The authors wish to thank the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory for funding the published work.

<ol>
	<li>Esparza, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Blast+measurements+and+equivalency+for+spherical+charges+at+small+scaled+distances.">Blast measurements and equivalency for spherical charges at small scaled distances.</a> Int. J. Impact Eng. 4 (1), 23-40 (1986).</li><li>Kingery, C. N., Bulmash, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=ARBRL-TR-02555.">ARBRL-TR-02555.</a> Airblast parameters from TNT spherical air burst and hemispherical surface burst. , (1984).</li><li>Hyde, D. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Conventional weapons program (ConWep). , (1991).</li><li>Randers-Pehrson, G., Bannister, K. 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Impact Eng. 37 (7), 865-877 (2010).</li><li>Pickering, E. G., Chung Kim Yuen, S., Nurick, G. N., Haw, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+response+of+quadrangular+plates+to+buried+charges.">The response of quadrangular plates to buried charges.</a> Int. J. Impact Eng. 49, 103-114 (2012).</li><li>Bergeron, D. M., Trembley, J. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Canadian+research+to+characterize+mine+blast+output.">Canadian research to characterize mine blast output.</a> , (2000).</li><li>Hlady, S. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effect+of+soil+parameters+on+landmine+blast.">Effect of soil parameters on landmine blast.</a> , (2004).</li><li>Fourney, W. L., Leiste, U., Bonenberger, R., Goodings, D. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mechanism+of+loading+on+plates+due+to+explosive+detonation.">Mechanism of loading on plates due to explosive detonation.</a> Int. J. on Blasting and Fragmentation. 9 (4), 205-217 (2005).</li><li>Anderson, C. E., Behner, T., Weiss, C. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mine+blast+loading+experiments.">Mine blast loading experiments.</a> Int. J. Impact Eng. 38 (8-9), 697-706 (2011).</li><li>Fox, D. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+response+of+small+scale+rigid+targets+to+shallow+buried+explosive+detonations.">The response of small scale rigid targets to shallow buried explosive detonations.</a> Int. J. Impact Eng. 38 (11), 882-891 (2011).</li><li>Ehrgott, J. Q., Rhett, R. G., Akers, S. A., Rickman, D. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Design+and+fabrication+of+an+impulse+measurement+device+to+quantify+the+blast+environment+from+a+near-surface+detonation+in+soil.">Design and fabrication of an impulse measurement device to quantify the blast environment from a near-surface detonation in soil.</a> Experimental Techniques. 35 (3), 51-62 (2011).</li><li>Pope, D. J., Tyas, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Use+of+hydrocode+modelling+techniques+to+predict+loading+parameters+from+free+air+hemispherical+explosive+charges.">Use of hydrocode modelling techniques to predict loading parameters from free air hemispherical explosive charges.</a> , (2002).</li><li>Clarke, S. D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Repeatability+of+buried+charge+testing.">Repeatability of buried charge testing.</a> , (2014).</li><li>Clarke, S. D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+large+scale+experimental+approach+to+the+measurement+of+spatially+and+temporally+localised+loading+from+the+detonation+of+shallow-buried+explosives.">A large scale experimental approach to the measurement of spatially and temporally localised loading from the detonation of shallow-buried explosives.</a> Meas Sci Technol. 26, 015001 (2015).</li><li>Hopkinson, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+Method+of+Measuring+the+Pressure+Produced+in+the+Detonation+of+High+Explosives+or+by+the+Impact+of+Bullets.">A Method of Measuring the Pressure Produced in the Detonation of High Explosives or by the Impact of Bullets.</a> Philos. Trans. R. Soc. (London) A. 213, 437-456 (1914).</li><li>Rigby, S. E., Tyas, A., Fay, S. D., Clarke, S. D., Warren, J. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Validation+of+semi-empirical+blast+pressure+predictions+for+far+field+explosions+-+is+there+inherent+variability+in+blast+wave+parameters?.">Validation of semi-empirical blast pressure predictions for far field explosions - is there inherent variability in blast wave parameters?.</a> , (2014).</li><li>Rigby, S. E., Tyas, A., Bennett, T., Clarke, S. D., Fay, S. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+negative+phase+of+the+blast+load.">The negative phase of the blast load.</a> Int. J. of Protective Structures. 5 (1), 1-20 (2014).</li><li>Rigby, S. E., Fay, S. D., Tyas, A., Warren, J. A., Clarke, S. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Angle+of+incidence+effects+on+far-field+positive+and+negative+phase+blast+parameters.">Angle of incidence effects on far-field positive and negative phase blast parameters.</a> Int. J. of Protective Structures. 6 (1), 23-42 (2015).</li><li>Tyas, A., Warren, J., Bennett, T., Fay, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Prediction+of+clearing+effects+in+far-field+blast+loading+of+finite+targets.">Prediction of clearing effects in far-field blast loading of finite targets.</a> Shock Waves. 21 (2), 111-119 (2011).</li><li>Tyas, A., Watson, A. 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The authors have nothing to disclose.

