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The water absorption of ceramic tiles is a basic parameter for its classification. In this paper the water absorption was studied in red clays of the Corumbataí Formation to verify the influence of the particle size distribution and mineralogical composition in four different samples of clays through the evolution of the sintering with the increase of the temperature. Mixtures of raw materials were prepared by the contribution of each one. It was based on the individual absorption of water to get prefixed water absorption for the mixture. The causes of the experimental variations were analyzed in relation to the expected value, to make corrections in the composition or temperature, allowing larger control on the products. The acquired packing for a constant compaction density of the test specimens and the mineralogical composition, responsible for the content of fluxing compounds, were effective to justify the observed ceramic behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this paper is to analyze the behavior of bulk material flow in rough-surface ore passes. A physical model of an ore pass in reduced scale has been used to observe the effect of the roughness on the flow. The insertion of wooden plates on the internal walls of the model was carried out in order to simulate the slickensided stepped roughness. This model of roughness has been selected from the standards adopted internationally by the ISRM due to its similarity with the actual roughness found in ore passes built using explosives. The tests showed that the slickensided stepped roughness causes a significant decrease of the flow rate when compared to the tests carried out with smooth walls. The tests' results also indicated the occurrence of mechanical arches, funnel flow and turbulent flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduced activation ferritic-martensitic (RAFM) steels display low-level radioactivity after their lifetime and have been considered for applications in fusion technology as structural materials. Unique properties such as good mechanical strength at high temperatures, good formability, high toughness and good oxidation resistance are found in these steels. Upon air cooling, they form a soft martensite (around 20 Rockwell C) when heated above the A1 temperature. These steels are usually employed in the as-tempered condition. This class of steels has a very refined microstructure that varies from fully martensitic to fully ferritic. To improve creep strength, this structure can be strengthened by a fine dispersion of particles (Y-based compounds and M23C6-type carbides). The main characteristics of these steels will be presented and discussed in the present paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]