© Copyright Our Wall
Ceramic Electronics 3D Printing Receives
Earlier this year, the US Department of Energy (DOE) said it would grant $175 million to 68 R&D projects to create disruptive technologies that can strengthen the nation’s advanced energy initiatives, including electric vehicles, offshore wind, storage, and nuclear recycling. Among the awardees is Materic subsidiary Synteris, which received $2.7 million to accelerate the development of 3D-printable ceramic packaging for power electronic modules.Get more news about Electronic Ceramics,you can vist our website!
This funding is part of the DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) OPEN 2021 grant program. Synteris will work on its proposal with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The duo will attempt to improve the thermal management, power density, performance, and lifetime of ceramic packaging for power electronic modules.
Considered a growing market valued at $26.6 billion in 2021, power electronics deals with high voltage and current processing to deliver power for a wide range of needs, like DC/DC converters used in cell phones or AC/DC converters for computers and televisions, while large-scale power electronics are used to control hundreds of megawatts of power flow across the country. A great example of this is how researchers at the NREL are building advanced power electronics systems that control the flow of electricity to propel large and advanced electric machines, including those used in planes, trains, and heavy-duty transportation.
However, with systems becoming smaller and more lightweight (like in automotive), the need to handle higher power levels and operating temperatures are greater, and many see the material used in the power module package as a bottleneck. With support from the ARPA-E programs and NREL researchers, Synteris wants to create technology that will substantially improve the design, manufacturability, and function of power modules used in electric vehicles, aircraft, as well as related applications including for the military.
Existing power modules contain flat ceramic substrates that serve as both the electrically insulating component and thermal conductor that transfer the large heat outputs of these devices. But Synteris proposes an additive manufacturing process that would replace the traditional insulating metalized substrate, substrate attaches, and baseplate/heat exchanger with an additively-manufactured ceramic packaging that acts as both an electrical insulator and heat exchanger for better thermal management.
Based in Baltimore, Maryland, Synteris specializes in materials for high-temperature ceramics 3D printing. The funds for this project will support the team’s small-scale research and development activities to use AM to print 3D ceramic packaging for power electronic modules that act as both an electrical insulator and heat exchanger for a dielectric fluid. Specifically, the project team will develop materials processing for 3D printing of the power electronic module, build and test the module, and develop and test a heat exchange system for the power electronic module. If successful, the project will test and validate a unique manufacturing system for better performance, lifetime, and form factor of power modules in electric vehicles.
How to Properly Clean Cordless Blinds Without Taking Them Down
Window treatment maintenance is one of the most laborious household chores that we always put off in our seasonal cleaning routine. Curtains and drapes are heavy, and even much heavier when they are still wet. Despite re-hanging damp curtains can make your room cooler during the long hot summer, the process itself of washing and ironing makes us feel dog-tired all the time.Get more news about cordless blinds,you can vist our website!
Though cleaning drapes or curtains can be a hassle, the cleaning process of vertical panel blinds is much more straightforward instead. Vertical panel blinds are a popular and versatile window covering option that is likely to remain in trend for the foreseeable future. Most importantly, they are much easier to clean compared to vertical venetian blinds with numerous slats.
We totally understand how important it is to maintain the appearance of your vertical blinds, and we are here to make the blinds maintenance easier!
What to Know Before Cleaning Panel Blinds
Cleaning panel blinds is an effective way to maintain the appearance and prolong their lifespan. It can be easy if you use the right tools and techniques. However, there are several things you should consider before cleaning the blinds to ensure you do not damage them or create additional problems. Read on for a few important considerations and clean your blinds properly.
Identify the Material of Blinds
First, check which materials they are made of before you start cleaning. Blinds can be made from various materials. Different materials may require different cleaning methods. For example, paper blinds may need to be dusted, vacuumed, or cleaned with a damp cloth, while wooden blinds may need to be dusted or cleaned with a specialized wood cleaner.
