Spiral-Wave Dynamics in a Mathematical Model of Human Ventricular Tissue with Myocytes and Fibroblasts

Cardiac fibroblasts, when coupled functionally with myocytes, can modulate the electrophysiological properties of cardiac tissue. We present systematic numerical studies of such modulation of electrophysiological properties in mathematical models for (a) single myocyte-fibroblast (MF) units and (b) two-dimensional (2D) arrays of such units; our models build on earlier ones and allow for zero-, one-, and two-sided MF couplings. Our studies of MF units elucidate the dependence of the action-potential (AP) morphology on parameters such as E-f, the fibroblast resting-membrane potential, the fibroblast conductance G(f), and the MF gap-junctional coupling G(gap). Furthermore, we find that our MF composite can show autorhythmic and oscillatory behaviors in addition to an excitable response. Our 2D studies use (a) both homogeneous and inhomogeneous distributions of fibroblasts, (b) various ranges for parameters such as G(gap), G(f), and E-f, and (c) intercellular couplings that can be zero-sided, one-sided, and two-sided connections of fibroblasts with myocytes. We show, in particular, that the plane-wave conduction velocity CV decreases as a function of G(gap), for zero-sided and one-sided couplings; however, for two-sided coupling, CV decreases initially and then increases as a function of G(gap), and, eventually, we observe that conduction failure occurs for low values of G(gap). In our homogeneous studies, we find that the rotation speed and stability of a spiral wave can be controlled either by controlling G(gap) or E-f. Our studies with fibroblast inhomogeneities show that a spiral wave can get anchored to a local fibroblast inhomogeneity. We also study the efficacy of a low-amplitude control scheme, which has been suggested for the control of spiral-wave turbulence in mathematical models for cardiac tissue, in our MF model both with and without heterogeneities.

Solution of Time Dependent Joule Heat Equation for a Graphene Sheet Under Thomson Effect

We address a physics-based solution of joule heating phenomenon in a single-layer graphene (SLG) sheet under the presence of Thomson effect. We demonstrate that the temperature in an isotopically pure (containing only C-12) SLG sheet attains its saturation level quicker than when doped with its isotopes (C-13). From the solution of the joule heating equation, we find that the thermal time constant of the SLG sheet is in the order of tenths of a nanosecond for SLG dimensions of a few micrometers. These results have been formulated using the electron interactions with the inplane and flexural phonons to demonstrate a field-dependent Landauer transmission coefficient. We further develop an analytical model of the SLG specific heat using the quadratic (out of plane) phonon band structure over the room temperature. Additionally, we show that a cooling effect in the SLG sheet can be substantially enhanced with the addition of C-13. The methodologies as discussed in this paper can be put forward to analyze the graphene heat spreader theory.

Ground motion prediction equation considering combined dataset of recorded and simulated ground motions

Himalayan region is one of the most active seismic regions in the world and many researchers have highlighted the possibility of great seismic event in the near future due to seismic gap. Seismic hazard analysis and microzonation of highly populated places in the region are mandatory in a regional scale. Region specific Ground Motion Predictive Equation (GMPE) is an important input in the seismic hazard analysis for macro- and micro-zonation studies. Few GMPEs developed in India are based on the recorded data and are applicable for a particular range of magnitudes and distances. This paper focuses on the development of a new GMPE for the Himalayan region considering both the recorded and simulated earthquakes of moment magnitude 5.3-8.7. The Finite Fault simulation model has been used for the ground motion simulation considering region specific seismotectonic parameters from the past earthquakes and source models. Simulated acceleration time histories and response spectra are compared with available records. In the absence of a large number of recorded data, simulations have been performed at unavailable locations by adopting Apparent Stations concept. Earthquakes recorded up to 2007 have been used for the development of new GMPE and earthquakes records after 2007 are used to validate new GMPE. Proposed GMPE matched very well with recorded data and also with other highly ranked GMPEs developed elsewhere and applicable for the region. Comparison of response spectra also have shown good agreement with recorded earthquake data. Quantitative analysis of residuals for the proposed GMPE and region specific GMPEs to predict Nepal-India 2011 earthquake of Mw of 5.7 records values shows that the proposed GMPE predicts Peak ground acceleration and spectral acceleration for entire distance and period range with lower percent residual when compared to exiting region specific GMPEs. Crown Copyright (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Solutions of a system of forced Burgers equation

In this article, we obtain explicit solutions of a system of forced Burgers equation subject to some classes of bounded and compactly supported initial data and also subject to certain unbounded initial data. In a series of papers, Rao and Yadav (2010) 1-3] obtained explicit solutions of a nonhomogeneous Burgers equation in one dimension subject to certain classes of bounded and unbounded initial data. Earlier Kloosterziel (1990) 4] represented the solution of an initial value problem for the heat equation, with initial data in L-2 (R-n, e(vertical bar x vertical bar 2/2)), as a series of self-similar solutions of the heat equation in R-n. Here we express the solutions of certain classes of Cauchy problems for a system of forced Burgers equation in terms of self-similar solutions of some linear partial differential equations. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Structural health monitoring of aerospace structural components using wave propagation based diagnostics

The paper discusses a wave propagation based method for identifying the damages in an aircraft built up structural component such as delamination and skin-stiffener debonding. First, a spectral finite element mode l (SFEM) is developed for modeling wave propagation in general built-up structures by using the concept of assembling 2D spectral plate elements. The developed numerical model is validated using conventional 2-D FEM. Studies are performed to capture the mode coupling,that is, the flexural-axial coupling present in the wave responses. Lastly, the damages in these built up structures are then identified using the developed SFEM model and the measured responses using the concept Damage Force Indicator (DFI) technique.

