An enhanced beam-theory model of the mixed-mode bending (MMB) test—Part II: Applications and results

The paper presents an enhanced beam-theory (EBT) model of the mixed-mode bending (MMB) test, whereby the specimen is considered as an assemblage of two sublaminates partly connected by an elastic–brittle interface. Analytical expressions for the compliance, energy release rate, and mode mixity are deduced. A compliance calibration strategy enabling numerical or experimental evaluation of the interface elastic constants is also presented. Furthermore, analytical expressions for the crack length correction parameters—analogous to those given by the corrected beam-theory (CBT) model for unidirectional laminated specimens—are furnished for multidirectional laminated specimens, as well. Lastly, an example application to experimental data reduction is presented.     

Control problems of a mathematical model for schistosomiasis transmission dynamics

Drug treatment, snail control, cercariae control, improved sanitation and health education are the effective strategies which are used to control the schistosomiasis. In this paper, we formulate a deterministic model for schistosomiasis transmission dynamics in order to explore the role of the several control strategies. The basic reproductive number is computed. Sufficient conditions for the global asymptotic stability of the disease-free equilibrium are obtained. By using the Center Manifold Theory, we analyze the local stability of endemic equilibrium. Finally, numerical simulations support our analytical conclusions and the sensitive analysis on the basic reproductive number to the changes of control parameters are shown. Our results imply that snail-killing is the most effective way to control the transmission of schistosomiasis.     

An energy-based damage model of geomaterials—I. Formulation and numerical results

In this paper, an anisotropic damage model is established in strain space to describe the behaviour of geomaterials under compression-dominated stress fields. The research work focuses on rate-independent and small-deformation behaviour during isothermal processes. It is emphasized that the damage variables should be defined microstructurally rather than phenomenologically for geomaterials, and a second-order fabric tensor is chosen as the damage variable. Starting from it, a one-parameter damage-dependent elasticity tensor is deduced based on tensorial algebra and thermodynamic requirements ; a fourth-order damage characteristic tensor, which determines anisotropic damaging, is deduced within the framework of Rice, 1971 normality structure in Part II of this paper. An equivalent state is developed to exclude the macroscopic stress⧹strain explicitly from the relevant constitutive equations. Finally, some numerical results are worked out to illustrate the mechanical behaviour of this model.     

An enhanced beam-theory model of the mixed-mode bending (MMB) test—Part I: Literature review and mechanical model

The paper presents a mechanical model of the mixed-mode bending (MMB) test used to assess the mixed-mode interlaminar fracture toughness of composite laminates. The laminated specimen is considered as an assemblage of two sublaminates partly connected by an elastic–brittle interface. The problem is formulated through a set of 36 differential equations, accompanied by suitable boundary conditions. Solution of the problem is achieved by separately considering the two subproblems related to the symmetric and antisymmetric parts of the loads, which for symmetric specimens correspond to fracture modes I and II, respectively. Explicit expressions are determined for the interfacial stresses, internal forces, and displacements.     

Mechanistic mathematical model of kinesin under time and space fluctuating loads

Kinesin-1 is a processive molecular motor that converts the energy from ATP hydrolysis and Brownian motion into directed movement. Single-molecule techniques have allowed the experimental characterization of single kinesins in vitro at a range of loads and ATP concentrations, and shown that each kinesin molecule moves processively along microtubules by alternately advancing each of its motor domains in a hand-over-hand fashion. Existing models of kinesin movement focus on time and space invariant loads, and hence are not well suited to describing transient dynamics. However, kinesin must undergo transient dynamics when external perturbations (e.g., interactions with other kinesin molecules) cause the load on each motor to change in time. We have developed a mechanistic model that describes, deterministically, the average motion of kinesin under time and space varying loads. The diffusion is modeled using a novel approach inspired by the classical closed form solution for the mean first-passage time. In the new approach, the potential in which the free motor domain diffuses is time varying and updated at each instant during the motion. The mechanistic model is able to predict experimental force-velocity data over a wide range of ATP concentrations (1 μM–10 mM). This mechanistic approach to modeling the mechanical behavior of the motor domains of kinesin allows rational and efficient characterization of the mechanochemical coupling, and provides predictions of kinesin with time-varying loads, which is critical for modeling coordinated transport involving several kinesin molecules.     