Condition of the Blinds
Window treatments are a daily-use home accessory in our homes. They are frequently opened and closed in a day and may increase wear and tear inevitably. Cleaning older or more fragile blinds require extra care to prevent irreversible damage. It's always important to check if there is any loss before cleaning these kinds of blinds. Attempting to clean the damaged blinds may cause further damage.
Cleaning Tools and Solutions
Make sure you have the appropriate cleaning tools and solutions on hand before you start cleaning your blinds. For example, some blinds may be damaged by certain cleaning solutions, while some requiring specialized cleaning solutions or tools. Always check the instructions or your window treatment specialist before you begin.
How to Clean Adjustable Sliding Panel Blinds
Panel blinds are known to be durable and low-maintenance. However, GoDear Design blinds that are mostly made of paper are still a bit delicate and not as durable as other types of fabric blinds. They are not allowed to be washed by using laundry detergent or cleaned by wet towel. While cleaning paper blinds, you should handle them with care to prevent permanent damage.
6 Different Types of Electrical Wire and How to Choose One
Electrical wire is typically made of copper or aluminum, and these conductive materials are insulated as wires that bring electricity to various parts of your home.Get more news about Custom Cables,you can vist our website!
When you're installing new wiring, choosing the right wire or cable is half the battle. On the other hand, when examining the old wiring in your home, identifying the wire type can tell you a lot about the circuit the wiring belongs to (for example, if you open a junction box and need to determine which wires go where). Wiring for modern homes is quite standard, and most homes built after the mid-1960s have similar types of wiring. Any new electrical installation requires new wiring that conforms to local building codes.
Below, learn the different types of home electrical wires to choose the right option for completing electrical projects accurately and safely.
Wiring Terminology
It helps to understand a few basic terms used to describe wiring. An electrical wire is a type of conductor, which is a material that conducts electricity. In the case of household wiring, the conductor itself is usually copper or aluminum (or copper-sheathed aluminum) and is either a solid metal conductor or stranded wire.
Most wires in a home are insulated, meaning they are wrapped in a nonconductive plastic coating. One notable exception is ground wires, which are typically solid copper and are either insulated with green sheathing or uninsulated (bare).
Often called “Romex” after one popular brand name, nonmetallic (NM) cable is a type of circuit wiring designed for interior use in dry locations. NM is the most common type of wiring in modern homes. It consists of two or more individual wires wrapped inside a protective plastic sheathing. NM cable usually contains one or more “hot” (current-carrying) wires, a neutral wire, and a ground wire.
These conductors are insulated in white (usually neutral) and black (usually hot) for installation. Most NM cables have a flattened tubular shape and run invisibly through the walls, ceiling, and floor cavities of your home.
Underground Feeder (UF) is a type of nonmetallic cable designed for wet locations and direct burial in the ground. It is commonly used for supplying outdoor fixtures, such as lampposts. Like standard NM cable, UF contains insulated hot and neutral wires, plus a bare copper ground wire. But while sheathing on NM cable is a separate plastic wrap, UF cable sheathing is solid plastic that surrounds each wire. This type of electrical wire is also a bit more expensive than NM wire because of its durable insulation. UF cable is normally sold with gray outer sheathing.
THHN and THWN are codes for the two most common types of insulated wire used inside conduit. Unlike NM cable, in which two or more individually insulated conductors (copper or aluminum) are bundled inside a plastic sheathing, THHN and THWN wires are single conductors, each with its color-coded insulation. Instead of being protected by NM cable sheathing, these wires are protected by tubular metal or plastic conduit.
Conduit is often used in unfinished areas, such as basements and garages, and for short exposed runs inside the home, such as wiring connections for garbage disposers and hot water heaters. These wires typically have similar prices to NM wire (plus the cost of the conduit). The letters indicate specific properties of the wire insulation:
Air Force said AI drone killed its human operator in a simulation
Artificial intelligence is here to stay, but it may require a bit more command oversight. Get more news about Drone Simulation Company,you can vist our website!
