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• In-situ investigation of solidification of hypereutectic Al-18 wt%Si-10 wt%Cu alloy. • Growth of primary Si particles for different cooling rates. • Simultaneous growth of mixed equiaxed and columnar Al dendrites. The solidification behavior of hypereutectic Al-18 wt%Si-10 wt%Cu alloy was investigated using in-situ X-ray radiography. Sheet-like samples were solidified both under isothermal cooling conditions and in a moderate temperature gradient with different process parameters. The real-time observation method allows for the investigation of the growth of faceted primary Si particles and non-faceted Al dendrites. Cooling down below the liquidus temperature, firstly primary silicon particles nucleate and grow. At low cooling rates just a few Si particles nucleate and grow continuously to large sizes, whereas at higher cooling rates a larger number of smaller Si particles appear. As cooling continues below the nucleation temperature of aluminium, simultaneous growth of both columnar and equiaxed Al dendrites in the melt surrounding the primary Si particles was observed. In-situ observation as well as post-mortem analysis of the solidification morphology demonstrated that nucleation and growth of Al dendrites in the melt was nearly independent of existing Si particles and no indication was found that the Al phase starts growing from the surface of Si particles. The growth of the equiaxed Al dendrites can be explained by the thermal undercooling controlled by the application of a constant and continuous cooling, but the reason for the fast growing columnar Al dendrites in an isothermal melt is still not clear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces a new graph-based modeling methodology called heat flow modeling (HFM) for the purpose of mapping building information model (BIM) of HVAC systems automatically into fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) systems that can be integrated into HVAC control systems. The goal is an efficient and effective support of the maintenance of HVAC systems to detect and locate faults that may reduce energy efficiency, user comfort, or system lifetime. The nodes of the HFM model have a one-to-one relationship with HVAC system components and related building entities. The nodes are connected by arcs that model the flows in the HVAC systems, e.g., air, water, and information flows. The functionality of the nodes includes state variable estimations and failure rule evaluations. The failure rule outputs can be fed to an associative network based diagnosis engine to locate the faults. Since HFM nodes are instances of generic classes derived from small libraries, HVAC FDD systems can be automatically generated. The simulation result has shown the effectiveness of a proposed FDD approach and two software prototypes demonstrating the reduced engineering effort of fault detection for a small bank HVAC system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the microstructure formation in aluminum-silicon alloy which are directionally solidified in a rotating magnetic field. Accordingly, aluminum-silicon7Mg (AlSi7Mg) alloys are used in order to produce high stressed automotive components such as engine frames and cylinder heads in foundry industry. Various processes have been used in order to investigate the microstructure formation in AlSi7Mg0.3 and AlSi7Mg0.6 alloys during directional solidification.

In order to characterise quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for Type I and Type II resistance against Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat, a population of recombinant inbred lines derived from the cross Cansas (moderately resistant)/Ritmo (susceptible) was evaluated in spray-inoculated field trials over three seasons. Map-based QTL analysis across environments revealed seven QTLs on chromosomes 1BS, 1DS, 3B, 3DL, 5BL, 7BS and 7AL ( QFhs.whs-1B, QFhs.whs-1D, QFhs.whs-3B, QFhs.whs-3D, QFhs.whs-5B, QFhs.whs-7A, QFhs.whs-7B) associated with FHB resistance. They accounted for 56% of the phenotypic variance. QFhs.whs-1D primarily appeared to be involved in resistance to fungal penetration, whereas the other QTLs mainly contributed to resistance to fungal spread. FHB resistance was significantly correlated with plant height (PH) and heading date (HD). Including all single environments, corresponding overlaps of QTLs for FHB resistance and QTLs for PH/HD occurred at six loci, among them two consistently detected QTLs, QFhs.whs-5B and QFhs.whs-7A. When significant effects of PH and HD on FHB resistance were eliminated by covariance analysis, a second QTL analysis revealed possible escape mechanisms for the majority of the coincidental loci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Real-time computer simulation is required in a number of applications, where the simulated dynamic systems are directly coupled with systems in the real world or with other systems also running in real-time. Typical problems of real-time simulations are that the dynamics of the modeled system are not represented in enough detail, either by not sampling the inputs or not producing output values frequently enough or both. Increasing the sampling frequencies may lead, as an additional problem, to real-time violations caused by insufficient computing power. The latter problem is amplified if the real-time is accelerated to achieve a kind of fast motion and reduce experiment times. In this paper, we show how the first problem can be solved by automatic frequency adjustment, minimizing the number of computations and how the remaining second problem can be reduced by trading a graceful degradation of accuracy against the computing power requirements automatically. Experiments show that simulation times could be reduced by a factor of 100 without unacceptable simulation errors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Building performance simulation environments are very complex software systems and the result of many person years of development and testing. The instantiation of a specific building requires additional work, depending on the quality of the user interface. We will show that with today’s software engineering environments, the development time can be drastically reduced. Simulators for specific applications can be created in a few weeks and discarded after use. A prerequisite for our development method is the partitioning of the building and its installed systems into simple components that compute and interact at run-time autonomously, as in the real world. In contrast, classical building performance simulators are typically based on global systems of differential equations that model the physical reality and are numerically solved at run-time. Our approach is based on object-oriented modeling. All effects are modeled dynamically and are executed in real-time. New physical effects can be easily integrated. As calculations are triggered by value changes, very short real-time responses are achieved if necessary. Also, fast and accurate responses to external events can be guaranteed. These features are necessary for real-time tests of building automation systems. We will present data showing that our approach results in realistic simulations and show limits of real-time computations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A relatively straightforward procedure has been developed for the purification of chloroplast fructose bisphosphatase from spinach leaves to apparent homogeneity and with 80% yield. The molecular weight of the enzyme was about 160000. Chloroplast fructosebisphosphatase consists of four possibly identical subunits and. at pH 8.8. easily dissociates into equal halves with lowered activity. Sigmoid saturation curves with Hill coefficients between 3.0 and 3.7 were obtained for fructose 1,6-bisphosphate and Mg2+. Incubation of the enzyme with 20 mM dithiothreitol slowly altered the response to pH from no activity measured at pH 7.5 and full activity at pH 8.8 to equal activity at each of these pH values; at the same time the number of freely available sulphydryl groups increased from four to twelve per molecule. These properties are considered in the context of the observed activation of this enzyme following illumination of chloroplasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Microgravity experiments yield nucleation and kinetic parameters. • Neopentylglycol-Camphor shows a change in growth orientation. • Composition effects on interface properties are discussed. We investigate the effect of composition of hypoeutectic Neopentylglycol-(D)Camphor (NPG-DC) alloy on nucleation and microstructure kinetics during alloy solidification in low gravity conditions without convection and buoyancy effects. Two alloys with compositions of 0.2 and 0.3 wt-frac. DC have been solidified in a small thermal gradient to obtain equiaxed dendritic microstructures with different crystallographic growth orientation. In-situ optical and thermal characterization in the transparent material provided evolution of equiaxed dendrite density, nucleation undercooling, dendrite tip velocity and kinetic law. Significant differences in the results for the two compositions were found, which are discussed in relation to temperature and concentration dependent solid–liquid interfacial properties. For NPG-0.2 wt-frac. DC equiaxed dendrites with 〈 100 〉 crystallographic growth orientation exist which tend to grow faster and fill the liquid volume quicker compared to the NPG-0.3 wt-frac. DC alloy. This behavior hinders nucleation of further dendrites and decreases their final number. In contrast, for NPG-0.3 wt-frac. DC equiaxed dendrites with 〈 111 〉 crystallographic growth orientation nucleate at higher undercooling and the kinetic law indicates smaller dendrite tip velocities correlated to a larger number of dendrites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Multiple Equiaxed Dendrite Interaction (MEDI) experiment was launched on the MASER-13 sounding rocket campaign to investigate polycrystalline equiaxed solidification in the transparent phase change material Neopentylgycol-30wt.%(d)Camphor. This material is of interest as an energy-storage material and as a transparent analogue system of solidification in hypoeutectic metal alloys with a Face Centred Cubic lattice. The liquid sample was cooled under a controlled rate of 0.75 K/min with sufficient time to allow semi-solid conditions to develop under microgravity conditions with the absence of gravity-driven convection. This manuscript provides details on the experimental apparatus and procedures. In addition, the experimental method has been augmented with a numerical model to assist with the characterisation of the essential thermal aspects of the experiment. The model followed a volume-averaging, continuum approach for mushy-zone development. A fast algorithm for computing non-isothermal crystallisation kinetics was applied to the case of binary alloy solidification. To build confidence, a formal numerical verification procedure was performed. The model converged sufficiently with second order accuracy as expected. Application of the model gave close agreement between experimental thermocouple readings and numerical simulation data with a Root Mean Square of 0.2 K for the error. A 2D thermal model is sufficient with a suitable heat loss coefficient at the sample-viewing window boundary. Thermal gradients within the sample and along the growth direction were uniform and approximately 0.3 K/mm. Lateral thermal gradients in the sample ranged from zero at the median plane to 0.3 K/mm at the boundary with the containing structure. However, temperature variation in the lateral direction was predicted to be less than 0.22 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Microgravity results for alloy solidification including grain refinement. • Validated model of grain texture for solidified metallic alloy. • Progressive and sharp columnar to equiaxed transitions modelled. • No requirement for a blocking criterion as used in other models. Columnar and equiaxed structures, which occur during solidification of metallic alloys, influence the texture and properties of castings, welded joints and additively manufactured components. During transient solidification, where grain refiner particles provide the predominant nucleation mechanism, a Columnar to Equiaxed Transition (CET) occurs when conditions that had originally favoured directional columnar growth change to those favouring equiaxed. Constitutional undercooling ahead of the columnar front can permit equiaxed nucleation and growth. By carrying out experiments in microgravity conditions, liquid flows due to thermal and solutal buoyancy effects are suppressed. In these diffusion-controlled conditions, we have observed examples of both sharp (clear) and progressive (gradual) CET. The experimental outcomes, especially the observation of a progressive CET, has highlighted the need for a continuum model that allows for competitive columnar and equiaxed structure development; hence, the Concurrent Columnar to Equiaxed Transition (C2ET) model is proposed. The C2ET is thermally transient and relies on the well-known concept of extended growth for impingement mechanics; thereby, greatly reducing numerical complexity. Importantly, the proposed approach removes the need for a specific equiaxed-blocking criterion, which is often proposed as an essential requirement in other CET models. The C2ET model is validated by four experimental solidification scenarios: two velocity jumps and two thermal-gradient decreases. The velocity jumps induced sharp CETs; whereas, thermal-gradient decreases gave progressive CETs. The C2ET model gave good agreement for the columnar and equiaxed transition zones for both sharp and progressive CET. Results are compared with the classic Hunt model. Unlike Hunt's model, the C2ET model predicted all macrostructure transitions faithfully using a single (or consistent) set of nucleation input parameters across all four scenarios. Since, the same level of grain refinement was used in each experiment, a consistent set of nucleation parameters was expected. The validated approach can enable effective simulation at lower computational cost for industrial processes that rely on a solidification processing step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Nucleation Progenitor Function (NPF) approach that accounts for the interdependence between nucleation and growth during equiaxed solidification is proposed. An athermal nucleation density distribution, based on undercooling, is identified as a progenitor function. A Kolmogorov statistical approach is applied assuming continuous nucleation and growth conditions. The derived progeny functions describe the (supressed) distribution of actual nucleation events. The approach offers the significant advantage of generating progeny functions for volumetric (3D) data and projected image (2D) data. The main difference between 3D and 2D data in transparent alloy experiments is due to a stereological correction for over-projection. Progeny functions can be analysed to obtain statistical output information, e.g., nucleation counts, average nucleation undercooling and standard deviation. The statistical output data may be calculated in a formative (running) or a summative (final) mode. The NPF kinetics have been incorporated into a transient thermal model of equiaxed solidification. The model has been applied to characterise a microgravity solidification experiment with the transparent alloy system Neopentylgycol-30 wt%(d)Camphor. The model predicted thermal and observed nucleation and growth data with a good level of agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Direct steam generation (DSG) is one alternative to the current oil-based parabolic trough solar thermal power plants. Within the German research project ITES, the dynamic behavior of a DSG collector field and the interactions with the conventional power block are assessed in detail. A transient solar field model developed by DLR is used to simulate the steam temperature behavior. Artificial irradiance disturbances as well as real irradiance data are used as input to the system. The resulting main steam temperature gradients are then analyzed by Siemens considering the standards for steam turbines. This paper presents the transient simulation results of the steam temperature as well as the corresponding results of the steam turbine analysis. It is found that the occurring temperature gradients are challenging for a safe turbine operation, if a conservative control system is used. Therefore, the use of an additional thermal inertia to stabilize the steam temperature is suggested. Its impact is also analyzed and discussed in this paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance is of particular importance in wheat breeding programmes due to the detrimental effects of this fungal disease on human and animal health, yield and grain quality. Segregation for FHB resistance in three European winter wheat populations enabled the identification of resistance loci in well-adapted