A technique for the measurement of reinforcement fibre tensile strength at sub-millimetre gauge lengths

The strength of composite reinforcement fibres is normally measured on samples of much greater length than the actual residual fibre lengths found in many composite materials. This is due to a number of limitations of the standard techniques which are employed. We present a description of a technique which enables values for the tensile strength of composite reinforcement fibres at short gauge lengths to be obtained. The technique is based on an adaptation of a micro-mechanical test apparatus for fibre pullout measurements. Data is presented which was obtained at gauge lengths of 180-380 µm on E-glass and S-2 glass® fibres taken from different chopped reinforcement products. The technique can be used at gauge lengths as short as 20 µm. The data indicates that the values of average fibre strength in these products are significantly below the pristine glass strength values

Fiber orientation in viscous fluid flow with and without vibration

This early-stage investigation is related to determination of flow speed gradients of fresh steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC). They are assumed to be the key parameters for computer modeling of orientation of steel fibers in form casting process. The aim of the research is to elaborate a computer model for evaluation of steel fiber orientation in casting process, which would provide an attractive possibility to predict concrete mechanical properties, optimization of casting process and costs due to proper use of ingredients. Fiber orientation in FRC is important for ensuring the best mechanical properties in the places where it is necessary. Task can be solved as: to obtain optimal fiber concentration and orientation or to use appropriate casting approach of concrete with the goal to obtain required mechanical properties in appropriate locations of the composite element. As an example the paper considers the case of trench filling by fiber concrete. Simulations provided distributions of vertical and horizontal velocities in real-time scale. Behavior of a single fiber in an inclined container with a viscous transparent liquid (potato-starch solution) was analyzed in order to confirm the possibility to obtain orientation of fibers on the basis of velocity gradients in viscous fluid. For precise modeling of potato-starch liquid, coefficient of dynamic viscosity was determined. The experiments performed on fibers in an inclined container demonstrated satisfactory agreement with the simulation results. Performed analysis indicates that velocity gradients can be applied for determination of position and orientation of fibers in fabrication of fiber-reinforced concrete product

Surface modification of natural fibers using bacteria: Depositing bacterial cellulose onto natural fibers to create hierarchical fiber reinforced nanocomposites

Triggered biodegradable composites made entirely from renewable resources are urgently sought after to improve material recyclability or be able to divert materials from waste streams. Many biobased polymers and natural fibers usually display poor interfacial adhesion when combined in a composite material. Here we propose a way to modify the surfaces of natural fibers by utilizing bacteria (Acetobacter xylinum) to deposit nanosized bacterial cellulose around natural fibers, which enhances their adhesion to renewable polymers. This paper describes the process of modifying large quantities of natural fibers with bacterial cellulose through their use as substrates for bacteria during fermentation. The modified fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, single fiber tensile tests, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and inverse gas chromatography to determine their surface and mechanical properties. The practical adhesion between the modified fibers and the renewable polymers cellulose acetate butyrate and poly(L-lactic acid) was quantified using the single fiber pullout test

Attitudes of Physicians Toward Risk Assessment and Use of Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G-Csf) As Primary Prophylaxis (Pp) in Patients (Pts) Receiving Chemotherapy with an Intermediate Risk of Febrile Neutropenia (Fn)

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A neutron spectrometer for studying giant resonances with (p,n) reactions in inverse kinematics

A neutron spectrometer, the European Low-Energy Neutron Spectrometer (ELENS), has been constructed to study exotic nuclei in inverse-kinematics experiments. The spectrometer, which consists of plastic scintillator bars, can be operated in the neutron energy range of 100 keV-10 MeV. The neutron energy is determined using the time-of-flight technique, while the position of the neutron detection is deduced from the time-difference information from photomultipliers attached to both ends of each bar. A novel wrapping method has been developed for the plastic scintillators. The array has a larger than 25% detection efficiency for neutrons of approximately 500 keV in kinetic energy and an angular resolution of less than 1 degrees. Details of the design, construction and experimental tests of the spectrometer will be presented. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.</p

Fiber orientation in viscous fluid flow with and without vibration

This early-stage investigation is related to determination of flow speed gradients of fresh steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC). They are assumed to be the key parameters for computer modeling of orientation of steel fibers in form casting process. The aim of the research is to elaborate a computer model for evaluation of steel fiber orientation in casting process, which would provide an attractive possibility to predict concrete mechanical properties, optimization of casting process and costs due to proper use of ingredients. Fiber orientation in FRC is important for ensuring the best mechanical properties in the places where it is necessary. Task can be solved as: to obtain optimal fiber concentration and orientation or to use appropriate casting approach of concrete with the goal to obtain required mechanical properties in appropriate locations of the composite element. As an example the paper considers the case of trench filling by fiber concrete. Simulations provided distributions of vertical and horizontal velocities in real-time scale. Behavior of a single fiber in an inclined container with a viscous transparent liquid (potato-starch solution) was analyzed in order to confirm the possibility to obtain orientation of fibers on the basis of velocity gradients in viscous fluid. For precise modeling of potato-starch liquid, coefficient of dynamic viscosity was determined. The experiments performed on fibers in an inclined container demonstrated satisfactory agreement with the simulation results. Performed analysis indicates that velocity gradients can be applied for determination of position and orientation of fibers in fabrication of fiber-reinforced concrete product

Aristotelian Essentialism: Essence in the Age of Evolution

The advent of contemporary evolutionary theory ushered in the eventual decline of Aristotelian Essentialism (Æ) – for it is widely assumed that essence does not, and cannot have any proper place in the age of evolution. This paper argues that this assumption is a mistake: if Æ can be suitably evolved, it need not face extinction. In it, I claim that if that theory’s fundamental ontology consists of dispositional properties, and if its characteristic metaphysical machinery is interpreted within the framework of contemporary evolutionary developmental biology, an evolved essentialism is available. The reformulated theory of Æ offered in this paper not only fails to fall prey to the typical collection of criticisms, but is also independently both theoretically and empirically plausible. The paper contends that, properly understood, essence belongs in the age of evolution