ALBERT

Notes: X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns from nominally β-SiC specimens often differ from those expected for the cubic crystal structure. These differences include the presence of additional peaks, enhanced background intensities, peak broadening, changes in relative peak heights, and shifts in peak positions. It has long been recognized that they are due to the presence of stacking faults, and models relating the experimental observations to stacking fault population have continued to evolve. The presence and relative magnitude of these features vary among different β-SiC specimens. In this work, computer simulations were used to show that the variations are closely related to differences in the type and spatial distribution of stacking faults in each specimen. In these simulations, stacking sequences were generated using a selectively activated 1-D Ising model with a Boltzmann-type probability function for specifying errors, which allows a wide variety of fault configurations to be generated. Direct correlations between different features in the XRD data to the underlying fault population are demonstrated, which are discussed in this paper. It is also shown that this computer model is general, in the sense that many of the models presented in prior work can be interpreted as limiting cases of it.

Notes: An inverse problem is one in which the parameters of a model are determined from measured seismic data. Important to the solution of inverse problems is the issue of whether or not a solution exists. In this paper we show, in a constructive manner, that a solution does exist to the specific inverse problem of determining the parameters of a horizontally stratified, lossless, isotropic and homogeneous layered system that is excited by a non-normal incidence (NNI) plane wave. Mode conversion between P- and S-waves is included.We develop a seven-step layer-recursive procedure for determining all of the parameters for layer j. These parameters are P-wave and S-wave velocities and angles of incidence, density, thickness, traveltimes, and reflection- and transmission-coefficient matrices. Downward continuation of data from the top of one layer to the top of the next lower layer is an important step in our procedure, just as it is in normal incidence (NI) inversion. We show that, in order to compute all parameters of layer j, we need to (and can) compute some parameters for layer j+ 1. This is a non-causal phenomenon that seems to be necessary in NNI inversion but is not present in NI inversion.

Notes: The suitability of VLF ground surveys in the investigation of shallow two-dimensional structures is analyzed. For such structures the polar formalism is derived, necessary in practice since the transmitters are generally not in the structural strike or profile. A simple vertical dike is considered to demonstrate the striking anisotropy which can be expected over such a structure, in particular the high apparent resistivity along the direction of a well-conducting dike and the low resistivity across it. The theory is then confronted with the practical example of an asymmetrical vertical dike resulting from a strike-slip fault. Modelling of the survey results is very successful and yields good confirmation of the polar behaviour. VLF ground surveys thus provide a quick and powerful tool for the study of geological accidents within about 100 m of the surface.

Notes: Determination of thickness of sediments (usually of high conductivity) overlying a high-resistivity basement is one of the basic problems of electrical exploration methods. This paper proposes to determine horizontal electrical conductance on the basis of impedance calculated from electrical and magnetic fields of distant quasi-static (low-frequency) point sources. Using the proposed method, horizontal conductance of the sediments can be determined also from artificial quasi-static noise-impulses coming from sources of unknown position and intensity. The results of analogue modeling and field examples prove the potential of the proposed technique.

Notes: Since the early years of seismic surveying, field engineers and observers have been faced with the appearance of interference at power-line frequency (and harmonics) on seismic records: 60 Hz in the Americas, 50 Hz in Eurasia; and 16 2/3 Hz (the train supply frequency in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) in part of Europe. Such interference is picked up from the ground surface through electric leakage between geophone leads and ground.To minimize power-line interference, the autobalancer automatically performs a balancing procedure by adjusting two potentiometers on each channel—essentially the same operation as manually performed by seismic operators for decades. The first 24-channel system became operational in 1977.The first-generation design comprised two 256-position electronic switching potentiometers. Over 4 years of experience with this system in all parts of the world has shown its value under a variety of field conditions. Improvements up to 30 dB were often found, sometimes even up to 40 dB. Balancing time was about 30 s.A second-generation design was field-tested in 1981. Potentiometer stepping is now performed at three levels: coarse, medium, and fine. This leads to faster operation and better resolution: balancing time is about 10 s; improvements up to 60 dB are occasionally found.A later modification gives a further reduction of the balancing time to 5 s in 60 Hz areas or 6 s in 50 Hz areas.

Notes: The technique of digital linear filtering is used for transformation of apparent resistivity data from one electrode configuration into another. Usually filter spectra are determined via the discrete Fourier transforms of input and output functions: the filter characteristic is the quotient of the spectra of the output function and input function.In this paper, the transformation of the apparent resistivities is presented for four electrode configurations (Wenner, the two-electrode, Schlumberger, and dipole configurations). In our method, there is no need to use the discrete Fourier transform of the input and output functions in order to determine the filter spectrum for converting apparent resistivity in one electrode configuration to any other configuration. Sine responses for determination of the derivative of apparent resistivities are given in analytical form.If the filter spectrum for converting the apparent resistivity to the resistivity transform for one electrode configuration is known, the filter spectra for transforming the apparent resistivity to the resistivity transform for any electrode configurations can be calculated by using newly derived expressions.

Notes: In the western coal-mining area of Ruhrkohle AG, reflection seismic prospecting for the Carboniferous coal measures is severely impaired by structures with halokinetic features. These structures make the interface between Mesozoic and Paleozoic layers, i.e., the top of Zechstein in general, very rugged. Unfortunately the velocity contrast at this interface is very high in that area, the ratio of velocities being 1.5 to 2.0. Therefore, migration and stacking become a problem.Three types of migration are presented:〈list xml:id="l1" style="custom"〉1(f, x)-time-migration with vertical time-to-depth conversion as a second step.2Kirchhoff migration down to a level determined approximately by the highest points of the top of Paleozoics, i.e., 0.35 s, and Kirchhoff-downward continuation for all times exceeding 0.35 s. Intermediate static corrections for these latter times with subsequent (f, k)-time-migration and final vertical time-to-depth conversion.3Direct depth migration in the (f, x)-domain using three interval velocities.In all cases an intermediate picking of the velocity interfaces is necessary. In case 2 this occurs at an earlier stage of the process than in case 1, and in case 3 at a still earlier stage.The results of the second and third migration procedures are superior to those of the first. Possibilities for misinterpretation of faults are reduced considerably when the second or third migration procedure is applied.

Notes: Airborne electromagnetic methods are most commonly used in mineral exploration. However, new developments, such as multifrequency capability and digital on-board field recording, as well as improvements in instrumentation resulting in high signal-to-noise ratios in recorded data, have made their application in geological mapping possible.A three-frequency airborne EM survey carried out over an area northwest of Timmins, Ontario, was interpreted in terms of thickness and resistivity of the layers of a two-layer earth section. Since both in-phase and quadrature components are measured, this provides six independent parameters at each point in space. Based on prior geological information and a preliminary interpretation of the field records, two two-layer models of the subsurface seemed to be appropriate for most of the survey area. An automatic computerized interpretation procedure was devised to interpret the field data at each point in terms of thickness and resistivity parameters of those two models. When the geology is more complex, the data do not fit the models and no interpretations are made. Two maps illustrating the variation of the resistivity and the thicknesses of the layers were constructed from the interpreted data. These maps agree with the known geological information about the distribution of glacial clay in the area. Areas where the layered models do not fit are known to be areas where the geology is complex with a large number of dykes and other lateral inhomogeneities. The study shows that multifrequency airborne EM surveys can be very useful in geological mapping over inaccessible terrain and can significantly help the mapping geologist where outcrops are scarce.

Notes: Shear (= S) wave studies in addition to compressional (= P) wave surveys have revealed that S-wave velocities are much more variable than P-wave velocities. This strongly affects Poisson's ratio σ, especially in young sediments. It is shown that σ has a great influence on the directivity pattern, i.e., on the radiation and receiving characteristic of horizontal sources and receivers. For their calculation, well-known surface boundary conditions and White's statement of the reciprocity relation (White 1965) are used. They also form the basis for the combination of source and receiver patterns essential for practical field work. The various combinations of horizontally and vertically arranged sources and receivers are investigated with regard to their directivity pattern, their amplitude ratio and, in general, to their usefulness in seismic prospecting.

