Spectral/hp least-squares finite element formulation for the Navier–Stokes equations

We consider the application of least-squares finite element models combined with spectral/hp methods for the numerical solution of viscous flow problems. The paper presents the formulation, validation, and application of a spectral/hp algorithm to the numerical solution of the Navier–Stokes equations governing two- and three-dimensional stationary incompressible and low-speed compressible flows. The Navier–Stokes equations are expressed as an equivalent set of first-order equations by introducing vorticity or velocity gradients as additional independent variables and the least-squares method is used to develop the finite element model. High-order element expansions are used to construct the discrete model. The discrete model thus obtained is linearized by Newton’s method, resulting in a linear system of equations with a symmetric positive definite coefficient matrix that is solved in a fully coupled manner by a preconditioned conjugate gradient method. Spectral convergence of the L₂ least-squares functional and L₂ error norms is verified using smooth solutions to the two-dimensional stationary Poisson and incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. Numerical results for flow over a backward-facing step, steady flow past a circular cylinder, three-dimensional lid-driven cavity flow, and compressible buoyant flow inside a square enclosure are presented to demonstrate the predictive capability and robustness of the proposed formulation.     

Versatile ferrofluids based on polyethylene glycol coated iron oxide nanoparticles

Versatile ferrofluids based on polyethylene glycol coated iron oxide nanoparticles were obtained by a facile protocol and thoroughly characterized. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized using a modified forced hydrolysis method were functionalized with polyethylene glycol silane (PEG silane), precipitated and dried. These functionalized particles are dispersable in a range of solvents and concentrations depending on the desired properties. Examples of tunable properties are magnetic behavior, optical and magneto-optical response, thermal features and rheological behavior. As such, PEG silane functionalized particles represent a platform for the development of new materials that have broad applicability in e.g. biomedical, industrial or photonic environments. Magnetic, optical, magneto-optical, thermal and rheological properties of several ferrofluids based on PEG coated particles with different concentrations of particles dispersed in low molecular mass polyethylene glycol were investigated, establishing the applicability of such materials.     

Bianchi Type-V Dark Energy Model in a Scalar-Tensor Theory of Gravitation

A spatially homogeneous and anisotropic Bianchi type-V universe with variable equation of state (EoS) parameter and constant deceleration parameter is obtained in a scalar-tensor theory of gravitation proposed by Saez and Ballester (Phys. Lett. A 113:467, 1986). The physical and kinematical properties of the universe have been discussed.     

GPTMS-Modified Bredigite/PHBV Nanofibrous Bone Scaffolds with Enhanced Mechanical and Biological Properties

Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology - Bioceramic nanoparticles with high specific surface area often tend to agglomerate in the polymer matrix, which results in undesirable mechanical properties...     

Synthesis and applications of copillar[5]arene dithiols

Abstract

A novel copillar[4+1]arene incorporating alkylthiol substituents was synthesised in three steps and structurally characterised as the first example of a pillar[n]arene to incorporate two terminal thiols on the same aromatic ring. The macrocycle was attached to gold electrodes through a standard dipping technique. Cyclic voltammetry demonstrated selectivity for Li⁺ over other alkali metal cations. The copillar[4+1]arene was also used as a capping agent in the preparation of 3 nm gold nanoparticles.     

Synthesis,Characterization and Photocatalytic Activity of Ag+‐ and Sn2+‐Doped KTi0.5Te1.5O6

In this study, the photocatalytic dye degradation efficiency of KTi_0.5Te_1.5O₆ synthesized through solid‐state method was enhanced by cation (Ag⁺/Sn⁺²) doping at potassium site via ion exchange method. As prepared materials were characterized by XRD, SEM‐EDS, IR, TGA and UV–Vis Diffuse reflectance spectroscopic (DRS) techniques. All the compounds were crystallized in cubic lattice with space group. The bandgap energies of parent, Ag⁺‐ and Sn⁺²‐doped KTi_0.5Te_1.5O₆ materials obtained from DRS profiles were found to be 2.96, 2.55 and 2.40 eV, respectively. Photocatalytic efficiency of parent, Ag⁺‐ and Sn⁺²‐doped materials was evaluated against the degradation of methylene blue (MB) and methyl violet (MV) dyes under visible light irradiation. The Sn⁺²‐doped KTi_0.5Te_1.5O₆ showed higher activity toward the degradation of both MB and MV dyes and its higher activity is ascribed to the lower bandgap energy compared to the parent and Ag⁺‐doped KTi_0.5Te_1.5O₆. The mechanistic degradation pathway of methylene blue (MB) was studied in the presence of Sn²⁺‐doped KTi_0.5Te_1.5O₆. Quenching experiments were performed to know the participation of holes, super oxide and hydroxyl radicals in the dye degradation process. The stability and reusability of the catalysts were studied.     

Multi-catalysis reactions: direct organocatalytic sequential one-pot synthesis of highly functionalized cyclopenta[b]chromen-1-ones

We have developed a new technology called multi-catalysis for the sequential one-pot synthesis of highly functionalized heterocycles. A practical and novel multi-component aniline-, self- and Br?nsted acid-catalyzed selective process for the sequential one-pot synthesis of highly substituted 2-(2-hydroxy-aryl)-cyclopentane-1,3-diones, 3,9-dihydro-2H-cyclopenta[b]chromen-1-ones and 3,3-dimethyl-2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-xanthen-1-ones is reported. Direct combination of aniline- and self-catalyzed cascade olefination-hydrogenation (O-H) and Br?nsted acid-catalyzed cascade oxy-Michael-dehydration (OM-DH) of 1,3-diones, salicylic aldehydes and organic-hydrides is developed in one-pot to furnish the highly functionalized 3,9-dihydro-2H-cyclopenta[b]chromen-1-ones and 3,3-dimethyl-2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-xanthen-1-ones with high yields.     

Facile One‐Pot Multicomponent Synthesis of β‐Acetamido Ketones with Amberlyst‐15 as Heterogeneous Catalyst

The one‐pot multicomponent coupling of an aromatic aldehyde, an enolizable ketone or keto ester, acetonitrile, and acetyl chloride at room temperature in the presence of Amberlyst‐15 as catalyst affords β‐acetamido ketones in high yields. The inexpensive catalyst works under heterogeneous conditions and can be readily reused.     

Double cascade reactions based on the Barbas dienamine platform: highly stereoselective synthesis of functionalized cyclohexanes for cardiovascular agents

The amino acid proline catalyzed the three- and five-component cascade olefination-Diels-Alder-epimerization and olefination-Diels-Alder-epimerization-olefination-hydrogenation reactions of readily available precursors enones 1a-i, arylaldehydes 2a-k, alkyl cyanoacetates 3a-e and Hantzsch ester 9 to furnish highly substituted prochiral 1-cyano-4-oxo-2,6-diaryl-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid alkyl esters 6 and 1-cyano-4-(cyano-alkoxycarbonyl-methyl)-2,6-diaryl-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid alkyl esters 10 in a highly diastereoselective fashion with excellent yields. Prochiral cis-isomers 6 are excellent starting materials for the synthesis of cardiovascular agents and hypnotic active products.     

pi-Conjugated macrocycles from thiophenes and benzenes

pi-Conjugated macrocycles consisting of thiophenes and benzenes exhibit benzenoid features for 4npi macrocycles, whereas (4n + 2)pi macrocycles are annulenoid due to rapid interconversion between quinoid and Kekule canonical forms in the benzene units.