Coulomb traction on a penny-shaped crack in a three dimensional piezoelectric body

The axisymmetric problem of a penny-shaped crack embedded in an infinite three-dimensional (3D) piezoelectric body is considered. A general formulation of Coulomb traction on the crack surfaces can be obtained based on thermodynamical considerations of electromechanical systems. Three-dimensional electroelastic solutions are derived by the classical complex potential theory when Coulomb traction is taken into account and the poling direction of piezoelectric body is perpendicular to the crack surfaces. Numerical results show that the magnitude of Coulomb tractions can be large, especially when a large electric field in connection with a small mechanical load is applied. Unlike the traditional traction-free crack model, Coulomb tractions induced by an applied electric field influence the Mode I stress intensity factor for a penny-shaped crack in 3D piezoelectric body. Moreover, compared to the current model, the traditional traction-free crack model always overestimates the effect of the applied electric load on the field intensity factors and energy release rates, which has consequences for 3D piezoelectric fracture mechanics.     

Di­carbonyl­(tropolonato)­rhodium(I), a redetermination

The mol­ecules of the title complex, [Rh(Trop)(CO)₂] (Trop is 2‐hydroxycyclo­hepta‐2,4,6‐trienonate, C₇H₅O₂), exhibit symmetrical but non‐crystallographic square‐planar molecular geometry, with Rh—C distances of 1.825 (10) and 1.826 (9) Å, Rh—O distances of 2.021 (5) and 2.032 (5) Å, and an O—Rh—O bite angle of 79.4 (2)°. Strong Rh⋯Rh and Rh⋯C intermolecular interactions of 3.683 (3) and 3.650 (5) Å, respectively, are also observed.     

Studies of the regioselective ring-opening–closing mode of functionally different thiazolidine type enaminones: en route to the synthesis of trithiaazapentalene derivatives

Trithiaazapentalene derivatives were prepared by the reaction of 2-alkylidene-4-oxothiazolidines with Lawesson's reagent. They are classified as two structurally different trithiaazapentalene compounds that have different contributions of monocyclic 1,2-dithiole and 1,2,4-dithiazole structures and degrees of aromaticity of the bicyclic trithiaazapentalene system. The electron-donating ability of substituents at the C(5) position of the trithiaazapentalene system is recognized as the main cause for changes in π-electron distribution. This is the first complete study of substituent effects on the structure of trithiapentalenes.     

General Synthesis and Physicochemical Characterisation of a Series of Peptide‐Mimic Lysine‐Based Amino‐Functionalised Lipids

A series of novel malonic acid diamides (second generation) with two long hydrophobic alkyl chains and an alkaline polar head group was synthesised and characterised as a new class of amino‐functionalised lipids. These peptide‐mimic lipids are suitable for polynucleotide transfer. The lipids bear a novel backbone consisting of a lysine unit and a malonic acid unit. Six different head‐group structures, which vary in size and number of amino groups that can be protonated, were attached to the backbone structure. Furthermore, different alkyl chains were used to build the lipophilic part (namely tetradecyl, hexadecyl, and oleyl). Phase transitions of the new compounds in aqueous dispersions at pH 10 were analysed and discussed in terms of head group and alkyl chain variations. The shape and size of the formed aggregates of selected lipid dispersions were investigated by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy.