The article presents research results of the strength parameters of HPC achieved in various research conditions. The research was carried out on substantially different samples, both as to the size as the slenderness ratio. Moreover, the assessment of the effect of speed of a load on strength parameters as well as other factors which in a significant way show the difference in the strength values was made. For comparison, the results were also applied to the relations known in ordinary concrete.

Trials of cast steel filtration using two types of newly-developed foam filters in which carbon was the phase binding ceramic particles have

been conducted. In one of the filters the source of carbon was flake graphite and coal-tar pitch, while in the other one graphite was

replaced by a cheaper carbon precursor. The newly-developed filters are fired at 1000o

C, i.e. at a much lower temperature than the

currently applied ZrO2-based filters. During filtration trials the filters were subjected to the attack of a flowing metal stream having

a temperature of 1650°C for 30 seconds.

Characteristic of the filters’ properties before and after the filtration trial were done. It was found, that the surface reaction of the filter

walls with molten metal, which resulted in local changes of the microstructure and phase composition, did not affect on expected filter

lifetime and filtration did not cause secondary contamination of cast steel.

Robotics specialists observe nature carefully and try to recreate the complex motions performed by people and animals with ease. Locomotion and the ability to manipulate flexible objects are especially challenging, but progress is being made.