A meshless method with conforming and nonconforming sub‐domains

An accurate and easy integration technique is desired for the meshless methods of weak form. As is well known, a sub‐domain method is often used in computational mechanics. The conforming sub‐domains, where the sub‐domains are not separated nor overlapped each other, are often used, while the nonconforming sub‐domains could be employed if needed. In the latter cases, the integrations of the sub‐domains may be performed easily by choosing a simple configuration. And then, the meshless method with nonconforming sub‐domains is considered one of the reasonable choices for computational mechanics without the troublesome integration. In this paper, we propose a new sub‐domain meshless method. It is noted that, because the method can employ both the conforming and the nonconforming sub‐domains, the integration for the weak form is necessarily accurate and easy by selecting the nonconforming sub‐domains with simple configuration. The boundary value problems including the Poisson's equation and the Helmholtz's equation are analyzed by using the proposed method. The numerical solutions are compared with the exact solutions and the solutions of the collocation method, showing that the relative errors by using the proposed method are smaller than those by using the collocation method and that the proposed method possesses a good convergence. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A suitable low‐order,tetrahedral finite element for solids

To use the all‐tetrahedral mesh generation capabilities existing today, we have explored the creation of a computationally efficient eight‐node tetrahedral finite element (a four‐node tetrahedral finite element enriched with four mid‐face nodal points). The derivation of the element's gradient operator, studies in obtaining a suitable mass lumping and the element's performance in applications are presented. In particular, we examine the eight‐node tetrahedral finite element's behavior in longitudinal plane wave propagation, in transverse cylindrical wave propagation, and in simulating Taylor bar impacts. The element samples only constant strain states and, therefore, has 12 hourglass modes. In this regard, it bears similarities to the eight‐node, mean‐quadrature hexahedral finite element. Comparisons with the results obtained from the mean‐quadrature eight‐node hexahedral finite element and the four‐node tetrahedral finite element are included. Given automatic all‐tetrahedral meshing, the eight‐node, mean‐quadrature tetrahedral finite element is a suitable replacement for the eight‐node, mean‐quadrature hexahedral finite element and meshes requiring an inordinate amount of user intervention and direction to generate. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. This paper was produced under the auspices of the U.S. Government and it is therefore not subject to copyright in the U.S.     

High‐Speed 3D Printing of Millimeter‐Size Customized Aspheric Imaging Lenses with Sub 7 nm Surface Roughness

Advancements in three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology have the potential to transform the manufacture of customized optical elements, which today relies heavily on time‐consuming and costly polishing and grinding processes. However the inherent speed‐accuracy trade‐off seriously constrains the practical applications of 3D‐printing technology in the optical realm. In addressing this issue, here, a new method featuring a significantly faster fabrication speed, at 24.54 mm³ h^?1, without compromising the fabrication accuracy required to 3D‐print customized optical components is reported. A high‐speed 3D‐printing process with subvoxel‐scale precision (sub 5 µm) and deep subwavelength (sub 7 nm) surface roughness by employing the projection micro‐stereolithography process and the synergistic effects from grayscale photopolymerization and the meniscus equilibrium post‐curing methods is demonstrated. Fabricating a customized aspheric lens 5 mm in height and 3 mm in diameter is accomplished in four hours. The 3D‐printed singlet aspheric lens demonstrates a maximal imaging resolution of 373.2 lp mm^?1 with low field distortion less than 0.13% across a 2 mm field of view. This lens is attached onto a cell phone camera and the colorful fine details of a sunset moth's wing and the spot on a weevil's elytra are captured. This work demonstrates the potential of this method to rapidly prototype optical components or systems based on 3D printing.     

A sub‐grid scale finite element agglomeration multigrid method with application to the Boltzmann transport equation

This article describes a new element agglomeration multigrid method for solving partial differential equations discretised through a sub‐grid scale finite element formulation. The sub‐grid scale discretisation resolves solution variables through their separate coarse and fine scales, and these are mapped between the multigrid levels using a dual set of transfer operators. The sub‐grid scale multigrid method forms coarse linear systems, possessing the same sub‐grid scale structure as the original discretisation, that can be resolved without them being stored in memory. This is necessary for the application of this article in resolving the Boltzmann transport equation as the linear systems become extremely large. The novelty of this article is therefore a matrix‐free multigrid scheme that is integrated within its own sub‐grid scale discretisation using dual transfer operators and applied to the Boltzmann transport equation. The numerical examples presented are designed to show the method's preconditioning capabilities for a Krylov space‐based solver. The problems range in difficulty, geometry and discretisation type, and comparisons made with established methods show this new approach to perform consistently well. Smoothing operators are also analysed and this includes using the generalized minimal residual method. Here, it is shown that an adaptation to the preconditioned Krylov space is necessary for it to work efficiently. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Inverse Sub‐Structuring Theory for Coupled Product Transport System Based On the Dummy Masses Method

