Event-by-Event Particle Ratio Fluctuations at LHC Energies

A Monte Carlo study of identified particle ratio fluctuations at LHC energies is carried out in the framework of HIJING model using the fluctuation variable ν dyn . The simulated events for Pb-Pb collisions at s N N = 2.76 and 5.02 TeV and Xe-Xe collisions at s N N = 5.44 TeV are analyzed. From this study, it is observed that the values of π , K , p , K , and π , p follow the similar trends of energy dependence as observed in the most central collision data by NA49, STAR, and ALICE experiments. It is also observed that ν dyn for all the three combinations of particles for semicentral and central collisions, the model predicted values of ν dyn A , B for Pb-Pb collisions at s N N = 2.76 TeV agree fairly well with those observed in the ALICE experiment. For peripheral collisions, however, the model predicted values of ν dyn π , K are somewhat smaller, whereas for p , K and π , p it predicts larger values as compared to the corresponding experimental values. The possible reasons for the observed differences are discussed. The ν dyn values scaled with charged particle density when plotted against N part exhibit a flat behaviour, as expected from the independent particle emission sources. For p , K and π , p combinations, a departure from the flat trend is, however, observed in central collisions in the case of low p T window when the effect of jet quenching or resonances is considered. Furthermore, the study of ν dyn A , B dependence on particle density for various collision systems (including proton-proton collisions) suggests that at LHC energies ν dyn values for a given particle pair are simply a function of charged particle density, irrespective of system size, beam energy, and collision centrality.

Dimensional stability and mechanical properties of bio-based composites produced from hydro-thermal treated wheat straw

Bio-composites were produced from untreated (UT) and hydro-thermally treated (HTT) wheat straw (WS) particles and wood, and their dimensional stability and mechanical properties were investigated. The HTT treatment consisted of subjecting the WS particles to a steam explosion process for 8 min at 180 °C. The HTT and UT WS particles were mixed with the wood particles at 10, 20, 30, and 40% ratios. The physical properties, including density, water absorption (WA), and thickness swelling (TS), were determined for the bio-based composites. The mechanical properties evaluated included the modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and internal bond strength. Statistical analyses showed that the hydro-thermal treatment and the WS ratio had significant effects on the dimensional stability and mechanical properties of the bio-composites. The WA of the composites after 2-h and 24-h rose significantly when the HTT WS particle ratio was increased from 10 to 40%. The 2-h and 24-h WA values of HTT-10 were 6.3% and 5.3% lower than those of UT-10, respectively. Improvements in the 2-h TS value were achieved by the HTT WS particles at the 10% ratio, and in the 24-h TS value at the 10 and 40% ratios. The mechanical properties of the composites were higher in the HTT group, but decreased in both the UT and HTT groups as the WS ratio increased.

Regenerative medicine: characterization of human bone matrix gelatin (BMG) and folded platelet-rich fibrin (F-PRF) membranes alone and in combination (sticky bone)

During the last two decades autologous platelet and leukocyte rich products (PRP; PRF), opened new perspectives in regenerative medicine. In particular regenerative dentistry played a pioneer role in the application of these products in bone regenerative cases. Many aspects of cytokines, such as, growth factor release, blood cell content and its characterization were reported, but some practical questions are still unanswered in the preparation of PRF membranes and sticky bones. A new folding technique was introduced that created a good quality, pliable, and strong F-PRF membrane with a dense fibrin network and more homogenous blood cell distribution. F-PRF produced a very promising sticky bone combined with human freeze-dried cortical bone matrix gelatin (BMG). There hasn’t been much focus on the quality and character of the applied bone and the optimal membrane/bone particle ratio has not been reported. A 0.125 g BMG/ml plasma (1 g/8 ml) seems like the ideal combination with maximal BMG adhesion capacity of the membrane. Particle distribution of BMG showed that 3/4 of the particles ranged between 300–1000 µ, the remnant 1/4 was smaller than 300 µ. The whole F-PRF membrane and its parts were compared with conventional A-PRF membrane concerning their resistance against proteolytic digestion. The F-PRF was superior to A-PRF, which dissolved within 4–5 days, while F-PRF was destroyed only after 11 days, so this provides a better chance for local bone morphogenesis. The F-PRF pieces had similar resistance to the whole intact one, so they can be ideal for surgical procedures without risk of fast disintegration.

