Creep of polymer concrete in the nonlinear region

Two polyester-based polymer concretes with various volume content of diabase as an extender and aggregate are tested in creep under compression at different stress levels. The phenomenological and structural approaches are both used to analyze the experimental data. Common features of changes in the instantaneous and creep compliances are clarified, and a phenomenological creep model which accounts for the changes in the instantaneous compliance and in the retardation spectrum depending on the stress level is developed. It is shown that the model can be used to describe the experimental results of stress relaxation and creep under repeated loading. Modeling of the composite structure and subsequent solution of the optimization problem confirm the possibility of the existence of an interphase layer more compliant than the binder. A direct correlation between the interphase volume content and the instantaneous compliance of the composite is revealed. It is found that the distinction in nonlinearity of the viscoelastic behavior of the two polymer concretes under investigation can be due to the difference in their porosity. Submitted to the 11th International Conference on Mechanics of Composite Materials (Riga, June 11–15, 2000.) Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 36, No. 2, pp. 147–164, 2000.     

Effect of viscosity of a thermoplastic prepreg and matrix upon winding of rings

The problem of compression of a unidirectional layer and shear of a polymer interlayer during winding of rings is considered. The equations determining the dependence of the layer thickness and stresses on the parameters entering into the power flow law for a prepreg and polymer matrix and on the basic parameters of the winding process—the initial tension of the prepreg, its placement rate, and the radius of a mandrel—are derived. The ring thickness measurements obtained at various temperatures and initial tension forces of plies confirm the adequacy of the model offered. It is found that the viscous properties of the prepreg and matrix upon winding affect the relative change in the layer thickness to a greater extent than the stresses in these layers. With increase in temperature and tension force upon winding, the effect of viscous deformations of the prepreg and matrix increases. A decrease in viscosity and an increase in the tension force of the tape lead to a higher strength of the ring in tension and interlaminar shear; however, the growing percolation of the polymer melt leads to a greater inhomogeneity of the structure of the composite in the ring and to a lower reinforcing effect of the factors mentioned. Presented at the 11th International Conference on Mechanics of Composite Materials (Riga, June 11–15, 2000). Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 36, No. 3, pp. 419–428, 2000.     

Application of a genetic algorithm to optimal lay-up of shells made of composite laminates

The orientation of fiber direction in layers and the number of layers of composites play the major role in determining the strength and stiffness. Thus, the basic design problem is to determine the optimum stacking sequence of the composite laminate. Many methods are available at present for the design optimization of structural systems. However, these methods are based on mathematical programming techniques involving the gradient search and the direct search. These methods assume that the variables are continuous. In this paper, a different search and optimization algorithm, known as a Genetic Algorithm (GA), has been successfully applied to obtain the optimum fiber orientation of multilayered shells, which considers the angle of fiber orientation as a discrete variable. The principle of GA is applied to obtain optimum layers and the orientation of fibers of stiffened shells for both the symmetric and antisymmetric orientations of fibers for dynamic analysis. Shells composed of two to nine layers without stiffeners, with one stiffener, and with two stiffeners for a single as well as different materials are analyzed and the maximum frequency for each population is computed using the FEAST-C software. Submitted to the 11th International Conference on Mechanics of Composite Materials (Riga, June 11–15, 2000). Published in Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 36, No. 2, pp. 271–278, March–April, 2000.     

Transverse compression of PPTA fibers

Results of single transverse compression testing of PPTA and PIPD fibers, using a novel test device, are presented and discussed. In the tests, short lengths of single fibers are compressed between two parallel, stiff platens. The fiber elastic deformation is analyzed as a Hertzian contact problem. The inelastic deformation is analyzed by elastic-plastic FE simulation and by laser-scanning confocal microscopy of the compressed fibers ex post facto. The results obtained are compared to those in the literature and to the theoretical predictions of PPTA fiber transverse elasticity based on PPTA crystal elasticity.Presented at the 11th International Conference on Mechanics of Composite Materials (Riga, June 11–15, 2000).3TEX, Inc. 109, MacKenan Drive, Cary, North Carolina 27511, USA. Published in Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 36, No. 4, pp. 533–544, March–April, 2000.     

Averaging Special Values of Dirichlet <Emphasis Type="Italic">L</Emphasis>-Series

In this paper we derive estimates for weighted averages of the special values of Dirichlet L-series which generalize similar estimates of David and Pappalardi [1]. The author is partially supported by NSF grant DMS-0090117. 2000 Mathematics Subject Classification: Primary–11M06; Secondary–11G05     

Certain Families of Elliptic Functions Defined by <Emphasis Type="Italic">q</Emphasis>-Series

We introduce certain families of elliptic functions involving the Weierstrass ℘-function via q-series systematically and investigate their analytic and algebraic properties. Especially, we give examples of non-linear algebraic ordinary differential equations satisfied by some such elliptic functions. 2000 Mathematics Subject Classification: Primary–11M36, 33E05     