Notes: Previously ignored characteristics of the seismic recording instrument are presently experienced as limitations as more sophisticated interpretive methods using wider frequency ranges are developed to extract stratigraphic information from seismic land data for hydrocarbon and mineral exploration. Most of these limitations arise from inadequate characteristics of the first element of the seismic instrument: the geophone. A geophone does not faithfully follow the motion of the earth for higher frequencies due to poor geophone-earth coupling. This filtering effect brings about time shifts that are dependent on the frequency and the soil type. A geophone can also produce spurious outputs, brought about by the motion of the suspended part of the geophone, with a magnitude comparable to that of the desired output. The suspension is made very compliant to obtain the required sensitivity. A compliant suspension, however, gives a large sag. The geophone can therefore only be used in one position, tolerating little tilt. A compliant suspension also widens the traveling range of the movable part. Minor sensitivity changes with travel are then noticeable as nonlinearity, since the surface wave is large with respect to the reflected wave. A compliant suspension is usually realized in the form of thin, spirally shaped spring-spiders. Such suspensions exhibit transverse or rotational resonances that are in or close to the seismic frequency band. Excited by ground roll, they can produce considerable undesirable output.The novel geophone we describe is a light-weight (17 g) acceleration-sensitive transducer which gives good ground coupling and partial correction for the increasing damping in the earth with increasing frequencies. It employs internal hybrid electronics for a magnetodynamic velocity-nulling feedback system. Velocity nulling makes the movable part of the geophone virtually rigid with respect to the housing. This makes the geophone characteristics independent of the suspension. The springs used are stiff in a transverse and rotational direction so that the suspension resonances are well outside the useful frequency band. This suspension also allows the geophone to be used in any orientation while being only sensitive to the vibration component along the main axis. The feedback system makes the sensitivity flat within 1 dB from 2 Hz to 500 Hz, with a phase tolerance smaller than 5°. The geophone is robust, has no moving internal wires, employs a current output [sensitivity 1 mA/(m s−2)] and internal gain so that the signal-to-cable-noise ratio is improved. This type of output allows parallel connection without any interaction between the geophones.

Notes: The far-field signatures from a comprehensive and systematic airgun pulse test have been analyzed. Empirical relations between the characteristic signature parameters and depth (5–12 m), pressure (100–137 bar = 10–13.7 MPa) and total chamber volume (0.65–9.5 l) have been derived. Also, the influence of using waveshape kits in different positions within the chamber has been tested.The results indicate that:〈list xml:id="l1" style="custom"〉1 The amplitude is proportional to chamber pressure to the power 3/4.2 The bubble period is nearly independent of the position of the waveshape plate.3 The increase in primary/bubble amplitude ratio is inversely proportional to the chamber volume above the waveshape plate.4 The amplitude is independent of airgun depth.Suggestions and comments regarding this work from Dr B. Ursin and Dr A. Ziolkowski are appreciated. The field work was supported by the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate through the Continental Shelf Project at the Seismological Observatory, University of Bergen.An airgun allowing for continuous variation of the chamber volumes was supplied by GECO (Geophysical Company of Norway). The purchase of two airguns was financed by Norske Getty Exploration A/S.

Notes: The suggested interpretation technique is based on discrete linear filtering of VLF data. The output of the described filtering results is expressed in terms of an equivalent current density at a specified depth that would cause the measured magnetic field. The most practical six-point filter gives an accuracy of 8%. The filter is an extension of the commonly used Fraser filter to process VLF dip-angle data.Filtering the same data set for various depths gives an idea about the change of current density with depth. Areas with high current-density correspond to good conductors. The conductor dip can also be determined.The use of the technique is illustrated on theoretical and field examples. In all cases a good correlation with original models and other types of geophysical measurements was obtained. As shown in the last example, the filtering technique is also applicable in interpretation of other electromagnetic methods.

Notes: Using approximate boundary conditions, expressions for electromagnetic fields have been derived for a thin, highly resistive layer lying between two homogeneous layers excited by an electric dipole grounded on the surface of the earth. The variations of the fields with the parameter T/T1 (ratio of the transverse resistance of the thin layer to the transverse resistance of the first layer) were studied in relation to frequency, time, the normalized separation source—receiver, and the angle between the source and the radius to the observation point. For a value of h2/h1 (ratio of thickness of second layer to the thickness of the first layer) approximately equal to 0.2, the general three-layer medium case gives the same results as this approach. It was found that the electric fields have a very strong dependence on the parameter T (transverse resistance) which characterizes the thin, highly resistive layer. However, the magnetic fields depend only very weakly on this parameter.

Notes: Microgravity can be used for predicting rock bursts. For the first time gravity anomalies related to rock bursts have been recorded. The methodology developed has lead to the first successful predictions. The depth of the rock-burst focus might be determined on the basis of analytical downward continuation of related gravity anomalies: the focus is treated as a singular point of the gravity potential and its derivatives.The rock-burst gravity anomalies might be explained on the basis of the assumed dilatancy process that causes the rock burst. The mean density change of the rock mass threatened with rock bursts can be estimated from the corresponding rock-burst gravity anomalies.

Notes: A model has been set up for the interpretation of geoelectrical sounding data for certain kinds of clay deposits containing gradually varying amounts of sand. The model assumes that in the so-called gradient layer, resistivity varies linearly with depth. Model calculations show how such a layer can be replaced by two homogeneous layers.An inversion procedure using the Marquardt algorithm has been developed for the interpretation of sounding data obtained with the Schlumberger array; it assumes a gradient layer beneath several covering layers. The procedure is demonstrated on two clay deposits. A comparison is made between the newly developed interpretation, the traditional approach using model curves, and computerized inversion for a homogeneous layer model.

Notes: Gravity data have been transformed into a three-layer, three-dimensional model by using an automatic procedure based on linear filtering. The Bouguer anomaly is first transformed by linear filtering into density variations located between two planes 1100 and 2500 m deep. These densities are then transformed into thicknesses with a constant density contrast of 0.4 g/cm3 with two geological constraints for the second and third interface:—minimum at 2500 m depth;—maximum below a variable limit given by geology.This gives the contact between the second and third layer. Differences between measured and computed gravity are then applied by a similar procedure to a layer located between depths of 0 and 500 m, giving the contact between the first and second layer. Interesting secondary anticlines and transverse faults are shown by various structural maps.

Notes: Migration of an observed zero-offset wavefield can be performed as the solution of a boundary value problem in which the data are extrapolated backward in time. This concept is implemented through a finite-difference solution of the two-dimensional acoustic wave equation. All depths are imaged simultaneously at time 0 (the imaging condition), and all dips (right up to vertical) are correctly migrated. Numerical examples illustrate this technique in both constant and variable velocity media.

Notes: Synthetic seismograms can be very useful in aiding understanding of wave propagation through models of real media, verification of geologic models derived from interpretation of field seismic data, and understanding the nature and complexity of wave phenomena. If meaningful results are to be obtained from synthetic seismograms, the method of their computation must, in general, include three-dimensional geometrical spreading of wavefronts associated with highly concentrated (i.e., point) sources. The method should also adequately represent the seismic response of solid-layered media by including enough primaries, multiples, and converted phases to accurately approximate the total wavefield. In addition to these features, it is also very helpful, although not always essential, if the method of seismogram computation provides for explicit identification of wave type and ray path for each arrival. Various seismograms, computed via asymptotic ray theory and an automatic ray generation scheme, are presented for a highly simplified North Sea velocity structure. This is done to illustrate the importance of the above features and to demonstrate the inadequacy of the plane-wave synthesis method of seismogram computation for point sources and the limitations of acoustic models of solid-layered media.

Notes: A periodically stratified elastic medium can be replaced by an equivalent homogeneous transverse isotropic medium in the long wavelength limit. The case of a homogeneous medium with equally spaced parallel interfaces along which there is imperfect bonding is a special instance of such a medium. Slowness surfaces are derived for all plane wave modes through the equivalent medium and reflection coefficients for a half-space of such a medium are found. The slowness surface for the SH mode is an ellipsoid. The exact solution for the reflection of SH-waves from a half-space with parallel slip interfaces is found following the matrix method of K. Gilbert applied to elastic waves. Explicit results are derived and in the long wavelength limit, shown to approach the results for waves in the equivalent homogeneous medium. Under certain conditions, a half-space of a medium with parallel slip interfaces has a reflection coefficient independent of the angle of incidence and thus acts like an acoustic reducing mirror. The method for the reflection of P- and SV-waves is fully outlined, and reflection coefficients are shown for a particular example. The solution requires finding the eigenvalues of a 4 × 4 transfer matrix, each eigenvalue being associated with a particular wave. At higher frequencies, unexpected eigenvalues are found corresponding to refracted waves for which shear and compressional parameters are completely coupled. The two eigenvalues corresponding to the transmitted wavefield give amplitude decay perpendicular to the stratification along with up- and downgoing phase propagation in some other direction.Much of this work was performed while the author was at the Department of Geophysics and Planetary Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Israel. The author is grateful for illuminating discussions with K. Helbig and K. Gilbert.

