Three-dimensional warping in strip-based composite four-bar mechanisms

This work intends to demonstrate the effect of geometrically non-linear cross-sectional analysis of certain composite beam-based four-bar mechanisms in predicting the three-dimensional warping of the cross-section. The only restriction in the present analysis is that the strains within each elastic body remain small (i.e., this work does not deal with materials exhibiting non-linear constitutive laws at the 3-D level). Here, all component bars of the mechanism are made of fiber-reinforced laminates. They could, in general, be pre-twisted and/or possess initial curvature, either by design or by defect. Each component of the mechanism is modeled as a beam based on geometrically non-linear 3-D elasticity theory. The component problems are thus split into 2-D analyses of reference beam cross-sections and non-linear 1-D analyses along the three beam reference curves. The splitting of the three-dimensional beam problem into two- and one-dimensional parts, called dimensional reduction, results in a tremendous savings of computational effort relative to the cost of three-dimensional finite element analysis, the only alternative for realistic beams. The analysis of beam-like structures made of laminated composite materials requires a much more complicated methodology. Hence, the analysis procedure based on Variational Asymptotic Method (VAM), a tool to carry out the dimensional reduction, is used here. The representative cross-sections of all component bars are analyzed using two different approaches: (1) Numerical Model and (2) Analytical Model. Four-bar mechanisms are analyzed using the above two approaches for Omega = 20 rad/s and Omega = pi rad/s and observed the same behavior in both cases. The noticeable snap-shots of the deformation shapes of the mechanism about 1000 frames are also reported using commercial software (I-DEAS + NASTRAN + ADAMS). The maximum out-of-plane warping of the cross-section is observed at the mid-span of bar-1, bar-2 and bar-3 are 1.5 mm, 250 mm and 1.0 mm, respectively, for t = 0:5 s. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Numerical analysis of segmented-electrode Orbitraps

Simple geometries which are possible alternatives for the Orbitrap are studied in this paper. We have taken up for numerical investigation two segmented-electrode structures, ORB1 and ORB2, to mimic the electric field of the Orbitrap. In the ORB1, the inner spindle-like electrode and the outer barrel-like electrode of the Orbitrap have been replaced by 35 rings and 35 discs of fixed radii, respectively. In this structure two segmented end cap electrodes have been added. In this geometry, different potentials are applied to the different electrodes keeping top-bottom symmetry intact. In the second geometry, ORB2, the inner and outer electrodes of the Orbitrap were replaced by an approximate step structure which follows the profile of the Orbitrap electrodes. In the present study 45 steps have been used. In the ORB2, like the Orbitrap, the inner electrode is held at a negative potential and the outer electrode is at ground potential. For the purpose of comparing the performance of ORB1 and ORB2 with that of the Orbitrap, the following studies have been undertaken: (1) variation of electric potential, (2) computation of ion trajectories, (3) simulation of image currents. These studies have been carried out using both 2D and 3D Boundary Element Method (BEM), the 3D BEM was developed specifically for this study. It has been seen in these investigations that ORB1 and ORB2 have performance similar to that of the Orbitrap, with the performance of the ORB1 being seen to be marginally superior to that of the ORB2. It has been shown that with proper optimization, geometries containing far fewer electrodes can be used as mass analyzers. A novel technique of optimization of the electric field has been proposed with the objective of minimizing the dependence of axial frequency of ion motion on the initial position of an ion. The results on the optimization of 9 and 15 segmented-electrode traps having the same design as ORB1 show that it can provide accurate mass analysis. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Composite Guidance for Impact Angle Control Against Higher Speed Targets

In the literature, the impact angle control problem has been addressed mostly against lower speed or stationary targets. However, in the current defense scenario, targets of much higher speeds than interceptors are a reality. Moreover, approaching a higher speed target from a specified angle is important for effective seeker acquisition and enhanced warhead effectiveness. This paper proposes a composite proportional navigation guidance law using a combination of the standard proportional navigation and the recently proposed retroproportional navigation guidance laws for intercepting higher speed nonmaneuvering targets at specified impact angles in three-dimensional engagements. An analysis of the set of achievable impact angles by the composite proportional navigation guidance law is presented. It is shown that there exists an impulse bias that, when added to the composite proportional navigation guidance command, expands this set further by reversing the direction of the line-of-sight angular rotation vector. A bound on the magnitude of the bias is also derived. Finally, an implementation of this impulse bias, in the form of a series of pulses, is proposed and analyzed. Simulation results are also presented to support the analysis.

