Continuous, self-sustaining smouldering destruction of simulated faeces

A new approach for the rapid destruction of human waste using smouldering combustion is presented. Recently, self-sustaining smouldering combustion was shown to destroy the organic component of simulated human solid waste and dog faeces resulting in the sanitization of all pathogens using a batch process (Yermán et al., 2015). Here, a continuous smouldering process is demonstrated for the first time, allowing for a much smaller reactor size and much less energy input per mass of waste treated. The self-sustained smouldering of simulated human faeces mixed with sand is evaluated over long periods (more than 16 h) based on a single ignition. The key process of intermittent self-sustained smouldering, in which the reaction is terminated and restarted by only turning the air off and on, is demonstrated. Experiments examine the influence of two key operator controls: airflow rate and set elevation of the quasi-steady-state smouldering front in a 37 cm high reactor. Quasi-steady-state fuel destruction rates from 93 g/h to 12 g/h were achieved by varying the superficial flow velocity from 7.4 cm/s to 0.11 cm/s, the latter with a velocity approximately an order of magnitude lower than possible for a self-sustaining reaction in an equivalent batch system. Excess energy of up to 140 J/g of sand was recovered from the clean sand produced in each cycle, which could be used to further increase the energy efficiency of this novel waste treatment system

Изменчивость биомассы дождевых червей (Lumbricidae) как отклик биоты на различные экологические условия в модельных экспериментах

В експерименті вивчено вплив різних варіантів субстратів, які використовують у лісовій рекультивації, підстилок із листя деревних порід та зволоження на представників грунтових сапрофагів (Lumbricidae). Встановлено достовірний вплив субстратів, підстилок та зволоження на збільшення біомаси дощових черв'яків.Influence of various soil blends used in forest rehabilitation, leaf litters of trees, and humidity levels on soil saprophages (Lumbricidae) is experimentally studied. Significant influence of substrates, litters, and humidity levels on the increase of earthworms' biomass has been determined

The fatigue damage mechanics of notched carbon fibre/PEEK laminates

A model is presented for the strength, post-fatigue residual strength and damage propagation in notched, cross-ply carbon fibre/polyetheretherketone (PEEK) laminates. Fracture mechanics principles are used to predict quasi-static damage growth, and the application of a Paris law permits extension to fatigue damage. Strength is predicted by applying a failure criterion based on the tensile stress distribution in the 0° plies, as modified by damage (either quasi-static or fatigue). The volume dependence of strength is included by using a simple Weibull distribution. The parameters of the model are determined from independent experiments. Good agreement with experimental results is obtained. Comparisons are made with previous results from carbon fibre/epoxy laminates. The behaviour of the carbon fibre/PEEK is similar, although the extent of delamination and matrix cracking is reduced owing to the higher inherent toughness of the matrix

Dielectric spectroscopy of colloidal quantum dots in apolar liquids

This thesis deals with the measurement of the permanent electric dipole moment and net charge of colloidal quantum dots (QDs) in apolar liquids. Their electric properties are essential for understanding their optical properties, colloidal interactions, and electric field directed assembly. In view of the optical sensitivity of QDs, a non-optical measurement technique was chosen: dielectric spectroscopy. In conclusion, dielectric spectroscopy has revealed the influence of structure formation on the dipolar relaxation of colloidal quantum dots in apolar liquids. Measurements of both the electric double layer dynamics in dielectric spectroscopy measurements and the electrophoretic and electroacoustic motion of charged colloidal particles at low ionic strength point to insufficient development of the theoretical basis of the techniques. As a result, their physical interpretation remains a challenge

Dielectric spectroscopy of colloidal quantum dots in apolar liquids

This thesis deals with the measurement of the permanent electric dipole moment and net charge of colloidal quantum dots (QDs) in apolar liquids. Their electric properties are essential for understanding their optical properties, colloidal interactions, and electric field directed assembly. In view of the optical sensitivity of QDs, a non-optical measurement technique was chosen: dielectric spectroscopy. In conclusion, dielectric spectroscopy has revealed the influence of structure formation on the dipolar relaxation of colloidal quantum dots in apolar liquids. Measurements of both the electric double layer dynamics in dielectric spectroscopy measurements and the electrophoretic and electroacoustic motion of charged colloidal particles at low ionic strength point to insufficient development of the theoretical basis of the techniques. As a result, their physical interpretation remains a challenge

The Effects of Competition on Test Taking Speed

Motivational factors have a large influence on the speed and effort driving behaviours and mental processes (Mir et al., 2011). These motivational factors, called incentives, come in 2 main classes: Intrinsic, a motivation driven by internal reward, and extrinsic, motivation driven by an external reward (Deci, 1972). The present study tested how motivational factors influence test taking speed under the influence of intrinsic or extrinsic incentives. Participants were asked to complete a simple match-to-sample task using a 26 symbol cipher, either at the same time as another participant, or by themselves, and were either instructed to complete it a-^ fast as possible, or instructed to complete it at their own pace. A significant relationship was found for the main effect of the experiment—the influence of pairing on test completion time (F= 6.05, p \u3c .05). The secondary effect of interest was the difference in completion time between pairs of participants. Again, this was found to be significant (F = 36.439, p \u3c .05). These results were discussed at length in terms of the variation in influence of competition and incentive in relation to the Yerkes-Dodson Law

Damage mechanics of carbon fibre composites

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:D60326 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo