Experimental verification of shock sterilization for marine <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vibrio</Emphasis> sp. using microbubbles interacting with underwater shock waves

In this paper, shock sterilization using the motions of microbubbles induced by underwater shock waves is verified experimentally. A bio-experiment is carried out using marine Vibrio sp.. Underwater shock waves are produced by electric discharge in a semi-ellipsoidal discharge reflector. The shock waves are focused to increase the pressure that the generated microbubbles are exposed to. The microbubbles are generated independently. The microbubble generator can produce microbubbles of around 50 μm diameter by means of Kelvin–Helmholz instability and Venturi effect. Propagation behavior of shock waves and generation process of microbubbles are captured by high-speed camera. The experimental results show that the supply of microbubbles increases the potential of shock sterilization. In addition, it is found that shock waves without microbubbles also have the capacity of sterilization, and this means that cavitation bubbles generated behind converging shock waves contribute to inactivating marine bacteria.     

Application of H∞ filtering in the initial alignment of strapdown inertial navigation system

In this paper , the principle of H∞ filtering is discussed and H∞ filter is constructed, which is used in the initial alignment of the strapdown inertial navigation systems(SINS). The error model of SINS is derived. By utilizing constructed H∞ filter, the filtering calculation to that system has been conducted. The simulation results of the misalignment angle are given under the condition of unknown noises. The results show that the process of alignment with H∞ filter is much faster and with excellent robustness.     

A review of the effect of a/ W ratio on fracture toughness （Ⅲ） ——theoretical analysis

In part I and II of this series, experimental investigation in both EPFM and LEFM had been discussed. In this part, further theoretical analysis is given. The theoretical development of Two Parameter Fracture Mechanics by Hancock etc, has rationalized our experimental results. This method can be applied to engineering practice, and will allow the advantage of enhanced toughness for specimens with low levels of constraint to be taken into account for defect assessment.     

A review of the effect of a／W ratio on fracture toughness （Ⅰ）—experimental investigation in EPFM

Many experimental investigations have previously been performed and recently done on different shipbuilding structural steels where the specimens size and crack depth/specimen width (a/W) were varied. A series of interesting results have been gained. It is worthwhile to have a review on the effect of a/W ratio on fracture toughness, and further theoretical analysis is necessary. In this paper, experimental work in elasticplastic fracture mechanics (EPFM) was discussed. Tests had been carried out on 10 kinds of strength steels. Results showed that J _i and δ₁ values increased with decreasing a/W when a/W<0.3 for three-point bend specimens and that shallow crack specimens which have less constrained flow field give markedly higher values of toughness than deeply notched specimens. However, for a/W>0.3, the toughness was found to be independent of a/W. Slip line field analysis shows that for shallow cracks, the hydrostatic stress is lower than that from standard deeply cracked bend specimen which develops a high level of crack tip constraint, provides a lower bound estimate of toughness, and will ensure an unduly conservative approach when applied to structure defects especially if initiation values of COD/J-integral are used.     

A review of the Effect of α/W ratio on fracture toughness （Ⅱ） experimental investigation in LEFM

In part I of this series, experimental investigation in EPFM （elastic-plastic fracture mechanics） had been discussed. In this paper, experimental investigation in LEFM （ linear elastic fracture mechanics） is given. Fracture toughness tests had been carried out on three different strength steels, using both through-cracked specimens with different α/W ratio and semi-elliptical cracked specimens with variable crack size and shape. Results show that the fracture toughness KIC increases with decreasing α/W when α/W 〈 0.3 for three-point-bend specimens, and that for α/W 〉 0.3, it is independent of α/W. Shallow crack specimens, both through-cracked and surface-cracked, gave markedly higher values than deeply notched specimens. However, the effect of crack shape on fracture toughness is negligible. Results also show that the LEFM approach to fracture is not tenable for design stresses where αc is often very small, far less than 2.5 （ KIC/σy）^2.     

