Magnetic and spin evolution of pulsars

We explore the consequences of the model of spin-down-induced flux expulsion for the magnetic field evolution in solitary as well as in binary neutron stars. The spin evolution of pulsars, allowing for their field evolution according to this model, is shown to be consistent with the existing observational constraints in both low- and high-mass X-ray binary systems. The contribution from pulsars recycled in massive binaries to the observed excess in the number of low-field (10(11)-10(12) G) solitary pulsars is argued to be negligible in comparison with that of normal pulsars undergoing a 'restricted' field decay predicted by the adopted field decay model. Magnetic fields of neutron stars born in close binaries with intermediate- or high-mass main-sequence companions are predicted to decay down to values as low as similar to 10(6) G, which would leave them unobservable as pulsars during most of their lifetimes. The post-recycling evolution of some of these systems can, however, account for the observed binary pulsars having neutron star or massive white dwarf companions. Pulsars recycled in the disc population low-mass binaries are expected to have residual fields greater than or similar to 10(8) G, while for those processed in globular clusters larger residual fields are predicted because of the lower field strength of the neutron star at the epoch of binary formation. A value of tau similar to 1-2 x 10(7) yr for the mean value of the Ohmic decay time-scale in the crusts of neutron stars is suggested, based on the consistency of the model predictions with the observed distribution of periods and magnetic fields in the single and binary pulsars.

Variational principles in evolution

For a one-locus selection model, Svirezhev introduced an integral variational principle by defining a Lagrangian which remained stationary on the trajectory followed by the population undergoing selection. It is shown here (i) that this principle can be extended to multiple loci in some simple cases and (ii) that the Lagrangian is defined by a straightforward generalization of the one-locus case, but (iii) that in two-locus or more general models there is no straightforward extension of this principle if linkage and epistasis are present. The population trajectories can be constructed as trajectories of steepest ascent in a Riemannian metric space. A general method is formulated to find the metric tensor and the surface-in the metric space on which the trajectories, which characterize the variations in the gene structure of the population, lie. The local optimality principle holds good in such a space. In the special case when all possible linkage disequilibria are zero, the phase point of the n-locus genetic system moves on the surface of the product space of n higher dimensional unit spheres in a certain Riemannian metric space of gene frequencies so that the rate of change of mean fitness is maximum along the trajectory. In the two-locus case the corresponding surface is a hyper-torus.

Estimation of low-velocity impact damage in laminated composite circular plates using nonlinear finite element analysis

Nonlinear finite element analysis is used for the estimation of damage due to low-velocity impact loading of laminated composite circular plates. The impact loading is treated as an equivalent static loading by assuming the impactor to be spherical and the contact to obey Hertzian law. The stresses in the laminate are calculated using a 48 d.o.f. laminated composite sector element. Subsequently, the Tsai-Wu criterion is used to detect the zones of failure and the maximum stress criterion is used to identify the mode of failure. Then the material properties of the laminate are degraded in the failed regions. The stress analysis is performed again using the degraded properties of the plies. The iterative process is repeated until no more failure is detected in the laminate. The problem of a typical T300/N5208 composite [45 degrees/0 degrees/-45 degrees/90 degrees](s) circular plate being impacted by a spherical impactor is solved and the results are compared with experimental and analytical results available in the literature. The method proposed and the computer code developed can handle symmetric, as well as unsymmetric, laminates. It can be easily extended to cover the impact of composite rectangular plates, shell panels and shells.

Performance of the generalized delta rule in structural damage detection

The paper examines the suitability of the generalized data rule in training artificial neural networks (ANN) for damage identification in structures. Several multilayer perceptron architectures are investigated for a typical bridge truss structure with simulated damage stares generated randomly. The training samples have been generated in terms of measurable structural parameters (displacements and strains) at suitable selected locations in the structure. Issues related to the performance of the network with reference to hidden layers and hidden. neurons are examined. Some heuristics are proposed for the design of neural networks for damage identification in structures. These are further supported by an investigation conducted on five other bridge truss configurations.

