Electric field effects on nematic wetting layers

We present a theoretical investigation of the temperature and electric field dependence of nematic liquid crystal wetting layers close to an aligning substrate within a confined system. Using a mesoscopic Q tensor theory coupled to Maxwell's equations for the electric field, we consider the existence and stability of homogeneous nematic wetting layers close to the substrate. Numerical results are presented showing the phase diagram for the isotropic (paranematic), nematic and wetting layer states. The effect on the isotropic-wetting transition, from first order to second order, when an electric field is applied is then investigated

The Notorious Bull Nelson: Murdered Civil War General

A Deeper Look at a Civil War Generals This is the first book-length biography of Union Major General William “Bull Nelson, who is remembered more for the manner of his death than for his achievements in life. At the age of thirty-eight, on September 29, 1862, he was shot and killed in...

Nathan Bedford Forrest\u27s Escort and Staff

Nathan Bedford Forrest Two Perspectives Nathan Bedford Forrest\u27s Escort and Staff by Michael R. Bradley Nathan Bedford Forrest: In Search of the Enigma by Eddy W. Davison and Daniel Foxx Nathan Bedford Forrest, one of the most controversial commanders in the Civ...

Nathan Bedford Forrest: in Search of the Enigma

Nathan Bedford Forrest Two Perspectives Nathan Bedford Forrest\u27s Escort and Staff by Michael R. Bradley Nathan Bedford Forrest: In Search of the Enigma by Eddy W. Davison and Daniel Foxx Nathan Bedford Forrest, one of the most controversial commanders in the Civ...

John Wesley Hunt: Pioneer Merchant, Manufacturer and Financier

When John Wesley Hunt came to Kentucky in 1794, his plan was to open a general store in Lexington. A canny judge of business opportunity, he soon expanded his activities and became one of the responsible figures of Kentucky banking and finance. In another kind of venture, he imported fine stallions from the East, significantly improving the bloodlines of thoroughbreds and trotters in the Bluegrass. John Wesley Hunt tells the story of Hunt’s business exploits against the background of life in frontier Lexington. James A. Ramage reveals how his innovative solutions to the financial problems of the frontier gave rise to the prosperity and culture of Lexington in the nineteenth century James A. Ramage, Regents Professor of History at Northern Kentucky University, is the author of John Wesley Hunt: Pioneer Merchant, Manufacturer, and Financier and Rebel Raider: The Life of General John Hunt Morgan.https://uknowledge.uky.edu/upk_united_states_history/1034/thumbnail.jp

Fast iterative solvers for geomechanics in a commercial FE code

There is a pressing need to improve the feasibility of three-dimensional finite element (FE) methods applied to many problems in civil engineering. This is particularly the case for static analyses in geotechnical engineering: ideally, models would be 3D, follow the actual geometry, use non-linear material formulations and allow simulation of construction sequences, and all of this with a reasonable degree of accuracy. One major obstacle to improvements in this regard is the difficulty in solving of the set of (linearised) algebraic equations which arises from a typical discretisation approach. Very large systems become cumbersome for direct techniques to solve economically. This paper describes the incorporation of iterative (rather than direct) solution techniques, developed through University research, into commercial FE software for geotechnics

Effect of processing methods on the mechanical properties of engineered bamboo

Engineered bamboo is increasingly explored as a material with significant potential for structural applications. The material is comprised of raw bamboo processed into a laminated composite. Commercial methods vary due to the current primary use as an architectural surface material, with processing used to achieve different colours in the material. The present work investigates the effect of two types of processing methods, bleaching and caramelisation, to determine the effect on the mechanical properties. A comparison to other engineered bamboo and timber products is also presented. The results of the study indicate that processing does affect the mechanical properties of engineered bamboo products. Areas in need of further research are also identified for thermally treated bamboo to be used in structural applications.The presented work is supported by EPRSC Grant EP/K023403/1, and forms part of a collaboration between the University of Cambridge, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and University of British Columbia (UBC).This is the final published version. It first appeared at http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950061815001956

Optimising ply orientation in structural laminated bamboo

Currently, only two forms of laminated bamboo are commercially available as structural materials: unidirectional beams and boards, and cross-laminated boards. As a natural quasi-unidirectional composite, the lamination of bamboo into plies with specific orientations would allow the design and manufacture of a family of multi-axial composite laminates with unique properties. In this study, we test the tensile mechanical properties of single- and two-ply laminated bamboo at various off-axis loading angles and laminate configurations. The data is then compared to micro-mechanical models for predicting modulus and strength of composite laminates. On the basis of our analyses, we believe there is significant scope to extend the current range of laminated bamboo products to include angle-ply laminates. Moreover, we demonstrate that composite laminate theory is applicable to this natural composite and may be used for design of products and structures

Engineered bamboo for structural applications

Bamboo is a rapidly renewable material that has many applications in construction. Engineered bamboo products result from processing the raw bamboo culm into a laminated composite, similar to glue-laminated timber products. These products allow the material to be used in standardised sections and have less inherent variability than the natural material. The present work investigates the mechanical properties of two types of commercially available products – bamboo scrimber and laminated bamboo sheets – and compares these to timber and engineered timber products. It is shown that engineered bamboo products have properties that are comparable to or surpass that of timber and timber-based products. Potential limitations to use in structural design are also discussed. The study contributes to a growing body of research on engineered bamboo and presents areas in which further investigation is needed.The presented work is supported by EPRSC Grant EP/K023403/1 and the Newton Trust, and forms part of a collaboration between the University of Cambridge, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and University of British Columbia (UBC).This is the published version. It was first published at http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950061815001117