The paper presents the results of numerical simulation of processes aimed at production of nanostructures with the use of oil emulsions in water. The appropriate molecular models of water and oil, as well as the model of the substance which would sediment at the water – oil interface, are looked for. Such substance, after suitable solidification, would become the main component of the produced material. For the described simulations, the Molecular Dynamics method has been used throughout this paper.

The work presents a computer simulation realized with the ADINA program concerning nanoindendation test. A shape of nanoindenter was proposed to be similar to the real surgical tools. The theoretical model was used to predict phenomena which would appear in practice. The contribution of the TiN coating thickness to the implant rigid properties was simulated. Three types of extortion conditions could be considered, i.e., short contact with surgery tool (i); long continuous contact with natural tissue (ii); long cyclic contact with natural tissue (iii). In the first part of the work, the authors focused on the first type of extortion (i). The second part of the work is dedicated to the calculations of temperature impact to layer behaviour. Two layer thicknesses are considered i.e., 250 nm and 50 nm. The examined coatings find serious practical applications as a blood-contacting material in medicine. The coatings were subjected to transmission electron microscopy investigations. Columnar mechanism of film growth controlled by kinetic process is stated to operate for the considered range of layer thickness. Plasma temperature is observed to influence the substrate behaviour. Examinations of thinner layers, i.e. under 100nm, revealed higher degree of smoothness and uniformity, which could be related to the operation of the surface diffusion mechanism at the early stage of deposition. The physical explanation of TEM images was based on the finite element calculations of the temperature distribution using the ADINA program .

One major problem in the design of ultrasonic transducers results from a huge impedance mismatch between piezoelectric ceramics and the loading medium (e.g. gaseous, liquid, and biological media). Solving this problem requires the use of a matching layer (or layers). Optimal selection of materials functioning as matching layers for piezoelectric transducers used in transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves strictly depends on the type of the medium receiving the ultrasound energy. Several methods allow optimal selection of materials used as matching layers. When using a single matching layer, its impedance can be calculated on the basis of the Chebyshev, DeSilets or Souquet criteria. In the general case, the typically applied methods use an analogy to a transmission line in order to calculate the transmission coefficient T. This paper presents an extension of transmission coefficient calculations with additional regard to the attenuation coefficients of particular layers. The transmission coefficient T is optimised on the basis of a genetic algorithm method. The obtained results indicate a significant divergence between the classical calculation methods and the genetic algorithm method.

In recent years, scattered light measurement technology has developed into a common method for measuring roughness, form and waviness on precision machined surfaces. Meanwhile, the application for the material structure evaluation of electrolytically anodized surfaces has also been considered. In this context,we present a novel approach to layer thickness measurement of naturally anodised aluminium surfaces. Our approach is based on the reflection intensity of the light beam, which penetrates the oxide layer and is reflected back from the surface as well as from the layer base. In the approach, a model for estimating reflection intensity I from the absorption coefficient is employed. The methodology is tested by comparing results to a layer thickness evaluation using metallographic preparation. Based on the proposed approach, we are able to measure intervals of layer thicknesses on naturally anodized aluminium surfaces without contact.

Electrochemical Cr coatings doped with diamond nanoparticles were deposited on sintered steels with different carbon contents (0.2-0.8 wt.-%). The mechanical properties of surfaces as hardness and wear resistance increase as compared to the steel substrate. Microcutting and microgridding mechanisms were observed after tribological tests, but also adhesive wear in some areas was observed. X-ray examination indicated that the layer was textured, with the exception of the sample with the highest concentration of diamond nanoparticles in the electrolyte (42 g/l). The intensity ratio ICr110/ICr200 was calculated and compared with the indices for a standard sample. The greatest differences in the intensity ratio occurred for the samples with low carbon content (0.2%C). On the other hand, more the material is textured the greater the difference.

The article presents the technology of layered casting with the use of 3D printing to make a frame insert. The insert was made of powdered titanium and then filled with liquid cast iron. The paper presents the results of research, including structure observation and hardness measurements, as well as abrasion resistance tests. The results indicate the possibility of creating a local reinforcement using a frame insert. The resulting casting is characterized by a local increase in hardness and, in addition, an increase in abrasion resistance of the entire surface layer. The quality of the obtained connection depends strongly on the casting parameters.