KG<Subscript>max</Subscript> curves associated with second generation intact stability criteria for different types of ships

Currently, second generation intact stability criteria are being developed and evaluated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). In this paper, we briefly present levels 1 and 2 assessment methods for the criteria of pure loss of stability and parametric roll failure modes. Subsequently, we show the KG_max curves associated with these criteria. We compute these curves for five different types of ships and compare them with the curves embodied in the current regulations. The results show that the safety margin ensured by the first level-1 method of calculation for both pure loss of stability and parametric roll seems to be excessive in many cases. They also show that the KG_max given by the second level-1 method and by the level-2 method may be very similar. In some cases, the level-2 method can be more conservative than the second level-1 method, which is unanticipated by the future regulation. The KG_max curves associated with parametric roll confirm that the C11 container ship is vulnerable to this failure mode. The computation of the second check coefficient of parametric roll level 2 (C2) for all possible values of KG reveals the existence of both authorized and restricted areas on the surface formed by both the draft and KG, which may replace the classical KG_max curves. In consequence, it is not sufficient to check that C2 is lower than the maximum authorized value (R _PR0) for a fixed ship’s loading condition.     

Effect of WO<Subscript>3</Subscript> nanoparticle loading on the microstructural,mechanical and corrosion resistance of Zn matrix/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-WO<Subscript>3</Subscript> nanocomposite coatings for marine application

In this study, for marine application purposes, we evaluated the effect of process parameter and particle loading on the microstructure, mechanical reinforcement and corrosion resistance properties of a Zn-TiO₂-WO₃ nanocomposite produced via electrodeposition. We characterized the morphological properties of the composite coatings with a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) equipped with an Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS). We carried out mechanical examination using a Dura Scan hardness tester and a CERT UMT-2 multi-functional tribological tester. We evaluated the corrosion properties by linear polarization in 3.5% NaCl. The results show that the coatings exhibited good stability and the quantitative particle loading greatly enhanced the structural and morphological properties, hardness behavior and corrosion resistance of the coatings. We observed the precipitation of this alloy on steel is greatly influenced by the composite characteristics.     

Effect of pH on mechanical,physical and tribological properties of electroless Ni-P-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> composite deposits for marine applications

Successful co-deposition of fine particulate matter within an Electroless Nickel-Phosphorous (ENi-P) matrix is dependent on various factors like bath composition, particle compatibility with metallic matrix, bath reactivity (pH), particle size and their distribution. ENi-P deposits incorporating Al₂O₃/Alumina in a disperse phase have varied effects on properties and attributes like surface roughness (Ra), microhardness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance and surface morphology of the deposits obtained. This paper experimentally investigates the effect of alumina (1.55 g/L) on Ra, microhardness, surface morphology, deposition rate, wettability, wear resistance and corrosion resistance of ENi-P-Al₂O₃ composite deposits on mild steel substrates at bath pH 5, 7 and 9. Study reveals that optimum deposit parameters and deposition rates are achieved with bath pH. However, not much study has been undertaken concerning composite deposits obtained from higher bath pH or basic bath. This is attributable to the fact that at higher bath pH or alkaline baths, the bath gets unstable and eventually degrades or decomposes, thereby resulting in sub optimal or poor deposition. Hence, experimental investigations carried out by preparing suitable baths, operating under optimum conditions, and enabling successful composite deposition in acidic and alkaline baths have revealed that there is a significant improvement in the above mentioned properties of the as-deposited composite deposits, as the pH is increased from pH 5 to pH 9. This aspect can therefore be advantageously utilized for preparing various marine components like fasteners, nuts, bolts, washers, pipes, cables, components having relative motion etc.     

Comparison of robust H<Subscript>∞</Subscript> filter and Kalman filter for initial alignment of inertial navigation system

There are many filtering methods that can be used for the initial alignment of an integrated inertial navigation system. This paper discussed the use of GPS, but focused on two kinds of filters for the initial alignment of an integrated strapdown inertial navigation system （SINS）. One method is based on the Kalman filter （KF）, and the other is based on the robust filter. Simulation results showed that the filter provides a quick transient response and a little more accurate estimate than KF, given substantial process noise or unknown noise statistics. So the robust filter is an effective and useful method for initial alignment of SINS. This research should make the use of SINS more popular, and is also a step for further research.