Research and design of reconfigurable composite field multiplication in symmetric cipher algorithms

The composite field multiplication is an important and complex module in symmetric cipher algorithms, and its realization performance directly restricts the processing speed of symmetric cipher algorithms. Based on the characteristics of composite field multiplication in symmetric cipher algorithms and the realization principle of its reconfigurable architectures, this paper describes the reconfigurable composite field multiplication over GF((2~8)~k)(k=1,2,3,4) in RISC(reduced instruction set computer) processor and VLIW(very long instruction word) processor architecture, respectively. Through configuration, the architectures can realize the composite field multiplication over GF(2~8), GF((2~8)~2), GF((2~8)~3) and GF((2~8)~4) flexibly and efficiently. We simulated the function of circuits and synthesized the reconfigurable design based on the 0.18 μm CMOS(complementary metal oxide semiconductor) standard cell library and the comparison with other same kind designs. The result shows that the reconfigurable design proposed in the paper can provide higher efficiency under the premise of flexibility.     

Chemical,mechanical, and thermal expansion properties of a carbon nanotube-reinforced aluminum nanocomposite

In the present study, the chemical and mechanical properties and the thermal expansion of a carbon nanotube (CNT)-based crystalline nano-aluminum (nano Al) composite were reported. The properties of nanocomposites were tailored by incorporating CNTs into the nano Al matrix using a physical mixing method. The elastic moduli and the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the nanocomposites were also estimated to understand the effects of CNT reinforcement in the Al matrix. Microstructural characterization of the nanocomposite reveals that the CNTs are dispersed and embedded in the Al matrix. The experimental results indicate that the incorporation of CNTs into the nano Al matrix results in the increase in hardness and elastic modulus along with a concomitant decrease in the coefficient of thermal expansion. The hardness and elastic modulus of the nanocomposite increase by 21% and 20%, respectively, upon CNT addition. The CTE of CNT/Al nanocomposite decreases to 70% compared with that of nano Al.     

Effect of slag composition on the cleanliness of 28MnCr5 gear steel in the refining processes

The equilibrium reaction between CaO—Al₂O₃—SiO₂—MgO slag and 28MnCr5 molten steel was calculated to obtain the suitable slag composition which is effective for decreasing the oxygen content in molten steel. The dissolved oxygen content [O] in molten steel under different top slag conditions was calculated using a thermodynamic model and was measured using an electromotive force method in slag–steel equilibrium experiments at 1873 K. The relations among [O], the total oxygen content (T.O), and the composition of the slag were investigated. The experimental results show that both [O] and T.O decrease with decreasing SiO₂ content of the slag and exhibit different trends with the changes in the CaO/Al₂O₃ mass ratio of the slag. Increasing the CaO/Al₂O₃ mass ratio results in a decrease in [O] and an increase in T.O. To ensure that T.O ≤ 20 ppm and [O] ≤ 10 ppm, the SiO₂ content should be controlled to <5wt%, and the CaO/Al₂O₃ mass ratio should be in the range from 1.2 to 1.6.     

Superior machinability of steel enhanced with BN and MnS particles

The strategy that replacing part of MnS with BN was proposed in order to decrease the sulfur content in sulfur based free-cutting steel. The effects of BN and MnS inclusions on the microstructure and machinability of the steel were systematically investigated. The results show that most of the BN and MnS inclusions exist individually in the steel and only a small amount of them are in a composite state forming either isolated particles or clusters of particles. In the case of multi-phased steel, the theoretical calculation predicts that the volume of large BN particles should be 0.7 times of the volume of large MnS particles. The machinability of this type of BN and MnS alloy steel over a wide range of cutting speeds ranging from a low speed appropriate for drilling to a high speed appropriate for turning is confirmed as being equal to or superior to that of an MnS reference steel, even though the sulfur content in the composite steel is only half that of the MnS steel. The aptitude for cutting effect of 240 ppm nitrogen and 115 ppm boron in the composite steel is demonstrated to be equivalent or even better than 1000 ppm sulfur in MnS free-cutting steel.     

Electrochemical and spectroscopic study of interfacial interactions between chalcopyrite and typical flotation process reagents

Comparative voltammetry and differential double-layer capacitance studies were performed to evaluate interfacial interactions between chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂) and n-isopropyl xanthate (X) in the presence of ammonium bisulfite/39wt% SO₂ and caustic starch at different pH values. Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, and microflotation tests were used to establish the type and extent of xanthate adsorption as well as the species involved under different mineral surface conditions in this study. The results demonstrate that the species that favor a greater hydrophobicity of chalcopyrite are primarily CuX and S0, whereas oxides and hydroxides of Cu and Fe as well as an excess of starch decrease the hydrophobicity. A conditioning of the mineral surface with ammonium bisulfite/39wt% SO₂ at pH 6 promotes the activation of surface and enhances the xanthate adsorption. However, this effect is diminished at pH ≥ 8, when an excess of starch is added during the preconditioning step.     