Numerical analysis of segmented-electrode Orbitraps

Simple geometries which are possible alternatives for the Orbitrap are studied in this paper. We have taken up for numerical investigation two segmented-electrode structures, ORB1 and ORB2, to mimic the electric field of the Orbitrap. In the ORB1, the inner spindle-like electrode and the outer barrel-like electrode of the Orbitrap have been replaced by 35 rings and 35 discs of fixed radii, respectively. In this structure two segmented end cap electrodes have been added. In this geometry, different potentials are applied to the different electrodes keeping top-bottom symmetry intact. In the second geometry, ORB2, the inner and outer electrodes of the Orbitrap were replaced by an approximate step structure which follows the profile of the Orbitrap electrodes. In the present study 45 steps have been used. In the ORB2, like the Orbitrap, the inner electrode is held at a negative potential and the outer electrode is at ground potential. For the purpose of comparing the performance of ORB1 and ORB2 with that of the Orbitrap, the following studies have been undertaken: (1) variation of electric potential, (2) computation of ion trajectories, (3) simulation of image currents. These studies have been carried out using both 2D and 3D Boundary Element Method (BEM), the 3D BEM was developed specifically for this study. It has been seen in these investigations that ORB1 and ORB2 have performance similar to that of the Orbitrap, with the performance of the ORB1 being seen to be marginally superior to that of the ORB2. It has been shown that with proper optimization, geometries containing far fewer electrodes can be used as mass analyzers. A novel technique of optimization of the electric field has been proposed with the objective of minimizing the dependence of axial frequency of ion motion on the initial position of an ion. The results on the optimization of 9 and 15 segmented-electrode traps having the same design as ORB1 show that it can provide accurate mass analysis. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Composite Guidance for Impact Angle Control Against Higher Speed Targets

In the literature, the impact angle control problem has been addressed mostly against lower speed or stationary targets. However, in the current defense scenario, targets of much higher speeds than interceptors are a reality. Moreover, approaching a higher speed target from a specified angle is important for effective seeker acquisition and enhanced warhead effectiveness. This paper proposes a composite proportional navigation guidance law using a combination of the standard proportional navigation and the recently proposed retroproportional navigation guidance laws for intercepting higher speed nonmaneuvering targets at specified impact angles in three-dimensional engagements. An analysis of the set of achievable impact angles by the composite proportional navigation guidance law is presented. It is shown that there exists an impulse bias that, when added to the composite proportional navigation guidance command, expands this set further by reversing the direction of the line-of-sight angular rotation vector. A bound on the magnitude of the bias is also derived. Finally, an implementation of this impulse bias, in the form of a series of pulses, is proposed and analyzed. Simulation results are also presented to support the analysis.

Ultrafine graphene oxide-CoFe2O4 nanoparticle composite as T-1 and T-2 contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging

Graphene oxide-CoFe2O4 nanoparticle composites were synthesized using a two step synthesis method in which graphene oxide was initially synthesized followed by precipitation of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles in a reaction mixture containing graphene oxide. Samples were extracted from the reaction mixture at different times at 80 degrees C. All the extracted samples contained CoFe2O4 nanoparticles formed over the graphene oxide. It was observed that the increase in the reflux time significantly increased the saturation magnetization value for the superparamagnetic nanoparticles in the composite. It was also noticed that the size of the nanoparticles increased with increase in the reflux time. Transverse relaxivity of the water protons increased monotonically with increase in the reflux time. Whereas, the longitudinal relaxivity value initially increased and then decreased with the reflux time. Graphene oxide-CoFe2O4 nanoparticle composites also exhibit biocompatibility towards the MCF-7 cell line.