Using the protocol outlined above the authors have shown that it is possible to get high fidelity measurements of the highly varying loading from an explosive charge, using an array of Hopkinson pressure bars. Using the interpolation routine outlined the discrete pressure-time histories can be transformed into a continuous shock front which is usable directly as the loading function in numerical modelling or as validation data for the output of such models.
When using buried charges the method...

Characterizing the output of explosive charges has many benefits, both military (defending against buried improvised explosive devices in current conflict zones) and civilian (designing structural components). In recent times this topic has received considerable attention. Much of the knowledge gathered has aimed at the quantification of the output from charges to enable the design of more effective protective structures. The main issue here is that if the measurements made are not of high fidelity then the mechanisms of load transfer in these explosive events remain unclear. This in turn leads to problems validating numerical models which rely on these measurements for validation.
The term near-field is used to describe blasts with scaled distances, Z, less than ~1 m/kg1/3, where Z = R/W1/3, R is the distance from the center of the explosive, and W is the charge mass expressed as an equivalent mass of TNT. In this regime the loading is typically characterized by extremely high magnitude, highly spatial and temporally non-uniform loads. Robust instrumentation is hence required to measure the extreme pressures associated with near-field loading. At scaled distances Z &#60; 0.4 m/kg1/3, direct measurements of the blast parameters are either non-existent or very few1 and the semi-empirical predictive data for this range is based almost entirely on parametric studies. This involves using the semi-empirical predictions given by Kingery and Bulmash2, which is outside of the author&#39;s intended scope. Whilst tools based on these predictions3,4 allow for excellent first-order estimations of loading they do not fully capture the mechanics of near-field events, which are the focus of the current research.
Near-field blast measurements have in recent times focused on quantifying the output from buried charges. The methodologies employed vary from assessing the deformation caused to a structural target5-7 to direct global impulse measurement8-13. These methods provide valuable information for the validation of protective system designs but are not capable of fully investigating the mechanics of load transfer. Testing can be done at both laboratory scales (1/10 full scale), or at near to full scale (&#62; 1/4), with pragmatic reasons such as controlling burial depth or ensuring no inherent shape of the shock front is generated by the use of detonators rather than bare charges14. With buried charges the soil conditions need to be highly controlled to guarantee the repeatability of the testing15.
Independent of the whether the charge is placed in free air or is buried, the most fundamental issue in measuring the resulting blast is ensuring the validity of measurements made by the instrumentation deployed. In the designed test apparatus16 a fixed &#39;rigid&#39; target plate is used to shield the Hopkinson pressure bars17 (HPBs) whilst at the same time ensuring that the ends of the bars can only record the fully reflected pressures. The authors have previously shown that measurement of reflected pressure from a rigid target is more accurate and repeatable than incident, or &#39;free-field&#39; measurements18-20. The geometry of this plate is such that any pressure relief generated by clearing or flow around the target edge21 would be negligible. This new test apparatus has been constructed at 1/4 scale. At this scale tight control over the burial conditions and the explosives can be ensured, with the full scale charge size of 5 kg scaled down to 78 g, at a burial depth of 25 mm.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="573">
	<tbody>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Load Cell</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">RDP</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">RSL0960</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">This is only indicative, the exact load cell should be able to resolve the required loading</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Steel target plate / HPBs</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Garratts&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">N/A</td>
			<td>Fabricated to order</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Strain gauge</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Kyowa</td>
			<td>KSP-2-120-E4</td>
			<td>To use with steel HPBs</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Cyanoacrylate</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Kyowa</td>
			<td>CC-33-A</td>
			<td>Check with manufacturer depending on mar material to be used</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Digital Oscilloscope</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">TiePie</td>
			<td>HS4 16-bit Handyscopes&#160;</td>
			<td>6 used in parallel in current testing</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">Leighton Buzzard sand</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Garside sands</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">Garside 14/25</td>
			<td>Uniform silica sand&#160;</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