The effect of titanium nitride (TiN) thickness as the support layer for carbon nanotubes (CNTs) growth was investigated by depositing three different thicknesses: 20 nm, 50 nm and 100 nm. This TiN support layer was deposited on SiO2 pads before depositing nickel (Ni) as the catalyst material. The Ni distribution on different TiN thicknesses was studied under hydrogen environment at 600°C. Then, the samples were further annealed at 600°C in acetylene and hydrogen environment for CNTs growth. The results show that, the optimum TiN thickness was obtained for 50 nm attributed by the lowest D to G ratio (0.8).

Turbulent boundary layer separation induced by positive pressure gradient at a plane surface is investigated experimentally. Separation is delayed by means of a jet vortex generator in a form of small jets injected to the boundary layer through orifices distributed across the main flow. The effect of jets intensity on delay of separation is examined. Swirled and non-swirled jets have been used. The energy of the air supplying the generator required to delay boundary layer separation is in the former case up to 40% lower than in the latter one.

In this case ceramic layers from Metco ZrO2 and Al2O3 powders mixture (25/75; 50/50 and 75/25) were obtained through atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) after five passes on low carbon steel substrate. The sample surfaces mechanically grinded (160-2400) before and after ceramic layer deposition. Powder’s mixtures and the surface of ceramic thin layers were analyzed through: scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In order to understand the effect of surface wettability of the ceramic layers, before and after grinding the surface, three different liquids were used. Experimental results confirm the modification of the steel substrate surface characteristic from hydrophilic to hydrophobic when the ceramic layer was deposited. Surface free energy of hydration increases for all the samples with zirconia percentage addition before polishing process.

This paper presents the permeability of the permafrost active layer determined in the Brattegg River catchment (SW Spitsbergen) for the 6-years interval of 2005–2010. The field permeability measurements technique of weathered rocks on various geomorphological forms allows to assess the value of their hydraulic conductivity ( k). High variability of k values, ranging from 6.37 10 ⁻⁹ to 4.0 10 ⁻³ m s ⁻¹, indicates the permeability of rocks from very low in clay to very high in gravel-rock rubble. Among the geomorphological forms, the best permeability was observed in boulder covers and rock debris, and the lowest one in patterned ground. The obtained results were used to determine the groundwater runoff ( q), assuming the unit thickness of the active layer aquifer. The q value from the Brattegg River catchment was calculated at 130 L s−1, which is from 15% to 47% of the average surface runoff.

On the basis of the results of direct measurements, the conduction properties of the yearly behaviour of the halt flux conducted in the tundra soil (S) are determined. In general, the cooling period of the soil profile lasted from August to January, with highest intensity in October (S = —4.8 Wm-2). A rapid intensification of the heat exchange in the soil occurred in July (S = 7.4 Wm-2 ) . The 24-hour values of S were found to vary greatly (from 19 Wm-2 to 32 Wm-2). For chosen days, relationships were determined among the particular elements of the heat balance of the active layer.

