Bilayers of neutral lipids bear a small but significant charge

Many experiments done on neutral lipid bilayers in pure water show weak repulsions. These weak forces prevent vesicles from adhering and are generally overcome by adding some salt in the aqueous medium. They also appear as stray repulsions in surface forces measurements made on lipid bilayers. Using a surface forces apparatus in pure water and in salt solution, we have measured the forces between two stearoyl-oleoyl-phosphatidyl-choline (SOPC) bilayers and between two dimiristoyl-phosphatidyl-ethanolamine (DMPE) bilayers. The results show that the repulsions are due to a small amount of negative charges coming from impurities in SOPC. This was quantitatively confirmed by electrophoretic measurements. There are 3 times less charges in the case of DMPE layers. The effect of these charges which is negligible at high salt concentration may significantly affect the adhesion energy and behaviour of neutral lipid bilayers between 0 and salt. Received 18 December 1998     

Binary theory of antiproton stopping

Binary theory of electronic stopping, developed recently with the aim of quantifying stopping forces on swift heavy ions, has been applied to antiproton stopping. Essential ingredients in the theory are inverse-Bloch and shell corrections. The numerical input consists of the excitation spectrum of the stopping material, characterized by bundled oscillator strengths extracted from tabulated optical properties. Predicted stopping forces for eight solid materials agree well with experimental data, in particular for Si where measurements span over two decades of projectile energy. Large discrepancies were found with stopping data for helium extracted from annihilation time measurements. Received 22 February 2001     

Rate dependence and role of disorder in linearly sheared two-dimensional foams

The shear flow of two-dimensional foams is probed as a function of shear rate and disorder. Disordered, bidisperse foams exhibit strongly shear rate dependent velocity profiles. This behavior is captured quantitatively in a simple model based on the balance of the time-averaged drag forces in the system, which are found to exhibit power-law scaling with the foam velocity and strain rate. Disorder makes the scaling of the bulk drag forces different from that of the local interbubble drag forces, which we evidence by rheometrical measurements. In monodisperse, ordered foams, rate independent velocity profiles are found, which lends further credibility to this picture.     

REMOTE IDENTIFICATION OF IMPACT FORCES ON LOOSELY SUPPORTED TUBES: PART 2—COMPLEX VIBRO-IMPACT MOTIONS

In a previous paper, techniques were presented, based on response measurements at remote locations, for the experimental identification of the flexural wave-guide propagation parameters and for recovering the impact forces. Numerical simulations and experiments were presented, for simpleisolated impacts. Those basic results showed that such an inverse problem can be successfully attempted, and a good agreement was found between direct measurements and the remotely identified impact forces. However, when subject to flow-induced vibrations, the loosely supported tubes display verycomplex rattlingmotions—with the impact-generated primary waves completely immersed in countless wave reflections travelling between the tube boundaries. As a consequence, the multiple-impact patterns of tube-support interaction are much more difficult to identify than isolated force spikes. In this paper, the authors move a step further towards the identification of impacts for realistic tube vibrations. To deal with complex vibro-impact regimes, a signal-processing technique is presented for separating the multiple wave sources, which uses the information provided by a limited number of vibratory transducers. This technique can be applied to both non-dispersive and dispersive waves and is therefore useful for all kinds of beam motions. Such a method is instrumental in separating the primary impact-generated flexural waves from severe background contamination. This enables the straightforward identification of complex rattling forces at a loose support. Extensive results are given in order to assert the numerical conditioning of the technique used to identify the impact forces, the optimal location of the transducers used in the identification procedure, and the sensitivity of the identification method to noise contamination. Overall, results are quite satisfactory, as the complex identified impact forces compare favourably with direct measurements.     

RELAMINAR1ZATI0N OF DEVELOPING TURBULENT FLOW IN A 180° CURVED SQUARE CHANNEL: A STUDY BASED ON TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATION MEASUREMENTS

The stabilizing effects of centrifugal forces, for slightly heated airflow in a 180° curved square channel with nearly fully developed entry flow, are studied by temperature fluctuation measurements for Reynolds numbers in the transition range. Re = 2,000–4,500. The relaminarization process is caused by secondary flow due to centrifugal forces. This study confirms the feasibility of using a fine thermocouple (12·7μm) to study flow transition phenomena. The results are presented in both time and frequency domains.     

