Defence Science and Technology Laboratory

About: Defence Science and Technology Laboratory is a government organization based out in Salisbury, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Burkholderia pseudomallei & Francisella tularensis. The organization has 926 authors who have published 1242 publications receiving 30091 citations. The organization is also known as: Dstl & [dstl].

Strain rate dependence of hardness of AlN doped SiC

Abstract: Tailored nanoindentation experiments were used to determine the strain rate dependence of the hardness of AlN doped SiC produced by spark plasma sintering. It is shown that in the nanoindentation regime, where cracking is limited, the hardness of SiC reduces by 0·8 GPa/decade reduction in strain rate. This measured variation in hardness is consistent with estimates for the strain rate dependence of the lattice resistance (Peierls stress) of SiC. These experiments therefore open up the possibility to determine real constitutive equations for plasticity in SiC and other armour ceramics.

The Peace Support Operations Model: Modeling Techniques Present and Future

Abstract: The Peace Support Operations Model is a population centric, human-in-the-loop wargame that represents the cross-government, multi-actor stabilization environment. This paper outlines the mechanisms upon which the model is based and discusses the challenges faced and the approaches drawn upon in the fields of social science, economics and psychology in its development. It concludes with an assessment of the limitations of the current modeling approach and the potential future developments possible to enhance the representation of population dynamics in complex stabilization environments.

An evaluation of the normal range of StO2 measurements at rest and following a mixed exercise protocol

Abstract: Background Assessment of local tissue oxygenation (StO2) using near infrared spectroscopy is an emerging technique in medical practice with applications in trauma/sepsis management, diagnosis of acute compartment syndrome and assessment of tissue viability. Despite this, there have been little published data on the range of StO2 values in normal subjects. Methods StO2 measurements were recorded in 105 infantry soldiers using an INVOS System Monitor (Somanetics) from both deltoids, the anterior compartment of the leg and the frontal lobe of the brain. Measurements were taken at rest and following completion of a mixed exercise protocol, consisting of overarm pull-ups, sit-ups and a 3-mile run. Results StO2 values at rest were found to have a wide normal range with a skew left distribution. Mean StO2 was similar between the deltoids (left deltoid 80%, right deltoid 79%), but significantly different between other anatomical sites (leg 68%, brain 73%). However, all sites demonstrated a similar lower range cut-off at approximately 40%. Following exercise, there was a significant increase in StO2 values at all sites (left deltoid by 3.1±2.0%, right deltoid by 2.6±2.3%, leg by 8.0±2.3% and brain by 8.6±1.9%), which persisted for at least 10 min. Conclusions There were statistically significant differences in mean StO2 values recorded at different anatomical sites, although the reference ranges were wide and substantially overlapped. StO2 increased at all sites after exercise with the effect persisting for at least 10 min. The interaction between exercise and pathological phenomena remains unknown and is an area for further study.