It is of high importance to predict the components frequency response functions (FRFs) for obtaining the coupled product transport system's response. However, the components behaves much differently when coupled with another components compared with that in free state. Inverse sub‐structuring method has been recently proposed and applied for inverse analysis of the dynamical response of coupled product transport system. The component‐level FRFs and the coupling dynamic stiffness are all predicted from only the system‐level FRFs, facilitating the engineering design for product transport system. However, in most engineering application practices, the system‐level FRFs from coupling degrees of freedom may not be measured accurately because of the difficulties of vibration excitation and/or response measurement for the coupled interface between components within the limited accessible space. The aim of this paper is to develop a new FRF‐based indirect inverse sub‐structuring method for the analysis of the dynamic characteristics of a two‐component coupled product transport system without measuring system‐level FRFs at the coupling degrees of freedom. A so‐called dummy masses method is developed and applied for predicting the unmeasured FRFs at the coupling degrees of freedom, and the inverse sub‐structuring approach based on the dummy mass method is derived for inverse analysis of coupled product transport system, which is further verified by a lumped‐mass model, showing exact agreement. Finally, the experiment on a physical prototype of two‐substructure coupled product transport system is performed to further check the accuracy of the suggested method. The new method shows its great application prospect in coupled product transport system.     

Poly(Methacrylic Acid) Polymer Hydrogel Capsules: Drug Carriers,Sub‐compartmentalized Microreactors,Artificial Organelles

Multilayered polymer capsules attract significant research attention and are proposed as candidate materials for diverse biomedical applications, from targeted drug delivery to microencapsulated catalysis and sensors. Despite tremendous efforts, the studies which extend beyond proof of concept and report on the use of polymer capsules in drug delivery are few, as are the developments in encapsulated catalysis with the use of these carriers. In this Concept article, the recent successes of poly(methacrylic acid) hydrogel capsules as carrier vessels for delivery of therapeutic cargo, creation of microreactors, and assembly of sub‐compartmentalized cell mimics are discussed. The developed technologies are outlined, successful applications of these capsules are highlighted, capsules properties which contribute to their performance in diverse applications are discussed, and further directions and plausible developments in the field are suggested.     

Hydro‐Assisted Self‐Regenerating Brominated N‐Alkylated Thiophene Diketopyrrolopyrrole Dye Nanofibers—A Sustainable Synthesis Route for Renewable Air Filter Materials

With rising global concerns over the alarming levels of particulate pollution, a sustainable air quality management is the need of the hour. Air filtration research has gained momentum in recent years. However, the research perspective is still blinkered toward formulating new fiber systems for the energy‐intensive electrospinning process to fabricate high quality factor air filters. A holistic approach on sustainable air filtration models is still lacking. The air filter model presented in this work uses a simple process involving water‐induced self‐organization and self‐regeneration of nanofibers, and an easy recycling route after the filter life that not only facilitates reuse of the microfibrous scaffold holding the nanofibers but also allows renewal of nanofibers. Three generations of air filters are fabricated and tested, all having high particulate matter (PM)‐adsorbing tendency, high filtration efficiency (>95%), and high Young's modulus (≈5 GPa). The renewable air filters offer a sustainable alternative to the present cost‐intensive electrospun air filters.     

Refractory orthostatic hypotension after creation of a brachio‐basilic arteriovenous fistula

Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are preferred vascular access in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD). However, AVFs, can occasionally lead to clinically significant complications. Of these, cardiovascular complications have been well described in the literature. In this report, we describe a case of a 78‐year‐old Caucasian male with ESRD who presented with severe debilitating dizziness and orthostatic hypotension that started soon after the creation of left brachiobasilic AVF. The patient had no significant cardiovascular history apart from essential hypertension. His symptoms persisted despite extensive evaluation and interventions, and abated only after banding of the AVF. This report describes the timeline of the patient's clinical course beginning from the day of creation of his AVF, through the course of his hospitalization leading to AVF banding and ending with postoperative recovery phase with resolution of symptoms. We will also review the pathophysiologic effects of AVF on cardiovascular system, as well as the potential causes of our patient's clinical presentation.     