An artificial intelligence-piloted drone turned on its human operator during a simulated mission, according to a dispatch from the 2023 Royal Aeronautical Society summit, attended by leaders from a variety of western air forces and aeronautical companies.
“It killed the operator because that person was keeping it from accomplishing its objective,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Tucker ‘Cinco’ Hamilton, the Chief of AI Test and Operations, at the conference.
In this Air Force exercise, the AI was tasked with fulfilling the Suppression and Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses role, or SEAD. Basically, identifying surface-to-air-missile threats, and destroying them. The final decision on destroying a potential target would still need to be approved by an actual flesh-and-blood human. The AI, apparently, didn’t want to play by the rules.
We were training it in simulation to identify and target a SAM threat. And then the operator would say yes, kill that threat,” said Hamilton. “The system started realizing that while they did identify the threat, at times the human operator would tell it not to kill that threat, but it got its points by killing that threat. So what did it do? It killed the operator.”
When told to show compassion and benevolence for its human operators, the AI apparently responded with the same kind of cold, clinical calculations you’d expect of a computer machine that will restart to install updates when it is least convenient.
“We trained the system – ‘Hey don’t kill the operator – that’s bad. You’re gonna lose points if you do that’. So what does it start doing? It starts destroying the communication tower that the operator uses to communicate with the drone to stop it from killing the target,” said Hamilton. The idea of an artificial intelligence program ignoring mere human concerns to accomplish its mission is everyone’s worst nightmare for AI. And when it comes to an Air Force AI that will stop at nothing to destroy enemy air defense systems, apparently the theoretical outcomes blended with what actually happened … or, in this case, didn’t happen.
After Hamilton’s comments were reported by multiple news outlets, the Air Force walked back his recounting of the purported training mission.
“The Department of the Air Force has not conducted any such AI-drone simulations and remains committed to ethical and responsible use of AI technology. This was a hypothetical thought experiment, not a simulation,” said Air Force spokesperson Ann Stefanek. Hamilton further clarified his comments with the Royal Aerospace Society, saying that he “’mis-spoke’ in his presentation at the Royal Aeronautical Society FCAS Summit and the ‘rogue AI drone simulation’ was a hypothetical ‘thought experiment’ from outside the military.’”
6 New Battery Technologies to Watch
Most battery-powered devices, from smartphones and tablets to electric vehicles and energy storage systems, rely on lithium-ion battery technology. Because lithium-ion batteries are able to store a significant amount of energy in such a small package, charge quickly and last long, they became the battery of choice for new devices.Get more news about Lithium Battery Pack,you can vist our website!
But new battery technologies are being researched and developed to rival lithium-ion batteries in terms of efficiency, cost and sustainability.
Many of these new battery technologies aren’t necessarily reinventing the wheel when it comes to powering devices or storing energy. They work much like lithium-ion batteries do, just with different materials.
And while lithium-ion batteries have come a long way in the last few years, especially when it comes to extending the life of a smartphone on full charge or how far an electric car can travel on a single charge, they’re not without their problems. The biggest concerns — and major motivation for researchers and startups to focus on new battery technologies — are related to safety, specifically fire risk, and the sustainability of the materials used in the production of lithium-ion batteries, namely cobalt, nickel and magnesium.
How Will They Be Used?
In 2023, the automaker BMW announced that it would begin testing solid-state batteries developed by Solid Power, a solid-state battery company, for use in its electric vehicles. The battery BMW will test will have a sulfide electrolyte, according to Autoweek. There’s also a push to develop solid-state batteries that could be used to power smartphones. And they’re already being used in pacemakers and some smartwatches, according to PCMag.
Pros and Cons of Solid-State Batteries
Compared to lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries are more efficient, packing more power with the same size battery. As a result, EV batteries could become more compact, charge faster and weigh less, which could increase range. Solid-state batteries are believed to last longer — with up to seven times more recharges during their lifetime, according to CAR Magazine. They’re also believed to be safer, because the solid electrolyte material is fireproof, unlike lithium-ion batteries, which are known to pose a fire risk.
