New characterizations for hyperbolic cylinders in anti-de Sitter spaces

In this paper we study complete maximal spacelike hypersurfaces in anti-de Sitter space H-1(n+1) with either constant scalar curvature or constant non-zero Gauss-Kronecker curvature. We characterize the hyperbolic cylinders H-m(c(1)) x Hn-m(c(2)), 1 <= m <= n - 1, as the only such hypersurfaces with (n - 1) principal curvatures with the same sign everywhere. In particular we prove that a complete maximal spacelike hypersurface in H-1(5) with negative constant Gauss-Kronecker curvature is isometric to H-1(c(1)) x H-3(c(2)). (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Biaxial nematic phase in the Maier-Saupe model for a mixture of discs and cylinders

We analyze the global phase diagram of a Maier-Saupe lattice model with the inclusion of shape-disordered degrees of freedom to mimic a mixture of oblate and prolate molecules (discs and cylinders). In the neighborhood of a Landau multicritical point, solutions of the statistical problem can be written as a Landau-de Gennes expansion for the free energy. If the shape-disordered degrees of freedom are quenched, we confirm the existence of a biaxial nematic structure. If orientational and disorder degrees of freedom are allowed to thermalize, this biaxial solution becomes thermodynamically unstable. Also, we use a two-temperature formalism to mimic the presence of two distinct relaxation times, and show that a slight departure from complete thermalization is enough to stabilize a biaxial nematic phase.

Experimental Comparison of Two Degrees-of-Freedom Vortex-Induced Vibration on High and Low Aspect Ratio Cylinders with Small Mass Ratio

Vortex-induced motion (VIM) is a specific way for naming the vortex-induced vibration (VIV) acting on floating units. The VIM phenomenon can occur in monocolumn production, storage and offloading system (MPSO) and spar platforms, structures presenting aspect ratio lower than 4 and unity mass ratio, i.e., structural mass equal to the displaced fluid mass. These platforms can experience motion amplitudes of approximately their characteristic diameters, and therefore, the fatigue life of mooring lines and risers can be greatly affected. Two degrees-of-freedom VIV model tests based on cylinders with low aspect ratio and small mass ratio have been carried out at the recirculating water channel facility available at NDF-EPUSP in order to better understand this hydro-elastic phenomenon. The tests have considered three circular cylinders of mass ratio equal to one and different aspect ratios, respectively L/D = 1.0, 1.7, and 2.0, as well as a fourth cylinder of mass ratio equal to 2.62 and aspect ratio of 2.0. The Reynolds number covered the range from 10 000 to 50 000, corresponding to reduced velocities from 1 to approximately 12. The results of amplitude and frequency in the transverse and in-line directions were analyzed by means of the Hilbert-Huang transform method (HHT) and then compared to those obtained from works found in the literature. The comparisons have shown similar maxima amplitudes for all aspect ratios and small mass ratio, featuring a decrease as the aspect ratio decreases. Moreover, some changes in the Strouhal number have been indirectly observed as a consequence of the decrease in the aspect ratio. In conclusion, it is shown that comparing results of small-scale platforms with those from bare cylinders, all of them presenting low aspect ratio and small mass ratio, the laboratory experiments may well be used in practical investigation, including those concerning the VIM phenomenon acting on platforms. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4006755]

Two-degree-of-freedom vortex-induced vibration of circular cylinders with very low aspect ratio and small mass ratio

The investigation of vortex-induced vibration on very short cylinders with two degrees of freedom has drawn the attention of a large number of researchers. Some investigations on such a problem are carried out in order to have a better understanding of the physics involved in vortex-induced motions of floating bodies such as offshore platforms. In this paper, experiments were carried out in a recirculating water channel over the range of Reynolds number 6000cylinders with two degrees of freedom, three different small mass ratios (m⁎=1.00; 2.62 and 4.36) and very low aspect ratios (0.3≤L/D≤2.0) were shown and the results were discussed in depth. Conversely to what would be expected for cylinders with very low aspect ratio, the results showed large motions in the transverse direction with maximum amplitudes around 1.5 diameters for cylinders with L/D=2.0, despite being smaller when the aspect ratio is reduced. Moreover, the response amplitudes presented high values around 0.4 diameters in the in-line direction. In fact, the large transverse motions were related to a strong coupling with the in-line responses, visibly identified in the plots of nondimensional frequency, as well as by the trajectories in the XY-plane, Lissajous figures, particularly in the case of m⁎=1.00 and L/D=2.0, when 8-shape trajectories were clearly observed. The case of m⁎=1.00 deserves more attention because of its smaller amplitude compared to the cases with the same aspect ratio and a larger mass ratio. This counter-intuitive behavior seems to be related to the energy transferring process from the steady stream to the oscillatory hydroelastic system. Finally, it is noteworthy that the characteristic of the “Strouhal-like” number decreases when the aspect ratio decreases, as also observed in previous works available in the literature, most of them for stationary cylinders.