The Zoological Museum of the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences, 1860s–1910: From an academic institute to a public museum

This article examines the change in public access of the Zoological Museum of the Imperial St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences from the second half of the 19th to the early 20th century. During this period, the Zoological Museum was transformed from an institution devoted to research to a large scientific and popular educational center. Discussions about expanding public access to the Zoological Museum began in the 1860s as part of the implementation of liberal‐democratic reforms in Russia. The Museum did not immediately respond to the new social setting because its managers considered scientific research the priority. Nevertheless, they did take some steps towards meeting the needs of the public in the 1860s and still more effective changes in the Museum's activities in the early 1890s. The rise in public interest in the natural sciences and the creation of large museums of natural history in Europe stimulated the government and the management of the Academy of Sciences to create a public zoological museum in St. Petersburg. The Zoological Museum was given a new building, significant additional funding, and new regulations, which defined its scientific and popular educational functions as equally important. Because of these measures, the Zoological Museum could function not only as a research institute, but also as a public museum by the early 20th century.     

Theoretical framework for estimating a product's reliability using a variable‐amplitude loading spectrum and a stress‐based approach

An innovative approach for predicting the reliability of a structure that is subject to a variable‐amplitude dynamic load is presented. In this approach, a Gassner durability curve with its scatter is modelled using a 2‐parametric Weibull's probability density function (PDF). The trend of the Gassner durability curve is modelled with a general hyperbola equation in a log‐log scale. The hyperbola equation is applied to represent the durability curve for the 63.2% probability of fatigue failure that describes the dependency of the Weibull's scale parameter on the loading spectrum's maximum stress. Equations are derived to link the parameters of the hyperbola curve to the material's S‐N curve and the loading spectrum. The Weibull's shape parameter is estimated from the scatter of the material's S‐N curve. The proposed Gassner‐curve model is applied to calculate the fatigue reliability from the PDF of the loading spectrum's maximum stress and the PDF of the durability‐curve's amplitude stress for the selected number of loading‐cycles‐to‐failure.     

Cluster‐Assembled Nanocomposites: Functional Properties by Design

The unique functional properties of nanocomposites meet many of the material requirements sought after in numerous applications of today's high‐tech industry. This, in turn, inspires material scientists to devise new methods that can further expand the palette of available nanocomposites. Precise control over the chemistry, morphology, and microstructure of nanocomposites' constituents promises the eventual ability to design any composite material for any specific requirement. However, today's synthesis methods still lack the ability to simultaneously control all chemical, morphological, and microstructural features of nanocomposites in a one‐step process. Here, an alternative approach to fabricate fully tailorable nanocomposites under well‐defined conditions is described. In particular, this progress report focuses on the combination of cluster ion beam and thin‐film deposition technologies to fabricate cluster‐assembled nanocomposites via codeposition of cluster ions and matrix materials. Emphasis is given to the state‐of‐the‐art cluster deposition system, designed and built by our research group, as well as to its unique abilities. Moreover, case studies on two cluster‐assembled nanocomposite material systems (Fe/Ag_m and Fe/Cr_m) prepared with this method are presented. Finally, an outlook on research directions for cluster‐assembled nanocomposites is discussed.     

Combined Nano‐ and Micro‐Scale Topographic Cues for Engineered Vascular Constructs by Electrospinning and Imprinted Micro‐Patterns

The major cause of synthetic vessel failure is thrombus and neointima formation. To prevent these problems the creation of a continuous and elongated endothelium inside lumen vascular grafts might be a promising solution for tissue engineering. Different micro‐ and nano‐surface topographic cues including grooved micro‐patterns and electrospun fibers have been previously demonstrated to guide the uniform alignment of endothelial cells (ECs). Here, with a very simple and highly versatile approach we combined electrospinning with soft lithography to fabricate nanofibrous scaffolds with oriented fibers modulated by different micro‐grooved topographies. The effect of these scaffolds on the behavior of the ECs are analyzed, including their elongation, spreading, proliferation, and functioning using unpatterned random and aligned nanofibers (NFs) as controls. It is demonstrated that both aligned NFs and micro‐patterns effectively influence the cellular response, and that a proper combination of topographic parameters, exploiting the synergistic effects of micro‐scale and sub‐micrometer features, can promote EC elongation, allowing the creation of a confluent ECs monolayer in analogy with the natural endothelium as assessed by the positive expression of vinculin. Combining different micro‐ and nano‐topographic cues by complementary soft patterning and spinning technologies could open interesting perspectives for engineered vascular replacement constructions.     

