Finite element method for the stress analysis of isotropic cylindrical helical spring

This paper presents an efficient two nodes finite element with six degrees of freedom per node, capable to model the total behaviour of a helical spring. The formulation, which includes the shear deformation effects, is based on the assumed forces hybrid approach. The resultant forces approximation verifies exactly the resultant equilibrium equations. The developed model proves its accuracy compared with other elements. This element permits to get the distribution of different stresses along the spring and through the wire surface by only one element.     

Thermophysical properties of azomethine ether main-chain liquid crystalline polymers at pressures to 200 MPa

This article reports on an experimental investigation of the equation of state and the transition behavior of main-chain thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers over a wide temperature range, and at pressures to 200 MPa. The materials studied were a series of azomethine ether polymers. A varying number n (= 4, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11) of methylene spacer units in the backbone provided systematic variation of the structure. Experimental techniques used included high-pressure dilatometry (PVT measurements) to 200 MPa, high-pressure differential thermal analysis, also to 200 MPa, and conventional (atmospheric-pressure) differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The equation of state of the materials can be well represented by the Tait equation in distinct regions, separated by a glass transition, T_g(P), a first-order transition to a nematic state, T_k-n(P), and a first-order transition to an isotropic melt state T_c(P). The atmospheric pressure values of T_k-n and T_c decreased with increasing number of spacer units and showed a clear odd-even effect. T_g and T_k-n both increased with pressure. The pressure dependence of T_c could not be observed due to the onset of degradation in the same temperature region. On isobaric cooling at 3°C/min, the crystallization from the nematic state occurred a few tens of degrees below T_k-n. This supercooling was independent of pressure for some materials, while for others it increased with increasing pressure. The values of the enthalpy and entropy associated with the first-order transition into the nematic state were lower than those of typical isotropic polymers at their melting transitions. The transition enthalpy did not have any systematic variation with increasing number of spacer units. Values of the transition enthalpy calculated from the Ciapeyron equation did not always agree with the values measured by DSC. This may be due to the two-phase nature of the low-temperature state. At the transition to the isotropic state, the transition enthalpy at P = 0 decreased with n and showed an odd-even effect. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Synthesis and structure of the unsymmetrical β-diimine precursor: The β-iminoamine

The reaction of benzoylacetone with ortho-substituted aniline derivatives gives the unsymmetrical β-iminoamine ligands (5–8) with high yields. A convenient synthesis is described. These compounds have been characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopies. The structure of the β-iminoamine 5, 3-N-(2,6-diisopropylphenylamino)-1-phenyl-1N-(2,6-diisopropylphenylimino)but-2-ene, was solved by X-ray diffraction methods.     

Analysis of the occurrence of stick-slip in AFM-based nano-pushing

The use of the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) as a tool to manipulate matter at the nanoscale is promising. However, the complexity of the corresponding physics and mechanics makes such nanomanipulation difficult and not very accurate. In the present paper, we analyze the dynamics of AFM-based nano-pushing manipulation. Simulation results show that the choice of the manipulation speed and loading force highly affect the manipulation outcome. In addition, simulations predict the existence of several threshold manipulation speeds. These thresholds mark the transitions between no stick-slip motion and either unique or multiple coexisting stick-slip. The obtained results bear significant implications and help get more insight into AFM-based nano-pushing.     

Finite element formulation for active functionally graded thin-walled structures

For the analysis and design process of smart structures with integrated piezoelectric patches, the finite element method provides an effective simulation approach. In this paper, an attempt on modeling and simulation of the behavior of hybrid active structures is carried out using developed Kirchhoff-type-four-node shell element.The finite element results are compared with reference solutions taking into account the electromechanical responses of smart structures with various geometries, and the results show very high agreement. The main aspect of the application of the proposed element is to predict the behavior of FGM shells containing piezoelectric layers. A set of numerical analyses is performed in order to highlight the applicability and effectiveness of the present finite element model, notably for smart FGM structures. A comprehensive parametric study is conducted to show the influence of material composition, the placement and the thickness of the piezoelectric layers on the deformation of the laminated structure.     

The equation of state of solid and molten poly (butylene terephthalate) to 300°C and 200 MPa

The volumetric behavior of poly (butylene terephthalate) (PBT) was studied from 30 to 303°C and pressures from atmospheric to 200 MPa. The pressure-volume-tempreature (PVT) data show behavior typical of other semicrystalline materials. The empirical Tait equation was used to fit the measured volumes in the solid and melt regions. The maximum deviations between the Tait fits and the measured volumes were 0.001 and 0.002 cm³/g in the semicrystalline and melt regions, respectively. The theoretical equation of Simha-Somcynsky was used to represent the PVT behavior of this material in the equilibrium melt. Fitting the theory to the data involves a determination of the reducing parameters of the theory. We find P* = 1139 MPa, V* = 0.7838 cm³/g, and T* = 11133 K. From these parameters we calculate that the chemical repeat unit of PBT has 6.37 external degrees of freedom, in comparison with 4.97 degrees of freedom to the closely related poly(ethylene terephthalate), with two less (? CH₂? ) units in the backbone. The difference of 1.4 degrees of freedom may be compared with the 0.88 degrees of freedom of the polyethylene (? C₂H₄? ) repeat unit itself.     

Regular and reverse nanoscale stick-slip behavior: Modeling and experiments

We recently proposed a new nanoscale friction model based on the bristle interpretation of single asperity contacts. The model is mathematically continuous and dynamic which makes it suitable for implementation in nanomanipulation and nanorobotic modeling. In the present paper, friction force microscope (FFM) scans of muscovite mica samples and vertically aligned multi-wall carbon nanotubes (VAMWCNTs) arrays are conducted. The choice of these materials is motivated by the fact that they exibit different stick-slip behaviors. The corresponding experimental and simulation results are compared. Our nanoscale friction model is shown to represent both the regular and reverse frictional sawtooth characteristics of the muscovite mica and the VAMWCNTs, respectively.