One and two degrees-of-freedom Vortex-Induced Vibration experiments with yawed cylinders

Vortex-Induced Vibration (VIV) experiments were carried out with yawed cylinders. The purpose was to investigate the validity of the Independence Principle (IP) for properly describing the flow characteristics and the dynamics of structures subjected to oblique flow. Five yaw angles in relation to the direction perpendicular to the free stream velocity were tested, namely View the MathML sourceθ=0°,10°,20°,30° and 45°. Both the upstream and downstream orientations were tested. The models were mounted on a leaf spring apparatus that allows experiments with one or two degrees of freedom. The Reynolds numbers based on the component normal to the cylinder axis fell in the interval 3×103

Two-degree-of-freedom vortex-induced vibration of circular cylinders with very low aspect ratio and small mass ratio

The investigation of vortex-induced vibration on very short cylinders with two degrees of freedom has drawn the attention of a large number of researchers. Some investigations on such a problem are carried out in order to have a better understanding of the physics involved in vortex-induced motions of floating bodies such as offshore platforms. In this paper, experiments were carried out in a recirculating water channel over the range of Reynolds number 6000cylinders with two degrees of freedom, three different small mass ratios (m⁎=1.00; 2.62 and 4.36) and very low aspect ratios (0.3≤L/D≤2.0) were shown and the results were discussed in depth. Conversely to what would be expected for cylinders with very low aspect ratio, the results showed large motions in the transverse direction with maximum amplitudes around 1.5 diameters for cylinders with L/D=2.0, despite being smaller when the aspect ratio is reduced. Moreover, the response amplitudes presented high values around 0.4 diameters in the in-line direction. In fact, the large transverse motions were related to a strong coupling with the in-line responses, visibly identified in the plots of nondimensional frequency, as well as by the trajectories in the XY-plane, Lissajous figures, particularly in the case of m⁎=1.00 and L/D=2.0, when 8-shape trajectories were clearly observed. The case of m⁎=1.00 deserves more attention because of its smaller amplitude compared to the cases with the same aspect ratio and a larger mass ratio. This counter-intuitive behavior seems to be related to the energy transferring process from the steady stream to the oscillatory hydroelastic system. Finally, it is noteworthy that the characteristic of the “Strouhal-like” number decreases when the aspect ratio decreases, as also observed in previous works available in the literature, most of them for stationary cylinders.

A method to investigate the shrinkage stress developed by resin-composites bonded to a single flat surface

Objectives. To purpose a method for predicting the shrinkage stress development in the adhesive layer of resin-composite cylinders that shrink bonded to a single flat surface, by measuring the deflection of a glass coverslip caused by the shrinkage of the bonded cylinders. The correlation between the volume of the bonded resin-composite and the stress-peak was also investigated. Methods. A glass coverslip deflection caused by the shrinkage of a bonded resin-composite cylinder (diameter: d = 8 mm, 4 mm, or 2 mm, height: h = 4 mm, 2 mm, 1 mm, or 0.5 mm) was measured, and the same set-up was simulated by finite element analysis (3D-FEA). Stresses generated in the adhesive layer were plotted versus two geometric variables of the resin-composite cylinder (C-Factor and volume) to verify the existence of correlations between them and stresses. Results. The FEA models were validated. A significant correlation (p < 0.01, Pearson's test) between the stress-peak and the coverslip deflection when the resin-composites were grouped by diameter was found for diameters of 2 and 4 mm. The stress-peak of the whole set of data showed a logarithmic correlation with the bonded resin-composite volume (p < 0.001, Pearson's test), but did not correlate with the C-Factor. Significance. The described method should be considered for standardizing the stress generated by the shrinkage of resin-composite blocks bonded to a single flat surface. (C) 2012 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Modeling the exergy behavior of human body

Exergy analysis is applied to assess the energy conversion processes that take place in the human body, aiming at developing indicators of health and performance based on the concepts of exergy destroyed rate and exergy efficiency. The thermal behavior of the human body is simulated by a model composed of 15 cylinders with elliptical cross section representing: head, neck, trunk, arms, forearms, hands, thighs, legs, and feet. For each, a combination of tissues is considered. The energy equation is solved for each cylinder, being possible to obtain transitory response from the body due to a variation in environmental conditions. With this model, it is possible to obtain heat and mass flow rates to the environment due to radiation, convection, evaporation and respiration. The exergy balances provide the exergy variation due to heat and mass exchange over the body, and the exergy variation over time for each compartments tissue and blood, the sum of which leads to the total variation of the body. Results indicate that exergy destroyed and exergy efficiency decrease over lifespan and the human body is more efficient and destroys less exergy in lower relative humidities and higher temperatures. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mathematical modeling and analysis of the particle interactions in the direct filtration using the colloidal theory

