Quantification of Crack Formation Using Image Analysis and its Relationship with Permeability

In this study a relationship between permeability of concrete and fractal dimension of crack is established. For this purpose four series of specimens of fiber reinforced cementitious composites are prepared. Specimens are subjected to uniaxial tension in order to create targeted damage (cracking) prior to permeability test. Image analysis is done on the cracked surface and fractal dimension of cracks are calculated using box counting method. Maximum crack width is found to have correlation with the coefficient of permeability. However, such correlation was observed neither between coefficient of permeability and crack area nor between coefficient of permeability and crack density. Relationships of fractal dimension of cracks is established with the maximum crack width, crack area and crack density. Trilateral relationship among coefficient of permeability, the maximum crack width and fractal dimension are established

Photoreflectance spectroscopy of BiOCl epitaxial thin films

We have observed a new optical transition in the photoreflectance spectra of indirect-gap BiOCl thin films, which were grown on SrTiO$_3$ substrates. The position of this transition is close in energy to its bulk critical point energy. Moreover, these are significantly lower than a higher-lying direct-type critical point from an energetic point of view. The spectral line shape analysis for our observed signal suggests the presence of an excitonic effect of this compound. We determined its dependence of the optical anomaly on temperature ranging from 80 K to room temperature. We adopted the Varshni model for this analysis. At last, we compared phononic properties of BiOCl with those of an element and binary semiconductors.Comment: 9 pages, 4 figures, submitted to Jpn. J. Appl. Phy

A topology optimization method in rarefied gas flow problems using the Boltzmann equation

This paper presents a topology optimization method in rarefied gas flow problems to obtain the optimal structure of a flow channel as a configuration of gas and solid domains. In this paper, the kinetic equation, the governing equation of rarefied gas flows, is extended over the entire design domain including solid domains assuming the solid as an imaginary gas for implicitly handling the gas-solid interfaces in the optimization process. Based on the extended equation, a 2D flow channel design problem is formulated, and the design sensitivity is obtained based on the Lagrange multiplier method and adjoint variable method. Both the rarefied gas flow and the adjoint flow are computed by a deterministic method based on a finite discretization of the molecular velocity space, rather than the DSMC method. The validity and effectiveness of our proposed method are confirmed through several numerical examples

Sulfur-Mediated Palladium Catalyst Immobilized on a GaAs Surface

We present a hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study on the preparation process of palladium catalyst immobilized on an S-terminated GaAs(100) surface. It is revealed that Pd(II) species are reduced on the GaAssurface and yield Pd nanoparticles during the process of Pd immobilization and the subsequent heat treatment. A comparison with the results on GaAs without S-termination suggests that the reduction of Pd is promoted by hydroxy groups during the Pd immobilization and by S during the heat treatment

Tailoring confining jacket for concrete column using ultra high performance-fiber reinforced cementitious composites (UHP-FRCC) with high volume fly ash (HVFA)

Ultra-High Performance Fibre-Reinforced Cementitious Composites (UHP-FRCC) show excellent mechanical performances in terms of strength, ductility, and durability. Therefore, these cementitious materials have been successfully used for repairing, strengthening, and seismic retrofitting of old structures. However, UHP-FRCCs are not always environmental friendly products, especially in terms of the initial cost, due to the large quantity of cement that is contained in the mixture. Different rates of fly ash substitute herein part of the cement, and the new UHP-FRCCs are used to retrofit concrete columns to overcome this problem. To simulate the mechanical response of these columns, cylindrical specimens, which are made of normal concrete and reinforced with different UHP-FRCC jackets, are tested in uniaxial compression. Relationships between the size of the jacket, the percentage of cement replaced by fly ash, and the strength of the columns are measured and analyzed by means of the eco-mechanical approach. As a result, a replacement of approximately 50% of cement with fly ash, and a suitable thickness of the UHP-FRCC jacket, might ensure the lowest environmental impact without compromising the mechanical performances

Evaluation of a computational model to predict elbow range of motion

© 2014 The Author(s). Computer models capable of predicting elbow flexion and extension range of motion (ROM) limits would be useful for assisting surgeons in improving the outcomes of surgical treatment of patients with elbow contractures. A simple and robust computer-based model was developed that predicts elbow joint ROM using bone geometries calculated from computed tomography image data. The model assumes a hinge-like flexion-extension axis, and that elbow passive ROM limits can be based on terminal bony impingement. The model was validated against experimental results with a cadaveric specimen, and was able to predict the flexion and extension limits of the intact joint to 0° and 3°, respectively. The model was also able to predict the flexion and extension limits to 1° and 2°, respectively, when simulated osteophytes were inserted into the joint. Future studies based on this approach will be used for the prediction of elbow flexion-extension ROM in patients with primary osteoarthritis to help identify motion-limiting hypertrophic osteophytes, and will eventually permit real-time computer-assisted navigated excisions