The potential for significant performance increases, using ceramic materials in un-lubricated rolling element bearing applications, has been the subject of research over the past two decades. Practical advantages over steel include increased ability to withstand high loads, severe environments and high speeds. However, widespread acceptance has been limited by the inability to predict wear life for ceramic bearing applications. In this thesis, the rolling contact wear of 52100 bearing steel and Over-aged Magnesia-Partially-Stabilised Zirconia (OA-Mg-PSZ) ceramic are examined using a newly developed rolling contact wear test rig. The new wear test rig simulates the system geometry of an un-lubricated hybrid (ceramic and steel) ball bearing. The new wear test rig is versatile in that it allows low cost samples to be utilised resulting in a larger number of samples that can be tested. Wear samples of 52100 bearing steel and OA-Mg-PSZ produced by the new wear test rig were examined for mass loss and wear depth. The wear behavior of both the steel and ceramic material showed a dependence on operating variables time and load. Load was varied between 300N to 790N. Typical mass loss after 1 hour of testing 52100 bearing steel at 790N was 0.03 grams as compared to OA-Mg-PSZ which was 0.001 grams. The rolling contact wear of the OA-Mg-PSZ was an order of magnitude lower than that of the 52100 bearing steel. The wear mechanism for 52100 bearing steel was typical of plastic deformation and shearing near and below the surface of rolling contact. Once cracks extend to reach the surface, thin flat like sheets are produced. In OA-Mg-PSZ the wear mechanism initially is that of plastic deformation on the scale of the surface asperities with asperity polishing occurring followed by lateral cracks and fatigue spallation. Results obtained using the new rolling contact wear test rig led to the establishment of a new equation for wear modeling of 52100 bearing steel and OA-Mg-PSZ ceramic materials.

<p>Padlock probes and proximity ligation are two powerful molecular tools for detection of nucleic acids and proteins, respectively. Both methods result in the formation of DNA reporter molecules upon recognition of specific target molecules. These reporter molecules can be designed to include tag sequences that can be analyzed by techniques for nucleic acid analysis. Herein, I present a dual-tag microarray (DTM) platform that is suitable for high-performance analyses of DNA reporter molecule libraries, generated by padlock and proximity probing reactions. The DTM platform was applied for analysis of mRNA transcripts using padlock probes, and of cytokines using proximity ligation. The platform drastically improved specificity of detection, and it allowed precise measurements of proteins and nucleic acids over wide dynamic ranges.</p><p>The thesis also presents two techniques for multi-probe analyses of biomolecules: the triple-specific proximity ligation assay (3PLA) for protein analyses, and the spliceotyping assay for mRNA analyses. 3PLA allows highly specific measurements of as little as hundreds of target protein molecules by interrogating three target epitopes simultaneously. In spliceotyping the exon composition of individual transcripts are represented as a series of tag sequences in DNA reporter molecules, via a series of target-dependent ligation reactions. Next, the splicing patterns along individual transcripts can be revealed by amplified single molecule detection and step-wise decoding.</p>

Despite of their costs, titanium alloys are often used for structural applications due to their high performance to density ratio that allows the manufacturers to reach the aimed mechanical properties. Users are more and more inclined to turn towards the ƓÒ-metastable alloys since they provide a wider range of processing conditions, very attractive corrosion resistance and higher strength levels in comparison to the ƓÑƓyƓÒ alloys. Nevertheless, these alloys present a high sensitivity to the variation in the applied heat- or thermomechanical treatment influencing the final mechanical properties. That is why the understanding of the relationships existing between these heat- or thermomechanical treatments and the corresponding modifications of the microstructures, as well as the influence of several characteristics of the microstructure on the mechanical properties under static and cycling loading conditions is of primary importance. This research allows to characterise and to better understand the precipitation and growth sequences of the ƓÑ phase in the Ti-LCB alloy during classical heat- and thermomechanical treatments in order to be able to predict the microstructure resulting from a defined treatment. Furthermore, to improve the understanding of the relationships existing between the manufacturing process, the corresponding microstructures modifications, and the mechanical properties, tensile tests are performed on the different microstructures and microstructural parameters playing an important role on the static properties are identified. Microstructural features governing the static fracture process in two different microstructures are determined by using a micromechanical model based on a physical understanding of the mechanisms of damage. Finally, the crack initiation and the first stage of crack propagation under high cycle fatigue conditions are investigated at a local scale on two different microstructures.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2006. / Title from first page of PDF file. Includes bibliographical references (p. 130-135).

