Critical behavior of an Ising model with aperiodic interactions

We write exact renormalization-group recursion relations for a ferromagnetic Ising model on the diamond hierarchical lattice with an aperiodic distribution of exchange interactions according to a class of generalized two-letter Fibonacci sequences. For small geometric fluctuations, the critical behavior is unchanged with respect to the uniform case. For large fluctuations, the uniform fixed point in the parameter space becomes fully unstable. We analyze some limiting cases, and propose a heuristic criterion to check the relevance of the fluctuations.Comment: latex file, 5 figures, accepted by Braz. Jour. Phy

Critical exponents for the long-range Ising chain using a transfer matrix approach

The critical behavior of the Ising chain with long-range ferromagnetic interactions decaying with distance $r^\alpha$, $1<\alpha<2$, is investigated using a numerically efficient transfer matrix (TM) method. Finite size approximations to the infinite chain are considered, in which both the number of spins and the number of interaction constants can be independently increased. Systems with interactions between spins up to 18 sites apart and up to 2500 spins in the chain are considered. We obtain data for the critical exponents $\nu$ associated with the correlation length based on the Finite Range Scaling (FRS) hypothesis. FRS expressions require the evaluation of derivatives of the thermodynamical properties, which are obtained with the help of analytical recurrence expressions obtained within the TM framework. The Van den Broeck extrapolation procedure is applied in order to estimate the convergence of the exponents. The TM procedure reduces the dimension of the matrices and circumvents several numerical matrix operations.Comment: 10 pages, 2 figures, Conference NEXT Sigma Ph

A novel bio-inspired microstructure for progressive compressive failure in multidirectional composite laminates

n this study we take inspiration from biological materials to design a modified microstructure for laminated multidirectional (MD) carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP), with the objective of mitigating their compressive failure behavior. We introduce soft inclusions in the form of thin longitudinal strips of foam in 0° load bearing layers, aiming at arresting kinkband propagation. We conceived a bespoke stacking sequence and developed a tailored procedure for manufacturing the microstructure. We then performed in-situ tests on small scale notched specimens from a baseline laminate and a modified one. Results are presented and discussed

Aperiodic quantum XXZ chains: Renormalization-group results

We report a comprehensive investigation of the low-energy properties of antiferromagnetic quantum XXZ spin chains with aperiodic couplings. We use an adaptation of the Ma-Dasgupta-Hu renormalization-group method to obtain analytical and numerical results for the low-temperature thermodynamics and the ground-state correlations of chains with couplings following several two-letter aperiodic sequences, including the quasiperiodic Fibonacci and other precious-mean sequences, as well as sequences inducing strong geometrical fluctuations. For a given aperiodic sequence, we argue that in the easy-plane anisotropy regime, intermediate between the XX and Heisenberg limits, the general scaling form of the thermodynamic properties is essentially given by the exactly-known XX behavior, providing a classification of the effects of aperiodicity on XXZ chains. We also discuss the nature of the ground-state structures, and their comparison with the random-singlet phase, characteristic of random-bond chains.Comment: Minor corrections; published versio

Interrelationship between facial pattern, malocclusion, TMDs, head and neck posture and type of breathing in young people

Objectives: To compare occlusal, facial, and craniocervical postural characteristics according to the breathing pattern, study the association between temporomandibular disorders’ (TMDs) class and severity, gauge the influence of the breathing pattern, head and neck posture, occlusal class, and facial pattern on TMDs severity and the lower cervicofacial ratio, and identify any prevalent differences in TMDs severity by gender. Methods: This cross-sectional study included a convenience sample of 139 individuals, 81 females (58.3%) and 58 males (41.7%), with a mean age of 13.0±0.72 years old. Data were collected from observations, medical forms and photographic records. We classified TMDs severity according to Fonseca Anamnestic Index and used Software for Postural Assessment. Results: Compared to nasal breathers, oral breathers exhibited a predominance of Class II occlusion (p<0.01), a convex profile (p<0.05), increased cervicofacial ratio (p<0.01), and a tendency for head anteriorization (p<0.05). An association between TMDs and individuals with Class II occlusion was also found (p<0.01). Oral breathers showed a greater risk of increased lower cervicofacial ratio and mild TMDs (OR: 9.64 and 4.01, respectively). Signs and symptoms of TMDs appeared in 60% of young females, though the difference between genders was not significant (p=0.290). Conclusions: We detected associations between oral breathing and head anteriorization, TMDs, Class II malocclusion, convex facial profile, and increased lower cervicofacial ratio. TMDs were associated with occlusal Class II, and oral breathing increased the risk of developing mild TMDs and increased lower cervicofacial ratio

Simulation of biomass gasification in circulating fluidized bed reactor by aspen plus

Biomass is the fourth largest source of energy in the world. Many consider it to be the best option, with the greatest potential as an alternative energy supply which meets energy requiremen ts, for ensuring future fuel supply. Biomass energy resources are potentially the world's largest and most sustainable energy source, a renewable resource comprising 220 billion oven-dry tons (about 4500 EJ) of annual primary production [1]. lt is currently assumed that 5% of this energy could be mobilized to produce energy, i.e. a total of 225 EJ representing an energy equivalent ofmore than 5 billion tons ofoil equivalent, accounting for almost 50% ofthe world's total primary energy demand at present [2]. Hydrogen production is one of the most promising alternative energy technologies . The majority of experts consider that hydrogen has a significant role to play as an important energy carrier in the future energy sector [3]. Howe ver, it is a secondary form of energy that, like electricity, must be manufactured. A promising way to generate hydrogen is by thermochemical conversion of biom ass to synthe sis gas , consisting of a mixture of H2, CO, C0 2, CH.i, 0 2, N2 and tar. ln order to maximize H2 yield, an Or steam circulating fluidized bed (CFB) gasification process was proposed. For this purpose a computer simulation model was developed using the commercial chemical process simulator ASPEN Plus.N/

A mathematical framework for reducing the domain in the mechanical analysis of periodic structures

A theoretical framework is developped leading to a sound derivation of Periodic Boundary Conditions (PBCs) for the analysis of domains smaller then the Unit Cells (UCs), named reduced Unit Cells (rUCs), by exploiting non-orthogonal translations and symmetries. A particular type of UCs, Offset-reduced Unit Cells (OrUCs) are highlighted. These enable the reduction of the analysis domain of the traditionally defined UCs without any loading restriction. The relevance of the framework and its application to any periodic structure is illustrated through two practical examples: 3D woven and honeycomb.Comment: 18 page