germplasm. Populations obtained from crosses of resistant cultivars Apache, History and Romanus with susceptible semi-dwarfs Biscay, Rubens and Pirat, respectively, were mapped and analysed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for FHB severity, ear emergence time and plant height. The results of the present study together with previous studies in UK winter wheat indicated that the semi-dwarfing allele Rht-D1b seems to be the major source for FHB susceptibility in European winter wheat. The high resistance level of the cultivars Romanus and History was conditioned by several minor resistance QTL interacting with the environment and the absence of Rht-D1b. In contrast, the semi-dwarf parents contributed resistance alleles of major effects apparently compensating the negative effects of Rht-D1b on FHB reaction. The moderately resistant cultivar Apache contributed a major QTL on chromosome 6A in a genome region previously shown to carry resistance loci to FHB. A total of 18 genomic regions were repeatedly associated with FHB resistance. The results indicate that common resistance-associated genes or genomic regions are present in European winter wheats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many Fusarium head blight (FHB) [caused by Fusarium graminearum Schw. and F. culmorum (W.G. Sm.) Sacc.] quantitative trait loci (QTL) have been detected in both spring and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). However, a QTL validation has not been performed in winter wheat. We report on the verification of resistance QTL in winter wheat, which had been previously mapped in a Dream/Lynx population. The QTL intervals of chromosomes 7BS, 6AL, and 2BL were enriched with amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. For a more precise estimation of the QTL effects and their influence on plant height and heading date, BC2F4 lines were created by marker-assisted selection and examined for FHB resistance. The phenotypic effects of the two main QTL on chromosomes 6AL and 7BS confirmed the previous results of the original mapping population. In the backcross population, QTL6AL and QTL7BS reduced FHB severity individually by 27% each relative to lines without resistance alleles. Both QTL had an effect on plant height, resulting in taller plants being more resistant. The combination of both QTL decreased disease severity most effectively (36%). The successfully validated QTL on chromosomes 6AL and 7BS are designated QTL6AL and QTL7BS, respectively. The best genotypes carried one or both of the major QTL, displaying their importance for disease resistance. In contrast to spring wheat, where QTL have been identified in an exotic genetic background, the resistance QTL validated in this study already reside in an adapted genetic background with excellent agronomic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: For the understanding of the formation of microstructures the initial transient, i.e. the very beginning of solidification, is of major relevance. At this stage a complex interaction between the velocity of the solidification front, the concentration pile-up and the temperature gradient takes place. In a Bridgman-Stockbarger furnace directional solidification experiments with binary AlCu 1.3wt.% were performed allowing solidification with a planar solid–liquid interface. The velocity and temperature profile were measured during the experiments, concentration profiles afterwards. In this paper we present experimental results. Parallel to the experimental work numerical simulations based on the model of Coriell et al. were performed and first results are compared to the experiments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Multielement isotope ratio analysis was checked for its suitability as a means for the discrimination between agricultural products from integrated/conventional or organic production, respectively. Differences were mainly found for δ 15 N-values. Paprika and tomatoes from organic production in greenhouses showed δ 15 N-values above+7 ‰, whereas corresponding products from conventional cultivation had δ 15 N-values near 0 ‰. Lettuce, onions, cabbage and Chinese cabbage from field production had δ 15 N-values in the range of+5 to+6 and+5.5 to+7.5 ‰, respectively (conventional and organic production); these overlapping differences do not permit a reliable discrimination. The same is true for wheat, showing average δ 15 N-values of+2.3±1.0 and+3.6±1.6 ‰, respectively. The unexpected relative high 15 N-enrichments of vegetables from integrated production are discussed as originating, at least partially, from 15 N-enrichment in the soil by NH 3 evaporation and denitrification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The imaging spectrometer MOS on IRS-P3 was launched in March 1996 as the first example of a new generation of ocean colour sensors. It consists of three different spectrometers in the visible/near-infrared spectral region with 18 channels. The IRS-P3 mission is focused on the remote sensing of case 2 water, particularly the derivation of different water constituents in coastal waters. Due to the more complex spectral behaviour of case 2 water, a new methodological approach was developed which works directly with satellite measured top-of-atmosphere radiance and accounts for the correlation of the different water constituents as well as for the spectral shape. This paper gives an overview of the mission, the scientific goals and the development and improvement of the retrieval algorithms. The potential of the algorithm is demonstrated and examples of selected European coasts are shown. Derived maps of water constituents are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]