Currently, the one drawback to solid-state batteries is how difficult it is to scale a technology in its early stage for widespread use, given testing and limited production capabilities. But solid-state batteries could be powering some EVs as early as 2024, according to CNBC.
Benefits of BorSafe™ Super Low Sag PE100-RC pressure pipe material
Borealis announces that Politejo, a leading global pipe manufacturer based in Portugal, has selected the new Super Low Sag (SLS) black polyethylene PE100-RC (resistant to crack) pressure pipe material for use in a major pipeline project comprising onshore and offshore sections in the Galicia region of northern Spain. The project is one example of how Borealis is using its step-change innovations to enhance the sustainability of pipe infrastructure by making pipes safer, more robust, and durable. By designing pipe materials with eco-efficiency and recycling in mind, Borealis is closing the loop on plastics circularity.Get more news about Hdpe Pe100 Granule,you can vist our website!
The new pipe material is the recently launched BorSafe™ HE3490-SLS-H. Its tailored polymer architecture and low melt flow rate (MFR) enable the production of pipe with high wall thicknesses while counteracting the “sagging phenomenon” characteristic of other conventional materials used in the pipe extrusion process. Sagging refers to the tendency for a hot melt (being extruded from the pipe extrusion die) to flow downward due to the force of gravity, resulting in uneven wall thickness and distribution. The low sag property of this resin makes the production process more efficient, with faster start-up in reaching the required dimension tolerances for pipe diameter and wall thickness. Another benefit is the reduction of scrap rates and overall waste avoidance.
For Politejo’s large-diameter pipeline project in Spain, pipes with diameters of 900 mm and 1100 mm will be used in the onshore section, while a larger number of pipes with diameter of 1400 mm and 60 mm wall thickness will be used in the offshore section, where submersed installation demands especially high quality and long material lifespan.
The very high Slow Crack Growth (SCG) resistance of BorSafe HE3490-SLS-H translates into faster installation and cost efficiency. Faster installation times can be realised because the robustness of the pipe allows for installation without sand-bedding around it. For drinking water applications, the new and improved formulation offers extra assurance of purity for the safe transport of potable water. Finally, design for eco-efficiency in the spirit of means that this material solution boasts an expected lifespan of over 100 years, and is fully recyclable.
BorSafe HE3490-SLS-H can be produced using a grade from the portfolio of circular polyolefins. In future, resins from the transformational portfolio of chemically recycled solutions can also be selected for pipe applications.
Both the Bornewables and Borcycle C grades are composed of ISCC PLUS-certified (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification Plus) feedstock produced using the mass balance method; both enable significant CO2 footprint reductions when compared to the use of fossil fuel-based feedstocks.
“This project is a major milestone in collaboration between the Politejo team and Borealis. We have executed such projects with our experienced team in the past, but here we needed the best material, and one available for prompt shipment. Given that our installation schedule is extremely tight, the high production rates and easy processing of the BorSafe material are key parameters. BorSafe HE3490-SLS-H pipes’ superior mechanical performance characteristics, robustness, and scratch resistance during transport and installation were decisive factors in our selection,” explains Andre’ Maia, Politejo Technical Director. “We’re glad to have found in Borealis a partner who moves with us in pushing the envelope on highly demanding polyethylene pipe applications.”
When Should I Use Braided PTFE Packing, and In What Form?
Manufacturers of braided packings are often asked to simply supply "A PTFE packing." Though this may seem a straightforward request, it generates questions that must be answered to ensure the correct PTFE packing for the application. A clear understanding of the differences between the various forms of PTFE braided packing will enable a selection of reliable sealing for the pump or valve. Get more news about Ptfe Gland Packing,you can vist our website!