Homogenization of the nonlinear Kelvin–Voigt model of viscoelasticity and of the Prager model of plasticity

Denoting by the stress tensor, by the linearized strain tensor, by A the elasticity tensor, and assuming that is a convex potential, the inclusion accounts for nonlinear viscoelasticity, and encompasses both the linear Kelvin–Voigt model of solid-type viscoelasticity and the Prager model of rigid plasticity with linear kinematic strain-hardening. This relation is assumed to represent the constitutive behavior of a space-distributed system, and is here coupled with the dynamical equation. An initial- and boundary-value problem is formulated, and the existence and uniqueness of the solution are proved via classical techniques based on compactness and monotonicity. A composite material is then considered, in which the function and the tensor A rapidly oscillate in space. A two-scale model is derived via Nguetseng’s notion of two-scale convergence. This provides a detailed account of the mesoscopic state of the system. Any dependence on the fine-scale variable is then eliminated, and the existence of a solution of a new single-scale macroscopic model is proved. The final outcome is at variance with the nonlinear extension of the generalized Kelvin–Voigt model, which is based on an apparently unjustified mean-field-type hypothesis.     

Bifurcation dynamics of the modified physiological model of artificial pancreas with insulin secretion delay

In this paper, we modify the original physiological model of artificial pancreas by introducing the insulin secretion time delay. The non-resonant double Hopf bifurcation is analyzed by the Center Manifold Theorem and Normal Form Method. Numerical results supporting the theoretical analysis are presented in some typical parameter regions. It is shown that the critical value of technological delay and the area of death island of the non-resonant double Hopf bifurcation in the modified model are far less than those in the original model. This implies that when the secretion delay appears, the smaller technological delay can induce the double Hopf bifurcation. In addition, the region IV with complex coexisting bi-stability also decreases sharply. Furthermore, the rich dynamics such as various period, quasi-period and chaotic behaviors are found when some key parameters are changed. The obtained results can have important theoretical guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes patients.     

The Calculation of Semi-circular Corrugated Tube——An Application of the General Solution of Ring Shell

In this paper, the deformation and stress distribution in semi-circular corrugated tube under axial force are calculated by means of the general solutions of circular ring shell given in previous paper[1].     

Global dynamics and integrity of a two-dof model of?a?parametrically excited cylindrical shell

In this paper the global dynamics and topological integrity of the basins of attraction of a parametrically excited cylindrical shell are investigated through a two-degree-of-freedom reduced order model. This model, as shown in previous authors?? works, is capable of describing qualitatively the complex nonlinear static and dynamic buckling behavior of the shell. The discretized model is obtained by employing Donnell shallow shell theory and the Galerkin method. The shell is subjected to an axial static pre-loading and then to a harmonic axial load. When the static load is between the buckling load and the minimum post-critical load, a three potential well is obtained. Under these circumstances the shell may exhibit pre- and post-buckling solutions confined to each of the potential wells as well as large cross-well motions. The aim of the paper is to analyze in a systematic way the bifurcation sequences arising from each of the three stable static solutions, obtaining in this way the parametric instability and escape boundaries. The global dynamics of the system is analyzed through the evolution of the various basins of attraction in the four-dimensional phase space. The concepts of safe basin and integrity measures quantifying its magnitude are used to obtain the erosion profile of the various solutions. A detailed parametric analysis shows how the basins of the various solutions interfere with each other and how this influences the integrity measures. Special attention is dedicated to the topological integrity of the various solutions confined to the pre-buckling well. This allows one to evaluate the safety and dynamic integrity of the mechanical system. Two characteristic cases, one associated with a sub-critical parametric bifurcation and another with a super-critical parametric bifurcation, are considered in the analysis.     