Despite of their costs, titanium alloys are often used for structural applications due to their high performance to density ratio that allows the manufacturers to reach the aimed mechanical properties. Users are more and more inclined to turn towards the ƓÒ-metastable alloys since they provide a wider range of processing conditions, very attractive corrosion resistance and higher strength levels in comparison to the ƓÑƓyƓÒ alloys. Nevertheless, these alloys present a high sensitivity to the variation in the applied heat- or thermomechanical treatment influencing the final mechanical properties. That is why the understanding of the relationships existing between these heat- or thermomechanical treatments and the corresponding modifications of the microstructures, as well as the influence of several characteristics of the microstructure on the mechanical properties under static and cycling loading conditions is of primary importance. This research allows to characterise and to better understand the precipitation and growth sequences of the ƓÑ phase in the Ti-LCB alloy during classical heat- and thermomechanical treatments in order to be able to predict the microstructure resulting from a defined treatment. Furthermore, to improve the understanding of the relationships existing between the manufacturing process, the corresponding microstructures modifications, and the mechanical properties, tensile tests are performed on the different microstructures and microstructural parameters playing an important role on the static properties are identified. Microstructural features governing the static fracture process in two different microstructures are determined by using a micromechanical model based on a physical understanding of the mechanisms of damage. Finally, the crack initiation and the first stage of crack propagation under high cycle fatigue conditions are investigated at a local scale on two different microstructures.

This thesis describes a new approach to biomolecular analysis, called the volume-amplified magnetic nanobead detection assay (VAM-DNA). It is a sensitive, specific magnetic bioassay that offers a potential platform for the development of low-cost, easy-to-use diagnostic devices. The VAM-NDA consists of three basic steps: biomolecular target recognition, enzymatic amplification of the probe-target complex using the rolling circle amplification (RCA) technique, and addition of target complementary probe-tagged magnetic nanobeads which exhibit Brownian relaxation behavior. Target detection is demonstrated by measuring the frequency-dependent complex magnetization of the magnetic beads. The binding of the RCA products (target DNA-sequence coils) to the bead surface causes a dramatic increase in the bead size, corresponding essentially to the size of the DNA coil (typically around one micrometer). This causes a decrease in the Brownian relaxation frequency, since it is inversely proportional to the hydrodynamic size of the beads. The concentration of the DNA coils is monitored by measuring the decrease in amplitude of the Brownian relaxation peaks of free beads. The parameters oligonucleotide surface coverage, bead concentration, bead size and RCA times were investigated in this thesis to characterize features of the assay. It was found that all of these parameters affect the outcome and efficiency of the assay. The possibility of implementing the assay on a portable, highly sensitive AC susceptometer platform was also investigated. The performance of the assay under these circumstances was compared with that using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID); the sensitivity of the assay was similar for both platforms. It is concluded that, the VAM-NDA opens up the possibility to perform biomolecular detection in point-of-care and outpatient settings on portable platforms similar to the one tested in this thesis. Finally, the VAM-NDA was used to detect Escherichia coli bacteria and the spores of Bacillus globigii, the non-pathogenic simulant of Bacillus anthracis. A limit of detection of at least 50 bacteria or spores was achieved. This shows that the assay has great potential for sensitive detection of biomolecules in both environmental and biomedical applications.

This doctoral thesis presents a modeling method fordemonstrating the behavior of inclusions and their surroundingmatrix during plastic deformation of steels. Inclusions are inescapable components of all steels. Moreknowledge about their behavior in processes such as rolling andforging is necessary for carrying out the forming processes ina more proper way so that the properties of the final productare improved. This work is focussed on deformation ofinclusions together with void formation at the inclusion-matrixinterface. The topic of the work is analyzed by differentFE-codes. The relative plasticity index is considered as an importantmeasure for describing the deformability of inclusions. Theindex could be analyzed quantitatively, enabling a deeperunderstanding of the deformation mechanisms. The workingtemperature is found to be an important process parameter. Thisis very clear when the deformation of silicate inclusions in alow-carbon steel is studied during hot rolling. Here a narrowtransition temperature region exists, meaning that theinclusion behaves as non-plastic at lower temperatures and asplastic at higher. The results are in agreement withexperiments published by other authors. Regarding void formation, the simulations have been carriedout by utilizing an interfacial debonding criterion. Thedifference in yield stress between the matrix and the inclusionis one common reason for void initiation and propagation.During large compressive deformation the evolution of voidsgoes through a sequence of shapes, from convex with two cuspsto concave with three cusps together with self-welding lines.It is concluded that the formation of voids is alwaysassociated with a large relative sliding between the inclusionand the matrix. In order to study the local behavior of the material closeto inclusions during hot rolling a mesomechanical approach isused. Uncoupled macro- and micro- models have been developed.By means of the macro-model, the stress-strain historythroughout each sub-volume of the steel is evaluated. Thestress components or velocity fields are recorded with respectto time as history data. No consideration is taken to theexistence of inclusions. The micro-model, which includes bothinclusion and steel matrix, utilizes the stress components orthe velocity fields from the macro-model as boundaryconditions. <b>Keywords</b>: Inclusion; Steel; Plastic deformation; Void;Rolling; Forging; Finite Element; Mesomechanical approach.