Notes: Observations made from space have become almost a standard method of geologic investigation. However, interpretation of space photographs is not always unambiguous. Particularly, the nature and spatial location of various objects photographed from space remain obscure. It is especially difficult to investigate territories where basement rocks are overlain by sedimentary cover.From the example of investigations carried out in the central part of the Russian Platform it is shown how separate lineaments and ovoids reflect the peculiar features of geologic, hydrogeologic and geophysical structure of the region. It has been established that—within the sedimentary cover—they correspond usually to zones of increased fissuredness and are associated with low-amplitude tectonic dislocations.The authors concentrate on the elucidation of the transfer of deep geologic information to the surface. The sedimentary cover is regarded as a communication channel which makes it possible to employ the concepts of information theory for assessing its “transparency”. The contrast due to heterogeneities of the sedimentary cover in space photographs and, consequently, the degree of their manifestation in geologic and physical fields, depends on the water content of the rocks composing the section. Along with hydrogeologic characteristics, geo-electric parameters, such as specific electric resistivity, longitudinal conductivity and transverse resistivity, can serve as criteria of the degree of rock moistening.When the location of lineaments does not coincide with the plane axes of geophysical anomalies, an inclination of the fault plane can be supposed. The angle of inclination is characterized by the deviation of the lineament from the axis of the anomaly.The data resulting from the investigation of selected standard structures were used to develop a classification based on the degree of their expression in hydrodynamic, geoelectric, gravitational, and magnetic fields and depending on the spatial position and peculiarities of geologic arrangement. For geophysical investigations of unknown structures detected by space observations, this classification can be used as the basis for solving inverse problems by the methods of mathematical statistics.

Notes: How do papers on electrical and electromagnetic methods published in Geophysics and Geophysical Prospecting reflect the actual field application of the various techniques? Our study based on 10 volumes of the journals (1973–1982) suggests a rather good agreement. EM techniques are the most important both in the field and in print. However, an imbalance was detected in the subject matter. Too many published papers deal with theory, and too few with new instrumentation and techniques, case histories, and physical properties of rocks. Papers presented at annual meetings of the EAEG and SEG give a more even-handed and accurate view of geophysical activities. Unfortunately, many of our colleagues around the world are not able to attend the annual meetings regularly and depend on journals for their information. Practicing and research geophysicists should submit more papers on subjects that at present are not adequately covered.

Notes: Gravity and magnetic anomalies may have the same source but it is always difficult to achieve correlated solutions if interpretations are carried out separately. Therefore it is useful to invert both anomalous gravity and magnetic profiles at the same time, so that the solution mav be more constrained.Existing inversion techniques do not lend themselves equally to this kind of extension, since the parameters—such as density and susceptibility contrasts—should not be related. The algorithms more easily adaptable to simultaneous inversion are those which look for the shape and the position of anomalous bodies with constant unknown density or susceptibility contrasts.In this study, we use the generalized inverse method in the 2 1/2 D case. Parameters are the coordinates of the vertices of the polygonal cross-sections of the anomalous bodies and both density and susceptibility contrasts of each body. The two types of profile to be processed must be superposable but may have different lengths, spacings, and coordinate origins. Both synthetic examples and field data from geologically known areas have been processed, and it appears that the simultaneous inversion technique may provide an important additional degree of control in the interactive interpretation process.

Notes: A model of the seismic trace is generally given as a convolution between the propagating wavelet and the reflectivity series of the earth and normally it is assumed that a white noise is added to the trace. The knowledge of the propagating wavelet is the basic point to estimate the reflectivity series from the seismic trace.In this paper a statistical method of wavelet extraction from several seismic traces, assuming the wavelet to be unique, is discussed. This method allows one to obtain the propagating wavelet without any classical limitative assumptions on the phase spectrum. Furthermore, a phase unwrapping method is suggested and some statistical properties of the phase spectrum of the reflectivity traces are examined.

Notes: An interactive least-squares method for the interpretation of VES curves was proposed by Johansen (1977). The method permits one to select some parameters (thicknesses and/or resistivities of individual layers) and to change the rest in such a way that the interpreted model approaches the measured data. This note suggests a modification of Johansen's method, in which not only the individual parameters can be selected but also linear combinations of parameters—in particular, the sum of thicknesses of several layers.

Notes: A borehole magnetometric resistivity (MMR) experiment is described in which an attempt is made to determine the extent and orientation of zones of fissuring within an otherwise massive sequence of carboniferous limestone. The region under investigation lies beneath a landfill site and the main parameter of interest is the direction of flow of ground water, which will be influenced by the orientation of the faults or fissures within the rock. The MMR method possesses some extremely advantageous features for application to hydro-geological problems of this kind. The method is sensitive to electrical current channelling within an otherwise relatively resistive medium, and the detection of the magnetic field within the borehole does not depend upon electrical contact of the receiver with the ground. Consequently, the method can be used in dry or plastic-cased boreholes. A direction of maximum electrical current flow is deduced from the MMR data which coincides with the predominant direction of jointing within the region.We are most grateful to the Water Research Centre, Medmenham, Berkshire, for supporting this research and particularly to Dr M. Fleet and Mr K. Beesley for their help and advice.

Notes: The geophone spurious frequency is modeled as the resonance of the planar motion of a spider spring carrying a moving mass. An analytic solution is found using the Castigliano method by assuming that the spring arm is a single-mode vibrating cantilever beam. The spring shape is found from this analysis. When the typical spring has a circumferentially varying cross-section, the Castigliano method is no longer applicable. A dimensional analysis is used as an approximate method for general design. Based on the theoretical result, a rotational fixture and a translational fixture were designed for experimental purposes. A low-noise fixture and a phase-averaging technique provide the amplitude and spurious resonance in the frequency domain. Finally, a test is run by using a rotational fixture to compare with the approximate method of spurious frequency prediction. Very good agreement between prediction and experiment is found.

Notes: A finite-difference solution and an integral algorithm are developed for computing time-domain electromagnetic fields generated by an arbitrary source located in horizontally stratified earth.The finite-difference problem is first solved for the kernel of an integral Bessel transform of the desired field and then an inverse transformation is performed either by numerical integration or by linear filtering. A description of the appropriate algorithm as well as numerical results are presented for two cases: an axially symmetric source (a vertical magnetic dipole or a circular loop) placed on the surface of a horizontally layered section overlying either an insulating or an ideally conducting basement.In comparison with the conventional methods used for computing transient electromagnetic fields, the integral-finite-difference method is more universally applicable.

Notes: Temperature modeling around the Vejrum salt structure in Denmark shows that the heat flow near the top is twice the regional heat flow. The temperature in the vicinity of the top of the diapir is thus anomalously high. Overlying permeable formations could therefore be attractive for geothermal energy exploitation. A negative temperature anomaly of −20°C is calculated around the root of the salt body. Comparisons between calculated and measured temperatures are used to test the model. It is shown that measurements of heat flow (or temperature gradients) in wells penetrating the region of groundwater circulation could be used in identification of salt diapirs.

Notes: An electromagnetic sounding experiment with a large square loop as source was carried out on the dried-up bed of a water reservoir near the town of Dharmavaram in Andhra Pradesh. The sounding was performed in both geometric and parametric modes, and involved measurements of phase as well as amplitude of the vertical magnetic field inside and outside the loop. The six-frequency EM system used for the experiment was found to be a workable system for electromagnetic sounding. The results of the experiment more or less confirm the conclusions from theoretical modeling. They also show that even though the earth is not always electrically horizontally layered over a sufficiently large lateral extent for the one-dimensional model to be strictly valid, it is still possible to apply such modeling to sounding curves taken one part at a time and obtain layer parameters which check qualitatively with the layer parameters obtained from direct current resistivity sounding.

Notes: Finite-offset seismic reflection modeling of acoustic waves, propagating in a two-dimensional depth section of arbitrary complexity, is discussed. The procedure developed employs the principles of simplified (far-field) diffractor theory and ray tracing. Each reflector is represented by a set of discrete secondary sources or diffractors and the wavefield associated with each diffractor is calculated directly in the time domain by ray tracing. Reflections and diffractions are subsequently built up by the numerical superposition of these wavefields. This superposition is nondispersive for all frequencies for which the Fresnel zones are large compared with the diffractor separation.All primary travel paths connecting the shot to diffractor and diffractor to geophone are accounted for together with phase changes induced by focal events. The method allows the modeling of arbitrary trace gathers for energy originating from selected reflectors. The nonsequential nature of the algorithm makes it suited to machines capable of carrying out many similar operations in parallel or concurrently. Diffractor theory also provides physical insight into wave scattering and focusing. In particular, the half-differential waveform associated with a line diffractor leads to an explanation of the 90° phase lead induced by a cylindrical focus and, similarly, the full differential waveform of a point diffractor can be used to explain the 180° phase shift induced by a point focus.

