Asymptotic stress intensity factor density profiles for smeared-tip method for cohesive fracture

The paper presents a computational approach and numerical data which facilitate the use of the smeared-tip method for cohesive fracture in large enough structures. In the recently developed K-version of the smeared tip method, the large-size asymptotic profile of the stress intensity factor density along a cohesive crack is considered as a material characteristic, which is uniquely related to the softening stress-displacement law of the cohesive crack. After reviewing the K-version, an accurate and efficient numerical algorithm for the computation of this asymptotic profile is presented. The algorithm is based on solving a singular Abel's integral equation. The profiles corresponding to various typical softening stress-displacement laws of the cohesive crack model are computed, tabulated and plotted. The profiles for a certain range of other typical softening laws can be approximately obtained by interpolation from the tables. Knowing the profile, one can obtain with the smeared-tip method an analytical expression for the large-size solution to fracture problems, including the first two asymptotic terms of the size effect law. Consequently, numerical solutions of the integral equations of the cohesive crack model as well as finite element simulations of the cohesive crack are made superfluous. However, when the fracture process zone is attached to a notch or to the body surface and the cohesive zone ends with a stress jump, the solution is expected to be accurate only for large-enough structures.     

An Electronic Approach to Materials Design

A molecular orbital approach to materials design has recently made great progress. This approach is based on the electronic structure calculations by the DV-Xα cluster method. In this paper recent progress in this approachis reviewed. In particular     

Studies on the structural and ionic transport properties at elevated temperatures of La1−xMnO3±δ synthesized by a wet chemical method

Structural transformation and ionic transport properties are investigated on wet-chemically synthesized La_1−xMnO₃ (x=0.0–0.18) compositions. Powders annealed in oxygen/air at 1000–1080 K exhibit cubic symmetry and transform to rhombohedral on annealing at 1173–1573 K in air/oxygen. Annealing above 1773 K in air or in argon/helium at 1473 K stabilized distorted rhombohedral or orthorhombic symmetry. Structural transformations are confirmed from XRD and TEM studies. The total conductivity of sintered disks, measured by four-probe technique, ranges from 5 S cm⁻¹ at 298 K to 105 S cm⁻¹ at 1273 K. The ionic conductivity measured by blocking electrode technique ranges from 1.0×10⁻⁶ S cm⁻¹ at 700 K to 2.0×10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at 1273 K. The ionic transference number of these compositions ranges from 3.0×10⁻⁵ to 5.0×10⁻⁵ at 1273 K. The activation energy deduced from experimental data for ionic conduction and ionic migration is 1.03–1.10 and 0.80–1.00 eV, respectively. The activation energy of formation, association and migration of vacancies ranges from 1.07 to 1.44 eV.     

Geometry-Dependent R-Curve for Quasi-Brittle Materials

Fracture of quasi-brittle materials such as ceramics and cement-based materials can be described by an R -curve, defined as fracture resistance. The R -curve can be constructed as the envelope of the strain energy release rates ( G ). In this study, R -curve is defined as an envelope of G -curves obtained by varying the dimensions of identical specimens, while keeping the geometry and the initial flaw size constant. By approximating the G -curve with a second-order function of the crack length, a simple formulation of the R -curve is derived by solving a differential equation. Three parameters are needed for the proposed R -curve. These parameters can be obtained by testing a notched-beam specimen and using linear elastic fracture mechanics. The proposed R -curve simulates well the geometry dependency as well as other characteristics of the fracture response of quasi-brittle materials.     

A Silicon–Silica Nanocomposite Material

The synthesis and characterization of a novel silicon–silica nanocomposite material are reported. A self‐assembly method allows the encapsulation of silicon nanoclusters within the channels of a periodic mesoporous silica thin film. The result is the formation of a silicon–silica nanocomposite film with bright, room‐temperature photoluminescence in the visible range, and a nanosecond luminescence lifetime. The properties of the nanocomposite material have been studied by several analytical techniques, which collectively show the existence within the channels of non‐diamondoid‐structure‐type silicon nanoclusters with various hydrogenated silicon sites. It is estimated that the silicon nanoclusters in the silica mesoporous films occupy up to 39 % of the accessible pore volume. The nanocomposite film shows improved resistance to air oxidation compared to crystalline silicon. The high loading and chemical stability to oxidation under ambient conditions are important advantages in terms of the development of silicon‐based light‐emitting diodes from this class of materials.     

