Investigation of diffusion in p-version ‘LSFE’ and ‘STLSFE’ formulations

This paper deals with investigation of diffusion for p-version least squares finite element formulation (LSFEF) and p-version space-time coupled least squares finite element formulation (STLSFEF) for steady-state and transient problems. Convection dominated flows result in hyperbolic system of equations which leads to ill-conditioned matrices when using Galerkin formulation. Various techniques (SUPG, SUPG-with discontinuity capturing operator etc.) have been devised to overcome the difficulties arising primarily due to hyperbolic terms and sharp gradients. In this paper, it is demonstrated that when using p-version STLSFEF or LSFEF, no such difficulties are encountered in formulation as well as in the solution procedure. Almost all numerical processes suffer from numerical diffusion to some extent, however, it is demonstrated in this paper that in p-version STLSFE and LSFE formulations numerical diffusion can be completely eliminated by mesh refinement and p-level increase and the formulations are free of inherent diffusion. Several model problems are considered with dominant convective terms to investigate diffusion in p-version LSFEF and STLSFEF. Two dimensional convection-diffusion problems are used as steady state representative cases. One dimensional transient problems considered in this paper include pure advection, convection-diffusion and Burgers' equation. Numerical results are also compared with exact solutions and those reported in the literature.     

Cost analysis in two-unit warm standby models with a regular repairman and patience time

The present paper deals with two-unit warm standby models having one regular and one expert repairman. It is assumed that the expert is called only if the regular repairman is not able to complete the repairs within some tolerable (patience) time. In model 1, it is assumed that the regular repairman can always do the repairs of the unit, failed from standby state. In model 2, the regular repairman sometimes may not be able to do the repairs of the above nature within some patience time and the expert is called for in case of standby failure also.The various measures of system effectiveness are calculated using semi-Markov and regenerative processes. Based on these measures a rule is developed when the services of the expert man should be utilized profitably.     

p-version least-squares finite element formulation of Burgers' equation

A p-version least-squares finite element formulation for non-linear problems is presented and applied to the steady-state, one-dimensional Burgers' equation. The second-order equation is recast as a set of first-order equations which permit the use of C⁰ elements. The primary and auxiliary variables are approximated using equal-order p-version hierarchical approximation functions. The system of non-linear simultaneous algebraic equations resulting from the least-squares process is solved using Newton's method with a line search. The use of ‘exact’ and ‘reduced’ quadrature rules is investigated and the results are compared. The formulation is found to produce excellent results when the ‘exact’ integration rule is used. The combination of least-squares finite element formulation and p-version works extremely well for Burgers' equation and appears to have great potential in fluid dynamics problems.     

p-Version plate and curved shell element for geometrically non-linear analysis

This paper presents a p-version geometrically non-linear formulation based on the total Lagrangian approach for a nine node three dimensional curved shell element. The element geometry is defined by the coordinates of the nodes located on its middle surface and nodal vectors describing the bottom and top surfaces of the element. The element displacement approximation can be of arbitrary and different polynomial orders in the plane of the element and in the transverse direction. The element approximation functions and the corresponding nodal variables are derived from the Lagrange family of interpolation functions. The resulting approximation functions and the nodal variables are hierarchical and the element displacement approximation ensures C° continuity. The element properties are established using the principle of virtual work and the hierarchical element approximation. In formulating the properties of the element complete three dimensional stresses and strains are considered, hence the element is equally effective for very thin as well as extremely thick shells and plates. Incremental equations of equilibrium are derived and solved using the standard Newton–Raphson method. The total load is divided into increments, and for each increment of load, equilibrium iterations are performed until each component of the residuals is within a preset tolerance. Numerical examples are presented to show the accuracy, efficiency and advantages of the present formulation. The results obtained from the present formulation are compared with those available in the literature.     

Delamination of Mg-Al Layered Double Hydroxide on Starch: Change in Structural and Thermal Properties

Mg-Al layered double hydroxide decorated starch bionanocomposites (starch/layered double hydroxide) are prepared by solution intercalation method. The bionanocomposites are systematically characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy techniques. The thermal stability of starch is enhanced due to dispersion of layered double hydroxide within the starch matrix. The chemical resistance property of starch is improved substantially with slight sacrifice in biodegradation behavior by the delamination of layered double hydroxide in starch matrix. Herein, layered double hydroxide acts as potential laminated filler for change in structural, thermal, and chemical resistance properties of starch with little sacrifice in biodegradable behavior.     