Notes: The addition of a third dimension to seismic data acquisition offers significant improvement of our reflection images of geologic structures, but potentially at a substantial increase in data processing cost. Here we study an approach to migration of three-dimensional (3-D) stacked data that can considerably reduce the burden of computation and data manipulation. Cascading two-dimensional (2-D) migrations in orthogonal lateral directions, we obtain an efficient 3-D scheme that is exact for homogeneous media. As applied to examples of synthetic data from inhomogeneous media, the scheme introduces errors well below those attributable, in practice, to uncertainties in migration velocity. Application of this two-step approach, using both Kirchhoff-summation and finite-difference algorithms, to a 3-D seismic land survey over an area of known hydrocarbon traps additionally proves the importance of 3-D migration in stratigraphic imaging.

Notes: Downhole periodic seismic sources have been proposed as a means for studying fluid zones in hydrothermal/magma systems encountered in deep scientific holes drilled as part of the Continental Scientific Drilling Program. Scientific measurements in these holes will require the use of downhole, nondestructive, high resolution, seismic tools. Downhole periodic seismic sources tested in a shallow geothermal zone showed that a pneumatic oscillator could effectively generate downhole low-frequency (10–100 Hz) seismic waves and that these waves could effectively penetrate a highly fractured formation. An improved version of these downhole sources, capable of swept-frequency operation, is currently under development. This type of downhole seismic source has applications in crustal studies and in the evaluation of petroleum, groundwater and geothermal reservoirs.

Notes: Numerical investigations have been carried out on suitable interpretation schemes for gravity, based upon Backus-Gilbert inverse theory. A two-dimensional linear model consisting of horizontal prisms (grid shape) has been adopted for interpretation of gravity profiles. An inversion technique, which uses a linear approach suitable for rapid computation, and studies with synthetic bodies have led to improvements in the method, mainly by applying weighting factors, which improve the solution in the final stages of computational work. Gravity data from the well-known Cyprus island positive anomaly were inverted to demonstrate the feasibility of the method.

Notes: One of the methods for studying the near-surface low-velocity zone and for subsequent determination of static corrections is the technique of employing first arrivals. During the past few years several computer algorithms, based on some simplifying assumptions, have been suggested for automatic determination of first arrivals.This paper suggests a new method for automatic picking of first arrivals, which works under quite general assumptions concerning the character of the data. The method is based on the use of correlation properties of signals and the application of a statistical criterion for the estimation of first arrivals time. A number of dimensionless parameters is used in the algorithm making it possible to regulate the level of reliability and the resolution of the picking procedure.The second stage of the algorithm is the parameterization of the traveltime curve, that is a division of the previously obtained t—x curve into separate rectilinear segments. The suggested algorithm of parameterization is based on an heuristic use of some properties of maximum likelihood estimates. This permits location of the breakpoints of the t—x curve and the estimation of the parameters of each rectilinear segment.A computer program has been written based on the picking and parameterization algorithm. This program has been tested on a large amount of field data and the results show that it works at least as well as the hand procedure.

Notes: A theoretical study is presented of the effect of source/receiver patterns with fixed phase difference on the radiation/receiving characteristics of the single elements of the pattern in linear elastic media. The radiation characteristic of two vertical vibrators in phase and in counterphase is investigated in detail.By introducing source/receiver patterns the characteristics become dependent on dimension of the pattern, frequency and angle of observation in the horizontal plane. The types of waves generated by source patterns are, independent of phase differences, equal to those generated by single sources. With two vertical vibrators in phase radiation of P-waves can be improved relative to that of SV-waves. With two vibrators in counterphase radiation of SV-waves in vertical directions is enhanced relative to that of P-waves; this may be a valuable method of SV-shear wave generation in exploration seismics. SV-wave amplitudes larger than P-wave amplitudes can be expected at angles larger than 5°–10° with the vertical.

Notes: Three current migration methods derived from the wave-equation model and based on approximations by Fourier series, finite-differences, and a combination of both (mixed method) are reviewed. Each method is examined in the context of horizontally layered media, where the velocity of wave propagation varies with depth alone. It is shown how, under such conditions, the special properties of the linear equations obtained from finite-difference and mixed approximations can be exploited for computational efficiency. A numerical algorithm is described which substantially reduces the complexity and the computational cost of the solution. This algorithm is directly applicable to vector processing.The description of each method includes derivation, dispersion relation, stability properties, and applicable numerical algorithms. Comparative analyses show that, for the same computational cost, the finite-difference approximation has poor accuracy characteristics and should be used only when the boundary conditions are difficult to express in the frequency domain. The results are illustrated with numerical experiments on synthetic data.

Notes: Recently the author developed and demonstrated (Safar 1980) an efficient method for operating the airgun. The method involves the generation of a short seismic pulse from the pressure bubble pulses radiated by an airgun when fired several times at the same optimum depth but with different chamber pressures.The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss the test results obtained when implementing the same method using a two-dimensional airgun array. The array consists of seven 0.65 liter airguns fired simultaneously at the same depth but with different chamber pressures.It is shown that the far-field pressure pulse radiated by the seven 0.65 liter airgun array is similar to that radiated by the Flexichoc seismic source. It is concluded that the proposed airgun array can be used as a subarray to form an extremely powerful super-long array suitable for deep seismic exploration.The author would like to thank the Chairman and Board of Directors of the British Petroleum Co. Ltd for permission to publish this paper. Thanks are also due to Mike Symes and Lovell Cox for carrying out the field tests and Seismograph Service (England) Ltd for providing the airguns.

Notes: Recently, a heuristic and empirical analysis of a method of three-dimensional (3-D) migration has been presented by Gibson, Larner, and Levin. It consists of sets of two-dimensional (2-D) migrations in orthogonal directions. In this paper, we examine this two-pass method using scalar wave theory and show its action to be identical to that of so-called full 3-D migration for constant-velocity media. The demonstration of equivalence is carried out in both the frequency-space and frequency-wavenumber domains, the latter providing a particularly transparent view of the mechanism of the two-pass approach. We then extend our analysis to consider how various approximate algorithms used in practical implementations affect the validity of our conclusion.

Notes: Variations of seismic interval velocities within the cable length cause anomalies in the stacking velocity analyses. Utilizing the approximation of rectilinear ray propagation, i.e. supposing that the velocity changes cause time delays only, it is shown that the stacking velocity anomalies are linearly related to the interval velocity variations. In particular, the stacking velocity anomaly is calculated when the interval velocity of an intermediate layer undergoes a stepwise variation. The amplitude of the anomaly increases with the ratio between horizon depth and cable length.From the forward model, a program for the inversion is derived in order to identify lateral changes of interval velocities from unsmoothed stacking velocity analyses.Some examples of the application of this technique to synthetic and real data are presented.

Notes: A theoretical solution is presented to the problem where a VLF anomaly is generated by a conducting half-plane or a perfectly conducting wedge below a stratified overburden. The solution is obtained by the use of a scattering matrix for plane-wave eigenfunctions. VLF anomalies have been computed for different values of the conductance and dip of the half-plane. The phase of the VLF anomaly due to a conducting half-plane depends on the conductance and the distance to the half-plane. Close to the half-plane the tilt angle and ellipticity are of opposite sign for a perfect conductor, but the ellipticity will change sign for a poor conductor. The VLF anomaly for a perfectly conducting wedge is essentially determined by the position of the upper surface of the wedge, i.e. the anomaly will closely resemble the anomaly of a perfectly conducting half-plane in the same position as the upper surface of the wedge.

Notes: The five elastic coefficients which characterize a transversely isotropic medium have been measured for the Pierre Shale. The first-arrival times deduced from two closely spaced vertical seismic profiles provide values of magnitude and direction of the phase velocity at a given depth for different locations of the sources. From these velocities, we can estimate the five elastic coefficients by assuming that the P- and SV-wave velocities have only a small dependence on the angle of propagation. On the other hand, it is shown that the accuracy in the difference between the directions of propagation and particle motion is not sufficient to determine the anisotropy.This work was industrially sponsored through the Integrated Geophysics Project.

