A general topology-based framework for adaptive insertion of cohesive elements in finite element meshes

Large-scale simulation of separation phenomena in solids such as fracture, branching, and fragmentation requires a scalable data structure representation of the evolving model. Modeling of such phenomena can be successfully accomplished by means of cohesive models of fracture, which are versatile and effective tools for computational analysis. A common approach to insert cohesive elements in finite element meshes consists of adding discrete special interfaces (cohesive elements) between bulk elements. The insertion of cohesive elements along bulk element interfaces for fragmentation simulation imposes changes in the topology of the mesh. This paper presents a unified topology-based framework for supporting adaptive fragmentation simulations, being able to handle two- and three-dimensional models, with finite elements of any order. We represent the finite element model using a compact and “complete” topological data structure, which is capable of retrieving all adjacency relationships needed for the simulation. Moreover, we introduce a new topology-based algorithm that systematically classifies fractured facets (i.e., facets along which fracture has occurred). The algorithm follows a set of procedures that consistently perform all the topological changes needed to update the model. The proposed topology-based framework is general and ensures that the model representation remains always valid during fragmentation, even when very complex crack patterns are involved. The framework correctness and efficiency are illustrated by arbitrary insertion of cohesive elements in various finite element meshes of self-similar geometries, including both two- and three-dimensional models. These computational tests clearly show linear scaling in time, which is a key feature of the present data-structure representation. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is also demonstrated by dynamic fracture analysis through finite element simulations of actual engineering problems.

Fast and versatile texture-based wireframe rendering

This paper revisits the problem of wireframe rendering, which, at first, appears to be an easily solved problem. However, the conventional solution is inefficient and does not result in high-quality images. Recently, graphics hardware programming has been employed to achieve high-quality solid line rendering. In this paper, we present a simpler and faster technique for wireframe rendering based on texture mapping. Our technique does not require (but can benefit from) graphics hardware programming and thus can be easily integrated into existing rendering engines, while resulting in fast, accurate, high-quality, anti-aliased, and still versatile, wireframe drawing. For topologically structured meshes, our approach allows the rendering of wireframe decoupled from the underlying mesh, making possible the rendering of original wireframes on top of decimated meshes.     

Bemerkungen zu der Arbeit von Lauersen und Orth: Die Verteilung der Ascorbins?ure in der Kartoffelknolle

Ohne ZusammenfassungDiese Z.83, 193 (1942).     

Content of amino acids in fresh and frozen and cooked broad bean seeds (Vicia faba var major) depending on cultivar and degree of maturity

In broad been seeds (cultivars Comprimo RS and Threefoldwhite) harvested at four stages of maturity, which corresponded to dry matter content at the levels of I—25%, II—30%, III—35% and IV—40%, the content of amino acids was determined (g 16 g N⁻¹). The determinations concerned raw broad bean and frozen products cooked for consumption. The content of total and essential amino acids was similar in the two cultivars. With increasing maturity the content of total amino acids and essential amino acids varied, showing a tendency to increase between maturity stages I and IV in all the amino acids, except aspartic acid and alanine in Threefoldwhite. In both cultivars the content of cystine and glutamic acid showed the most rapid rise. Compared with raw broad beans, intact seeds cooked for consumption contained more total amino acids. In products of Comprimo RS the total content of amino acids and essential amino acids was similar in intact seeds and in the dehulled seeds. In products from Threefoldwhite the content of total amino acids and essential amino acids was higher in intact seeds than in dehulled seeds except in the most mature sample where these values were similar. The limiting amino acids were methionine with cystine in both raw broad bean and cooked seeds. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

Evaluation of Antioxidative Constituents from Thyme

The non-polar fraction of thyme was examined for the occurrence of phenolic components and their antioxidative activity. In addition to carvacrol ( II ) and thymol ( III ), p -cymene-2,3-diol (I ; 2,3-dihydroxy-4-isopropyl-1-methylbenzene) was isolated for the first time from thyme. The structure of I was elucidated using ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), ¹³C NMR, and mass spectrometry. Antioxidative activity was investigated with the Rancimat method (100°C) and the Schaal test (60°C). Compound I exhibited the strongest antioxidative activity which was greater than that of α-tocopherol and butylated hydroxyanisole. Five thyme species were analysed by means of HPLC with electrochemical detection for the concentration of compounds I – III . The highest amounts of I – III were found in Thymus vulgaris L.     

2‐Acetyl‐4,6,8,10,12‐Pentanitro‐Hexaazaisowurtzitane (PNAIW) Preparation and Properties

2‐Acetyl‐4,6,8,10,12‐pentanitro‐2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexaazaisowurtzitane (PNAIW) is formed in the last step of nitration of acetyl isowurtzitane derivatives. The amount of the PNAIW formed depends on the conditions of the nitration reaction (temperature, time, and nitrating mixture used) and on the type of the starting acetyl intermediate. The highest PNAIW yields (30 %) were obtained by nitrating 2,6,8,12‐tetraacetylhexaazaisowurtzitane (TAIW) at 60 °C for half an hour using HNO₃/H₂SO₄ nitrating mixture. HPLC, NMR, FTIR, and DSC measurements were used in the study and their results are reported.     

Arduino-based slider setup for gas–liquid mass transfer investigations: Experiments and CFD simulations

The implementation of traditional sensors is a drawback when investigating mass transfer phenomena within microstructured devices, since they disturb the flow and reactor characteristics. An Arduino based slider setup is developed, which is equipped with a computer-vision system to track gas–liquid slug flow. This setup is combined with an optical analytical method allowing to compare experimental results against CFD simulations and investigate the entire lifetime of a single liquid slug with high spatial and temporal resolution. Volumetric mass transfer coefficients are measured and compared with data from literature and the mass transfer contribution of the liquid film is discussed.     

Virgin rapeseed oils obtained from different rape varieties by cold pressed method – their characteristics,properties, and differences

The aim of the present study was to compare different rape varieties. For this purpose oil from six different varieties of rapeseeds was cold pressed under laboratory conditions. In the obtained rapeseed oils the fatty acids composition and minor components, characteristic values (acid value; AV and TOTOX), oxidative stability (DSC test), and volatiles were determined and a sensory evaluation was carried out. The highest oxidative stability was found for oil from sample 5 (IP = 158 min), which also has the lowest amount of C18:3 (7.8%), chlorophylls (0.083 mg/kg), and metals (Cu²⁺ 0.02 mg/kg and Fe²⁺ 0.08 mg/kg). This oil has also the lowest AV (0.17 mg KOH/g), which may be related to the lowest moisture content of the seeds prior to extraction. It was characterized by the highest rapeseed flavor intensity. The lowest induction period was observed for samples 3 and 6 (100 min). Although sample 3 had the same low level of metals as sample 5 and the highest concentration of tocopherols (635 mg/kg), PUFA (33.9%), and AV (1.37 mg KOH/g) it also had the lowest intensity of rapeseed flavor among the analyzed oils. Sample 6, despite its low percentage of PUFA (24.7%), conjugated diens and triens, and the lowest content of total volatiles (0.4Vs), had the highest concentration of metals (Cu²⁺ 0.04 mg/kg and Fe²⁺ 0.34 mg/kg).