Structural optimization with parameter-transfer finite element

A mathematical method to solve structural problems, using parameter-transfer finite elements (P-TFE) was recently proposed by the authors [1] [2] [3]. The proposed transfer finite element approach is able to create a mathematical model of a structure, taking into account directly the whole behaviour of the structure under dynamic, aerodynamic, and thermal actions, and not by assembling, in a separate fashion, the stiffness and the mass matrix on one side and the external load vector as performed by the classical finite element procedure.The purpose of this paper is to apply the above methodology to optimization problems, in particular to obtain the minimum structural weight for a beam, under primary constraints on buckling load or natural frequencies.The use of P-TFE in the field of structural optimization overcomes most difficulties of the usual techniques of solution and the element is particularly useful in the evaluation of the sensitivity matrix.The formulation of the optimization problem based on P-TFE is presented and some applications are studied. The numerical results obtained are compared with other existing methodologies and briefly discussed.

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Sommario Gli autori hanno già proposto un metodo per studiare problemi strutturali [1] [2] [3], introducendo una nuova metodologia di discretizzazione, basata sull'impiego di elementi finiti di trasferimento, funzioni esplicite di un parametro, indicati come P-TFE. Tali elementi sono in grado di rappresentare, in similitudine alla funzione di trasferimento, il comportamento completo dell'elemento strutturale in esame, soggetto ad azioni dinamiche, aerodinamiche e termiche; sono parimenti in grado di produrre, in similitudine al metodo degli elementi finiti, un modello matematico discreto di un continuo.Scopo del presente lavoro è di applicare detta metodologia a problemi di ottimizzazione, in particolare alla ricerca del minimo peso per una trave che mantenga inalterate le sue caratteristiche di carico critico o le frequenze naturali di vibrazione.Vengono quindi presentati alcuni risultati numerici dei casi esaminati e confrontati con quelli ottenuti da altri autori con l'impiego di altre metodologie.

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List of Symbols {B} _m vector of the generalized state variables - {C} _m vector of integration constants - [I] unit matrix - EI bending stiffness - A cross-sectional area - u adimensional thickness - l beam length - M,M bending moment - [N] _m shape function ofm-th order - [N*] shape function atx ₀ - P axial load - [R] _i transfer matrix of thei-th element - T,T shear force - w transverse displacement - x adimensional independent variable - x ₀ value ofx at the left of the element - {Y} vector of state variables - {Y*} imposed condition atx ₀ - _0m Kronecker delta with the first pedix always set equal to zero - normalized eigenfrequency - normalized buckling load - mass density     

Ground-state energy of a quantum chain with competing interactions

We show rigorously that the ground state of a quantum chain with competing ferromagnetic nearest and antiferromagnetic next nearest interactions undergoes a transition from ferromagnetic to helical type, in the isotropic case, for a certain value of the relevant ratio of coupling constants. Boundaries of the phase diagram are also determined in the anisotropic case. The stability of a special quantum state (corresponding to a classical modulated phase of =/3) is analyzed by an extension of Holstein-Primakoff arguments, along a line of constant ratio of couplings, showing in particular a sequence of (instability) gaps. Finally, a natural adaptation of a variational wave function due to Huse and Elser is used to study several portions of the phase diagram, with very good agreement with previous theoretical results.     

Weak decays of heavy mesons in the instantaneous Bethe Salpeter approach

In the framework of the instantaneous Bethe Salpeter equation we investigate weak decays ofB andD mesons. Mesons are described asq $\bar q$ states interacting via a mixture of a scalar and a vector confining kernel and a one gluon exchange. The model parameters are fixed by a fit to the meson mass spectrum including also the light mesons. We calculate form factors and compare our results to the pole dominance hypothesis. From a fit to ARGUS and CLEO data onB→D ^*?v semileptonic decay we extract the Cabbibo Kobayashi Maskawa matrix element to beV _cb =(0.032 ± 0.003)(1.49ps/τ _b )^1/2 The Isgur Wise function is calculated utilizing the heavy quark mass limit. Finally, we give some results on nonleptonic decays.     

