Investigation of the Impact of a Particle Foam Insulation on Airflow, Temperature Distribution, Pressure Profile and Frost Buildup on the Aircraft Structure

Aircraft insulation separates the thermally comfortable cabin interior environment from the extremely cold outside conditions. However, the fabrication and installation of the insulation in the aircraft is a labor-intensive task. Tailored, rigid particle foam parts could be a solution to speed up the installation process. The presented study investigates the feasibility of such a concept from a hygrothermal point of view. Due to the temperature difference between the cold air trapped between aircraft skin and insulation on one side and the warm cabin air on the other side, a buoyancy-induced pressure difference forms. This effect drives the warmer air through leakages in the insulation system towards the cold skin. Here, moisture contained in the air condenses on the cold surfaces, increasing the risk for uncontrolled dripping (“rain in the plane”) when it melts. Therefore, this study compares the condensate build-up of different installations of a rigid particle foam frame insulation with the classical glass fiber capstrip. Tests are hosted in the Fraunhofer Lining and Insulation Test Environment chamber. It is shown that careful installation of the particle foam frame insulation provides similar level of moisture protection as the current state of the art insulation, and that the condensate amount does not depend on the amount of airflow directly behind the sidewall.

The Effect of Wood on Japanese Architecture: The Sample of The Horyu-Ji Temple

Traditional Japanese architecture consists of natural wood, hay, earthenware, and similar types of materials. Japanese architecture has a linear structure. The main purpose of Japanese architecture is to be unified. Many of the materials used here have a higher moisture protection function than those made of plywood or spinning. The structure has a breathing mechanism that naturally preserves good air and moisture. The fact that Japan is rich in vegetation has a great effect on the formation of natural materials. There is a bond in Japanese architecture that respects the harmony between human and nature. Human beings are a part of nature. This article refers to the oldest wooden building in the world. The first world cultural heritage in Japanese architecture, and the temple of Horyu-ji, which has been standing for over 1300 years. The aim is to investigate the aesthetic, ethical awareness and ethnology of traditional wood used on Japanese architecture. While the structure and varieties of wood refer to the findings on the buildings, it is an attempt to approach the "lifestyle and values" of the wood form and structure.

Fluorine plasma treatment on carbon-based perovskite solar cells for rapid moisture protection layer formation and performance enhancement

We first manufactured an F plasma-treated carbon electrode-based high performance perovskite solar cell with strong moisture resistance.

Features of electroosmosis usage for drying and moisture protection of electrical equipment

The article describes a new method for drying electric motors and transformers based on electrokinetic phenomenon of electroosmosis. The process of electroosmotic motion of moisture in insulation capillaries is described. The advantages of electroosmotic drying associated with a significant reduction in energy and labor costs are presented.

Dispersibility and Storage Stability Optimization of High Dose Isoniazid Dry Powder Inhalation Formulations with L-Leucine or Trileucine

Tuberculosis is the leading cause of death from a single infectious pathogen worldwide. Lately, the targeted delivery of antibiotics to the lungs via inhalation has received increasing interest. In a previous article, we reported on the development of a spray-dried dry powder isoniazid formulation containing an L-leucine coating. It dispersed well but had poor physical stability. In this study, we aimed to improve the stability by improving the leucine coating. To this end, we optimized the spray-drying conditions, the excipient content, and the excipient itself. Using L-leucine, the tested excipient contents (up to 5%) did not result in a stable powder. Contrary to L-leucine, the stability attained with trileucine was satisfactory. Even when exposed to 75% relative humidity, the formulation was stable for at least three months. The optimal formulation contained 3% trileucine w/w. This formulation resulted in a maximum fine particle dose of 58.00 ± 2.56 mg when a nominal dose of 80 mg was dispersed from the Cyclops® dry powder inhaler. The improved moisture protection and dispersibility obtained with trileucine are explained by its amorphous nature and a higher surface enrichment during drying. Dispersion efficiency of the device decreases at higher nominal doses.

The influence of multi-layered varnishes on moisture protection and vibrational properties of violin wood

Violin varnishes are known to affect both moisture absorption and vibrational properties of violin wood. However, traditional multi-layered varnish systems suffer from substantial wear as a result of intensive use, which calls for deeper understanding of the specific impact of individual layers. Using sophisticated in-situ neutron imaging and vibrational modal analysis, we show how wood sorption and vibrational behavior of tonewood depend on the build-up of the varnish system. The results demonstrate the protective effect of complete coatings and emphasize that strongly worn regions cannot accomplish the function as an effective moisture barrier, which might pose a risk for frequently played or aged string instruments. Furthermore, the build-up of the varnish system affects the vibrational properties of the tonewood, influencing its final sound quality. This delicate interplay should be considered both for the handling of antique and aged violins and for the production of modern high-quality instruments.

A Nondestructive Indirect Approach to Long-Term Wood Moisture Monitoring Based on Electrical Methods

Wood has a long tradition of use as a building material due its properties and availability. However, it is very sensitive to moisture. Wood components of building structures basically require a certain level of moisture protection, and thus moisture monitoring to ensure the serviceability of such components during their whole lifespan while integrated within buildings is relevant to this area. The aim of this study is to investigate two moisture monitoring techniques promoting moisture safety in wood-based buildings (i.e., new structures, as well as renovated and protected buildings). The study is focused on the comparison of two electrical methods that can be employed for the nondestructive moisture monitoring of wood components integrated in the structures of buildings. The main principle of the two presented methods of the moisture measurement by electric resistance is based on a simple resistor–capacitor (RC) circuit system improved with ICM7555 chip and integrator circuit using TLC71 amplifier. The RC-circuit is easier to implement thanks to the digital signals of the used chip, whilst the newly presented integration method allows faster measurement at lower moisture contents. A comparative experimental campaign utilizing spruce wood samples is conducted in this relation. Based on the results obtained, both methods can be successfully applied to wood components in buildings for moisture contents above 8%.