The paper presents the modeling of transmission of the ultrasonic plane wave through an uniform liquid layer. The considered sources of the ultrasonic wave were normal (straight) beam longitudinal wave probes and angle beam sheer waves probes commonly used in non-destructive testing. Coupling losses (CL) introduced by the presence of the coupling layer are discussed and determined applying the numerical procedure. The modeling applies to both monochromatic waves and short ultrasonic pulses with a specified frequency bandwidth. Model implementation and validation was performed using a specialized software. The predictions of the model were confirmed by coupling losses measurements for a normal beam longitudinal wave probe with a delay line made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The developed model can be useful in designing ultrasonic probes for high-speed rail track inspections, especially for establishing the optimal thickness of the water coupling layer and estimation of coupling losses, due to inevitable changes of the water gap during mobile rail inspection.

This paper presents the results of testing samples of shield-centering elements from medium-voltage surge arresters. The elements were made of TSE glass textolite. The elements have been dismantled from different operated surge arresters, which were subjected to discharge currents (short-circuit currents) of different intensity and duration. The discharge currents led to degradation of the tested elements with various degrees of advancement. The degradation was investigated using microscopic methods and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Changes in the content of elements of the surface of textolite materials – as the degradation progresses – were documented. It was found that high discharge current flows resulted in melting of the organic binder, epoxy resin, especially its surface layer. Partial charring and even burning of the resin was noticeable. Furthermore, it was found that with increasing degradation on the surface of the TSE laminate, the carbon and oxygen content, which are part of the organic resin, decreases. Simultaneously the amount of silicon, calcium and aluminium, which are present in the glass fibres, increases. The charring effect of the resin and the formation of conductive paths result in a decrease in the performance of surge arresters and their subsequent failure.

The paper presents the microscopic and mechanoacoustic study of degradation processes of the porcelain material C 130 type. This kind of material is used in the production of the most durable and reliable electrotechnical elements. Raw material composition of the studied porcelain was modified. This had an impact on the inner properties, cohesion and - in consequence - on operational properties of the material. Using mechanical-acoustic and microscopic methods of testing of small-size samples that were subjected to compression, it was possible to distinguish successive stages of degradation of the porcelain structure. These stages were generally typical of the porcelain materials. In the authors' opinion, they are connected to the ageing process happening over many years of work under operating conditions. Optimization of composition and technological properties - important during technological processes - resulted in a slight decrease in inner cohesion of the porcelain. When compared to the reference material - typical domestic C 130 material, mechanical strength was somewhat lower. Carried out investigations proved that resistance of the investigated material to the ageing degradation process - during long term operation - also decreased. The improvement of technological parameters and the reduction in the number of defective elements occurred simultaneously with some decrease in the operational parameters of the material. To restore their initial high level, further work is needed to optimize the raw material composition of the porcelain.

The paper outlines the material and technological aspects of fine (whiteware) ceramics. Particular attention has been paid to the professional nomenclature of fine aluminosilicate ceramics as used in the past and today. Attention was drawn to this mostly overlooked and poorly studied problem. The reason for the durability problems of some semi-vitreous porcelain and faience materials has been explained. The microstructures of porcelain materials - historic as well as contemporary - have been presented in comparative terms, including the technical material, with a distinction and analysis of the basic phases that build up the shard. Generally similar parameters of microstructure and phase composition were found for all tested materials.

The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of the currents flowing through surge arresters on the internal insulating textolite structure. The samples were removed from high-voltage arresters that were taken out of service due to malfunction or failure. Discharge (short-circuit) currents of diverse intensities and durations caused degradation effects of varying degrees of advancement in the material of the tested elements. The samples were examined using microscopic methods. The use of the microanalysis technique EDS (energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) made it possible to register changes in the elemental composition of the surface layer of the textolite materials, along with the intensification of the degradation effects. It was found that the high discharge current flows were subject to melting, charring and even burning of the organic adhesive. These effects caused serious changes in the content of elements in the top layer of the textolite and were the cause of a reduction in the service life, durability and reliability of the surge arresters. It was shown that the textolite materials had insufficient resistance to the effects of the emergency operation of the arresters after moisture ingress, which was a consequence of unsealing of the housing. A solution to this problem proposed by the authors could be the use of silicone elastomer as a covering of the textolite internal structure of surge arresters.

The work describes degradation effects in the structure of textolite shield-centering elements of operated MV surge arresters. As a result of acting inner partial discharges of diverse duration and power - the material underwent degradation of different degree of advancement. Using microscopic research techniques and EDS analysis, the authors found and documented changes of structure and chemical composition of the material surface, with the increasing degree of degradation. It has been shown that textolite materials have insufficient resistance to the effects of emergency operation of the arresters after moisture ingress, which is a consequence of unsealing of the housing.

