3D reconstruction of road surfaces using an integrated multi-sensory approach

In this paper, we present our experience in building a mobile imaging system that incorporates multi-modality sensors for road surface mapping and inspection applications. Our proposed system leverages 3D laser-range sensors, video cameras, global positioning systems (GPS) and inertial measurement units (IMU) towards the generation of photo-realistic, geometrically accurate, geo-referenced 3D models of road surfaces. Based on our summary of the state-of-the-art systems for a road distress survey, we identify several challenges in the real-time deployment, integration and visualization of the multi-sensor data. Then, we present our data acquisition and processing algorithms as a novel two-stage automation procedure that can meet the accuracy requirements with real-time performance. We provide algorithms for 3D surface reconstruction to process the raw data and deliver detail preserving 3D models that possess accurate depth information for characterization and visualization of cracks as a significant improvement over contemporary commercial video-based vision systems.     

Note on the large deflection of a circular plate under a concentrated load

Zusammenfassung Es werden die grossen Deformationen einer Kreisplatte unter zentrischer Einzellast nach der Methode vonBerger ermittelt.     

Domino carbocationic cyclization of functionalized cyclopropyl ketones: facile one-pot access to peri- and angularly fused polycyclic aromatic and heteroaromatic frameworks

Conjugate adducts obtained by base-induced 1,4-addition-elimination of various aryl/heteroaryl acetonitriles with 1-(2-arylcyclopropyl)-3,3-(bismethylthio)-2-propen-1-ones have been shown to undergo facile acid-induced domino carbocationic rearrangement yielding a variety of substituted tricyclic aromatic and heteroaromatic frameworks in high yields in a one-pot operation. The methodology provides efficient, high-yield routes for synthesis of novel substituted dihydrophenalenes, dihydrobenzo[d,e]anthracene, cyclopenta[a]naphthalene, and fused heteroaromatics such as substituted 4,5-dihydrobenzo[c,d]indole, dihydronaphtho[1,8-b,c]thiophene, dihydroindeno[5,4-b]- and -[4,5-b]-thiophenes, cyclopenta[a]carbazole, and dihydrocyclopenta[e]indazol-3-one derivatives. The probable mechanism of this interesting domino process appears to involve stepwise or concomitant acid-induced ring opening and intramolecular cyclocondensation of cyclopropyl ketones to give benzo-fused arene (or heteroarene) intermediates bearing a reactive benzylic carbocation that is captured intramolecularly either by a preexisting aromatic (or heteroaromatic) ring or by a newly formed benzene ring to give either peri-fused or angularly fused products, respectively. Thus, the overall domino process entails formation of two C-C bonds, a substituted benzene ring along with a peri-fused cyclohexane or angularly fused cyclopentane ring in a single operation.     

Modeling quasi-static crack growth with the extended finite element method Part I: Computer implementation

The extended finite element method (X-FEM) is a numerical method for modeling strong (displacement) as well as weak (strain) discontinuities within a standard finite element framework. In the X-FEM, special functions are added to the finite element approximation using the framework of partition of unity. For crack modeling in isotropic linear elasticity, a discontinuous function and the two-dimensional asymptotic crack-tip displacement fields are used to account for the crack. This enables the domain to be modeled by finite elements without explicitly meshing the crack surfaces, and hence quasi-static crack propagation simulations can be carried out without remeshing. In this paper, we discuss some of the key issues in the X-FEM and describe its implementation within a general-purpose finite element code. The finite element program Dynaflow™ is considered in this study and the implementation for modeling 2-d cracks in isotropic and bimaterial media is described. In particular, the array-allocation for enriched degrees of freedom, use of geometric-based queries for carrying out nodal enrichment and mesh partitioning, and the assembly procedure for the discrete equations are presented. We place particular emphasis on the design of a computer code to enable the modeling of discontinuous phenomena within a finite element framework.     

