9,734 research outputs found
Fracture toughness in fibrous materials
In the present paper, a fiber bundle model in (1+1)-dimensions that simulates
the rupture process of a fibrous material pulled by an uniaxial force F is
analyzed. In this model the load of a broken fiber is shifted in equal portions
onto the nearest unbroken fibers. The force-displacement diagram is obtained
for several traction velocities v and temperatures t. Also, it is shown how the
fracture toughness changes with the traction velocity v and with the
temperature t. In this paper it is shown that the rupture process is strongly
dependent on temperature t and on velocity v.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures.eps, Revte
Low density expansion and isospin dependence of nuclear energy functional: comparison between relativistic and Skyrme models
In the present work we take the non relativistic limit of relativistic models
and compare the obtained functionals with the usual Skyrme parametrization.
Relativistic models with both constant couplings and with density dependent
couplings are considered. While some models present very good results already
at the lowest order in the density, models with non-linear terms only reproduce
the energy functional if higher order terms are taken into account in the
expansion.Comment: 16 pages,6 figures,5 table
Generalized scalar field models with the same energy density and linear stability
We study how the properties of a Lagrangian density for a single real scalar
field in flat spacetime change with inclusion of an overall factor depending
only on the field. The focus of the paper is to obtain analytical results. So,
we show that even though it is possible to perform a field redefinition to get
an equivalent canonical model, it is not always feasible to write the canonical
model in terms of elementary functions. Also, we investigate the behavior of
the energy density and the linear stability of the solutions. Finally, we show
that one can find a class of models that present the same energy density and
the same stability potential.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figure
Managing performance in quality management: A two level study of employee-perceptions and workplace-performance
Purpose: This paper addresses potential effects of the control element in Quality Management. First, behavioural theories on how elements of performance management can affect organisational performance are examined. Secondly, theoretical models on how perceptions of work conditions may impact wellbeing and performance are considered. Direct and indirect pathways from performance management to productivity/quality are inferred.
Methodology: Matched employee-workplace data from an economy-wide survey in Britain and two-level structural equation models are used to test the hypothesised associations.
Findings: The use of practices in workplaces is inconsistent with a unified performance management approach. Distinct outcomes are expected from separate components in performance management and some may be contingent on workplace size. For example, within Quality-planning, strategy dissemination is positively associated with workplace-productivity; targets are negatively associated with perceptions of job demands and positively correlated with job satisfaction, which in turn can increase workplace-productivity. With respect to Information & Analysis: keeping and analysing records, or monitoring employee-performance via appraisals that assess training needs, are positively associated with workplace-productivity and quality.
Originality: This paper illustrates how control in Quality Management can be effective. Although the merits of performance management are subject to ongoing debate, arguments in the literature have tended to focus on performance appraisal. Analyses of economy-wide data linking performance management practices, within Quality Management, to employee perceptions of work conditions, wellbeing and aggregate performance are rare
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