The article presents the application of Acoustic Emission (AE) method for detection and registration of partial discharges (PD) generated in medium voltage (MV) cable isolation and MV cable head. The insulation of the high voltage cable is made of a flexible material whose properties are characterised by a high coefficient of attenuation of the acoustic signals. For this reason, the AE method has not been used so far to detect PD in energetic cables. The subjects of the research were the MV cable and the standard T-type cable head. The cable contained defects which were the source of partial discharges. In case of cable head the PD were provoked by thin grounded electrode which was introduced into connector opening. The results of AE measurements are presented in the form of spectrograms. Acoustic Emission was evoked when the applied voltage level reached the value of 7.5 kV for the cable and 4 kV for the cable head. The authors used the acoustic instrumentation of their own design intended for future field use. Obtaining successful results of partial discharges measurements using the acoustic method in the cable insulation makes an original contribution of the presented work.

Two types of composites, consisting of pure magnesium matrix reinforced with two commercially used carbon fibers, were systematically studied in this paper. The composites fabricated by the pressure infiltration method, were subjected to quasistatic and dynamic compression tests. Morphology of fiber strands was observed using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The application of carbon fibre reinforcement led to the stiffening of tested materials, resulting in the limitation of the possible compression to approx. 2.5%. The performed tests revealed the remarkable difference in compression strength of investigated compositions. The cause of that effect was that GRANOC fiber reinforced composite exhibited insufficient bond quality between the brittle fibers and the ductile matrix. T300 reinforced composite presented good connection between reinforcement and matrix resulting in increased mechanical properties. Investigated composites demonstrated higher mechanical strength during deformation at high strain rates. Microscopic observations also proved that the latter fibers with regular shape and dense packaging within the filaments are proper reinforcement when designing the lightweight composite material.

In this article, we presented the results of the tests performed on three sets of samples of glass-reinforced epoxy (GRE) core rods used in alternating current (AC) composite insulators with silicone rubber housing. The objective of this examination was to test the aging resistance of the rod material when exposed to direct current (DC) high voltage. We hypothesized that the long-term effects of the electrostatic field on the GRE core rod material would lead to a gradual degradation of its mechanical properties caused by ionic current flow. Further, we hypothesized that reducing the mechanical strength of the GRE core rod would lead to the breakage of the insulator. The first group of samples was used for reference. The samples from the second group were subjected to a temperature of about 50 °C for 6000 h. The third group of samples were aged by temperature and DC high voltage for the same time. The samples were examined using the 3-point bending test, micro-hardness measurement and microscopic analysis. No recordable degradation effects were found. Long-term temperature impact and, above all, the combined action of temperature and DC high voltage did not reduce the mechanical parameters or change the microstructure of the GRE material.

The purpose of the presented work was to find the relationship between the varistor's microstructure parameters and the current flowing through the surge arrester for different voltage levels. The tests were performed on a randomly selected population of non-spark surge arresters in polymeric shields intended for operation in medium voltage networks. The reference waveforms were measured for the tested population. Higher harmonics participation in the current wave was assumed as the evaluation criterion. The work is an introduction to a wider range of research carried out as part of joint activities of the laboratories of the Institute of Power Engineering and the Institute of Fundamental Technological Research PAN. (Evaluation of the varistor's microstructure quality by measuring higher harmonics in the current).

Composite materials based on MgLi and MgY matrices reinforced with unidirectional T300 carbon fibres (45 vol.%) have been prepared by gas pressure infiltration technique. Nominal Li and Y alloying of Mg matrix were 0.5, 2, and 4 wt.% Li and 7, 13, and 20 wt.% Y, respectively. Back-scattered electron (BSE) observations and electron dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis have revealed that penetration of lithium and formation of lithium carbide Li2C2 inside carbon fibres took place. Bending tests have shown that low Li alloying of Mg matrix (0.5 and 2 wt.% Li) has a favourable effect on the strength of MgLi/T300 composites. Higher Li content (4 wt.% Li) brings a much lower composite strengthening presumably due to degradation of carbon fibres with Li2C2. A negative effect of high yttrium alloying on the strength of MgY/T300 composites is explained by poor adherence of YC2 interfacial layer to carbon fibres. K e y w o r d s: magnesium matrix, magnesium composites, magnesium-lithium matrix, magnesium-lithium composites, magnesium-yttrium matrix, magnesiumyttrium composites, lithium carbide, yttrium carbide, reactive wetting

The paper presents results of investigation of microstructure and micro-hardness for material of ZnO varistors applied to 110 kV surge arrester and surge arrester counter. The research combined two pairs of varistors, each consisted of one varistor subjected before to operation, while the other one was brand new unit and constituted a reference. All varistors were made of the same material by the reputable manufacture. The tests revealed a different degree of the material degradation for varistors subjected before to operation. This also refers to different degradation mechanism observed for the material of these varistors, if typical effects of degradation of aged ZnO varistors were considered as a reference. Physical state of spinel in the microstructure had a significant impact on the material degradation, however a considerable loosening of the microstructure associated with bismuth oxide was observed too. It was surprising, since the precipitates of the bismuth oxide phase most often showed very good binding to the ZnO matrix and high resistance to associated electrical, thermal and mechanical effects. The degradation effects in the ZnO matrix proved to be limited only.