Clustered generalized finite element methods for mesh unrefinement,non‐matching and invalid meshes

In spite of significant advancements in automatic mesh generation during the past decade, the construction of quality finite element discretizations on complex three‐dimensional domains is still a difficult and time demanding task. In this paper, the partition of unity framework used in the generalized finite element method (GFEM) is exploited to create a very robust and flexible method capable of using meshes that are unacceptable for the finite element method, while retaining its accuracy and computational efficiency. This is accomplished not by changing the mesh but instead by clustering groups of nodes and elements. The clusters define a modified finite element partition of unity that is constant over part of the clusters. This so‐called clustered partition of unity is then enriched to the desired order using the framework of the GFEM. The proposed generalized finite element method can correctly and efficiently deal with: (i) elements with negative Jacobian; (ii) excessively fine meshes created by automatic mesh generators; (iii) meshes consisting of several sub‐domains with non‐matching interfaces. Under such relaxed requirements for an acceptable mesh, and for correctly defined geometries, today's automated tetrahedral mesh generators can practically guarantee successful volume meshing that can be entirely hidden from the user. A detailed technical discussion of the proposed generalized finite element method with clustering along with numerical experiments and some implementation details are presented. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A comparison of transformation methods for evaluating two‐dimensional weakly singular integrals

Accurate numerical evaluation of integrals arising in the boundary element method is fundamental to achieving useful results via this solution technique. In this paper, a number of techniques are considered to evaluate the weakly singular integrals which arise in the solution of Laplace's equation in three dimensions and Poisson's equation in two dimensions. Both are two‐dimensional weakly singular integrals and are evaluated using (in a product fashion) methods which have recently been used for evaluating one‐dimensional weakly singular integrals arising in the boundary element method. The methods used are based on various polynomial transformations of conventional Gaussian quadrature points where the transformation polynomial has zero Jacobian at the singular point. Methods which split the region of integration into sub‐regions are considered as well as non‐splitting methods. In particular, the newly introduced and highly accurate generalized composite subtraction of singularity and non‐linear transformation approach (GSSNT) is applied to various two‐dimensional weakly singular integrals. A study of the different methods reveals complex relationships between transformation orders, position of the singular point, integration kernel and basis function. It is concluded that the GSSNT method gives the best overall results for the two‐dimensional weakly singular integrals studied. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Ultralow Dispersion Multicomponent Thin‐Film Chalcogenide Glass for Broadband Gradient‐Index Optics

A novel photothermal process to spatially modulate the concentration of sub‐wavelength, high‐index nanocrystals in a multicomponent Ge‐As‐Pb‐Se chalcogenide glass thin film resulting in an optically functional infrared grating is demonstrated. The process results in the formation of an optical nanocomposite possessing ultralow dispersion over unprecedented bandwidth. The spatially tailored index and dispersion modification enables creation of arbitrary refractive index gradients. Sub‐bandgap laser exposure generates a Pb‐rich amorphous phase transforming on heat treatment to high‐index crystal phases. Spatially varying nanocrystal density is controlled by laser dose and is correlated to index change, yielding local index modification to ≈+0.1 in the mid‐infrared.     

拉祜族随身纳物器具造物思想解析

目的 探究拉祜族随身纳物器具的造物特征及造物思想,从物质到思想的角度结合造物设计的相关知识点,为相关文化创意产品设计及保留少数民族文化独特性提供参考。方法 以云南省临沧市南美拉祜族自治乡田野调查为基础,结合相关造物设计理论文献研究,提出造物思想的研究框架,通过造物思想研究框架,分析拉祜族相关纳物器具的材料工艺、造型功能、装饰纹样、使用方式等造物特征,及其成因、变化、发展,并从自然环境、社会环境、精神观念3个方面,对拉祜族造物思想进行解析,同时探析了物对造物思想和民族文化的影响。结论 造物思想、民族文化、民族产品之间在以造物主体为中介的作用下,相互影响和作用,基于此分析得出拉祜族以顺应自然、崇实从简、归顺集体、记录生活为主的造物思想。     

