Hybrid and multi-field variational principles for geometrically exact three-dimensional beams

This paper addresses the development of several alternative novel hybrid/multi-field variational formulations of the geometrically exact three-dimensional elastostatic beam boundary-value problem. In the framework of the complementary energy-based formulations, a Legendre transformation is used to introduce the complementary energy density in the variational statements as a function of stresses only. The corresponding variational principles are shown to feature stationarity within the framework of the boundary-value problem. Both weak and linearized weak forms of the principles are presented. The main features of the principles are highlighted, giving special emphasis to their relationships from both theoretical and computational standpoints.     

Theory of third-harmonic generation using double half-Gaussian hollow beams and self-phase-matching

We first (to best of out knowledge) use the slowly varying envelope approximation (SVEA) to obtain the equation of third harmonic (TH) generated by focusing the double half-Gaussian hollow beams into an atomic medium. The two-dimension intensity distribution is achieved by simulating, and it is similar to that generated by the 0th order Bessel beams. In addition to the similarities between the experimental setups, we demonstrate the accuracy of the equation. Compared with that generated by the Bessel beams, the pattern of the TH intensity generated by the double half-Gaussian hollow beams has salient features.     

Dual extremum principles for geometrically exact finite strain beams

Both necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of two complementary-dual extremum principles for geometrically exact finite strain (one-dimensional) beam models are investigated by means of two different approaches. One is based on the results published by Gao and Strang, and the other relies on the approach proposed by Noble and Sewell. While the former is limited to beam models restricted to moderate large deformations, the latter is valid for arbitrarily large deformations (and strains). The numerical implementation of the complementary-dual extremum principles can lead to simple true global upper bounds of the error of the approximate solutions.     

Optimal resolution with extreme depth of focus

When the focal depth is required to be much larger than the wavelength, λ, the effective NA of the beam with optimal resolution is much less than unity. An aperture that is much larger than this beam's footprint is then of no consequence. Such beams that maximize the mean encircled energy fraction within a cylindrical focal region are shown to depend on only a single parameter, ω, that is proportional to the ratio of the square of the cylinder's radius to the product of its length and λ. A linear combination of Hermite– or Laguerre–Gaussian modes is used to represent these fields in two and three dimensions, respectively. For small ω, the results are compared both to asymptotic expansions and to optimal Gaussian and Bessel–Gauss beams.     

New expressions for field distribution in the focal region

In an earlier paper dealing with the flat-topped light beams [Y. Li, Opt. Lett. 27 (2002) 1007], it is shown that the flat-topped beams can be expressed as 1 − [1 − exp(−ξ²)]^M, where ξ is a dimensionless parameter and M is a non-negative number. The binomial expansion of this express contains only lowest-order Gaussian modes; this situation makes it possible to develop a new formulation of diffraction of converging spherical wave at an aperture in a plane opaque screen if the Gaussian mode expansion is employed to describe the boundary values of the screen.     

Interaction of He Atoms with XeF2 Observed in Crossed Molecular Beams

The interactional shape of XeF₂ with respect to energy and distance was observed by He atom scattering in molecular beam experiments. The heterogeneous second virial coefficient and the binary coefficient of diffusion were calculated from the resulting interaction potential.     

Electron acceleration using two crossed Bessel beams in vacuum

The direct acceleration of electrons by using two crossed linearly polarized Bessel beams with equal frequency and amplitude in vacuum is studied and compared with the case of single linearly polarized Bessel beam. It is found that two zeroth- and first-order Bessel beams with π-rad phase difference have a nonvanishing longitudinal electric field on the z-axis, which can be maximized under certain conditions and used to accelerate electrons. Two crossed zeroth- and first-order Bessel beams have a larger maximum longitudinal electric field on the z-axis than that of a single first-order Bessel beam, and are suited for laser electron acceleration.     

Optimum design of vibrating cantilevers: A classical probem revisited

Optimum design of vibrating cantilevers is a classical problem widely used in the literature and textbooks in structural optimization. The problem, originally formulated and solved by Karihalloo and Niordson (Ref. 5), was to find the optimal beam shape that will maximize the fundamental vibration frequency of a cantilever. Upon reexamination of the problem, it has been found that the original analysis and solution procedure can be simplified and improved substantially. Specifically, the time-consuming inner loop devised for solving the Lagrange multiplier in the original work has been proved to be tolally unnecessary and thus should not be considered in the problem solution. This conclusion has led to a new set of simplified equations for the construction of iteration schemes. New asymptotic expressions for the optimum design solution have been obtained and verified by numerical results. Numerical analysis has shown a significant improvement in convergence rate by the proposed new procedure. Also some obvious numerical errors in the original paper have been identified and corrected.This work was suppoted in part by the University of Arizona Foundation and the Office of the Vice President for Research. The author is grateful to the reviewers for their valuable comments.     

Irradiance map of an apertured Gaussian beam affected by coma

The Gaussian amplitude of a laser beam incident on an optical system affected by coma is expanded until the fourth order. This expansion is included in the Huygens-Fresnel integral calculation to obtain the amplitude and irradiance distribution on the focal plane of an optical system affected by coma. The analytical results obtained here are compared with a previous model of a comatic Gaussian beam. Appropriateness of the analytical model is also validated by the fitting with experimental data.     

A method for predicting the deflection of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with carbon plates

For strengthening bent beams, plates of reinforced plastics are glued to their tensioned surface. As s result, the beam becomes layered, and it is possible to control its rigidity and deflection. Based on the methods of structural mechanics of layered media, a method is elaborated for determining the deflection of such beams on the entire range of loading up to their ultimate failure. A comparison between the theoretical and experimental results is carried out. __________ Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 42, No. 1, pp. 45–60, January–February, 2006.