Search Results (317)

Plasma nitriding is an advanced method to increase the hardness and wear resistance of different metal parts with complex shapes and geometries. The modelling is an appropriate approach for better understanding and improving such technologies based on multi-physical processes. Mathematical models of the coupled electromagnetic, fluid flow, and thermal processes in vacuum chambers for the low-temperature plasma treatment of metal parts have been developed. They were solved numerically via ANSYS/CFX software for a discretized solid and gas space of a plasma nitriding chamber. The specific electrical conductivity of the gas mixture, containing plasma, has been calibrated on the basis of an electrical model of the chamber and in situ measurements. The three-dimensional fields of pressure, temperature, velocity, turbulent characteristics, electric current density, and voltage in the chamber have been simulated and analysed. Methods for further development and application of the models and for technological and constructive enhancement of the plasma treatment technologies are discussed. Full article

The objective of this study was to quantify the method-to-method variation between two widely used field indicators of the end-of-milking vacuum-exposure period (i.e., operational overmilking duration), and to identify cow- and milking-level factors associated with this variation. Operational overmilking was defined using two approaches: (i) MPC vacuum fluctuation patterns collected via VaDia™ recording devices, and (ii) milk flow curves generated from milking system data, with simulated ACR take-off thresholds ranging from 0.2 to 0.8 kg/min. Seven quarter combinations were analyzed to determine their effect on method-to-method variation. Multivariable modelling was used to investigate the factors which influenced the absolute difference in operational overmilking duration (ADOD) between methods, with larger ADOD indicating greater method-to-method variation. All quarter combinations showed large method-to-method variations. VaDia^TM-derived estimates indicated longer overmilking durations and higher milk flow at the onset of overmilking compared with the milk flow curve approach. Our findings showed that a combination of the rear quarters was significantly associated with the lowest ADOD, and that a combination of the front quarters was significantly associated with the highest ADOD. All other combinations did not differ from each other, indicating that combinations including one front and one rear quarter performed similarly, and that recording all four quarters did not improve agreement between methods within this dataset. Milk flow factors associated with increased ADOD included longer low flow times, longer high flow times, longer machine-on times, and increased yield. Vacuum values associated with increased ADOD included high short milk tube vacuum during the full milking, and high mouthpiece chamber vacuum levels during both the full milking and overmilking periods. High short milk tube vacuum during overmilking was associated with decreased ADOD. Wider teat diameters, longer teat lengths, and increased parity were associated with increased ADOD. These findings indicated that vacuum-based and flow-based indicators of operational overmilking capture different aspects of the end-milking process and should be clearly specified when measuring or reporting overmilking in research or commercial milking systems. Full article

We report a laboratory search for axion-like particles (ALPs) in the eV mass range using a variable-angle three-beam-stimulated resonant photon collider. The scheme independently focuses and collides three laser beams, providing a cosmology- and astrophysics-independent test. By varying the angles of incidence, the center-of-mass energy can be scanned continuously across the eV range. In this work, we operated the collider in a vacuum chamber at a large-angle configuration, verified the spacetime overlap of the three short pulses, and performed a first search centered at $m_a\simeq 2.27\mathrm{eV}$. No excess was observed. Thus, we set a $95\%$ C.L. upper limit on the pseudoscalar two-photon coupling, with a minimum sensitivity of $g/M\simeq 4.2\times {10}^{-10}{\mathrm{GeV}}^{-1}$ at $m_a=2.27\mathrm{eV}$. This provides the first model-independent upper limit on the coupling that reaches the KSVZ benchmark in the eV regime and demonstrates the feasibility of eV-scale mass scans in the near future. Full article

Metal Injection Molding (MIM) is an established, high-precision manufacturing route for small, geometrically complex metallic components, integrating polymer injection molding with powder metallurgy. State-of-the-art feedstock systems, such as Catamold (polyacetal-based), enable catalytic debinding performed in furnaces operating under ultra-high-purity nitric acid atmospheres (>99.999%). The subsequent thermal stages pre-sintering and sintering are carried out in continuous controlled-atmosphere furnaces or vacuum systems, typically employing inert (N₂) or reducing (H₂) atmospheres to meet the specific thermodynamic requirements of each alloy. However, incomplete decomposition or secondary volatilization of binder residues can lead to progressive hydrocarbon accumulation within the sinering chamber. These contaminants promote undesirable carburizing atmospheres, which, under austenitizing or intercritical conditions, increase carbon diffusion and generate uncontrolled surface carbon gradients. Such effects alter the microstructural evolution, hardness, wear behavior, and mechanical integrity of MIM steels. Conversely, inadequate dew point control may shift the atmosphere toward oxidizing regimes, resulting in surface decarburization and oxide formation effects that are particularly detrimental in stainless steels, tool steels, and martensitic alloys, where surface chemistry is critical for performance. This review synthesizes current knowledge on atmosphere-induced surface deviations in MIM steels, examining the underlying thermodynamic and kinetic mechanisms governing carbon transport, oxidation, and phase evolution. Strategies for atmosphere monitoring, contamination mitigation, and corrective thermal or thermochemical treatments are evaluated. Recommendations are provided to optimize surface substrate interactions and maximize the functional performance and reliability of MIM-processed steel components in demanding engineering applications. Full article