Combined slit and plate–plate magnetorheometry of a magnetorheological fluid (MRF) and parameterization using the Casson model

We describe a magneto-slit die of 0.34 mm height and 4.25 mm width attached to a commercial piston capillary rheometer, enabling the measurement of apparent flow curves of a magnetorheological fluid (MRF) in the high shear rate regime (apparent shear rates 276 up to 20,700 s^???1, magnetic flux density up to 300 mT). The pressure gradient in the magnetized slit is measured via two pressure holes. While the flux density versus coil current without MRF could directly be measured by means of a Hall probe, the flux density with MRF was investigated by finite element simulations using Maxwell® 2D. The true shear stress versus shear rate is obtained by means of the Weissenberg–Rabinowitsch correction. The slit die results are compared to plate–plate measurements performed in a shear rate regime of 0.46 up to 210 s^???1. It is shown that the Casson model yields a pertinent fit of the true shear stress versus shear rate data from plate–plate geometry. Finally, a joint fit of the slit and plate–plate data covering a shear rate range of 1 up to 50,000 s^???1 is presented, again using the Casson model. The parameterization of the MRF behavior over the full shear rate regime investigated is of relevance for the design of MR devices, like, e.g., automotive dampers. In the Appendix, we demonstrate the drawbacks of the Bingham model in describing the same data. We also show the parameterization of the flow curves by applying the Herschel–Bulkley model.     

An improved theoretical model for the dynamics of a free–clamped cylinder in axial flow

A new, improved linear analytical model is presented in this paper for the dynamics of a slender cantilevered cylinder with an ogival free end, subjected to axial flow directed from its free end towards the clamped one. In the present model the fluid-dynamic forces at the free end of the cylinder are analysed in a meticulous manner. The model predicts that the cylinder loses stability at relatively low flow velocity by flutter, and then at higher flow velocity by static divergence. This agrees with the dynamical behaviour observed in experiments. Moreover, quantitative agreement in the critical flow velocities for flutter and divergence between this improved theory and experiment is fairly good.     

Nonlinear dynamics and conformational changes of linear entangled polymers using the Rolie-Poly model with an “effective” maximum contour length

The extended Rouse-CCR tube model for linear entangled polymers recently proposed by the authors (Kabanemi and Hétu, J Non Newtonian-Fluid Mech 160:113–121, 2009), designed to capture the progressive changes in the average internal structure (kinked state) of polymer chains, is here used to analyze, by means of a time-dependent three-dimensional finite element method, chain segment dynamics, pressure drop, and stability of flow through a 4:1:4 constriction in a tube. The model predicts an enhancement of the pressure drop in the stretch-dominated flow regime, which is also observed experimentally. This excess pressure drop was not associated with the onset of flow instability. The model also predicts kinked configurations within chain segments in the entry section to the constriction tube, at the inception of flow, and prior to the development of upstream vortices. It is also shown how these kinked configurations within chain segments influence pressure drop transients.     

Calculation of Ionization and Radiative Characteristics of Air in the Shock Layer on the Basis of Various Models of Vibration–Dissociation Interaction

Models of vibrationdissociation interaction are verified on the basis of results of numerical simulation of nonequilibrium air flow in the shock layer near vehicles flying in the atmosphere and data of inflight and windtunnel experiments on measurement of ionization and radiative characteristics of the shock layer.     

Creep response of bituminous mixtures—rheological model and microstructural interpretation

The main failure mechanisms of flexible pavements, such as low-temperature cracking, fatigue failure, and rutting are strongly influenced by the viscoelastic properties of asphalt. These viscoelastic properties originate from the thermorheological behavior of bitumen, the binder material of asphalt. In this paper, the bitumen behavior is studied by means of a comprehensive experimental program, allowing the identification of viscoelastic parameters of a power-law type creep model, indicating two time scales (short-term and long-term) within the creep deformation history of bitumen. Moreover, these characteristics of the creep deformation transfer towards bitumen-inclusion mixtures, as illustrated for mastic, consisting of bitumen and filler. For this purpose, the aforementioned power-law creep model is implemented into a micromechanical framework. Finally, the activation of the different creep mechanisms as a function of the loading rate is discussed, using viscoelastic properties obtained from both static and cyclic creep tests.     

