Numerical homogenization of cracking processes in thin fibre-epoxy layers

Discrete microscale fracture processes in thin fibre-epoxy layers are connected to a mesoscale traction-separation law through a numerical homogenization framework. The microscale fracture processes are studied with the finite element method, where cracking within the epoxy and debonding between fibres and epoxy is simulated by placing interface elements furnished with a mixed-mode interface damage model in between the continuum elements modelling the fibres and epoxy. It is demonstrated how the effective traction-separation response and the corresponding microscale fracture patterns under mesoscale tensile conditions depend on the sample size, the fibre volume fraction and the presence of imperfections.     

Production and Digestibility Studies of β-Galactosyl Xylitol Derivatives Using Heterogeneous Catalysts of LacA β-Galactosidase from Lactobacillus Plantarum WCFS1

The synthesis of β-galactosyl xylitol derivatives using immobilized LacA β-galactosidase from Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 is presented. These compounds have the potential to replace traditional sugars by their properties as sweetener and taking the advantages of a low digestibility. The enzyme was immobilized on different supports, obtaining immobilized preparations with different activity and stability. The immobilization on agarose-IDA-Zn-CHO in the presence of galactose allowed for the conserving of 78% of the offered activity. This preparation was 3.8 times more stable than soluble. Since the enzyme has polyhistidine tags, this support allowed the immobilization, purification and stabilization in one step. The immobilized preparation was used in synthesis obtaining two main products and a total of around 68 g/L of β-galactosyl xylitol derivatives and improving the synthesis/hydrolysis ratio by around 30% compared to that of the soluble enzyme. The catalyst was recycled 10 times, preserving an activity higher than 50%. The in vitro intestinal digestibility of the main β-galactosyl xylitol derivatives was lower than that of lactose, being around 6 and 15% for the galacto-xylitol derivatives compared to 55% of lactose after 120 min of digestion. The optimal amount immobilized constitutes a very useful tool to synthetize β-galactosyl xylitol derivatives since it can be used as a catalyst with high yield and being recycled for at least 10 more cycles.     

Structural Stability Theory and Phase Transitions Models

Global stability theory is introduced as a tool allowing the classification of mathematical models of phase transitions. The point of view is that a topological structure whose stability controls the transition, can be identified in the process of computation of the partition function. In particular we discuss mean field theories and the two dimensional Ising model. Interesting features are disclosed concerning the classification of the instabilities, such as the number of parameters and possible approximations.     

Pole placement controllers for linear time-delay systems with commensurate point delays

This paper investigates the exact and approximate spectrum assignment properties associated with realizable output-feedback pole-placement type controllers for single-input single-output linear time-invariant time-delay systems with commensurate point delays. The controller synthesis problem is discussed through the solvability of a set of coupled diophantine equations of polynomials. An extra complexity is incorporated to the above design to cancel extra unsuitable dynamics being generated when solving the above diophantine equations. Thus, the complete controller tracks any arbitrary prefixed (either finite or delaydependent) closed-loop spectrum. However, if the controller is simplified by deleting the above mentioned extra complexity, then the robust stability and approximated spectrum assignment are still achievable for a certain sufficiently small amount of delayed dynamics. Finally, the approximate spectrum assignment and robust stability problems are revisited under plant disturbances if the nominal controller is maintained. In the current approach, the finite spectrum assignment is only considered as a particular case to the designer‘s choice of a (delay-dependent) arbitrary spectrum assignment objective.     

Geometric Integration Methods that Preserve Lyapunov Functions

We consider ordinary differential equations (ODEs) with a known Lyapunov function V. To ensure that a numerical integrator reflects the correct dynamical behaviour of the system, the numerical integrator should have V as a discrete Lyapunov function. Only second-order geometric integrators of this type are known for arbitrary Lyapunov functions. In this paper we describe projection-based methods of arbitrary order that preserve any given Lyapunov function. AMS subject classification (2000) 65L05, 65L06, 65L20, 65P40     

Positron trapping in deformed Gd

Positron lifetime and Doppler broadening measurements have been used to study the annealing behaviour of deformed Gd between 290 and 700 K. The observed recovery stage at about 370 K is attributed to dislocations annealing.     

Condensation and Crystal Nucleation in a Lattice Gas with a Realistic Phase Diagram

We reconsider model II of Orban et al. (J. Chem. Phys. 1968, 49, 1778–1783), a two-dimensional lattice-gas system featuring a crystalline phase and two distinct fluid phases (liquid and vapor). In this system, a particle prevents other particles from occupying sites up to third neighbors on the square lattice, while attracting (with decreasing strength) particles sitting at fourth- or fifth-neighbor sites. To make the model more realistic, we assume a finite repulsion at third-neighbor distance, with the result that a second crystalline phase appears at higher pressures. However, the similarity with real-world substances is only partial: Upon closer inspection, the alleged liquid–vapor transition turns out to be a continuous (albeit sharp) crossover, even near the putative triple point. Closer to the standard picture is instead the freezing transition, as we show by computing the free-energy barrier relative to crystal nucleation from the “liquid”.     

Covariant decomposition and polarizational selection rules for interaction among photons in a moving medium

Starting from the first principles we establish the symmetries under inversions and obtain relativistic tensorial decompositions for multiphoton amplitudes in moving isotropic homogeneous media. Basing on these decompositions we find universal selection rules with respect to polarizations for the processes of photon splitting and junction in a medium, as well as for photon-photon application to nonlinear wave processes.     

Excited-state absorption and 1064-nm end-pumped laser emission of Nd:YVO4 single-crystal fiber grown by laser-heated pedestal growth

We present an investigation of the excited-state absorption and laser emission of a 1.0-at. %-Nd3+-doped YVO4 single-crystal fiber grown by the low-cost and versatile laser-heated pedestal growth technique. Efficient laser emission at 1064 nm was achieved when the fiber was pumped, in an end-pump cavity, by a Ti:sapphire laser at 808 nm. A continuous-wave threshold of 10 mW was observed with an efficiency of 42% with respect to the absorbed pump power and the maximum output power of 200 mW. These results are excellent when compared with those of a commercial bulk crystal adapted to the same cavity (48% efficiency, 250-mW maximum output power). Thus the fibers are characterized as strong candidates for the construction of compact lasers that can also be pumped by low-cost diode lasers.