Magnetic characterization of magnetoactive elastomers containing magnetic hard particles using first-order reversal curve analysis

The use of new types of intelligent materials is becoming increasingly widespread. These include magnetoactive elastomers with hard magnetic filling components, which offer the unique chance to adapt active and passive material properties. In this context, this paper presents an overview of the experimental results on the study of the magnetic properties of elastic composites with a magnetic hard component. First-order reversal curves, which are recorded with a vibrating sample magnetometer, are used as method to characterize the magnetic material behavior. The influence of various parameters on the process of magnetization of composites is considered, including the stiffness of the polydimethylsiloxane-based matrix polymer, the particle ratio and the particle size as well as the so-called training effect.

Scour around Spur Dike in Sand–Gravel Mixture Bed

Scour is the main cause of failure for spur dike. The accurate prediction of scour around spur dike is essential to design a spur dike. The present study focuses on the maximum scour depth in equilibrium condition and parameters, which influence it in a sand–gravel mixture bed. Outcomes of the present experimental study showed that the non-dimensional maximum equilibrium scour depth increases with critical velocity ratio (U/Uca), water depth-armour particle ratio (h/da), Froude number for sediment mixture (Frsm), water depth-spur dike length ratio (h/l), and decreases with increase in armour particle-spur dike length ratio (da/l). The maximum scour depth is proportional to dimensionless parameters of U/Uca, h/da, Frsm, h/l, but the scour depth is inverse proportional to da/l. Scour around spur dike in a sand–gravel mixture is mainly influenced by the property of the sediment mixture. The scour increases with decrease in non-uniformity of the sediment mixture. A non-linear empirical equation is proposed to estimate the maximum scour depth at an upstream nose of rectangular spur dike with a maximum error of 15%. The sensitivity analysis indicates that the maximum non-dimensional equilibrium scour depth depends on Frsm, followed by the secondary sensible parameters da/l, h/l, and h/da.

Optimization of Temporary Plugging Parameters Under Rough Fractures

Temporary-plugging-and-diverting (TPD) fracturing technology is widely used in the development of the unconventional reservoir. The operational procedure of temporary plugging and the size and combination of diverters are very much concerned by field engineers. This study compares different pumping procedure of diverters and optimizes the combination and pumping rate of diverters under the different width of the fracture. The experimental method is based on a simulated fracture apparatus, which is manufactured by the 3D printing technology. The surface morphology of the fracture is obtained through a 3D scanning of a fracture. The experimental procedure is pumping the carrier liquid and diverter mixtures into the fracture while recording pumping pressure and the outlet volume of carrier fluid. The fracture plugging efficiency was evaluated through the recorded parameters. The diverter concentration and composition were optimized at a wide range of fracture width (1 mm to 4 mm). Low the diverter concentration could help to reduce the operational risk of the diversion. Under the low concentration of the diverters, the plugging mechanism is that the large particle diverters bridge in the fracture due to the fracture tortuosity and roughness; the smaller particle and fiber diverters then fill the voids of the large particles and form a strong and low permeable diverter pack. The results indicate that pumping the mixture particle and fiber diverters are more beneficial to plug the fracture than pumping them separately and sequentially. High particle concentration has a two-sided effect, which leads to the existence of an optimal fiber-to-particle ratio. The concentration of diverters could decrease when the size of diverters is increased. At a constant fracture width, higher pumping rates can help to temporarily plug the fracture more efficiently.