Algebraic and analytic properties of semigroups related to fixed point properties of non-expansive mappings

Semigroup Forum - The purpose of this paper is to give an updated survey on various algebraic and analytic properties of semigroups related to fixed point properties of semigroup actions on a...     

Using monomer properties to obtain integrated intensities for vibrational transitions of van der Waals complexes

The integrated intensities of vibrational transitions depend on the magnitude of the derivatives of the dipole with respect to nuclear motion. Normally, the only reliable way to compute such derivatives is by tedious and expensive ab initio calculations. In this paper, we present a simplification for weakly bound complexes based on distributed schemes for describing the charge densities and polarizabilities of the monomers. Formulations based on both Cartesian and spherical harmonics are presented. The results for both these schemes agree exactly with each other, and qualitatively with full ab initio calculations for the hydrogen fluoride dimer, (HF)₂.     

Stable,High‐Molecular‐Weight Poly(phthalaldehyde)

Low ceiling temperature, thermodynamically unstable polymers have been troublesome to synthesize and keep stable during storage. In this study, stable poly(phthalaldehyde) has been synthesized with BF₃‐OEt₂ catalyst. The role of BF₃ in the polymerization is described. The interaction of BF₃ with the monomer is described and used to maximize the yield and molecular weight of poly(phthalaldehyde). Various Lewis acids were used to investigate the effect of catalyst acidity on poly(phthalaldehyde) chain growth. In situ nuclear magnetic resonance was used to identify possible interactions formed between BF₃ and phthalaldehyde monomer and polymer. The molecular weight of the polymer tracks with polymerization yield. The ambient temperature stability of poly(phthalaldehyde) was investigated and the storage life of the polymer has been improved. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016 , 55, 1166–1172     

A tribute to professor Robert West,on the occasion of his 90th birthday

Abstract

This is for Bob, and for his vast number of friends and colleagues who wish to celebrate his 90^th birthday. On this occasion we express our admiration, friendship, and appreciation for the wonderful adventures that he has shared with so many of us. While we are limited to providing a personal account of our experience of Bob, we believe that what we describe will in some way resonant with those who know him. Not surprisingly, the life of a great person is dedicated to all possible kinds of movement (mentally and physically) always curious and ready to find out what future brings rather than looking back upon the past. Needless to say – Bob moves quickly. Very quickly. So we will not pretend that we, or anyone else, could capture the essence of the man. As much as he immerses himself in the moment, it seems a losing proposition to try to identify something singular and unchanging about him. As Heraclitus says “we can never step into the same river twice,” so has been our experience, and delight, with Bob. It is our hope that many other accounts of Bob will be told and retold during the events celebrating his 90^th birthday.     

A computational method for geometric optimization of enhanced heat transfer devices based upon entropy generation minimization

A computational fluid dynamics‐based optimization methodology is developed, appropriate for the geometric optimization of enhanced heat transfer devices based upon the principle of entropy generation minimization, in which the objective function is evaluated from a flow field obtained by computational simulation. A quasi‐Newton optimization procedure is employed, with computation of the objective function gradients based upon a finite difference approach. The optimization procedure is developed to be general with regard to the choice of objective function, the details of the problem under consideration, and the computational methodology employed in solving the fluid flow and heat transfer problems. A novel implementation of a Taylor series‐based procedure for the fast solution of nearby problems is presented, which is found to greatly benefit the efficiency of the present methodology. Finally, a numerical experiment is presented, illustrating the use of the present method in the geometric optimization of a practical enhanced heat transfer device on the basis of the criterion of entropy generation minimization. The optimization of the fin spacing of a simple plate fin heat sink is considered, and a comparison of the computational results with results obtained by analytical optimization based upon empirical friction factor and Nusselt number correlations is given. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dynamic light scattering – an all-purpose guide for the supramolecular chemist

ABSTRACT

Dynamic light scattering (DLS) is a useful tool for the study of the solution-based behavior of colloids and molecular assemblies. The aim of this methods paper is to provide perspective on how this technique can be used by supramolecular chemists. As this technique is not extensively used within the field, we also provide a historical background of its development, summarize data interpretation and the strengths and limitations of the technique, and provide a perspective on some of the important features for supramolecular chemists that can be found in an instrument.