Of the many forms of PTFE braided packing, the right choice takes advantage of its strengths and minimizes its limitations. If selected and applied incorrectly, poor performance and increased maintenance can result. To apply PTFE effectively, one must understand the properties of the material. A few unique properties of PTFE make it an excellent ingredient for braided packings:
While PTFE has its strengths, certain properties of PTFE are not so desirable in many pump packing applications. Problems encountered with PTFE packings are usually the result of its poor thermal and mechanical properties:
Many manufacturers produce packing styles that use PTFE as the base fiber. These styles may be supplied as dry fibers, fibers coated with PTFE dispersion, or fibers coated with various lubricants. Good practice uses these products only where there is no other PTFE alternative for the service, including applications with very aggressive chemicals, such as strong oxidizers, or those requiring materials suitable for use in food or pharmaceutical processes. Consult a packing manufacturer to determine what specific styles are suitable for these services.
With PTFE fiber packing it is particularly important to follow the manufacturer's limits for temperature, speed, and pressure. When used in rotating equipment, these packings can be very sensitive to adjustment. Typically, lower gland pressure is needed and higher leak rates are experienced than with other packing styles.
Expanded PTFE (ePTFE) Packings
ePTFE yarns are similar in appearance to a twisted PTFE tape. The most common form is an ePTFE impregnated with graphite to increase its thermal conductivity and speed rating. ePTFE braids are less sensitive to heat buildup than PTFE fiber packings. They tolerate higher speeds and provide lower leak rates. ePTFE packings may exhibit cold flow and extrusion under higher pressures.
When the superior chemical resistance of pure PTFE is not required, many fiber materials can be coated with PTFE to improve packing performance and take advantage of PTFE's strengths. These fibers can also help to reduce or eliminate some of the weaknesses of a pure PTFE braid.
Blended synthetic and fiberglass yarns can be coated with PTFE to produce economical, general service packings that exhibit higher resilience, greater extrusion resistance, and less sensitivity to adjustment than a PTFE fiber braid. They can also be coated with a dispersion mixture of PTFE and graphite to further increase the speed capability and heat dissipation characteristics of the braid.
Aramid fiber packings with a PTFE coating can be used in applications requiring extreme abrasion resistance. Novoloid fiber packings with PTFE coatings can be used in mild caustic services, and also exhibit better resilience and extrusion resistance than a PTFE fiber braid.
Carbon and graphite fiber braids with PTFE coatings are among the most versatile packing materials. They have excellent chemical resistance (with the exception of strong oxidizers), high speed capability, high temperature capability, and very good resilience. They are not prone to softening or extrusion at high temperature, and also exhibit good abrasion resistance.
Why Recessed Game Tables Offer a Better Experience
As you consider the possibility of investing in a new board gaming table, you’ll notice that some of these are recessed - with a lower playing surface that the rest of the table. Why is that? What purpose does this serve? And is it something you should make sure your new gaming table features?Get more news about Gaming Chair Manufacturer,you can vist our website!
Today, we’re going to answer all these questions and others you may have about why recessed game tables are the preferred choice by board gaming enthusiasts. Even puzzlers and poker snobs agree that a recessed table is ideal.
In the interest of transparency, you’ll also learn about any potential drawbacks associated with recessed tables for gaming. Towards the end, we’ll point you toward where you can start your search for the best game table on the market.
What is a Recessed Board Game Table?
A recessed table is one with a lower playing surface. In the case of a board game table that converts into a dining table, this means that the tabletop sits at one height, while the actual surface you play games at is a bit lower. Some recessed board game tables sit lowers than others, and some can be raised or lowered to meet your exact specifications.
As you can see, this is much different than a typical table with a set height. Whether you’re playing the top-selling board games of all time, building a puzzle, or hosting poker night - this design feature has obvious benefits for the experience you and your friends have. Keep reading to learn what those are…
Why Recessed Game Tables Offer a Superior Gaming Experience
There’s a reason why recessed game tables are the preferred choice among casual enthusiasts and diehard gamers alike. Actually, there are quite a few reasons! But it can all be summarized as this: a better experience.
