title: Dynamic Properties of Magnetorheological Elastomers Based on Iron Sand and Natural Rubber

authors: Shuib, Raa Khimi

subjects: Science & Technology

abstract: In this study, magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) based on iron sand and natural rubber were prepared. The Taguchi method was employed to investigate the effect of a number of factors, namely, the iron sand content, iron sand particle size, and applied magnetic field during curing on the loss tangent (tan δ) and energy dissipated during cyclic loading. Tan δ was measured through dynamic mechanical analysis over a range of frequency (0.01–130 Hz), strain amplitude (0.1–4.5%), and temperature (−100 to 50°C). The energy dissipated was measured with a universal tester under cyclic tensile loading. The data were then statistically analyzed to predict the optimal combination of factors, and finally, experiments were conducted for verification. It was found that the iron sand content had the greatest influence on tan δ when measured over a range of frequency, and the energy dissipated during hysteresis tests. However, none of the factors showed a significant influence on tan δ when measured over a range of strain amplitude. Furthermore, the iron sand content and magnetic field were also found to influence the width of the peak in tan δ as a function of the temperature. The morphological characteristics of the MREs were also examined with scanning electron microscopy.

text: Dynamic Properties of Magnetorheological Elastomers Based on Iron Sand and Natural Rubber In this study, magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) based on iron sand and natural rubber were prepared. The Taguchi method was employed to investigate the effect of a number of factors, namely, the iron sand content, iron sand particle size, and applied magnetic field during curing on the loss tangent (tan δ) and energy dissipated during cyclic loading. Tan δ was measured through dynamic mechanical analysis over a range of frequency (0.01–130 Hz), strain amplitude (0.1–4.5%), and temperature (−100 to 50°C). The energy dissipated was measured with a universal tester under cyclic tensile loading. The data were then statistically analyzed to predict the optimal combination of factors, and finally, experiments were conducted for verification. It was found that the iron sand content had the greatest influence on tan δ when measured over a range of frequency, and the energy dissipated during hysteresis tests. However, none of the factors showed a significant influence on tan δ when measured over a range of strain amplitude. Furthermore, the iron sand content and magnetic field were also found to influence the width of the peak in tan δ as a function of the temperature. The morphological characteristics of the MREs were also examined with scanning electron microscopy.

year: 2015-02-20

title: Colin George Vucetich (1918–2007)—pioneering New Zealand tephrochronologist

authors: Lowe, David J.

subjects: New Zealand

abstract: Many Quaternarists, tephrochronologists, and soil scientists mourned the passing in New Zealand of Colin Vucetich—gentle mentor, pedologist, and pioneering tephrochronologist—on 25 April (Anzac Day), 2007. Colin was in his 89th year. As well as forming a 25-year partnership with W.A. “Alan” Pullar, with whom he published three classic papers on tephrostratigraphy based on field work undertaken by the pair largely in their own time, Colin inspired and mentored numerous postgraduates in his later career as an academic at Victoria University of Wellington. There he taught pedology, soil stratigraphy, and tephrochronology until his retirement as Reader (Associate Professor) in 1982. In retirement he was an honorary lecturer and supervisor at Massey University (Palmerston North) until 1991 (Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3).

text: Colin George Vucetich (1918–2007)—pioneering New Zealand tephrochronologist Many Quaternarists, tephrochronologists, and soil scientists mourned the passing in New Zealand of Colin Vucetich—gentle mentor, pedologist, and pioneering tephrochronologist—on 25 April (Anzac Day), 2007. Colin was in his 89th year. As well as forming a 25-year partnership with W.A. “Alan” Pullar, with whom he published three classic papers on tephrostratigraphy based on field work undertaken by the pair largely in their own time, Colin inspired and mentored numerous postgraduates in his later career as an academic at Victoria University of Wellington. There he taught pedology, soil stratigraphy, and tephrochronology until his retirement as Reader (Associate Professor) in 1982. In retirement he was an honorary lecturer and supervisor at Massey University (Palmerston North) until 1991 (Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3).

year: 2008

title: The importance of Māori identity for athletes and sportspeople within sporting contexts

authors: Westrupp, Maia Takamoana

subjects: Māori

abstract: Identity is an important concept within psychology given its influence upon how we perceive ourselves, who we are as people, and how it can impact behaviour. For Māori, colonisation has had a detrimental impact on the maintenance and flourishing of a strong cultural identity. Sport is an area where Māori have not only contributed successfully nationally and internationally alongside Pakeha, but have been able to either affirm or rebuild their sense of cultural identity and connectedness. The purpose of this thesis is to examine the importance of Māori identity for athletes and sports people within a sporting context. This research project encompassed a qualitative approach, drawing upon a kaupapa Māori research paradigm. Semi-structured interviews were employed to ascertain in depth knowledge of participant’s experiences. A total of six participants took part in this study, all of whom were made up of athletes, coaches, and sports psychologists. When interpreting participants understanding of Māori identity within a sporting context, participants indicated a desire to configure their Māori identity based on Māori cultural concepts such as whakapapa, manaakitanga, and pēpeha. The key findings also identified a link between Māori identity and sport as participants illustrated how important Māori identity was within their sports team and organisation. Participants also indicated an unconscious link to enhanced sporting behaviours given the essence of Māori identity and the significance it places on serving the collective. Ultimately, for Māori athletes and sports people, the sporting realm offers an opportunity to engage and reaffirm Māori identity. Additionally, the value sporting teams and organisations place on Māori identity, can lead to flourishing in sport given the behaviours that may transpire by connecting the individual beyond purely, the physical domain.

text: The importance of Māori identity for athletes and sportspeople within sporting contexts Identity is an important concept within psychology given its influence upon how we perceive ourselves, who we are as people, and how it can impact behaviour. For Māori, colonisation has had a detrimental impact on the maintenance and flourishing of a strong cultural identity. Sport is an area where Māori have not only contributed successfully nationally and internationally alongside Pakeha, but have been able to either affirm or rebuild their sense of cultural identity and connectedness. The purpose of this thesis is to examine the importance of Māori identity for athletes and sports people within a sporting context. This research project encompassed a qualitative approach, drawing upon a kaupapa Māori research paradigm. Semi-structured interviews were employed to ascertain in depth knowledge of participant’s experiences. A total of six participants took part in this study, all of whom were made up of athletes, coaches, and sports psychologists. When interpreting participants understanding of Māori identity within a sporting context, participants indicated a desire to configure their Māori identity based on Māori cultural concepts such as whakapapa, manaakitanga, and pēpeha. The key findings also identified a link between Māori identity and sport as participants illustrated how important Māori identity was within their sports team and organisation. Participants also indicated an unconscious link to enhanced sporting behaviours given the essence of Māori identity and the significance it places on serving the collective. Ultimately, for Māori athletes and sports people, the sporting realm offers an opportunity to engage and reaffirm Māori identity. Additionally, the value sporting teams and organisations place on Māori identity, can lead to flourishing in sport given the behaviours that may transpire by connecting the individual beyond purely, the physical domain.

year: 2022