A new paradigm for the molecular basis of rubber elasticity

The molecular basis for rubber elasticity is arguably the oldest and one of the most important questions in the field of polymer physics. The theoretical investigation of rubber elasticity began in earnest almost a century ago with the development of analytic thermodynamic models, based on simple, highly-symmetric configurations of so-called Gaussian chains, i.e. polymer chains that obey Markov statistics. Numerous theories have been proposed over the past 90 years based on the ansatz that the elastic force for individual network chains arises from the entropy change associated with the distribution of end-to-end distances of a free polymer chain. There are serious conceptual objections to this assumption and others, such as the assumption that all network nodes undergo a simple volume-preserving linear motion and that all of the network chains have the same length. Recently, a new paradigm for elasticity in rubber networks has been proposed that is based on mechanisms that originate at the molecular level. Using conventional statistical mechanics analyses, Quantum Chemistry, and Molecular Dynamics simulations, the fundamental entropic and enthalpic chain extension forces for polyisoprene (natural rubber) have been determined, along with estimates for the basic force constants. Concurrently, the complex morphology of natural rubber networks (the joint probability density distributions that relate the chain end-to-end distance to its contour length) has also been captured in a numerical model (EPnet). When molecular chain forces are merged with the network structure in this model, it is possible to study the mechanical response to tensile and compressive strains of a representative volume element of a polymer network. As strain is imposed on a network, pathways of connected taut chains, that completely span the network along strain axis, emerge. Although these chains represent only a few percent of the total, they account for nearly all of the elastic stress at high strain. Here we provide a brief review of previous elasticity theories and their deficiencies, and present a new paradigm with an emphasis on experimental comparisons.     

Neue Apparate zur qualitativen Halbmikroanalyse

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Legierungen

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Search for charged Higgs,scalar tau's and a test of technicolor models

We have used our measurements of final states from e⁺e^? containing an isolated muon and a hadronic or electron shower to search for new spin 0 charged particles. We exclude (95% CL) a supersymmetric partner of the τ with a mass less than 14 GeV/c². We obtain upper limits on the branching ratio to τv_τ for charged Higgs particles or technipions with masses up to 14 GeV/c². This disagrees with some technicolor model predictions.     

The implementation and utilisation of operational research in the reorganised National Health Service Part II

The paper outlines some effects of the reorganisation of the British National Health Service with its increasing emphasis on service planning. Current policies will involve substantial change in the configuration of the Health Service. Various aspects of the management of change, the involvement with decision makers and the implementation of results are discussed. It is expected that Operational Research in the health services will become more closely concerned with the medical and nursing aspects of the provision of care and the measured benefits to patients from this care. This involvement will assist in the production of more realistic models for decision making within districts, areas, regions and at the national level.     

The application of SIMS to the study of CO adsorption on polycrystalline metal surfaces

Secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) was used to study the adsorption of carbon monoxide on polycrystalline nickel, copper, iron, palladium and tungsten foils. The results demonstrate the ability of SIMS to distinguish, qualitatively, between molecular and dissociative adsorption. A correlation between SIMS results and those obtained by infra-red spectroscopy for molecular adsorption is also suggested.     

A study of the reactions γp→ωp and γp→ωp and γp→ωΔ+

The differential and total corss sections and the decay density matrix elements have been measured for the reactions, γp→ωp and γp→ωΔ⁺ (1232) in the photon energy range 2.8 to 4.8 GeV. The total cross sections for ωΔ⁺ (1232) photo-production are found to be slightly larger than those for elastic ω photo-production in this energy range. The data are compared to the predictions of a theoretical model and the contributing exchange mechanics are discussed.