Spatial Wavelet Approach to Local Matrix Crack Detection in Composite Beams with Ply Level Material Uncertainty

Wavelet coefficients based on spatial wavelets are used as damage indicators to identify the damage location as well as the size of the damage in a laminated composite beam with localized matrix cracks. A finite element model of the composite beam is used in conjunction with a matrix crack based damage model to simulate the damaged composite beam structure. The modes of vibration of the beam are analyzed using the wavelet transform in order to identify the location and the extent of the damage by sensing the local perturbations at the damage locations. The location of the damage is identified by a sudden change in spatial distribution of wavelet coefficients. Monte Carlo Simulations (MCS) are used to investigate the effect of ply level uncertainty in composite material properties such as ply longitudinal stiffness, transverse stiffness, shear modulus and Poisson's ratio on damage detection parameter, wavelet coefficient. In this study, numerical simulations are done for single and multiple damage cases. It is observed that spatial wavelets can be used as a reliable damage detection tool for composite beams with localized matrix cracks which can result from low velocity impact damage.

Tb3+ sensitization in a deoxycholate organogel matrix, and selective quenching of luminescence by an aromatic nitro derivative

In this article, we present the discovery of a metallo-organogel derived from a Tb3+ salt and sodium deoxycholate (NaDCh) in methanol. The gel was made luminescent through sensitization of Tb3+ by doping with 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) in micromolar concentrations. Rheological measurements of the mechanical properties of the organogel confirmed the characteristics of a true gel. Significant quenching of Tb3+ luminescence was observed in the deoxycholate gel matrix by 2,4,7-trinitrofluorenone (TNF), but not by several other polynitro aromatics. Microscopic studies (AFM, TEM and SEM) revealed a highly entangled fibrous network. The xerogels retained luminescent properties suggesting the possibility for application in coatings, etc.

Evolution and stability of phases in a high temperature shape memory alloy Ni49.4Ti38.6Hf12

Ni49.4Ti38.6Hf12 shape memory alloy has been characterized for structure, microstructure and transformation temperatures. The microstructure of the as-cast sample consists of B19' and R-phases, and (Ti,Hf)(2)Ni precipitate phase along the grain boundaries in the form of dendrites. The microstructure of the solution treated sample contains only B19' martensite phase, whereas a second heat treatment after solutionizing results in reappearance of the R-phase and the (Ti,Hf)(2)Ni grain boundary precipitate phase in the microstructure. A detailed microstructural examination shows the presence of precipitates having both coherent and incoherent interface with the matrix, the type of interface being dictated by the crystallographic orientation of the matrix phase. The present study shows that the (Ti,Hf)(2)Ni precipitates having coherent interface with the matrix, drive the formation of the R-phase in the microstructure. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of analyte concentration on the laser-induced plasma temperature and electron density in liquid matrix

In the present work, we report spectroscopic studies of laser-induced plasmas produced by focusing the second harmonic (532nm) of a Nd:YAG laser onto the laminar flow of a liquid containing chromium. The plasma temperature is determined from the coupled Saha-Boltzmann plot and the electron density is evaluated from the Stark broadening of an ionic line of chromium Cr(II)] at 267.7nm. Our results reveal a decrease in plasma temperature with an increase in Cr concentration up to a certain concentration level; after that, it becomes approximately constant, while the electron density increases with an increase in analyte (Cr) concentration in liquid matrix.

Effect of TiN particulate reinforcement on corrosive behaviour of aluminium 6061 composites in chloride medium

In the present investigation, the corrosive behaviour of Al 6061-TiN particulate composites prepared by liquid metallurgy has been studied in chloride medium using electroanalytical techniques such as Tafel, cyclic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Surface morphology of the sample electrodes was examined using scanning electron micrography and energy dispersive X-ray methods. X-ray diffraction technique was used to confirm inclusion of TiN particulates in the matrix alloy and identify the alloying elements and intermetallic compounds in the Al 6061 composites. Polarization studies indicate an increase in the corrosion resistance in composites compared to the matrix alloy. EIS study reveals that the polarization resistance (R (p)) increases with increase in TiN content in composites, thus confirming improved corrosion resistance in composites. The observed decrease in corrosion rate in the case of composites is due to decoupling between TiN particles and Al 6061 alloy. It is understood that after the initiation of corrosion, interfacial corrosion products may have decoupled the conducting ceramic TiN from Al 6061 matrix alloy thus eliminating the galvanic effect between them.

Multivariate Granger causality: an estimation framework based on factorization of the spectral density matrix

Granger causality is increasingly being applied to multi-electrode neurophysiological and functional imaging data to characterize directional interactions between neurons and brain regions. For a multivariate dataset, one might be interested in different subsets of the recorded neurons or brain regions. According to the current estimation framework, for each subset, one conducts a separate autoregressive model fitting process, introducing the potential for unwanted variability and uncertainty. In this paper, we propose a multivariate framework for estimating Granger causality. It is based on spectral density matrix factorization and offers the advantage that the estimation of such a matrix needs to be done only once for the entire multivariate dataset. For any subset of recorded data, Granger causality can be calculated through factorizing the appropriate submatrix of the overall spectral density matrix.

