In this study, to confirm the effect of alloying elements on the phase transformation and conditions of the friction stir process, we processed two materials, SS400 and SM45C steels, by a friction stir process (FSP) under various conditions. We analyzed the mechanical properties and microstructure of the friction stir processed zone of SS400 and SM45C steels processed under 400RPM - 100mm/min conditions. We detected no macro (tunnel defect) or micro (void, micro crack) defects in the specimens. The grain refinement in the specimens occurred by dynamic recrystallization and stirring. The microstructure at the friction stir processed zone of the SS400 specimen consisted of an α-phase. On the other hand, the microstructure at the friction stir processed zone of the SM45 specimen consisted of an α-phase, Fe3C and martensite due to a high cooling rate and high carbon content. Furthermore, the hardness and impact absorption energy of the friction stir processed zone were higher than those of base metals. The hardness and impact absorption energy of FSPed SM45C were higher than that of FSPed SS400. Our results confirmed the effect of alloying elements on the phase transformation and mechanical properties of the friction stir processed zone.

We report the results of our study for ascertaining whether Ganui-dae built in the Josen Dynasty actually performed an astronomical role or not. The Ganui-dae was the first astronomical structure built as a part of the state astronomical undertakings by King Se-Jong. Our analysis was based on the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty. At first we extracted the records regarding Ganui-dae from the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty and then classified them under six heads according to their astronomical meaning and historical significance. From this analysis we found that the Ganui-dae performed the actual astronomical role. In addition, the provisional offices and peoples mentioned in the records show the astronomical correlation. Generally, when taking into account the functional side of the records, the Ganui-dae was related with the observation. Therefore, the Ganui-dae was the space for the astronomical activity. In conclusion, the Ganui-dae was built for the purpose of the astronomical activity.

Gyupyo (圭表, Gnomon) consists of Gyu (圭, Measuring Scale) and Pyo (表, Column), and was one of the traditional astronomical instruments in East Asia. Daegyupyo (Large Gnomon) was manufactured in the Joseon dynasty around 1434 ~ 1435. To increase the measurement accuracy, it was equipped with a Hoengyang (橫梁, Cross-bar) and used a Youngbu (影符, Shadow-Definer) which was invented during the Yuan dynasty (1271 ~ 1368). The cross-bar was installed on the top of the column and this structure was called Eol (臬). In addition, three plumbs hanging from the cross-bar was employed to vertically built Eol on the measuring scale. This method was also used to not only check the vertical of Eol but also diagnose the horizontal of the cross-bar. Throughout this study, we found that a cross-bar in a gnomon has played three important roles; measurement of the shadow length made by the central part of the Sun, increase of the measurement precision using the shadow-definer, and diagnosis of the vertical of Eol and the horizontal of the cross-bar itself using the three plumbs. Hence, it can be evaluated that the employment of a cross-bar and a shadow-definer in a gnomon was a high technology in the contemporary times. In conclusion, we think that this study is helpful for understanding the Large Gnomon of the Joseon dynasty.

Song I-Yeong (宋以頴, 1619 ~ 1692), who was an astronomy professor of Gwansanggam (觀象監, Bureau of Astronomy), created the Honcheonsigye (渾天時計, Armillary Clock) in 1669 (10th year of King Hyeonjong Era). Honcheonsigye was a unique astronomical clock which combined an armillary sphere, the traditional astronomical instrument of the Far East, with the power mechanism of western alarm clock. The clock part of this armillary clock is composed of two major parts which are the going-train, power unit used the weight, and the time signal system in a wooden case. The time signal system is composed of four parts which are the time-annunciator, the striking train, the 12 different time-announcing medallions and the sound bell. This clock has been neglected for many years and its several components have been lost. This study is to understand the structure of time signal system and suggests the restoration process.

The Ganui (簡儀, simplified armillary sphere) is a representative of astronomical instruments in Joseon Dynasty of Korea, as well as Yuan Dynasty and Ming Dynasty of China. In early 15th century, Joseon's scientists and engineers uniquely developed the Soganui (小簡儀, small simplified armillary sphere) and the Ilseongjeongsiui (日星定時儀, sun-and-star time determining instrument) from the structural characteristic of Ganui. These two astronomical instruments had a new design by the miniaturization and felt convinced a similar performance of Ganui in the harmony with Korean Astronomy and Astrology Cultures. Since mid-18th century after the enforcement of shixian-li (時憲曆), the Soganui and Ilseongjeongsiui handed over the Jeokdogyeongwiui (赤道經緯儀, equatorial armilla) by a change of the observational framework such as the time and angle measures. The Jeokdogyeongwiui made by Gwansanggam (觀象監, Bureau of Astronomy in Joseon Dynasty) adopted the new observational framework. We studied the structural characteristics and scientific values of these 3 astronomical instruments with theirs observation methods.