This article presents a comparison of empirical and simulation studies and the parameters declared by the membrane manufacturer. The analysis concludes that these values differ at each stage. Therefore, a numerical and simulation analysis of an optimal flat membrane was undertaken, which will successfully perform measurement functions across the full pressure range without causing inelastic deformations based on a membrane made of 316 L stainless steel with the following mechanical parameters: Young’s modulus $\mathrm{E}=2\times {10}^{11} \mathrm{P}\mathrm{a}$, Poisson’s ratio $\mathsf{\nu }=0.28$, density $\mathsf{\rho }=7980 \mathrm{k}\mathrm{g}/{\mathrm{m}}^3$, and yield strength 2.8 × 10⁸ Pa. A diaphragm with an outer diameter of 25.4 mm, an inner diameter of $2.22\times {10}^{-4} \mathrm{m}$, and a thickness of t = $5.08\times {10}^{-5} \mathrm{m}$ was designed for a pressure sensor in vacuum extinguishing chambers of medium-voltage devices, with a pressure difference $\Delta \mathrm{p}$ from 7 × 10⁻⁴ Pa to 1.013 × 10⁵ Pa. Finite element method (FEM) simulations in the COMSOL Multiphysics environment showed maximum von Mises reduced stresses 1.96 × 10⁸ Pa below the yield strength, confirming operation in the linear-elastic range. The central deflection, described analytically by the equation $\mathrm{y}={\displaystyle \frac{3(1-{\mathsf{\nu }}^2)\mathrm{P}{\mathrm{r}}^4}{16\mathrm{E}{\mathrm{t}}^3}}$, increased fivefold with an increase in diameter to $3.81\times {10}^{-2} \mathrm{m}$ (active area A = 1.14 × 10⁻³ m² compared to 5.07 × 10⁻⁴ m²), achieving a metrological sensitivity of 9.1 × 10⁻¹⁰ m/Pa. Experimental studies integrated with Bragg FBG and epoxy adhesive (E = 5 × 10⁹ Pa, tensile strength $4.2\times {10}^7 \mathrm{P}\mathrm{a}$) revealed a significant deviation from the manufacturer’s catalog data (e.g., deflection of $2.0\times {10}^{-5} \mathrm{m}$ at $6.89\times {10}^2 \mathrm{P}\mathrm{a}$), resulting from uneven bonding and a lack of coaxiality. Corrugated membranes with t = $2.0\times {10}^{-5} \mathrm{m}$ exceeded plasticity, while the optimized configuration of a smooth membrane with rounded adhesive edges ($\mathrm{R}=1\times {10}^{-4} \mathrm{m}$) enabled precise pressure monitoring below ${10}^{-1} \mathrm{P}\mathrm{a}$, despite technological restrictions on assembly and miniaturization. Full article

At DLR’s electric space propulsion vacuum test facility in Goettingen, spontaneous pressure rise events were observed, which led to interruptions of thruster testing. This study investigates the causes of four such events and presents a model that is able to simulate pressure rise events due to xenon ice sheet detachment from operating cryogenic pumps. The model results show good agreement with the observed pressure curves and can reproduce the pressure rise slope, event duration, down slope, and maximum pressure during these events. The masses of the detached xenon ice sheets are in the range from 2 g to 0.4 kg, which is reasonable with respect to the amount of ice on cryopump cold plates. This first modeling step is based on a phenomenological approach, but the good results show that it is worth expanding and refining the model, e.g., by introducing more ice shape options, adding ice bonding layer properties, and adding other gases and physical condensate properties. Full article