blast quantification using hopkinson pressure bars

Near-field blast load measurement presents an issue to many sensor types as they must endure very aggressive environments and be able to measure pressures up to many hundreds of megapascals. In this respect the simplicity of the Hopkinson pressure bar has a major advantage in that while the measurement end of the Hopkinson bar can endure and be exposed to harsh conditions, the strain gauge mounted to the bar can be affixed some distance away. This allows protective housings to be utilized which protect the strain gauge but do not interfere with the measurement acquisition. The use of an array of pressure bars allows the pressure-time histories at discrete known points to be measured. This article also describes the interpolation routine used to derive pressure-time histories at un-instrumented locations on the plane of interest. Currently the technique has been used to measure loading from high explosives in free air and buried shallowly in various soils.

An effectively rigid reaction frame needs to be provided. In the current testing a total imparted impulse of several hundred Newton-seconds needs to be resisted with minimal deflection. An illustration of the rigid reaction frame used is given in Figure 1. In each frame a 50 mm steel &#39;acceptor&#39; plate has been cast into the base of the cross beams. Whilst not explicitly required, this allows for easy fixing of the load cells / target plate and provides added protec...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Blast Quantification Using Hopkinson Pressure Bars at JoVE.com

Blast Quantification Using Hopkinson Pressure Bars

This protocol details the use of Hopkinson pressure bars to measure reflected blast loading from near-field explosive events. It is capable of interpolating a pressure-time history at any point on a reflective boundary and as such can be used to fully characterize the spatial and temporal variations in loading produced.

Near-field blast load measurement presents an issue to many sensor types as they must endure very aggressive environments and be able to measure pressures ...

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8.9K ビュー.  University of Sheffield. This protocol details the use of Hopkinson pressure bars to measure reflected blast loading from near-field explosive events. It is capable of interpolating a pressure-time history at any point on a reflective boundary and as such can be used to fully characterize the spatial and temporal variations in loading produced.

ビデオ: Blast Quantification Using Hopkinson Pressure Bars

Synthesis and Microdiffraction at Extreme Pressures and Temperatures

High pressure compounds and polymorphs are investigated for a broad range of purposes such as determine structures and processes of deep planetary interiors, design materials with novel properties, understand the mechanical behavior of materials exposed to very high stresses as in explosions or impacts. Synthesis and structural analysis of materials at extreme conditions of pressure and temperature entails remarkable technical challenges. In the laser heated diamond anvil cell (LH-DAC), very high pressure is generated between the tips of two opposing diamond anvils forced against each other; focused infrared laser beams, shined through the diamonds, allow to reach very high temperatures on samples absorbing the laser radiation. When the LH-DAC is installed in a synchrotron beamline that provides extremely brilliant x-ray radiation, the structure of materials under extreme conditions can be probed in situ. LH-DAC samples, although very small, can show highly variable grain size, phase and chemical composition. In order to obtain the high resolution structural analysis and the most comprehensive characterization of a sample, we collect diffraction data in 2D grids and combine powder, single crystal and multigrain diffraction techniques. Representative results obtained in the synthesis of a new iron oxide, Fe4O5 1 will be shown.

The laser heated diamond anvil cell combined with synchrotron micro-diffraction techniques allows researchers to explore the nature and properties of new phases of matter at extreme pressure and temperature (PT) conditions. Heterogeneous samples can be characterized in situ under high pressure by 2D mapping and combined powder, single-crystal and multigrain diffraction approaches.

High pressure compounds and polymorphs are investigated for a broad range of purposes such as determine structures and processes of deep planetary ...