Characterization, charge transport and magnetic properties of multi-walled carbon nanotube-polyvinyl chloride nanocomposites

Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nanocomposites, with MWCNT loading up to 44.4 weight percent (wt%), were prepared by the solvent mixing and casting method. Electron microscopy indicates high degree of dispersion of MWCNT in PVC matrix, achieved by ultrasonication without using any surfactants. Thermogravimetric analysis showed a significant monotonic enhancement in the thermal stability of nanocomposites by increasing the wt% of MWCNT. Electrical conductivity of nanocomposites followed the classical percolation theory and the conductivity prominently improved from 10(-7) to 9 S/cm as the MWCNT loading increased from 0.1 to 44.4 wt%. Low value of electrical percolation threshold similar to 0.2 wt% is achieved which is attributed to high aspect ratio and homogeneous dispersion of MWCNT in PVC. The analysis of the low temperature electrical resistivity data shows that sample of 1.9 wt% follows three dimensional variable range hopping model whereas higher wt% nanocomposite samples follow power law behavior. The magnetization versus applied field data for both bulk MWCNTs and nanocomposite of 44.4 wt% display ferromagnetic behavior with enhanced coercivities of 1.82 and 1.27 kOe at 10 K, respectively. The enhancement in coercivity is due to strong dipolar interaction and shape anisotropy of rod-shaped iron nanoparticles. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Polymer-Derived In-Situ Metal Matrix Composites Created by Direct Injection of a Liquid Polymer into Molten Magnesium

We show that a liquid organic precursor can be injected directly into molten magnesium to produce nanoscale ceramic dispersions within the melt. The castings made in this way possess good resistance to tensile deformation at 673 K (400 degrees C), confirming the non-coarsening nature of these dispersions. Direct liquid injection into molten metals is a significant step toward inserting different chemistries of liquid precursors to generate a variety of polymer-derived metal matrix composites. (C) The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society and ASM International 2013

A fast NMR method for resonance assignments: application to metabolomics

We present a new method for rapid NMR data acquisition and assignments applicable to unlabeled (C-12) or C-13-labeled biomolecules/organic molecules in general and metabolomics in particular. The method involves the acquisition of three two dimensional (2D) NMR spectra simultaneously using a dual receiver system. The three spectra, namely: (1) G-matrix Fourier transform (GFT) (3,2)D C-13, H-1] HSQC-TOCSY, (2) 2D H-1-H-1 TOCSY and (3) 2D C-13-H-1 HETCOR are acquired in a single experiment and provide mutually complementary information to completely assign individual metabolites in a mixture. The GFT (3,2)D C-13, H-1] HSQC-TOCSY provides 3D correlations in a reduced dimensionality manner facilitating high resolution and unambiguous assignments. The experiments were applied for complete H-1 and C-13 assignments of a mixture of 21 unlabeled metabolites corresponding to a medium used in assisted reproductive technology. Taken together, the experiments provide time gain of order of magnitudes compared to the conventional data acquisition methods and can be combined with other fast NMR techniques such as non-uniform sampling and covariance spectroscopy. This provides new avenues for using multiple receivers and projection NMR techniques for high-throughput approaches in metabolomics.

Calibration Curve with Improved Limit of Detection for Cadmium in Soil: An Approach to Minimize the Matrix Effect in Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopic Analysis

The present article describes a working or combined calibration curve in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopic analysis, which is the cumulative result of the calibration curves obtained from neutral and singly ionized atomic emission spectral lines. This working calibration curve reduces the effect of change in matrix between different zone soils and certified soil samples because it includes both the species' (neutral and singly ionized) concentration of the element of interest. The limit of detection using a working calibration curve is found better as compared to its constituent calibration curves (i.e., individual calibration curves). The quantitative results obtained using the working calibration curve is in better agreement with the result of inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy as compared to the result obtained using its constituent calibration curves.

In-situ Stabilization of Tin Nanoparticles in Porous Carbon Matrix derived from Metal Organic Framework: High Capacity and High Rate Capability Anodes for Lithium-ion Batteries

It is a formidable challenge to arrange tin nanoparticles in a porous matrix for the achievement of high specific capacity and current rate capability anode for lithium-ion batteries. This article discusses a simple and novel synthesis of arranging tin nanoparticles with carbon in a porous configuration for application as anode in lithium-ion batteries. Direct carbonization of synthesized three-dimensional Sn-based MOF: K2Sn2(1,4-bdc)(3)](H2O) (1) (bdc = benzenedicarboxylate) resulted in stabilization of tin nanoparticles in a porous carbon matrix (abbreviated as Sn@C). Sn@C exhibited remarkably high electrochemical lithium stability (tested over 100 charge and discharge cycles) and high specific capacities over a wide range of operating currents (0.2-5 Ag-1). The novel synthesis strategy to obtain Sn@C from a single precursor as discussed herein provides an optimal combination of particle size and dispersion for buffering severe volume changes due to Li-Sn alloying reaction and provides fast pathways for lithium and electron transport.

