Model based optimization criteria for the generation of deep compressive residual stress fields in high elastic limit metallic alloys by ns-laser shock processing

Laser Shock Processing (LSP) is based on the application of a high intensity pulsed Laser beam (IN1 GW/cm2; τb50 ns) on a metallic target forcing a sudden vaporization of its surface into a high temperature and density plasma that immediately develops inducing a shock wave propagating into the material. The main acknowledged advantages of LSP consist on its capability of inducing a relatively deep compression residual stresses field into metallic alloy pieces allowing an improved mechanical behavior, explicitly, the life improvement of the treated specimens against wear, crack growth and stress corrosion cracking. Due to these specific advantages, Laser Shock Processing is considered as a competitive alternative technology to classical treatments for improving fatigue, corrosion cracking and wear resistance of metallic materials, and is being developed as a practical process amenable to production technology. In this paper, a model based systematization of process optimization criteria and a practical assessment on the real possibilities of the technique is presented along with practical results at laboratory scale on the application of LSP to characteristic high elastic limit metallic alloys, showing the induced residual stresses fields and the corresponding results on mechanical properties improvement induced by the treatment. The homogeneity of the residual stress fields distribution following the laser treatment spatial density will be specially analyzed

Angle Dependence of the Transverse Thermal Conductivity in YBa2_2Cu3_3O7_7 single crystals: Doppler Effect vs. Andreev scattering

We have measured the transverse thermal conductivity $\kappa_{xy}$ of twinned and untwinned YBa$_2$Cu$_3$O$_7$ single crystals as a function of angle $\theta$ between the magnetic field applied parallel to the CuO$_2$ planes and the heat current direction, at different magnetic fields and temperatures. For both crystals we observed a clear twofold variation in the field-angle dependence of $\kappa_{xy}(\theta) = - \kappa^0_{xy}(T,B) \sin(2\theta)$. We have found that the oscillation amplitude $\kappa^0_{xy}$ depends on temperature and magnetic field. Our results show that $\kappa^0_{xy} = a B \ln(1/(bB))$ with the temperature- and sample-dependent parameters $a$ and $b$. We discuss our results in terms of Andreev scattering of quasiparticles by vortices and a recently proposed theory based on the Doppler shift in the quasiparticle spectrum.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure

Thermal Conductivity Tensor in YBa2_2Cu3_3O7−x_{7-x}: Effects of a Planar Magnetic Field

We have measured the thermal conductivity tensor of a twinned YBa$_2$Cu$_3$O$_{7-x}$ single crystal as a function of angle $\theta$ between the magnetic field applied parallel to the CuO$_2$ planes and the heat current direction, at different magnetic fields and at T=13.8 K. Clear fourfold and twofold variations in the field-angle dependence of $\kappa_{xx}$ and $\kappa_{xy}$ were respectively recorded in accordance with the d-wave pairing symmetry of the order parameter. The oscillation amplitude of the transverse thermal conductivity $\kappa^0_{xy}$ was found to be larger than the longitudinal one $\kappa^0_{xx}$ in the range of magnetic field studied here ($0 T$$\le B \le 9$$T$). From our data we obtain quantities that are free from non-electronic contributions and they allow us a comparison of the experimental results with current models for the quasiparticle transport in the mixed state.Comment: 9 Figures, Phys. Rev. B(in press

La relación isquiotibiales/cuadriceps como índice predictivo de gonartrosis

Se realiza un estudio muscular isocinético en grupo de 26 mujeres afectadas de gonartrosis, antes de la intervención, a los 6 meses y al año de la sustitución articular, realizando un estudio evolutivo y comparativo entre ambas rodillas con el objetivo de verificar si el balance muscular se altera paralelamente a la función articular y cual es su evolución tras la artroplastia. La rodilla artrósica presenta un cuádriceps más débil per conserva la función de la musculatura isquiotibial, con una relación isquiotibiales/cuádriceps aumentada patológicamente. Al año de la artroplastia no mejora la fuerza extensora, se conserva la fuerza flexora y se mantiene el balance muscular patológico. En la rodilla con menor afectación degenerativa la relación flexores/extensores se encuentra igualmente aumentada, por lo que se trata de su índice precoz de deterioro articular.An isokinetic muscular study was performed on a group of 26 women with primary gonarthrosis before surgery, six months and one year after joint replacement. An evaluative and comparative study of both knees was carried out in order to verify whether the muscular balance was altered in parallel with weaker but retained function of the ischiotibial musculature with an enhanced ischiotibial/quadriceps. One year after arthroplasty, extensor strength was not improved, though it was more efficient as revealed by reduced muscular fatigue, while flexor strength and pathological muscular balance were maintained. The flexor/extensor relation was also enhanced in the control knee, making this an early indicator of joint decoration

Enhancing Luminescence and X-ray Absorption Capacity of Eu3+:LaF3 Nanoparticles by Bi3+ Codoping

Bi3+ codoping has been proposed in this work with a twofold objective, namely, enhancing the luminescence emission of Eu3+:LaF3 nanoparticles (NPs) and increasing their X-ray attenuation capacity, with the purpose of obtaining a bimodal bioprobe for luminescence bioimaging and X-ray computed tomography. The synthesis method, reported here for the first time for LaF3 particles, allowed obtaining uniform, nonaggregated NPs using a homogeneous precipitation in polyol medium at room temperature in just 2 h. The simplicity of the synthesis method allows the large-scale production of NPs. LaF3 NPs with different Eu3+ contents were first synthesized to find the critical Eu3+ concentration, producing the highest emission intensity. This concentration was subsequently used to fabricate Bi3+-Eu3+-codoped LaF3 NPs using the same method. The emission intensity of the codoped NPs increased in more than one order of magnitude, thanks to the possibility of excitation through the Bi3+ ¿ Eu3+ energy-transfer band. The luminescence properties of the codoped NPs were analyzed in detail to find the mechanism responsible for the emission enhancement. Finally, it was demonstrated that the high atomic number of Bi3+, higher than that of lanthanides, was an added value of the material because it increased its X-ray attenuation capacity. In summary, the LaF3 NPs codoped with Eu3+ and Bi3+ presented in this work are promising candidates as a bimodal bioprobe for luminescence bioimaging and X-ray computed tomography