Surface damage of yttria-tetragonal zirconia polycrystals and magnesia-partially-stabilized zirconia in single-point abrasion

Commercially available 3Y-TZP and Mg-PSZ flats mere abraded by a 150 degrees diamond cone at -196 degrees, 25 degrees, 200 degrees, and 400 degrees C. The coefficient of friction, the track width, and the morphological features of the track were recorded. Raman spectroscopy mas used to record the tetragonal-to-monoclinic phase transformation (t --> m) as a function of distance away from the track. The study was undertaken to establish the influence of tangential traction on phase transformation and surface damage.

Liquid phase epitaxial growth of pure and doped GaSb layers: morphological evolution and native defects

Undoped and Te-doped gallium antimonide (GaSb) layers have been grown on GaSb bulk substrates by the liquid phase epitaxial technique from Ga-rich and Sb-rich melts. The nucleation morphology of the grown layers has been studied as a function of growth temperature and substrate orientation. MOS structures have been fabricated on the epilayers to evaluate the native defect content in the grown layers from the C-V characteristics. Layers grown from antimony rich melts always exhibit p-type conductivity. In contrast, a type conversion from p- to n- was observed in layers grown from gallium rich melts below 400 degrees C. The electron mobility of undoped n-type layers grown from Ga-rich melts and tellurium doped layers grown from Sb- and Ga-rich solutions has been evaluated.

Hot deformation and microstructural evolution in an alpha(2)/O titanium aluminide alloy Ti-25Al-15Nb

Deformation processing and microstructural development of an alpha(2)/O aluminide alloy Ti-25Al-15Nb (at.%) was studied in the temperature range of 950 to 1200 degrees C and strain rate range of 10(-3) to 100 s(-1). Regions of processing and instability were identified using dynamic materials model. Dynamic recrystallization (DRX) of alpha(2)/O phase and p phase were seen to occur in the region of 950 to 1050 degrees C/0.001 to 0.05 s(-1) and 1125 to 1175 degrees C/0.001 to 0.1 s(-1), respectively. Unstable flow was seen to occur in the region of 1050 to 1190 degrees C/10 to 100 s(-1). Thermal activation analysis showed that DRX of alpha(2)/O and beta was controlled by cross-slip.

Effect of Constant and Cyclic Current Stressing on the Evolution of Intermetallic Compound Layers

In this paper the effects of constant and cyclic power loads on the evolution of interfacial reaction layers in lead-free solder interconnections are presented. Firstly, the differences in the growth behavior of intermetallic compound (IMC) layers at the cathode and anode sides of the interconnections are rationalized. This is done by considering the changes in the intrinsic fluxes of elements owing to electromigration as well as taking into account the fact that the growth of Cu3Sn and Cu6Sn5 are coupled via interfacial reactions. In this way, better understanding of the effect of electron flux on the growth of each individual layer in the Cu-Sn system can be achieved. Secondly, it is shown that there is a distinct difference between steady-state current stressing (constant current, constant temperature) and power cycling with alternating on- and off-cycle periods (accompanied by a change of temperature). The reasons behind the observed differences are subsequently discussed. Finally, special care is taken to ensure that the current densities are chosen in such a way that there is no risk for even partial melting of the solder interconnections.

Microstructure evolution during solidification of DRMMCs (discontinuously reinforced metal matrix composites): State of art

Distribution of particle reinforcements in cast composites is determined by the morphology of the solidification front. Interestingly, during solidification, the morphology of the interface is intrinsically affected by the presence of dispersed reinforcements. Thus the dispersoid distribution and length scale of matrix microstructure is a result of the interplay between these two. A proper combination of material and process parameters can be used to obtain composites with tailored microstructures. This requires the generation of a broad data base and optimization of the complete solidification process. The length scale of soldification microtructure has a large influence on the mechanical properties of the composites. This presentation addresses the concept of a particle distribution map which can help in predicting particle distribution under different solidification conditions Future research directions have also been indicated.