Determining <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-values for systems cointegration tests with a prior adjustment for deterministic terms

Following Doornik (J Econ Surv 12:573–593, 1998) I present a procedure to approximate the asymptotic distributions of systems cointegration tests with a prior adjustment for deterministic terms suggested by Lütkepohl (Econometrica 72:647–662, 2004), Saikkonen and Lütkepohl (Econometric Theory 16:373–406, 2000a, J Business Econ Stat 18:451–464, 2000b, Time Series Anal 21:435–456, 2000c) and Saikkonen and Luukkonen (J Econ 81:93–126, 1997). These tests rely upon different assumptions as to the inclusion of deterministic components such as a constant, a linear trend or a level shift. The asymptotic distributions, which are functions of Brownian motions, are approximated by Gamma distributions. Only estimates of the mean and variance of the asymptotic test distributions are needed to fit the Gamma distributions. Such estimates are obtained from response surfaces. The required coefficients to compute the asymptotic moments are presented in this paper. Via the fitted Gamma distributions one can, then, easily derive p-values or arbitrary percentiles.     

Temperature field of a layer of a fibrous composite material under conditions of external thermal radiation

On the basis of an expression for the scattering phase function of an individual fiber, relations modeling radiative properties of fibrous composites are obtained. We calculate the temperature state of a layer of such a material under condition of external thermal radiation. Dependences of temperature distributions on the volume fraction of fibers in the composite, their reflectance, and size are investigated. Translated from Matematychni Metody ta Fizyko-Mekhanichni Polya, Vol. 51, No. 1, pp. 185–193, January–March, 2008.     

A Dedekind σ-Complete Banach Lattice into which all Bounded Operators are Regular

We give an answer to a question of Abramovich–Wickstead asked in [Quart. J. Math. Oxford (2), 44 (1993), 257–270] under the axiom ‘measurable cardinal exists’. Mathematics Subject Classification (2000): Primary. 47B60     

Extended finite operator calculus—an example of algebraization of analysis

“A Calculus of Sequences” started in 1936 by Ward constitutes the general scheme for extensions of classical operator calculus of Rota—Mullin considered by many afterwards and after Ward. Because of the notation we shall call the Ward's calculus of sequences in its afterwards elaborated form—a ψ-calculus. The ψ-calculus in parts appears to be almost automatic, natural extension of classical operator calculus of Rota—Mullin or equivalently—of umbral calculus of Roman and Rota. At the same time this calculus is an example of the algebraization of the analysis—here restricted to the algebra of polynomials. Many of the results of ψ-calculus may be extended to Markowsky Q-umbral calculus where Q stands for a generalized difference operator, i.e. the one lowering the degree of any polynomial by one. This is a review article based on the recent first author contributions [1]. As the survey article it is supplemented by the short indicatory glossaries of notation and terms used by Ward [2], Viskov [7, 8], Markowsky [12], Roman [28–32] on one side and the Rota-oriented notation on the other side [9–11, 1, 3, 4, 35] (see also [33]).     

Congruences Concerning Values of the Modular Functions <Emphasis Type="Italic">j</Emphasis><Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript>

The j-function j(z) = q⁻¹+ 744 + 196884q + ⋅s plays an important role in many problems. In [7], Zagier, presented an interesting series of functions obtained from the j-function: j_m(ζ) = (j(ζ) – 744)∨T₀(m), where T₀(m) is the usual m′th normalized weight 0 Hecke operator. In [3], Bruinier et al. show how this series of functions can be used to describe all meromorphic modular forms on SL₂(ℤ). In this note we use these functions and basic notions about modular forms to determine previously unidentified congruence relations between the coefficients of Eisenstein series and the j-function. 2000 Mathematics Subject Classification: Primary–11B50, 11F03, 11F30 The author thanks the National Science Foundation for their generous support.     

Dependence of thermooxidative aging parameters on composite properties

An analytical relationship between the thermooxidation rate constants and mechanical properties of composite materials under isothermal and dynamic conditions is obtained. With the example of epoxy-based composites, it is shown that the kinetic parameters of thermooxidation can be used to predict the internal stresses and breakdown voltage of coatings. The calculated drop in the impact toughness exceeds its experimental value by 30%, while the calculated relative breaking elongation is 1.5–2 times greater than the experimental one. A considerable decrease in these indices is observed at a loss of 0.1–1 wt.% of volatile products of thermooxidation. Submitted to the 11th International Conference on Mechanics of Composite Materials (Riga, June 11–15, 2000). Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 36, No. 2, pp. 237–248, January–February, 2000.     

