Diffusion-controlled transformation plasticity of steel under externally applied stress

The transformation plasticity of steel during phase transformation under external stress was modelled on a migrating interface diffusion mechanism. Atomic diffusion along the migrating phase interface is assumed to cause transformation plasticity by an accelerated Coble creep. A creep equation on transformation plasticity is derived as a function of transformation rate, temperature and externally applied stress. Predictions are compared with dilatometric measurements during the austenite-to-ferrite and ferrite-to-austenite transformation of steel under various levels of uniaxial compressive stress. Good agreement was found between the calculated and experimental transformation strain. The model proposed also successfully describes the thermally activated behaviour of the transformation strain. The evaluated effective diffusion coefficients on the migrating interface are three to four orders of magnitude larger than those reported for stationary boundaries.     

Plasticity limit of metals during hot plastic deformation

A model of plasticity limit has been derived in the condition of hot plastic deformation, where dynamic recrystallization takes place, through the ratio between the rate of grain boundary sliding and the overall deformation rate. If fracture occurs preferentially at the grain boundaries we can replace the grain boundary deformation through the energy needed to cause fracture and express the temperature influence on the deformation stress. The plasticity limit is then the function of Zener-Hollomon parameter and deformation stress, where the exponent of deformation stress has a value of –4·3.     

Brain without mind: Computer simulation of neural networks with modifiable neuronal interactions

Aspects of brain function are examined in terms of a nonlinear dynamical system of highly interconnected neuron-like binary decision elements. The model neurons operate synchronously in discrete time, according to deterministic or probabilistic equations of motion. Plasticity of the nervous system, which underlies such cognitive collective phenomena as adaptive development, learning, and memory, is represented by temporal modification of interneuronal connection strengths depending on momentary or recent neural activity. A formal basis is presented for the construction of local plasticity algorithms, or connection-modification routines, spanning a large class. To build an intuitive understanding of the behavior of discrete-time network models, extensive computer simulations have been carried out (a) for nets with fixed, quasirandom connectivity and (b) for nets with connections that evolve under one or another choice of plasticity algorithm. From the former experiments, insights are gained concerning the spontaneous emergence of order in the form of cyclic modes of neuronal activity. In the course of the latter experiments, a simple plasticity routine (“brainwashing,” or “anti-learning”) was identified which, applied to nets with initially quasirandom connectivity, creates model networks which provide more felicitous starting points for computer experiments on the engramming of content-addressable memories and on learning more generally. The potential relevance of this algorithm to developmental neurobiology and to sleep states is discussed.The model considered is at the same time a synthesis of earlier synchronous neural-network models and an elaboration upon them; accordingly, the present article offers both a focused review of the dynamical properties of such systems and a selection of new findings derived from computer simulation.     

Dispersion and attenuation of Rayleigh waves at a one-dimensional random roughness of the free surface of a hexagonal crystal

Analytical expressions are derived for dispersion and attenuation of Rayleigh waves propagating along the statistically rough free surface of a hexagonal crystal (Z cut). The roughness under consideration is one-dimensional (the profile function of the roughness depends on one coordinate) and has the form of hollows of a random lattice. The results obtained earlier in the solution of an analogous problem for a two-dimensional roughness are used in the one-dimensional case. The relationships derived for the dispersion and attenuation of Rayleigh waves are treated analytically and numerically over the entire range of frequencies acceptable in the framework of the perturbation theory. It is shown that the dispersion and attenuation of Rayleigh waves are qualitatively similar to those observed in an isotropic medium.     

Modeling Focused Beam Reflectance Measurement and its Application to Sizing of Particles of Variable Shape

A model for particle detection in focused beam reflectance measurement is presented in the general case of particles of any convex shape. Shape dependent convolution relationships between measured chord length distribution (CLD), particle size distribution (PSD) and particle mass distribution (PMD) are derived and an explicit formula for the weighting characteristic length is given in terms of particle shape. Based on the derived convolution relationships, equations relating moments of the CLD, PSD and PMD are obtained. Issues related to the definition of particle size of non spherical objects and its connection to the particle sizing technique are discussed. Based on the moment relationships, particle size is defined for focused beam reflectance measurement measurements in terms of a CLD equivalent sphere. CLD and characteristic length for a thin cylinder are obtained analytically and used as simple model in order to illustrate issues in sizing particles of variable shape. General conclusions regarding the role of the weighting characteristic length on the behavior of the measured CLD are drawn.     

On adiabatic transformation of spectral and energy characteristics of waves in one-dimensional parametric systems

Truncated equations based on general differential equations are derived and analyzed to describe the transformation of frequency and energy characteristics of waves in a one- dimensional system with slowly varying parameters. The problem of adiabatic invariants in such systems for an arbitrary dispersion law is discussed. The general relationships are illustrated by some physical examples.Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Radiofizika, Vol. 39, No. 4, pp. 436–445, April, 1996.     