In this paper, flysch is presented as a representative material of a wide section of the Carpathian Mountains, with some areas in Poland highlighted. The geological structure of this area is complex due to the alternating layers of blocky rock masses and soil (Vessia et al., 2017). Such a complex pattern is seen in some Alpine flysch slopes, such as the Ingelsberg landslide area (Romeo et al., 2015). Many authors are monitored, predicted landslides (Allasia et al., 2013; Bertacchini et al., 2009; Casagli et al., 2010) by sophisticated sensors. The rock-soil flysch successions have become intensively fissured as a result of their geological history, weathering (precipitation and snowmelt), and long-term water retention, especially on the surface layers. These complex materials are characterised by heterogeneous lithologies, whose mechanical properties are largely uncertain. These geological structures have also been confirmed by monitoring and control studies performed on a large number of landslides (Bednarczyk, 2014). One of the most striking phenomena is the sudden decrease in the strength parameters in the studied rocks in the direction parallel to the layers due to watering. The process is made possible by heterogeneous fractured strong rock layers with high permeability coefficients for water. This study precisely describes the phenomena occurring at the contact area between the component layers of flysch under the wet conditions of a weak plane. An elastic-plastic analysis method that considers the developed strength model at the surfaces of the contact areas (Biernatowski & Pula, 1988; Pula, 1997) has been used to estimate the load capacity for piles working under a horizontal load. The piles are part of a reliability chain (Pula, 1997) in a given construction and are the first element of concern for monitoring (Muszynski & Rybak, 2017). A particular device intended to study the dependence of the shear stress on a fixed failure surface in a controlled consolidation condition was utilized. The study was conducted for a wide range of displacements and for different values of stabilized vertical stresses of consolidation. The complexity of the processes occurring in the shear zone, presented as a detailed study of the material crack mechanics, is highlighted. The laboratory results were used to construct the mechanical model of the slip surface between the soil and rock with the description supported by a neural network (NN) approximation. The artificial NN was created as a multi-layered, easy to use approach for interpreting results and for quick reconstruction of approximated values useful for the calculations presented in laterally loaded piles. For the calculations, long, sheared strips of material were considered in a semi-analytical procedure to solve a differential equation of stability. The calculations are intended to reveal the safety indexes for a wide range of boundary tasks as the most significant indicator for design decisions.

Rock excavation is a basic technological operation during tunnelling and drilling roadways in underground mines. Tunnels and roadways in underground mines are driven into a rock mass, which in the particular case of sedimentary rocks, often have a layered structure and complicated tectonics. For this reason, rock strata often have highly differentiated mechanical properties, diverse deposition patterns and varied thicknesses in the cross sections of such headings. In the field of roadheader technology applied to drilling headings, the structure of a rock mass is highly relevant when selecting the appropriate cutting method for the heading face. Decidedly differentiated values of the parameters which describe the mechanical properties of a particular rock layer deposited in the cross section of the drilled tunnel heading will influence the value and character of the load on the cutting system, generated by the cutting process, power demand, efficiency and energy consumption of the cutting process. The article presents a mathematical modelling process for cutting a layered structure rock mass with the transverse head of a boom-type roadheader. The assumption was made that the rock mass being cut consists of a certain number of rock layers with predefined mechanical properties, a specific thickness and deposition pattern. The mathematical model created was executed through a computer programme. It was used for analysing the impact deposition patterns of rock layers with varied mechanical properties, have on the amount of cutting power consumed and load placed on a roadheader cutting system. The article presents an example of the results attained from computer simulations. They indicate that variations in the properties of the rock cut – as cutting heads are moving along the surface of the heading face – may have, apart from multiple other factors, a significant impact on the value of the power consumed by the cutting process.

Laminar mixed convection heat transfer in a vented square cavity separated by a porous layer filled with different nanofluids (Fe3O4, Cu, Ag and Al2O3) has been investigated numerically. The governing equations of mixed convection flow for a Newtonian nanofluid are assumed to be two-dimensional, steady and laminar. These equations are solved numerically by using the finite volume technique. The effects of significant parameters such as the Reynolds number (10 ≤ Re ≤ 1000), Grashof number (103 ≤ Gr ≤ 106), nanoparticle volume fraction (0.1 ≤ ϕ ≤ 0.6), porous layer thickness (0 ≤ γ ≤ 1) and porous layer position (0.1 ≤ δ ≤ 0.9) are studied. Numerical simulation details are visualized in terms of streamline, isotherm contours, and average Nusselt number along the heated source. It has been shown that variations in Reynolds and Darcy numbers have an impact on the flow pattern and heat transfer within a cavity. For higher Reynolds (Re >100), Grashof (Gr > 105) numbers and nanoparticles volume fractions the heat transfer rate is enhanced and it is optimal at lower values of Darcy number (Da = 10-5). In addition, it is noticed that the porous layer thickness and location have a significant effect on the control of the heat transfer rate inside the cavity. Furthermore, it is worth noticing that Ag nanoparticles presented the largest heated transfer rate compared to other nanoparticles.