The thesis is focused on lubricants and roll wear in striprolling. Regarding lubricants, the possibility of introducing newones, which are less detrimental towards environment, isstudied in laboratory scale. This is done for cold rolling,both of an Al- alloy and a low carbon steel. The lubricationperformance of such newly developed–water-based–synthetic lubricants is compared with currently used mineraloils and emulsions. By using the experimental method of"forward slip" measurements combined with slab methodcalculations and FE- simulations, friction coefficients areevaluated for different single pass reductions. Lubricantsbearing capacity and the product surface roughness are alsoevaluated. The results are encouraging. A synthetic water-based lubricant, used in the cold rollingof an Al- alloy, showed good lubrication capability, betterthan the mineral oil but worse than the emulsion. The rolledAl- strip finish was found to be finest for the syntheticlubricant followed by the mineral oil and the emulsion. Similarresults were obtained from the steel rolling. Here foursynthetic lubricants were compared with two mineral oils andone emulsion. The best lubricant was found to be one of thewater-based synthetics, showing the lowest value of thefriction coefficient and a smooth product surface. The aim of the wear study is to develop an accurateroll-wear prediction for hot strip finishing mills, which takesmore influential parameters into account. A new model of higheraccuracy is presented. This model is based on a large amount ofproduction campaigns. The strategy of the work is describedbelow. After a comprehensive literature study a promising modelstructure was found. The corresponding equation is tested ontwo hot strip mills. Predicted wear is found to be inqualitative agreement with industrial experience and measuredwear. Thus the structure–taking the influence of back-uprolls into account–was chosen for further development.This was done on behalf of results obtained from one mill builtup by six stands and three different work-roll materials.Campaigns of "mixed" and "similar" strip grades were used. Theobtained model is tested successfully in two other hot stripmills. Contradictory to the currently used on-line model, the newmodel takes the work roll flattening and back-up rolls contactarea into consideration. Also the influence of strip- and workroll grades is included. The model enables increased rolledstrip length and prolonged lifetime of the rolls, because ofimproved process control. Further more, grinding cost and timefor roll changing can be minimized. Of course thesepossibilities should result in considerable energy saving. <b>Keywords:</b>Strip rolling, lubricants, environment, rollwear modeling, production campaigns, regression analysis

Padlock probes and proximity ligation are two powerful molecular tools for detection of nucleic acids and proteins, respectively. Both methods result in the formation of DNA reporter molecules upon recognition of specific target molecules. These reporter molecules can be designed to include tag sequences that can be analyzed by techniques for nucleic acid analysis. Herein, I present a dual-tag microarray (DTM) platform that is suitable for high-performance analyses of DNA reporter molecule libraries, generated by padlock and proximity probing reactions. The DTM platform was applied for analysis of mRNA transcripts using padlock probes, and of cytokines using proximity ligation. The platform drastically improved specificity of detection, and it allowed precise measurements of proteins and nucleic acids over wide dynamic ranges. The thesis also presents two techniques for multi-probe analyses of biomolecules: the triple-specific proximity ligation assay (3PLA) for protein analyses, and the spliceotyping assay for mRNA analyses. 3PLA allows highly specific measurements of as little as hundreds of target protein molecules by interrogating three target epitopes simultaneously. In spliceotyping the exon composition of individual transcripts are represented as a series of tag sequences in DNA reporter molecules, via a series of target-dependent ligation reactions. Next, the splicing patterns along individual transcripts can be revealed by amplified single molecule detection and step-wise decoding.

In this study, effect of fillet rolling process on fatigue performance of a diesel engine crankshaft was investigated. Crankshafts from two different materials, were studied / ductile cast iron EN-GJS 800-2 and micro-alloyed steel 38MnVS6. Resonance bending fatigue tests were conducted with crankshaft samples. Test plan according to staircase test methodology was used. Statistical analyses were carried out with the test data by Maximum Likelihood Estimation method in order to calculate the fatigue limits and construct the S-N curves based on Random Fatigue Limit (RFL) and Modified Basquin models. Fatigue limit calculations were also conducted by Dixon-Mood method and by Maximum Likelihood Estimation methodology for Normal and Weibull distributions. Fillet rolling process was simulated by computer based analysis in order to calculate the compressive residual stress profile at the fillet region to shed more light on the mechanisms and effect of fillet rolling. Fatigue performances of crankshafts from two types of materials were evaluated both at unrolled and fillet rolled states. Effect of fillet rolling load on fatigue performance was also evaluated with steel crankshafts. It was found that ductile cast iron showed better performance under bending fatigue tests than the steel crankshaft both at the fillet rolled and unrolled conditions. On the other hand, fillet rolling process was found to be more effective on steel crankshaft than ductile cast iron crankshaft in terms of fatigue performance improvement. It was also seen that fatigue limit increases with the fillet rolling load up to a limit where surface quality is deteriorated. Residual stress analysis showed that a higher magnitude of residual stress can develop on steel crankshaft fillet region whereas the effective depth of the residual stress is higher on ductile cast iron crankshaft with the same rolling condition. Residual stress analysis of steel crankshafts rolled at different rolling conditions show that, peak residual stress increase with the increasing rolling load is not significantly high and main effect of increased rolling load is the increased effective depth of residual stresses. The MLE methodology used in statistical analysis of the test data was found to be effective for life regression and fatigue strength distributions analysis. RFL model has provided better life regression analysis and fatigue limit calculations than Modified Basquin model. Dixon-Mood method was found to be overestimating the fatigue limit.