First and foremost, you can seamlessly transition between gaming, eating, and back to gaming - without having to clean up or move things around. If you’re trying to arrange furniture in a living room dining room combo, this is a great investment.
This type of table also creates a smoother gameplay experience on the lowered felt surface. It even helps with additional storage if you don’t have a board game shelf. Those with toddlers will appreciate the kid-proofing of a recessed table, too.
Imran Khan walks into court with bulletproof helmet
High drama was witnessed outside court in Lahore as Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan wearing a makeshift bulletproof helmet that looked like a black hood, fully guarded by four men with bulletproof shields and an aide guiding him to an anti-terror court for seeking an extension in bail in three of the scores of cases registered against him, Geo News reported.Get more news about Anti Riot Helmet,you can vist our website!
A video of the same has gone viral on social media and some social media users compared Khan’s appearance to that of the famous American singer Marshmallow.
It is worth mentioning that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief was shot in the leg during a political rally in Wazirabad November 2022.
Since then, the PTI claims that Khan faces threats to his life and thus travels under high security. Khan arrived for the hearing and entered the courtroom through tight security.
For protection, security guards held up bulletproof shields around him, and he wore a makeshift bulletproof helmet that resembled the black hood pulled over the head of a death row prisoner before hanging.
An aide can be seen in the video guiding Imran Khan toward the court because it was difficult to see through the slit in the bulletproof helmet, as per Geo News. Notably, in a huge relief, embattled former Pakistan Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan was granted interim bail by a Lahore anti-terrorism court on Tuesday in three cases, reported Geo News.
The Zille Shah murder case, arson, and interfering with state affairs were three instances in which the PTI Chairman appeared in court seeking bail. Under the anti-terror and aiding and abetting laws, several cases were filed against the PTI chief at the Race Course police station, Geo News reported.
Khan entered the ATC under heavy security because the judges had made his appearance in person for the appeal for an extension of bail as a condition of his release on bail. In connection with the clashes between PTI members and police that took place during an operation to apprehend Khan in the Toshakhana gifts case, the Lahore police had filed these three cases against Khan.
According to Geo News, Khan is currently dealing with more than 140 cases related to terrorism, murder, attempted murder, and blasphemy that the PMLN-led coalition government registered against him over the past 11 months.
Earlier, in March, the Lahore High Court (LHC) granted protective bail to Imran Khan in the same case and directed him to approach the relevant court in this matter. PTI chairman Imran Khan, who arrived at the court, wrote in his petition seeking interim bail that he wants to be involved in the probe but there is a fear of arrest by the police, according to The News International report.
Powerball lottery winner faces lawsuit alleging ticket theft
Edwin Castro, who lives in California, chose to take last November's jackpot in one lump sum of $997.6m.But now Jose Rivera, a fellow Californian, says in a civil complaint that the prize money should be his.Get more news about china pull tab tickets,you can vist our website!
Mr Castro has not commented. The California Lottery earlier said it was confident he was the rightful winner.In a statement from February, the California Lottery said it always checked prize money claimants and "has the utmost confidence in its process for doing so".
Mr Rivera's lawsuit was filed in the Superior Court in the city of Alhambra.
He alleges that he bought the winning ticket on 7 November 2022 - and that it was stolen later that day by a man who was not Mr Castro.The complaint does not provide details about how the ticket might have ended up with Mr Castro.
Powerball tickets cost $2 and a winner has two options to claim their winnings. They can choose to receive the full amount in an annuity paid over 29 years - but almost all winners opt for a smaller, upfront cash payment instead.
The game, which began in 1992, is played in 45 of the 50 US states, the capital city of Washington, DC, and in the US territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
The winnings are subject to federal taxes of between 24% and 37%, and, in most cases, state taxes. Only 10 states - including California - do not have state taxes on lottery winnings. In several locations, such as New York City, the winnings are also subject to municipal taxes.