Li Xuefei

A New Method for Preparation of Nanocrystalline Molybdenum Nitride

Nanocrystalline molybdenum nitride (γ-Mo2N) with the cubic structure is prepared by the direct-current arc discharge method in N2 gas, using metal Mo or W rod as a cathode. The x-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are used to characterize the product. It is found that the conversion of Mo to γ-Mo2N and affinity of Mo to N2 are determined by the nitrogen pressure. Moreover, we compare the effect of Mo and W rod as a cathode for preparing γ-Mo2N. The average size of γ-Mo2N particles is about 5 nm. The rapid quenching mechanism can be used to explain the formation of nanocrystalline γ-Mo2N.

Theory and experimental research on six-track steering vehicles

The structural characteristics and steering behaviour of a six-track vehicle are described in this paper. Kinematic analysis for skid steering of a six-track vehicle under steady-state conditions on firm ground is conducted, with the relationship between thrust force and speed instantaneous centre of the track–terrain interface taken into consideration. A mechanical model for steady steering of a six-track vehicle is also presented based on the kinematic analysis. In this model, the steering inaccuracy and efficiency are defined to evaluate steering performance. The steering performance of a six-track vehicle is numerically simulated to analyse the effect of the structural parameters and deflection angles on tracks. A virtual prototype model is established based on the multi-body dynamics software RecurDyn for steering simulation and the findings coincide well with theoretical results. The theory and the virtual prototype simulations presented are verified by a power test of a bucket-wheel excavator. The method for analysing the steering performance of a six-track vehicle proposed in this paper provides a basis for designing a six-track vehicle.

Raman Investigation of Sodium Titanate Nanotubes under Hydrostatic Pressures up to 26.9 GPa

High pressure behavior of sodium titanate nanotubes (Na2Ti2O5) is investigated by Raman spectroscopy in a diamond anvil cell (DAC) at room temperature. The two pressure-induced irreversible phase transitions are observed under the given pressure. One occurs at about 4.2 GPa accompanied with a new Raman peak emerging at 834 cm−1 which results from the lattice distortion of the Ti-O network in titanate nanotubes. It can be can be assigned to Ti-O lattice vibrations within lepidocrocite-type (H0.7Ti1.825V0.175O 4H2O)TiO6 octahedral host layers with V being vacancy. The structure of the nanotubes transforms to orthorhombic lepidocrocite structure. Another amorphous phase transition occurs at 16.7 GPa. This phase transition is induced by the collapse of titanate nanotubes. All the Raman bands shift toward higher wavenumbers with a pressure dependence ranging from 1.58–5.6 cm−1/GPa.