In this work we analyse basic characteristics of Love wave sensors implemented in waveguide structures composed of a lossy viscoelastic surface layer deposited on a lossless elastic substrate. It has to be noted that Love wave sensors working at ultrasonic frequencies have the highest mass density sensitivity $S_σ^(v_p )$ among all known ultrasonic sensors, such as QCM, Lamb wave or Rayleigh wave sensors. In this paper we have established an exact analytical formula for the mass density sensitivity $S_σ^(v_p )$ of the Love wave sensors in the form of an explicit algebraic expression. Subsequently, using this developed analytical formula, we compared theoretically the mass density sensitivity $S_σ^(v_p )$ for various Love wave waveguide structures, such as: (1) lossy PMMA surface layer on lossless Quartz substrate and (2) lossy PMMA on lossless Diamond substrate. The performed analysis shows that the mass density sensitivity $S_σ^(v_p )$ (real and imaginary part) for a sensor with a structure PMMA on Diamond is five times higher than that of a PMMA on Quartz structure. It was found that the mass density sensitivity $S_σ^(v_p )$ for Love wave sensors increases with the increase of the ratio: bulk shear wave velocity in the substrate to bulk shear wave velocity in the surface layer.

Vapors of benzene and its derivatives are harmful and toxic for human beings and natural environment. Their detection has fundamental importance. For this purpose authors propose surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor with skeletonized layer deposited by Langmuir-Blodgett (L-B) method. This layer was obtained by depositing a binary equimolar mixture of 5-[[1,3-dioxo-3-[4-(1-oxooctadecyl) phenyl]propyl]amino]–1,3–benzenedicarboxylic acid with cetylamine. The skeletonized sensor layer has been obtained by removing cetylamine. Response of this sensor depends mainly of the electrical dipole momentum of molecule. Among the tested compounds, benzene has a zero dipole moment and gives the smallest sensor response, and nitrobenzene has the largest dipole moment and the sensor reacts most strongly to its vapor.

The purpose of this paper is to show possibility and advantages of initial control plane reproduction for an adaptive fuzzy controller. Usually the fuzzy control is used when the object is not very well known. Yet the truth is, however, that some, at least general information about the object, is available. Usually, in such a case, optimization algorithms are used to tune the control structure. The purpose of this article is to show how to find a starting point that is closer to optimum than a statistically random point, and this way to obtain better results in a shorter time.

In this paper there are presented some results obtained by open circuit potential and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements from studies performed on the behavior of tribocorrosion on metallic implant biomaterials as: 304L stainless steel, Co/nano-CeO2 nanocomposite layer and Ti6Al4V untreated and oxidized alloy to form a nanoporous TiO2 film. The open circuit potential technique used in measuring the tribocorrosion process provide information on the active or passive behavior of the investigated metallic biomaterial in the biological fluid, before, during friction and after stopping the friction. Thus it clearly show a better behavior of Co/nano-CeO2 nanocomposite coatings as compared with 304L stainless steel to tribocorrosion degradation in Hank solution; as well the better behavior of nanoporous TiO2 film formed annodically on Ti6Al4V alloy surface as compared with untreated alloy to tribocorrosion degradation in artificial saliva Fusayama Meyer. The slight decrease in polarization resistance value resulted from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measured during friction in the case of the Co/nano-CeO2 nanocomposite layer (four times smaller), compared to 304L stainless steel, whose polarization resistance decreased more than 1000 times during friction shows the higher sensitivity of stainless steel to degradation by tribocorrosion. The same behavior is observed when comparing the polarization resistance of untreated titanium alloy recorded during friction that is about 200 hundred times smaller, while the specific polarization resistance of the oxidized alloy with the nanoporous film of titanium oxide, decreases very little during friction, highlighting the beneficial effect of modifying the titanium alloy by anodic oxidation to increase its resistance to the degradation process by tribocorrosion.

