Finite Element Based Micro-mechanical Modeling of Interphase in Filler Reinforced Elastomers

Characteristic properties of elastomers can be tailored by embedding them with filler particles. Along with enhancing the overall properties of the composite, filler particles also induce some inelastic effects. In this paper, a finite element computational model is used to study the effect of microstructure morphology in filled elastomers, on its macroscopic large deformation behavior. A multiphase material model that accounts for the hypothesis of shift in glass transition temperature in the vicinity of the filler particle is developed to simulate the interphase between the fillers and the matrix. It also accounts for the breakdown and re-aggregation of filler networks under cyclic loading. Examples at the microstructural level, demonstrating the dynamics of the interphase using the developed multiphase model have been successfully simulated. The obtained results are in good qualitative agreement with the Mullins effect. Therefore, computational experiments using this methodology enable the prediction of the experimentally observed softening behavior in filled elastomers based on its microstructure evolution.     

Limiting laws for long Brownian bridges perturbed by their one-sided maximum, III

Summary Results of penalization of a one-dimensional Brownian motion ]]>]]>]]>]]>]]>]]>]]>(X_t) $, by its one-sided maximum $\big(S_t=\sup_{0 \leq u \leq t}X_u\big)$, which were recently obtained by the authors are improved with the consideration - in the present paper - of the asymptotic behaviour of the likewise penalized Brownian bridges of length $t$, as $t\rightarrow \infty$, or penalizations by functions of $(S_t,X_t)$, and also the study of the speed of convergence, as $t\rightarrow \infty$, of the penalized distributions at time $t$.     

Novel photonic technique creates micrometer resolution protein arrays and provides a new approach to coupling of genes, peptide hormones and drugs to nanoparticle carriers

We demonstrate that ultraviolet light can be used to make sterically oriented covalent immobilization of a large variety of protein molecules onto either thiolated quartz, gold or silicon. The reaction mechanism behind the reported new technology involves light-induced breakage of disulphide bridges in proteins upon UV illumination of nearby aromatic amino acids, resulting in the formation of free, reactive thiol groups that will form covalent bonds with thiol reactive surfaces. In general, the protein molecules retain their function. The size of the immobilization spot is limited to the focal point of illumination being as small as a few micrometers. This new technology allows for dense packing of different bio-molecules on a surface, allowing the creation of multi-potent functionalised new materials, such as nano-biosensors. We have developed the necessary technology for preparing large protein arrays of enzymes and fragments of monoclonal antibodies. Dedicated image processing software has been developed for making quality assessment of the protein arrays. This novel technology is ideal to couple drugs and other bio-molecules to nanoparticles which can be used as carriers into cells for therapeutic purposes.     

Mathematical Modelling of Cable Stayed Bridges: Existence, Uniqueness, Continuous Dependence on Data, Homogenization of Cable Systems

A model of a cable stayed bridge is proposed. This model describes the behaviour of the center span, the part between pylons, hung on one row of cable stays. The existence, the uniqueness of a solution of a time independent problem and the continuous dependence on data are proved. The existence and the uniqueness of a solution of a linearized dynamic problem are proved. A homogenizing procedure making it possible to replace cables by a continuous system is proposed. A nonlinear dynamic problem connected with the homogenizing procedure is proposed and the existence and uniqueness of a solution are proved.     

悬索桥的非线性分析

为进行悬索桥的几何非线性分析，建立了梁单元的刚度矩阵及有关算法，通过算例验证了方法是可行的。     

A discrete 3D model for bridge aerodynamics and aeroelasticity: nonlinearities and linearizations

A framework for the numerical analysis of bridges under wind excitation is outlined. It is based on structural finite element scheme and cross-sectional wind load models. Two aspects are investigated: (1) how considering the mean steady configuration in the aerodynamic stability calculation; and (2) the effects of load nonlinearities on structural response. A quasi-steady load model is adopted, which is able to deal with the considered problems by using experimental data easily available in the practice. By means of numerical examples, it is pointed out (1) that both the modifications in structural tangential stiffness and in the aerodynamic coefficients due to the mean steady deformation may affect the aeroelastic stability threshold and (2) that load linearization may produce an underestimation of the structural response.     

Non-linear vibrations of suspension bridges with external excitation

Non-linear coupled vertical and torsional vibrations of suspension bridges are investigated. Method of Multiple Scales, a perturbation technique, is applied to the equations to find approximate analytical solutions. The equations are not discretized as usually done, rather the perturbation method is applied directly to the partial differential equations. Free and forced vibrations with damping are investigated in detail. Amplitude and phase modulation equations are obtained. The dependence of non-linear frequency on amplitude is described. Steady-state solutions are analyzed. Frequency-response equation is derived and the jump phenomenon in the frequency-response curves resulting from non-linearity is considered. Effects of initial amplitude and phase values, amplitude of excitation, and damping coefficient on modal amplitudes, are determined.     

考虑几何与材料及静风荷载的非线性因素的大跨径桥梁静风稳定分析法

针对现有的桥梁静风稳定分析方法中存在的问题，提出了增量与内外两重迭代相结合的新方法，并且考虑了结构几何、材料和静风荷载非线性。在上述方法的基础上，编制了桥梁非线性空气静力稳定分析程序BNAP，并进行了相应的算例分析，所得结果表明该方法具有计算稳定和速度快的优点。最后，以一座主跨1000米的斜拉桥为例，分析了结构几何非线性、材料非线性和静风荷载非线性对大跨径桥梁空气静力稳定性的影响。