Detection of Target DNA using Photo-Reactive Protoporphyrin Moeity on a Nanocomposite Substrate

Detection of pathogens from infected biological samples through conventional process involves cell lysis and purification. The main objective of this work is to minimize the time and sample loss, as well as to increase the efficiency of detection of biomolecules. Electrical lysis of medical sample is performed in a closed microfluidic channel in a single integrated platform where the downstream analysis of the sample is possible. The device functions involve, in a sequence, flow of lysate from lysis chamber passed through a thermal denaturation counter where dsDNA is denatured to ssDNA, which is controlled by heater unit. A functionalized binding chamber of ssDNA is prepared by using ZnO nanorods as the matrix and functionalized with bifunctional carboxylic acid, 16-(2-pyridyldithiol) hexadecanoic acid (PDHA) which is further attached to a linker molecule 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) (EDC). Linker moeity is then covalently bound to photoreactive protoporphyrin (PPP) molecule. The photolabile molecule protoporphyrin interacts with -NH2 labeled single stranded DNA (ssDNA) which thus acts as a probe to detect complimentary ssDNA from target organisms. Thereafter the bound DNA with protoporphyrin is exposed to an LED of particular wavelength for a definite period of time and DNA was eluted and analyzed. UV/Vis spectroscopic analysis at 260/280 nm wavelength confirms the purity and peak at 260 nm is reconfirmed for the elution of target DNA. Quantitative and qualitative data obtained from the current experiments show highly selective detection of biomolecule such as DNA which have large number of future applications in Point-of-Care devices.

Three Dimensional Fluorescence Imaging Using Multiple Light-Sheet Microscopy

We developed a multiple light-sheet microscopy (MLSM) system capable of 3D fluorescence imaging. Employing spatial filter in the excitation arm of a SPIM system, we successfully generated multiple light-sheets. This improves upon the existing SPIM system and is capable of 3D volume imaging by simultaneously illuminating multiple planes in the sample. Theta detection geometry is employed for data acquisition from multiple specimen layers. This detection scheme inherits many advantages including, background reduction, cross-talk free fluorescence detection and high-resolution at long working distance. Using this technique, we generated 5 equi-intense light-sheets of thickness approximately 7: 5 mm with an inter-sheet separation of 15 mm. Moreover, the light-sheets generated by MLSM is found to be 2 times thinner than the state-of-art SPIM system. Imaging of fluorescently coated yeast cells of size 4 +/- 1 mm (encaged in Agarose gel-matrix) is achieved. Proposed imaging technique may accelerate the field of fluorescence microscopy, cell biology and biophotonics.

Thermoelectric Properties of Two-Phase PbTe with Indium Inclusions

The thermoelectric figure of merit (zT) can be increased by introduction of additional interfaces in the bulk to reduce the thermal conductivity. In this work, PbTe with a dispersed indium (In) phase was synthesized by a matrix encapsulation technique for different In concentrations. x-Ray diffraction analysis showed single-phase PbTe with In secondary phase. Rietveld analysis did not show In substitution at either the Pb or Te site, and this was further confirmed by room-temperature Raman data. Low-magnification (similar to 1500x) scanning electron microscopy images showed micrometer-sized In dispersed throughout the PbTe matrix, while at high magnification (150,000x) an agglomeration of PbTe particles in the hot-pressed samples could be seen. The electrical resistivity (rho) and Seebeck coefficient (S) were measured from 300 K to 723 K. Negative Seebeck values showed all the samples to be n-type. A systematic increase in resistivity and higher Seebeck coefficient values with increasing In content indicated the role of PbTe-In interfaces in the scattering of electrons. This was further confirmed by the thermal conductivity (kappa), measured from 423 K to 723 K, where a greater reduction in the electronic as compared with the lattice contribution was found for In-added samples. It was found that, despite the high lattice mismatch at the PbTe-In interface, phonons were not scattered as effectively as electrons. The highest zT obtained was 0.78 at 723 K for the sample with the lowest In content.

Finite size scaling in crossover among different random matrix ensembles in microscopic lattice models

Using numerical diagonalization we study the crossover among different random matrix ensembles (Poissonian, Gaussian orthogonal ensemble (GOE), Gaussian unitary ensemble (GUE) and Gaussian symplectic ensemble (GSE)) realized in two different microscopic models. The specific diagnostic tool used to study the crossovers is the level spacing distribution. The first model is a one-dimensional lattice model of interacting hard-core bosons (or equivalently spin 1/2 objects) and the other a higher dimensional model of non-interacting particles with disorder and spin-orbit coupling. We find that the perturbation causing the crossover among the different ensembles scales to zero with system size as a power law with an exponent that depends on the ensembles between which the crossover takes place. This exponent is independent of microscopic details of the perturbation. We also find that the crossover from the Poissonian ensemble to the other three is dominated by the Poissonian to GOE crossover which introduces level repulsion while the crossover from GOE to GUE or GOE to GSE associated with symmetry breaking introduces a subdominant contribution. We also conjecture that the exponent is dependent on whether the system contains interactions among the elementary degrees of freedom or not and is independent of the dimensionality of the system.