Sub‐band coding of digital images

Abstract

An efficient sub‐band coding method for encoding images is presented in this paper. In this method a frequency band decomposition of the image is carried out by means of two‐dimensional separable quadrature mirror filters (QMF's), which split the image spectrum into sixteen uniform sub‐bands. In the coding process, we employ special quantizers and encoding algorithms which are designed according to the characteristics (including the visual perceptual property) of the sub‐bands to quantize and to encode these subimages, separately. The simulation results are presented in terms of average bit rates and the quality (in subjective as well as mean squared senses) of the reconstructed images. These results indicate that a good quality reproduction can be achieved at high compression rates. The paper also shows that a seven‐band decomposition has very high performance in quality, compression rate, and economy.     

A simple dynamical scale‐coupling method for concurrent simulation of hybridized atomistic/coarse‐grained‐particle system

We propose a simple method for dynamical coupling of two sub‐systems with different characteristic scales described with different theoretical models, such as the fine‐scale sub‐system with the atomistic model (AM) such as the empirical inter‐atomic potential and the coarse‐scale sub‐system with the coarse‐grained particle (CGP) method, in a concurrent hybrid simulation scheme. Naive coupling of the different‐scale sub‐systems results in reflection of high wavenumber waves at the interface because of the differences in the phonon Brillouin‐zone and in the dispersion relation. To solve the problem, the present scale‐coupling method introduces (virtual) extra atoms and particles for the AM and the CGP sub‐systems, respectively, beyond the atom–particle interface, and uses the extra atoms and the particles to mutually transfer information of the waves between the two sub‐systems and to suppress the artificial reflection of the incident wave in the whole wavenumber range. As the algorithm in the present scale‐coupling method is local in time and space, it is applicable to hybrid systems with any interface shape at low computation and memory requirement. Accuracy of the present scale‐coupling method is compared with that of the existing methods for a simple model system. The hybrid AM‐CGP simulation of indentation of a graphene nano‐drum using the present scale‐coupling method is performed to demonstrate its accuracy and usefulness through its comparison with the fully atomistic results. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Temperature‐Enhanced Solvent Vapor Annealing of a C3 Symmetric Hexa‐peri‐Hexabenzocoronene: Controlling the Self‐Assembly from Nano‐ to Macroscale

Temperature‐enhanced solvent vapor annealing (TESVA) is used to self‐assemble functionalized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules into ordered macroscopic layers and crystals on solid surfaces. A novel C₃ symmetric hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronene functionalized with alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic side chains is used as a model system since its multivalent character can be expected to offer unique self‐assembly properties and behavior in different solvents. TESVA promotes the molecule's long‐range mobility, as proven by their diffusion on a Si/SiO_x surface on a scale of hundreds of micrometers. This leads to self‐assembly into large, ordered crystals featuring an edge‐on columnar type of arrangement, which differs from the morphologies obtained using conventional solution‐processing methods such as spin‐coating or drop‐casting. The temperature modulation in the TESVA makes it possible to achieve an additional control over the role of hydrodynamic forces in the self‐assembly at surfaces, leading to a macroscopic self‐healing within the adsorbed film notably improved as compared to conventional solvent vapor annealing. This surface re‐organization can be monitored in real time by optical and atomic force microscopy.     

‘Photo‐Inflation’: Image Profusion in German Photography, 1925–1945

This article examines ways in which the question of image profusion occupied photography circles in interwar Germany, analysing in particular decisions to reject, glorify, or tame photography's evident abundance. While art photography around 1900 sought to legitimate its standing through rarity, during the late 1920s the New Objectivity and New Vision movements instead trumpeted quantity as the basis of their aesthetic claims. Their success quickly prompted a wave of criticism summed up by the term ‘photo‐inflation’: a deregulated ‘wastefulness’ in imagery that threatened in the longer run man's very critical and perceptual faculties. In the wake of this articulation of threat, work in series became one possible way to domesticate image profusion, to accept its inevitability while giving it a framework. Pushing further, the creation of archives, especially in collective undertakings, seemed to regulate the problem. Defended first by the left as a means to overcome capitalist structures of competition, this discourse of collective effort was soon co‐opted by the National Socialists. In the process, a rhetoric of common effort became reconciled with an emphasis on elites and hierarchical formations – for example, in juried competitions or expert advice columns – in which ‘great photographers’ were made into ‘guides’ for the limitless mass of amateurs.