized to the Eddington luminosity (Eddington ratio). The selected AGNs cover a range of masses from 10^7 to 10^10 Msun with a peak around 8x10^8 Msun and a range of accretion rates from 0.01 to ~50 Msun/year (assuming an efficiency of 0.1), with a peak at ~1 Msun/year. The values of Eddington ratio range from 0.001 to ~0.5 and peak at 0.1.Comment: 14 pages, 11 figures. Accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysic

Directed energy deposition of AISI 316L stainless steel powder: Effect of process parameters

During Laser Powder-Directed Energy Deposition (LP-DED), many complex phenomena occur. These phenomena, which are strictly related to the conditions used during the building process, can affect the quality of the parts in terms of microstructural features and mechanical behavior. This paper investigates the effect of building parameters on the microstructure and the tensile properties of AISI 316L stainless-steel samples produced via LP-DED. Firstly, the building parameters were selected starting from single scan tracks by studying their morphology and geometrical features. Next, 316L LP-DED bulk samples built with two sets of parameters were characterized in terms of porosity, geometrical accuracy, microstructure, and mechanical properties. The tensile tests data were analyzed using the Voce model and a correlation between the tensile properties and the dislocation free path was found. Overall, the data indicate that porosity should not be considered the unique indicator of the quality of an LP-DED part and that a mechanical characterization should also be performed

EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL NEUTRON DOSE AT GROUND LEVEL

This work presents the results of two cycles of neutron dose rate measurements realized using an ALNOR 2202D Neutron Dose Rate Meter whose time response is acquired and analyzed through a controlled ORTEC MCS-32 acquisition card in Windows environment. The data obtained have been compared with values from previous experimental surveys and with the data provided by the worldwide main observatories. It has been also verified the influence of the fluctuations in the flux of cosmic rays during the course of a solar cycle. By comparing the realized measurements and the data provided by the cosmic ray monitoring networks it is also possible to obtain a value of ambient dose equivalent rate and neutron flux rate which can be used as a reference for design a neutron irradiation testing of electronic devices

Microstructure and hardness evolution of solution annealed inconel 625/TiC composite processed by laser powder bed fusion

This study deals with the Inconel 625 (IN625) alloy reinforced with micro-TiC particles processed by laser powder bed fusion. The microstructure and hardness in the as-built and solution-annealed states were investigated. The microstructures of the as-built IN625 and IN625/TiC states were primarily made up of columnar grains along the building direction. After the solution annealing at 1150 °C for 2 h, the IN625 alloy consisted of equiaxed grains due to recrystallization and grain growth. On the contrary, the solution-annealed IN625/TiC composite still presented columnar grains. Therefore, the TiC particles hinder the recrystallization, indicating higher microstructure stability for the composite. For the IN625/TiC composite, both the reduced alteration of the grains and the more intensive formation of carbides prevent a remarkable hardness reduction in the so-lution-annealed state

Classical analysis of phase-locking transients and Rabi-type oscillations in microwave-driven Josephson junctions

We present a classical analysis of the transient response of Josephson junctions perturbed by microwaves and thermal fluctuations. The results include a specific low frequency modulation in phase and amplitude behavior of a junction in its zero-voltage state. This transient modulation frequency is linked directly to an observed variation in the probability for the system to switch to its non-zero voltage state. Complementing previous work on linking classical analysis to the experimental observations of Rabi-oscillations, this expanded perturbation method also provides closed form analytical results for attenuation of the modulations and the Rabi-type oscillation frequency. Results of perturbation analysis are compared directly (and quantitatively) to numerical simulations of the classical model as well as published experimental data, suggesting that transients to phase-locking are closely related to the observed oscillations.Comment: 18 pages total, 8 figures (typos corrected; minor revisions to figures and equations

Determinants associated with obesity and physical activity in the public and private schools of the city of palermo

Introduction: Obesity is a medical condition associated with premature death and it is a risk factor for many chronic diseases. In this context, performing a regular physical activity promotes a healthy lifestyle, with significant health benefits. The aim of the study was to investigate behaviors that increase the risk of obesity and the determinants that encourage physical activity among adolescents. Materials and methods: The HBSC (Health Behavior in School-aged Children) questionnaire was administered to students in Palermo's private and public schools. For the sampling of public schools the protocol of the HBSC Surveillance System was followed; for the private ones it was opportunistic. Results: Private school students are more likely to exercise more than 3 days per week (OR 1.58) and are more likely to exercise more than 2 times a week (OR 2.08). Obese students in private schools in Palermo are more likely to perform physical activity for less than 3 days a week (OR 3.52) and a higher risk of not having breakfast (OR 10.11) and a snack between main meals (OR 3.82) every day. For all the schools examined, it emerged that obese subjects are more likely not to consume fruit (OR 3.13), to stay more than 6 hours a day in front of PCs and video games (OR 3.24) and more than 2 hours a day in front of TV (OR 3.79). Male students are more likely to perform physical activity for more than 3 days per week (OR 1.48) and intense physical activity at least 2 times per week (OR 1.76) Conclusions: It is necessary to intervene early with training on school and family in order to promote correct and responsible food choices and increase the level of physical activity among students. Therefore prevention interventions must be an integral part of coherent strategies based on tests of agreed effectiveness in order to minimize the risk linked to the development of diseases