Influence of the cooling-rate on the glass transition temperature and the structural properties of glassy GeS2: an ab initio molecular dynamics study

Using density-functional molecular dynamics simulations we analyzed the cooling-rate effects on the physical properties of GeS$_2$ chalcogenide glasses. Liquid samples were cooled linearly in time according to $T(t) = T_0 - \gamma t$ where $\gamma$ is the cooling rate. We found that our model leads to a promising description of the glass transition temperature $T_g$ as a function of $\gamma$ and gives a correct $T_g$ for experimental cooling rates. We also investigated the dependence of the structural properties on the cooling rate. We show that, globally, the properties determined from our simulations are in good agreement with experimental values and this even for the highest cooling rates. In particular, our results confirm that, in the range of cooling rates studied here, homopolar bonds and extended charged regions are always present in the glassy phase. Nevertheless in order to reproduce the experimental intermediate range order of the glass, a maximum cooling rate should not be exceeded in numerical simulations.Comment: 12 pages, 6 figures. To appear in J. Phys.: C

The productivity advantages of large cities: Distinguishing agglomeration from firm selection

Firms are more productive on average in larger cities. Two explanations have been offered: agglomeration economies (larger cities promote interactions that increase productivity) and firm selection (larger cities toughen competition allowing only the most productive to survive). To distinguish between them, we nest a generalised version of a seminal firm selection model and a standard model of agglomeration. Stronger selection in larger cities left truncates the productivity distribution whereas stronger agglomeration right shifts and dilates the distribution. We assess the relative importance of agglomeration and firm selection using French establishment level data and a new quantile approach. Spatial productivity differences in France are mostly explained by agglomeration.agglomeration; firm selection; productivity; cities

Damage Detection and Localisation Using Mode-Based Method and Perturbation Theory

International audienceIn this paper, the detection and the localization of a local perturbation are assessed by analysing the frequency changes only (fundamental mode and overtones). After describing the method used herein applied to the bending beam and based on the perturbation theory, experimental application to a 1D plexiglas beam is shown using frequency and modal analysis technique. The damage is considered as a local perturbation of Young's modulus. Finally, the localisation of damage is done using classical modal-based methods and perturbation theory. The frequency values are caught by the Random Decrement Technique applied to the time history vibrations for one sensor at the free extremity of the beam. Detection and localization are successful, even for small and transientchanges of the structure properties

Aerosol deposition and origin in French mountains estimated with soil inventories of 210Pb and artificial radionuclides

Radionuclide inventories were measured in soils from different French mountainous areas: Chaîne des Puys (Massif Central), Eastern Corsica, Jura, Montagne Noire, Savoie, Vosges and Rhine Valley. 210Pb soil inventories were used to estimate long-term (>75 yr) deposition of submicron aerosols. Whereas 210Pb total deposition is explained partly by wet deposition, as demonstrated by increase of 210Pb inventory with annual rainfall; a part of 210Pb in the soils of higher altitude is caused by orographic depositions. Using measurements of radionuclides coming from nuclear aerial weapon tests (137Cs and Pu isotopes), we were able to estimate the origin of aerosols deposited in high-altitude sites and to confirm the importance of occult deposition and feeder–seeder mechanism. Using a simple mass balance model, we estimate that occult deposition and feeder–seeder mechanisms account to more than 50% of total deposition of 210Pb and associated submicron aerosols in French altitude sites

Frequency and Damping Wandering in Existing Buildings Using the Random Decrement Technique

International audienceWith the increasing use of permanent, continuous and real-time networks, ambient vibrations can provide a simple tool for the identification of dynamic building parameters. This study is focused on the long-term variation of frequency and damping in several buildings, using the Random Decrement Technique (RDT). RDT provides a fast, robust and accurate long-term analysis and improves the reliability of frequency and damping measurements for structural health monitoring. This reveals particularly useful information in finding out precisely how far changes in modal parameters can be related to changes in physical properties. This paper highlights the reversible changes of the structureÕs dynamic parameters, correlated with external forces, such as temperature and exposure to the sun. Contrasting behaviours are observed, including correlation and anti-correlation with temperature variations