Synthesis of Nearly Monodisperse Iron Oxide and Oxyhydroxide Nanocrystals

Uniform magnetite, hematite, and goethite nanocrystals were prepared through an attractive method based on an oleic acid/alcohol/water system. By adjusting the synthetic parameters (base concentration, alcohol content, categories of alcohols, etc.), the controlled synthesis of uniform magnetite, hematite, and goethite nanocrystals can be easily achieved. Detailed investigations on the effect of the experimental parameters on the morphology of the final products and the phase transitions among the magnetite, hematite, and goethite phases were carried out. Finally, a method of doping other metal ions into magnetite was developed and the magnetic properties of magnetite doped with different metal elements were studied.     

On the mechanical behavior of aluminum alloys reinforced by long or short alumina fibers or SiC whiskers

This study was initiated to examine the dispersion of longitudinal and transverse waves in metal matrix composites in order to obtain the dynamic elastic modulus and to evaluate various models for predicting the composite's macroscopic elastic constants from the properties of its constituents. The materials chosen for this investigation were alumina continuous fibers on the one hand and alumina and SiC short fibers on the other hand, all embedded in an aluminum alloy matrix. In addition, some indications have been obtained experimentally for the acoustoelastic effect in the composite.     

Thermal Shock Behavior of Porous Silicon Carbide Ceramics

Using the water-quenching technique, the thermal shock behavior of porous silicon carbide (SiC) ceramics was evaluated as a function of quenching temperature, quenching cycles, and specimen thickness. It is shown that the residual strength of the quenched specimens decreases gradually with increases in the quenching temperature and specimen thickness. Moreover, it was found that the fracture strength of the quenched specimens was not affected by the increase of quenching cycles. This suggests a potential advantage of porous SiC ceramics for cyclic thermal-shock applications.     

Tailored Microstructures: Can a Dream come True?

The mechanical properties of crystalline solids are determined by the spatial distribution of chemical elements and crystal defects, which is referred to as microstructure. Microstructure changes during processing, and its evolution can be influenced by processing conditions and external fields. Advanced microstructure codes can cover the through‐process microstructural evolution and allow first predictions of terminal materials properties.     

High‐Tech‐Cellulose‐Funktionspolymere nach dem ALCERU®‐Verfahren

Functional High‐Tech‐Cellulose materials by the ALCERU® process Cellulose is one of the eldest materials of mankind. While the use of cellulose in former times was focused on application as a more construction or as a more textile material at present time the application profile turns to a more functional material using the ALCERU® process. Shaping of pure cellulose dissolution in NMMNO permits the manufacturing of materials for upholstery, filtration or biodegradable film strips having an uniform cross section. Fibreds, which can be applied in several packaging materials, are available using different techniques for regeneration cellulose. A great field of innovative functional cellulose materials is opened up by addition of several functional additives to cellulose dissolution. In this way piezo‐electrical conductive cellulose fibres (PZT) or high‐temperature filtration membranes are to be generated if one adds special types of ceramic powders. Above all PZT green fibres are applied in more recent uses as sensors or actuators. Electrically conductive cellulose fibres or filaments, which can be also used in the textile chain, can be prepared adding conductive carbon black to a cellulose dope on the same way, too. Cellulose material having adapted conductivity to different application is available by adding an exact defined amount of carbon black to cellulose dissolution. Finally cellulose beads can be manufactured by means of varied shaping technique. The beads are showing variable particle sizes and narrow pore size distribution. These properties open up very interesting application in the field of human blood purification or chromatography.