Notes: The presence of a conducting environment about a spherical ore body must be considered when calculating the transient electromagnetic response of the ore body due to a step current flowing in a large circular loop at the earth's surface. Failure to do this can easily lead to errors in excess of 10% in numerical calculations. Moreover, there is only a limited time interval in which the response of the spherical conductor is easily seen.In a poorly conducting ground the resonance response of the sphere is the first to be excited. Later, however, the non-resonance or wave-type response is excited. These waves destructively interfere and finally the response of the sphere decays with time as t−7/2.For a range of times and depths the best loop for detecting the sphere has about the same radius as the sphere.

Notes: The effectiveness of the electrical resistivity method has been studied using various configurations with different spacings over the Southern Boundary Fault in the northwestern part, and across a dolerite dyke named “Salma dyke” in the central part, of the Raniganj Coalfield, India. It has been observed that the delineation of the fault and the dyke was made possible under differential tropical weathering conditions. Geoelectric sections across the fault and the dyke have been prepared on the basis of Schlumberger sounding results. In profiling, Wenner, two-electrode, half-Schlumberger and part of Al-Chalabi's configurations were applied over the Southern Boundary Fault. Across the dyke, alpha-, beta-, and gamma-Wenner, Schlumberger, half-Schlumberger and two-electrode configurations were employed. Azi-muthal two-electrode sounding was also studied over the fault.The interpretation of the results of apparent resistivity profiles across the Southern Boundary Fault suggests that the Wenner and two-electrode configurations possess certain diagnostic features which help in mapping a single lithological contact, provided sufficient resistivity contrast exists. Although Schlumberger configuration seems to be quite suitable, other configurations may also be usefully employed over the dyke.

Notes: The electrical properties of the weathered layer were investigated by means of Geonics VLF-EM 16/16R equipment in two areas of the Andhra Pradesh State. The resistivity and thickness of the weathered layer were found to be variable even over a small survey area. In the area underlain by Precambrian granite-gneiss, most of the recorded VLF-EM anomalies were caused by variations in the resistivity of the weathered layer. Changes in thickness were well reflected in the VLF-EMR curves. The second area was underlain by Cretaceous basalts and dolerites.Quantitative interpretation of the VLF-EMR data with a simple one-dimensional model yielded considerable detail about the weathered layer. For the granitic area, a prior estimate of at least one resistivity parameter of the ground is required. If this is not already available, a limited amount of direct-current resistivity surveying can provide the required information. A study of the EMR data from the basaltic area revealed the presence of a thin, highly conductive layer between the weathered layer and the bedrock. The parameters of this layer were found to be variable, making it necessary to use a set of diagrams for quantitative interpretation. Due to the presence of this highly conductive layer, the EMR data contain little information on the bedrock resistivity.Our field studies suggest that the VLF-EMR method can be used as a fast and inexpensive tool for mapping of the weathered layer in tropical regions with hard rock geology. Such mapping is of considerable importance because the weathered layer is an important source of groundwater.

Notes: Prediction of acoustic impedances below bottom-of-hole developed in the paper is based on VSP data processing. The pulse form and reflections are deduced from records on the vertical array by the method of subtraction. A deterministic prediction error and a wave-shaping Wiener filter are used to transform the pulse train and reflections into a short symmetrical pulse. Additional broadening of the pulse spectrum is achieved by stacking of seismograms from shots with various dominant frequencies after zero-phase transformation of downgoing waves.The inversion of seismograms is made after ideal spiking by means of a subtraction procedure. Acoustic impedances deduced are closely related to lithology of rocks below bottom-of-hole.

Notes: A new technique is developed for calibrating a low-frequency hydrophone. The technique involves the use of pressure pulses radiated by the Par 0.65 liter airgun when fired at a fixed depth but with various values of initial chamber pressure. The sensitivity of a low-frequency hydrophone, when determined by the proposed technique, is found to be in agreement with that obtained by using the so-called “impulse method”.

Notes: Although Egypt is not characterized by abundant Cenozoic igneous activity, its location in the northeastern corner of the African plate suggests that it may possess geothermal resources, especially along its eastern margin. Regional geothermal exploration has been carried out in Egypt using the thermal gradient/heat flow technique and groundwater temperature/chemistry technique. In the thermal gradient/heat flow study, existing oil-well bottom-hole temperature data as well as subsurface temperature measurements in existing boreholes were utilized before special thermal gradient holes were drilled. Groundwater temperature and chemistry data were used to extend the geographic range of the direct subsurface thermal measurements. On a very modest budget, a regional thermal high has been discovered along the eastern margin of Egypt, and a local thermal anomaly has been discovered in this zone. Published geological information suggests that the sandstones of the Nubian Formation may be a suitable reservoir for geothermal fluids. The new data indicate that temperatures of 150°C or higher may be found in this reservoir in the Gulf of Suez and Red Sea coastal zone where it lies at a depth of 4 km and deeper.

Notes: Continuous, single-channel reflection profiling has been carried out in PVC-lined boreholes, primarily with the aim of ascertaining the position of an old subsurface gas storage tunnel on a proposed dam site.Tube wave reflection patterns thus generated have been interpreted in terms of sediment rigidity and shear wave velocity, and these results could be compared with some independent data. It is interesting to note that, within the well section penetrating Tertiary clays, the velocity of the hydraulic transients apparently was not affected by the PVC casing, which might be explained by a tight coupling between casing and clay wall. In such situations, tube waves turn out a straightforward tool for the determination of shear wave velocity and the derivation of dynamic elastic moduli of unconsolidated sediments.Further applications of the study of the distribution of seismic velocities on the dam site dealt with the consolidation history of the clays. A level of abnormally low P-wave velocities has been detected and interpreted as a gas-charged horizon which, by its coincidence with the base level of clay diapirs, might be considered to have contributed to clay flowage in past geological times. Data about maximum past burial depth, derived from shear wave velocities, turned out to be in agreement with results from consolidation testing.

Notes: Presently, salt deposits are used for storage of energy from liquid or gaseous carrier materials. Another application being considered is the storage of radioactive material. In order to avoid possible future environmental risk, extremely high security has to be guaranteed in advance for a long period. Therefore, a very precise exploration is absolutely necessary.Exploration methods already known—which are applicable during and after drilling of test holes—help in the recognition of structures in the salt only in the close vicinity of the holes. Radiowave electromagnetic methods developed for routine measurements in salt mines provide a penetration of some hundred meters. Appropriate well-logging equipment has been designed here for measurements from surface boreholes.Discontinuities around one borehole in the salt can be detected through the electromagnetic reflection method. When measuring between two boreholes, additional reflecting zones can be detected, and attenuation of directly pathed waves can point out material with greater absorption properties between the holes.Additional attempts to use acoustic waves of nearly the same wavelength proved that it is possible to recognize the direction of signals arriving at the receiver and allow separation of P- and S-waves.Instrumentation as well as recent results are reported.

Notes: During the past 3 years, major advances in the magnetotelluric technique have improved the quality of magnetotelluric data to the point where random errors in the impedance tensor and tipper are generally smaller than the uncertainty in their interpretation. The major factor in this improvement has been the introduction of the remote-reference technique, although the use of ultrasensitive magnetometers and minicomputers for in-field data processing has also been important. After a review of the remote-reference technique, this paper describes the equipment and procedures used for remote-reference magnetotellurics by the authors. Magnetometers using d.c. Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices typically have a sensitivity of 10−14 T Hz−1/2, a dynamic range of 107 in a 1 Hz bandwidth, and a slewing rate of 3 × 10−5.T s−1 at 10 kHz. The electric field measurements use conventional Cu-CuSO4 electrodes. The remote magnetic reference signals are transmitted to the base station using FM analog telemetry. The data are collected and processed by a minicomputer based on an LSI-11 microprocessor; the essential results—for example, the apparent resistivities and the tipper components, with their probable errors—are available in the field. Practical details are given of the handling of superconducting devices, low temperature cryostats and liquid helium in the field. Various spurious noise sources are mentioned, and techniques for minimizing their effects are described.

Notes: We have studied the atomistic structure of a σ3 (111) grain boundary in strontium titanate by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Quantitative evaluation of HRTEM images reveals that shear stresses, which may originate from processing or external loading, have an important effect on the translation state of the two adjacent grains and on the ion positions at the grain boundary. While under low shear stress the boundary exhibits mirror symmetry with respect to the boundary plane and a comparatively large free volume, high shear stress transforms the structure to a “lock-in” configuration, which has no mirror symmetry and a smaller excess volume. These results suggest that internal or external stresses may significantly alter the charge transport properties of SrTiO3.