This work used the colloidal theory to describe forces and energy interactions of colloidal complexes in the water and those formed during filtration run in direct filtration. Many interactions of particle energy profiles between colloidal surfaces for three geometries are presented here in: spherical, plate and cylindrical; and four surface interactions arrangements: two cylinders, two spheres, two plates and a sphere and a plate. Two different situations were analyzed, before and after electrostatic destabilization by action of the alum sulfate as coagulant in water studies samples prepared with kaolin. In the case were used mathematical modeling by extended DLVO theory (from the names: Derjarguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek) or XDLVO, which include traditional approach of the electric double layer (EDL), surfaces attraction forces or London-van der Waals (LvdW), esteric forces and hydrophobic forces, additionally considering another forces in colloidal system, like molecular repulsion or Born Repulsion and Acid-Base (AB) chemical function forces from Lewis.

Suppression of vortex-induced vibration using moving surface boundary-layer control

Experimental results of flow around a circular cylinder with moving surface boundary-layer control (MSBC) are presented. Two small rotating cylinders strategically located inject momentum in the boundary layer of the cylinder, which delays the separation of the boundary layer. As a consequence, the wake becomes narrower and the fluctuating transverse velocity is reduced, resulting in a recirculation free region that prevents the vortex formation. The control parameter is the ratio between the tangential velocity of the moving surface and the flow velocity (U-c/U). The main advantage of the MSBC is the possibility of combining the suppression of vortex-induced vibration (VIV) and drag reduction. The experimental tests are preformed at a circulating water channel facility and the circular cylinders are mounted on a low-damping air bearing base with one degree-of-freedom in the transverse direction of the channel flow. The mass ratio is 1.8. The Reynolds number ranges from 1600 to 7500, the reduced velocity varies up to 17, and the control parameter interval is U-c/U = 5-10. A significant decreasing in the maximum amplitude of oscillation for the cylinder with MSBC is observed. Drag measurements are obtained for statically mounted cylinders with and without MSBC. The use of the flow control results in a mean drag reduction at U-c/U = 5 of almost 60% compared to the plain cylinder. PIV velocity fields of the wake of static cylinders are measured at Re = 3000. The results show that the wake is highly organized and narrower compared to the one observed in cylinders without control. The calculation of the total variance of the fluctuating transverse velocity in the wake region allows the introduction of an active closed-loop control. The experimental results are in good agreement with the numerical simulation studies conducted by other researchers for cylinders with MSBC. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Shear bond strength between different materials bonded with two resin cements

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the shear bond strength between Ni-Cr alloy specimens bonded to air-abraded Ni-Cr, bur-abraded Ni-Cr, etched ceramic and etched enamel substrates using the resin cements RelyX ARC or Enforce. Materials and methods: Ni-Cr specimens were made and sandblasted with Al2O3 airborne-particles. Disc-shaped patterns were made for each of the four experimental substrates: Ni-Cr treated with Al2O3 airborne-particles, Ni-Cr treated with diamond bur abrasion, etched enamel and etched ceramic. Results: Significant differences in shear bond strength were found between the different materials and luting agents evaluated. The Ni-Cr alloy cylinders bonded to Ni-Cr surfaces sandblasted with 50 lm Al2O3 particles and bonded with Enforce achieved the highest bond strength when compared with other substrates (28.9 MPa, p < 0.05). Bur-abraded metal discs had lowest values, regardless the cement used (2.9 and 6.9 MPa for RelyX and Enforce, respectively). Etched enamel and etched ceramic had similar shear bond strengths within cement groups and performed better when RelyX was used. Conclusions: Bonding Ni-Cr to Ni-Cr and ceramic may result in similar and higher bond strength when compared to Ni-Cr/enamel bonding. For metal/metal bonding, higher shear bond strength was achieved with resin cement Enforce, and for metal/ceramic and metal/enamel bonding, RelyX had higher results.