Phase evolution and densification of spray pyrolysed ZrO2-Al2O3 powders

Devitrification of spray pyrolysed, amorphous ZrO2-Al2O3 solid solution produces nanocrystalline microstructures (grain sizes 10-20 nm). In this study, spray pyrolysed amorphous ZrO2-40 mol% Al2O3 powder displayed good sinterability during decomposition, after spraying, of the nitrate precursors up to 1023K. Hot pressing of fully pyrolysed, pre-sintered (more than 70% dense) pellets at 923K and 750 MPa produced an amorphous pellet with less than 2% porosity. The results indicate the possibility of producing dense, amorphous pellets that can be heat treated further to produce nanocrystalline microstructures conducive for superplasticity.

TolA mediates the differential detergent resistance pattern between the Salmonella enterica subsp enterica serovars Typhi and Typhimurium

The tol-pal genes are essential for maintaining the outer membrane integrity and detergent resistance in various Gram-negative bacteria, including Salmonella. The role of TolA has been well established for the bile resistance of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium. We compared the bile resistance pattern between the S. enterica serovars Typhi and Typhimurium and observed that Typhi is more resistant to bile-mediated damage. A closer look revealed a significant difference in the TolA sequence between the two serovars which contributes to the differential detergent resistance. The tolA knockout of both the serovars behaves completely differently in terms of membrane organization and morphology. The role of the Pal proteins and difference in LPS organization between the two serovars were verified and were found to have no direct connection with the altered bile resistance. In normal Luria broth (LB), S. Typhi Delta tolA is filamentous while S. Typhimurium Delta tolA grows as single cells, similar to the wildtype. In low osmolarity LB, however, S. Typhimurium Delta tolA started chaining and S. Typhi Delta tolA showed no growth. Further investigation revealed that the chaining phenomenon observed was the result of failure of the outer membrane to separate in the dividing cells. Taken together, the results substantiate the evolution of a shorter TolA in S. Typhi to counteract high bile concentrations, at the cost of lower osmotic tolerance.

Structural evolution and electronic properties of La1+xSr2-xMn2O7

A detailed study of the layered manganite La1+xSr2-xMn2O7 has been performed, establishing that within the composition range 0.1 less than or equal to x less than or equal to 0.45 the phases crystallize in the I4/mmm space group. The evolution of structural parameters with x: in this composition range has been followed using a novel application of an existing program for the Rietveld analysis of powder diffraction data. The structure, a familiar intergrowth of rock-salt (La,Sr)O slabs and double perovskite (La,Sr)(2)Mn2O6 units, is characterized by a reluctance to deform the latter. This manifests as a ''pumping'' of the larger Sr-II ion into the 12-coordinate site of the structure as x is increased. We report these features of the structure as well as electrical transport and magnetic properties, in light of recent observations of giant, negative magnetoresistance in these systems.

Microstructural evolution and giant magnetoresistance in melt spun and annealed Cu-85(FeCo)(15) alloy

Granular alloys of Cu with FeCo were prepared by the melt-spinning technique. The alloy was characterized by x-ray, transmission electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, and magnetoresistance measurements. The alloys were heat treated for different temperatures to optimize the magnetoresistance properties. Structural characterization reveals that the FeCo phase initially precipitates out as fcc and later transforms to the bcc structure by martensitic transformation. It is seen that the trend in the magnetoresistance properties is different for the measurements carried out at room temperature and 4.2 K. This has been attributed to the transformation of fine fcc precipitates to the bcc structure during the low temperature measurements. It is seen that the presence of fine particles causes an increase in the field for saturation and is not suitable for applications where moderate field giant magnetoresistance is required. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S0021-8979(99)08317-6].

Stochastic dynamics modeling of the protein sequence length distribution in genomes: implications for microbial evolution

In this paper, we report an analysis of the protein sequence length distribution for 13 bacteria, four archaea and one eukaryote whose genomes have been completely sequenced, The frequency distribution of protein sequence length for all the 18 organisms are remarkably similar, independent of genome size and can be described in terms of a lognormal probability distribution function. A simple stochastic model based on multiplicative processes has been proposed to explain the sequence length distribution. The stochastic model supports the random-origin hypothesis of protein sequences in genomes. Distributions of large proteins deviate from the overall lognormal behavior. Their cumulative distribution follows a power-law analogous to Pareto's law used to describe the income distribution of the wealthy. The protein sequence length distribution in genomes of organisms has important implications for microbial evolution and applications. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.