Characterization of the organization in shear layers via the Proper Orthogonal Decomposition

Experiments are performed in an incompressible plane turbulent mixing layer, using various hot wire rake configurations. From these experiments, the Proper Orthogonal Decomposition is applied for kernels where the space-time correlation tensor is evaluated over different spatial meshes and velocity components configurations. The resulting decompositions are then discussed in terms of characterization of the organization of the flow for various scalar or vectorial approaches of the POD. An incrtial range law is evidenced. The instantaneous contribution of the first modes of the POD to the organization of the flow is analyzed. A dynamical behavior for the organization of the flow is observed from the correlation between the first two modes contribution.     

Versatile functional poly(3‐hexylthiophene) for hybrid particles synthesis by the grafting onto technique: Core@shell ZnO nanorods

We demonstrate an efficient strategy to anchor poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) onto zinc oxide (ZnO) surfaces. Synthesis of a novel triethoxysilane‐terminated regioregular P3HT is herein reported and supported by thorough characterization. Three triethoxysilane‐terminated P3HTs of different molar masses were prepared via a hydrosilylation reaction from allyl‐terminated P3HT. MALDI‐TOF and ¹H NMR were performed to characterize the polymer and show that around 80% of the chains are end‐functionalized. These polymers were then grafted onto the ZnO nanorods to create a macromolecular self‐assembled monolayer. This versatile technique could be subsequently applied to different metal oxide surfaces, such as silicon, titanium, or indium‐tin oxide, and represents a new one‐pot strategy based on triethoxysilane coupling reaction. Importantly, the influence of the molar mass on the grafting density and the polymer shell thickness was studied via thermo gravimetric analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The optical properties of the hybrid materials were determined by UV–visible absorption and photoluminescence to show a quenching effect of P3HT fluorescence by ZnO when grafted. This electronic transfer associated with an improved miscibility of the ZnO@P3HT, makes these hybrid materials suitable candidates for photovoltaic applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014 , 52, 30–38     

Liquid transport due to light scattering

Using experiments and theory, we show that light scattering by inhomogeneities in the index of refraction of a fluid can drive a large-scale flow. The experiment uses a near-critical, phase-separated liquid, which experiences large fluctuations in its index of refraction. A laser beam traversing the liquid produces a interface deformation on the scale of the experimental setup and can cause a liquid jet to form. We demonstrate that the deformation is produced by a scattering-induced flow by obtaining good agreements between the measured deformations and those calculated assuming this mechanism.     

Chelation of Na+ cations in nonaqueous solvents. Structural requirements and methodological considerations

Intrinsic formation constants for complexes of Na⁺ ions with a series of polyamines have been determined from²³Na NMR measurements in binary mixtures of tetrahydrofuran (THF) and amines. The results show in a totally unambiguous manner a regular decrease in the magnitude of the chelate effect with the number of atoms intervening between the nitrogen ligators. The key assumption, tetracoordination of the cation, is critically examined, and experimental evidence is adduced in its support.     

Adaptative lensing driven by the radiation pressure of a continuous-wave laser wave upon a near-critical liquid liquid interface

The bending of a liquid interface by the radiation pressure of a cw laser wave is generally weak. To strongly enhance the coupling, we investigate lensing in a near-critical phase-separated liquid mixture. By continuously tuning the softness of the meniscus by varying the temperature, we observed huge stationary interface deformations at low beam power that led to an important variation of the resultant soft lensing. We also illustrate the crucial role played by temperature in this process to demonstrate its potential use in lens adaptation.     

Space and space-time longitudinal velocity correlations in the turbulent far wake of a flat plate in incompressible flow

This paper presents longitudinal space and space-time conventional velocity correlations measured in the wake of a two-dimensional flat-plate at zero incidence, with fully-turbulent boundary layers at its sharp trailing edge. Iso-correlation contour plots are given in the plane of symmetry and normal to this plane in the assumed asymptotic (in the mean velocity sense) part. Comparisons with initially laminar 2-D wake results show that the classical Double-Roller-Eddy model developed for initially laminar wakes is not adapted to initially turbulent wakes; on the other hand, comparison with supersonic wake of the same nature seems to confirm this conclusion. The lack of detailed experimental data in this field is outlined, together with the need of a refined theoretical approach to the coherent structures existing in such flows.     

Graphical Representations of Speed: Obstacles Preservice K‐8 Teachers Experience

This study examines the difficulties college students experience when creating and interpreting graphs in which speed is one of the variables. Nineteen students, all preservice elementary or middle school teachers, completed an upper‐level course exploring algebraic concepts. Although all of these preservice teachers had previously completed several mathematics courses, including calculus, they demonstrated widespread misconceptions about the variable speed. This study identifies four cognitive obstacles held by the students, provides excerpts of their graphical constructions and verbal interpretations, and discusses potential causes for the confusion. In particular, misconceptions arose when students interpreted the behavior and nature of speed within a graphical context, as well as in situations where they were required to construct a graph involving speed as a variable. The study concludes by offering implications for the teaching and learning of speed and its interpretation within a graphical setting.     

Multinuclear NMR study of the structure and micro-dynamics of counterions and water molecules within clay colloids

Multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, relaxation and diffusion measurements were used recently to extract dynamical information on the long-time mobility of the water molecules and the neutralizing counterions condensed within the electrostatic well in the vicinity of the basal surface of clay particles. Multi-scale numerical modeling was used to interpret the NMR relaxation measurements and illustrate the interdependency between the solvent and ionic mobility and the organization of the anisotropic clay particles within the colloidal dispersions.