Zone conditional analysis of a freely propagating one-dimensional turbulent premixed flame

The zone conditional conservation equations are derived and validated against the DNS data of a freely propagating one-dimensional turbulent premixed flame. Conditional flow velocities are calculated by the conditional continuity and momentum equations, and a modeled transport equation for the Reynolds average reaction progress variable. An asymptotic formula for turbulent burning velocity is obtained with the effects of a finite Damköhler number accounted for as an additional factor. It is shown that flame generated turbulence is primarily due to correlations between fluctuating gas velocities and fluctuating unit normal vector on a flame surface. More investigation is required to validate general predictive capability of the derived conditional conservation equations and the relationships modeled for closure.     

Evaluating the effects of loading parameters on single-crystal slip in tantalum using molecular mechanics

This study is aimed at developing a physics-based crystal plasticity finite element model for body-centred cubic (BCC) metals, through the introduction of atomic-level deformation information from molecular dynamics (MD) investigations of dislocation motion at the onset of plastic flow. In this study, three critical variables governing crystal plasticity mediated by dislocation motion are considered. MD simulations are first performed across a range of finite temperatures up to 600K to quantify the temperature dependence of critical stress required for slip initiation. An important feature of slip in BCC metals is that it is not solely dependent on the Schmid law measure of resolved shear stress, commonly employed in crystal plasticity models. The configuration of a screw dislocation and its subsequent motion is studied under different load orientations to quantify these non-Schmid effects. Finally, the influence of strain rates on thermal activation is studied by inducing higher stresses during activation at higher applied strain rates. Functional dependence of the critical resolved shear stress on temperature, loading orientation and strain rate is determined from the MD simulation results. The functional forms are derived from the thermal activation mechanisms that govern the plastic behaviour and quantification of relevant deformation variables. The resulting physics-based rate-dependent crystal plasticity model is implemented in a crystal plasticity finite element code. Uniaxial simulations reveal orientation-dependent tension–compression asymmetry of yield that more accurately represents single-crystal experimental results than standard models.     

The role of the conditions for the undisturbed continuity of a medium in the description of the strained state of solids

Equations derived in the paper enable the strained state of solids under various agencies to be described from a unique point of view. Some effects of macroscopic plasticity of crystals are discussed on the basis of equations formulated in the paper. One possible way of employing the theory to describe nonstationary strained states is proposed.     

Mean Field Theory of Self-Organizing Memristive Connectomes

Biological neuronal networks are characterized by nonlinear interactions and complex connectivity. Given the growing impetus to build neuromorphic computers, understanding physical devices that exhibit structures and functionalities similar to biological neural networks is an important step toward this goal. Self-organizing circuits of nanodevices are at the forefront of the research in neuromorphic computing, as their behavior mimics synaptic plasticity features of biological neuronal circuits. However, an effective theory to describe their behavior is lacking. This study provides for the first time an effective mean field theory for the emergent voltage-induced polymorphism of circuits of a nanowire connectome, showing that the behavior of these circuits can be explained by a low-dimensional dynamical equation. The equation can be derived from the microscopic dynamics of a single memristive junction in analytical form. The effective model is tested on experiments of nanowire networks and show that it fits both the potentiation and depression of these synapse-mimicking circuits. It is shown that this theory applies beyond the case of nanowire networks by formulating a general mean-field theory of conductance transitions in self-organizing memristive connectomes.     

The transition from localized to homogeneous plasticity during nanoindentation of an amorphous metal

Using nanoindentation, we examine the fundamental nature of plasticity in a bulk amorphous metal. We find that the mechanics of plasticity depend strongly on the indentation loading rate, with low rates promoting discretization of plasticity into rapid bursts. For sufficiently slow indentations, we find that plastic deformation becomes completely discretized in a series of isolated yielding events. As the loading rate is increased, a transition from discrete to continuous yielding is observed. These results are fundamentally different from the classical expectations for metallic glasses, in which the transition from discrete to continuous yielding occurs upon a decrease in deformation rate. The present experimental results are analysed with reference to the theoretical ideal-plastic strain field beneath an indenter and rationalized on the basis of mechanistic models of glass plasticity.     

Test of <Emphasis Type="Italic">T</Emphasis>-invariance in <Emphasis Type="Italic">pd</Emphasis> scattering with double polarization

A formalism of the invariant spin amplitudes of the pd-scattering process in the Madison frame of reference is developed. The condition for T invariance with conservation of P-parity is formulated in terms of these amplitudes, and the relationships between differential spin observables that follow from this condition, are derived. The relative efficiency of the method for testing T-invariance on the basis of these relationships is compared to the method based on recording a null-test signal in an experiment with a polarized proton beam and the deuteron target.     

