Treasures of the 10th – 13th Centuries from Materials of Soldirsky I Hillfort Idnakar

Treasures were discovered during archaeological research of the Idnakar hillfort in 1976–1999. Two treasures were found on the middle square of the hillfort. The third treasure was found on the territory of internal fortifications, another one – outside the middle line of fortifications. Patterns in the location of the treasures relative to the planning objects are not revealed. The nature of the complexes is diverse. In general, jewelry dominates. Two treasures contain metal ingots and unfinished products. This indicates their local production. A treasure containing imported vessels is an important source for the analysis of trade and economic relations of the medieval population of the Cheptsa River Basin. Jewelry from treasures is dated to the period of 10th –13th centuries. Similar products were found in the materials of medieval monuments of the Finno-Ugric population of Eastern Europe. Data on the elemental composition of metal products from treasures are published. Metal research was carried out by Bazhen Evgenievich Pushkarev, Candidate of Technical Sciences (Scientific Center for Metallurgical Physics and Materials Science, Udmurt Federal Research Center, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences). Earrings and ritual bowls were made of silver. Pendants, jewelry items and metal ingots were made of copper alloys (pure copper, bronze, brass). Alloy formulations vary, which is typical of the medieval metal of the Cheptsa River Basin.

When love and critique collide:1 Methodology, ontology, fandom and standpoint in metal research

Metal studies is now into its teenage years. It has been shaped by different fields of academic study, different ideas of how research should be done, varying ideas about the kinds of questions we should be asking and even, and importantly, varying ideas of what metal is and what counts as metal. In this article, I open up discussion about methodology and ontology in metal studies. This is a vital discussion because it goes to the heart of what we can say about metal. My aim is to prick the consciences of metal scholars in order to inspire closer examination of our standpoints as researchers. I argue that as metal scholars we are often researching the music that we love, and this can mean that we take a defensive position. Because of this, we need to be especially attentive to how our fan positions may blind us to discussing difficult aspects of our culture such as vicious misogyny and banal nationalism.

Radiation tests of products made of calcium-thermal zirconium grade СTZ-110 under operation of the VVER-440 reactor

The paper presents the results of reactor tests of fuel assemblies with cladding made of zirconium alloy grade СTZ-110 at the material testing reactor of National Research Center (NRC) "Kurchatov Institute" at Novovoronezh and Leningrad NPP under various nuclear fuel burnups. It was shown that after all test cycles, the parts from zirconium in the fuel assemblies were in good condition, which was confirmed by metal research of the samples cut out from the fuel elements. The mechanical properties of the fuel cladding made of СTZ-110 alloy are stable and satisfactory. Maximum burn-outs were achieved in the VVER-1000 mode of 67.4 MW·day/kg of uranium and the RBMK-1000 mode – 76.0 MW·day/kg of uranium.

Joining of AA2014 and AA5059 dissimilar aluminium alloys by Friction Stir Welding

Purpose: This work aims to investigate the microstructure and mechanical properties achieved by FSW of butt joints, namely of dissimilar sheets namely of 2014-T3 to 5059-H11 Al alloys by bonding the two materials perpendicular to their rolling directions. Design/methodology/approach: AA 2014T3 and AA 5059H11 were two dissimilar aluminium alloys friction stir welded. The joint has been examined in terms of hardness, microstructure, and mechanical properties. The microstructure of the weld area was characterized by using optical microscopy. Seven diverse regions of the microstructure in the joint can be illustrious. Findings: It has been noticed that a structure of fine grain is formed in the nugget region as a consequence of recrystallization. The thermos mechanically affected and heat affected zones of aluminium alloy 2014 are characterized by the lowest hardness values in spite of there are a general hardness decrease through the weld zone compared to both base metals. The ultimate tensile strength values of the dissimilar joint were found to be varying between 54% to 66% those of the base metal. Research limitations/implications: The t joining in FSW takes place with the base materials remnant in the solid state, which gives a considerable possibility to produce joints between the alleged difficult-to-weld heat treatable aluminium alloys. Originality/value: The outcomes display that friction stir welding can be effectively applied for the joining of dissimilar aluminium alloys.

Peace of mind: The impact of metal gestures on stress and power

Findings on metal research show an action-oriented, socially competent and less stressed community, opposing the assumption that metal reduces well-being and induces depression. Our study aimed to investigate the stress-reducing effects of metal for its fans and if this is influencing power experience. The idea is based on findings that indicate positive psychological and physical effects of music in general as well as the stress-reducing effects found for open, expansive gestures (e.g. ‘Metal gestures’). After stress was raised, participants listened either to metal or to classical music. While music was played, movements of half of the participants were blocked, thus, metal gestures were not possible. Metal music led to stress reduction of such blocked movements while classical music was found only to reduce stress when movements were not blocked. Stress reduction predicted the experience of power, but metal music and movements did not.

Density of tin, silver and copper

Purpose: Purpose of this paper is to report on the development of a new density measure- ment cell. Design/methodology/approach: Measurement cell based on Archimedean principle and consisting of induction furnace and a high/precision balance was applied for measurement of tin, silver and copper density. Findings: It was found that new cell is suitable for high temperature measurement of liquid metals density at temperatures from 700 to 1520°C. Measurement results are in a good agreement with the literature values. Density deviates by 0.5-1% depending on the metal. Research limitations/implications: Accuracy of the density measurement decreases at temperatures below 700°C due to oxidation of the melt surface. More accurate data on thermal expansion coefficient for sinker material is required. Practical implications: Experiments showed applicability of the new measurement cell. Archimedean principle is among the most sensitive density measurement techniques. New cell will be further used for measurement of iron-based alloys. Problems of measurements are discussed. Originality/value: Paper describes application of the known density measurement technique. The paper is of interest for the material scientists working with high-temperature thermophysical properties measurements and users of thermophysical properties data.