Inverse identification of constitutive parameters from heat source fields: A local approach applied to hyperelasticity

In this paper, a new inverse identification method of constitutive parameters is developed from full kinematic and thermal field measurements. It consists in reconstructing the heat source field from two different approaches by using the heat diffusion equation. The first one requires the temperature field measurement and the value of the thermophysical parameters. The second one is based on the kinematic field measurement and the choice of a thermo-hyperelastic model that contains the parameters to be identified. The identification is carried out at the local scale, ie, at any point of the heat source field, without using the boundary conditions. In the present work, the method is applied to the challenging case of hyperelasticity from a heterogeneous test. Due to large deformations undergone by the rubber specimen tested, a motion compensation technique is developed to plot the kinematic and the thermal fields at the same points before reconstructing the heterogeneous heat source field. In the present case, the constitutive parameter of the Neo-Hookean model has been identified, and its distribution has been characterized with respect to the strain state at the surface of a cross-shaped specimen.     

Phase-Structural and Electrochemical Properties of La2MgNi9 Alloys

Powder Metallurgy and Metal Ceramics - Multiphase La 2 MgNi 9 alloys are synthesized by induction melting. The crystalline structures of all phases in the alloys are determined with X-ray...     

Determination du coefficient d'extinction molaire de OH− dans les verres fluores a base de metaux lourds

The extinction coefficient ? at 2.9 μm for OH in fluoride glasses is measured by determining the amount of HF evolved during heating of the glass under steam and the corresponding intensity of the OH absorption band. This coefficient is respectively equal to 31 litre mole^?1 cm^?1 for BTYbZ glass (15 BaF₂ - 29 ThF₄ - 28 YbF₃ - 28 ZnF₂) and 19.5 litre mole^?1 cm^?1 for BALLA glass (34 BaF₂ - 57 ZrF₄ - 4 AlF₃ - 5 LaF₃).     

Canadian research activity in aquaculture: A bibliometric analysis

Analysis of the Canadian publications in the field of aquaculture reveals that Canada is one of the word's major contributors in this area. This confirms that Canada's expertise in science and technology often finds its stimulus in its resource-based industries. Several bibliometric indicators were used to enlighten the peculiar features of the Canadian research system. These include the channels of communication used by scientists, the authorship pattern, the level of collaboration, the identification of the institutions in which the research is performed and the uneven research effort distribution inside the country. The relevance of such quantitative measures for science policy-making is emphasized. The present study shows how bibliometric analysis, by describing the actual strengths and weaknesses of Canadian research and identifying the agents of this research activity, might foster a better understanding of the Canadian research enterprise as a whole.     

Outcome of cardiac valve ring abscesses after medical treatment: attempt to identify criteria of favorable prognosis

OBJECTIVES: Identify factors predicting favorable outcome after medical management of valve ring abscesses in order to propose a surveillance schedule for conservative treatment. METHODS: A multicentric study conducted from July 1989 to February 1996 included 28 patients (mean age 64 +/- 16 years, range 26-83) hospitalized for active endocarditis and valve ring abscesses diagnosed at transthoracic or transesophageal echography. Conservative medical therapy was given because of a decision of the medico-surgical team (n = 9), high surgical risk (n = 12), or patient refusal of surgery (n = 7). Outcome was favourable in 18 patients (Group I) and unfavorable in 10 (Group II) due to death (n = 9) or subsequent surgery (n = 1). Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to determine differences between the groups in terms of clinical and laboratory data. RESULTS: Mean follow-up in Group I was 33 +/- 18 months and 15 +/- 10 months in Group II. Univariate analysis showed significant differences between Group I and II respectively for age (59 +/- 18 yr vs 72 +/- 10, p = 0.04), delay to apyrexia after antibiotics (4.3 +/- 2.8 vs 8.3 +/- 2.4 days, p < 0.0008), heart failure (5% vs 70%, p = 0.003), grade III or IV valvular regurgitation (5% vs 60%, p < 0.04), and mean surface area of the abscess (1.5 +/- 1.2 vs 5.4 +/- 6.4 cm2, p < 0.03). Independent factors at multivariate analysis were by decreasing order: lack of heart failure at admission, delay to apyrexia, abscess surface area, and age. Outcome was favorable (mean follow-up 33 +/- 10 months) in all patients with an abscess surface area < 1.5 cm2, no signs of heart failure, no grade III or IV valvular regurgitation, apyrexia after less than 8 days on antibiotics and no staphylococcus positive blood culture. CONCLUSION: Medical management of valve ring abscesses may be indicated in selected patients in care units with rigorous surveillance facilities. Further studies are needed to precisely identify surveillance and treatment criteria.     

Reaction of zirconium fluoride glass with water: kinetics of dissolution

When liquid water contacts a zirconium-barium-lanthanum fluoride glass, at least three different processes occur. Barium and zirconium fluoride dissolve into the water, water penetrates into the glass, and zirconium fluoride crystals grow on the glass surface, in static solution. The rate of dissolution, as measured by solution analysis, is possibly controlled by diffusion in the solid surface; surface blockage and surface reactions are other possible kinetic steps involved. Diffusion in solution is not the controlling mechanism. Hydrogen profiles in the glass surface suggest that the penetration rate of water into the glass is controlled by diffusion and a surface reaction.