A thermodynamic discussion of the possibility of singular yield conditions in plasticity theory

A generalization is given of the author's theory for plasticity phenomena. The generalization leads to the possibility that the yield surface has singularities. From the theory a formula may be derived which is analogous to a formula proposed by Koiter for plastic flow in media with singular yield surfaces. The possibility of elastic relaxation phenomena in the preplastic range is included in the developed formalism.     

Relationships for total energies of Cn fullerenes and their derivatives containing nitrogen and boron atoms in the polyhedral carbon cage

The relationships characterizing the ground-state total energies of polyhedral carbon clusters and their derivatives containing boron and nitrogen atoms in the polyhedral cage are derived. These relationships do not depend on computational details and can be used for testing ab initio and semiempirical methods. The field of application of the inequalities obtained is illustrated by several examples.     

Estimating the energy performance of an insulator with regard to the relaxation time distribution

The energy relationships in the macroscopic electrodynamics of an insulator are analyzed with regard to the polarization relaxation time distribution. Expressions for the discharge power and discharge energy flux densities in an insulator are derived for an electric field exponentially depending on time. The performance of polyethylene terephthalate in capacitive energy storage systems is estimated in terms of energy.     

Radiation output of a spherical homogeneous plasma: Analytical models of computing the spectral brightness of plasma objects with various configurations

Analytical relationships between the photon-emission probability from a surface and the optical thickness along with analytical relationships between the spectral brightness of a homogeneous plasma of spherical geometry are derived with taking into account the radiation absorption. The photon-emission probability and the spectral brightness are also obtained for a plasma of cylindrical geometry and a plasma consisting of spherical layers. The relationships are given in the integral form, while attempts to find them analytically, i.e., to calculate the integrals, failed. However, they can be computed numerically. The formula for spectral brightness is derived for the case of radiation of two flat layers, which differ by the structure, thickness, and thermodynamic and spectral characteristics. The expressions for the spherical and flat layers are compared. The ratio of the dimensions permitted to approximate the flat case by the spherical case is found. The criteria of applicability and accuracy of such approximation have been elaborated. As examples of the application of the expressions derived, the radiation spectra of the aluminum, carbon, copper, and oxygen plasmas were calculated and plotted. __________ Translated from Preprint No. 33 of the P. N. Lebedev Physical Institute, Moscow (2006).     

Asymmetric Fabry-Perot resonator containing an arbitrary inhomogeneous layer

A new method for determining the transmission and reflection coefficients for an arbitrarily polarized electromagnetic wave incident obliquely on an inhomogeneous insulating layer inside an asymmetric Fabry-Perot resonator is proposed. Algebraic relationships between these coefficients for a layer bounded by different homogeneous semi-infinite media and for the same layer in a vacuum are derived. Three examples corresponding to real situations are analyzed, and the results of corresponding numerical calculations are discussed.     

Deformation of Si under conditions of the combined influence of an electric current and a magnetic field

Changes in the physical and mechanical properties of single crystals of n- and p-type silicon are investigated under the combined influence of a constant electric current and a magnetic field and an electric current separately. There is a slight increase in the resistivity of Si as pressure is applied. Increased resistance to compressive deformation is observed under the combined influence of a magnetic field and an electric cur- rent during compression, while increased plasticity is seen under the sole influence of an electric current for p-Si samples. There is an opposite effect for samples of n-Si. Increased plasticity is observed under the combined influence of a magnetic field and an electric current during compression, while increased strength is seen under the sole influence of an electric current. Surface microstructures of deformed samples are studied. A possible physical explanation for the observed phenomena is proposed.     

Plasticization of face-centered metals under electron irradiation

The effect exerted by an electron beam with an energy of 0.5 MeV on the deformation of polycrystalline aluminum (99.5%) and copper (99.5%) under uniaxial tension at a rate of 2 × 10^?4 s^?1 in the temperature range from 40 to 100°C has been investigated. It has been established that the plasticity of the metal increases under irradiation with an electron beam: the level of the flow stress and the strain hardening coefficient in the irradiated state decrease, whereas the total resource of plasticity of the material increases. A mechanism of an increase in the plasticity of metals has been proposed. This mechanism is based on the radiation-induced generation of nonlinear strongly localized excitations of the crystal lattice, namely, discrete breathers, whose lifetime is significantly longer than the relaxation time of phonons. The interaction of discrete breathers with dislocations can stimulate the detachment of dislocations from stoppers and, consequently, an increase in the plasticity of the material.