Lamb wave based detection of damage in a stiffener bonded to a plate

Stiffener is one of the major components of aircraft structures to increase the load carrying capacity. Damage in the stiffener, mostly in the form of crack is an unavoidable problem in aerospace structures. Stiffener is bonded to the inner side of the aircraft panel which is not accessible for immediate inspection. A sensor-actuator network can be placed on the outer side of the panel that is accessible. Ultrasonic lamb waves are transmitted through stiffener using the sensoractuator network for detecting the presence of damages. The sensor-actuator network is placed on both halves of the stiffened section on the accessible surface of the plate. Detecting damage in stiffener by using this technique has significant potential for SHM technology. One of the major objectives of the present work is to determine the smallest detectable crack on the stiffener using the proposed technique. Wavelet based damage parameter correlation studies are carried out. In the proposed scheme, with increase in the damage size along the stiffener, it is found that the amplitude of the received signal decreases monotonically. The advantage of this technique is that the stiffened panels need not be disassembled in a realistic deployment of SHM system.

Quantum Phase Diagram of One-Dimensional Spin and Hubbard Models with Transitions to Bond Order Wave Phases

Similar quantum phase diagrams and transitions are found for three classes of one-dimensional models with equally spaced sites, singlet ground states (GS), inversion symmetry at sites and a bond order wave (BOW) phase in some sectors. The models are frustrated spin-1/2 chains with variable range exchange, half-filled Hubbard models with spin-independent interactions and modified Hubbard models with site energies for describing organic charge transfer salts. In some range of parameters, the models have a first order quantum transition at which the GS expectation value of the sublattice spin < S-A(2)> of odd or even-numbered sites is discontinuous. There is an intermediate BOW phase for other model parameters that lead to two continuous quantum transitions with continuous < S-A(2)>. Exact diagonalization of finite systems and symmetry arguments provide a unified picture of familiar 1D models that have appeared separately in widely different contexts.

Quantum Phase Diagram of One-Dimensional Spin and Hubbard Models with Transitions to Bond Order Wave Phases

Similar quantum phase diagrams and transitions are found for three classes of one-dimensional models with equally spaced sites, singlet ground states (GS), inversion symmetry at sites and a bond order wave (BOW) phase in some sectors. The models are frustrated spin-1/2 chains with variable range exchange, half-filled Hubbard models with spin-independent interactions and modified Hubbard models with site energies for describing organic charge transfer salts. In some range of parameters, the models have a first order quantum transition at which the GS expectation value of the sublattice spin < S-A(2)> of odd or even-numbered sites is discontinuous. There is an intermediate BOW phase for other model parameters that lead to two continuous quantum transitions with continuous < S-A(2)>. Exact diagonalization of finite systems and symmetry arguments provide a unified picture of familiar 1D models that have appeared separately in widely different contexts.

Experimental and simulation studies on the performance of standing wave thermoacoustic prime mover for pulse tube refrigerator

The thermoacoustic prime mover (TAPM) has gained considerable attention as a pressure wave generator to drive pulse tube refrigerator (PTR) due to no moving parts, reasonable efficiency, use of environmental friendly working fluids etc. To drive PTCs, lower frequencies (f) with larger pressure amplitudes (Delta P) are essential, which are affected by geometric and operating parameters of TAPM as well as working fluids. For driving PTRs, a twin standing wave TAPM is built and studied by using different working fluids such as helium, argon, nitrogen and their binary mixtures. Simulation results of DeltaEc are compared with experimental data wherever possible. DeltaEc predicts slightly increased resonance frequencies, but gives larger Delta P and lower temperature difference Delta T across stack. High mass number working fluid leads to lower frequency with larger Delta P, but higher Delta T. Studies indicate that the binary gas mixture of right composition with lower Delta T can be arrived at to drive TAPM of given geometry. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd and IIR. All rights reserved.

Experimental investigation of a thermoacoustic refrigerator driven by a standing wave twin thermoacoustic prime mover

The objective of this study is to analyse the performance of thermoacoustic refrigerator (TAR) measured in terms of hot end temperature and temperature difference across refrigerator stack with two different spacing namely 0.4 mm and 0.8 mm and stack used in refrigerating section was made of low thermal conductivity materials namely Mylar sheet and photographic film & the experiments were carried out at 1 MPa pressure using helium as working fluid. High powered acoustic wave with frequency of 460 Hz and pressure amplitude of congruent to 0.07 MPa was obtained from twin thermoacoustic prime mover (TAPM) and this acoustic wave produced temperature difference of 16 degrees C across the Mylar sheet stack made of 0.4 mm spacing in refrigerator section. From this study, it has been inferred that twin TAPM can act as efficient drive for TAR. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd and IIR. All rights reserved.

