Vibration modeling of structural fuzzy with continuous boundary

From experiments it is well known that the vibration response of a main structure with many attached substructures often shows more damping than structural losses in the components can account for. In practice, these substructures, which are not attached in an entirely rigid manner, behave like a multitude of different sprung masses each strongly resisting any motion of the main structure (master) at their base antiresonance. The "theory of structural fuzzy" is intended for modeling such high damping. In the present article the theory of fuzzy structures is briefly outlined and a method of modeling fuzzy substructures examined. This is done by new derivations and physical interpretations are provided. Further, the method is extended and simplified by introducing a simple deterministic approach to determine the boundary impedance of the structural fuzzy. By using this new approach, the damping effect of the fuzzy with spatial memory is demonstrated by numerical simulations of a main beam structure with fuzzy attachments. It is shown that the introduction of spatial memory reduces the damping effect of the fuzzy and in certain cases the damping effect may even be eliminated completely.     

Signatures of dynamical heterogeneity in the structure of glassy free-energy minima

From numerical minimization of a model free-energy functional for a system of hard spheres, we show that the width of the local peaks of the time-averaged density field at a glassy free-energy minimum exhibits large spatial variation, similar to that of the "local Debye-Waller factor" in simulations of dynamical heterogeneity. Molecular dynamics simulations starting from a particle configuration generated from the density distribution at a glassy free-energy minimum show similar spatial heterogeneity in the degree of localization, implying a direct connection between dynamical heterogeneity and the structure of glassy free-energy minima.     

On the slow dynamics of density fluctuations near the colloidal glass transition

Slow dynamics of density fluctuations near the colloidal glass transition is discussed from a new viewpoint by numerically solving a nonlinear stochastic diffusion equation for the density fluctuations recently proposed by one of the present authors (MT). The effects of spatial heterogeneities on the dynamics of density fluctuations are then investigated in an equilibrium system. The spatial heterogeneities are generated by the nonlinear density fluctuations, while in a nonequilibrium system they are described by a nonlinear deterministic equation for the average number density. The dynamics of equilibrium density fluctuations is thus shown to be quite different from that of nonequilibrium ones, leading to a logarithmic decay followed by less distinct α- and β-relaxation processes. Received 9 March 2002 and Received in final form 19 September 2002     

Development of a pseudo-uniform structural quantity for use in active structural acoustic control of simply supported plates: an analytical comparison

Active structural acoustic control has been an area of research and development for over two decades with an interest in searching for an "optimal" error quantity. Current error quantities typically require the use of either a large number of transducers distributed across the entire structure, or a distributed shaped sensor, such as polyvinylidene difluoride. The purpose of this paper is to investigate a control objective function for flat, simply-supported plates that is based on transverse and angular velocity components combined into a single composite structural velocity quantity, termed V(comp). Although multiple transducers are used, they are concentrated at a single location to eliminate the need for transducers spanning most or all of the structure. When used as the objective function in an active control situation, squared V(comp) attenuates the acoustic radiation over a large range of frequencies. The control of squared V(comp) is compared to other objective functions including squared velocity, volume velocity, and acoustic energy density. The analysis presented indicates that benefits of this objective function include control of radiation from numerous structural modes, control largely independent of sensor location, and need to measure V(comp) at a single location and not distributed measurements across the entire structure.     

On the Hamiltonian formalism of the tetrad-gravity with fermions

We extend the analysis of the Hamiltonian formalism of the d-dimensional tetrad-connection gravity to the fermionic field by fixing the non-dynamic part of the spatial connection to zero (Lagraa et al. in Class Quantum Gravity 34:115010, 2017). Although the reduced phase space is equipped with complicated Dirac brackets, the first-class constraints which generate the diffeomorphisms and the Lorentz transformations satisfy a closed algebra with structural constants analogous to that of the pure gravity. We also show the existence of a canonical transformation leading to a new reduced phase space equipped with Dirac brackets having a canonical form leading to the same algebra of the first-class constraints.     

