Dynamics of Shape Memory Alloys Patches with Mechanically Induced Transformations

A mathematical model is constructed for the modelling of two di- mensional thermo-mechanical behavior of shape memory alloy patches. The model is constructed on the basis of a modified Landau-Ginzburg theory and includes the coupling effect between thermal and mechanical fields. The free energy functional for the model is exemplified for the square to rectangular transformations. The model, based on nonlinear coupled partial differential equations, is reduced to a system of differential-algebraic equations and the backward differentiation methodology is used for its numerical analysis. Computational experiments with representative distributed mechanical loadings are carried out for patches of different sizes to analyze thermo-mechanical waves, coupling effects, and 2D phase transformations

Finite Volume Analysis of Nonlinear Thermo-mechanical Dynamics of Shape Memory Alloys

In this paper, the finite volume method is developed to analyze coupled dynamic problems of nonlinear thermoelasticity. The major focus is given to the description of martensitic phase transformations essential in the modelling of shape memory alloys. Computational experiments are carried out to study the thermo-mechanical wave interactions in a shape memory alloy rod, and a patch. Both mechanically and thermally induced phase transformations, as well as hysteresis effects, in a one-dimensional structure are successfully simulated with the developed methodology. In the two-dimensional case, the main focus is given to square-to-rectangular transformations and examples of martensitic combinations under different mechanical loadings are provided.Comment: Keywords: shape memory alloys, phase transformations, nonlinear thermo-elasticity, finite volume metho

Numerical Model For Vibration Damping Resulting From the First Order Phase Transformations

A numerical model is constructed for modelling macroscale damping effects induced by the first order martensite phase transformations in a shape memory alloy rod. The model is constructed on the basis of the modified Landau-Ginzburg theory that couples nonlinear mechanical and thermal fields. The free energy function for the model is constructed as a double well function at low temperature, such that the external energy can be absorbed during the phase transformation and converted into thermal form. The Chebyshev spectral methods are employed together with backward differentiation for the numerical analysis of the problem. Computational experiments performed for different vibration energies demonstrate the importance of taking into account damping effects induced by phase transformations.Comment: Keywords: martensite transformation, thermo-mechanical coupling, vibration damping, Ginzburg-Landau theor

Thermo-Mechanical Wave Propagation In Shape Memory Alloy Rod With Phase Transformations

Many new applications of ferroelastic materials require a better understanding of their dynamics that often involve phase transformations. In such cases, an important prerequisite is the understanding of wave propagation caused by pulse-like loadings. In the present study, a mathematical model is developed to analyze the wave propagation process in shape memory alloy rods. The first order martensite transformations and associated thermo-mechanical coupling effects are accounted for by employing the modified Ginzburg-Landau-Devonshire theory. The Landau-type free energy function is employed to characterize different phases, while a Ginzburg term is introduced to account for energy contributions from phase boundaries. The effect of internal friction is represented by a Rayleigh dissipation term. The resulted nonlinear system of PDEs is reduced to a differential-algebraic system, and Chebyshev's collocation method is employed together with the backward differentiation method. A series of numerical experiments are performed. Wave propagations caused by impact loadings are analyzed for different initial temperatures. It is demonstrated that coupled waves will be induced in the material. Such waves will be dissipated and dispersed during the propagation process, and phase transformations in the material will complicate their propagation patterns. Finally, the influence of internal friction and capillary effects on the process of wave propagation is analyzed numerically.Comment: Keywords: nonlinear waves, thermo-mechanical coupling, martensite transformations, Ginzburg-Landau theory, Chebyshev collocation metho

Innovative Bathtub Shower Chair for Geriatric

ME450 Capstone Design and Manufacturing Experience: Winter 2010Showering in a bathtub is a key barrier for the rapidly growing geriatric generation. Based on previous ME 450 projects of designing a shower chair our team will improve the chair to prepare it for commercial use. This project is sponsored by Albert Shih, Naomi Gilbert, and Susan Murphy. The new shower chair should allow independence for an elderly person to get into and out of the bath safely. It will also be able to fold up in the shower to allow others to use the shower as well. The device will help geriatric patients safely bathe while maintaining privacy and stability.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/109370/1/me450w10project13_report.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/109370/2/me450w10project13_photo.jp

Detection of Novel Variations Related to Litter Size in BMP15 Gene of Luzhong Mutton Sheep ( Ovis aries )

SIMPLE SUMMARY: BMP15 is a critical gene in sheep reproduction. Most of its variations have been reported in European sheep. In this study, the entire open reading frame (ORF) region of BMP15 was sequenced in 154 Luzhong mutton sheep. Among 13 identified variations, six were novel. Four SNPs (ENSOART00000010201.1:c.352+342C>A, c.352+1232T>C, c.352+1165A>G and c.353-2036T>A) were significantly associated with litter size, and could be used as candidate genetic markers for improving litter size. The results also suggested possible interaction between BMP15 and FecB/GDF9. ABSTRACT: Litter size is an important economic trait in the mutton sheep industry. BMP15 is one of the key candidate genes for litter size in sheep. In this study, the entire ORF region of BMP15 was sequenced in 154 Luzhong mutton ewes, and the novel variations were determined. The association between polymorphism in BMP15 and litter size was analyzed using a general linear model. Six out of a total of thirteen variations were identified to be novel. Association analysis indicated that four (SNPs ENSOART00000010201.1:c.352+342C>A, c.352+1232T>C, c.352+1165A>G and c.353-2036T>A) were significantly associated with litter size. The joint analysis among three major genes (BMP15, BMPR1B and GDF9) exhibited significant interaction effects in three combinations (FecB and c.352+1232T>C of BMP15; FecB and c.352+1165A>G of BMP15; c.352+342C>A of BMP15 and ENSOART00000014382.1:c.994G>A of GDF9). For the SNPs c.352+1232T>C and c.352+342C>A, the global distribution of allele frequencies showed that the highest variation frequency occurs in Western Europe. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that BMP15 is a major gene for litter size in Luzhong mutton sheep and candidate SNPs associated with litter size were identified

Research on Water Absorption and Frost Resistance of Concrete Coated with Different Impregnating Agents for Ballastless Track Structure

In consideration of performance requirement of ballastless track concrete in cold regions of China, 3 types of commercially available impregnating agents were employed to research their effect on water absorption and frozen resistance of concrete, containing silanes, potassium silicate and osmotic curing agent. The results presented that coating silanes was the most effective on the reduction of water absorption among all employed impregnating agents, because of the most significant character change of concrete surface from hydrophilicity to hydrophobicity which could be proved by the contact angle test of concrete. The promotion on frozen resistance of concrete was not as significant as that for water absorption by coating 3 commercially available types of impregnant agents, because of the spalling damage on concrete surface during the freezing-thawing cycles