Notes: The hardness of opposite basal faces of 4H-SiC single crystals has been measured in the temperature range 25°-1200°3C. A strong hardness anisotropy between the silicon-terminated (0001) and carbon-terminated (0001) faces of this polar crystal has been found. Transmission electron microscopy investigation of the dislocations in the plastic zone of the 1200°3C indentations shows that they lie predominantly on the basal planes parallel to the indented face, and the extra-half planes of the nonscrew dislocations originate from the indented face. It is also found that, when the (0001) Si-terminated face is indented, the dislocations are either widely dissociated, with the width of the stacking fault ribbon much larger than the equilibrium value, or else they are single leading partials, with the corresponding trailing partials absent. In this case, all the leading partials are found to have a silicon core. On the other hand, the dislocations in the plastic zone of the carbon-terminated face are in the form of dissociated dislocations, with the width of the associated stacking fault ribbons appreciably less than the equilibrium value. Moreover, the leading partials of éhese dissociated dislocations have a carbon core. The results indicate that the hardness of the polar basal faces of 4H-SiC at elevated temperatures is partly determined by the nature of the dislocation cores nucleated by the indentation process. It is argued that this is due to the influence of the core on the generation and glide of the leading partial dislocations.

Notes: Using the technique of fluorescence piezospectroscopy, we determine the distribution of thermal residual stresses across the edges of three laminated alumina/zirconia composites. We develop a methodology for separating the measured stress state into microstresses that result from grain-to-grain thermal mismatch and macrostresses that result from lamination-induced thermal mismatch between individual plies. Comparison between the measured edge-stress distributions and those calculated based on a simple force-superposition model shows good agreement, indicating that the laminate system is well approximated as linear elastic. Given the experimental confirmation of significant edge stresses in multi-ply laminates, the possibility of failure initiating at composite edges must be considered in the design of surface-compressed laminate structures with the aim of mediating the detrimental effect of surface flaws.

Notes: Local laser-induced oxidation of thin titanium films on glass is shown to be self-limiting due to a decrease in the absorptivity during the reaction. Taking advantage of this confinement, stable writing of transparent oxide line structures narrower than the diffraction-limited focused spot of a continuous wave Ar ion laser (500 nm) has been accomplished. The greatest optical contrast (1:10) with the highest resolution down to 165 nm was observed if the film thickness is of the order of the light absorption length in the metal.

Notes: Multilayered composites consisting of LaPO4 (La-monazite) layers alternating with various ZrO2-based materials were fabricated to investigate whether LaPO4 provides a weakly bonded interface suitable for promoting toughening, as previously observed in the system LaPO4/Al2O3. The following ZrO2-based materials were assessed: Y-ZrO2, Y-ZrO2/Al2O3, Ce-ZrO2, and Ce-ZrO2/Al2O3. Debonding was observed in all cases. The composites containing Y-ZrO2 and Y-ZrO2/Al2O3 were stable, with no reactions, at temperatures up to at least 1600°3C. However, in the composites containing Ce-ZrO2, interdiffusion of Ce and La occurred, resulting in formation of a pyrochlore-like phase and, in the case of the Ce-ZrO2/Al2O3 composite, a (Ce,La)Al11O18 magnetoplumbite phase.

Notes: Copper/niobium multilayers prepared by sputtering onto Si substrates with layer thicknesses ranging from 11 to 5000 Å have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy and nanoindentation. The films are strongly textured with {110} close-packed planes of the bcc Nb parallel to the {111} close-packed planes of the fcc Cu and close-packed directions tending to be parallel as well. For the 11 Å layers, the Cu is found to grow pseudomorphically on Nb in the bcc structure. It is thought that, for thicker layers, the bcc Cu loses coherency and transforms martensitically to the fcc phase, thus resulting in the observed Kurdjumov—Sachs orientation relationship. As the layer thickness, d, decreases from 5000 to 500 Å, the hardness increases as d-1/2; i.e., it follows a Hall—Petch relationship so that hardening is due to grain boundaries and interfaces. The slope is the same as in pure Cu, but there is a large intercept which is ascribed to internal stresses and a large dislocation density. As the layer thickness decreases from 100 to 11 Å, the hardness increases as (1/d) ln (0.69d), which is a line tension formulation such as would be expected for Orowan dislocation bowing between the layers. Again there is a large intercept which is ascribed to cutting through the Cu/Nb interfaces. The interfacial energy is calculated to be 0.46 J/m2.

Notes: Aqueous Zr-nitrate solutions containing appropriate amounts of Fe(NO3)3·6H2O and Al(NO3)3·6H2O were used to synthesize ZrO2-Fe2O3 compositions (up to 40 mol% Fe2O3) and one ZrO2-Al2O3-Fe2O3 composition. An amorphous phase was produced after pyrolysis, which subsequently crystallized to a single-phase Zr(Fe)O2 solid solution (or Zr(Fe,Al)O2 ss) that appeared cubic by X-ray diffraction, but tetragonal (c/a→ 1) by electron diffraction. The crystallization temperature increased with Fe2O3 content. At higher temperatures, the single phase partitioned to two phases, tetragonal-ZrO2+γ-Fe2O3. The γ- to α-Fe2O3 transformation occurred at still higher temperatures to produce a two-phase microstructure composed of two interpenetrating phases (ZrO2+α-Fe2O3), each with equiaxed grains. This microstructure was relatively stable to grain coarsening, even to temperatures just below the apparent eutectic temperature. With the exception of the lower transition temperatures and the equiaxed grains observed for both phases, these observations are similar to that previously reported for the ZrO2-Al2O3 system. The microstructure development reported here is another example for the synthesis via solution processing that involves diffusion-limited crystallization. Namely, a two-phase material can be produced where the grain size of each can be very small, and can be prevented from growing rapidly at high temperatures due to the constraint of each phase on one another.

Notes: High-temperature creep behavior of yttria fully stabilized zirconia single crystals with various yttria contents in the interval 9.4 ≤x≤ 21 mol% has been studied. The mechanical data have been collected as a function of both the temperature and the yttria concentration. The creep behavior has been explained in terms of a transition between a dislocation viscous glide and a dislocation climb controlled mechanism, making use of a generalized version of a classical model for alloys proposed by Burton. The yttria concentration dependence of the creep rate has been connected with results on cationic diffusivity, with a possible influence of impurities.

Notes: The examination of natural materials at the microscopic and microchemical level from a materials science perspective can occasionally suggest advances in modern materials engineering. The present paper reports on such a case: an analytical study of the detailed structure and composition of sea urchin teeth.

Notes: Compression tests of single crystals are analyzed with respect to shear due to the friction at the loaded ends. This simple approach permits an explanation of the features associated with prism plane slip in sapphire (α-Al2O3), i.e., the shape changes of the specimens and the curvature of the glide planes.

Notes: The microstructure of polydomain tetragonal zirconia (t-ZrO2), i.e., a ZrO2 modification exhibiting ferroelastic behavior, is studied by high-voltage electron microscopy. This material consists of three domain variants of the tetragonal phase with their c-axes nearly orthogonal to each other. Always two variants of these platelike domains are alternately arranged, forming elongated regular colonies. Hence, in both variants the common habit plane of the domains is a {110} twin plane. The colonies are of columnar shape with a longitudinal axis. They are bound by {110} planes, too, which are twin planes for the domains in the contiguous colonies. Owing to their particular structure and the helical arrangement of the adjoining colonies, the material remains coherent and pseudocubic over large macroscopic regions, although it is formed by different tetragonal domains.

Notes: The ferroelastic deformation of t-ZrO2, the microstructure of which was described in detail in Part I, was investigated by in situ deformation experiments in the high-voltage electron microscope at 1150°3C. During the experiments those two domain variants with their c-axes perpendicular to the [010] tensile direction were transformed into the third one with its c-axis parallel to the tensile direction. The subsequent ‘switching’ of the domains inside the colonies proceeds much faster than the penetration of the transformation front into a neighboring colony. Therefore, the transformed region, exhibiting a unique tetragonal structure and containing residual defects, preferentially expands into the longitudinal directions of the colonies. The transformation of single domains proceeds instantaneously within the time resolution of the video tape recording.

Notes: The effect of particle solubility and the dissolution rate on agglomeration was studied by drying silica and titania particles from aqueous slurries with pH values in the range of 2–12. The agglomerate strength and strength distribution were measured by a calibrated ultrasonic force, and the strength increased as the solubility and dissolution rate increased. Two silica powders of different particle size (60 nm and 500 nm) were studied, and smaller-sized particles formed stronger agglomerates. The drying rate of the powders was varied by using spray drying and tray drying, and slower drying was shown to lead to higher agglomerate strength. The agglomerate strength of titania powder (insoluble in water) was independent of pH, whereas the agglomerate strength of silica was dependent on pH. It was concluded that the solubility and dissolution rate are important parameters that govern the strength of agglomerates.