Voltammetric determination of paracetamol, tramadol and caffeine using poly(Nile blue) modified glassy carbon electrode

A poly(Nile blue) modified glassy carbon electrode (PNBMGCE) was fabricated by electropolymerisation of Nile blue (NB) monomer using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and was used for the determination of paracetamol (ACOP), tramadol (TRA) and caffeine (CAF). The electrochemical investigations showed that PNB - film formed on the surface of glassy carbon electrode (GCE) improved the electroactive surface area and displayed a remarkable increase in the peak current and a substantial decrease in over potential of ACOP, TRA and CAF when compared to bare GCE. The dependence of peak current and potential on pH, sweep rate and concentration were also investigated at the surface of PNBMGCE. It showed good sensitivity and selectivity in a wide linear range from 2.0 x 10(-7) to 1.62 x 10(-5) M, 1.0 x 10(-6) to 3.1 x 10(-4) M and 8.0 x 10(-7) to 2.0 x 10(-5) M, with detection limits of 0.08, 0.5 and 0.1 mu M, for ACOP, TRA and CAF, respectively. The PNBMGCE was also successfully applied for the determination of ACOP, TRA and CAF in pharmaceutical dosage forms. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Damage assessment of composite plate structures with material and measurement uncertainty

Composite materials are very useful in structural engineering particularly in weight sensitive applications. Two different test models of the same structure made from composite materials can display very different dynamic behavior due to large uncertainties associated with composite material properties. Also, composite structures can suffer from pre-existing imperfections like delaminations, voids or cracks during fabrication. In this paper, we show that modeling and material uncertainties in composite structures can cause considerable problein in damage assessment. A recently developed C-0 shear deformable locking free refined composite plate element is employed in the numerical simulations to alleviate modeling uncertainty. A qualitative estimate of the impact of modeling uncertainty on the damage detection problem is made. A robust Fuzzy Logic System (FLS) with sliding window defuzzifier is used for delamination damage detection in composite plate type structures. The FLS is designed using variations in modal frequencies due to randomness in material properties. Probabilistic analysis is performed using Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) on a composite plate finite element model. It is demonstrated that the FLS shows excellent robustness in delamination detection at very high levels of randomness in input data. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Facile synthesis of Graphene Oxide/Double-stranded DNA composite liquid crystals and Hydrogels

Investigation of the interactions between graphene oxide (GO) and biomolecules is very crucial for the development of biomedical applications based on GO. This study reports the first observation of the spontaneous formation of self-assembled liquid crystals and three-dimensional hydrogels of graphene oxide with double-stranded DNA by simple mixing in an aqueous buffer media without unwinding double-stranded DNA to single-stranded DNA. The GO/dsDNA hydrogels have shown controlled porosity by changing the concentration of the components. The strong binding between dsDNA and graphene is proved by Raman spectroscopy.

Nickel Electrode for Improving Current Density in Organic Electronic Device

In this work, polymer diode performance was analyzed by using nickel as anode electrode from two kinds of nickel as starting materials, namely nickel wire Ni{B} and nickel nano-particle Ni{N}. Metal electrode surface roughness and grain morphology were investigated by atomic force microscope and scanning electron microscope, respectively. Current-voltage (I-V) and capacitance-voltage (C-V) characteristics were measured for the fabricated device at room temperature. Obtained result from the current-voltage characteristics shows an increment in the current density for nickel nano-particle top electrode device. The increase in the current density could be due to a reduction in built-in voltage at P3HT/Ni{N} interface.

Engineering a multi-biofunctional composite using poly(ethylenimine) decorated graphene oxide for bone tissue regeneration

Toward preparing strong multi-biofunctional materials, poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) conjugated graphene oxide (GO_PEI) was synthesized using poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) as a spacer and incorporated in poly( e-caprolactone) (PCL) at different fractions. GO_PEI significantly promoted the proliferation and formation of focal adhesions in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) on PCL. GO_PEI was highly potent in inducing stem cell osteogenesis leading to near doubling of alkaline phosphatase expression and mineralization over neat PCL with 5% filler content and was approximate to 50% better than GO. Remarkably, 5% GO_ PEI was as potent as soluble osteoinductive factors. Increased adsorption of osteogenic factors due to the amine and oxygen containing functional groups on GO_ PEI augment stem cell differentiation. GO_ PEI was also highly efficient in imparting bactericidal activity with 85% reduction in counts of E. coli colonies compared to neat PCL at 5% filler content and was more than twice as efficient as GO. This may be attributed to the synergistic effect of the sharp edges of the particles along with the presence of the different chemical moieties. Thus, GO_ PEI based polymer composites can be utilized to prepare bioactive resorbable biomaterials as an alternative to using labile biomolecules for fabricating orthopedic devices for fracture fixation and tissue engineering.