Correlation between the strength of fiber-reinforced plastics and the adhesive strength of fiber—Matrix joints

The relationship between the strength (σc) of unidirectional fiber-reinforced plastics in different stressed states and the interfacial strength of their components is investigated. The shear adhesive strength (τ0) of fiber—matrix joints determined by the pull-out technique is used as a measure of the interfacial strength. To obtain the correlation curves betweenσc andτ0, the experimental results are used, where both the plastic and adhesive strength change under the influence of a single factor. In this case, such factors are the fiber surface treatment, nature and composition of polymer matrices, and test temperature. It is shown that the strength of the glass, carbon, and boron plastics increases practically linearly with increased interfacial strength. Such a behavior is observed in any loading conditions (tension, shear, bending, and compression). Sometimes, a small (10–20%) increase in the adhesive strength induces a significant (50–70%) growth in the material strength. Therefore, the interface is the “weak link” in these composites. The shape of theσc—τ0 curves for composites based on the high-strength and high-modulus aramid fibers and different thermoreactive matrices depends on the nature of the fiber and the type of stress state. In many cases, the composite strength does not depend on the interfacial strength. Then, the fiber itself is the “weak link” in these composites. Submitted to the 11th International Conference on Mechanics of Composite Materials (Riga, June 11–15, 2000). Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 36, No. 3, pp. 291–304, May–June, 2000.     

Interval Valued Intuitionistic （S, T）-fuzzy Hv-submodules

On the basis of the concept of the interval valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets introduced by K. Atanassov, the notion of interval valued intuitionistic fuzzy Hv-submodules of an Hv-module with respect to a t-norm T and an s-norm S is given and the characteristic properties are described. The homomorphic image and the inverse image are investigated. In particular, the connections between interval valued intuitionistic （S, T）-fuzzy Hv-submodules and interval valued intuitionistic （S, T）-fuzzy submodules are discussed.     

Pultrusion mechanics of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites

The associated problem of the rheology of a thermoplastic polymer melt during the pultrusion of fiber-reinforced composites in a plane-slotted die is resolved. The permeabilities of a stochastic fibrous system are determined for the case of a nonlinear (exponential) rheological model of the melt. The pressure distribution in the pultrusion tool is calculated with allowance for the permeability of the fibrous system. The dependence of the pultrusion force on the viscous properties of the melt and on the pull rate of the fibrous layer is established.Paper to be presented at the Ninth International Conference on the Mechanics of Composite Materials, Riga, October, 1995.Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 31, No. 4, pp. 547–554, July–August, 1995.     

The automorphism group of a split metacyclic 2-group and some groups of crossed homomorphisms

In this paper we find the structure for the automorphism group of a split metacyclic 2-group G. It can be seen as a continuation of the paper (Curran in Arch. Math. 89 (2007), 10–23) and it makes it complete. We propose a different approach to the problem than in the paper (Curran in Arch. Math. 89 (2007), 10–23). Our intention is to show that apart from some cases of 2-groups AutG has a structure similar to that of a direct product of two groups with no common direct factor [which was considered in Bidwell, Curran, and McCaughan (Arch. Math. 86 (2006), 481–489)].      

Physicomechanical characteristics of a disperse-filled polytetrafluoroethylene

Composite polymer materials based on PTFE containing ultradisperse -sialon (1–10 wt.%) as the cross-linking agent are studied. It is shown that the injection of small amounts of fillers (1–2 wt.%) increases the degree of composite crystallinity. A correlation between the structure, element distribution on the surface layers of samples, and tribotechnical characteristics of composites is found. The change in the physicomechanical characteristics is associated with the effect of the interstructural plasticization.Ammosov Yakutsk State University, Yakutsk, Russia. Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 35, No. 6, pp. 797–806, November–December, 1999.     

A generalization of rational Bernstein–Bézier curves

This paper is concerned with a generalization of Bernstein–Bézier curves. A one parameter family of rational Bernstein–Bézier curves is introduced based on a de Casteljau type algorithm. A subdivision procedure is discussed, and matrix representation and degree elevation formulas are obtained. We also represent conic sections using rational q-Bernstein–Bézier curves. AMS subject classification (2000)  65D17     

Biplastic pipes for high-pressure oil pipeline systems

A high-performance, corrosion-resistant biplastic pipe for high-pressure oil pipeline systems is presented. The pipe combines an outer load-carrying layer formed from unidirectionally glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) sublayers by wet multi-circuit winding and an inner sealing layer of high-density polyethylene. Both demountable and permanent joints, tees, and other parts are constructed for these pipes. The biplastic pipes ensure reliable operation of oil pipeline systems under a pressure of up to 200 bar. The experimental results and calculated estimates of the strength of biplastic pipes are presented. The results of using these pipes in oil pipeline systems in the Perm’ region are discussed. Presented at the 11th International Conference on Mechanics of Composite Materials (Riga, June 11–15, 2000). Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 36, No. 3, pp. 407–418, 2000.     

Improved lower bounds on sizes of single-error correcting codes

A construction of codes of length n = q + 1 and minimum Hamming distance 3 over is given. Substitution of the derived codes into a concatenation construction yields nonlinear binary single-error correcting codes with better than known parameters. In particular, new binary single-error correcting codes having more codewords than the best previously known in the range n ≤ 512 are obtained for the lengths 64–66, 128–133, 256–262, and 512.