Notes: The formation kinetics of products formed by the reaction between dense molybdenum and vapor-supplied silicon at an activity approximating that of solid silicon under open flowing gas conditions was studied at 1200°3C. An outer MoSi2 layer overlaid the much thinner Mo5Si3 that formed on the molybdenum. Both phases obeyed parabolic growth laws over a 22 h period, having parabolic rate constants of 6.8 times 10-10 cm2/s for the MoSi2 and 1.3 times 10-13 cm2/s for the Mo5Si3 phases. These results were ∼2 orders of magnitude less than prior results, mostly obtained by another processing route. Possible explanations include enhanced growth rates from chemical contamination. Gross distortion and abnormal layer thicknesses at specimen edges and the 159% volume increase during siliciding suggest that the kinetics also are strain dependent.

Notes: An anomalous positive temperature coefficient of resistivity (PTCR) was investigated in the ZnO-NiO system. It was found that the ZnOSS (Zn0.97Ni0.03O) and NiOSS (Ni0.6Zn0.4O) constituent phases of that system exhibit negative temperature coefficient of resistivity (NTCR) character, while their combination shows a PTCR effect with a maximum at 400°3C, which coincides with a large difference in the coefficient of linear thermal expansion between the ZnOSS and NiOSS phases at that temperature. On the basis of the brick wall model microstructure, the PTCR anomaly of this system can be explained. The magnitude of the PTCR effect is governed by the difference in resistivity of the two constituent phases at the temperature where the maximum of the PTCR anomaly occurs. The predicted temperature dependence of the resistance, R(T), of a model microstructure consisting of constituent phases with different grain sizes agrees well with the experimental R(T) of the prepared composite ceramics.

Notes: Small substitutions of BaZrO3 into Ba[(Zn,Ni)1/3Ta2/3]O3 are utilized in the commercial preparation of low-loss perovskite microwave dielectrics. The structures of a series of these phases with substitution levels ranging from 1% to 5% BaZrO3 were examined using high-resolution TEM. For ≤ 2.15% BaZrO3 the solid solutions retain the ordered “1:2” structure of the Ba[(Zn,Ni)1/3Ta2/3]O3 end-member but are comprised of small ordered domains whose size decreases as the Zr content is raised. The decrease in the size of the domains parallels a decrease in the processing time required to access a low-loss state. Although for pure Ba[(Zn,Ni)1/3Ta2/3]O3 reductions in the degree of cation order produce a large increase in the dielectric loss, the Zr-substituted ceramics retain a very low loss. We believe the low losses of the 1:2 ceramics are derived from the stabilization of the ordering-induced domain boundaries via the partial segregation of the Zr cations. For substitutions between 3% and 5% BaZrO3 the size of the ordered domains continues to decrease but the system undergoes an abrupt transformation to a cubic “1:1” ordered structure with a doubled perovskite repeat. The structures of these phases have been interpreted using a “random layer” model in which one site is occupied by Ta and the other by a random distribution of Zn, Zr, and the remaining Ta cations, i.e., Ba{[Zn(2-y)/3Ta(1–2y)/3Zry]1/2[Ta1/2]}O3. Although the ordering is confined to nano-sized domains, these ceramics also exhibit low losses, again reflecting the relative stability of the domain boundaries. In this case we believe the low losses reflect the effectiveness of the random layer in stabilizing the anti-phase boundaries.

Notes: The isothermal oxidation of HfC single crystals with (100) orientation was carried out using an electromicrobalance at temperatures of 600° to 900°3C at an oxygen pressure of 2 to 8 kPa. Nonisothermal oxidation was performed by a simultaneous thermogravimetry—differential thermal analysis—mass spectrometry analysis. A polished cross section of the oxidized crystal was observed by backscattered electron imaging in a scanning electron microscope. Quantitative chemical analysis for Hf, O, and C and their elemental profiles in the HfC and oxide scale was carried out by wavelength dispersive X-ray microanalysis. It was found that the oxide scale consists of two regions, zones 1 and 2, both of which showed the existence of carbon. The carbon content at the middle point of zone 1 was about twice that in zone 2, which contained 7 to 14 at.% carbon. Zone 1 showed an almost compact and pore-free phase; its thickness remained constant (1 to 2 μm) after a prolonged time. The thickness of zone 2 increased linearly with time. The oxidation mechanism including interfacial reaction responsible for the deposition of carbon is discussed.

Notes: Basic principles of fabricating tile glazes based on cordieritic glass-ceramics are explained. Glass compositions from the MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 three-component phase diagram have been melted with and without the nucleating agent TiO2. Additionally, a sodium borosilicate glass that is commonly used in the tile glaze industry has been wet milled, together with the previous compositions, to produce a coating slip. Studies are focused on the role of the nucleating agent and glassy formulation in the crystallization of the glass-ceramic system using differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffractometry, and scanning electron microscopy. When added to a borosilicate glass, only one composition is capable of crystallizing cordierite under a fast-firing cycle used for “monoporosa” production. The porosity of the glaze layer is sufficiently low and the crystal size is small to ensure good mechanical and chemical properties. The presence of cordierite crystals in the glaze should enhance abrasion and acid resistance, in comparison to a traditional matte glaze that contains mostly enstatite or diopside crystals.

Notes: Transparent and highly oriented Ba2NaNb5O15 (BNN) thin films have been prepared by using metal alkoxides. A homogeneous precursor solution was prepared by the controlled reaction of NaOC2H5, Nb(OC2H5)5, and barium metal. The BNN precursor included a molecular-level mixture of NaNb(OC2H5)6 and Ba[Nb(OC2H5)6]2 in ethanol. The alkoxy-derived powder crystallized to a low-temperature phase, and then transformed to orthorhombic BNN (tungsten bronze) at 600°3C. BNN precursor films on substrates crystallized to orthorhombic BNN at 800°3C via the low-temperature phase. Highly (002) oriented BNN films of tungsten bronze structure were successfully prepared on MgO (100) substrates at 700°3C by using BNN underlayer.

Notes: An aqueous-based system (Si-Al2O3-Y2O3-Fe2O3) for processing sintered reaction-bonded silicon nitride (SRBSN) was investigated with an emphasis on chemical control of suspension component interactions. Chemical stability and dispersion properties of a commercial silicon powder were characterized using electroacoustic, adsorption isotherm, and rheological measurements. The interactions of silicon with nitriding agent, sintering aids, dispersants, and binder were considered. The effects of pH, electrolyte, aging, particle size, and solids loading were examined. The suspension properties of the silicon powder were influenced by the native oxide film and powder treatment history. The silicon—oxide composite particles exhibit dispersion behavior similar to silica, characterized by a negative surface potential above pH 2. A method to improve the dispersion and homogeneity of suspension components based on the use of quaternary amine dispersants is proposed.

Notes: The kinetics of grain growth and Ostwald ripening in Al2O3-ZrO2 two-phase composites was systematically investigated using two-dimensional (2-D) computer simulations, based on a diffuse-interface field model. Using average values for the experimentally measured ratios of the grain boundary energies to the interphase boundary energy as the input, the predicted 2-D microstructural features and their evolution are in excellent qualitative agreement with experimental observations on 2-D cross sections of 3-D Al2O3-ZrO2 two-phase composite microstructures. It was found that the coupled grain growth in Al2O3-ZrO2 composites is controlled by long-range diffusion and the average size (Rt) as a function of time (t) follows the power-growth law, Rmt - Rm0=kt with m= 3, which is independent of the initial microstructures and volume fractions of the two phases. The predicted variation of the kinetic coefficient (k) on the volume fraction follows a trend similar to that experimentally measured through the entire range of volume fractions. The scaling of grain size distributions is observed at a given volume fraction, i.e., they are time-invariant in the steady state. However, the characteristics of size distributions vary with the initial microstructures and the volume fractions. The relationship between matrix grain size and second-phase grain size is discussed.

Notes: It was observed that slurries of oxide powders in oxidized polybutene fluids can be caused to change reversibly between fluid, nearly Newtonian behavior and plastic behavior by modest changes in temperature. This phenomenon was believed to result from changes in the dispersion vs association among the particles. The rheological effects of temperature, polymer oxidation, and particle size were observed for 30 vol% slurries of TiO2, Al2O3, and ZrO2 powders in polybutene fluids. Elasticity (in oscillation) and low-shear-rate viscosity (in steady shear) were observed to increase with increasing temperature for TiO2 and Al2O3 particles in oxidized polybutene fluids. This behavior was attributed to the creation of interparticle structures. The attainment of this structure on heating was observed to be inhibited by increased oxidation of the polymer and increased particle size. It was concluded that the adsorption of oxidized molecules from the polymer liquid, along with the high viscosity of the bulk polymer, resulted in suspensions that were metastable against coagulation. Increased temperature resulted in lower viscosities of the liquid, allowing coagulation on a short time scale. The presence of the adsorbed polymer, however, prevented intimate contact among the particles so that the coagulated structure was easily destroyed upon subsequent cooling and shearing.