New exact solution of Euler’s equations (rigid body dynamics) in the case of rotation over the fixed point

A new exact solution of Euler’s equations (rigid body dynamics) is presented here. All the components of angular velocity of rigid body for such a solution differ from both the cases of symmetric rigid rotor (which has two equal moments of inertia: Lagrange’s or Kovalevskaya’s case), and from the Euler’s case when all the applied torques are zero, or from other well-known particular cases. The key features are the next: the center of mass of rigid body is assumed to be located at meridional plane along the main principal axis of inertia of rigid body, besides, the principal moments of inertia are assumed to satisfy to a simple algebraic equality. Also, there is a restriction at choosing of initial conditions. Such a solution is also proved to satisfy to Euler–Poinsot equations, including invariants of motion and additional Euler’s invariant (square of the vector of angular momentum is a constant). So, such a solution is a generalization of Euler’s case.     

The method of the reciprocal theorem of forced vibration for the elastic thin rectangular plates (II)—Rectangular plates with two adjacent clamped edges

In this paper, applying the method of reciprocal theorem, we give the distributions of the amplitude of bending moments along clamped edges and the amplitude of deflections along free edges of rectangular plates with two adjacent clamped edges under harmonic distributed and concentrated loads.     

A nonlinear visco-elastoplastic impact model and the coefficient of restitution

A visco-elastoplastic model for the impact between a compact body and a composite target is presented. The model is a combination of a nonlinear contact law that includes energy loss due to plastic deformation and a viscous element that accounts for energy losses due to wave propagation and/or damping. The governing nonlinear equations are solved numerically to obtain the response. A piecewise linear version of the model is also presented, which facilitates analytical solution. The model predictions are compared to those of the well-known and commonly used Hunt–Crossley model. The effects of the various impact parameters, such as impactor mass, velocity, plasticity, and damping, on the impact response and coefficient of restitution are investigated. The model appears to be suitable for a wide range of impact situations, with parameters that are well defined and easily calculated or measured. Furthermore, the resulting coefficient of restitution is shown to be a function of impact velocity and damping, as confirmed by published experimental data.     

Symmetric Representation of Stress and Strain in the Stroh Formalism and Physical Meaning of the Tensors L, S, L(θ) and S(θ)

The Stroh formalism for two-dimensional deformation of an anisotropic elastic material does not give the stress _ij explicitly in a symmetric form. It does not give an explicit expression for the strain _ij at al. Mantic and Paris [1] have recently derived an explicit symmetric representation of stress. We present here a new and elementary derivation that is more straight forward and transparent. The derivation does not require consideration of the surface traction or the normalization of the Stroh eigenvectors. The new derivation also provides an explicit symmetric representation of strain. Moreover, it allows us to deduce two of the three Barnett–Lothe tensors L, S [2] and the associated tensors L ( ), S ( ) [3], resulting in a physical interpretation of these tensors and the component ( L S )₂₁.     

Study of airflow in a cold-region tunnel using a standard k − ε turbulence model and air-rock heat transfer characteristics: validation of the CFD results

An efficient computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method for simulating the flow and convective heat transfer process of airflow in a tunnel is required to analyze the freezing and thawing of surrounding rock and to apply the results to the design of the insulation layer for a tunnel located in a cold region. Comparisons of experimental data and CFD results using a standard k ? ε turbulence model, a wall function, a thermal function and an adaptive finite element method are presented. Comparison of the results indicated that the proposed model and simulation method are efficient at determining the solid–air interface heat coefficient in a thin and infinitely wide horizontal plate and the hydrodynamic and thermal fields in a 3-D cavity. After demonstrating that the necessary validations are satisfied, this paper presents an analysis of the characteristics of airflow and air–rock heat transfer in a cold-region tunnel.