The Effect of (Ag, Ni, Zn)-Addition on the Thermoelectric Properties of Copper Aluminate

Polycrystalline bulk copper aluminate Cu1-x-yAgxByAlO2 with B = Ni or Zn were prepared by spark plasma sintering and subsequent thermal treatment. The influence of partial substitution of Ag, Ni and Zn for Cu-sites in CuAlO2 on the high temperature thermoelectric properties has been studied. The addition of Ag and Zn was found to enhance the formation of CuAlO2 phase and to increase the electrical conductivity. The addition of Ag or Ag and Ni on the other hand decreases the electrical conductivity. The highest power factor of 1.26 × 10-4 W/mK2 was obtained for the addition of Ag and Zn at 1,060 K, indicating a significant improvement compared with the non-doped CuAlO2 sample

IS PASSIVE PLANTAR FLEXION TORQUE DETERMINANT OF LOWER LIMB STIFFNESS?

It has been supposed that leg stiffness affect repeated jump performance, such as hopping. Previous study indicated that ankle joint stiffness is important in leg stiffness (Arampatzis et al. 2001). Furthermore, it was demonstrated that Achilles tendon properties could contribute to the total mechanical work during hopping (Lichtwark and Wilson 2005). On the other hand, it is known that passive plantar flexion torque (PT) is determined by tendon properties (Kawakami et al. 2008). However, no study has been focused on the effect of PT on leg stiffness in hopping. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between passive plantar flexion torque and leg stiffness