Propagation of density perturbations in the deDonder gauge on a gravitational background field II

For the problem of propagation of density waves in a preexisting gravitational field, the advantages of the deDonder gauge over the commonly used synchronous gauge are outlined. In a background matter substratum withp as equation of state there are in the deDonder gauge only decaying modes of the perturbation density contrast with arbitrary large spatial extension, whereas in synchronous gauge there is one growing mode (calculated for vanishing spatial divergency of the perturbation in the 4-velocity, i.e.,usk(1),j/j0). The calculations are extended to the case of finite spatial extensions of the density perturbations. This is done by expanding all perturbations in a power series of the inverse square of the speed of light with the result of getting a recursive set of differential equations in both gauges for the equation of motion of the density perturbations. The lowest orders of this equation are the same in both gauges, but only in the deDonder gauge is the correct Newtonian limit of propagation of density waves in an expanding universe obtained. The correction by the next higher orders in the deDonder gauge are dependent explicitly on the spatial extension of the perturbations; whereas in synchronous gauge this is not the case. For attaining the Newtonian limit this dependence is a necessary condition. At appropriately large spatial extensions, however exact, this dependence in deDonder gauge leads ultimately to a decaying of density contrast modes growing in zeroth order (at least forp=0 andp/3 as equations of state for the background matter substratum). Hence, there are upper boundaries in the spatial extensions of instable growing modes of density contrast.     

Structures of high and low density amorphous ice by neutron diffraction

Neutron diffraction with isotope substitution is used to determine the structures of high (HDA) and low (LDA) density amorphous ice. Both "phases" are fully hydrogen bonded, tetrahedral networks, with local order similarities between LDA and ice Ih, and HDA and liquid water. Moving from HDA, through liquid water and LDA to ice Ih, the second shell radial order increases at the expense of spatial order. This is linked to a fifth first neighbor "interstitial" that restricts the orientations of first shell waters. This "lynch pin" molecule which keeps the HDA structure intact has implications for the nature of the HDA-LDA transition that bear on the current metastable water debate.     

Dependence of the probability of formation of laves phases of various crystal structures on the density of stacking faults

A model is proposed for the arrangement of close packed layers in the fcc structure, which makes it possible to find the dependence of the probability of formation of various close packed structures on the density of stacking faults in the initial structure. We derive a criterion (_m), which determines the sequence of structural transitions as the density of stacking faults increases. The sequence of structural transitions of Laves phases established on the basis of this criterion is in full agreement with the existing experimental data.Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 8, pp. 69–75, August, 1971.     

Electronic and optical properties of Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>SiO<Subscript>4</Subscript> under pressure effect: ab initio study

We report first-principles studies the structural, electronic, and optical properties of the Fe₂SiO₄ fayalite in orthorhombic structure, including pressure dependence of structural parameters, band structures, density of states, and optical constants up to 30 GPa. The calculated results indicate that the linear compressibility along b axis is significantly higher than a and c axes, which is in agreement with earlier work. Meanwhile, the pressure dependence of the electronic band structure, density of states and partial density of states of Fe₂SiO₄ fayalite up to 30 GPa were presented. Moreover, the evolution of the dielectric function, absorption coefficient (α(ω)), reflectivity (R(ω)), and the real part of the refractive index (n(ω)) at high pressure are also presented.     

Role of nonlinear coupling and density fluctuations in magnetic-fluctuation-induced particle transport

Three-wave nonlinear coupling among spatial Fourier modes of density and magnetic fluctuations is directly measured in a magnetically confined toroidal plasma. Density fluctuations are observed to gain (lose) energy from (to) either equilibrium or fluctuating fields depending on the mode number. Experiments indicate that nonlinear interactions alter the phase relation between density and magnetic fluctuations, leading to strong particle transport.     