Background/Objectives: Plastination with polyester resin is a consolidated technique for anatomical preservation, particularly valuable in neuroanatomy education and radiological correlation. This review synthesizes the principles, technical evolution, methodological variations, applications, and limitations of polyester-based sheet plastination methods (P35, P40, P45). Methods: Key documents were analyzed to trace the transition from P35, recognized for excellent gray-white matter contrast but technical complexity, to P40, offering greater transparency, lower viscosity, improved strength, and simplified UV-curing. P45 was also reviewed, especially for large body sections using water-bath curing. Innovations included vertical curing chambers, active-passive vacuum cycles, resin reformulations, and strategies to reduce tissue shrinkage. Methodological quality was assessed with the AQUA tool, which evaluates five domains: Objectives, Study Design, Methodology, Descriptive Anatomy, and Results Reporting. Results: Plastination proved applicable in medical and veterinary education, as well as morphometric and imaging-based research, improving anatomical understanding and CT/MRI correlation. AQUA analysis revealed low risk of bias in Objectives and Descriptive Anatomy, but frequent unclear or high-risk assessments in Study Design, Methodology, and Results Reporting, mainly due to limited details on sample selection, resin handling, curing, and reproducibility. Publications after 2010 showed improved methodological rigor, reflecting growing standardization and better reporting. Conclusions: Polyester sheet plastination remains a versatile, high-impact tool, though it requires specialized infrastructure, trained personnel, and strict environmental control. Future development should focus on protocol standardization, international dissemination, integration with digital technologies (3D models, virtual reality), and sustainable alternatives. Progress depends on inter-institutional collaboration, technical training, and open access to updated resources. Full article

This work reports the results of an on-ground experimental test campaign performed in the relevant environment (i.e., inside a vacuum chamber) of a blowdown H₂O₂ monopropellant propulsion system designed for CubeSat applications for the assessment of its propulsive performance and its thermomechanical behavior, both in continuous and pulse modes. The complete experimental characterization of the most important propulsive parameters of the engineering model of the propulsion system has been carried out with a suitably designed diagnostic equipment, consisting of a thrust balance capable of hosting an entire 3U CubeSat and all the relevant sensors. The propulsion system proved to match most of the requirements, both in pulse and continuous mode operations. Full article

This study presents the development of a capacitive pressure sensor tailored for measuring the dynamic pressure of flow fields. The sensor is fabricated using the UMC 0.18 μm CMOS-MEMS process, incorporated with additional post-processing steps such as metal wet etching, supercritical CO₂ drying, and parylene encapsulation. The sensing architecture employs AD7746 as a capacitance-to-voltage converter (CVC), enabling the conversion of capacitance signals into voltage outputs for enhanced measurement fidelity. Structurally, the capacitive pressure sensor features a vacuum-sealed diaphragm capsule design with dual movable circular membranes functioning as sensing electrodes. A contact-mode capacitive configuration with a trapezoidal or Gong-like vacuum-chamber diaphragm is adopted to improve linearity and sensitivity. The output sensitivity was determined to be feasible for measuring dynamic pressure at 1–2 Pa resolution. Full article

The paper presents a comparison of two methods for determining the burning time of an electric arc in a vacuum chamber: the classic oscilloscope method and the author’s own photographic analysis using an ultra-high-speed camera. A specially designed laboratory station enabled precise recording of electrical and optical parameters during switching operations conducted at different pressures in the discharge chamber. The photographic method consisted of a time-lapse analysis of the ignition and extinction of the arc using dedicated software to precisely determine its duration based on the recorded images. In total, five repeated measurements were performed for each pressure value. All the results were subjected to a detailed statistical analysis, including the determination of standard deviations and confidence intervals. The reported mean relative error for the new photographic method did not exceed 1.12%. The developed photographic method proved to be a reliable tool for assessing the duration of the arc, while also enabling a detailed analysis of the dynamics of arc channel development. Possible applications include laboratory testing and diagnostics of switching devices, especially where traditional measurement methods are difficult to apply. Full article

Laser-driven operations are a common approach for engineering one- and two-qubit gates in trapped-ion arrays. Measuring key parameters of these lasers, such as beam sizes, intensities, and polarizations, is central to predicting and optimizing gate speeds and stability. Unfortunately, it is challenging to accurately measure these properties at the ion location within an ultra-high vacuum chamber. Here, we demonstrate how the ions themselves may be used as sensors to directly characterize the laser beams needed for quantum gate operations. Making use of the four-photon Stark Shift effect in ¹⁷¹Yb⁺ ions, we measure the profiles, alignments, and polarizations of the lasers driving counter-propagating Raman transitions. We then show that optimizing the parameters of each laser individually leads to higher-speed Raman-driven gates with smaller susceptibility to errors. Our approach demonstrates the capability of trapped ions to probe their local environments and to provide useful feedback for improving system performance. Full article