Estimation of interfacial forces in a multi-degree of freedom isolation system using a dynamic load sensing mount and quasi-linear models

A new indirect measurement concept is developed to estimate interfacial dynamic forces by employing the hydraulic mount as a dynamic force sensor. The proposed method utilizes a combination of mathematical models and operating motion and/or pressure measurements. A laboratory experiment consisting of a powertrain, three powertrain mounts (including a dynamic load sensing hydraulic mount), a sub-frame, and four bushings is then constructed to verify the proof-of-concept. Quasi-linear fluid and mechanical system models of the experiment are proposed and evaluated in terms of transfer functions and forced sinusoidal responses. The lower chamber pressure in the hydraulic mount is estimated since it is not available from measurements. This leads to an improved estimation of the effective rubber and hydraulic path parameters with spectrally varying and amplitude-sensitive properties up to 50 Hz. Finally, the reverse path spectral method is employed to predict interfacial forces at both ends of the mount by using measured motions and upper chamber pressure signals. Overall, the proposed quasi-linear fluid system model yields better indirect estimates of forces from the measured responses when compared with direct force measurements, through a simpler mechanical system model provides some insights. This work also advances prior component and transfer path type studies by providing an improved multi-degree of freedom system perspective.     

An approach to measure electromechanical properties of atomic and molecular junctions

We describe a new setup for simultaneous measurements of force and current in conductive nanocontacts in a liquid environment with a high sampling rate and resolution. A lab-built current-to-voltage converter allows measurements of the current over seven orders of magnitude. As examples, we studied conductances and mechanical forces upon formation and breaking of gold atomic contacts and of two molecular junctions containing 1,2-di(4-pyridyl)ethyne (M1) and 1,4-di(4-pyridyl)buta-1,3-diyne (M2). We found that the forces required to deform or break gold atomic contacts depend critically on the surrounding medium. Further, they show non-linear behaviour in dependence of the number N of gold atoms detached. The electromechanical properties of the two types of molecular junctions upon stretching were analysed by correlating breaking forces with simultaneously measured junction conductances. A rather complex behaviour in a wide range of forces was discovered. Comparison of the current-probe atomic force microscopy experiments on the rupture of molecular junctions with STM-based break junction experiments enables the assignment of breaking forces of molecular junctions to the corresponding junction conductances.     

Magnetic levitation of YBa2Cu3Oy single crystals

By using an ordinary electric balance, we are able to measure the magnetic levitation forces acting on a superconducting YBa₂Cu₃O_y (YBCO) single crystal. It is found that when the external magnetic field is parallel to the c-axis of the single crystal, the hysteretic levitation curve is similar to that of a melt-processed YBCO superconducting sample. However, when the external magnetic field is perpendicular to the c-axis of the YBCO single crystal, the levitation forces are too small to be measured by our equipment. Also, we have introduced a simple model with the Bean's approximations to explain the levitation forces. The critical current density derived from this model by fitting with experimental data is quite close to the value obtained from magnetization measurements.     

Rupture energy of a pendular liquid bridge

We propose a simple expression for the rupture energy of a pendular liquid bridge between two spheres, taking into account capillary and viscous (lubrication) forces. In the case of capillary forces only, the results are in accordance with curve fitting expressions proposed by Simons et al. [2] and Willett et al. [5]. We performed accurate measurements of the force exerted by liquid bridges between two spheres. Experimental results are found to be close to theoretical values. A reasonable agreement is also found in the presence of viscous forces. Finally, for small bridge volumes, the rupture criterion given by Lian et al. [10] is modified, taking into account additional viscous effects. Received 18 September 2000 and Received in final form 10 June 2001     

Short-range fundamental forces

We consider theoretical motivations to search for extra short-range fundamental forces as well as experiments constraining their parameters. The forces could be of two types: 1) spin-independent forces; 2) spin-dependent axion-like forces. Different experimental techniques are sensitive in respective ranges of characteristic distances. The techniques include measurements of gravity at short distances, searches for extra interactions on top of the Casimir force, precision atomic and neutron experiments. We focus on neutron constraints, thus the range of characteristic distances considered here corresponds to the range accessible for neutron experiments.     

Grain boundary pinning in two-phase materials

The calculation of the Zener stress involves two parts (1) the determination of the force between a particle and a grain boundary, and the shape of the resulting dimple on the grain boundary and (2) the statistical problem of summing the forces over the boundary. Calculations of the forces from spherical, needle-shaped and plate shaped particles are used to estimate the Zener stress by means of a point obstacle model and statistical dimple model. The results are compared with experimental determinations of stable grain sizes, with a computer simulation growth and with experimental measurements of retarded primary recrystallisation. When the particles are non-spherical or inhomogeneously distributed the Zener stress is anisotropic; this effect has been observed experimentally.     

