Ripple formation on Nickel irradiated with radially polarized femtosecond beams

We report on the morphological effects induced by the inhomogeneous absorption of radially polarized femtosecond laser irradiation of nickel (Ni) in sub-ablation conditions. A theoretical prediction of the morphology profile is performed and the role of surface plasmon excitation in the production of self-formed periodic ripples structures is evaluated. Results indicate a smaller periodicity of the ripples profile compared to that attained under linearly polarized irradiation conditions. A combined hydrodynamical and thermoelastic model is presented in laser beam conditions that lead to material melting. The simulation results are presented to be in good agreement with the experimental findings. The ability to control the size of the morphological changes via modulating the beam polarization may provide an additional route for controlling and optimizing the outcome of laser micro-processingComment: 4 pages, 4 figures, 4 appendix page

Mechanical performance of composite bonded joints in the presence of localised process-induced zero-thickness defects

Processing parameters and environmental conditions can introduce variation into the performance of adhesively bonded joints. The effect of such variation on the mechanical performance of the joints is not well understood. Moreover, there is no validated nondestructive inspection (NDI) available to ensure bond integrity post-process and in-service so as to guarantee initial and continued airworthiness in aerospace sector. This research studies polymer bond defects produced in the laboratory scale single-lap composite-to-composite joints that may represent the process-induced defects occurring in actual processing scenarios such as composite joining and repair in composite aircrafts. The effect of such defects on the degradation of a joint's mechanical performance is then investigated via quasi-static testing in conjunction with NDI ultrasonic C-scanning and pulsed thermography. This research is divided into three main sections: 1- manufacturing carbon fibre-reinforced composite joints containing representative nearly zero-thickness bond defects, 2- mechanical testing of the composite joints, and 3- assessment of the NDI capability for detection of the bond defects in such joints

Recent Progress of RF Cavity Study at Mucool Test Area

In order to develop an RF cavity that is applicable for a muon beam cooling channel, a new facility, called Mucool Test Area (MTA) has been built at Fermilab. MTA is a unique facility whose purpose is to test RF cavities in various conditions. There are 201 and 805 MHz high power sources, a 4-Tesla solenoid magnet, a cryogenic system including a Helium liquifier, an explosion proof apparatus to operate gaseous/liquid Hydrogen, and a beam transport line to send an intense H- beam from the Fermilab Linac accelerator to the MTA hall. Recent activities at MTA will be discussed in this document.Comment: 4 pp. 13th International Workshop on Neutrino Factories, Superbeams and Beta beams (NuFact11) 1-6 Aug 2011: Geneva, Switzerlan