Donor-Acceptor Complexes in Copolymerization. XXXVII. Alternating Diene-Dienophile Copolymers. 5. Formation of Conjugated Diene-Maleic Anhydride Copolymers through Retrograde Dissociation of Furan-Maleic Anhydride Diels-Alder Adduct

Abstract

The equimolar, alternating copolymer of isoprene, as well as other conjugated dienes, and maleic anhydride is formed by the radical catalyzed reaction of the conjugated diene with maleic anhydride in the presence of furan as well as with the furan-maleic anhydride Diels-Alder adduct. The retrograde dissociation of the cyclic adduct above 60°C regenerates furan and maleic anhydride which in the presence of isoprene forms the isoprene-maleic anhydride ground state complex. The latter yields the corresponding cyclic adduct in the absence of a radical catalyst and undergoes excitation and homopolymerization in the presence of a catalyst.     

Donor-Acceptor Complexes in Copolymerization. XXXVI. Alternating Diene-Dienophile Copolymers. 4. Copolymerization of Furan and 2-Methylfuran with Maleic Anhydride

Abstract

The copolymerization of furan and 2-methylfuran with maleic anhydride in the presence of a radical catalyst yields equimolar, alternating copolymers in which the furan units have a 2,5-linkage (NMR and IR). The copolymerization appears to have a floor temperature of about 40°C. The furan-maleic anhydride Diels-Alder adduct polymerizes in solution in the presence of a radical catalyst at temperatures above 60°C to yield the identical copolymer as is obtained from the monomers. The adduct undergoes a retrograde reaction above 60°C to regenerate the monomers which then copolymerize through excitation of the ground state comonomer charge transfer complex.     

Synthesis and Properties of a New Polyesterimide from a Forest Product

Polyesterimide offers a class of resin which combines the advantage of high temperature stability with ease of process-ability. Gum rosin, the exudate of pine trees, has been developed as the raw material for preparation of polyesterimide. Abietic acid of rosin reacts readily with maleic anhydride to form the Diels-Alder adduct, which reacts with p-amino benzoic acid to produce a dicarboxylic acid containing an internal imide group. The dicarboxylic acid reacts with diethylene glycol under melt polycondensation at higher temperature (260–300°C)to produce polyesterimide. The polymer is found to be soluble in highly polar solvents. The polymer is amorphous and of low molecular weight. Thermal stability of the polymer has been characterized, and the polymer was found to be thermostable.     

Structural, spectroscopic, and theoretical elucidation of a redox-active pincer-type ancillary applied in catalysis

Pincer-type ligands are believed to be very robust scaffolds that can support multifarious functionalities as well as highly reactive metal motifs applied in organometallic chemistry, especially in the realm of catalysis. In this paper, we describe the redox and, therefore, noninnocent behavior of a PNP (PNP- = N[2-P(CHMe2)2-4-methylphenyl]2) pincer ancillary bound to nickel. A combination of structural, spectroscopic, and theoretical techniques suggests that this type of framework can house an electron hole when coordinated to Ni(II).     

P=N bond formation via incomplete N-atom transfer from a ferrous amide precursor

Incomplete N-atom transfer from Fe to P is observed when the ferrous amide complex (PNP)Fe(dbabh) (PNP-=N[2-P(iPr)2-4-methylphenyl]2, dbabh=2,3:5,6-dibenzo-7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene), prepared from salt metathesis of (PNP)FeCl and Li(dbabh), is thermolyzed at 70 degrees C over 48 h in C6D6. Several plausible reaction pathways resulting from the transformation of (PNP)Fe(dbabh) are discussed, including the possibility of an Fe(IV) nitride as an intermediate.     

Silver(I) and thallium(I) complexes of a PNP ligand and their utility as PNP transfer reagents

Silver(I) and thallium(I) complexes of a diarylamido-based PNP pincer ligand have been prepared and characterized. The silver complex [(PNP)Ag]2 exists as a dimer both in solution and in the solid state and is stable under an ambient atmosphere. Thallium complex (PNP)Tl is, however, monomeric and acutely sensitive to moisture and air. Both reagents serve to transfer PNP into the coordination sphere of divalent nickel, palladium, and platinum. [(PNP)Ag]2 is able to effect PNP transfer in air, but the transfer to nickel(II) is less efficient than that with the thallium(I) analogue.