Identification of structural damage based on locally perturbed dynamic equilibrium with an application to beam component

In recognition of the obvious limitations of most global vibration-based and local guided-wave-based damage detection techniques, a novel inverse identification approach was developed by canvassing the local perturbance to equilibrium characteristics of the structural component under inspection. Characterized by high-order spatial derivatives, this approach has in particular proven sensitivity to structural damage. Most importantly, it requires neither benchmark structures nor baseline signals; neither global models nor additional excitation sources as long as the structure undergoes steady vibration under its normal operation. Independent of a global model, prior knowledge on structural boundary conditions is not compulsory. To minimize unavoidable influence of measurement noise on high-order spatial derivatives, various de-noising treatments, including wavenumber filtering, optimal selection of measurement configuration and hybrid information fusion were introduced independently. Using a simple beam as a representative structural component for illustration, relationships among vibration frequency, density of measurement points and size of detectable damage were explored, facilitating a judicious selection of measurement parameters. Proof-of-concept validation was numerically conducted, and then experimentally demonstrated using a scanning laser vibrometer. In principle, this proposed methodology is applicable to a complex system comprising various structural components, provided that the local equilibrium relationships of the components are known a priori.     

Effects of gate-buffer combined with a p-type spacer structure on silicon carbide metalben semiconductor field-effect transistors

An improved structure of silicon carbide metal-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MESFET) is proposed for high power microwave applications. Numerical models for the physical and electrical mechanisms of the device are presented, and the static and dynamic electrical performances are analysed. By comparison with the conventional structure, the proposed structure exhibits a superior frequency response while possessing better DC characteristics. A p-type spacer layer, inserted between the oxide and the channel, is shown to suppress the surface trap effect and improve the distribution of the electric field at the gate edge. Meanwhile, a lightly doped n-type buffer layer under the gate reduces depletion in the channel, resulting in an increase in the output current and a reduction in the gate-capacitance. The structural parameter dependences of the device performance are discussed, and an optimized design is obtained. The results show that the maximum saturation current density of 325 mA/mm is yielded, compared with 182 mA/mm for conventional MESFETs under the condition that the breakdown voltage of the proposed MESFET is larger than that of the conventional MESFET, leading to an increase of 79% in the output power density. In addition, improvements of 27% cut-off frequency and 28% maximum oscillation frequency are achieved compared with a conventional MESFET, respectively.     

Effects of gate-buffer combined with a p-type spacer structure on silicon carbide metal-semiconductor field-effect transistors

An improved structure of silicon carbide metal-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MESFET) is proposed for high power microwave applications. Numerical models for the physical and electrical mechanisms of the device are presented, and the static and dynamic electrical performances are analysed. By comparison with the conventional structure, the proposed structure exhibits a superior frequency response while possessing better DC characteristics. A p-type spacer layer, inserted between the oxide and the channel, is shown to suppress the surface trap effect and improve the distribution of the electric field at the gate edge. Meanwhile, a lightly doped n-type buffer layer under the gate reduces depletion in the channel, resulting in an increase in the output current and a reduction in the gate-capacitance. The structural parameter dependences of the device performance are discussed, and an optimized design is obtained. The results show that the maximum saturation current density of 325 mA/mm is yielded, compared with 182 mA/mm for conventional MESFETs under the condition that the breakdown voltage of the proposed MESFET is larger than that of the conventional MESFET, leading to an increase of 79% in the output power density. In addition, improvements of 27% cut-off frequency and 28% maximum oscillation frequency are achieved compared with a conventional MESFET, respectively.     

Charge ordering induced by intrinsic defects in Sn/Ge(111) submonolayers with a coverage close to 1/3

A thermodynamic model is suggested for a (3×3)-type structure formation with a charge density wave (CDW) arising against the background of a \((\sqrt 3 \times \sqrt 3 )R30^\circ\)-type structure in a Group IV metal (Sn, Pb) submonolayer adsorbed with a coverage of ≈1/3 at the (Ge, Si) semiconductor (111) surface. Calculations are carried out by using a self-consistent theory for static fluctuations of the order parameter amplitude. It is shown that the low-symmetry (3×3) phase can nucleate at point defects of the submonolayer as charge-ordered areas of finite radius. The spatial configuration of the CDW and its temperature dependence are calculated. The results obtained are compared with the experimental data for the Sn/Ge(111) system.     

