An improved error bound for a finite element approximation of a model for phase separation of a multi-component alloy

Using the approach of Rulla (1996 SIAM J. Numer. Anal. 33, 68-87)for analysing the time discretization error and assuming moreregularity on the initial data, we improve on the error boundderived by Barrett and Blowey (1996 IMA J. Numer. Anal. 16,257-287) for a fully practical piecewise linear finite elementapproximation with a backward Euler time discretization of amodel for phase separation of a multi-component alloy.     

Stability of DNA containing a structural water mimic in an A-T rich sequence

We describe here the synthesis and properties of A-T rich DNA containing covalently bound water mimics located in the DNA minor groove.     

Carbothermal reduction of the YSZ–NiO solid oxide fuel cell anode precursor by carbon-based materials

The thermal behavior of the yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and nickel oxide (YSZ–NiO) composite mixtures with the addition of graphite, multiwall carbon nanotubes and functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes was studied. The YSZ–NiO composite is the precursor of the YSZ–Ni anode of solid oxide fuel cells. The anode exhibits a porous structure, which is usually obtained by the addition of carbon containing pore formers. Thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction evidenced that the properties of carbonaceous materials (C) and atmosphere have a strong influence on the thermal evolution of the reactions taking place upon heating the anode precursor. The dependence of both the carbon content and the chemical nature of the ceramic matrix on the thermal behavior of the composite were investigated. The discussed results evidenced important features for optimized processing of the anode.     

Finite element approximation of a model for phase separation of a multi-component alloy with a concentration-dependent mobility matrix

We consider a model for phase separation of a multi-componentalloy with a concentration-dependent mobility matrix and logarithmicfree energy. In particular we prove that there exists a uniquesolution for sufficiently smooth initial data. Further, we provean error bound for a fully practical piecewise linear finiteelement approximation in one and two space dimensions. Finallynumerical experiments with three components in one space dimensionare presented.