Compliance-based matrix method for modeling the quasi-static response of planar serial flexure-hinge mechanisms

A matrix method is proposed to model the direct and inverse quasi-static response of constrained/over-constrained planar serial mechanisms with flexure hinges under bending, axial, and shear planar (three-dimensional) loading and small-deformations. The method uses a basic three-point compliance matrix corresponding to one rigid link and one adjacent flexure hinge that are subjected to one point load. This matrix connects the displacements at a point on the rigid link with the load that is applied at another point on it, and the deformations of the flexure hinge at its distal point. The quasi-static model of planar serial flexure-based mechanisms with multiple links under single/multiple point loading results from linearly superimposing all relevant hinge-link-load triads defined by their three-point matrices. A displacement-amplification planar device with right circularly corner-fileted flexure hinges is studied using several refinement stages of the matrix method to generate a model whose predictions are confirmed by finite element simulation.     

因子设计法分析TiNi合金形状记忆效应的研究

采用因子设计法分析了TiNi合金的形状记忆效应．试验设计了5个影响因子：丝材直径、热处理温度、热处理时间、冷却速率和训练次数，每个因子分别取高低2个水平值．以马氏体逆相变完成温度Af作为试验观测值．研究发现：热处理温度对试验观测值的影响最为显著，试样丝材直径和冷却速率也有较大的影响，而热处理时间和训练次数的影响较小．     

Quantum trapping conditions for three-level atom flying through bimodal cavity field

A new trapping effect of a three-level atom in interaction with a bimodal cavity field is proposed. This problem consists of the possibility for realization of initially separated states of an atom and an electromagnetic field after interaction. The quantum properties of a bimodal field, which satisfy the reversible conditions for the atom flying through the cavity, were studied.     

Optimal Design of 1 Phase Linear Oscillatory PM Motor Series for Small Compressor Like Drives: With FEM and Self-Starting Transients Validation

Refrigerator compressors are currently driven mostly by rotary line start or variable-speed (inverter-fed) motors with mechanical transmission. Direct driving of pistons by linear oscillatory resonant PM 1 phase motors has just been introduced to low power (less than 100 W) such applications. The present paper introduces a 3 pole PM mover 1 phase PM linear oscillatory motors, in terms of optimal nonlinear analytical design methodology, with FEM and dynamics validation. Both 50 and 250 Hz (inverter fed) operation for 2000 and 100 W is exemplified for minimum active materials costs and, respectively, minimum global costs (losses capitalized cost is added). For the line start case study (at 2000 W, 50 Hz) a circuit model for transients is introduced and the motor self-starting transients with full power delivery at above 91% efficiency is available. The 50 Hz motors are heavier around (5.7 kg/kW at 2000 W and 7.5 kg/kW at 100 W, respectively) than the 250 Hz motors around (1.2 kg/kW, 3 kg/kW) but the latter require inverter control.     

Thermal behavior and molecular simulation of liquid crystalline polymers containing a pentamethylenic spacer

The paper presents a study concerning the thermal stability and molecular simulation of some aromatic polyethers, containing a pentamethylenic spacer. The polymers were synthesised using a phase transfer catalysis technique, starting from 1,5-dichoropentane and different bisphenols: 4,4^′-dihidroxyazobenzene, 4,4^′-dihidroxydiphenyl and bisphenol A. For the investigated polymers the molecular simulation was performed prior the synthesis in order to predict the possibility of liquid crystalline behavior. Molecular simulation was also used as a complementary analysis method for a better understanding of the thermal behavior. Thermogravimetric analysis, in static air atmosphere, with a heating rate of 10 °C/min, was used. Cerius² and Hyperchem programs were used to perform the molecular simulations. All the polymers present a good thermostability with weight loss being up to 300 °C. The kinetic characteristics suggest a complex degradation mechanism, based on successive reactions. The inter-chain interaction estimated using the polar surface and the chain conformation do not significantly influence the polymer thermostabilities. A comparison between simulated and experimental values of the isotropisation temperature and temperature corresponding to 50% weight loss was performed.     

Synthesis and characterization of nanocrystalline Zn ferrites substituted with Ni

Nanocrystalline powders of nickel substituted zinc ferrite with general formula Ni_xZn_1−xFe₂O₄ (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1) have been synthesized via sol-gel auto-combustion method using tartaric acid as combustion-complexing agent. Samples were sintered at 773 K and 973 K in static air atmosphere. The absence of the organic phase and the spinel formation were monitored by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The structure and crystallite size were analyzed from X-ray diffraction data revealing spinel mono-phase formation in the range of nanometric crystallite size confirmed also through scanning electron microscopy. Mean size of crystallites lay in the range 20-40 nm. The influence of nickel content on the microstructure was investigated considering the crystallite size, distance between adjacent crystal planes, lattice parameter and porosity. The variation of magnetic properties of the samples was studied by using vibrating samples magnetometer and discussed considering the proposed cation distribution, relative bond angles and canting angles. The highest maximum value of the magnetization (63 emu/g) was found for Ni_0.8Zn_0.2Fe₂O₄.     