石墨烯厚度与其力-距离关系的实验和模拟研究

通过原子力显微镜高度曲线确定高度分别为0.57 nm、0.90 nm和1.30 nm三个石墨烯片,随后进行多次力-距离曲线测量。结果发现：三个石墨烯片吸附力数值的平均值分别为0.30 nN、0.32 nN和0.34 nN,脱附力的平均值分别为5.33 nN、5.66 nN和7.24 nN。实验显示吸、脱附力随石墨烯厚度的增加单调递增,表明测量力-距离曲线可能成为一种判断石墨烯厚度的方法。为解释不同厚度石墨烯片力-距离曲线,构建铂基底与单、双和三层石墨烯相互作用的共格界面模型,采用第一性原理模拟方法对模型界面分离功和界面电荷转移进行计算。结果发现三个模型界面分离功分别为10.0 eV·nm^-2、10.4 eV·nm^-2和10.8 eV·nm^-2, 石墨烯片越厚界面分离功越大,计算结果与实验结果中吸附力数值变化趋势相同。     

A mechanical model of vocal-fold collision with high spatial and temporal resolution

The tissue mechanics governing vocal-fold closure and collision during phonation are modeled in order to evaluate the role of elastic forces in glottal closure and in the development of stresses that may be a risk factor for pathology development. The model is a nonlinear dynamic contact problem that incorporates a three-dimensional, linear elastic, finite-element representation of a single vocal fold, a rigid midline surface, and quasistatic air pressure boundary conditions. Qualitative behavior of the model agrees with observations of glottal closure during normal voice production. The predicted relationship between subglottal pressure and peak collision force agrees with published experimental measurements. Accurate predictions of tissue dynamics during collision suggest that elastic forces play an important role during glottal closure and are an important determinant of aerodynamic variables that are associated with voice quality. Model predictions of contact force between the vocal folds are directly proportional to compressive stress (r2 = 0.79), vertical shear stress (r2 = 0.69), and Von Mises stress (r2 = 0.83) in the tissue. These results guide the interpretation of experimental measurements by relating them to a quantity that is important in tissue damage.     

Friction and normal forces of model friction modifier additives in simulations of boundary lubrication

ABSTRACT

Interaction forces between solid surfaces are often mitigated by adsorbed molecules that control normal and friction forces at nanoscale separations. Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted of opposing semi-ordered monolayers of united-atom chains on sliding surfaces to relate friction and normal forces to imposed sliding velocity and inter-surface separation. Practical examples include adsorbed friction-modifier molecules in automatic transmission fluids. Friction scenarios in the simulations had zero, one, or two fluid layers trapped between adsorbed monolayers. Sliding friction forces increased with sliding velocity at each stable separation. Lower normal forces were obtained than in most previous nanotribology molecular simulations and were relatively independent of sliding speed. Distinguishing average frictional force from its fluctuations showed the importance of system size. Uniform velocities were obtained in the sliding direction across each adsorbed film, with a gradient across the gap containing trapped fluid. The calculated friction stress was consistent with measurements reported using a surface forces apparatus, indicating that drag between an adsorbed layer and trapped fluid can account sufficiently for sliding friction in friction modifier systems. An example is shown in which changes in molecular organisation parallel to the surface led to a large change in normal force but no change in friction force.     

Spiral patterns in the packing of flexible structures

Spiral patterns are found to be a generic feature in close-packed elastic structures. We describe model experiments of compaction of quasi-1D sheets into quasi-2D containers that allow simultaneous quantitative measurements of mechanical forces and observation of folded configurations. Our theoretical approach shows how the interplay between elasticity and geometry leads to a succession of bifurcations responsible for the emergence of such patterns. Both experimental forces and shapes are also reproduced without any adjustable parameters.     

Flux vortices and transport currents in type II superconductors

This article is concerned with the mechanisms by which type II superconductors can carry currents. The equilibrium properties of the vortex lattice are described and the generalized driving force in gradients of temperature and field is derived using irreversible thermodynamics. This leads to expressions for thermal cross effects which can include pinning forces. The field distributions which occur in a range of situations are derived and a number of useful solutions of the critical state given. In particular, the distribution in a longitudinal field is obtained, and the conditions under which force-free configurations can break down by the cutting of vortices discussed. The effects of lattice rigidity on the summation of pinning forces is considered and it is shown that a summation based on statistical arguments uses the same approximations and leads to the same results as a dissipation argument. Theoretical expressions are derived for the vortex pinning interaction to a number of different metallurgical defects. The theoretical models are compared critically with experimental measurements of pinning forces and other related phenomena, such as flux creep, low amplitude vortex oscillations and vortex lattice defect effects. Finally, the implications for technological materials are assessed.     

Magnetic field effects on surgical ligation clips

Magnetic forces exerted on surgical clips and the magnetic resonance imaging distortion they create in phantoms and rabbits at magnetic field strengths of 1.5 Tesla were investigated. Results are reported for both ligation and aneurysm clips manufactured from three types of stainless steel as well as titanium, tantalum and niobium metals. Paramagnetism and eddy currents were measured in a customized moving Gouy balance. Direct measurements of other magnetic forces were carried out in a 1.5T MRI system. The titanium and tantalum clips showed the least interaction with the magnetic field, both in terms of forces exerted and the observed image distortion with the larger clips generating the larger interactions. The strongest field distortions and attractive forces occurred with 17-7PH stainless steel clips. These interactions were ferromagnetic in origin and of sufficient strength to present significant risk to patients having this type of clip present during an MRI scan.