Experimental study on vortex-induced motions of a semi-submersible platform with four square columns, Part I: Effects of current incidence angle and hull appendages

An experimental study on Vortex-Induced Motion (VIM) of the semi-submersible platform concept with four square columns is presented. Model tests were carried out to check the influence of different headings and hull appendages (riser supports located at the pontoons; fairleads and the mooring stretches located vertically at the external column faces; and hard pipes located vertically at the internal column faces). The results comprise in-line, transverse and yaw motions, as well as combined motions in the XY plane, drag and lift forces and spectral analysis. The main results showed that VIM in the transverse direction occurred in a range of reduced velocity 4.0 up to 14.0 with amplitude peaks around reduced velocities around 7.0 and 8.0. The largest transverse amplitudes obtained were around 40% of the column width for 30 degrees and 45 degrees incidences. Another important result observed was a considerable yaw motion oscillation, in which a synchronization region could be identified as a resonance phenomenon. The largest yaw motions were verified for the 0 degrees incidence and the maxima amplitudes around 4.5 degrees. The hull appendages located at columns had the greatest influence on the VIM response of the semi-submersible. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of cilostazol in kidney and skeletal striated muscle of Wistar rats submitted to acute ischemia and reperfusion of hind limbs

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of cilostazol, in kidney and skeletal muscle of rats submitted to acute ischemia and reperfusion. METHODS: Fourty three animals were randomized and divided into two groups. Group I received a solution of cilostazol (10 mg/Kg) and group II received saline solution 0.9% (SS) by orogastric tube after ligature of the abdominal aorta. After four hours of ischemia the animals were divided into four subgroups: group IA (Cilostazol): two hours of reperfusion. Group IIA (SS): two hours of reperfusion. Group IB (Cilostazol): six hours of reperfusion. Group IIB (SS) six hours of reperfusion. After reperfusion, a left nephrectomy was performed and removal of the muscles of the hind limb. The histological parameters were studied. In kidney cylinders of myoglobin, vacuolar degeneration and acute tubular necrosis. In muscle interstitial edema, inflammatory infiltrate, hypereosinophilia fiber, cariopicnose and necrosis. Apoptosis was assessed by immunohistochemistry for cleaved caspase-3 and TUNEL. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between groups. CONCLUSION: Cilostazol had no protective effect on the kidney and the skeletal striated muscle in rats submitted to acute ischemia and reperfusion in this model.

Design of laminated piezocomposite shell transducers with arbitrary fiber orientation using topology optimization approach

Sensor and actuator based on laminated piezocomposite shells have shown increasing demand in the field of smart structures. The distribution of piezoelectric material within material layers affects the performance of these structures; therefore, its amount, shape, size, placement, and polarization should be simultaneously considered in an optimization problem. In addition, previous works suggest the concept of laminated piezocomposite structure that includes fiber-reinforced composite layer can increase the performance of these piezoelectric transducers; however, the design optimization of these devices has not been fully explored yet. Thus, this work aims the development of a methodology using topology optimization techniques for static design of laminated piezocomposite shell structures by considering the optimization of piezoelectric material and polarization distributions together with the optimization of the fiber angle of the composite orthotropic layers, which is free to assume different values along the same composite layer. The finite element model is based on the laminated piezoelectric shell theory, using the degenerate three-dimensional solid approach and first-order shell theory kinematics that accounts for the transverse shear deformation and rotary inertia effects. The topology optimization formulation is implemented by combining the piezoelectric material with penalization and polarization model and the discrete material optimization, where the design variables describe the amount of piezoelectric material and polarization sign at each finite element, with the fiber angles, respectively. Three different objective functions are formulated for the design of actuators, sensors, and energy harvesters. Results of laminated piezocomposite shell transducers are presented to illustrate the method. Copyright (C) 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Implant Stability Measurements of Two Immediate Loading Protocols for the Edentulous Mandible: Rigid and Semi-rigid Splinting of the Implants

Aim: Primary and secondary stabilities of immediately loaded mandibular implants restored with fixed prostheses (FP) using rigid or semirigid splinting systems were clinically and radiographically evaluated. Methods: Fifteen edentulous patients were rehabilitated using hybrid FP; each had 5 implants placed between the mental foramens. Two groups were randomly divided: group 1-FP with the conventional rigid bar splinting the implants and group 2-semi-rigid cantilever extension system with titanium bars placed in the 2 distal abutment cylinders. Primary stability was evaluated using resonance frequency analysis after installation of the implant abutments. The measurements were made at 3 times: T0, at baseline; T1, 4 months after implant placement; and T2, 8 months after implant placement. Presence of mobility and inflammation in the implant surrounding regions were checked. Stability data were submitted to statistical analysis for comparison between groups (P, 0.05). Results: Implant survival rate for the implants was of 100% in both groups. No significant differences in the mean implant stability quotient values were found for both groups from baseline and after the 8-month follow-up. Conclusion: The immediate loading of the implants was satisfactory, and both splinting conditions (rigid and semi-rigid) can be successfully used for the restoration of edentulous mandibles. (Implant Dent 2012;21:486-490)