All existing positive results on two-neutrino double beta decay in different nuclei were analyzed. Using the procedure recommended by the Particle Data Group, weighted average values for half-lives ...of 48Ca, 76Ge, 82Se, 96Zr, 100Mo, 100Mo–100Ru (01+), 116Cd, 130Te, 136Xe, 150Nd, 150Nd–150Sm (01+) and 238U were obtained. Existing geochemical data were analyzed and recommended values for half-lives of 128Te and 130Ba are proposed. Given the measured half-life values, nuclear matrix elements were calculated using latest (more reliable and precise) values for phase space factor. Finally, previous results (PRC 81 (2010) 035501) were updated and results for 136Xe were added.
Precipitation hardened CuCrZr alloy is a promising heat sink and functional material for various applications in ITER, for example the first wall, blanket electrical attachment, divertor, and heating ...systems. Three types of thermo-mechanical treatment were identified as most promising for the various applications in ITER: solution annealing, cold working and ageing; solution annealing and ageing; solution annealing and ageing at non-optimal condition due to specific manufacturing processes for engineering-scale components. The available data for these three types of treatments were assessed and minimum tensile properties were determined based on recommendation of Structural Design Criteria for the ITER In-vessel Components. The available data for these heat treatments were analyzed for assessment of neutron irradiation effect. Using the definitions of the ITER Structural Design Criteria the design allowable stress intensity values are proposed for CuCrZr alloy after various heat treatments.
Last experimental achievements in double beta decay are presented. Possible progress in this field in the near and far future is discussed. The possibilities to investigate IO (inverted ordering) and ...NO (normal ordering) region of neutrino mass are considered.
Microstructure evolutions and degradations of aluminum-metal-matrix composites during fusion welding were studied and compared with thermodynamic calculations. In fusion welds of Al^sub 2^O^sub ...3^-reinforced composites, the decomposition of Al^sub 2^O^sub 3^ was observed. In fusion welds of SiC whisker-reinforced composites, the decomposition of SiC to Al^sub 4^C^sub 3^ + Si by reaction with molten aluminum occurred. These phenomena led to unacceptable fusion welds in aluminum metal-matrix composites. Successful welds were produced in the same composites by friction stir welding (FSW). Significant reorientation of SiC whiskers close to the boundary of the dynamically recrystallized and thermomechanically affected zone (TMAZ) was observed. The small hardening in the dynamically recrystallized region was attributed to the presence of dislocation tangles in between SiC whiskers. PUBLICATION ABSTRACT
Many developments, researches on innovative materials and purification techniques have offered a wide set of inorganic scintillators to investigate many processes; further developments are still in ...progress. In particular, efforts to realize very low background detectors have opened their effective application to the search of rare processes deep underground. Several cases will be outlined offering—to some extent—a discussion of several inorganic crystal scintillators' performances and their potentiality for the future.
PDF