Formation mechanism of the graphite-rich protective layer in blast furnace hearths

A long campaign life of blast furnaces is heavily linked to the existence of a protective layer in their hearths. In this work, we conducted dissection studies and investigated damage in blast furnace hearths to estimate the formation mechanism of the protective layer. The results illustrate that a significant amount of graphite phase was trapped within the hearth protective layer. Furthermore, on the basis of the thermodynamic and kinetic calculations of the graphite precipitation process, a precipitation potential index related to the formation of the graphite-rich protective layer was proposed to characterize the formation ability of this layer. We determined that, under normal operating conditions, the precipitation of graphite phase from hot metal was thermodynamically possible. Among elements that exist in hot metal, C, Si, and P favor graphite precipitation, whereas Mn and Cr inhibit this process. Moreover, at the same hot-face temperature, an increase of carbon concentration in hot metal can shorten the precipitation time. Finally, the results suggest that measures such as reducing the hot-face temperature and increasing the degree of carbon saturation in hot metal are critically important to improve the precipitation potential index.     

Kinetics of discontinuous precipitation in Cu–20Ni–20Mn alloy

The morphology and growth kinetics of discontinuous precipitation (DP) in a Cu–20Ni–20Mn alloy were investigated in the temperature range of 523–673 K by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. A lamellar mixed structure consisting of alternating lamellae of a matrix and NiMn phase was observed in DP colonies. The volume fraction of regions formed by a DP reaction was determined by quantitative metallographic measurements. The kinetics of DP was evaluated on the basis of the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami–Kolmogorov equation, which resulted in a time exponent of approximately 1.5. We confirmed that the nucleation of the discontinuous precipitate was confined to grain edges or boundaries at an early stage of the reaction. The activation energy of DP process was determined to be approximately (72.7 ±7.2) kJ/mol based on the Arrhenius equation; this result suggests that DP is controlled by grain boundary diffusion. The hardness values exhibited good correlation with the volume fraction of DP; this correlation was attributed to the presence of the ordered NiMn phase.     

Enhanced photocatalytic activity of electrochemically synthesized aluminum oxide nanoparticles

In this study, aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized via an electrochemical method. The effects of reaction parameters such as supporting electrolytes, solvent, current and electrolysis time on the shape and size of the resulting NPs were investigated. The Al₂O₃ NPs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. Moreover, the Al₂O₃ NPs were explored for photocatalytic degradation of malachite green (MG) dye under sunlight irradiation via two processes: adsorption followed by photocatalysis; coupled adsorption and photocatalysis. The coupled process exhibited a higher photodegradation efficiency (45%) compared to adsorption followed by photocatalysis (32%). The obtained kinetic data was well fitted using a pseudo-first-order model for MG degradation.     

Research on droplet formation and dripping behavior during the electroslag remelting process

A better understanding of droplet formation and dripping behavior would be useful in the efficient removal of impurity elements and nonmetallic inclusions from liquid metals. In the present work, we developed a transparent experimental apparatus to study the mechanisms of droplet formation and the effects of filling ratio on droplet behavior during the electroslag remelting (ESR) process. A high-speed camera was used to clearly observe, at small time scales, the droplet formation and dripping phenomenon at the slag/metal interface during a stable ESR process. The results illustrate that a two-stage process for droplet formation and dripping occurs during the ESR process and that the droplet diameter exhibits a parabolic distribution with increasing filling ratio because of the different shape and thermal state of the electrode tip. This work also confirms that a relatively large filling ratio reduces electricity consumption and improves ingot quality.     

Kinetics and formation mechanisms of intragranular ferrite in V-N microalloyed 600 MPa high strength rebar steel

To systematically investigate the kinetics and formation mechanisms of intragranular ferrite (IGF), isothermal heat treatment in the temperature range of 450℃ to 600℃ with holding for 30 s to 300 s, analysis of the corresponding microstructures, and observation of the precipitated particles were conducted in V-N microalloyed 600 MPa high strength rebar steel. The potency of V(C,N) for IGF nucleation was also analyzed statistically. The results show that the dominant microstructure transforms from bainite (B) and acicular ferrite (AF) to grain boundary ferrite (GBF), intragranular polygonal ferrite (IPF), and pearlite (P) as the isothermal temperature increases from 450℃ to 600℃. When the holding time at 600℃ is extended from 30 s to 60 s, 120 s, and 300 s, the GBF content ranges from 6.0vol% to 6.5vol% and the IPF content increases from 0.5vol% to 2.8vol%, 13.1vol%, and 13.5vol%, respectively, because the ferrite transformation preferentially occurs at the grain boundaries and then occurs at the austenite grains. Notably, V(C,N) particles are the most effective nucleation site for the formation of IPF, accounting for 51% of the said formation.