Numerical predictions and experiments on the free-plate edge mode

In this paper, te edge mode variation is studied with three different methods: the reciprocal work method, already used by Torvik [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 41 (1967) 346] to model this phenomenon, the S-parameter method and a finite element model that are applied for the first time to the study of the edge resonance. Moreover, laser probe measurements of the edge mode have also been performed and compared to the numerical predictions. The good agreement between the numerical predictions and the experimental data allows full understanding of the resonant phenomenon. The edge resonance is linked to the strong increase in amplitude of two complex Lamb waves, and the edge mode is proved to radiate into the plate as the first symmetrical Lamb mode S(0). Displacements at the edge and away from the edge have been computed and measured to evaluate the spatial and temporal behaviour of the edge mode. The dependence of the edge resonance frequency and amplitude on the Poisson coefficient has also been studied.     

Theory of spin hall conductivity in n-doped GaAs

We develop a theory of extrinsic spin currents in semiconductors, resulting from spin-orbit coupling at charged scatterers, which leads to skew-scattering and side-jump contributions to the spin-Hall conductivity. Applying the theory to bulk n-GaAs, without any free parameters, we find spin currents that are in reasonable agreement with experiments by Kato et al. [Science 306, 1910 (2004)].     

Huge fluctuations in weight measurements at the bottom of a two-dimensional vertical sheet of grains

Weight measurements at the bottom of a quasi-2D vertical sheet of static cohesionless grains are carried out. The grains are held between two coaxial cylinders. This peculiar setup allows us to set either periodic or fixed lateral boundary conditions. Huge relative fluctuations in weight measurements appear in case of fixed lateral walls. This may be related to some indetermination in the mobilization state of friction forces on lateral walls. This argument would hold for any piling, but would lead to huge fluctuations in 2D systems only, because of averaging effects in 3D.     

Hydrodynamics within the electric double layer on slipping surfaces

We show, using extensive molecular dynamics simulations, that the dynamics of the electric double layer (EDL) is very much dependent on the wettability of the charged surface on which the EDL develops. For a wetting surface, the dynamics, characterized by the so-called zeta potential, is mainly controlled by the electric properties of the surface, and our work provides a clear interpretation for the traditionally introduced immobile Stern layer. In contrast, the immobile layer disappears for nonwetting surfaces, and the zeta potential deduced from electrokinetic effects is considerably amplified by the existence of a slippage at the solid substrate.     

Intrinsic magnetic properties of In2O3 and transition metal-doped-In2O3

This paper reports on the influence of the sintering temperature and atmosphere and transition-metal doping on the magnetic properties of nanocrystalline and bulk In₂O₃. Undoped nanocrystalline In₂O₃ is diamagnetic whatever the sintering temperature and atmosphere. All single-phase transition-metal-doped In₂O₃ samples are paramagnetic, with a paramagnetic effective moment originating from weakly interacting transition metal ions. No trace of ferromagnetism has been detected even with samples sintered under argon, except extrinsic ferromagnetism for samples with magnetic dopant concentrations exceeding the solubility limit.     

Effects of temperature on the relaxation to equilibrium and stationary nonequilibrium states of some Langevin systems

We investigate the effects of temperature on the properties of the time relaxation to equilibrium and nonequilibrium steady states of correlation functions of some Langevin harmonic systems. We consider commonly used dissipative and conservative Langevin dynamics, and show that the time relaxation rate depends on the temperature in the case of thermal reservoirs at different temperatures connected to the system, but it does not happen in the case of relaxation to equilibrium, i.e., if all the heat bath are at the same temperature. Our formalism maps the initial stochastic problem on a noncanonical quantum field theory, and the calculations of the relaxation rates are based on a perturbative analysis. We argue to show the reliability of the perturbative computation.     

Mechanical properties of sisal fibre-reinforced polymer composites: a review

There has been a growing interest in the utilization of sisal fibres as reinforcement in the production of polymeric composite materials. Natural fibres have gained recognition as reinforcements in fibre polymer–matrix composites because of their mechanical properties and environmental friendliness. The mechanical properties of sisal fibre-reinforced polymer composites have been studied by many researchers and a few of them are discussed in this article. Various fibre treatments, which are carried out in order to improve adhesion, leading to improved mechanical properties, are also discussed in this review paper. This review also focuses on the influence of fibre content and fabrication methods, which can significantly affect the mechanical properties of sisal fibre-reinforced polymer composites.     

激光诱导Ti等离子体电子温度的实验研究

室温,常压下,利用Nd∶YAG脉冲激光器产生的波长为1 064 nm, 脉宽12 ns,能量分别180, 230和280 mJ的脉冲激光冲击Ti靶,使用中阶梯光栅光谱仪检测了三种激光能量下对应的光谱。调节延时器DG645的延迟时间,检测了延迟0～500 ns时间范围内Ti等离子体对应激光能量下的发射光谱,分析光谱,可以得到了九条不同的的TiⅠ 和TiⅡ等离子体谱线,证明在该实验条件下,Ti靶能够充分吸收能量电离且离子谱线具有不同的演化速率,利用Saha-Boltzmann法计算并分析Ti等离子体电子温度,实验结果表明：相同的延迟时间,激光能量越大,谱线相对强度越大,电子温度越高,谱线相对强度的变化量随激光能量的变化量增大而增大;在延时0～150 ns内,三种激光能量下的等离子体电子温度和谱线的相对强度都随延迟时间的增加而快速下降,其中280 mJ激光能量下的等离子体电子温度和谱线强度下降速率较快;在150～250 ns范围内,电子温度和谱线强度均随延迟时间的增加有一个缓慢的上升,180 mJ激光能量下的等离子体电子温度和谱线强度的上升速率较快。250～500 ns范围内,三种激光能量下的电子温度和谱线强度均随延迟时间的增加而缓慢下降。     

Microwave-Assisted Desulfation of the Hemolytic Saponins Extracted from Holothuria scabra Viscera

Saponins are plant and marine animal specific metabolites that are commonly considered as molecular vectors for chemical defenses against unicellular and pluricellular organisms. Their toxicity is attributed to their membranolytic properties. Modifying the molecular structures of saponins by quantitative and selective chemical reactions is increasingly considered to tune the biological properties of these molecules (i) to prepare congeners with specific activities for biomedical applications and (ii) to afford experimental data related to their structure–activity relationship. In the present study, we focused on the sulfated saponins contained in the viscera of Holothuria scabra, a sea cucumber present in the Indian Ocean and abundantly consumed on the Asian food market. Using mass spectrometry, we first qualitatively and quantitatively assessed the saponin content within the viscera of H. scabra. We detected 26 sulfated saponins presenting 5 different elemental compositions. Microwave activation under alkaline conditions in aqueous solutions was developed and optimized to quantitatively and specifically induce the desulfation of the natural saponins, by a specific loss of H₂SO₄. By comparing the hemolytic activities of the natural and desulfated extracts, we clearly identified the sulfate function as highly responsible for the saponin toxicity.