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by Pseudomonas spp. isolated from effluent of an electroplating industry

The aim of this study was to isolate and screen bacteria from soil and effluent of electroplating industries for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles and characterize the potential isolate. Soil and effluent of electroplating industries from Mumbai were screened for bacteria capable of synthesizing silver nanoparticles. From two soils and eight effluent samples 20 bacterial isolates were obtained, of these, one was found to synthesize silver nanoparticles. Synthesis of silver nanoparticle by bacteria was confirmed by undertaking characterization studies of nanoparticles that involved spectroscopy and electron microscopic techniques. The potential bacteria was found to be Gram‐negative short rods with its biochemical test indicating Pseudomonas spp. Molecular characterization of the isolate by 16S r DNA sequencing was carried out which confirmed its relation to Pseudomonas hibiscicola ATCC 19867. Stable nanoparticles synthesized were 50 nm in size and variable shapes as seen in SEM micrographs. The XRD and FTIR confirmed the crystalline structure of nanoparticles and presence of biomolecules mainly proteins as agents for reduction and capping of nanoparticles. The study demonstrates synthesis of nanoparticles by bacteria from effluent of electroplating industry. This can be used for large scale synthesis of nanoparticles by cost effective and environmentally benign mode of synthesis.Inspec keywords: biotechnology, effluents, soil, biochemistry, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nanoparticles, electroplatingOther keywords: environmentally benign mode, large‐scale nanoparticles synthesis, proteins, biomolecules, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, SEM micrographs, pseudomonas hibiscicola ATCC 19867, 16S rDNA sequencing, molecular characterisation, biochemical test, gram‐negative short rods, potential bacteria, spectroscopy, electron microscopic techniques, soil, electroplating industries, effluent, pseudomonas spp, silver nanoparticles biosynthesis     

A first report of the complexes of 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-diethoxycarboxymethoxy-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene with Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)

Totally six dinuclear complexes of Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) of calix[4]arene derivatized with two pendants possessing terminal –COOH functions at two of its alternate phenolic –OH groups were synthesized for the first time and were well characterized.     

p-Version two-dimensional curved beam element using piecewise hierarchical approximation for laminated composites

A three node two-dimensional laminated composite curved beam finite element formulation for linear static analysis is presented where the displacement approximation for the laminate is piecewise hierarchical and is derived based on p-version. The displacement approximation for the element is developed by establishing a hierarchical displacement approximation for each lamina of the laminate and then by imposing interlamina continuity conditions of displacement at the interfaces between the laminas. The approximation functions and the nodal variables for each lamina are derived directly from the Lagrange family of interpolation functions of order p and p . This is accomplished by first establishing one-dimensional hierarchical approximation functions and the corresponding nodal variable operators in the and directions for the three and one node equivalent configurations that correspond to p +1 and p +1 equally spaced nodes in the and directions and then taking their products. The nodal variables for the entire laminate are derived from the nodal variables of the laminas and the interlamina continuity conditions of displacements. The element formulation ensures C ⁰ continuity of displacement across the interelement as well as interlamina boundaries.The individual lamina stiffness matrices and the equivalent nodal force vectors are derived using principle of virtual work and the hierarchical displacement approximation for the laminas. Interlamina continuity conditions are used to construct the transformation matrices for the laminas. These matrices permit transformation of the lamina degrees of freedom to the laminate degrees of freedom. Using these transformation matrices, individual lamina stiffness matrices and the equivalent load vectors are transformed and then summed to obtain the laminate element stiffness matrix and equivalent load vectors. There is no restriction on the number of laminas and their lay up pattern. Each layer can be generally orthotropic. The material directions and the layer thickness may vary from point to point within each lamina. The geometry of the curved beam element is defined by the nodes located at the middle surface of the element and the lamina thicknesses.Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the accuracy, efficiency, convergence characteristics and the advantages of the present formulation. The results obtained from the present formulation are compared with the analytical solution and with those reported in the literature.     

Conductive composite of UHMWPE and CB as a dynamic contact analysis sensor

There has long been a need to experimentally measure the dynamic contact conditions of important engineering tribological systems, especially those with polymeric bearing surfaces that prove difficult to model. In order to experimentally quantify the dynamic contact conditions of geometrically complex polymeric bearing surfaces, a composite sensor material has been developed. In this study, qualitative morphological analysis of virgin ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and carbon black (CB) powders, as well as UHMWPE and CB powder mixtures of varying percentages was performed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Quantitative structure and friction analysis using atomic force microscopy (AFM) was performed on cryoultrasectioned block surfaces of compression-molded CB/UHMWPE composite. In addition, the mechanical properties of the composites were quantified using tensile testing, and the force dependence of the electrical properties was examined under dynamic compressive loading.