Mg-2 wt.% Li matrix composites unidirectionally reinforced with T300 and Granoc carbon fibres (similar to 45 vol.%) were prepared by the gas pressure infiltration technique. Lithium alloying stimulates the interfacial bond formation and at the same time causes the damage of carbon fibres by Li2C2 formation. Auger electron spectroscopy was used to detect Li2C2 inside the carbon fibres. The maximum flexural strength (1210 MPa) was achieved in Mg2Li/T300 composites at the shortest infiltration time (5 s) and then decreased monotonously with infiltration time prolongation (up to 60 s). Strengthening in Mg2Li/Granoc composites was much lower when maximum bending strength of 579MPa was reached.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of plasterboards’ humidity absorption on their performance. Specimens’ hydration procedure consisted of consecutive immersing in water and subsequent drying at room temperature. Such a procedure was performed to increase the content of moisture within the material volume. The microstructural observations of five different plasterboard types were performed through optical and scanning electron microscopy. The deterioration of their properties was evaluated by using a three-point bending test and a subsequent ultrasonic (ultrasound testing (UT)) longitudinal wave velocity measurement. Depending on the material porosity, a loss of UT wave velocity from 6% to 35% and a considerable decrease in material strength from 70% to 80% were observed. Four types of approximated formulae were proposed to describe the dependence of UT wave velocity on board moisture content. It was found that the proposed UT method could be successfully used for the on-site monitoring of plasterboards’ hydration processes.

The paper presents investigations of microstructure of varistors of damaged surge arrester counters. A similar ZnO varistor, not subjected before to operation, was a point of reference in this research. The results of investigations of the ZnO varistors show an untypical phase composition of their material, which was characterized by unsatisfying homogeneity and cohesion. The degradation processes of varistor material in the subsequent stages were recognized and described. A harmful impact of humidity inside the untight surge arrester counter on its operation and its ZnO varistors was proved. Some conclusions being the result of the operation checking of surge arrester counters were presented too.

We are in the era of energy storage devices and lot of research is going on cpacitors to bridge the gap for rebuttals found in conventional capacitors. Herein, basic properties of capacitors are mentioned. The performance parameters of barium titanate are presented which is used as dielectric material in capacitors. The manufacturing process of multi layer ceramic capacitors is discussed. The detailed description of supercapacitor behavior is mentioned with necessary mechanisms. The review of different materials incorporated in electrodes of the supercapacitor has been presented.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the degradation of the microstructure and mechanical properties of fiber cement board (FCB), which was exposed to environmental hazards, resulting in thermal impact on the microstructure of the board. The process of structural degradation was conducted under laboratory conditions by storing the FCB specimens in a dry, electric oven for 3 h at a temperature of 230 °C. Five sets of specimens, that differed in cement and fiber content, were tested. Due to the applied heating procedure, the process of carbonization and resulting embrittlement of the fibers was observed. The fiber reinforcement morphology and the mechanical properties of the investigated compositions were identified both before, and after, their carbonization. Visual light and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray micro tomography, flexural strength, and work of flexural test Wf measurements were used. A dedicated instrumentation set was prepared to determine the ultrasound testing (UT) longitudinal wave velocity cL in all tested sets of specimens. The UT wave velocity cL loss was observed in all cases of thermal treatment; however, that loss varied from 2% to 20%, depending on the FCB composition. The results obtained suggest a possible application of the UT method for an on-site assessment of the degradation processes occurring in fiber cement boards.

The paper presents experience from exploitation of surge arrester counters. There was documented destructive influence of humidity inside the untight surge arrester counter on its operation and ZnO varistors within. There were presented examinations of microstructure of varistors of damaged surge arrester counters. A point of reference was similar ZnO varistor, not subjected to operation before. Investigations revealed that material of varistors had an untypical phase composition and was characterized by unsatisfying homogeneity and cohesion. There were recognized and described the subsequent stages of the degradation processes of varistors material. Conclusions resulting from the operation checking of surge arrester counters were also presented.

This article presents the results of an examination performed on a set of samples of glass-epoxy core rods used in composite insulators with silicone rubber housings. The goal of the examination was to test the aging resistance of the core material when exposed to Direct Current (DC) high voltage. Long term exposure of a glass-epoxy core rod to DC high voltage may lead to the gradual degradation of its mechanical properties due to the ion migrations. Electrolysis of the core material (glass fiber) may cause electrical breakdown of the insulators and consequently lead to a major failure. After being aged for 6000 hours under DC high voltage, the samples were subjected to microscopic analysis. Their chemical composition was also examined using Raman spectroscopy and their dielectric losses and conductance in the broad range of frequencies were tested using dielectric spectroscopy.

The paper presents the test results for the microstructure of ZnO varistors comprising high voltage gapless surge arresters. The tests were performed on varistors produced in different periods and by various manufacturers. The research was inspired by different characteristics of changes in values of current flowing through surge arresters as a function of changes in values of system voltage in a 220 kV substation, and the temperature in a multi-year cycle. Furthermore, the effects of varistor microstructure degradation following a failure of an unsealed surge arrester were investigated. The results provided the grounds for assessment of ZnO varistor microstructure parameters in terms of their durability and resistance to degradation processes.