Rate dependent shear bands in a shear transformation zone model of amorphous solids

We use Shear Transformation Zone (STZ) theory to develop a deformation map for amorphous solids as a function of the imposed shear rate and initial material preparation. The STZ formulation incorporates recent simulation results [Haxton and Liu, PRL 99 195701 (2007)] showing that the steady state effective temperature is rate dependent. The resulting model predicts a wide range of deformation behavior as a function of the initial conditions, including homogeneous deformation, broad shear bands, extremely thin shear bands, and the onset of material failure. In particular, the STZ model predicts homogeneous deformation for shorter quench times and lower strain rates, and inhomogeneous deformation for longer quench times and higher strain rates. The location of the transition between homogeneous and inhomogeneous flow on the deformation map is determined in part by the steady state effective temperature, which is likely material dependent. This model also suggests that material failure occurs due to a runaway feedback between shear heating and the local disorder, and provides an explanation for the thickness of shear bands near the onset of material failure. We find that this model, which resolves dynamics within a sheared material interface, predicts that the stress weakens with strain much more rapidly than a similar model which uses a single state variable to specify internal dynamics on the interface.Comment: 10 pages, 13 figures, corrected typos, added section on rate strengthening vs. rate weakening material

Spontaneous thermal runaway as an ultimate failure mechanism of materials

The first theoretical estimate of the shear strength of a perfect crystal was given by Frenkel [Z. Phys. 37, 572 (1926)]. He assumed that as slip occurred, two rigid atomic rows in the crystal would move over each other along a slip plane. Based on this simple model, Frenkel derived the ultimate shear strength to be about one tenth of the shear modulus. Here we present a theoretical study showing that catastrophic material failure may occur below Frenkel's ultimate limit as a result of thermal runaway. We demonstrate that the condition for thermal runaway to occur is controlled by only two dimensionless variables and, based on the thermal runaway failure mechanism, we calculate the maximum shear strength $\sigma_c$ of viscoelastic materials. Moreover, during the thermal runaway process, the magnitude of strain and temperature progressively localize in space producing a narrow region of highly deformed material, i.e. a shear band. We then demonstrate the relevance of this new concept for material failure known to occur at scales ranging from nanometers to kilometers.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures. Eq. (6) and Fig. 2a corrected; added references; improved quality of figure

Strain localization in a shear transformation zone model for amorphous solids

We model a sheared disordered solid using the theory of Shear Transformation Zones (STZs). In this mean-field continuum model the density of zones is governed by an effective temperature that approaches a steady state value as energy is dissipated. We compare the STZ model to simulations by Shi, et al.(Phys. Rev. Lett. 98 185505 2007), finding that the model generates solutions that fit the data,exhibit strain localization, and capture important features of the localization process. We show that perturbations to the effective temperature grow due to an instability in the transient dynamics, but unstable systems do not always develop shear bands. Nonlinear energy dissipation processes interact with perturbation growth to determine whether a material exhibits strain localization. By estimating the effects of these interactions, we derive a criterion that determines which materials exhibit shear bands based on the initial conditions alone. We also show that the shear band width is not set by an inherent diffusion length scale but instead by a dynamical scale that depends on the imposed strain rate.Comment: 8 figures, references added, typos correcte

Manuel Ocampo & David Griggs (Art Forum)

Artists, Manuel Ocampo and David Griggs discuss their work and the work of other artists from the Philippines

In-hospital extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for patients with an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in a semi-rural setting:An observational study on the implementation of a helicopter emergency medical services pathway

AIM: In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of a helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) facilitated pathway for in-hospital extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) for patients with an out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in a semi-rural setting. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients with an OHCA attended by a UK HEMS service between 1 January 2018 and 20 September 2021, when a dedicated ECPR pathway was in effect to facilitate transport of eligible patients to the nearest ECLS centre. The primary endpoint was the number of patients meeting ECPR eligibility criteria at three pre-defined time points: at HEMS dispatch, during on-scene evaluation and upon arrival in hospital. RESULTS: During the study period, 162 patients attended met ECPR pathway dispatch criteria. After on-scene evaluation, 74 patients (45%) had a return of spontaneously circulation before arrival of HEMS, 60 (37%) did not meet eligibility criteria regarding initial rhythm or etiology of the OHCA, and 15 (9%) had deteriorated (mainly into asystole) and were no longer suitable candidates upon arrival of HEMS. Eleven patients were eligible for ECPR and transported to hospital in arrest, and a further two patients were transported for post-ROSC ECLS. Nine patients deteriorated during transport and were no longer suitable ECPR candidates upon arrival. ECLS was successfully initiated in two patients (one intra-arrest, and one post-ROSC). CONCLUSION: In-hospital ECPR is of limited value for patients with refractory OHCA in a semi-rural setting, even when a dedicated pathway is in place. Potentially eligible patients often cannot be transported within an appropriate timeframe and/or deteriorate before arrival in hospital

Mapping interactions between the sustainable development goals: lessons learned and ways forward

Pursuing integrated research and decision-making to advance action on the sustainable development goals (SDGs) fundamentally depends on understanding interactions between the SDGs, both negative ones (“trade-offs”) and positive ones (“co-benefits”). This quest, triggered by the 2030 Agenda, has however pointed to a gap in current research and policy analysis regarding how to think systematically about interactions across the SDGs. This paper synthesizes experiences and insights from the application of a new conceptual framework for mapping and assessing SDG interactions using a defined typology and characterization approach. Drawing on results from a major international research study applied to the SDGs on health, energy and the ocean, it analyses how interactions depend on key factors such as geographical context, resource endowments, time horizon and governance. The paper discusses the future potential, barriers and opportunities for applying the approach in scientific research, in policy making and in bridging the two through a global SDG Interactions Knowledge Platform as a key mechanism for assembling, systematizing and aggregating knowledge on interactions

Comparing league formats with respect to match importance in Belgian football

Recently, most clubs in the highest Belgian football division have become convinced that the format of their league should be changed. Moreover, the TV station that broadcasts the league is pleading for a more attractive competition. However, the clubs have not been able to agree on a new league format, mainly because they have conflicting interests. In this paper, we compare the current league format, and three other formats that have been considered by the Royal Belgian Football Association. We simulate the course of each of these league formats, based on historical match results. We assume that the attractiveness of a format is determined by the importance of its games; our importance measure for a game is based on the number of teams for which this game can be decisive to reach a given goal. Furthermore, we provide an overview of how each league format aligns with the expectations and interests of each type of club