How to Ignite an Atmospheric Pressure Microwave Plasma Torch without Any Additional Igniters

This movie shows how an atmospheric pressure plasma torch can be ignited by microwave power with no additional igniters. After ignition of the plasma, a stable and continuous operation of the plasma is possible and the plasma torch can be used for many different applications. On one hand, the hot (3,600 K gas temperature) plasma can be used for chemical processes and on the other hand the cold afterglow (temperatures down to almost RT) can be applied for surface processes. For example chemical syntheses are interesting volume processes. Here the microwave plasma torch can be used for the decomposition of waste gases which are harmful and contribute to the global warming but are needed as etching gases in growing industry sectors like the semiconductor branch. Another application is the dissociation of CO2. Surplus electrical energy from renewable energy sources can be used to dissociate CO2 to CO and O2. The CO can be further processed to gaseous or liquid higher hydrocarbons thereby providing chemical storage of the energy, synthetic fuels or platform chemicals for the chemical industry. Applications of the afterglow of the plasma torch are the treatment of surfaces to increase the adhesion of lacquer, glue or paint, and the sterilization or decontamination of different kind of surfaces. The movie will explain how to ignite the plasma solely by microwave power without any additional igniters, e.g., electric sparks. The microwave plasma torch is based on a combination of two resonators &#8212; a coaxial one which provides the ignition of the plasma and a cylindrical one which guarantees a continuous and stable operation of the plasma after ignition. The plasma can be operated in a long microwave transparent tube for volume processes or shaped by orifices for surface treatment purposes.

This movie shows how an atmospheric plasma torch can be ignited by microwaves with no additional igniters and provides a stable and continuous plasma operation suitable for plenty of applications.

This movie shows how an atmospheric pressure plasma torch can be ignited by microwave power with no additional igniters. After ignition of the plasma, a ...

The Measurement of Unsteady Surface Pressure Using a Remote Microphone Probe

Microphones are widely applied to measure pressure fluctuations at the walls of solid bodies immersed in turbulent flows. Turbulent motions with various characteristic length scales can result in pressure fluctuations over a wide frequency range. This property of turbulence requires sensing devices to have sufficient sensitivity over a wide range of frequencies. Furthermore, the small characteristic length scales of turbulent structures require small sensing areas and the ability to place the sensors in very close proximity to each other. The complex geometries of the solid bodies, often including large surface curvatures or discontinuities, require the probe to have the ability to be set up in very limited spaces. The development of a remote microphone probe, which is inexpensive, consistent, and repeatable, is described in the present communication. It allows for the measurement of pressure fluctuations with high spatial resolution and dynamic response over a wide range of frequencies. The probe is small enough to be placed within the interior of typical wind tunnel models. The remote microphone probe includes a small, rigid, and hollow tube that penetrates the model surface to form the sensing area. This tube is connected to a standard microphone, at some distance away from the surface, using a "T" junction. An experimental method is introduced to determine the dynamic response of the remote microphone probe. In addition, an analytical method for determining the dynamic response is described. The analytical method can be applied in the design stage to determine the dimensions and properties of the RMP components.

Here, we present a protocol to measure, with high spatial resolution, the unsteady surface pressure in turbulent flows. This method demonstrates the construction of a remote microphone probe (RMP) and the determination of its frequency-dependent, complex transfer function. An analytical determination of the dynamic response is presented and validated.

Microphones are widely applied to measure pressure fluctuations at the walls of solid bodies immersed in turbulent flows. Turbulent motions with various ...

An Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Setup to Investigate the Reactive Species Formation

Non-thermal atmospheric pressure (&#39;cold&#39;) plasmas have received increased attention in recent years due to their significant biomedical potential. The reactions of cold plasma with the surrounding atmosphere yield a variety of reactive species, which can define its effectiveness. While efficient development of cold plasma therapy requires kinetic models, model benchmarking needs empirical data. Experimental studies of the source of reactive species detected in aqueous solutions exposed to plasma are still scarce. Biomedical plasma is often operated with He or Ar feed gas, and a specific interest lies in investigation of the reactive species generated by plasma with various gas admixtures (O2, N2, air, H2O vapor, etc.) Such investigations are very complex due to difficulties in controlling the ambient atmosphere in contact with the plasma effluent. In this work, we addressed common issues of &#39;high&#39; voltage kHz frequency driven plasma jet experimental studies. A reactor was developed allowing the exclusion of ambient atmosphere from the plasma-liquid system. The system thus comprised the feed gas with admixtures and the components of the liquid sample. This controlled atmosphere allowed the investigation of the source of the reactive oxygen species induced in aqueous solutions by He-water vapor plasma. The use of isotopically labelled water allowed distinguishing between the species originating in the gas phase and those formed in the liquid. The plasma equipment was contained inside a Faraday cage to eliminate possible influence of any external field. The setup is versatile and can aid in further understanding the cold plasma-liquid interactions chemistry.

