On the Dynamics of Regenerative Frequency Dividers

A comprehensive analytical study of regenerative frequency dividers (RFD) is presented. The study includes two fundamental modes of operation in RFDs, namely locked (or stable) and quasi-locked modes, and the study also covers the transition from free-running oscillation to quasi-locked, and ultimately to locked operation mode. Differential equations characterizing the RFD behavior for both operation modes as well as the transition between the two are derived. An RFD circuit for Bluetooth applications was designed and fabricated in a 65-nm CMOS process with a supply voltage of 1.2 V. Measurement results of the RFD prototype verify the accuracy of the proposed analytical models     

Characterization of the rheological and mechanical properties of shear thickening fluid-coated Twaron® composite

The effects of the weight fraction (concentration) and silica particle size on steady and dynamic rheological responses of shear thickening fluids (STFs) and the quasi-static (QS) penetration resistance of Twaron®/STF composites have been investigated. The STFs have been made by mechanically dispersing 12 or 60 nm silica particles in polyethylene glycol with molecular weight of 400 gr/mol at three different concentrations. Rheological results indicate that with the increase in the concentration of silica in the STF, the critical shear rate (onset of shear thickening) diminish, the initial, critical, and ultimate viscosities increase and the slope of the shear thinning and shear thickening regions tend to be more steeper. Regarding STFs with larger particle sizes, critical shear rate, the initial, critical, and ultimate viscosities as well as the viscoelastic modules diminish. Addressing the Twaron®/STF composite, the increase in STF concentration and reduction in the silica particles size contribute to considerable increase in the puncture characteristics. The most noticeable puncture characteristics turn out in the case of 35 wt. % STF/Twaron® composites containing 12 nm particles in which the maximum bearable load and the maximum absorption energy are nearly 3.6 and 2.3 times larger than those of the neat Twaron®.     

A study on melt spinning of polyethylene terephthalate filament yarns containing various concentrations of synthesized CuO nanoparticles

In this research the CuO nanoparticles were synthesized with four different methods then used to produce polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers with antibacterial, antifungal, and photocatalytic properties during the melt spinning process. Nanoparticles were synthesized in different ways using copper acetate salt (Cu(CH₃COO)₂) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The synthesis of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles was confirmed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM images), EDX patterns, TGA, FTIR, X-ray diffraction pattern XRD, and UV-vis absorption spectrum. The results showed that synthesized nanoparticles exhibited strong antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Finally, after examining the fibers with different percentages of nanoparticles), fibers containing 1% of nanoparticles were produced using a 20% nanocopper oxide masterbatch as the optimal sample. The presence of nanoparticles in the fiber structure was confirmed by FE-SEM images, EDX, XRD, and FTIR analysis. Furthermore, the tensile properties, thermal behavior, and photocatalytic properties of the fibers were investigated. Evaluation of the antibacterial and antifungal activity of the produced fibers against gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans fungus showed about 90% death of bacteria and fungi.     

Organo-catalytic synthesis of oxathians from isocyanides,isothiocyanates, and oxiranes

ABSTRACT

A novel three-component reaction between isocyanides, isothiocyanates, and oxiranes has been developed. An array of substituted oxathianes have been obtained in acceptable to good yields. The reaction product could be modulated using Bu₃P or TBPAc as an organo-catalyst. This work offers an opportunity for the further implementation of isocyanides in library design.     

Participatory Water-Food-Energy Nexus Approach for Evaluation and Design of Groundwater Governance

Water Resources Management - Improving the groundwater governance structure can help reduce groundwater decline and improve the state of an aquifer. This study develops an approach to modify...     

Development of an accurate finite element model for N-layer MR-laminated beams using a layerwise theory

Laminated composite beams incorporated with magneto-rheological fluid are being used in variety of critical applications. An N-layer magneto-rheological-laminated beam based on layerwise theory has been developed to study the dynamic characteristics. For simulation purpose, an MR-laminated beam with five layers is considered in which two layers filled with magneto-rheological and three layers are made of composite materials. The results of simulations are compared with existing layerwise, first-order shear-deformation theory and experimental tests where it shows the accuracy and functionality of the present model. The complex shear modulus of magneto-rheological fluid has been determined using ASTM E756-98 standard test.