Multiscale computer simulation of polymer nanocomposites based on thermoplastics

A literature review is presented on a multiscale approach to the simulation of nanocomposites based on thermoplastic polymers that includes calculations using quantum-chemical methods and molecular dynamics simulations with the use of full-atomic and mesoscopic models. Common problems arising during the multiscale simulation of thermoplastic nanocomposites and the ways to solve them are discussed. The results of studies of the structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of thermoplastic nanocomposites obtained via the simulation with consideration for the detailed chemical structures of components are given.     

Selecting and assessing challenge problems

Abstract

Organisations conducting research programs often focus the work of their scientists and technologists on challenge problems (CPs). These challenges are designed to ensure that progress is measurable and relevant to the goals of the program sponsor. Generating and selecting pertinent CPs is difficult, as is assessing their value. We describe a method of generating and selecting CPs and its application in a highly collaborative, multi-organisation research program. Thirty-eight biologists, chemists, mathematicians and computer scientists across academic, commercial and government organisations generated and ranked their top choices from among 12 richly described candidate challenge problems. A ranked-choice voting formula was applied. Five CPs were highly scored; the remaining seven were distributed across a lower range of scores. The program sponsor subsequently directed researchers to address six CPs, including the elected five. Analysis of the rationales that participants offered for their CP rankings revealed four domain-independent dimensions of value: capability, speed, impact and synergy. These dimensions of value can help managers of interdisciplinary research programs systematically select a portfolio of CPs that will efficiently apply utilise resources towards program goals and facilitate measurement of scientific progress.     

Cure kinetics of neat and carbon-fiber-reinforced TGDDM/DDS epoxy systems

The cure kinetics of neat and carbon fiber-reinforced commercial epoxy systems, based on Tetraglycidyl-4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane (TGDDM) and 4,4′-diaminodiphenylsulfone (DDS) were studied by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Analysis of DSC data indicated that the presence of the carbon fibers has a very small effect on the kinetics of cure. A kinetic model, arising from an autocatalyzed reaction mechanism, was applied to isothermal DSC data. The effect of diffusion control was incorporated into the reaction kinetics by modifying the overall rate constant, which is assumed to be a combination of the chemical rate constant and the diffusion rate constant. The chemical rate constant has the usual Arrhenius form, while the diffusion rate constant is described by a type of the Williams-Landel-Ferry (WLF) equation. The kinetic model, with parameters determined from isothermal DSC data, was successfully applied to dynamic DSC data over a broad temperature range that covers usual processing conditions. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Modeling of the dynamic mechanical properties of semicrystalline thermoplastic matrix composites

The modeling of the viscoelastic properties of semicrystalline polymeric matrix composites is discussed. Different mathematical models are applied to describe the development of the storage modulus, measured by dynamic mechanical analysis, as a function of the crystalline content during isothermal crystallization experiments. Best results are obtained with an empirical power law model developed in this work. The application of the Halpin-Tsai equation and of a theoretical model, based on a combination of parallel-series arrangements of viscoelastic elements representing the crystalline and amorphous phases, is also discussed. The main objective of this research is the comparison between experimental results obtained by differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis during crystallization processes.     

Crystallization kinetics by differential scanning calorimetry for PCL/starch and their reinforced sisal fiber composites

Calorimetric results obtained by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) have been used to develop a kinetic model for the crystallization behavior of PCL/starch and their composites with sisal fibers. The model takes into account the effects of nucleation and crystal growth, and it is able to describe the isothermal and non‐isothermal conditions, especially for the low cooling rates. The effect of the sisal fiber has also been analyzed. The Avrami exponent was 2.0 for the crystallization of PCL/starch and sisal fiber reinforced composite. The activation energy of the crystallization process was 4.3 and 4.0 kJ/mol for PCL/starch and sisal composite, respectively. The induction time of the crystallization and the crystallization rate was not influenced by the presence of sisal fiber.     

The effect of stocking density during 4 hour transport to slaughter on behaviour, blood constituents and carcass bruising in Friesian steers

The aim of this work was to assess the response of Friesian steers to road transportation at low, medium and high (ca 200, 300 and 600 kg/m(2)) stocking densities in terms of physiology, behaviour and carcass bruising. Stocking density was determined by adjusting the number of animals per pen (3 runs) or by adjusting pen size (3 runs). Plasma cortisol and glucose increased (P < 0·001) with stocking density, as did plasma CK activity (P < 0·001) and carcass bruising (P < 0·01) both of which indicate muscle damage. At constant stocking density stress increased with pen location towards the tail of the truck, as reflected by a significant increase in plasma cortisol. Stocking density influenced standing orientation within the truck. At low stocking density animal movement was unrestricted and the preferred orientation was standing parallel to the direction of travel; there was a strong bias against diagonal orientations. Losses of balance were associated with specific driving events, notably braking and cornering. Minor losses of balance were observed at all stocking densities, but major losses of balance including animals going down underfoot were associated with high density. When an animal went down at high stocking density it did so involuntarily and was sometimes trapped down, destabilizing other members of the group in a domino effect. Exploratory, sexual and aggressive behaviours were inhibited at high stocking density, with the exception of mounting and pushing, which increased in frequency with stocking density. It was concluded that the high stocking density adversely affected animal welfare and lowered carcass quality when compared with the medium and low stocking densities.     

MEMS振荡器与石英技术

严格根据应用情况选择合适类型 从简单的精度约30 000ppm的R C振荡器,到精度优于0.001ppb的原子钟,有很多满足不同应用要求的时钟选项.多年以来,体声波(BAW)晶体振荡器可用以满足大多数要求,它提供的精度在10ppm范围内.精度低一些的选择,如SAW振荡器、陶瓷振荡器以及IC振荡器,它们各自具有其满足特定需求的优势.     

Predictors of high-risk alcohol consumption in young offenders on community orders: Policy and treatment implications.

The present study examined the relationship between a set of individual and contextual variables and high-risk alcohol use among young offenders placed on community orders in New South Wales, Australia. Participants (n = 777) were compared on a set of factors known to be strong predictors of high-risk alcohol use among adolescents. The authors assessed the strength of the relationship between gender, age, ethnicity, geographical region of residence, school attendance, father absence, history of childhood trauma, and the presence of severe conduct disorder on weekly levels of alcohol use. Living in rural locations, not currently attending school, being female, and not having been raised with a biological father present were associated with significantly increased odds of alcohol abuse. Father absence was a more important risk factor for rural young offenders, but school dropout was associated with more hazardous drinking among young offenders in urban areas. Accordingly, the authors suggest family-focused intervention programs for young offenders living in rural areas and school-based programs for vulnerable young people living in urban areas, although programs should consider including both factors for both groups if feasible and warranted. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Violence classifications and their impact on observed relationships with key factors in young offenders.

The understanding of violent criminal behavior is hindered by definitional problems in both the legal and research communities. Different definitions of violent criminal behavior and different classifications of the severity of violence are fundamental problems that need to be resolved in order to develop better conceptual models of the precursors to criminal violence that can inform management and treatment of violent young offenders. This study evaluated 6 classifications of violent juvenile offenses derived from the legal system and published research. The authors compare frequencies from different classifications and examine the influence of classifications on observed associations with expected predictor variables. Differences in frequencies and perceived associations between classifications highlight the need to adopt a consistent method of coding violent offenses for research purposes in order to obtain valid results that are capable of informing policy, the judiciary, and the development of effective interventions. The final classification system offers a method of systematic coding based on the type, frequency, and outcome of the violent behavior that distinguishes between levels of violence severity. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)