Multi-level simulation of metal-forming processes

The IBF has for some years made use of finite element programmes to solve metal-forming problems. In the course of this investigation, it has become evident that a problem-oriented adaptation of FEM simulation to the problem in hand is beneficial in terms of computation effort. The computation time for the process parameters is optimised in a multi-level simulation. At level 1 (global analysis) integral parameters such as the required force and required work are computed using a coarse FEM mesh. At level 2 (local analysis) an optimised number of elements is used to determine continuum mechanics parameters like stress, strain and temperature. Microscopic phenomena are simulated at level 3 (microscopic analysis), using special micro-material elements and thermodynamic models.     

Relative frequency of a subclavian vs. a transverse cervical origin for the dorsal scapular artery in humans

Scanning electron microscopy of external ornamentation and internal armature of the pharynx was used to identify females of Sergentomyia sensu stricto. Five species from the eastern Mediterranean basin were compared; S. minuta clearly was separated from species of the fallax-group. Within the fallax-group, S. fallax was distinguished readily by its heart-shaped pharynx and the difference in armature between the dorsal and lateral plates.     

Alternating,all-trans polyenynes: Model compounds for poly(diacetylene)s with defined conjugation length

The syntheses of polyenynes as model compounds for poly(diacetylene)s (PDAs) are described. Variation of properties (UV–VIS, Raman, NMR and bond geometries) as a function of the chain length was investigated. After extrapolation to infinite chain length these data were compared to those for PDAs. From UV–VIS spectra a value of λ = 551 nm (2.25 eV) was calculated corresponding to the electronic transition of a single polyenyne chain. This energy is located at the low energy end of a yellow PDA solution spectrum. From Raman scattering v_(C?C) = 2108–2128 cm^?1 and v_(C?C) = 1505–1532 cm^?1 were calculated after extrapolation. Similarly sp-C¹³C NMR data yielded a shift of δ = 100 ppm. These data are almost identical to data known for yellow PDA solutions. Bond geometries are almost identical to those of poly(diacetylene)s and theoretical data.     

Metabolism of Zidovudine

1. The anti-HIV drug zidovudine (3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxythymidine; ZDV) has three important pathways of metabolism. ZDV is a prodrug and must be phosphorylated in lymphocytes in order to exert its antiviral action. However, in quantitative terms this is a minor pathway probably accounting for less than 1% of the overall metabolic profile. The predominant pathway of metabolism is glucuronidation to GZDV and the metabolite is renally excreted. A further metabolite, derived by reduction of the azido moiety is 3'-amino-3'-deoxythymidine (AMT). 2. Zidovudine glucuronidation has been characterised in human liver microsomes. A number of drugs (e.g., naproxen, indomethacin and probenecid) have been shown to inhibit the in vitro conjugation of ZDV. Some of these drugs have also been co-administered with ZDV in HIV-positive patients. Significant pharmacokinetic interactions have been demonstrated with probenecid, naproxen and fluconazole. 3. 3'-amino-3'-deoxythymidine formation is probably mediated by both cytochrome P450 isozymes and NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase. Peak plasma concentrations of AMT are approximately 10-15% of ZDV in patients. This is a potentially important metabolite because of its alleged cytotoxicity. 4. Measurement of intracellular ZDV phosphates in patients provides the key to our understanding of both the efficacy and toxicity of ZDV. Important recent work has demonstrated that as patients deteriorate (i.e., CD4 counts decrease below 100 x 10(6)/L), there is a corresponding increase in intracellular ZDV-monophosphate. This could have toxicological implications.     

Delayed self-heterodyne linewidth measurement of VCSELs

We report on high-resolution linewidth measurements of proton-implanted InGaAs-GaAs VCSELs employing the delayed self-heterodyne method. Devices with 16-/spl mu/m active diameter exhibit record low linewidths of 20 MHz and 4-MHz residual linewidth. The linewidth enhancement factor is accurately determined from the ratio of induced phase to amplitude modulation indexes.     

Correlation of the reactivity,the active surface area and the total surface area of thin films of pyrolytic carbon

Using thin films of pyrolytic carbon the rate of the reaction with oxygen has been measured over the temperature range 625–740°C and at pressures of oxygen from 6–100 torr. The active surface area (ASA) of the films was measured from the total concentration of strongly-bound complexes with oxygen on the surface and the relative total surface area (TSA) was measured by low-temperature adsorption of nitrogen. A maximum in reactivity and in ASA was observed for films of average thickness of about 20 nm with a TSA of about 30 m² g^?1. At the maximum the ASA and TSA were essentially equal. The results are interpreted in terms of the mechanism of formation of pyrolytic carbon in the initial stages.     

Finite element analysis of tailored sheet forming processes considering laser welding zone

The finite element formulation for predicting strain distributions and weld line movements in the forming processes of tailored sheet metals is developed. The material properties of the welding zone such as strength coefficient, work-hardening exponent, and plastic anisotropic parameter are analytically obtained from those of base metals based on the tensile tests. The welding zone is modelled with the several, narrow finite elements called by weld elements. To verify the finite element formulation for tailored blanks, the forming processes of autobody door inner panel section and hemispherical dome are simulated. FEM predictions are compared and showed good agreements with experimental measurements.