An experimental setup was created for the helium-operated kHz frequency plasma jet. The setup includes a cage for the plasma power supply and jet and an in-house built reactor to monitor plasma-induced reactive species without the interference of the ambient atmosphere.

Non-thermal atmospheric pressure (&#39;cold&#39;) plasmas have received increased attention in recent years due to their significant biomedical potential. ...

Two-way Valorization of Blast Furnace Slag: Synthesis of Precipitated Calcium Carbonate and Zeolitic Heavy Metal Adsorbent

The aim of this work is to present a zero-waste process for storing CO2 in a stable and benign mineral form while producing zeolitic minerals with sufficient heavy metal adsorption capacity. To this end, blast furnace slag, a residue from iron-making, is utilized as the starting material. Calcium is selectively extracted from the slag by leaching with acetic acid (2 M CH3COOH) as the extraction agent. The filtered leachate is subsequently physico-chemically purified and then carbonated to form precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) of high purity (&lt;2 wt% non-calcium impurities, according to ICP-MS analysis). Sodium hydroxide is added to neutralize the regenerated acetate. The morphological properties of the resulting calcitic PCC are tuned for its potential application as a filler in papermaking. In parallel, the residual solids from the extraction stage are subjected to hydrothermal conversion in a caustic solution (2 M NaOH) that leads to the predominant formation of a particular zeolitic mineral phase (detected by XRD), namely analcime (NaAlSi2O6&#8729;H2O). Based on its ability to adsorb Ni2+, as reported from batch adsorption experiments and ICP-OES analysis, this product can potentially be used in wastewater treatment or for environmental remediation applications.

A protocol for the parallel production of precipitated calcium carbonate and zeolitic material from blast furnace slag via mineral carbonation and alkaline hydrothermal conversion, respectively, is presented. The performance of the zeolitic material towards nickel adsorption is tested.

The aim of this work is to present a zero-waste process for storing CO2 in a stable and benign mineral form while producing zeolitic minerals with ...

Precision Milling of Carbon Nanotube Forests Using Low Pressure Scanning Electron Microscopy

A nanoscale fabrication technique appropriate for milling carbon nanotube (CNT) forests is described. The technique utilizes an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) operating with a low pressure water vapor ambient. In this technique, a portion of the electron beam interacts with the water vapor in the vicinity of the CNT sample, dissociating the water molecules into hydroxyl radicals and other species by radiolysis. The remainder of the electron beam interacts with the CNT forest sample, making it susceptible to oxidation from the chemical products of radiolysis. This technique may be used to trim a selected region of an individual CNT, or it may be used to remove hundreds of cubic microns of material by adjusting ESEM parameters. The machining resolution is similar to the imaging resolution of the ESEM itself. The technique produces only small quantities of carbon residue along the boundaries of the cutting zone, with minimal effect on the native structural morphology of the CNT forest.

Low pressure scanning electron microscopy in a water vapor ambient is used to machine nanoscale to microscale features in carbon nanotube forests.

A nanoscale fabrication technique appropriate for milling carbon nanotube (CNT) forests is described. The technique utilizes an environmental scanning ...

Atmospheric Pressure Fabrication of Large-Sized Single-Layer Rectangular SnSe Flakes

Tin selenide (SnSe) belongs to the family of layered metal chalcogenide materials with a buckled structure like phosphorene, and has shown potential for applications in two-dimensional nanoelectronics devices. Although many methods to synthesize SnSe nanocrystals have been developed, a simple way to fabricate large-sized single-layer SnSe flakes remains a great challenge. Herein, we show the experimental method to directly grow large-sized single-layer rectangular SnSe flakes on commonly used SiO2/Si insulating substrates using a straightforward two-step fabrication method in an atmospheric pressure quartz tube furnace system. The single-layer rectangular SnSe flakes with an average thickness of ~6.8 &#197; and lateral dimensions of about 30 &#181;m &#215; 50 &#181;m were fabricated by a combination of vapor transport deposition technique and nitrogen etching route. We characterized the morphology, microstructure, and electrical properties of the rectangular SnSe flakes and obtained excellent crystallinity and good electronic properties. This article about the two-step fabrication method can help researchers grow other similar two-dimensional, large-sized, single-layer materials using an atmospheric pressure system.