The thermochemical treatment applied to improve the surface properties of AZ91 consisted in heating the material in contact with AlSi10Mg powder at 445 oC for 30 min. During heat treatment process the powder was held under pressure to facilitate the diffusion of the alloying elements to the substrate and, accordingly, the formation of a modified layer. Two pressures, 1 MPa and 5 MPa, were tested. The resultant layers, containing hard Mg2Si and Mg17Al12 phases, were examined using an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). The experimental data show that the layer microstructure was dependent on the pressure applied. A thicker, three-zone layer (about 200 μm) was obtained at 1 MPa. At the top, there were Mg2Si phase particles distributed over the Mg17Al12 intermetallic phase matrix. The next zone was a eutectic (Mg17Al12 and a solid solution of Al in Mg) with Mg2Si phase particles embedded in it. Finally, the area closest to the AZ91 substrate was a eutectic not including the Mg2Si phase particles. By contrast, the layer produced at a pressure of 5 MPa had lower thickness of approx. 150 μm and a two-zone structure. Mg2Si phase particles were present in both zones. In the upper zone, Mg2Si phase particles were regularly distributed over the Mg17Al12 intermetallic phase matrix. The lower zone, adjacent to the AZ91, was characterized by a higher volume fraction of Mg2Si phase particles distributed over the matrix composed mainly of Mg17Al12. The alloyed layers enriched with Al and Si had much higher hardness than the AZ91 substrate.

The paper presents issues related to the technology of layered castings manufactured in the system: working part made of high-chromium steel X46Cr13 - base part made of gray cast iron with flake graphite, using the mould cavity preparation technology. Considering the high hardenability of the above-mentioned steel grade, the aim of the research was to optimize the casting parameters of gray cast iron in such a way that it would be possible to perform heat treatment of X46Cr13 steel directly in the casting mould. As part of the research, the geometry of the working and base parts of layered castings was selected, and guidelines for mould technology from the point of view of the moulding sand were developed. In order to control the cooling rate, three matrix of the moulding sand were used - quartz sand, chromite sand and silicon carbide, with the same granularity. The thermal conductivity coefficient of sands made on selected matrix, bound with synthetic resin in the ratio of 30:1, was experimentally determined. Then, the bimetal casting process in a given mass was simulated in the MagmaSoft® (ver. 5.4.1). The purpose of the simulation was to determine the maximum virtual temperature Tm in the thermal center of the outer surface of the X46Cr13 steel insert. From the point of view of the research purpose, the insert was expected to heat up to the austenitization temperature, i.e. at least 950°C.

ISFET (Ion Sensitive Field Effect Transistors) microsensors are widely used for pH measurements as well as analytical and biomedical applications. At the same time, ISFET is a good candidate for testing various materials for their applications in sensitive membranes. For example, hydrogen sensitive carbonaceous films containing Pd nanocrystallites (C–Pd) make this material very interesting for sensor applications. A cost effective silicon technology was selected to fabricate n-channel transistors. The structures were coupled to specially designed double-sided PCB (Printed Circuit Board) holder. The holder enables assembly of the structure as part of an automatic stand. The last step of production of MIS structures was deposition of the C–Pd layer. The C–Pd films were fabricated by the Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) method in which C60 and palladium acetate were evaporated. Electrical resistance of structures with C–Pd films was measured during their interaction with hydrogen. Finally, a new type of highly sensitive FET hydrogen sensor with C–Pd layer was demonstrated and characterized.

The paper reports experimental results of the analysis of the 145Cr6 steel surface after erosion using the profilometrical technique by means of interferometry streaks. Erosive tests were carried out using abrasive containing quartz sand used in water jet cutting. Differences in the intensity of erosive wear were dependent on the angle of the abrasive stream (10◦ ; 15◦ ; 20◦ ; 30◦ ; 60◦ ; 90◦). In order to determine the characteristic features of the surface layer after the impact of the erosive stream, its characteristic parameters, such as roughness Ra and Sa for linear and field measurements, were analysed. Geometrical features of the regions investigated, such as shape, depth, angle of the abrasive stream, are presented. The analysis was carried out in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) coordinate systems.

This paper presents the results of diagnostic examinations conducted on the coils of super-heaters made of 10CrMo9‒10 steel that were operated in industrial conditions at 480°C for 130 thousand hours. The tube was exposed in a coal-fired boiler. The chemical and phase composition of the oxide/deposit layers formed on both sides of the tube walls (outside – flue-gas side and inside – steam side) and their sequence was examined using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with electron backscatter diffraction and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The changes in the mechanical properties caused by corrosion and aging processes were concluded from the hardness measurements. In addition, the nature of cracks in the oxide layers caused by pressing a Vickers indenter was determined. The results of these examinations have shown a high degradation of steel on the flue-gas inflow side and identified the main corrosion products and mechanisms.