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Presented here is a constructive solution to the challenge of utilizing the diffraction phenomenon for mitigating noise around roadside objects caused by the movement of vehicles on transportation routes. In contrast to existing prototypes, the innovation of the proposed solution lies in the creation of an active system that concentrates and directs oscillations originating from transportation sources. This active system, centered around sound absorption and reflection, establishes protective barriers and focuses on sound vibrations. The incorporation of diffraction effects within the Fraunhofer zones, along with the utilization of Fresnel lenses, directs attention towards these vibrations. The technical objective of harnessing the diffraction phenomenon for noise reduction around roadside objects involves demonstrating the feasibility of using a Fresnel zone plate (FZP) tailored for a specific oscillation frequency. This plate should demonstrate the ability to effectively manipulate sounds of varying frequencies while retaining its diffractive focusing capabilities. The intrinsic frequency characteristics of diffractive elements cannot be eliminated due to the inherent nature of sound diffraction. Consequently, it is imperative to thoroughly investigate and account for these properties. A groundbreaking discovery has been made, confirming the phenomenon of noise concentration originating from transportation sources. This revelation suggests that when a FZP is employed at frequencies other than its designed frequency, the concentration of oscillations remains. However, only the focal point of concentration shifts. Through experimentation, it has been established that the same FZP can be employed for varying wavelengths within a range of approximately ±20% while adhering to diffraction conditions. The feasibility of employing the thin lens formula to focus oscillations following the passage through a FZP has been substantiated. This solution also delves into the principal focusing, frequency, and shaping characteristics of the diffractive elements within FZPs. Furthermore, a computed estimation of the acoustic field scattered by a diffraction grating is compared against experimental data. This validates the approach and its efficacy in practical scenarios. The potential of harnessing the diffraction phenomenon to concentrate and regulate noise from transportation sources, thereby safeguarding roadside objects, is presented as a promising avenue for exploration.

A novel approach was proposed, utilizing an electrical field and X-ray irradiation to oxidize elemental mercury (Hg0) and encapsulate it within a nanofibrous mat made of Polyamide 6/Chitosan. The X-rays contributed significantly to the conversion of Hg0 into Hg+ by producing electrons through the photoionization of gas molecules. The positive and negative pole electrodes generated an electric field that exerted a magnetic force, resulting in the redirection of oxidized elemental mercury towards the negative pole electrode, which was coupled with a Polyamide 6/Chitosan nanofiber mat. The evaluation of the Polyamide 6/Chitosan nanofibers exposed to oxidized mercury showed that the mercury, found in the steam of a specially designed filtration device, was captured in two different forms. Firstly, it was chemically bonded with concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 10 ng of Hg in total. Secondly, it was retained on the surface of the Polyamide 6/Chitosan nanofibers with a concentration of 10 microg/m3 of Hg per minute. Nevertheless, a concentration of 10 microg/m3 of mercury is considered significant, given that the emission levels of mercury from each coal power plant typically vary from approximately 4.72 to 44.07 microg/m3. Thus, this research presents a viable approach to reducing mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants, which could result in lower operational expenses and less secondary environmental effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, geopolymer foam composites containing waste basalt fibre (10, 30, and 50%wt) were exposed to elevated temperatures of 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000∘C. With an increase in high temperature, the geopolymer foams material exhibits a decrease in compressive strength and bending strength. When heated above 600∘C, geopolymer foams materials exhibit a significant reduction in mechanical properties. It shows clearly with the naked eye that surface cracks in case of samples containing 10% of basalt filler. However, when increasing fillers with basalt fibres up to 30% and 50%, the cracking of the sample surface is no longer visible to the naked eye. Especially when the temperature increases, the mechanical properties also increase without decreasing in the sample of 50% by weighing to the binder. The results show that reinforcing the geopolymer foams with basalt ground fibre improves the mechanical properties at high temperatures.

Reinforced geopolymer foams were studied in this work as potential building materials. It has been widely assumed that for a given thermal conductivity [λ - W.m-1.K-1], geopolymer foams can have a lighter density than other materials. The study sought to test this assumption by comparing the thermal conductivity between geopolymer foams. The thermal conductivity λ was measured using an ISOMET 2014 device. In all the experiments, the geopolymer foams were obtained by adding aluminium powder and several combinations: silica fume and fine sand reinforced by short basalt fibres. Curing was carried out at room temperature and then in a furnace at 70 °C. After the curing process, the properties of the samples were tested at 7 and 28 days. The results show that the thermal conductivity, porosity, compressive strength, flexural strength and density for all of the tests ranged in the following values: 0.13 - 0.359 W.m-1.K-1; 41.8 - 62.5%; 1.94 - 9 MPa; 0.96 - 2.93 MPa; 546 - 1028 kg /m3, respectively. It was proven that the filler in the geopolymer foams has a significant influence on the mechanical and physical properties of the tested samples.