The increasing demand for ultra-low carbon steel (Interstitial free steel of Ti-Nb composite stabilized type) has underscored the importance of the RH degassing process, which is critical to achieving stringent quality standards and high productivity. This study aimed to boost decarburization efficiency by expanding the lower volume of the RH degasser and adjusting the circulation gas flow rates (190 Nm³/h, 230 Nm³/h, 250 Nm³/h). The effects of these variations on decarburization time, carbon content, and mechanical properties were systematically evaluated. The Enlarged RH degasser (ERH) achieved a higher decarburization rate than the conventional RH degasser (CRH) at the same gas flow rate of 190 Nm³/h, identifying 230 Nm³/h as the optimal rate for ERH. The experimental decarburization times to reach a carbon content of 0.003 wt% in ultra-low carbon steel were 12.4 min for CRH and 10.8 min for ERH, thus reducing the time by 1.6 min. Conversely, the calculated decarburization times were 13.11 min for CRH and 10.75 min for ERH, with ERH showing a reduction of 2.36 min. Consequently, calculated times were 0.76 min longer than experimental times. No significant differences in inclusions were observed between the CRH and ERH at circulation times of 3, 4, and 5 min; however, the mechanical properties of the ERH showed improvements at 4 and 5 min. Therefore, from an economic perspective, 4 min was established as the optimum time. Ultimately, enhancing the lower volume of the RH degasser has increased productivity and decreased production costs. Full article

Temperature distribution inside the vacuum chamber of the TRX 2000(A) near space environment simulation test system (NSESTS) was investigated through both experimentation and computational fluid dynamics simulation. Comparison between the experimental result and the simulation result showed that these two results were very close to each other, validating the feasibility of using the simulation method to study the temperature distribution inside the NSESTS. Then, the effect of wind, either downwind or upwind, on temperature uniformity inside the NSESTS was investigated through the simulation method. The simulation result showed that the non-uniformity coefficient will be reduced from 0.2757 to 0.2012 (by 27.1%) in the case of downwind and to 0.2055 (by 25.5%) in the case of upwind. Then, the simulation result was validated by experiment. The result of this research indicates that the temperature uniformity can be greatly improved through installment of additional fans inside the NSESTS. Full article

In this paper, paraffin-44H (PW-44H) and paraffin-5 (PW-5) were respectively selected as the high/low-temperature phase change core material, and expanded vermiculite (EVM) was selected as the phase change carrier matrix. A high-temperature composite phase change material (CPCM), 44H/EVM, and a low-temperature CPCM, 5/EVM, were prepared by combining melt blending with vacuum adsorption. Nano-TiO₂ was incorporated as a thermal conductor into the CPCMs to enhance the heat transfer efficiency between the CPCM and asphalt. The heat storage performance, chemical stability, microstructure, and thermal stability of the two CPCMs were studied. The results show that when the dosage of nano-TiO₂ is 2%, the critical temperature range and heat storage performance of the CPCMs reach the optimum. Among them, the enthalpy value of the phase transition of the high-temperature PCM 44H-nTiO₂/EVM is 150.8 J/g, and the phase transition occurs over a temperature range of 37.3 °C to 45.9 °C. The enthalpy value of the phase transition of the low-temperature PCM 5-nTiO₂/EVM is 106.6 J/g, and the phase transition range is −7.9–0.4 °C. Moreover, the incorporation of nano-TiO₂ increased the thermal conductivity of the high- and low-temperature CPCMs by 47.2% and 51.6%, respectively. Finally, the high- and low-temperature CPCMs were compounded in a 1:1 ratio and mixed into asphalt to obtain a composite double PCM asphalt. The heat storage performance of the original sample asphalt and the double phase change asphalt was investigated by DSC, DSR, and an environmental chamber. The results show that when the dosage of PCM is 20%, compared with the original asphalt, the high-temperature extreme value and the low-temperature extreme value of the double phase change asphalt are reduced by 3.4 °C and 2.1 °C, respectively. The heating rate and cooling rate decreased by 8.5% and 5.6%, respectively, and the rheological properties can meet the requirements of the specifications. It can be seen that the addition of double PCMs can effectively slow down the heating/cooling rate of asphalt, thereby improving the temperature sensitivity of asphalt. Full article

This study explored the feasibility of using a plastic vacuum chamber for the Filament-Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition (FACVD) of polymer thin films. Traditional chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods often require high vacuum and elevated temperatures, which limit their use for heat-sensitive and flexible substrates. FACVD enables polymer deposition under mild vacuum and temperature conditions, providing an opportunity to utilize plastic vacuum chambers as cost-effective and easily machinable alternatives to metallic chambers. In this study, a custom-designed acrylic chamber was fabricated and integrated into an FACVD system. Glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and tert-butyl peroxide (TBPO) were considered as the monomer and initiator, respectively, for creating thin films under a low-temperature and moderate-vacuum deposition process. Polymeric film (pGMA) contains reactive epoxy groups that allow versatile post-polymerization modifications and are widely applied in coatings and biomedical fields. Preliminary experiments demonstrated the successful growth of pGMA thin films, with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirming the characteristic polymer features, including the disappearance of the C=C stretching band as direct evidence of polymerization. Ellipsometry determines a uniformity of film thickness of approximately 85% for the 4-inch wafers’ area, with deposition rates in the range of 18–26 nm/h. These results highlight the potential of polymer-based chambers as cost-effective and versatile alternatives to advanced vapor-phase polymerization processes. Full article