10,901 research outputs found
A review of the mallet impact test for small scale explosive formulations
Presented at 19th Seminar on New Trends of Energetic Materials (NTREM 2016); 20-22/04/2016, Pardubice Czech RepublicDevelopment of new explosive formulations begins with the generation of only a few milligrams of material which is investigated using a number of small scale tests such as DSC, TGA, response to flame, mallet impact (mallet friction either glancing or direct blow) to determine whether the formulation is safe to scale up to 10 g. The latter of these tests, mallet impact, can be particularly subjective as the result is directly influenced by the operator carrying out the assessment. Not only can there be a change from one operator to another but there can also be a change in the force applied during each strike potentially leading to inconsistent results. This study highlights this encountered variation and assesses the load applied by a variety of operators with varying levels of explosive experience. This paper also proposes the use of a small scale laboratory based impact test which would provide improved confidence in the assessment of impact sensitiveness of explosive formulations and assist in justifying whether a formulation can be taken to the next scale. A small scale version of the BAM impact test (EMTAP Test 43) has been devised that allows the comparison of the sensitiveness of small scale formulations relative to RDX (8.7 J, EMTAP Test 43B) whilst also ensuring a reproducible result
Automated Mars surface sample return mission concepts for achievement of essential scientific objectives
Mission concepts were investigated for automated return to Earth of a Mars surface sample adequate for detailed analyses in scientific laboratories. The minimum sample mass sufficient to meet scientific requirements was determined. Types of materials and supporting measurements for essential analyses are reported. A baseline trajectory profile was selected for its low energy requirements and relatively simple implementation, and trajectory profile design data were developed for 1979 and 1981 launch opportunities. Efficient spacecraft systems were conceived by utilizing existing technology where possible. Systems concepts emphasized the 1979 launch opportunity, and the applicability of results to other opportunities was assessed. It was shown that the baseline missions (return through Mars parking orbit) and some comparison missions (return after sample transfer in Mars orbit) can be accomplished by using a single Titan III E/Centaur as the launch vehicle. All missions investigated can be accomplished by use of Space Shuttle/Centaur vehicles
Reply to "Comment on 'Precision measurement of the Casimir-Lifshitz force in a fluid'"
We have reviewed the Comment of Geyer et al. [arXiv:0708.1548] concerning our
recent work [Phys. Rev. A 75, 060102 (R) (2007)], and while we disagree with
their criticisms, we acknowledge them for giving us the opportunity to add
interesting addition material and a more detailed description of our
experiment. We describe further our calculation and explain why a more
sophisticated model is not warranted. We also present detailed experiments on
the effects of electrostatic forces in our measurements and show that the
contribution due to work function differences is small and that the residual
electrostatic force is dominated by trapped charges and external fields.
Finally, we estimate the effect of double layer interactions. These additional
calculations and measurements support our original conclusion that the
experimental results are consistent with the Lifshitz theory
Local Ferroelectricity in SrTiO_3 Thin Films
The temperature-dependent polarization of SrTiO_3 thin films is investigated
using confocal scanning optical microscopy. A homogeneous out-of-plane and
inhomogeneous in-plane ferroelectric phase are identified from images of the
linear electrooptic response. Both hysteretic and non-hysteretic behavior are
observed under a dc bias field. Unlike classical transitions in bulk
ferroelectrics, local ferroelectricity is observed at temperatures far above
the dielectric permittivity maximum. The results demonstrate the utility of
local probe experiments in understanding inhomogeneous ferroelectrics.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figures, accepted for publication in PR
Research and investigation of geology, mineral, and water resources of Maryland
The authors have identified the following significant results. Field work in Baltimore County revealed that the signature returns of serpentinitic and nonserpentinitic rocks correlates with the vegetation cover and land use pattern. In Maryland Piedmont, bedrock lithology and structure are enhanced only to the extent that land use is geologically dictated. Two prominent sets of linear features are detected on ERTS-1 imagery at N 45 deg E and N 20 deg E. Beaches of Chesapeake Bay are classified as broad and narrow beaches based on the width of the backshore zone. It is shown by comparing historical shorelines of Ocean City, from the inlet to the Maryland-Delaware line that reversal zones of erosion and accretion occur at different locations for different periods. High reflectance levels (high marsh-high topographic areas) for the lower Eastern Shore are found to be distributed as two distinct trending linear ridge systems. Observations of MSS band 5 dated 9 April 1974 exhibited an unique sedimentation pattern for Chesapeake Bay. Following a 1.5 inch rainfall, heavy concentration of suspended sediments is observed on the imagery, particularly in the area of the turbidity maximum
Electric circuit networks equivalent to chaotic quantum billiards
We formulate two types of electric RLC resonance network equivalent to
quantum billiards. In the network of inductors grounded by capacitors squared
resonant frequencies are eigenvalues of the quantum billiard. In the network of
capacitors grounded by inductors squared resonant frequencies are given by
inverse eigen values of the billiard. In both cases local voltages play role of
the wave function of the quantum billiard. However as different from quantum
billiards there is a heat power because of resistance of the inductors. In the
equivalent chaotic billiards we derive the distribution of the heat power which
well describes numerical statistics.Comment: 9 pages, 7 figure
Complex organic molecules in comets C/2012 F6 (Lemmon) and C/2013 R1 (Lovejoy): detection of ethylene glycol and formamide
A spectral survey in the 1 mm wavelength range was undertaken in the
long-period comets C/2012 F6 (Lemmon) and C/2013 R1 (Lovejoy) using the 30 m
telescope of the Institut de radioastronomie millim\'etrique (IRAM) in April
and November-December 2013. We report the detection of ethylene glycol
(CHOH) (aGg' conformer) and formamide (NHCHO) in the two comets.
The abundances relative to water of ethylene glycol and formamide are 0.2-0.3%
and 0.02% in the two comets, similar to the values measured in comet C/1995 O1
(Hale-Bopp). We also report the detection of HCOOH and CHCHO in comet
C/2013 R1 (Lovejoy), and a search for other complex species (methyl formate,
glycolaldehyde).Comment: Accepted for publication as a Letter in Astronomy and Astrophysic
- …