Energy transfer of a wave-packet in a weakly inhomogeneous medium WKB approximation

It is shown that the physical assumptions used in the local theory to derive expressions for the energy density, the energy flux density and the energy dissipation density of a wave-packet are sufficient for these expressions to be applicable in the whole range of validity of the WKB approximation for the packet under investigation. Further, it is shown that besides the actual growth rate, the local growth rate (depending on spatial co-ordinates) has also a useful physical interpretation for the waves studied. It determines the part of the wave energy density which is dissipated (or obtained from the medium) per unit time in a unit volume.     

On the stability of long-range sound propagation through a structured ocean.

Several acoustic experiments show a surprising degree of stability in wave fronts propagating over multi-megameter ranges through the ocean's sound channel despite the presence of random-like, sound-speed fluctuations. Previous works have pointed out the existence of chaos in simplified ray models incorporating structure inspired by the true ocean environment. A "predictability horizon" has been introduced beyond which stable wavefronts cease to exist and point-wise, detailed comparisons between even the most sophisticated models and experiment may be limited for fundamental reasons. By applying one of the simplified models it is found that, for finite ranges, the fluctuations of the ray stabilities are very broad and consistent with log-normal densities. A fraction of the ray density retains a much more stable character than the typical ray. This may be one of several possible mechanisms leading to greater than anticipated sound-field stability. The log-normal ray stability density may underlie the recent, experimentally determined, log-normal density of wave-field intensities [Colosi et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 105, 3202-3218 (1999)].     

Predicted novel high-pressure phases of lithium

Under high pressure, "simple" lithium (Li) exhibits complex structural behavior, and even experiences an unusual metal-to-semiconductor transition, leading to topics of interest in the structural polymorphs of dense Li. We here report two unexpected orthorhombic high-pressure structures Aba2-40 (40 atoms/cell, stable at 60-80 GPa) and Cmca-56 (56 atoms/cell, stable at 185-269 GPa), by using a newly developed particle swarm optimization technique on crystal structure prediction. The Aba2-40 having complex 4- and 8-atom layers stacked along the b axis is a semiconductor with a pronounced band gap >0.8 eV at 70 GPa originating from the core expulsion and localization of valence electrons in the voids of a crystal. We predict that a local trigonal planar structural motif adopted by Cmca-56 exists in a wide pressure range of 85-434 GPa, favorable for the weak metallicity.     

Asymptotic pulse shapes in filamentary propagation of intense femtosecond pulses

Self-compression of intense ultrashort laser pulses inside a self-guided filament is discussed. The filament self-guiding mechanism requires a balance between diffraction, plasma self-defocusing and Kerr-type self-focusing, which gives rise to asymptotic intensity profiles on axis of the filament. The asymptotic solutions appear as the dominant pulse shaping mechanism in the leading part of the pulse, causing a pinch of the photon density close to zero delay, which substantiates as pulse compression. The simple analytical model is backed up by numerical simulations, confirming the prevalence of spatial coupling mechanisms and explaining the emerging inhomogeneous spatial structure. Numerical simulations confirm that only spatial effects alone may already give rise to filament formation. Consequently, self-compression is explained by a dynamic balance between two optical nonlinearities, giving rise to soliton-like pulse formation inside the filament.     

Monte Carlo simulation of ion-beam doping of a silicon-on-sapphire heterostructure with regard to the dislocation structure

A modification of the well-known TRIM algorithm for the Monte Carlo simulation of accelerated-ion trajectories in targets with a high density of structural defects is proposed. The spatial distributions of dopants and radiation-induced defects in a thin-film silicon-on-sapphire heterostructure are calculated for the boron and phosphorus ions implanted with energies of 30, 60, and 100 keV. It is shown that the influence of the dislocation structure in the target on the concentration profile of implanted atoms taken into account in the proposed model is insignificant, while the concentration of radiation-induced defects at the same distance from the irradiated surface can vary more than twice, depending on the ion type and implantation energy.