Plasticized poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) with improved melt processing and balanced properties

The widespread application of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) in the food packaging and biomedical fields has been hindered by its high brittleness, slow crystallization, poor thermal stability, and narrow processing window. To overcome these limitations, a mixture of biodegradable and biocompatible plasticizers was used to modify PHB. Epoxidized soybean oil (ESO), acetyl tributyl citrate, poly(ethylene glycol) 4000 (PEG4000), and poly(ethylene glycol) 6000 (PEG6000) were tested to improve PHB melt processing and to achieve balanced thermal and mechanical properties. These plasticizers increased the flexibility and decreased the melt viscosity, improving the processability. The tensile strength was maintained within the limit of experimental error for ESO and decreased slightly (6–7%) for the other plasticizers. PEG6000 and ESO delayed the decomposition process of PHB. The plasticizers did not hinder the crystallization, and poly(ethylene glycol)s increased the crystallinity. The change in the interplanar distance and crystallite size, correlated with lamellar stack dimensions, gave more information on the plasticizers' effects in PHB. The blend with 5 wt % ESO was considered suitable for the fabrication of marketable PHB films. This study showed that it is possible to tailor the rheological, thermal, and mechanical behavior of a commercial PHB through the addition of a second plasticizer. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44810.     

Photosensitive micelles based on polysiloxanes containing azobenzene moieties

Photosensitive micelles based on amphiphilic azo-polysiloxanes were obtained and characterized. The amphiphilic polymers were synthesized in a two-step reaction, starting from a polysiloxane containing chlorobenzyl groups in the side chain. In the first step, the polysiloxane was modified with azo-aromatic groups (35–45% substitution degree) and in the second step the unreacted chlorobenzyl groups were quaternized, using different tertiary amines. The structure of the polysiloxanes and their aggregation/disaggregation capacity were evaluated by 1H-NMR, DSC, fluorescence and UV–VIS spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. All the amphiphilic polysiloxanes are capable of generating micelles, the critical concentration of the aggregation values being situated in the range 10⁻³–10⁻² g/L. As a function of the ternary amine structure used in the quarterisation reaction, the micellar aggregation process is different, individual micelles or micellar clusters being obtained. The clusters' dimension cannot be controlled, the polydispersity index having high values. The disaggregation processes of the micelles under UV irradiation reveal that the polymer chemical structure influences the aggregates stability. A total micelles disaggregation was obtained for the polysiloxane modified with azophenol and amine containing a long hydrocarbon segment. In the other cases, only a partially disaggregation process takes place.     

Azo-polymers modified with nucleobases and their interactions with DNA molecules

The photo-fluidization process which is specific for azo-materials opens a new perspective for their use in the field of molecules nano manipulation at the surface of the azo polymer films. This is possible considering that in the case of the UV irradiation from a polarized laser source the azo material has an unidirectional flow. Here, we investigated the structuring phenomena occurring on the surface of the azo-polysiloxanes films modified with nucleobases, upon UV irradiation. Measurements of topography and adhesive forces between polymeric substrates and a hydrophilic probe have been done by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The response of the material upon irradiation has been investigated also by using UV−VIS spectroscopy. This method allowed us to draw the photo-isomerization and relaxation curves. Also, preliminary tests were conducted to determine the capacity of the film surface to immobilize DNA molecules.     

From participation to dropout: Quantitative participation patterns in online university courses

The academic e-learning practice has to deal with various participation patterns and types of online learners with different support needs. The online instructors are challenged to recognize these and react accordingly. Among the participation patterns, special attention is requested by dropouts, which can perturbate online collaboration. Therefore we are in search of a method of early identification of participation patterns and prediction of dropouts. To do this, we use a quantitative view of participation that takes into account only observable variables. On this background we identify in a field study the participation indicators that are relevant for the course completion, i.e. produce significant differences between the completion and dropout sub-groups. Further we identify through cluster analysis four participation patterns with different support needs. One of them is the dropout cluster that could be predicted with an accuracy of nearly 80%. As a practical consequence, this study recommends a simple, easy-to-implement prediction method for dropouts, which can improve online teaching. As a theoretical consequence, we underline the role of the course didactics for the definition of participation, and call for refining previous attrition models.