In this paper, we study the structure of the Daegyupyo (大圭表, Large Gnomon) of the early Joseon dynasty. A Gyupyo (圭表, Gnomon that is Guibiao as pronounced in Chinese) is composed of a Pyo (表, Biao as pronounced in Chinese) making a shadow and a Gyu (圭, Gui as pronounced in Chinese) measuring its length. It is known that the Daegyupyo with the 40-feet height was constructed between the sixteenth to seventeenth year of the King Sejong reign (1444 - 1445) on the basis of the record of Yuanshi (元史, the History of the Yuan Dynasty). By analyzing historical documents such as Joseonwangjosillok (朝鮮王朝實錄, the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty), Yuanshi, and Jegaryeoksangjip (諸家曆象集, a work written by Sunji Lee), we found a possibility that the Ji (池, a pond) on the Gyu was located in the north side of the Pyo. This structure is different from that in previous studies, but is in a good agreement with that of the 40-feet Guibiao remaining in Dengfeng (登封) of China. Regarding to the Hoengyang (橫梁, cross-bar), we suggest that it was set up by double 5-feet supporting arms apart from the north tip of the Pyo in the radial direction. The 3:4:5 ratio in a rectangular triangle was used to place the Heongyang on the top of the Pyo at a distance of 4-feet (3-feet) in the vertical (horizontal) direction. We also discuss the structural problem when the Hoengyang is positioned apart from the top of the Pyo by supporting arms. In conclusion, we think that this study should be useful in restoring the Daegyupyo of the Joseon dynasty.

In this paper, we have studied Sogyupyo (小圭表, small noon gnomon) of the Joseon dynasty. According to the Veritable Records of King Sejong (世宗, 1418 - 1450), Daegyupyo (大圭表, large noon gnomon) with a height of 40-feet [尺] was constructed by Jeong, Cho (鄭招) and his colleagues in 1435, and installed around Ganuidae (簡儀臺, platform of Ganui). On the contrary, the details of Sogyupyo are unknown although the shadow length measurements by Daegyupyo and Sogyupyo are found on the Veritable Records of King Myeongjong (明宗, 1545 - 1567). By analysing historical documents and performing experiments, we have investigated the construction details of Sogyupyo including its development year, manufacturer, and installation spot. We have found that Sogyupyo would be manufactured by King Sejong in 1440 and placed around Ganuidae. And Sogyupyo would be five times smaller than Daegyupyo, i.e., 8-feet. On the basis of experiments, we suggest that although it is smaller, Sogyupyo was equipped with a bar [橫梁] and a pin-hole projector [影符] like Daegyupyo in order to produce the observation precision presented in the Veritable Record of King Myeongjong.

Since the thirteenth century, large scale facilities and various instruments for astronomical observation were built and installed in East Asia. During the Yuan Dynasty, S. ti.ntai (Beijing astronomical observatory in the Yuan Dynasty, 司天臺) was built in Beijing in 1279. Various astronomical instruments, including Ganui (Jianyi, simplified armillary sphere, 簡儀), Yang-yi (upward hemisphere, 仰儀) and Gyupyo (gnomon, 圭表) were installed in this observatory. These astronomical instruments were modified and improved by researchers of the Joseon Dynasty. Ganuidae (Joseon astronomical observatory, 簡儀臺) was built in Gyeongbokgung (or Gyeongbok palace, 景福宮), Seoul. Its scale was 31 Cheok (Korean feet in the Joseon Dynasty, 尺) in height, 47 Cheok in length and 32 Cheok in width. Lee, Cheon (李蕆, 1376~1451), a responsible leader of Ganuidae project, set up various astronomical instruments with his colleagues. Ganui and Jeongbangan (direction-determining board, 正方案) were installed at the top of this observatory. Gyupyo was installed at the west side of this observatory and Honui (armillary sphere, 渾儀) and Honsang (celestial globe, 渾象) were installed in a small pavilion which was located next to Gyupyo. A decade after installation, this observatory was moved to the north-west side of the palace but almost destroyed during Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592 except Ganuidae. We have analyzed documents about Ganuidae and investigated Chinese remains of astronomical observatories and artifacts of astronomical instruments. In this paper, we suggest the appearance, structure, arrangement and scale of Ganuidae, which are expected to be used for the restoration of Ganuidae at some day in the near future.

Ti-6Al-4V ELI (Extra Low Interstitial) alloy has been widely used as an alternative to bone due to its excellent biocompatibility. However, it still has many problems, including a high elastic modulus and toxicity. Therefore, nontoxic biomaterials with a low elastic modulus should be developed. However, the fabrication of a uniform coating is challenging. Moreover, the coating layer on Ti and Ti alloy substrates can be peeled off after implantation. To overcome these problems, it is necessary to produce bulk Ti and Ti alloy with hydroxyapatite (HA) composites. In this study, Ti, Nb, and Zr powders, which are biocompatible elements, were milled in a mixing machine (24h) and by planetary mechanical ball milling (1h, 4h, and 6h), respectively. Ti-35%Nb-7%Zr and Ti-35%Nb-7%Zr-10%HA composites were fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1000˚C under 70MPa using mixed and milled powders. The effects of HA addition and milling time on the biocompatibility and physical and mechanical properties of the Ti-35%Nb-7%Zr-(10%HA) alloys have been investigated. Ti2O, CaO, CaTiO3, and TixPy phases were formed by chemical reaction during sintering. Vickers hardness of the sintered composites increases with increased milling time and by the addition of HA. The biocompatibilty of the HA added Ti-Nb-Zr alloys was improved, but the sintering ability was decreased.

The aim of this study was to investigate microstructures and mechanical properties of nano-sized Ti-35 wt.%Nb-7 wt.%Zr-10 wt.%CPP composite fabricated by high energy mechanical milling (HEMM) and pulse current activated sintering (PCAS). Grain growth of the mechanically milled powder was prevented by performing PCAS. The principal advantages of calcium phosphate materials include: similarity in composition to the bone mineral, bioactivity, osteoconductivity and ability to form a uniquely strong interface with bone. The hardness and wear resistance property of nano-sized Ti-35 wt.%Nb-7 wt.%Zr-10 wt.%CPP composites increased with increasing milling time because of decreased grain-size of sintered composites.