A protocol is presented demonstrating a two-step fabrication technique to grow large-sized single-layer rectangular shaped SnSe flakes on low-cost SiO2/Si dielectrics wafers in an atmospheric pressure quartz tube furnace system.

Tin selenide (SnSe) belongs to the family of layered metal chalcogenide materials with a buckled structure like phosphorene, and has shown potential for ...

Applicability Analysis of Assessment Methods for Morphological Parameters of Corroded Steel Bars

The irregular and uneven residual sections along the length of a corroded steel bar substantially change its mechanical properties and significantly dominate the safety and performance of an existing concrete structure. As a result, it is important to measure the geometry and amount of corrosion of a steel bar in a structure properly to assess the residual bearing capacity and service life of the structure. This paper introduces and compares five different methods for measuring the geometry and amount of corrosion of a steel bar. A single 500 mm long and 14 mm diameter steel bar is the specimen that is subjected to accelerated corrosion in this protocol. Its morphology and the amount of corrosion were carefully measured before and after using mass loss measurements, a Vernier caliper, drainage measurements, 3D scanning, and X-ray micro-computed tomography (XCT). The applicability and suitability of these different methods were then evaluated. The results show that the Vernier caliper is the best choice for measuring the morphology of a non-corroded bar, while 3D scanning is the most suitable for quantifying the morphology of a corroded bar.

This paper measures the geometry and the amount of corrosion of a steel bar using different methods: mass loss, calipers, drainage measurements, 3D scanning, and X-ray micro-computed tomography (XCT).

The irregular and uneven residual sections along the length of a corroded steel bar substantially change its mechanical properties and significantly ...

Using Flexible Gold-Titanium Reaction Cells to Simulate Pressure-Dependent Microbial Activity in the Context of Subsurface Biomining

Laboratory studies investigating subsurface microbial processes, such as metal leaching in deep ore deposits (biomining), share common and challenging obstacles, including the special environmental conditions that need to be replicated, e.g., high pressure and in some cases acidic solutions. The former requires an experimental setup suitable for pressurization up to 100 bar, while the latter demands a fluid container with high chemical resistance against corrosion and unwanted chemical reactions with the container wall. To meet these conditions for an application in the field of in situ biomining, a special flexible gold-titanium reaction cell inside a rocking high-pressure reactor was used in this study. The described system allowed simulation of in situ biomining through sulfur-driven microbial iron reduction in an anoxic, pressure-controlled, highly chemically inert experimental environment. The flexible gold-titanium reaction cell can accommodate up to 100 mL of sample solution, which can be sampled at any given time point while the system maintains the desired pressure. Experiments can be performed on timescales ranging from hours to months. Assembling the high-pressure reactor system is fairly time consuming. Nevertheless, when complex and challenging (microbiological) processes occurring in the earth&#39;s deep subsurface in chemically aggressive fluids have to be investigated in the laboratory, the advantages of this system outweigh the disadvantages. The results found that even at high pressure the microbial consortium is active, but at significantly lower metabolic rates.

This protocol describes microbial experiments under elevated pressures to study in situ biomining processes. The experimental approach employs a rocking high-pressure reactor equipped with a gold-titanium reaction cell containing a microbial culture in an acidic, iron-rich medium.

Laboratory studies investigating subsurface microbial processes, such as metal leaching in deep ore deposits (biomining), share common and challenging ...

Treating Surfaces with a Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma using the COST-Jet

In recent years, non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasmas have been used extensively for surface treatments, in particular, due to their potential in biological applications. However, the scientific results often suffer from reproducibility problems due to unreliable plasma conditions as well as complex treatment procedures. To address this issue and provide a stable and reproducible plasma source, the COST-Jet reference source was developed.
In this work, we propose a detailed protocol to perform reliable and reproducible surface treatments using the COST reference microplasma jet (COST-Jet). Common issues and pitfalls are discussed, as well as the peculiarities of the COST-Jet compared to other devices and its advantageous remote character. A detailed description of both solid and liquid surface treatment is provided. The described methods are versatile and can be adapted for other types of atmospheric pressure plasma devices.

This protocol is presented to characterize the setup, handling, and application of the COST-Jet for the treatment of diverse surfaces such as solids and liquids.

In recent years, non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasmas have been used extensively for surface treatments, in particular, due to their potential in ...