Reconciling results of MOCVD of a CNT composite with equilibrium thermodynamics

Composition and microstructure of the composite films can be tailored by controlling the CVD process parameters if an appropriate model can be suggested for quantitative prediction of growth. This is possible by applying equilibrium thermodynamics. A modification of such standard modeling procedure was required to account for the deposition of a hybrid film comprised of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), metallic iron (Fe), and magnetite (Fe3O4), a composite useful for energy storage. In contrast with such composite nature of the deposits obtained by inert-ambient CVD using Fe(acac)3 as precursor, equilibrium thermodynamic modeling with standard procedure predicts the deposition of only Fe3C and carbon, without any co-deposition of Fe and Fe3O4. A modification of the procedure comprising chemical reasoning is therefore proposed herein, which predicts simultaneous deposition of FeO1-x, Fe3C, Fe3O4 and C. At high temperatures and in a carbon-rich atmosphere, these convert to Fe3O4, Fe and C, in agreement with experimental CVD. Close quantitative agreement between the modified thermodynamic modeling and experiment validates the reliability of the modified procedure. Understanding of the chemical process through thermodynamic modeling provides potential for control of CVD process parameters to achieve desired hybrid growth. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

3D scaffold alters cellular response to graphene in a polymer composite for orthopedic applications

Graphene-based polymer nanocomposites are being studied for biomedical applications. Polymer nanocomposites can be processed differently to generate planar two-dimensional (2D) substrates and porous three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds. The objective of this work was to investigate potential differences in biological response to graphene in polymer composites in the form of 2D substrates and 3D scaffolds. Polycaprolactone (PCL) nanocomposites were prepared by incorporating 1% of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO). GO increased modulus and strength of PCL by 44 and 22% respectively, whereas RGO increased modulus and strength by 22 and 16%, respectively. RGO increased the water contact angle of PCL from 81 degrees to 87 degrees whereas GO decreased it to 77 degrees. In 2D, osteoblast proliferated 15% more on GO composites than on PCL whereas RGO composite showed 17% decrease in cell proliferation, which may be attributed to differences in water wettability. In 3D, initial cell proliferation was markedly retarded in both GO (36% lower) and RGO (55% lower) composites owing to increased roughness due to the presence of the protruding nanoparticles. Cells organized into aggregates in 3D in contrast to spread and randomly distributed cells on 2D discs due to the macro-porous architecture of the scaffolds. Increased cell-cell contact and altered cellular morphology led to significantly higher mineralization in 3D. This study demonstrates that the cellular response to nanoparticles in composites can change markedly by varying the processing route and has implications for designing orthopedic implants such as resorbable fracture fixation devices and tissue scaffolds using such nanocomposites. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 732-749, 2016.

Formation and structure of composite coating of HDA and micro-plasma oxidation on A3 steel

Composite coatings were obtained on A3 steel by hot dipping aluminum(HDA) at 720 ℃ for 6 min and micro-plasma oxidation(MPO) in alkali electrolyte. The surface morphology, element distribution and interface structure of composite coatings were studied by means of XRD, SEM and EDS. The results show that the composite coatings obtained through HDA/MPO on A3 steel consist of four layers. From the surface to the substrate, the layer is loose Al2O3 ceramic, compact Al2O3 ceramic, Al and FeAl intermetallic compound layer in turn. The adhesions among all the layers are strengthened because the ceramic layer formed at the Al surface originally, FeAl intermetallic compound layer and substrate are combined in metallurgical form through mutual diffusion during HDA process.Initial experiment results disclose that the anti-corrosion performance and wear resistance of composite coating are obviously improved through HDA/MPO treatment.

Micro-Fracture Toughness in a Nanoceramic Composite

Micro-fracture toughness in one nanoceramic composite, Al_2O_3/SiC_{nano}, is measured by Nanoindentation tests. Microscopy is adopted to probe that all nanoindentations are local at Al_2O_3, matrix component of the current composite and measure length of radial micro-cracks at corriers of nanoindentation. The measured fracture toughness at the shallow indentation is higher than those at deeper ones. Relations between micro-toughness and peak loads as well as peak depths are discussed. And an analysis to the energy consumed during the indentation and fracture toughness explained that, the lower fracture toughness measured in the deeper impression probably resulted from its fracture modes yielded by higher load and larger depth.