Lamb Wave Propagation in Laminated Composite Structures

Damage detection using guided Lamb waves is an important tool in Structural health Monitoring. In this paper, we outline a method of obtaining Lamb wave modes in composite structures using two dimensional Spectral Finite Elements. Using this approach, Lamb wave dispersion curves are obtained for laminated composite structures with different fibre orientation. These propagating Lamb wave modes are pictorially captured using tone burst signal.

Guided-wave-based damage detection in a composite T-joint using 3D scanning laser Doppler vibrometer

Composite T-joints are commonly used in modern composite airframe, pressure vessels and piping structures, mainly to increase the bending strength of the joint and prevents buckling of plates and shells, and in multi-cell thin-walled structures. Here we report a detailed study on the propagation of guided ultrasonic wave modes in a composite T-joint and their interactions with delamination in the co-cured co-bonded flange. A well designed guiding path is employed wherein the waves undergo a two step mode conversion process, one is due to the web and joint filler on the back face of the flange and the other is due to the delamination edges close to underneath the accessible surface of the flange. A 3D Laser Doppler Vibrometer is used to obtain the three components of surface displacements/velocities of the accessible face of the flange of the T-joint. The waves are launched by a piezo ceramic wafer bonded on to the back surface of the flange. What is novel in the proposed method is that the location of any change in material/geometric properties can be traced by computing a frequency domain power flow along a scan line. The scan line can be chosen over a grid either during scan or during post-processing of the scan data off-line. The proposed technique eliminates the necessity of baseline data and disassembly of structure for structural interrogation.

A Constitutive Equation for Grain Boundary Sliding: An Experimental Approach

Although grain boundary sliding (GBS) has been recognized as an important process during high-temperature deformation in crystalline materials, there is paucity in experimental data for characterizing a constitutive equation for GBS. High-temperature tensile creep experiments were conducted, together with measurements of GBS at different strains, stresses, grain sizes, and temperatures. Experimental data obtained on a Mg AZ31 alloy demonstrate that, for the first time, dynamic recrystallization during creep does not alter the contribution of GBS to creep during high-temperature deformation. The experimentally observed invariance of the sliding contribution with strain was used together with the creep data for developing a constitutive equation for GBS in a manner similar to the standard creep equation. Using this new approach, it is demonstrated that the stress, grain size, and temperature dependence for creep and GBS are identical. This is rationalized by a model based on GBS controlled by dislocations, within grains or near-grain boundaries. (C) The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society and ASM International 2013

Detonation-driven-shock wave interactions with perforated plates

The study of detonations and their interactions is vital for the understanding of the high-speed flow physics involved and the ultimate goal of controlling their detrimental effects. However, producing safe and repeatable detonations within the laboratory can be quite challenging, leading to the use of computational studies which ultimately require experimental data for their validation. The objective of this study is to examine the induced flow field from the interaction of a shock front and accompanying products of combustion, produced from the detonation taking place within a non-electrical tube lined with explosive material, with porous plates with varying porosities, 0.7-9.7%. State of the art high-speed schlieren photography alongside high-resolution pressure measurements is used to visualise the induced flow field and examine the attenuation effects which occur at different porosities. The detonation tube is placed at different distances from the plates' surface, 0-30 mm, and the pressure at the rear of the plate is recorded and compared. The results indicate that depending on the level of porosity and the Mach number of the precursor shock front secondary reflected and transmitted shock waves are formed through the coalescence of compression waves. With reduced porosity, the plates act almost as a solid surface, therefore the shock propagates faster along its surface.

Nonlinear gravity-wave interactions in stratified turbulence

To investigate the dynamics of gravity waves in stratified Boussinesq flows, a model is derived that consists of all three-gravity-wave-mode interactions (the GGG model), excluding interactions involving the vortical mode. The GGG model is a natural extension of weak turbulence theory that accounts for exact three-gravity-wave resonances. The model is examined numerically by means of random, large-scale, high-frequency forcing. An immediate observation is a robust growth of the so-called vertically sheared horizontal flow (VSHF). In addition, there is a forward transfer of energy and equilibration of the nonzero-frequency (sometimes called ``fast'') gravity-wave modes. These results show that gravity-wave-mode interactions by themselves are capable of systematic interscale energy transfer in a stratified fluid. Comparing numerical simulations of the GGG model and the full Boussinesq system, for the range of Froude numbers (Fr) considered (0.05 a parts per thousand currency sign Fr a parts per thousand currency sign 1), in both systems the VSHF is hardest to resolve. When adequately resolved, VSHF growth is more vigorous in the GGG model. Furthermore, a VSHF is observed to form in milder stratification scenarios in the GGG model than the full Boussinesq system. Finally, fully three-dimensional nonzero-frequency gravity-wave modes equilibrate in both systems and their scaling with vertical wavenumber follows similar power-laws. The slopes of the power-laws obtained depend on Fr and approach -2 (from above) at Fr = 0.05, which is the strongest stratification that can be properly resolved with our computational resources.