A variational approach to a micro-structured theory of solid-fluid mixtures

Summary In this paper, we present a micro-structured model for describing global deformations of heterogeneous mixtures. In particular, for a saturated solid-fluid mixture, we regard the solid volume fraction as a microstructural parameter so as to enlarge the space of admissible deformations with respect to the classical theory of mixtures. According to the variational approach, the governing equations are obtained as the stationarity of a suitable action functional. The micro-structured model is then forced to establish a second-gradient mixture theory, by introducing among the considered state parameters a suitable internal constraint. Finally, we determine under which (integrability) conditions the additional balance laws, typically employed to close the theory of porous media endowed with the volume fraction, can fit the variational framework. The authors wish to thank Prof. Francesco dell'Isola from University of Rome La Sapienza for his constructive criticism about the variational approach to continuum mechanics and the interpretation of the volume-fraction balance law.     

A Two-Equation Model for Heat Conduction in Porous Media (II: Application)

The formulism of a two-equation model for heat conduction in porous media, developed in a previous paper, is applied to the case of steady state one-dimensional heat transfer in a porous medium that is made up of geometrically similar units of similar size and of ordered spatial distribution. For this case study, the model-predicted locally volume-averaged temperature distributions for the solid and the fluid phase are compared to a numerical solution at a microscopic level, showing excellent agreement.     

Dynamics of a Mobile Crane and Optimisation of the Slewing Motion of Its Upper Structure

In the paper the 3-D model of a telescopic mobile crane is presented. In the model flexibilities and damping have been taken into account and also the number of degrees of freedom can be chosen according to the complexity of an approach. The algorithm of optimisation of drive functions for the slewing upper structure is given. The main goal of optimisation was to ensure load positioning at the end point of a work cycle in the case when oscillations are minimal. In order to achieve appropriate numerical effectiveness, the optimisation problem was solved for the simple, fully rigid model of a mobile crane. The method of compensating neglected flexibilities of the base structure of the crane and inner disturbances connected with the feedback control system via digital PID controller is presented.     

Micromechanical modeling of the elasto-viscoplastic behavior of semi-crystalline polymers

A micromechanically based constitutive model for the elasto-viscoplastic deformation and texture evolution of semi-crystalline polymers is developed. The model idealizes the microstructure to consist of an aggregate of two-phase layered composite inclusions. A new framework for the composite inclusion model is formulated to facilitate the use of finite deformation elasto-viscoplastic constitutive models for each constituent phase. The crystalline lamellae are modeled as anisotropic elastic with plastic flow occurring via crystallographic slip. The amorphous phase is modeled as isotropic elastic with plastic flow being a rate-dependent process with strain hardening resulting from molecular orientation. The volume-averaged deformation and stress within the inclusions are related to the macroscopic fields by a hybrid interaction model. The uniaxial compression of initially isotropic high density polyethylene (HDPE) is taken as a case study. The ability of the model to capture the elasto-plastic stress-strain behavior of HDPE during monotonic and cyclic loading, the evolution of anisotropy, and the effect of crystallinity on initial modulus, yield stress, post-yield behavior and unloading-reloading cycles are presented.     

一种钨合金含损伤本构的唯象模型

利用多压阻传感器拉氏实验分析方法对受冲击90w钨合金材料中形成的应力波场进行了测试，并利用拉格朗日分析方法获得的结果建立了合金的不含损伤的本构关系．然后以动态层裂试验获得的层裂参数曲线和数据为依据．提出了一种考虑材料内部损伤成核，成长及汇合效应的唯象本构模型，并通过对层裂实验曲线进行数值模拟，确定了该合金的含损伤本构的参数．     

Macroscopic models for fibroproliferative disorders: A review

In this paper we review some mathematical modelling of organ reparative processes (wound healing) for both the physiological and pathological case. The natural process of healing consists in a series of overlapping phases involving cells, chemicals, extracellular matrix (ECM) and the environment surrounding the wound site. Sometimes the healing process fails and the reparative mechanism produces pathological conditions which are commonly termed fibrosis or fibroproliferative disorders. Biological insight into the pathogenesis, progression and possible regression of fibrosis is lacking and many issues are still open. Mathematical modelling can surely play its part in this field and this paper is aimed at showing what has been done so far and what has still to be done to achieve a unified framework for studying these kinds of problems. Due to the high complexity of this phenomenon, multi-scale modelling is certainly the appropriate approach that should be used for studying these kinds of problems. Unfortunately most of the mathematical literature on this topic consists of macroscopic continuous models which fail to investigate processes occurring at smaller length scales (cellular, sub-cellular). We present a review of some of the mathematical literature, showing the widely used approaches, focusing on the interpretation of results and indicating possible developments in the study of these highly complex systems.     

Grey dynamic input-output analysis

A system whose information is partially known and partially unknown is named as a grey system and it is general situation in reality. On the basis of grey number/matrix and their covered operation, some definitions of grey functions are enumerated. Combining grey system theory with traditional dynamic input-output analysis, we propose the grey dynamic input-output analysis. It has two types, i.e., the continuous and the disperse. The most important results are the computational formulas of the matrix-covered set of inverse grey investment coefficient matrix. By using them, we can forecast and control the economic system under the uncertain situation. For the calculation of the matrix-covered set of inverse grey matrices, we obtain the desired formulas, which can be applied to general grey matrices. The formulas can greatly promote the development of grey theory and enrich the applied fields of uncertain mathematics. The modified case illustrates our method.     

A finite strain contact model for mixed lubricated surfaces in forming processes

For an accurate simulation of forming processes, it is of paramount importance to model the different lubrication regimes that can develop at the contact interface. These might vary from zone to zone of the forming piece, and from one regime to another, resulting in forces of different nature and magnitude. In these cases, the use of the classical Coulomb friction law will be clearly not sufficient to capture, in a suitable manner, the variety of forces applied on the forming piece.     

Modelling the landing of a plane in a calculus lab

We exhibit a simple model of a plane landing that involves only basic concepts of differential calculus, so it is suitable for a first-year calculus lab. We use the computer algebra system Maxima and the interactive geometry software GeoGebra to do the computations and graphics.     

Forest fire modelling using cellular automata: application to the watershed Oued Laou (Morocco)

ABSTRACT

In this work, we consider the problem of modelling the phenomenon of forest fires using the cellular automata approach. The proposed model takes into account the main parameters that affect this phenomenon like nature and density of vegetation, humidity, wind, and altitude. We developed a decision-aided tool with JAVA which allows to analyse and format several hybrid collected data (satellite images, Digital Terrain Model) relatively to each studied area. The generated scenarios of forest fire spread in the study area will be considered as a guide for strategies in control and prevention of forest fires. As an application, we consider the watershed Oued Laou (Morocco).