Role of boundary conditions in four-wave mixing in photorefractive materials

The exact solution to the boundary value problem for a simple model of photorefractive phase conjugate mirror is presented. The slowly varying envelope approximation (SVEA) is not made. In this way in the derivation of the formula describing reflection of a plane incident wave reflections from the boundaries of the conjugator are taken into account.     

A viscoplastic material model and its application to cyclic loading

Summary A kinematic hardening model is generalized by introducing plastic and viscous residual back stresses , that govern the translation of the yield surface. The evolution equations for and are proposed and the material functions are identified for a construction steel by carrying out tension-compression tests at different strain rates. The cyclic tests with changing strain amplitudes and frequencies are next carried out and model predictions are compared with experimental results.

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Ein viskoplastisches Stoffmodell und seine Anwendungen bei zyklischer Belastung

Zusammenfassung Ein Modell mit kinetmatischer Verfestigung wird durch die Einführung plastischer und viskoser bleibender Hintergrundspannungen , verallgemeinert, die die Bewegungen der Fließfläche steuern. Die Wachstumsgleichungen für und werden aufgestellt und die Materialfunktionen für einen Baustahl aus Zug-Druckversuchen mit verschiedener Dehnungsrate bestimmt. Die zyklischen Versuche mit sich ändernden Dehnungsamplituden und Fequenzen werden als nächstes durchgeführt und die Modellaussagen mit den experimentellen Ergebnissen verglichen.

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With 14 Figures     

On assumptions associated with ΔKeff and their implications on FCG predictions

In this paper, an assessment of commonly used assumptions associated with ΔK_eff and their implications on FCG predictions in light of existing experimental and numerical data is presented. In particular, the following assumptions are examined: (1). ΔK_eff fully describes cyclic stresses and strains at the crack-tip vicinity. (2). K_op can be determined experimentally or numerically with certain accuracy. (3). Overload alters K_op but not K_max and associated σ_max at the crack-tip ‘process zone’. (4). Contact of crack faces curtails the crack driving force in terms of ΔK_eff.The analysis indicates that there is insufficient support to justify the above assumptions. In contrary, the analysis demonstrates that a two-parameter fatigue crack driving force in terms of ΔK and K_max, which accounts for both applied and the internal stresses should be used in FCG analyses and predictions.     

Levels of 13 multi-class pesticide residues in Polish honeys determined by LC-ESI-MS/MS

Levels of 13 pesticides in 40 honey samples form Poland are reported. A rapid and sensitive method was developed for the LC-ESI-MS/MS determination of multi-class pesticide residues in honey samples. Liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) on a diatomaceous earth support (requiring the use of small amounts of organic solvent), followed by chromatographic separation on a C₁₈ column and gradient elution were employed. The method quantifies over a dynamic linear range from respective MQLs (0.06–1.3 ng/g) to 5 ng/g. Matrix effects were evaluated by comparing the slopes of matrix-matched and solvent-based calibration curves. The mean recoveries obtained for three fortification levels (0.5, 1.0 and 4.0 ng/g) were 63–117% for most compounds, with an expanded uncertainty of <10%. The results for real honey samples collected from five regions of Poland (Pomerania, Wielkopolska, Lublin Region, Lower and Upper Silesia), showed that residue concentrations were <5 ng/g and did not pose a threat to human health.     

Analysis of Waveguide Ring Lasers with Nonlinear Directional Outcoupler

Abstract

The waveguide ring laser with the light outcoupled through the nonlinear directional coupler is analysed theoretically. The influence of the characteristic system parameters on the laser radiation for two configurations of the laser is presented. In particular, the stability of the laser radiation is studied in details.     

Evaluation of various integration algorithms for transient inelastic response of shear walls

Inelastic dynamic response of building walls made of reinforced concrete is considered by using various explicit and implicit algorithms. The numerical examples show the computational efficiency of algorithms for different low and high walls.     

A fatigue crack propagation model

A model for fatigue crack propagation has been developed which incorporates mechanical, cyclic and fatigue properties as well as a length parameter. The latter can be associated with the microstructure of the material. The fatigue failure criterion is based on a measure of the dissipated plastic strain energy. This model predicts crack propagation at low and intermediate ΔK values, i.e. stage I crack growth rate as well as that of the stage II. A number of crack growth rate models proposed earlier, are shown to be particular cases of the one developed herein. Predictions of the model are in good agreement with the experimental data. The required data for predicting the crack growth rate, can be found in standard material handbooks where fatigue properties are listed.     

Renewable energy in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship (Poland)

In this article we presented the current state and prospects for development of renewable energy in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship, in which the greatest amount of renewable energy in Poland is obtained. In this area there are 96 wind power plants, 103 water power plants, 7 biogas power plants, 4 biofuel producing plants, 3 big energy willow (Salix viminalis) plantations as well as numerous biomass boilers (mostly using wood). In the near future it is planned to further develop renewable energy based on wind, water and biomass.