An Existence Theorem for Generalized von Kármán Equations

Using techniques from formal asymptotic analysis, the first two authors have recently identified generalized von Kármán equations, which constitute a two-dimensional model for a nonlinearly elastic plate where only a portion of the lateral face is subjected to boundary conditions of von Kármán's type, the remaining portion being free. In this paper, we establish an existence theorem for these equations. To this end, we first reduce them to a single equation, which generalizes a cubic operator equation introduced by M.S. Berger and P. Fife. We then directly solve this equation, notably by adapting a crucial compactness method due to J.-L. Lions. Résumé. En utilisant les techniques de l'analyse asymptotique formelle, les deux premiers auteurs ont récemment identifié des équations de von Kármán généralisées, qui constituent un modèle bi-dimensionnel de plaque non linéairement élastique dont une partie seulement de la face latérale est soumise à des conditions aux limites de von Kármán, la partie restante étant libre. Dans cet article, on établit un théorème d'existence pour ces équations. À cette fin, elles sont d'abord réduites à une seule équation, qui généralise une équation faisant intervenir un opérateur cubique, introduite par M.S. Berger et P. Fife. On résout ensuite directement cette équation, en adaptant notamment une méthode cruciale de compacité due à J.-L. Lions.     

Flow instability and shear localization in a drilling mud

To have a better knowledge of problems occurring with drilling fluids in complex wells, we carried out a detailed rheological analysis of a typical drilling mud at low shear rates using both conventional rheometry and MRI velocimetry. We show the existence of a viscosity bifurcation effect: Below a critical stress value, the mud tends to completely stop flowing, whereas beyond this critical stress, it reaches an apparent shear rate larger than a finite (critical) value, and no stable flows can be obtained between this critical shear rate value and zero. These results are confirmed by MRI velocity profiles, which exhibit a slope break at the interface between the solid and the liquid phases inside the Couette geometry. Moreover, this viscosity bifurcation is a transient phenomenon, the progressive development of which can be observed by MRI. A further examination of MRI data shows that, in the transient regime, the shear rate does not vary monotonously in the rheometer gap and is particularly large along the outer (rough) cylinder, which might be at the origin of the development of a region of constant shear rate in the apparent flow curve.     

Photoinduced Mo−CN Bond Breakage in Octacyanomolybdate Leading to Spin Triplet Trapping

The photoinduced properties of the octacoordinated complex K₄Mo^IV(CN)₈⋅2 H₂O were studied by theoretical calculations, crystallography, and optical and magnetic measurements. The crystal structure recorded at 10 K after blue light irradiation reveals an heptacoordinated Mo(CN)₇ species originating from the light-induced cleavage of one Mo−CN bond, concomitant with the photoinduced formation of a paramagnetic signal. When this complex is heated to 70 K, it returns to its original diamagnetic ground state, demonstrating full reversibility. The photomagnetic properties show a partial conversion into a triplet state possessing significant magnetic anisotropy, which is in agreement with theoretical studies. Inspired by these results, we isolated the new compound [K(crypt-222)]₃[Mo^IV(CN)₇]⋅3 CH₃CN using a photochemical pathway, confirming that photodissociation leads to a stable heptacyanomolybdate(IV) species in solution.     

Optical Radiation Associated with Photobiological Hazards for Argon GTAW Arcs

Plasma Chemistry and Plasma Processing - Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), a widely used industrial process, is one of the most intense artificial sources of optical radiation. This paper presents a...