The paper considers an algorithm for increasing the accuracy of measuring systems operating on moving objects. The algorithm is based on the Kalman filter. It aims to provide a high measurement accuracy for the whole range of change of the measured quantity and the interference effects, as well as to eliminate the influence of a number of interference sources, each of which is of secondary importance but their total impact can cause a considerable distortion of the measuring signal. The algorithm is intended for gyro-free measuring systems. It is based on a model of the moving object dynamics. The mathematical model is developed in such a way that it enables to automatically adjust the algorithm parameters depending on the current state of measurement conditions. This makes possible to develop low-cost measuring systems with a high dynamic accuracy. The presented experimental results prove effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in terms of the dynamic accuracy of measuring systems of that type.

The paper presents a new method for building measuring instruments and systems for gyro-free determination of the parameters of moving objects. To illustrate the qualities of this method, a system for measuring the roll, pitch, heel and trim of a ship has been developed on its basis. The main concept of the method is based, on one hand, on a simplified design of the base coordinate system in the main measurement channel so as to reduce the instrumental errors, and, on the other hand, on an additional measurement channel operating in parallel with the main one and whose hardware and software platform makes possible performing algorithms intended to eliminate the dynamic error in real time. In this way, as well as by using suitable adaptive algorithms in the measurement procedures, low-cost measuring systems operating with high accuracy under conditions of inertial effects and whose parameters (intensity and frequency of the maximum in the spectrum) change within a wide range can be implemented.

Efflorescence is one of the limitations of the widespread use of geopolymers. This problem is caused by excess unreacted sodium oxide remaining inside materials. Unreacted sodium oxide creates white efflorescence on the surface of the produced material in the form of sodium carbonate heptahydrate Na2CO3∙ 7H2O. It decreases not only the aesthetic value of the final products, but also the mechanical properties of the material. The aim of this article is to analyse the influence of the curing method on the appearance of efflorescence on geopolymer composites reinforced by short basalt, especially on mechanical properties. Class F fly ash from the ‘Skawina’ coal-fired power plant (located in Skawina, Lesser Poland, Poland) was used as raw material for the geopolymerization process. The article compares two methods of curing: typical laboratory conditions (in the air) and samples submerged in water. Three series of fly ash-based geopolymer were cast: basalt fibres were added as 1% and 2% by weight of fly ash and one control series without any fibres. The investigation was performed using visual analysis, including microstructure investigation, and the testing of mechanical properties (compressive strength at ambient temperature) after 28 days.

One of the most complex problems in measuring equipment is related to the provision of the required dynamic accuracy of measuring systems determining the parameters of moving objects. The present paper views an algorithm for improving the dynamic accuracy of such measuring systems. It is based on the Kalman method. The algorithm aims to eliminate the influence of a number of interference sources, each of which is of secondary significance. However, their total effect can cause considerable distortion of the measurement signal. The algorithm model is designed for gyro-free measuring systems. It is based on one of the most widely used elements in the dynamic systems, namely the physical pendulum, due to which measuring systems of high dynamic accuracy and low cost can be developed. The presented experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm with respect to the dynamic accuracy of measuring systems of this type.

The present paper considers a new measurement concept of modeling measuring instruments for gyro-free determination of the parameters of moving objects. The proposed approach eliminates the disadvantages of the existing measuring instruments since it is based, on one hand, on a considerably simplified mechanical module, and on the other hand, on the advanced achievements in the area of nanotechnologies, microprocessor and computer equipment. A specific measuring system intended for measuring the trim, heel, roll, and pitch of a ship has been developed in compliance with the basic principles of this concept. The high dynamic accuracy of this measuring system is ensured by an additional measurement channel operating in parallel with the main channel. The operating principle of the additional measurement channel is based on an appropriate correction algorithm using signals from linear MEMS accelerometers. The presented results from the tests carried out by means of stand equipment in the form of a hexapod of six degrees of freedom prove the effectiveness of the proposed measurement concept

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The work deals with numerical simulation of laminar-turbulent transition in transonic flows in turbine cas-cades. The 3D cascade geometry as well as 2D model cascade in a wind tunnel is simulated. The γ-ζ transition model is based on empirical criteria for start of the transition. The implementation of the model is discussed including re-formulation of the criterion for transition on separation bubble.

The contribution deals with the numerical simulation of transonic flows through a linear turbine blade cascade. Numerical simulations were carried partly for the standard computational domain with various outlet boundary conditions by the algebraic transition model of Straka and Příhoda [1] connected with the EARSM turbulence model of Hellsten [2] and partly for the computational domain corresponding to the geometrical arrangement in the wind tunnel by the γ-ζ transition model of Dick et al. [3] with the SST turbulence model. Numerical results were compared with experimental data. The agreement of numerical results with experimental results is acceptable through a complicated experimental configuration.