Vibrational Population of Hydrogen Molecules Excited by an RF Discharge in an Expanding Thermal Arc Plasma as Determined by Emission Spectroscopy

This work is devoted to the determination of the vibrational population of hydrogen molecules in the ground and excited electronic states from the analysis of visible spectra of the H₂ molecules excited by an RF discharge in an expanding thermal arc plasma. Comparison of the experimental results on relative electron-impact excitation cross sections for the transition H₂(X¹Σ, υ⁰ = 0)→ H₂(d³II_u, υ′) with other experiments, and with calculations based on the Franck-Condon principle, shows good agreement. This means, that for plasma under investigation: 1) in the ground electronic state H₂(d³II_u,υ′), only the lowest vibrational level with υ⁰ = 0 is significantly populated, and 2) direct electron exictation of H₂(d³II_u, υ′, υ′) state from the ground state H₂(X¹Σ, υ⁰ = 0) dominates.     

Thermodynamic properties of the spin-Peierls transition in CuGeO3

We present an investigation of the spin-Peierls transition atT _SP=14.5 K in polycrystalline CuGeO₃ through specific-heat and thermal-expansion measurements. Clear second-order phase-transition anomalies are found in both properties atT _SP, although only a small entropy of S0.1 Rn2 is released at the transition. Most of the entropy is released atT _SP<T<150 K, where the temperature dependence of the magnetic contribution to the specific heat as well as the thermal expansion exhibit extrema atT ^*40 K. These are caused by one-dimensional antiferromagnetic fluctuations along the Cu chains, possibly accompanied by structural fluctuations. Using Ehrenfest's relation, a hydrostatic pressure coefficient (T _SP/_p)_p0 (0.45±0.06) K/kbar is derived.     

Observation of isomeric states in197Bi

The high spin states of¹¹⁹Te, populated in¹¹⁰Pd(¹³C,4n) and¹¹⁰Pd(¹²C,3n) reactions, have been studied through -ray spectroscopy. The level scheme has been established upto a spin of 55/2. Three-quasiparticle states, based on g² _7/2h_11/2 and g_7/2d_5/2h_11/2 configurations, have been identified. The 35/2 and 39/2 states are suggested to be the fully aligned states constituted by five valence h_11/2 ³, g_7/2, d_5/2 quasiparticles.     

On the interpretation of positron-annihilation data in powders and fine-grained materials

Monte-Carlo simulations of positron diffusion are carried out for powders consisting of spherical and ellipsoidal particles with and without defects. Following Bergersen et al. [1], elastic positron-phonon interaction is considered to be dominant for scattering processes in positron diffusion. The central question is which fraction of the positrons would be able to reach the particle boundaries. Hence, we calculate the Fraction of Positrons reaching particle Surface (FPS). The presence of defects in the particles can drastically reduce FPS depending on the defect concentration and capture rate. We demonstrate that for small-grained materials the grain surface can influence the lifetime signal significantly.Paper presented at the 132nd WE-Heraeus-Seminar on Positron Studies of Semiconductor Defects, Halle, Germany, 29 August to 2 September 1994     

Luminescence centers in porous silicon

Photoluminescence studies on porous silicon show that there are luminescence centers present in the surface states. By taking photoluminescence spectra of porous silicon with respect to temperature, a distinct peak can be observed in the temperature range 100–150 K. Both linear and nonlinear relationships were observed between excitation laser power and the photoluminescence intensity within this temperature range. In addition, there was a tendency for the photoluminescence peak to red shift at low temperature as well as at low excitation power. This is interpreted as indicating that the lower energy transition becomes dominant at low temperature and excitation power. The presence of these luminescence centers can be explained in terms of porous silicon as a mixture of silicon clusters and wires in which quantum confinement along with surface passivation would cause a mixing of andX band structure between the surface states and the bulk. This mixing would allow the formation of luminescence centers.