A homogeneous limit methodology and refinements of computationally efficient zigzag theory for homogeneous,laminated composite,and sandwich plates

The Refined Zigzag Theory (RZT) for homogeneous, laminated composite, and sandwich plates is revisited to offer a fresh insight into its fundamental assumptions and practical possibilities. The theory is introduced from a multiscale formalism starting with the inplane displacement field expressed as a superposition of coarse and fine contributions. The coarse displacement field is that of first‐order shear‐deformation theory, whereas the fine displacement field has a piecewise‐linear zigzag distribution through the thickness. The resulting kinematic field provides a more realistic representation of the deformation states of transverse‐shear‐flexible plates than other similar theories. The condition of limiting homogeneity of transverse‐shear properties is proposed and yields four distinct variants of zigzag functions. Analytic solutions for highly heterogeneous sandwich plates undergoing elastostatic deformations are used to identify the best‐performing zigzag functions. Unlike previously used methods, which often result in anomalous conditions and nonphysical solutions, the present theory does not rely on transverse‐shear‐stress equilibrium constraints. For all material systems, there are no requirements for use of transverse‐shear correction factors to yield accurate results. To model homogeneous plates with the full power of zigzag kinematics, infinitesimally small perturbations in the transverse shear properties are derived, thus enabling highly accurate predictions of homogeneous‐plate behavior without the use of shear correction factors. The RZT predictive capabilities to model highly heterogeneous sandwich plates are critically assessed, demonstrating its superior efficiency, accuracy, and a wide range of applicability. This theory, which is derived from the virtual work principle, is well‐suited for developing computationally efficient, C⁰ a continuous function of (x₁,x₂) coordinates whose first‐order derivatives are discontinuous along finite element interfaces and is thus appropriate for the analysis and design of high‐performance load‐bearing aerospace structures. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2010     

Computer simulation and optimization of preparative thin-layer chromatography under conditions of isocratic and stepwise gradient elution

Summary An equilibrium sandwich chamber for continuous thin-layer chromatography was used to study overloaded systems. Mixtures of two or three dyes were used as the model samples, and wide starting zones were formed (volume-overloaded systems). The movement of the zones was recorded during continuous elution. The effect of sample volume and the mode of development (isocratic or gradient) on the maximum separation yield was investigated. A computer program was developed for the calculation of the final R_F values for the front and rear edges of the bands.Satisfactory agreement was found between the experimental R_F values of zone boundaries and the values predicted by computer simulation.Presented at the 2nd International Symposium on Preparative and Up-Scale Liquid Chromatography, February 1–3, 1988, Baden-Baden (FRG).     

Secondary electron microanalysis

Secondary electron microanalysis is described as a nonconventional method to observe microareas at sample surfaces. The method is characterized by a high lateral and depth resolution and additionally by a typical sensitivity to localized electric potentials and electron work functions. The limits of the method for measurement at high vacuum conditions in conventional scanning electron microscopes are described in connection with electron-sample interactions. Examples for investigations of distributions of localized electric potentials, electron work functions at semiconductors, ferroelectrics and electric ceramics are given.     

Application of work function measurements to the characterization of thin films and solid surfaces

Two different methods of electron work function measurements, the diode and the onset method, which can easily be incorporated in existing analytical equipment are described. For the diode method the sample is used as the anode of a diode arrangement, and the work function changes of the specimen are obtained from the shift of the break points of characteristic retarding field lines. The onset method uses the shift of the onset of the secondary electron energy distribution due to work function changes.Both methods were applied to Ta₂O₅ layers of 500 Å thickness which were produced by electrochemical oxidation of polycrystalline tantalum substrates. In particular, bombardment induced work function changes during sputter removal of these layers have been investigated.The onset method was also applied to differently oriented grains of a polycrystalline Ta specimen. Work function differences of 0.1 eV between two different grain surfaces were safely detectable.In addition, a work function difference of 0.5 eV between Au and Mo was determined which agrees well with literature values.     

A microstructure-based yield stress and work-hardening model for textured 6xxx aluminium alloys

The plastic properties of an aluminium alloy are defined by its microstructure. The most important factors are the presence of alloying elements in the form of solid solution and precipitates of various sizes, and the crystallographic texture. A nanoscale model that predicts the work-hardening curves of 6xxx aluminium alloys was proposed by Myhr et al. The model predicts the solid solution concentration and the particle size distributions of different types of metastable precipitates from the chemical composition and thermal history of the alloy. The yield stress and the work hardening of the alloy are then determined from dislocation mechanics. The model was largely used for non-textured materials in previous studies. In this work, a crystal plasticity-based approach is proposed for the work hardening part of the nanoscale model, which allows including the influence of the crystallographic texture. The model is evaluated by comparison with experimental data from uniaxial tensile tests on two textured 6xxx alloys in five temper conditions.     

Application of energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry for the characterization of plastic materials in synthetic polymer conservation work

Plastic artifacts archived in museums deteriorate with time and require proper care by conservators to prevent their degradation and to maintain the objects in good condition. Degradation processes depend on the type of plastic and conditions of storage. Knowledge of the chemical composition of plastic artifacts is thus very important and facilitates conservation work. The capabilities of energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry with monochromatic excitation were investigated for possible characterization of the plastic materials used in artifacts from museum collections. For this purpose, a simple and suitable nondestructive analytical protocol was developed on the basis of the intensity of the coherent and the incoherent scattered excitation radiation from artifacts, compared with scattering from typical plastic materials such as polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polypropylene. Fifteen plastic artifacts, such as souvenirs, household wares, and toys, were characterized in this way according to their chemical composition. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.