Notes: Minimum infiltration times during isothermal chemical vapor infiltration were calculated for the formation of a silicon carbide matrix composite from methyltrichlorosilane (MTS). Several different reaction models were used to describe the SiC deposition kinetics. The results show that the nature of the reaction model has a significant effect on process optimization considerations. It is clear that a simple first-order deposition reaction does not accurately describe the infiltration process, while rate expressions that treat the effect of chlorine-containing byproduct gases provide much more accurate predictions. In theory, much shorter infiltration times can be obtained with precursor chemistries that do not produce Cl-containing gases. The results also provide guidelines for minimizing infiltration times with MTS.

Notes: Cracking parallel to the fibers in off-axis plies is usually the initial form of damage in composite laminates. This cracking process has been associated with the (transverse) fracture toughness, defined by the critical strain energy release rate, GIc. The measurement of GIc provides basic information about the transverse crack resistance. In this study, the utility of the double torsion (DT) test technique to determine GIc in a glass-ceramic matrix composite (Nicalon/CAS-II) at temperatures up to 1000°3C has been demonstrated. GIc did decrease moderately with increasing temperature (as does the bulk matrix); however, no evidence of an interphase oxidizing effect on crack growth (parallel to the fibers) could be found. The inevitable misalignment of fibers in the material was not very efficient at bridging the crack in the DT specimens, in contrast to the significant matrix crack interactions with the fibers reported for other geometries such as double cantilever beam and flexure specimens.

Notes: NiAl2O4 spinel—mullite composites were prepared by simultaneous replacement of Al by Ti and/or Ni in 3:2 stoichiometric mullite. Specimens having nominal compositions 3(Al2-2xNixTixO3) · 2SiO2 (x= 0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.2) and 3(Al2-xMxO3) · 2SiO2 (M = Ni2+ or Ti4+ and x= 0.05) were synthesized by sol—gel techniques, which provide homogeneous gels in the SiO2-Al2O3 system. Gel structures investigated by infrared (IR) spectroscopy revealed the formation of Al-O-Si bonds in dried gels. The reaction sequence of gel-derived glasses, previously obtained by preheating gels at 750°3C for 3 h, was evaluated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and ultraviolet—visible (UV—vis) spectroscopy. All samples crystallized at around 1000°3C from an amorphous state, but unexpectedly the first crystalline phase was Al-Si spinel in all aluminum-substituted specimens; i.e., a change in the sequence of reaction with respect to the 3:2 stoichiometric mullite was produced. NiAl2O4 spinel was almost simultaneously detected. Two processes of mullite crystallization were observed. The temperature of formation of mullite was the lowest for the higher substituted sample. The microstructure of the final NiAl2O4 spinel—mullite composites found in all Ni-containing samples after annealing for 96 h was examined by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM/EDX), which revealed the presence of small particles of NiAl2O4 spinel dispersed in a mullite matrix. For annealed compositions with the larger Al replacement, i.e., when x= 0.2, a small amount of very small Al2TiO5 particles was also detected by XRD and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Notes: The reactions of stoichiometric Y2O3, CuO, and different barium salts (BaCO3, Ba(NO3)2, BaO2, BaCuO2) for forming various compounds in the yttrium—barium—copper—oxygen system (i.e., YBa2Cu3O7–8, BaCuO2, Y2BaCuO5, and Y2Cu2O5) were systematically investigated by thermal analysis and X-ray diffractometry. In a few cases, the relevant activation energies were calculated. The reaction pathway and kinetics were significantly dependent on the physicochemical and thermal stability of the barium precursors, as well as on the crystalline size of the reagent. Binary BaO-CuO phases formed at low temperature (650°-700°3C) when in the presence of easy-to-decompose barium precursors, and then slowly transformed to ternary compounds; in contrast, when barium ions were released at temperatures of 〉900°3C, ternary phases formed directly from the components.

Notes: A ceramic matrix for carbon-fiber-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs) has been developed from poly-siloxane/boron mixtures. Complex geometries can be realized by using standard technologies of fiber-reinforced polymer composites. On pyrolysis, the polymer—filler mixture is converted to a ceramic matrix, consisting of silicon carbide, boron carbide, boron nitride, and a silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) glass, without reacting with the carbon fiber. Because of the large volume increase of the boron filler on nitridation (142 vol%), no multiple reinfiltration of the structure is necessary to achieve a dense matrix. Tensile strength and interlaminar shear strength exhibit maxima at a pyrolysis temperature of 1300°3C, where extensive fiber pullout is observed. Thermodynamic calculations have been used to evaluate the theoretical qualitative and quantitative phase compositions at equilibrium. Thermoanalytical (thermogravimetry—mass spectroscopy) and structural analysis (X-ray diffractometry) have shown a satisfying coherence with respect to the condensed phases, whereas deviations have been noted with respect to the composition of the gas phase.

Notes: Carbohydrates are often key components in the formulation of extrusion pastes, yet the reasons for selection are presently empirical. The influence on paste extrusion of various types of carbohydrates, such as starch, dextrin, lactose, and glucose, have been studied and related to their water retention capacities. The bulk yield stress and the surface shear stress both decrease as the moisture content increases; however, the way in which the water that is present interacts with the carbohydrate has an important influence. The behavior of some carbohydrates can be substantially accounted for by a consideration of packing effects; however, dextrin behaves differently. The carbohydrates function not only as a binder but also as a means of retaining the liquid phase.

Notes: Spherical indentation of thick and thin glass plates was investigated numerically and experimentally. The energy release rate at the tip of a cone crack was calculated by using finite element techniques and used to investigate the applicability in thick plates of Roesler's law relating the cone crack radius to the indentation load. Indentations of thin glass specimens resting on different substrates were also studied numerically and experimentally. The stresses in the thin specimens were calculated and correlated with the observed failures. On the basis of these results, a crack initiation mechanism map was developed for glass specimens on different substrates.

Notes: Stereological measurements were performed to characterize the indentation crack path in a cubic zirconia—10 vol% alumina (c-ZrO2-10 vol% Al2O3) composite. Cracks were generated using Vickers indentation, and the crack propagation behavior was characterized as a function of the indentation loading/unloading rates. Cracks that were produced by Vickers indentation formed at higher crack velocities as the loading/unloading rates increased. The amount of contact between the crack and the Al2O3 particles increased as the indentation rate decreased. The total number of crack—particle interactions per unit crack length also increased as the indentation rate decreased, because of an increase in the number of particles that were fractured per unit crack length, whereas the number of particles that were debonded remained relatively constant as the indentation rate changed. These results suggest that residual thermal mismatch stresses have predominant control of the crack path at lower crack velocities (low indentation loading/unloading rate), whereas elastic mismatch stresses predominate at higher crack velocities (high indentation loading/unloading rate).

Notes: The purpose of this study was to determine the chemical composition changes of hydroxyapatite (HA) coated titanium using surface analysis (X-ray photoemission) and bulk analysis (energy dispersive spectroscopy). The specimens examined were controls and specimens aged 30 min and 3 h at room temperature in distilled water and 0.2M sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.2). Each X-ray photoemission cycle consisted of three scans followed by argon sputtering for 10 min for usually 20 cycles, corresponding to a sampling depth of ∼1500 Å. The energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis was on a 110 by 90 μm area for 500 s. The X-ray photoemission results indicated the oxidation effect of water on the titanium (as TiO2) and the effect of the buffer to increase the surface concentration of phosphorus. No differences in the chemical composition were observed by energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis.

Notes: A novel in situ reaction between a ceria-doped zirconia interphase coating on Saphikon fibers and an outer alumina coating has resulted in the formation of oriented hexaaluminate platelets which can act as a low fracture energy interface barrier for crack deflection in oxide—oxide ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs). The reaction proceeds only in reducing environments where the reduction of the cerium and zirconium ions to their 3+ valent state causes a destabilization phenomenon consistent with previously reported findings. The diffusion of the cerium from the zirconia into solid solution with the alumina can stabilize the layered hexaaluminate structure. Preferred orientational growth of the hexaaluminate parallel to the coating interface was observed which is the required orientation for enhanced debonding at the fiber/matrix interface in long-fiber-reinforced CMCs.